We three Skophammers are moving yet again. As much as I love Boston, I miss having family nearby. It has been a struggle the past couple of years balancing trips to the Northern Plains with the desire to go somewhere else. We have been a couple times to Maine and New Hampshire, but we just couldn't justify time away unless it was with family. We've had a few visitors, but it is hard to bring large families across the country without breaking spending plans.
So, Roger changed jobs at the beginning of the year and works from home. He loves his position and his work. And, he adores his time with RT!
I am able to keep my job and work virtually. I am excited because I love this job and Northeastern and CPS.
We found a house. It is in Apple Valley. It is at least three times bigger than where we currently live. It will likely be pretty empty for awhile. That's okay. It leaves room for our home offices.
We lost our Tessa kitty a few weeks ago. We saved her from a terrible life and gave her four years as the queen of our house. She was spoiled! We miss her, though Cookie seems to be settling into the role of the BOSS...she shares that title with RT.
RT will be leaving our beloved East End House Childcare Center. I'm not sure he'll ever remember being there, but they have done such good work with him, they will always be a part of the boy RT becomes. I will miss them terribly; he coordinator has become a good friend.
We will enjoy our last month in Boston. My sister, Nikki, is coming for a visit at the end of the month. We'll see some new places and try some delicious food. And a couple weeks later, mid-April, we will say farewell to Jamaica Plain and Boston. No doubt I will cry a few tears.
But, I'll be back...and these years in Boston will always be a part of me. Life is Good!
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Parenting Alone
I admire single parents. I do not know how they do it. I have spent the past four days solo parenting and am exhausted. I am ready for Roger to return, which he does this afternoon.
Parenting in general is hard work. When Roger and I decided to try to have a child together, I knew it wouldn't be easy. I had no idea. The challenge of balancing my own identity with being Mom has confounded me. I am mom and wife and what else? I work full time and am the IRB Coordinator, but even there, I am not me. I am not even sure who "me" is anymore. I realize the need to find out.
But how do I do that? I am not sure. Once Roger is home again, I must try.
Parenting in general is hard work. When Roger and I decided to try to have a child together, I knew it wouldn't be easy. I had no idea. The challenge of balancing my own identity with being Mom has confounded me. I am mom and wife and what else? I work full time and am the IRB Coordinator, but even there, I am not me. I am not even sure who "me" is anymore. I realize the need to find out.
But how do I do that? I am not sure. Once Roger is home again, I must try.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Being Positive
“Keep
your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep
your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your
behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your
habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values
positive because your values become your destiny.” - Mahatma Gandhi
A friend began a blog today where she plans to explore the year being positive. And though, that is not exactly my theme of gratitude for 2014, it fits. One of the reasons I decided to work on grace/gratitude/graciousness, etc., is because often I think about the things I want and don't get and feel disappointed. I realized that I needed to let go of the disappointment. To do that, I feel being gracious about what I do have (which is by far more than I really need), will help shift my attitudes. I hope this year is the start of a permanent change in the way that I think and feel.
I have must to be grateful for and I know that. And do I really need a lot more? Probably not. And perhaps being more positive and mindful in what is right in my life, is exactly what I need!
A friend began a blog today where she plans to explore the year being positive. And though, that is not exactly my theme of gratitude for 2014, it fits. One of the reasons I decided to work on grace/gratitude/graciousness, etc., is because often I think about the things I want and don't get and feel disappointed. I realized that I needed to let go of the disappointment. To do that, I feel being gracious about what I do have (which is by far more than I really need), will help shift my attitudes. I hope this year is the start of a permanent change in the way that I think and feel.
I have must to be grateful for and I know that. And do I really need a lot more? Probably not. And perhaps being more positive and mindful in what is right in my life, is exactly what I need!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Reflections of 2013...and Looking Forward to 2014
2013 has been quite a year.
Our family has dealt with so much and has come out smiling each time.
One of my favorite things about 2013 is that we didn’t
move! Our apartment is far from ideal
and Roger still has to schlep to the Laundromat every week, but it is large
enough and we’ve made it pretty cozy. It
is often messy and cluttered (but clean thanks to Roger) and full of love and
laughs, and even a few tears. Cookie
continues to be the fat kitty without the stairs to run up and down. Tessa enjoys the new bathmat under the heat
vent. Our home is pretty good.
2013 has also been the year of the baby girl. Three of my friends and one of my cousins had
baby girls this year. It has been fun to
see the downstairs neighbor grow and see the others on Facebook. The cuteness of the girls’ faces and the
adorable outfits, have me happy to see the girls, but I am forever grateful and
happy that I have my little boy.
My little boy, who is not so little anymore, continues to
give my life new meaning. I find myself
drawn to his smile and I long to hear his sweet giggles. Somehow he went from baby to little boy this
past year. He has battled viruses and
asthma; he had ear tubes replaced. He is
flourishing. His language skills
continue to improved daily. I think he
grows inches daily, too. I enjoy looking
into his face and seeing the marriage of my family with Roger’s family. He is definitely a Skophammer boy, but he is
also a Kristianson and a Schmid. He
loves to help his mommy and daddy with any project. He loves to build things and tear them
down. He loves trains and cars and
Charlie Brown. He has mastered the iPad
and we need to go to him when we need help!
He is a delight on the train and in the car. I cannot ever imagine a life without
him.
My job has stayed the same.
I enjoy working for Northeastern and with my teams. I work with good people and have made some
nice friendships. I love the short
commute time and I am able to spend at least a few minutes outside every day,
which I love. I walk and walk all over
this city. I do manage to drive to a few
places, very few places. I love Boston
and feel like it is home.
Roger had the biggest change this year. For a number of reasons, he left the Museum
of Science and stays home with RT. He
has begun a new job where he works from home and is enjoying the challenges and
the opportunities to both work and stay home with RT. RT does still go to school twice a week,
giving Roger some needed quiet time at home to work. After the holidays are over (so on
Wednesday!) we will be rearranging our apartment to make space for Roger’s home
office. We can do it, though it may be
tight. I think secretly, or not so
secretly, that Roger just really loves rearranging furniture! Maybe he isn’t so happy we didn’t move last
year!
Looking forward, I have decided to adopt a theme for 2014. 2014 will be a year of gratitude for me. I often find myself longing for what I don’t
have and want to take the next year and make it a priority to be thankful for
what I do have, which is a lot! I
think I’ll start the new year being thankful for warm coats—it’s going to be
COLD!
I hope that when you all look back on 2013, you find much
joy, as we have. Happy New Year!
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Cooking!!
I am so excited to be cooking again. Sometimes life gets too busy for me to cook and I find when that happens I really miss it. I've been scouring cookbooks, websites and pinterest looking for recipes. We keep trying new ones.
Tonight I made a new recipe for wings. They smell delicious!
Tonight I made a new recipe for wings. They smell delicious!
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Holiday Time
This is a strange year for our family for the holidays. We won't be spending any of it with our family. I am looking forward to quiet holidays, but will miss family.
We've made a conscious decision to cut down on the gifts. We are buying very, very few gifts. We are always spoiled by generous parents and family members. RT is spoiled by everyone! We are spending time. Right now, we are watching Kinky Boots at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. I love that RT is dancing along with all the drag queens!! Roger and RT are on the floor putting together the Charlie Brown Christmas puzzle for the hundredth time (or so) this week. Brunch is in the oven. This time is precious and so fleeting.
RT has changed so much since even August. I want to enjoy every minute with him. There are days when I am at work and ache to see him. It is a strange feeling to love someone this much in this way. Time is the most important thing we can give RT.
Soon we will be making our pumpkin pudding and jambalaya for our special Thanksgiving. We have planned a couple outings this weekend, but very little real shopping. Boston doesn't allow stores to open today, but we will not be at Target at 1 a.m. either. Life without the frantic shopping for gifts is so nice this year!
So, it is. The holidays are here. I am excited and pensive thinking about family. I am awaiting Santa's arrival at the parade, which still in my mind marks the beginning of the Christmas season.
I will be taking the holidays off from Facebook. I need the break and to focus my time and energies elsewhere. Don't be surprised if you receive a text or phone call out of the blue.
Happy Holidays to all we love and hold dear. Happy holidays to all who just need the kindness. I wish everyone my three favorite things...love, peace and joy!
We've made a conscious decision to cut down on the gifts. We are buying very, very few gifts. We are always spoiled by generous parents and family members. RT is spoiled by everyone! We are spending time. Right now, we are watching Kinky Boots at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV. I love that RT is dancing along with all the drag queens!! Roger and RT are on the floor putting together the Charlie Brown Christmas puzzle for the hundredth time (or so) this week. Brunch is in the oven. This time is precious and so fleeting.
RT has changed so much since even August. I want to enjoy every minute with him. There are days when I am at work and ache to see him. It is a strange feeling to love someone this much in this way. Time is the most important thing we can give RT.
Soon we will be making our pumpkin pudding and jambalaya for our special Thanksgiving. We have planned a couple outings this weekend, but very little real shopping. Boston doesn't allow stores to open today, but we will not be at Target at 1 a.m. either. Life without the frantic shopping for gifts is so nice this year!
So, it is. The holidays are here. I am excited and pensive thinking about family. I am awaiting Santa's arrival at the parade, which still in my mind marks the beginning of the Christmas season.
I will be taking the holidays off from Facebook. I need the break and to focus my time and energies elsewhere. Don't be surprised if you receive a text or phone call out of the blue.
Happy Holidays to all we love and hold dear. Happy holidays to all who just need the kindness. I wish everyone my three favorite things...love, peace and joy!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Nostalgia
Lately, I've been thinking about people I have lost in my life. From grandparents to friends, I have lost many special people in my life.
I've made a few rounds of Grandma Sadie's barbeques, which are different from any sloppy joes I've had before. Every time I make them, I also make corn, which my Grandpa Helmer loved. I've been trying to buy grass fed beef for burgers, because in my mind, they taste like farm burgers. I remember the little white packages of frozen beef in my granparents' car trunk, often covered with the tan/gray square blanket that was made my Grandma. There are a couple places in Boston that still use coal heat and that smell brings me back to the Kristianson farm. I miss it. The farm is still there, but it hasn't been Grandpa and Grandma's farm for 30 years. Yet, sometimes it seems like just a few weeks ago that we were pulling out the sofabed in the den and warming Bob and Jen's donuts in the upper oven (that was NOT a microwave). And every time I make toast, I wish it were made from Grandma's homemade bread. Sometimes when RT runs into our room and jumps into bed with us, I think about when Nikki and I were little and we would jump into Grandma and Grandpa's bed to snuggle before starting the day. I miss my grandparents. For some reason when the weather starts to turn colder, I think of them.
Of course Grandma Schmid's birthday is a week away. I actually have no idea how old she would be...I don't know if she ever really knew how old she was. I see pictures of my cousin Bobby's daughter, Gretchen Agnes, and I am reminded of Grandma immediately. RT has a few mannerisms similar to Grandma. He will probably have good taste like her (and me!), which means we'll never be able to afford what RT wants! And it is the World Series time and in the words of my Grandpa, "The Mets stink" and they do! He would tell stories of World War II in a way that even at a young age I knew was not a good time. War is always awful; I learned that from my Grandpa Schmid. But travel is the best, which is another lesson I learned from him. He liked to go anywhere. He had a great spirit of adventure.
I hate that RT won't meet my grandparents. They were all wonderful people to me. I miss them all. I also miss Uncle Frank and My Olga, who were grandparents to me in their own ways. I am so fortunate.
Every once in awhile I wonder what they would think of my family. Olga met Roger and thought he was pretty good. I think they'd love that I have a little boy. They would be in awe of his cuteness and his puzzle solving skills. They would lavish him with love, I am quite sure.
So, I am nostalgic for a time and place that can never be revisited. I am happy that my memories are good ones. And my tears are happy tears, tears of gratitude.
I've made a few rounds of Grandma Sadie's barbeques, which are different from any sloppy joes I've had before. Every time I make them, I also make corn, which my Grandpa Helmer loved. I've been trying to buy grass fed beef for burgers, because in my mind, they taste like farm burgers. I remember the little white packages of frozen beef in my granparents' car trunk, often covered with the tan/gray square blanket that was made my Grandma. There are a couple places in Boston that still use coal heat and that smell brings me back to the Kristianson farm. I miss it. The farm is still there, but it hasn't been Grandpa and Grandma's farm for 30 years. Yet, sometimes it seems like just a few weeks ago that we were pulling out the sofabed in the den and warming Bob and Jen's donuts in the upper oven (that was NOT a microwave). And every time I make toast, I wish it were made from Grandma's homemade bread. Sometimes when RT runs into our room and jumps into bed with us, I think about when Nikki and I were little and we would jump into Grandma and Grandpa's bed to snuggle before starting the day. I miss my grandparents. For some reason when the weather starts to turn colder, I think of them.
Of course Grandma Schmid's birthday is a week away. I actually have no idea how old she would be...I don't know if she ever really knew how old she was. I see pictures of my cousin Bobby's daughter, Gretchen Agnes, and I am reminded of Grandma immediately. RT has a few mannerisms similar to Grandma. He will probably have good taste like her (and me!), which means we'll never be able to afford what RT wants! And it is the World Series time and in the words of my Grandpa, "The Mets stink" and they do! He would tell stories of World War II in a way that even at a young age I knew was not a good time. War is always awful; I learned that from my Grandpa Schmid. But travel is the best, which is another lesson I learned from him. He liked to go anywhere. He had a great spirit of adventure.
I hate that RT won't meet my grandparents. They were all wonderful people to me. I miss them all. I also miss Uncle Frank and My Olga, who were grandparents to me in their own ways. I am so fortunate.
Every once in awhile I wonder what they would think of my family. Olga met Roger and thought he was pretty good. I think they'd love that I have a little boy. They would be in awe of his cuteness and his puzzle solving skills. They would lavish him with love, I am quite sure.
So, I am nostalgic for a time and place that can never be revisited. I am happy that my memories are good ones. And my tears are happy tears, tears of gratitude.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Baseball, Babies and Blurbs
The World Series arrives in Boston today. Last fall the Red Sox were the worst team in baseball. It is so great to see what a year, some heart and beards does for a team. This past season has been one of many ups and downs. One of the biggest impacts on the city and the Sox was the Marathon bombings. That even really brought the city together. Ortiz's speech and Neil Diamond's in person rendition of Sweet Caroline really brought not only the pain of the city, but also the determination of a tough city to Fenway Park. I was able to attend a game at Fenway in the cold rain and there was such spirit in the dugout. I was cold and wet and energized!
Even if I weren't in Boston, I'd still be rooting for the Red Sox. I can't stand the Cardinals. I am sure it is a holdover from my dad's dislike of Tony La Russa. I also can't cheer for a team would hire Mark McGwire. I can't stand that guy.
So, we will cheer along with RT, who because of the influence of his daycare providers is a huge Red Sox fan. I think we'll have hotdogs and Cracker Jacks for supper tonight!
I have been on baby watch for a few weeks. The first one was born yesterday, a baby girl. Our downstairs neighbors didn't find out the sex of the baby so it was a big surprise and I love that. There are so few true surprises in life. I think they thought they were having a boy...I get that. I was sure RT was going to be a girl, but I was very wrong...and I love that. There is something special about little boys. I adore mine! I have a couple girls entering the world in the next six weeks or so and another friend's daughter who is due in the spring (I kind of hope Crissy has a boy!). Ah, I love baby watch. It reminds me of the love of becoming a mom...as well as the tiredness and hard work. I am quite content with RT being my only child. We have so much more with Elise and the grandkids. And we can spoil our boy as much as possible!
I started physical therapy for my neck. I was amazed at how little strength I have right now in my left arm and hand. I have the exercises and may get traction next week. I hope it helps. She will show me things to do in the future to try to stop this from happening again. Sounds good to me.
I think winter is around the corner in Boston. It smells like snow today. It isn't supposed to be cold enough to snow, but...
Life is full and wonderful. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful family...here and in the Midwest. Everything else in life will be resolved one way or another. Sometimes it is a challenge to remain positive, and it doesn't always happen, but I keep on trying.
So tonight, sing along with RT, "Root, root, root for the RED SOX. If they don't win its a SHAME. It's ONE, TWO, THREE strikes you're OUT at the old BALL GAME!!"
Even if I weren't in Boston, I'd still be rooting for the Red Sox. I can't stand the Cardinals. I am sure it is a holdover from my dad's dislike of Tony La Russa. I also can't cheer for a team would hire Mark McGwire. I can't stand that guy.
So, we will cheer along with RT, who because of the influence of his daycare providers is a huge Red Sox fan. I think we'll have hotdogs and Cracker Jacks for supper tonight!
I have been on baby watch for a few weeks. The first one was born yesterday, a baby girl. Our downstairs neighbors didn't find out the sex of the baby so it was a big surprise and I love that. There are so few true surprises in life. I think they thought they were having a boy...I get that. I was sure RT was going to be a girl, but I was very wrong...and I love that. There is something special about little boys. I adore mine! I have a couple girls entering the world in the next six weeks or so and another friend's daughter who is due in the spring (I kind of hope Crissy has a boy!). Ah, I love baby watch. It reminds me of the love of becoming a mom...as well as the tiredness and hard work. I am quite content with RT being my only child. We have so much more with Elise and the grandkids. And we can spoil our boy as much as possible!
I started physical therapy for my neck. I was amazed at how little strength I have right now in my left arm and hand. I have the exercises and may get traction next week. I hope it helps. She will show me things to do in the future to try to stop this from happening again. Sounds good to me.
I think winter is around the corner in Boston. It smells like snow today. It isn't supposed to be cold enough to snow, but...
Life is full and wonderful. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful family...here and in the Midwest. Everything else in life will be resolved one way or another. Sometimes it is a challenge to remain positive, and it doesn't always happen, but I keep on trying.
So tonight, sing along with RT, "Root, root, root for the RED SOX. If they don't win its a SHAME. It's ONE, TWO, THREE strikes you're OUT at the old BALL GAME!!"
Saturday, October 5, 2013
Makes Me Smile
The past few weeks have been difficult, so I thought I would focus on some things that I like right now.
The NDSU Bison beat UNI Panthers! Gotta love that! I lived near UNI for a year and I don't like them and I love the Bison. I couldn't be happier!
Having the car in Boston has been better than I thought. A BIG trip to Target this morning was a good one! I love all the different things we found that I'd never seen before. I can't wait to feed RT on his new plate and bowls!
Angry Birds Star Wars and Star Wars II.
Good local coffee shops and their delicious fair trade beans!
RT singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game at the top of his lungs!!
Playoffs in my hometown!
Pumpkins, apples and falling leaves.
Falling asleep with RT.
Spotify playlists.
Lululemon, Athleta and Marathon Sports.
Still feeling the sense of Boston Strong...it means much more than a catch phrase after the bombings.
Peyton Manning and the Broncos (and the KC Chiefs, too)...WOW!
I have many friends and family members in different stages of pregnancies and I love following their journeys into motherhood (all first time Mamas!). I am reminded of my little blessing each time.
RT and Roger continue to make me smile every day!
The NDSU Bison beat UNI Panthers! Gotta love that! I lived near UNI for a year and I don't like them and I love the Bison. I couldn't be happier!
Having the car in Boston has been better than I thought. A BIG trip to Target this morning was a good one! I love all the different things we found that I'd never seen before. I can't wait to feed RT on his new plate and bowls!
Angry Birds Star Wars and Star Wars II.
Good local coffee shops and their delicious fair trade beans!
RT singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game at the top of his lungs!!
Playoffs in my hometown!
Pumpkins, apples and falling leaves.
Falling asleep with RT.
Spotify playlists.
Lululemon, Athleta and Marathon Sports.
Still feeling the sense of Boston Strong...it means much more than a catch phrase after the bombings.
Peyton Manning and the Broncos (and the KC Chiefs, too)...WOW!
I have many friends and family members in different stages of pregnancies and I love following their journeys into motherhood (all first time Mamas!). I am reminded of my little blessing each time.
RT and Roger continue to make me smile every day!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Baby No More
When I look at the top picture in the blog, I see Roger and I and our baby, RT. However, he is so not a baby anymore. I can't believe how much he has changed since that was taken (July 3, 2012). He is so grown up.
I have so many pictures of him, but he seems so serious in most of them. He can be a serious kid. He ponders things and likes to see how things work. But, the thing about RT that brings me the most joy is his laugh! He has this belly giggle, that comes from nowhere, and it lights up my heart. I can't help but smile and laugh along. He loves kisses from his Dadda and Mamma. He loves to be upside down or rolling around playing. He loves to try to sit on the kitty cats (they don't love it so much!). He loves trucks and cooking. He is a wiz on the iPad. He is the joy of my life.
And he keeps on growing up. I am so fortunate to grow along with him. I love that I have known and loved him since he took his very first breath. I look at RT and see someone who is part me; that is amazing. I see glimpses of Roger and I, as well as Elise, Nikki, Mom, Dad and Roger 1. I see RT's cousins and nephew and nieces. I see this bundle of a boy that encapsulates so many of the people I love the most. I am filled with love and joy when I am near my boy.
And, though RT is no longer a baby, he will always be my baby.
I have so many pictures of him, but he seems so serious in most of them. He can be a serious kid. He ponders things and likes to see how things work. But, the thing about RT that brings me the most joy is his laugh! He has this belly giggle, that comes from nowhere, and it lights up my heart. I can't help but smile and laugh along. He loves kisses from his Dadda and Mamma. He loves to be upside down or rolling around playing. He loves to try to sit on the kitty cats (they don't love it so much!). He loves trucks and cooking. He is a wiz on the iPad. He is the joy of my life.
And he keeps on growing up. I am so fortunate to grow along with him. I love that I have known and loved him since he took his very first breath. I look at RT and see someone who is part me; that is amazing. I see glimpses of Roger and I, as well as Elise, Nikki, Mom, Dad and Roger 1. I see RT's cousins and nephew and nieces. I see this bundle of a boy that encapsulates so many of the people I love the most. I am filled with love and joy when I am near my boy.
And, though RT is no longer a baby, he will always be my baby.
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