This week I am a single parent....

So today starts my week as a single parent. Mike is going to what I refer lovingly to as "Bike Nerd School." He gets to go to California and ride Specialized bikes for a week while learning about next year's line and lots of other Bike Nerd stuff. I think it is just what the Dr. ordered. I see Mike getting restless and needing to ride outside. The "free" therapy his bike provides him is better than any shrink! He comes home happy and clear headed after a good hard ride. This COLD snowy winter has taken its toll on the biking spirit of my man. A week in Cali with other nerds and daily rides is going to do the whole family good.

As for Mabel and I, we will be using the love and support of family and neighbors to get shuttled around and make it through the week logistically. We are having a mini early birthday party at Mom and Dad's tonight. I requested chocolate chip cupcakes and a simple meal this year. I am not excited about turning 35 and will just lay low this year. That being said, some dear friends are taking me out for afternoon martinis on Thursday for the actual blessed day. I look forward to that!!!

These are the things on my mind.....for now

So this is the beginning.....

So, this is the beginning. Of what I'm not sure. I guess we'll see where it goes. Mike has been blogging forever and I always enjoy reading it- so here I go with both feet.....into the great blog open.

Why Cupcakes and Crossbones? I guess that's as good a place as any to start.
My life often seems like a contradiction.
Mike and I are very different. He is ultra fit and into riding his bike a lot. He is dedicated, driven, and tough. He seems to feel very little physical pain. He is happiest in motion.
I am the opposite. I like to read, bake, and knit. I like to sit. I get tired easily. I often have physical pain. Then, there is our amazing daughter, Mabel. Mabel is a scary combination of the two of us with a lot of herself mixed in. She like to be in motion ALL day then settle in and cuddle in the evening. She likes to run, ride, spin, skip, dance. She wears her heart on her sleeve. She is honest about her feelings to a fault. She has energy for days.
She helps keep us tuned in to each other.
This is us.....cupcakes and crossbones



This is kinda What I Mean...

This is Mabel acting like Mike...

MOTION

This is Mabel being more like me...

STILL

This is the combo...


MABEL