The Story Behind this Picture

I stumbled across the above picture recently and had a good chuckle. It's the inside of our limo, the day of our wedding, less than an hour after we said our vows. You'll notice a few odd looking people in that picture. They are life-size dummies- Henry and Gladys- and there was a reason they found their way into our limo that day.

One summer, either that year or the one before, Steve and I headed up to Vermont to stay at the cabin. It was dusk, and we had to make our way through the cabin to turn on the electricity. Before I could register what was happening, Steve whipped around and starting pushing me back towards the door and out of the cabin.

"Someone's in there!" he whispered frantically, "I saw a man with dress shoes, lying on his side on one of the bunk beds. He could be dead!". He whipped out his cell phone and called Gram and Gramp Pease. He urgently explained the situation. Grandma's response?

Laughter. And more laughter. "Oh, that's just Henry!" she finally choked out.

"Who the hell is Henry?" Steve demanded, a little less frantic but as confused as ever.

Well it turns out that Henry was a life-size dummy that the family owned, probably for the purpose of practical jokes. It also turned out that he had a lady friend in his life- Gladys. We went back in the cabin and it was easy to see why Steve had thought it was a real person. After all, he was life-sized and wearing actual men's shoes!

It made for a good story, and you can bet that those same family members made sure Henry and Gladys appeared at our wedding. They even got a few turns on the dance floor that night.

And that, readers, is why we have a picture of two dummies in our limo on our wedding day.

The Darndest Things

We have a Welcome sign on our front door with decorations that you can change depending on the holiday and time of year. The kids love it and it's a visual cue that reminds them what holiday we have to look forward to next.

I was explaining to Rosie that Buddy and I had taken down the Easter decoration, and put up the spring flowers one.

Her response? She laughs and says: "Well, Daddy thinks the next holiday is Oreo Day!"

I chuckled but was puzzled. Oreos? As much as I love them, we only buy them once or twice a year. And why would she say that Steve said that?

Then it all clicked into place. A few days ago, in the car, Rosie had asked what holiday comes after Easter, and Steve had responded: Memorial Day.

Memorial. Oreo. I can totally see the mix-up that happened as Rosie heard that answer from the back seat.

Then I really began to laugh. These kinds of conversations and mix-ups are some of my all-time favorite parenting moments. There's no predicting them!

I think I'd be remiss not to get Oreos on Memorial Day for now on, don't you?

Friday Five: April Vacation

We're nearing the end of Steve's April break. We started this vacation on Good Friday with the stomach bug, but thankfully, recovery was quick, and we were able to enjoy the rest of the week. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Operation: Make the Yard Even Nicer than the Year Before has continued. I've mentioned before on here  how when the kids were babies, yard work was not a priority. The minimum got done, but things like pruning and raking fell to the wayside. What a difference a year or two makes. Now that we don't need to supervise the kids outside every second, we can do a little raking and such while they play around us! It's been quite the shift, and I am so pleased with how our side yard looks now that I'm about 85% done with it. Now I just need some more warm, not-quite-so-windy weather, so I can finish it up and get to work on the back yard! We've also picked up a few decorative items for the yard over the past few years, and I am so happy with how it brings it all together.

2. Vermont- We made it up to Vermont for the first time this year! Going in April is something we haven't tried in years, and, like I mentioned above, it was because the kids were so little and April in Vermont can be quite cold. Buddy was only a little over one a year ago, and it was hard to bundle him up safely and warmly in the pack n play. This year? He and Rosie each slept on their own cots, in their sleeping bags. It was an awesome time, even if it was only for one night. I especially enjoyed the campfire and Coronas that evening. I've determined that my two favorite spots besides home are by a campfire and on the beach.

3. Look Park- Look Park, in itself, is nothing new to us (we have a pass and go every week!), but on April vacation they open the attractions, so the train was in operation! This was the 3rd year in a row that we went specifically to ride the train during this week. Our family loves traditions!

4. A Successful Dental Visit- When I took Rosie to the dentist the first time last November, she wanted nothing doing with the whole situation. She wouldn't sit in the chair and she barely let our hygienist take a peek in her mouth. Being a mom for 3.5 years, I had set my expectations low, and wasn't surprised or bothered by this. Fast forward to her next appointment, which happened yesterday. I decided to give bribery a try, which is not my usual plan of action. See, I had a bought a Snow White doll at 75% off the day after Christmas, and I had been holding on to it for an occasion such as this (okay, I was thinking her birthday, but still...). A few days before her appointment, I showed Rosie the doll and told her she would get it if she cooperated fully at the dentist. You know what? It worked. She let our friendly hygienist, Michelle, do everything she needed to do. It was a complete 180 from the first time she went. The main reason I tell this story is because before I was a parent, I might have thought bribery was weak parenting and something I would never do. Never say never. I don't plan on giving her a doll every time she goes to the dentist, but I'm not against rewarding good behavior, which is more effective than taking something away, or punishment, in my book. To each their own; everyone parents differently.

5. Friends, Wine Tasting, Ice Cream, Summer Dress Shopping- These things haven't happened yet, but they're on the docket for the last few days of this break and I am psyched.

I Love April Vacation!

This Loved

I saw this image last week on Facebook and the words have been reverberating through me every day since:

"You will never be this loved again."

I believe this to be true. The love from our children is an extraordinary gift. I'll be the first to admit that I take it for granted sometimes.

That I sometimes find myself saying "Get off of me!" or "Not right now" or "I just need some space".

All completely normal reactions from a mom. All completely legitimate.

But then I think about why I am saying these things and what I'm responding to: I'm responding to the fact that my kids can't get enough of me. I'm not trying to be egotistical, but it's what's at the heart of every single one of their requests.

They want me. They want me to play with them, hug them, run with them, paint with them, laugh with them. They just don't get sick of me and they always want me around.

"You will never be this loved again."

So instead of letting exasperation seize the moment when my kids want one more thing from me, I'll try to remember that this moment, in which they want me, is fleeting. The moment will come when they won't and I know it will sadden me. Until then, I will soak up all the love from them that I can get.

I Realized

Yesterday morning I hid 16 multicolored plastic eggs and two Easter baskets.
In that moment, I realized one of my favorite "mom perks" is handling such holiday preparations. It's so much fun setting these things up for our little children who believe.

Yesterday morning I saw both of our kids thrilling in their hunt for the Easter eggs.
In that moment, I realized Buddy had caught up to Rosie in many ways and that this was the first year that they both understood what to do.

Yesterday morning I was getting a snack ready for the car ride.
In that moment, I realized I hadn't eaten a piece of chocolate yet that day, which is pretty much a sin on Easter. I promptly ate some jelly beans and M&M's to make up for it.

Yesterday morning I found green plastic "Easter grass" lightly scattered across our house.
In that moment, I realized that plastic grass represented a few things to me- for one, the very fact that we have our own little family (thank you, God, for prayers answered!). It also represented the Easter traditions I fondly remember from growing up. When you combine the two, silly green plastic grass means an awful lot.

Friday Five: New Favorites

Here is my new favorite...

1. Afternoon Snack- Fiber, Oats & Chocolate Chewy Bars- Market Pantry, a.k.a. Target brand, how I love you! You have created chewy bars that are not only delicious, but also contain 40% of my daily recommended amount of fiber! Brilliant! And because they're full of fiber, they bridge the gap nicely between lunch and dinner. Good thing, because I was getting a little sick of greek yogurt every afternoon.

2. Book- Insurgent by Veronica Roth. It's the second book in the Divergent series. I am hooked in the same way I was for the Twilight series, and The Hunger Games. While the Divergent series is excellent, so far I'm thinking The Hunger Games is better.

3. Place to Go on a Rainy Day with the Kids- A2Z. A2Z is the name of our local mom and pop toy store. They sell quality, hard-to-find toys and every time I go in there I think: "Why do I ever buy toys anywhere else?" Bringing two small children into that (expensive) store used to feel like bringing bulls into a China shop. It wasn't a good idea. This time? They were very respectful as we walked around looking at everything, and they had a blast playing at the demo play tables that were set up. We were there for an hour! Definitely a place I will try to remember for future rainy days! (Side note: Many Barnes & Noble stores also have play areas, including Thomas the Train tables).

4. Recipe- Sloppy Joes. Yet another meal I grew up thinking I didn't like, but it turns out I just didn't enjoy Sloppy Joes from a can! The homemade stuff on the other hand... oh, yes. I highly recommend you try this recipe. To perfect this Sloppy Joe, I recommend toasting the hamburger roll and melting a piece of cheese on top of the Sloppy Joe mixture. Yum!

5. Any Time Beer- Shock Top Belgian Wheat. As someone who didn't really care too much for beer up until about three years ago, I still get excited when I find a new one that I like. The price was what first drew me in ($10.99 for 12 bottles? Huzzah!), and the crisp taste sealed the deal. I'm happy to find another "any time beer"- BBC Steel Rail and Sam Adams Seasonal are my other standbys.

There you have it! What are your new favorite snacks/ books/ recipes/ TV shows/ drinks?

This Spring. Right Now.

Spring is here and I am renewed.

I never want to forget the satisfaction that comes with raking- brushing away the dead leaves from last year, and uncovering the tiny beginnings of this year's growth, like the starts of daffodils and narcissus making their way up through the dark brown soil.

I never want to forget the excitement in finding the first crocus blooming next to the stone wall by our brook. Always, always the first beacon of spring. Next come the unexpected patches of snowdrops, and the first bright beginnings of blue scilla dotting out side yard.

I never want to forget the joy Rosie and Buddy are finding this spring as they claim the front yard, back yard and side yards as their own. They tramp around with buckets, chalk, rocks, bubbles- anything of interest. They follow the same paths I walked when I was their age, and delight in the same streams, hills and valleys that I enjoyed. It makes my heart unbelievably happy.

I never want to forget how this spring, so long awaited, finally rolled out on the first of April, and brought so much joy to everyone I know. No matter how long the winter, and how cold, spring will always come.

Friday Five: What I'm Looking Forward To

One of my favorite quotes is: "One ought to have something to do, someone to love and something to look forward to." With that in mind, I find several things every day, big and small, to look forward to. And, even though I've been a stay at home mom for over three years, I still find myself excited about weekends. Here's what I'm eagerly anticipating today:

1. Wine and cards. At least once a month, a couple we're good friends with come over our place for a Friday night of cards (usually Pitch), games and wine. They're kind enough to come to us because their kids are older. It always sets the right tone for the weekend.

2. All-4-Kids Easthampton. My mom friends talk about this event like it's the best thing ever, so I can't wait to experience it for myself on Saturday! It's pretty much a huge indoor tag sale selling only baby and kid items. Sounds right up our alley, and a good way to score some inexpensive items for summer.

3. Church. We try our best to get to church when we can, but between sickness and Sunday events, it hasn't happened all that much this year. I have let go of that guilt, though, because I know I can worship wherever I am. That being said, if we go this Sunday, it will be two weeks in a row! That would be rather fantastic. It really centers all of us.

4. Beautiful Weather. I'm still reveling in the fact that I can step outside and not be chilled to the bone. The weather this past week or so has had such a huge impact on everyone's morale. I see this family being outside as much as possible the next few days, and stops at the playground and park becoming regular parts of our weekend routine.

5. A "Normal", Laid back Weekend. Sure, big weekend plans are a blast, but there is something to say about "normal" weekends- the ones without any huge plans besides being together, going a few places, and enjoying each other's company. I love these kind of days together.

What are you looking forward to this weekend?

You Are Missing Out

If you are not yet listening to This American Life, you are missing out.

It is basically a story hour for adults produced by NPR. A new episode is aired each week and the topics are endless and utterly interesting. They take a theme and find stories (almost always real-life ones) that relate to the subject. I've been downloading their podcast every week for the past year, but it just occurred to me that I have years of This American Life that I haven't yet listened to.

Now, when I have clothes to fold or dishes to wash? I go to their website and find an episode I haven't listened to yet. I'm working my way through the ones I missed in 2013, and I am delighted to see that their radio archive dates back to 1995. I have a lot of good listening ahead of me!

Two of my all-time favorite episodes that come to mind are:

1. "No Coincidence, No Story" - What can I say? I'm a sucker for coincidence stories, and this episode is full of good ones.

2. "Use Only as Directed" - This episode, about Tylenol, was really an eye-opener. I think twice now before taking any sort of pain medication.

If you're a little sick of the music on your iPod, or want a way to break up your commute, I highly recommend This American Life. It is one of the most popular podcasts in the U.S. Who would have thought a radio show could have such an impact in 2014?

A Second Job

This past Saturday, I was sworn into my new position as Assistant Town Clerk of Goshen.

I'm psyched.

The Town Clerk herself called me about a month ago and asked if I would be interested. I was floored. Would I be interesting in learning a position that would complement being a stay at home mom, and then later, a job that would allow me to stay in town so I could get my kids on and off the bus easily?

Why yes, I would!

Not to mention that the Town Clerk position runs in my family. My great, great grandfather who lived in this house occupied the position for 30 years. My great grandfather, great grandma and great uncle also held the title of Town Clerk. I am proud to carry on the family tradition.

Among several other things, I will be learning how to handle birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates. There's a lot of bookkeeping, and it's detail oriented. Did I ever mention that's just the kind of job that interests me? I like to organize, and being someone who keeps a blog and a daily diary, I very much enjoy the act of documenting.

I'll be documenting this town that means so much to me. I look forward to getting to know my neighbors better.

When I first became a stay at home mom, I found the needs of my baby girl plus sleep deprivation so daunting, that I never could have imagined this day now, in which I hold two part-time jobs, am on the school committee and am secretary of the Historical Society. I am a lucky woman. I have a husband who has always fully supported any and all ventures I take on, and between being a mom to two amazing kids and serving my town in four capacities, I have never felt more fulfilled. This is who I am; this is who I'm meant to be. It's a very powerful realization.

Celebrating One Year with a Target Giveaway!

My third baby turned one yesterday. This blog!

Lines from Lithia... have I even taken the time this entire year to explain the meaning behind the title?

It's very simple. Lithia is a section of Goshen in which we reside. If you didn't know there were sections of this 1,000 person town, you are not alone. When I write my blog entries, I'm writing lines- therefore, Lines from Lithia.

An entire year: my 147th post. When I started this, I didn't know how long I could write for. I still don't know. What I do know is that the itch to write, which had been there when I was younger, lay dormant for a number of years then reemerged, probably at the time I felt most ready and inspired.

I still have so many things I want to write about. So many thoughts swirling in this brain of mine. I compose half written blog posts in my head all day long.

Thank you, readers, for your encouragement and your kind words. It really means a lot that you read my blog, which can be quite random at times. Thanks for encouraging me to be the open book that I am.

Now I'm looking to you for ideas, and there's something in it for you, too. In honor of Lines from Lithia's one year anniversary, I am giving away a $20 Target Gift Card in a random drawing. Who doesn't love Target?

Here's what you have to do: Leave a comment either here on the blog or on my Facebook page telling me: A. What post or posts you have enjoyed most so far, and B. What you'd be interested in seeing me write about in the future. One entry per person, please. Contest closes at 12pm (Eastern Time), Sunday, April 6th, 2014, at which point I will either do an old-fashioned draw from a hat, or maybe even use one of those newfangled websites that draws the name for me. I will announce the winner Sunday evening.

Thanks again for your support and good luck!

Once a Year

Once a year, we book a one-night stay at a hotel room with a private two person jacuzzi.

It's hands-down one of the best traditions we ever started.

A few weeks ago we had our 3rd annual "hooray, Spring is here- hooray, we've been together now x number of years" getaway. It was just as good as the first and second time, if not better.

We had stayed in this exact room before, so we knew to bring a laptop so we could have something to watch while we soaked in the tub. We brought "Catching Fire" because we're such romantics like that. We each picked out a special snack (chips and salsa for him, M&M's for me) and we began our relaxation.

We sat in that tub. For hours. One of us would have to get out occasionally to grab a few more brews. We finally tried Yuengling, since people had been hyping it up so much. Personally, I wasn't too excited about it, but it was a pleasant, light beer to enjoy in the bubbling jacuzzi.

The movie lost our attention and we just talked. And talked. All of a sudden it was time to think about heading to dinner.

One improvement over last time was that a new pub had opened up- right next door! We got dressed and moseyed on over. Hello, fried scallops and french fries!

I could tell you that we stayed up late, but we didn't. Instead, we got the most consecutive sleep we've gotten in weeks. I personally slept 9.5 hours. It was truly delightful.

I could tell you that I missed the kids. But I didn't. It was only 24 hours away from them, and it felt so good just to focus on Steve and I.

Marriages need time and attention. On a day to day basis, we're bogged down with work, schedules, visits, appointments and everything else life throws at us, like illness and cars breaking down. Time to do things for yourself or for your spouse can get lost in the shuffle. When you set aside a weekend or just one night, you're saying: "This is important to me. We need this to refresh ourselves and our marriage."

Our Spring jacuzzi room stay does just that. What's your ideal getaway with your significant other?