Woodland Antics

I can remember a time when Ryan and I needed alarm clocks to wake up in the morning. Not so any longer. In the past few years we've replaced our alarm clocks with a Reed & a Fiona. This pair can not be unplugged or set to any time beyond 6am. I think the day we picked them out, they must have been out of the models with a snooze button. I know, in comparison, the replacement models seem a little rigid. The truth is, in our house the traditional alarm clock is a health hazard. After reading this little story you'll understand my concern. One morning, still asleep, I heard the irritating buzzing of the alarm in my dream. I waited for Ryan to press snooze. (Its not that I was lazy I just had the foresight to put the alarm on Ry's side of the bed) Eyes closed...I waited...I hoped he would shut it off so I could continue on with my dream......then.... BAM! WHACK! ZONK! Ryan was bopping me over the head repeatedly!! I was in such shock I allowed the first few with

Woodland Quote Board A working Chronicle of our Silly, cute, probably NOT profound, but defini tely ridiculous statements. " Mommy I need some tape to fix it" Reed referring to a skipping DVD "Babies don't come from Santa" Trudy responding to Reed complimenting strangers on their "cute baby", then prompting them to thank Santa for it. "That's where I draw the line! Bringing your kid into a package store?" Ryan as he walks out of a liquor store and spots a mother & child walking in. " I'm an idiot, I brought the kids to get beer here a couple weeks ago" Ryan responding to Trudy asking him what he's talking about. " No school today, Summer vacation " Guaranteed response from Reed when the topic of school comes up. " No bath today, Summer vacation " Fiona misunderstanding "summer vacation" as an excuse not to do something.

This is a photo of Brenda & Me before walking to our first day of Kindergarten. We were only four. About the shoes ... I am the fourth child out of five. By this point in my parents child rearing experience they were not going to even think about battling with a four year old over a crazy pair of sneakers. Even if years later that same child really wished they had. Now that I have two toddlers, I get it. Last week Fiona spent an entire day of running errands in a UPS costume that without the hat appeared as if I'd dressed her in an over-sized brown shirt. About Brenda ... Like a sister, I can not remember life without her. We shared an all American childhood with a handful of other kids our age. We've always favored each others company. Our folks still remain neighbors although the neighborhood is much more quiet these days. We've had a million adventures together over the past 31 years. Boy, do we rehash these stories, over and over and over. Typically

Throughout my relationship with Ryan there have been these moments . Moments that take me by surprise. Just when I thought I couldn't love him any more deeply...suddenly.. I do. It's not your general " wow I have a great guy" feeling. It's a Dean Martin, kick in the head type of feeling. Recently, while over a friends house for some beer and target practice (seriously), Ryan was asked what was around his wrist. In his typical casual ,yet, thoughtful voice Ryan explained, "It's the band from when Fiona was in the hospital. I've kept it on to remind me not to take life too seriously and to keep my priorities straight" Our friend replied, "You're a cool dude." Simultaneously, my heart fell, my stomach filled with butterflies and my eyes filled with tears. Once again Ryan has stolen the heart he already had.

We've assimilated to life here in Southern Maryland. Sunday was a family day at the National Lawn Mower Races. "All by myself" is Fiona's new catchphrase. Monday she got dressed all by herself. Wednesday was a great day to visit Maryland's first Capital, St. Mary's City. The highlights included watering the garden, climbing aboard The Maryland Dove and playing ring toss. In the 18th century parents equipped their toddlers with helmets. Balled up rags in a dried-out gourd would be fastened to the heads of the unsteady. I personally think it's a brilliant idea. Although, with these two wild kids of mine......I'll need some gourd armor. A hike through Cypress Swamp was the perfect way to end our week.