Our Favorite Hike, Tarbell Trail

My husband, our 2 kids, 8 and 5 and I love to hike Tarbell Trail. It’s a trail system on Department of Natural Resources land in Clark County in the Yacolt Burn State Forest on Larch Mtn. There are some very neat features. A wooden plank footbridge crosses a creek and goes up through tall trees where you come across a stick hut that was made by someone. For kids who love pretend play and adventures, this trail has the perfect features to assist with our family’s imagination. You can find a map of the trail system here

Just Like Daddy

He's using a skateboard for a creeper

I think he's taking apart the rear axle

Evan is available for all your mechanic needs

Photos from Alice in Wonderland

A plug for Michaela

Michaela is dancing in Vancouver Dance Theatre's "Alice in Wonderland". This is her first big show. She has 3 parts. If are interested in going, you can buy tickets from me or at the door. You'll want to go to the Friday or Saturday at 2pm shows. Michaela is on the poster ad. She's Alice's cat, Dinah. She's sitting on Alice's lap.
Check out www.vancouverdancetheatre.com for more information.

Our Television Debut

This evening, Adam, the kids and I went downtown Portland to have dinner at Greek Cuisina. We then meandered our way a few blocks over to Pioneer Square where they were about to go live with KGW's 7pm news. KGW has a new "Studio on the Square" where you can stand in front of the studio's windows, Today Show style and get your mug on TV. Well, here's the Eldridge's television debut. Watch for me in the green coat, Michaela and Evan are next to me...Adam is somewhere in the back. KGW says we were the largest and funnest crowd to date! That's cause we were there, I'm sure!

Watch it here:
http://www.kgw.com/video/thesquare-index.html?nvid=346503&shu=1

Yes, They Do Know What's Going On

The other day, I went to the grocery store to grab some chicken and tortilla chips for dinner. I was in the chips aisle scanning all of the prices, looking for the best deal. Michaela asked me, "Mom, why do you only buy things on sale?" I was caught a little off guard. Doesn't she know? Especially with Adam as her Dad, she should know about deals. I took this opportunity to teach her budgeting and money management. I told her that Dad gets paid a certain amount of money, we look for the best deals so we can buy more things with that money. I went on to explain, "say you only had $1 and you wanted to buy some candy. This gum costs $1, but these candy bars are on sale for 2/$1. If you bought the sale candy, you would get more."


I think that during these tough times, kids are aware of their parents stress. They also notice that they aren't getting as many things that they used to. We used to eat out several times a week. But now I am super-shopping and making more meals at home. We rarely eat out anymore. Michaela has noticed this. She asks frequently if we can go out to a restaurant. I have to tell her it's not in the budget. These moments are perfect opportunities to teach about money and responsibility. I watched a story on 20/20 about those high school kids that made a video talking about how their parents financial stresses are impacting them. I didn't think I needed to worry about my kids. I thought they were too young to feel unstable, nervous or scared by this economy. But Michaela's recent comments tell a different story. She sees the changes in our spending habits. She's hearing, "we can't afford that" more than ever. My initial instinct is to shield my kids from any stress. I don't want them to worry about money. But experts say they need to be more involved in the family when it comes to finances. I found some articles that were helpful to me, maybe they will be for you too.

http://apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=185



http://aap.org/disasters/pdf/tips-parentsCaregivers.pdf

Did You Just Say, "Fractured Teeth"?

Evan had his first set of dental x-rays today and the dentist found something surprising when he took a look. Evan has 2 fractured baby teeth. The top front teeth. He asked if he's had any injuries to that area, to which I responded, "Daily." Mr. Dentist may be surprised to see the fractures, however, I am surprised that more bones aren't broken. How perfect is that? Evan has broken teeth and we didn't even know it! I've resigned myself to the fact that he will break a lot of bones. He is delightful combination of dare-devil and klutz which makes for more bruises and bumps than I can count. Mr. Dentist says there's no reason for concern. He's not feeling any pain and the teeth should be fine until they fall out like they're supposed to. Unless, they get knocked out before then. Which, for Evan, is highly likely.

Yes, I'm That Excited About Coupons

As a follow up to my previous post, the grocery game, I went grocery shopping yesterday and saved BIG! I prepared before I went, looking over ads and printing coupons, and I've now broken my own record. At Albertson's, I purchased $133.21 worth of groceries. After store coupons, online coupons and sales the final total was $67.09. I saved $66.12! That's 50% savings! I am so proud of myself! And I found out that Albertson's will take competitor coupons.
So I'm going to try my best to beat my own record, can you?

Is It Time To Buy A Shotgun Yet?

A couple of days ago, as I was routinely rifling through Michaela's backpack in search of homework, library books and solicitations from her teacher to bring cupcakes, I came across what looked to be a heart-shaped note for me. Michaela typically makes me notes at school during her free-time, so I assumed this was just another token of her thanks for being the best Mom in the world. However, when I turned the note over, I discovered that this note was not written by Michaela or intended for me. On the back was scrawled, "Frm Blake". Yes, the same Blake that professed his love for her to me in the lunch line. I haven't heard much about him since. I see him every week and he's a good kid, but love notes? In first grade? I shouldn't be surprised since Michaela is the cutest girl in first grade and a great personality to match. So today I opened her backpack to put her lunch in and what do I see? A fuzzy, red teddy bear holding a heart. I question Michaela about this, hoping that she hasn't become a thief in her spare time. She replies, "Blake gave that to me for a late Valentine's gift". Uh, excuse me? First graders are supposed to exchange crappy little store bought cards, not stuffed animals. This guy is serious. Don't get me wrong, I think it is absolutely adorable that this little guy bought Michaela a Valentine's Day gift. But I just am not ready for boyfriends. Boyfriends mean she's growing up. Boyfriends mean she'll get her heart broken. I'm not ready for her broken heart. Can't she just stay little and carefree?

The Grocery Game

"Financial Experts" have been flooding the morning shows with all their tips and tricks to save us money. The best I've come across so far is Coupon Mom. Recently I've instituted some of the tips on this website and they have worked. I've printed coupons and used them in conjunction with store deals and saved some money. However, I need to get better at the planning process. Currently, it's taking me a few hours to prepare for a shopping trip. But I believe with practice and routine I will end up saving some good money with minimal effort. The creator of Coupon Mom impressed me on OPRAH when she bought $127 worth of groceries for only $37.16. That's 71 percent savings! I'm not yet on that skill level, but I'm learning the game and hopefully will turn pro in no time. My best grocery bill at Albertson's was $132.37 but after coupons and store sales I paid $70.54. (47 percent savings) I challenge you to play the game and see if you can beat me...

2008: The Year in Photos

Are there pick-up lines for play dates?

So I was at Michaela's ballet class, watching Evan ham it up for the other parents, when I experienced something that I have only read about before. I was propositioned for a play date. Wikipedia says a play date is an arranged appointment for children to get together for a few hours to play. Don't get me wrong, my kids have had arranged play with friends, but with friends we already know. But this was a stranger. Somebody, who in my mind, thinks that my kids are so cool that she'd like to have her kids play with mine, in hopes that their coolness rubs off. Okay, so maybe that's not what she was thinking. Maybe she just wants to hang out with me. After all, I am quite a catch. I rush in to ballet class all hot and sweaty, 'cause I had to put holey tights on Michaela and put her tangly hair up in a bun, all while keeping Evan from tearing the place up. Then I proceed to play ringmaster to Evan, keeping him quiet (as if that is even possible) while keeping this tornado of energy confined to a 5x10 space with no toys. If we do bring toys, I then have to keep him from crashing the car/airplane/buzz lightyear/alien guy/monster truck into the wall/chair/other parent/sleeping baby. And I'm doing all this while watching the graceful Michaela Plié/Chassé/ Passé/Relevé/Sauté and smiling approvingly. This mom has a little boy the same age as Evan. He's so quiet, mild mannered and speaks with a normal level of volume. She has seen Evan in action for 3 weeks now. So she knows what she is in for. I am quite happy that we've been asked to play. Most of the time, when we're in public, I get the feeling other parents are looking at me like "OMG! Can't you control your kid?" Which isn't really true, right? They are probably just amused at his antics. Either way, Evan's antics have not scared away this mom. So we exchange numbers on little torn pieces of paper, but now I'm wondering what the rules are about calling for a play date. Are there rules like supposedly there are with dating? How many days do I wait to call? Who calls first? If she buys dinner do I have to sleep with her? Oh wait wrong rules. This is all new to me. I'm used to my kids playing with my friends' kids. If Evan does something embarrassing, hits or won't share, I just deal with it, without fear that they'll never call again. But this new situation has a risk of rejection. But I'll cross that bridge, if it comes. Until then I start thinking of the excuses I can make for Evan's behavior. Isn't that what parenting is all about?

Should I Say "Ah Sweet" or "Get Away Creepy Stalker Kid!"

I went to Michaela's school today because the school lunch menu said there was a "BBQ". All parents were invited. So I braved the idea of eating a school lunch and showed up. I was the only parent! I don't know if that says something about me or school lunches. Anyway, I found Michaela waiting in line, near the end, and asked her classmates if I could take cuts. Now if you know anything about the politics of taking cuts in elementary, you know it could be a dangerous thing to ask. But luckily they were obliging. So this little brown-haired boy asked if I was Michaela's Mom. I said, "Yes". He said, "I'm Michaela's boyfriend." Wow, that's a surprise. She has never mentioned a boy at school. So he then asked if Michaela has mentioned him before. I asked his name, "Blake" he answered. I lied and said, yes. He then reassured me that he watches over Michaela, to make sure nothing happens to her. He says, "I'm like a spy. I'm always watching her, nobody even knows I'm there." WTF!?! I wish I had a picture of this kid. He has dark circles under his eyes and silver caps on several teeth. And he talks sorta monotone. Does he stay up all night thinking about my daughter? Then he turns to Evan and says, "Hey, I'm your sister's boyfriend." To which Evan has no response so the kid starts to tickle Evan and play around. Almost as if he thinks if he can get in good with Evan, he'll surely win over Michaela. The whole time Michaela is looking at me with an expression that at times shows guilt. Why hasn't she told me about him. Then later when I question her about Blake, she doesn't really want to talk about it. So far the details I know after grilling her is, he sits at her table, in the next chair, right next to her! Sometimes they eat lunch together, sometimes they play at recess. She says they play "Star Wars" and "Power Rangers". Later she confesses to Adam that her and Blake got in trouble for holding hands. I asked Michaela what exactly she thinks a boyfriend is, what it means. She replies, "I means we love each other. And someday we'll get married." This is no good! I reiterate that she is not allowed to kiss, ever!

Tomorrow I am volunteering in her class. I'm supposed to teach an art lesson. How can I teach art, when all I will be doing is monitoring this Blake's every move? Maybe it's time to look into an all girls school, or maybe homeschooling? If I can keep her isolated forever...okay maybe that's too much. But at least if she's gonna have a boyfriend, couldn't it be anyone else but the creepy stalker kid?

Doing My Part To Save The Planet

I have lately been walking to the grocery store. It's about 8 blocks away or so. I do this for several different reasons. But since doing "green" things are so popular these days, I'm pretending that I do it to save fuel. I've been walking more, in an effort to facilitate accelerated weight loss. One day I needed to go the grocery store, so I multi-tasked. I figured I could accomplish several things at once. Walk the boy, get groceries, melt some pounds, get fresh air and of course, save the planet. I'm listening to McCain and Obama and I'm reducing my dependence on foreign oil. And I'm so good at saving the planet that I'm using those recycled/reusable shopping bags that are so "in fashion" these days. I load the boy and the bags in the little red wagon and off I go. I walk so proudly, glaring with judgement as mini-vans whiz past full of kids and groceries. I enter Albertson's with a "I'm so self important" attitude and go directly to the hummus. I just figure that goes well with my "saving the planet" image, and it's soooo tasty! This whole adventure lasts about 2 hours. Which according to my calorie-counting website, burns about 400 calories. I just thought I'd brag about myself for awhile. Look at me, I'm so good!

Time for myself? What's that?

I've been inspired by blogger Absolutely Bananas to write about what I do for just "me". The idea behind this blog is that the kids are going back to school and Mom's have more time to get "back to themselves". But I have a three-year-old left at home that, now that sissy's gone, requires more attention than ever! I didn't know "me" existed. Well, she used to exist, but she's now been transformed into somebody that puts her family's needs first. I read other moms' blogs about "back to mom" and the things that stuck out are; reading, exercising, scrap booking, yoga, getting nails done, etc. I don't really read (unless it's a parenting mag.), don't really exercise (unless you call walking a half a block to the school bus stop exercise), definitely don't scrapbook, and don't do yoga or nails. So what is there in my life that is just for me. Husband has fishing, R/C cars, R/C airplanes, motorcycles, etc. What are my hobbies?

So how do I find time for me. I guess for me it's little things. A Frappuccino while grocery shopping, a rare winery night with the girls, hot-tub talks with the girls, watching "The View". There have been pretty big "me times". Vegas, Madonna concert, beach trip. I believe that the consensus of Mommies is sometimes we need time to pretend that we're not. Not a mom, wife and CEO of our family. But on the same token, time to reflect with other moms about parenthood. So about that husband, luckily I have a great one! One that will let me sleep in quite often, even makes me breakfast in bed. One that doesn't complain when girls night comes around. One that understands the value of chatting/complaining/laughing with girlfriends in the hot-tub. One that takes on 3 days alone with 2 kids so I can fly away for "me time".

So I think I've assessed my so called "me time" and discovered that I get a lot of valuable time to myself. It may not be in hobbies like other moms have, but I find time for me in different ways. Plus the fact that my husband sees the value in it, makes it so very enjoyable and easy to achieve. Actually, I believe I've discovered my hobbies are wine, hot-tubbing and high calorie frozen drinks. Sounds like I've got a pretty good life!

When's my paycheck coming?

So I found this website that calculates salaries for any job you enter. It has calculated the earnings a stay-at-home mom would earn if she were paid. You can customize one for yourself based on the average hours and duties you perform weekly.
Here is mine:

Earning Statement Eldridge Family Corporation
For the year ending: September 2008

Job title_______________Hourly Rate______Hours worked
Housekeeper _____________$9.67____________624
Day Care Center Teacher____$13.22___________ 858
Cook__________________$13.42____________598
Computer Operator________$15.44____________416
Laundry Machine Operator___$9.92____________ 208
Janitor__________________$10.17___________208
Facilities Manager__________$34.68___________354
Chief Executive Officer_______$68.04___________333
Van Driver_______________$15.94____________343
Psychologist______________$36.55____________359
Interior Designer___________$18.48____________104
Event Planner_____________$25.21____________208
Bookkeeper______________$16.50_____________104
Nutritionist______________$22.52_____________156
____________________________________________Total Value
Regular Hourly Rate________$20.91___________2,080____$43,492
Over Time Rate___________$31.36___________2,792____$87,583
_____________________________________________________
_________________________________________$131,075

That $131,000/year sounds great, but don't forget, this job requires being on-call 24 hours a day and not getting any sick days. There are job titles that aren't included that should be added; hairstylist, personal shopper, personal stylist.

Wow, I really need to collect that paycheck! Seeing that does make me feel better about the things I do. Because like all moms, I sometimes feel like I'm failing at my job. So maybe it's better that I'm really not being paid, 'cause there are days when I'm not meeting the company's standards. But I believe that if were to have an annual review of my performance, I would ultimately come out shining. Maybe I should ask for a raise!

If you'd like to make your own, visit: http://swz.salary.com/momsalarywizard/layoutscripts/mswl_newsearch.asp

(There's even one for Dads)

What to do if you lose your lost tooth

So Michaela lost another tooth, nothing new or notable on it's own, but this one fell out at school. She gave it to the teacher for safe keeping until after school, however, it could not be found later. So she came home with a new empty slot in her mouth and nothing to give the tooth fairy. Luckily we have prepared for this day. After reading a few books on the matter previously, we had a few choices in how to deal with this situation. (If you find yourself in this situation see this book) http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Tooth-Hello-Reader-Level/dp/0590642308/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1220994101&sr=1-2


One book had said to take a picture of your gappy smile and leave that under your pillow as proof. Another said to write the tooth fairy a note explaining your predicament in hopes that she will pity you and leave a prize without proper payment. Michaela wanted to leave a picture but our printer doesn't work. So she wrote a note:

You may need it translated: "Dear Tooth Fairy, I lost my tooth at school and I want some money. From Michaela"

I'd like to point out something very cool. She currently writes and spells phonetically. And as some of you know, when you are missing a few front teeth your speech is slightly impaired. You may have trouble with "s" sounds and "th" sounds. So as you can see, when Michaela sounded out "tooth" she pronounces it with a lisp and so her spelling is "toosh". I just love it!

Anyway, all went well and the "toosh" fairy did accept her note and took pity and left her "sume mone". The teacher did find the tooth and gave it to her yesterday. I guess now we should give the tooth fairy what she is owed. But Michaela wants more cash for the found tooth. I guess I'll have to explain to her the intricacies of owing a creditor.

Disneyland

Summer's End

So as summer comes to a close, I thought I would have Michaela sit down to practice writing. I thought I'd have her write about the things she did this summer. Then I thought that would be a great idea for me to do. Like most, our summer has gone so fast and sometimes it's good to slow down and reflect on the things we've done. We did a lot and stayed busy. So here is my essay on "What I did this summer".

As the summer started and the weather was warm, we set up our new slip 'n slide in the backyard. Not really realizing that ages 3 and 6 aren't really ready for running and diving head first onto a slippery plastic surface. So the kids just stood on the plastic and splashed or sat at the end where the water pooled up. At least they were getting wet and cooled off.

Then it was time for Michaela's 6th birthday party. I baked and decorated a cake to the "Princess" liking. Fudge Grasshopper Mint. She has quite the love for mint right now. Our neighbor gave Michaela her very own mint plant to grow and eat from. She had a great birthday and we finished it off with a campfire and s'mores in the backyard with our friends.

One of Michaela's surprise gifts was a family trip to Disneyland! We drove down to California a week after her birthday. We piled my parents, the kids and Adam and I into the Suburban and made the long trek. It was my first time in Disneyland. We went on as many rides as possible and hugged as many furry characters too. After we left Disneyland we went on a whirlwind tour of California. Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Malibu beach, San Francisco, wine country & The Redwoods. We created memories that the kids will always remember. Like when Belle blew a kiss right at Michaela during the parade. When Evan got to drive his very own car in Autopia. When Adam stood inside the roots of a fallen Redwood. When we all got soaked on the water rapids ride Grizzly River Run. Or when we went hang glidin' over California safely buckled in our seats inside an air conditioned building. When we saw Indiana Jones fight the bad guy in the tree house. When the red carpet was rolled out just for us. When Evan braved the Tower of Terror. When we saw dolphins playing in the waves in Malibu. When we drove our huge Suburban through a Redwood. Those moments were priceless. It was great to be in a place where, to the kids, everything was real. A place where a fairy could grant your wish and your favorite cartoon came to life. However, that also was a slight problem. You see, just as Cinderella and Mickey were real, so were the dark and scary characters. Michaela hesitated quite a bit to enter rides that were dark and full of surprises. For example, as we rode through Thunder Mountain Railroad, the mountain sounded like it was about to come crashing down due to dynamite. I, being of sound mind, know that's not going to happen. But to a 6 year old that believes in Santa, the tooth fairy, and wishing on stars, that mountain was about to come crashing down on her. But in the end, her positive memories block out those scary moments. If you ask her, she had a great time! She's planning a trip to Disneyworld already!

We also took a couple of days this summer and went to visit Grandpa Neil and Grandma Nancy in Ocean Shores, WA. We went crabbing and caught ourselves a feast, we fished right in the backyard and caught some great trout, we played in the sand on the beach and got our toes wet, we rode the 3-wheelers around and watched Adam pop wheelies, we played mini-golf and went to a motorcycle cruise-in. We love going to Grandpa's house because it means we eat well! Fresh crab, salmon and trout. You can't go wrong with that.

We spent time this summer visiting with family on Adam's Mom's side. It's so great to see all the cousins and how big they are getting. We've also taken day trips. To the gorge to visit Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam to see the fish, out in the boat on Lacamas to fish or just cruise around, downtown Portland to shop and eat. We went the fair where Michaela performed her ballet number, we touched every animal we could, saw the demolition derby and ate foods on sticks. We also had numerous backyard barbecues with friends.

With all that we've done there still are days, however where we don't go anywhere. Those are the days where I hear Michaela say, "We never go anywhere!" I guess I need to have her sit down and write her essay now, to remember that that statement isn't true.

The Forgetful Tooth Fairy

Michaela's 3rd loose tooth. We were patiently waiting for it to come out all on it's own after I yanked #2 out so violently. But we just couldn't wait any longer. Especially my Sis-'n-Law Heather (known as Monta's Heather). So on Michaela's birthday, Heather snuck up on her, tricked her so deviously, and grabbed it while she was eating her birthday cupcake. There were tears, there was blood, then a Popsicle to make it all better. The first case of Tooth Fairy forgetfulness started when She (the Fairy) left the tooth at Grandma's house. So the Fairy had to drive the 6 blocks back to Grandmas house to get it during pajama time. Then the Fairy awoke with a whisper and a tap of a sad toothless girl saying, "Mom, the Tooth Fairy didn't come!" After the Fairy came to her senses and wiped the sleep from her eyes, she quickly formed a plan into action. "I'll check, Michaela, maybe the money fell behind your bed. How about you go potty?" The Fairy sprang up from her cozy bed and grabbed cash from her sock drawer. Yes, the rumors are true. Sock drawer money does exist.

She dashed into Michaela's room and quickly made the swap, just in time. The Fairy told her to check again. "Look by your headboard." Then she found the money. Now she's excited, but only for a moment when she remembers that she just saw the tooth minutes ago. But she must have figured it to be just her imagination. Then she realizes there's no fairy dust trail. The Fairy had no time for dust. Also, the Fairy's pj's had no pockets so she stored her collection in her pants. The Fairy had to quickly make-up a story about maybe the Fairy had run out of dust. Or was to young to have dust. This seemed to satisfy her. Then the Fairy and Michaela walked out of the bedroom and a baggie with a single tooth fell from the leg of the Fairy's pajama pants. The Fairy thought for sure the jig was up now. But with one last ditch effort, she grabbed the bag, holding the tooth so it looked as if the bag was empty. The Fairy just stared at Michaela waiting for her reaction. Waiting for all the imagination and magic of the tooth fairy to disappear and one more thing to be lost to growing up. But Michaela just looked at the Fairy and said, "Wow, the tooth fairy left the baggie behind. That is one silly fairy!" Phew! The secret is safe for now...