And we'll make snow angels

Taking one for the team.

Gangnam Style?  Really?

With a little help from my friends

Thanks to Zydeco, we have photographic evidence of our first winter storm.  Classic Rock kindly and selflessly headed up the outdoor playtime.  Irish Jig giggled and shrieked her way through her very first ever snow play day.  Lots of hot chocolate and cookies were consumed.  It's a requirement, I think.

Four days of school were missed and all of Classic Rock's semester exams were cancelled - not that he minded one bit!

Mr. Neoclassic and I were at work, sadly, and missed the fun.  Yes, I did say I was at work.  I started a part time, temporary position just prior to Christmas.  I am spending just a few months helping a friend's company clean up their client data bases in preparation for tax season.  I am really enjoying the opportunity to contribute to our household, but I admit to missing my lazy afternoons with my children.  All will balance out soon enough....

Last night, wave two of the storm - or maybe just another one - hit and dumped more snow.  About 6-8" inches this time and my office is shut down for the day.  The boys reluctantly headed out to shovel the driveway runners for Mr. Neoclassic.  Jazz chose to stay indoors, but Irish Jig was jumping up and down to play in the white stuff.  I dressed her as warmly as possible considering she won't wear pants.  There were many layers of stockings and leggings.  After her first face plant in the deep snow, I accepted the inevitable and dressed myself for snow.

That's me, looking like a lumberjack.  We don't own any type

of snow clothing and our hobbled together look is really quite humorous.

And sad.

Another face plant.

A parade of snow plows.  It's the closest thing to a Mardi Gras parade that we'll get.

After the snow fun, everyone gathered in front of the fire and the usual commentary of boredom began.  "Can we invite a friend over/ I'm bored/ How much tv can we watch today?"  I called my girlfriend Karen and arranged a prisoner swap.  I mean play date.  They live several blocks down the road and are willing to drive in snow, which I am not.  Our youngest three are currently at their home and will be returned in a few hours.  I'll keep their children here while both parents conduct business conference calls.  I do love good friends.


Today's post title from Sarah Hart's Snow Angels - so beautiful and fanciful!

Something close to nothing

As Mr. Neoclassic left for work this morning, he reminded the boys to edge and mow the yards. Classic Rock opted to do the edging and Zydeco agreed to take on the mowing. As I made breakfast, Classic Rock headed out in the cooler morning weather to do his part. Zydeco decided to attack his portion later in the day.

When Mr. Neoclassic arrived home from work not long ago, he tracked Zydeco down and inquired about the lawn status.

Mr. Neo (with righteous indignation):

"What, exactly, have you been doing all day since you weren't mowing?"

Zydeco's response (with a smile):

"Something close to nothing, but different than the day before!"

I love a good application of song lyrics!  Part of me was so proud and a (smaller) part of me was appalled at his level of sassy.

But then, he comes by it genetically.  And he did go mow.


Today's post title (and sassy reply) from Prince's Raspberry Beret!

Country roads, take me home

While John Denver was singing about West Virginia in his song, I always have those lyrics floating through my mind as we drive into my husband's home town. He was raised in a small Arkansas town surrounded by family. (I have heard that's both a blessing and a curse) Getting to my in-laws' home requires us to drive up the mountain and pass a grandmother, a few aunts, one or two uncles, various cousins, and several head of cattle - much to my children's delight. Once we arrive at their house, we feel transported to another world of nature noises, exciting animals (the deer feed in the garden), and beautiful scenery. It's a relaxing and refreshing visit for us all.

We made sure to spend time with Granny.  She's 88 and still gardens a plot

nearly 150' x 150'.  Her tomatoes were outstanding!

Somebody used her cute curls and sweetest voice to convince everyone to read to her.

We love Grandma's pool. 

 A greenhouse cover extends her swimming season from

April through late October!  So much fun for all of us.

Zydeco was able to finish his Fishing Merit Badge requirements with the help of his Grandpa!

During an early (4 AM) trip, he landed a 17" bass.  He prepped it and cooked it, too.

It was delicious.  Peace out -

We enjoyed our cross country adventure and have more pictures and stories to share.  I will be posting them over the next few weeks.  Classic Rock and I leave tomorrow for the Eastern Shore of Virginia to help serve with our church's Youth Mission Trip.  

Now that I'm on my way

On the same night Classic Rock was awarded his Eagle Rank, we also celebrated an important achievement for Zydeco. He recently turned 12 and was awarded his Life Rank. 12 is young for this particular rank, but he's participated fully and eagerly in as many Troop activities as possible since he joined.  He dives into merit badge work with great enthusiasm and looks forward to his yearly week of Scout summer camp where he will earn about five or six more badges.

His photography badge work was exemplified in the last post, as well as in this post.  After fulfilling his required number of months tending amphibians (remember this toad), he also earned the Reptile and Amphibian badge at this ceremony.  By the way, those toads are cute and funny, but they bark like small yippy dogs, which is weird.

Receiving all the Merit Badges earned in the last several months.

Mama's stand with their Scouts to receive the Rank Parent Pin.

The Scout pins it on upside down and the parent rotates it

when the Scout has done a good turn.

(A bit blurry because the winds were so strong)

Zydeco will continue to work on badges and take leadership roles within the Troop, but he won't be starting an Eagle project for at least another year or two.  He recognized the levels of attention, leadership, responsibility, and service required to complete a full project and, showing a maturity beyond 12, decided that he's not ready for that dedication yet.  He's planning to enjoy the ride, have great fun with this fellow Scouts, and experience Life.

He's definitely on his way - but at his pace.  At that's just fine.

Today's post title from Toby Keith's How do like me now?

Well it's my birthday too, yeah

It's true - Jazz and I have birthdays only a day apart. With Zydeco's birthday barely one week earlier, we usually dive into vats of buttercream frosting, coming up only for the occasional vegetable. This year, we decided to change things up a bit and have each birthday celebrant choose their favorite dessert for their special dinner. Actually, they choose the dinner, too.

Zydeco opted for nachos heaped with his favorite array of toppings. He followed this with Snickerdoodle cupcakes which, as he put it, were sweet without being overly sickening. Proving that he really isn't my child, he walked away with half a cupcake to go. Then again, the rest of us just dream of his abs and waistband :)

Jazz's dinner of choice was her Daddy's homemade mac-n-cheese. It was absolutely divine and was followed by a visit to the new snowball stand. They advertise "New Orleans style" snowballs and they don't disappoint.

Preparation of my dinner choice is underway. Delicious strozzapreti with sides of sauteed zucchini and glazed carrots. Yum!

After mentioning several weeks ago that I'd always wanted to try an ice cream cake, my children decided that's what my dessert should be. I can't wait! It's fun to be spoiled :)

Today's post title is still The Beatles Birthday

Who more than self their country loved

While running errands with Zydeco this past weekend, we stopped at the post office and waited in line to mail a package. We'd just left the orthopedist and Zydeco's arm was officially free and soaking up Vitamin D once again. Chatting with him in line, I noticed a much older, gray haired black gentleman standing in front of us. The band on the back of his baseball cap read "Redtails" and a memory was sparked in my brain.  I just couldn't quite place the term. Then I read the back of the gentleman's sweatshirt. Under various pictures of old-time jet fighters with red tips was a phrase about "bringing them all home safely."

Then it hit me - Redtails. Tuskegee Airmen. History.

I studied the back of this man, judging his age to be about right for him to have been an Airmen circa World War II. As I was drumming up courage to ask a complete stranger about his life, the young woman behind us jumped right in and asked for me. She was in uniform - the standard Air Force Battle Uniform - and was so excited to hear him say, "Yes, I am a Tuskgekee Airman."

Zydeco immediately perked up and joined the conversation.  He'd heard of Tuskegee, but didn't understand the significance of these Airmen.  Mr. Erza Hill, Sr. was generous with his discussion and even offered to stand off to the side and chat with us and the young female airman after we'd all finished our post office business.  We learned about his story - he was too young to serve during WWII, but was so inspired by the achievements of (then) Capt. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. that he, too, entered the Air Force and trained at Tuskegee.  He lead a distinguished career in his own right and was proud to receive a Congressional Medal of Honor with his Tuskegee peers.

The young airman, also African American, told of her inspiration to join the Air Force based on the groundbreaking work of the original Tuskegee men.  Her joy and exuberance at meeting a "real" Airman was palpable.  I gladly snapped several pictures of her with Mr. Hill.

Mr. Hill explained that, following his retirement, he eagerly traveled to share his story and that of the famed Airmen in order to educate youth.  He even published a children's book recounting the establishment of the Tuskegee Airmen.  Since he mentioned having copies with him, I was happy to get one for Zydeco.  We were even able to snap a quick shot of them together.

We've always enjoyed and appreciated living in this history rich section of the United States.  We've often visited the Historic Triangle areas and traveled just a few hours to tour and learn about Monticello, D.C., and the James River Plantations.  I love enriching my children's educations with family tours and experiences - I just didn't realize I would accomplish this by simply running errands.  Truthfully, more learning occurred for Zydeco in those twenty minutes spent in a dusty post office corner than in any tour, lecture or video presented at any historic venue.

Today's post title taken from a stanza of America the Beautiful

Snapshot image froze without a sound

Zydeco is currently attending sessions to earn his Photography Merit Badge.  He now understands more about my camera (a Canon SX20 IS) than I do.  This is a good thing because he let me follow him around the yard while he took pictures of the newest Spring blooms to grace our little piece of heaven.  I enjoyed observing his point of view.  He made the iris look huge by taking the photo while aiming upward.  He also shot just the right angle to make it seem as though a tongue was rolling out of the cavernous mouth, gasping for breath.

I requested that he catch a quick shot of dinner (grilled veggie quesadillas, con carne for some) because Mr. Neoclassic did a fabulous improvisation of dish I love to order when dining at the local Mexican restaurant.  We're not letting the fact that we used the panini press to finish off the quesadillas ruin our fiesta evening.  We're just full of contradictions and dichotomy over here.

PS - 3rd Down is a shot of FIGS!  That means more cookies!  Woohoo!

Today's post title from The J. Geils Band Freeze Frame

Accidentally in love

As a child, I managed to break both collar bones, on separate occasions, before the age of three. Sandwiched in that time, I also burned both legs. I tell you this because I am convinced that every family has THAT child - the one who wears out the lamination on the health insurance card.

I was THAT child.

I have a THAT child.

His name is Zydeco. At the age of eight, he visited the ER so many times in a six month period that they separated him from us and questioned him assuming an abuse situation. I appreciate the staff's concern, but really we're just one of those families. The families that deserve a placard in the waiting room for most visits in a single year and an exam room named just for them.

Last week, he managed to slam his elbow into asphalt while playing a game at the Scout meeting. Since it was a Scout meeting, there were numerous wanna-be first-aiders to clean the abraded elbow and offer assistance with bandaging. That is, until they noticed the very swollen and not-so-symmetrical joint. They quickly and happily turned his care over to his father and the Scoutmaster. A makeshift sling was created (from a kitchen apron - I love Scouts) and ice was applied.

I received the "Hi honey, I'm going to drop Classic Rock off at home and head to the ER with Zydeco" call.  My husband's tone was very calm and soothing because he knew......

"WHAT!!!!????" My response may have awoken the sleeping girls.

Being a good Catholic Italian mother, I said a quick Hail Mary, jumped through the shower (one must be clean at the ER), and packed a bag of snacks and water bottles. We've done this ER thing before, you know, and snacks are a must. When Classic Rock bounded into the house, I bounded out to the car reeling off directions - "unload the dishwasher; your sisters are in bed; lock the house behind me. Thanks."  I think I said thanks.  I may not have given the circumstances.  Mea culpa

Zydeco didn't realize that every person/ staff member we encountered at the ER would ask for a retelling of the accident just to ensure his story was "real" and no abuse/ cover up was involved. The fifth or sixth time he was asked, my delightfully humorous but slightly mouthy child responded with a shrug and a nonchalant, "I was attacked by rabid squirrels."  Thankfully, the x-ray tech was in good humor...

The doctor that read the x-rays, asked for the story again, and palpitated his joint commended Zydeco for his straightforward ability to answer questions and given information.   Maybe we've done this before?  She recommended a sling for two or three days and a follow up with the pediatrician for more x-rays.  The swollen joint and presence of growth plates made reading the x-rays impossible.  Zydeco noted, much to her amusement, that the sling would join our closet of emergency room supplies - so far we have the ankle boot, crutches, another sling, and various Ace bandages.

Last Friday, Zydeco and I started at the pediatrician's office.  She was unimpressed with his limited range of movement and sent us directly to the orthopedist.  Sadly, we have one on speed dial.  Three hours and an empty snacks bag later, we have a cast.  Official diagnosis is Radial End Fracture.

Even though his flag football season has been cut short and even though his arm is constantly itchy, Zydeco's really maintained a great sense of humor.  He attended the football game to cheer on his buddies and was promoted to Jr. Coach.  He's milking the I-can't-do-any-chores routine, as all good kids should.

He's awesome and I love him!

Today's post title thanks to Shrek!

Here comes the weekend

Our little Domestic Church wishes y'all a great weekend.  We've enjoyed our two inches of snow and our fabulous Mardi Gras dinner with friends.  The snow is gone already, but the cold air is still very present.  The remainder of our weekend will be spent very close to the fire :)

This prideful Mama wants to point out all the handmade hats!

And I adore the snow angel attempt (upper right) inspired by reading

Ezra Keat's The Snowy Day!

As I finished forming the King Cake (minus the braiding this week),

the power on our block went out!

I grabbed the keys to a neighbor's house (we're house sitting while they're out of town)

and baked my creation in their oven -  Thanks L!

When you need a laugh...

...this guy delivers every time.

Just this evening, I turned from the stove top and managed to spill rice all over the floor. Zydeco came around the corner one second later and, before any sort of exasperated sound could escape my mouth, said to me:

"I guess we're having dirty rice for dinner."

Oh, I really needed the comic relief today!

And his quickness in helping to sweep up the mess was a welcomed blessing.

Taste and See

School starts tomorrow for our little Domestic Church. The older children are all ready and very excited. Classic Rock's starting a rigorous high school program and Zydeco's starting a fabulous magnet middle school program, while Jazz is returning to her sweet and wonderful elementary school. We, as parents, are still trying to grasp that our child is old enough for high school. Really, when did that happen? And when did he suddenly pass me in height?

Okay, so he passed me about a year ago because I'm short, but the high school part makes him seem so much taller.

This evening, Zydeco and Jazz helped me bake the coming week's lunch box goodies.

Wielding the chef's knife

Manning the mixer station

During dinner, they voted on Raw Cookie Dough Bites and Oatmeal Fruit Bars. I don't have a link for the bar recipe because it was given to me by a friend. I like that it uses whole wheat flour and flax seed meal, along with loads of fruits. The recipe is very adaptable, too. If we feel like cranberries, then I add orange extract and almonds. If we want walnuts, then I add apples and apricots. (And don't tell my children, but I leave out at least half the sugar it calls for :)

My goal is let them choose the coming week's lunch box extras. I have a growing list of healthy alternative brownies, cookies, bars, and muffins for them to sample, and it's nice to have a little homemade goodness next to your sandwich, salad, and veggies.  I think Mr. Neoclassic's happy to see the school year start because it means more homemade in his lunch box.  I get a little lazy during the summer when fixing his lunches.

Enjoy the week!

Good times, sunshine and summertime

"Mama, can I have a lemonade stand this summer? Please?"

I've heard this simple question countless times during the past weeks. And, yes, I did correct the grammar (that's "may I") each time. Jazz read about a lemonade stand in a book and has been adamant that she needs to run a stand of her own. I haven't been opposed to the stand idea since I remember running a stand of my own with friends many, many years ago. I think we made a nickel, at most, because it was a hot, sticky summer day in New Orleans and we drank our product, leaving none for unsuspecting customers.

We just needed to find a day to put her dreams into action. With the temperatures down just a bit and Classic Rock still out of town, the younger set was primed for a project of their own. Following yesterday's intense dinner conversation with MBA Dad Mr. Neoclassic, Jazz and Zydeco were swimming in business terms like capital, revenue, cost of goods sold, and profit. They seemed focused solely on profit. Smart kids.

Welcome to Sweet Smiles Lemonade!  May we serve you?

Such a sweet smile!  I'm pretty sure the lure of cash sparked this one's project dedication.

The brains behind the business!

Actually sitting next to one another!

They cleared about $5 this afternoon and met a whole slew of new neighbors and passers-by.  The highlight for me was witnessing them working together to make and set up the stand.  They discussed options for locations, signage, and seating.  They, like many siblings during long summer days, have spent pockets of time loathing the air the other one breathes.  There have been days I've threatened to move them into a bedroom together so that they can learn to live in peace and harmony (just like Coke!).  And, like a good Catholic mom, I made them sit together on the bottom step, hold hands, and pray for sibling peace.  Oh, yes, I did!

But then there are times these two are inseparable.  They will play games together and laugh together for hours.  And, apparently, enter entrepreneurship together.

Biggest laugh of the day?  When Jazz sold a cup of lemonade ($0.50) to an adult, then watched that adult put the remaining quarter back into her pocket and say she didn't have enough for a second cup.  Jazz slyly pointed out that cups of water were only $0.25 and were even colder than the lemonade.  She'll be fine in the cold hard world of business, I have no doubt!

Today's blog post title from Faith Hill's Sunshine and Summertime.

For the gift that we might call you friend

A few weeks ago, the three younger children and I had a few hours to fill while waiting for Classic Rock to finish an appointment.   Some days I totally forget what a great gift empty time can be for us.  We were already near downtown Hampton, so we headed toward the waterfront and one of our all-time favorite haunts.

Blue Skies Gallery

I discovered this wonderful little gallery during my years working in downtown Hampton. My office was only three short blocks away and there were a few days when I'd wander the Gallery viewing the pieces while cogitating solutions to various storm water puzzles. We've purchased several pieces of art over the years for our own home and for gifts. It's a co-op gallery, so there's always an artist on the floor to answer questions and discuss their medium. I always think of a visit to the Gallery as a life lesson for my children. We can look at museum pieces for hours, but to hear the artist tell why they produced a piece, and how, is an awesome experience.

This particular day was no exception for Zydeco, Jazz and Irish Jig. Jazz knows her way around the Gallery and enters like a pro. She adheres to the "no touch" Mama rule, but questions and gushes over every piece she sees. Blue Skies is her favorite destination for Daddy-Daughter Dates, and was the first place she chose to spend her school skip day with her grandparents.

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

Piscasso

The gift bags the Gallery uses.

Irish Jig needed to be held, but she was very curious and very loud.  The Gallery folks were wonderful and not worried about her volume.  Thankfully!  She seemed intrigued by the thread and fabric art booths....maybe because she's surrounded by threads and fabrics at home???

Zydeco figured out the Gallery was running a scavenger hunt.  A super macro shot of a piece of art was posted at the sales desk.  Anyone able to find the actual piece of art, be it painting, sculpture, or other, would be awarded a small prize - a piece of art by one of the co-op members.  He was on the hunt and wouldn't let me consider leaving until he discovered the piece.  With several well worded clues from the artists, he found the piece and happily left with a small watercolor by Laura Tovar Dietrick.  Amazingly, she's the same artist that kindly hosted Jazz's Brownie Troop for a Gallery tour and Artist's talk earlier this year.

Ms. Tovar Dietrick explaining various methods of painting

A fiber artist by the name of Chris Pascuzzi was working in the Gallery during our visit.  She had her Bernina all set up and was chugging away at new bowl designs. I immediately camped out at her feet, more or less, and peppered her with questions. She was delightful and, of course, I wanted one of her pieces.  Well, actually I wanted to purchase one of her pieces for a friend's birthday.  Zydeco helped me pick the perfect combination of color and pattern.  Now that G has received her package, I can show it on the web.

Corded fiber bowl by Chris Pascuzzi

We ended our little trip with a stop at the local ice cream parlor because I am the cool mom.  If you're ever in Hampton Roads, I suggest spending an hour or two wandering the Blue Skies Gallery and hearing about art from the artists themselves.

Today's blog post title = Sarah Hart's You Alone