Author Archives: Heather

About Heather

I adore my family, writing, books, cats, lazy mornings in bed, and chocolate. I'll never say no to breakfast for dinner, long talks with friends and lazy summer days at the pool with family. My life is often crazy, always awesome and one I'm so happy to be living! My side hustle is editing and proofing work. Find out more at https://heathercaryn.com/

Jul12

The 5 Year Old Bean

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Heather

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My dearest Bean-

5. Five. The big 0-5. You’re 5! You’ve heard over and over again about how when you were born, you came into the world screaming and you didn’t stop for 3 hours no matter what we did. And you’ll probably continue to hear the story until the day we die because that, kid, is how we knew we were in for one heck of a ride with you. Some kids are mellow and some kids go with the flow. You’re not one of them. You were born knowing your own mind and heaven help the person who doesn’t agree. But you know what, Beaner? That’s a gift. Yes, it’s a trait that will give me grey hair and sleepless nights- but it will be one of your biggest assets and I hope you never lose your sense of self. Because your self is awesome.

My gorgeous beach baby

This year, you’ve just exploded. I mean, we knew you were a smart kid but this year it’s become apparent more then ever as you embraced school. I don’t need to buy you toys, I just need to buy you puzzles, paper and markers. You write your letters whenever and where ever and you’re constantly asking how to spell this or that. You don’t seem to care much about reading yet- but I have no doubt one the pieces fall into place for you, you will. You love to be read to and you’re interested in everything from Diego to Harry Potter.

So far you haven’t been a sport nut like your brother, and that’s fine. I wasn’t into sports either. But you’re a good spectator as long as we have food. You eat like a bird at most meals- but that’s most likely because you’re snacking (whether you’re allowed to or not) during the day. Go-Gurts, cherry tomatoes and strawberries are your favorite. As a result, the Stain Stick is my best friend as I try to keep your clothes clean. You don’t like ice cream or cake- something that makes me question whether your my kid or not almost daily.

You are crazy fun, kid- with a quick wit that astounds us. You have the attitude of a 15 year old and can throw a “duh” at me like a pro. You get in trouble every time you do, but you don’t seem to care as long as you had your say. (See above about the grey hair). You’ve been “in love” with two 9 year olds for the past year and to their credit, they think you’re awesome and put up with your crush. That said, if you could hurry up and move on to your “boys are icky” stage for your father’s sake, that would be great.

I’ll remember 4 as the year you learned to be friends with girls. Before this school year, all your friends were boys thanks to your brother and the only girl in your immediate orbit wasn’t someone you clicked with. So it was a relief to see you make friends- good and proper friends- with other girls this year. We talk a lot about what being a good friend means and how friends treat each other- I really hope that sinks in and that you pay attention to me and my girlfriends. You’ll never, ever go wrong with kindness, kiddo.

You, Bean, are the fire in our life. Your brother- he’s my mini-me. He and I are on the same wavelength and we’ll always get each other. But you? You are your own person through and through. Scorch made me a mother, but you, sweet girl, will help me grow in this role. I love you more than macaroni and I thank God every day for you.

Love,
Mommy

Jul8

Beach Lovin’

Posted on July 8, 2013 by Heather

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Last week, the Heat’s went to the beach. And it was wonderful. And now we’re home. And that’s not wonderful.

The end.

Honestly, that’s all I really feel like writing as it sums up life today perfectly. But that’s not the whole story. We drove to the Outer Banks of North Carolina last week by way of Jamestown, VA so my history nut husband could impress us with his smarts. Breaking the 12 hour drive up to 3 days felt so luxurious- we never once sat in traffic longer then 5 minutes and we had all the time in the world to explore.

The kids and I exploring a replica of one of the ships that sailed from England to Jamestown, VA.

Jamestown was really neat- they had a Native American village, a replica of the settlement set up by the English and replica’s of the 3 ships used by the English to sail to America (ships that I couldn’t imagine spending 1 day on, let alone 4.5 months). The kids enjoyed it and it was a perfect pitstop for a few hours during our travels.

But the main attraction for the week was our time in Nags Head, NC. We rented a house with my mother-in-law, her husband, and my husband’s brothers and their families. In all, we had 14 people in one house- 8 adults and 6 kids ranging from 4 to 13 years old. It was an awesome week. We don’t see my brother in laws often as they live all over the country, so it’s always a treat to hang out with them and my nephews. The kids get along like long-lost best friends and keep themselves entertained well, so there is plenty of time for the adults to catch up.

Wiffle ball on the beach- can’t beat it!

We did some sightseeing- first, at the Wright Brothers National Monument. The Hubs and I thought this was awesome, but it was wasted on the kiddos. Maybe in a few years they’ll appreciate it.

We also went to my favorite place in the whole OBX- Jockey Ridge State Park.

Jockey Ridge consists of the largest natural sand dunes on the East Coast. The sand is powder fine, the views are breath taking and everyone has a blast- as long as you don’t mind getting sand everywhere. See that huge hill behind the Hubs and Bean? People run down it, boogie board down it or roll down it. There is also a hang gliding school located there where people throw themselves off the dunes. It’s amazing.

But mainly, we hopped between the beach, the pool, the hot tub and the kitchen. We got too much sun, went to bed too late, slept too long, ate too much, jump a lot of waves, read a lot, reconnected and basically loved life.

Scorch and his cousin dodging waves.

And now we’re back to the land of alarm clocks and schedules and laundry and real life. And while our real life is pretty great, it’s no day at the beach.

Jun25

Awards, Summer Fun & Honey Boo Boo

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Heather

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School got out last Thursday and we had one busy, busy week leading up to it. Field Days for the Bean, a field trip for Scorch, and a ceremony where Scorch was awarded the Citizenship Award for his class for his manners, kindness and ability to follow the rules. I always knew my kid was awesome but it was so very nice for other people to recognize that. The kids don’t know they are getting an award so the look on Scorch’s face was priceless when his name was called. But what got me all teary-eyed during the ceremony was how excited the other kids got when someone was called up. High-fives, cheering and lots of clapping- it did my heart good!

Now summer is officially here and it’s awesome. The kids are going to the same camp they went to last year at their school and they were beside themselves yesterday when we arrived. The kids basically kicked me out the door and ran off without a backwards glance when I dropped them of- you can’t ask for much more than that. Both kids have come home each day smelling like sunshine and sweat with matching skinned knees, exhausted and happy. Camp starts an hour later then school did, so it feels like we have all the time in the world in the morning now, which sets us all off on the right foot. I do love this schedule!

~*~*~

For the past 6 months, Beaner’s been asking to put pink, purple, red, blue and green streaks in her hair. I’ve put her off, telling her it’s against the rules at school (which it may or may not be- but the excuse worked on her so I stuck with it) but now that summer is here, we went for it! However, when talking to our hairdresser about this eons ago, I clearly misunderstood her. She has these tubes (they look like mascara tubes) in her salon that come in all sorts of colors. For whatever reason, I thought she had told me that she could put that on the Bean’s hair and it would last 2 weeks or so. Perfect- it wouldn’t damage her hair and it would wash out rather quickly- I was sold. That is, until I realized that was I wrong and that the color in the tube only lasted until you washed your hair the first time. That’s not what we were looking for.

So that’s how the Bean ended up in foils, sitting under the dryer at the salon last Friday. Honestly, I was ready to die- I felt like Honey Boo Boo’s mom. I mean- who DYES their 4 year old’s hair?! But I had already committed to it with Beaner, so I was stuck. Thankfully, my hairdresser reassured me- telling me that the color wasn’t permanent (2-3 months max) and that it wouldn’t damage her hair in anyway. So I bit the bullet and we went for it.

It’s actually really subtle, and you really don’t notice her hair unless she’s standing in the sun. She’s absolutely thrilled and I’m hoping I can ride this wave of thankfulness for a while yet to come!

Jun17

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Heather

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Sometimes on Monday (or any other day, for that matter), all I’m good for is thought fragments. Today is one of those days:

> I sent Beaner to school today wearing: leggings, a skirt, a sleeveless Hawaiian print dress over her skirt (so you could only see like 1/2 of the skirt) and a cream colored crocheted sweater that went down to her knees (covering her dress and skirt), two braids in her hair AND a sparkly purple headband. And it wasn’t even wacky dress day- it was just how she chose to dress herself.

> For almost 7 months now, the Bean has been asking to color her hair. She 1) is four and 2) goes to a private school, so I said no. But I did agree that when school was over (this week), she could put a few color streaks in her hair (done via our hairdresser). Nothing obnoxious- it comes out in about 10 washes and it won’t damage her hair at all. Like many things, I swear I told the Hubs about this, but he says this week is the first he’s hearing about it and he’s throwing a fit. He and I have very different philosophies- I say hair can always grow back/be changed, he says says I’m setting the Bean up for a life time of delinquency. We’ll see who wins this one.

> This morning, as I’m looking down our stairs at my dog, she looked right back up at me and promptly peed on our landing, all over the Bean’s boots. After calling her a few bad names, I put her outside, cleaned up and went to the vet for a few vials to collect her urine in tomorrow morning. I need a dog with a UTI like I need a hole in the head.

> Scorch has decided to start keeping a diary/journal. If we needed more proof that he was my kid, there you go.

> He’s also started sneaking in extra time to read. I had to explain to him last night that if he was going to read after lights out, he at least had to stop laughing his butt off at Bad Kitty so loudly because that’s a dead giveaway.

> It’s officially driveway chalk season- which may be my favorite season of all.

Please note the realistic depiction of some of the Power Rangers in the top right, as well as her writing skills!

Jun16

Happy Father’s Day

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Heather

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I grew up with a father who was (is) very active in our lives. He coached, he cheered, he helped with homework. He worked crazy shifts as a police officer and took extra jobs just to make sure he got to spend time with us when it counted most. Growing up, I just assumed that was what parents did. As an adult, I know that’s not the case- those were decisions he made for us. And I’m so thankful he did.

I grew up knowing my father would always be there for me. He was the yard stick by which all other men in my life were measured and frankly, with the bar set so high, it’s a miracle I got married at all. It’s no surprise at all that he’s a fantastic Papa to my kids- involved, loving and patient. He gave Scorch his nickname and continues to be the Bean’s favorite person in the world. Happy, happy Father’s Day, Dad!!

~*~*

When I said yes to the Hub’s proposal, I knew we both wanted kids. I just didn’t know the details- like how long it would take us and what kind of parent the Hubs would be. Thankfully we all got lucky because we got our kids and the Hub’s is an amazing father. Spend 5 minutes with my kids and that’s apparent. Like my Dad and my father-in-law, the Hubs sacrifices, coaches, cheers and cares. He works crazy hours doing one of the toughest jobs on the earth, but when he comes home he’s Dad no matter what type of day he’s had. The kids and I are lucky to have him- and I hope he always knows that. Happy Father’s Day to one of the best men I know!

~*~*

And a very happy Father’s Day to the rest of the dads in our lives- our uncles, cousins, friends and family!

Jun11

Keeping Him In Check

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Heather

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There is a lot I worry about when it comes to my kids. I mean, come on- the list is endless when you’re a parent. I worry about everything from the really serious- illness! drowning! kidnapping!*- to the mundane- sunscreen, bug bites & hurt feelings. But the one thing I never, ever have to worry about when it comes to Scorch is his ego getting too big thanks to his sister.

Earlier this morning, the kids were getting dressed. They get dressed every morning in the living room (a legacy from when they were too little to dress themselves and I had to keep them corralled). Today Scorch didn’t have to wear his uniform to school so he was dressing in casual clothes- in this case, a new t-shirt he got for his birthday. Scorch says to Bean: “Did you know my t-shirt says “Mom’s #1 Guy” on it?” And without missing a beat, Beaner goes: “Did you know I can see your penis? You should cover that up.” I choked on my tooth paste, I laughed so hard.

Jun5

End of Year Crazies

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Heather

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Is it wrong that the last things my kids hear before bed every night is “Good night, I love you & I don’t want to see you again until morning.”? Because 9 nights out of 10, that is what they hear. Here’s hoping their health insurance as adults covers therapy.

~*~*~

I forgot about the particular brand of crazy the end of the school year brings for the kids. They have about 2 more weeks of school left (!?!?!?!) and it seems like there is some special event every other day gearing up to it- parades! concerts! art shows! field trips! and the list goes on and on. They are having a blast and we’re so very thankful for the amazing year both kids had, but all this excitement makes for hyped up, slightly anxious, entirely exhausted kids at home.

All I have to say right now is thank God for sports that keep them busy, early bedtimes and lilacs (because I really love lilacs).

Jun2

Books, Books, Glorious Books

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Heather

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Last week, before the Plague hit, Scorch and I finished reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. I didn’t want him reading the Harry Potter books this young- but many of his friends were and he begged for months before I finally gave in. We went slow- just 3 or 4 pages a night- and he loved them. He begged to read them on his own* because he couldn’t stand how slow we were going but since we were reading on the Nook, I got to dictate the pace. As we got close to the end, I got him his own paperback copy of the book and we used that for the final 3 chapters. When we read the last chapter, I admit, I got choked up. I mean the part with Neville getting the final points for Gryffendor always gets me, but the fact that I was sitting there, reading one of my favorite books, with my kid who was cheering out loud during the whole thing just put me over the edge. If I haven’t it said it before, let me say it again, books are awesome (and the kid isn’t half bad either!).

Since HP has been taking up a lot of our time, we’ve haven’t read many other books lately with the kiddos, but here are a few that we’ve loved recently:

> The Diary of a Wombat books are precious! The are sweet and funny and beautifully drawn- we love them all!

> We just read a new-to-us Mo Williems books tonight (Should I Share My Ice Cream with Gerald and Piggie- our favorites!) and we loved it. Heck, we love all his books.

> Please, Puppy, Please may be one of our all time favorite, sweetest books ever. Seriously- the illustrations will get you as will the lovely, simple story about kids and their puppy.

As for me, I seem to be in a reading drought. I’m reading a lot- but nothing is really grabbing me. I’m up for any recommendations you may have, please!

*I wouldn’t let him, which I think earns me a seat in hell because that’s some grade-A torture for him right there!

May30

The Silver Lining

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Heather

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So all my praying in my post from Monday did the trick that night, but come Tuesday no prayer in the world was keeping The Bug from spreading to Scorch and me. I got a call at 2:50 saying Scorch had gotten sick at school right at the end of the day. And that’s awful and part of me felt so badly for him, but the other part? Well that part was actually really, really happy. The root of 99% of Scorch’s anxiety is getting sick- I mean he can’t imagine much worse than that. Except for getting sick at school. That’s like the fear-flavored cherry on his anxiety sundae (just go with that metaphor). I’ve joked with his therapist for the past year that maybe he just needs to get sick at school and live through it to see that it’s not that bad. And that’s what happened on Tuesday. He went to the nurse’s office, got sick and went home. The world didn’t end. His head didn’t explode. And when he went back to school today no one made fun of him or ostracized him- it was just life as usual. I may have actually given his therapist a high five today and danced a little jig in her office this afternoon because I was so freaking proud of my kid!

And that? That just about makes up for the 12 hours I spent sleeping on the bathroom floor when The Bug finally took me down too.

May27

The Only Child

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Heather

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Scorch was, more or less, the only child for the past 48 hours. Saturday afternoon we shipped the Bean off to my parents so she could spend time with her cousin, Lala. Sunday we went down to my parents in the afternoon for big BBQ where there were 8 kids running around and then last night, the Bean got up every hour for 12+ hours sick with the stomach bug so she more or less slept the day away today.

I was really worried about Scorch during this time. My two are as thick as thieves and I wasn’t sure how he was going to do without his side kick around. Yeah- turned out I shouldn’t have worried. “Mom- this is awesome. There is no one around annoying me AND I don’t have to share a thing.” Ahh- every 7 year old’s dream.

But y’all- having an only child who isn’t used to being an only is exhausting. The Hubs got the stomach bug too, so it was just the boy and I today trying to avoid as many germs as we could. We played baseball, lacrosse, basketball, lacrosse, more baseball, went to the park, walked through a creek, got ice cream, played more baseball and lacrosse, read multiple chapters in Harry Potter and watched at least 4 episodes of Wizards of Waverly Place. And it was awesome- this kid of mine is an absolute blast, funny as can be and a complete joy 95% of the time (don’t ask about the other 5%)- but boy is he busy!

So now it’s 8:15 and everyone in my house is sleeping. I’m praying the Hubs and the Bean are over this and I’m praying even more that Scorch and I are spared because the last night I need right now is a 12 hour stomach bug. Fingers crossed we all stay healthy…