Pippin

I thought, after Kateri's post, I'd dedicate a post to each one of the kids. Today is Pippin's day, and I thought I'd share some "Pippinisims".

Pips is a pretty happy boy. And, I think like most boys, pretty simple. If he wakes up to a clean pair of cammo undies in the morning, it's going to be a good day.

He loves anything army or 'miditary'. He asks for sugar coffee in the morning so he can 'wake up', and because that is what army guys drink.

He has a funny thing for arms, and uses them like some kids use their favorite toy or blankie. It gets super annoying when he comes and gets in our bed at night and I feel his hand searching for my arm. He also prefers his arms cold. Sometimes he'll  ask if he can feel the other one because this one is too warm. I feel it might only be fair to warn his future wife. It really disrupts your sleep.

He is a bit of a Cassanova. Especially if a girl is showing her arms.

He likes a little girl at swim lessons. I can't blame him. She's small, cute, has big brown eyes, and dark strawberry blonde hair pulled up in a little pony tail. And she is sweet.

A few weeks ago they were coloring pages, waiting for their turns. Cyprian just stopped and stood there, looking at her. Kind of gazing into her face. Then he reached out and touched her cheek and said,

"But, um, I just love you."

He waited for her reply. Which was,

"If I remember your name when I get home, I'll write it on my friends list."

Which here mom told me later, was an honor. I don't know if she remembered.

Then last week he gave her a quarter. She was pretty impressed and went to show her mom, who I think pointed out that its not OK to accept money from a young man. Just flowers and chocolates.She gave it back and Pippin was not too crushed. I don't know what he has in mind for today, but I should probably prep him first.

And being a boy, he likes dirt, animals, and chasing. And chasing animals. He gets lots of opportunity on horse lesson days as the teacher also has chickens, geese, and a cat.

He actually shouted "I'm chasing a goose!" as he ran around the yard grinning.

The goose usually takes refuge on the other side of the  fence.

He likes to help collect the dishes from the horse stalls, and last time said he was finally getting a "horse lesson" because he got to brush one of the horses.

We went shopping for show outfits. Pippin was really sad we were not getting a hat for him.

But then we found a pair of camoflauge rain boots. And all was well in the world.

Guess Who's Swimming?

Kateri and Pippin have been asking every week, when they can sign up for swim lessons. Well we missed some lessons because of colds and I was told I could use them for for any registered swimmer. And since you only pay registration for the first two swimmers, I went ahead and registered the other kids.
They were so excited on their lesson day. Pippin was madly tearing the house apart looking for his Curious George swim shorts. He couldn't find them and settled for his plain blue ones. Kateri found her suit and put it on right after breakfast, though lessons were not until 3:45


Pippin tried on the different goggles while Kateri had her lesson. Kateri loved it- shocking- and fearlessly jumped in from the side and put her head under water. Pippin said he didn't like the swimming part because his face got wet. But he did like the "black float". I think for now they will just pick up the other kids missed lessons. I'm not sure I can get a regular spot for them and arriving at 3:45 was too early. The parking lot was jammed with buses and parents picking up their kids. We were almost late just because of parking. But the big kids are learning a lot, and it wears them out. Cyril asked if we could stop at QFC and get a whole chicken for dinner after lessons. We stopped. And got two.

Pippin Turns 4- and some catch up photos

Cyprian's birthday is not until tomorrow, but due to schedules, we had the party yesterday at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Of course we had the usual neighborhood gang pop over to help celebrate, eat cake, and add to the festiveness.

He was so excited to get GG's card. He was very generous and gave everyone a balloon and piece of gum. He spend his dollar on a bottle of juice this morning, and played stickers with Kateri while we waited for the big kids to finish art class.

He enjoyed his new Webkin and garbage truck. And has been playing with the little army men all day. It was great party and we enjoyed the leftover cake this afternoon after lunch. ( I am glad he asked for chocolate.)

This was not part of the birthday party. This was a girl trip my sister, a friend, and I took a couple weeks ago. Tirzah and Anna had found a cute little cooking shop in Cannon Beach which offered classes. So we picked one out, got a room, and headed down for the week end. The girls picked up some yarn at the yarn shop and started making hats. I have not gotten the itch to knit this year, yet. So I brought some books. We drank copius amounts of tea ( Mostly my new favorite Ruby Chai) and stayed up talking until 2am. Then got up for breakfast and coffee, shopping, beach walking, and whatever else tickled our fancy.

The little coffee shop across from our hotel was very cozy and had very tasty scones. I brought one back for Shane. Along with a couple bottles of wine.

The last morning we checked out and then rented bikes for a beach ride. Recumbent bikes are harder than they look. At least on the sand and pedaling up wind. The only thing that kept me moving was knowing it would be really easy on the way back and the fact that it is really hard to start once you stop. I was inspired to be resolute about doing more cardio wokours, But we made it back just as the rain started and had coffee at the Sleepy Monk before heading to do some shopping for the kids and heading home. We felt very re-freshed and ready for the new school year. Which started at 9:00 the next morning.

Cyril is the proud owner of a fancy new pocket knife. At least he was. Until I discovered he tried out the little scissors on his brother's hair. We'll give it back in another week or so. After I get him so balsa wood. So as to distract him from the nice wooden posts on the stair case.

Here is how we spend our Thursday evenings. Luckily it is one door down from the ballet studio
so the kids can take turns dancing and eating.

Pippin's version of a peace sign.

Here is my re-creation of the halibut from the EVOO cooking class. The fish and salsa came out very well but my lentils were not quite as flavorful. I even used the Umbrian lentil we had at the restaurant. Unfortunately, I made a lot of lentils so we had them a few nights running until Shane said , "Enough. No more lentils."



So then we moved on to the summer ratatouille with grilled bread and multi grain pasta. That came out pretty yummy too. I can put the recipes up later, but now my back is tired from my work out this afternoon. And I think I need some tea.

Tirzah just called today and said the hotel is having a fall special. And the cooking school has a new menu. I think bacon wrapped scallops were on it. I think Shane was impressed with the recipes and wine I brought back and would support a second trip. And the kids loved having Papa all to themselves. One aspect I loved about the menu was it was mostly vegetarian- only one beef dish-and very healthy. The kids love fish and some of them liked the ratatouille. Lots of good Lenten meals. Oh. And the wines were good too.

Tiri and Pipps

Sitting in the library, I heard these sounds,
"Squish, squish, splash, gurgle, flush. It was not until I heard this that I thought something bad might be happening.

"Hooray. We made it go down!"

I ran to investigate, and Kateri informed me they were making the garbagecan items go down. I have no idea what was in there. Obviously things that were not flushable. So far the toilet has not backed up due to the force feeding. I don't think taking the toilet off was on Shane's things I'd like to do this weekend list. Earlier in the day I heard some stirring in the living room. Actual spoon and bowl stirring. As soon as Kateri saw me she said, quite convincingly,
"No, Pippin. I told you that's a bad idea."

Recipe: grass, leaves, dirt, water, gravy mix.

I decided we needed to get out of the house. So the 5 of us headed to the garden store to get things for our garden. Which is another story.

Guess Who's 3?

You will have to scroll down to see as I've loaded the pictures backwards- again. But I am sure you can guess who. Trying out the new bubble mower from Grandma and Grandpa. It was a big hit, the last thing he talked about before he fell asleep and the first thing after he woke up.
Cyril, and conequently Shane's, latest sport- mountain biking. Shane took Cyril out for about four hours of non-stop crazy trail blazing that I don't even want to witness. Apparently it was not enough because he came home and immediately got out the bike ramp to practice jumps.
Here is where the kids and I played while the big boys were braving the trails.
Audrey thought this willow was cool and said she wanted one in our yard. Me too.

And here is the birthday boy. Being the preepared mom that I am, I could not find three candles. And I could onlyl find pink, as Kateri's birthday was most recent.He didn't care though.
Here is the always much anticipated "Grandma Mac Birthday Card". It came two days before his birthday but he was with me when I got the mail and spied it. He ran back to the house, clutching to his chest and shouting,

"Hey kids, its my birthday from Grandma Mac!" He was so excited he had to open it on the porch.
He had frun blowing up the balloons and chewing the gum, which he was able to do simultaneously. Kateri helped him decorate her kitchen sink with the stickers.
Grandma Trudy started the tradition of decorating cakes with the kids so I filled up the frosting bag and let him go for it.
I thought it turned out pretty well.

Sailor Pips

I've been working- or trying- to get organized before the school year starts. After working on the books and things I decided to tackle the storage room. Well I got as far as un-packing this little sailor suit and looking it over decieded I'd better try it on Pippin ASAP. So I put everything else down and grabbed the camera. He was so excited to try it on. I don't know who made it, butit real wool and very well sewn. I think it belonged to Shane's uncle. His father was in the Navy. I'm not sure though. You can set the record straight GG. It would be good to have the story right.
Shane's grandmother did her part and has some really neat stories about weaving torpedo nets. Kateri felt she needed to do her part too and tried to enlist. Unfortunately the neck was not roomy enough for her hair. But she still wanted a picture.

This was dinner a couple nights ago. It had been very warm for several days and I was not wanting to heat up the kitchen so I just made tastly little treats instead- crackers with ricotta, basil, tomato, and balsamic vinegar and some apples and gorgonzola. Very tasty.
Unlike the new wine Shane brought home. It was $60 but we much preferred the $25 Earthquake.

We're Having A Heat Wave

Or rather, it has not rained in sometime and I'm too hot to do the dishes. That's a lie. I finally did them but not until 6pm. And I was so exhausted afterwards I had to follow it up with a vodka tonic. Actually, I made that after the little scare I had while I was doing the dishes. I realized I hadn't heard the little kids in awhile. They had been using their squirt guns out in the yard and I was taking advantage of the momentary lull to get something done. I checked around the yard and saw to my horror, they had pried the baby gate at the corner ,enough for their little bodies to slip through, and who knew where they had gone. I ran to the front calling and searching. Then I realized my worst nightmare. Not the one where the kids get kidnapped and your legs are frozen and your voice is gone so you can't scream for help. No. The one where you hear their voices and realize they are standing on your neighbors porch- one of them stark naked- demanding at squirt gun point that the neighbor kids be let out to play.

Fortunately, the neighbor girl had answered the door and while she went to ask her dad if she could play, I tucked Pippin under one arm- his legs kicking and his bare bum wiggling to get down, grabbed Kateri's hand and raced home. Before the dad came to the door, discovered what miscreants he has for neighbors and forbade his children of ever playing with them again. At least I think I did. I just ran and never looked back.

I debated what should be done first. Naked kid clothed, or fix the fence. It has been so hot and as our neighbors on either side work all day, I felt fine letting Pippin skinny dip in the kiddie pool. It was still very hot, so I decided to fix the gate. I searched the garage for a board big enough to cover the opening but nothing worked. Finally, I got the brilliant idea of just nailing the hard pool- which had cracks anyway- to the fence. I'm sure if they worked at it they could figure a say through. And I'm sure Shane will think its just lovely. But at this point I am happy to get a few minutes of peace before they figure out the puzzle. I should get Kateri Rubic's Cube. I'll bet she could do it.
I was gone yestserday, so Shane, being the much more fun parent that he is, took he kids out to lunch, a movie, and Plastics R Us. I think lunch went well. After an hour of advertisments and 20 minutes of WALL-E, Kateri said she was ready to go home now and Pippin was ready to run laps around the theater. So they left for home. But not before stopping to get squirt guns. I had thought about getting some the first hot day we had. I didn't. And I am glad I have not been responsible for the ensuing carnage due to arming the natives. Want to start a war? Give two of the players super-soaker-shoot-your-eye-out guns. And the others the little manual stop and reload every 5 squirts I could spit farther kind. Which of course meant we had to share. Right. Tell that to the Israelis and Palestinians and that is about as enthusiastic as my kids were. So to make it "fair" we'd set the timer and I would have to assist in the exchanges every 5 min. And in between help reload the damn guns. After about an hour of such, I was ready to cram those guns down Shane's throat. He sort of laughed and said he had "only been trying to help" thinking it would give the kids something to do in the hot weather besides whine at me. It certainly did give them something else to do. Shane offered to make it up by picking up Cyril on his way to Jetty for kite boarding. It has helped a bit- as has the mojito mix I discovered in the cupboard. I don't really care for tonic.

Pippin's latest research project has been examing dead bugs from the window sills. Every morning he'd get a plate and tweezers and we'd pick through the available corpses like we were at a cafeteria. Then we'd pull out the microscope.
" A dessicated hymenopterous insect! Why, I haven't seen one of these in years!" which is professor speak for "A dry bumble bee. WHEEEEEEEE"
(Note: he is actually wearing pants in this picture.)
And just to end on a tasty note, here was my version of the fabulous antipasti plate at Girardi's. Which upon seeing, Shane explained he had envisioned a tossed salad all mixed up and maybe with some toasted nuts on top......blah blah blah. have you seen Mostly Martha? No, I didn't do that. I just said I understood how disappointed he must have been and maybe tomorrow we could make that kind of salad and could he be quiet now and please pass the wine. Actually, it was not that great i have to agree. The smoked mozarella was too smokey and the recipe I found the next day for balsamic caramel was much tastier. And Audrey wrote this.

If you haven't seen the film Mostly Martha and have the means, I highly recommend picking one up. It is leagues better than the American version "No Reservations". Oh, and along the theme of restaurants, "Dinner Rush" was another film we enjoyed. Kind of a slow start but lots of entertaining characters.

Well, the kids have converted their pool- we have tw0- into a bathtub now so I guess we'll wash up and get ready for bed. Thankfully, it is cooling off now. The heat makes me crabby. Shane was smart to go kiting, though he did offer to just come home if I needed him to. I should be back to normal temperature and hopefully a couple of the kids will be asleep by the time he gets home.

Like father like son

Pippin was up to his favorite pasttime again. Only this time it was sugar. Luckily, I got to him before he spread it around so clean up was not that bad. Surprisingly, I preferred it to the flour. It was easier to get out the cracks. I was glad he had not added any liquid. I don't have pictures but Shane did the same thing. When he was little. Only, he emptied his mom's entire pantry- flour,sugar, spices and all. And then to top it off he poured a bottle of bleach over the mountain he had created. (I suppose these days you could sue for not having child proof lids. Not that it would have stopped Shane I suppose) You'd think that would be bad enough but he then proceeded to run around the house, after walking through the pile in his socks. Trudy said it left little bleached foot prints all over the highly polished mahagony colored linoleum floor. So I guess I should consider myself lucky. And I think we will not repeat the vacuuming out the toilet or melting legos in the toaster episodes.

Book Him

Kateri and I were making raspberry syrup for our french toast when Pippin came down from the school room with ink all over his stomach. I picked him up and asked,

"Pippin, did you get into the pens?"- dumb question I know.

"NO" he answered.

"Then how did you get pen on your tummy?"

Kateri immediately went into interrogator mode. She crossed her arms and started out with good-cop lull you by my sweetness voice and asked,

"PIppin, dijyu cwimb up on the desk and get da pens?"

"NO" he insisted again, " I didn't."

"Den how dijyu get da pen?" changing immediately to the I know you did it don't try to get out of it tell me everything I already know voice.

"I cwimbed on da caburd" he whined. Meaning the one in the kitchen where we were cooking.

"But I didn't see you come down here and cwimb on da KAHBURD" she said emphatically, her eyes narrowing.

"So you had to get on da desk and get a pen" she announced. Case closed.

Holy Thursday!!

I can't beleive it already is Holy Thursday. Time flies. I had plans for today. I thought the kids and I could read the Passion play and color the little figures to act it out. And I thought we'd make the Pascha bread. Tirzah and I decided to dispense with our tradition of making it together. Somehow it just seemed like a bad idea this year.

Last year was the year we decided to build our own fence so the kids could play outside while we worked. Shane was a little less than thrilled with the baby gates and folding tables we laced together with ropes. And the bare spot the big toy bin left in the lawn has never recovered. But you do what you have to and we thought we were pretty creative. And we got the pascha done.

I am thinking we were right to hold off this year. The kids all got up on the wrong side of whatever and I actually feel like I might be coming down with something and have been really tired. So adding lots of cooking mess and sticky dough would not have helped.

Someone decided to go ahead with the plan, while I was being bad and reading Tirzah's blog. I was distracted by her red shoes and was not preapared when I went into the kitchen and found this:
I followed the foot prints,
Someone's been sitting on my couch,
and soon apprehended the culprit. For securtity reasons I can't show his face but his name is Pippin.

So an hour later, after sweeping, vacuuming, and bathing, we are almost back to normal -whatever that is. Except I'm more tired and Pippin who did not nap is more whiny and I never did make it to the store so we'll have to be creative for dinner. Very creative. It probably won't be anything I would photograph or report on. But hey, its Lent.