Things I Love Week -- Day 3

Travel.

Lake Titicaca, Peru (in the background is Bolivia)

Curacao

France - Loire Valley

London

Venezuela

Cartagena, Colombia

Panama

Lima, Peru

Aruba

Greece

Madrid

We've been to 30 countries and myriad wonderful sites in each of them. We can't wait to add 50? more!
For more celebrations of love week, go here.

Things I Love Week -- Day 2

These boys.

They're cute, well-behaved (mostly), and mine.

For more celebrations of love week, go here.

Things I Love Week -- Day 1

This man.

How I ever got to be so lucky, I'll never know.

Book Review: Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey

My friend, Don Carey, has written a book.  Fabulous, no?  He recently sent me a copy and is also allowing me to participate in his blog book tour.

 

Bumpy Landings is an appealing debut novel.  It takes place in my home town, Laie, Hawaii, and every page was a plumeria perfumed, stroll down memory lane.  All the references to Brigham Young University - Hawaii, the LDS Temple and various spots around the State, reminded me of my very happy childhood in that loveliest of places.  Having said that, I must point out, familiarity with Hawaii is not necessary to find Bumpy Landings an engaging and charming read.  Carey manages from the very first page to make the setting of his novel come alive.  One can almost hear the tradewinds rustling through the palm trees and taste the local delicacies described within. 

Jordan, the protagonist, is recently returned home to Laie after serving a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He is excited to be home, but has some reservations about what his future holds for him.  In this classic coming of age tale, Jordan navigates his way into adulthood with the usual fits and starts that characterize such a journey.  Along the way he must decide who he is and who he wants to become, while simultaneously acknowledging that the decisions he makes affect more that just his own life -- a critical theme expertly tackled by Carey. 

Jordan is a passionate and extremely believable character who plunges headlong into his post-mission life.  He falls in love with not one, but two girls and the reader is left wondering until the very end how that plot line will resolve itself.  Jordan's love interests, Heather and Kehau, show him the true meaning of love and force him into some very adult situations that provide the basis for much of the novel's conflict.  You'll have to read the book to find out if he gets the girl. 

Seeking to honor the memory of his deceased father, and against the express wishes of his domineering, yet obviously devoted mother, Jordan pursues his dream of becoming a pilot.  Carey is not a pilot, but it is hard to believe that as he describes in such vivid detail the unbridled joy Jordan feels while soaring through the air.  I found myself wishing I were sitting in the cockpit with him as he piloted his tiny plane between the lush islands in the Hawaiian chain and over the cresting waves of the Pacific.

Bumpy Landings is a fun read and an especially welcome respite from the bleak cold of the season.  Carey's characters are robust and interesting and the reader can't help but root for Jordan, even when he finds himself in difficult predicaments of his own making.  The plot is well-developed and absorbing.  I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a little mid-winter escape to the islands.

Purchase your own copy at DeseretBook.com or Amazon.com and start reading Bumpy Landings today.

We Love Washington, DC, #10

Today Caleb and I and some friends visited the Newseum (Kenny and Isaac will get their chance next weekend).  I first visited the Newseum almost a decade ago in its original location across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia.  I remember thinking it was a reasonably interesting museum with some impressive displays, but I don't remember being wowed.  When the new Newseum opened on Pennsylvania Avenue in 2008, they made a lot of changes to the layout and exhibits.  They also changed it from a free museum to charging $20 for adults.  I couldn't imagine how they could get away with such a princely sum in a city where almost everything else is free.  But, we got our hands on some discount tickets and decided for half price it would be worth a visit.  

And, boy was it! 

I have rarely enjoyed a museum as much I enjoyed this one.  Despite the fact that most of the museum is geared to an older, or at least a reading audience, Caleb too enjoyed himself.  

Upon arrival I was struck by the enormity of the building -- it doesn't look that large from outside.  But, it is huge.  HUGE.  7 floors, over 250,000 sq. ft, with 15 theatres and 14 galleries to wander through.  We had some time constraints and so only managed to skim the surface of what there was to see.  But, what we saw was incredible.  Truly.  We will go back, even if we have to pay full price.  It's worth it.  Absolutely worth it.

Newseum interior (image from here).  See the full-size news chopper suspended in the air?  Caleb was immediately enthralled.

8 panels of the Berlin Wall.  Nowhere outside of Germany are there this many panels on display.

The Berlin Wall guard tower from Checkpoint Charlie.  There were originally over 300 of these towers lining the Wall.  This is the only guard tower in the US.  Just to give you some perspective, this tower is 3 stories tall and does not looked cramped inside the Newseum.  As I mentioned before, it's a massive building.

Unabomber Ted Kaczynski's cabin.  And, no, it's not a replica.

Radio antennae from the top of the World Trade Center North Tower recovered from the wreckage at Ground Zero.

I thought this was a thoughtful touch.  In various exhibits around the Newseum including the 9/11 section and the galleries devoted to Hurricane Katrina, there were boxes of tissue.  I confess to tearing up a few times myself during our visit.

There are a host of interactive activities everyone can enjoy.  Here Caleb is deciding what story he is going to report on in the Interactive Newsroom.

He chose to report on the Washington Wizards and really liked holding the microphone.  They had a script he could follow, but he is only now learning to read so we fed him some ad libbed lines.

Here is the playback of Caleb's first foray into news reporting.  He's a natural. Well, almost. 

Also on exhibit is a gallery showcasing hundreds of Pulitzer prize-winning photographs, an enormous hall displaying hundreds of the most famous headlines in newspaper history, and the front pages gallery where you can view some 80 front pages from across the country and around the globe.  Oh, and so much more.  Go visit.  Go!  You will not be disappointed.

White cake, pink frosting, red sprinkles

That's what he wanted.  

Kids bring treats to school on their birthdays and Caleb wanted white cupcakes, pink frosting and red sprinkles to share with his classmates as they celebrated his.  He was very specific.  

Sure, no problem.  Super Mom can whip those up easy peasy.  Super Mom would even happily make 2 batches, since there are 24 kids in the class + 4 teachers + 1 Isaac + 1 Super Mom and Super Mom's favorite cupcake recipe only makes batches of 24 (or, more like 23 if she is, as sometimes happens, inconsistent with her measurements).  

But, then, it snowed.  

And school was, of course, cancelled.
(DC is not so good with the snow removal and the melting pot of drivers are even worse with the navigating of icy, snowy roads.)

So we rescheduled the white cake, pink frosted and red sprinkled delivery.  

But, then, there was another birthday and a previously scheduled fiesta.  

So we rescheduled, which was actually better for Super Mom's schedule anyway.  

Except.  

Except the other party included cupcakes and pizza and juice boxes
AND party hats.  

Suddenly pink frosting and red sprinkles just wasn't going to cut it.  So, Super Mom suggested adding party hats, JUST party hats.  Yes, yes, he wanted party hats, that would be great, but his attempt to look happy with only that addition was pathetic, pitiful even.  Super Mom said, cupcakes and party hats is sufficient.  We're not doing pizza.  Okay, he said, no pizza.  

But, then he remembered, last year someone brought cupcakes and hot dogs.  Hot dogs are not pizza, Super Mom.  Let's have hot dogs too, he said, proud of himself for working around Super Mom's foolish failure to account for his brilliance when she dismissed only pizza as an option.  With ketchup and mustard, he said, because the last time there was only ketchup and he likes mustard...
just like Super Mom.

Super Mom was going to Costco anyway, so, okay, cupcakes, party hats, hot dogs with ketchup and mustard.  Okay.  He jumped with delight, literally.

But, what if we're thirsty, he said, several moments later?  Moments when Super Mom had been cursing herself for not putting her foot down, whilst simultaneously congratulating herself for making him so happy.

You won't be thirsty.  There's water at school.  It's only a little while until it's time to go home.  He was unconvinced and sad -- not manipulative sad, just resigned to his reality sad -- but, he didn't press the point.  Super Mom agreed to juice boxes.  Green ones, because, green is his favorite color and because Super Mom is a sucker.  A big one.

The day arrived.  Super Mom made cupcakes, white ones, frosted them, with pink frosting, and dusted them with red sprinkles, as requested.  Super Mom also "made" hot dogs, packed up condiments, party hats, buns, the little brother and the camera (she remembered...for once!).  The party was a success.
He was thrilled.

PS In a not particularly super moment, Super Mom
forgot to pass out the party hats.   

Fab Feb

February has arrived, yea!  

I love February.  

And, not for the reasons you might think.  Sure, I love Valentines' Day, though I must admit I enjoy it infinitely more having someone to share it with.  And, February is my birthday month.  I love birthdays, mine, yours, anyone's, really.  But celebrating my birthday, and this year's is a biggie, is still not the source of my affection for the shortest month.  Who isn't enamored with Punxsutawney Phil? (Hooray for early Spring!) And, in addition to Black History month, did you know that February is also: American Heart Month, International Boost Self-Esteem Month, International Embroidery Month, Library Lovers Month, National Cherry Month, National Children’s Dental Health Month, National Snack Food Month, and Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month?  In celebration of these important observances, I plan to drive by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on my way to the gym where I will work-out for the sake of my heart and to keep my endorphins flowing and spirits up.  On the way home, I'll swing by the public library to borrow some books about Chinese New Year (another February event).  While in transit to the library, and using my hands free device of course, I will schedule annual dental check-ups for the boys.  On the way home I'll stop by the grocery store to buy cherries and pretzels and then I'll leave my shopping cart in the appropriate location.

But I digress.

The reason I love February so much, is because of President's Day.  That's right, I'm a great big, President's Day loving geek.  And, more specifically, I'm an American President junkie.  I know what you're thinking, wow, she's weird, and maybe I am, but I can't help it, I've always been this way.  When I was a kid, 7 or 8 maybe, I memorized the US Presidents in order from George Washington to Ronald Reagan (at the time).  Incidentally, in 8th grade, we got extra credit for knowing the presidents in order, so that little exercise ended up paying off big time.  I used to do all my history reports on US Presidents too, especially the obscure ones.  How much does anyone really know about Warren G. Harding?  Or, James Buchanan?  Or William Henry Harrison?  Okay, so there isn't all that much to know about him since Harrison died after only 32 days in office, but how intriguing is that?  Right?

I am fascinated by all things presidential.  When I was young I used to think it would be great to be president.  Clearly, I was very young.  Now, I am confident it is just about the worst job imaginable and you'd have to pay me a heck of a lot more than 400K a year to take it on.  Speaking of which, has anyone noticed how much President Obama has aged in the last couple of years?  

Or, maybe that's just me? 

Inauguration Day 2008 (image from here)

January 2011 (image from here)

  Pretty dramatic for a guy who won't be 50 until later this year.

 This month is also Ronald Reagan's birthday, his 100th in fact.  The radio shows and newspapers are peppered with pieces discussing Reagan's legacy and impact.  In 2004, when Reagan's casket lay in state in the US Capitol, Kenny and I stood in line on the Mall for 8 hours to file past it.  Neither of us was or is particularly devoted to Reagan (not like these people), but it is a rare occasion when anyone lies in state in the US Capitol Rotunda and we wanted to participate in the history of that moment.  While awaiting our turn, we met dozens of people who had taken time off work and left kids with babysitters so they could do they same.  People had driven from 100s, even 1000s of miles away to be there.  See, I'm not the only presidential junkie out there. 

At our house, we are talking a lot about presidents these days.  What they do, who they are and what that means to us.  I always wonder how much of what I tell my kids is being absorbed and every once in awhile I get a clear signal that I'm not just talking to fill the silence.  Yesterday we were in the car and NPR was on the radio.  The commentator mentioned something about the White House, and Isaac yells out, "That's Obama's house."  I was so proud.

To celebrate President's Day this year, we have no big plans, but we'll certainly enjoy the 3-day weekend and maybe make a visit to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, James Madison's Montpelier, or Richard Nixon's Presidential Library in Maryland.  No matter what we do, however, a trip to the National Portrait Gallery and a stop by the America's Presidents exhibit is definitely in the offing.  Did you even think President's Day could be so much fun?

image from here

Five Alive!

Caleb had a birthday this weekend and now he is 5!  Every parent should be lucky enough to have a first child like Caleb.  He is smart, obedient, tender-hearted, generous, energetic, and kind.  He is such a great kid, I routinely have to remind myself to be more patient with him because he is, in fact, just a kid.  Caleb is very curious about everything and loves to learn.  He never stops asking questions or trying to figure out why things are the way they are.  He has a memory like a steel trap.  His teachers at school and church are always praising his good behavior and willingness to participate.  Caleb loves music and movies and playing games (computer, board, video, etc.).  He loves trains and dinosaurs and rockets.  He never gets tired of watching airplanes land and take-off and is constantly asking us when we are next going on an airplane.  He's a great traveling companion, especially because he is always happy to pose for pictures.  Caleb delights in almost everything and every day with him is joyful and fun.  He is rarely sick and when he is he's a pretty good patient.  He loves his little brother and is very patient with him.  Caleb will eat almost anything.  He is always up for doing something fun and I love that he thinks visiting monuments and museums falls into that category.  From the moment I found out that Caleb was coming to our family I knew he was a very special soul and the last 5 years have only made that more apparent.  Caleb made me a mother and every day makes me grateful that he did.

Happy Birthday, Caleb!

Day 1

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

3rd Birthday

4th Birthday

Day 1,826 - 5th Birthday

Binge Over, Time to Purge

A few weeks ago, the last of our worldly possessions arrived on our doorstep.  For the last 7 years we've been in flux when it comes to keeping track of our stuff.   We've had things in storage, with both sets of parents, in the garages and basements of VERY GENEROUS friends, in transit and with us in our various domiciles.  And, now, with the exception of one box of ceramic angel figurines (don't ask) and another of pez dispensers, every single thing we own has been handled by us in the last 2 months.  A few things, like our crib, mementos from my and Kenny's childhoods and a patio table we had made in Caracas are being housed elsewhere because we know we'll want them in the future, but just don't need and can't store them now.  Otherwise everything else is crammed into our lovely, yet not as capacious as we would like, 1262 square foot condo.

Living overseas for the last 4 years has affected my storage habits in two significant ways.  1) We have weight limits for shipping and storage, so there is a maximum amount of things we can accumulate and keep.  2) Outside the US of A, if I need something specific and don't have it, acquiring it will be next to impossible so I have to plan ahead.  I am not a pack rat.  But, I am sentimental, perhaps overly so, and I like to be prepared, for every contingency.  And, I am.  Even the most unlikely of contingencies such as googly eye emergencies or pipe cleaner crises.  You know the kind I mean?

The thing is, though, we really do have too much stuff.  More than a family of 4 needs or could ever use.  I refuse to toss my memories, the real ones anyway, or the things I plan to need in the future (like baby stuff), but a lot of our possessions don't fall into either of those categories.  Like that lemon juicer I bought in Peru?  It reminds me of Lima, sure, but I don't have any fond recollections of a particularly good glass of lemonade it produced.  And, I haven't used it in entirely too long.  Or those suits from my former life as a lobbyist?  They're beautiful and fit well and were expensive.  But, I haven't needed them in years and probably won't anytime soon.  Or my collection of random fabric?  I do not have time to sew right now and won't again until we move to China.  And then...then I can go to the world famous fabric markets and buy anything I want or can even conceive of.

So, here's the deal.  I'm purging.  I'm going from Eagle Scout to Cub Scout on the preparedness spectrum and hardening my overly sentimental heart just a little.  We have approximately 500 days until we move to Beijing.  Every day between now and then I am going to get rid of something.  And, trash doesn't count.  This is not going to be one of those, if I buy something I have to toss something propositions, however.  I reserve the right to acquire more things, within reason and budget.  But, overall, I suspect I'll come out ahead, or rather behind.  I am determined to toss, give away or pass along something every single day until mid-summer 2012.  It has to be done, and I'm going to do it.  It's just one more facet of the improved, though not new 'cause I really am still the same person I was last month, me.  The me who drinks green smoothies and plays tourist in her own home town and performs random acts of kindness just because.

One more thing, I'll be keeping a list of the items purged.  Maybe I'll even post about it now and again just to keep myself honest and because I know you're overcome with curiosity.  And, just to get the ball rolling, today I got rid of the juicer.  1 item down 499 to go.  I'm feeling lighter already.  Oh, the fun we're going to have!
 

Selfishly Motivated, but Motivated Nonetheless

My babysitter is sick.  She's been in and out of the hospital for the last month.  She's finally on the mend, I think, but we've thought that before.  I hope she really is better this time.

I feel terrible.

Try as I might, I can't seem to make her illness about her and not about me.

I feel terrible that she is sick too.  That goes without saying.  But, does it?  Therein lies the problem.

The last few weeks have been exhausting trying to come up with creative solutions for childcare.  I have crisscrossed the city countless times for all the extra pick-ups and drop-offs.  I have called in favors and whined and lost sleep (lots of sleep) and failed to complete my assignments for school and let the housework slide and generally just felt frazzled and frustrated.  It's not helped that I have hundreds of pages to read each week.  Or that the weather is being uncooperative -- today it took 2 hours to go 5 miles -- I do not exaggerate.

And, yet.

And, yet, as much of a logistical nightmare this has been, I am not lying in a hospital bed.  I am able-bodied and mobile and nothing is uncomfortably stuck in and/or taped to my skin.  The fact that I have to keep reminding myself of this is embarrassing.  Shameful, really.

She's not sick on purpose, of course.  But, she is sick and therefore out of commission.  Our life, I've discovered, revolves around her.  And, without her, comes to a grinding halt.  Kenny has taken lots of time off, too much, probably.  I've been late to class and other things -- for the record, I loathe tardiness.

And, poor Isaac.  Trying to potty train in the midst of being shuffled between Mommy, Daddy, pinch-hitting babysitters and non-kid friendly venues has proven too much for our unflappable Isaac.  He is most definitely flapped and has the multiple changes of clothing each day as proof.


I don't want to hire someone new.  Our current sitter is a dream.  Plus, I know her.  And, I love her.  But, I need her and one more week like this one (yes, I realize it is only Wednesday) and I may as well quit my program.  I'm already so far behind, I may never catch up.  I'm praying for her full recovery and soon.  Yes, my prayers are somewhat selfishly motivated...but, nevertheless, I'm praying.  Surely that counts for something?