CC vid

After my root canal yesterday:

"What's wrong with your mouth Mommy, why does one side go up and the other side go down?"-Robert

Reflections from the Haynes compound

Esther loves CC.

Quiet surrounds me this morning. I am in Cherokee county at my parents' house. Ah. My mom, sister and I set this weekend aside for a mini girls weekend. Gloria ditched us yesterday to catch Eurovision (I don't get it-ask her) last night. Mom and I have been talking about her ever since. Ha! Actually, I have been sleeping as much as possible up here. Ah again.
The week in review:
We joined the YMCA on pryor street on Tuesday. I dragged the kids there- plunked them in child care, got a look around and made the executive decision to join then and there. You see, the facility is one year young with amenities galore. Can you say free babysitting? Feel how it rolls off the tongue? The building itself is LEED certified- ULTRA GREEN in plainspeak. So, if you are looking for the Burlingtons this summer, you will find us there. On Wednesday the lovely Anna Kimmel kept Esther and Robert while CC and I spent the morning together. I got a haircut at BLee Salon in Hapeville. I had to take pix of the renovated gas station space cuz it's so open and airy. I will post those later.

We lunched at Cafe on the Corner in Hapeville. http://www.cafeatthecorner.com/This cafe has a cult following. People stand in line for 10 minutes or more without a complaint. You see, 17 years ago a French woman opened the place and insisted on making every piece of food with love and care. Majorly delicious. I had the mango salad with herbed goat cheese and blackberry vinaigrette. Let's face it folks, nothing is more delicious than a good ripe piece of fruit. (comments welcome).
When I got back to Winburn drive, I found big happy chalk drawings of the kids and Anna on the driveway. Crayon drawings (Anna on the cross, by Robert) and sweaty kids met me inside. That's good stuff. Thanks Anna for keeping the kids occupied!

Gloria graced us with her presence on Thursday morning and took us to the Botanical Gardens (according to Esther, 'tantikal gardens'). 'Sculpture in Motion' is the current exhibit.Wow- the kids were keen on finding every sculpture and then watching how they move. Esther busted her knees twice while trying to run in flip-flops. After that, she wanted me to carry her. Ever held a three year old for approximately 1/2 mile? Robert imitated the sculptures moving: will post video here.
We jetted over to Virginia-Highlands for lunch at Belly with Anna B where we finally got to give her her graduation present:
I like the concept/atmosphere of Belly, but the breads were bland. Isn't that their hallmark- the baked goods? Even the cupcakes which looked soooo delectable had very little flavor. Karla Kosar, fan of Belly, what am I missing?

Thursday evening we joined 40 youth teachers/volunteers from All Saints' at The Globe for a thank you party hosted by Rob. The party took place outside under trees with live music audible, but not too close. Lots of fun. Adults who are dedicated to the youth ministry at All Saints':
After the party we grabbed some dinner at Baraonda with the Frilingos' and Aikens. Mario was there so we got free tiramisu after dinner. I can't complain about that!
That sums up the week. I will comment on girls weekend soon! I am blogging remotely, thus the small photo images. I hope to correct that. . .

A storm, graduations, and school is out. Now what?

Something I don't want to forget: Last weekend there were several tornadoes in the area. The sound of hail woke us at 1am. When that storm cell had passed we went back to bed . This time I slept with one eye open. At 4 am the civil sirens went off. We plucked the children out of bed and headed to the basement. After the excitement (and fear) it was pretty hard to get the kids back to sleep. I plopped into bed alongside Esther with CC on my chest. When both girls finally settled down I looked down toward my feet and saw that Esther had grabbed CC's hand. Their sweetly clasped hands were stretched over me. Not a lot of sleep that night, but the love was palpable.

The last week of school just came to a close. Esther had an indoor picnic with her class on Thursday. Robert graduated on Friday. Happily, Rob, Esther, CC and I joined Papaw, Granny and Gloria at the ceremony. Robert's class sang and received certificates. I teared up just after Robert got his certificate. Check out this video to see why:My girlfriend Lucy put together an amazing quilt with squares created by individual students. She presented the quilt to the teachers (Sally and Lori) on Friday.

Lucy, Jason, Edie (from Robert's class) and Liv (from Esther's class) joined us for a meatloaf dinner on Friday. Good times. I regret that I did not take photos. Thanks Lucy and Jason for the pastries from Alon's. What a delectable way to pass the evening!

On Saturday I took both girls to music class. Challenging. I wanna have one on one time with Esther, but when CC needs to eat. . . Robert spent the morning with the Kosars at the Lake Claire pool. Major props to John Kosar for accompanying 3 boys to the pool-thanks!

Sunday morning came and I dragged myself out of that beautiful and perfect place called my bed. I ran late all day. In the words of the the world's greatest band, U2, "some days are better than others." At 8am I was painstakingly helping Robert wrap a present for our friend, Anna Baker. He decided that 'the ABCs of Canada' was the perfect book for her, wrapped in Christmas paper, in a pink and orange gift bag with a blue bow. I dragged my heels with every lightbulb that popped into his head. He was beautifully regulated all morning but it just didn't fit with my schedule. When I left the house at 9am to attend the 9am service (you do the math) I decided to let my idea of the perfect morning go. The return? A memory of a spontaneous crazy gift, Robert style. Late to church, late to Gloria's to bring veggies from the CSA, late to Anna Baker's graduation luncheon. We had a great time outside at Anna's house. Between her younger brothers and video games, Robert found 5 1/2 year-old boy heaven. Soon after lunch Esther and I headed to her friend, Emma's, birthday party. We got there late. Actually, we were in time for some cake, in time to meet Emma's grandparents and in time for Esther and Emma to get some solid play time in, decked in Disney princess dresses of course! After such a long day, Esther crashed for a long night's sleep. Really, how does she sleep like that?

Mom and dad joined us today at our house. They played hard with Robert and Esther, took them to lunch and consoled CC as needed. Thanks for spending the day with us guys!

Now on to day 2 of summer. . .

CC likes her fingers

what have I been doing?

Last Saturday we got our first batch of CSA produce from Serenbe farms. We have enjoyed it all week. Especially amazing- the kale and collard greens Rob cooked up with turnips and golden raisins. Fruit of the earth amazing! See Esther with perfect radishes:
CC and I have had some nice love moments. :) On Tuesday Granny and I joined Robert's Robin class for a picnic in Grant Park. Esther came too:
We made bird mobiles: Robert had a good year at the Children's Garden, especially with his friend, (who also has SID) Harry. They are two peas in a pod. Today we made end of the year teacher gifts. I took Esther to buy supplies: sea salt, baking soda, lavender oil and cool containers. Can you guess the gift? Bath salts. Man, my kitchen smells awesome now. Thank you to TCG teachers: Sally, Lori, Elaine, Emily, Debby, Katherine, Heather and Michelle.

Here is a fun flashback- Esther with an Amstel Light at the Music Class party. She got it for her dad.

Quotes:
(at the picnic) Harry-"Is that your grandmother?"
Robert- "Yeah."
Harry- "What's her name?"
Robert- "Granny."
Harry- "Oh, hi Granny."

(singing) "Oh- God is busy, in his store."- Esther

"Tell CC that I really really love her."-Robert

Birthdays galore and more

First, I must start by giving a shout out to my sister. She helped me out this week by minding Cecilia at my boss, Rob Sayer's, house while I recorded a few songs for the new cd, The Giraffe Collection. I recorded a lullabye I wrote for Esther called "Little Esther." I am very proud of that. Thanks Glo for walking in circles with CC and Sheba the dog.

This past week marked two important birthdays- my mom's and my dad's. Born 1 week apart in 1946, they have known each other since 5th grade! Things seem to be working out- they are both 62 and still ticking. Dinner at Basil's with the family. Gloria didn't get the pink sweater memo.I didn't get the memo either.Check out mom's newest trick- performed on her birthday at the zoo with Robert and Esther. Yesterday also marked CC's first zoo trip!
Robert watched kids on the rock climbing wall at the zoo for a very long time. He asked if I could come with him and help, hooked on his harness and went for it! He climbed over halfway up- much higher than the older girls who were climbing with him. This activity really seemed to focus his energy. Look out Dustin Chambers.
Friday night Glo and Scott dropped by for a spur of the moment dinner- way fun! We dined while Melvin, technician for Universal Heating and Air, repaired our A/C til 11:30pm. No lie. 100% nice guy.

On Saturday we had an impromptu picnic at Semmes Park with the Kosar family- the kids ran, we ate. Everybody got a little wet. Major family fun.

Esther and John EdwardKarla and CC


Saturday night we took the whole family to Buckhead for a Music Class party. The Music Class celebrates 10 years of teaching in 2008. Anna Baker, kid assistant extraordinnaire helped us with the kiddos. The party was on top of the Eclipse Building- note the view of the ATL in the picture of Esther.

Robert played a little pool!

On Sunday we celebrated kids and youth at All Saints'. Rob spent the week helping Brad Cox and Helen Harris prepare their sermons for the 11:15 service. The children's choirs sang all the music in the 11:15. The service came together BEAUTIFULLY. Helen and Brad spoke so articulately that I am including a link to their recorded sermons here: (hint- get a tissue before you start listening- I have never seen so many hankies out at All Saints'.)
http://www.allsaintsatlanta.org/home/default.asp?menu_category=Sermons


Rob recognized the graduating seniors in the service as well. They are his last graduating class as youth director and the first class he has worked with since 6th grade. Sigh.

Following church we attended a luncheon for the children's choirs (there are 4!) Robert stood very proudly with the cherub choir. Watching the older kids perform he seemed to get it- I will be like them some day. Cool.

Quotes:

"Look at that octagon Robert, it's a stop sign!"- Esther
"I really sang 'Mary told the good news' that time mom, out loud!"- Robert
After naptime when the A/C was out, "I am super duper sweaty mom, wanna feel me?"- Esther
"That's a rootin' tootin' good idea Esther!"- Robert

a thursday afternoon nap

What beauty is possible when one's ENTIRE FAMILY is at rest. Check it out:

And mom slept too! The illnesses seem to have waned. We have kept Esther away from milk and guess what- the throw-up cough is GONE. Anybody remember the Flintstones movie from 1994? Esther and Robert are watching it now. I love cable. Did I type that? Surely not. Happy weekend everybody!