My Shadow.
September 3, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Love is..., Photos | 7 Comments
Eliza,
You are my heart. But you already knew that… I tell you all the time. Your chief concern in life is to be included in everything. It doesn’t matter what is going on, you’re there. In fact, you are playing at my feet as I write this.
It’s no wonder that you are an expert at applying make-up, you diligently study me as I apply mine. You lean over Judah’s shoulder during school – I think you may learn nearly everything by osmosis. If I’m dressing myself, styling my hair, throwing laundry in the washing machine, working in my garden… I can guarantee that if I take three steps backwards, I’ll trip over you.
Because not only are you my heart, you’re my shadow.
Last evening you helped me prepare our dinner of chicken nuggets, sweet potato biscuits, and sliced up tomatoes from the garden. You were happy, happy. You had woken up a wee bit grumpy from your nap but perked up with an offer to help me cook dinner.
This is your spot.
What am I going to do when you don’t have that soft belly anymore? My heart will break.
We started off by peeling a sweet potato. You wanted so badly to be good at peeling but… you’re just not there yet. Thankfully you have no qualms about asking for help. We put our hands together and peeled as a team. You smiled up at me and I was reminded of just how much I love you.
Next we broke up bread and placed in the food processor – your favorite part is pushing the buttons. Bravery was the name of your game; you didn’t even jump at the loud noise or put your hands over your ears though I badly wanted you to so I could take a photo of your chubby hands and facial expression.
While we were waiting on the bread crumbs to be chopped I asked you to smile for mama’s camera. For a second you did but there was a yawn that sneaked up on you. I admit, this was exceedingly more cute than your hands on your ears.
I did end up with a smile. I feel the need to capture as many squished up smiles as I can before grow out of them. Even a heart of stone cold ice would have to melt when you flash your smile.
I crept upstairs after you had gone to bed for just one more kiss. Sometimes I need one more. And you always humor me. Thanks for that.
Love you,
Mama.
Hip Hop and CrossFit.
September 1, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Crossfit, Eve, Friends, Photos | 8 Comments
A few weeks ago I had to take Eliza to see the doctor. She had mysterious red bumps all over her chubby arms, legs, and face. At first I thought she had irritated her skin by rolling in the wiry New Mexico grass – she had been playing “birdy” with the other kids and the grass had been their nest.
What started out as five small red bumps on her cheek morphed into a full onslaught of red bumps covering her arms and legs by the next morning. I watched them closely for a few days but decided it would be best if I braved the germs at the doctor’s office and brought her in to be checked.
Suffice to say, the doctor had no idea what the bumps were from and she gave me zero solid answers. Or an answer of any kind. Very frustrating.
One interesting thing did occur from our fruitless visit to the doctor’s office. Eliza was weighed as part of the routine check-in… thirty-two pounds. A few days earlier Eve had weighed herself… thirty-four pounds.
My girls, who are four and a half years apart in age, are two pounds apart in weight. My Eve is a chippy bird. Teeny-tiny. I’m not sure the girl has ever been on the growth chart at any of her well-child visits. We haven’t been for well-child since we left Vermont but in the years prior, Eve would follow the chart but always be under it at every point. She’s just a tiny bit of a thing.
Eve, at seven, still wears a 5T and her friend Eleanor, who is six, hands her clothes down to us. All I can say is, she’s healthy and growing, she eats great foods and sleeps plenty. God made her beautifully petite, I guess.
This year we put Eve in a hip-hop class with her two best buds, Eleanor and Kelsey.
I was able to go and watch a class a few weeks ago and I was enthralled! And convinced that I would love to take a hip-hop class. The teacher is a hoot and there’s fun loud music… it’s totally great! I’m not convinced that it’s the class for Eve. She doesn’t really feel the music. What she does have is great hip-hop attitude and a superb hip-hop “face” as her teacher calls it.
Looking through the photos Daniel snapped tonight – he was able to watch her in class for the first time – I’m thinking she’d probably like ballet a whole lot more.
Daniel is convinced she’s gymnast material. Time will tell, I guess. For right now, we’re committed to hip-hop. Perhaps in San Antonio we can explore something else.
On a non-related note, my workout stunk to high heaven tonight. Frustrating to the max. And I’ve never sweat more in my life, I can assure you.
My only comfort is that although I had an awful time with the amount of weight and the movements -because of the weight- I worked hard and I’m stronger for it. Other than that… I’m sticking my tongue out and saying, “Pfffftttt….”
And now…. Bed.
Yesterday and Today.
August 31, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Friends, Photos | 2 Comments
Yesterday the three kids and I made a vat of applesauce. And by “vat” I mean… A Vat.
We are great lovers of applesauce in our home. I am deep down thankful that all it took to make this applesauce was some elbow grease. I appreciated not having to pay a single dime for all of this deliciousness. And I’m thrilled at the prospect of being able to eat applesauce all winter long. The only thing standing between me and a cold winter morning eating a piping hot bowl of smooshed apples is the canning process. (Well, that and a few months.)
Yikes. I don’t have my mom here to help me out this year. I’m a teesy bit afraid that I’m going to mess up. Fingers crossed that I won’t!
Today was… today. I feel like I accomplished nothing of importance. I did manage to remind myself earlier this evening that I successfully cared for three children; I fed them, schooled them, they wore clean clothes, they laughed and played, they even brushed their teeth today.
Fairly successful though not enormously productive.
Tonight we went to a fun birthday party for one of our friend’s little boy. His name is Jack and he turned four today. I loved how excited he was for his birthday! His mom, Miss Jessie, handed out dinosaur masks for the kids to wear… what a hit!
Can you hear her roaring at you?! I have a feeling that by tomorrow night I may be a bit deaf from the roaring I’m going to hear all day from my three very cute dinosaurs.
Shhh… don’t anyone tell her that her mask is on upside down. It’s so much funnier this way.
Even though today was just today… I’m happy. And I get to wake up tomorrow with a brand new day to enjoy.
So chill.
August 29, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Crossfit, Daniel, Eliza Dove, Friends, It's What's For Dinner, Judah, Photos | 3 Comments
Sunday was fantastically chill. No drama, no huge tantrums from anyone – parents included. There was church in the morning and we were actually early – wonders never cease! After church everyone piled on mama and daddy’s big bed for loads of tickling and uproarious laughter. Following the tickle-fest of 2010 there was a lunch that everyone finished without the need for threats to life or limb, errands, nap time, dinner, and then our highly anticipated “dessert and drinks” with friends in the park.
Daniel was able to sneak away for a bit during nap time to check out a gorgeous 1966 Chevy truck. He’s in great need of a vehicle to drive to work both here, during the winter, and once we arrive in San Antonio. New Mexico is an ideal place to buy a classic vehicle due to the roads being salt-free in winter and the price being low as a reflection of volume in the market. Time will tell what he decides to do!
“Dessert and drinks” was a blast, as always. Gorgeous perfection in the weather department, zero flies (a terrible problem here), and plenty of amazing friends…
Gingersnaps disappeared in record time…
Gorgeous Abby was showered with love…
The swings were never empty…
What’s life worth without friendships? I never want to find out.
I rounded out the day with a back squat workout. I have a tender spot in my heart for back squats. I love them, I do. But last night… no love. The muscles across my shoulders were angry with me from the previous night’s sumo deadlifts and push jerks. Laying the heavy bar onto those sore muscles was no fun… no fun at all.
I set a personal record – which isn’t much so don’t get too excited – my body isn’t built for strength. I was happy nonetheless. I did get stuck once, thankfully Daniel saved me. The last time I dumped the weight while in a back squat I did it incorrectly and hurt my back, I had much trepidation about dropping the weight again. I’m grateful for my man who lifted the bar off my shoulders like it was a feather.
Before we headed to bed, Daniel and I watched a couple of episodes of “Friends.” I love ending the night in gales of laughter…
And now, a brand new week!
Saturday.
August 28, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Daniel, Eliza Dove, Eve, It's What's For Dinner, Photos | 6 Comments
I never really know how Saturday is going to play out. Sometimes Saturday is great. Sometimes Saturday just sucks.
Last Saturday… sucky.
This Saturday… great.
I think the problem lies in Saturday being a wild card day, and I just don’t deal well with that. I have the same basic structure every day of the week with the kids. Sure we change activities once in a while but each day is pretty much the same. Routine is good for the kids and good for me.
Weekends though… we flail.
I don’t like flailing.
Today I took the bull by the horns. I planned ahead and decided that I would keep the day as much like our regular week days as possible. You know what, it worked beautifully.
The only thing that changed was that we didn’t work on any school. Judah was sad and grumpy about that. I tried to appease him by telling him that we could work on a small school project but I just realized that I forgot to. I feel terrible! The boy loves school and I am stinkin’ thankful for that.
This morning and into the early afternoon all five of us worked on chores around the house. We cleaned and laundered and vacuumed and mopped; I even took the kitchen table out to the driveway and scrubbed the tar out of it. Sadly I think I may have scrubbed a little hard because I actually took the varnish off. Our poor little table looks awful now. I’m bummed!
Lunch time and nap time stayed the same, we played with friends afterward, and dinner was normal. Our day worked and I am happy.
Gosh, you know, as I write this I realize that at times I am a slow learner. I should have realized that the loss of routine was the problem way before now. I guess the saving grace is that at least I’m learning.
Daniel made sure to spend some time with each of the kids individually today. He’s been working long days and time at home has been somewhat limited. One of the characteristics my husband has that I appreciate is how he plays with the kids in the way that works for them. Today with Judah he built a high tech airplane out of legos; with Eliza he played house; with Eve he played monopoly.
Eve mopped the floor with her Daddy! And clearly, she felt terrible about it.
Daniel and Eve… two peas in a pod. Terrifically alike in every way.
Eliza and I spent some time beautifying ourselves this evening. The girl is crazy about nail polish; when she spied me painting my toes her main focus in life shifted from sucking her thumb to having her fingers and toes painted too.
The weather was pretty iffy which meant at one point we were polishing amidst sprinkles. But it was fun and she was happy as a clam. And if you’ve ever seen Eliza happy as a clam you know that there’s not much you wouldn’t do to make her be that way again. She’s delightful.
Dinner tonight was BLTs and if you know me at all you know that bacon is one of my love languages. I was a happy girl. I even had two sandwiches. I’ve cut bread out of my diet by about 95% so this was a big deal! I loved every bite.
I rounded the day out with an awesome (and hard!) CrossFit workout. I even learned a new movement – the “push jerk.” Learning it took me more than a few tries, but that was okay! I had ninety-three times to figure that bad boy out. From what Daniel, my coach, said – I got it. I’m pretty stoked about that!
I have to be honest here, I feel like I’m always saying that my day was great… Let me be clear on this, there are times in every single one of my days that are bad – maybe even awful. But when I stop in here at night to think on and write about my day, I can’t help but focus on the happy parts and thankfully, the terrible, horrible, very bad parts slip out of view.
So are we perfect here? No way! We’re just really good at forgetting the yuck.
Re-enlistment Day! Bug Club Day!
August 27, 2010 | Filed Under Air Force Life, Air Force Physician Assistant Program (IPAP), Daniel, Eve, Military Life, New Mexico, Photos | 3 Comments
Daniel has been active duty Air Force for twelve years this past July. Today he signed up for four more years. He wasn’t technically due to re-enlist for another seven months or so but since being accepted into the PA program, he needed the retainability in order to begin and finish IPAP.
Daniel has to agree to stay in the Air Force for ten years beyond his coming commission, so today wasn’t a mile stone or the result of a big decision we had to make on whether or not he would stay in for four more years.
It was an exciting day, nonetheless.
And what was especially exciting was that the kids and I actually made it to the ceremony on time. Quite a feat, I’ll tell you.
There were showers for four (that makes it sound so easy, doesn’t it? It’s not.), blow drying hair for three, styling hair for three, ironing three little outfits, breakfast for four, make-up for one, removing traces of breakfast from three sweet faces, shoes on eight feet, brushing four sets of teeth, all the necessary gear into the truck. And then, finally, the actual driving, which was difficult because I was forced to maintain my good attitude in front of the children even though I got stuck behind two incredibly slow cars. Why must that always happen when one is pressed for time?
Anyway, we are in a (mostly) loving and committed relationship with the United States Air Force for at least… well, a really long time. Like thirteen more years. But more than likely, eighteen years. Let’s not think too long on that because I might cry. Sometimes I just want a home I can call my own.
Moving right along…
Today was also a much anticipated day for Eve. Today was “Bug Club” day with her little girlfriends. My daughter (very much the planner) has had her bag of supplies packed since Wednesday. But she left it in the room that she shares with Eliza. Unluckily, at “bug club” time Eliza was napping and there was no retrieving of the bag. Poor girl was crushed. We made do with another not quite as cute but serviceable bag and all was well. Now, I’m not sure what is exactly involved with the “bug club” but I do know that I think it’s hilarious. My daughter – the one who freaks out over bugs of any shape or size, is in a bug club. Highly amusing. And so very cute.
Do you want to know how my husband made my day end so well? I had mentioned earlier in the evening that I really wanted to drive out – way out – and watch the moon rise. The nights are beautiful here and because it’s unbelievably flat and wide open you can see the whole sky for what seems like a million miles. At eight o’clock tonight Daniel burst through the front door and told me get in the truck; we were headed out to watch the moon rise. He remembered!
God bless my man, he sat in the truck with me for nearly forty-five minutes waiting and watching for the moon. He even fielded highly suspicious questions from want-to-be cowboy cops as to why we were pulled over on the side of a dirt road with our truck lights off. They totally didn’t buy the moon watching thing. Ha!
The moon was gorgeous tonight and the fact that my husband took me out there so I could watch it rise was wonderful.
An exceptionally good Friday, friends. Happy weekend!
A normal, every day, day.
August 26, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Eve, Homeschool, Photos | 6 Comments
Today was a simple day of routine. The kids woke up happy and bouncy; the sun shone brightly without burning, the air was crisp in a New Mexico kind of way.
I liked today.
Sure, there were the usual accidental spills, and the bumps that make all children run for mama kisses; there was the typical bickering over a stupid toy. But there was camaraderie and hugs and “I love you’s.” And Eliza sported curls which always foretells of an especially good day.
Today was normal, every day, day.
School was accomplished; Eve was able to recite her entire poem and I videotaped it for posterity. Judah and Eliza recited theirs a few days ago:
Untitled from andrea hub on Vimeo.
Eliza’s poem from andrea hub on Vimeo.
But Eve’s was longer and required more hard work.
Untitled from andrea hub on Vimeo.
I love teaching them though I woudn’t mind a few more “productive” things to keep Eliza busy at the table. As much as I love her chubby little body, her constant plea to sit on my “yap” (lap) does tend to disrupt the flow. I always let her sit with me when we read, she likes to be the first to see the rare picture in our book. Today’s reading made me choke up but I hid it well… it’s just my mama heart that gets all emotional sometimes.
Eve had a great day, being that as soon as she finished school she shot out the door like a bullet and spent the entire afternoon playing with her friends; and then promptly headed off to hip hop class. A perfect day in her book. I did manage to wrangle her little body into stillness for a few moments so I could slip braids into her hair before class.
Post class Eve was wound for sound… I had her burn off some energy on the back porch. She played on the rings and swung and… did the jig, naturally.
I’ll be sad when Eve becomes self-conscious and holds herself back. I enjoy her zest and unshackled ability to be herself.
I didn’t get to accomplish much of anything for myself today. Partly, I’m sure, because I didn’t make a list. The other part, the main part, was because I was entirely present in everything we did. While I can’t do that every day… things do have to be accomplished, I enjoyed our day.
The greatest part, I confess, was that I kissed my husband this evening. After Daniel having a humdinger of a cold (his once a year bout of sickness) for the past week, I’ve missed his lips. Thank the Lord that although everyone else caught it – though much more mildly than Daniel – I was healthy and well and able to carry everyone through.
Eliza’s knitted backpack.
August 26, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Photos | 9 Comments
It’s not very often that the kids receive mail. But when they do… Hold onto your horses!
Things get kinda crazy.
Today Eliza received a package from Nana. Her very own backpack.
A few years ago I stumbled across the pattern for the most adorable knitted backpacks; knowing I couldn’t make the backpacks, I asked my mother-in-law if she would make them. She generously did. The kids have dearly loved and used their backpacks for many adventures. Not only are they a great size, they are super cute; we’ve used them on the plane, for road trips, and for playtime around the house.
Lately Eliza had begun claiming Eve’s as her own. When I would tell her that while she can use it with Eve’s permission, it belonged to her sister. “Oh, aw-wight” she’d say, with a reluctant sigh. It finally occurred to me – sometimes the light bulbs take awhile to come on – that I could ask Conny to make Eliza her very own. Eliza agreed that this was a great idea; together we rang up Nana and asked!
Purple and orange were the requested colors. And boy, did Nana deliver!
I think my mother-in-law might have a soft spot for her youngest granddaughter because there was some major bling involved in Eliza’s backpack. And the girl loves it.
I am thankful that each of the kids have their own backpack now. It’s awesome to be able to tuck little toys and snacks into the bags for road trips, trips to the zoo, and the like.
You’ll have to excuse how messy her hair is – she had an awfully busy day of playing – but here, Nana… here’s Eliza’s big smile to show you how happy she is with her bag…
Thank you very much!
Into the make-up.
August 25, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Photos | 13 Comments
Today was blessedly cold and rainy. What a glorious day! Rain also means that my kids are playing inside.
The truth is, I liked it.
I enjoy hearing what games my kids play, unless they’re fighting and then forget it. At one point this morning I was cutting up apples for applesauce when I realized that Eliza wasn’t downstairs with the other two kids. Normally where there is one (or two) there is the other. I never have to worry about one of my kids wandering off or getting into trouble. They equally as much love to be together as they love to tattle, so generally we’re good.
I questioned Judah about Eliza’s whereabouts and he offhandedly replied that, “Oh, she’s upstairs.”
“Doing what?” I asked.
“I think she’s mad or sum-fing” he said.
I hadn’t heard any fighting or screaming so I knew that wasn’t it. I figured she was either reading a book or getting into mischief.
A couple of minutes later Eliza sashayed into the kitchen… in full make-up. Eve flipped her wig because it was her make-up Eliza had experimented with. I encouraged Eve to keep her make-up higher and out of reach, then I laughed, took Eliza’s photo, and let her wear the make-up for the remainder of our day.
Miss Eliza,
I love that you got the blush in the general area it is suppose to go; I love that you put on purple eyeshadow; I love that you even put on lip gloss. I especially love that you can do all of this correctly at the age of two.
Baby girl, you are mama’s cheeseball and it is impossible for me to love you more.
Pears and China.
August 23, 2010 | Filed Under It's What's For Dinner, New Mexico, Photos | 6 Comments
Sweet pears resting on beautiful china.
I deemed today “Fruit Day.” I had seen a great looking fruit tree when we were driving home from picking up Mexican for dinner (Yum!) last night. I made a mental note of the street and since we get Mexican food from the same restaurant every single time, I am somewhat familiar with that side of town; I figured I would be fine driving there by myself. Well… I can tell you that without my little GPS, I’d still be looking for that stinkin’ street. And it’s 8:37 p.m.
I’m totally rolling my eyes right now.
I am directionally challenged. In an extreme way.
I should back up a bit because before we went to the park to pick what I thought was apples, we walked to the other end of housing and picked from a couple of small apple trees. It was terribly hot. I was getting snippy by the time we were done picking apples but we pressed on to the park. And I sure am glad we did!
When we got to the park I realized, much to my delight, that instead of an apple tree it was a pear tree.
Love.
The fruit trees around here grow fairly wild and without any care which translates into very organic and bug infested fruit, but it’s free and I’ll take a few bugs over pesticides any day. This particular pear tree was shown a lot of love by the bugs but we did find about a half a bag of good fruit. Eve wandered off at one point but came running back to tell me that the rest of the orchard area was full of pear trees without as many bug spots. We hit the jackpot!
The kids weren’t really able to help me pick, though Judah was a big help climbing and pulling branches down a few times. Eventually I shoo-ed them off to play under the nearby shady trees because I was shaking branches and pears were dropping like crazy. I was afraid for their little heads! While the kids were playing “Indians” which translated into Eve sewing big leaves together, Eliza and Judah collecting pine cones for winter, and pretending that I was their mother who was picking pears (I love my kid’s imaginations!), I was busily filling up my bag.
At one point a gentleman started mowing the grounds and I thought he was going to come over and tell me that I had to leave. Instead he brought me a long tool with a handle that you squeeze which opened and closed the end that had a sort of pincher type thingy with rubber tips. He offered that to help me! His tool sure beat me jumping up over and over again, hitting the fruit off with a long stick! And then he even asked if he could help me carry my bags of fruit home. I was so thankful for his good heart.
After the fruit picking we headed to Goodwill to see if they had any canning jars in stock. We were thrilled when Eve spied a box of about 15 beautiful jars for $2.99. I also saw a small collection of gorgeous china… Oh, it’s beauty made my heart sing a happy little song.
So from now on, today shall be called: The day of pears and china. And Eve is our heroine.
A little cooperation between God and Judah’s Mama.
August 22, 2010 | Filed Under Eliza Dove, Judah, New Mexico, Photos, The garden | 5 Comments
This year in my garden I planted grape tomatoes for Judah. He was the sole reason I planted them.
My little guy has loved grape tomatoes since he was able to get them from his hot little hand into his mouth. I had to shut him down when he was a wee one because of the horrendous diaper rash he would get the day after. I hated doing that. I promised myself that when he was done with diapers I would never deny him grape tomatoes again. He could eat them by the fist full and I wouldn’t bat an eye.
Last summer he ate as many as I could get into the house. Farmer’s market to table to Judah’s happy mouth.
This summer, we have our own.
I was afraid that this day would never come; the first grape tomato plant that came up from the seeds I planted, died. I guess it couldn’t take my constant attention. Unfortunately I am a hover-er. I know my neighbors think I’m crazy because I am constantly checking on my garden.
The second little tomato plant that decided to give this life thing a whirl… lived! Flourished, even. I watered it, talked to it, cheered it on…
Fruition:
I was so excited for this day to come! I’ll admit to being a little nervous that Judah would mysteriously decide that he didn’t love grape tomatoes anymore, but my fears were put to rest.
I had one very happy boy with a handful of just picked grape tomatoes.
He even shared with his sister, though truthfully it was a bit begrudgingly. He’s got some stiff competition in the “oh-may-yo” lovin’ department from one Miss Eliza Dove.
Maybe next year I should plan for a “Judah” tomato plant and an “Eliza” tomato plant!
From Sunday to Saturday.
August 21, 2010 | Filed Under It's What's For Dinner, New Mexico, Photos | 3 Comments
The “Dessert and Drinks” crowd changed our Sunday get-togethers to Saturday get-togethers because of school being back in session.
While still as much fun as ever, the night felt a little off to me. I guess we really are creatures of habit and I just need to adjust my habit.
I don’t know if it was just a New Mexico thing but here in housing, Saturday was “pie day”… Mostly apple, as two of my neighbors also made apple pies like me. But, being the crazy one, I threw in a peach pie just for kicks.
Earlier in the day we drove by a couple of sweet old men selling peaches on the side of the road, and I could not resist. I badly wanted to buy the BIG box but for thirty dollars… it felt a bit like highway robbery. Especially since they weren’t fresh off of someone’s tree. The peaches had been trucked in from California. Nonetheless, they were luscious. And a great peach pie they made.
I got razzed for “labeling” my pie “A” for Andrea. Really, it was “A” for apple… and I always do that. Pinky swear!
Happiness is having good friends to share pie with on a hot August night.
She’s got the at-ti-tude.
August 20, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Eve, New Mexico, Photos | 5 Comments
Girlfriend started taking a hip-hop dance class a few weeks ago and all of the sudden… POOF!
Attitude.
Nah. That’s not the truth. Eve’s had attitude forever but in a sweet, fun way. And tonight… she brought it.
Here’s her “cute” face. She is realizing that she can be cute. I love observing her self-discovery moments.
But then her shoe fell off. Oh Lordy.
What the girl has more than attitude… is drama. And she ALWAYS saves it for her mama.
I have NO IDEA where she gets all of this personality from.
P.S. Those cute straight from the 80’s sunglasses are from Goodwill. One never knows what treasures can be found in that magnificent store!
An Apple Pie in August?
August 13, 2010 | Filed Under It's What's For Dinner, New Mexico, Photos | 15 Comments
I’m from New York, as you know. We do apples in late September, early October. Apples are a Fall thing. There’s a nice snap in the air, the trees are beautiful, warm apple cider after tromping through an orchard sounds like a little slice of heaven.
I live in New Mexico now. Apparently New Mexico does apples in August.
There’s no snap in the air, it’s in the high 90’s. My kids are in swimming suits instead of sweaters and jeans. Honestly, I’ve been kind of weirded out by the whole thing.
But! We have apples. And truly, I never thought I’d be apple picking in New Mexico. I am thankful!
My friend Brandy told me about the apple trees that were ready to be picked, so off we went. Nontraditional? Yes, but a happy occasion nonetheless.
The apples went from this:
To this:
And finally, to this:
There was much rejoicing in our house!
What is your favorite pie?
I won!!
July 22, 2010 | Filed Under Andrea, Military Life, New Mexico, Photos | 44 Comments
I am still in shock!
Daniel wrangled (LIED) me onto base this morning under the guise of a meeting with “Very Important People” that have a lot of brass pinned to their chests, for a meet and greet in honor of “Year of the Air Force Family.”
I had no clue whatsoever what the meeting was really for. I had gotten the children all dressed in nice clothes – girls in their matching Easter dresses, the boy had on the bow tie that matched the girl’s outfits – I was wearing white and make-up. Indeed, we were ready to meet these VIP’s.
When we walked into the room I saw my photo blown up on a board and sitting on an easel. I saw the prize pack and a lot of people smiling.
It slowly dawned on me why I was really in that room!
Stunned wouldn’t really describe how I was feeling.
It was wild! Before I knew it I was shaking people’s hands and hearing about all that I had won and how proud everyone is. About how next they are going to schedule a time to have the Wing Commander present my prizes and certificate to me, and how my picture is going to be on the website and in base paper. The Commander even coined me!
Seriously, I’m just me. Andrea. The redheaded dork who bares her stomach on the World Wide Web. I’m the girl who takes photos for fun and because I love to. I don’t actually win stuff! My photos aren’t nationally recognized. I mean, c’mon!
Truthfully, you guys are the ones who really won the contest for me. I entered my photo on a whim. Without your votes I wouldn’t be in this position today. Apparently over 800 votes were cast for my photo. Wow!
Thank you.
Here’s where I get mushy. But just for a second, I promise…
Thank you for believing in me. And in my photo. Your votes of confidence meant the world to me.
And in the effort for full disclosure, I did indeed do the happy dance. Though I waited until I got home. I restrained my glee while in front of “The Very Important People.”
Daniel was so relieved.
