Gymtastic!

March 31, 2010 Leave a comment

IMG_4138IMG_4142Yes, we anted up and had the birthday party of Kelsey's dreams (well, since last year) at Gymtastic on Sunday afternoon.  We went back and forth on what to do, and while she wanted a sleepover, we weren't quite sure we could accommodate 15 plus girls in the living room.  It's spacious when Nicholas doesn't have the contents of Kelsey's Playmobil caravan strewn across the floor, but not that roomy.

  IMG_4144 IMG_4164We opted instead to have the party at a local Gymnastics studio.  Kelsey and Nicholas have both taken classes there, and one need only show up the day of the party with the food you wish to serve, favors (note to self: take extra favor supplies next time…), and the party girl.  I was a little apprehensive, as I had not actually been a to party there before, but Kelsey assured me a fabulous, fun-filled time would be had by all.

She was quite right.   They had two "coaches" who kept the girls busy from the minute they walked in.  They had free play, warm-up time, games, time in the bouncy house, and had plenty of time to release any pent-up energy.  When the play portion concluded, it was off to the party room for Z Pizza (2nd note to self: remember to write letter to Z Pizza about 'forgotten' orders….) and cake (yes, we used the Whole Foods bakery again, and yes, I think I gained another 5 pounds…).

IMG_4173 IMG_4124 IMG_4177  The best part?  Nicholas and Caitlin had as much fun as the rest of them.  He did his own thing in the play area, kicking balls and running around, but when it came time for lunch and cake, he had several 'big' sisters.  Cait usually helps with him, but was not necessary as Kelsey's friends were more than happy to sit by the Little Guy…who ate fruit, fruit, andmore fruit, pizza AND cake.  To have that boy's metabolism…

IMG_4180-1IMG_1642 IMG_4206  The party ended with the handing out of the favors (no, I was not up until 2 a.m. finishing them, why do you ask?) and a picture with each friend.  I totally stole the individual photo idea from another mom, but glad I did, as the pics were adorable. 

It wasn't the least expensive party we have had, but all things considered, well worth the money.  I don't think anyone had anything less than a stellar time, and the clean-up was a snap!   All in all, a pretty fun afternoon…now onto those thank you notes!

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One, two, three o’clock, four o’clock, rock

March 28, 2010 Leave a comment

IMG_4121 Last night was the Father- Daughter Sock Hop, "Bring Back Your Cadillac", for the local Girl Scout Service Area Unit to which Kelsey's Brownie Troop belongs. Considering what happened last year, and where Pete will be next year, this was not an event that needed to be missed.

Now, you all know where he will be next year, and last year wasn't really supposed to be a huge evening of disappointment.  Kelsey was only one of two girls that considered going to the 2009 Hop, and we learned early on that Pete had a trip that weekend.  Then, out of the blue and at the very last minute, the trip was canceled.

No biggie, we enjoyed the extra family time, and decided to give ourselves a break from cooking on that Saturday night.  So, we went to Max's, a local cafe known for comfort food, and a very 50's style atmosphere on the night of the Sock Hop.  We arrived about an hour and a half  before said Hop was to begin and the restaurant was filled with Girl Scouts, Brownies, Daisies and their dads in their most incredible 50's finery.  Poodle skirts, pony tails, scarves knotted just so…I looked at Kelsey, and her face just crumpled.  It never occurred to me that groups of girls might go out for a pre-hop nosh, and where else (okay, a few might have gone to IN-N-OUT) has the look and feel to set the mood for the evening?

IMG_4119 A certain someone didn't eat much that evening, and frankly, I didn't blame her.  There was no way of knowing that Peter would have been home, and I swore at that moment (not knowing about his upcoming tour in the Mid-East) that she would attend this year.  The minute we got the information, Peter put that date in his calendar as booked.  I started thinking about costumes, and even woke up at 2 a.m. one morning convinced I had missed the registration deadline.  Nope, not a chance, still had several weeks.

As the date drew closer, I realized that we needed to get going with the outfit.  I reached out to a local moms club to see if anyone had one leftover from last year, or perhaps I could find someone willing to make one (cheaper than me buying a sewing machine right now, screwing the whole thing up, and then hiring someone to do it).  No such luck, but a costume shop was recommended.  We picked out an outfit, ordered it, and picked it up from the shop last week.  In hindsight, I should have just gone to eBay.

The outfit was…okay.  I was pretty disappointed, as it was huge in the waist, too short (by my standards), and not of the quality I hoped to see.  After trying it on the second time, and finding a rip in the shirt that I hadn't previously noticed, I realized my big mistake and hopped on eBay.

IMG_4123 SockHopKelsPete Within minutes, I found this store, and the perfect outfit.  Not only did one get a gorgeous poodle skirt, but a t-shirt, belt and scarf.  I could Buy It Now, but the only problem was my deadline.  I had to have by Saturday morning…the owner of the store did say to contact with any questions, so I clicked away and found…

The savior of the night.  Not only did the owner write back almost immediately, but had no problems shipping by Express mail (even though not offered) and corrected the sizing of the crinoline we ordered (it made the outfit!).  She was fantastic, and despite the Post Office's best attempts to not deliver, I had the outfit in hand by Saturday morning.  It. Was. Perfect.

I simply can't say enough about how happy I was to have found the store, and if I ever need any 50's related item again, she will be my first stop.  My only regret?  Forgetting to purchase the saddle oxfords.  However, the black ballet style shoes from Payless worked out just fine.

And the evening? They started off at Max's with a few other girls from Kelsey's troop.  I had to drop off funds (not saying who forgot their money), but it gave me a chance to see everyone in their finery.  The girls were adorable, the men were hip in their 50's fashions (jeans and t-shirts anyone?) and all were clearly enjoying the beginning of a great night out.

Peter sent a text only minutes after the dance started to say that they were having an absolute blast.  Kelsey came home glowing with happiness and while Pete seemed a bit tired (perhaps too many rounds of the Macarena…I know, at a 50's dance?), it appears by all accounts not a night to have been missed (especially a second time).

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PCS: Potentially Confusing Sojourn

March 26, 2010 Leave a comment

As I was reading about The Official Unofficial Acronym Chart 2.0 over on EF'M: The Life of an FS Spouse, I realized that I am (not always, but sometimes) guilty of failing to mention what these acronyms mean.  I have been berated in the past, and while I try to define, I sometimes just plain forget.  Thanks to David, the author of the above blog, the chart is now permanently located in cyberspace.

I know Digger also mentioned it on her blog this morning, and Kolbi had a mention in the Round-Up (have you checked this week?), but thought one more mention couldn't hurt. Take a gander at the chart, and you will realize that David is obviously quite creative and offers not only the traditional meaning, but a more fun definition that may seem a little more accurate. He is adding to the chart as new definitions are needed, and I have no doubt a version 3.0 will be in the offing soon.  As for my title, I did not see it on the list, but then again when you are trying to read while fighting your toddler/elementary schooler/middle schooler*/husband  for computer time, well, you can only see and retain so much.  At least that's my excuse.

I realized this acronym, PCS,  definitely has an alternate meaning and is extremely relevant to our current situation. Yes, technically it's a military term, but it also used in the FS.   And, let's face it, despite the fact that we are leaving this area, the stay in our new locale is really pretty temporary.  I am still completely befuddled about our upcoming move, and have yet to even pick a state in which to live.  The good news:   I think I have finally found a way to get a little more up close and personal with the local market in the metro DC area….stay tuned!

*Shouldn't really include her since she absconded with my laptop ages ago, yet still manages to "need" the PC several times a day.

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Bliss

March 25, 2010 Leave a comment

by Nicholas Q.  

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Soaring in the air, knowing a Sissa has your back…and wearing "boots, boots!" just because…

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Licking the bowl with your only worry being that you might run out of chocolate…

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And reading a good book in your favorite hiding spot….that's the life!

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C said

March 24, 2010 Leave a comment

IMG_1610 that I absolutely must post this picture on the blog.  She found it on my phone the other day, and insisted on not only emailing it to her far away friends, but also printing out to take on a field trip yesterday to show her pals who have not yet met him. She thought it was absolutely, positively the cutest picture ever.  I agree it's cute, but I am still more surprised (excited/elated) about the girls absolutely adoring their brother despite his latest penchant of…well, doing those crazy things two year old boys must do.  It can't be denied that despite the way the two girls go at it with each other, they are still head over heels in love with the Little Guy.

I love this picture because it reminds me of his actions immediately preceding the taking of the photo.  He flopped down on the couch, picked up the book (upside down), scooted up to the back of the couch, opened the book, looked at the page, and immediately turned it right side up.  I have no idea at what age (I suppose a call to the parent police is in order) they are supposed to recognize which way letters should be when they read them.  If I had been worried, I can now check it off the list…providing it was intentional, of course, which we may never know.

On the other hand, I am not in the dark regarding his super-urgent playground needs.   He kept calling "Help, help" while stuck on a ladder held up by chains that he (normally) climbs up rather easily.  I walked over and upon arrival, he looked at me and loudly proclaimed, "I said, help!". Verbal language skills, check.

My other favorite part of the photo (besides the dog on his shirt)?  Yes, he is 'reading' Michael Pollan's Food Rules.  I will have to save more than a basic bit of adoration of this author for another post, but suffice it to say, his rules are right on target and will be my new food rules (the ones that aren't already).  If you aren't a reader or simply need more listening material for a long commute (and you find the topic interesting), you might consider downloading a podcast or two of his TED talks.  Seriously interesting stuff.

Sadly, it's now back to the real estate listings for me.  No word on whether we are buying or renting, only that the properties that interested us have been quickly and cruelly snatched up.  Two steps forward…

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Coincidence?

March 23, 2010 Leave a comment

Scan0002 AScan0006nd there you have it.  A few weeks ago, I was going through a memory box, and found an envelope full of safely kept invitations that had yet to find a home in a scrapbook.  Now I have looked at this invitation many, many times, and somehow just this last time did the significance of the date hit me.  Who knew that 5 years later, just a few hours later on the same date, and just a few miles away, that we would be showered with this gift?

It might not seem unusual to some, but given our lifestyle, the odds of me giving birth in the area were slim at best .  I was not from the area and by the time Kelsey came along, we were living in Venezuela, having moved there from Virginia.  I just happened to medevac to the area and wasn't even due until early April.  Sadly, I had to deliver early as I had a sudden return of the ICP* that plagued me when I was pregnant with C.  So, all things considered, an interesting turn of events.  Now, back to the birthday girl.

IMG_4107 She's still as she was on the day she was born: feisty, funny, and faithful, especially to her friends.  She can be cranky, but resilient and brutally honest.  She reads like it is an Olympic sport, and writes notes in teeny-tiny lopsided writing  that I will keep forever, no matter how old or yellow and wrinkled the paper becomes.  She swears she can read minds, and she might be right.  She has a habit of saying what you need to hear, when you need to hear it.  And when she hits bottom, she asks for a hug, which makes everything right again in her world…and mine.

Happy, happy birthday, sweet Kelsey!

From just a baby…

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to a preschooler/leikskola student

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And now presenting, the newest 8 year old in the family (yes, we know, not for long…)

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The 8 year-old who requested brownies (from scratch, oh ye of little faith), apple crisp and ice cream instead of a cake.  She naturally assisted with all preparations for dinner and dessert, even reminding me when I forgot to "smash" (tenderize) the chicken.  The brownies didn't even need icing, just leftover candles from a previous birthday.  The result?  A pretty darn happy little girl.

*Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy…nasty, nasty stuff that can result in…wait, this is a happy post.  Trust me, you don't want it!

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Psycho

March 22, 2010 Leave a comment

was my nickname tonight.  My dear husband thought I was going a bit overboard on a project, and deemed me to be a little bit nuts. Now for those of you who know us (or if you quickly click here), you might wonder what me being crazy this has to do with the nugget…

Yep, Kelsey turns 8 today, but this is not *the* official post.  It will have to wait, as a special photograph needs to be taken first.  We have been waiting almost a year to do so, and, yes, more explanation on that later.  So, why am I loopy?

I guess I obsessed a bit (in his opinion) over Kelsey's birthday favors for her class.  It can no longer be as simple as cupcakes or candy (which is sort of okay with me).  I used to send in a birthday cake in Iceland to Kelsey's leikskola and didn't think twice.  I honestly don't remember what we sent in for her 6th birthday (to the International School), but if it was a craft, it was likely by choice.  However, it seems now everyone here simply gives out small favors.

IMG_4097She wanted to go with pencils and erasers, but I thought since that was quite popular, we should opt for something slightly different, and perhaps, a bit green?  Since it is spring, what better favor than a little grow pot for the garden?  We found a variety of herbs and threw in a few strawberry pots.  Since the carton was not super-sturdy, I figured it couldn't hurt to put them in a colorful paper (yes, recycled) bag.  Then I have all of these letter stickers, and even with the scrapbook updates I need to do, I will never, ever use them all…so I though it would be really cute to emblazon their names on the bag.  Of course, the bag then needs to be sealed, nothing a little hole-punching and a ribbon wouldn't fix.

 With that, you have the favors.  Really not that complicated or fancy, but a fun mother/daughter (til the said daughter's bedtime) project.  And, no, Kelsey is not getting one, but that is just to illustrate the design for the names, without displaying the roster for her entire class.

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Reunion

March 21, 2010 Leave a comment

It seems like just yesterday I was lamenting our impending departure, feeling torn about choosing between the possibilities that are in our future.  Somehow in the past 48 hours, I have come to terms with the fact that I while I am not thrilled by having to make tough choices, we need to move forward with our original plans.  I may never be 100% sure, but after a brief reunion we had today, I remembered that all is not lost by moving forward, as there are always future opportunities.

 IMG_1613 A friend from Iceland,IMG_1614 who worked at the Embassy with Peter, (I will call her "Mary") came to visit San Francisco this weekend.  She was in town to see The Little Mermaid performed by the San Francisco Ballet, and was able to carve out a generous amount of time to spend with us today.  Having not seen her in almost two years (Nicholas was not even 4 months when we left Iceland), we were thrilled to be able to catch up in the city.  Kelsey had been aching to visit San Francisco as a pre-birthday treat, and we could not miss the chance for the girls to entertain Mary with hours of pre-teen bickering.

One might say, "Oh, it wasn't that bad."  Oh, yes, it was. They insisted on displaying their sisterly love, and bickered through a good portion of the morning.  Sigh.  Nothing like showing off your maturing, growing, hair-pulling, and name-calling sweethearts.  Where did I go wrong again?  We pushed through though, and realized perhaps the ole blood sugar might be a bit low, and that a bit of lunch might be in order.

No, we did not end up at the vegetarian restaurant, but thought the menu (given the name of the establishment) to be immensely amusing.  We let Kelsey choose the place du jour, and, yes, Nan-King is now officially an old haunt.  The girls were separated, Mary and I caught up for a good hour, and Peter and Nicholas had nice father and son quality time.  After lunch, we thought a few minutes at the park might release a bit of energy, and this appeared to be the magic that reignited the real sisterly love.  The girls ran around, played with their brother, watched endless games of Chinese checkers, and enjoyed the unique decorations of this playground in Chinatown.  Nothing like pagodas and cherry blossoms in a park surrounded by hotels, apartments, restaurants, and many gray concrete buildings to feel as though you are in an oasis of sorts.

IMG_4091 IMG_4092 Given that Mary had the ballet (no, I didn't repeat that because I am jealous…okay, it looks amazing!), and we had to get back for Kelsey to participate in her troop's cookie sale (it's almost over…), we had to skip Crissy Field (Kelsey's last request for the afternoon), and nosh on ice cream at Ghirardelli Square instead.  Nicholas chose this area to have his pre-nap breakdown, though the free chocolates being handed out calmed him down a tiny bit (until the sugar kicked in). 

Our final event was a ride down Lombard Street (Kelsey's favorite), which helped Nicholas conk out completely, and then we had to bid Mary adieu (or bless, bless as it should be) and return to our corner of the East Bay.  It's hard to believe it has been almost two years since we last said good-bye at the Embassy, and yet after 5 minutes, it seemed that no time had passed at all.  I realized on the way home, that I needed to worry less and simply enjoy more during our last few months here.  Nor do we have to say good-bye, but rather just, "see you later."

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Choice

March 19, 2010 Leave a comment

is a 4 letter word in our household at this moment.  Normally in Peter's line of work, it sometimes feels like there isn't much choice about where we go next. We can bid on our top spots, or opt for a position in a country whose language (other than English, of course) we have been fluent in since we could walk, but end up continents away.  For us it has all worked out in the end, and while we may not have made the final decision we realize that we had experiences we couldn't have otherwise imagined.  They help shape us, and our future and we begin to realize that while we enjoy having a say, sometimes it's easier when someone else makes the crucial decision.

There is one time when that does not work out, and that time is now.  I should clarify: it has worked out for Peter.  I, however, am at a complete and utter crossroads.  I have too much choice, the clock is ticking, and the reality is that in 74 days or about 10.5 weeks, if everything continues as is, we will be without a home.  By we, I mean the girls, Nicholas and I.  Peter has had his housing assignment for over two weeks now and need only worry about the color of the sheets he wishes to take with him, or whether to go with merely a good laptop or a great one. I, on the other hand, have begun to doubt whether I should leave, and can't make a decision about where to go (definitively).  I know I am driving people nuts and making their heads spin…I am a total champion of free will and choice, so why can't I handle it anymore?

My tween is the primary reason.  The more we have discussed the impending move, the more ambivalent she has become.  I know she is only 11, and I know there are other issues at play.  However, she was the champion of moving back east, and was more excited about looking at houses than I was.  I noticed a change over the past few weeks though, and finally asked her point-blank if she wanted to move.  The result?  A near break-down and dissolving into tears, as she no longer knew what to do. Invitations have been more frequent, friendships have strengthened, and the anticipation of a year not only without Peter, but in a somewhat new environment has her freaked.  Kelsey has not been quite as emotional, but has shared several worries that just tear me apart. 

The irony is that normally when we receive a final assignment, we are not given the option of living in one of 6 different places (or more, for that matter, since we can go anywhere) around the country in which we can live.  Once an assignment is handed down,  we have choice within the general area, but nothing like our current options.  If we had any clue where we were headed next, it would be a tiny bit easier to decide.  If we knew language was a necessity, we would have a much more limited area to work with.  Or we could opt to stay here, and simply have one big move.  However, not knowing has made it that much more difficult.

I wish I knew the right answer.  I wish I could foresee next year, and tell Kelsey that she will have oodles of friends, as she does here, and will not have to worry that anyone will think she is "uggely" (her latest and saddest fear of no known origin).  I wish I could more convincingly tell Cait that the Middle School will be so much  fun, that riding a bus again will be awesomely fun experience, and that I know for a fact the perfect choir is waiting for her.  I desperately want to move to be closer to old friends and family, however, it can't be denied that the settled-in feeling exists or the friendships that have been made and will be sorely missed. 

I know what I should be able to do, but feel like I am failing miserably.  Ideas, anyone?

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Singing in the Rain

March 18, 2010 Leave a comment

Scan0001 IMG_4072-1 was the title of Cait's concert this past weekend with the Danville Girls Chorus.  There were fewer photo ops this time, except of a certain little guy, but their voices were as stunning and passion-filled as during the Christmas concert.

Cait tried out for a solo (insert happy dance here), but didn't make it. However, she tried.  She has so much more confidence as a singer, and while I think the church choir helped, DGC has really enforced that, as she puts it so eloquently, "Singing is just my thing".  Mind you, this is when we discuss if she has thought about sports (other than speed-reading) at all.  Nope, not gonna happen unless it's purely for fun. 

We wised up this time, and Peter didn't just drop Caitlin off, but parked, and found a spot in line. Even at 8:45 a.m., he was chair #7.  Keep in mind, each chair could represent any number of people.  Kelsey, Nicholas and I took a little more time to get ready (postponing Nicholas's boredom during the wait), and remembered both the bouquet of flowers, and a cookie for our place-holder.

IMG_4068   IMG_4077 IMG_4079 What can I say?  It was fabulous.  Unfortunately, no video or audio clips (we are such the rule followers), but we should have a DVD from them in the next month or so.  Now, what I don't understand…when an organization goes out of there way to provide you with a free DVD which allows you to enjoy the show…why do people insist on crowding the back of the church with video cameras blazing away?   Sigh.

Another sigh as we are really going to miss this chorus next year.   Cait has really matured, takes the practices extremely seriously, and received an excellent rating.  We are so content with her progress, and with the nature of the group, that I am really sad to leave.  My only hope is that we find a choir equally as stimulating in our next location.  I have found a few online, but hopefully can also get recommendations from the current director.

Now that would imply, of course, that she is interested in joining another chorus.  My guess?  You betcha. I have a feeling there won't ever be another audition like last year's, and yet, despite the frustrations, it was such a crucial turning point for her.  Our heartiest congrats Little C, for a truly fantastically musical year!

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