Carla's Scraps

Tradition....

2011-02-28T12:10:00.000-05:00

9 years old today and still full of constant surprises.

She wore her "birthday bow" in her hair today.

For her 4th birthday I purchased a special birthday dress and the matching bow. She outgrew the dress before she was 5, but she manages to squirrel the bow away all year and retrieve it every birthday morning.

Every time I see the bow I am reminded how quickly these years pass.

Happy Birthday, Sophia!

Snow at Christmas?

2010-12-26T15:54:00.002-05:00

Sinmce it started falling sometime after dinner on the 25th this counts as Christmas Day snow here! My unofficial Accu-measure in the backyard is at least 6 inches!

10 Years!

2010-10-14T09:10:00.000-04:00

10 Years later and I'd do it all again! Well, maybe one less move.... but for the most part.....

Hanging out Dockside!

2010-07-20T21:56:00.000-04:00

We're back from a quick trip to one of our very favorite beaches -- Wrightsville! We always stop here at the Dockside
Restaurant to hang out and watch the boaters and the people go by. Other Wrightsville favs include the Chicken Salad at Roberts Grocery, the Mussels in Blue Cheese and Bacon Sauce at Stone Crab Oyster Bar, running "The Loop", and simply sticking our toes in the sand!

Back to School!

2010-07-10T22:09:00.000-04:00

It's a crazy calendar thing but we returned to a brand new school year on Friday. We are curently taking the First, Second and Third Grades by storm.

I am pretty sure the clock is running out on me being in the building on the first day and them allowing classroom photos. I will keep at it while I can!

Happy Birthday!

2010-05-25T22:14:00.000-04:00

We're back from a fun filled weekend at White Lake that included Joe's birthday! Here he is with his girls at his birthday party. Sun setting behind him. A Sandra Creation (yum!) on the plate in front of him. Love all around him!

Mother's Day

2010-05-11T10:17:00.000-04:00

My group spoiled me rotten this Mother's Day! It was so sweet because this was the first year they really spent a lot of time planning my day! They started by delivering an English Muffin, Strawberries, and the Sunday paper to me in bed!

There were wonderful, handmade gifts -- loads of them.

I spent time with my own girls and my Mother. Really, a perfect day.

Easter Fun

2010-04-09T16:52:00.000-04:00

Easter was busy, busy around here! A neighborhood egg hunt, the hunt in our yard for the eggs left by the Easter Bunny, Church and Sunday School and our favorite brunch where the Easter Bunny is always the star.

We followed that up with Gammy's Egg Hunt with the cousins and even more food at Uncle Craig and Aunt Lori's. Whew. Too bad we had to head back to school Monday!

Watch those Wee Ones!

2010-03-17T21:32:00.000-04:00

The leprechauns, don't you know. We woke up to a huge mess in the kitchen this morning and there isn't any other explanation -- besides leprechauns!

Here's wishing you the luck o' the Irish all the year through!

Francesca is 7 and it's Owl-right!

2010-03-15T11:47:00.000-04:00

From the land of unusual birthday celebrations comes Francesca's 7th -- affectionately dubbed 'Owlfest 2010" in these parts.

Steve and Anitra from the American Widlife Refuge brought real, live owls to the party and gave a wonderful presentation that left us all a little smarter!

Owl cake, owl cupcakes, treats that owls might like to eat (chocolate mice and gummy worms). I made owl lollipops for the guests and personalized owl bookmarks and well.. I'm exhausted!

Francesca says it was all "awesome"!

Sophia is 8!

2010-02-28T22:38:00.001-05:00

Even though it seems like just yesterday she was 7... what a day! Presents for breakfast (a fine Carol Chapman tradition). She had to cool her heels at church before the Gymnastics party in the afternoon. She spent time with her girls flipping and twisting and jumping and got a load of great presents. Follow that with a birthday request dinner of pancakes and bacon, followed by Cake #2 -- and she crashed in a chair before bedtime. She was wrapped up in a blanket she received today, and was clutching Bear and a new doggie friend she unwrapped at her party.

Such a cliche, but I cannot believe how time flies.

The Old Reliable Run

2009-11-17T15:28:00.001-05:00

It's becoming a family tradition for us! Joe does the 5k. We switch the kids. I run the 10K. All that plus face painting, bounce houses and popcorn! We had a beautiful November Day to run it -- temps in the mid-70's.

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Runaway Bride: The Sequel

2009-10-26T22:19:00.000-04:00

I dusted off the old Runaway Bride costume for the Monster Dash at Cameron Village on Sunday. (This year I threw the bouquet to my little girls and didn't run the entire 5K with it!).

I love this race because it has all kinds of great family events and it takes place at one of my favorite shopping destinations in the world!

Even more than that, Joe brings all available kidlets and they see two things in action. 1) I am not just "Queen of the Laundry" as they like to joke. And 2) There is a lot to be said for trying your best and being a good sport. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you don't. This year I did place again and take home some gift cards. But the results show there were plenty of old girls right there at the tip of my veil...

Pumpkin in the Patch!

2009-10-26T22:12:00.000-04:00

Gabriella's class took a field trip to the Pumpkin Patch on Friday. This is my third year in a row visiting this particular patch. Even better than that, this is the third year in a row my Kindergartener on this field trip has worn the Lilly Pumpkin ensemble. It doesn't seem quite so extravagant anymore!

Beautiful, warm weather and a great break from the moving madness!

More blue.....

2009-10-18T16:40:00.000-04:00

This time it's not Carolina blue -- it's blue ribbon blue -- from the North Carolina State Fair!

I was tickled when we arrived today to find two of my stamping creations had been awarded prizes. I'm glad this was the year I finally stopped thinkling about entering, and actually did it!

True Blue!

2009-10-12T12:18:00.000-04:00

It was big fun at the UNC vs. Georgia Southern Football Game. I always love being in Chapel Hill and I am all about brainwashing my little "Tar Heels in Training".

Going Green!

2009-09-24T21:34:00.000-04:00

The landscaping is underway at the new homestead! Joe and I worked within the guidelines (mostly!) of the package to select the plants we wanted and we drew a schematic of the yard for placemat. This would be the first time a homeowner has had any input into this process here. No one besides us has ever cared! Joe was a little brutal during plant placement and I kept hoping for an accounting emergency that would take him away....

Anyway -- the backbones of our eventual gardens are in and I'll have gardenias all around the front door for sweet Southern fragrance next summer. Ahhhh.

Here is the only meandering walk in the 'hood -- with double the liriope allotment!

We have the only Weeping Willow and the only Yochino Cherry to date in any of the three "phases". See why they are anxious to finish with us?

Next up: sod. Can't wait!

The Winner's Circle

2009-09-20T21:25:00.000-04:00

Here we are in the "Winner's Circle" at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. We took a toru that gives you two laps around the big track and you can't believe how steep the bank really is! We also got to "drag" on the Drag Racing Track there.

FAST!

Fabulous at Five!

2009-08-28T14:26:00.000-04:00

Here is the Birthday girl blowing out the candles and making wishes for the year to come! She had a full day of Kindergarten, Ballet, and the Birthday Feast she ordered:

It's a menu only a 5 year old could love! Homemade Mac and Cheese, Italian Wedding Soup, Carrots and Dip, and the ultimate treat -- Sprite!

All She Wants for Christmas.....

2009-08-24T21:40:00.000-04:00

Sophia is lovin' her lack of front teeth right now -- but by Christmas -- maybe she'll want those permanent ones around.

She lost both teeth in the span of a week. She has logged two visits from the Tooth Fairy while refusing to surrender the goods, and has acquired a bit of a lisp!

Birthday Bonanza!

2009-08-16T16:59:00.000-04:00

We are exhausted from singing the birthday song in these parts this weekend! We began Saturday morning with a special tea party for our special Gabriella and Livi (Givi as they are known around here!). Thanks to the Oogles and Googles Party Ladies the guests of honor and their friends were occupied by everything from dress up to tea party manners!

Sandra at "Sandra's Cake Creations" outdid herself with the matching teapot cakes and the tea cup cupcakes.

We raced the kids from that party to two others yesterday, and brought it all to a finish by hosting Craig's birthday at our neighborhood pool this morning. He had a little help from Adam, blowing out the candle on one of those mighty tasty Bo-Berry Biscuits!

And here's one I like to call "Kickin' Cousins" -- the Chapman 8 splashing it up poolside!

The Latest from These Parts....

2009-08-10T10:10:00.000-04:00

We've got walls, we've got wood floors, and we've got cabinets arriving next week. This week I'll select lighting and carpet. And this afternoon we're getting down to the nitty gritty of buying furnishings and wall treatments for the family room. Yippee skippee!

Kindergarten is Fun!

2009-07-13T22:02:00.000-04:00

So after that teaser of a day last week that is known in these parts as "Staggered Entry" -- little G headed off today for her first real-deal day of Kindergarten. She didn't spend much time there today without me. What with the PTA minutes I was transcribing, and the SOS last night from Francesca's teacher to come in and handle a few Centers while she did her one on one reading assessments. And of course the Moms help with Kindergarten lunch all this week (we didn't lose a single milk carton to the floor -- hooray!). All that "free time" everyone kids me about turned into 30 minutes at home putting away laundry followed by a quick meeting at the "homesite" with the builder before the bus brought them all home. And so it goes....

Her take on Kindergarten. She made HUNDREDS of friends and learned BILLIONS of rules!

And in other news -- the double teams of bricklayers are making it happen over at the ranch....

First Day of School

2009-07-07T20:36:00.000-04:00

We interrupt this summer to bring you the first day of school! Sophia and Francesca "Tracked In" today to begin 2nd and 1st Grade, respectively. By all accounts, everything went well. Our little Kindergartener only goes one day this week -- Thursday. The real deal begins for her next Monday.

And the end of the holiday weekend meant big progress in Turchettiville. We're getting bricked!

Dads and Daughters

2009-06-21T22:13:00.000-04:00

That's what we did here for Father's Day! Dads and their daughters just spending time together...

We're Back!

2009-06-19T22:03:00.000-04:00

I think the laundry is caught up and I have all my pictures loaded, so it's time to hit the highlights of our trip.
Like Grandma and Grandpa's surprise 50th anniversary dinner which did, in fact, turn out to be a surprise.

Our day at Hershey Park was great. No lines, multiple rides on all the favorites, and the girls have graduated from tea cups to the big log ride and level 3 coasters which is thrilling for a roller rider like their Mama!

Ever the thrill seeker, I also staged Joe's least favorite photo of the year. Humor me. Really.

We threw a little history into the Track Out with our visit to Philadelphia. It is a little odd to be a tourist in what still feels like our town. We learned a lot about Betsy Ross and the (alleged) beginnings of the American flag.

And for the first time, Joe agreed to wait in line to let them see the Liberty Bell!

So that's the beginning -- thanks for reading this far! There's more to come.....

We've Been Framed!

2009-06-05T21:16:00.000-04:00

Well, at least the first few floors! We're in that stage now where it changes over there from day to day -- you can really see progress. I understand it S-L-O-W-S down after this!

It's Winding Down...

2009-05-29T21:25:00.000-04:00

The school year, that is. Today, I officially graduated from preschool. Gabriella had a perfectly wonderful year, and end of the year playground day yesterday, and will start Kindergarten on July 9th.

Today was also Sophia's end of First Grade play. They did a series of performances based on the books about Anansi, the spider. She was (begrugingly) an elephant! I thought it was appropriate since she has never once forgotten a single thing I might have suggested we could do or get for her! Big Kid school is in session on Monday and Tuesday with an assortment of games, picnics and popsicles. Then it's off to our Summer Track Out.

Francesca is now a kindergarten "graduate". Her class performed some wonderful songs, and then each shared what they are going to be when they grow up. We have selected "veterinarian". Monday is Pajama Day and Step up to your new class to meet the teacher day and it's all going by so fast I can hardly believe it!

Peeking out from under it all.....

2009-05-19T15:04:00.000-04:00

Phew. It's been busy. That moving thing will really turn you upside down. The quick catch up is we got out of one place, into the next place, and complied with Joe's "24 hours and we're parking in the garage rule", followed closely by his "72 hours and the boxes need to be unpacked rule" Check to all of that. For those of you keeping score, we are holding steady at a 170 box, 13-thousand pound load that requires two trucks and five movers (or more). We'll do it all again at the end of September/beginning of October.

I spent time with my girls on Mother's Day and had an easy out for dinner -- I cooked frozen pizza as Joe caught an afternoon flight out of town.

Speaking of Joe, my younger man is turning 40 in a few days. Uncle Frankie and Auntie Robin alread treated him to a Southern feast (Allen & Sons Barbeque and the world-famous beer can chicken!) along with cake and presents.

Aunt Leslie was here for the feast during this past very rainy weekend. We ducked inside for some junking and a trip to the North Carolina Museum of Art.

So that about catches us up. We have 7 days left of preschool and only 10 days left of big kid school. End of the year programs and parties are filling our calendar. I may have lost the cable that transfers pictures to the computer in this move, but I have FINALLY figured out the memory card can go straight into the media center on the tower. As you can see, I still need full-time IT Support!

A Little Action...

2009-04-23T22:31:00.000-04:00

That's what we discovered today at one of our frequent drive-bys of that plot of Earth that will eventually be Home Sweet Home. The City Permits are back, trucks and men were working. It's enough to make you forget about packing all those boxes for our little side trip to the rental home that begins next Thursday. That's soon!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T22:24:00.000-04:00

Here are the girls and cousin Adam (and the Bunny, of course!) at Brunch on Sunday. I love our relatively new tradition of eating out after going to church because it requires ZERO cooking on my part!

Saturday was busy with my swan song as Chairman of the Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt. We're not moving far, but we are going just over the line into another HOA with its own events and traditions. Somebody slap me if I agree to chair anything, okay?

Signs of our Times

2009-03-24T15:10:00.000-04:00

We are in the midst of big transition here. A couple of real estate signs tell the story.

This week: we settle the sale of our current home. Walk through Wednesday and lawyer's office Thursday. After that we are tenants here.

Also this week: grading begins on the new lot. We walked through it yesterday with our mostest favoritest (okay, only) builder, Mr. Derwin. We made decisions about trees that stay and trees that go and got a feel for the four corners of the property. Then we peeked over the fence and got a look at the COWS that live behind us! Really -- right here in the city -- cows!

(Joe and Mr. Derwin talking corners, property lines and driveway clearance.)

(We are going to have a tree service try to save this old thing.)

(Standing in the future backyard looking toward the street.)

Fun stuff......

Spectacular at Six!

2009-03-15T14:29:00.000-04:00

It's been another busy Birthday weekend in these parts. Francesca is now 6 years old! She had a very fancy "Fancy Nancy" birthday dinner with her sisters and friends on Friday night. And on her actual birthday there was presents and cake and a party to attend. Busy, busy, busy....

Super Seven!

2009-03-01T15:48:00.000-05:00

I don't really know when this happened -- but Sophia is now a super seven year old! The festivities included 15 girls to the movies for a showing of "Bolt" -- along with a load of popcorn, pizza and hot fudge sundaes.

She's beside herself with new gifts -- everything from that nifty Ninetendo DS to some of the latest and greatest fashions from Justice! She is so much her own person -- what an amazing thing this growing up is!

Carded by Carla

2009-02-26T21:00:00.000-05:00

So I call it "Carded by Carla".. It is my fledgling venture to market my handstamped greeting cards and note cards. The CPA in Joe had a nervous twitch every time I donated a batch to this worthy cause or that. And so he came home one night with my confirmation to be a "vendor" at a Business Expo. He bought me my own little table for the opportunity to network and sell. He was, of course, in his element, networking his way through the room. I had to step WAY out of my comfort zone to participate. Talk about my cards? Explain stamping? Try to get sales? AAArgh.

But in the end it was a nice low-key event. All kinds of businesses were represented -- I had a Custom Builder on one side and an optical boutique on the other. Plenty of hors d'oeuvres and drinks for the guests. Door prizes galore. Loads of people to meet.

I didn't breathe for the entire two hours. But when it was over I had a chance to think about what I learned.

-People like my cards. They really do. Just call me Sally Field.

-No one could believe there is a soul left crafting things from ink and paper and glue.

-I have now stamped for profit. Well, initial sales can't be called profit since all I ever do is use the proceeds to buy more stamping stuff so I can stamp more stuff!

-Despite all the complaining about the storage requirements of the crafting supplies, my dear husband believes in my little hobby and seems to even support it. The CPA in him would probably like it a lot more if it was profitable. But for now he is my venture capitalist -- with benefits.

So come on -- get Carded by Carla!

It Takes a Village, Part Two

2009-02-24T16:48:00.000-05:00

So it is apparently "sleepover season" at Gammy's. Francesca was whisked away for an evening that included a manicure, shopping at Macy's and Justice, dinner at McDonald's (brave, brave, Grandma!) and TV watching in bed. She really wasn't interested in coming back home to us after all of that.

Gammy apparently had so much fun she did it again! This time "Givi" went to the nail salon, enjoyed a big girl dinner and a private screening of HSM3.

I'm looking to get in on this sleepover stuff. I really need a manicure.

It Takes a Village...

2009-02-14T11:02:00.000-05:00

Proof positive that it does indeed take a village to get us all out of the house for dinner! Turns out "Monsieur Frawnk" is pretty handy with a blow dryer. Thanks, Gampy!

Car Show

2009-02-08T20:03:00.000-05:00

What fun it is to see all the shiny new cars and dream a few dreams! And it is soomuch easier to attend than the Car Show we used to visit. The parking is close and cheap and you can even buy beer for your viewing pleasure!

First Sleep Over

2009-02-07T14:10:00.000-05:00

It is really something to pack up your child for her very first sleep over. Before this, Sophia had only been away from me on the nights I was in the hospital having her sisters! She was sooooo excited to go and I adore the family hosting the party. She may be big enough for a sleepover, but she's still not too big to take her Bear along for company!

Gotta Dance!

2009-01-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

This was a show-stopping night for Little Miss Gabriella -- her very first "Big Show" -- the Little Gym dance equivalent of a recital. A sparkly tutu, one ballet number, a turn at tap dancing, a shiny new medal and a big bouquet of flowers from Mommy, Daddy and the sisters. When I asked her what she liked best about her dance performance she enthusiastically declared, "All of it!". Me too, sweetheart....

Snow Day!

2009-01-20T21:23:00.000-05:00

I've been gone from here so long, it's probably not worth the time it would take to update you on what we have been doing.! We got through the Christmas season that tried to knock me out, the longest December break from school ever, my swan song of chairing big Preschool events and then we get right here to SNOW! 4 inches today -- the most in 5 years or so. The girls loved playing in it, and I have to say snow days are a lot more relaxing when you don't have to get to the office for wall-to-wall coverage!

Of course school was closed Monday for the holiday, today for the snow, and tomorrow because the snow isn't gone. Hmmm.

Onward and upward this year -- marching into big projects!

Random Thanksgiving Memories

2008-12-01T22:08:00.000-05:00

So try and remember that for 20 years I spent every Thanksgiving behind my desk working. I'm 3 years away from that (although last year I stayed home with a sick Kindergartener and had canned soup) and I am beginning to love this holiday for its easygoing style and lack of pressure. Here now are my random thoughts about Thanksgiving 2008.

*Getting up early to run the Gobblers Run 5k in the freezing cold with Joe, Art and Andra on a team * Running my best 5k ever but learning they "missed" me at the finish * fried turkey, bourbon and standing rib roast at Frank's * Dad playing basketball on Zermatt Court * an enormous shrimp platter * the beautiful people have beautiful (and nice!) relatives, too * red wine * Mrs. Bushey's appetizers and desserts * red wine * old friends and new ones * "walk it on out" in the flesh * Uncle Ron Ron has a great way with turkeys for a hog farmer * red wine * Lionel Richie * the kids table * dancing to Lionel Richie * "Wait, Chap's naked" * marshmallow explosion in the oven (good thing Andra has 3 ovens!) * Venus and Serena reliving their racing glory * red wine * losing my camera * Uncle Ron Ron's description of what my rear end was doing at the EXACT moment he gave Joe my missing camera * well I could go on and on.. but we have simply decided to say , "It was THAT kind of Thanksgiving. A great kind."

Hope yours was too.

Head over to Facebook to Lori's page to see real Thanksgiving photos taken by people who didn't drink so much red wine they lost their cameras!

Family Running Fun!

2008-11-17T14:41:00.000-05:00

It's Joe's worst nightmare these days. ALL of us taking part in some of the larger runs around town. Remember, this used to be his "solo" passion! Sunday we all took part in the "old Reliable Run". We love it because it is tied to "Gammy's Newspaper" and it has a 5K and a 10k run an hour apart. That means we can do a quick kid switch in the middle and everybody runs! Plus, this one had face painting, inflatable jummping, snacks and vendors.

Joe raced the 5k and I ran the 10K. Despite the wind and the hills (!) a good time was had by all.

13.1

2008-11-02T20:44:00.000-05:00

Now normally I am not a fan of doing things HALF way. But I made an exception this morning for Raleigh's City of Oaks Half-Marathon. I came, I ran, I finished. Not a bad outing at all. Hard to believe I used to be intimidated by 13 point 1 miles! Planning to do the next one in February at Myrtle Beach with the sole goal of removing the 1 minute and 42 seconds that kept me away from my preferred finish this go round.

I think somewhere along the way here I skipped our very busy Halloween. Here the girls are heading out with our best boy friends for trick-or-treating.

Earlier that same day Francesca was Miss Muffet in the Kindergarten Nursery Rhyme Parade. (Yes, year 2 on this costume!)

And before that -- a Fall Party for the Fours!

I Did the Dash.. the Monster Dash....

2008-10-26T21:56:00.000-04:00

This weekend has been so busy I need a nap! The final event was Raleigh's Monster Dash 5K at Cameron Village. After a full day of State Fair walking and fried food, I threw on my "Runaway Bride" costume and hit the bricks. Set my personal best for a 5K and came in second in my age group by one second (if I had only known she was my age I would have run her down!). Check it out HERE.

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Before my race, my future little runner girls got some expert coaching at the beginning of the 100 yard dash. Thanks, Coach.

Earlier in the day we caught the final day of the State Fair. The girls rode the rides, milked the cows, and ate the food.

And have I mentioned Grandpa Tony has been here as we have galloped from one event to the next???

He joined us for the all this AND the neighborhood Halloween party and the Friday night School book fair and storytelling in pajamas. Phew! What a weekend!

Rock the Vote

2008-10-26T14:00:00.001-04:00

Here in North Carolina residents are urged to vote early, just not often! I waited in line 35 minutes outside an early voting location on a weekday morning. I was pretty proud of everyone else in that line. We're part of the 1 Million North Carolinians who have already cast ballots.

Believe in change. Exercise your right to be heard whenever your polling place opens!

Another One of My Pumpkins!

2008-10-22T14:27:00.000-04:00

So this morning found us in the remote reaches of Franklin County to go pumpkin picking with the 4 year olds. There was a hayride and a snack and each child came home with a hand picked pumpkin. Stop me if you've heard this before!

And yes, we are getting lots of mileage out of the adorable Lilly pumpkin pants and pumpkin shirt. We keep telling Joe that we get our money's worth out of these fun "little" purchases....

The Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch....

2008-10-19T19:56:00.000-04:00

It's Pumpkin Patch Field Trip Season. My inaugural run was with Kindergarten. Year 2 of dodging rain drops on this particular outing. We still did the hayride, the maze, the giant slide, the picnic lunch and each child selected a pumpkin to take home. We didn't lose any of them either so it's considered a success!

An Anniversary Kiss...

2008-10-14T15:49:00.000-04:00

Although it will go unnoticed and unmentioned in these parts today, this is Anniversary Number 8. Photographs of us together are as rare as, well, anniversary cards and gifts! But from time to time Sophia takes the camera from me for a few shots of her own and that can result in a rare couple sighting on film, or er, on a memory card!

If this is our anniversary that means greetings are in order for Hillary and John and Leslie and Matthew as well!

Editor's Note: I just have to mention that this anniversary did not go unnoticed. A blue box appeared on the bathroom vanity. A mumbled, "It's probably the wrong one" (I'm sorry did you say WRONG while talking about Tiffany's??? Not possible.) So I missed out on sharing anything pottery for number 8 (and I thought for a seoond, about his favorite home decor store, POTTERY Barn..) I love my new necklace. I can't believe he changed up the tradition 8 years into the game.

A Ten Mile-stone

2008-09-29T21:55:00.000-04:00

Since we only logged -- I don't know -- 6 or 8-THOUSAND miles on Disney property last week I decided to try and tire my legs out a little more. And that is how I came to my very first 10-Mile road race. Regular readers know this is a relatively new distance for me. But I had enough 10+ practice runs under my iPod to give this one a try. The race benefits the Anna's Angels Foundation. The Foundation was started a few years ago by a local Mom whose daughter, Anna, has Down Syndrome and has battled leukemia. Proving the power of the volunteer Mom, this Mother runs the Foundation (and its 10-Miler, Gala, and Cookbook Sales), helps decide how the proceeds are distributed through grants, and runs the race! Mom crossed the finish line carrying a healthy 6 year old Anna. I'm happy to say I had already finished with a fairly respectable time and saw that moment.

So 10 Miles doesn't seem like such a big deal anymore. Maybe November means it's half-marathon time!

"It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants to quit."
Dr. George Sheehan
Runner/Writer/Philosopher

Where in the World???

2008-09-28T20:40:00.000-04:00

Disney World -- that's where! An exhausting week of princesses, pixie dust and millions of miles by foot. We did a ton and saw even more. And now we need a vacation!

Where Were We????

2008-09-07T21:38:00.000-04:00

Somewhere between broken camera and end of the first quarter we fell off the Earth. But we're all caught up now. New camera installed and operating. School finished for the rest of September. So what were we doing???

Gabriella had her actual 4th birthday. She asked for a rerun of last year's swimming pool cake. I obliged, but all my little helpers added the Teddy Grahams in Life Savers rings this time out and well -- the pool is crowded! She's in a leotard because her ballet/tap class began that very same day.

Then it was time for her to begin her final year of preschool. She's in the 4's. she (finally!) goes five mornings a week. She and Livi are in the same class and would rather share one chair than sit in two separate ones. I don't think they have noticed any of the 13 other children in class!

We spent the Labor Day Weekend at Carolina Beach. We are still searching for the one that will be "our" beach. This one is right up there on the list. We're hoping one day Daddy will just go ahead and buy us a sweet little oceanfront condo....

The last week of this Track of school was crazy for us. Sophia's class ended the "Bug" unit with a party thrown by the Moms. They made cute bug hats and played Bug Cracker Bingo and made ants out of graham crackers and really -- it took no time at all to clue pom poms and chenille stems together for my "Pin the Spider on the Web" game. (!)

We followed that up with a field trip to a nearby Nature Park to learn even more about bugs. I can not tell you how excited I am that I will have the opportunity three years in a row to dig my net into pond muck and pull out dragonfly nymphs with my bare hands. Wow!

Our grand finale was the School Fundraising Walk-a-thon. We raise tens of thousands of dollars by having the kids walk around the track. Sounds odd. It is very effective however. I made the banner for Sophia's class -- it kept with the Bug theme.

And this blur is my future Olympian, Francesca. Sbe told me that no matter how hot it was, she intended to jog the entire Walk-a-thon. And she did! 11 laps! I joined her for one lap and she was very focused on her game. That's my girl!

So, that's about it! You are all caught up... We spent our last afternoon at the pool today for the season -- Fall must be coming. Our Track Out Adventures are about to begin so stay tuned!

When Cousins are Two of a Kind.....

2008-08-17T19:51:00.001-04:00

They laugh alike, they walk alike, at times they even talk alike, what a crazy pair....

You know the song -- you know the show -- and quite possibly you know the cousin tandem known in these parts as "Givi" -- that's Gabriella and Livi all rolled into one. So we just threw them one pool party together for their August birthdays. (They never even notice anyone else, so we actually didn't even need to invite their other cousins and preschool friends.) It was a lazy morning of just hanging around and visiting while the kids splashed.. I really like this summer birthday thing. And the gigantic matching mermaid cakes were just GORGEOUS!

A Perfect "10"

2008-08-10T22:40:00.000-04:00

Now, I know no Olympic gymnast will go home with a perfect "10" this year -- but I am feeling like I scored one.

Okay, it wasn't perfect. It was actually, awfully slow. But it was 10. 10 Miles.

The 10-Mile mark has been this Iron Curtain for me. I can knock on the door but never hit the other side. But there was something about Saturday. Low humidity. A suggestion of a breeze. Hip Hop on the iPod. Just something that whispered "GO". So I did. And I guess I finally crossed the 10-Mile threshold.

Map My Run called it 9 and change. But Joe assures me the trail portion of my course can't be measured correctly since it is so far off-road. He called it an "easy 10". So I celebrated with a Starbucks Vivanno on my way to meet my family at the pool. (260 calories yet 21 g of protein -- and Travis the Trainer Boy is sure I am sadly lacking in protein in my diet.) Got to the pool and Gabriella was shivering and telling me it was "cold". That's what happens when it's only 91 and the humdiity is low.

My day was overshadowed by Joe's 16 Miler (show-off) and his waistband of chafing (still sweats like a pig, in case you wanted to know). But I'll always have my perfect 10. And maybe soon, my perfect 13.1.

The Sunny Season

2008-08-07T15:46:00.000-04:00

It is finally Sunflower Season here at the ranch. Much of the crop was snack time for those &$%#@$ deer that believe "My house is your house". But some strategic planting combinations did save one particularly mammoth row of the gigantic flowers.

I have this picture of one flower , and the bees feasting in on it, because Sophia dragged me outside at 6:30 in the morning insisting we take a photo to add to an insect photo collection being created at school in the Media Center.

It was a good stopping point for me in a week that included:

-A new battery for the CAT (Carla Area Transit) Bus (really -- how long do those things last these days???)

-A new spring for the garage door( when the old one snapped it could not only be heard from here to Fuquay-Varina -- it trapped the cars behind closed doors for an entire day -- thus trapping us in with it!) And again, I ask how long should those things last?

-A 101 degree fever accompanying the Kindergarten Krud that kept some of us at home for days.

-Never-ending PTA Open Houses (are all the tracks finally back in???)

And of course the entire list brought my training to a near-halt.

So I'll try to remember and stop and admire the sunflowers. Even if I'd rather admire them at a more respectable hour than my oldest early-bird will allow!

Baby, it's Hot Outside

2008-08-03T21:32:00.000-04:00

Yup -- it's August in the sultry South. The humidity is as high as an elephant's eye and so is the mercury! It's time for the hot recess policy to go into effect at school and I've got 72 freezer pops chilling right now that are headed to Kindergarten in the morning to provide a few days of cool snack relief.

So here's what you do in the South when it feels like this. Go to the pool. Dip your toes in and then mention to everyone around you, "Sure is HOT today". You tell them that like they don't already know. But misery loves company.

So stock the fridge with some of those summertime light beers and go ahead and pile your hair up high on your head. Before you know it November will be here and you'll have to do something crazy like -- I don't know -- wear sleeves!

The First Two Weeks

2008-07-25T14:10:00.000-04:00

It's been a whirlwind for Francesca these past two weeks. In fact, I would say she is now officially exhausted. Hopefully the weekend will energize her!

Her favorite Kindergarten rebellion seems to be circling around breakfast in the school cafeteria. She wandered in there one morning between getting off the school bus and heading to her classroom. (She told me that she just had to tell them her last name and they let her have it all FREE! Yeah -- right.) She was wowed by the pancakes and despite my rule that since we eat at home we go straight in -- she appears to still be ducking into the cafeteria. Her big sister is apparently joining her now, too.

Fortunately they are being watched by my little spies...

Hot Dog! Gampy is 29!

2008-07-20T21:21:00.000-04:00

A bit of a birthday bash this Sunday evening to celebrate Dad/Gampy/PopPop's birthday. Joe channeled his inner Paula Deen and whipped up a Low Country Shrimp Boil. A few snacks, some hot dogs and pasta, diet beer and a silly cake that looked like a hot dog rounded it all out. He had so much help blowing out the candle we had to light the thing -- I don't know -- 2 or 3 dozen times....

It was just a little teeny, tiny bit noisy with the entire Grandchild brigade inside to escape the "melt you in a second" July heat.

And just so you know, the Birthday Boy got his jam on to the "Camp Rock" soundtrack!

Weekend in Wrightsville

2008-07-14T15:25:00.000-04:00

It was a quick weekend trip to Wrightsville Beach -- a favorite destination of mine for many years. Joe had a conference there (who says accountants don't know where to have fun???)! We drove through a monsoon to get there but after we arrived the skies cleared and we spent the entire weekend swimming, sunning, running and eating seafood favorites.

My stress meter was pegged before we left (back to school, PTA responsibilities, kid schedule juggling and packing collided...). Once we arrived I let the calming influence of the ocean take over (even though I realized right away the ONE thing I didn't pack was my running shoes). Thanks to free wireless at our motel I found my treasured Mizuno Wave Inspire 4-Women at Dick's in Wilmington and popped in and out with my brand new shoes. Problem solved. Training schedule intact. Stress be gone.

The girls say they are ready to go back to the beach. Me, too!

Kindergarten!

2008-07-10T21:55:00.000-04:00

Kindergarten -- Day 1!

We liked it. We made new friends. We thought the playground was great. We remembered where to find our milk money in our new lunch bag.

We waffled a bit on the pre-planned first day of school dress. But after changing a few times we went back to the original choice (again Daddy, thanks for the Lilly!).

Tomorrow is our first day OFF from Kindergarten while the teachers divide the little cherubs into classes. We hit the ground running Monday morning!

Girly Girls

2008-07-09T21:56:00.000-04:00

We've been celebrating some really girly things this week. Like this outfit. It was supposed to be Sophia's first day of school outfit but since she delights in being contrary it ended up being her second day of school outfit. (Special thanks to Daddy here for treating us all to new Lilly while visiting Ardmore.)

Francesca, meanwhile, relaxed today a her "pre-Kindergarten" manicure. Because it is a "special" occasion, Miss Mimi painted a few small flowers with glittery centers on those tiny little nails. It's a family affair for us with Miss Mimi since she also does Grampy's nails regularly .. but that's probably a subject for another post. One that doesn't begin with "Girly Girls"!

Hello, First Grade....

2008-07-07T21:04:00.000-04:00

So we trotted off to first grade this morning. We didn't act like we cared a bit. We did however, try to get started for the bus stop about thirty minutes too early! We were not interested in having Mom go to school with us. Lucky for me I have PTA duty the next three mornings and will be able to very CASUALLY stop by and see first grade in action!

A Festive Fourth

2008-07-06T20:38:00.000-04:00

Happy Fourth of July Weekend! I am throwing in the towel on Typepad (since my Internet Browser and my Anti-virus Software formed some kind of deadly alliance that prohibits most photo posting!) and I am back where I began -- on Blogger!

The holiday weekend brings us to the end of our Summer School "Track Out". Monday morning we head to First Grade and Summer Camp. And then on Thursday we dip our toes back into Kindergarten!

This weekend was low-key. I ran the Great Raleigh Road Race on the 4th -- a 2 year tradition for me. I took almost 3 minutes off my time from last year, so I am feeling good about that. Uncle Frankie and Auntie Robin hosted dinner on the 4th. (An affair that has grown so large it now requires two tents on their driveway.)

Frankie cooked up 15 pounds of pork, 2 Cornish Hens and hot dogs on the mid-life crisis grill. A few beers, some bubbles and we were home in time to see some neighborhood fireworks.