Peter vs. Nicole

I just thought I'd tell you about my Saturday night . . . a good one, but notice the contrast in my day, and a typical day for Pete this past week.

Me first . . . I took my 3 kids and my nephews John and Keith swimming at Cottonwood Heights. We got pizza for dinner, and the kids played in the yard until dark. Mitch, Madeline and Keith dug a big hole and played with rocks.

Tyler and John created some game where they each rode a different vehicle, John the Big Wheel, Tyler a Green Plastic motorcycle, and they battled with orange cones worn on one arm . . . hilarious, or as Tyler says "he yar e us!"


Now Pete and Jake, on the other hand, have been fishing and viewing whales all week in Alaska. Notice how close the whales are to their little fishing boat. Apparently, between my boys and Brian and Spencer, we will have 32 halibut and 6 salmon . . . 232 pounds worth of fish. It's a good thing I like seafood. They will also bring home amazing memories of a once in a lifetime experience! How cool is that?


Mostly I'm just glad Pete and Jake are coming home!

Stereotypes

I've found myself thinking a lot about our need to define ourselves or others through stereotypes. This line of thought was brought on by McCain's choice for running mate, Sarah Palin. Like me, she is a mother who cares about her children and her country. In other ways, I admire her achievements, her exercise habits, her desire to put herself in the line of fire and get involved in government and making a difference in her community. I think it was a brilliant move by McCain, but it's also caused me to reflect on how we tend to be classified by generalizations, when often there is much more to us than meets the eye.

For instance, in high school I danced on the drill team and was a cheerleader. I remember fondly being nicknamed "the Chap who's not a Chap." Our drill team was the Chaparrals, or the Chaps for short. In many ways I was like the other Chaps; I loved to dance and perform. But I liked maintaining my old friendships, I wasn't interested in being on a drill team clique. I made wonderful friends through dance, but I like having variety in my life and in my friendships. I remember being questioned about my morals (yes, some thought I was a slut just because I made drill team) when in actuality I had very little experience in relationships and all that kissing stuff. Although there may have been a few girls with loose morals, I think there was many more who were good girls. And the other thing is, what if some of the girls were a little loose? They also had a lot of other good qualities besides. And why is it that if you have a desire to be on the drill team, then you must automatically be loose?

I don't quite understand this need to label or categorize individuals. I understand that in making a stand on an issue, you align yourself with others who feel like you do. By saying, perhaps, that you're a homemaker, you can connect and relate to other homemakers or skiers or quilters or whatever. All to often though, we make decisions before we really know someone, and that label becomes a negative.

Perhaps I dislike labels because I don't like being categorized. Maybe I'll change my mind and no longer want to be a scrap-booker, instead I'll run or bike. Or maybe I just like that life has so many options, why be restricted by trying to define myself to narrowly. I mean, how do we really get to know people? I am an enigma unto myself, how could anyone else possibly have a good chance at defining me when I can barely do that myself? I don't think that's a negative, I like experiencing life and wondering what new challenges might be coming my way. Oh no! Maybe by not wanting to be stereotyped, I've fit myself into a new stereotype--the nonconforming one! Oh well, now people have a better idea of the way my thoughts get twisted in my mind. What do you think?

Madeline's First Day of School

Okay, it's official.  I have 3 children in all day school.  Tyler and I got a lot accomplished at home--it may be the first time my house has been clean all summer.  Madeline had a great day.  When I asked what her favorite part of the day was, she said she couldn't remember.  After more persistent questioning, she said her teacher was really awesome.  Mitch escorted her safely home on the bus, so all's good!

Mitchell's First Day of School

Today was Mitchell's first day of school--the big 2nd grader.  He wanted to spike his hair and chose his own clothes--boys are so great that way--tee-shirt and shorts (Madeline's a whole other story).  Since Jake is in Alaska with Pete for the week, Mitch is on his own.  Makes me a bit nervous.  He's gotten dependent on Jake for help in getting on and off the bus.  Once when Jake was sick last year, Mitch got off on the wrong stop and got disoriented and lost.  Scary!  But I think it's good for him to gain a little independence, then tomorrow he can play big brother to Madeline on the bus.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he had a great day and that his teacher was nice.

Madeline met her 1st grade teacher today and I'm sure she'll be a great!  I really liked her teacher, Mrs. Lloyd.  When we were walking into the school, there were huge black clouds a bit south of the school.  While we were in the school, they made an announcement that there was a grass fire and that the air quality was very poor.  No kidding . . . we could smell the smoke in the school and when we walked outside, ashes were falling to the ground.  I drove an errand further into Sandy to see if I could see where the fire was, but the smell of smoke was giving me a headache, so we came home.  When we got in the house, you could still smell a faint smell of smoke on our clothing.  I'm curious to watch the news tonight and see what caused the fire.  It looked like it was  near a suburban neighborhood, I hope it doesn't do too much damage.

While we were driving, I also found out that my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer, a down note to an otherwise nice day.  They did a surgery Thursday, but apparently didn't get all of the cancer, so they are doing another surgery this Thursday.  I hope she'll be all right!  While we were in Michigan, she had not been very well, but has had such improvement the last couple of years.  It's hard to have grandparents and parents getting older.  That's another disease to add to my family medical history . . . diabetes, heart disease, and now breast cancer.  Unfortunate, but good to know!

I also thought I'd add a blip about Pete and Jake in Alaska.  They left Friday and don't return until next Sunday for a fishing trip in Alaska.  They are staying in a remote lodge near Juneau, so they don't have cell phone coverage.  (It's times like this when I realize how much I take Pete for granted.  It's nice to have a best friend you can talk to about everything, makes me miss him.  I find myself wanting to talk to him about my grandma, but instead I'll blog about it).  The first two days, they stayed in Juneau and took a 10 hour boat tour of a glacier.  Jake was so excited about the trip, a whale swam next to the boat (I'm jealous, I love whales), the captain let him and Spencer ride up front with him, but didn't appreciate all of their talking, and huge chunks of ice fell in the water and shattered into thousands of pieces.  I don't think Jake has ever had so much to say on the phone!  It's nice to hear his enthusiasm about such an amazing experience.  Pete said the scenery is spectacular--granite mountains rising thousands of feet right out of the ocean.  He said it has also rained the entire time, misty rain, but rain none the less.  I am excited for them, but also jealous.  I have always wanted to go to Alaska--maybe next time Mitch and I can go on a mother/son fishing trip to Alaska!  Anyone want to join us?

*Update on Mitch:  He made it home safely on the bus and said, "Second grade is awesome!"  Sounds like a good start to the year.

Back to school already!

Is it really already time to go back to school?  Where did the summer go?  We've already begun soccer and football, we're meeting teachers on Friday, and today we did back to school shopping.  Mitch starts on Monday, Madeline on Tuesday, and Jake starts a week later since he'll be in Alaska the first week of school.  I can't believe that I'll have 3 of my kids in all day school and only Tyler at home, although, he's still 3 years away from starting kindergarten.  What'll I do with all that time?  I can think of lots I should do, like organize my drawers and closets, clean the basement, catch up on laundry.  What I feel like doing is getting a pedicure, some highlights, maybe a little shopping, actually the possibilities are endless!  How nice.

The kids and I hit the Park City outlets today to buy some school clothes.  Interesting that how they choose clothing is so like their personalities.  Jake only liked sports themed t-shirts (2) and I had to talk him into buying jeans.  Mitch was nice and polite as always, very appreciative of being allowed to choose his own clothes--his faves are long sleeved t-shirts and jeans.  Madeline is my little fashion diva--she already has strong opinions of what she likes, so it's fun to go together and reach a compromise.  Every year she ends up with the most, because I have a hard time sticking to my own rules.  For instance, on the way up the canyon, I said they could each only get 3 to 4 outfits and we'd hit Target for the essentials.  When it comes to choosing between cute girl clothes, I end up saying, "Oh, let's just get them both."  Not good, I know. Tyler, thankfully, was asleep in the stroller, or none of the above could have occurred.

Anyhow, as much as I love back to school and the fall season, I can't help but wonder how the years keep flying by . . . my kids are growing up too fast! 

I think tomorrow will be haircut day, since my eldest and youngest have become hippies this summer! 

Childhood and Good Books

I've been sitting out in my backyard, on a warm summer day, reading one of my favorite books, "I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith, and watching my kids and niece and nephews play in the backyard.  Madeline and Burkeley, are singing "How Do I Know He Loves Me" from Enchanted, and basically acting out some dramatic story from their imaginations.  At one point, they were running across the lawn, when Burkeley dramatically dropped to the ground and said, "Save yourself, go on without me!"  To which, of course, Madeline ran back to save her.  The two-year olds, Tyler and Gabe, are wandering about, playing on the swing set and exploring.  Takes me back to my own childhood--riding bikes around the neighbor, making up beam

 routines on the brick wall (I represented all sorts of gymnasts in a competition, I'd bobble for some girls, and someone would totally nail the routine, it was sweet), using our swing set as  a gymnastics high bar.  How great to be a kid and use your imagination!  How nice to be content wandering around a back yard playing and singing.

It reminds of a great quote from my book . . . "When I read a book, I put in all the imagination that I can, so that it is almost like writing the book as well as reading it-or rather, it is like living it.  It makes reading so much more exciting, but I don't suppose many people try to do it." (Cassandra, Chapt. 3, pg. 26).  Maybe that's why I like to read so much, it's my link to childhood.  I can look like an adult, possibly even a smart adult, reading a book, but no one realizes that in my mind, I'm in the ruins of a castle in Suffolk, England during the 1920's, seeing life through Cassandra's eyes.  It's a nice escape from the everyday events of life.  Although, I have to admit, watching my kids, that if I were to go outside and break into song, they might not mind my joining in their games . . . Oops!  I was interrupted to save Gabe's foot from underneath the Big Wheel.  Now all the kids are coming in the house because "There are sharks out there!"  I guess I missed my chance to join them (or even observe, it's very entertaining)! 

*Classic Tyler quote of the week: Sitting in the carseat, playing with his toes, Tyler asks "How do we get in our skin?  Do we open our toe and climb in? . . . Is that how the spiders get under our skin?"  Tyler also thinks that spiders eat our scabs off, gross, I know.

One of those days!

It's nice to have an online journal to record those days that you could do without . . . today, and probably yesterday would be days I'd probably strike from my calendar!  I was rushing around this morning, asking where to find Glycerin (no one knew), trying to get 75 water balloons blown up and super bubble mix made for a Primary water party, when I hear Madeline scream, "Tyler fell and he's totally bleeding."  So I rush downstairs to find Tyler laid out on the hardwoods, screaming, his mouth full of blood.  He had fallen off a bar-stool flat on his face and bit his tongue in the process.  So I soaked a rag with cold water, trying to see how bad the injury was, and called Pete to see what I should do (one of the benefits of being married to a physician).  Pete said tongues heal quickly and there was nothing they could do in the E.R. unless it was hanging more than half way off.  Thank goodness that was NOT the case, so instead, I continued to have him suck on the wet rag, and ran to find the Tylenol.  I had to make all the necessary calls to cover my jobs at the party, and then hoped Ty would stop crying and hurting so much.  Kids are amazing--in 30 minutes, just enough time for the Tylenol to kick in, he was playing and singing in his room.  Unfortunately, he has hardly eaten today since it really hurts with this deep cut on his tongue.  Poor kid.

I have to say though, upon reflection, that even bad days, like yesterday when a certain friend of mine told me for the second time that she just couldn't be friends with me anymore, have there positive moments.  For instance, Tyler is humming the Rocky Theme in the background as he plays Zingo, and Jake and Madeline were actually laughing and playing on the trampoline together.  Another plus, Madeline decided she really wanted to wash my car today.  How adorable to watch Madeline and Tyler, soaping down my mini-van.  So even on a day when it would be nice to crawl back under the covers, I'm thankful for the little things that continue to make me happy. 

P.S.  Did I mention that chaos sets in soon again at the Fisher household?  Jake is already practicing football 5 times  a week and Mitch starts soccer tonight.  

New York, New York!

Pete and I had another fabulous weekend together, this time in New York City.  We flew out Saturday morning, only hold-up being the hour and a half wait for our luggage at JFK Airport (most disorganized airport ever).  We taxied to our hotel, the Marriott Marquee in the middle of Time Square.  We had a great room on the 21st floor overlooking the Hudson River.  Once settled in, we walked the 40 blocks to the Central Park outdoor amphitheater to see our friend Will star in the musical "Hair", a wild and crazy 1960's show.  The cast had amazing energy, and co-mingled with the audience, finishing with members of the audience being asked to dance on the stage.  Very fun, and surprisingly touching during the second half.  Afterwards we went to dinner in the city that never sleeps.  It's always amazing to me how many people are out after midnight in New York.  Way to rock Will!  

The next morning we bought matinee tickets to "In  the Heights" and lunched at a charming Irish Pub/Restaurant with live Jazz music.  We did some shopping for our kids and then saw "In the Heights", probably the best show I've seen in years.  It's combines rap and amazing dance, with a great story line about family and finding home.  Once again, I was surprised at how emotionally touching the show was, for both Pete and myself.  We had to head back to the hotel to chill out for awhile because we were both bawling.  Anyway, if you're headed to NYC, you've got to see "In the Heights".  

We pulled ourselves together in time to hit dinner at Famiglio's Pizza and then saw Mama Mia, another upbeat and fun show, featuring tunes from ABBA.  Nothing like a three day weekend with 3 broadway shows!  My favorite thing to do in New York.  We had cheese cake at Juniors and then tried to hit the arcade for a Mrs. Pacman tournament, but got there just as BB's closed.

Our last day, we slept in, catching up on much needed sleep, then headed to the American Girl store, for Madeline, and um, me!  I know you shouldn't live vicariously through your children, but how else can I justify playing with dolls at my age!  We then headed to Norma's at Le Parker Meridian for lunch with Will.  We had this awesome cheesy french toast and Huevos Rancheros to split.  Norma's is a fun spot, a little on the pricey side, but worth it for the great food.  The Meridian also has this great hamburger joint, a total hole in the wall, hidden behind a big velvet curtain in this glamorous hotel.  I like that kind of juxtaposition!

Only downside to our trip was our plane flight delayed over 3 hours.  We were anxious to get home to our kids and relieve my kind family who watched them while we were gone.  Oh well, we're home now and looking forward to a week spent with my sister Misty and her family.

No pictures of me!

I've noticed after viewing many of my cute friends' blogs that there is an absence of photos of myself on my blog page.  This is no mistake.  I really enjoy seeing great pictures of my friends, and I love posting photos of my husband and adorable children.  I don't enjoy seeing myself in photos.  I will remind you all that I use to be a pretty cute girl, no beauty, but cute, and I had a decent figure.  Having four kids  has not been kind to my shape, although I sporadically try to exercise and eat healthy, I haven't had the best of luck at regaining my figure.  Anyhow, this has been a sore spot for me, but it reminds me of a funny story of moving back here, so here goes . . . 

I had taken my 4 children plus my niece and nephew to Alta Canyon to swim.  I was my typical sun-bathing self, no make-up, hair in a pony tail, looking my all natural self.  That's when I spotted this stunning beauty of a Barbie Doll type girl across the pool, carrying a baby and with a darling blond girl trailing behind.  I thought to myself, "I am just never going to be like that or look like that, and I really don't have any friends like that."  Well, this polka-dot clad, high-heel wearing lady, kept walking my way, with a smile on her face, although it took her being right next to me before I recognized her as wife of the guy who happened to be my first kiss.  Yes, my first, albeit weird, wish I could forget about it, kiss.  She was very nice, not the stereo-typical personality of her look at all.  We had a nice, brief conversation, where I forgot to think about my less than fabulous appearance.  

So it was on the way out of the pool that I was reminded once again, how time has not been nice to me.  I was waiting for one of the kids to use the bathroom, so I was standing in the pool entrance, and I kept glimpsing a man staring at me from the couch.  For a moment, I was flattered, until I realized that he looked familiar to me too.  So we were kind of staring each other down, without trying to be too obvious about it, when he said, "Are you Nicole Fountaine?", and I said, "so you are ____________" (I will leave it blank, to protect his identity).  Then he proceeds to tell me how I look so different, he would never have recognized me!  Yeah, so much for being flattered.  (I know the "different" is not positive, because I happen to know this individual had a crush on me at one point in high school).  Anyhow, we had a nice conversation, where once again, I had to get over myself.

I mention these stories, because when I don't see myself on camera and I actually have the opportunity to talk to people, I really enjoy catching up with old friends.  I can almost start to picture myself in a kind-of Amanda Bynes meets Christy Brinkley type look.  But, because it has been so fun to see friends on their blog pages, I've decided I need to "get over myself" again, and give myself some more face time on the blog.  I hope some of you recognize me! 

Seattle Get-a-way!

Pete and I just returned from a fun weekend in Seattle.  Pete was teaching a conference and I followed along.  We were able to spend a lot of time with our friends, the Brooks', shopping and site-seeing.  Marinda and I spent Friday at the mall, getting pedicures and shoe shopping (I got a haircut too, since when am I by myself with the time to get one).  That evening we had a fabulous dinner at a very posh restaurant with incredible views of the sound.  They also served a volcano cake that they lit on fire, very entertaining.  The next day I slept in, then we lunched at the Crab Pot, a fun restaurant where they tie a bib around your neck, give you a cutting board, mallet and small fork, lay some paper on your table and dump out a variety of steamed seafood.  So good, although, pulling off the shrimp heads, eyes and all, was a little unappetizing.

We then headed to Pike's Market where we saw the fish being thrown, and did some shopping.  Afterwards, we hopped in the car for a drive to Bellevue, then to see UW football stadium and surrounding town and lakes.  Early evening, we hit the Space Needle, and then had dinner at a great restaurant, Palisades, with spectacular views of the Seattle skyline at night.  It's always fun to get away with just Pete and I . . . this weekend we're headed to New York City!

Today I had a fun visit from Heather Wimmer and kids, a good friend of mine from Michigan.  It's only been a few years, but it's amazing to see how our kids have grown.  We'll have to return the visit in Kansas City sometime.  Tonight I'm expecting another good friend from Michigan, Andrea Richards.  Sometimes it's nice to live in Salt Lake, so that when people visit their families, we get to see them too!

Project update (since it seems like I always have one):  Madeline's room is just about done.  We switched the kids rooms around, complete with new paint jobs.  Maddy now has pink walls, one wall with wide green stripes.  I also just finished making slip-covers for her new bed.  I'll take a picture and post it once her chandlier and curtains are up.  It's looking good.