The Story of a Boy and his FROG...

There once was a boy named Nate.

One day Nate found a frog in the backyard of his new house and brought him home to show his mother.

"Mom, look what I found!  I'll give you a hint...it HOPS!  Can I make him my pet?  Puh-LEEZ?!?!", he asked, batting his eyes with his free hand tucked under his cute little chin.

I paused...knowing the implications of such an agreement, but teetering with the fond memories of myself at his age capturing frogs, bugs, caterpillars and the like to name and call my own.  Until, that is,  they escaped, or were accidently squished loved to death, or shriveled up because they needed water or food or something I had neglected to provide them.  Anyway, I caved and told him we'd need to Google how to care for him and find out what he eats. In the meantime, we needed to find him somewhere to stay.

Within seconds, my giddy little boy was (not even kidding here), shaking the froggy's little hand (paw? foot?) saying, "Hi, Froggy!  I'm Nate!  You're going to be my pet!"  He promptly made a home for him in his Little Tykes toolbox, closed the door, and peeked in saying, "Don't you die on me!".  Nice.

We put Froggy, who at this time was named "Nokie" by Nate, into a bucket.  The boys added some small touches of home (rocks, grass, dirt) and we gave Nokie just enough water to get wet in if he wanted.

Nate loved having Nokie (who by this time, had been renamed "Kooky" or "Nookie" or something...) and decided to put him in his own "sun protector" and take him for a ride in his Cozy Coupe.  He laid under the tree with him (whose name at this point I've lost track of!) and watched him hop around.

We reminded Nate to put Froggy back into his "home" from time to time so as not to torture the poor creature and to give him some water and peace.

What a day of adventure these two had!  I think Nate taught Froggy all he knew about firefighting, saving people, and peeing in the woods.  It was a match made in heaven!

Then, without warning, Alex got a hold of Nokie/Kookie/Froggy and let him go.  He escaped into freedom and is probably breathing a sigh of relief as I type this.

The End.

Make New Friends

Since moving to the new house in the sticks, we've settled in quite nicely.  After a battle with mosquitos that had waged war on the poor boys and a bout of Poison Ivy all around, we're learning to love this country living.  (Who am I kidding!?!  This is how I grew up and I'm thrilled that my kids get to learn and grow the same natural way!)

We've met quite a few new people and even made a few new friends.

We've met Mr. Snake (no photos, though!).

Sir Furry Brown Ugly Spider

Tiny the Field Mouse

Master Newt

"Cricket"

Ms. Grasshopper

and our latest "pet"...Nokie the Frog

More to come on Nokie later!  We're just thrilled to be making some new friends and learning a lot about them along the way!!

Happiness is...

freshly baked cookies!!!

Hand stirred (and sampled) with love.

Patiently attended and supervised.

Watching them grow "bigger and bigger!"

Fresh baked cookies don't necessarily make me happy just because of the deliciousness factor (though that certainly helps!).  But for me, the ability to offer my kids the opportunity to make cookies means that things are starting to feel more like home around here.  For weeks Nathaniel would ask if we could bake cookies and I had to keep telling him that we couldn't (the ingredients were packed, the stove was disconnected, we had to buy a new stove, etc.).  Having our new stove hooked up, functional, and able to cook something as basic as cookies for my boys as a feel good treat on a chilly summer night...now that's happiness. 

Wordless Wednesday...Sheer Joy

For more Wordless Wednesday photos, check here.

Hope Springs Eternal

My hostas and mint plant did not fare the travels to the new home very well.  They are withered and beat up, most definitely in shock from the tragic move (in the back of a truck, driving down a highway at 65 mph, no doubt) and looking downright pathetic.

Which I have to admit, is a little bit how I feel at this point of the settling in process.  

Withered.  Beat Up.  In shock.  Downright pathetic.

Yep . That's me.

Yet, despite all the abuse they've taken and their seemingly poor adjustment to the move, I found this yesterday:

Amongst the dried, broken, withered leaves of my poor Hosta were these beautiful flowers peeking out.  It's a sign (to me anyway) that despite our outward appearance, the road we've traveled, or the beaten feelings we carry, hope still lives on.  The hope for a brighter tomorrow, a less busy week ahead, a light at the end of the tunnel, an easier day, the company of family and friends.  Something to look forward to, instead of dwelling on the current state of our body, emotions, or status.  Ahhhh, hope springs eternal.

Goodbye Avery Street

As you know, we are officially out of our old house and into our new house.  After much drama and far too many complications, we have officially taken ownership of the new house/property and are starting to establish a new normal for our family.  As I was packing the last of our things and cleaning out each room of the old house, I had the words to the bedtime story, Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown going through my head...so in the spirit of that fantastic book, here's my bid adieu to a house that did quite well for me and our family for more than 6 years!

Goodbye Avery Street:

...Goodbye coat closet and front door

Goodbye fireplace from which many fires did roar

Goodbye peaceful back yard

Goodbye bedroom

And Nate's blue nursery 

Goodbye ugly kitchen cupboards

Goodbye gorgeous hardwoods

Goodbye built-in cupboards

And goodbye custom bathroom

Goodbye huge garage

And goodbye dining room turned Alex's bedroom

Goodbye little house
And goodbye mouse

Goodbye good times

And goodbye memories

Goodbye hoodlums

Goodbye punks

And goodbye to the old lady
across the street

Goodbye street lights
Goodbye air
Goodbye noises everywhere

Wordless Wednesday...Sweet Dreams

Simple Woman's Daybook...August 17, 2010

FOR TODAY...August 17, 2010

Outside my window...SUN!  Today is the perfect day (except that I have to work!) - warm, breezy, sunny summer day!

I am thinking...about how lucky I am to be surrounded by such a rich troop of friends.  Nate said something earlier that struck me...we were talking about pre-school starting soon and he was telling me a story about all the new friends he was going to meet on the school bus.  He stops and says, "I really like friends, Mom"...Me, too, baby...Me, too!

I am thankful for...our new house.  We're settling in, box by box, and now that the boys are back into a routine and more on schedule, things are less chaotic.  I'm very thankful for the nature and the room and the experiences we will have here.

From the kitchen...new fridge and stove!!  Yippee!  Albeit most of my food/dishes are still in boxes I can't find, but at least I can finally cook my boys a decent meal for dinner!  We've been eating sandwiches and toaster foods for over a week.  It's a wonder what a difference a MICROWAVE makes!


I am wearing...really comfortable terry gaucho pants...So comfy!

I am remembering...to bring everything I need for Walk 'N Talk (!) with Heidi to work with me tomorrow.  Dave will drop the boys off to me in the City and we will have to hit Target and/or grab dinner before hooking up with Heidi and Chloe at the park to walk!  I am so glad to be getting back on schedule!

I am creating...nothing.  At this point just unpacking boxes in my house is keeping me pretty busy!

I am going...to try to hit the hay early tonight.  I only got about 6 hours of sleep last night and it was making a big difference in my motivation and concentration today.  I have a grant due next week that I want to focus on...


I am reading...I hate this question.  The answer is always the same and I'm boring myself with my never-changing response.  Nothing.  I'm reading NOTHING!!!  Ok!??!  Are you happy!?!?  My brain might as well just shrivel up and die.  I know, I KNOW!

I am hoping...to get curtains hung up by the weekend.  It would feel a lot homier here if there were curtains up, I think.

I am hearing...crickets chirping.  So peaceful!

Pondering these words..."So long, farewell, Auf wiedersehen, adieu, 
Adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu."  - Sound of Music.  I want to go to sleep now so Good night, to all!


Around the house...toys that haven't quite found their homes yet are strewn about the living room.  If only I knew where those blasted storage bins wound up in the move...

On my mind...my to do list.  A long list of chores and responsibilities and shouldas and couldas.

Noticing that...the evenings are actually getting cool enough that I have to switch off the fan to keep from freezing us out!  Does that mean Fall is in the air?!?!  Oh no!


One of my favorite things...new front porch.  I could sit out there for hours and just take in the fresh air and peaceful surroundings.  If only I had a mosquito net on, that is.  I swear that's the only thing that drives me in, though!  Otherwise I'd sleep out there!


A few plans for the rest of the week:  Walk 'N Talk with Heidi, finally!  Garage sale with Pam this weekend, more unpacking, hopefully a chance to see my family, who knows what else?!?


Here is picture for thought I am sharing...the sunset tonight from my front porch.

Check out more daybook entries at the Simple Woman's Daybook.

Friday the 13th

Ok, so the title doesn't really mean much except that is what today's date is. I’m not usually one to be all superstitious but when big things are planned on days like Friday the 13th, I’ll admit it creeps me out a little.

Our big thing today is a much anticipated camping trip with the Ciravola Family. I’m We’re so excited! It's a rarity that Dave actually has the weekend off so we're taking full advantage and using this time to create some family memories!  I'm hope for a relaxing, fun-filled, drama-free weekend with my family and good friends. The boys will have Chloe, Jayden, and Ava to play with which will be uber fun for them, and I will have adult conversation with the oh-so-fun (!) Mr. & Mrs. Ciravola! The weather is looking quite promising for some sunny, not-so-hot and humid, boating/fishing fun! I’m very excited! (Did I say that already?!?)

I have a lot of posts coming about the move, the new place, the boys, etc.  As soon as I get some boxes unpacked and some basics organized, I'll be able to settle back into a routine with my therapeutic blogging!  Of course, now that we have internet up and running again, that helps, too!  Happy Friday! 

The View From Here

I often sit and marvel over the blessings in my life- watching my boys in a rare moment of peaceful camaraderie, a beautiful sunset, a "Happiness Is..." moment.  I've started taking snapshots of these moments (usually with my cell phone which is always handy) and sending them to my husband via text message as a glimpse into our world at home while he's working.  As a supplement to my Happiness Is posts, I want to document some of them here for posterity. 

So, the view from here tonight:

Wordless Wednesday...Parade Season

At Peace

I met the woman who is buying my house today.  Despite all the reservations I had and the fear that she would ruin "my" place, I feel completely at ease now.  She and her husband are so sweet!  She was very open and honest about her plans, which aren't so horrible.  She wants to put in a garden and spruce up the flower gardens.  She has plans to carpet, has to figure out how to put a ramp in and put up drapes before her Mother moves in in October.  She asked questions about the plants that were there and was curious about the house's history.  And, strangely, she is originally from Holley, where we're moving to.  She had stories to tell and shared how she was Alex's age running carefree down Main Street.  I feel like I'm swapping places in life with her somehow.  When she left, she hugged me, told me I could come back to visit anytime, and offered me flowers from her garden anytime.  I left her with my business card contact info and an offer to call me should she have any questions.  She even told me "to keep in touch" and made sure I had her information.  Not sure if that's kosher in real estate transactions, but it sure did make me feel better about things.

On the other side, we're most certainly home in Holley.  Within minutes of being there we had people pull in across the street on Harleys (my husband rides a Harley).  A nice gentleman across the street waves to us every time he drives past (people would walk past our house in the City and the boys would say hi and get no response in return!) and in fear of sounding too much like a redneck, our neighbors were target shooting all afternoon.  That is just like home to me.  It's nice to hear gunfire for recreational purposes instead of the reasons I heard before.  

Now let's all breathe a collective sigh of relief....and cross our fingers that all goes smoothly at closing tomorrow. 

Wordless Wednesday - Spray

Green Light

Finally, we've been given the green light to move FORWARD on this whole house buying/selling/moving thing.  What a pain it's all been!  But now we can make progress and what a relief that is!

So tomorrow (and the rest of the week) we'll be moving stuff over to the new place and storing it in the garage until Friday when we close on everything, make it all legal, official, binding, etc.  It's already starting to feel like home with Nate's fire trucks proudly displayed in the living room...

On our first trip over tonight to get the key and unload our first 8 boxes, I was happy to finally see this:

It's about time we got to claim ownership!!  Ha!

Now the anxiety over the change sets in.  The reality of the work that will be involved to bring this house up to speed.  The PACKING, and MOVING, and SETTLING.
 

But just when the anxiety threatens to sweep over me, I will step out into my new spacious backyard, where nary a neighbor can see me, take a deep breath, look up at the stars, listen to the golden music of crickets chirping, and remember why we're doing this.