What's That You Say, Mrs. Robinson?

Oahu, Maui, Here I come!

A while back I wrote about how I was dreaming about my next Hawaiian vacation.

Well, beloved readers, it is on the horizon! End of July. 17 more weeks and I'm off to Oahu and Maui. Somehow the Hawaiian gods and godesses have blessed us with the added bonus of hubby and I sneaking off to Maui while the boys stay on Oahu with hubbie's Mom. The photo to the right is where we will be staying on Maui (Napili Beach). A little condo complex called the Mauian.

I almost tried on swimsuits this weekend, but I decided that I could still loose about 10 pounds before we go and that I would wait until I was closer to my vacation weight before spending $100 on a good suit.

I can taste the Pinapple/Orange/Guava juice now. Warm breezes, cold cocktails, and time alone with the man of my life. Holy Cow.

Oh, yeah. Here's one more photo of Napili Beach. Put me under this tree!!!!!

And here is where we are staying on Oahu...I'll take a breakfast reservation for 4 at Duke's please!

TAGS: Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Duke's, Napili

Easy Saturday Morning

There was a time, not so long ago, when a day like this would not have been possible. Those days were filled with beautiful little boys running around the house, needing constant attention, diaper changing, food making, danger averting, and just general entertaining.

This morning I slept until almost 9 am, woke to my kids watching a re-run of Will and Grace together on the couch. I made them eggs and toast, but I didn't HAVE to. I just wanted to. Now they are doing their own thing and I'm here blogging. In an hour we will be headed out the door to drop D off at Pony baseball tryouts and then swinging by Serra to drop P off at baseball practice. Hubby is helping to run the Pony tryouts so he is busy all day. Once I drop P off, it will be to the mall for me. I'll have about 2 hours to meander, drink a latte, get some new threads, or not depending on what I find. No strollers to push, no mandatory visits to the Disney store, no potty emergencies.

Then it will be time to pick P up. Back to the house we'll go. Hang out for a bit and then at 4 it will be time for hubby and I to go to a little cocktail party after which we'll head down to Santa Clara University to watch the Serra varsity basketball team play for the CCS championships (this would be their 3rd in a row).

So you can see how different life is when you older children vs. younger children. It's not that I didn't totally enjoy those days when I would be awake at 6 am with two little boys climbing all over the bed and asking Mommy to make some Cheerios and put Raffi on the TV. I miss those times. I cherished those times. But I cherish these as well. It's just different. Instead of warm snugly kisses early in the morning, I now get IMs from the kids while I'm at work and they are home doing homework. I got one yesterday from P that said "hi mom i luv u."

Life is good.

Greetings from Woolfcamp

So here we are. Woolfcamp 2006 set at chez Grace in the beautiful (but rainy) Santa Cruz mountains. There is a Woolfcamp blog: check it out.

A big thanks to my wonderful husband who graciously let go of me today so that I could participate in this creative opportunity like no other I've had before. Stop lurking, honey, and leave me a comment to let me know how you guys are doing. Did Payton have a good practice?

He Made It!!!!

Thanks for all of the good energy you all were sending our way. IT WORKED! P made the baseball team today. It is a HUGE accomplishment for him. I'm just reveling in the joy of it all...

PLAY BALL!

That's what friends are for

Real friends tend to be around when you really need them. Becky has been my dear friend for **gulp** 25 years now. She sends these wishes to P as he awaits final cuts tomorrow. **double gulp**

Hope springs eternal

I saw a bumper sticker today that just warmed my heart. With all of the ignorance and violence and hate in the world it is sometimes difficult to have hope that it will ever get better. Today I saw proof of that in the Long's parking lot. It read...

"Former Republican"

I almost wept with joy. Yes, Virginia. There is a Santa Clause

Giving Thanks

There is so much to be angry, sad and upset about in the world today, but I see that crap everyday on the news (I need to just stop watching TV all together).  So today, because it is what it is, I am going to focus on what is right with the world, at least my world.

I'll start with the more obvious things. I am thankful that I have a healthy, happy, funny, sweet and loving husband who does laundry, cooks, does dishes, kills spiders, and plunges toilets. I am thankful that I have two healthy, happy, funny, sweet and loving children who are learning to do laundry, cook, clean dishes, kill spiders and plunge toilets.

I am also thankful for my job, my house, my dogs, my large extended family and my circle of friends.

I am thankful for books, flowers, wine and pasta.

I am thankful that I am not prone to cold soars, ingrown toenails or yeast infections.

I wish other people were more thankful for peace, humanity and charity. I think that people are basically good, and I am thankful for that, but wish that we would hear more about those who are peaceful, humane and charitable.

Thanksgiving

San Carlos, Throwin' down some love

My home town, San Carlos, is seriously represent'n in the Katrina Relief Effort. We have adopted a sister city, Pass Christian, a Mississippi Gulf Coast town of 7,000 devastated by Hurricane Katrina. We will be having a long term relationship in an effort to have a sustainable impact with our help. There will be several events over the next several months to kick off our aid efforts.

I'm feelin' might proud of our city. Read more details here.

San Carlos, you really are the city of good living.

TAGS: san carlos, Katrina relief, adopt a city

Off to the Emrald City

I'm off to Seattle! I will take photos and share this beautiful part of the country with all of you. I won't be there in time for sunset tonight (actually I'll get to see it from the plane), but will wake up on the shores of Peuget Sound in the AM! Ah...finally, I'll be able to breath!

Fun in the Sun

Spent Saturday and Sunday up at my Mom's houseboat. Darren was a rock star wakeboarder. He pops up at will now and is taking wakes and generally just kicking ass. This is great for him; it's something that neither his Dad, Mom, or Big Brother can do. He is not afraid to try anything and he is reaping the rewards. I can't even tell you how proud I am.

Lots of sun, water and beverages over the weekend. Great weather (about 85 all weekend). It is officially summer! Whoooo Whoooo!

Just booked a flight to Washington for the end of July. We are all sort of going up at different times. We are going to our family home (belongs to my Father-in-law and his brother right now) in Gig Harbor, WA.  Looking forward to more relaxation, family fun and READING TIME! Speaking of which, gotta run and finish "The Other Boleyn Girl."  A PAGE TURNER!

My new toy

Here it is, my new baby. It's not the super duper Nikon that the pros are using, but it rocks for me! I will be posting photos as they become available! I will, indeed become a photo phreak in no time flat. This baby has all of the pluses of a digital camera with the action settings and the telephoto capabilities of my 35mm old faithful. It is an early birthday gift from my dear hubby. My bday isn't until August, but how can I resist when he is ready, willing and able to shower me with such gifts early? We decided that there were too many good things happening between now and August that I would want to use it for. I love that he can rationalize anything! Well, most of the time. Hang on to your hats, the photos, they are a comin'!

He's IN!!!!

Thank you SO much, all of you, for all of your good karma, thoughts, and prayers. Payton got an acceptance letter to Serra High today. He is beyond thrilled.  As a reality check though, he is dealing with the fact that one of his very best friends did NOT get in.  It looks like he is the only one within the "group" that did not. The boys are learning about what it means to be a friend right now. It is easy to be a friend when things are going well.  Right now, their friendship means more to this one kid than it ever has before. 

Of course I cried when I found out. I cried again when I realized that Grace had called me 3 times on my cell phone to find out what the verdict was; remembering that this was a big day for me meant SO much.  Thank you Grace. Really.

Anyway.  We are all so proud and will sleep well tonight.

Rock on, my son

What a big weekend for my now 14 year old son, Payton. He turned 14 on Friday, and this morning he had an interview at Serra High School (whose alumni are very impressive, see the end of this post for a list) as the last step in the admissions process. There are over 500 kids applying for 258 spots. He spent about 10 minutes being interviewed 1 on 1 and then Dan and I came in for another 10-15 minutes. This is kind of a tricky process for us as Serra is an all-boys Catholic school and we aren't Catholic (back in the day, I was baptized Catholic, but it was literally a back-door baptism as my Mom was a 17 year old unwed mother and especially back in the '60's in the mid-west, that was highly frowned upon.).

Although they say that you don't have to be Catholic to attend Serra, you know it helps. On the application, we had to write about what we were doing for the spiritual growth of our kids since we weren't attending any church. That required some real introspection on my part since we haven't necessarily made a point to foster a spiritual side of our kids, but as I thought about it, I found that we did, in fact, in our own way, teach our children to be mindful of their place in this world, to "do unto others...", to be giving, caring, thoughtful, respectful, and to understand that they are a part of a large community that we call the Earth. They know all about Karma and have seen it in action. They know that character is how you behave when you think that nobody is watching.

Which brings me to the BIG lesson that Payton learned today. The man that interviewed him used to be a teacher at the middle school that he attends. The teacher remembered him from when he was in the 5th and 6th grade. He didn't teach him in class, but he knew him from the time he had "playground duty." He said that he remembered Payton as being a good kid who followed the rules and looked out for some of other kids (Payton has always been in that "cool jock" group and has been in a unique position to be a role model at an early age). As we walked out of the interview and back to the car, I asked Payton how well he knew the teacher and he said that he remembered him but didn't know him that well. I couldn't help but point out the fact that his behavior and his attitude 2 or 3 years ago was watched by someone without him really knowing about it, and that because he was a good kid, and treated people well (which for a 10-11 year old boy out on the playground is not necessarily the norm), he was now reaping the rewards. I said, "Payton, you never know how your actions today will effect your future. You just learned that by just being a good kid a couple of years ago, your interview was off to a good start before you ever even opened your mouth. That teacher remembered you, and had a high opinion of you, and now that is going to possibly get something that you really want."

What a HUGE lesson to learn and to see come to fruition right in front of his eyes. I big Mom **sigh** moment for me. And a big moment for Payton. He did really well during the rest of the interview, he smiled, he looked the interviewer right in the eyes, he was articulate and passionate about why he was there.

From there we went to Big 5 to get him cleats and sliding pants for baseball tryouts today. Like I said, it's a big day for him, one that could weigh heavily on his self-confidence. The first part went well, and gave him confidence going into tryouts. My son, how you are turning into a beautiful, self-sufficient young man who is tackling all that life puts before you. You make my heart weep with joy and admiration.

To both of my son's, I would like to quote my favorite author, Maya Angelou:
Because you are who you are, I have never had to exaggerate. I just tell the truth: I have the most wonderful son in the world.

All night tonight and all day tomorrow, including the Superbowl, I will have a house full of 14 year old boys (about 8-10 of them at any given time) helping Payton celebrate his birthday. I tend to only get religious during times like these. Lord, grant me the strength and the wisdom...and if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. If I shall live through the night, I pray that there is enough tequila in the house to get me through tomorrow!

Serra Alumni:
Professional Athletes - Barry Bonds, Tom Brady, Lynnn Swan, Greg Jeffries,
President and CEO Trader Joe’s, John Sheilds
New York Times Editor and Pulitzer Prize Winner, William Keller

Something wonderful is afoot at the Circle K

Ok, so I butchered that a bit (it is supposed to be "strange things are afoot at the Circle K", from one of my favorite movies of all time, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure).

Darren is responding nicely to his increased dosages of Concerta.  Good feedback from teachers, no side effects, yet.  We actually watched him "come down" from the meds yesterday evening.  He went from calm, cool and collected to the crazy, uninhibited, loud and somewhat obnoxious kid he is.  He likes the changes. He can tell a difference in his ability to control his  impulsive behaviors (can we all sing it together..."HALLELUYAH!"). OK, so I butchered the spelling of that, I'm sure. Hey give me a break, my English degree was in literature and teaching, not spelling!

Anyway,  in other news, Payton (our almost 14 year old) was, as of about 6 months ago, the same height as Darren (2.4 years apart). As of last night, Payton SKYED over Darren by almost 3 inches!  He has been on such a spurt. He has a little peach fuzz on the corners of his upper lip, his voice has completely changed, he actually has real muscles, and I dare say, he is well on his way to becoming a young man. (Grace, Molly Robinson sounds WAY cool by the way). Wait a minute. There is NO WAY I'm old enough to have a 14 year old!!!! I'm only 37. Oh, but wait, when my Mom was 37, I was 20. OOPS. If I were to keep up with my Mom, I'd be a Grandma in 3 years. Ummmmmm NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! I'm sure Payton would concur. And the bowl full of condoms is located right next to the front door. (Not litterally, but, boy, ya know what I mean?).

Speaking of condoms, I met the Director of  "Grant Getting" for Planned Parenthood today. Obviously that's not her official title, but it describes who she is and what she does. She reports directly to the big cheesette of PP. What a fabulous organization. They were there for me, and I will do my best to make sure that all of the young women that I will be dealing with over the next several years know of their services. It was an honor and a HUGE pat on the back when she approved of my parenting techniques when it comes to sex ed and talking to your kids. I think I just broke my arm patting myself on the back.

Speaking of Sex Ed. Did you see the hideous results that the Texas (AKA: BUSH) abstenance program has reported?????  Can we have a collective...DUHHHHHH!!!!!!

Love the one you're with...

With all of the tragic stories we have been hearing and seeing about people who have survived or not survived the tsunami in Asia, I was overjoyed to run across this one. It is about survival, enduring hardship overcoming differences to come together and support one another.

The picture you see here is of Owen(L), a 1 year old hippopotamus that survived the tsunami on the Kenyan coast, and a giant tortoise that is over 100 years old. They have become inseparable after Owen was separated from his mother during the tsunami(photo courtesy of AFP/Peter Greste). Is this not just THE cutest thing you have ever seen?

We could learn a lot from these two.

A "little" holiday cheer

We are really feeling the holiday spirit now. Even our 4 legged children are getting into it! This is a photo of Ronaldo, our sweet little (6 lbs) Chihuahua. Feliz Navidad. Donde esta Santa Clause?

Not so random acts of kindness

Today I experienced several not-so-random acts of kindness. My 11 year old son, Darren called me right after he got out of school to ask me if he could go to a friends house. I said yes, but before we hung up he said, "Mom, I love you." (weep-gulp-choke). What a kid.

Then, one of my co-workers asked me to come down to her car to pick out a scarf for myself. She had made about 50 of them (you know, the wonderful, fuzzy hand made kind that are so popular now) for a Christmas Faire and she wanted me to have one before they were all gone. I got to choose which one and everything! Then, this same co-worker, seeing that I was having a bad day, gave me chocolate chip cookie that she had made and brought for a snack. Ok, I know what you are thinking, I don't work at the prison where Martha lives. This is just a really warm and wonderful woman who was going out of her way to brighten my day. Mission accomplished miss Shirley.

Random acts of kindness are WONDERFUL, don't get me wrong. But when they are totally un-random and someone does something nice for YOU, it is a different kind of sweetness alltogether.