Sunday Tinkering

The morning is going well.  Audrey is watching Scooby Doo and Violet is coloring and playing in the home living play kitchen.  Today promises to be a typical Sunday, with coffee, cartoons, and CostCo.  Laundry is ever present upstairs, so some pairing of socks and folding of tshirts also appears inevitable.  The breadmaker has some raisin-walnut challah baking, and the coffee maker is finishing its production of steaming hot coffee.  These are all of the things that indicate it is Sunday in my home.

It was special to have my mother visit and spend some time with her grandchildren.  It is still a strange and amazing thing to see my own children and my parents in the same room.  Watching generations interact really brings home the importance of family and making time for the little things in life.

I often think about the future and enjoy making guesses as to what it will be like.  Sometimes I think about the girls being in school or what things they will find enjoyment in.  I think that creating environments that allow them to explore their worlds will always be my challenge as a parent.

  As everyone gets moving on this lazy Sunday, we look forward to the day and its possibilities.  We will enjoy the little things, as they often end up being the most important.

The fresh bread is done and cooling on the rack.  The laundry is folded and awaits final placement in drawrers amd closets throughout the house.  Fresh bedding and new pillow cases make our bed a luxurious landing for an afternoon snooze.  Visions of a pasta dinner play on the outskirts of my mind, but lazing on the bed with no particular place to go prevents me from any further productivity at the momemt.

The cold bites at us from the other side of the window, but we armor ourselves with blankets and snuggles.  Perhaps a family movie tonight?  The setting sun warns us all of the inevitable rush of Monday morning, but we pay no heed, choosing rather to live in the moment and savor this day that is ours.

-A

Violet in her blue artist phase.

My mom and the girls during this special visit.

Big slide on a Saturday.

McDistance

Audrey and Violet show-off their matching doll pajamas.

There is more sun in the sky each day, and it is helping with the constant barrage of snow and ice and freezing temperatures we continue to face.  Next week promises a string of days with temperatures above freezing, which is the first I can remember in quite a while.

Here are the girls playing with snow in the kitchen, as it was too cold to go outside and play.  At the time of this picture, they were also listening to the  Frozen soundtrack.  Brrrrr.

My mother is visiting from Alaska.  She is making a journey from visiting her brother in Central America and then taking some time to see my sister in Washington, DC.  She took the train from DC to us, so I am happy to let her have the chance to sit and rest and see her grandchildren.  We haven't seen her since this summer when Audrey and I were in Haines.

Audrey and Violet still demand a ride on Sandy, the mechanical horse, every time we are at the grocery store.  Rid 'em cowgirls!  

The last week or so has been filled with watching the Winter Olympics and trying to muster enthusiasm for the events.  I have little tolerance for commercials, so the way these games are edited and presented for public consumption have been frustrating, to say the least.  I truly believe that watching mainly events where the United States is in contention for a medal is beyond egocentric and really does not present an accurate or fair portrayal of the Olympics.  I am all for cheering one's own country, but I also like to see the best in the world perform and compete, no matter what their nationality.  Oh well, I am sure McDonalds and all of the other sponsors will take it into consideration after another four years.

Making cookies at Granny's in South Bend.

The girls are enjoying spending time with their grandmother.  It reminds me that we live far away from my side of the family, spread across the country.  There are both positives and negatives about this.  Of course it is difficult to not be able to visit whenever we like or have family over.  The holidays are also difficult, as there is a feeling that there are only so many pictures of our daughters we can send.  It is nice, though, because seeing family makes us appreciate how special it truly is to be in the same room together, even if it is only for a brief time.  As time moves forward, I realize more and more the importance of being able to reach out and take the opportunities to spend time together, or to find the time to visit or communicate.

Audrey and Violet watch a movie with Attle on her first day of visiting.  

Either way, I find myself here, on a Sunday morning, surrounded by family.  I am happy...content.    The coffee is brewing and the day that lays ahead of us is endless in possibilities.  It is ours for the taking, and whatever we decide to do is just fine by me.  The thing about it is that we are together, now, making the most of the opportunities that surround us...maybe some McDonalds later when we watch the Olympics and cheer for the USA.  :-)

-a

Audrey sporting her fake teeth Attle brought as a gift.  I'm glad to have a dental plan through work!  

The girls on Valentine's Day with some little gifts.  

A Violet among the Roses on Valentine's Day.

February Freezing

Audrey reading.  Violet calling Granny on her phone.

We are in February.  The snow is high, plowed into mountains around our block.  This is a time of year that I find myself and my family sort of..."stuck".  Not in a bad way, mind you.  We are just in this wintry time of year where outside is not an option and the great indoors fees somewhat limited at times.  I do love a good movie, and baking is always its own sweet reward.

Violet rocking the Portillo's Hat during the Super Bowl!  Thank you Grandpa Ted and Lisa for the great food!

The girls have been enjoying playing with legos, dolls, and magnets.  Countless art projects cover the walls and refrigerator.  We roll on tricycles and toy cars as we push foam blocks and pillows out of the way.  Soft caves created with blankets and couch cushions are a place of solitude or a hideaway from Daddy Troll.

Audrey thought the Portillo's hat was military issue.

The sun is shining now, but the cold remains.  Sometimes I need to be thankful for the light, even though it does not always equate with warmth.  At times of such bitter cold, it is easy to complain and think of warmer climates.  Jimmy Buffet makes the occasional rounds on the CD player and we all take a trip to Margaritaville and dance as if on a beach somewhere next to a blue ocean.

The girls playing with snow, at 0 degree weather outside, while listening to the Frozen movie soundtrack.  Brrrrrrr.

I know that the days of sun and sweat will come eventually, and then I may wish for cooler temperatures.  So while the chill bites at my face, I smile despite it all, happy to still feel the cold sun on my skin and know that I get to come home every day to my own little slice of paradise amidst this expansive land of ice and snow. 

A friend

Sue is a friend.  We have never met, but she reads this blog and we have written numerous letters to each other.  She is kind, funny, intelligent, and makes the people around her better.  I just learned of her passing yesterday, and am deeply saddened.  It was unexpected, and I want to use this medium in which we met to express our most sincere condolences to her family and community.

While we are always moving forward, looking to the next step, there are times when we have to pause and recognize the happiness and positive power around us in the moment.  Lives change so quickly, for better and for worse.  There are things we can control in life, and one of them is how often we tell those who are most important to us how much we love them.  Life is a scary proposition, always evolving and never asking for our permission.  This world is indifferent as to whether we are here or not.  What makes us human and unique is that WE care about being here.

So please take a moment to at least think about your life and what it means and what you want it to be.  Take the time to let others know what your feelings are, and how much you appreciate them.  To me, it is not that life is too short, it's that we are too closed-off most of the time to truly let what is important inside of us out into the world to make a difference.  Sue was someone who let her beauty out unfiltered.

-a

Beginning of the End

2014 has started off in a beautiful way, full of laughs, naps, and snacking.  Tonight is most likely the end of my winter break, although it has been extended a couple days due to temperatures ranging from -3 to -17 degrees before windchill is factored in!  Here are the pictures from the last portion of my winter break.  Tomorrow before the sun rises, we will be bundled and back to our lives as normal...which is still pretty darn terrific!

Audrey in her green dress from Gail.

Violet waking up.

Audrey.

Daddy and Violet at her dentist appointment!  No cavities!  

The girls playing outside before the cold spell really kicked-in!  

Allison and Audrey doing dishes.  Allison, John, and their son Laren were guests for a couple days when their flight from Chicago to Anchorage was canceled due to bad weather.  

Juneau Bros and Babies:  John and I lived literally a block apart in Juneau as children.  It was great to see him, his wife Allison, and his awesome son, Laren.  What a great family!  

Abel and John.

Allison and Audrey, fast friends!  

The girls get a little stir crazy during the winter storm, so they roll up in a blanket and wrestle on the trampoline!  Bonkers.

Audrey at her dentist appointment today.  No cavities!  

Clean teeth for Audrey!

Sunset

It is a cold afternoon in Indiana as I take a walk around the neighborhood before the sun sets.  Getting outside or active at all has been a challenge since my last marathon in October.  There is something about reaching a goal that is highly motivating and yet very deflating once it has been accomplished.  There is a sense of "what now?" as I search for the next goal.

As 2013 sets into our past and a new 2014 begins to rise in a few days, it is a cliche time to think about setting new goals and trying to answer the "what now?" with "Now this!".  There are not too many goals on my horizon at the moment, which makes this the time to set some new ones.  I would like to continue to grow as an educator, seeking out new experiences and learning opportunities to help me be a better teacher and just a person who has more tools to help children learn and develop.  Whether this is through workshops, volunteering, or continued education, I would like to keep working at my professional life.

Adventures are an important part of life.  Moving forward, I want to experience more with my family, have more laughs, and go experience new things.  Whether this is a new food or a trip to a new place.  I know Disney World seems destined in our future, but there are other things I would like to experience as I grow older.  Interacting with different people, seeing new animals, and trying different perspectives on for size are things that make being a human amazing.

Reflecting back on this past year, we have been very lucky to have our health, and a wonderful support structure consisting of family and friends.  I have been fortunate to continue working in a job I love and to have a terrific wife who supports my goals and has always been there for me.  I thank my lucky stars for my family all over the country:  Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Virginia,  Washington, DC, Indiana, Illinois.  My daughters are my everything, and seeing them grow up is now what I consider to be my life-work.

 I am happy to continue running and look forward to some more long distance running when the snow leaves and I can focus on training outside.  I feel fortunate to have my health to be able to do such activities, and hope to maintain it moving forward in life.  Perhaps some other things besides running may work their way onto my list of goals in the upcoming year?

So I leave my list open as the sun finally sets tonight.  Tomorrow the sun will rise and a new day will begin, leaving open the possibilities that are limited only to my desire and ambition.

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Phone Photos:

Audrey and Violet open Uncle Michael's annual Winter Solstice gift:  Michael is on the Level...or is he?  They spent the next hour leveling objects throughout the house. 

Audrey and Violet playing with beans and seeds!  This is inspired from the bucket of popcorn seeds at Aunt Irene's house in Virginia!  

The family enjoys a spin on the carousel at Brookfield Zoo during Zoo Lights.  It is quite a different atmosphere at night with all the lights.  Yes, we added the special edition Mold-O-Ramas to our collection!   

Violet getting to open a gift on Christmas Eve.

Audrey opening her Barbie Camper.  This was the only picture that captured her face without blur.  She was excited to say the least.

Violet held onto this picture of Grandpa Ted and Lisa all Christmas Morning.  She was opening presents with one hand for a while.  

Violet and Granny having a moment in the kitchen on Christmas.

Violet at Christmas in Indiana.  Her happiness is endless.

Cousins:  Audrey and Penelope.

Violet and her "Special Things" pile that she didn't want to share with anyone.  Very Grinch-ish after such a lovely Christmas.

Granny with Penelope and Violet.  Content.

Sunday Snowfall

Last night it was raining, sleet, cold, harsh.  I fell into sleep just wanting to be unconscious and not aware of the world around me for a while.  While the holidays are a time of thankfulness and joy, it is still nice to have a deep sleep of peace and quiet.

This morning I awoke to silence.  Not just quiet, but silence.  The kind of silence that can only be had through a snowfall that muffles the outside world.  I drew back my blinds to reveal the beginning stages of our snowy Sunday.

I took the dog outside, who still seems confused when it snows.  The large flakes softly landed on her black coat and contrasted nicely for a few seconds before dissolving into her hide.  On our way back into the house, the sight of my own snow prints brings a memory from childhood back to the forefront of my mind:

In Juneau, as a kid, I would sometimes wake-up very early for no reason.  In the winter, the snow blankets everything.  The entirety of snowfalls there made the landscape an almost perfect white, and the reflection of the snow would make things appear more light than normal at such an early hour.  At times like this, with massive snowflakes the size of silver dollars, I would bundle-up and go for a walk.  The silence of it all is what I remember most.  Just walking, the soft crunch of snow compacting under my boot step.  The only other sounds were the fluffy snowflakes landing and my own breath as I trodded through it all.  It was so peaceful.  No one else out at all...no signs that anyone else was around.  Just pure white snow and the steam from my hands.  I would walk through the cemetery, zigzag through neighborhoods, or sometimes walk by the water.  In a town completely asleep, I was the only one awake.  On my return home, I would sometimes come across my own snow print from earlier in my journey.

So now, on the couch with coffee and fresh bread for breakfast, I sit nuzzled into the corner of my couch chewing on this childhood memory as the snow falls outside and the world around me slowly starts to wake-up.