24 plus

The following is a list of things I don't want to forget from my 24 plus hours of Minnesota therapy. Sometimes a girl just needs to get away, right? These moments give me a clearer perspective on my life right now:

• my phone call from Eleanor as I drove the 3 boring hours up north and hearing her sweet voice say, "No way" as clear as day

• being greeted as I got out of the car by the sight of Caleb sprinting out to hug me and help me carry my bags in

• seeing Neva and her popped out belly (I can't WAIT to meet baby Ivar!)

• trading coon stories with the boys

• hearing about the "tons" of squirrel shot by Caleb

• sneaking info out of Jake about the school dance the night before, and the dance move demonstrations that followed

• burning brush and enjoying hanging by the fire late afternoon

• watching the boys run routes with their dad

• the unbelievable sunset-glowing over the rolling, snow-covered hills...and the amazing view in every direction

• the joy of a crowded kitchen

• making dinner and having the boys in the kitchen goofing around with me, while Pete and Neva relaxed in the other room

• Caleb's post-dinner request: "Pammy? A little rub-a-dub? Hmm?" apparently, still not to old for snuggling with his aunt, as long as there's a back rub involved

• Jake's wide-eyed request that followed. He had just woken up from a long nap, asked for a back rub--I, of course, said yes, but then he fell asleep again before he could cash it in!

Priceless Moments on the Job: Life-Lessons...When You're Sick

During our "Monday Morning News" sharing this week, one of the cherubs explained how, yesterday, she had "puked four times at home, and once at a friend's house". While I fought the urge to share my initial, teacher-y thought "And you're here today???" a few of my students piped in with their recent flu stories. Ahhh, the joys of spending my days with uninhibited first graders.
After a few kids offered advice of in-case-you-can't-make-it-to-the-toilet containers to puke in, my favorite point of the discussion came from a girl I'll call Joselyn. She's blond-haired, blue-eyed, bright, positive, horse-loving, creative, adventurous and extremely well-mannered.
"One thing you should make sure of, is to never cover your mouth really tight when you're throwing up. It does bad things in your head. I think somehow it tries to go out your nose or something. (long pause while the kids all think this over and I stifle a laugh)
You know...I think I did it once. Maybe that's why I know that you shouldn't do that."

Winter (Inside) Fun

the Green Machine

I watched the Superbowl with some friends tonight and was mesmerized by a Toyota ad with a big wheel race. We all cheered the majesty of the big wheel, and shared a few memories of the legendary Green Machine in between the plays that followed.
Now as I'm settling into bed, my brain is still reeling with memories of the wonderful transportation of my youth.

The race to hop on the "good" one.
The sound of the plastic wheel, rubbing against the blacktop as I began to pedal. Then learning the right strength in which to take-off so as not to spin my wheel, but actually cover some ground.
The rattles the wheels made as we rolled along.
Taking out the adjustable seat-back so we could try to ride two to a vehicle.
Getting the hose, etc. out for the car/big wheel wash.
Learning how to skid-out, or was it spin-out?
Scraping my heels on the ground, more than once, when trying to pedal bare-foot.
Hitting my knees on the handle-bars when I was out-growing my ride, or maybe just turning abruptly.
Pulling things with a rope.
Flying down Cavendish.
Riding the tiny brick path from the driveway to the backyard patio. Over and over again.
Learning (the hard way) that when you attach a wagon with a rope and stop quickly, or travel downhill, the wagon will slam into the back of you.
Rolling down the ditch and pedaling up the other side (into the street, of course).
Always having someone to ride with.
The freedom.