Why did the chicken cross the road?

To say I am a chicken would be an understatement. My daughter wants to get her ears pierced. One might think she would be nervous because it is painful; however, I am the one struggling with this new adventure.

This chicken started to cross the road. We went to the mall because that is where one goes when they want to get their ears pierced. My stomach was in knots and my brain was second guessing this decision. Riley is only getting her ears pierced, yet I am acting as if she is participating in a life altering event.

We walked through the mall, holding hands. Eventually, we found the store that has the famous princess teddy bear Riley’s friends have held when they took the leap of faith and had their ears pierced. “Mom, the bear,” squealed Riley.

That dang bear was sitting in the “ear piercing” chair with a smile on its face. It looked so innocent, yet I knew the truth. First, it is earrings, then another piercing, then a tattoo. When does it end? This chicken started to back up and return to the safe side of the road. This chicken was not ready to take a risk. However, my little chick was 100% committed to getting her ears pierced.

Somehow, some way I was going to figure out a way to convince Riley into waiting.

I calmly, yet pleadingly stated, “I don’t think we should do this today.”

“But, I want to. I want the Frozen earrings. Wait, I want the Hello Kitty earrings.” Riley responded.

“Those are pretty. What do you think of the pink flowers? I like the flowers. They will match with everything.” Now I am bartering with her…Unbelievable. This chicken needs to figure out how to get out of the store.

“Fancy! I want the flowers.” Riley agreed.

“Well, here is the deal. I think we should wait a few more days and get your ears pierced after we talk to dad. You can get the pink flowers, as well as hold the princess teddy bear when we come to get your ears pierced. But, I don’t think we should get your ears pierced today.”

As I expected, Riley was not keen on the idea of waiting; however, I worked my magic. This chicken convinced Riley to wait a few more days.

Sometime before Thanksgiving, we are going to cross the road together, chicken and chick. I am going to give Riley the freedom to make a decision for herself. She is going to teach me to let go a little bit.
We haven't crossed the road yet, but we will soon. 

The Green Screen

Dean and a new toy for work, the green screen. Each picture was taken with proper lighting and a green screen in the background. Once the photos were uploaded, all Dean had to do was insert a background of his choice. Riley was his helper and they had fun. 

One Hundred Pounds of Gold

“A child's giggle is worth one hundred pounds of gold.” 
― Amy Leigh Mercree

I agree with this statement 150%. Noah and Riley can laugh and giggle for significant chunks of time. I hear their laughter and it melts my heart. We might be driving in the car and they are singing a song in a silly voice. Genuine laughter follows their silly behavior. We might be at home and they are throwing stuffed animals back and forth. I don’t even bother asking why they are throwing stuffed animals. What is interesting is the genuine laughter that is never ending. If throwing stuffed animals is amusing, who am I to put a stop to the fun?

However, a child’s giggle can also create a boat load of stress. It is like someone flipped a light switch because the kids transform into miniature monsters. Mischievous laughter by one child means he/she is purposely irritating or annoying the other for no apparent reason.  Evil, conniving laughter by one child is followed by squawks, yelling and, “I am telling Mom,” by the other child.

My response is the typical teacher response, “How can you solve this problem?” Of course, in my perfect world, the kids understand that one sibling needs to say, “Stop being annoying.” The other kid needs to listen. Simple, right? HA HA!

Unfortunately, my world is perfectly imperfect and I usually have to coach the kids through a problem solving process, or give a direct order for them to relocate to separate rooms. This coaching/direct order process is hard and frustrating because both kids are stubborn. Giving in symbolizes losing and my kids can be sore losers when they are angry and irritated. Lucky for Dean and I, the kids typically save their miniature monster behavior for moments when we are at home. Is laughter worth one hundred pounds of gold? Not if the laughter is evil and conniving.

Most of the time Dean and I enjoy a hundred pounds of gold in laughter from our kids. However, we always make sure to save a bit of gold for days that are perfectly imperfect.

Closure

Some need closure regarding a relationship with a significant other or family member. Some need closure regarding a friendship. I just experienced closure regarding where I was born and raised. I had an incredible opportunity to return to Anchorage with my dad and fourteen year old nephew. After moving away from the place I called home for twenty-five years in the year 2000, I chose to return. My life after I moved away has been blessed. I married the love of my life, gave birth to two unique and curious children and have experienced numerous adventures.

Is it possible for one to go home, after moving away from “home”? I always said no because home is where one is surrounded by people who love and cherish them. Home is where one can celebrate, cry, or laugh about the ups and downs of life. Home is not a location. It is a feeling of love, comfort, and security. When my brother moved away from Anchorage, one piece of home moved away. When my parents moved away from Anchorage, two more pieces of home moved away. When Dean moved away from Anchorage, the final bit of home moved away with him.

Upon my return to Anchorage this summer, I realized I still knew my way around. Furthermore, I still cherished the majestic mountains, rushing rivers and laid back lifestyle of Anchorage and surrounding area. However, I also experienced closure. I appreciate and cherish growing up in Anchorage. I love the memories, the friendships I established while living there; however, home is where my family resides.

With that being said, I enjoyed the trip thoroughly. I am so lucky to have been born and raised in such a unique and inspiring place. Because I was living in Anchorage, I met Dean. Because I was living in Anchorage, I established life-long friendships with numerous friends. Even though we live thousands of miles apart, it is like no time has passed when we have an opportunity to meet and catch up. Because my parents took a leap of faith and moved to Anchorage to further my dad’s career, my brother and I enjoyed an amazing childhood. I don’t know if closure is the correct word to define how I feel about my relationship with the city of Anchorage.

One thing I do know is I am establishing a safe a secure home with Dean and the kids. My kids will someday contemplate what it is like to come home. However, that is many years down the road. No need to rush that component of my life. 

Downtown Anchorage

Kachemak Bay, Homer, AK

Homer, AK

Russian Orthodox Church, Kenai, AK

Resurrection Bay, Seward, AK

Sea Otters

Gray Whale

Sea Lions

Anchorage, AK

Twenty-two mile bike ride on the Coastal Trail. Momma moose and her baby made an appearance, Anchorage, AK

Mount McKinley from Anchorage

Mount McKinley, south view point

Mount McKinley, north view point

Mount McKinley from inside Denali National Park

Polychrome Pass

Caribou

Momma bear and two babies

Red fox

Moose

Moose

Last Day of School 6-6-14

Last day of school for these kiddos. Noah wanted to take his picture after school; however, I insisted we take the photo before school. Riley hopped in the car right away and didn't want to get out; therefore, her end of the year picture was in the car. 

The beginning of summer...we are looking forward to a slower pace.

2nd Place @ Seymour Tourney

Baseball is a sport I have never understand, but am learning the inner workings of the sport quickly. I summarize baseball as a sport that requires the batter to hit the ball, the other team tries to catch the ball, and the batter runs around the bases trying to reach home and score. It is a very rudimentary understanding of the sport many people LOVE. 

Kelly Gallagher, a high school English/Language Arts teacher and author, states that baseball spectators like me miss A TON of the details that take place during every baseball game. In Gallagher's book, Deeper Reading, he describes his experience watching a baseball game with his young children. 

"I was seeing things on the field they were oblivious to. I saw the catcher peek into the dugout for a sign from the manager, which was then relayed to the pitcher. I saw the center fielder realize the catcher was setting up for an outside pitch, so he cheated a few steps to his left to get a jump on any ball hit to right field. I then noticed the base runner on first base look to the third-base coach for a secret sign to see if he had permission to try to steal second base. This made the shortstop and second baseman nervous, because if that runner were to attempt a steal of second base, one of them would have to cover second base and catch the throw from the catcher. Yet, they didn't want the hitter to know who would be covering the base, because he might try to hit the ball through the hole left by the covering fielder. Therefore players have devised a secret sign, which they flash (and change) just before every pitch. All this, and more, occurs prior to every pitch. In other words, there are many games within the game of baseball. My daughters, sitting right next to me had no inkling of these other moves. They watched and "understood" the game on a surface level while I watch and understood the same game on a much deeper level. We watched, and yet did not watch, the same game."

In the above scenario, I am one of Gallagher's daughters. I understand baseball on a surface level; however, I am learning. I checked out Baseball for Dummies from the public library. Although, Noah has read more of the book than I have. Go figure... 

In the end, I show up to each practice and game willing to learn a bit more about this summer sport. More importantly, the kids are having fun, they are learning to work as a team and are establishing some solid friendships that may last a lifetime.

Happy 9th birthday, Noah!

Noah with Grandma Babe and Grandpa Vern.

   

Godmother Aunt Elaine and Noah.

Happy birthday, Noah!

"Thank you, Riley for the birthday present." Riley requested a hug.

Riley's Sixth Birthday

Six years ago, Dean and I spent the morning in Green Bay running errands and then went to lunch. Might I say, lunch was amazing. We arrived home and I started to feel uncomfortable. Needless to say, within 90 minutes we were on our way back to the hospital in Green Bay. Riley was born that night. She was born ten days early. Life has been a whirlwind ever since. Two kids, activities, family and so much more has made our life complete. Throughout this whirlwind I call life, I hope you continue to learn and grow into a kind, respectful, patient human being.

Uncle Ray and Aunt Bonnie were the only guests to abide by the dress code. Riley stated the party was a princess party; therefore, men must arrive dressed in prince attire, and women must arrive dressed in princess attire. Uncle Ray and Aunt Bonnie, you nailed it.

Love my princess crown I received in a birthday card. Now, who is this card from? Since I am six, I can read the cards all by myself.

  

Make a wish...

Grandpa Vern, Grandma Babe and Riley

Uncle Greg, Riley's godfather...Did you notice I lost my tooth? I lost my first tooth on my sixth birthday.

And....the family, minus Noah.