Monday, May 16, 2011
Thursday, May 05, 2011
just a smidge
As mother's day approaches, I find myself thinking about my own childhood and my mom. And how in some ways I am so similar, and others so different. Then I find myself looking at Natalie and trying to figure out how she is like my mom... and I'm reminded of the word she picked up from Grandma on our visit last summer.
Smidge.
I love this word. It is so cute and descriptive. I remember we were sitting at my moms kitchen table, which strangely enough sits on carpet, and my mom saying "just a smidge" about something. I don't remember if it was about spreading butter on bread, or having a second helping, but I do remember her saying it. Why? Because for months after, Natalie would request "just a smidge more of milk" or oatmeal. Or just a smidge more of syrup. Or just a "smidge" more of anything. But the smidge stuck. And every time she says it, it makes me smile. It's like this little connection Natalie and my mom have, and that makes me happy.
Smidge.
I love this word. It is so cute and descriptive. I remember we were sitting at my moms kitchen table, which strangely enough sits on carpet, and my mom saying "just a smidge" about something. I don't remember if it was about spreading butter on bread, or having a second helping, but I do remember her saying it. Why? Because for months after, Natalie would request "just a smidge more of milk" or oatmeal. Or just a smidge more of syrup. Or just a "smidge" more of anything. But the smidge stuck. And every time she says it, it makes me smile. It's like this little connection Natalie and my mom have, and that makes me happy.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Yee Haw!
When I was a little girl, we used to spend a week at Rankin Ranch every year. It's an ideal place to spend a family vacation. As kids, we'd ride horses, swim, put on a talent show, have dessert every day, go on nature hikes and get to play with all the other kids there. I absolutely loved it growing up. Now as a parent, I can see why my folks liked it so much too. You totally get to unwind with your family. There is a kids club with a counselor so your kids can have fun while you go on an adult horse ride, or lounge by the pool, or enjoy the nightly happy hour.
There are no telephones, TV, or any communication with the outside world. Just quality family time. Oh the stories I could tell... the family jokes, the kids we met, the families my parents have gotten to know over the years.
My parents still go every year, and they took the whole family back about five years ago, when Natalie was an infant. They are going with my brother and his family this year, and I'm looking forward to when both girls are old enough to ride horses so we can join them. Until then, they are practicing! See below...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xRg17jZR_w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vHFtwTIBlI
Giddy up!
There are no telephones, TV, or any communication with the outside world. Just quality family time. Oh the stories I could tell... the family jokes, the kids we met, the families my parents have gotten to know over the years.
My parents still go every year, and they took the whole family back about five years ago, when Natalie was an infant. They are going with my brother and his family this year, and I'm looking forward to when both girls are old enough to ride horses so we can join them. Until then, they are practicing! See below...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xRg17jZR_w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vHFtwTIBlI
Giddy up!
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