I don’t remember where I was when I first heard “Your Ghost”, by Kristin Hersh (with background vocals by Michael Stipe); but, to this day, that song generates some serious memories and warm fuzzy feelings. *blushes*
I’ve already talked about the power of a song, so I won’t repeat myself . . . entirely. I continue to be amazed at the power of music and the power of a song. All week, our boys have been singing the songs on The Verve Pipe’s A Family Album. I sent off a Tweet to Kristin Hersh, wondering if she would do a kids’ album.
I was excited when I received a message back from Kristin, letting me know she recorded an album with her kids in the late 90s. The album, “Murder, Misery and then Goodnight” was not in my collection, but it is now. (Thank you iTunes!) And, don’t let the title of the album deter you from sharing it with the kids, after all the lyrics to the popular lullaby ‘Rock-a-bye baby’ aren’t exactly happy.
Psst… here’s her ‘Your Ghost’ song from ‘Hips and Makers’:
***
While busy doing everything and anything, with the exception of what needed to get done, I stumbled upon a website that sells watches for charity. Have I mentioned I love watches? Have I mentioned orange is my favorite color? Well, let me tell you now, I love watches, and orange is my favorite color.
So, when I stumbled upon HopeWatch, I was so excited. This was a perfect opportunity for me to rationalize spending money we don’t have to give to the greater good. And yes, I did rationalize the purchase, and I encourage you to check out the HopeWatch website, and ‘watch’ as they give back to the communities in need.
***
When the boys started using the potty, I rejoiced in the fact that we no longer had to buy diapers. When the boys moved into real beds, I rejoiced in the fact that we no longer had to deal with cribs. When the boys were able to dress themselves, I cried.
Joe, when he was 2yrs old, holding Giraffey tight. Today, as a 5yr old, he holds Giraffey the exact same way.
When I was done crying, I was on-call and ready to jump into action, if they ever requested my help. (And, I secretly hoped (and still hope) that they would ask for my help.) I was happy this week, when Charlie asked me to help him get ready for bed. As I was putting on his shirt, it dawned on me: we are nearing the end of the ‘T’ stage.
My days of buying clothes based on their age are ending. *sigh* Joe barely fits into 5T, and Charlie is nearly maxed on his 4Ts. This is serious stuff, folks. I’m not ready for big kid clothes. Kindergarten in August – and now big kid clothes? At least Joe still sleeps with his ‘Giraffey’. I don’t even want to think about the first night he goes without it.
***
In Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones says, “Why’d it have to be snakes.” Indiana Jones was not fond of snakes. Me? I love snakes.
This week, we spent one evening at our neighbor’s house. The kids had a blast having a water gun fight. Truth be told, the Dads had a blast, too. While the kids soaked themselves, my neighbor ordered pizza. When the delivery man drove up with the pizza, Noreen said to the kids, “Guys, don’t squirt the pizza man.” He thanked her.
We all sat on the driveway to eat our pizza dinner, while laughing and enjoying the evening. After dinner, the kids played for a bit longer, but the time came when we had to pack up and head home. I folded the chair I was using, walked into the garage to put the chair away, and noticed a very large – very large – Rat snake. Did I mention it was very large?
The kids gathered around to see the snake, and I was giddy with excitement. Long story short (too late), Rob and I were able to get the snake out of the garage. We watched as it made its way down the front yard and start ‘climbing’ up a tree. Which brings me to another snake story . . .
Two years ago, we were (again) hanging out with our next door neighbors. Jim, Rob and I were sitting on the front lawn, while the boys played. Suddenly, these critters start falling from the sky. Literally. We were started, and we did not know from where the critters were coming. One dropped right in front of me, and it started oddly and quickly crawling towards me. I screamed and stood up, quickly.
We soon realized what was happening. Flying squirrels. Flying squirrels were ‘flying’ and jumping out of a tree. It was the oddest thing. And, when a flying squirrel is on the ground running, it looks like a bat. Again – odd. But really, those critters are cute.
We wondered why the squirrels were jumping and flying from their home, so we walked over to the tree. As we got closer to the tree, we saw the source of the scurry. A long, black Rat snake had made its way up the tree and close to the hole, where the flying squirrels lived. Who knows, perhaps the snake we saw this week was the same one we saw two years ago. Clearly, based on its size, the snake has done well for itself.
***
And finally, today, the boys and I bid adieu to Michelle, their swim teacher. Joe and Charlie had their final swim lesson today. *sigh* Yet another stage in life has come and gone.
Joe, Michelle (the swim teacher) and Charlie
The boys and I have truly enjoyed the past four weeks, going to swim lessons Monday through Friday. From watching the initial fear of swimming change to a confidence and ability to swim to the car-ride conversations and singing of songs, we had a great time.
Both the boys and I had tears in our eyes, as we drove away from Michelle’s house one last time. However, we quickly recovered, listening to “Wake Up!” (Track 1 on The Verve Pipe’s Family Album). See?! Music has power. May your weekend be full of fun and music. Be sure to make time to sing a little song and do a little jig. Why not start your weekend off right by listening to this:
While enjoying the morning of Mother’s Day, Joe scurried around handing me cards and small gifts. One of the lasts gifts he gave me was his Leapster. “Mommy,” he said. “For Mother’s Day, you can use my Leapster whenever you want today, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. But, you have to stop using it on Sunday.”
***
Last Thursday, Rob and I learned a neighbor was struggling with financial issues and house repairs. In an attempt to to fund the house repairs, the neighbors were having a yard sale and looking for donated items to include in the sale. We immediately went through our things and pulled out items to include in their sale.
While in the kitchen, I opened the cabinet where we keep most of our pots and pans. I asked Rob, “What can we do without in here?” Without skipping a beat, he answered, “All of it.”
We laughed. Though we have several pots and pans, we use the same two pots nightly: one pot for the canned vegetable, and one pot for boiling water for the mac n’cheese. Go ahead, send your condolence cards to Rob, as his wife neglects him, culinarily speaking.
***
As I have said, driving to swim lessons makes for fun times in the car. I enjoy hearing Joe and Charlie chatting back and forth. Joe, true to his big brother role, tries to teach Charlie many things. Last night, while tucking Joe in bed, he said “Mommy, tomorrow we need to teach Charlie the difference between today, yesterday and tomorrow.”
Earlier this week, both Joe and I were trying to teach Charlie right and left. While driving down a curvy road, Joe said “Charlie, now the car is going left.” “Well,” Joe added, “the back of the car is going right.” Something tells me, Joe may have lost Charlie with that added bit of info.
***
On my way to work, I drive by a high school. As one might expect, traffic is slow around the high school in the morning. I don’t mind the slow pace of traffic, because it gives me a chance to check out the latest clothing styles, based on high school students. And, it is quite entertaining to observe the various styles or lack thereof.
Good shoe fashion, especially the style on the right.
I am not hip to fashion or style. My dressing attire is often bland and ordinary. Come Spring and Fall, I get kinda crazy and wear socks with sandals. [Happily, my boys have picked up on my socks and sandals fashion sense.] I understand socks with sandals are frowned upon by many. That’s fine. And, though no one asked for my opinion, I believe the socks with sandals look is far better than some other shoe styles I see.
Flashy sneakers, untied and too big – this is a hip look? Really? Worn-out, flattened flip flops dragging across the ground. Really? That’s a stylish look that is better than socks with sandals? I don’t get it. Though, I do remember a guy in high school, Ben. He was (still is) older than I, and he wore flip flops to school. I remember thinking his flip flops were cool. Unlike the flip flops I see on kids today, Ben’s flip flops were thick, leather flip flops. [Why do I even remember Ben, Class of ’85? Goodness knows, he doesn’t know me. *sigh*]
***
Well, that about does it for me today. I hope you all have a lovely weekend. We have a great deal planned here, which may make for some interesting babbling next week. Or not. I’ll end with a joke I heard on Sesame Street this morning [don’t ask].
A bone shares a joke with Matthew Fox and Elmo:
“What do you call a bone with two scoops of ice cream on it?” The bone asks.
“I don’t know,” answers Matthew. “What?”
The bone responds, “An ice cream bone!” ba’dum bum. (No, I didn’t get it either.)
Then Matthew says, “Oh, that must be a funny bone.” ba’dum bum, ching!
Thank you, thank you. I’ll be here all weekend. Toodles!
It’s a frazzled Friday in my head; I kinda wish I could stay in bed.
Lenore's Thoughts Exactly 