Technologically Challenged

Well, Santa was very generous to me this year. The Griswold Santa (aka Steve) got me a brand spankin' new desktop. And the Ellington Santa (aka Mom and Dad) got me a new camera! I can't wait to use them both to their fullest.

But in the meantime, I'm sitting here cursing Windows Vista and the changes... and this new keyboard that has keys I've never seen before! I've managed to spend about half an hour with the camera - and although I know it'll be easy to use, there's still a lot to learn. So pardon me if there's a lapse in posting... once I get it all figured out, I'll be blogging and photoshopping like nobody's business!

Soy to the world...

I never thought I'd be celebrating the wonders of soy milk... yet here I am, with a fridge full of Silk soy milk (plain and vanilla flavored) - and a sweet little 20 month old who is finally off formula! We got a call from the pediatrician last week that Justin's allergy tests came back as mildly allergic to milk - which is pretty much what I expected. Seeing as our prescription for Nutramigen ran out, and the pediatrician didn't see the need for more formula, I started the change to soy milk. It was a bit rocky at first - I think Justin just wasn't ready for a different flavor in his bottle. But eventually he figured out that if he wanted his "ni-ni" bottle at bedtime, he best take what he gets. As of Tuesday night, he has been 100% on soy milk - and seems to be doing great! He can still have small amounts of dairy products - so a little dish of yogurt or a grilled cheese now and then isn't going to be a problem. When he turns 2 we'll repeat the allergy testing - the pediatrician thinks we should be able to re-introduce milk at that point. Since Justin wants to eat everything and anything that he can find, adding some more options to his diet will be great!

I wanted to take a break from the regularly scheduled programming to be a bit more serious for a moment. I usually try to keep things light-hearted and positive here, but things aren't always what they seem.

For the past few months, I've been fighting a losing battle with depression. I'm not talking the "gee...things are kinda rough right now but it'll get better" depression. I mean the type that makes you feel hopeless, empty. The type where nothing helps you feel better. The type that no one else but you seems to understand. I cannot push forward and hope it goes away - because it's not that easy. I cannot find the root cause for the depression - because it's not that easy. And I cannot hide it anymore - because it's not that easy.

I found myself in a dark place a few weeks ago - darker than I'd ever imagined. Empty and cold and hopeless and numb. I guess that was about as close to hitting "rock bottom" as I'd ever want to get - and since that time, I've tried my damnedest to get better. I've made changes in my life - not just in the daily stuff, but also in my mindset. The struggles I'd been having with Jakers and his behavior have gotten less. I try to end each day reminding myself of the gifts I have. Yet I'm still in a funk. I've got 2 beautiful little boys. I have a husband who works his tail off. I have a warm house, a good car, plenty of food in my cabinets - even 2insane cats to snuggle at the foot of my bed. But this devil called "depression" has made it's way into my head - and seems quite comfortable there.

I guess my point in writing this is to reach out to ya'll - without actually having to come out and say it. I'm not asking for help - I'm asking for understanding. If I've been abesnt in my friendship and communication, it's not because of anything other than myself. No one wants to admit they have any sort of "mental illness" - especially me. So it's been easier for me to just back away into the corner and hide than have to put up a false front, never mind share my mind with others. I hope one day soon to be able to see the sunshine in every day - all the time.

Watch out, Martha!

I just finished a marathon Christmas present making session. I'm so bummed I can't share any pics with ya'll - because the lucky recipients haven't gotten their gifts yet! But there's something so exciting about making your own presents - I guess I never really realized the power of something handmade until I had Jakers and Justin. Justin loves to leave me art on his dinner tray - and just yesterday, Jake came home with a letter he wrote me! In essence, it was nothing but scribbles - but he told me it said "Mommy, you take me to McDonald's for a Happy Meal. I like that." Works for me!

I had started to really dread the holidays - like everyone (it seems), money is pretty tight this year. I had begun to feel so Grinchy. But tonight - after finishing the first phase of "Operation Chocolate Covered Cherry" about 175 times - and after starting some mosaic coasters - and after finishing a set of wine glass charms - I'm starting to see a wee bit of jolly in my days.

I've still got peanut butter cups to make - maybe some lollypops for the kiddies. And some more wine glass charms... and some ornaments... but if I plug away a little each night I should be all set. And the coupons for Michael's and AC Moore and JoAnn that mom keeps sending me don't hurt, either!

New addition!

As if ya'll didn't think I had the potential to be the crazy cat lady, our feline population just doubled. Today, I brought home tiny little Nala. I guess she's about 8 months old - and such a little peanut! We've got some work ahead of us to plump her up and get her to gain some size. Apparently, all she'd been fed was dog food (for the pit bull) and leftover table scraps. But aside from being small, she's a wonderful cat. She seems so loving - so cuddly - and even seems to have the potential to deal with the boys! Dana told me about her on Thanksgiving - apparently his neighbor was moving, and they were afraid she's just leave Nala when she went. I think Steve was in a particularly mushy mood - I barely asked - and he said YES without a fight! She's been hiding for most of the day - but if you came into this house, you'd hide, too! I hope to get some good pics of her when she's a bit more settled.

Happy Thanks-for-giving day!

It seems as if we've finally established our first official Cohoon-family holiday tradition! For the past I'm-not-sure-how-many years, the guys all get together to run the Manchester Road Race - otherwise known as the Turkey Trot. It's a 5 mile race thru downtown Manchester - and although it's not real long, it's pretty hilly (or so I've been told...) In the past, the whole family has headed up to Manchester to drop Steve off, then the kids and I head over to Ellington for the day. This year was a little different. While Steve was up in Manchester running the race in about 50 minutes, I was home roasting a turkey for the VFW in town. They prepare and deliver meals to people in town who can't get out - because EVERYONE deserves turkey on Turkey Day! But once good old Tom was done, I called for pick-up and we hit the road to go to Ellington. I think the worst part of it all was NOT being able to sneak little slices of the bird as it cooked!

But once we arrived in Ellington, our first stop was to meet Miss Rachel Milheiro. The little chubby cheeked princes is already 4 months old, and this is the first time I've met her. (Yes, I'm a bad auntie...) I also got a quick drive-by tour of Paul & Kate's new home. It's BEAUTIFUL! I'm not sure which I like the best - the vaulted ceiling in the bedroom, the jacuzzi tub in the master bath, or the beer fridge in the kitchen... Seeing as we all had places to go, the visit was short - but I'm hoping to get some more time with Rachel and Kate - and SOON - when things are a little less hectic.

Finally, it was off to the parent's place. Jake was so excited to get there, nothing else mattered! Mom turned Dana's old bedroom into the boys' room - complete with toddler bed, tv/dvd/vcr/cable, and mounds of toys - standard fare for a grandparent's home! Jake played legos wihile Justin had fun testing the toddler bed. As we usually try to make it, the meal was nice and relaxed. And oh-so-delicious. Justin ate pretty well - and Jake ate the best he'd ever eaten for Turkey Day! Unfortunately, after the evening feasting was done, Justin got sick - I should have known it was too good to be true! He seemed fine after that - so it was back to relaxing. Jake helped take apart the turkey with Buppa.Once the bird was carved up for leftovers, it was computer time! First, Justin jumped into Dana's lap... ...Then both boys ganged up on Buppa, who was trying to hide playing Hearts!The final activity of the night was an art project of sorts. Jake had picked out this paintable magnet for Buppa's birthday - and the two of them painted it. I didn't get to see the final product, but I can only assume it's interesting. I mean, how can a shark painted blue, green, and purple be BORING?Once the boys were settled in their jammies, we hit the road back home. Lemme tell ya - there's nothing like opening the fridge to see a treasure trove of leftovers... I think the only downfall of the holiday was that it seems as if a tummy bug of some sort made the rounds. So far, I'm the only one that has escaped it - so I'm currently doing all I can in anticipation of getting sick!

Two Little Ghosties

Seeing as we're fast approaching another holiday, I wanted to share the pics of the boys from Halloween. They're supposed to be ghosts, but due to wardrobe limitations and agreeability (or DIS-agreebility) of the subjects, I think they look a wee bit like nuns... Regardless - they still looked cute. And they both had so much fun! The weather was perfect, so we didn't have to fight rain or wind. The biggest battle was keeping the boys from eating all the candy in the wagon before we got home!

The boys on the stairs before we left... notice the thrilled looks on their faces...Jake was much happier once he realized he was getting CANDY!"Trick or Treat, lady!"

Riding in luxury...This is Justin's post-candy hangover face. He managed to break into his candy and ended up devouring 4 mini candy bars in the wagon!

Flickr account...

I just wanted to share that I have created a Flickr account to share my "artistic" photos. I share the pics of the boys here on this blog - but often don't get the chance to share some of the other pics I take. I'm hoping that you'll check this Flickr account from time to time to see my "real" photographs - share your opinions - and enjoy some of my world!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirstenspics/

Halloween Happenings

In the midst of Justin's tummy troubles, Jake's school schedule, and my general nuttiness, we still found time to enjoy some fall fun over the past few weeks. I think the warm days helped us fit in lots of time outside - before the cool days we have now keep us all inside!

We started the fun with a trip to the pumpkin patch at Elm Knoll Farm. It was such a fantastic day! I've always wanted to take the boys to something like that, and they're finally at an age to be able to have fun. We got to see Dana painting faces, although no amount of bribery would get either one of the boys to sit still! After an attempt to engage Jake in enjoying the animals, we stopped for a snack and started wandering the farm. When it was apparent we had seen all there was to see and climbed all there was to climb, Jake picked out a pumpkin and we headed home. Here are a few of the many pics I took that day!

Nana and Jakers as kangaroos. Jake driving a tractor.Justin enjoying a romp through the hay tunnel.The boys goofing off in a playhouse in the Children's area.Justin climbing...as usual...
Jake being Jake in a tree... I was so impressed he actually sat still for me!


As you might expect, there was some cooking involved in the festivities as well. Jake loves to cook with mommy - so I broke out the cookie cutters and we made pumpkin sugar cookies. I was designated the "roller outer guy" while Jake was the "cutter guy" and the "putting on the tray guy". (His exact words!) Once they were cooled I glazed them with a little orange-tinted apple cider icing and Jake topped them off with sprinkles. YUM!


Thanks to my mom, she and I took the boys to a little Halloween party at the Creative Playhouse in Ellington. It was perfect for the boys - a small group of kids, short activities, and lots of spooky fun. It made me wish we lived closer!

Jake had fun making a pumpkin art project.Jake acting out "Itsy Bitsy Spider" (with Nana in the background)
The boys making a spider jump on the parachute. (pardon the red eye - haven't edited yet!)
Last but not least was Halloween - - - stay tuned!

The Pumpkin House!

If you live in Griswold, you know about the Halloween tradition of the Pumpkin House. Up the road from us is a man named Edgar Fontaine. Every year, he puts on a pumpkin display on his house (yes - ON the house) that is unlike anything I've ever seen. I'm not too familiar with the whole history of how it started, but suffice it to say, it's something people come from all over to see. All the pumpkins on display are carved and donated by members of the community - individuals, families, groups, businesses. This year I was finally able to get out during the day to see it - but unfortunately, I can't take very good night pictures. Seeing all those pumpkins lit up is amazing! But every day last week, Jake insisted we drive by the Pumpkin House on the way home from school. I think all those trips actually taught Justin how to say “pumpkin!”

Buttonwoods Farms

Last week was field trip #2 - to Buttonwoods Farms. They have glorious ice cream. If you live in this area - or have traveled through this area - you've heard of Buttonwoods Farms, for 1 of 2 reasons: the ice cream or the sunflowers. Have I mentioned the ice cream? If not, let me mention the ice cream...

Sorry - had to wipe the drool off the keyboard.

Seeing as it's October, we didn't get to enjoy an up-close and personal tour of the sunflowers. Instead, we get to go on a hay ride into the pastures. It was a pretty chilly day - but the sun was out, and it was a gorgeous fall day. Our trip started with a hayride into the pastures. You can see the boys' eyes frozen open! Jake absolutely LOVED the hayride - once he got past the initial bumps and thumps, he was all smiles. After a few minutes behind the tractor, we stopped in the middle of the pasture to feed the cows. The floor of the trailer we were on was covered in green hay - plenty of snacks for the kids to give to the cows. I think they were used to the visitors - as soon as the sounds of the tractor came near, the cows started gathering around us. They came so close to the trailer we could pet them!The kids loved feeding the cows - and were mesmerized by a few of the calves asserting their position with some head-butting. Unfortunately, they seemed the most interested in the "output" of the cows than anything else!

After the hayride, the kids were let loose in a pumpkin patch to select the biggest and best to take home with them. Jake went right to a monster of a pumpkin, while Justin was a bit more deliberate.And it goes without saying - one cannot go to Buttonwoods without getting ice cream. Even on that chilly day, each and every kid had a big old dish or cone in their frozen hands! I let Jake have his pick - he could have had cotton candy, or bubble gum - but he went with good old vanilla. Ate every bite. Except for what landed on his jacket... and his face...and hands... and sleeves...

Jake's first Field Trip!

Last week, I was lucky enough to join Jake and his preschool class on their first field trip of the year. Since the fall foliage is just about peak, his teacher took them on a "hike" of the nature trail behind the Griswold School Complex. I had never been on the trail, so I was excited to see it - and Jake was thrilled that mommy was coming along.

It was a BEAUTIFUL day - warm enough for shorts, but with a cool breeze that made one want a sweatshirt. The sun was so bright, and the sky was perfectly clear. The kids had a great time exploring the forest - Jake's teacher, Miss Lisee, would stop every so often and challenge the kids to find a leaf that matched hers. Each child had a bag to collect leaves and other items they found along the way - the items were then used in an art project (I have yet to see...) It was great for me to see Miss Lisee in action - although I knew she was going to be a great match for Jake, it was refreshing to actually see it for myself.

So here are a few of the pics I managed to snap before my camera batteries died!

Jake proudly displaying his bag o' itemsLooking up into the treesMiss Lisee asking the kids to find a yellow leafFollowing the leader across the bridgeTomorrow we're going to Buttonwoods Farms for a tour - plus a hayride, ice cream treat, and pumpkin picking! It's supposed to be chilly but clear... can't wait!

Spoke too soon!

So remember when I thought Justin's tummy troubles were due to the rotovirus? NOPE. His reflux is back! AHH!! Apparently the trials with milk did a number on him - and irritated his reflux to the point where he's back on meds and special formula. I'm glad that he's FINALLY back to his normal, cantankerous little Pork Chop self, but it really is a bummer that he's back suffering again. I've been lucky enough to get samples of the Nutramigen from the pediatrician - so at least we aren't going broke on that. But the Prevacid tabs aren't cheap, and even though I get the generic, 3 adult-strength Tums every day add up! Since we can't get in to see the GI at CCMC until December, the pediatrician is sending us for allergy testing. Now THAT is going to be fun... NOT!!!!

Revenge of the rotovirus

We've been hit! Well, actually, Justin has been hit. And hit hard. I thought he might have been reacting to the milk that I re-intorduced on Monday - Tuesday morning he started getting sick, and it seemed to be just like the last time I tried milk with him. By Wendnesday, nothing was settling well in his tummy - and when he hadn't been able to keep anything in, I took him to the pediatrician on Thursday. Welcome to the Cohoon house, Mr. Rotovirus!

Well, here we are - Saturday - and our wee Pork Chop seems to have returned to normal. He really wanted to eat today, so I started him off light with some toast and dilluted apple juice. By dinnertime, he was chowing down on apple slices, rice, and some banana! And I'm sure it won't surprise anyone that he was obviously feeling well enough to jump, climb, and bounce his way through the house. I'm interested to see how much he weighs now, since he had already lost a pound as of Thursday. I'm sure it's more by now.

I know this is just the beginning of the lovely cooties to come through the house this season, but I had hoped it would have missed Justin!

Fair Winnings

Every year, I look at the registration book for the Four Town Fair and say, "I'm going to enter my goodies into the contests and see what I get." And every year I get all geared up. And every year, I get busy, the registration deadline passes, and I end up wandering the fair looking at all the prize-winning entries that could have been mine.

Well, this year, I finally entered. I didn't enter as much as I wanted to, but something is better than nothing, right? And I'm so glad I did!

Second Place in quilted wallhangings! This is my "Four Seasons" set - winter, spring, summer, and fall. The quilting is actually the pattern on the backing fabric, which is reflective of the season.

First Place in the snapshot contests: Second Place:Third Place:

I'm really proud of the pictures - I don't have any fancy camera, and I have yet to install Photoshop (so any editing is done right on the camera). I haven't been doing this for long - but to have my first shot at a competition turn out so successful has really energized me!