War and Peace

My bedside table is breathing a sigh of relief. War and Peace is finished. It can move from its seemingly permanent perch on my bedside table to its more permanent home on my bookshelf. In the summer of 2008, a friend, Kelli loaned me her copy of War and Peace, saying it was her favorite book. She and I had been reading books together for a few months, so I trusted her. I sat down to start her 800+ page book to find that it was an abridged version. Hmmm. If I'm going to read 800+ pages, I'm going to read the entire book. So, I checked to see if the translators of Anna Karenina, Pevear and Volokhonsky, had a translation of War and Peace. They did. And it would be out in paperback by Christmas. I put the book on my list, and Letha got it for me. I started to read. I made it through 200 pages before Gavin was born.

With a newborn it was difficult to hold such a large book. I took a break from War and Peace and read books on my iPod. I read The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers. Neither of which is particularly short. But holding a nursing baby in one arm and a iPod in the other hand, I read them. I slowly began to read other books. Real books-not electronic ones. June 2010 rolled around, and I knew it was time to go back to War and Peace. I started reading by scanning the Spark Notes so I could remember where I was and what was happening in those first 200 pages--no way was I going to re-read them.

I truly enjoyed the fiction surrounding the story of Natasha, Andrei, Pierre, and Mary. Learning who they were and what their life circumstances were before the French invasion of Russia and during the war was interesting to me. Reading about war strategies was not. If you've read Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath, some of War and Peace reads much like Steinbeck's comments on social structures and society that interrupt the flow of the fictional narrative. I don't like that. But, Tolstoy's interspersing of the social commentary with fiction does serve a purpose, people read it and they think. (Or some people like me get tired of it and skim. I hate to say I skimmed, but I did.) I did learn more about the battles fought by Napoleon. I can't say that I paid that much attention to any class discussions that I had in World History about Napoleon. I've read Vanity Fair, Thackery's historical fictional account of Napoleon's conquests from a different perspective. I'm intrigued by how going off to war was like a journey for some couples to embark upon. Young wives would follow their husbands and camp a bit behind the soliders. It sort of makes war seem not so bad. I can't imagine families being just a bit behind enemy lines the way wars are fought today.

I'm no stranger to long novels. My aunt Lesa introduced me to my first in 1993, when she gave me Middlemarch for Christmas. I loved Elliot's story so much that I didn't want it to end. I've read John Jakes' North and South trilogy. I've read all the Harry Potter books. In 2004, I read Anna Karenina (800+pages) in a span of about 10 days--there were 3 plane flights and a glorious week on the beach in Tampa during those 10 days, but I read it in 10 days. I enjoyed the story. Tolstoy still had some social commentary in it, but it didn't go on for page after page. Perhaps I'm just not that intellectual, but I could really care less at this point in my life. When I read, I read to escape. I read books the way some people watch TV or movies. I keep a journal of books I've read and when I read them. I was happy to add War and Peace to the list.

My bedside table looks lonely with only my Bible and devotional on it. War and Peace looks beautiful next to Anna Karenina.

So, would I read it a second time? No. Been there; done that. If I had it to do over would I read it again? Probably. It's a feather in my hat. But, I'm learning that it's OK to skim or read synopses of portions that don't interest me.

Would I recommend it to another? In certain circumstances and with the caveat that it contains a lot of commentary about war and human nature. Not that that's a bad thing. It's just a thing.

And now, off to another book. Actually, there are several books I need to be reading for work. But that's not an escape, now is it?

Snowball Making Lessons

Gavin took to snowball making like a fish to water. Anyone who has spent much time with him knows that he loves anything that has to do with a ball....basketball, soccer balls, baseball, and especially football. So naturally snowball making and throwing was heaven for our little ball player. Who knew that you could make as many of these snowball things as you want and throw them and then make some more?

Mamma and Daddy insisted on the gloves the first time outside, and then Gavin demanded that he wear them anytime he handled the snow.

The snow is just about gone except for the shady areas and places where it was piled up from shoveling. But luckily for us, we are supposed to get another ice storm followed by snow on Tuesday night....we can't wait!

Cabin Fever

Cabin fever set in days ago. With an almost two year old boy in the house, there is only just so much to do. Miranda has had it worse than I have since I have been able to get to work the last couple days. We have read books, played with trains and cars, and watched tons of TV over the last four days.

The roads cleared up enough yesterday that Dean was able to come over for a playdate. The boys got some much needed peer interaction, and the mom's got some much needed adult conversation. Thankfully Gavin has taken everything in stride. He has only been a little bit fussy at times, and has been mostly content to snuggle with someone on the couch while watching cartoons.

Gavin preferred to eat his grilled chesse sandwich on the couch while watching the Tech vs Miami basketball game. Mason was standing guard just in case any crubs were to hit the ground.

Snow Snow Go Away....

We are still having to cope with the winter weather that has hit north Texas. Yesterday the roads had almost gotten to the point where you weren't driving on ice the entire way to work. And then last night we got another 3+ inches of snow on top of what we still had on the ground...and it is still snowing pretty hard outside.

Mason is loving it as usual. Gavin seems to be content to stay warm under a blanket inside the house while watching cartoons. He hasn't even asked to go outside in the last couple days, and that is what he always asks to do.

No kayaking in the near future for me.

A shot looking down the cul de sac.
The McLaren casa covered in snow.
The playscape is looking pretty sad covered in snow.
Winter doggie dandruff (snow).

Miranda's handy little space heater has been a lifesaver for keeping the pipes in the garage from freezing. That little dude just needs to keep chugging along for another day or so.

A Little Winter Adventure

So maybe adventure is a little bit of an exaggeration. We got our first taste of snow and ice last night. Miranda and I were awoken several times during the night to the loud sound of sleet hitting our bedroom window. Then just after 6:00, we were both awake enough to see a huge flash of light and a nice loud "BOOM" that is always indicitaive of a transformer exploding. Yep, on the coldest day of the year we were without power and heat at 6:00AM. A peek out the front door.

Gavin didn't seem to mind in the least other than the occasional pitiful cry for teeeeeveeeee? We bundled G up in his long underwear (tight pj's) then put on some socks, his fleece jumper, a hat for good measure and of course his Elmo shoes. He was styling. Miranda and I were also looking pretty fashion forward with our hats, thermal underwear, jeans and sweatshirts.

It got down to 60 in the house, and we were never uncomfortable. We eventually headed upstairs in search of a few more degrees of warmth. Around 10:00 we called Matt and Lindsay to see if we could drive over to share in their heat. Right after we decided to visit the Hopkins clan, the power came back on. Since the roads didn't seem to be very bad earlier, we decided that a play date would still be fun. We loaded up the car with gloves, blankets, and a bundled up boy and set off. We didn't make it to the turn around right down from the driveway when we realized just what we might have gotten ourselves into. A police car had tried to make the same turn that we were about to make and couldn't make it back up the hill. He had to call the sand truck to sand the road so that he could get some traction. We cautiously made our way back up the hill and turned around and came back to the house. It would be one thing to try to make it over there with just Miranda and myself...but getting stranded and having to walk back with Gavin in single digit wind chill temps was out of the question.

Back at the house we put on some much desired Thomas the Train videos and Gavin vegged out for a little while.

For now we are making the best of the situation. We got some cleaning and coupon cutting done, and Miranda even baked some cookies. The forecast is calling for temps to stay in the teens for the next couple days, so the roads might be bad tomorrow morning too. Hopefully not though....

Bathroom Update

For my friend, Lori. Thanks for the nudge to get some pictures . . .

Our master bathroom has been undergoing a face lift since November of 2009. Working a full time (and then some) job, finding time to be a new dad, and training for kayak races, has impeded Dave's progress. But, he is almost finished. So, here's a trip down memory lane.
Above is a picture of the master bathroom before we bought the house. Try to notice the wallpaper. It has subtle lime green stripes and blue dots. The border, which sadly isn't pictured, had a purply-fushia background with the same blue and green in a swirly pattern. Nice.


Below, you can see the lovely blue floor tiles. On the left, you see a wooden step into the jacuzzi tub. Previously, it was covered in a solid blue carpet that sort of coordinated with the tile. I'm not sure why I didn't take a picture of the step before ripped it out. (Probably the same reason I didn't take a picture of the wall paper border.)


The first step in the bathroom re-do was the walls. We ripped off the wall paper. (I actually did participate in this process.)

Next, Dave textured the walls and painted. (I helped with the painting, too.) We found new mirrors, light fixtures, and towel rings.

After that, we had the granite countertops installed. Then over Christmas 2009, Dave and Bob worked on the tile backsplash around the sinks and tub.

Then Dave went on hiatus. The bathroom was usable, and we were both busy. In November 2010, Dave ripped up the tile. For a bit, we just walked on the concrete slab. We wondered why we hadn't ripped out the hideous blue tile sooner. The concrete was so much easier on the eyes.

The new travertine tile got laid; some touch ups around the tub were done. New quarter round has been installed around the baseboard.

We still need a new step into the tub. And, we need to install the new tub faucet that matches the faucets at each vanity.

The mirrors are undersized for my taste, so I'm keeping my eyes opened for larger framed ones.

But, all-in-all, I am very happy with my new bathroom. I appreciate the hours that Dave has put into making it just right. Hmmmm. When are you ready to tackle the kitchen, dear?

Recap of January 9-23

In an effort to get caught up, here some pictures of Gavin and things we've been doing in January.

These were taken on Sunday, January 9th. Gavin was having a good time playing with cars and reading books.

I found this Christmas cookie that a coworker, Gracie, had given me for Gavin before Christmas. Since it was mass-produced and well packaged, it was a great afternoon snack. That is great and messy.

On Wednesday after that, Dave was trying to meet a deadline at work. So, Gavin and I met him for dinner at Joe's Crabshack. This way we all had dinner and Dave got to see Gavin without wasting an hour driving to and from home.

Gavin had a great time at Joe's. There's plenty to look at, and he actually ate the food we ordered him. Not all of it, but he gave it a good shot. We'll definitely have to head back to Joe's.

When we returned from our weekend trips, we had this big ol' box of PopTarts waiting for us. I think the 12 boxes were a little over $16. It's a good thing we all like PopTarts. I know they aren't the best thing in the world to eat, but at least Gavin will eat one. I worry about the eating habits I'm instilling. But, I'm just happy when he eats anything.

Tuesday evening, Gavin helped me mix up some borracho beans to cook for dinner. At least I think it was Tuesday. This week was hectic. Don't you love the necklace he's wearing?

Friday, I picked Gavin up so we could head to LaHacienda to meet the Hopkins', Cherry's, and Michelle for dinner. As we were walking to the car, I asked Gavin if he wanted to go have dinner with Dean. He got so excited he decided to run to the car. The second step, he tripped and got this strawberry on his cheek.

We had a great dinner that would have been better if Gavin had been a bit more willing to sit in his chair while everyone ate and to eat the dinner we ordered for him. When we got home, we turned on some basketball. He was mesmerized.

Saturday morning, Gavin enjoyed eating some of my toast with homemade pear butter. Ha, some. More like all.


After breakfast, I decided he felt a bit warm. Sure enough, a temperature of 101. He developed a barky cough that persisted about every 5 minutes. I had plans to attend a baby shower and an early dinner with friends. Despite the mommy/wife-guilt, I kept my plans. When I talked to Dave on my way home to learn that G's temp. spiked to 103.1 around 5:30, I felt terrible. By the time I got home at 8:30 after a stop at CVS, it was down to 102.1. We put Gavin to bed.

He slept until 1:30. When I brought him downstairs for a drink, he said, "TV."

I asked, "Do you want to watch TV?"

Who could deny this reply: "Yes, watch TV, please, Mama."

So, we watched The Nanny and something on HGTV until 2:30. He spontaneously asked, "Daddy." I told him Daddy was asleep. He headed to the bedroom and Daddy's side of the bed. Dave picked him up and put him in bed. I crawled in to. We slept until 5:30. Then I got up with him again to watch more TV. At 6:45, I told Dave it was his turn and crawled back into bed for a little more sleep.

When we checked Gavin's temperature, it was down to 98.3. Awesome. After his nap, it was back up to 102. But he really doesn't act like he feels that bad. The cough is only occasional today. He's played with about every toy downstairs. We've read books. We've watched TV. We've sang songs. (Yes, he's singing along with a few songs now. And even if it's the first time he's heard it, he'll pick up a word here and there to repeat. So from now on, I have to sing the PG version of "Ramblin' Wreck." I've tried to record him singing, playing basketball, and doing other cute things, but he loves to watch videos on the video camera; so when he sees it, he just wants to watch movies. I'll keep working on it.)

Just before dinner, he was playing a few games on my iPod. We bought a few Duck Duck Moose apps in October before traveling to Denver. At the time, BaaBaa Black Sheep was too hard for him. Not any more. It's amazing how much he's growing.

We'll see what the illness brings to us tomorrow. . .