A Brief but Fortunate Encounter with a Coccinellid!

A little Coccinellid brightened our morning.

How lucky were we, to find such a pretty little creature in our bathroom. The boyz were so excited to see her.

According to wiki, Coccinellids are and have for very many years been favorite insects of children. Many believe that if a ladybug lands on you, your wish will be granted after you blow it away. Some even consider ladybug’s to be fortune bugs. Wow we hit the jackpot this am.

I also read that they usually appear in the early fall, seeking warmth in brightly lit areas....well, my bathroom is certainly full of sunshine, fall/winter, well, that's close ;0)

Researching Ladybugs has slayed a lifetime belief in a myth, I guess. Did you ever hear that a ladybug's age is determined by how many spots are on it's wings? Wrong.

"Mommy, What should we do with her?", notice he called the lady bug a girl, posed the Noodle.

"Well, there aren't any aphids in our bathroom, so we should bring her to the backyard and let her go out and search for some outside."

After I gently placed the little lady on a thick square of toilet paper, Schmoogie took her down the stairs to the sliding glass door. Noodle, a tad squeamish, followed close behind. They eagerly let her loose into the wild of our yard to search for some food.

Something about her made me feel happy today. I'm not sure if it was her bright, beautiful color, or those vibrant spots, but something about her cheered me this morning, and I certainly feel fortunate that she came for a visit.

Peace.

Charlie Boo Boo Smiles!

Noodle, how'd you get that boo boo on your side?


I got it when I fell off my Charlie, Schmoogie.


When you fell off your what?


My Charlie.


Schmoogie looks at Noodle with that what the heck are you talking about look.

MY CHARLIE, Schmoogie, MY CHARLIE that I ride in the driveway, it's in the garage.


Schmoogie looks at me with such concern and says ever so seriously, "Mom, what the heck is he talking about?"


"Noodle, what's your charlie, honey" I say with the same look that Schmoogie gave him.


MY CHARLIE, Mommy, MY orange Charlie. You know what it is.


Just then, Schmoogie and I looked to each other and busted out in laughter. Just then, we knew exactly what his Charlie was. He meant his Harley, his Harley Davidson ride on toy.





Just then Noodle looks at us with this sort of disgusted smile and shakes his head back and forth as if he was thinking "Jeeze, these two just don't get it."


It was a moment not to forget.


Peace.

Can you snap?

He can snap. He.Can.SNAP!

Do you remember learning how to snap your fingers? I do, my Daddy taught me to snap when I was about 5 or 6. I remember being so pleased with my new found talent that I snapped in the morn and snapped in the eve, heck, I snapped all day long.

Well Noodle just learned to snap. He is 3. He claims his teacher taught him, however, she will not accept the credit. She has no idea where he learned, but he snaps all day long at school. He snaps in the morn, in the eve, and all the day long in between.

He shows everyone his newly acquired talent and beams with pride as each new member of his lil audience is pleasantly surprised at his talent.

I have asked around, and some adults surveyed still cannot properly snap. Some can snap with various fingers, some with only one finger, some not even at all. So, while no one is really sure just how Noodle has learned to snap, I for one, am pretty impressed that he can at only three years old.

What's next, underarm noises?

Peace.

The Gnarliest Dude

Today's theme at Noodle's camp was decade's day. Lucky for him, (read me), his group got the 80's.

I am an 80's girl through and through. I love everything about the 80's, the music, the clothes, and most of all the BIG hair!! If it were socially acceptable, I would still wear my hair as big as I could get it.

That said, I was an 80's girl, and Noodle is a boy .... I used my handy dandy texting machine to shout out to my friends for ideas. Flashing back to the way my brothers looked back in the day, and the way those ever so hawt 80's boyz looked, I came up with, I must say, very delicious recipe for the perfect 80's outfit for my lil Noodle.

He was soooo into it. The half shirt, cut off jean shorts, high socks, yeah, all a hit, but the fact that he got to wear SPIKES in his hair today put him in his glory.

So, without further ado, I present to you, Noodle, 80's style.....

...
...
...









Rock on baby boy, I heart the 80's, and you look phat dude!!! Thanks for making this so much fun for Mommy!

Peace.

(..and yes, his face is smudged purposely.)

Noodle's in Trouble

Noodle came home from school (daycare) with a laundry list of infractions for the day. Doesn't happen often, as he is a relatively well behaved child.

Surprised, I acted so. Bright eyed and that NOOOO? is what I exuded, not knowing that it was only the first on the list.

"Mommy, I said potty words."

"Tell Mommy what else you did" Big D coaches from the couch.

"Oh. And. What? What Daddy, what else I did?" He had already forgotten.

"Tell her what you said to Miss. D." He is smiling at me from the couch, as I am left to be the disciplinarian in the kitchen.

"Oh. That, Mommy I say "NO" to Miss D."

The eyes widen and the NOOOO becomes, NOOOOOOOOOO!

"And tell her what else, Noodle." Comes from the cheerleader Dad.

"What else? There's more?" The eyes were bulging at this point.

"Oh, and I hit my friends."

"OH MY Noodle!"

A brief lecture loaded with disappointment, drenched with Mommy guilt and sprinkled with an affectionate expectation occurs and the tot decides he will NEVER do those things again.

Giggles from the other side of the couch are muffled by a throw pillow. Yes, Schmoogie found humor in all of this.

Why? I asked myself, well, why not? Noodle doesn't give us much grief and is rarely "in trouble." Schmoogie, on the other hand, is the king of punishment in our house. I guess he thought it was funny that someone else was getting the disappointed bulging eye NO's instead of him.

Kids.
Turned out to be a good night!
Peace.

Overscheduled?

Is it really fair to make him choose between two activities that he truly loves (and is really good at) next year when we delve into the LAX/Baseball overlap?

Big D and I have always said that we would NEVER overschedule our children with extracurricular activities. It isn't fair to them, and it really isn't fair to us either.


As you know, Schmoogie tried Lacrosse this year, and, as it turns out, he is pretty awesome at it. I was concerned because practices would overlap with the up and coming baseball season's practices and early season games. It was a bit of a juggle, but we made it through, while both coaches knew in advance that there may be an occasional conflict. With the final game of LAX, this Sunday, now we are able to solely focus on baseball.

Baseball season should be interesting this year, as Schmoogie has been selected for the All Star Team, and a newly formed traveling world series team. Lot's of baseball ahead!

Big D and I were chatting about what to do next year, when we are faced with the LAX/Baseball overlap, because, admittedly, it was a constant juggle. We have agreed that Schmoogie, who is not like all kids, NEEDS stuff to do. It just works for him. He has always been a very active child, has always needed constant attention, and has always needed to be moving. For him, it will work. We have decided to allow him to play both sports at the same time, so long as he wants to do that come next year.

This decision was not made lightly, we thought long and hard, went back and forth, but in the end, we feel it will work for our child. And, most importantly, he maintained his school work, without ever even a threat of falling behind.

Note: SCHOOL Work ALWAYS comes first in our house, and there was never a night when Schmoogie went to a practice or a game without homework done.

A totally different discussion may take place when faced with similar circumstances for Noodle. One never knows, and we may find that, he like many other children, may not be able to handle two sports at one time.

Peace.

Memorial Day Weekend Preview

So, it's officially summer? Not really, isn't June 21st the first day of summer? Either way, the warm weather has finally graced us here on the North Fork, and we are about to baste in it and drench ourselves with sunshine, outdoor activities, and warmth. I say, BRING IT ON!

Memorial Day Weekend, oh, yes, when we begin to relish all that summer has to offer. I cannot wait to get this weekend started. I can almost smell the hamburgers and hotdogs grilling on the open flame, hear the sweet sounds of childhood glee, and see the pollen covering my car. Well, two out of three isn't bad.

Should be a nice one, we have a birthday party, some lax practice, baseball practice, perhaps a dip in a friend's pool, and defiantly BBQ!

I'd like to get in a nice walk to see the cows and the llama around the way, a bike ride to the water just past the Meeting House Creek Inn would be lovely, and maybe a wiffle ball game with the neighborhood kids. That's my idea of a good summer weekend.

No matter what else the weekend brings, I will be perfectly happy as long as I get to spend lots of time outside, preferably without a jacket, sucking up the sun with my three favorite peeps in the world.

Love you guys,
Peace.

Spontaneity for P

For the first night in over a week, we do not have anything to do tonight. No LAX, no baseball, no exercise class, no personal trainer, no playdate, no shopping to do, no nothing. Great, you say? Then why, all day, am I stressing out about what to do tonight?

What will I make for dinner? Should we just go out to dinner?

Will Schmoogie remember that I "promised" him (3 or 4 days ago) a trip to KMart for a desperately needed triangular shaped bakugon?

Should I call my walking buddies for a walk tonight?

Maybe I can get some cold cuts, or make PB&J's and head to the beach for a picnic. Oooooh, that's a good one, the kids can play on the playground, look for shells, Big D and I could walk the beach. Oh, that's right, Big D isn't much of a beach fan. Oh well, maybe I could go with the kids, but I haven't had a solid conversation with my husband in at least five (5) days.

See my dilemma's? It's as if I have to fill my three little hours between picking up Noodle from daycare and just before bed with stuff to do. Well, I have just decided that I do not have to fill those hours with anything.

I have a feeling the spontaneity will do me some good. We shall see!

Hope you have a great night, I'm pretty sure I will!

Peace.

Solution to the Shower Time Blues...

Schmoogie never minded water in his face. You could wash his hair in the bath or in the shower, and just dump the clean water over his head to rinse, or stick his lil head under the shower head and let it run down. He would just shut his eyes, ever so tightly, so no water would get in, and smile the whole time.

Noodle hates water in his face. He cries, cringes, shakes, tightens up, etc. He cannot stand to get his hair washed. I have tried all the remedies to no avail. I usually just give him showers for times sake, quickly rinsing, with dry towel in between my knees ready to dry that delicious wet face, just as soon as the water runs clear. He still cries, cringes and shakes, every, single, time. It's heartbreaking, stressful and at times extremely frustrating, until now!

Just as Noodle is getting ready to enter the torture chamber (our shower), he spots a pair of swim goggles graciously left by the Easter Bunny, meant for the new pool this summer, and Big D thinks it funny to put them on and "go show Mommy, tell her you're ready for the shower".

Genius! I think out loud, can it really work??

Well, it seems, we have found the perfect solution to the water in the eyes blues....

You have to creatively wash around the rubber strap in the back of the head, so I will need to be diligent about ensuring different placement of the straps each shower. But I figure, hell, if I can get most of those blonde strands clean without a tear, without cringing, without shaking, I am golden!

Peace.

Sixty Degrees of Shorts

Schmoogie would wear shorts all year round, if he could.

He would never wear a coat, jacket or even a sweatshirt, if he could.

Silky shorts and t-shirts would be Schmoogie's ideal dress attire every single day, if he could.

On the North Fork of Long Island, we experience varied temperatures of the seasons and all their splendor. Most years, from late April to early October, the temperature tends to be around sixty degrees or more. Sure there are those chilly, rainy April (and May) days, (which seem to be never ending this year) but for the most part, from Spring to Fall, the thermometer tries to reach sixty each day.

Since Kindergarten, when Schmoogie discovered that "Coach," the Physical Educator at his Elementary, wore shorts year round, the negotiations began.

"Why cant I wear shorts in the winter, Coach does?"

"Schmoogie, it's way too cold to wear shorts in December, it's ten degrees outside."

"But Coach wears shorts."

It was at that time, I became my mother.

"You're not Coach, you're Schmoogie, and you cannot wear shorts in the winter."

"That is soooo unfair, then, when can I wear shorts?"

As I reminisced about the soon to come Spring, I said, "In the Spring, when it's warm."

The ever so clever, at the time, Kindergartner replied with, "Well, how many degrees is that, because if I cant wear shorts when it's ten degrees, how many degrees does it have to be?"

"Sixty, sixty degrees to wear shorts, now that's enough, lets talk about this in the Spring."

So, just as soon as the sun makes it's way from behind the miserable clouds of winter, just as soon as that pretty sun peeks her face out onto the North Fork, the question comes, everyday. Every. Single. Day.

"How many degrees is it going to be today, can I wear shorts?"

I used to worry about it, now that he is in third grade, and NEVER, ever show signs of being cold, I have conceded that once that mercury hits 60, it becomes Spring in Schmoogie's world and the shorts come out to stay.

Here we are in May, and he wears shorts to school every day, together with a long sleeve polo (in accordance with the dress code) until the mercury surpasses 60, then it'll be a short sleeve polo.

This morning, after dressing myself in long trousers and a long sleeve blouse, complete with a cardigan for when I get a chill later, I lay out clothes for Noodle, a sweatshirt and sweatpants, with an undershirt. Just then, Schmoogie emerges from his room in his shorts. I just shake my head and continue on.

The boy will not freeze, he is comfortable, I repeat in my hear, over and over.

As I get into my car to make my way to my office, and glance at the digits reading 51 degrees, I shake my head, and again, remind myself that he wouldn't wear shorts every single day if he were cold.

Sigh. If I have learned one thing in my nine years of motherhood, it is to choose your battles, in this case I have chose not partake in a battle.

Peace.

Bottle It Up

While driving the babysitter home last night, this song was playing on the radio, and I couldn’t help but immediately make a mental list of what I would bottle up right now, if I could.

Rounding out the top of my list are:

~ My baby’s sweet innocence, I wish I could keep him this age forever,
~ My Schmoogie’s giggle induced dimple and his sweet smile,
~ The warmth of Big D’s touch and his ability to make me smile, inside and out,
~ The soothing sound of the laughter I share with my children when we convert my kitchen floor into a dance floor, and,
~ Kisses, hugs and those special smiles that replace a kiss or a hug from across the room.

The list could go on and on, but those were first to come to mind.

If only I could bottle it up, I would, “do it for love”.

I have always enjoyed the tune of this song, now it seems to sound just a tad sweeter.

Peace.

Isn't 60 Nifty?

My mother is turning 60 on Tuesday.

In celebration, my grandmother, mother and I are spending the day at the Spa tomorrow. We are destined to have an amazing day. Three generations of girly girl-ness, sounds delightful.

I wanted to write about her birthday to not only wish her the best of birthdays ever, but also to remind her that I love her deeply, appreciate her even more, and treasure our memories immensely.

My mother and I do not always see eye to eye, but our hearts do. We respect established boundaries and always make the best effort to make the other happy.

It's at milestone birthday's like these that allow you reflect on those things that are really important. Those things like family. Those irreplaceable relationships that are so dear. I feel it important to remember these relationships need nourishment. They need to always be challenged to see just how many memories can be stuffed into them.

Many feel these types of relationships should be easy, ones that just work on their own. Not true. I think if more people worked harder at making their relationships better, they too may be better, in so many ways.

Back to Mom:

Today I wish my mother the happiest of birthdays. I am so looking forward to our date at the spa tomorrow, just one more memory to stuff in!

I love you and thank you for providing me with the basis to be the best person I can be, and more importantly for pouring the foundation that makes me the Mother I am today.

Happy Birthday Mom! Make this year one of your best years yet!!

Your daughter,

P

Peace.

Beaming with Pride

I am beaming today.

Nothing can bring me down.

My Schmoogie has always made me proud, but today I am the most proud of him that I have ever been.

In a meeting yesterday with his teacher, who I adore, respect and love, and his counselor, yes, he has a counselor, I was given some of the most amazing news ever.

Schmoogie scored the highest score of all the third graders in his school, on a standardized math pre-test. He too has been offered an art scholarship to attend an Art Camp at East End Arts Council over the winter break next week. His behaviour has improved, and in the last year has excelled in baseball, football and basketball.

He is not only athletically inclined, he also excels academically, and now he has unearthed an art talent. I am so proud of him.

A well rounded, happy child, what more could you ask for!

Peace

My Baby is getting Big!

Noodle is wearing underwear to bed. Mom’s know the enormity of this event. Going from pull-ups at night to undies is a huge milestone leading right into big boyhood. I am happy and devastated all at the same time.

He’s my baby, and I don’t want him to get big.
Selfish? Sure. Do I care? Not really.
If you ask Noodle, he will tell you Mommy wants me to stay little and Daddy wants me to get big.

I wanted Schmoogie to achieve all of the milestones “early”, he was my first, and he was and still is, awesome. I corrected all of the things he said incorrectly; he needed to learn proper speech. I made sure he had every single, overpriced, learning toy on the market. Many of which he never even played with. I explained everything to him. Read all the books, magazine articles and websites I could. He did everything early, proper and perfect, so I thought!

Noodle, while in the same house, under the same guidance, has learned things a tad differently. I do not correct his speech, I no longer think it’s improper, but rather, cute. He has some learning toys, but they are not a necessity. I still read, but don’t take everything literally. And he is not perfect, nor is Schmoogie. I spend as much time, but don't fret if life takes over.

Second children are often raised differently. Experience, perhaps. For me, I knew he was my last baby. I guess a part of me doesn’t want to give my baby up, and having another is not an option. I love that he achieves, accomplishes and does all the things kids his age, do. He yearns to be big, he wants to do everything big brother does, and he is ever so proud of himself for his accomplishments. I am too, but it makes me sad at times. I know it’s selfish, maybe even silly to some, and I would never impede his growth, I love him too much.

I miss my baby.

He looks at me differently lately, he speaks differently, lately, he’s getting too heavy to hold and carry now, he just started wearing the next clothing size, size 4T, which is the last size with the “T” next to it. OMG, he’s not a baby, he’s almost not even a toddler. He is becoming a big boy, and I have mixed feelings. I am proud, I am happy, I adore him, I love him, and, who he is becoming, but, I truly miss my baby.

Peace.