18 Nov 2007

Weekend Window

We had a lovely, lazy weekend with the boys.

That is, except for the frantic cleaning session I initiated on Saturday morning. You know how you get up, look around and realize everything is filthy? And then catch your blissfully unaware spouse eating cereal, reading the paper or doing some other non-cleaning-related activity?

Well, people, let me tell you - PhDs are not a waste of time! Somehow, Mike realized he was this close to being subjected to a full-on lecture on how Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness, and immediately fired up the vacuum. Yes sirree! Crisis averted at the last possible minute.

And not to worry, the rest of the weekend was spent at a much more leisurely pace. Our only attempt at exercise on Saturday was a nice long walk with the kids. The ground was covered with frost, and since the boys bring their scooters everywhere, they had fun sliding around on the ice. There was one or two wipe-outs, but no tears!

We finally made it home around 4 pm, at which point it was already getting dark. This, in my mind, is an invitation to light candles. Everywhere. The one good thing about having moved past the toddler years.

And speaking of candles, check out this Christmas Calendar Candle in the shape of Santa's hat, which we found in Copenhagen:



I'm having a hard time understanding why my boys are not going crazy with excitement about this candle. I mean, isn't it the cutest candle ever?

My nephew Joakim spent the weekend with us, and on Sunday morning, eager to show him that we can do other things than clean with desperation and light candles, we took the boys skating. Although the weather was mild, and even a little foggy, this didn't dampen Benjamin's enthusiasm:



Even when in his usual position:



Sadly, Benjamin is not the best of skaters. Neither am I, which is why you can probably tell that I am edging away from him, lest I be dragged down, too.

We wound down our Sunday with a visit to my parents' house for hot chocolate and home-made cake, before dropping Joakim off and heading home. All in all, a great November weekend.

The boys are asleep now, and I'm getting ready to pack for our Germany trip tomorrow. Yes, I know you feel sorry for me and my jet setting ways. All that packing is wearing me down!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

44 comments:

chichimama said...

Ah, M had a similar revelation about the broom and mom this afternoon :-).

That Santa is ADORABLE! How could anyone not love it???

chichimama said...

Mop I mean, not mom...

hokgardner said...

I love that candle!!!

painted maypole said...

sounds great!

Suzanne said...

Sounds like a terrific weekend. Your son's position on the ice is exactly where I find myself when I go ice skating.

Anonymous said...

Kids today with their ipods and internets and wiis are too jaded to appreciate very very cute candle.

I love candles. And since my house has 13 ceiling hooks (yes, 13! Some previous owners really loved their macrame plant holders) in the living room and kitchen, I'm a big fan of candle chandeliers. When I get all them lit it looks like a Catholic church.

Heidi said...

Sounds like a wonderful fun weekend. I do love the candle and the pictures of Ben on his rump is priceless.

Kellan said...

You always have the best weekends. You're going to GERMANY?? I.WANT.TO.GO.TO.GERMANY.WITH.YOU!!!!! You're making me crazy with all the wonderful traveling!! Take care and see you soon. Kellan

Stomper Girl said...

Yes, do not let your child DRAG YOU DOWN!!!!

I haven't ice-skated in years, I wonder if it's like riding a bike. I've never given away my skates.....

BeachMama said...

Wow, Germany, you really do get to travel :).

And I know exactly how you feel about cleaning, sometimes you just have to do it. And that candle is fabulous. I look forward to being able to light candles all over the place again.

MyThreeBlogs said...

Far far too much travelling! I say you call somebody from... say... NYC to come in and take over your weekend jaunts for you.

Just an idea.

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

That weekend sounds amazing and I want that candle. It's so unique!

I love to live vicariously through your adventures...

Steph said...

Sounds like a fabulous weekend. And, it must have been the weekend of husband's cleaning, as mine was polishing the wood in our foyer all day today. :)

Jennifer (Jen on the Edge) said...

What a lovely weekend. [sigh...]

TheOneTrueSue said...

Oh, I can't wait until I can light a candle without someone singing Happy Birthday and blowing it back out. Glad you had a good weekend! :>

Mighty Morphin' Mama said...

What a perfect weekend!
ugh my house is a mess, thanks for the reminder.
That candle is flippin adorable! Love it!

Have an amazing trip, and safe travels:)

Rima said...

Oh, I have those spastic cleaning moments all the time. It's funny how one minute you think your house is passably clean and the next you're scrubbing the floors with a toothbrush.

Mrs. G. said...

I love all the pink cheeks in that bottom photo.

This post made me laugh. When I take my kids ice skating, they spend all their time skating AWAY from me lest I take them down with the mothership.

theotherbear said...

I loved going ice skating the Christmas we spent in Canada with my husband's family.
Also, I have trained my spouse to vacuum, mop and clean the bathroom AND cook all the weekday dinners. Be jealous ;)

Anonymous said...

What a drag all that packing and unpacking must be! Hope you have a great time in Germany to make up for it!

girlymom said...

great candle, what a cool idea!

Beck said...

I WANT THAT CANDLE.
Oh, and I had the same revelation on Sunday evening that my house and everything in it was FILHTY. It's much better now.

Julie Pippert said...

Why yes I know that feeling of which you speak, LOL.

And is it the perspective, or is that cool candle ginormous?

Julie
Using My Words

Kat said...

That sounds like the perfect weekend! And I LOVE that candle! So cute!

Misty said...

I LOVE the candle!

Queen of the Mayhem said...

I am always amazed at what filth we live in at the Mayhem. I mean....I try to get my house looking decent...but I when I start deep cleaning...GOOD GRIEF...YUCK! :)

Valarie said...

That candle is super cute! I got lucky because my husband LOVES to clean. It makes him happy. Weird, I know.
I hope you guys have a great time on your getaway! Bring back lots of pictures to share!

Anonymous said...

Love the candle- but loved you saying this more, "You know how you get up, look around and realize everything is filthy? And then catch your blissfully unaware spouse eating cereal, reading the paper or doing some other non-cleaning-related activity? " That is so me.
Eat some shnitzle for me.

MadMad said...

That IS a cute candle!

Badness Jones said...

I LOVE the Santa Candle...and I'm pretty sure Princess would make the appropriate oohs and aahs...wanna send me one? :)

Jennifer said...

That is the cutest candle!

Karen MEG said...

That's a wicked candle! So cute seeing you all on skates, and in Benjamin's case, not on his posterior in all the pics :)
Have a great time in Germany - have a few pints for us, will ya? In honour of my kids' ancestors, anyway :)

Amy Y said...

Very cute candle!
And no, I do not feel sorry for you. :)
have fun in Germany!!!

Nora said...

Hello! I totally do that, have attacks of OMG WE MUST CLEAN EVERYTHING NOW NOW NOW. Glad I'm not the only one :-). My husband was just in Copenhagen too, maybe you were there at the same time!

Cathy, Amy and Kristina said...

sounds like a great time.

The santa? LOVE, LOVE it!!

Caffienated Cowgirl said...

I am laughing out loud about the candle! As adults we see things we think are cool for kids...yet forget that when we were their age we would have probably found it boring too. I saw one like that the other day and showed it to my little one...who was less than impressed. We settled on an Advent calendar with chocolate instead :)

Stepping Over the Junk said...

I LOVE the candle! LOVE IT!

Lisa said...

I love that candle!
And I am wishing everyday that I was on an adventure just like yours!
Thanks for sharing the 'perfect' November weekend.
Enjoy your trip! Travel safe!

sandy shoes said...

I spend a fair amount of ice time on my butt down there like Benjamin. But it's fun!

Mr. Sandy vaccuumed too. He said something about averting holiday stress, and cleaned defensively. Good man, I think I'll keep him.

Candy said...

I spent my entire weekend cleaning as well. I guess it's the impending holidays that are causing me to nest.

I'd much rather be packing for a trip to Germany!!!

Anonymous said...

What an awesome candle!

Liesl said...

Don't you hate it when no one else recognizes a Cleaning Emergency??

And I looove the candle - maybe it's a girl thing?

Ice Cream said...

Oooo, what kind of PhD did your husband get? My hubby could use one. He has a masters so he at least catches on once I start to sound grumpy. That is much better than when he just had a bachelors, though, and would just leave the house when I started cleaning.

Kristi B said...

I do feel sorry for you and your jet setting ways...not!
My girls would LOVE that candle!
Sounds like a great weekend.