.....Out Like a Giraffe.
What????
Ben brought home a preschool project yesterday that is a paper plate transformed into a lion. Brown cotton balls for the mane, construction paper whiskers, etc. A preschool treasure. I really should take a photo of it to share, but I'm feeling lazy this morning.
At the bottom of the project is the note "In Like a Lion...." So we asked the kids to finish the sentence, assuming they had heard the expression before.
They hadn't.
Ben: "In like a lion, out like a.... Giraffe?"
Caroline: "In like a lion, out like a ...... Dragon?"
Abby: "In like a lion, out like a .... Fool?" (She was thinking of April Fool's Day. At least there was some reasoning there, right?)
We briefly discussed the actual expression with the kids last night, and then asked again at breakfast this morning to see if there was any retention of that discussion.
There wasn't.
Ben: "In like a lion, out like a.....Giraffe." (At least he's consistent.)
Caroline: "In like a lion, out like a.....Sheep." (Closer!)
Abby: "In like a lion, out like a.....Yak."
A yak? A YAK??? I really feel like I'm talking to the wall sometimes.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Happy....Birthday.....Dear!
Yesterday we celebrated Scott's birthday -- in 15 minute increments.
Tuesdays are the craziest day of the week here, and I accepted a lacrosse game back in February without even realizing it was his birthday (serious wife demerits for me, right?) which just added to the chaos. Ben enjoyed a trip to the Please Touch Museum with Grandad in the afternoon, I had to get a sitter in the afternoon for about 2 hours since Scott had an afternoon meeting scheduled, and Abby had Religious Ed scheduled for the evening.
After I got home from the game and made a delicious birthday dinner (no whole fish requests this year, thankfully), I told Abby that last night was the one night of the year I was going to let her skip Religious Ed so we could celebrate Dad's birthday. The tears started immediately. And, they weren't tears of joy. What??!! I thought she would be practically turning cartwheels, based on the level of resistance I get some weeks about attendance. Then, she ran to her bag, pulled something out of the bottom of it (since it wasn't in her folder where I look for notes). It was a hand-made invitation for a special class where parents were invited to make and break bread. So....after scarfing down a 15-minute super fancy family dinner, Abby and I were off to class and poor Scott had to wait an extra few hours for homemade German chocolate cake. At least this year I did not serve rancid fish.
Interesting note, did you know that German chocolate cake is not the legacy of German immigrants or German culture? Rather, it is the creation of a man with the last name of German who invented sweet German cooking chocolate. I learned this little nugget from Joy of Cooking yesterday afternoon.
Tuesdays are the craziest day of the week here, and I accepted a lacrosse game back in February without even realizing it was his birthday (serious wife demerits for me, right?) which just added to the chaos. Ben enjoyed a trip to the Please Touch Museum with Grandad in the afternoon, I had to get a sitter in the afternoon for about 2 hours since Scott had an afternoon meeting scheduled, and Abby had Religious Ed scheduled for the evening.
After I got home from the game and made a delicious birthday dinner (no whole fish requests this year, thankfully), I told Abby that last night was the one night of the year I was going to let her skip Religious Ed so we could celebrate Dad's birthday. The tears started immediately. And, they weren't tears of joy. What??!! I thought she would be practically turning cartwheels, based on the level of resistance I get some weeks about attendance. Then, she ran to her bag, pulled something out of the bottom of it (since it wasn't in her folder where I look for notes). It was a hand-made invitation for a special class where parents were invited to make and break bread. So....after scarfing down a 15-minute super fancy family dinner, Abby and I were off to class and poor Scott had to wait an extra few hours for homemade German chocolate cake. At least this year I did not serve rancid fish.
Interesting note, did you know that German chocolate cake is not the legacy of German immigrants or German culture? Rather, it is the creation of a man with the last name of German who invented sweet German cooking chocolate. I learned this little nugget from Joy of Cooking yesterday afternoon.
Birthdays here are all about the cake.
Monday, March 21, 2011
The Secret Life of an NCAA Official
I typed that title like I really know what I'm talking about, didn't I?
I officiated my first ever college game on Saturday. And it was great! Truth be told, the lacrosse was definitely not better skill-wise than the better high school teams around the Delaware Valley. But, actual lacrosse quality-of-play aside, all the trappings of officiating college sports were delightful.
1) There is an actual locker room just for officials. That means that I did not have to try to change any articles of clothing or shoes while either sitting in my car or standing at my trunk. There is a private area to take a break at halftime, with an actual bench and an actual bathroom. There are no fans, players, or coaches in said bathroom who want to ask "just one quick question" and then lambaste you while you're washing your hands. Private locker room = Privacy!
2) And, guess what we talked about in the locker room? Lacrosse! I couldn't believe it. I thought there would be casual chit-chat. But, we talked about fouls and plays and certain players' tendencies, and how we could make our game even safer and what we could do to make better calls during the second half. Good stuff.
3) Mercifully, the AD did not play the National Anthem sung by Mariah Carey. I have absolutely nothing against Mariah Carey or her music in general. However, I have heard that particular rendition of the National Anthem at least 100 times since it is the version of choice for all the local high schools. It's quite long. And quite twittery. And, it was really refreshing to hear something else. I was secretly wishing I had a recording of my daughters' elementary school's 2nd and 3rd graders singing the Star-Spangled Banner that they just performed during their spring concernt. THAT was a great version. Of course, just because this University did not play Mariah Carey does not mean that Colleges B-F will not, but it was nice break nevertheless.
4) All college games are officiated with 3 umpires rather than 2 umpires. Even though there are some differences in positioning and responsibilities at the various positions, I really enjoy umpring '3-Man' style. I can't speak for myself, of course, but my partners were really experienced and respected officials and it was such a treat and a personal thrill to work with them. I have one game this year with one of the umpires who called the final game in the NCAA Division I tournament. The Championship game! My umpiring idol!!
I officiated my first ever college game on Saturday. And it was great! Truth be told, the lacrosse was definitely not better skill-wise than the better high school teams around the Delaware Valley. But, actual lacrosse quality-of-play aside, all the trappings of officiating college sports were delightful.
1) There is an actual locker room just for officials. That means that I did not have to try to change any articles of clothing or shoes while either sitting in my car or standing at my trunk. There is a private area to take a break at halftime, with an actual bench and an actual bathroom. There are no fans, players, or coaches in said bathroom who want to ask "just one quick question" and then lambaste you while you're washing your hands. Private locker room = Privacy!
2) And, guess what we talked about in the locker room? Lacrosse! I couldn't believe it. I thought there would be casual chit-chat. But, we talked about fouls and plays and certain players' tendencies, and how we could make our game even safer and what we could do to make better calls during the second half. Good stuff.
3) Mercifully, the AD did not play the National Anthem sung by Mariah Carey. I have absolutely nothing against Mariah Carey or her music in general. However, I have heard that particular rendition of the National Anthem at least 100 times since it is the version of choice for all the local high schools. It's quite long. And quite twittery. And, it was really refreshing to hear something else. I was secretly wishing I had a recording of my daughters' elementary school's 2nd and 3rd graders singing the Star-Spangled Banner that they just performed during their spring concernt. THAT was a great version. Of course, just because this University did not play Mariah Carey does not mean that Colleges B-F will not, but it was nice break nevertheless.
4) All college games are officiated with 3 umpires rather than 2 umpires. Even though there are some differences in positioning and responsibilities at the various positions, I really enjoy umpring '3-Man' style. I can't speak for myself, of course, but my partners were really experienced and respected officials and it was such a treat and a personal thrill to work with them. I have one game this year with one of the umpires who called the final game in the NCAA Division I tournament. The Championship game! My umpiring idol!!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Lacrosse Opening Day
Finally! It is opening day for my lacrosse officiating season. It has felt like a million years since I got my new rating in July. I have two high school games today to warm up for the college officiating season which starts for me on Saturday. The more experienced college officials (read "really good officials") that work Division 1 games started a few weeks ago, but I'm quite happily taking my whistle to a Division III game this weekend. I'm thankful that I have several high school games to knock the cobwebs out of my head between now and then. It's pretty much a given that I will do something really stupid this afternoon, and I'll probably get yelled at. But, then I will pretend to be deaf. My children have helped me practice this skill all winter. Selective hearing. It is really a tremendous skill --- for all professions.
So, in just a few short hours, I will be running around in the sunshine, and having everyone STOP when I blow the whistle. It's really magical those first few whistle blows. STOP. STOP. STOP. If only that worked at home!
So, in just a few short hours, I will be running around in the sunshine, and having everyone STOP when I blow the whistle. It's really magical those first few whistle blows. STOP. STOP. STOP. If only that worked at home!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Verticillium Wilt Sucks
Today, very sadly, is the last day that our enormous Norway maple tree will stand as a sentry in front of our house. As many maples in our area do, this tree contracted a fungal infection called Verticillium wilt and has been slowly dying for the last decade. The previous owner of our home was so attached to this magnificent tree that he had the four largest branches cabled together to extend the life of this beauty a little longer.
But, based on the opinions of three different tree experts, the structural integrity of the tree is now severely compromised, and she must come down before the wind takes her down. So, today, our tree is getting cut down. We will be saving branches to burn next winter. And, we're also saving a giant slice of her 154" diameter trunk to count the tree rings and maybe even create a little table from so she can stay with us a little longer.
As my parents can attest, I grow quite attached to trees. I always have. So, I today feel like I am losing a friend by my own hand. Perhaps this sounds a little melodramatic, and maybe it even is, but I've enjoyed having the majestic spread of this trees canopy welcome me home every day. I enjoyed watching woodpeckers climb up her branches. I loved hearing the birds sing from her branches. And, I enjoyed listening to the wind whistle through her leaves.
Goodbye old friend. The chainsaws have started, and so have my tears.
But, based on the opinions of three different tree experts, the structural integrity of the tree is now severely compromised, and she must come down before the wind takes her down. So, today, our tree is getting cut down. We will be saving branches to burn next winter. And, we're also saving a giant slice of her 154" diameter trunk to count the tree rings and maybe even create a little table from so she can stay with us a little longer.
As my parents can attest, I grow quite attached to trees. I always have. So, I today feel like I am losing a friend by my own hand. Perhaps this sounds a little melodramatic, and maybe it even is, but I've enjoyed having the majestic spread of this trees canopy welcome me home every day. I enjoyed watching woodpeckers climb up her branches. I loved hearing the birds sing from her branches. And, I enjoyed listening to the wind whistle through her leaves.
Goodbye old friend. The chainsaws have started, and so have my tears.
Rotted Main Trunk
Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold,
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
-Robert Frost
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Recipe: Luscious Lemon Chicken Piccata
Subtitled: Crazy for Capers
I've been feeling a little bored with my own cooking lately. More accurately, I've been completely sick of my own cooking lately. So, I decided to shake things up a bit. To get out of my cooking funk, I've tried a whole bunch of new recipes over the past few weeks, several of which have been company worthy. Scott and Abby have loved it. Caroline and Ben have been begging for chicken nuggets and hot dogs.
I can't take any credit for the following recipe, but I can vouch that it is easy, quick and FABULOUS. (For original version go to Cooking Light's Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata).
Ingredients:
1 to 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or cutlets
1 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/3 cup crisp white wine
1/2 cup lower-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice (about 3 lemons) (regular lemons also OK)
2-4 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (I skipped the parsley, but I'm sure it would look even nicer with it)
Preparation:
1. Place each cutlet between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound each cutlet to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Sprinkle cutlets with salt and pepper. Place flour in a shallow dish; dredge cutlets in flour.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one half of the cutlets to pan, and sauté 2 minutes. Turn cutlets over; sauté for 1 minute. Remove the cutlets from pan. Repeat the procedure with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 2 cutlets.
3. Add wine to pan, and bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Cook for 1 minute or until liquid almost evaporates. Stir in chicken broth; bring to a boil. Cook until broth mixture is reduced to 2 tablespoons (about 4 minutes). Stir in juice and capers. Serve over chicken. Sprinkle with parsley.
4. Enjoy!!
Most of the new recipes I have tried recently came from Cooking Light (March 2011), but I also bought a new soup cookbook that I absolutely love, the New England Soup Factory Cookbook. This cookbook has some unusual soups and terrific versions of the classics.
Some of the last few week's gastronomic highlights:
I've been feeling a little bored with my own cooking lately. More accurately, I've been completely sick of my own cooking lately. So, I decided to shake things up a bit. To get out of my cooking funk, I've tried a whole bunch of new recipes over the past few weeks, several of which have been company worthy. Scott and Abby have loved it. Caroline and Ben have been begging for chicken nuggets and hot dogs.
I can't take any credit for the following recipe, but I can vouch that it is easy, quick and FABULOUS. (For original version go to Cooking Light's Meyer Lemon Chicken Piccata).
Lemon Chicken Piccata
(photo of my dinner on Monday -- sooooo good)
Ingredients:
1 to 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or cutlets
1 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1/3 cup crisp white wine
1/2 cup lower-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice (about 3 lemons) (regular lemons also OK)
2-4 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (I skipped the parsley, but I'm sure it would look even nicer with it)
Preparation:
1. Place each cutlet between 2 sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap; pound each cutlet to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Sprinkle cutlets with salt and pepper. Place flour in a shallow dish; dredge cutlets in flour.
2. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one half of the cutlets to pan, and sauté 2 minutes. Turn cutlets over; sauté for 1 minute. Remove the cutlets from pan. Repeat the procedure with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 2 cutlets.
3. Add wine to pan, and bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Cook for 1 minute or until liquid almost evaporates. Stir in chicken broth; bring to a boil. Cook until broth mixture is reduced to 2 tablespoons (about 4 minutes). Stir in juice and capers. Serve over chicken. Sprinkle with parsley.
4. Enjoy!!
Most of the new recipes I have tried recently came from Cooking Light (March 2011), but I also bought a new soup cookbook that I absolutely love, the New England Soup Factory Cookbook. This cookbook has some unusual soups and terrific versions of the classics.
Some of the last few week's gastronomic highlights:
- Artichoke and Goat Cheese Strata (also company worthy from Cooking Light, Mar 11)
- Mini Farfalle with Roasted Peppers, Onions, & Feta -- I omitted mint from the original Cooking Light recipe. Scott gave this dish a rare 9 out of 10 (with 10 out of 10 only possible from Alba Restaurant).
- Spicy Tortilla Soup with Shrimp and Avocado (Cooking Light, Mar 11)
- Country Split Pea Soup with Bacon and Potatoes (comfort food from the NE soup cookbook above)
- Spinach, Feta, and Toasted Pine Nut Soup (creamy and satisfying from NE Soup Cookbook)
Friday, March 11, 2011
Philadelphia Flower Show 2011
I had the privilege of attending the Philadelphia Flower Show this year with my mom. We've made a little tradition of attending together every year for the past 5 years or so. We usually walk around the flowers and shopping area for 4 or 5 hours. My mom is kind enough to indulge my love of cactus and succulents, which means she lets me drool over the specimen exhibits for a good chunk of time. I remembered at the show yesterday that we gave out little potted echevaria plants (hens and chicks) for our wedding favor. I am surprised I had forgotten that bit of my past, although I'm sure a few bridesmaids out there don't forget painting 100+ mini-terra cotta pots silver.
Some favorite shots from the Show:
Spring Cheer
Clutch created from painted plants and seeds. Wow, right?
Part of a French flower market --
Check out the striped tulips on bottom right
Terrarium filled with all different kinds of....
Echevaria!
Some favorite shots from the Show:
Echevaria, of course!!
Don't you just love the symmetry and silvery color??
Spring Cheer
Clutch created from painted plants and seeds. Wow, right?
Part of a French flower market --
Check out the striped tulips on bottom right
Terrarium filled with all different kinds of....
Echevaria!
Carousel Horse (part of stunning entrance garden)
Always a delightful trip! Thanks, Mom!!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Heard and Seen Around the House
This morning...
Caroline (sitting at table): "Ben, we should be thankful and say a prayer."
Mom: (back turned and getting a little teary)
Ben: "Ok, Caroline."
Caroline: "Now put your hands like this (she pressed her hands together in prayer).
Ben (followed Caroline's lead, closes his eyes, and bows his head)
Mom: Thinking to herself, "What precious little cherubs. Isn't nice that Caroline is helping her brother to pray?"
Caroline (begins reverently): "I pledge allegiance to the flag. Of the United States of America, etc."
Mom (sighs.... but nevertheless impressed Caroline knew the whole pledge)
Caroline (finishing): "Ooooh man"
Mom: "Sweetie, it's A-men, not ooooh-man"
Caroline: "Oooooh MEN"
Also this morning...
Ben (getting dressed): "Hey Mom, do you know this is called a Whooshie?"
Mom: "What?"
Ben: "When you get your underwear like THIS (visual demonstration). It's a Whoosie!!"
Mom: "That's definitely a WEDGIE, Ben."
Mom: "You know, Ben, wedgies are preventable if you wear your underwear the correct way!"
Ben: "NO MOM, I want the picture in front."
And, finally...
Caroline (dancing alone in her mirror): "I look GOOOOOOD in these boots. Oh yeah. I do. Oh yeah"
(She's so modest, don't you think?)
Background on the boots-- My kids have grown at least an inch each in the last week, I swear. So we went shoe shopping on Sunday. I dragged Scott with me because shoe shopping is one of my least favorite parenting tasks. Somewhere below getting shots, but above going to the grocery store. Shoe shopping takes forever. It's surprisingly expensive. And, all the shoe stores have piles and piles of non-shoe related paraphernalia (toys, balls, etc.) right at eye level to tempt everyone to run around and act crazy in their socks. For some reason, we've been having trouble finding Abby sneakers that fit. But, finally on store #4, try #6, success! Caroline got really lucky and found a pair of cool cowboy-inspired boots on the clearance table. The boots were originally priced at >$100. (??????!!!!!!) But, the clearance price was perfect. She's been strutting around the house feeling like a million bucks ever since.
Caroline (sitting at table): "Ben, we should be thankful and say a prayer."
Mom: (back turned and getting a little teary)
Ben: "Ok, Caroline."
Caroline: "Now put your hands like this (she pressed her hands together in prayer).
Ben (followed Caroline's lead, closes his eyes, and bows his head)
Mom: Thinking to herself, "What precious little cherubs. Isn't nice that Caroline is helping her brother to pray?"
Caroline (begins reverently): "I pledge allegiance to the flag. Of the United States of America, etc."
Mom (sighs.... but nevertheless impressed Caroline knew the whole pledge)
Caroline (finishing): "Ooooh man"
Mom: "Sweetie, it's A-men, not ooooh-man"
Caroline: "Oooooh MEN"
Also this morning...
Ben (getting dressed): "Hey Mom, do you know this is called a Whooshie?"
Mom: "What?"
Ben: "When you get your underwear like THIS (visual demonstration). It's a Whoosie!!"
Mom: "That's definitely a WEDGIE, Ben."
Mom: "You know, Ben, wedgies are preventable if you wear your underwear the correct way!"
Ben: "NO MOM, I want the picture in front."
And, finally...
Caroline (dancing alone in her mirror): "I look GOOOOOOD in these boots. Oh yeah. I do. Oh yeah"
(She's so modest, don't you think?)
Background on the boots-- My kids have grown at least an inch each in the last week, I swear. So we went shoe shopping on Sunday. I dragged Scott with me because shoe shopping is one of my least favorite parenting tasks. Somewhere below getting shots, but above going to the grocery store. Shoe shopping takes forever. It's surprisingly expensive. And, all the shoe stores have piles and piles of non-shoe related paraphernalia (toys, balls, etc.) right at eye level to tempt everyone to run around and act crazy in their socks. For some reason, we've been having trouble finding Abby sneakers that fit. But, finally on store #4, try #6, success! Caroline got really lucky and found a pair of cool cowboy-inspired boots on the clearance table. The boots were originally priced at >$100. (??????!!!!!!) But, the clearance price was perfect. She's been strutting around the house feeling like a million bucks ever since.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
And the Verdict....
Is..... (Are you hanging on the edge of your seats??)
I did not take the job.
And, I feel relieved. Really, really relieved. So, I know it was the right decision. Maybe in a few years, when Ben knows how to swim a little bit, can fully dress himself, and is ready to be "on the go" for 6 hours a day. Right now he only goes to preschool 3x a week for 3 hours a day, and he comes home tired. I'm just not ready to throw him into the "big kid" world -- even if Abby and Caroline would love it. Ben still runs up to me at least once or twice an hour, just to hug me. He wants to sit on my lap at lunchtime. Why would I want to miss that all summer while teaching other people's kids??
So, that's that....
Please remind me this decision was a good idea when I'm losing it about mid- to late-July and I've had my fill of togetherness!
I did not take the job.
And, I feel relieved. Really, really relieved. So, I know it was the right decision. Maybe in a few years, when Ben knows how to swim a little bit, can fully dress himself, and is ready to be "on the go" for 6 hours a day. Right now he only goes to preschool 3x a week for 3 hours a day, and he comes home tired. I'm just not ready to throw him into the "big kid" world -- even if Abby and Caroline would love it. Ben still runs up to me at least once or twice an hour, just to hug me. He wants to sit on my lap at lunchtime. Why would I want to miss that all summer while teaching other people's kids??
So, that's that....
Please remind me this decision was a good idea when I'm losing it about mid- to late-July and I've had my fill of togetherness!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Indecision 2011
Subtitle: Welcome to the Crazy Inside my Head
Sub-Subtitle: Yes, I really do worry about all this stuff.
I went to a Summer Camp Fair last week, with a goal of finding a few fun things for my children to do this summer, and, being completely honest, to give myself a break from constant stay-at-home parenting.
Long story short, I left the Fair with a bag of summer camp literature to peruse AND a job offer to be the Nature Specialist for one of the local summer camps that I have had my eye on for a few years. I'm still shaking my head at how this happened. I already have two jobs (three if you count parenting), so pretty much the last thing I need is something else to juggle. But, I'm really good at juggling, and I'm tempted to take the position. Really tempted.
On the face of it, it's an incredible opportunity -- 7 fun-filled weeks of summer camp fun at an amazing location (and at an amazing price) with a lake, pool, meadows, ball fields, woods, cabins, playgrounds, and a creek. All three kids would get the chance to attend, be outside, play sports, try archery, horseback riding (Abby only), arts and crafts, and be a part of an excellent nature program (at least hopefully, right?).
Here's what I'm wrestling with....
Con. It's 7 weeks. That is practically the whole summer. School would end June 13th, the girls would have 1 week off, then go to camp for 7 weeks, go to the beach for a week, have a week off, and go back to school. That is a lot of structure for the summer. Granted we'd have weekends and July 4th off, but still, that means no PJs until 10am, practically all summer.
Con. It's a contract. So, if they/I hate it. We're stuck.
Pro. Grandma and Pops have offered to come up and hang out with the kids sometimes if they want to take a break from camp. So, it only really has to be full summer run for me. I can do the 7 weeks. Geez, that makes it sound like prison. It is a happy camping place, right? Of course I can play outside for 7 weeks. It's got to be better than validating groundwater data.
Pro AND Con (simultaneously?!) The kids won't get to play with each other or the neighbors as much this summer because they will be in separate groups at camp. If they don't play together as much, they won't fight as much (good!). But, they'll miss out on playing with each other (bad?).
Pro. The camp runs from around 9:15 to 3pm, so there would still be time in the afternoon and evening to play with the neighbors and play flashlight tag in the evening. The reality of last summer was that no one wanted to play in the yard between 1 and 3pm because it was too hot anyway. Maybe they'll be tired and ready to relax when then come home.
Con. In the summer, I usually do some educational activities, like skills workbooks and reading with the kids. I'm nervous that we won't get much of this done. Will they forget everything they've learned if we don't review things regularly? Will we get enough reading time in?
Con. It's a lot of time in the sun for my two fair-skinned children. There is a lot of shade at the camp and the kids do spend time in cabins. But, it's still a lot of sunshine. We'll have to copiously apply sunscreen at 8:30am and noon every day. The kids just loooooove sunscreen first thing in the morning, so I can anticipate a daily battle. (Really, though, this is a weak con, since we'd still have the sunscreen battle later in the day anyway.)
Pro. There are a lot of sports at the camp, like soccer and softball. Abby has been begging me to play more sports, so she would get her fill. Lots of sports = lots of exercise, which is definitely good. Also, lots of outdoor time = less time at home asking for snacks and TV. Excellent. I read an entire book, a scary book, about Nature Deficit Order in children -- so the more outside time the better.
Con. I'm nervous about Ben being at camp, particularly one with a pool since he is barely 3 feet tall and can't swim get. Will they adequately supervise him? Will he be safe? This is my biggest worry, even though it's not listed first.
Pro. Lunch is provided at the camp. I would have a full summer off from making lunches during the week.
Con. The lunches they serve are "kid friendly food" -- hamburgers, grilled cheese, hot dogs, etc. So, the lunches aren't super healthy. There is fruit. But, I'd have to help Caroline with food dye free choices. On the plus side, they'd be running around outside for 6 hours a day, so calories are not an issue. I'm more worried about them still being willing to eat healthy foods at the end of the summer.
Con. There is a 100% chance that I will end up with poison ivy at least one time this summer. We visited the camp on Sunday and there were huge vines visible on a lot of trees. I'd be leading the trail hikes, so realistically, I'll be itching. I hate itching. But, I can wear Ivy Block and bring Ivy Soap. And, take my annual dose of steroids.
Pro. I would get to play outside for a lot of the summer. Hopefully, this will be fun! It's camp, right?? Also, hopefully I'll get glimpses of ABandC having fun too -- doing things that I would likely never do with them regularly (archery, canoeing, fishing, rock wall, etc.)
Con. I won't be having fun WITH them directly, except during nature time. We'll be at the same camp, but not together. I'll miss a summer's worth of Ben-isms. Ok, really 7 x 5 x 7 hours worth of Ben-isms. Will he grow up this summer, and I'll miss it? I guess I will still see him in the morning and evening, though.
Summary. Yes, I'm totally over-thinking this. Completely and utterly over-thinking this. In my defense, I am on day 9 of a head cold and am a bit foggy-headed. Also, I'm feeling pressured to make a snap decision, and that is not one of my strengths.
For the 3 of you that somehow made it to the end of this post, please feel free to weigh in with your thoughts via email, call, or comment. I have to decide by either today or tomorrow. I'm going to call director today to find out more about the swimming and Ben. And, just how many kids I'll be teaching.
Sub-Subtitle: Yes, I really do worry about all this stuff.
I went to a Summer Camp Fair last week, with a goal of finding a few fun things for my children to do this summer, and, being completely honest, to give myself a break from constant stay-at-home parenting.
Long story short, I left the Fair with a bag of summer camp literature to peruse AND a job offer to be the Nature Specialist for one of the local summer camps that I have had my eye on for a few years. I'm still shaking my head at how this happened. I already have two jobs (three if you count parenting), so pretty much the last thing I need is something else to juggle. But, I'm really good at juggling, and I'm tempted to take the position. Really tempted.
On the face of it, it's an incredible opportunity -- 7 fun-filled weeks of summer camp fun at an amazing location (and at an amazing price) with a lake, pool, meadows, ball fields, woods, cabins, playgrounds, and a creek. All three kids would get the chance to attend, be outside, play sports, try archery, horseback riding (Abby only), arts and crafts, and be a part of an excellent nature program (at least hopefully, right?).
Here's what I'm wrestling with....
Con. It's 7 weeks. That is practically the whole summer. School would end June 13th, the girls would have 1 week off, then go to camp for 7 weeks, go to the beach for a week, have a week off, and go back to school. That is a lot of structure for the summer. Granted we'd have weekends and July 4th off, but still, that means no PJs until 10am, practically all summer.
Con. It's a contract. So, if they/I hate it. We're stuck.
Pro. Grandma and Pops have offered to come up and hang out with the kids sometimes if they want to take a break from camp. So, it only really has to be full summer run for me. I can do the 7 weeks. Geez, that makes it sound like prison. It is a happy camping place, right? Of course I can play outside for 7 weeks. It's got to be better than validating groundwater data.
Pro AND Con (simultaneously?!) The kids won't get to play with each other or the neighbors as much this summer because they will be in separate groups at camp. If they don't play together as much, they won't fight as much (good!). But, they'll miss out on playing with each other (bad?).
Pro. The camp runs from around 9:15 to 3pm, so there would still be time in the afternoon and evening to play with the neighbors and play flashlight tag in the evening. The reality of last summer was that no one wanted to play in the yard between 1 and 3pm because it was too hot anyway. Maybe they'll be tired and ready to relax when then come home.
Con. In the summer, I usually do some educational activities, like skills workbooks and reading with the kids. I'm nervous that we won't get much of this done. Will they forget everything they've learned if we don't review things regularly? Will we get enough reading time in?
Con. It's a lot of time in the sun for my two fair-skinned children. There is a lot of shade at the camp and the kids do spend time in cabins. But, it's still a lot of sunshine. We'll have to copiously apply sunscreen at 8:30am and noon every day. The kids just loooooove sunscreen first thing in the morning, so I can anticipate a daily battle. (Really, though, this is a weak con, since we'd still have the sunscreen battle later in the day anyway.)
Pro. There are a lot of sports at the camp, like soccer and softball. Abby has been begging me to play more sports, so she would get her fill. Lots of sports = lots of exercise, which is definitely good. Also, lots of outdoor time = less time at home asking for snacks and TV. Excellent. I read an entire book, a scary book, about Nature Deficit Order in children -- so the more outside time the better.
Con. I'm nervous about Ben being at camp, particularly one with a pool since he is barely 3 feet tall and can't swim get. Will they adequately supervise him? Will he be safe? This is my biggest worry, even though it's not listed first.
Pro. Lunch is provided at the camp. I would have a full summer off from making lunches during the week.
Con. The lunches they serve are "kid friendly food" -- hamburgers, grilled cheese, hot dogs, etc. So, the lunches aren't super healthy. There is fruit. But, I'd have to help Caroline with food dye free choices. On the plus side, they'd be running around outside for 6 hours a day, so calories are not an issue. I'm more worried about them still being willing to eat healthy foods at the end of the summer.
Con. There is a 100% chance that I will end up with poison ivy at least one time this summer. We visited the camp on Sunday and there were huge vines visible on a lot of trees. I'd be leading the trail hikes, so realistically, I'll be itching. I hate itching. But, I can wear Ivy Block and bring Ivy Soap. And, take my annual dose of steroids.
Pro. I would get to play outside for a lot of the summer. Hopefully, this will be fun! It's camp, right?? Also, hopefully I'll get glimpses of ABandC having fun too -- doing things that I would likely never do with them regularly (archery, canoeing, fishing, rock wall, etc.)
Con. I won't be having fun WITH them directly, except during nature time. We'll be at the same camp, but not together. I'll miss a summer's worth of Ben-isms. Ok, really 7 x 5 x 7 hours worth of Ben-isms. Will he grow up this summer, and I'll miss it? I guess I will still see him in the morning and evening, though.
Summary. Yes, I'm totally over-thinking this. Completely and utterly over-thinking this. In my defense, I am on day 9 of a head cold and am a bit foggy-headed. Also, I'm feeling pressured to make a snap decision, and that is not one of my strengths.
For the 3 of you that somehow made it to the end of this post, please feel free to weigh in with your thoughts via email, call, or comment. I have to decide by either today or tomorrow. I'm going to call director today to find out more about the swimming and Ben. And, just how many kids I'll be teaching.
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