Travelingjenny

Navigating the hilly terrain of motherhood

recent posts

about

  • What in the world has happened to me?

    IMG_0041

    What did I do today, you wonder? Well, I made 22 heart-shaped sandwiches, and a dozen heart-shaped pretzels for lunch for Grace's classmates tomorrow. Because, somewhere along they way, I became that kind of mom. The kind of mom that has lots of time to think about what cutesy things could be done for a pre-Valentine's Day lunch. The kind of mom that goes a little bit overboard, because hey! that's my job. The good news is that the pretzel-making kept us happily occupied all afternoon (Grace's tray said "LOVE" and "Gracie" before she ate the "L"). And Grace is now really good at slathering strawberry jam on heart-shaped bread. 

  • Scootering… in February

    IMG_0155

    IMG_0122

    It hasn't snowed here in about three weeks, and we had some rain that washed away the snow from the roads and sidewalks. So on Sunday we had the brilliant idea of walking at Royal River Park, and the girls wanted to bring their scooters. It was great, but freezing cold. And on the way back, it looked like this (not surprisingly!):

    IMG_0177

    IMG_0181
      

  • The key to ice skating

    IMG_0039

    IMG_0045

    We have finally figured out what all real Mainers seem to have been born knowing: the key to learning how to ice skate is an old metal folding chair. You see, metal folding chairs are just the right height for kids to hold onto to keep steady, and they are easy to push around. And when you are able to zoom around while pushing a friend — or a little sister — well, that's just pretty darn fun. Grace doesn't really need the security of a chair at this point, but the fun of it kept her out there (and smiling!) for far longer than I ever thought possible on a frigid February morning. 

    IMG_0070
     

  • Phone photo Friday: Pretty dress

    IMG_1255 

    Why couldn't I get a better photo of Tess in her new dress, you wonder? Because it's perfect for spinning in. Which means it will also be perfect for walking down the aisle and sprinkling flower petals at Great-Uncle Wayne and Auntie M's wedding next month. And you can bet I'll be posting some photos of that event, too (with Grace in a matching dress… can you even imagine the cuteness?!). 

  • Wise beyond her years

    IMG_0072

    {The scene: Adam is being silly at the dinner table. I am rolling my eyes.}

    Grace: "Mom, why did you choose him?"

    Me: "I don't know."

    Grace: "Somebody had to choose him."

  • Okay, here’s one good thing

    IMG_0009

    For the second day in a row, the girls came home from school, put on their snowpants, and headed back outside. Because, in February, the pile of snow made by the snowplow is perfect for sledding.

    IMG_0010
     

  • February (grumble, grumble)

    IMG_0066

    February is my least favorite month. It's simply a month to tolerate, to soldier through with our heads down and our coats zipped up tight. It's a month of bitter cold, feelings of being housebound in the Maine woods, and a week-long break from school (really, in February? what are we supposed to do all week?). I am not a huge fan of winter in general, but at least December has Christmas, and January has the promise of a new year and a fresh start. March is when things finally start to look up, and we get a warm break in Texas for our annual family reunion. But February… it just really doesn't seem to have much to offer. Now pardon me while I go stoke the fire and make some hot cocoa.

  • The kid has style

    IMG_0100  

  • Phone photo Friday: Roller girls

    IMG_0325

    The girls picked up a new skill in Colorado: roller skating. It was offered at the YMCA a couple of afternoons that we were there, so we decided to try it out. Tess immediately loved it, and just walked around happily on her skates. Grace could also do it right away, but as is her nature, she wanted to master the art of roller skating. It was so sweet to watch her serious face and wide-legged stance as she made her way around the rink. She would fall, roll her eyes, and get right back up again. It made me proud. We did this two afternoons in a row, and by about 10 minutes into our second afternoon in the rink, Grace was zooming around with the big kids, and with a big smile.

  • Mountain girls

    IMG_0295

    IMG_0024

    IMG_0272

    IMG_0239

    IMG_0312

    IMG_0225