This blog is my excuse to carry my camera around with me and take pictures like a tourist in my home town.
This is also my way of staying positive and remembering the good things when I'm feeling buried under the mountain of straw.
And finally, this is also where I may go from time to time to vent.
It's Friday so we packed an informal late picnic dinner and headed to the park. We flew kites, played a little soccer, and before long several of Alex's friends came out to play so he and Isaac hung out with friends at the far end of the grass while Evelyn tried out new things on the playground
We took a couple of kites and they went up super easy on the windy day
All the kids watching the kite Dad just got into the air
9:30pm and we're letting our 1yo stay awake because she's being so cute and well behaved. She put her chef hat on, asked for help with her apron, then proceeded to cook, eat, and read to her little hearts content.
Yes, that probably makes us bad parents, but how can you say 'no' to this cuteness.
When we got home from school today I gave Alex the keys to open the door like I always do so that I could unload the babies. After a couple of minutes he returns to the car (where I'm still gathering children and their things) with a worried look on his face and tells me "it just happened". Since he got the key out of the door I wasn't mad at all. It was actually pretty funny in my opinion. He somehow forgot after 2 years of living here and opening the door every day which way to twist the key and forced it the wrong way. Good thing we're moving soon.
Today Alex was a rock-star all day long so I took him to Starbucks as a special treat. I got a couple of their petite red velvet cakes to try and see if wanted to make something similar later. When I got home Alex and I shared one of the cakes and I left the other in the bag. Before I know it I hear Evelyn saying "yummy cookie" over and over. When I look over at her I see her covered in red dye, mouth full of cookie, rubbing her belly and saying yummy cookie. I had no reason to get mad (I left it at a reachable height and I allowed myself to be distracted enough to not notice cookie eating sounds) so instead I pulled out the camera. When she started peeling the cookie apart (and making a mess in the process) I decided it was time to take it away, that's when I discovered she ate the cookie AND the wrapper.
My day started out so wonderful today! I really didn't want to leave my bed this morning and I heard one of the kids getting ready early in the morning. At 7 (when it's time to wake all the kids up) I thought about staying in bed and hoping it was the right one who I heard get up and ready for school. I didn't want to leave my bed, but I'm a parent and duty called.
Rubbing her tummy. Yummy cookie
I walk into their bedroom and found that only Alex's jammies were in his bed. Good sign. I continue downstairs and learn that he made his lunch and packed it (he forgot that step yesterday), made himself a healthy breakfast *funny story about this*, put the clean dishes away, and was in the middle of doing the dirty dishes. I was flabbergasted. He said he wanted to surprise me and boy did he! Alex loves Starbucks, but I refuse to spend that kind of money normally, so as a reward for his awesome behavior-it continued all day- I took him for a happy hour frappucino.
I've been wanting to make Red Velvet cake and Starbucks just happened to have Red Velvet Whoopie Pie Petites so I got 2 to try and see how I want to do my own cake. I shared one with Alex and left the other in the bag to get Cliff's opinion. Isaac was throwing up and sick that day so he was upstairs resting, Alex went downstairs to read and enjoy his drink, and Evelyn and I were in the living room- I may have been involved with a computer for a portion of this time.
Remaining wrapper
Next thing I notice is Evelyn saying yummy cookie over and over. When I look over at her I see her covered in red dye, mouth full of cookie, rubbing her belly and saying yummy cookie. I had no reason to get mad (I left it at a reachable height and I allowed myself to be distracted enough to not notice cookie eating sounds) so instead I pulled out the camera. When she started peeling the cookie apart (and making a mess in the process) I decided it was time to take it away. That's when I discovered she ate the cookie AND the wrapper.
*Funny thing happened on Monday. It was their first day back from their moms house and they were both a little grumpy. I asked Alex what he had for breakfast (Isaac chose waffles that day) and he told me he woke up late so he didn't have time to make cheerios which meant he HAD to eat frosted flakes. Because, everyone knows a flakes falls faster into a bowl than a cheerio. .
Today was pretty calm. We planned to go to Rubios for $1.25 fish tacos for dinner because Cliff and I had an appointment to check out the house we're about to buy for a second time. On the drive out there I remembered there is a Popeye's that sells a leg and thigh combo for .99cents... and more importantly they have biscuits. However, when we got home to actually eat our chicken and biscuits, they forgot our biscuits in lieu of extra chicken. Not what I wanted. Fail.
There was a monkey wrench thrown in our plans tonight when Cliff had to go back to work and miss dinner with us. It was the boys first time trying Popeye's (they loved it) but Evelyn has had it before and liked it. This time however, she wouldn't even taste it. She only wanted green beans and threw a fit until I let her down from the dinner table. Really, the whole night was just one big fit after the other... until she found a ball and started playing toss (can you call it catch with a 2yo?!) with me. She thought that was the best game ever, and I remembered why playing catch with kids can be fun/entertaining: when you throw the ball at them and hit them they giggle hysterically. Awesome. It was funny though, she ONLY wanted to play with me, not Daddy or Alex no matter what they tried.
When it was nearly bedtime I stripped her down to put her in her jammies, but before I could change her diaper she decided it was much more fun to run away, so I let her (yes, I know I'm creating a monster for later on down the road) because it was funny. She put on her 'meow boots', grabbed talking baby and her purple bum bum, then said goodbye to Daddy and headed to the door. When I didn't follow and take the keys she decided she had a better plan:
She then went to the storage box and emptied it. Placed her bum bum on the bottom, threw in baby, then took off each of her boots and put them in the box as well. After it was all placed how she liked she climbed in after, curled into a ball, and pretended to sleep.
I spent my Mother's Day obligated to absolutely nothing. Great way to spend the day in my mind!
Eating her banana watching the Scots battle
Gina from Cain's Crossing gave me a second day pass so that I could take Evelyn with me to enjoy the fair since we left her behind the day before. I wanted to take her (honestly, horrible as it may be) so that I could see how long it would take before she cried... turns out she loved it (good thing). Joke was on me though because I wasn't really planning on spending that long there but she did NOT want to leave.
I had already spent the previous day wandering around (guided non the less!) so I let Evelyn direct us to where ever her little heart desired. She really loved walking up to the costumed folk... until they started talking, then she would slowly back away and find somewhere else to walk to or point out to me. The gypsies found her very cute and were trying so hard to talk with her but she just stood there before she made up her mind that she didn't like people in costumes talking. She eventually found herself a treasure chest at the pirate ship that captivated her heart pretty well and of course, there were no costumed folks around!
I know I'm not supposed to find enjoyment at other peoples discomfort but while we were watching the Scots battle it out, an older woman approached and said she had something she'd like to give Evelyn. The woman opened her hand revealing several colored glass stones (a dragons tear to protect from bad dreams and sad thoughts-evil spirits) so that Evelyn could choose one, and without hesitation she picked a pretty green one and popped it in her mouth. The poor woman nearly had a heart attack on the spot. Evelyn is very good about not putting inappropriate things in her mouth-when she knows it's inappropriate- but I failed to explain to Evelyn what she was getting before she grabbed it. I bent down and told Evelyn it wasn't food (she spit it out no problems) and that it was a pretties. She was a little mad it wasn't chocolate as she first thought, but she was happy with holding and admiring her new gift afterwards.
I directed her towards the falconers thinking she'd really like the birds and especially the owl, but even though it was turning it's head for us she really wasn't very interested. The tent of Saint Ambrose (next to the falconers) however, was able to convince her to enter their occupied tent with a shortbread cookie. Evelyn was very pleased with that arrangement and then walked happily up and down the rows looking at all the sights, her cookie in hand. She was especially enamored with the knight suit outside the House of Swindon. After that I'd point out the (rare few) walking knights that we would pass and she'd stop and stare. The royal ladies frightened her but the maids (less puffy dresses) and knights she liked. She wasn't even frightened when the tree man walked by or by the House of Payne and their executioners. You can tell she has brothers!
We were about to leave when I saw Fowl Tales Parrot Show getting ready to start. It seemed interesting the day before so I decided Evelyn and I would settle in and maow on our own giant turkey leg (not nearly as tasty as they looked) and watch the show. It was actually pretty funny, and I enjoyed it. While he was setting up Evelyn would point to the parrots and exclaim "CHICKEN!" I would tell her that it was a parrot and ask her if she could say parrot. She would say that she could, and then say chicken again. The Germans behind me thought it was as funny as I did... or they were calling me stupid, one can't be sure.
The show had a segment at the end where he asked the "beautiful, intelligent children" of the crowd to come forward and offer 'more than peanuts'. It took me a couple of minutes to locate my dollars but I found one and by the time I sent Evelyn to place it in the basket (in front of the stage not near me) it had many other bills in it. I can honestly say I was worried that she would try to take money from it, but she put her dollar in just fine, then came back wanting more to place in the basket (I had her gave him more at the end of the show).
He also did a bit where he asked for a volunteer from the audience to assist him- and I must confess I really appreciated my husband even more after seeing how rude the volunteer was. Why raise your hand to go on stage, not interact, and be a jerk to the performer. It made me sad that there are *ADULTS!* like that.
We made our way home so we could head up to Robert's for dinner. Unfortunately, she didn't sleep and refused to eat much of the turkey leg but all that considering she was in a really good mood. She wanted to play with Bella so bad but had to settle for swinging in circles with Daddy. Dinner was DIVINE and Evelyn loved it, too! So much actually, that she wasn't willing to wait for me to get the spoon to her mouth and she made a wee mess. She couldn't make up her mind if she wanted to play with Sasha or not and got upset easily when he would try to play with her. Or rather, she would get upset when he changed how she wanted things like magnets on the fridge. At the end of the night though, she said her goodbyes unprompted. "Goodbye, Sasha. Goodbye!".
My day really wasn't planned, but it turned out better than I could of hoped for. I feel refreshed and ready for a new week.
I spent my Mother's Day obligated to absolutely nothing. And it was perfect.
Eating her banana watching the Scots battle
I took Evelyn back to Cain's Crossing so I could check out the vendors (didn't miss much the first time, not much there I was interested in),to take a few more pictures (pipe dream with a baby in tow), and learn a bit more about the guilds. It's really fun how they literally teach you about history by BEING that history. Don't get me wrong there are the bad apples of the bunch who just like dressing like prostitutes (yes, even back then having your cleavage hang out like that marked you as a prostitute! and it's VERY bad form to dress and not wear your normal underthings- especially the well-endowed ladies!) but on the whole I enjoy the theatrics of it (downright love it when I get free entrance).
Evelyn kept pointed to the parrots and
calling them chickens! Very funny stuff
Evelyn really had a great time looking at everything and I enjoyed some of the little extras I got to experience and learn about: like the herbalists at The Order of the Goldenrod-very fascinating to me how much they actually knew. It was funny that Evelyn had her princess crown on because all the actors would refer to her as "a princess in their midst".In a couple more years I'm sure she'll think it's awesome to have so many people curtsy at her, for now she hardly noticed. We also got to catch one of the shows that I had missed the day before. I must admit I was fond of the fact that there was no banana spitting in this one, although it wasn't quite as funny. Of course, I'm not sure anything could top Cliff and the chickens. Evelyn liked it, and really, that was my goal.
I finished my day with great food, fine wine, and true friends. I forget sometimes that just because you don't see someone everyday (or even every year at times), it doesn't diminish from true friendships.
*Sometimes Often I don't know when to stop talking so I made this is the condenced version of my day. The rest of it is here.
During the Queens Entrance to the fair I noticed that they had owls! They had falcons too but they had OWLS!
I kind of felt like this week just wouldn't end. It has not been one of my shining moments so I was very thankful that I had Cain's Crossing to look forward to today. I wasn't totally sure what to expect of a Renaissance Faire in Auburn but I figured we'd go in, nab some free food from our meal with the queen, get our fencing lesson (the main reason I wanted to go), and cut out all before it got too hot. As it turns out that was NOT how it was going to happen at all (much to my pleasurable surprise, not sure about Cliff's).
Gina, who showed us around the faire *Not my Pic or her current costume*
First of all, when we arrived the people at the ticket booth didn't know what to do about our auction paper so they told us to just enter the gate with it... the gentlemen at the gate wasn't comfortable with that and wanted to hear the ticket booth explain that it was okay for us to enter. This went back and forth for a little bit until the decided they needed someone of a higher power. During all this commotion Cliff managed to get inside anyway, while I got detained outside the gate waiting for the Queen to make entrance while they searched for the appropriate person who might know what to do with us or who we were.
See, I really am in the tower. Not much to photograph. They took a picture of us though.
Our auction gift got us fair entrance, lunch, and a fencing lesson (why we really wanted to come). We didn't realize it would turn us into actual VIP but when the appropriate people all got contacted and confirmed our paper was legit they were quick to put special ribbon pins on us (because lanyards are so 21st century!) and began showing us around the fair in a very high class kind of way. I realized later after reading my auction paper that a guided VIP tour was part of the package. Score.
*actual wordage: entrance and guided VIP tour of the shire; Repast with Her Most Gracious Majesty, Elizabeth R; and Introduction to the art of fencing for up to 6 people
We were allowed to enter the tower (only the captain of the guard is allowed up there) so they could take a picture of us (not much of one from my end) and walked us through the booths pointing out different interesting facts; the long-bowmen Germans and how obvious their codpieces were (to make up for other *ahem* shortcomings), how EVERYTHING in the fair is handmade, suggested shows, and more. We made a pass by the Queen (whom I had to curtsy for whenever I passed her-not that I mind, just strange in pants) and I figured I was getting a great close up chance. Boy, was that far away compared to my 'repast' with her where we literally rubbed elbows and broke bread together.
Normally anytime I'm at any kind of fair I want to try the craziest fair food they have, in this case the giant turkey legs. Instead, I had to convince Tasha to do it (who seems to have a love of fair food similar to my own) since I already had lunch plans with the queen. Excuse me, The Queen. Turnabout is fair play however because after mocking her attempt to de-flesh the giant leg she got to sit with Jared and the kids watching Cliff and I eat in the middle of the fair as passersby took pictures. Cliff again offered his flower to Jared.
Look how close I was to The Queen.... Oh wait, this is only the beginning
Turns out our lunch with The Queen was literally WITH the queen. As in RIGHT next to her. And to think, I thought walking past her court was going to be a cool picture because I got so close! Cliff and I were literally IN her court, in many peoples snapshots, having a very delicious meal with her listening to her 'royal' harpist play period music for our entertainment. Weird at first, but not something you get to experience *especially not being in costume ourselves!*. The food was never ending trays of 'gifts from the town' and the very best was the quail from the falconers (and if they're to be believed actually hunted by the falcons as well). Several trays of sweets were brought out as well, when we had finished with our main meal. In * slightly changed* words of Mel Gibson "It's good to be the Queen".
Classic Guard Sleeping at his post
How true to character the actors all stay make it quite entertaining. Sir Robert Dudley (the main person besides Gina who conversed with us and was at the table during our meal) made sure to question us about why we would be so improper as to meet the queen with naked heads and me in my undergarments. He explained that when you meet The Queen you put your hat over your heart not for any sentimental reason, but so that your bugs don't get out (or The Queen have to see them). He then went on to tell us how the queen was displeased with him because he arranged amusement at the next stop of hundreds of small animals (piglets, kittens, puppies, gophers, and the such) to be lit on fire and hoisted into the sky. The Queen was not pleased by this idea at all and during our dinner (supper is the last meal) she explained what to do with all the extra animals (kittens taught to mouse, puppies trained to hunt, piglets to feed the poorest towns).
The falconers visiting The Queen in her court
Our Fencing Instructor *Not my picture*
During our meal the Danse Macabre Guild paraded through with upbeat music looking like skeletons with happy faces. I assumed it was a dance of the dead but we were informed that it was actually local villagers trying to ward off death from the Black Plague. They dress as though they are already dead & dance through the lanes so The Angel of Death will not visit. See, isn't learning fun?
At the end of our meal we were guided over to Diamond Rose Academie d'Armes for our fencing lesson. There were two instructors for Jared, Cliff, and myself and they taught us 4 of the 8 basic moves. It was very interesting to see how everything in fencing is done in little movements and how strength has nothing to do with it if you know how to move.
Scottish Demonstration
Our tour was insightful, our lunch was delicious, and our fencing lesson was fun, but the highlight of the day was our last event when we watched the Daredevil Chickens preform.
Cliff and I still had on our special ribbon flowers that marked us as some sort of VIP (whether or not this actually had any effect on why Cliff got chosen *repeatedly* I doubt it, but at the time, he was convinced of it-those of us watching knew he was chosen because he added to the comedy). There is video, but I have been informed that it actually deters from just how funny they (the chickens and Cliff) actually were.
However, even with our tasty lunch that was followed with our very fun (and much more difficult than expected) fencing lesson the best part was at the end of the day when we watched the Daredevil Chickens. Cliff and I still had on our special ribbon flowers that marked us as sponsors or something (whether or not this actually had any effect on why Cliff got chosen *repeatedly* I doubt it, but at the time, he was convinced of it- those of us watching knew he was chosen because he added to the comedy). There is video, but I have been informed that it actually deters from just how funny they (the chickens and Cliff) actually were. The show started with the chicken wife (Attila the Hen) catching 3 rings thrown at her simultaneously and caught on her body. Then, the husband chicken chose a member from the audience to attempt the same thing, failure would result in shaming, and success would allow the show to begin. The audience member choice being Cliff. It took two tries, but Cliff did it with flair (the first time really was a bad throw, not a bad catch). When he completed the task he got to sit back down and watch as they selected a child from the audience so that they could make the child fly and land in a *small* net. And then came the fun part, they needed someone to hold that net to catch the child and they saw the best choice-Cliff! So he got dragged up there again.... and they didn't let him come back so easily after that.
Okay, it was so many shades of hilariousness and that's what makes the video so bad: I was laughing so hard and using a small picture camera several rows back, but I'm going to post it anyway. I still find it giggle worthy.
His first time up... you can see he actually tries while he's up there... all the more reason why he got chosen a second time
a bit longer, but the second bit (after he caught the 'flying' boy)
When the chickens finally released Cliff the second time he returned to his seat and tore of his flower pin, positive it was the reason he was selected. Apparently several people noticed this movement and after the show he had his own gaggle of followers (all ladies, probably single) complementing him on his great performance and asking how he got his flower pin that got him selected.
If having to sit right next The Queen and be photographer throughout our lunch didn't convince him ren fairs are for fools, this probably did.
We all had a great time and even Cliff was able to leave with a smile on his face, although I doubt he'll wear any special pins before watching a show that uses audience participation again.
*I talk to much and if you know me then you already know I repeat myself-so you really shouldn't be surprised.
I kind of felt like this week just wouldn't end. Tthere have not been any shining moments so I was very thankful that I had Cain's Crossing to look forward to today if for no other reason than free food and entertainment. We were given a paper from an auction for free entrance for 2, free fencing lessons for up to 6 people, and lunch with the queen. Had it not been a gift, and had it not been free I probably would of seen Renaissance Fair and Auburn in the same sentence and I would of just laughed and walked away.
Normally anytime I'm at any kind of fair I want to try the craziest fair food they have, in this case the giant turkey legs. Instead, I had to convince Tasha to do it (who seems to have a love of fair food similar to my own) since I already had lunch plans with the queen. Excuse me, The Queen.
We didn't realize our ticket would turn us into V.I.P.'s but we ended up having our own guide of sorts to point out the best shows, stories of the faire, etc. Turns out our lunch with The Queen (delicious food by the way, I was still rolling hours later from how stuffed I was) was literally WITH The Queen. As in RIGHT next to her. And to think I thought walking past her court was a cool picture because I got so close! Cliff and I were literally IN her court, in many different peoples snapshots. Weird, but not something you get to experience *especially with us not being in costume!* everyday.
Seeing how we were the only ones who got a ticket like that I understand why they were a bit surprised at our very common attire (we didn't even dress up nicely, me in pig braids and Cliff in his Old Navy tee). They stayed forever in character though providing quite a bit of entertainment as they poked fun at us (like me for being in my underthings) and also explained why whenever you remove your hat to meet the queen (not proper to have a naked head like we did) you place the opening over your heart not for any sweet reason, but to keep the bugs from getting out. Literally.
However, even with our tasty lunch that was followed with our very fun (and much more difficult than expected) fencing lesson the best part was at the end of the day when we watched the Daredevil Chickens. Cliff and I still had on our special ribbon flowers that marked us as VIP (whether or not this actually had any effect on why Cliff got chosen *repeatedly* I doubt it, but) at the time, he was convinced he was chosen because of it- those of us watching knew he was chosen because he added to the comedy. There is video, but I have been informed that it actually deters from just how funny they (the chickens and Cliff) actually were.
The show started with the chicken wife (Attila the Hen) catching 3 rings thrown at her simultaneously and caught on her body. Then, the husband chicken chose a member from the audience to attempt the same thing, failure would result in shaming, and success would allow the show to begin. The audience member choice being Cliff. It took two tries, but Cliff did it with flair (the first time really was a bad throw, not a bad catch). When he completed the task he got to sit back down and watch as they selected a child from the audience so that they could make the child fly and land in a *small* net. And then came the fun part, they needed someone to hold that net to catch the child and they saw the best choice-Cliff! So he got dragged up there again.... and they didn't let him come back so easily after that.
Okay, it was many shades of hilarious and that's what makes the video so bad: I was laughing so hard and I was using a small picture camera several rows back, but I'm going to post it anyway. I still find it giggle worthy.
His first time up... you can see he actually tries while he's up there... all the more reason why he got chosen a second time
a bit longer, but the second bit (after he caught the 'flying' boy)
When the chickens finally released Cliff the second time he returned to his seat and tore of his flower pin, positive it was the reason he was selected. Apparently several people noticed this movement and after the show he had his own gaggle of followers (all ladies, probably single) complementing him on his great performance and asking how he got his flower pin that got him selected.
If having to sit right next The Queen and be photographer throughout our lunch didn't convince him ren fairs are for fools, this probably did.
We all had a great time and even Cliff was able to leave with a smile on his face, although I doubt he'll wear any special pins before watching a show that uses audience participation again.
*Oddly enough I wrote a ton today (so I put it all here) and since I was being guided all around I didn't actually get that many pictures. I'll be stealing some of the ones taken from my brother and sister and posting them later.
Thank God for Fridays. Even more-so, thank you for Fridays with help, and no kids to pick up from school. I was able to take this morning to get my eyes checked (haven't really changed and therefore NOT the cause of my recent migraines) and pick out a pair of sunglasses for this summer. Since Mom had come down to get her car fixed her and I also made our way around town running little errands I normally wouldn't be able to do with all my kids or my normal time constraints. It was nice just having that kind of relaxing and yet successful afternoon.
I had free money to JC Penny's so we went to the mall and since we were already there we let Evelyn watch the Merry Go Round. She hasn't liked it in the past (or at least not sitting on moving parts) but after watching another 'baby' go on it she wanted to go too... until we actually got her on a horse and it started moving. Mom had to hold her the rest (whole) time, but it was entertaining enough and I got a cute shot out of it.
Mom went ahead and took Evelyn home with her for the night to visit so Cliff and I took advantage of the evening off and headed to Bert's house for great food and fun games with him and his daughter. All in all, a fantastic way to finish my week.
It's been a very long week, but I've been very successful in stocking my freezer. I hadn't made my enchiladas in literally 5+ years so I figured tonight would be the perfect night. Even though it had been so long since I made them they turned out delicious!
