There*s no place like home

Yesterday we came home from the western slope after spending time with Nana & Papa Coble. Spencer and Maycee spent a total of ten days over there, with Matt, Thane and I joining them for the last few. The kiddos enjoyed their time with their grandparents so very much, then acted as if they had been away for months. They exclaimed with delight at freight trains even though the same trains roll through our town every day. Maycee posed her sleeping baby brother with random objects so that she could have an excuse to use the camera. And while reading his Star Wars dictionary Spencer asked us what prototype means. Hmmm. How does a parent explain that one?  Then there were the dogs jingle-jangling their tags with impatience. Oh, did I forget to mention we took the dogs with us? Yea, five people and two dogs with luggage for all of us in a Subaru Outback. Fun stuff. We were able to go on our first hike of the year while in Glenwood Springs visiting a friend. The hike involved a visit to the alleged grave of Doc Holliday. Cool. Along the way we saw two different herds of elk, multiple hawks and falcons, one small flock of brilliant bluebirds and one herd of ranch raised bison. We went from the high desert, through canyons, over passes taller than most states tallest mountains and finally found our way to the front range.
As I often like to say: Home again, home again jiggety jig.

Of spectacles and other such wonders

    In January we were told that Thane would need glasses. We knew it was coming. His right eye has been crossing since birth. Not all the time, but often enough that we knew we needed to remedy it. We knew glasses could be an option, just as a patch was an option. The idea of a patch had already earned him the nickname of Pirate Baby (thanks Aunt Joycee). His glasses, however, have earned him more recognition than we realized could ever happen. Comments have ranged from the understandable (how do they know he needs glasses?), to the down right ridiculous (does he need those?). As if we would put him and ourselves through the hassle of trying to keep glasses on a seven month old in the name of FASHION. We have patiently answered questions from strangers and impatiently ignored a few. It is wonderful to hear when people love your baby. Thanks random lady at the coffee shop and the cook at HuHot. I hope they can see him for the funny, charming and intelligent boy he is and look beyond the glasses. But hey, he is pretty dang cute...

Compliment

      I enjoy taking my children everywhere with me. Most of the time. This is not to say that it is always a lovely experience nor is it always easy. They are children and strong willed children at that. But that is a post for a later date.
     At any rate, due to Matt*s work schedule, I end up flying solo more often than not. This morning was one of those times. A french creperie opened in downtown and has become my most recent restaurant obsession. They have a brioche that makes my mouth water, in a setting that is child friendly and fairly affordable. Again, probably a post for a later date.
     We had a good morning as we took our time readying ourselves to go out in the snow. Brioche cravings know no bounds. The kids were looking forward to a later outing and with a little persuasion (read: bribery), I convinced them to come along with me and be on their best behavior. And they were! Wiggles and squirms are a moot point as long as everyone is happy and eating. Or at least quiet and eating. I never expect people to pay us much attention, or if they do, I expect sidelong glances as I wrangle the children in and get everyone settled. I have never claimed to be a mind reader, but it seems that I can read in their expressions a dread of the forthcoming craziness that they must be used to witnessing in restaurants where children dine. Not that I haven*t had moments where my brood are the ones being stared at/obviously ignored. I have also been the one at times to stare at/obviously ignore other peoples children. But for us, today, it was not our turn. 
      As I waited for our check to arrive, Thane hit his boiling point and could not wait even one more moment to nurse. Sitting in a tall chair near the door does not lend itself to discreet nursing. Holding a crying baby is none too discreet itself. So, out came the blanket and the baby calmed quickly. This made the older children have to wait at the table longer than they were prepared to wait, and since breakfast was done, I anticipated a meltdown of some sort. Trying to engage them in some sort of conversation was my best bet. It worked! And as the couple who had sat catty corner to us were leaving, the man leaned over to me and said,** Your children are so well behaved.** 
     It doesn*t take much to light up a mom*s day. Thank you, kind stranger, for lighting up mine.

P.S. A small child of female origin, who shall remain unnamed, once popped the apostrophe and quotations button off our computer. I have resorted to using the star.
  

Breaking the ice

Just a quick post to say we are working on our blog. Pictures will come soon, I hope.