KA-CHIIIIIING!
What? What was that?
That was the sound of an axe swinging down onto the chopping block. And that would be my job sitting ON the chopping block.
Last Friday, I joined the throngs of folks laid off due to the ugly economic conditions. Not that I ever felt my job was untouchable, but as a part-timer, hourly, no-benefits employee, I did figure I was a bit further down the list. Apparently not.
I spent a good chunk of Sunday afternoon hunched over the computer, trolling for jobs on the Internet. Found a few and applied for them, but have no idea what or who I am up against. In the meantime, I do have a healthy amount of freelance work to keep me busy – although the pay cut will require some major adjustments on the home front. I’m not sure how the kids are going to feel about giving up lunch for a while … oh, I kid.
Since my main responsibilities have now shifted squarely into co-running the household with Jeff, I resigned myself yesterday to doing just that. Donning the “stay-at-home mom” cap once again (although now there are three more children in the mix) felt great yesterday. I made breakfast biscuit sandwiches yesterday, which appeared to be a hit. I cleaned, straightened … got Bobby fed and napping a few times … finished making a fleece IU blanket for Sam (7) and still had time to hop on the computer a few times to check email and see if the business world was crumbling without me. It wasn’t.
With the “Mom” feather tucked firmly in my cap again, I set my sights on today. I woke with a start at 8:20, after having been up with Bobby around 6. Kate had an orthodontist appointment at 8:30. Uh-oh. First assignment for Tuesday? FAIL. Got the appointment rescheduled for later. Now we’ll see if I remember THAT appointment, and the boys’ checkups at the pediatrician later this afternoon.
Having time to really hang out with the family is the definite silver lining on this cloud of corporate/business unemployment. Technically, I still own my own freelance writing business, which is obviously off hiatus now. But not having a daily desk job is already giving me little treasures. Last night, during a time which used to be reserved for attending to household stuff and getting ready for the bedtime routine… I walked out to get the mail. Sam joined me, and we had a lovely walk. On the way back, we did something we’ve never done together before: catching fireflies.
And no matter what, whether you’re employed or not, catching fireflies with a child makes everything OK.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Happy Birthday, Jeff and James!
Photo taken 07.15.08 -- James, Jeff (a.k.a., "the birthday boys")Dear Jeff--
Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband! :)
We have often joked about how last year's birthday played out. And the need for THIS year to make up for things. (Backstory: We had one day to pack up and move the entire contents of my house, and bring them to Jeff's. One day. On which it was about 150 degrees. And we discovered that morning I was pregnant. This was an unexpected discovery.)
I think back to the hectic pace of that hot day in July and wonder how we ever made it through. The photo of you and James that night at dinner speaks volumes. James seems relaxed and happy. You? I can see the effort you're making to appear festive.
Well, 365 days have passed, and this morning I saw happiness on your face. True happiness, joy and love as I wished you a happy birthday with a kiss, and as you sat on the bed watching Bobby sit up by himself for the first time. I am blessed not only by having you in my life as my best friend and love, but also watching you be a great father to the "yours/mine/ours" group we call our children. You are a wonderful example to the kids through action and words. The active role you play in their lives as a father, teacher and role model is one of the most endearing qualities I see in you. Days may come and go without them saying it, but I know each of them love you and respect you more than mere words can express.
As a husband, I couldn't ask for a more outstanding partner in life. Someone with whom I share so many similarities, yet someone who continually shares new things. We live, laugh and love together, and have formed a family that I couldn't be more proud of. Our first meeting -- "falling in love at a coffee shop," -- to our most romantic wedding on Captiva Island and the birth of our son... these memories and all the million others in between are framed with the image of you smiling at me with such true, honest love. I thank God each and every day for bringing our paths together; grateful for every minute we spend together. I look forward with genuine love and anticipation at spending the rest of our lives together. Neither of us know for sure what the future holds -- there will be ups and downs, good times and stressful times... but I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, you and I will face everything together, with more love in our hearts than was there the day before. And there is nothing -- no person or event -- that will break the incredible bond you and I share. Ever. It just grows stronger and stronger each day.
You are the love of my life, Jeffrey, and I hope you have a very happy birthday.
Love, Rebecca
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Trading Up: DC for MLB
Inspired this morning by Lindy's blog, I have my own transition to deal with. This one at the hands of two "9-but-soon-to-be-10-year-olds," Jack and Charlie.
You may have read the earlier post about their extreme love of "the game" (a.k.a., baseball). This isn't a simple, passing crush. They started playing at age 2, and I have buckled up for the bumpy ride to the major leagues. (Because, naturally, that's what they aspire to be when they grow up.)
However, it wasn't long ago when I could look into the den and smile when I saw the boys lounging, limbs draped all over the sofa, watching their "counterparts" Zach and Cody on the Disney Channel. I think they related to this show more than the average kid, simply because of the identical twin thing. I never realized how much they related to them until once when discussing haircuts, Charlie said he wanted his hair to look like Zach and Cody's.
Now? The Disney-fest has been cast aside in favor of MLB -- and lots of it.
For those of you who aren't aware, we're in the middle of the All-Star break. Yeah, I didn't know either. But yesterday evening, I walked next door to ask one of the boys something, and was stunned at the sight before me. There, in their garage (a.k.a., "man cave") was Jack, Charlie, Tebo (the neighbor) and Sam. The boys were seated on a bench seat from their van, watching the wall-mounted television. On the screen, major league players were taking turns at cranking out home runs. The floor was covered with popcorn. Jack, wearing a batting helmet, greeted me with a rundown of which players had been up, and how they fared. Now, instead of hearing the names Zach and Cody, I hear Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. (Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers won the Homerun Derby, by the way. Go forth and impress with this nugget of knowledge.)
Could these possibly be my children? My boys, who used to sit and watch not only Zach and Cody's crazy pre-teen antics, but "Cory in the House" and (my personal favorite) "Phil of the Future"? Yes, they've officially started growing up. Where have I been?
Later in the evening, the boys hit the "Back 40" for one last game. (The "Back 40" is a huge common area between our homes and the clubhouse/pool area -- perfect for boys to get a pick-up game of baseball going.) Jeff and I were outside, finishing some yard work. As the the last bit of daylight faded, there was a particularly heated play. And I distinctly heard the phrase, "What the hell, Charlie?!" leap from Jack's lips. Soon after, as he sat with me on the patio and we discussed the error of his ways, his gaze would wander over to the rest of the boys, still pitching and batting. I had the chance to take a good, long look at his face for a minute. I searched for even the smallest glimpse of his "baby face" -- you know,... when you look at a little kid and you can kind of still see what he/she looked like as a toddler or pre-schooler. There was none. Nothing. My son's features have changed to that of a boy about to turn 10, just three short years from being an official teenager. Three. Short. Years.
I guess it's no wonder they've traded in their Disney Channel-watching days for ESPN Sportscenter and any MLB game they can find on the menu. So, while Lindy bids farewell to NickJr. and enters the magic land of Hannah Montana and the Disney Channel, I am passing the torch to her. At least with Hannah Montana, there's music and fashion. My future? There's a whole lotta dirt, sweat and jock straps.
You may have read the earlier post about their extreme love of "the game" (a.k.a., baseball). This isn't a simple, passing crush. They started playing at age 2, and I have buckled up for the bumpy ride to the major leagues. (Because, naturally, that's what they aspire to be when they grow up.)
However, it wasn't long ago when I could look into the den and smile when I saw the boys lounging, limbs draped all over the sofa, watching their "counterparts" Zach and Cody on the Disney Channel. I think they related to this show more than the average kid, simply because of the identical twin thing. I never realized how much they related to them until once when discussing haircuts, Charlie said he wanted his hair to look like Zach and Cody's.
Now? The Disney-fest has been cast aside in favor of MLB -- and lots of it.
For those of you who aren't aware, we're in the middle of the All-Star break. Yeah, I didn't know either. But yesterday evening, I walked next door to ask one of the boys something, and was stunned at the sight before me. There, in their garage (a.k.a., "man cave") was Jack, Charlie, Tebo (the neighbor) and Sam. The boys were seated on a bench seat from their van, watching the wall-mounted television. On the screen, major league players were taking turns at cranking out home runs. The floor was covered with popcorn. Jack, wearing a batting helmet, greeted me with a rundown of which players had been up, and how they fared. Now, instead of hearing the names Zach and Cody, I hear Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. (Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers won the Homerun Derby, by the way. Go forth and impress with this nugget of knowledge.)
Could these possibly be my children? My boys, who used to sit and watch not only Zach and Cody's crazy pre-teen antics, but "Cory in the House" and (my personal favorite) "Phil of the Future"? Yes, they've officially started growing up. Where have I been?
Later in the evening, the boys hit the "Back 40" for one last game. (The "Back 40" is a huge common area between our homes and the clubhouse/pool area -- perfect for boys to get a pick-up game of baseball going.) Jeff and I were outside, finishing some yard work. As the the last bit of daylight faded, there was a particularly heated play. And I distinctly heard the phrase, "What the hell, Charlie?!" leap from Jack's lips. Soon after, as he sat with me on the patio and we discussed the error of his ways, his gaze would wander over to the rest of the boys, still pitching and batting. I had the chance to take a good, long look at his face for a minute. I searched for even the smallest glimpse of his "baby face" -- you know,... when you look at a little kid and you can kind of still see what he/she looked like as a toddler or pre-schooler. There was none. Nothing. My son's features have changed to that of a boy about to turn 10, just three short years from being an official teenager. Three. Short. Years.
I guess it's no wonder they've traded in their Disney Channel-watching days for ESPN Sportscenter and any MLB game they can find on the menu. So, while Lindy bids farewell to NickJr. and enters the magic land of Hannah Montana and the Disney Channel, I am passing the torch to her. At least with Hannah Montana, there's music and fashion. My future? There's a whole lotta dirt, sweat and jock straps.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Grumpy-butt, Grumpy-butt... why are you so grumpy?
I wish I had a video of this to share. But I don’t. Although if I did, I swear we’d be strolling away with the $100,000 grand prize on America’s Funniest Home Videos.
Wednesday: Jeff had a particularly rough day with Bobby. The child just screamed all day – no major illness or injury, just a little CBS – “Crabby Baby Syndrome.” By the time I got home from work that afternoon, I found Jeff sitting on the bed with a (finally) sleeping baby in his arms. We whispered our conversation, so as not to wake Bobby. As we spoke, I saw Bobby’s eyes open. Wide. Staring up at Jeff. I motioned for Jeff to look down at him, and as God is my witness… the moment Jeff looked at Bobby, that little stinker snapped his eyes shut.
So, Jeff turns back to me and we start whispering again. Bobby’s eyes open again. Wide. Staring at Jeff. He looked down at Bobby, again, at which point Bobby quickly closed his eyes. Again.
This happened one or two more times, and by the last time Jeff and I were laughing so hard, Bobby just gave up and kept his eyes open. (Thank goodness he sensed our amusement, and joined us with smiles and giggles.)
If Bobby’s little trick is any indication of the years ahead, we’re in big trouble.
Wednesday: Jeff had a particularly rough day with Bobby. The child just screamed all day – no major illness or injury, just a little CBS – “Crabby Baby Syndrome.” By the time I got home from work that afternoon, I found Jeff sitting on the bed with a (finally) sleeping baby in his arms. We whispered our conversation, so as not to wake Bobby. As we spoke, I saw Bobby’s eyes open. Wide. Staring up at Jeff. I motioned for Jeff to look down at him, and as God is my witness… the moment Jeff looked at Bobby, that little stinker snapped his eyes shut.
So, Jeff turns back to me and we start whispering again. Bobby’s eyes open again. Wide. Staring at Jeff. He looked down at Bobby, again, at which point Bobby quickly closed his eyes. Again.
This happened one or two more times, and by the last time Jeff and I were laughing so hard, Bobby just gave up and kept his eyes open. (Thank goodness he sensed our amusement, and joined us with smiles and giggles.)
If Bobby’s little trick is any indication of the years ahead, we’re in big trouble.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Yesterday, leaving the dentist's office...
Jack: Hey, Mom... You know that Farrah Fawcett lady?
Me: Yes
Jack: When she was in the '70s, she was HOT!
Me: ?!
That's what I get for leaving two soon-to-be-10-year-olds to read magazines in the waiting room. When I went in for MY appointment, they were all about the ESPN Magazine and Sports Illustrated. Sometime in the following 20-30 minutes, they found People and Us Weekly. Nice.
Jack: Hey, Mom... You know that Farrah Fawcett lady?
Me: Yes
Jack: When she was in the '70s, she was HOT!
Me: ?!
That's what I get for leaving two soon-to-be-10-year-olds to read magazines in the waiting room. When I went in for MY appointment, they were all about the ESPN Magazine and Sports Illustrated. Sometime in the following 20-30 minutes, they found People and Us Weekly. Nice.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Oooohhh... ahhhhhhh
Highlights from the inaugural Cameron Fireworks Spectacular,
brought to you by The Cameron Brothers.
Never before have I seen two adult males so giddy with anticipation as Jeff and his brother James last week. When we stopped by James and Jenny's house mid-week, the two of them retreated to the garage to gaze upon the vast pyrotechnic paraphernalia. I'm sure there was giggling involved.
When Jeff and Tyler went over Friday afternoon to help with some party prep, the anticipation was too much and they lit a couple of things. From what I was told, the explosion was so loud and unanticipated, they nearly peed themselves laughing.
Friday night arrived, and it might just as well have been Christmas morning for them. They spent the better part of two hours in the garage preparing the great display. They lit the first fuse at 10pm -- family and friends (and random neighbors) were dazzled beyond belief for nearly an hour.
But... you know all those big-money fireworks displays you see, with explosions creating multi-colored sparkles in the night sky? Know what you DON'T see? The freakin' shredded paper carnage that ends up in the fall-out zone. And Saturday, James and Jenny's house (and their neighbor's!) was the fallout zone. I hadn't realized how much clean up there would be... until hearing about it after the fact. So, a HUGE apology goes out to James and Jenny for our absence in the clean-up process. Next year, we're so there.
And before you get the wrong impression that we're a bunch of midwest rednecks with nothing better to do than set off explosives to celebrate a national holiday (see prior post), let me assure you we're NOT. Extreme safety was priority number one from the first sparkler to the grand finale. It's just that everyone has "their holiday," whether it's going all-out decorating for Christmas or Halloween, cooking at Thanksgiving or hiding more colored Easter eggs than should be allowed by law. The 4th of July just happens to be the Cameron boys' holiday of choice.
And no one can mix it up with educated political debates and explosives like they can.
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