Day 259

Friday, May 19, 2017

Places/Activities: I finished teaching my online class - YAY! I enjoy online teaching, but I'm always so relieved when it's finished for the semester. It's amazing how much more time I have now! We've been keeping busy - though not as many sight-seeing type activities lately. Squeak had her dance recital and also her final school Spring concert. I got to check out Squeaker's new school at a Kindergarten meeting - such exiting times ahead! Back at Christmas, one of the requests Squeaker had was a volcano. I had set the volcano aside and kind of forgot about it, but then brought it out this week for she and I to do together. She really enjoys painting. We set it aside to dry and will likely do the "lava" part very soon! We've also been enjoying the lovely weather and spend most of our afternoons soaking up the sun on the deck. The kids really like the water table. I know they will be even more excited to play in the pool this year than they were last year!

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Reading: I'm currently reading The Industries of the Future by Alec Ross. I figure if he's running for Governor, I should probably learn a little bit more about who he is and what he's about. It's rather informative so far. He seems like an extremely well educated guy with lots of interesting ideas. That has to get him some points.


Random Thoughts: When I was young, I remember my mom and I spending time visiting my great aunts and uncles quite frequently. It might not seem like "fun" for a little kid to spend most of a Saturday sitting on a couch "visiting," but it was good for me. An opportunity to learn more about my family, to be appreciative of the things we had, and to be respectful to my elders. So many of my great aunts and uncles never had children of their own. To some this translated to not liking children much at all, and to others, it meant that I would receive an outpouring of affection when I walked through the door. All of them had one thing in common - cats and/or dogs. In fact, I always looked forward to visiting my Aunt Irma in particular, because I knew she would have a crazy cat story to tell me. She pronounced "meow" as "mow" and called me Dan-elle - putting a pause between the Dan and the Elle and leaving out the "i" (ee sound) altogether. She was sweet in her own way. There are many stories to tell here from those days, but I only share this snippet for one reason. The seemingly endless days I spent visiting with my family as I grew up taught me that there doesn't need to be a special occasion to drop in and say hi to a friend. Just walking through the door or picking up the phone to check in on someone might just be the bright spot to their day, their week, or even their month. Today we paid a random visit to a friend we haven't seen in a while, and I'm so glad we did. Hopefully my littles will see that the random phone call, message, or visit can really go a long way in someone's day, month, or year.

It takes approximately 3.5 min. for the room to go from clean to this...

Day 245

Friday, May 5, 2017

Sleeping on the stroll.

Places/Activities: I've been terrible about blogging and about my drawing a day. At this rate I'm hoping I can reach 200 drawings for the year and finish out my year as a stay at home mom with just 1 blog a week! On Sunday we took the kids to our favorite Farmer's Market and walked around listening to music and looking at the various herbs and things that were for sale. I even bought a four pack of mead (which is SO good). You can learn more about Charm City Meadworks here. We had a berry coconut that was SO good. I checked, but they aren't even advertising it on their website it's so new. So if you want some, you'll have to go direct to the market or meadworks!

After the market, we went to Fort McHenry and walked around. It was an overcast day, but the kids were excited to get out and run around. I can't remember most of what went on this week, just that we were busy. I have also been doing grading for the class I've been teaching, so that has taken a large chunk of my time. Wednesday we had our backsplash installed as well as the hall painted and I'm super thrilled with how everything turned out. I couldn't be happier. It was a little tough because we couldn't really be on the first floor while they were working, so the twins and I went out to the park and ran a couple of errands just to get out. They are getting pretty good at navigating around places, which is awesome and makes life so much easier. Although I did end up carrying both of them back to the van afterward because it takes forever to hold their hands and have them walk. They are very distractable and Bear likes to cut in front of me, so it was just easier to toss one on each hip and walk. Let me tell you - I STILL have yet to master the art of doing this gracefully. Thankfully they are both extremely tolerant of me and my clumsy/ungraceful ways.

I don't know about you, but this does NOT look comfortable to me!

Squeak had her dance pictures this week. It took a while, but I think I've mastered the "art of the bun." I mean, with some help from Remington's Perfect Bun (affiliate link). That thing was a miracle worker for me! I know that librarians are stereotyped as having glasses on a chain and a bun (I have neither) but I had no idea such an invention existed. Squeak was super excited with her bun and to have her pictures taken. Personally, I'm glad to see dance coming to a close for the year. I'm tired of the weekly runs to dance class (though I love the library trips the twins and I take while Squeak is in class). Yesterday we took a nice long walk on the trail (both toddlers fell asleep) and I got most of the cleaning accomplished. I feel completely drained this week and yet it doesn't seem like I did all that much. I've been doing a little bit of writing and I'd like to continue that in the coming weeks and through the summer. Maybe one day something will come of it!

They are always pretty happy... especially when up to no good!

Reading: I haven't started on any new books since bookclub last Saturday night. As soon as this grad class is finished, I'll have more time for books and drawing (I hope).

Final inspection. LOL.

Random Thoughts: On our visit to Ft. McHenry, we didn't take the stroller out and instead let all three kids walk the paved path. I was a little nervous just because the twins like to run and the seawall doesn't have a railing or anything up, so it's VERY easy to fall in the water there. Pop used to take me there all the time when I was little. It was one of his favorite places.  I'll never forget how he would hop over the seawall to pick up a piece of debris off the rocks that he found of interest. Or how we would both hop over and go exploring to the nearby nature area. We did get in trouble from a ranger once or twice. He told me stories about how when he was a kid, all of the items on display in Ft. McHenry were still authentic (not replicas) and how the cannons were the originals and weren't filled in with concrete. He and his friends used to play there all the time and he said there were a number of occasions when a kid would get stuck in the cannons and the fire department had to be called to have the kid pulled out.  Even after I grew up, I still frequently went to Fort McHenry - sometimes with Pop, sometimes without. Sometimes we would run into each other there - not knowing that the other was planning a visit on the same day. It's coming up on his death date and his birthday soon, and even though he's always on my mind, I find that May brings in thoughts of all things related to Pop. Sometimes when my kids make a face, or sit quietly to look at a book, they make me think of him. I wish he could have met them. I know he would have loved them just as much as he loved me - maybe even more.

Day 239

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Places/Activities: This week was filled with fun. On Sunday we explored downtown Ellicott City and supported local businesses there. Monday I took the twins out shopping to the mall so I could find myself an outfit to wear to my cousin's wedding. That was an interesting experience. The mall we went to was not very accessible - which was disappointing. Not only was there only one handicap entrance, but in the department stores themselves, it was a pain to find the elevators to go from one floor to another, and I had to go to 3 dressing rooms before I found one large enough to accommodate me and the double stroller. Having twins and needing to use a double stroller has opening my eyes to how difficult it must be for those bound to a wheelchair to get around. I think the ADA needs to be revised a bit because meeting the minimum standard is pathetic. I mean, really pathetic. It's not that much extra work to make sure all doors have the automatic open option, and to include at least one accessible stall in EVERY dressing room. Ok, rant over - but you get my drift. So, the next time you see someone in a wheel chair, or having a tough time getting from point a to point b, ask if there is anything you can do to help. The few times that we are in a place that isn't common to us and people have been kind enough to hold the door or offer to help me get the stroller up or down the stairs are people that usually mention that they have a family member or friend who has a disability and they can relate to accessibility issues. While I was in the dressing room and trying on clothing as fast as possible (the twins hate shopping as much as I do) the twins were beginning to get a little fussy. Nothing major, just a bit whiny - but times two of course. The woman in the room next to me in a very loud voice went, "SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" For real? The nerve? I quietly filled up their snack cups to buy me a few more minutes and guarantee their silence until we could get out of there. But really? Who shushes random children? I mean, other than a librarian? Which, by the way - libraries aren't quiet anymore and I don't know of any of my librarian friends who have ever shushed a child. Ever. Myself included. I mean, other than my own kids. I shush them all the time - but they don't count as random to me. So, I got my outfit and left. I was a little irritated for a hot minute, but then all was well when the super nice cashier gave us the sale price for my purchase a day early. So, shopping Monday, Tuesday we went to the National Building museum to meet up with a friend and her new baby. It was really neat there and we will definitely be going back. Lots of hands on stuff for kids to try out! I pulled Squeak out of school so she could join us. She really enjoyed herself. Wednesday I took the twins to SkyZone. They lasted all of 45 minutes, which was the longest 45 minutes of my life. I think I'm going to wait until they are a bit older to take them back again. It was too hard to try and keep up with them running in opposite directions. They had loads of fun bouncing around. They don't really jump just yet, and instead bounce and run. Bear would run as fast as his little legs could carry him and then fall flat on his face and laugh hysterically. We took the kids out to eat on Wednesday night just for fun to get pizza. Thursday I took a 3 mile walk with the babies, which was great. I felt very energized afterward. Although by the time I made it to yoga in the evening, I was so ready for a nap. Friday D and I went to my cousin's wedding. It was very lovely and the bride was gorgeous. It seems so bizarre to me to continue to see my cousins get married and settle down. I remember holding my cousin when he was a small baby, and now he is all grown up with a college degree, job, and a wife. It's always good to see good things happen to good people. I'm glad we could be there to help celebrate their special day - even if we felt like we were more a part of the "old" crowd there. ;) Today we took the kids to an event called, "Touch a Truck" where kids can walk up and get inside a fire truck, police cruiser, various work and construction vehicles, etc. It was neat and everyone had fun (except when the police cruiser would put on the siren). Puff especially was not a fan of the loud noise. Last night ended with bookclub which is always accompanied by good friends and good food. A very full, but very satisfying week!

Reading: I finished my book for bookclub just in time (I was sitting in my car and reading the last few pages before going inside). This month we read A Thousand Miles from Nowhere by John Gregory Brown. I can't say I enjoyed it very much, but at least the ending was somewhat satisfying (I hate cliffhangers).


Random Thoughts:You might notice I've been blogging a bit less these days. I've been terribly busy lately between outings with the kids, finishing up teaching my online class, and writing. Yes, writing. I've been sitting down and actually pouring my heart out into the keyboard to write. I've found that I have a lot of things to say, and sometimes blogging just doesn't fill the void that I need to fill. So, I don't really want to talk to much about it for fear of it flopping, but I have some ideas that I'm finally writing about.

National Building Museum

Look at me. I'm a tree!

Fun at SkyZone

Cotton candy ice cream.

When the Amazon shipments come - there's always a fight regarding who gets to play in the box first!

Sometimes it's fun to play IN the toybox.

Oh, you know. Just sitting here cheesin'.

Bear inspects my outfit for the wedding.

Sprinkle donut envy...

Clinging to big sis for dear life!

Day 230

Thursday, April 20, 2017

It doesn't matter that he just ate - he's gotta have what I have too!

Places/Activities: Today was one of those days that I just didn't sit down until this evening before Yoga class, and even then it was to sit down and continue work on grading papers for that grad class I'm teaching. The day started and ended with laundry- and along the way 5 loads were done. I stripped and made all the beds, dusted and vacuumed upstairs and down, and cleaned most of the bathrooms. I even managed to squeeze in a trip to Costco with the littles (who had a great time btw), gave all three kids baths, mowed and trimmed the lawn, and swept up. Took out the recycling, and managed to get the big kid to dance, drop off a thank you card to a friend, and grade some papers before yoga. Right around the time that I was outside doing the lawn (D was working in the office, Squeak was playing in the basement, and the babies were sleeping if you're wondering how this manages to get accomplished) I was thinking to myself that I felt like an honest to goodness badass today. And then, just like that - the cord snaps on the weed wacker and hits me in the chin. "F*#@!" That was a nice smack back to reality and a reminder to be thankful for whatever it is we can accomplish in a day. This was out of the ordinary in that I was able to move quickly and EVERYONE cooperated. It also helped that D entertained the kids for me while I worked on schoolwork before the kids went to bed. I find that I'm most productive when I have more to do. Though I'm still behind. I have lots of books left to read before the end of my time off, and I'm SO behind on my drawing a day... sigh.

Race to the tubby!

Reading:If you read everything I just typed out above, you'll realize that there was absolutely NO time for reading today. I wish I had a good book on tape, because then at least I could have done a little listening in the car.


Random Thoughts: If you are thinking about taking some time off to spend with your baby/kids... I recommend waiting until they are at least 18 months to do it if you have the option (just to maximize your time). The amount of growth I have witnessed in my twins these last few weeks has just been astounding. They've gone from walking to running, from screaming/screeching to talking (though they still throw tantrums), from ruffians to being more gentle, and from beating up on each other every minute to sharing toys, and even kisses. It melts my heart. And while a few weeks ago I was more than ready to go back to work, the way they share their love so freely with us just melts my heart and is only making it harder to think about returning to the daily grind. At the beginning of my time off, they were barely crawling, let alone walking and taking two naps a day, which really limited what we could and couldn't do on any given day. One nap a day is just perfect and we can usually go do something fun in the morning before lunch. Their little personalities are really shining through now and it's so much fun to watch! They are so sweet and SO much fun! It's also been nice to have Squeak in the afternoons after her half day of preschool. I haven't felt any guilt whatsoever about pulling her out of school so we could go and do something fun together with the twins. She's such a good kid, and so smart. But most of all, I hope she continues to be the kind, sweet, and loving little girl that she has become. She makes us so proud each and every day.

Costco fun!

Day 229

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Places/Activities: Today our original plans didn't quite work out, so since I had the day cleared on my calendar, I randomly asked a friend who I've been trying to get together with for a while if she'd like to meet up. So, we met at the National Zoo. Despite a few hiccups (like driving in DC, trying to find street parking in DC, and then parking at the opposite end of the zoo from where she was located) we made it! There is a LOT of walking there at the zoo, but it's really nice. I haven't been to the National Zoo in over a decade, and I was surprised to see many of the changes they've made there. Zoos are one of those things that are both amazing, but also sad. It's heartbreaking to think that an animal is caged and is prevented to do the things it was born to do - hunt, climb trees, run, etc. I mean, I'm glad that scientists are able to study and learn about animal behaviors, that we have a safe space for these animals (many of which are endangered), but it is heartbreaking to think that humans are the number one reason for animal extinction - from habitat destruction to poaching. Hopefully zoos can educate all of us into understanding the importance of creating a healthy environment for all of us - including animals. Surprisingly, the twins did great (this was one of our longer outings). They were quite exhausted when we left and took a 45 minute nap on the way home.... which means they didn't nap once we got home. I put them in their cribs and they had a little quiet time, but never did go to sleep.

Gosh, I nearly forgot! Easter!! The bunny got creative this year and left a special hidden trail of clues for Squeak to find. I was so proud of her because she read all of the clues on her own (for the most part). It's kind of amazing to see how far she's come in just a short time. She's now very into reading on her own now and D and I are no longer able to spell words aloud because she listens to EVERYTHING and immediately knows what we are talking about. Sometimes I'm still processing all of the letters in my head for something D just spelled, and Squeak will say the words out loud. Sigh. Now what!? We need to learn a new language or have code words for things instead now. 

On Monday, the twins had their 18 month appointments. I can't believe how fast this is going! I can't even call them tiny humans anymore because they are so big! Puff is SO tall - she has an inch on Bear. At the appointment, she was pointing out the ceiling tiles and said "square" and to the round vent in the ceiling and said, "circle." They have both been picking up words left and right. It's kind of nuts how fast it's going. Puff's new favorite words (well technically they are our favorites because we love to hear her say them) are "come here," "waffle," "cookie," and "snuggle" is STILL my favorite word that she says. She does this great thing with her tongue when she says, "socks" and she kind of lingers on the last "sssssss" making it sound a little snake-like. It's the best! I'm enjoying this stage so much more than 6 months ago. Now that they are both walking well (still tripping a lot though) and using more words, it's easier to communicate with them. Squeak has been such a good big sister to them and enjoys building nests for them (though mostly for her and Puff - Bear gets left out sometimes) and she has been reading to them a lot - which is great practice for her, and then they are also getting in some learning in, too. We are finally starting to reap the benefits of having the older child entertain the younger ones (thank GOODNESS).



Reading: A friend of mine recommended I read Catastrophic Happiness: Finding Joy in Childhood's Messy Years by Catherine Newman. It's been a fun read so far. And by "so far" I mean I'm only 40 pages in despite having started several days ago. As the twins are getting busier and the weather is getting nicer, I've been finding it harder and harder to sit down and focus on writing the blog, drawing, etc. They cry and beg to go outside, and it's hard to say no when the weather is so gorgeous! Although I could do with a little less pollen. I feel like each time I breathe in, my lungs are getting coated in yellow. Blegh. Anyway, back to the book... it's super funny and I'm finding that I can completely relate! I definitely recommend it to all my mom friends - especially those with more than one kid!


Random Thoughts: I have so many things that I think to put here throughout the day, but then my thoughts leave and I can't get the moment back again. I was thinking that I've been out of a routine for a while and I need to find a way back to myself again. I'm stuck in neutral so to speak (also the title of a really good YA book FYI). Well, technically two, Stuck in Neutral and Speak. Anyway, sidetracked by my randomness yet again. I need to get up earlier, fix my diet (which is difficult with the massive quantities of Easter candy we have hanging around), and get into a better sleep schedule. Which brings me to my random thought for today. What? Did you think that I had already spouted out my randomness already? Ha! Hardly! So, we've been doing what many would call, "binge watching" a tv show. A binge to me is watching at least two episodes of a show back to back before either a. falling asleep in front of the tv or b. going to bed. What happened to the times when you would look forward to that ONE night of TV a week because your favorite TV show came on (ahem, xfiles) and then you'd wait with anticipation for an entire week to see another episode? This was so fantastic. I'd hop into my jammies, grab a glass of milk, and sit there for an entire hour - waiting through commercials and everything, just to see an hour (technically 45 minutes) of my favorite show. But now... Now tv is released as an entire "season" all at once. Instead of watching one hour a week, we spend an entire week binging on an entire series (if it's good). Call me old school, but I kind of miss the waiting and the anticipation of the weekly reveal. We restrict the TV watching for the kids... maybe we need to do the same for ourselves. One thing is for certain... I need to start going to bed earlier.

Day 225

Saturday, April 15, 2017

Places/Activities: Where to start!? I know it's been a while since I've posted in the blog. That's because I've been keeping so busy lately. Family comes first, followed by work, then chores, then reading, and then whatever time is left I spend on the blog or drawing. There hasn't been ANY time left for drawing or the blog, or reading recently. I've been trying to maximize Squeaker's time off from preschool. On Wednesday we all went to Storyville and hung out there for a while. We were going to go to a museum out of state, but then decided against it since it would be likely that it would be off the hook due to Spring break. So glad we decided to stick close to home instead. In the afternoon, we took a walk on the Trolley Trail and I was stopped by a woman on the trail who told me that she also had twins and about how her mother told her it wasn't too late to get an abortion when she found out. Wow. It just never ceases to amaze me the stuff that people randomly say to me. She also said that it took her until her twins were completely grown before she stopped crying everytime she saw a pregnant woman and would find out they were having twins. Let me just say... while my reaction isn't anything like that, I can still understand and relate. Having twins is no joke. I often feel like I'm herding kittens most days. After I put the babies to bed, I washed windows while Squeak watched a movie, and then continued to wash them after I put her to bed. I know. Who in their right mind washes windows after the sun has long retired? Me. That's who. Having twins +1 means you do stuff whenever you can make it happen. And sometimes that time happens to be at 11 o'clock at night. I can tell I'm lightening up a bit in my ridiculous neat freak behavior because I did not get out the toothbrush and scrub the window tracks this time. I only windexed inside and outside. That's it. The scrubbing will have to wait for Fall. I just didn't have the time or care enough to make that happen this time.
Thursday we visited the Aquarium. Squeak read 5 different books about sea life for Enoch Pratt's
Read to Reef program, which earned us 4 free passes to the Aquarium. The twins are still free since they are under two. The only problematic part of taking them, is that there are no strollers allowed in the Aquarium. So, we had to check the stroller and then I wore Bear on my back and had Puff on a leash, but ended up carrying her most of the time because it was so ridiculously crowded there. She has quite a long attention span and enjoys just watching animals or a show for long periods of time. I didn't get to take but a couple of photos at the beginning because it was just too much of a challenge to keep up with taking care of all of them! My mom and an old friend joined us for the trip as well, so it was nice to have a couple of extra pairs of eyes looking out for us! Friday we ended up returning to the zoo to meet up with another set of friends who I haven't seen since before the twins were born. That's why I love our zoo membership so much. It's a great way to help support a good cause, I learn something new each time we go, and we will often have a friend or two join us to be our guests when we go visit. It's such a lovely zoo and we always have a great time when we visit. Squeak was super happy to have other kids to hang out with while we were there, too. We also stopped in to visit the Easter bunny and pick up a chocolate Mary Sue Easter egg! I have never in my life seen the zoo so busy before though. It was crazy to see how many people were there. When we got home, Squeak, and D and I all dyed Easter eggs while the babies napped and then I made Carrot Cake cookies and banana bread before my dad and stepmom arrive to join us for a pizza dinner. Today I'm exhausted. D was away for a couple of days this week and with all the running and prepping for Easter, I'm completely worn out. After a long walk this morning to get to an Easter egg hunt that lasted WAY longer than we anticipated, I'm sitting in the recliner with my feet propped up while working on my class, writing this blog, and then hopefully finding some time to draw and read this evening after the kids go to bed. I'm so tired, but I'm feeling pretty content.





Reading: I'm still reading The Grain Brain. Last time I posted that I had lost 3 lbs. So, it's one of those things I have to keep weighing in my mind. Do I REALLY want that alcoholic root beer? Or do I want to keep losing weight and feel better? I'm not gonna lie. 5 times out of 10, I'll choose the instant gratification. I was just complaining to a friend of mine as I pushed almost 60lbs of twins up the hill at the zoo that you'd think with all of the running I do all the time (running around of children, not actual running. You must not know me very well if you actually imagined that was running. HA!) that I'd be super healthy and skinny by now. But, no. Sigh. We've been making changes here and there to our diet. For example, I had NO idea how addicted I had become to having a Coke in the afternoons. I've now substituted that afternoon Coke with a glass of milk, sometimes chocolate. Not sure it's really better, but until I can get back to the norm of being a full time working parent, it's helping me get through the day for now!

Recipes: I just received my second order from Penzey's today. I've found that we do better when I cut up a ton of fresh veggies like red and orange peppers, cucumbers, celery, and carrots and keep them in the fridge to have when we are looking for a snack. Having those along with some homemade horseradish dip from Penzey's has been the bomb!! Hoping I can keep this up when I return to work. Going to need to put together a schedule of things to do each week and make sure that veggie chopping is on there!

Random Thoughts: Sometimes Alanis Morrisette's song, "Ironic" pops in my head. I feel like it could be my theme song to be honest... So, when we bought our house 4 years ago, we decided to purchase a round table for our kitchen area. It has 4 chairs. Isn't it ironic that we now need 5? Anyway, so these four chairs have a nice plush fabric top to them. WHO IN THE HELL BUYS FABRIC KITCHEN CHAIRS WHEN YOU HAVE KIDS?? Me. Us. We do. We are the morons that bought fabric chairs to go with our then 6 month old and now 4 year old and twin 1 year olds. The twins are getting sick of their high chairs now and attempt to throw themselves out of them, so I thought that perhaps it might be time to move them to booster seats since Squeak was much younger than they are now when we moved her to a booster seat at the table. We used to put down a towel over the chair and the booster seat on top, but something tells me that just won't fly with these two very busy twins. Well... we can't have these little mess makers sitting on fabric covered seats!! Just imagining the little grubby spaghetti coated hands reaching down to wipe on the fabric chairs is enough to send me into a full blown neat freak panic attack. So, I did what every sane neat freak would do... I went to hell (the fabric store) and came home with a large sheet of special furniture plastic so that I could recover all of the chairs. I took off the first seat, neatly cut out and stapled the plastic on over the fabric, then neatly screwed it back into the chair. Perfect! Wait... what's that? A crumb of food! No problem, I'll just wipe it off the plastic covered seat! Wait... why isn't it coming off?!?!?! Oh, because that crumb was on chair, and I unknowingly permanently sealed it in plastic on the chair. Isn't it ironic?

Day 220

Tuesday, April 10, 2017


Places/Activities: We've been keeping pretty busy this last week (which is why I haven't had time to sit down and write anything lately). We took field trips to the Hampton House up in Towson, Hilton area tire park at Patapsco State Park, first visit to Opies for ice cream this season, Maryland Zoo, Oxen Hill Farm, Fort Washington, and Centennial Park. Not too bad as far as outings go in any given week. Back in 2009, my then boss was talking about visiting National Parks and getting stamps in a passport during her summer vacations. I was curious and had to know more. Ever since, I've been more curious about all that our National Parks have to offer and am an advocate for them. Which just goes to show - simple conversations have just as much importance as does attending a class in school or college. Because of that ONE conversation, I went out and bought myself a passport book the next time I was at Fort McHenry. It encouraged me to see new places and learn new things. Before going somewhere, I check the National Park Service website and see what National Parks might be near my destination that I could go and visit. Because of that one conversation, I've been more curious about history (a subject that I always had difficulty with in school), more conscientious about the environment, and definitely take the time to share with my kids the things that I learn. Because of the passport book, we've taken the extra 2.5 hour boat ride from Key West to snorkel at Dry Tortugas National Park, we've also taken a rocky boat ride into Biscayne Bay to snorkel and explore the shipwrecks - not to mention that oodles of places in Maryland that we have explored and never even knew existed. While getting out and adventuring on our own is fun (and challenging sometimes), I'm extremely grateful for good friends who meet up with us, hang out with us, and enjoy our company (even though sometimes our company isn't enjoyable when one or more of the children are unhappy). It's some kind of fabulous feeling when your friend just picks up your wild child and begins talking to her and explaining everything she sees to keep her entertained. Or when your friend reaches down and takes your son's little hand so he doesn't stumble over a gravel path. The days do seem long sometimes, but it's the people in them that make the worst of days seem like the best. Feeling thankful. 

Reading:Let's see... I've read a few things since I last posted. You can check my progress here: http://1yearasasahm.blogspot.com/p/100-book-goal.html Currently I've been listening to The Grain Brain in the car, which has been fascinating and very enlightening. It also makes a TON of sense. I've made a couple of simple changes to my diet and in a week lost 3lbs. Crazy, right? Needless to say, I'm quite curious about the pdf recipes included on the final disc (not quite there yet).

Recipes:Nothing new to share. Although I did make some baby breakfast cookies for the twins and instead of cinnamon I used Penzey's cake spice. I couldn't believe how awesome they turned out!

Random Thoughts: So, I'm over halfway through the discs of The Grain Brain. Yes, normally I prefer reading my books in print form, but I put a reserve on the book on CD by mistake. Anyway, Dr. Perlmutter talks a lot about the evolution of food and our bodies, and how we have the power to change our bodies at a cellular level through the food we eat. It's kinda crazy, but makes a lot of sense. I started thinking back to an episode of The Twilight Zone (from the 90's, not the black and white episodes) where some kids tuned into a certain frequency on the radio and it caused strange things to happen to them. Their skin turned a crazy color and got all shiny. It was bizarre. As it turns out, the frequency caused them to adapt to the powerful UV rays of the sun, which allowed them to be outside and exposed without causing damage. Kinda cool, right? Anyway, it got me thinking about how we have evolved to what and who we are today. Babies are being born much larger than before, and 200 years ago it was rare to have a person over 6ft tall (if my history serves me correctly) and now it's pretty common. As far as evolution is concerned, we will likely need to evolve further in order to survive as a species. I know I seem way out there on this but I think a lot and my thoughts wander all over the place. Anyway, it makes me wonder about spectrum disorders. We never really heard about autism and spectrum disorders 50 years ago. Sure, they were around, but not in the frequency with which we hear about them now. You hear about so many brilliant people that are somewhere on the spectrum. We know that many people with autism can "tap" a different part of the brain than the rest of us... What if this is part of our evolution? I mean, in a way it kind of makes sense, doesn't it?