I Suck At Blogging (Day 49)

That's right. I found something else I suck at. I can't get into running, I can't cross-stitch, I'm not much of a cook. And I suck a blogging.

I haven't updated my "daily" blog since May 25, which is coming up on almost one month ago. And that is not to say that nothing has happened over the past month. Lots has happened. Stella and I took in our first music festival with Carly, Anna and Avett. We spent a wonderful father's day out on Lake Petersburg with Pretty Aunt Jan. We've killed numerous hours floating around in Nana's pool. We've had our first Ice Deli of the year. We accompanied Papa Larry to buy his brand new truck (you can guess who was the second person to ride in it.) We have gone to birthday parties for two of Stella's besties (Happy birthdays, Charlie and Avett!) We've taken in Big River at the Muni (one our second attempt.) Stella started music classes and Funshop.

But more importantly? We've built dozens of tents. We've had more picnics and tea parties than I care to try to count. We've painted our faces and played pirates (Jake is usually Captain Hook.) We've gone on walks and tried to find stray golf balls by the golf course which, of course, Stella counts as her pirate treasure. We've had movie parties. We've taken naps. We've held hands.

So, yes. I do suck at blogging. But I like to think it's because...I don't suck at momming. I thought that finding ten minutes a day to blog would be cake, but sometimes (ok, most of the times) I would rather spend that time laying on the floor pretending to be Nemo.

I have spent a lot of time this summer feeling like I am not the best mom. Stella can be a real pistol most of the time, and being pregnant has zapped me of all my will to withstand her powers. So I spend a lot of time crying, praying for sleep, and cursing my fat and lazy body. But you know what? I may not look like a super model in a bathing suit right now (or shorts, for that matter) but Stella doesn't care. So, why should I? I'm still hot enough to be a pirate princess, right?

So, I will say that I am going to try to be better at blogging. But I probably won't. It will probably continue to be something I suck at...like dieting. And that's ok. If you come to check this blog and there are no updates, just assume I am too busy playing Toy Story. I'm a crappy blogger....but a pretty kick-ass yodeling cowgirl.

And now...

Your Daily Stella Wisdom

(upon cupping her ears to hear a far off plane)

Stella: Mommy, you hear that?

Mommy: I DO hear that, Stel. Is it a plane? Are you using your ears to hear?

Stella: Yeah, my ears!

Mommy: Yes, you use your ears to hear! What do you use to help you see?

Stella: A magnifying glass!!

One Fine Tuesday (Day Twenty Two)

Today was a pretty chill day. Stella and ai got an early jump on things and headed to Havana to grocery shop. I actually clipped coupons AND made a list. (I;m turning into Jake.)

We hung out at the Pamida for awhile. Anyone unfamiliar with Pamida? I was, too, before finding one in Havana. The first time I walked in...I descirbed it as such: it was like there had been some big end of the world type disaster, and a group of people had wrangled up all the odds and ends they could find that were still in good enough shape to sell and put them in one old building to sell for cheap. And I mean that in the nicest way. Not sure where else I could find Stel a cute pair of shoes for $2. But I digress...I let Stella pick out a toy from the toy aisle, and much to my surprise (not really) she picked a microphone. You know, one of those plastic sound amplifying ones? She has a bout 17. Well, 18.

We stopped to see Grandma and visit for awhile, and grabbed some steaks for dinner - Jakey was having a craving. Came back to the house and had a really nice, chill afternoon. And a kick ass steak dinner.

Kids Say The Darndest Things

I figured I should start keeping track of the funny things Stella say, because she says them...a lot.

Lately, Stella has become infected with the infamous terrible twos. And let me tell you, they are terrible. Turrrrible. And she can whine like it is going out of style. Sometimes, I will catch her watching herself in the mirror "practicing" her pouting and whining. So, I have decided (mostly for my own sanity and especially when we are stuck together all day) that I would have to try the ignore tactic. So when Stella is crying, whining and verging on an all-out fit, I just say, "Ok, Stella. I'm not talking to you. When you are ready to talk like a big girl, you come and talk to me." And then I leave.

This seems to be working...for short spurts.

Yesterday, after I began ignoring Stel, she came and found me and asked, "Mommy? You talking now? You talking to me now, Mommy? You happy? Smile, mommy!" This is accompanied with ridiculous smatherings of over the top cuteness and goofy faces.

I'm in some serious trouble.

Monday, Monday Funday (Day Twenty One)

Today was a beautiful day. Stel and I kicked it off byt taking a nice, long morning walk before we ran a couple errands. Then we enjoyed a lovely lunch of macaroni and cheese and hot dogs (we know how to live it up.) Today's big accomplishment? Stella used a "big girl" cup at lunch, and only managed to spill once. I decided big girl cups would be an easier battle than big girl pants...maybe we will clear that hurdle with only one spill, too?

In the afternoon we headed to the mall and did a little shopping (see the aforementioned big girl pants) had the obligatory pretzel sticks from Auntie Anne's and then hit the indoor play area. Jake met up with us and then took Stel for some fro yo while I met mom and Maria for pedicures before heading out to girl's night. We saw 'Bridesmaids' which I highly recommend, especially if you have ever, or will ever, have anything to do with a wedding. It was hilarious. Finished up a great day with some Buffalo Wild Wings and great friends.

Weekend Three (Days 18, 19 and 20)

Jake had a three-day weekend, so it counts.

Friday and Saturday

We spent Friday and Saturday paying a final tribute to Aunt Paula with a couple really nice gatherings. Friday night we had a family carpool to Macomb...and let me tell you, seven Smiths in a car is about six too many. We were positively giddy by the car ride home. We're talking blaring 80's metal, windows rolled down, farting, tickling, and of course...plenty of Words With Friends. But it was nice to see family and to remember what a wonderful life Paula had. It was nice, too, to have Aunt Megan home for the weekend. We made a stop at Buffalo Wild Wings where we got to enjoy Jeff and Jake breaking out in a sweat while eating. I have never understood the concept of pain-inducing food....but whatever! It was a nice night.

Saturday morning we were back in Macomb for Paula's funeral. It was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman...and Justin gave one of the best memorials to a mother that any child could ever give. I know from experience how hard that can be, and I was in awe of his grace. Stella was...hmmm, how do I say this...less than graceful during the ceremony. She was especially - amazing - during her rousing rendition of "On Eagle's Wings." Larry put it best though...Paula would have loved it.



We had a wonderful luncheon with family at the church, and then headed home for a restful day of moving furniture and a great lasagna dinner courtesy of Cathie and Megan!

Sunday

The rain held off long enough for the Smith's to venture to Springfield for the Old Capitol Art Fair and the First Annual Gay Pride Fest. It actually turned into a beautiful day! Jake and I didn't purchase anything (although I did take the card of a guy who did amazing handpainted photo collages...I fell in love with a Wizard Of Oz one and will probably wind up getting one!) but Stella did pick out a lovely painting of a Mexican market scene from the kid's tent. Jake and I were sort of in awe of the whole thing. This wonderfully nice woman just took Stella by the hand and led her through the tent. We had to wait outside! We couldn't imagine WHAT the heck Stella would get. And she didn't let us down! I guess there were no pictures of ballerina cows.

We met up with Aunt Ria for lunch and hung out at the Gay Pride party where we saw lots of good friends. Stella proudly rocked her rainbow dress and danced to the band. It was a lot of fun and I was really proud of Springfield for the great turnout!


Made it home late in the day where Jake prepared an awesome dinner. Meatloaf. Stella ate more of it than we did. It's amazing how much this kid freaking loves meatloaf. And how much I freaking love her.

Another week ahead...

Havana Rocks! (Day Seventeen)

Feeling a trend coming on?

Once again, I have to brag about an outlying town that has some undiscovered charm and good eats. Stella and I travelled to Havana today for lunch with Grandma Cathie and Grandma Jane. "Grandpas" is an adorable bakery/ice cream shop/restaurant that has quickly become one of my faves. It has a quirky menu for a small town joint, too. Today...I had the 'adult' grilled cheese: goat cheese, tomato and bacon on wheat. It was delish. If you are ever in the area (I know, I know) you should check it out!

After a great lunch we headed to food shop at the County Market. Stella was in heaven. She had not one, not two but three people to try to convince to buy crap. Case in point: I asked her if she wanted strawberries. She did not, but she did want the little shortcake cups on display nearby. Once I shut her down, she asked both grandmas. And after little success, she just dropped them into Grandma Cathie's basket. (I swiped them when she wasn't looking.)

I made some rather kick-butt enchiladas for dinner (super easy....as in, super) and Robyn came over to join us for dinner and to help me paint the dining room. Remember how I told you I get bored easily? Yeah...see below.

Springfield Rocks (Day Sixteen)

In the past ten years of my life (before Jake, of course) there have been very few constants. But throughout my years in Chicago, Los Angeles and now Springfield...there has been one constant companion that I can always turn to. At least once a week.

The Farmer's Market.

And let me tell you, the farmer's market in downtown Springfield offers all the charm and feel-good shopping as the larger trendier ones in the big cities. Sure...while picking up some fresh basil at the West Hollywood Farmer's Market I once saw Faye Dunaway bustling up an armful of flowers. Doesn't beat seeing Michael Sullivan or Mary Young...or getting free cake from Incredibly Delicious.

So Stella and I made our first annual pilgrimage to the opening day of the farmer's market with one noticable difference. Last year, I could impose on her my own personal favorites (we always split a flax seed cookie and picked up a sport loaf for the road.) This year, she insisted on apple cider donuts instead (I caved) and much prefered the kalamata olive loaf. Who am I to judge?

After marketing we met up with Jake for a fantastic lunch at Bentohs (one of the best salads I have ever had) and tooled around the Old State Capitol before heading home and picnicing at Luke's ball game. This will definitely become a Wednesday summer staple.

A Week In The Life (Days 9-15)

Got away from me blog did. Happen again will not.




Wednesday, May 11
Happy Birthday, Papa!


Today was Papa's birthday, so we headed out to the farm with Grandma for a roadside picnic. Aside from the killer gnats (I forgot about this favorite part of spring...) it was actually a beautiful day. We hung out with Jeffy, too, and nosed on some of Grandma's favorite homemade pizza and chippies. After the boys got back to work, we headed back to Grandma's for a breif nap. Really, REALLY brief. And then headed to the Oakford Park for a bit before the rain finally rolled in. We made a quick stop at the Herb Cottage in Oakford and then headed home.

On a random side note, Stella was complaining all afternoon that her 'tummy hurt.' This stuff always freaks me out because I am never sure if Stella actually knows what it means when her tummy hurts or if she is just saying it. But she soon proved that she knows her body when she gifted me with not one, not two...but five explosive diapers throughout the afternoon. Aren't you glad you read this blog?

Thursday, May 12

This is why I need to stay on top of this blog. I can honestly say I have no recollection of anything on did on this day whatsoever. Nothing. Did I sleep through this day? Seriously. if you remember talking to me on this day...please...let me know.

Friday, May 13

Today was a busy day for the girls. First, we headed out to "The Farm" to buy something for Grandma Jane's birthday. Stella loves it here, because not only do they have a cottage full of really great garden stuff, herbs, antiques and etc. but they have one of the most amazing gardens ever. I would highly recommend the trip...it's just shy of Petersburg if you are coming from Springfield. They have chickens, cats and horses as well, so Stella adores just running around there. After our trip we met up with Grandma and headed to Springfield to check out the auction. I fell in love with a great corner cabinet (which I actually won, thanks to Cathie going to bid for me!) She has gotten me addicted to auctions. Later we met up with the whole fam-dam at Gabatoni's for dinner. That joint is a favorite and is ALWAYS packed. But it doesn't matter....I do think it is some of the best pizza around. Happy 88th birthday, Mary Jane!!

Check out more about The Farm.

The Weekend (May 14/15)

I started this blog with the intention of keeping track of the day to day things that I have the pleasure of enjoying, mostly as they pertain to the time I spend with Stella. As she grows by leaps and bounds everyday, I have to remind myself to take time to not take one single moment for granted. And sometimes, things happen in our lives that remind us just how important that is.

On Saturday morning, after what was most surely one of the most courageous and awe-inspiring battles I have ever seen, Jake's Aunt Paula passed away. It was a moment in time that, among other things, reminded me how short our time is. And how we have to cherish every moment...Paula always did. And I hope that Stella has some of that somewhere inside of her, because it would be an awesome gift from her Aunt P. (Almost as awesome as the handmade blocks she made her.) We will miss you, Paula.

Fittingly, it rained most of the weekend. I braved a garage sale or two: scored Cathie a swing set for the house and got myself Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time" among other things. Thanks, Becky!

We hung out close to home, just kind of enjoying each other's company. The highlight of the day was a family nap in the hammock - even though it was so cold outside we were all huddled under a comforter! We headed to Springfield and shopped with Maria for awhile before meeting up with Nana, Jeff and Bobby for dinner at Little Saigon. Nice.

Sunday we celebrated Luc Gallina's birthday at the bowling alley...and Stella bowled for the first time. It was awesome. Even though she would have rather danced on her "stage" all night instead of pushing a ball off of a ramp. But, she did beat me. I royally....ROYALLY suck at bowling.

It was a great weekend.

Monday, May 16

Another brief post. Today was Stella's last day at her day care for the summer, so I jam packed it with activity. I mowed the lawn and spent most of my day at the doctor. Baby looks good! I would post pictures here, but I don't want to hog Stella's blog. The best part of my day was my GREENERY from Monty's...easily my favorite sandwhich in Springfield. It is the only time I order what I am sure is the healthiest thing on the menu and is also the thing I crave. After my fantastic lunch, we met the fam at the auction house and hauled our new cabinet home! I love it!

Tuesday, May 17

Yay for boring days! Stella and I hung around the home place for most of the day. I mean...we did all the really exciting stuff we usually do (got gas....got groceries...that's how we roll.) After a long afternoon's nap we headed out to Jeff and Bobby's where Luke and Stella played while Aunt Robyn and I painted. Then we all had a great dinner off the grill. I am currently totally motivated to paint. We are planning out painting the outside of the house this summer, but I am now debating painting the dining room as well. This is what happened when I am bored and at home a lot. I do things. Crazy things. And because of my current limitations, I might be painting everything. let me know if you need something spruced up!

Coming tomorrow...the farmer's market! FINALLY!

Tuesday, Tuesday. (Day Eight)

Today was a strange and kinda lonely one.

I had stayed in Springfield over night because I had a 7:30am orthodontist appointment. It's always fun to have "sleepovers" with my mom, even if it is NOT fun to have to wake up at 6:45.

I made it to my orthodontist for my 5 minute appointment. He was very impressed that I had "been wearing my retainer every night...I can tell." Really? Can you? Try twice a week...ooops. And after that I checked in with Jake and Stella. Stella was managing to survive (she had fallen in the rocks the night beforeat Luke's baseball game) and she was very anxious to tell me all about her battle scars. I am telling you...if you didn't know better you would think I beat my child. She looks like she has been mountain climbing or something. I just have to be content that my little bruiser will be covered in scrapes and scratches for most of her life. If she is cool with it, I guess I can be, too.

I made a quick run to Schnuck's for some groceries, but mostly because my good friend Mary had informed me the night before that they carried the "no calorie" noodles I had been reading about. While they weren't the exact brand I had been researching, I did manage to find them and buy a few packs. They look absolutely freaky weird, but I will give them a go and report later.

I made it home to an empty house...still very weird. Stella was at her babysitter for a few more hours. (We have been gradually pulling her out now that I am done with most of my school stuff...but she loves it!) I spent the next four hours power washing the house. I don't know if you have ever power washed, but it is harder than it looks. Luckily, since it was 90 degrees, I managed to just stay soaking wet the whole time. Once I finished, I went to get Stella and she came home and hung out in her pool for a little while. She loves her pool and I am always amazed at how 6 inches of water can provide so much entertainment. I, for one, am ready for the REAL pools to be open. Let's do this, summer.

We toweled off and watched (you guessed it) Finding Nemo. Jake made it home and I grilled out some chicken and veggies which we ate on the deck...it was a lovely night.

Stella headed to bed and I forced Jake to endure Dancing With The Stars before we headed outside to chill in the hammock. I was distressed, however, when despite the lighting of millions of citronella candles and torches, the bugs were all but FLOCKING to the hanging lanterns on the breezeway...ruining my amazing power washing and my mood. I really hate bugs. I tried to ignore them, but my hammock date just turned into me laying down and daydreaming about all the different ways I like to kill bugs. Sick. I have put off the Terminix call long enough. You brought this on yourselves, lake bugs.

What A Difference A Week Makes. (Day Seven)

168 little hours.

And really, it didn't make much difference at all. But here we are, a week into summer and still managing to enjoy each other. Mostly.

So, I know this will come as a complete shock to most of you, but Stella and I had a really laid back morning. Stella goes through phases where she has favorite toys and favorite movies...and this summer vacation has caught us square in the middle of one of those phases.

Favorite toy: Little People Dollhouse and Airport. (Yeah. I said Airport.)
Favorite movie: Finding Nemo. I think we have watched it about twenty times in the past few weeks.

So we spent our morning - you guessed it - playing with our Little People and watching Finding Nemo. All the more reason for Jake to be dead convinced to take Stella to DisneyWorld next year. (They do have a kickin' Nemo ride.)

We enjoyed a cozy lunch date (we split some chicken soup. She gets the noodles, I get the broth.) And then we got our acts together and headed to Springfield to see Jake's new office. I have to say, I am going to love that Jake works right in the heart of downtown. It's still pretty easy to find parking and it allows Stel and I to pop in and visit him and then kick it around the Old State Capitol. It REALLY makes me anxious for the Farmer's Market.

Stella loved meeting dad's new co-workers...who I think were having a slow day. So Stella was good entertainment for a good 15 minutes. She scored some Winnie The Pooh christmas decorations and played on dad's phone. I had to wonder what the powers that be at DCFS would think if they called Jake and his two year old answered. Hmmmmm.

After hanging out with Jake for a bit, we met Uncle Matt (Vala, not to be confused with Uncle Chicken) and made Stella's first trip to Starbucks for the summer. How it took me a whole week I may never know. But Stels enjoyed a rocky road cake pop which might be the coolest thing ever invented. Well, second coolest. My iced chai with soy is still THE coolest.



We hung around on the square in the beautiful weather for a bit before meeting up with dad. Stella and Jake headed back to Petersburg, while I stayed downtown to meet with Julie and Damien at the Hoog before heading out to a fantastic night with the girls at Ross Isaac. It was my first time (the walnut quesadilla was incredible) and really any food tastes better when you get to sit outside on a warm night and share it with your great friends. This was an especially good Monday Funday because we got to share it with Mary Megan's future MIL, Patty, whom I adore.

I always miss having the girl with me, but sometimes....it's nice to choose to share my food with people instead of having it stolen from me by my two year old.

Weekend One (Days Five and Six)

So, even at feeling around 80%, this might have been one of my favorite weekends. Ever.



Saturday In The...Yard



The Smith family was up and running early on Saturday. We were all outside and fully dressed (doesn't always happen in that order on Lake Petersburg) by 8:30. I was anxious to get my flowers and plants all potted, and Jake was anxious (I suppose) to get to work on rocking the shoreline. It's a brutally hard job, but Jake has been KILLING it this year, and having a rocked shore line makes our lot so much nicer that I know he can appreciate the fruits of his efforts.

Stella hung with me near the house and worked on her own plants (she has a watering can from Grandma Cath and we got her some flowers to plant in her cabin. She was set.) I was working on our hanging baskets, planting some Mandevilla which I am really hoping is going to take off and vine all over our deck! Stella, being the amazing helper she is, decided to grab fistfuls of potting soil to "help me." By help me she meant throw fistfuls of dirt at me while I worked. I didn't have a true grasp of how much she had "helped" until I took my bra off later and realized it was full-on filled with potting soil. You're amazing, Stel.

So I decided we needed to adventure a little. We called Aunt Bobby and we headed back to Kilbourne for even more plants. Along the way we passed a roadside antique sale and Robyn spotted a chair that perfectly (and I do mean perfectly) matched my family room stuff, so we pulled off the road and she haggled the charming salesman down and I was the proud owner of a newly upholstered mahongany murphy chair. So we headed back to the Burg for Robyn's car, stopped at the bank and IGA, Robyn ran lunch out to the busy farmers...and all of the sudden our one hour trip for plants turned into a whole day affair.

After the stop home, Lukey Smith decided to join us. So while Robyn ran to Havana for Mother's Day food, Luke and Stella and I stopped at Dairy Queen and then wound up back at the lake for ice cream with Jake.

Which brings me to my favorite gift of all time.

Jake got me the most amazing hammock for Mother's Day. He knew I had been eyeing some, and he picked a great one up for me on Friday and assembled it Saturday morning. I'm not sure what it says about me that I am this excited over a napping device, but I just don't care. I am in love. And even if I was too busy running all over God's green earth on Saturday to use it, someone got to take advantage of it:





We met Larry and Cathie for dinner, trying out "Grandpa's" in Havana. It was great! I always love discovering new places like that that are out here in good old Menard County. And it was a nice treat. Stella was in heaven having dinner with Papa, but we knew she was getting tired. After we dropped Grandma and Papa off at home, Stella asked, "Where that boy and girl going?" Ummm....you mean your grandparents? She can be a fascinatingly odd duck.

Sunday - Mother's Day

Another great day was had by all. Jake got up with Stella and I slept in just a little bit before we all got ready to head to Springfield for Mother's Day brunch with Nana, Maria and Uncle Chicken (my brother, Matt.) We had a nice little brunch at the American Legion, catered by Secret Recipes, and it was nice to just relax and spend a nice time together. For a Gallina-meal it was remarkably laid-back! There were very little uncomfortable lines of questioning and Maria even got through the whole meal without a wardrobe malfunction. Stella ate like a champ...which is typically the case at any mean that includes sausage. It is right up there with meatloaf.

We headed back to Petersburg for my favorite part of the day. Stella crashed in her room, and after Jake and I worked on making Pretty Aunt Jan's Famous Ice Cream and Ritz Cracker Dessert (See recipe page) we headed outside for a team nap on the hammock. It was heaven. Just to be able to lounge around in the sun and talk and doze off, I was pretty sure it couldn't have gotten any better. I mean, unless of course I had been a size six and not felt like throwing up. But remarkably, I didn't even care.

After a great rest, we all headed out to Jeff and Robyn's for a Mother's Day Cookout and it was a nother great family time. Stella is always in heaven when surrounded by the male members of her family, and this was no different. Playing with Lukey, being teased by Papa and getting treats from Uncle Jeff. It was a ball, and always nice to spend quiet time on the farm with the fam.

Stella and I don't have too much planned for this upcoming week which is all at once exciting and terrifying. But I am sure whatever happens, I will find something mildly entertaining to write about.

A Little Bit Of Friday In My Life (Day Four)

I know, I am a little bit behind on this posting, which I have vowed to myself not to do, but it's amazing how a little weekending can get things away from you.

Garage Sale Treasures

Stella and I started off our first "summer Friday" by searching the Petersburg Observer for garage sales. Let me tell you. Stella may not look like me, but when we start talking about garage sales, I know we are related. Stella refers to garage saling as "looka for toys!" and I say, whatever works. So we got our acts together and went out to "looka for toys."

Because I have been severely lax about working out, I decided that we would just set out in our stroller to walk to garage sales. We packed a small picnic and lots to drink and then struck out for Petersburg's Grand Oaks subdivision garage sales. I was nervous at first, and admitted to Jake that I had visions of us sitting on the side of the road eating grapes at about the half-way point when I pooped out. But like champs, Stella and I completed the just over two mile walk there...and it was so beautiful out that I didn't even dread the just over two mile walk back.

Stella struck garage sale gold, and I realized a flaw in my plan. At my friend Julie's house there were train tables, Playskool salons and kitchentettes, popup tunnels and a skillion baby carraiges. And us? We were in a stroller unable to carry any of it. Compromise. We just hung out at the garage sale for awhile so Stella could play with all the toys, and I told Julie that once we got home...if she was still talking about any of it...we would come back in the car later in the day.

(Luckily for my currently overflowing toy kingdom, Stella was easily distracted once we got home and I didn't have to rearrange my family room to make room for a baby hair salon or sell my dining room table to create a Thomas The Tank Engine themed eatery.)

Stella took a long nap and I worked outside on what continued to be a beautiful day. I didn't realize just how beautiful until later in the day when I realized I had gotten myself a 3/4-sleeve farmer tan. The price we pay, I guess.

When Jake got home I headed out with Robyn to pick up some plants and flowers for the weekend's Mother's Daying and just general house up-keep. Stella was already asleep when I got home, so Jake and I sat down for a nice dinner of ribs that I had been slow-cooking all day. And I really would have loved a glass of wine. But thanks to Stella, we always have really good juice on hand...so I survived.

Ah, The Sweet Minutiae Of Thursday. (Day Three)

Minutiae (min-oo-sha) has long been one of my favorite words. And expect this blog to chock-full and overflowing with it. But I won't apologize for it. I think it's the little things that happen between the janky circus visits that make life worthwhile. When my dad passed away in 2005, I found myself missing strange things: I didn't want to go on another trip to Disney World with him. I would have settled for lounging on the couch and watching CSI. Which, I should interject here, is a TV show with a theme Stella can recite.

So, day three started in the way I expect many of our summer days to start. With nothing. And I loved it. We lounged in bed for awhile, and then played in the basement before making a run to the local IGA to pick up some food and, more importantly, some lunch for Papa and Jeff. Stella loves to visit the boys in the field when they are working, so bringing them lunch is a good excuse to do just that. After a brief visit to the post office (where we spent twenty minutes running up and down the "really cool" ramp) we headed to the field and Stella presented the hard-working farmers with their lunch. Her own hard work was rewarded with a tractor ride with Papa. Barring a combine ride, this has long been one of her favorite activities. We used to joke that I took my first combine ride the day before I had Stella...and it was that excitement that made her decide it was time to get the heck out of dodge. Nothing has changed. She can spend hours upon hours riding in the combine with her Papa, and loving every second of it.

After our big farm trip, we came home and had lunch in Stel's "cabin." For Easter, Stella received an outdoor cottage to play in, which she immediately deemed her cabin/barn. Again, these are the things that exist in Papa and Jeffy's world of the farm...and I may have the only two year old girl around who would rather pretend she is working in the barn or frying fish in the cabin than living in a castle or playing mommy. I can dig that.

After a nice nap on a rainy afternoon, we played outside for a little bit. Stella has been waiting for the perfect rain so she could try out her fancy new frog umbrella. Although, she still needs some training on which way to hold it. It was much more fun to carry it upside down and "catch" all the rain. Stella also decided, afer an exhausting jaunt outside, that she needed to make some pudding (see below.) Another lesson was learned when I had to fight with her for five minutes to convince her to stir with the business end of the beater.

Dad made it home a little early and, despite the rain, cooked out a great dinner on the grill and we sat down to watch "The Wizard Of Oz." It amuses me that Stella has no idea how much of her summer will be taken over by this show, but I think she will love every second of it.

It also amuses (and bewilders) me that while Stella is remarkably unphased by the Wicked Witch...she seems unsettled by the munchkins. I can't say I blame her. She is also very intrigued by the Lion. So look out, Jesse Trieger...Gus Gordon might be giving you a run for your money this summer.

"Lunch With Friends, Dinner With Better Friends." (Day Two)

So, halfway through week one brings us a few interesting playmates.

Lunch With Ugly Friends

Since I have been so glad to finally feel a little bit better, I decided that I would do a little more work in the basement - slowly but surely moving Stella out of her nursery and into her "big girl room." This has gone remarkably well. And yesterday's additions ranged from easy (moving a few more of her toys into her new room) to hard (does anyone have ANY idea how hard it is to hang those dang wall letters to spell your kids name out on the wall? I am way too OCD for tasks such as this.)

So while I was busy moving some furniture around (small, lightweight furniture. don't panic, mom...) Stella was busy making lunch in her kitchen. I would call to her occasionally, and she would keep me updated. I should tell you first of all that Stella's favorite thing to cook (or eat for that matter) is meatloaf. Whenever she cooks - whether she is stirring water, baking in the oven, icing cookies - she will always tell you she is making meatloaf. So when she called to me to tell me she was making meatloaf, I thought nothing of it. At first.

"Mommy, I make a meatloaf for my 'fighter'." I heard her say. Fighter? Maybe she had picked up some action figure toy and sat it in her high chair, you never know with her.

"Oh! Meatloaf for your fighter! That's great, honey!"

"No, mommy, no. My 'fighter'." She was insistant. She hates it when I get words wrong. So I rounded the corner towards her kitchen to investigate. And I stopped about three feet short of her when I saw this:

Spider. Not fighter, spider. And in case you can't tell...that black circle to the right is her frying pan full of meatloaf. No wonder the spiders like it so much here. They get meatloaf.

I have spent a lot of time and energy getting over my fear of spiders for Stella's sake. I try to ignore the heebie jeebies and show Stella spider webs and tell her how pretty they are. But I think at this point I have gone too far. Now she wants to have them over for dinner. So we had the talk about how spiders can bite, and how we have to leave them alone....even if they are very hungry. Today? Today I call Terminix.

So after our meatloaf lunch with friends, Stella took a great nap. This was not hard to convince her to do because she knew after her nap we were going to a party. And not just any party. A party with Carly and Avett.

Mother and Child Banquet

Carly Shank is one of my best friends, and she could ask me to come sing at a block party and I would do it. But yesterday she asked me to sing with her at the Mother And Child Banquet at the Riverton Methodist Church. Stella and I went, along with Nana and Aunt Maria, and met up with "Carly and the Armintrouts" for a really great evening. First there was an insane potluck buffet full of some great food (I may be biased since food is finally looking good to me again so EVERYTHING looks good.) Stella and Avett had a cozy date at the head of the table in matching high chairs and it was nice to just sit and enjoy everyone's company.

After dinner we headed up to the sanctuary for a wonderful service, and Carly and I (along with Nadine) sang a few songs. I promised myself I would keep it together (easier said than done lately) but it was a near-fail. I teared up as Carly sang "All My Tomorrows" to Avett, and barely kept it together as Nadine sang "In My Daughter's Eyes" while Stella cuddled into me to listen. I somehow pulled it together enough to make it through "The Human Heart" as I sang...but when Carly and I finished the program with "For Good" it was all we could do to keep it together.

So we didn't.

At the very last words of the very last chorus, Carly and I lost it and just decided to hug instead. It sounded a little something like "Because I knew you, I have been changed....(sniffle, snort)...for...(more sniffling, choking up, outright crying)...good." But I will no doubt remember it forever. The power of music is always so evident, as is the power of friendship. And the reminder that my friends give me every moment of everyday to be a good mom.

Even when it means having lunch buffets with eight-legged houseguests.

We capped the day off with an exciting Target run with Nana and Mia, which was highlighted by Stella running through the lingerie department screaming "these are for your booooobieees!!" at the top of her lungs.

Spiders. Avett. Boobies. It was a good day.

"Lions and Tigers and...Allens, Oh My!" (Day One)

At Jake's urging, I have decided to keep a blog of my summer vacation with Stella. While it actually amounts to 103 days, I will probably opt to do something school-related for three of those days just to keep it to a nice round number, and to hold the integrity of this all-important blog.

It's a poignant summer for me, as I have grown used to spending the past few summers with Stella...and I know this will be our last one as a tag-team. While I know she won't care in the same way I will, it makes every little thing she does and says ("Mommy, I make you happy?") likely to send me into a progesterone-induced crying fit.

So, day one...

Ashland, Illinois

We ventured to the metropolis of Ashland, Illinois to meet our good friend Jen Allen. It's nice to be able to see friends without driving all the way to Springfield. And since Stella had successfully taken out every book and toy she has ever owned, I thought blowing our popsicle stand might be a good idea. We played at James Park (and by played I mean dug around the cold, wet sand and played "chase me, mommy" all day. This was actually ok, because yesterday was the first day I didn't want to hide under a rock and puke all day. This is good.) Jen met up with us, as did Steve, but our plan to go to Lucky's for lunch was thwarted when we realized that they didn't open until four. Never fear, Steve picked up food at Allen's Market (no coincidence) and we had lunch at the Allen residence. (This is why I am convinced Ashland should be re-named Allentown. Billy Joel would approve.) I thought Stella might want to move in - cats, dogs, drums, Little People and Dora fruit snacks? Are you kidding me? But after a great visit, we headed home for mutual naps.

Jankyville Circus

Note to readers: If your child comes home from school with a free ticket to the circus, and you can't find out how much the adult tickets are, stay home. After naps, Stella and I trekked to Springfield with Grandma Cath to see what was easily the jankiest circus ever. Adding insult to injury was the fact that it cost Cathie and I THIRTY DOLLARS EACH to get in. Thanks, circus folk. This only made the fact that the lights went out half way through the first act even more annoying. We were now officially spending $60 to watch silhouettes of stuff that we assumed was atleast moderately interesting. It was a joke. But Stella scored a three dollar balloon which kept her content even through the strange clown troupe...so I guess it wasn't a total fail. Later, at a great Bennigan's dinner with Jake, Stella had only this to say about the circus: "There were no camels." 'Nuff said.

And so begins our 100 days of summer. Clowns down, and who knows what to come.