After 51 weeks of counting down, the weekend has finally arrived. This morning we are heading back in time to the World War II weekend in Reading, PA. We (mainly Robby) refuse to allow the dreary weather to impact our weekend. World War II weekend has become a highlight of Robby's year, and there was no doubt that we would attend again this year.
After years of begging, today his cousins are able to attend. Although they aren't quite the military history fans, they are excited by proxy. Robby will have a blast showing them around his favorite stomping grounds, enlightening them with historical trivia throughout the day. Even if it rains, it should be a fantastic day!
I reserved our hotel room back in December, planning which I appreciate because they are now sold out. I'll post more this evening, with pictures. But for now I'm logging off and heading back to the 1930's.
About Me
- Peggy
- I am a below knee amputee. More importantly, I am also Mommy to two boys, a very active 10 year old (Robby) and an mischievous toddler (Timmy). I have learned that being a parent with a disability can create some unusual and sometimes humorous situations. This blogger is available for hire! Let's talk and learn how a blog can expand your business.
Friday, June 01, 2018
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Walk of Shame (again)
My schedule was wonky on Tuesday. Typically I drop off Robby at school and then I drive to work with Abby. Timmy is accustomed to coming with me to work and is comfortable with our schedule. Because Abby's Mom had an appointment, our session was rescheduled for later in the afternoon. I found myself with a few hours on my hands and decided to make the best of it.
We headed to Toddler Time at SkyZone, which is one of his favorite activities. Timmy loved bouncing and playing on the trampolines. After two hours we were both sweaty and hungry. With another hour to kill before it was time to see Abby, we headed to Chick Fil A.
Timmy didn't miss a beat and immediately took off his shoes and headed into the playground while I ordered our food. I chose a booth next to the playground and settled in until it was time to go. Every once in awhile Timmy emerged, just long enough to grab a fry or a sip of water, before heading back into the plastic tubes and slides. He was having a blast climbing and playing with new "buddies."
After 45 minutes it was time to go work with Abby. I provided him a warning five minutes beforehand with the hopes that our departure would be expected and easier to handle. Unfortunately my good intentions only served to provide him with advanced notice and an opportunity to hatch an escape plan. He dove deeper into the tube maze, positioning himself out of reach.
When I told him that it was time he leave, he gleefully replied, “No.” I repeated my instruction with a firmer voice only to receive squeals of laughter in response. I was not amused by his refusal!
I surveyed the situation, hoping to locate a way to grab him so that we could leave. He had chosen his location wisely and was completely out of my reach. It was going to take a herculean effort for me to climb through the structure to retrieve him, and I worried about both the weight limit of the tubes and the width of their openings. Visions of my bum becoming wedged in the tubes came flashing through my mind as I weighed my options. Imagining the headlines "One Legged Plump Woman Stuck at Chick Fil A" was enough to keep me from climbing after him.
Timmy wasn't listening and was settled into an unreachable section of the structure. A little playmate heard me demanding that Timmy come down and, unbeknownst to me, decided to bring help. Before I knew it, two police officers were standing next to me as I was yelling at plastic tubes in a Chick Fil A playground. (Apparently they were eating lunch at the same restaurant.)
Unfortunately Timmy has limited exposure to police officers (something that we plan to remedy after this enlightening situation) and refused to listen to their directives as well. I was humiliated by his behavior! One officer began to climb the structure when Timmy scurried to the other side of the play structure. The other officer began to climb up the slide, essentially flanking him from both sides. Realizing that he was caught, Timmy finally slid down the slide.
I was mortified by his behavior. I thanked the officers for their assistance, grabbed Timmy and headed out on the "walk of shame" through the restaurant. So much for having a fun day. My efforts resulted in my public humiliation necessitating law enforcement, and we were still late for Abby. It is going to be a long time before we go back to any playgrounds!
We headed to Toddler Time at SkyZone, which is one of his favorite activities. Timmy loved bouncing and playing on the trampolines. After two hours we were both sweaty and hungry. With another hour to kill before it was time to see Abby, we headed to Chick Fil A.
Timmy didn't miss a beat and immediately took off his shoes and headed into the playground while I ordered our food. I chose a booth next to the playground and settled in until it was time to go. Every once in awhile Timmy emerged, just long enough to grab a fry or a sip of water, before heading back into the plastic tubes and slides. He was having a blast climbing and playing with new "buddies."
After 45 minutes it was time to go work with Abby. I provided him a warning five minutes beforehand with the hopes that our departure would be expected and easier to handle. Unfortunately my good intentions only served to provide him with advanced notice and an opportunity to hatch an escape plan. He dove deeper into the tube maze, positioning himself out of reach.
When I told him that it was time he leave, he gleefully replied, “No.” I repeated my instruction with a firmer voice only to receive squeals of laughter in response. I was not amused by his refusal!
I surveyed the situation, hoping to locate a way to grab him so that we could leave. He had chosen his location wisely and was completely out of my reach. It was going to take a herculean effort for me to climb through the structure to retrieve him, and I worried about both the weight limit of the tubes and the width of their openings. Visions of my bum becoming wedged in the tubes came flashing through my mind as I weighed my options. Imagining the headlines "One Legged Plump Woman Stuck at Chick Fil A" was enough to keep me from climbing after him.
Timmy wasn't listening and was settled into an unreachable section of the structure. A little playmate heard me demanding that Timmy come down and, unbeknownst to me, decided to bring help. Before I knew it, two police officers were standing next to me as I was yelling at plastic tubes in a Chick Fil A playground. (Apparently they were eating lunch at the same restaurant.)
Unfortunately Timmy has limited exposure to police officers (something that we plan to remedy after this enlightening situation) and refused to listen to their directives as well. I was humiliated by his behavior! One officer began to climb the structure when Timmy scurried to the other side of the play structure. The other officer began to climb up the slide, essentially flanking him from both sides. Realizing that he was caught, Timmy finally slid down the slide.
I was mortified by his behavior. I thanked the officers for their assistance, grabbed Timmy and headed out on the "walk of shame" through the restaurant. So much for having a fun day. My efforts resulted in my public humiliation necessitating law enforcement, and we were still late for Abby. It is going to be a long time before we go back to any playgrounds!
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
12 Years Old!
Dear Robby,
Twelve years ago today I became a Mom. I will never forget holding you for the very first time. I felt clueless and woefully unprepared to the journey ahead. Even though I didn't know how to be a Mom, I knew that you had stolen my heart and that my life would never be the same.
Happy Birthday to my sweet, funny, talented and empathetic 12-year-old. I can't believe that we are now on the footsteps to adolescence. I look into your eyes and I still see the curious little boy that used to love to play Pirates and dig for worms. Now you are almost as tall as me, seemingly changing over night.
Growing up is not easy. I can see you struggling between wanting to be mature while part of you still yearns to be a little kid. Every stage is unique and special. Please don't spend your time wishing to be somewhere else because you will look back one day and realize that you missed out on this special time.
Robby, you are such a unique soul. You are the first to bring a smile to somebody who looks sad, and the first to help a stranger in need. Dad and I couldn't be prouder of the young man that is emerging before our eyes.
I hope that you enjoy your special day. We love you the sun, the moon and all the stars in the sky. I am so proud to be your Mom, and I'm looking forward to what the next year reveals.
Happy Birthday Koopa!
Twelve years ago today I became a Mom. I will never forget holding you for the very first time. I felt clueless and woefully unprepared to the journey ahead. Even though I didn't know how to be a Mom, I knew that you had stolen my heart and that my life would never be the same.
Happy Birthday to my sweet, funny, talented and empathetic 12-year-old. I can't believe that we are now on the footsteps to adolescence. I look into your eyes and I still see the curious little boy that used to love to play Pirates and dig for worms. Now you are almost as tall as me, seemingly changing over night.
Growing up is not easy. I can see you struggling between wanting to be mature while part of you still yearns to be a little kid. Every stage is unique and special. Please don't spend your time wishing to be somewhere else because you will look back one day and realize that you missed out on this special time.
Robby, you are such a unique soul. You are the first to bring a smile to somebody who looks sad, and the first to help a stranger in need. Dad and I couldn't be prouder of the young man that is emerging before our eyes.
I hope that you enjoy your special day. We love you the sun, the moon and all the stars in the sky. I am so proud to be your Mom, and I'm looking forward to what the next year reveals.
Happy Birthday Koopa!
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Craft Fair Tradition
We had a laid back and relaxing Memorial Day weekend. On Friday the boys and I (minus Scott) headed to PA to visit with my Mom for a few days. In an effort to miss holiday traffic, our visit was brief so we could leave on Sunday. Even though we were only there for two days, we managed to fit in a lot of activities!
Saturday morning we went to the craft fair along the river in Harrisburg. My Mom and I started this tradition more than 25 years ago and since that time we have only missed a few. We started going to the craft fair when I was just 16 years old and an emerging Junior in high school. Now I am a Mom to a tween and a preschooler, but our craft fair tradition remains.
Robby now anticipates the craft fair with the same excitement as my Mom and I. He looks forward to scouring the tented artisan stands seeking unusual treasures- usually a turtle. We now have a new turtle sculpture welcoming visitors at the end of our driveway. Constructed from cake pans and spoons, our happy little Koopa is the perfect addition to our yard.
This year Timmy even got into the action by spying a wooden train. The look of sheer delight on his face left little doubt that the choo-choo was destined for our home. His new train is now a prized possession and already logged a lot of miles on our floor.
After the craft fair my sister "borrowed" Timmy for the evening. While Robby, my Mom and I went to an auction, she took him to Hershey Park. From the photos she shared, he had an absolute blast! His little cheeks must have hurt from smiling so broadly.
Sunday morning I helped my Mom with a few household projects before heading home. We didn't do anything grand for the remainder of the holiday weekend, but it was nice to simply relax. I feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle the week ahead!
Saturday morning we went to the craft fair along the river in Harrisburg. My Mom and I started this tradition more than 25 years ago and since that time we have only missed a few. We started going to the craft fair when I was just 16 years old and an emerging Junior in high school. Now I am a Mom to a tween and a preschooler, but our craft fair tradition remains.
Robby now anticipates the craft fair with the same excitement as my Mom and I. He looks forward to scouring the tented artisan stands seeking unusual treasures- usually a turtle. We now have a new turtle sculpture welcoming visitors at the end of our driveway. Constructed from cake pans and spoons, our happy little Koopa is the perfect addition to our yard.
This year Timmy even got into the action by spying a wooden train. The look of sheer delight on his face left little doubt that the choo-choo was destined for our home. His new train is now a prized possession and already logged a lot of miles on our floor.
After the craft fair my sister "borrowed" Timmy for the evening. While Robby, my Mom and I went to an auction, she took him to Hershey Park. From the photos she shared, he had an absolute blast! His little cheeks must have hurt from smiling so broadly.
Sunday morning I helped my Mom with a few household projects before heading home. We didn't do anything grand for the remainder of the holiday weekend, but it was nice to simply relax. I feel rejuvenated and ready to tackle the week ahead!
Friday, May 25, 2018
Happy Weekend
Happy Summertime!
The sun is shining, the soggy mess is drying up and the temperatures are rising. I am a happy lady to finally be able to play outside again. I feel begin to feel both anxious and depressed when I am cooped up for too long.
Yesterday Timmy and I headed to our farm to spend the day playing and picking strawberries. My little mud puppy could not have been happier running around under the warm sun. The ground was riddled with puddles, which only added to his delight. He is definitely an outdoor adventurer kid.
Today I am packing up the boys and headed to visit my Mom for a few days. I'm looking forward to a few days of unwinding with her. I plan on coming home on Sunday, both to miss the traffic and so that we can go to our pool the first day it opens.
Happy Memorial DayWeekend!
The sun is shining, the soggy mess is drying up and the temperatures are rising. I am a happy lady to finally be able to play outside again. I feel begin to feel both anxious and depressed when I am cooped up for too long.
Yesterday Timmy and I headed to our farm to spend the day playing and picking strawberries. My little mud puppy could not have been happier running around under the warm sun. The ground was riddled with puddles, which only added to his delight. He is definitely an outdoor adventurer kid.
Today I am packing up the boys and headed to visit my Mom for a few days. I'm looking forward to a few days of unwinding with her. I plan on coming home on Sunday, both to miss the traffic and so that we can go to our pool the first day it opens.
Happy Memorial DayWeekend!
Thursday, May 24, 2018
My Little Avenger
My little Timmy uses his words sparingly. There are days when I have full blown conversations with him while at other times he chooses to answer with single words or by signing. He also intermixes his own words and sounds that he has assigned to specific events or places. Most people don't understand his invented language, but I know exactly what is being conveyed.
A few days ago we were at Open Bounce at a local moon bounce facility. Timmy loves jumping, sliding and running around with new friends. I appreciate that for a mere $5 he is occupied and happy for three hours, allowing me an opportunity to relax a little and tap into the free wi-fi. It is amazing how much work I can knock out during these precious moments of quiet!
After bouncing bouncing with some new little friends for about two hours, some bigger kids (meaning seven) arrived. Timmy continued hopping and playing with the ball with his friends, but soon his pint sized bouncers quickly started to leave the bounce house. I overheard the little jumpers relay the story of the big kids stealing their balls and pushing them down. I immediately set down my computer and walked over to check on Timmy.
I saw Timmy running around the moon bounce holding onto a ball, with a bigger kid chasing him. (My little jumper is fast, but apparently a seven year old can catch him quicker than me.) I watched as the child tried to grab Timmy's ball out of his hands. Timmy had a death grip on the ball, refusing to let go. Timmy was knocked down, and the ball was pried from his clutches.
I was ready to go Mama Bear on the situation, but Timmy beat me to it. He quickly stood up, walked right over to the ball thief, and looked the bully-in-training directly in the eyes. Without missing a beat, and as clear as can be, he said "no you a$$hole" before grabbing his ball and leaving the bouncer.
The older kid ran out of the bounce house right after Timmy, running over to his Mom to report that "the little kid" just called him a bad word. I gave Timmy a fist bump, put on his shoes and headed to Chick-fil-A to play in a new playground. While I'm not delighted with his word choice, I am extremely proud that he isn't afraid to stand up for himself and happy to know that his words can be clear when motivated.
A few days ago we were at Open Bounce at a local moon bounce facility. Timmy loves jumping, sliding and running around with new friends. I appreciate that for a mere $5 he is occupied and happy for three hours, allowing me an opportunity to relax a little and tap into the free wi-fi. It is amazing how much work I can knock out during these precious moments of quiet!
After bouncing bouncing with some new little friends for about two hours, some bigger kids (meaning seven) arrived. Timmy continued hopping and playing with the ball with his friends, but soon his pint sized bouncers quickly started to leave the bounce house. I overheard the little jumpers relay the story of the big kids stealing their balls and pushing them down. I immediately set down my computer and walked over to check on Timmy.
I saw Timmy running around the moon bounce holding onto a ball, with a bigger kid chasing him. (My little jumper is fast, but apparently a seven year old can catch him quicker than me.) I watched as the child tried to grab Timmy's ball out of his hands. Timmy had a death grip on the ball, refusing to let go. Timmy was knocked down, and the ball was pried from his clutches.
I was ready to go Mama Bear on the situation, but Timmy beat me to it. He quickly stood up, walked right over to the ball thief, and looked the bully-in-training directly in the eyes. Without missing a beat, and as clear as can be, he said "no you a$$hole" before grabbing his ball and leaving the bouncer.
The older kid ran out of the bounce house right after Timmy, running over to his Mom to report that "the little kid" just called him a bad word. I gave Timmy a fist bump, put on his shoes and headed to Chick-fil-A to play in a new playground. While I'm not delighted with his word choice, I am extremely proud that he isn't afraid to stand up for himself and happy to know that his words can be clear when motivated.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Rotting in the Rain
Well our good weather streak broke after one day. Yesterday the skies opened up and buckets of unwanted water poured from the skies. En route to taking Robby to his PE class, I had to pull over because our wipers couldn't keep up with the rainfall. Usually rains that intense are fleeting. This one stayed for nearly 40 minutes, flooding every mud puddle and ditch in the area.
I am beyond frustrated with the constant rain. Although no precipitation is in the forecast today, it will be a swampy mess as the temperatures work to dry everything out. The smelly swamp is nearly as bad as the dreary rain!
Not only is our bad weather is wreaking havoc on both my yard and my mood, but it is destroying the local strawberry crop. My favorite strawberry farm is struggling to keep the berries from rotting in the field. At this point I'm just surrendering May to bad weather and looking forward to drier and sunnier days. Unfortunately June will be too late for the delicious berries.
If it dries out enough this afternoon, maybe Timmy and I will help save some berries from a rotting demise. Before we pick berries we will head to our favorite toddler playground for a few hours. He is my energetic social butterfly, eager to make friends and play wherever he goes. Hopefully I won't be the only Mom with this idea and Timmy can have a playmate. I hope that playing hard for a few hours will help expend the destructive energy that tends to build up when we are forced to play inside.
I am beyond frustrated with the constant rain. Although no precipitation is in the forecast today, it will be a swampy mess as the temperatures work to dry everything out. The smelly swamp is nearly as bad as the dreary rain!
Not only is our bad weather is wreaking havoc on both my yard and my mood, but it is destroying the local strawberry crop. My favorite strawberry farm is struggling to keep the berries from rotting in the field. At this point I'm just surrendering May to bad weather and looking forward to drier and sunnier days. Unfortunately June will be too late for the delicious berries.
If it dries out enough this afternoon, maybe Timmy and I will help save some berries from a rotting demise. Before we pick berries we will head to our favorite toddler playground for a few hours. He is my energetic social butterfly, eager to make friends and play wherever he goes. Hopefully I won't be the only Mom with this idea and Timmy can have a playmate. I hope that playing hard for a few hours will help expend the destructive energy that tends to build up when we are forced to play inside.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)