The things that make you homesick....maybe the UnExpected things that make you homesick!

On another forum today someone asked a question about our favorite hymms. I instantly thought of just music, wonderful, brilliant, organ music. Music that you can feel to the soles of your feet- not to mention your soul.

See, it took us awhile to latch on to a church when I was a kid. But, when we did we latched on hard. It was Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in the best city in the world, Kansas City. That was the place that I learned, really learned, that all people matter. Not just the wealthy, the straight or the white. All of them matter. And they don't just matter to God, but they should matter to us. It was a pretty powerful thing to learn.

Okay, back to my topic...music and homesick. Well, Grace and Holy Trinity (GHT) has the best pipe organ and one phenomenal organist/music director. While I really embrace and hold dear my memories of that place, the music is what really just absolutely gets me. And today I was reminded of just how much.

In answering the question I immediately thought of several event; Christmas, Easter and the Kirken o'the Tartan....maybe not real orginal you might think, but if you've not been at GHT and heard the magnificant music coming from that magnificant organ on those days...then you just can't even begin to understand.

I decided that I would put a link to some youtube bits of GHTs music. The first was the Easter Recessional- very moving, I was starting to tear up. Then the Kirken o'the Tartan and the bag pipers and the recessional winding it's way through the congregation, the huge stone walls of the church, the rose window...it all worked together and I was sobbing. Literally sobbing.

I wanted to go home so bad at that moment. I found myself desparetely searching the videos for signs of my family. It was pretty intense.

So for your listening enjoyment, the music that made me cry;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rv_zUl4VWAA

Some fun (sort of) recent shots!

Well, it's been a hectic day with a trip to the pumpkin patch, but I managed to download the 142 pictures that have been parked on my camera! EEK!

I thought I'd share a couple new shots with ya'll. (You'll have to be patient and wait just a little longer for pumpkin shots!)

Kathryn is a serious grape thief...you may think this picture is just about her being cute, but look down and see what's in her hand. I had just asked her if she had picked more grapes and she couldn't answer...she had a mouth full!

Uncle Dave took Kathryn, David and cousin (Dave's Grandson) Bryson on the quad to go fetch the mail and paper. It looks like Kathryn's driving, but she has plenty of help.

All the Placido Men! There are 4 generations of crothety men in this one picture! Grandpa Dick and his boys Rick, Dave and Jon. Then the 3rd generation- big cousin Joe and little cousin Bryson, and of course our son, David. Pretty cool, huh?!
I just really liked this picture of Pup following me back from the barn. He loves being out at the farm and getting to run wild.

David cutting rebar for use in our new rock patio...he wasn't real thrilled with this little assignment, but he warmed to it and did a really nice job. And the patio ain't half bad either.

Oh my! But it's been a long time!

My heartfelt apologies to all who were so diligent about checking in on us. Life gets crazy, I get nervous about my writing, and it's all down hill from there.

I will be posting updates in the next day or two, but rest assured we are all well and happy. We've had some excitement and I'm sure I'll have a story or two to regale you with.

Cheers my friends and I'll be back to bring everyone up to speed.

(Psst....thanks for the kick Amber.)

A new and painful experience for my David

David's best friend Matt is moving to Kodiak tomorrow morning and he has to say good-bye. He is absolutely heart broken and cried himself to sleep tonight. I just feel horrible for him. You would think that with moving 5 times since he was born that he would be used to it by now, but he's always been the one leaving. And somehow that makes it a bit easier...trust me it's different to leave then it is to be the one left behind.

So, for my David...I love you buddy! You're the bestest boy ever and I know it hurts, but he's your friend and he'll be your friend.

It's tough being the mommy in a situation like this, I want to make all of his hurt go away.

For Angela and Hadley and the Fox Family

I've tried to write in the last few weeks about the trials that my fellow-coastie spouse is facing with her daughter, Hadley. But, it's just been too much. I've shared her story with many of you and the rest of you know Angela, as I do, as a source of support and kindness via the coastie chicks realm. It was like a wicked kick in the gut that lingers and lingers when Angela announced not long ago that they have reached the end of treatment options for their beautiful daughter, Hadley. I can't even begin to imagine. And even as I type this the tears are flowing.
So, if you can, keep them all in your prayers as they spend their time with Hadley and make enough memories to last a lifetime.

It's tough to write about because nothing seems adequate. So, as you can think about them. And if you would like...as I get information about an account being set up as a "good day" fund for them to have fun and get out and enjoy Portland, I'll post it.

Okay. So, Angela, Hadley, and all the Fox family...I'm thinking of you and I'm praying that Hadley has many, many beautiful days ahead and that you can make memories that transcend the shock and grief that you are feeling now.

Went to a garden party!

Jon and the kids have really done some beautiful raised beds this year. And as always, Jon has worked his green-thumb magic on the rose bushes and all the rest. I just sit back and watch! (Oh, and take pictures!)

So, this is the rose bush in front of our house, David and Kathryn each planted some more flowers in there over the weekend.

This is the big, main raised beds that Jon built. Looks pretty good, huh? The biggest pot has garlic, the middle pot had cilantro seeds (they've now been transplanted into the big bed) and the pot on the end is chives which Kathryn and the dogs eat like crazy...she picks a bunch and plops down in the yard and starts munching and the dogs help her. It's crazy!

David planted sunflowers and corn. His sunflowers have gotten really big already!

More work on the sunflower patch.

So...howzit?

That was an email subject sent from one of my friends who probably thinks I've fallen off the face of the planet.
I haven't.
This work stuff is just hard! The work part is easy, actually, it's just all the other details of life that seem to really gum the works. At this very moment...5:59 pm PST, our little miss Kathryn is in bed, asleep. She melted down about 5:30 and that was it, she just had to go to bed. She wouldn't eat, she wouldn't sit with us, she just was done. I wanted to sit with her and just cry, too. Heck, the 30 minutes that I got to spend with her today was spent with her having a major crying jag.
Then David is wound because he wanted me to take him to baseball but, I had been dealing with Kathryn and hadn't eaten dinner and so I traded tonight's practice for Thursday's game. Which opens a whole other set of scheduling issues. But, we'll get through it.
I hope.
Other then all that doom and gloom. All is sailing along somewhat smoothly. We've settled into the morning routine. And having Jon at home makes life SO much easier. I dread his next underway trip. Actually, dread is much too light of a word for my feelings about that. But, maybe by then I'll be "used" to it.
(Ooops, more doom and gloom, sorry!)
The job is going good. I've started getting into more work kinds of stuff and less "read this" kind of stuff, so that's good. The people I've met are just top notch, super friendly and very much committed to what they're doing. The more I learn about public health, the more I like it. A very interesting field. (Don't worry I'm not planning on getting another degree anytime soon).
Jon's back from his latest trip and he's got some beautiful stuff going on out in the garden (sounds kind of funny, huh?!) But, him and the kids put in raised vegetable beds this year and are growing; tomatoes, peppers, carrots, lettuce, Swiss chard, corn, beets, cilantro, chives, basil and sunflowers. I'll post pictures....it's very cool what they've done.
David just got done with his big standardized testing for the school year- I'm sure he did great! He's still doing fabulous as a dependable first baseman on his baseball team. I hear about these great plays he makes, so hopefully he'll make some on Thursday.
Kathryn is still searching for the sparkly caterpillar. But, this week her big focus is on a pink barbie with wings. She got a purple one with wings not too long ago and I guess she thinks it needs a sister. She is really loving her school days, obviously they wear her out, but she's having fun, so I guess I'll spend the quality time with her on the weekends until she gets used to it.
Okay, my dear friends and family. Know that I'm thinking of you all - however randomly and unorganized those thoughts are! Take care and I'll try to post more regularly.

Work! Eeek!

Okay. It's crazy around here. I'm off at work for the first week in three years, Jon is gone doing some inspection somewhere, David is in school and Kathryn...oh, Kathryn, she's in daycare for the first time in her life. You want adventure? Heck, come here, we've got adventure to spare!

So, I (yes, me, the one who likes to sleep in) has to be UP and out of bed at 6am. I do believe that it is prohibited by the Geneva Convention, but somehow I manage to drag my arse out of the bed, creep down the stairs, curse the dogs, drink a cup of coffee (or four) and get in the shower. Thanks to modern science and a newly found love of Emergen-C, I emerge clean and mostly-refreshed at about 6:30. I roust the kidletts. They curse (the kid version, of course), but they start moving. David usually is on his third bowl of cheerios by 7am. Kathryn on the other hand is going to be an issue...she insists that she can eat her breakfast "later", she demands her milk, she pouts over shoe choices, she wants everything "sparkly" and somehow by the end of it all I feel somewhat honored to be allowed in her "space" by the time the van pulls from the drive at 7:30. I shudder at the mere thought of her teen years...

My office. Yep, that about sums it up; my office. It's an honest to God office, not shared with anyone. But. Yep, there's a but. It's green. Not a pleasant hunter or a soothing sage. But, more of a "gee I found this color left over in the store room at the old mental hospital" kind of green. One of the public health nurses stopped by today and told me, with a sick chuckle, that her husband insists that it is the same green that he encountered in the big-box, fast-triage hospitals of his Vietnam days. Somehow, I found that less nostalgic then disturbing.

At any rate, I've got a window. It's currently covered with plastic. But, it's a window and if they ever complete the painting going on on the outside of the building, then maybe I'll get a glimpse of the rose bush that I've been told resides just beyond my green domicile.

Other then that, it seems to be a good gig. I've not actually gotten to do anything. I'm having trouble convincing people that they actually hired me to do a job, and most of my day is concerned with reading. I read the policy on policies today....seriously. But, it's the crazy work that I love. You all should be happy, if there weren't us poor fools that loved government work then you might have to do it.

Oh...let's see, that's just the fun part of the day. Quitting time is a whole new set of problems! I pick up Kathryn who is usually covered head to toe in something. Sometimes I can even tell what it is. She wraps her warm little body around me and won't let go for like three hours. Then we go get David who is following his "friend" Alexis around like a little lost puppy dog, he goes to "after school" and LOVES it, seriously he loves it. Then we come home. Then it seems like all we do is get ready to do it again!

Come on Saturday!

Oh...on a side note...if anyone has any idea what the heck a sparkly caterpillar is, please let me know. I promised to get Kathryn one if she went to school all week this week...she thinks she should only go on Mondays.

Way to Go David!!!

I'm so proud of my boy!

David had a fundraiser at school today, called the Dolphin Dash. Basically the kids ask for pledges then they do as many laps on the track as they can in 30 minutes. Well, my super kid completed 21 laps, 2.63 miles in just under the 30 minutes! Way to go David! He ran almost the entire way, kept a big ole' smile on his face the entire time and generally had a ball.
A HUGE thank you to all who pledged for him. He raised just over $150 dollars for his school, Freshwater Elementary.

Friends

Kathryn and her "friend", Rosie

I was pleasantly surprised this morning from a phone call from my old friend and neighbor, Jen. It had been way too long since we'd gotten to catch up with each other and it was such a treat to get to sit back and chat with her for a bit.
But, it brought something that has been floating around in my mind for awhile, right back into my field of vision; friends. And namely how very blessed I've been to have found, or been found by, such beautiful friends. I know it's nearly cliche' to say that you couldn't have made it through without your friends, but honestly there are times when I know that if it hadn't been for their strength and support that I would have really struggled.
I'll never forget or be able to repay the debt that I owe to those ladies who've quietly helped me through the rough times or have made me laugh even when I didn't want to, but I hope that they know I'll be working to repay the favor forever.
I can't even risk naming them for fear of forgetting someone or one of their deeds. But, ladies, all of you know that I love you and thank God everyday for your friendship, laughter, hugs, kindness, support, silliness, company, babysitting, dinner cooking, dog watching, beer drinking (wine, too), husband bashing/praising sessions, baby/toddler advice, hand-me-down giving, crafting and for just for knowing that I have each of you in my life.
You all are shining stars...and I wish you were all closer!

Finally! A Post About David!

Hey Batter, batter! Swing!

It's that time of year...baseball season. When mom's struggle to organize dinner, homework and bedtimes around practices and games. And don't forget about the horror of failing to wash the correct baseball pants between games! A time when Dad's valiantly bite their tongues while their little superstars diligently dig holes in center field during long innings and are forced to have strange conversations about how a cup is really supposed to be worn.

Ah, baseball season. David's been in practices for about a month now and finally the games are upon us. His first game was last night and other then it being COLD, it was a great little game. His team won 7-9, which is always a good thing. They struggle with the pitching and their attention span gets a bit tested, but all in all his team is doing a really great job.

David had a fantastic double and drove in two runs, then he had some really awesome plays at first. He is a really good first basemen, if I do say so myself.

So...way to go David and team JML! I'll keep a little scoreboard on the side of the blog so you guys can follow their successes throughout the season.

Sorry I've Gotten a Bit Behind!

The last week has been crazy fun! We drove up to Oregon and spent the night with Dave and Tracy in Roseburg, then into Portland for a whopping 45 minute stop, then out to the coast to spend two nights with Theresa and family, then a too-quick stop in Depoe Bay for the morning and then a LONG drive home. I have tons of great pictures and lots of stories. But, I'll try to keep my self-control!

First, I just have to say that it is so wonderful for both Jon and I whenever we go back to Depoe Bay. We were only there for 2 years but the people there just really opened their hearts to us. We've been gone longer then we lived there, but when we pull in there are still hugs and smiles a plenty. And there is that feeling of "going home". It is just such a special place to us, and even though the setting is beautiful and the scenery is first-rate- it's all about the people. Extra special thoughts for our good friend, Dorinda; prayers for you and your family as you grieve the loss of your mother, and on a much happier note...you look wonderful!

Okay, mushy stuff out of the way....let's get down to business! Pictures!

The picture at the top of the post is of Kathryn happily dragging her piggies in the warm soil of Dave and Tracy's new grape plantings. They've got all kinds of grapes; pinots and cabs and such. I hope they grow well and we get some really good Placido wine!

Kathryn was impressing Daddy with her balance beam technique...notice the tongue sticking out!
Kathryn, Janelle and Olivia head out to take the neighborhood by storm...uh, I mean we're headed out to take a walk.


My favorite shot! The three girls all ready for bed...ha! They played so hard in their pj's that night. Jon even did a tour as a horse, it was quite amusing. We all had such a wonderful time! We love you Theresa!

First day of "school"

Kathryn went to "school" today for the first time and it was so much fun! It was only a few hours to get used to the teachers and other kids before she starts full-time, but it was a real treat for her. She jumped right in at painting and then migrated to the sand table, then was swept off to the Wendy room for some dress-up with her new "friends", then some play dough, a little bit of circle time and snack. It's amazing how much they pack into the mornings!
I think we've made a good selection for childcare and I'm feeling comfortable with her care. The teachers are fantastic and it's a small group of kids, so I think she'll be fine. (Do I sound like I'm still trying to convince myself?!)

Update on our latest trip to San Francisco

Kathryn and I just returned from our latest trip down to see Dr. Gupta in San Francisco. Before I give the details of our visit, I'll give some background information.

A year ago Kathryn was diagnosed with having tethered cord, she is very borderline and I'd be willing to bet that 99% of the people who see her don't recognize that there is anything out of the ordinary going on with her. Those that do notice, most likely only notice that she likes to walk on her tiptoes. She, in all reality, is very normal. When she started walking she started out on her tiptoes and just never really came down onto her flat feet. There were other indicators in there as well including the really unsettling inability to feel injuries to her toes. She would shut her toes in the door, more then once losing a toe nail, and she would have no reaction. Her pediatrician also noted that her reflexes were reversed. She went through a series of tests including an MRI and urodynamics and they revealed that her spinal cord is longer then normal and the filum is thickened. She sees a pediatric orthopedic specialist regularly, she has also done OT and PT, but we generally just do her exercises at home.

So, fast forward to now. She has grown a year since her DX and I think she has really progressed. She is very aware of her feet and of how she is walking and standing. She still prefers to be on her "piggies" and if she is running then she is on her toes, it must just be more comfortable for her. She is very physical and is not slowed in the least. (Trust me I can't catch her!) She recently potty trained with relative ease and we are not seeing any of the red-flag kind of things that we've been warned to look for.

At her latest appointment, what I was hoping was to be her last for a good long time, the doc decided that we need to have another look at her bladder function. Her urodynamics last year were not good, but she was also just two and not potty trained so it was hard to be sure that the results were due to immaturity or defect. So, we'll be heading back down to San Fran again in the coming months to repeat the ultrasound portion of the urodynamics. Hopefully the doctor will be impressed with those results and we'll be good to go for a few years.

This has been such a bizarre journey. Kathryn is such a happy, active and extremely physical child. She has no fear and knows no limits- if she sees something she wants to climb, she climbs it. This is definitely not something that we focus on daily, actually since we've done all the "big" testing last spring I don't really think it's something we devote too much thought to at all, other then when we're preparing for a new appointment. I definitely think that we are blessed that Kathryn hasn't had any negative impacts from this, and I'll pray that the only real impact that she ever feels from it is the uncanny ability to run full-out on her tip toes.

Thank you all for the prayers, well-wishes and inquiries about our Miss Kathryn. I'll keep you all posted as we continue along.

This is Hard!

I'm so happy to be starting a new job but, (isn't there always a but?) I am having some serious "oh my" moments about Kathryn and daycare. I try to rationalize. I try to think about how much she is going to gain from this new experience. I reflect on David and our wonderful experiences with him in childcare. But, nothing makes it better.
I'm not sleeping. I'm wound up about it, and those of you who know me, know that me and wound-up are not necessarily a good combination, it tends to make me a bit irrational and obsessive.
David started childcare at 6 weeks, full-time, usually much longer then full-time actually, and he thrived. He had a few months off when he was two, right before I started grad school, but then he was right back in until we moved to Oregon when he was four. Then he only went to preschool 3 mornings a week. But, we never had a bad experience, he really benefited from it I firmly believe. There was never any hesitation or guilt or any of those other negative emotions. We loved his teachers and they loved him.
But, my baby! She's three, she needs to be going to preschool. I need to be going back to work. Other then her appointment with Dr. Gupta next week, I really believe that we are putting the neurosurgeon appointments behind us other then some occasional check ups. There is no reason for me to worry. There is no reason why she shouldn't do wonderful. She'll probably have a ball.
But, I'll miss her.
I guess it's just a big change for both of us. I've been a stay at home mom now for the better part of three years and it's coming to a close. I just want to milk out those last few days of hugs and kisses, trips to the park, savoring the peace of nap time, and always being the one there that picks her up when she falls.
It has been such a gift to not miss the first steps, the first words, the joy of her exploring new experiences, even potty training. I've taken a bazillion pictures. I've given her the very best that I can. I guess it's time.
That first morning, dropping her off at "school" while I head off to the office....maybe I should skip the mascara that day, huh?

A Day at the River with the "Other" Kids

These aren't exactly hot off the presses, but I thought they were good pictures. I took them last week when Kathryn and I got to spend a few days with Jon after he got back from his last deployment. It was a great time.

They are up the Mad River and it was just a nice day to relax with Daddy. Modoc is the only dog that's slow enough to actually be captured on film. Pup is just a mad blur!

Here is one of Pup crashing into the water after something:

(See I told ya'.)

Welcome baby goats!

I could have titled this post, "so many pictures, so little time"....I sent Jon away with strict instructions to get lots of good pictures of the kids and the new baby goats and I tell you what, that man can follow some directions! It's hard to decide what to share.

Okay, so here's the background information for those of you who are saying to yourselves, "huh? Goats?" David is in 4-H and his project is pygmy goats. He has a whole herd, honest. His "old" goat is Anna Karina and he has Dakota and now he's added Harmony and Harley. I *think* he may have another one or two, but I'm a bit fuzzy on the exact details of the goat operation. Grandma Mary is his 4-H leader and the goats live at her farm, so it's a neat bonding opportunity for them.

That brings us to now....he has two new babies, Harmony and Harley that I included in my brief rundown of the goat-opera. And there are two other babies also that will go to other 4-H kids; Hoppy and Happy. (Nope, I don't take part in the naming, in case you were wondering.) Apparently Hoppy is firmly besotted with Kathryn and she is absolutely in love with her, as well.

Well, let's see....here is David and (I think) Harley;

Here's another of the goatboy and one of his new babies;

And finally, Kathryn making googly eyes at her new love interest, Hoppy;

Funny story about Kathryn and Hoppy. I guess that she just wanted to spend every waking moment with her. Those of you who know Kathryn know that she could even give a little hopping goat a run for her money in the bouncing department, finally a fellow hopper for her to play with. Anyway, Jon or David made the mistake of telling her she could sleep with Hoppy. So, Kathryn went to the house got her sleeping bag and backpack and headed for the barn. Jon had to break her heart and explain to her that she had to sleep inside, not with Hoppy, and I guess it was just horrible. She'll get to go visit again in two weeks- I hope she can hold out that long!

Shhhh...do you hear that?

Ah. Silence.
It's such a rare commodity I had forgotten how absolutely blissful it can be.
I've had my first weekend alone, no kids or husband, in forever. Just me and the pups.It's been nearly surreal to be able to just sit. That's it. No TV. No music. No pleas to play dress up. Cathartic, that's what it's been. I've been reintroduced to the voice inside my head, not the one that wishes it were quiet, the one that just wishes.
Yesterday was my day out. I went with the girls and saw a movie that I'd been dying for, it was horrible. But, the company was fantastic and it was nice to laugh and be silly and not worry about being late, or early. I treated myself to a bubble bath and read till midnight.
This morning I woke at the regular time and for a few minutes I really missed not having Kathryn come curl her warm little body up next to me. It's the one time of the whole day that she is still and quiet and snugly. So, I opened the shades and just laid in the sunshine for a bit, watching the breeze move the trees. It was so peaceful.
I worked like a mad woman to mop all the floors and dust (yes, I actually dusted!) and vacuum and do all the chores that are so difficult, at least logistically, to do with my helpers around.
Then I lounged. I've read some more. And thought some more. It's been a joy to reconnect with myself. I'm not that bad of company after all, it's been awhile and I was a bit worried.
Now, it's just almost 4:30 and I expect the herd to roll in around 5. My peace will be shattered. But, I'll share my little secret....I can't wait for them to get home.

Another Day Another Interview

The search continues and continues and continues and....you get the general idea, right? Yesterday I interviewed for at least the tenth time since Christmas. I've now applied for over 40 jobs here. And yet, the search continues.
Last weeks interview just "felt" right, but alas, they didn't feel the spark and went with another candidate. And then there was the interview that really wasn't; the interviewer was much more interested in Jon's exciting job and in talking about his experience growing up a military brat then in conducting an interview; of course, since they had already made the hiring decision and were going to appoint the temp who had been in the job for 6 months, conducting an interview would have been silly, right? Sheesh.
But, being the horrible optimist that I am, I have to believe that yesterday's interview went well and that there is still hope that they may want to work with me. I hope.
This has been a horribly demoralizing chapter in my life. I've got a great resume and a great education. I'm a positive person- honest. I'd be a great asset to their organization. If they would just hire me! Please!
Okay, that concludes my whining for today. Thanks to all who follow us and listen to my ranting.

A quick update: It's been quite the day! This morning I was called for another interview with a different department, same administrative analyst job, and then this afternoon I got notice of my interview date and time for the legislative analyst job that I have been waiting and waiting to hear about. I don't want to jinx anything...but one of those jobs is pretty much my dream job! So, keep your fingers crossed. And you know I'll keep you posted ;)

THE Cake

It may look like a silly white cake with Peeps all over it to you, but to me it's pure comfort. And not simply in the "comfort food" variety. This is THE Easter cake that I grew up with, that my Mom grew up with, that my children have had every Easter since their births. It's more then mere angel food with fluffy frosting, it's a tradition that reminds me that as often as the Coast Guard wants to fling us around the country, that we're still a family firmly rooted in the wonderful things that makes us "us".
I was raised by a Mother who firmly and reverently held onto the tradition of holidays. And if there wasn't a traditional food or ritual attached, then it was her job to create that memory for us. She approached it with zeal, and it made a lasting impression on me.
My parents raised their children only a few miles from each set of their parents, so there was a lot of driving around on holidays, giving each set of grandparents their due. I remember that with awe now, probably because it's not a problem we've ever had having never lived close enough to family to enter into that dance. And I fondly remember the holiday that changed it all, it was Thanksgiving and I was probably 10. My parents wanted their own holiday, not a commuters holiday with two different meals. So, we loaded up the Jeep and the dogs and us three kids and we went hunting. Yep, hunting. I loved it, my brother loved it, I think my sister enjoyed it but she was mildly hypothermic so her judgement could have been impaired. My mom...ah, the looks she was shooting as she was being encased in frozen rain didn't impart a lot of hope for this adventure to become a family tradition. But, later as we dined from the buffet at the Mound City truck stop I remember the twinkle in her eye. The food wasn't good, but it was at the table she chose. It was a breakthrough moment.
After that she dove in head first, reinforcing those traditions and the traditional foods that would forever cement the tastes and sounds of each holiday to my soul. It's just not New Year's day without black eyed peas, New Year's Eve without trifle, Christmas morning without the punch or dad's fried eggs and pepper bacon. And it's definitely not Easter without the cake.
We've added to our repertoire of holiday traditions in our own family; tamales for Christmas eve is my favorite and a tradition we latched onto after being stationed with a family from New Mexico. Each year, no matter where the Coast Guard has planted us, much as we reach for the same box of decorations, the familiar Christmas ornament, our favorite Halloween book, our Easter baskets; I pull out my recipe box.
My children have grown up with tradition, they've grown up knowing trifle and tamales and the Easter cake. They can count on it. It's constant.
And there is that little girl inside of me that gets to enjoy a few moments of closeness with my mom and dad each time I enjoy the gifts of tradition that they shared with me.
It may just look like a simple, silly cake to you. To me it's love, home and family.

Happy Easter!

What a truly beautiful day! It was one of those days that you get scared to hope for, especially here in famously fickle and foggy Eureka. But, it was perfect; no fog, the sun beaming and just a bit of a breeze off the bay. A perfect day for Easter egg hunting.

This was Kathryn's first "official" egg hunt. We've done them at home and earlier today David hid egg-shaped candles for her to find so that she'd be all ready for it when the time came. She was so excited in her new dress and with her little basket. At first she didn't want to let go of my hand and drug me around the lawn, but then suddenly and without any warning or quiet goodbye- she was gone, yelling back at me about a pink egg. Her eyes were pure glee.

She loaded her basket and then headed to the picnic tables to search over her loot. I'd told her earlier in the day that Easter eggs have candy in them, and I think she was skeptical. The look on her face when she cracked open her first egg and out fell a miniature chocolate egg was absolute delight.

Of course, David is a master egg finder. His strategy is low and fast. No messing with those eggs stuck in off the ground, hard to reach places, he is all about sheer volume. It was torture for him to have to wait for two groups of "little kids" to have to search, and he was chomping at the bit when his group launched. I managed to catch just one picture that actually had him in it...he's the green-shirted blur running on the far end of the lawn, probably getting ready to dive and belly roll to the next clump of eggs.

After the hunt we had dinner out with friends and returned home to color eggs. Which, sadly, makes me really miss Jon! It's his favorite, he manages to make some really cool looking eggs and he really loves helping the kids. But, we persevered and did our eggs without Daddy's help. Each child managed to horribly mangle only one egg a piece, and for the most part they are all just so pretty. David did create a really ugly brown one that he wrote on in wax crayon...it says "poo". Nice, huh? Can you tell he has the really lame sense of humor of a 9 year-old boy?

Can you tell from the picture that David is not in the least bit impressed with his sister's egg coloring techniques?

My kids.

We hope that everyone has a very happy Easter. Hug the ones you love.

Happy Birthday Kathryn!

It's hard to believe that our baby girl is 3!

Kathryn turned 3 on March 14th. Jon was underway so we celebrated the first of the month, before he left, so Kathryn has been convinced that she's been 3 since then. Trust me, it wasn't a point worth arguing!

On her "real" birthday we celebrated with a tea party. Several of her neighborhood friends joined us, and of course all the girls were dressed up- very cute. We ate cucumber sandwiches, nutella sandwiches (those were Kathryn's favorite), spicy chicken sandwiches, grapes and carrot cake- it was all quite yummy.

The girls enjoyed pouring each other pink lemonade and drinking out of little teacups. Us big girls were all about the coffee.

It was a really fun morning and I was so glad she got to enjoy one of her favorite things, tea parties, for her birthday.

Happy Birthday Kathryn!