Monday, July 21, 2008

24 hours of FUN!!!




Friday afternoon I loaded the truck with sleeping bags, whining kids, a tent, and a bike rack. We picked up Sam from work and drove to Winding Trails in Farmington, Ct. We arrived around 2pm had a picnic and hit the beach! For the following 24 hours the fun didn't stop. Sam, Jarom and Jennica played in the water diving for rocks while Jace and I ventured in the pedal boat. At 6:30pm we pitched our tent, enjoyed a BBQ, then spent the evening boating, playing tag, hide -and -seek, and telling stories on the playground. We rolled into our tent around 10:30pm and enjoyed a warm night in the woods. The next morning breakfast was served, we took down our tent, went on a bike ride, then hit the beach again. By 2pm we filled the truck with sleeping bags, HAPPY kids, a tent and a bike rack and returned home a better family than we were the day before.
This was a great program I stumbled upon at the last minuet, surprisingly enough they still had openings. All we had to do was pay $50, provide the tent and they provided all the fun and food!
We'll defiantly do this again!





Monday, July 14, 2008

I Tried!



This is where it all happened. This is where the race began. A race I showed up late to, cheated in, and felt good in the end!

A friend and I drove an hour and a half to participate in the 'Winding Trails Triathlon' but due to TRAFFIC we arrived just as the race began. We didn't let that stop us though. We ran INTO the water just as the others were runinng OUT. I jumped in, fully clothed, with groups of kids, lifegaurds, and families witnessing my desperate attempt to swim 1/4 of a mile. I laughed within at the pity applause that greeted me as I emerged from the water 10 min. after the others!! I had to shake my indignity along with my water loaded clothes and move on to the next challenge. To the spectators we were the two that swam 10 min. SLOWER than the rest of the pack. I was thrilled that I swam 1/4 of a mile in 10min. given the last time I swam was in the St. Geroge Triathlon in Utah last year! It was still a little on the embarassing side to start out 10mins behind everyone else! But hey, I didn't have to deal with the kicks in the face and splashes that come with jumping in the water at gunshot.
As a matter of fact showing up late offered more than I expected. Because the race had already started we weren't able to register, therefore, we didn't get a timing chip or have to pay the fee! We also missed out on the directions reguarding the trail paths. This "little" detail worked to our advantage! Once we managed to get our soggy feet into our shoes we climbed on our bikes and took off. All went well until the blue arrows and the red arrows that had consistantly pointed in the same direction now split up! We paused for a moment and realized we were missing some critical information and pushed ahead following red. After a few minuets we noticed through the trees, on a different path, some bikers. I called out: "Which path is for the biking, red or blue?" The reply was: "red for run, blue for bike." We were obviously on the wrong path. We sloved that problem easily by cutting across the grass and joining them! Now, the question is- How much time did we cheat by doing this??? I still have no clue. But this is where things got intense.
This trail riding was serious adventure stuff! I had a firm grip on my handlebars in fear of being shaken off my bike! The trail was all over the place! Up, down, up, DOWN, over logs, between trees, over bridges, bumps, bumps and many more bumps. I was nervous about my bike falling apart. After 8 miles of this constant pulsation the transation station was a happy site. I hopped off the bike and again started the run down the path with the blue and red arrows together. This time fully aware of their meaning. At this point of the race I could see some (perhaps a lot) of time was made up due to the bike mishap. hehehe
The final event was the 3 mile run. I was happy to see I wasn't alone at this point. Running on trails was very entertaining. I really pushed myself in hopes to make up some more time. In the beginning I could see people ahead of me but once I passed them I seemed to be the only one out there. For about a mile I didn't see anyone. A sudden fear struck me! I totally cheated on the bike and now I'm running at the head of the pack! I am such a CHEATER!!! That's about as long as I dwelt on that and I kept running with a sly smile on my face. I was feeling rather energetic. I soaked up the glory thoughts and pushed my strides. This may be my best run yet! Then it happened... the wall that most out- of -shape -runners hit was just around the corner. That wall didn't effect me at all but appearently it was bruital to a lot of others. I came upon groups of people walking. My vision of kicking butt (thanks to cheating) was kicked to the dirt. I just about choked on my HUGE slice of humble pie as it was made obvious that I am still catching up! I kicked it into gear again and refused to let up on the hills that were coming like waves. I had to resort to "positive" thoughts and even chants at times like the Little Engine That Could. I was puffing away up those hills, passing those big engines that "looked" very capable but didn't have the Little Engine heart. This "positive" self-talk must have been a bit overboard because just around a bend I emerged from the trees into a soft meadow of sand. As I entered into the clearing I took my mind off the trail and SPLAT, just like on Bambie. I went down. I was doing the log roll in the mound of sand. I jumped right up and sheepishly looked about and ran on, hoping the people I just passed on that hill weren't within sight. I was a little uncertain where I should allow my thoughts to wander. I had enough humble pie for the evening so my brain switched to default and my normal thoughts while running alone through the woods began....I was worried about seeing a snake! Now, this was the proper motivation I needed. My feet were quick! I crossed the finish line (well, not really. I had to walk around it because I didn't have a timing chip) with my mind obsessed with snakes, my stomach full of humble pie, and my body covered in sand. It was clear at the finish line that I was definatly in my "own world" during the race. People were already pulling away from the parking lot, or deeply relaxed in a messauge. When I returned to my once over filled bike rack. My own bike stood out as if it were mocking me. I admit, I too, laughed at myself for getting such a kick out of a little white CHEAT and over indulged imagination. But, I did put forth an Honest effort while I was cheating!

First Pick of Cucumbers!!


I know it's a little weird to write about cucumbers but I am thrilled that they actually turned out!
My "little" garden is too much fun!

4th of July


Our 4th of July tradition is experiencing fireworks at Waveny Park.

Piles of Hobi's


Girls having fun!


Jennica and her girlfriends, Clair and Camille, had a great time at the fireworks.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Hit the road running!



Beginning today I am a Triathlete in training....yesterday, not quite so. I have 3 months to train for the Darien Ct. Triathlon. Over the past two months I have been a slave to my mattress and to treats. I have enjoyed ice cream, brownies, pecan pies, ice cream, cookies, and did I mention ice cream? As a result I have, of course, added a few "fluffy" pounds over the summer.
So this morning at 5:30am I greeted my encouraging alarm with a sigh of relief. Time to get my butt in shape! (literally) As I was running I felt "myself" once again. I love exercising. I love what it does for me emotionally. (the physical aspect is a great perk too) I find I am a happy, motivated, proactive Mama if I am exercising. I get things done by 9am that would otherwise take me all day to get motivated to do. I eat better, I sleep better, and I love my kids and man better.
So, I am happy to say good-bye to my sweet tooth and hello to my bike, shoes, pool, and my life again. Any takers??

Monday, June 30, 2008

I Quit!

A few weeks ago I gave my two weeks notice.  I don't know why it took me so long to realize this job isn't for me.  At first I loved it.  That was 10 years ago when the group was just two of us.  Since then we have grown into 5 and this change is long overdue!  I was inspired to "quit" after reading an article in a magazine.  The following day I wiped my hands on my apron and haven't looked back.  As of today my job title of Mom (aka, cook, dish cleaner, taxi, doctor, maid, gardener, coach, queen, story reader, wall scrubber, clothes washer, bed maker, bath giver, teeth brush er, floor cleaner, hair doer, vacuum cleaner, yada yada yada...) has been shortened!  Now that I have given my two weeks notice I no longer carry the title "Clean up after my kids"  It's a beautiful thing!  

I use to fill the dishwasher daily with the cute little cups, bowls, and plates.  Everyday was the same thing.  A sink FULL of those cute little people dishes- and a dishwasher FULL too!  My last day at this job I piled all those cute little dishes in a box and put them in the attic, NEVER TO BE SEEN AGAIN, and taught my kids how to clean their own dishes!  Each child has their own colored cup, plate, and bowl.  If they want breakfast served in a clean dish they better wash after dinner!  You can bet I have a smile on my face when I am sitting at the table and I see my kids clear the table and wash their dish before they run off to play.  The color coded dish identifies the culprit if a one gets left behind.  I know the pink plate outside on the picnic table belongs to Jen, and Jen knows it too!
Ahhh, my job title is getting a little lighter to carry.  My goal this summer is to outsource most of my tedious chores to their rightful owners.  So far I have seen some creative ways to make a bed and hang up clothes, and have been quite impressed with efforts in scrubbing the bathroom, and love the fact that Jace can be dressed with the help of siblings instead of MOMMY!   Why didn't I think of this sooner?    I wonder how I can teach a 5 and 6 year old how to go grocery shopping???


My dishwasher loves me now.  It only runs every other day.

Flower Girl!



This Spring I took on an intimidating task and planted flowers on my own! Don, our GREAT Landlord, has Husted lane blooming with beautiful flowers every year. This year I asked if I could plant the flowers on our Terrace. I spent over an hour in the Garden Center trying to get in touch with myself to learn what flowers appeal to me. Talk about deep self-reflection! I had never paid attention to what type I like. So that night I had to do some serious bonding with the flowers.
I have really enjoyed the time and effort I have had to give to my flower beds. Jace and I are out watering and weeding everynight for about 35 min. It has been the perfect way to end my day.

Growing a Salad


BEFORE

AFTER 1 MONTH

Jace and I are growing tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and basil.   Everynight Jace is by my side helping me water.  It has been really fun to see all this grow.
 Tonight we are going to create our first salad.  A little mozzarella from the Farmers Market and we have a tasty "homegrown" treat!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Happy 5th Birthday Jennica


Princess Jennica finally turns 5!  It seems like she has already been 5.  I think we skipped the 3rd birthday or something,  She has always seemed older than she really is.  We pulled a quick one on her and celebrated a day early because Sam's graduation was on her actual birthday.  It was her last day of Pre-School too.  She is growing up way too fast!

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

I found a Hobbit house!


I wonder if they get any trick-or-treaters??

Best Pout of the year!


My Jennica can pull the most pathetic pout.  On this particular day I found it rather cute.  I think this one was caused by the wrong flavor of sucker! boohoo!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Church with Flags



I loved the look of this church with all these flags pegged in the ground. Each Flag represents an American solider lost in the war.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Camping with the Amish




For Memorial Day weekend we left the city life, the cell phones, and the toliets behind and joined up with the Amish in Lancaster, PA.  This provided a welcomed dose of "family time."
We pitched our tent, made a fire and enjoyed the SLOW pace of life- right in the backyard of an Amish Farm!  It is so great to have Sam around for long weekends.  Camping is at the top of our To Do List!  We had a great time here!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Green Thumb?

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Our wonderful Landlord, Don, built an area for us to plant a garden.  He gathered the kids and had them plant all the seeds and tomatoes so they could see how things grow.  Now it's up to us to keep them alive!???  Last year Jarom grew pumpkins, we'll see if we can keep the rabbits, and chipmunks away!  Jen suggested we grow a scare"grow" to scare off the animals.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

We Did It!!

A picture says a million words!
A lot of people have asked me how I feel now that Sam has graduated.  Well, this picture sums it all up!  Great work Babe and welcome back!!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Jennica's Dance Recital


Jennica had a busy day!  She had a morning soccer game and then rushed to perform on stage.  It was so fun to see her "feel" so beautiful.  It's amazing what  a huge red feather on your head can do.  I think I ought to wear that thing on a rainy day! 

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Happy 3rd Birthday Jace


Happy Birthday to my "Soccer Monster!"
I can't complain about his first 3 years, he has been my little buddy!  I could have a dozen more babies if they turned out like him!

Birthday Boy!

Friday, March 28, 2008

The adventure is in the journey NOT the destination!

My trip to China was definitely eventful! Upon arriving I puked in the plane, missed my connecting flight, experienced 12 hour jet-lag and Sam had his passport stolen! This trip could only get better!
It’s pathetic to admit but I enjoyed being strapped to my seat for 13 hours-knowing I wouldn’t be beckoned to the bathroom to wipe a toddler, or hear the words: “Mom, I’m hungry.” As far as I was concerned this 13 hour flight was 13 hours of bliss. Every so often a drink, snack and 3 corse meal were brought to me on a TRAY! I had an air conditioner, light, remote and stewartest button at my fingertips, and my seat transformed into my bed when I was ready to sleep! The last time I experienced treatment like this was at the Hospital after giving birth! I soaked it all up! When the final hour to my destination arrived my luck changed. I was hit with motion sickness! I no longer wanted to be alone. It was a humbling experience utilizing the “paper bag” and not have anyone to deflect the awkwardness. I was then burdened by carrying the evidence throughout the airport in search of the trash bin! That obscure little paper bag felt like it had neon lights and bells attached announcing my unfortunate luck to the population of Beijing. I had just enough time to find the “water closet” rid myself of the encumbrance then move on to customs and make a connecting flight to Xian where I was to meet up with Sam.
Once again my good fortune came through and I found myself at my next flight in no time. I checked the gate and saw passengers loading but the destination was not Xian, so I sat down to wait. After the airplane at this gate pulled away I checked to see when my flight was scheduled to leave. At this very moment fear struck me. The long and the short of it is I had to reclaim my luggage, reschedule my flight, recheck my luggage and go through security again. (Which apparently means; Chinese men get to cut in front of American woman! I surprised myself at my courage- considering my misfortune as of late.)
Now, I enjoyed another 2 hours of airport bliss before my journey continued. I’m a quick learner so I made sure to take Dramamine before boarding, as to not repeat the first adventure that started all this. I boarded the plane and fell asleep, for the first time in 20 hours.
I stumbled into Sam’s Hotel room, noticed the bed was pink and crashed.
The next morning I woke up 7am China time (7pm US) and was ready to go. That was the end of my jet lag!
I joined our friends at breakfast while Sam went to the Hotel Safe (located at the front desk) to secure my passport and money. My good fortune didn’t waste any time to sleep and jumped right in to pay homage to Sam. His safe was empty! His Passport, wallet & cash gone! Once again our agenda for the day was interrupted. The reality of this was Sam couldn’t fly in or out of the country now. He didn’t have an identity. While the Chinese police were called, and the US Embassy contacted I called home and disturbed 4 separate families at an odd time of night in search of a copy of Sam’s birth certificate and a fax machine ASAP! By noon, Sam had been questioned and did his fare share of questioning before we had a faxed birth certificate and Hotel management back in the safe looking in each box. After being assured it would be impossible for his key to open a different box, Sam insisted they take him inside the safe and prove him wrong. To our relief the 3rd box they tried revealed Sam’s misplaced property! It turned out the worker assigned Sam key #241 and put his belongings in box #214! Now, our vacation would begin.
The following 5 days were full of sites, chopsticks, and now memories!

My pictures tell the rest of our journey.

Pictures from China



Sunday, March 2, 2008

Not-So-Mary Poppins on Broadway



Sometime in January we took a mini-trip into New York City. Sam was there for a few days for work so we tagged along. I’m just now writing about it because I needed time to recover. It’s still a bit painful to remember but I think there is a lesson to be learned in every trial (nightmare). So, here I go:
We stayed in the Park Plaza Hotel, located across the street from Central Park. It was a very nice Hotel, the kids loved it. Because of the rain we didn’t get out too much, but I did splurge and treat myself (and the kids) with tickets to the broadway show Mary Poppins! We’ve watched our fair share of Mary Poppins so I thought for sure the kids would enjoy it. The show started at 8pm and it was an adventure in itself getting there. My night started in the taxi line outside our hotel. If you’ve seen Fantasia’s Rhapsody in Blue you might have an idea of what I went through. First of all it was raining. The kids found some pleasure in standing in the rain- right in the path to the doors. I was getting the “looks!” are all three yours? I stood in line behind the lady with the fur coat, she was very disturbed by any person that walked passed with an umbrella. Because we were under a pavilion we were dry but passerby's would cross our path holding their umbrellas that leaked rain.
She seemed completely baffled at her misfortune. I was very aware of my humble circumstances compared to hers. I was wearing my “comfy” clothes with my sons bright red Power Rangers backpack holding a polka-dot umbrella. My biggest concern was if it was legal to load all my kids into a Taxi without car seats and what am I going to do if they fall asleep! She couldn’t keep her eyes off us. I think she was waiting for the father to appear. Her eyes would bounce from them to me. After waiting about 15 min. it was our turn for the Taxi. Let the drama begin!!!

"Where’s my seat? I want to sit by the window! That’s my side! Why is Jace on your lap? Are we speeding? Why are they honking?"

Isn’t it possible to break the rules just once without the kids calling you on it? I just want to get to Mary Poppins!

We got there unscathed, but the kids didn’t want to get out of the Taxi because of all the rain. It was a site to see. It could have passed as a kidnapping. I basically had to throw them to the curb and then make sure they were with me as we ran for cover.
At last we were in our seats! The theatre was beautiful! We were on the balcony which seemed a little nerve racking at first. We were the second row from the rail over looking the stage. Walking to your seats you actually felt like you could fall. We spent the following 10 mins. playing I spy with the intricate detail of the ceiling artifact. Once I noticed the naked sculptures I tried to change games but it was too late. Jarom and Jennica had spotted them and all laughter broke out.
Mr. Potato head’s quote from Toy Story “uncultured swine” came to mind as I noticed the audience was not going to be patient with me. That’s when I realized I was in over my head! Mommy magic was all I could hope for. The lights were off and I went into a panic! I made the mistake of sitting Jarom and Jennica together. I knew better than that! I learned that lesson very early in our weekly trips to church. It was too late though, if you’ve ever been to a broadway show you know they don’t leave ANY room for movement. Once you are in your chair you are stuck! If you aren’t careful you can easily find your knees bumping the head of the person in front of you. If I were to make any change I would have no room to do it unless we backed out of the aisle and started all over again. I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. The very first scene was awesome. Right on stage was the Banks family house! (Try explaining that to a 5 & 6 year old)
They were transfixed but at the same time wouldn’t stop asking questions. Jarom has a great imagination and can get carried away sometimes. It’s not uncommon to see him jumping up and down with arms flapping in excitement when he is completely engrossed in a movie. I spent the entire show reaching over to sit him back in the seat, breaking up their lingering laughter, or loud remarks. This was a rude awakening to me (and everyone else on the balcony) that my kids don’t have public etiquette.
I experienced a very humiliating moment as a mother while at Mary Poppins. Shortly after the show began I noticed the seats in-front of me and to the left all the way to the aisle were still empty. I thought the kids could get a better view on the front row and they would be less disturbing because they wouldn’t be surrounded by people. I set Jennica first on my lap and slid her into the empty seats and then Jarom. Just as I did this I heard a comment from the people sitting next to me: “Well, that really helped us a lot!” Because jarom and Jen are smaller they had to lean forward to see over the railing which blocked their view. I didn’t realize that would happen! Now I made a bigger mess of things! Getting them down there was defiantly easier and more discrete than it would be getting them back up! I felt like the biggest idiot. We were such a distraction! after a few more huffing and puffing from my neighbors I assured them i would move them back. I reached for jennica to pull her back up to her original seat and my sweet little princess could have just as well yelled “FIRE!” she threw the biggest fit and in my mind I pictured myself picking her up and throwing her off the balcony and begging the police to lock me up. That option looked better than what I was going to have to do to get her back in her seat without a big scene. But at that VERY moment a mother angel sent me a miracle. On the stage a scene in the kitchen took place where all the pots and pans fell off the wall and the dishes came crashing down. The noise was terrible and caught everyones attention.....except mine. I grabbed Jen and Jarom and had them back in their seats before they or anyone else noticed. That’s what I call a blessing from Heaven! Jennica didn’t even know what to think of it. We were all in shock as to what just took place but nonetheless, we were back into our proper seats now. My legs were numb, my heart racing and I was in a complete sweat. I wanted to leave but had NO way of going! I couldn’t possibly do it alone, I needed help! I sat there in this theatre full of people and felt so completely alone and humiliated! I cried a silent prayer as i missed Sam like I’ve never missed him before. I have done a lot of things with the kids alone and feel I have been blessed with a great tolerance for my children but this day I was a fish out of water!
The show went on with more distractions by kids being kids but by this time Jace had fallen asleep in my arms and i was completely restricted. Every once in awhile I dare sneak a glance to my neighbors and find them laughing at Jarom flapping away in excitement or Jennica expressing audibly her reactions to Mary Poppins and her charm. In fact, I found myself lost in the magic of Mary Poppins myself. The show really was amazing! (Despite all the extra drama on my row)
We returned to the Hotel at 11pm where I fell onto the bed in complete exhaustion while the kids bounced endlessly on their bed. Lesson learned: “it is not good for man [woman] to be alone. Oh how happy I was to see Sam!
I recommend Mary Poppins to anyone- I’ll even watch your kids for free!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Pizza Rehab


Hi, My name is Ember Hobi and I am addicted to Pizza! I think I’ve been this way all my life. I ate a lot as a teenager. I remember walking to Little Caesars EVERYDAY during lunch and feeling like I was eating the best thing in the world! I LOVED it! It has always been difficult for me to eat a few pieces. Once I eat two I’m just getting started! Something happens and I kick into auto and the next thing I know I’m onto five or six. I don’t like just any pizza. My favorite is Little Caesars but it is hard to find on the East Coast. I get sick if I eat Pizza Hut. I can’t do frozen pizza, and the “Pie’s in NY” aren’t doing it for me. Fortunately, we found a pizza place a rocks throw from our house...with free delivery, and the best Margarita pizza in town. (No mom, no alcohol) Now, here is where the problem began. We are on an eating out budget which allows Pizza once a month. Suddenly pizza is over coming my thoughts, just like most addictions do. Anytime I am real hungry all I want is pizza! If I have a hard time thinking of dinner ideas I default to pizza. Even on the way home from the gym I crave pizza! Once the new month rolls around and our budget starts over- you bet we have pizza the first week! I can easily eat my own Medium pizza. The problem is I don’t always eat pizza because it tastes great. Sometimes it’s not good at all. I eat pizza because of the way I feel while I’m eating it. That’s how I know I’m addicted! It’s an escape of emotions and feelings. The best time for pizza is on a friday night after the kids are in bed and Sam is home. I have trained myself to “escape” through pizza. Perhaps it’s because pizza is used to celebrate so often. We didn’t order pizza often while I was young. Ordering pizza was a BIG deal. I remember, to this day, the excitement I felt driving to Little Caesars and picking up the 2 for 1 pizzas. (Pizza, Pizza) The smell would consume me in the car, it was torture having to wait. Even worse was being a guest for dinner when pizza was served because I knew I had to manage my appetite.
Pizza was considered a “splurge” when we first married. There is no way we could afford it then. Now that pizza isn’t such a scarcity to me, maybe I am reacting to my previous cravings or limitations unreasonably.
I go crazy inside, I can’t get enough. Stuffing myself with pizza satisfies my unbalanced emotions.
During that meal I “feel different.” Slice after slice I tell myself I “feel better” or I “deserved it.” It’s bad news when I feel stressed. I dare say I have had Pizza overdose. Most the time I quit eating because the pizza is gone, not because I’ve had enough. And I feel sick inside every-time and swear that I won’t over do it next time. Well, I did it again, and again, and again.
Today I am doing something about it! Today I am admitting that I have a Pizza problem and I am putting an end to it! I am going to google “calories of cheese pizza” to scare me (or gross me out) because I’ve always wondered how many fat calories I was consuming but I haven’t been prepared to make the change. (Ignorance is bliss!)
Now I’m not giving up pizza entirely, that would be silly. Certain events beckon a great pizza feast. I will set a limit to hold myself accountable to.

I, Ember Hobi, herby swear I will enjoy 2 and ONLY 2, fat and juicy slices of pizza at a setting. I will smile and wave as the box is tossed into the garbage full or empty! I will feel satisfied and good about myself when I eat pizza. I love pizza. Pizza is my friend. I will no longer allow pizza to interfere with my emotions!

Please feel free to hold me accountable! I AM POWERFUL!!!