farm living in the city {explained}

I had one of those "aha" moments the other day as I watched Jack play in the sand. A seemingly normal activity for a child-whether they live in the city or in the country. However, the scene before me was not your typical, every-day, play-date in the sand. Allow me to explain.

 

If that doesn't sum it up for you, then allow me to elaborate. There are CHICKENS playing in the sand with Jack, all while cars enter and exit I-43 for which the on-ramp is in plain view. Not-to-mention the cat who watches on with a look as if to say "is this really happnening?" You know how cats can be...sarcastic, yet realistic.

This was one of those full-circle, oh-yea-I-live-on-a-farm-in-the-middle-of-the-city moments, that I just HAD to share. I had another one once, you can read about it here. 

...

In the silence of nap time, snuggling on the couch with my little Jack in my arms, I realized how completely ridiculous my previous post was. However, I'm still not sure about more children, it was this special nap time that I realized how much I cherish the relationship I have with my son. We sang Sunday school songs softly, talked about our special days together and finally he fell asleep after doing "ticky tick" snuggled warm in my arms. I'm sure you can love all your children equally, but I'm not sure I want to ever lose the special relationship that I have with Jack. I don't think I would have the time or energy to give him all the attention I do if I had another baby around. So, here's to waiting until Kindergarten rolls around to think about adding another Spielman to the clan. Jack did ask me during our little nap time snuggle session if there was a baby in my belly like Auntie Melissa and Auntie Vicki and I told him no. Then he so wisely told me that we had to go find God and Jesus and tell them to put two babies in my belly. (I swear I did not put him up to it-he said it all on his own!!) Alright, this crazy mom is going to sign off for now-time to run errands and get a little fresh air on this oh-so-beautiful spring day!

More children? I don't think so...

Reasons why Jack might be an only child:

I've always wanted at least one more child, however this morning that changed. When I realized having more than one child in my home induces incredible amounts of stress. My house is a disaster, I'm constantly tearing kids off of each other, asking them to stop and telling them "no". I'm sure if you were a fly on the wall right now you'd be like "girl, you're crazy, these kids are just normal kids" - I agree, they're not terribly naughty and they do listen...but for whatever reason right now I really have no desire to ever have another child. I really hope this is temporary-I'll admit I have a very bad attitude right now, so maybe this is all just an outward expression of my poor attitude. All I know is this is not my normal Tuesday with Jack and Parkside. Quiet, delicious cuisine, good company-my how things can change in a week. Not to mention all the extra spit and snot and diapers. Ew.

Aaaand, for whatever reason kids have this fascination with my dogs, Amos and Lola. Amos and Lola are NOT kid dogs. They want nothing to do with kids, and I'm pretty sure Lola was having a full blown panic attack until I sent her outside. Amos is very cute and looks like a little baby puppy but the truth of the matter is he's a crabby old Chihuahua who wants to sit on my lap or on his bed and sleep, all day. Kids want to touch him and hold him and pet him and pull his ears, Amos will have none of it. Luckily for Jack, he's generous with his meals and Amos has taken a liking to Jack for the simple fact that he know's he can always get a morsle or two off Jack's plate.

Oh, and there's been way too much jumping on beds for me to handle in one day, already. And it's only 10:40am . T minus 2 hours til nap time, and that's because I'm putting them down 1/2 hour early.

Alright, I'm done complaining. Thanks for taking the time to listen (as if you had a choice).

Tuesday Lunch Dates with Jack (and a shameless plug for Parkside 23)

Tuesdays are my favorite day of the week. Jack and I head to Parkside 23 (the awesome resaturant that employs me) for a weekly lunch date. It's important to me for Jack to understand how to behave in public and in restaurants. I frequented restaurants as a child with my parents and sister and we were instilled with manners and proper behavior in a formal and informal dining setting. Now being in the business, it's even more important for my child to have these skills. As a waitress there is nothing I hate more than the table of rowdy children who cannot sit still and cannot be quiet.

Please don't misunderstand me. I know not everyone can take their children out and wine and dine them. I get that, it's expensive. But you should know whether or not your child can handle being in a formal dining setting. You try and take your kid out once a year for their birthday to a nice restaurant and expect them to behave and act appropriate, it's not gonna happen. Just go to Chuck E Cheese-we all thank you in advance.

Also my biggest pet-peeve about children in restaurants: when your kid is clearly in high school and you're still ordering his food. SERIOUSLY!? My two year old can order his own food. There's a difference between my standard and others, I know. But honestly if your child can read their menu, they should be able to tell the server what they want. What happens when your child is on a date and they can't order their own food-when they're like 21? Then what? Or they don't know how they like their meat cooked...what do they do then, text their mom? C'mon.

Well, I've digressed from my original topic. Sorry for the ranting. I wanted to tell you all about how much I love Tuesdays with Jack. A fun lunch with my little guy, teaching him the importance of manners and patience in a restaurant. Good food, good company. Yesterday's menu included Broccoli Cheese soup and a Burger with Cheese (cooked Medium) and a Root Beer Float. Yum. And that's cranberry juice next to Jack FYI.

Some people think it's strange that I would take a 2-year-old to a somewhat "fancy" restaurant and not just hit McDonalds. Honestly, McDonalds is gross. Also, Jack doesn't eat vegetables ever, so if I can get him to eat a bowl of pureed broccoli soup - that I know is made from whole ingredients because I watched the Chef cook it...then I win the war on nutrition. Also, being an employee I get the advantage of 50% off my meal which means it probably cost me the same as going to McDonalds and getting two "value" meals. Win-Win. And it's delicious, healthy, and yummy. Did I mention I really like the food?

So that's the story of Jack and Mommy on Tuesdays. Now it's 2 on Wednesday and that means it's time to get ready for work. 1/2 Price Bottles of Wine all day. GREAT deal. We have awesome specials too, Pan-seared striped bass served over a sautee of fingerling potatoes, wild mushrooms, shallots and asparagus with citrus buerre blanc, and yellow squash and zucchini tossed in citrus vinegrette. Pepper-crusted beef tenderloin, sweet potato mash, sauteed green beans and red wine syrup. Meatloaf-mashed potatoes, veggies and diane sauce (it's SO good), Broccoli Cheese soup=AMAZING.

PARKSIDE 23

"DO WHAT YOU LOVE AND YOU'LL NEVER WORK A DAY IN YOUR LIFE."

true story