is what I have become since reading Jaycee Dugard's "A Stolen Life." I am not in any way comparing these incidents to her horrific story or what her mom must have endured. But it did heighten my awareness of abduction and has me sticking like glue to my children.
Two weeks ago after falling asleep reading the book, I was startled awake by a loud noise. It sounded like a door shutting. I immediately ran into the kids room and turned on the light. Dylan's bed was empty. I started calling his name to see if he had gotten up and gone downstairs. Our blown hallway light bulb, left the downstairs pitch black. I was scared to go down alone so I started shaking John awake. Without any luck, I ran back into to Dylan's room to get his flashlight out of his nightstand. When I reached the other side of the bed, there was my son, safe, sound and fast asleep on his floor!!! I scooped him up and held him for a few minutes before tucking him back into bed.
Prior to reading this book, I would have recognized the sound as one of my kids falling out of bed and not thought it was a stranger exiting my home with kids in tow.
Flash forward to last night. Dylan wakes up needing my help in the bathroom. After I return him to his bed, naturally I go to check on Camryn. However, she is not in her bed. Recalling the previous incident, I calmly searched her room. She was not on either side of the bed, nor under it or in her tent or closet. I checked Dylan's bed and then my bed. At this point all the lights in the upstairs are on and I'm beginning to panic. John woke easily and double checked all the places I looked.
My heart started to race as I ran downstairs and searched their was well. At this point, I really thought someone was playing a joke on me. Together we opened every door, peered in every hiding spot, including places she couldn't even fit and scoured every inch of the house. Once I saw the urgency in my husband's actions, I knew it was scaring him too! He was about ready to start a grid search of the backyard when Dylan called down to us that he found her!
Bolting up the stairs I ran into his room, to find her safe, sound and fast asleep in her brother's closet!! It took a few minutes for my adrenaline to stop racing but I knew I wasn't go to fall back asleep anytime soon. With both my children snug in between me and my husband, I lay awake wondering how long it would take for me to return to my normal level of craziness.
One thing is for sure, my kindle is now filled with mindless chick lit for the rest of the summer!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Something New
The kids are claiming boredom at home after our fun infused week in Cleveland. So today I thought we would spice up our typical Monday at the lake house with a new activity. Dylan partakes in all the water sports behind the boat, except for water skiing. He tried it two summers ago and after not being a pro after three attempts, he gave up and has yet to revisit it. Soooo, I thought today would be the perfect day to try again.
Other than a lone jet ski, we were the only boat on the lake so it was like glass. No one else, including his summertime crush, was there to witness if he failed. We went to a marina and bought him his own pair of skis, rather than the rotten ones I learned on as a kid that didn't work out so good last time.
I have such fond memories of learning to water ski, I really wanted to make this fun for him. As I floated in the water getting his skis on him, I could hear my parents cheering me on as my Poppy pulled me behind the 12 horsepower fishing boat. I had high hopes that our experience would be the same.
I geared him up for success. Skis together, knees bent, arms out straight, don't lean back, don't lean forward. All we could do was try, so John start to pull and off he went...over the front of the skis. Getting him all situated again I gave his bottom an extra little boost this time and...he sat too far back. But the third time he managed to make it a few yards. As he kept making it further and further, I would swim to him and start the process over. I relished in the moment as he was smiling and laughing the whole time we were gearing back up and dodging the waves.
And then finally he just got it!!! As he left me in his wake, I cheered like crazy as he hung on tight. And with John as the driver and Camryn was the spotter, would you believe we don't have any pictures or video to document the monumental event. But I have a feeling this won't be the last time he water skis...so pics to follow!
Other than a lone jet ski, we were the only boat on the lake so it was like glass. No one else, including his summertime crush, was there to witness if he failed. We went to a marina and bought him his own pair of skis, rather than the rotten ones I learned on as a kid that didn't work out so good last time.
I have such fond memories of learning to water ski, I really wanted to make this fun for him. As I floated in the water getting his skis on him, I could hear my parents cheering me on as my Poppy pulled me behind the 12 horsepower fishing boat. I had high hopes that our experience would be the same.
I geared him up for success. Skis together, knees bent, arms out straight, don't lean back, don't lean forward. All we could do was try, so John start to pull and off he went...over the front of the skis. Getting him all situated again I gave his bottom an extra little boost this time and...he sat too far back. But the third time he managed to make it a few yards. As he kept making it further and further, I would swim to him and start the process over. I relished in the moment as he was smiling and laughing the whole time we were gearing back up and dodging the waves.
And then finally he just got it!!! As he left me in his wake, I cheered like crazy as he hung on tight. And with John as the driver and Camryn was the spotter, would you believe we don't have any pictures or video to document the monumental event. But I have a feeling this won't be the last time he water skis...so pics to follow!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Learning is fun
Today the rain kept us inside but there was plenty to see and do at the museum of natural history!
A play area for little builders:
Thatcher getting them to the job site
A play area for little builders:
Dylan gathering the materials
Thatcher getting them to the job siteOliver operating the machinery
Camryn...the interior designer!
Snake encounter
Learning about the stars in the planetarium
Camryn...the interior designer!
The rest of the museum was filled with animals, artifacts, gems and.... DINOSAURS!!!
The T-REX was a fav
Snake encounterLearning about the stars in the planetarium
After absorbing so much new information, we returned home for some down time. The rain had subsided so the kids played in the backyard while our steak and potato dinner cooked on the grill. After bedtime routine, the adults took a stroll down college memory lane while playing Rummikub and sipping on some Twisted Teas! Other than the absence of my hubby, it was a perfect day!!!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Science, mishaps and exhaustion
Excited for our first day together we packed the kids in the car and headed to the Science Museum. With all five kids loaded up and ready to go, I frantically searched for my keys. Not in my purse or bag, Tera searched the house and by this time the kids were roasting in the heat of the car. As I was unbuckling Camryn to give them some fresh air she told me that her and Oliver had been playing with my keys earlier. We took both the kids on a scavenger hunt through the house to find the keys, and wouldn't you know they lead me right to them!
The prospect of traveling in 2 cars all week long and cutting into our chatting time, led us to the decision to borrow Tera's sister car that could accommodate us all. Well it could only fit us all with a certain configuration of specific car seats. Tera and I both dripping with sweat, finally figured out a winning set up. NOW we were finally headed to the museum.
It was well worth the wait:
The outdoor water area was definitely a favorite of all the kids. Oliver tried to climb into the pools, Thatcher wanted to take his clothes off and I had to wring Camryn's dress out!
As a reward for their good behavior and in an effort to keep them awake in the car ride home, we bought the kids some skittles. Well, we bought them but couldn't retrieve them!!
Even though the Skittles were gone in a flash, we managed to occupy the kids until we pulled into the driveway. That is until we realized Tera's house keys and garage door openers were in her car. With us still in her sister's car, we had no way to get into her house! We buckled the now whining kids back into their car seats and tracked her sister down at Target to get the keys.
The prospect of traveling in 2 cars all week long and cutting into our chatting time, led us to the decision to borrow Tera's sister car that could accommodate us all. Well it could only fit us all with a certain configuration of specific car seats. Tera and I both dripping with sweat, finally figured out a winning set up. NOW we were finally headed to the museum.
It was well worth the wait:
The outdoor water area was definitely a favorite of all the kids. Oliver tried to climb into the pools, Thatcher wanted to take his clothes off and I had to wring Camryn's dress out!
As a reward for their good behavior and in an effort to keep them awake in the car ride home, we bought the kids some skittles. Well, we bought them but couldn't retrieve them!!
Even though the Skittles were gone in a flash, we managed to occupy the kids until we pulled into the driveway. That is until we realized Tera's house keys and garage door openers were in her car. With us still in her sister's car, we had no way to get into her house! We buckled the now whining kids back into their car seats and tracked her sister down at Target to get the keys.
Luckily, I had delivered pizza all the way from home so dinner was ready as soon as we walked in the door. Parker loved his first taste of Naples!!!
Full bellies gave the kids their second wind so we let them run their energy off at a playground.
And a night would NOT be complete without ice cream for dessert.
Exhaustion set in and the kids and I were sleep before our heads hit the pillows! Day #1...success!!!
And a night would NOT be complete without ice cream for dessert.
Exhaustion set in and the kids and I were sleep before our heads hit the pillows! Day #1...success!!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Cleveland Bound
Every year since we graduated college, my best friend Tera and I have managed to see each other! We've taken planes, crossed oceans and driven through the night but have never miss a visit. Two husbands, three dogs and five kids later, the tradition still continues!
Late yesterday afternoon, I packed the car and loaded the kids up for the ten hour trek to Cleveland. The anticipation of seeing their long distances friends carried my giddy kids through the first hour of the drive. Land Before Time calmed them down and ate up another hour and a half. Brand new coloring books and crayons occupied about 20 minutes and electronic video games warped their minds for a good hour. Rocking out to the Imagination Movers brought us well into Pennsylvania.
At the half way point, they were definitely getting antsy so we stopped for dinner and to stretch our legs. With fast food filled bellies and empty bladders, we changed into pajamas and got strapped back into our car seats. I was counting on the magic of Walt Disney to lull them to sleep but all the action they packed into the movie Tangled kept them awake. I could start to see their wide eyes getting heavy in the glow of their screens and knew it would be minutes before I could listen to some adult music to get ME through the rest of the drive.
A half gallon of lemonade, a bag of gummy bears and more handfuls then I care to admit of pretzel M&M's had me on a sugar high and trucking along. I arrived at Tera's house just before midnight, not even drowsy in the least. She helped me unloaded my kids and get them into bed. I stared at her third baby, who I had yet to meet and couldnt wait to hold him in the morning. We assessed how much the others kids have grown since last time and chit chatted a bit before bedtime.
The kids were the first ones awake this morning so happy to be in each other's company. They having been getting along perfectly and occuping themselves so Tera and I can catch up. It's going to be a good week...I'll keep you posted!!!
Late yesterday afternoon, I packed the car and loaded the kids up for the ten hour trek to Cleveland. The anticipation of seeing their long distances friends carried my giddy kids through the first hour of the drive. Land Before Time calmed them down and ate up another hour and a half. Brand new coloring books and crayons occupied about 20 minutes and electronic video games warped their minds for a good hour. Rocking out to the Imagination Movers brought us well into Pennsylvania.
At the half way point, they were definitely getting antsy so we stopped for dinner and to stretch our legs. With fast food filled bellies and empty bladders, we changed into pajamas and got strapped back into our car seats. I was counting on the magic of Walt Disney to lull them to sleep but all the action they packed into the movie Tangled kept them awake. I could start to see their wide eyes getting heavy in the glow of their screens and knew it would be minutes before I could listen to some adult music to get ME through the rest of the drive.
A half gallon of lemonade, a bag of gummy bears and more handfuls then I care to admit of pretzel M&M's had me on a sugar high and trucking along. I arrived at Tera's house just before midnight, not even drowsy in the least. She helped me unloaded my kids and get them into bed. I stared at her third baby, who I had yet to meet and couldnt wait to hold him in the morning. We assessed how much the others kids have grown since last time and chit chatted a bit before bedtime.
The kids were the first ones awake this morning so happy to be in each other's company. They having been getting along perfectly and occuping themselves so Tera and I can catch up. It's going to be a good week...I'll keep you posted!!!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Dylan goes to camp
The brochure was sent home from school in February. Dylan stared at it everyday, longing to be among the kids jumping on water trampolines, holding a bow and arrow, sliding down water slides and roasting marshmallows. Those marketing people knew what they were doing!! Dylan was hooked, he just had to go to summer camp. He even pledged to save his own money in order to go.
As summer approached, he still hadn't forgotten about this camp. So we took him to check it out. Mid-way into the tour, I knew it was the perfect fit. It was a legit summer camp, complete with bug juice and campfire singalongs. All the outdoor activities seemed right up his alley and the best part was he got to plan his own day each morning. The afternoon was spent swimming, boating and playing in the lake. We signed him up for one week on the spot.
The last day of school marked the countdown to camp. And Monday the big day arrived. We dropped an eager Dylan off at camp to choose his activities and waved goodbye for the day. At pick he was quick to spill all the details of his day, excited for what the next one would hold. By bedtime he was clearly exhausted but his days adevntures were worth the nighttime struggles.
His week long jaunt at summer camp wraps up with an overnight. The prospect of sleeping under the stars and making smores had sealed the deal for Dylan. So yesterday I dropped him off with sleeping bag and pillow in hand. I bravely gave him a quick hug and watched him walk away, knowing I would not see him again for 36 hours!!!
It was refreshing to see this confident, outgoing kid. What a far cry from the 3 year old who cried for months at pre-school drop-off. He immediately throws himself into the crowd, ready to meet new people and try new things. He never looked back!
This experience has been amazing for him. I'm very anxious to pick him up and hear all about the campout!! There is no doubt in my mind that he loved every second. Luckily, for my sake, he can't do sleepover camp until he is 7 but I have a feeling he might be going for 2 weeks next summer!!!
As summer approached, he still hadn't forgotten about this camp. So we took him to check it out. Mid-way into the tour, I knew it was the perfect fit. It was a legit summer camp, complete with bug juice and campfire singalongs. All the outdoor activities seemed right up his alley and the best part was he got to plan his own day each morning. The afternoon was spent swimming, boating and playing in the lake. We signed him up for one week on the spot.
The last day of school marked the countdown to camp. And Monday the big day arrived. We dropped an eager Dylan off at camp to choose his activities and waved goodbye for the day. At pick he was quick to spill all the details of his day, excited for what the next one would hold. By bedtime he was clearly exhausted but his days adevntures were worth the nighttime struggles.
His week long jaunt at summer camp wraps up with an overnight. The prospect of sleeping under the stars and making smores had sealed the deal for Dylan. So yesterday I dropped him off with sleeping bag and pillow in hand. I bravely gave him a quick hug and watched him walk away, knowing I would not see him again for 36 hours!!!
It was refreshing to see this confident, outgoing kid. What a far cry from the 3 year old who cried for months at pre-school drop-off. He immediately throws himself into the crowd, ready to meet new people and try new things. He never looked back!
This experience has been amazing for him. I'm very anxious to pick him up and hear all about the campout!! There is no doubt in my mind that he loved every second. Luckily, for my sake, he can't do sleepover camp until he is 7 but I have a feeling he might be going for 2 weeks next summer!!!
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