Mama Milton

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two thoughts before choir
2008-01-30 00:58:00
Here's a link to the recipe I mentioned last week for fabulous Coconut Banana Bread. With rum!!(Because I am a vegan-baking wannabe fool, I used: Stonyfield soy yogurt, vegan 'butter' and 1/2 carton of lite firm mori nu tofu, blended smooth with a couple of tablespoons of water instead of the eggs.)I also wanted to turn your attention to a little local girl named Charlotte with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. (Her older sister attends preschool with my nephew.)I remember seeing Tottie - isn't that a great nickname? - at the pool this summer, before I read her mom's blog, before she was diagnosed. She was playing with her dolly, giving me a shy grin.She started a IV steroid treatment at a nearby children's hospital today; it can't be fun.I wish it wasn't necessary.So, if you have a chance, between the baking and rum chugging (yes, I can see you), stop by and wish them well. I have to believe kind words, even from strangers, help. Heal, even.
More About: Thoughts , Choir

whoa. disagreement.
2008-01-29 01:35:00
(I thought I'd let him go first, as my guest non-blogger. Scratch that. As the guest blogger I'm pretending to be...)Greg: So, we go out for drinks with the Spencers and everything was great. I settled in with my Icee and popcorn and all was good with the world. Lisa insisted on dragging me to see No Country for Old Men, 'claiming' that I'd like it. Like Fargo. And the first 2/3 were pretty cool. But the ending sucked. The sympathetic main...What, honey? Fine, no spoilers. But believe me when I say it sucked. I don't know what my wife was thinking. And I never even watched Fargo, at least not all of it.Lisa: I've been wanting to see No Country for Old Men since the brilliant Joshilyn Jackson praised it and called it the one movie to see this year. And when Ms. Jackson talks, I listen. Plus, it's garnering Oscar buzz, so became a must see.I thought Greg would enjoy it too, since he liked Fargo. (Yes, he did too see it.)So the film ends and I'm breathless, retracing the lines...
More About: Whoa

anything unattempted remains impossible
2008-01-28 03:01:00
Not bad for a church sign.I didn't have a chance to write a proper post this weekend so we are stuck with my roadside observations and this realization: Taking my kids to Red Robin after they beg sweetly ask is tantamount to swinging by a feed store for a salt lick.Sweet Moses, young offspring. Save some seasoning salt for the other kiddies...{And how did it get to be Sunday night already?}
More About: Impossible

abject failure, followed by redemption and a little rum
2008-01-25 18:56:00
When SusieJ invited me to join WoYoPracMo, I thought surely I could practice yoga every day in January. It's January. Time for Renewal! Time to Meditate!And then I visited my in-laws the first week, and I did makeshift yoga without my mat followed by the neck injury that we do not speak about.Does watching yoga on FitTv while reading blogs count? I didn't think so.(I couldn't even embed a cool clip from the site so we could all pretend it was me.)****I played Chef Lisa yesterday. I stuck dinner in a crock pot and tried my hand at new recipes while I watched Far From Heaven. I converted a recipe for Coconut Banana Bread, with Lime Glaze into a vegan version, and I am proud to report: It worked. (I'm allergic to eggs, so it's been years since I last had banana bread.)It's tastier than it looks. Taking appetizing shots of my masterpiece is harder than I thought...Vegan baking somehow feels like the appropriate penance for my lack of Om. Until you see the secret ingredient.So it'...
More About: Redemption , Failure

my book preference, justified
2008-01-24 16:58:00
I found this warning in the packing debris, while Zack was playing his fabulous new Spongebob game - something he bought with his own money.Just another reason why books are better. Like I needed one...
More About: Book , Justified

boyish charm
2008-01-23 16:35:00
The new shirt from Mason Spencer; they both have a lot of boyish charm.Today I will tell you that Lexi is doing a fine job, learning her times tables or rather demonstrating that she already knew them (I believe this is a lack of confidence, lack of practice). I thought I would start there, head off the sibling rivalry, alive and well here at the Casa Milton.Today I want to tell you that Zack is standing in the wings, learning this stuff with such ease, with such zeal, it makes me dizzy. He loves flashcards, loves numbers.And it occurred to me why I love introducing new math concepts to him, watching him gobble it up.Zack had developmental dypraxia; no amount of effort on my part helped him walk, helped him learn to talk. I felt so frustrated.Early on, doctors and social workers would ask the question: Do you speak to him, interact with him?I wanted to scream, and shout - because unlike Zack, I was chock full of words - and explain how Lexi talked early, so naturally.Zack spent thre...
More About: Charm

ramble, ramble toil and trouble
2008-01-22 17:57:00
My brain, it is empty. It wants to write something charming, but it can't for bona fide, medical reasons. My resources are tapped:So, now that you know I am all out of clever, stay tuned for how I spent our Monday off. After doing a mountain of laundry, we went to the Kids' Club, a place to run around and scream when it's mighty frickin' cold outside. Well, the kids run and I read and sort paperwork, surrounded by popcorn, diaper bags and howling babies. I'm that devoted to my stack of books. We came home and Lexi started her anti-mother campaign when I said 'no' to a playdate, right before dinner. I reminded her that Greg was leaving again in the morning, so it was important to me that we were all home. Which, of course, was NO FAIR. And stupid. And worthy of high drama and sadness. I let her melt into a puddle and made a delicious Indian dinner, complete with naan. (I didn't make it, ok. I picked it up at my beloved TJs.) I watched her mood change as she saw dinner; she c...
More About: Ramble

the white stripes called and they want their colors back
2008-01-21 16:34:00
It ended with a hot shower and a little shampoo at the hotel; towels I didn't wash. I opened the drapes to a glass elevator, kitty corner and on the move.Greg and Lisa, before the holiday party at Symantec.{I don't think Charlie could see into my candy store, but I closed up shop, just in case.}New black dress. I think I love it.Greg and I could stand to get away more often.
More About: White , Colors , The White Stripes , Back , Stripes

head towards the light
2008-01-18 15:00:00
When the doctor came in and reviewed my chart, she questioned why I was lifting weights in the first place when I have an underlying connective tissue disease.And I said: 'It's the sweet gym aroma and boredom and my lust for pain that keeps me coming back.'(Fine. I didn't say that. I grimaced.)It was the proverbial straw to a week of taking myself very seriously. Taking the blame for a fluke neck injury; worrying myself over stupid standardized tests.All week, I've been trying to keep my normal schedule while my neck heals. I've been putting pressure on my kids to do math drills with me. I've wiped too many frustrated tears. Greg's absence hung in the air. Then Lexi uttered the words I dread: 'I'm just bad at math.' It was a new refrain from her lips, echoing my own despair as a kid. I couldn't bear it. Her confidence was needlessly tattered. So I decided to jump off my crazy train. I took a nap yesterday. I decided I can't solve the education question overnight.And we...
More About: Light , Head

dvd blues
2008-01-17 19:51:00
We brought these home; they didn't hit the spot. The plots were inplausible, annoying. Talk about some good actors losing their way. I was spoiled by a season of amazing cinema.I'm ruined.
More About: Blues

crunching numbers; or I'm bringing algorithms back
2008-01-16 20:55:00
Turns out, I can type on muscle relaxers. Look at me.I made it through Lexi's first choir rehearsal of the year last night, reading in the senior center foyer while Zack lapped up Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs. the Uranium Unicorns from Uranius. Thankfully, he hasn't heard any crude jokes about this far away planet, or he wouldn't be able to contain himself.I've been edgy since school began again, displeased with the curriculum in our district. (This is no secret, and while we are visiting my Education Angst, let's all wave at the WASL - the bane of Washington schools.)Now granted, I sound like Mrs. Bluehair, railing against new math like it's the work of the devil, although clearly it leaves my kids possessed. I am willing to believe that they are gaining some deeper thinking skills and boy howdy, my kids are well versed in demonstrating several strategies. But when did I sign up for this: It is the parents' responsibility to teach the times tables and it is up to the par...
More About: Back , Numbers , Algorithms , Number

I took off with one of his pictures
2008-01-16 20:51:00
Here's a shot Greg took of his Subie, down by the lake. (I love the sign behind the car: NOISE LIMITS ON LAKE STRICTLY ENFORCED.)More Wordless Wednesday for everyone.
More About: Pictures

pain in the neck
2008-01-15 22:55:00
I finally dragged my sorry self to urgent care this morning, after the kids went to school 2 hours late because of icy roads. (I didn't see that coming.) Noon came and went and I left with some muscle relaxers and pain pills for my neck that I wrenched lifting weights followed by cleaning last week, making it the least sexy injury of all time. (She technically called it a sprain.)I'd tried everything first: my miracle balls, swimming,whining, yoga, stretching, whining, hot tub, massage, ice, heat, and more whining. Still no relief. So, after a long night of shifting and sighing and Greg shifting and sighing to accommodate my pathetic state, it was time to see someone.While I was there, a cheerful receptionist came over to see me and knew me by name, or at least as Zack's Mom. It was none other than a mom I had known from his preschool, the mother of one of his secret early girlfriends. We used to chat under the covered area, waiting for our kiddos, keeping an eye on the ot...
More About: Pain , Neck

expectations
2008-01-14 16:23:00
Cristi is my sister's BFF, but I like to lay claim to her too. When Lexi was born, she lent her nursing expertise and smothered us with kindness, when I was overwhelmed with a fresh batch of postpartum depression and a colicky baby, far away from my family. She is expecting her first baby in early March, and we can't wait to meet him.(I was ever so close to saying Terrible Things. Like 'motherhood is hard' and 'eating your young is a perfectly acceptable position'. I had that morning, a terrible mothering morning. But I kept these things to myself, and saved them for you. Don't you feel lucky?)
More About: Expectations

something holy this way comes
2008-01-12 17:33:00
I was about to recount a week of twisters and mall visits - the horror- when my kids blew through the house, squeaking and squawking. And it's my fault. I figured I would make good on my 'sure, we can have donuts some Saturday' promise today and now I am paying for it.(Tell me why their stuffed animals and baby dolls can't play nice. They are always crying, deprived of happy endings. Such drama.)So, Greg's company holiday party is next weekend and I have rotated all the dresses I own at previous occasions and even pilfered my sister's amazing wardrobe in the past so I needed to find a new get-up, pronto. Something sassy, but appropriate for a grown woman. (This is not the prom.) Something that doesn't shout: The PTA meeting is right this way.And did I mention it needed to be flattering and not too pricey?I rambled through the racks and ended up with a new pair of jeans that I love. Mission unaccomplished. I would be disappointed that I wasted a perfectly windy day at the mall...
More About: Holy

Mother Talk book review: Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues,
2008-01-11 15:28:00
Lexi must have been four when she first started complaining about her eyebrows, the eyebrows that I had adored since infancy, that weaved what was on her mind."'Everybody' thinks they are too big, like callapitters."Of course, 'everybody' was one little girl-body, teasing her. So began our talks.It's hard to raise a daughter to feel comfortable in her own skin, to rise above the onslaught on images we see everyday. I've tried to explain airbrushing and hair extensions, when Lexi can't figure out how the tween stars grow their hair out, seemingly overnight. I try to be matter of fact about puberty. But I get the feeling that there is only so much she wants to hear from her dear ol' kooky Mom; there's only so much health class is going to cover.And just when I am coming up empty, I saw Mother Talk's call for reviewers for Nancy Redd's new title: Body Drama : Real Girls , Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers. It's a comprehensive body guide for young women - scratch that - ...
More About: Book Review , Review

on the move
2008-01-10 09:31:00
After bad dreams and choking on my sheets, I pulled my whiny butt out of bed and got hasty. Kept moving.The grey clouds outside my window taunted me, to retreat with tea. But I kept going. My friend couldn't make it to the gym, but, well, I didn't go either, but I pressed on.I swept and dusted and climbed on chairs, counting the dust rings from months of apathy and neglect.When I ran out of David Sedaris CDs, I turned to the pundits, railing about Election, 2008.(I must stop here to point out that I haven't found my candidate yet. Maybe it would help if they were campaigning here, courting my vote, petting my head. Procuring my vote while I regale them with the spiritual ramifications of Buffyverse. I think I fell asleep just then. Told you I am sleep deprived.)I whipped up breakfast for supper, always a hit with the kids, and we waited for Greg to drive home.
More About: Move

this little piggy
2008-01-09 15:36:00
When my sister asked me what I wanted for my birthday, probably in July, I mentioned I'd been wishing I had inherited the seamstress gene so I could make myself an Olivia apron.Because I love that piggy so.And like magic, because she sews and is organized, here it is, just as I hoped.I can't imagine a better gift.Because I love that sister so.(Looking for truly wordless Wednesdays: right this way.)
More About: Piggy

it can't all be wedding cake
2008-01-08 21:28:00
So much for breathing deeply; I'm vying for Ms. Peckish, 2008.Maybe it was the cluster headaches, or being out of town recently. Maybe it's ineffective school practices or Greg on the road again.I have a sneaking suspicion it is that dissatisfaction, creeping towards anger. Better said: Sometimes my laid back nature and optimistic disposition keeps me treading water. Hoping for better. Waiting until I can't deny I need to make some changes.It's not bad news. My blood is flowing; I'm motivated.Ms. Plucky has a ring to it...-----------{The Underdog put me in a better mood this morning. Thanks Dana.}
More About: Wedding , Cake , Wedding Cake

no dogs were injured during this rant
2008-01-07 16:13:00
When one of my Grandma's beloved beagles chopped down on my nose, bit me hard and made me cry, I knew I would be to blame. I must have looked at it wrong, or spoke in the wrong tone. Something. Never mind the fact that I was a kid, and loved the stupid dog and did nothing to harm it. I just remember we were sharing a moment - he was looking me in the eye - and tried to eat my face.My baby pictures were soon replaced by pictures of show dogs. I think it's fair to say I'm carrying with me some baggage.Greg's parents are animal people: they raise and show llamas, have 4 cats and 3 large dogs. The newest dog, a standard poodle, travels with them; they adore him. But he wasn't used to kids in his house, making kid noises, carrying kid toys. He was jumpy, and later, pushy with the kids, pulling on Zack's sweatshirt to move him around. Poor Zack. He's afraid of dogs, and no amount of reassurance helped, especially when the dog had a good 20 pounds on him.I had to choke back ...
More About: Dogs , Rant , Injured

look what I got
2008-01-07 03:15:00
look what I gotOriginally uploaded by mama.milton I just finished The Memory Keeper's Daughter and started What the Dead Know when this juicy book arrived.Can't wait to dive in.{Thanks, Mrs. G by way of Derfwad. I think you are swell.}

pssst. it's me.
2008-01-06 02:10:00
I just put some dinner in the oven - can you believe my family still expects to eat? - so I have a few minutes to spend with my laptop, with you. Oh, dear internet people that are not imaginary friends, I missed you.I missed your posts. I missed complaining writing. I missed google.I am one big techie, blog-loving, solitary girl.Don't get me wrong. They are lovely creatures; it was just a long week.I took these on the first day, before the skies opened up and there was some flooding, trees down.The kids and I walked to the park where Greg and I traded our 'I dos'.But I cannot tell a lie: I spent four days trying to bribe/smother/convince/quell two energetic kids in small spaces - around the family, around the skittish new dog, around Greg's conference calls and don't forget inside the car.I might hide in the closet, until Monday. Is that so wrong?

your determination will bring you much success
2008-01-01 17:44:00
Well, we're piling in the car for a road trip this morning, bleary eyed but able. We will be spending the week with Greg's family. Stay tuned for llama hijinks! (They have a llama and alpaca ranch. There will be a lot of frolicking in the hay, which sadly isn't what you are picturing.)I may not be by your *places* much this week, so I will say it now: Happy New Year internet friends. I hold you in my heart, and wish you all the joy this year can muster up.(I promise I will not be this mushy all year long; don't puke on your shoes, just yet.)
More About: Success

longing
2007-12-30 23:05:00
I hopped into Borders yesterday to grab a calendar, preferably not one with a ferret and his drum set. I milled around with the other dozen desperate folks, thumbing through the 50% off castoffs until I found a decent one stashed beneath a stack of Krazy Kats, 2008.I wandered around, and realized I really don't know this store anymore. New, taller shelves have cropped up; displays have moved. The password to the employee look up system, far better than the customer program, has been changed.I am locked out of my old world.I said goodbye to the only face I still recognized there and hurried home.I hung my new calendar, my sharpie in hand. I started marking it up and sighing big exhausted sighs.I stood back and looked at my obligations, the path I have chosen.My gut reaction: I'm a little off-track. I crinkled my nose, and started thinking of the things I'd like to leave behind, come the new year.And though I am a world weary and tired right now, somehow these thoughts lightened my...
More About: Longing

be still, bubster - we are missing a piece
2007-12-28 15:35:00
The day after Christmas, I sat the kids down to explain the returns line and my desire - my profound yearning - to hear little to no whining while we wasted a perfectly good day purchased batteries for new toys.Complaining (I'm looking at you, Zack) would lead to the shiny new beloved toys being locked away until I wanted to see them again.A day that may never come.We returned home, the civil unrest quelled. I understood the excitement - I am nearly manic myself this time of year, impatient for the new year to begin. But for now, for this week, I am mired down with this head of mine, the post-holiday clean up. I did my best laundress imitation and used the mounds of clothes as an excuse to watch The Namesake. My Big Plans would have to wait.Soon, I was swept up from the debris, the thank you cards, waiting to be written. I was hanging out with Gogol, seeing the Taj Mahal.I paused the movie, to take what was supposed to be a quick break to grab some tea, when my boy asked if he can ...
More About: Missing , Piece , Missi

for every toy, there is a wire
2007-12-26 16:14:00
We were greeted by this sunrise and squealing kids.It even snowed! (There was a 1% chance of snowfall on Christmas in the Portland area.)Here's a picture of my family, at my Mom and Dad's place:(And yes. I cropped my booty off in this picture. It was alarming. No one needs to see that, especially after prying toys out of packages.)Now I'm off to clean up around here, put together a Bionicle (!) and play with my new tripod.{More pictures here. And wordless here.}
More About: Wire

waiting & watching
2007-12-25 15:23:00
Zack was up, before dawn. He's the boy in the commercials, anxious to roll out the day. I fed the dog and he's admiring his roller skates, straight off the sleigh.I'm trying to distract him with A Christmas Story, in a steady 24 hour stream from TBS.I think I've got 5 minutes before he pounces on Lexi.So, Merry Christmas my fair friends, from far and wide. May your day be peaceful & bright.~Lisa
More About: Watching , Waiting

happy birthday
2007-12-24 23:30:00
While we are all hustling and bustling, my Mom is quietly celebrating her birthday. It's a tough day to get the special treatment she deserves.She is the heart and soul of the family; the kids adore her.We hope she has a peaceful, calm birthday. She deserves it more than ever.{Happy birthday, Mom. Love you. I wrote almost the exact same thing last year.}
More About: Birthday , Happy Birthday

red, the better to celebrate
2007-12-24 07:17:00
Would it be considered sinful sinning if a certain couple bloggers took up someone's secret boyfriend? I think it would fall under 'coveting', though I am not an expert.(I came bearing meds and hoping for the best and Sweeney Todd delivered the heebie-jeebies and laughs. Genius, if you can cope with buckets of blood.)______Technorati Tags:sweeney todd, bad mom, mrs.g, johnny deppAdd to: Technorati Digg del.icio.us Yahoo BlinkList Spurl reddit Furl
More About: Celebrate

pick your own post
2007-12-24 02:06:00
What's that you say? You don't have time to read blogs right now? Bummer.I've got two for you to today, to suit your mood:First up: Happy Santa Visit, with a side of snark. (Not too grumpy, all considering.)ORDebbie Downer
More About: Post , Pick