Thursday, August 28, 2008

Zinnias oh Zinnias, I love you so!



My Zinnias kicked ass this year. Next year I'm doing zinnias in the front flower bed with marigolds in between....probably some more herbs in the flower boxes....on the side bed in the front, some more russian sage and sunflowers for height....on the side, definitely some hostas with lots lots lots of daffodils....do a rock/paver border around the tree with mulch inside....devastate the grass with some new seed and in the back?...hell if i know, i'll have to try new things out...oh, yes, and a few hanging pansy baskets in the front with geranium potted plants....the fall will call for an annual planting of a dozen or more tulips, dozen or so crocus, dozen or so hyacinth and of course daffodils....but, that's just off the top of my head!!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

My Beloved...


There are a million and one reasons I love you. You are my family and my friend and you are committed to me. I am happy and honored to be your wife. You are, without a doubt, the most passionate and loving father on earth. My days are brighter because you are in them. You make me strong, you force me to relax and live life in a different way. For this I am eternally grateful and forever yours. You are the olive in my char. The Ch in my Chani. You are the apple of my jacker. I will love you more and more every day. xoxo

Friday, August 22, 2008

My Legacy: READING



I am so proud to be River's mommy. He is articulate and inquisitive and already has a love of reading. Reading has been an important part of my life and I can't imagine my life without books! It is one of my favorite activities to do with RW. We are currently reading 'The Mouse and the Motorcycle' by Beverly "greatest children's book author" Cleary. We read a few pages every night and RW looks at me while I'm reading, hanging on every word with anticipation and suspense.

My first experience reading with River was in-utero. Justin was reading 'One Fish, Two, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish'. When we got to the "hump of a bump of a wump" part, I got a bunch of kicks from inside as if to say "more more more".

As a 1-2 year old, River's favorite book was "Trucks". I always let him pick the book we are going to read and for awhile there, a LONG while he would pick "Trucks". Sometimes I would even hide the book because much as he loved it, I would get sick of it. I mean really I must have read "this is a truck going through a tunnel. this is the truck delivering the newspaper. this is the bread truck with bread for the store" over and over and over! I never hid the book too long, because he would actually go looking for it. With a look of "where did i put that Truck book? I know it must be here SOMEwhere!"

Now at age 3, I'll hear him talking and when I find him, often times it is sitting on the floor reading a book (see picture). It is too die for cute and makes my heart glow.

Obviously I am a woman and being the mother of a son, I am constantly learning new things about the other gender. Reading books to my son is opening up a whole new world for me. Instead of chick lit and feminine genre, I have been learning, albeit at the toddler level about more traditionally male things. Like trucks, automobiles, trains, planes, tractors etc. It's been interesting for sure. And, I'm loving every minute of it!!

Now off to perfect the PPPBBBBFFFFFF Ralph makes when operating his motorcycle. I love it!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Happy Birthday To Me!!

Yes, that's right 32 down, who knows how many left! My birthday, the greatest birthdate of the year, in my humble opinion was Monday, August 11, 2008.....summer birthdays rock...i almost feel bad for RW, having his in March....not to mention the fact that he got screwed out of a 1/2 birthday (also big in my family circle)....i got my haircut...had to work (bleh) and then went home to surprise after surprise after surprise....my new favorite restaurant is a chain!!! (Gasp, gasp)....The Bone Fish...super duper frikking good!!...and for the visuals, a visual:

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Okoboji Vacation 2008

Amazing, glorious, unadulterated fun. Just a few words to describe our joyous vacation to Lake Okoboji. Or as I prefer to think of it: my lake. my lake that i let others use. Seriously, I have a connection to this lake. It brings out my inner child and makes my spirit warm and fuzzy. This is the first time that RW has been to Okoboji and seeing him see it for the first time was beautiful. Here is a picture of us:


A typical day in Okoboji: sleep in until 10....have a wonderful breakfast (gourmet french toast, biscuits/gravy, green chile smothered breakfast burritos)...go for a spin around the lake in the Whaler (a boat) with my coffee...then back for a nap....then a light lunch...then a nap...then a cocktail...then a swim....then dinner/drinks....a sunset cruise.....Here's RW modeling the fine art of napping:


I read a lot....I finished The Kite Runner (a scathing review regarding the sick and twisted excuse of an author to follow in a future blog)...i started Eat, Pray, Love...all the while enjoying this view from my perch on the deck!


Reconnecting with my handsome first husband (just a joke between us!)....and sharing my lake with him for the 3rd time.....we had a great time....nachos and beer at Braccos (overpriced and undergood)....nachos and beer at the Barefoot (nice view of what appeared to be the Swedish Bikini Team)....Ribs/Chicken dinner at the Gingham Inn, a little off the beaten path, but totally worth it.....riding the roller coaster at Arnolds Park.....swimming in Emerson Bay, swimming at Gull Point....fishing at Gull Point....catching more fish that Justin (hey, it'll probably only happen once, right, so i HAVE to brag!).....catfish fishing off the dock...sleeping in and lots of snuggling!



and let us not forget the most memorable experience of the week....the 3rd and FINAL running of the Ragan Foot Race...which resulted in me hitting the pavement...LITERALLY!!



All in all, Miss Okoboji and her magical waters have once again rejuvenated my heart and soul! I love you Okoboji!