They did it!
Yesterday afternoon I received the message that the Cousin Crew is advancing to the finals in the scavenger hunt. We don't know yet where we will go, but I know that the location is secondary. The kids will have a blast simply competing. Talk about a great way to kick off the new year!
Other than the exciting news about advancing to the finals, the day was fairly low key. Scott returned to work and Robby puttered around with some school work. It is hard to get back into the swing of our schedule after a long holiday, and the adjustment is even more difficult because it is the end of a week. I'm thinking about throwing in the towel until Monday, when we will hit the ground running.
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, January 03, 2020
Thursday, January 02, 2020
New Year Fun!
2019 was a difficult year. From being laid off to Timmy's wacky immune system, the year was wrought with anxiety, worries and heartbreak. Excited to turn the calendar and embrace new opportunities, we were happy to put the year in the past. The year was difficult, but we certainly ended it on a happy and jubilant note.
On Tuesday the Cousin Crew donned their 1920's themed outfits and tackled the second phase of our scavenger hunt. We didn't know the details until we arrived at the designated starting location, but it turns out that this hunt was both timed and considerably more difficult than the first round. Four hours was allotted but we learned that the average completion time was around 2 1/2 hours.
The kids worked together beautifully, deciphering the clues and scurrying through the city. We ended up finishing all of our tasks in 1 1/2 hours, with 100% of the questions answered correctly. I was so incredibly proud of them!
The questions and time were factored for 40% of the final score. The remaining 60% is in the hands of the judges, who will view and rate our photos. We were told to be energetic, silly and to demonstrate having fun. I have no idea what our competition did, but I do know that the Cousin Crew had an absolute blast tackling every photo challenge. Right now, we just sit and wait to learn if the kids will progress to the next round. I'll keep you posted.
After the Scavenger Hunt the kids rested before we headed out to the Rock n' Bowl New Year's Eve Party. We had a great time bowling into 2020. I love seeing them all so happy and laughing so authentically. Ringing in the New Year with the Cousin Crew was the perfect way to end the year!
On Tuesday the Cousin Crew donned their 1920's themed outfits and tackled the second phase of our scavenger hunt. We didn't know the details until we arrived at the designated starting location, but it turns out that this hunt was both timed and considerably more difficult than the first round. Four hours was allotted but we learned that the average completion time was around 2 1/2 hours.
The kids worked together beautifully, deciphering the clues and scurrying through the city. We ended up finishing all of our tasks in 1 1/2 hours, with 100% of the questions answered correctly. I was so incredibly proud of them!
The questions and time were factored for 40% of the final score. The remaining 60% is in the hands of the judges, who will view and rate our photos. We were told to be energetic, silly and to demonstrate having fun. I have no idea what our competition did, but I do know that the Cousin Crew had an absolute blast tackling every photo challenge. Right now, we just sit and wait to learn if the kids will progress to the next round. I'll keep you posted.
After the Scavenger Hunt the kids rested before we headed out to the Rock n' Bowl New Year's Eve Party. We had a great time bowling into 2020. I love seeing them all so happy and laughing so authentically. Ringing in the New Year with the Cousin Crew was the perfect way to end the year!
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Hunt Day!
Last night's bout with phantom pain was most unfortunately timed. Of course, there is never a good time to feel agony in my missing limb, but the experience last night was especially taxing. Today I am going to be on my feet all day, running through the city with my Cousin Crew on their scavenger hunt quest. I have to be mobile, and I have to be quick. If I am less than optimal, I will slow their efforts.
Lying in bed last night, watching my limb cramp, contort and then experience the all-to-familiar stinging, I was miserable. Per usual, I have no idea what invited this unwelcome visitor. I helped clean around the house, but I didn't do anything out of the ordinary. Best explanation I could accept was that it sucks and it happens.
I'm trying to drink more coffee to fuel me from my sleepless night. Today will be busy, and I'm hoping for adrenaline and caffeine to carry me to the finish line. The Cousin Crew is ready to tackle the challenge- wish us luck!
Lying in bed last night, watching my limb cramp, contort and then experience the all-to-familiar stinging, I was miserable. Per usual, I have no idea what invited this unwelcome visitor. I helped clean around the house, but I didn't do anything out of the ordinary. Best explanation I could accept was that it sucks and it happens.
I'm trying to drink more coffee to fuel me from my sleepless night. Today will be busy, and I'm hoping for adrenaline and caffeine to carry me to the finish line. The Cousin Crew is ready to tackle the challenge- wish us luck!
Monday, December 30, 2019
Working around the House
Hello from my Mom's house in Pennsylvania.
After a few quiet days at home, decompressing and relaxing after the excitement of Christmas, we packed up and drove to Pennsylvania yesterday afternoon. Robby wanted to spend a few days with his cousins before school resumed, and I promised to help her with some post-holiday projects. Today will be spent working around her house, but tomorrow is all about the Cousin Crew.
In the early summer I took the kids on a scavenger hunt through Harrisburg. I thought that they would have fun, but I never imagined that they would win. I grossly underestimated their competitive spirit! With 30 seconds to spare, we sent our final photo and the Cousin Crew took control of the leader board. The scavenger hunt quickly became the highlight of the summer.
Because they located every item and submitted their photos will silly gusty (another scoring aspect), they advanced to the National Semi-Finals. Tomorrow we are taking to the streets again for the second phase of the competition. Their competitive juices are already flowing, and the Crew is vowing to again control the leader board.
I don't know if they will win, but I can guarantee that they will do their best and have a blast in the process. In the end, that is all that really matters!
After a few quiet days at home, decompressing and relaxing after the excitement of Christmas, we packed up and drove to Pennsylvania yesterday afternoon. Robby wanted to spend a few days with his cousins before school resumed, and I promised to help her with some post-holiday projects. Today will be spent working around her house, but tomorrow is all about the Cousin Crew.
In the early summer I took the kids on a scavenger hunt through Harrisburg. I thought that they would have fun, but I never imagined that they would win. I grossly underestimated their competitive spirit! With 30 seconds to spare, we sent our final photo and the Cousin Crew took control of the leader board. The scavenger hunt quickly became the highlight of the summer.
Because they located every item and submitted their photos will silly gusty (another scoring aspect), they advanced to the National Semi-Finals. Tomorrow we are taking to the streets again for the second phase of the competition. Their competitive juices are already flowing, and the Crew is vowing to again control the leader board.
I don't know if they will win, but I can guarantee that they will do their best and have a blast in the process. In the end, that is all that really matters!
Friday, December 27, 2019
Clean Up
After a busy Christmas day, my previously clean house felt like it was overflowing with dirty dishes, empty cups and assorted trash. Boxes and bits of wrapping paper covered my floors and furniture, the result of the enthusiastic unwrapping from some excited kids. I spent the majority of my afternoon yesterday picking up, organizing and reestablishing order to the chaotic living room.
I was hoping to finish, but the I became too tired and lost interest. I realized that I was the only one in the house who was still working. After this revelation I decided that I also deserved a holiday. I'm tired of being the house maid. I sat down and picked up a book, transporting myself away from the chaotic scene with a fantastic story.
Today I will wrangle Scott, Robby and Timmy and involve them in the clean-up. Working together, we should be able to get everything put back in order in record time. Armed with an audio book to drown out the complaining, I'm ready for the challenge.
I was hoping to finish, but the I became too tired and lost interest. I realized that I was the only one in the house who was still working. After this revelation I decided that I also deserved a holiday. I'm tired of being the house maid. I sat down and picked up a book, transporting myself away from the chaotic scene with a fantastic story.
Today I will wrangle Scott, Robby and Timmy and involve them in the clean-up. Working together, we should be able to get everything put back in order in record time. Armed with an audio book to drown out the complaining, I'm ready for the challenge.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Christmas!
Merry (belated) Christmas!
Yesterday was a flurry of activity. From the moment I woke up until I collapsed into bed at night, I was in nonstop motion. I was exhausted, but it was a wonderful day and worth all the effort.
My Mom came down on Christmas Eve to help prep for Santa. To his absolute delight, she slept in Timmy's room. The plan was for her to keep him in bed until morning. (We didn't want him escaping to investigate in the middle of the night.) It turns out that she was needed to coax my scared little Hamlet out from under his covers.
In retrospect, I went overboard with the "you'd better watch your behavior because Santa won't come" approach to behavior management. Timmy was convinced that he was on the naughty list and had resigned himself to receiving no toys. Christmas morning, when my Mom tried to get him to look in the living room, Timmy climbed into the top bunk and pulled the covers over his head. He pleaded with Nana to go to the living room to check to see if there were presents because he was too nervous to look for himself.
After finally being convinced that Santa arrived, he came out to discover his tower of presents. It took him a few moments to get into the spirit, but once he felt confident that the gifts were toys and not coal, he got into the spirit. (Robby's pile wasn't nearly as big, but that is because little kid games cost considerably less than teen toys.)
Timmy's prized present turned out to be his new roller skates, which he wore at every opportunity throughout the day. I don't think it will take him long to get the hang of the skates, and soon he will be whizzing through the house at lightening speed. Robby was overwhelmed by his new electric bike and computer chair. (In all honesty, his electric bike is as much for my benefit as it was for him. I'm looking forward to going on long rides with him.)
My sister, the rest of the Cousin Crew and her boyfriend and his kids all came down for Christmas dinner. It was so much fun having a full house. It was definitely chaotic and busy, but it was the absolute perfect day.
Oh, and there was even a proposal! My sister's boyfriend dropped to one knee while everybody was in the living room. He is a great guy, and I'm very happy for them all.
The Cousin Crew stayed the night, so their giggles and mischief lasted long into the light. I'm glad that they stayed because it offered them the opportunity to decompress and to digest the question of the day. Life is about change, which can be hard for kids. But some things will never change and that includes Aunt Peggy and the Cousin Crew.
This morning everybody is tired but content. From start to end, it was a fantastic day.
Yesterday was a flurry of activity. From the moment I woke up until I collapsed into bed at night, I was in nonstop motion. I was exhausted, but it was a wonderful day and worth all the effort.
My Mom came down on Christmas Eve to help prep for Santa. To his absolute delight, she slept in Timmy's room. The plan was for her to keep him in bed until morning. (We didn't want him escaping to investigate in the middle of the night.) It turns out that she was needed to coax my scared little Hamlet out from under his covers.
In retrospect, I went overboard with the "you'd better watch your behavior because Santa won't come" approach to behavior management. Timmy was convinced that he was on the naughty list and had resigned himself to receiving no toys. Christmas morning, when my Mom tried to get him to look in the living room, Timmy climbed into the top bunk and pulled the covers over his head. He pleaded with Nana to go to the living room to check to see if there were presents because he was too nervous to look for himself.
After finally being convinced that Santa arrived, he came out to discover his tower of presents. It took him a few moments to get into the spirit, but once he felt confident that the gifts were toys and not coal, he got into the spirit. (Robby's pile wasn't nearly as big, but that is because little kid games cost considerably less than teen toys.)
Timmy's prized present turned out to be his new roller skates, which he wore at every opportunity throughout the day. I don't think it will take him long to get the hang of the skates, and soon he will be whizzing through the house at lightening speed. Robby was overwhelmed by his new electric bike and computer chair. (In all honesty, his electric bike is as much for my benefit as it was for him. I'm looking forward to going on long rides with him.)
My sister, the rest of the Cousin Crew and her boyfriend and his kids all came down for Christmas dinner. It was so much fun having a full house. It was definitely chaotic and busy, but it was the absolute perfect day.
Oh, and there was even a proposal! My sister's boyfriend dropped to one knee while everybody was in the living room. He is a great guy, and I'm very happy for them all.
The Cousin Crew stayed the night, so their giggles and mischief lasted long into the light. I'm glad that they stayed because it offered them the opportunity to decompress and to digest the question of the day. Life is about change, which can be hard for kids. But some things will never change and that includes Aunt Peggy and the Cousin Crew.
This morning everybody is tired but content. From start to end, it was a fantastic day.
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Christmas Eve Prep
Merry Christmas Eve!!
Yesterday our house was busting with excitement. As Scott kept the boys occupied with an energetic X Box tournament in the living room, I was downstairs working some Christmas magic. I assembled, wrapped and stashed all of the gifts in preparation for tonight's big delivery.
Assembling and wrapping is different since Mr. Bill moved away, and I missed his company as I was tangled up in torn paper and tape. I miss going to his house at night to wrap gifts. He would turn up his Greek music and regale me with stories of his boyhood Christmases. He always told me that I bought too much for the boys.
Each year he would sit with a sly smile and tell me about his strongest memory. He had coveted a toy gun that he saw in a small store window. All he wanted was the little cowboy pop gun. Instead of the gun he unwrapped a toy bow and arrow. Trying to accept it gracefully, he pulled back the arrow and let it fly. It flew right through his Mom's screen door, ripping a giant hole. His dad took the arrow and he never saw it again. He always looked sad during this part of the story as he would sigh and mutter, "That was all the Christmas I had that year. 30 seconds with a bow I didn't want. I never did get the popgun."
That story always made me sad, but I also realized that for some reason he needed to revisit that memory each year. He would quickly shake it off and start singing his music at the top of his lungs. I hate wrapping, but it was always more fun with Mr. Bill.
Yesterday our house was busting with excitement. As Scott kept the boys occupied with an energetic X Box tournament in the living room, I was downstairs working some Christmas magic. I assembled, wrapped and stashed all of the gifts in preparation for tonight's big delivery.
Assembling and wrapping is different since Mr. Bill moved away, and I missed his company as I was tangled up in torn paper and tape. I miss going to his house at night to wrap gifts. He would turn up his Greek music and regale me with stories of his boyhood Christmases. He always told me that I bought too much for the boys.
Each year he would sit with a sly smile and tell me about his strongest memory. He had coveted a toy gun that he saw in a small store window. All he wanted was the little cowboy pop gun. Instead of the gun he unwrapped a toy bow and arrow. Trying to accept it gracefully, he pulled back the arrow and let it fly. It flew right through his Mom's screen door, ripping a giant hole. His dad took the arrow and he never saw it again. He always looked sad during this part of the story as he would sigh and mutter, "That was all the Christmas I had that year. 30 seconds with a bow I didn't want. I never did get the popgun."
That story always made me sad, but I also realized that for some reason he needed to revisit that memory each year. He would quickly shake it off and start singing his music at the top of his lungs. I hate wrapping, but it was always more fun with Mr. Bill.
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