My little place on the web recently went through a minor face lift. Thanks to my friend Catherine for lending her calligraphy skills to my header.
Need some fancy handwriting for envelopes, place cards or general miscellany? Check out her stuff here. She is super creative and can guide you through any custom project. So far I have enlisted her help for baptism invites, wedding posters and the blog header. I almost wish she didn't do this, I can tell it's going to be trouble.
Everything is better with calligraphy.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Squirrel Sleepover
Last night I slept with a squirrel.
This is what Fisher thinks about that:
My husband has lots of passions- trading natural gas, trilogy novels, monitoring the price of gold, being a "hard core conservative" bordering on libertarian, the 80's in general, champions league soccer and . . . small fluffy animals.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
When we lived in NYC I gave Nick a hamster for his birthday. He really loved Mr. Jengals. So much so that we took him to an emergency 24 hour NYC vet when he appeared sick. We left the vet 2 hours later, without a hamster and $250 poorer. Apparently Wheat Thins aren't good for small rodents- we gave him diabetes. Before putting the hamster to sleep, Nick seriously suggested I give him insulin shots each day. I reminded him that Mr. Jengals was a hamster.
FAST FORWARD TO LAST NIGHT
Nick calls to inform me that a baby black squirrel is riding shotgun in his Equinox. Seriously. Before I know it Nick is in our kitchen feeding said squirrel Organic Similac baby formula through Fisher's Tylenol syringe. At this point, I remind him that this baby black squirrel is in fact, well a squirrel and not too kindly suggest we return him to the wild. We do.
But on the way back from dinner, something tugs on my heart amplified by three glasses of beer Nick made me drink to "relax". I hate beer. I (Nick) know(s) the squirrel won't make it though the night and suggest(s) we swing by and pick him up on the way home.
Nick spends the rest of the night wrapping the squirrel in hot dishtowels and feeding him through the syringe. I spend the rest of the night throwing the dishtowels in the washing machine and disinfecting everything the squirrel touches. I crawl into bed thinking I have seen the last of the squirrel, when Nick enters our bedroom with a handcrafted squirrel cage. He insists the squirrel sleep in our room so he can "monitor" him. I'll let you imagine my protests. I also remind him that we have a human baby that he can "monitor" if he feels the need to get up in the middle of night to check on a living creature.
Despite Nick's best efforts I woke up the next morning to a dead squirrel in my bedroom. Gross.
We had big plans for a proper burial in the front yard. But it was raining, cold and trash day. While Nick was at work I quietly put the shoebox coffin out with the rest of our weekly black bags. Not a glamorous resting place, but I like to think Nick made the little guys last hours quite comfortable. No thanks to me.
This is what Fisher thinks about that:
My husband has lots of passions- trading natural gas, trilogy novels, monitoring the price of gold, being a "hard core conservative" bordering on libertarian, the 80's in general, champions league soccer and . . . small fluffy animals.
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| President Reagan, combining Nick's love of the 80's, free markets and conservative politics |
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
When we lived in NYC I gave Nick a hamster for his birthday. He really loved Mr. Jengals. So much so that we took him to an emergency 24 hour NYC vet when he appeared sick. We left the vet 2 hours later, without a hamster and $250 poorer. Apparently Wheat Thins aren't good for small rodents- we gave him diabetes. Before putting the hamster to sleep, Nick seriously suggested I give him insulin shots each day. I reminded him that Mr. Jengals was a hamster.
FAST FORWARD TO LAST NIGHT
Nick calls to inform me that a baby black squirrel is riding shotgun in his Equinox. Seriously. Before I know it Nick is in our kitchen feeding said squirrel Organic Similac baby formula through Fisher's Tylenol syringe. At this point, I remind him that this baby black squirrel is in fact, well a squirrel and not too kindly suggest we return him to the wild. We do.
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| The squirrel enjoys a gourmet final meal, there are readers among you who will never use a dishtowel in my house again. |
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| The squirrel takes a chauffeured ride back to an evergreen tree courtesy of Fisher's stroller cup holder. I mean really? |
But on the way back from dinner, something tugs on my heart amplified by three glasses of beer Nick made me drink to "relax". I hate beer. I (Nick) know(s) the squirrel won't make it though the night and suggest(s) we swing by and pick him up on the way home.
Nick spends the rest of the night wrapping the squirrel in hot dishtowels and feeding him through the syringe. I spend the rest of the night throwing the dishtowels in the washing machine and disinfecting everything the squirrel touches. I crawl into bed thinking I have seen the last of the squirrel, when Nick enters our bedroom with a handcrafted squirrel cage. He insists the squirrel sleep in our room so he can "monitor" him. I'll let you imagine my protests. I also remind him that we have a human baby that he can "monitor" if he feels the need to get up in the middle of night to check on a living creature.
Despite Nick's best efforts I woke up the next morning to a dead squirrel in my bedroom. Gross.
We had big plans for a proper burial in the front yard. But it was raining, cold and trash day. While Nick was at work I quietly put the shoebox coffin out with the rest of our weekly black bags. Not a glamorous resting place, but I like to think Nick made the little guys last hours quite comfortable. No thanks to me.
The Paper Monster
Dear Dad,
I hope you didn't want to read this month's Christianity Today.
Paper is for eating not reading.
Love,
Fisher
I hope you didn't want to read this month's Christianity Today.
Paper is for eating not reading.
Love,
Fisher
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Tough Day at the Office
Nick wakes up each morning not knowing what the work day will bring. Yesterday brought fire.
We are thankful everyone is safe AND that the plant didn't go up in flames. Yikes. I wonder if Nick feels bad that he wasn't photographed for the article? For those of you that know Nick, being interviewed by the local newspaper is one of his worst nightmares. He doesn't like any extra publicity.
From today's Grand Haven Tribune:
Scott Moore of Sparta was running the paint line with his 15-person crew about 6 p.m. when he saw smoke coming from some machinery across the aisle at the Spring Lake Township plant.
“We kinda' seen a spark and we seen it smoking,” Moore said. “I said, ‘Guys, shut the line down,’ and told everyone to get out.”
Stanley Watson and Steve Lane said they saw fire shooting out of the machinery up to about 10 feet high. “All of a sudden, the flame come up. It was time to go,” Watson said.
Part-owner Nick Lardo said between 60 and 80 people were working in the building at the time, and everyone safely evacuated. There was intense smoke coming from a turret — which is a housing that collects dust from a laser cutter, Lardo said. The laser cuts metal, and the air system sucks up the dust and stores it. The collector is emptied every week, Lardo said. Lardo said he was not sure how a spark got in there.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire in the collector, and then checked the building and roof for any possible fire extension, said Lt. Scott Smith of the Spring Lake Township Fire Department.
The building was ventilated and firefighters cleared the scene about 7:30 p.m.
Lardo said he believed there was no significant damage from the fire.
Ferrysburg and Crockery firefighters also responded to the scene, as well as North Ottawa Community Hospital paramedics and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department.
We are thankful everyone is safe AND that the plant didn't go up in flames. Yikes. I wonder if Nick feels bad that he wasn't photographed for the article? For those of you that know Nick, being interviewed by the local newspaper is one of his worst nightmares. He doesn't like any extra publicity.
From today's Grand Haven Tribune:
Fire forces plant evacuation
08:21 PM
Apr 25
2012
Apr 25
2012
Spring Lake Township
Firefighters from three departments responded to a call
for help early Wednesday evening at Sintel Inc., 18437 171st Ave. in
Spring Lake Township.Scott Moore of Sparta was running the paint line with his 15-person crew about 6 p.m. when he saw smoke coming from some machinery across the aisle at the Spring Lake Township plant.
“We kinda' seen a spark and we seen it smoking,” Moore said. “I said, ‘Guys, shut the line down,’ and told everyone to get out.”
Stanley Watson and Steve Lane said they saw fire shooting out of the machinery up to about 10 feet high. “All of a sudden, the flame come up. It was time to go,” Watson said.
Part-owner Nick Lardo said between 60 and 80 people were working in the building at the time, and everyone safely evacuated. There was intense smoke coming from a turret — which is a housing that collects dust from a laser cutter, Lardo said. The laser cuts metal, and the air system sucks up the dust and stores it. The collector is emptied every week, Lardo said. Lardo said he was not sure how a spark got in there.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire in the collector, and then checked the building and roof for any possible fire extension, said Lt. Scott Smith of the Spring Lake Township Fire Department.
The building was ventilated and firefighters cleared the scene about 7:30 p.m.
Lardo said he believed there was no significant damage from the fire.
Ferrysburg and Crockery firefighters also responded to the scene, as well as North Ottawa Community Hospital paramedics and the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tulip Time
Fisher and I took an excursion to Tulip Time in Holland, MI today. Can't you tell we had the best time?
During all this child torture I did manage to snap a few lovely shots of the tulips.
And one sort of cute photo of the little man. Seriously I uploaded 86 photos and this was the only one that was semi decent. Better luck next year.
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| "Just take me home already mom- all these pics and these argyle socks are ridiculous"- Fisher |
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| I think my friend Carolyn needs to paint this. . . |
And one sort of cute photo of the little man. Seriously I uploaded 86 photos and this was the only one that was semi decent. Better luck next year.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Easter 2012
Life's pretty good when you tell your father-in-law he needs to put on a better shirt for Easter and he returns in a full cowboy outfit complete with bolo tie, boots and belt.
Life's pretty good when the above mentioned cowboy finds a clever hiding spot for his Grandson's first Easter basket.
Life's pretty good with not one, but two fluffy friends.
Life's definitely good when you take your first family photo since your babies' birth, even if at five months old the baby cares more about his canine bestie than your camera.
Life's good when your little man (and husband) love the Easter basket you handcrafted for him. Even if it's a little too feminine for the long term.
It's a good day when you meet your younger cousin and you promise to be friends forever, or at least your moms promise you'll be friends forever.
It's a great Easter when everyone humors you and participates in an Easter egg hunt. I can't help it I like to start a party with an activity.
It's a great Easter when you get to spend it with family and NOT get on an airplane on Sunday night. One last picture because Fisher wanted to show off his Easter PJs and Sunday outfit.
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| Nothing says Easter like western wear |
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| Can you spy the Easter basket? It took me a little longer to find it than I would like. . . |
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| Lola and Bella partners in crime |
Life's definitely good when you take your first family photo since your babies' birth, even if at five months old the baby cares more about his canine bestie than your camera.
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| Lola you pretty much ruin this photo, which is also why it's great. |
Life's good when your little man (and husband) love the Easter basket you handcrafted for him. Even if it's a little too feminine for the long term.
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| Life's not so good when you lose one of your argyle socks |
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| So what if hobby lobby threw up on Fisher's Easter basket? I like the mossy/craft look . . . sort of. |
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| Proud Grandma's Jann and Jodi with Fisher and Raymond (born Dec. 27) |
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| Fisher loved his cousin, Raymond enjoyed Fisher until he hit him in the face. Fisher wanted to make it clear who was older |
It's a great Easter when you get to spend it with family and NOT get on an airplane on Sunday night. One last picture because Fisher wanted to show off his Easter PJs and Sunday outfit.
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| Lee and Fisher in his night before Easter Pjs |
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| I like being cute |
Friday, April 6, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Great Grandma
Fisher has four living Great Grandmas. This makes me happy every day. What may be equally impressive is he's made it to Ohio, Florida and Connecticut to see them all. Busy baby.
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| Great Grandma Lee, Jann's father's wife. Christmas 2011 |
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| Great Grandma Jane, my namesake and my Grandpa Jack's wife (Fisher's namesake). Notice the signature hand in the air pose. Christmas/NY 2011 |
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| Great Grandma Barbara, Jann's mother. Feb 2012 |
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| Great Grandma Liz, my mom's mother. March 2012 |
The story of winter in Connecticut
In winter the view from our family house in Connecticut looks like this:
Until this trip, my mom and I had never stayed in the cottage in the winter. For almost THIRTY years this (semi-famous) man lived there September-May while he taught music at Yale. He should win an award for best tenant EVER. Besides being a most excellent tenant, he's also a most excellent family friend.
My grandma Liz thinks Willie is the best. But not as good as Fisher. She thinks Fisher is an "angel" and the "best baby of all time". She was borderline obsessed with him, even if she couldn't remember his name or how old he was. That's okay, when you are 94 you are allowed to forget silly things like names and ages. When I'm 94 I'm just hopeful I'll remember to put my pants on in the morning.
Getting dressed was actually difficult this trip as the house was a disaster- we had no hot water half the week. Weze and I worked hard scrubbing, organizing and sorting as we prepare to put the house on the market this Spring. This is obv. devastating to some of us. Mostly me.
We did find time to have some fun.
But mostly we came to see Gram and as always she didn't disappoint. I aspire to be as joyful, kind and fun as her in my old age. I am so happy Fisher has the opportunity to meet her. He's a lucky guy. But I already knew that.
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| Crazy fog! |
Until this trip, my mom and I had never stayed in the cottage in the winter. For almost THIRTY years this (semi-famous) man lived there September-May while he taught music at Yale. He should win an award for best tenant EVER. Besides being a most excellent tenant, he's also a most excellent family friend.
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| Fisher thanks Willie for being so nice to his Great-grandma |
My grandma Liz thinks Willie is the best. But not as good as Fisher. She thinks Fisher is an "angel" and the "best baby of all time". She was borderline obsessed with him, even if she couldn't remember his name or how old he was. That's okay, when you are 94 you are allowed to forget silly things like names and ages. When I'm 94 I'm just hopeful I'll remember to put my pants on in the morning.
Getting dressed was actually difficult this trip as the house was a disaster- we had no hot water half the week. Weze and I worked hard scrubbing, organizing and sorting as we prepare to put the house on the market this Spring. This is obv. devastating to some of us. Mostly me.
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| Weze even cleaned this crusty old ship. I lobbied hard for it to be cleaned in the trash. |
We did find time to have some fun.
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| Aunt Holly came to meet Fishy. Fisher celebrated by throwing up on himself |
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| Fisher loves Connecticut and is devastated to sell the house, he told me. Can't you see his sadness in this photo? |
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| Fisher on the front rock that I can't remember the name of right now. No you are not imagining it, he does wear PJs more than the average bear. What can I say? I'm lazy. |
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| Only 93 years separate these two! |
Pure Michigan
Have you seen the Pure Michigan ads on TV? Apparently they're working. . . and while I am biased I do think Michigan is one of the most underrated states in the union when it comes to natural beauty and outdoor life. We particularly love living close to Lake Michigan and all it has to offer. Many Sundays after church Nick and I pack up Fisher in the carrier and explore the coast. There are miles of hiking trails along the sand dunes within a few minutes of our house. Many Sundays we plan on doing this but end up taking 3 hour naps instead. . .such is life.
These Pictures were taken on a different day than the photograph in the below post, but Fisher really does love his Michigan sweatshirt. Thanks Alison!
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| The beach stretches for miles. . .and miles |
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| Father & son exploration |
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| Fisher hearts the beach . . . well at least I like to think so |
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| Mini man enjoying a mini sand dune |
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| I can't help it that I'm cute |
These Pictures were taken on a different day than the photograph in the below post, but Fisher really does love his Michigan sweatshirt. Thanks Alison!
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