When Life Hands You Lemons...

Easter just kind of crept up on us this year! It was an interesting Easter this go around. Memorable is a better description. So what are the "lemons" in my Easter "When Life Hands You Lemons" post you wonder? The first is the terrible, horrible no good very bad weather we've been experiencing around here lately. It freak'n dumped 8 inches the other day and it looks like more snow this week - doesn't feel like Spring to me!

The second "lemon" was Joel's accidental sign-up for a moonlighting shift on Easter morning - oops! He didn't even realize that he had scheduled a shift on the holiday until it was too late - who would've thunk the Easter Bunny would come in the middle of March? His intentions were good and we certainly needed the money so we decided to make some "lemonade" out of our 2nd "lemon."

Joel headed to work Easter morning with a trunk loaded with eggs, baskets and presents. His mission was to engineer a really cool egg hunt for the kids - which he pulled off quite well I might add. As a side note: We could do an egg hunt because this particular hospital where Joel moonlights is pretty empty -the first (out of 5 or something) floor is the only one used for patients. The entire 2nd floor is for the sole doc that's working the shift. It's really nice for us when we visit because the kids get to run around, find all sorts of abandoned medical equipment and have wheelchair races up and down the halls - perfect for an egg hunt.

So we spent Easter morning with our Daddy hunting for eggs & eating way too much candy (especially Christian - he was blissfully occupied with the first treasure he discovered). I managed to throw in there a nice little lesson (with visuals I might add) about the real Easter Story. We ended our morning with a brunch in the cafeteria catered by the one and only McDonalds - yummy! The kids were so full from their candy fest up on the 2nd floor, that they didn't eat much. Joel and I ended up eating most of their food - mmm... there is nothing like cold pancakes with margarine smeared all over them! The sad thing is that we had such a pleasant morning together and then Joel and I ruined it by getting annoyed with each other as we were ready to leave. Things were made worse by having a terrible, horrible, no good very bad afternoon at church. Ahhhh - it was just one of those days. I got over it when Joel came home that evening with roses - nice touch babe!







We didn't get a chance to dye easter eggs until today. We made it our Family Home Evening activity. It, like our Easter weekend, started off really terribly (Camryn knocked the cup of hot pink dye into Joel's lap - staining his clothes and hands. And Christian kept throwing our hard boiled eggs around the room - here come more ants!). But in the end we ended up having a good time and the kids finally ate something healthy - some incredible edible eggs.

So when life hands you lemons, I guess it's best to make lemonade - no matter how tart!

~Happy Easter

Ants and a 5 Legged Pony...

So the weather is finally improving around these parts and that means ants are starting to invade our lovely apartment. So the other morning JD refused to eat his breakfast because a pile of ants were feasting on a piece of watermelon that hadn't been cleaned up the night before. While he was whining to me, my mind drifted back to a time in my life when I learned some important lessons about ants and a 5 legged pony.

I told him, "Dude, you need to suck it up and eat your breakfast! I used to eat ants in my cereal when I was younger!" He kind of looked at me like "OK, I'm listening." So I told him about the first apartment that Joel and I lived in after we were married. It was this reject basement apartment from the 70's. The owner was this nice old lady named Beverly. We had to pay our rent in cash so that she wouldn't have to report it as income - I liked her. I had to take her to the emergency room one day because she nearly cut off her thumb cutting an apple.

Anyway, she owned a shetland pony and a large garden. We were the lucky recipients of all the fun creatures that migrate towards gardens: Spiders (freak'n weird looking ones too), ants, worms, mice and more ants. I remember vacuuming one morning and I stepped on a freaky redish looking spider. I sucked it up right away.

When I was student teaching, I remember eating a lovely bowl of Corn Flakes before heading off to my school in the country (think Napolean Dynamite) when I looked down and noticed I had been eating a bowl crawling with ants! I didn't keep eating it like I told JD - I spat it out! I looked in the cereal box and sure enough, it was full of them. I looked in the cupboard, and sure enough, it was crawling with them. In fact, most of the cupboards were crawling with ants! I think I just just shut the cupboard and ran away to school - ignorance is bliss.

So as I'm writing this, I'm watching 2 ants crawling with glee on the wall in front of me. I've already killed a dozen today. Pretty soon the entire colony will come marching in - just like last year - shiver!

So you're probably wondering what lesson I learned from a 5 legged pony. I learned how to play the guitar in college (that's not the lesson). I love playing and singing with my guitar - it takes me to my happy place. I have no recollection of how I started doing this, but one day my shetland pony looked sad so I sang it a song. He seemed so happy to hear my lovely melody on the guitar - you know happily frolicking around on his 4 little legs. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, I was even amazed at how fab I was sounding when I glanced up and saw my sweet 4 legged pony had grown another leg. It took me a while to understand. Unless you've seen this phenomenon, you'd never believe it - he really had another leg that touched the ground!

Joel was fixing our car (that was held together in parts by a hanger) one afternoon. I decided to demonstrate my new trick. I sang my pony a song and he was happy......Joel laughed.

My dad still makes fun of me and my pony. Huh Dad...I know you're reading this. Have you figured out how to leave a comment yet?

So I learned that ants never travel alone and that 5 legged ponies can't be trusted.

Bi Bim Bop + Being a Dr.'s Wife = ????

So what happens when you try to add Bi Bim Bop (a popular Korean dish - pronounced Bee Bim Bop) with being a Dr.'s wife? Do read on...

A couple of weeks ago I was registering my kids for some Rec & Ed classes for Spring semester when I ran across the adult education section (that sounds kinda nasty!). I noticed something I hadn't noticed before: Adult cooking classes. After discovering there were tons of classes offered (I'm talking like 2 pages worth!), I got excited. You see, I've been stuck in this "chicken and rice" vacuum that I can't seem to escape. I can prepare probably 2 dozen variations on that theme: Hawaiian Haystacks, Russian Chicken, Cream Cheese Chicken, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Chicken 'n Rice and it goes on and on.....and on. They're all really tasty, but holy freakers, a gal can only take so much. A life with no change sucks the, well, life out of me, so I was highly motivated to add some new dishes to my culinary repertoire. Anyway, I digress...

So as I'm perusing through the list of cooking classes that I want to take, the thought crosses my mind, "Why are you doing this? You know what always happens." (You'll understand what this means a little later.). I ignore my better judgement, make a master list of interesting classes that I want to take and sign up for my first cooking class: Bi Bim Bop.

So how brave is this: I didn't even know what Bi Bim Bop was when I signed up for the class. I knew it was Korean (that's what it said anyway) and I love love love ethnic food, so I went for it. So for 2 weeks, I excitedly counted down the days until my class. Yes, my life is that pathetic.

Now here is where being a doctor's wife comes into play. So if there is one thing I can count on with Joel's schedule as a resident, it is this: There is no part of his schedule that I can count on! He never comes home at the same time - sometimes it's around 4 pm - sometimes it's around 6:48 like it was the night of my cooking class. The class started at 6:30.

My frustrating night started around dinnertime. I was still recovering from this yucky virus and I didn't feel much like cooking. However, I wanted to make Joel some Pepper Steak Sandwiches because I felt sorry for him (he's been getting the crap kicked out of him at the hospital). So I made a dinner knowing that my kids wouldn't like it and that my husband might not be home to eat it (happens all too often). That's exactly what happened.

So six o'clock rolls around and I finally get a phone call from a frustrated Joel, "I'm still here and I can't tell when I going to leave." Argh! So this doesn't exactly throw me for a loop - I'm used to it (precisely the reason I never sign up for anything in the first place!) The frustration set in when I couldn't find a last minute babysitter - imagine that. So the thought returns, "Why did I sign up for this, I knew this would happen." I started cleaning up the dinner that only I ate and accepted the fact that I wasn't going anywhere that night.

Now my depressing story could end there, but it has a happy ending (for me at least).

Joel called around 6:30 (when the class began) and said he was on his way home. Sweet. I was all excited until I saw his face when we passed each other in the doorway. He looked so tired. I felt bad for him. So then I felt guilty the whole night because I knew he was exhausted and he was up for a heck of a weekend too.

Well, the class was great. The instructor was this little Korean lady that has never used a measuring tool in her life! We kind of got used to it as the 3 hour course proceeded. She would add something to her sauce or marinade and we'd all look around at each other, "How much was that?" Or, "Did that look like 1 or 2 tablespoons??" A bunch of us whipped out our phone cameras or pocket cameras and started taking pictures of the ingredients she was using so that we could purchase them on our own at the local Korean grocery store. At one point this lady next to me was completely disgusted by the fact that our instuctor kept using the same knife and cutting board for raw meat and vegetable alike. I seriously started laughing because I noticed the same thing, but I so didn't care by that point! Hey I was already sick (on so many levels), so BRING IT!

After 2 1/2 hours of prep work, the Bi Bim Bop was ready - my first taste of Korea. The aroma was intoxicating and the taste was amazing. I can't tell you what other Bi Bim Bops taste like, but this little Korean lady sure knew what she was doing! So I came away from the class knowing what Bi Bim Bop is (sushi rice topped with all sorts of steamed and marinated veggies, some kind of marinated meat, a drizzle of spicy sauce, all topped off with a fried egg). I also came away with a new yummy recipe and a realization of why I always make the same meals over and over: TIME! Throughout my class, I kept thinking, "Man, this is taking for freak'n ever to make and she's an expert!"

So I came home to a husband half asleep watching tv in bed. We talked about our days for a bit and then he was out. He works so hard and is so tired all the time. I think I'll make him some Bi Bim Bop tonight...

...That's what she said! he he....

Christian's Birthday Bash...

We celebrated Christian's birthday on Saturday. It was a nice little family affair: No hype, no friends, no fancy cake - just us. It was nice. Birthdays are a big deal to me. I totally plan some fancy theme party, order a fancy cake, buy fancy decorations, hand make fancy invitations - you name it. I do this because I figure I'll only be able to do this for them for a few years before they're "too cool" for it. We started the day with a trip to Toys "R" Us so that Mom, JD and Camryn could pick out some fun presents for Christian. Christian has been enjoying his wooden train set, so I loaded up on Thomas the Train and Imaginarium train accessories. My attention drifted down the aisle to the Geo-Trax set up. Whoa...pretty cool I must say. Anyway, I dumped my original idea for the new and improved one. During Christian's nap, I set up the decorations and baked a cake. Dad brought home sandwiches, we all put on the appropriate party gear (old Scooby-Do party hats from JD's 3rd birthday party) and the party was underway.


Before you witness my masterpiece of a cake, I must warn you.....many women have tried to be as fabulous a cake decorator as your's truly, but have failed miserably. I know you're going to be knocking down my door for a lesson in cake fabulocity, but my skills will be too much for the average seeker. Anyway, check this baby out. I call it the "Dirty Dum-Dum Cake"

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Nice, huh?

This cake was all about what Mom had in the pantry (chocolate cake mix, cream cheese frosting - homemade of course - and oreo's). I had to add the Dum-Dum suckers because they are Christian's favorite treat in the world (I always have one in my purse for emergencies!) The kids didn't really get into the "Dirty Dum-Dum Cake" or the freezer burned ice cream - they just liked the Dum-Dums! At one point, Christian packed 3 in his mouth.



The kids had fun opening their presents. Yes, I said "their" presents. We have a tradition of having the birthday sibling (a.k.a Mama) buy the other siblings a present to avoid any jealousy. It usually works out nicely (except when the present is some cheap plasticized China product - like what JD got - and it breaks. More on that below). We set up the GeoTrax city 'o trains and JD and Camryn had a great time. Christian soon got the hang of the remote controller and had a great time. As you can see by the picture, the Geo city is taking up the last of our free space in the house - it was going to happen sooner or later. I'm not exactly sure where I'm going to store all of this new stuff - maybe in our bathtub.


Anyway, I have to brag a bit before I quit for tonight. So I mentioned earlier about JD's cheap toy that broke. Well, it was a floor air hockey table and the air wasn't flowing up through the holes (kind of an important part as far as air hockey tables go). JD, in expected JD style, cried and said he wanted to trade the junkie toy in for something new. I said, "Sorry babe, but Mama bought it on clearance after Christmas so you just need to push the disc around with your finger." I thought that was funny. He didn't. After a long night of playing GeoTrax, I was determined to fix the China toy. I was like a freak'n mechanic - I took it entirely apart, fixed the problem, put it back together and impressed the heck out my 7 year old! We played a game of air hockey after that. Rock'n awesome Mom - 1, whiny little man - 0.


Man, I set out to write a sentence or two about our little party, and then all of that happened!


Until next time...

Just for fun...

So I realize that I just put forth a whole lot of effort for two little clips, but I thought they were cute. I wanted to learn how to upload a video onto my blog. I realize that these clips won't make it into my soon-to-be blog book, but I have a feeling some of you will enjoy them.


In a previous post, I mentioned the kids having a "moment" at night. This is one of the many moments that keeps replaying itself night after night...

It doesn't seem to get old...

I'm going to show this to the kids when they're teanagers - they'll need to see that they used to love each other!




Since it's Chistian's birthday tomorrow, I looked for a clip that showcased my main man. When JD would leave for the bus in the morning, Christian didn't want his bro to leave him so he'd promptly chase him each and every morning. Most mornings were like this one. Christian loved wearing his sister's "clicky" shoes. It didn't seem to bother him that it was the middle of January in Michigan (brrr...). You'll notice that Camryn is decked out in her "Belle" dress at 8:30 in the morning eating string cheese...doesn't it feel good knowing you're a better mom than I?

These are a few of our favorite things...

Well, since this is our official family journal/history/scrapbook,
I thought it would be kinda fun to add a list of our
favorite things every so often.

Favorite Dinner when Dad is either on call or moonlighting:
such is the case tonight

JD + Camryn + Christian + 2 cans of Chicken Noodle Soup + 4 pieces of buttered toast = a big mess for Mom to clean up and 3 very happy kids. Mom usually gets the leftovers.

Favorite Date Night Activity for Mom & Dad:
We have a little rountine going on lately - Mom picks up the babysitter and some poison food from Mc D's for the kiddlins. I check the time because with the going rate of babysitters these days, every minute counts! We usually hook up with some friends and head to a fun ethnic restaurant. One thing is for sure...Joel and I LOVE good Indian, Thai, Italian, Mexican, Cuban (thanks for the intro Aisa), and Chinese.

Favorite Music around these parts:
When the kids need some tunes to dance or play to, there are 3 albums I reach for:

Sky the Mozart Album (spunky versions of his classics)

Handel's Water Music

Vivaldi's Four Seasons.

Oh, I almost forgot...I love to play the Baby Mozart, Beethoven, Galileo etc cds too!

Heather and Music:
O.K, do you have a minute? Oh my goodness, when I find a good song, Mama's in heaven. I love all sorts of music. I have a weakness for the moment when a great songwriter hooks up with a great singer. What's even better is when the singer is the songwriter. I can't possibly list all of my favorite songs and artists, so I'll just throw out a few that I've been listening to lately:

And So it Goes, She's Got a Way, She's Always a Woman by Billy Joel

Damaged by Plumb

Galileo by Indigo Girls - so reminds me of high school

Defying Gravity by Idina Menzel & Kristen Chenoweth (nothing beats their version)

Baby, Now that I've Found You by Alison Krauss

Annie's Song by John Denver

Danny's Song by Kenny Loggins or Anne Murray

Heather's Song by Joel Gardner (yeah right)

Pretty much anything by ABBA (somehow I've memorized all of them - all those road trips as a kid I guess!)

Classic Rock from bands like Boston, Kansas, Queen, Chicago get me going sometimes

Anything from Mozart - heaven's music

Anything from Barbara Bonney - heaven's soprano

In college I had 3 Latina roommates that introduced me to Gloria Estefan's album, Mi Tierra. I love it. They tried to teach me how to dance like a real Latina woman. Some people shouldn't dance in public.

Oh man, this list could go on forever! I haven't even gotten into the songs that pump me up when I'm running on the tredmill...perhaps another "favorites" post.

A Few Favorite Books on the Kiddlin's Bookshelves:
(yes plural, we have many - I'm a sucker for children's books!)

I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa Mccourt

Every last Berenstain Bears book

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Again, I could go on and on...

Heather's Favorite Book of 2007:
It would have to be a tie between Jung Chang's Wild Swans and Lawrence Wright's The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9-11. I couldn't decide, they were so informative and powerful...I'll let Chairman Mao and bin Laden duke it out.

Favorite Movies:
Kids: Tom & Jerry classics, Chip 'n Dale classics and Finding Nemo (the only cartoon we keep in Dad's Suburban)

Mom: When Harry Met Sally (trumps any romantic comedy) and Say Anything (I forgot to add Peter Gabriel's In Your Eyes to my song list above)

Dad: "Does it have Darth Vader in it?"

Anyway, I better quit while I'm ahead. It's getting late and Christian is hacking up a lung next door...it's going to be a long night.

Spotlight of the Month: Christian...

My Birthday Boy!

Christian decided to join our family in March of 2006. We had just bought our house in Erie, PA and I was working myself sick every day trying to fix it up. I was under a lot of stress (we all were) because I knew that we were going to have to move the following year so that Joel could complete his surgical internship year for his ENT residency. You see, Erie was a small enough city that it couldn't support a surgical internship so we were going to have to rent our house out for a year and live in Cleveland, Buffalo or Pittsburgh so Joel could finish. Yuck! I was so stressed. It was about time to think about having #3 and I had this timeline in my head of when it could actually work. The Lord knew I was serious about July being the last possible month to get prego because it finally happened after a few months of trying. I was excited and very nervous about how I was going to handle all of the upcoming changes. I mean we had just moved across the entire country the month before! Luckily, Joel switched fields to Anesthesia, but we were still going to have to move to Michigan in a year.

The pregnancy was difficult: I was sick for about 17 weeks and I was in a lot of pain the last 2 months. Joel broke his foot and had surgery on a Friday and I delivered Christian the following Wednesday. The delivery was miserable (I had no pain medicine and Joel was passed out next to me with enough pain medication for the both of us!). Once Christian was born the inept nurse passed him off with flying colors. Thank goodness there was a shift change because the new nurse noticed he was blue and took immediate control. After a scary first couple of hours, his lungs ended up working just fine.

Considering all of the stress that surrounded this little guy's entry into the world, you'd think he would be a little stinker. He was at first - he had a ton of "man gas" that Joel & I had to work out! For a long time, the only pacifier that calmed him was Mom's pinkie finger.




Now, 2 years later, Christian is such a joy in each of our lives. Once he was old enough to start interacting with JD & Camryn, he brought with him this ability to bring us all together in laughter and joy. I really felt like we were a full-fledged family with his arrival.

Before writing this post, I put the kids to bed and we had a special moment together. I felt bad that Joel couldn't be there (he had just received a page to go back to the hospital - so sad). Anyway, Christian finished his usual "goodnight wrestle" with JD and Camryn, but instead of pulling him off and wisking him to bed, I just kind of let things "happen" and kicked back to observe.

I loved it. JD jumped over to Camryn's bed and they all made a "Christian Sandwich." Christian just did his thing (pushing, smashing, tickling, hitting - you name it), and JD & Camryn ate it up. There was this great feeling of joy between the 3 of them. Things settled down and Christian nestled in with JD on his bed while Camryn and I snuggled together on her bed. We turned out the lights and there was this silence that was magical. We all relaxed together for quite a while before I snatched Christian up & put him in his crib.


That kind of stuff just happens with Christian around.



I love you birthday boy!