Monkey Lobster

end of an era

Many science fair projects later, elementary school is wrapping up for my little girl. I cannot say that I am sad, in fact we are both looking forward to this next chapter, where her world becomes a little bit bigger. 

There is a lot of chatter around the public middle school model. I hear many parents seeking alternatives for their kids because they don't want their kids to have the "deal with" that kind of environment. I feel I can give her so much, provide her with endless opportunities, indulge her in her passions, and push her to learn things that she'll thank me for later. What I also want for her is to be able to "deal", and that's a skill that I can only let life teach her.

Celebrating Spring

Let's just begin here. The chickens are laying like crazy. We're getting so many eggs that one day we decided to decorate and hide them in the yard. We made egg salad, smoked a ham and had some friends over to share in the excitement. 

For my birthday this year I received a chain saw from my in-laws. Bob gave me a safety lesson. I dragged downed trees out from the woods and chopped them up to make coals for the smoker.

Sarah (the stuffed monkey), is the new Meow(who went missing about a year ago). He has every meal with us. He never finishes what's on his plate, and yes, Sarah is a boy.

not for the weak

 I have to say, that this year we have had our fill of winter fun, and can move into spring fully satisfied. This past week we drove north for some breathtaking skiing for the kids winter break. It was so cold and windy, the downhill lifts were closed for two days. But we cross country skiers are a tough breed.

With a hot water bottle tucked into a down sleeping bag, Cyrus was snug as a bug. Cuz it was cold, really cold, and in order to stay warm we had to keep a steady pace. Yes, I'm bragging but, my family is pretty hard core, Ben hauling close to 100 lbs up and down those hills, and Elsa, the only 10 year old kid I know who endures such ridiculousness with such enthusiasm. 

Now don't get me wrong, there was complaining and cursing, and skis came off and were carried up the biggest hills, but at the top of the hill and at the end of the day, we were ready to do it all over again. I think that maybe back-country downhill skiing might be in our future. 

Glorious Winter

The igloo is a work in progress and it will soon have it's own post. This last picture is Cyrus, on his way to school with his back-back on.

Christmas Magic

the tree

It takes a long time to find the right tree. This year however it did not take long, until we got it home and realized it was not the right tree. The base was too big for the stand, and by the time we cut it down to fit, half the tree was sitting on the drive-way. Oh well, it's still loved in its imperfection.

The trimming of the tree is a serious affair around here. First the lights must be woven through the tree all the way to the base and back out again, then the glass balls must be hung deep in the branches to help reflect the light out, and finally the ornaments placed in just the right spot. Christmas music should be played in the background and spiced tea sipped from the unpacked Christmas mugs. I should write a rule book so the kids don't screw it up when they are off on their own.

A new tradition added this year (that Elsa speaks of as though it has been done for generations), is Chinese take-out on the floor next to the tree on the first night with the tree. Cyrus loves the tree so much, every time he enters the room he points and exclaims "Wook! MisMas Tree!!!!".

I love traditions so much, and the more detail the better. Once I tried to start a tradition called "Pillow Day"; where the last Saturday before Christmas break room-mates were woken up in the middle of the night for a huge pillow fight, secret santa gifts were exchanged and pancakes and bacon eaten before the sunrise, followed by sleep. It was good fun and held for a good 3-4 years. 

I'd love to hear about your traditions, please do share.

thanksgiving weekend

Waking up to my garden covered in snow this morning, this past weekend really marked the end of the harvest season. 

Cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and an adventurous great grandmother traveled many miles to come spend thanksgiving with us in our home. We are very grateful for that.

another season

One year later. Wearing the same colours, but bigger, stronger and even more committed. I really love these girls, and I love being able to share this piece of Elsa's life with her.

They are a really close knit, smart, hard working, fun group of girls. It amazes me how quickly they can go from crazy and giggly to serious and focused. They continue to learn so much about themselves, each other and what it means to be part of a team. The trainings are strenuous, the games competitive, their attitudes serious, and they are learning to push themselves to play their best, and recognize when they are not.

Our out-door season is over, and although not as frequently, we will continue to see each other on the indoor field.

Cyrus turns 6

We did it. We had a birthday party for Cyrus. And he loved it.

Although Cyrus' birthday is full of joy and celebration, it is also so loaded with so many other emotions. Raising a child with significant special needs is like walking down a different path than everybody else. A path that is taking you somewhere that no one else is going. Even the parents who have children with special needs, aren't walking down your path. I often find myself being challenged by everyday things, like a birthday party.

I love to host kids birthday parties. I love the cake and the decorations and the activities and the chaos. It's something that I'm good at, but having a party for Cyrus was anxiety provoking.

Who would I invite? Would they want to come? What if they didn't come? What do people at school know about Cyrus? Would Cyrus be O.K. with it all? Would he understand what was going on? Would it be fun? So I'd avoided it until now.

I spent the hours before the party pacing and sweating. But it was all just fine. People came, they all knew Cyrus, he was so happy to have them at his home, and it was even fun. 

Fall Photo Album

Fall seems to have come and gone. It's been warm, sunny and full of adventures.

Elsa has been playing soccer on a regional team this fall that has brought us all over New England. One of her games brought us to Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire, a large outdoor playground with hiking, biking, swimming and a maze of lakes and islands to explore. The campsites were wooded, well maintained and private. Many of them were right on the water with boat launches. Car camping is such a fun, easy, and inexpensive activity that makes all members of our family giddy. I plan to organize our camping gear so that we can pick up and go in a moments notice. We'll see where spring soccer takes us.

Just in case you can't figure out the costumes, they are Camptain America and Laura Ingalls.