For The Girl Who Has Brothers

I'd like to start with a belated birthday to Pete. Yankee Doodle turned 34 on the 4th. He had 4 days off and we went to Wendover for an overnight trip. WITHOUT KIDS. There was a king sized bed and no kids and no dog to sleep in it with us. There was Keno and free drinks and plenty of people watching. Oh yeah, we even went to the pool and didn't have to carry anyone around on our backs as we swam.
On the actual birthday we went to the Syracuse Lindgrens (Pete's brother Jeremy and Annisha). It was so nice of them to have all of us over and the kids had a blast. Can you believe that this isn't even all of the cousins?
Now, onto my title subject. Little Miss Olive is surrounded by boys. All of the neighborhood kids are boys. She holds her own and has a lot of fun playing with them. They are up and at each others doors by 9AM and not back in the house until 9PM or sometimes later. There has not been one fight or argument. There has been no TV at all. Nintendo DS was brought out once and was not even played for 5 minutes before being abandoned on the lawn. There is too much bike riding and Star Wars play to be had. Barbie has been quickly replaced with He-Man, Master of the Universe. He is only the most fierce action figure and once he is put down you have lost him to Hans. I am hoping to eventually find him a She-Ra so that Olive can make them get married.
Another favorite boulevard activity is army day, recently created by Hans and his BFF that lives across the street. His Dad is in the Air Force and his coming home is a huge occasion. The kids LOVE the uniform. So, they declared July 15, army day and advised all the kids that there would be refreshments and to wear your camouflage. What's a girl to do? BEG Mom, who happens to keep a supply of camo fabric on hand. I was a little concerned about what Army day would entail. Luckily it was all treats, water balloons and face paint.
We wrapped it up with a much anticipated trip to Build A Bear with Magnolia. While the kids had fun, they have a hard time leaving our house for more that an hour. There is too much to do on the Boulevard. What a summer.

The Measure of My Dreams

On our 7th anniversary I feel this song best captures my feelings for you Pete. Happy Anniversary! I love you.

Working For A Living

Well, we are settling into dog ownership quite nicely. I do think that I need to take him to training. He chases cats and barks at funny things. Hans is in heaven and is so glad the adoption is complete after the three day trial. Hans has been really funny and emotional lately. Also, he has chosen some really interesting outfits.
He has been riding his bike a lot and is so proud that he rides a two wheeler. Today we took the dog for a good walk and he and Oscar rode their bikes. Last night Hans watched Get a Life with Oscar and spent all night talking about getting a job delivering papers. I do mean all night, he talks in his sleep. He woke this morning telling me how rested he was for an interview and first day on the job. He was not pleased that I didn't give him a ride to the Tribune but instead folded and rubber banded the City Weekly and delivered them to all our neighbors. He still hasn't bought my story of my past in the newspaper business. Guess he doesn't think I'm cool enough.

Hans, being Petes son, tries to make a stop at Club Expose. Dancers and TV sports? What more can you ask for.

I think we may have worn the dog out.

I had an appointment this afternoon and when I returned home this was how I found Hans. Oscar did the artwork. A little red on the cheeks and nose for the cold effect.

I'm not sure what effect the beard was trying to convey but I'm pretty sure that the tattoos were to hopefully give it a little masculine feel. Here he is trying to make the snake on his arm move.

And because Olive cannot stand to be upstaged she insisted on the same exact number of photos of just her.



Just in case you were curious, she also watched Get a Life, and is also a graduate of the Handsome Boy Modeling School.

I Whisper to Babies AND Dogs

Yesterday we adopted a new member to our family. I have been searching for the perfect dog for the past several months. Even before we moved. I wanted this to be just right and a lifelong relationship for us. After a week of checking this guys photos out online we went to meet him yesterday in Park City. It was a perfect match and felt just perfect. The kids are in heaven and he follows Hans around like a... well, puppy. It feels like he has been here forever and I just love him. We had our friends the Newbolds over last night and they were really gracious about me showing up late with a new pet. We had a great time and watched all the neighbor kids and ours play and the dogs check each other out and when it was time for the evening to end, I was spent and ready to see how our first night would go. I had barely made it to the bedroom and the phone rang. Pete's baby brother Zak and his wife were in the hospital, in labor with their first baby. I was honored that they had asked me to be present for the birth and rushed right over. That was 10:30 last night and at 4:45 this morning baby boy Lindgren had arrived in this world. I will never get over the awe of watching a new life enter the world. Rebecca was a champ and did so awesome. Welcome to the sisterhood! The baby is beautiful! So much hair and sweet little face. I adore Zak and seeing him welcome his son into this world is an experience I will never forget. So thank you guys. Also, I was able to call dibs on favorite aunt.

Banana Cave

Pete has had this past week off for vacation. Or, I guess the new, hipper word is "staycation". We have been able to get a lot done on the house and it has been nice having him around.

A highlight of the week was when Aunt Tara picked up all four kids and took them to her house for two nights. Yeah for Aunt Tara! Not only do all the kids love her, but so do I, so it was a great peace of mind knowing that they were so well cared for. You may be wondering what Pete and I did with almost three kid free days. I have two words for you. Banana Cave. One of my favorite places in Salt Lake is Market Square. It sells salvaged freight amongst other things. It is awesome. There are two separate stores packed full of stuff and cheap,cheap,cheap. One sells clothes, shoes, haircare, makeup, office supplies, anything you would find at a Target, as well as food. There is a designer section where there are no children under 16 allowed and they have extremely high end goods that are heavily discounted. The other store is industrial and I have never had a need to explore it. On Wednesday, Pete and I thought we'd see if they sold furniture. They do. More importantly they have a section called the bargain cave. All the items that are on their way out are given a final chance at the cave. You can fill a banana box for $5.00. So we did. Totally awesome, worthless things amongst a few that we may actual want or use. For Siobhan...a stack of math and English workbooks that she will be working on this summer in preparation for high school. She also received a few skinny scarves and a I Heart Geeks coin purse. If you think I am mean, ask her how she did in school this year.

Hans was the recipient of a cowboy hat,blow up Koala that says G'Day God, lemur, a really soft mouse that is actually a cat toy, a celebrating Mass for kids book, wristbands, sweatband, magnifying glass, a stack of about 200 tattoos and various other crazy things.

Oscar now has several rolls of register tape, which he uses to make long diorama type pictures and comics, barf bags that actually say that on them, army patches, comic books, more wristbands, and a calculator/ruler and a book of cheat codes for video games.

Olive is the proud owner of several American Express restaurant check holders, perfect for her new restaurant set up in the playroom, a set of pricing signs, a water bottle holder, hat, scarf, headbands, a stack of megaphones and tights.

For the man in my life, a new scarf, socks, chef hat and apron, shower slippers, cigar cutter?, sushi roller and a Michelob light lip balm on a neck chain.

I also was able to find some great things for myself also and we wrapped up a day on our own eating popcorn chicken in bed after killing way too much wine. So, thanks Tara for a great break. I think that was the first time all four kids have been gone for a full day. It was strange without them but we somehow managed.

After presenting the kids with all their loot, Oscar felt it necessary to keep the party going and searched the lawn with his metal detector for any more goodies. The best part was the neighbor boy brought out is own and joined him. Once again leading me to the conclusion that this is the place.

Sports!

Last night the Newbolds took us out to a ballgame. The Salt Lake Bees stadium is 5 blocks from our house. This is great in so many ways... able to watch the fireworks from home, able to drink at home and walk to the game, able to meet a huge bee. The kids had so much fun. Olive is a little in love with Paxton. Hans is enjoying the fact that the boys just wind each other up into a huge mess of screaming and wresting. That's just Pete and Travis, the kids are even crazier. Once again I am left knowing that we made the right decision coming back to Salt Lake. Having been away we can now appreciate how valuable our friendships we have are and really enjoy them. Thanks for a great night Travis and Misty!
On another note I have to make mention of the awesomeness of Craigslist and KSL. KSl is a local television station that runs a classified section online. Our new house was originally rented out as two apartments and has a mother in law kitchen in the basement. That left us with an extra refrigerator and stove. We posted them yesterday and within a half an hour had a man come and take away the fridge. Today I found a washer and dryer for free! So now we will have clean clothes on top of a new place to live! I made Siobhan take the drive with me, as it was in American Fork, about 40 minutes away. These people were so nice they wouldn't even let me load it into the car or help. They had bought a new plug for the dryer and the husband got out his tools and put it all together for me. You never know who you will meet and I kind of love that. Last week we sold an armoire that we no longer wanted, the guy that came stayed and talked for about a half an hour. Being a middle school teacher, he had a great deal of advice for Siobhan. She is a little less than thrilled with my encounters. Her least favorite though was about 3 weeks ago. I don't know if every city has clean up week but you leave out whatever you want and the city comes and picks it up for recycling or the dump or whatever. There are quite a few people who make a job of trolling the clean up week neighborhoods. It happened that over by the boys school clean up was a few weeks back and when I picked Oscar up and was driving home through the neighborhood I found some really great chairs. Or they could be really great chairs with new covers and some oil. So, I took them, olg with two Louis Vuitton suitcases. Siobhan was/is mortified but look at my new chairs for the porch!

HOME

So, here we are. After a looong hiatus, I am back with computer access. As of this weekend we are property moguls. Now the proud owners of two homes, I liken ourselves to the Montelongos (shout out David!). I could not be more smitten with our new home. Look at the door! And that window! I have my own sewing room! With that window! A huge selling point was this awesome neighborhood. Look at that, no street. We park in the alley way behind our house. It's one way so there are no drive trough's. There are a lot of kids and everybody just hangs out on their porch. It is so quiet we have turned to the fan for some noise. Oh yeah, the fan is for background now that we have CENTRAL AIR! Bring it on summer.
I am also excited to have a fireplace that functions. Our first home had a great fireplace that someone had bricked the inside of rendering it useless. I have yet to convince Pete that we can just run the air conditioner and have a fire for the mood. Just kidding Pete.

I think the kids are going to be happy here. They all really love this house and have big plans for decorating their rooms. We are grateful that John and Sharron let us live with them for so long. It went really well and I am glad that we left happy and loving each other. The move itself has left me with an enormous sense of gratitude and love. We had so many people help and after spending the day moving all of our stuff Pete's brothers and Dad did all of our yard work, cut down trees, raked, pulled weeds and did it with smiles on their faces. I feel very blessed to be a part of such a great family. Same goes for our friends. Ryan was a huge help and it is fun to be living back by the Benches. Travis and Misty have been so fun to hang out with and I have even made some new friends. So, all in all a great few months. Now, onto our new life back in Utah in our own home.
Tomorrow is Hans' last day of kindergarten. He started out a little behind and ends as the top reader in all three Kindergarten classes at his school. He won one of two citizenship awards that the Kindergarten gave out this year. He has made many friends and is happy and healthy. Oscar ends fifth grade also having received an award from his school. As always he has excelled at school and earned all A's ,except for keyboarding which I told him was a chump class(just kidding secretaries). Siobhan will begin high school next year, as far as we know, grades haven't posted yet. What she lacks in time spent on school work she makes up in time spent socializing and is quite popular. Surprise. Olive has felt a little displaced this year and has acted out by trying to learn everything Hans is learning. She has started reading some of the beginner books and also tells great stories about things that happened while Hans was gone for two and a half hours. There are so many things that have happened in the time I have been away from this space. I have missed it and know for a fact it contributes greatly to my mental health. I plan on a flurry of posting this week but what would a Wednesday be without a list?
Hard to narrow this but 5 things that have happened in the last 8 months.


#1. Hans lost his two bottom teeth.

#2. We went to Arches National Park.

#3. I have two new nieces and a nephew on the way.

#4. I have decided I would like to become a funeral midwife.

#5. Oscar showered.

Baby Steps

I am still struggling with the photos a little. I'll get it together soon. My next move is a CD of the remaining vacation. This will include pictures of others besides the kids. In those there are some great photos of the Monarch Sanctuary. A bystander deemed a photo by Pete a "National Geo" shot. I'm pretty sure he was a Bostonian. He was very Sculley. Hans really enjoyed the tours when I explained to him that California used to be Mexican territory. He felt so at home. Next step for him would be to learn a little Spanish but instead I have looked into some Folklorico dancing. Look at those outfits! What great, great weather.

Now we are back to jackets and hats. We all complain but boy do we love it.

Especially monkey head. He cannot keep from stomping through piles of snow.

Light post I know, but what I really want to know is, what do you like about where you live? Here are my favorite things....

#1. All four seasons.

#2 All the nieces and nephews.

#3. Best donuts ever.

#4. Sisters in laws.

#5. All the DI's you can handle.

Short and to the point today, but as I've said, easing back into it. So, let's see how many of you are still around?

Missing Happy Hour

We are back home and cannot believe our good luck. We had the greatest vacation and Dads retirement party was so nice. We stayed at the Embassy Suites and you can take a tour here. My Dads good friend at the post office got us a great deal from his Dad who is an engineer there. We have never stayed anywhere so nice and fancy. At least I haven't, Pete has on business travel. For anyone looking for a place to stay I will just mention two words. Happy Hour. This alone was worth the money. Oh, two more words, Gin Daisy, my new favorite drink. It was nice to be home and do some of the things I had only done as school field trips. Colton Hall, Path of History, Point Lobos, San Carlos Mission, Carmel Mission, the lighthouse, butterfly trees and the wharf for Pete. The kids enjoyed all our sightseeing but were really won over by the pool/hot tub combo.
I always enjoy being home and it will always be special to me. This trip was different though. With my mom and John gone and my dad and Sharon on their way off to Oregon it just holds memories now. It will never be what it was to me. Really, I think that started with my grandmas passing, and now with my grandfather gone it isn't the same. The memories and feelings from that home have changed with the introduction of outsiders who feel the need to try and integrate themselves into our memories. Pacific Grove is a funny place like that, people love it and do what they can to be a part of it. So many people that I went to school with feel so strongly about our hometown but so few can actually afford to be there. Even Pete would like to be transferred there. You just can never recreate your childhood.
It was great to see all my Dads friends from the post office. Some of them I had the pleasure of working with when I was the worst cleaning lady ever. Not for lack of experience, but because I didn't want to miss a second of the post office action and my Dads incessant joking around. I will always remember Pebble Beach and meeting our Dad for lunch. Him bringing home wonder bars from the market across the street. Him in his postal uniform. The old Christmas parties. Barbeque's with the Babautas, Rick and his bar tending skills, the first retirement party at Jodys, years ago, when my Dad was attempting to move to Colorado. I think you know Dad that we feel that the Post Office is part of our life just as it is yours. Just in a different way.
Anyway, it was nice and I am excited for my Dad. A lifetime of California and now onto Oregon. I hope for him a feeling of home in his new surroundings. I hope he doesn't lose that sense of excitement and adventure in moving somewhere new. I hope that as great as our memories are that he can look ahead and make some new great memories. I hope that he isn't bored without the Post Office. Not the work and route, but the friends and constant entertainment. I hope that he will make as many new great friends as he has now. I hope that he knows that wherever he goes we will always be ready to visit. I hope that Sharon knows this all applies to her also. I wish you both all the best of luck. We had such a good time with you and miss you already. We cannot wait to go crabbing and clamming and letting Atman walk Hans into a new part of ocean. Enjoy yourselves and just to pressure you a little Dad, I will be waiting for a blog. We love you! Team Lindgren (but always a Sheppard at heart)

I'm Back Baby!

Hi! My name is Matilda. I used to write on this blog religiously. Recently, due to a move I have not had internet access and it has been really sad. I miss this blog. I believe that the lack of writing here has caused me some severe emotional distress. Not having a place to spill my thoughts has been difficult. I spend a large portion of my day writing blog posts in my head and thinking of what I would consider the highlights of the day.

There have been so many events and happenings to write about and I feel if I didn't mention them it would be almost as if they didn't happen. Since I have last been here Oscar has turned 11, Olive has turned 4 and Hans is now 6. We had a wonderful Christmas and an enjoyable New Year. There has been a lot of snow and we have really enjoyed it. We have been sledding, snowmobiling and I have even been snowboarding. We have enjoyed Grandma day every Friday. There is a brand new baby, Adaline and two more on the way.

Pete is starting to feel more comfortable in his job and is starting to relax just a little. He has an ever expanding stylish wardrobe and is like new man. The kids are doing great at school and Hans is starting to read really well. Olive has also been sounding everything out and will most likely be reading by the end of the school year. Siobhan has had a little bit of a struggle but is on the right track and working hard. Oscar, as always, is top of the class and teachers favorite.

We are still living with John and Sharron and it has gone really well. I enjoy hanging out with them and being there but am getting really excited for our own house. There is one house that I a little bit obsessed with and am really trying to think good thoughts that it will soon be mine.

I think I have well documented my leanings towards superstitions and New Years resolutions. This past year has been really different and full of change. I feel like I have been pretty open to all that has come our way. I have had to let go of a few plans or ideas I have been hanging on to and have made a few new ones in their place. It has been a great time for a little introspection. This is a good place to to let a little of it out of my head.

Right now we are in California with my Dad and Sharon. My Dad is retiring after 35 years with the Post Office. I am happy to be here with them and we are really enjoying a vacation. We are staying at a sweet hotel with an awesome happy hour and have had a great mix of weather. I have so many pictures I cannot wait to share. For now, I hope you have enjoyed what I had and I look forward to getting back on the horse.

Five Minutes

A few pictures, finally.There are so many things happening all the time that some of these things seem ages ago. Landon wants to be a rock star and last month when he was over for an evening, Pete let him and Hans play his " rocking guitars". All good bands need a girl in a bikini. This photo is actually from October. We went out and bought all types of snow gear that day and then it hasn't snowed again until today. Luckily this week calls for more of it.

I just really enjoy the view from John and Sharrons house. Front and back. It makes me homesick for the views I grew up with also.

Oscar received a massive Lego chess set from his Dad for his 11th birthday and I have being kicking his ass ever since Jeremy taught him and he taught me. Uncle Jeremy is way nicer than I am.

So, now my sweet Oscar is eleven. I owe him a birthday blog and didn't realize how much the kids enjoyed that until he asked what I had wrote. They take a lot of reflection and I plan to post one soon. It may be the only opportunity I will have to say something without his two cents back at me.

We kept our family tradition of choosing a live tree and Sharron and John kindly let us put it up. The kids strung popcorn and made paper chains and it really is nice.

The kids are enjoying all the time they have had with their grandparents. Sharron has taken them to many parties and Christmas caroling and they just love it. Last night Olive told me that Jesus Christ died so she can be with me forever.

So, that is just a glimpse of the last month. Pete and I attended the Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Gala. I am really beginning to like these galas. Macys sponsored two students with $25,000. scholarships each. It was an enjoyable evening and made me reflect on my own upbringing. I really miss hearing my grandparents speak Spanish and all that went with it. It makes me sad to think that my children won't ever have that same experience. As white as we are my grandparents were Mexican through and through and I really want my kids to have a taste of that culture in their life. So, this is currently what I am thinking about and looking into. For now, I started with the panderia. Polvorones, empanadas, pan de huevos and pigs ears to remember grandpa. We used to get ours at the bakery in Watsonville and I loved going there with my mom and Grandma after a Sunday drive. Walking out of this bakery I cried. I really am missing my Grandma this Christmas. So, next week? Tamales!

I am still alive.

Dear Santa Claus,

After your advise last year to "lay off the groceries" when I sat on your lap, I deemed it more appropriate to write you. I feel that I have put forth a valiant effort towards being good and kind this year. I no longer swear when I am picking up 5 other peoples pajamas from the bathroom floor. I have worn my teeth down to nubs from clenching when asked for yet another ride somewhere. I am even learning to listen happily to Pete tell me how hard it is to stay in a nice hotel alone after going out to dinner with other adults. Enjoying adult beverages to boot! For all this hard work I have only one request. Computer access. I am slowly withering away and dying without my Internet and blog. How will people know what I am doing? How will I know what others are doing? My parents are being deprived of the clever and smart ass ( depending on the age) comments of their grandchildren. I briefly considered setting up a printing press and starting a daily but I have been banned from ever delivering papers again in this lifetime. So, please put a word in to my sweet husband. This is what I need. If you have trouble reaching him, it is because he will be in Montana this week. Maybe you could leave a note next to the chocolate on his pillow.
Thank you so much.
Sincerely, Matilda

Smell my feet. Definately not Siobhans.

I guess my week of posts didn't really happen. This is still such an adjustment. Trying to sell our house has made for the scariest Halloween ever. We won't even get into that right now. I did complete costumes and the kids were pretty happy. Oscar has been wearing the hair spray since we went to a carnival on Wednesday night. Jeremy and Annisha were there also and we had a lot of fun, even though Jocelyn was afraid of Oscar. Alas, even the joker has to do homework and waiting until after the carnival was not the best option.

Yes, I am aware the following photos are sideways. I cannot save anything on a library computer so they remain sideways and I am posting them anyways. This is Oscar receiving a citizenship award at his new school. He was chosen from his class for his hard work and his ability to follow directions and help others focus on tasks. I am very proud of him and was glad his teacher called so I could attend the assembly.

This is my favorite pictures of the costumes. I do have an older daughter but 13 is a funny Halloween age and even worse for picture taking.

Today will be a fun, crazy day. Grandma day and dinner and then all the cousins will be trick or treating together. This morning I cleaned the kitchen and living room. I was listening to my headphones and vacuuming and remembering how at our old apartment I was so happy to clean. Maybe it was because it was just Pete and I and easy. Then I realized what it really was. I had the promise of a Lucky Strike at the end. Sometimes just remembering smoking makes it so hard to not want to. So, I am thinking of other treats instead today. Here are my 5 favorite Halloween treats.

#1. Snickers. My favorite Halloween candy.

#2. Kit Kat. Oscar was so obsessed with Kit Kats when he was about 5. Pete once sent him a letter from the Kit Kat police to get him to do something, I can't remember what.

#3. Harvest Moon Pumpkin Ale.

#4. A new one would be Caramel Apples. Sharron made these twice last week and I have dreamed of them every night since.

#5. Double Bubble. I love that powder on the outside.

What will you sneak from the kids?

Today I am at the library early because Olive participates in story time. It is a pretty large group of 3 to 5 year old kids and she could not be more different than Hans. He still requires me to walk him to the door at school, standing in line with the boys. Olive wants no part of that coddling and insists that I watch her from a distance. She is bold and outspoken and volunteers information randomly. Today is a Halloween theme and she was able to wear her costume. I cannot wait to hear her views on what others wore.
As I wait I am perusing the homes for sale and hoping that ours will sell soon. I think we are lowering the price this week and then after that Pete is thinking he may want to rent it out rather than take an even larger loss. So here are some homes I like today. This one, this one and Oscar really likes this one. We are afforded the luxury of having a place to live and are able to take our time searching out the perfect home. We plan on living here for years and years to come and we need a place that will be comfortable as the kids grow. As this will be our third home we will have purchased we have been able to really pick what's important to have. I can't wait to see what we will find.
In the meantime we have enjoyed the amazing views from John and Sharrons. Hans can spend the whole day in the backyard, playing in the sandbox and watching the birds,especially the quails. I am really happy to be here, especially after a rough start and some sullen days. I love it here. The mountains and the city. It is nice to be familiar with the area and know where I am going. I have always been able to appreciate places after I have left them and it is nice to just be happy where I am now.
So, I would love any suggestions on what you may have looked for in a home. I know I will forget something that I will be sure I wanted. Any suggestions will be appreciated or I will have to make it a list sometime! Maybe tomorrow????

Yeah,it's been awhile.

How I miss my blog. I look forward to having regular Internet access almost more than a new home. Once I get to the library, by the time I have checked my email and replied to them, I have little time left. That time I then spend reading all my celebrity gossip. This so I will have something to contribute to the awesome conversations I overhear at the school.
Pete has been very busy at work and is enjoying it. Last week he was in San Fransisco for a few days and promised when he heads back I can tag along. Until then he is taking me to the Ballet West Gala on Saturday. There are a great many perks to his new job that I am beginning to realize and enjoy. So, today I took the little kids to help me find a dress. It felt slightly like trying on Halloween costumes. That could not be me in a dress that cost more than my entire wardrobe I have constructed from various thrift stores? I couldn't actually buy it and instead had the saleslady hold it while I think this through. When asked for my name I told her to hold it under Petes since his office is in that particular store and he could just pick it up for me. Whole new ballgame. Suddenly the lady with a tote bag purse and a daughter in Pj's and sandals (her idea) was a real customer. And she loves Pete and we all needed hugs.
So that was today. I am so out of practise with my blog that I feel like I am not even constructing real sentences here. I will solve that by blogging all week! Remember I did that once before? SO, forgive todays lack of finesse and check back tomorrow for some progress. Until then, enjoy this....

Sicko

Snow today! Hans was so excited that instead of his usual Saturday morning request, "Dad, can we go fishing?", he asked,"Dad, can we go skiing?" Really all we can manage is some catch up on some rest. We have been so sick this week. I kicked it off on Monday and still am not quite back to myself. Hans and Olive were in a bad way the last two days. Oscar has kind of gone in and out. Pete and Siobhan are the only two to escape. Pete has worked some wicked hours this week wrapped it up with the most elaborate business dinner ever. If I wasn't so nauseous, I'd be jealous. So, for that reason I never got around to posting a list. I have really missed my regular blogging and hope to get back to it.
There has also been the drama of choosing and making the Halloween costumes. I don't do the choosing, just the making. I love the process of watching the kids decide. There is a lot of thought put into it and a lot of details to follow. Oscar was set on Indiana Jones for the last year. He is usually the most predictable and opts for the character of the moment. Except last year when he went as Zelda. He switched it up on me and changed to the Joker after having his face painted at Oktoberfest. So, he commissioned his costume and added, "Don't make the jacket out of cheap fabric." Part of my fun in Halloween costumes is that they are worn once and can be made cheap and not to perfectly. When else is he planning on wearing a purple jacket? Hans wants me to figure out how he can open his robot costume, just like Bender and put those wax bottles inside, like he is carrying beer. I think we need some more age appropriate cartoons around the house. Olive safely chose a cat again this year but changed it up by asking for pink instead of black. Siobhan and I are still deep into negotiations. SO, finally let's get to the list and talk about our favorite Halloween costumes. Here's mine.....

#1. The Solid Gold Dancers. Me, Luisa and Alex. I believe I have a picture on here somewhere.

#2. We were some sort of french mimes one year. I know there is a name but can't remember what it is, although I'm sure my mom will. I mostly actually didn't like this costume, but remember it well. My aunt always did our makeup and it was thick and we were not allowed to scratch or touch. My mom made beautiful costumes, but I felt like a complete goon in mine. Also a trio deal.

#3. I was Cyndi Lauper one year and loved it.

#4. This wasn't at Halloween but my family will remember well what I wore to Nicoes baptism at St. Marys by the Sea. I chose a netted hat and knee stocking along with some sort of old lady dress and I swear I didn't recognize myself in the pictures. I am still shocked that no one made mention of this prior to arrival at the church. Unfortunately, there are several other of these occasions, that are also well remembered, usually by my dad.

#5. Michael meyers. I think we all had a turn at this.

So, thanks for the patience, I really am trying to get a routine going. Can't wait to hear about your costumes!

Testing

Live from the library!

For anyone that has the pleasure of knowing Pete, you are probably well aware that he is a minimalist. I on the other hand, being both a Paredes and a Sheppard love my things. This is something that I struggle with. I am comforted and happy with all my "stuff". Pete is not and in an attempt to make him comfortable I sometimes have to purge a few boxes of things. Moving brought out the worst of this struggle. I am proud to say that I did manage to fill a couple of car loads of stuff to donate and Pete kept the snarky comments to a minimum. Seeing as we are staying with his parents, there wasn't much to unpack when we arrived. Finally being somewhat settled is nice and it is fun to watch Pete and his Dad navigate their days. I can imagine what Pete will be like at his Dads age and also what his Dad was maybe a little like, trying to take care of a large family. They both have to be busy,busy,busy. I can't wait for the day when Pete constructs a ladder from 4 kitchen stools and a milk crate to work on the roof, a la John this morning. Something else I am really enjoying is my time with Sharron. I love family history and keep little stories written down for when the kids are older. It is nice to add some Lindgren stories so that I can feel knowledgeable in both areas. Over the weekend, when I was explaining the drama of my pack rat tendencies we talked about the meaning behind certain family things and why they are so important to each of us. This is a huge subject in family. My mom is a collector and has so many really great things. People are often amazed at how many interesting things she has and more than once I have heard the word"museum". But it isn't sterile or fragile. Just her precious things that she enjoys and takes care of. The kids have their names on certain things already, at Grandmas prompting. Just like we had with our Grandma. I am curious how others way in on this? Do you have special family "items"? What is special to you? Here's mine....

#1. When my Mom came before I left she gave me a bust of the Sacred Heart. He was always my Grandmas favorite and I think he is beautiful. I am still a little overwhelmed that she gave him to me and he traveled with me on the front seat of the car. I will always cherish him.

#2. All my babies pictures and artwork. I don't know which is more special to me. Pictures are obviously great to have,but I especially LOVE the artwork. I cannot discriminate and so I end up with ALL the drawings. I have files and files of them.

#3. My suitcase of Sheppard/Paredes memorabilia. This has expanded into two suitcases. All my newspaper clippings,photos, old school records, old art projects, notes my parents wrote, notes my grandparents wrote, various cards with envelopes addressing me as Chowhound,Chubette,Porkchop and various other "endearments".

#4. An old notebook that my Grandmother wrote the stations of the cross in. She wrote out the prayer for each and every station in Spanish and I just miss her handwriting.

#5. All my cards from my Grandma, Mom and Pete. Besides the kids, my three most special people and I save and reread all my cards from them.

I really am working on the pictures. I think I have a solution and if so will post a bunch tomorrow. Please don't fail me on the list. Especially when I have to drive all the way to the library to post it. Enough guilt? I hope so.