"Mom, I am a superhero. My name is Peter Pan... The Avenger"
Friday, August 6
Funnies from the Farm
John, this morning, said,
Thursday, August 5
Oh Goody-Goody!
Not only did we find The Hobbit, but we found an absolutely charming bookstore, as well. They've ordered two different copies of The Hobbit because we couldn't tell within the system (and, naturally, I'd forgotten the ISBN) which was the one we wanted. The owner said, "I'll order both in and you can pick the one you want."
My children plunked down quite happily as soon as we arrived, with a book between them, and James read aloud while the shop owner and I searched. Nobody glared. Nobody looked askance. Mmmmm, I love it.
So great was my joy in finding a helpful, kind, child-friendly bookstore that we headed to the children's area and picked out a few fun nuggets for the boys: Now We are Six (A.A. Milne), Blacky The Crow, Old Granny Fox (both Thornton W. Burgess books in the paperback Dover Children's Thrift Classics- $1.50 each!), Just So Stories (Kipling- the boys enjoyed reading them over and over, so we couldn't go wrong with our own copy), King Arthur Tales From the Round Table (Andrew Lang).
Now for the real Goody-Goody! We also picked up our very own copy of Redwall. This, in itself is fun, but the true excitement is in the fact that Brian Jacques will be HERE, at this very bookstore, on October 2nd. I can't wait!!!
Additionally, as if I have somehow garnered extreme favor from God Himself (or pity, but either way, I'll take it), it is only 74' outside right now. The humidity is still 85%, and it's raining, but after the absolute broiling moldy hell that has been the weather here the past month, this is sheer heaven! I have windows open! Could it mean that Autumn is coming to greet us with its cheerful sights and calming temps?
Dy
My children plunked down quite happily as soon as we arrived, with a book between them, and James read aloud while the shop owner and I searched. Nobody glared. Nobody looked askance. Mmmmm, I love it.
So great was my joy in finding a helpful, kind, child-friendly bookstore that we headed to the children's area and picked out a few fun nuggets for the boys: Now We are Six (A.A. Milne), Blacky The Crow, Old Granny Fox (both Thornton W. Burgess books in the paperback Dover Children's Thrift Classics- $1.50 each!), Just So Stories (Kipling- the boys enjoyed reading them over and over, so we couldn't go wrong with our own copy), King Arthur Tales From the Round Table (Andrew Lang).
Now for the real Goody-Goody! We also picked up our very own copy of Redwall. This, in itself is fun, but the true excitement is in the fact that Brian Jacques will be HERE, at this very bookstore, on October 2nd. I can't wait!!!
Additionally, as if I have somehow garnered extreme favor from God Himself (or pity, but either way, I'll take it), it is only 74' outside right now. The humidity is still 85%, and it's raining, but after the absolute broiling moldy hell that has been the weather here the past month, this is sheer heaven! I have windows open! Could it mean that Autumn is coming to greet us with its cheerful sights and calming temps?
Dy
Is this Thursday?
Already? Hmmm. Wonder how that happened. Didn't get out of the house yesterday, as the fender flares didn't arrive until after two PM. *sigh* The boys made the best of the day and it was good. Also, did I tell y'all I'm down to only half a pot of coffee a day lately? It feels very odd. Yesterday I had none until eight PM, at which point I sucked down three cups in the hope of making that dreadful headache go away. (See? Personal Responsibility- I know the dangers and the risks. If I choose to make a bad decision, then, hey, I get to live with the consequences! This, my friends, is the stuff of life.)
SO, today we forage for a good book. I received all manner of wonderful recommendations on tracking down a great edition of The Hobbit (THANKS GUYS!) and will try to find it in one of the local B&M stores before resorting to purchasing online. (Yes, any excuse for a trip to the bookstore...)
Or perhaps I might finally convince Zorak that a trip to Annapolis is in order this weekend? Eight months is an awfully long time to live somewhere this close to a Trader Joe's and not have anything in the cupboards to show for it.
Hoping to meet up this week with a friend whose life seems to have taken on a life of its own. Sometimes you have to yank on those reins and make time for coffee, cakes, visiting with a friend, and the enjoying the fun of children playing together. ;-)
A knitting store is opening here this weekend, as well!! Oh fun! (Mind you, I can knit like a mad woman- not well, and not prettily, but by golly I can do it!) One of our Wonderful Neighbors is going to show me how to make a lovely baby hat, and I will make some to send to our midwives for the babies they attend. (James has put in a request for a brown scarf. He's five! Not rainbow, not green, not sparkly. Brown. *goofy grin* Yep, that one's mine.)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments- I always enjoy hearing from those who come to have coffee with me. It's nice to hear your anecdotes and tips and thoughts. Keep 'em comin'! You're what makes a plain ol' blog into the "tea with friends" that is so enjoyable.
Have a truly lovely Thursday!
Dy
SO, today we forage for a good book. I received all manner of wonderful recommendations on tracking down a great edition of The Hobbit (THANKS GUYS!) and will try to find it in one of the local B&M stores before resorting to purchasing online. (Yes, any excuse for a trip to the bookstore...)
Or perhaps I might finally convince Zorak that a trip to Annapolis is in order this weekend? Eight months is an awfully long time to live somewhere this close to a Trader Joe's and not have anything in the cupboards to show for it.
Hoping to meet up this week with a friend whose life seems to have taken on a life of its own. Sometimes you have to yank on those reins and make time for coffee, cakes, visiting with a friend, and the enjoying the fun of children playing together. ;-)
A knitting store is opening here this weekend, as well!! Oh fun! (Mind you, I can knit like a mad woman- not well, and not prettily, but by golly I can do it!) One of our Wonderful Neighbors is going to show me how to make a lovely baby hat, and I will make some to send to our midwives for the babies they attend. (James has put in a request for a brown scarf. He's five! Not rainbow, not green, not sparkly. Brown. *goofy grin* Yep, that one's mine.)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments- I always enjoy hearing from those who come to have coffee with me. It's nice to hear your anecdotes and tips and thoughts. Keep 'em comin'! You're what makes a plain ol' blog into the "tea with friends" that is so enjoyable.
Have a truly lovely Thursday!
Dy
Wednesday, August 4
The Love Affair Has Ended
It's true. My three year love affair with Sonlight is over. The clarity of my misguided affections hit me last night like a bolt from Zeus.
For three years I have drooled over Sonlight's beautiful catalog, dreamed of seeing MY children eagerly opening the Big Box. I actually lobbied Zorak our first year of homeschooling to let me order from Sonlight. He, in his sage manner ("WHAT?!?! You've got to be kidding me! No.") felt we ought to peruse other options.
So, I deferred to his wisdom and went about our business, pining in secret for all those beautiful books. I also continued to cough up the five dollars for a catalog each ensuing year. Meanwhile, though, schooling continued. Language Arts, Mathematics, History, Science, Music, Foreign Language filled our days (and many harried evenings as I figured out what I was doing!) I love what we're doing. The boys love what we're doing. Zorak loves what we're doing. We've got a good thing going! Still, though, when someone would mention "Sonlight", I'd emit an audible sigh. I still really, really wanted to buy it.
Well, last night I was reading Tammy's review blog and saw her reminder that the Sonlight deadline for a quick delivery is fast approaching. I don't know what clicked or why, but there was no sigh. There was no winsome image bobbing about in my head. No more Sonlight envy!
Why? Because I wouldn't give up Math-U-See for their math. You couldn't pay me to stop using The Writing Road to Reading. I love, love, love The Story of the World. Charlotte Mason's approach to science for young ones is gentle, exploratory, efficient and enjoyable- not letting go of that one, either! Prima Latina is a fine, wonderful fit for us. What does that leave for Sonlight to offer us? It's a good curriculum for some, but it doesn't really offer us anything. Nothing but...
BOOKS! (This is the a-ha moment of clarity, folks.) I don't want the Sonlight curriculum at all! I just want to purchase $400 worth of BOOKS every year for the next fifteen years! Ha-ha! There you have it- the superego has been unveiled. All this time spent pining for something that wasn't the solution at all. How silly.
NOW, how to convince Zorak that this is a good idea...
For three years I have drooled over Sonlight's beautiful catalog, dreamed of seeing MY children eagerly opening the Big Box. I actually lobbied Zorak our first year of homeschooling to let me order from Sonlight. He, in his sage manner ("WHAT?!?! You've got to be kidding me! No.") felt we ought to peruse other options.
So, I deferred to his wisdom and went about our business, pining in secret for all those beautiful books. I also continued to cough up the five dollars for a catalog each ensuing year. Meanwhile, though, schooling continued. Language Arts, Mathematics, History, Science, Music, Foreign Language filled our days (and many harried evenings as I figured out what I was doing!) I love what we're doing. The boys love what we're doing. Zorak loves what we're doing. We've got a good thing going! Still, though, when someone would mention "Sonlight", I'd emit an audible sigh. I still really, really wanted to buy it.
Well, last night I was reading Tammy's review blog and saw her reminder that the Sonlight deadline for a quick delivery is fast approaching. I don't know what clicked or why, but there was no sigh. There was no winsome image bobbing about in my head. No more Sonlight envy!
Why? Because I wouldn't give up Math-U-See for their math. You couldn't pay me to stop using The Writing Road to Reading. I love, love, love The Story of the World. Charlotte Mason's approach to science for young ones is gentle, exploratory, efficient and enjoyable- not letting go of that one, either! Prima Latina is a fine, wonderful fit for us. What does that leave for Sonlight to offer us? It's a good curriculum for some, but it doesn't really offer us anything. Nothing but...
BOOKS! (This is the a-ha moment of clarity, folks.) I don't want the Sonlight curriculum at all! I just want to purchase $400 worth of BOOKS every year for the next fifteen years! Ha-ha! There you have it- the superego has been unveiled. All this time spent pining for something that wasn't the solution at all. How silly.
NOW, how to convince Zorak that this is a good idea...
Tuesday's Thoughts
Two down, one to go- the fender flares should arrive via FedEx tomorrow and then we're one step closer to being legit!
We have to return The Hobbit tomorrow. Actually, it was due back day before yesterday, but we haven't been to the library. I tried to renew it, but there was already another hold on it and no other copies are available, either. So, I promised James that tomorrow we would hit the bookstore and see if they have a copy in stock. I read at the WTM forums today that there is an unabridged illustrated version available- need to go ask for the details on that. I think he'd love it.
He's getting it, and it's really exciting! Tonight, the goblins abducted Bilbo and his companions from the cave in the mountains. When the torches in the caves went out and the smoke from the main fire turned blue, James jumped up and down on the bed and shouted, "I'll bet it's Gandalf! I'll bet that's him!" (It was, of course.) *grin* This is just too much fun!
Just for something different, tonight it was Jacob who fell asleep at the supper table instead of John, who is our resident supper-time-narcoleptic. Poor sleepy baby. He slept from six until eleven thirty, woke to nurse and then *whammo* he's back out cold. Can you guess who had a busy day today? He climbed the stairs halfway up and only stopped because I was terrified he'd trip over the legs in his outfit and go tumbling pell mell like the Pokey Little Puppy. He was quite proud of himself, and just to prove it, he repeated his performance every chance he had!
John got up early this morning and requested bananas and a pb&j sandwich for breakfast. Traditions are meant to be made, right? We had a really nice time together just visiting. He is a very neat kid with a lot on his mind. I hope we have many more mornings together like this one.
After the Bon-Bon encounter this morning, the boys and I built a tent in the master bedroom and they played music on various instruments while I ironed Zorak's work shirts. Then we huddled together in the tent to read stories. (I insisted that we lift the sides so that Mommy wouldn't melt rapidly- four humans under a bedsheet with no ventilation produce a LOT of heat! They allowed for that, but promptly exiled me from the tent and put the sides back down as soon as the reading was complete.)
So tomorrow is going to be a day for the boys: to the park, to the library, and to the bookstore. (I'm hoping we can add "to 7-11 for a squishy" to the day, too!)
*AAAANNNNNNDDDDD, I blew it. Was going to hit the hay right after I blogged... then I decided to blog run before posting (b/c I'd told myself I would get offline right after I published)... and now it's after two. Ugh. Bad Dy. Bad, bad. But, OH, there are some wonderful articles in the blogosphere tonight! See Steph's blog for one and run w/ it from there. ;-)*
'Nite,
~Dy
We have to return The Hobbit tomorrow. Actually, it was due back day before yesterday, but we haven't been to the library. I tried to renew it, but there was already another hold on it and no other copies are available, either. So, I promised James that tomorrow we would hit the bookstore and see if they have a copy in stock. I read at the WTM forums today that there is an unabridged illustrated version available- need to go ask for the details on that. I think he'd love it.
He's getting it, and it's really exciting! Tonight, the goblins abducted Bilbo and his companions from the cave in the mountains. When the torches in the caves went out and the smoke from the main fire turned blue, James jumped up and down on the bed and shouted, "I'll bet it's Gandalf! I'll bet that's him!" (It was, of course.) *grin* This is just too much fun!
Just for something different, tonight it was Jacob who fell asleep at the supper table instead of John, who is our resident supper-time-narcoleptic. Poor sleepy baby. He slept from six until eleven thirty, woke to nurse and then *whammo* he's back out cold. Can you guess who had a busy day today? He climbed the stairs halfway up and only stopped because I was terrified he'd trip over the legs in his outfit and go tumbling pell mell like the Pokey Little Puppy. He was quite proud of himself, and just to prove it, he repeated his performance every chance he had!
John got up early this morning and requested bananas and a pb&j sandwich for breakfast. Traditions are meant to be made, right? We had a really nice time together just visiting. He is a very neat kid with a lot on his mind. I hope we have many more mornings together like this one.
After the Bon-Bon encounter this morning, the boys and I built a tent in the master bedroom and they played music on various instruments while I ironed Zorak's work shirts. Then we huddled together in the tent to read stories. (I insisted that we lift the sides so that Mommy wouldn't melt rapidly- four humans under a bedsheet with no ventilation produce a LOT of heat! They allowed for that, but promptly exiled me from the tent and put the sides back down as soon as the reading was complete.)
So tomorrow is going to be a day for the boys: to the park, to the library, and to the bookstore. (I'm hoping we can add "to 7-11 for a squishy" to the day, too!)
*AAAANNNNNNDDDDD, I blew it. Was going to hit the hay right after I blogged... then I decided to blog run before posting (b/c I'd told myself I would get offline right after I published)... and now it's after two. Ugh. Bad Dy. Bad, bad. But, OH, there are some wonderful articles in the blogosphere tonight! See Steph's blog for one and run w/ it from there. ;-)*
'Nite,
~Dy
Tuesday, August 3
Oh, that's just embarrassing!
So it's nearly ten thirty. Zorak opened the front door to find me perched at the desk, coffee in hand, WTM boards open, boys nowhere in sight... in my jammies. *groan*
Now, honestly, I am a grown woman, and I don't know why I suddenly felt like I was caught with my hand in the Bon-Bons carton, but I did. I jumped up and stuttered, "Er, uh, HI! I JUST sat down for a break! Just now. Not ten seconds ago!" (which was all true, but you wouldn't think it from the guilt that oozed from my body...)
Granted, what he didn't see when he walked in is the load of dishes that have been washed and put away, the books we've read this morning, the meal and snack that have been made, eaten and tidied up after, the four loads of wash that were gathered, sorted, washed, dried, and put away...
He couldn't see, from his vantage point at the front door, the two toilets that have been scrubbed this morning or the linens all switched out on the beds...
I did make him go upstairs to see the seasonal culling work I did on the boys' clothes for the impending Autumn weather (Sweaters!) and by chance he also noticed the thorough dusting all the upstairs furniture received this AM...
But still, sheesh, talk about bad timing!
~Dy, who probably ought to put in her muumuu order this morning, as well. *grin*
Now, honestly, I am a grown woman, and I don't know why I suddenly felt like I was caught with my hand in the Bon-Bons carton, but I did. I jumped up and stuttered, "Er, uh, HI! I JUST sat down for a break! Just now. Not ten seconds ago!" (which was all true, but you wouldn't think it from the guilt that oozed from my body...)
Granted, what he didn't see when he walked in is the load of dishes that have been washed and put away, the books we've read this morning, the meal and snack that have been made, eaten and tidied up after, the four loads of wash that were gathered, sorted, washed, dried, and put away...
He couldn't see, from his vantage point at the front door, the two toilets that have been scrubbed this morning or the linens all switched out on the beds...
I did make him go upstairs to see the seasonal culling work I did on the boys' clothes for the impending Autumn weather (Sweaters!) and by chance he also noticed the thorough dusting all the upstairs furniture received this AM...
But still, sheesh, talk about bad timing!
~Dy, who probably ought to put in her muumuu order this morning, as well. *grin*
Monday, August 2
Whoo Boy
I've begun reading The Man Who Would Be King: The First American in Afghanistan by Ben MacIntyre. It is the biography of Josiah Harlan, a man who... who... well, I'm not sure I can do justice to any description of him in a quick before-bed blog. Half way through Chapter Two, I can only say that I cannot find the words to describe this man. "Ambitious" falls thinly and inadequately upon the ears. That he had certain body parts of pure brass comes a bit closer, but still no cigar. At any rate, the author, Ben MacIntyre, is a phenomenal story teller, capable of creating images and animating characters as he draws his reader into the mind of his subject. I won't say he's up there with Edmund Morris in my All-Star line up of Biographers, but perhaps. I'll let you know when I've finished the book. Have any of you read this book?
Today began well enough, then deteriorated, wallowed in the decay for a bit, and finally found redemption through the never-fail "day saver": read aloud time on Mommy & Daddy's bed. There is just something about calling a halt to the infighting, bickering, yelling, sassing, groaning and screeching by declaring that it's time to jump on the bed and read a silly book. Now if I could just remember that it's perfectly acceptable to do that as early as the day necessitates... it'd save a lot of wear and tear on all of us.
The Suburban is now near-acceptable for Maryland's standards. *sigh* Just when I think we're getting ahead. We took the vehicle in last week for inspection (which you must have in order to get it registered here, and no, it's not even an emissions inspection, which I could understand to some extent). Anyway, we came out with three work orders to complete before the Inspector will sign off for us. 1) Replace windshield. Don't even get me started on this! *ugh* However, there is a special place in heaven for the man in the mobile unit who will come to your home and replace a windshield while your children play in the grassy front yard! Yesiree, that's service! $260.00 2) Fender flares. Or new tires. Pick one. The tires stick too far out for their taste (and no, we're not talking the illegal extended axle punkmobile tires you see on lowered Ford Escorts w/ ground effects- these are mud tires on a full-sized Suburban and in no way out of line). However, the state requires that we drill holes in the fender wells (can you say RUST?) and attach little wing-like appendages to our vehicle. These flares will not actually deflect water, dirt or rocks. They will not enhance the safety or performance of the vehicle. And yet, Big Brother says... *rolling eyes* So, those have been ordered and will be here tomorrow. $100.00 3) Replace one CV boot. Oh PUHLEEZE! Yes, it has a leak. It has a minor, minor leak, and to be perfectly honest, there is a huge enormous possibility that we'll have even MORE leaks after messing with this thing than we do now. But oh, no... no, gotta fix that. The joint is good. The axle is good. But the boot has a microscopic leak and SO, it must be replaced. $170.00 + the hassle of arguing w/ every service manager in St. Mary's County that I am NOT going to pull a perfectly good axle just because they don't want to do the work on the boot.
There ya go- $500+ later, we will then have the privilege to spend another heaven-only-knows how much more money to actually register the vehicle. It's not like... *snort* well, never mind.
On the up side, it's all good. We're ok. We have the money, and whether we'd prefer to spend it on things like this is moot, at least we can get it done. Right? And, it's good that we have the Suburban (which is, to be truthful, the best-running vehicle we've ever owned jointly... we would have had to just set our old Suburban on fire and call it even.)
John built an amazing Pirate Ship from PVC pipe tonight. It has wonderful sails, and even a "private entrance" for the Captain. He made up wonderful games around it, too.
James had a nice heart-to-heart with Zorak and told him that he really does like living in Maryland except for the laws and the humidity, but in general, he likes it ok and is happy here. He is so glad he learned to swim and asked me if we could add swimming to our regular schedule now. Wow!
Jacob is getting more and more brave with his cruising abilities. His balance is improving, too. He is also joining in on the family games in the afternoons, which is a blast and is wearing him out. He's moved his own bedtime up from 9:30 to 8:30. Too cute!
We're taking this week to rest up, rescue the house from six weeks of anti-routine add-on activities, and gather ourselves. Next week we'll begin back to lessons. I think we're all looking forward to that again.
~Dy
Today began well enough, then deteriorated, wallowed in the decay for a bit, and finally found redemption through the never-fail "day saver": read aloud time on Mommy & Daddy's bed. There is just something about calling a halt to the infighting, bickering, yelling, sassing, groaning and screeching by declaring that it's time to jump on the bed and read a silly book. Now if I could just remember that it's perfectly acceptable to do that as early as the day necessitates... it'd save a lot of wear and tear on all of us.
The Suburban is now near-acceptable for Maryland's standards. *sigh* Just when I think we're getting ahead. We took the vehicle in last week for inspection (which you must have in order to get it registered here, and no, it's not even an emissions inspection, which I could understand to some extent). Anyway, we came out with three work orders to complete before the Inspector will sign off for us. 1) Replace windshield. Don't even get me started on this! *ugh* However, there is a special place in heaven for the man in the mobile unit who will come to your home and replace a windshield while your children play in the grassy front yard! Yesiree, that's service! $260.00 2) Fender flares. Or new tires. Pick one. The tires stick too far out for their taste (and no, we're not talking the illegal extended axle punkmobile tires you see on lowered Ford Escorts w/ ground effects- these are mud tires on a full-sized Suburban and in no way out of line). However, the state requires that we drill holes in the fender wells (can you say RUST?) and attach little wing-like appendages to our vehicle. These flares will not actually deflect water, dirt or rocks. They will not enhance the safety or performance of the vehicle. And yet, Big Brother says... *rolling eyes* So, those have been ordered and will be here tomorrow. $100.00 3) Replace one CV boot. Oh PUHLEEZE! Yes, it has a leak. It has a minor, minor leak, and to be perfectly honest, there is a huge enormous possibility that we'll have even MORE leaks after messing with this thing than we do now. But oh, no... no, gotta fix that. The joint is good. The axle is good. But the boot has a microscopic leak and SO, it must be replaced. $170.00 + the hassle of arguing w/ every service manager in St. Mary's County that I am NOT going to pull a perfectly good axle just because they don't want to do the work on the boot.
There ya go- $500+ later, we will then have the privilege to spend another heaven-only-knows how much more money to actually register the vehicle. It's not like... *snort* well, never mind.
On the up side, it's all good. We're ok. We have the money, and whether we'd prefer to spend it on things like this is moot, at least we can get it done. Right? And, it's good that we have the Suburban (which is, to be truthful, the best-running vehicle we've ever owned jointly... we would have had to just set our old Suburban on fire and call it even.)
John built an amazing Pirate Ship from PVC pipe tonight. It has wonderful sails, and even a "private entrance" for the Captain. He made up wonderful games around it, too.
James had a nice heart-to-heart with Zorak and told him that he really does like living in Maryland except for the laws and the humidity, but in general, he likes it ok and is happy here. He is so glad he learned to swim and asked me if we could add swimming to our regular schedule now. Wow!
Jacob is getting more and more brave with his cruising abilities. His balance is improving, too. He is also joining in on the family games in the afternoons, which is a blast and is wearing him out. He's moved his own bedtime up from 9:30 to 8:30. Too cute!
We're taking this week to rest up, rescue the house from six weeks of anti-routine add-on activities, and gather ourselves. Next week we'll begin back to lessons. I think we're all looking forward to that again.
~Dy
Sunday, August 1
We're Home & I'm Thankful
We found our church home. After visiting for a month and sending the boys to VBS there, not to mention a ton of praying on it and discussing it, we have decided that this is where we need to be for our time in Maryland. *whew* That feels good. It's not 100% spot-on with what I believe, nor with what Zorak believes, either (I'll get to that in a moment), but it is close. Extremely close. It is also friendly, spirit-filled, academic (in that study of Scripture, history, tradition and language are all pursued and encouraged), and pretty much fills in every prayer request I sent up during the four years Zorak was in school.
That said...
Huge kudos go to Zorak. He is a gem among men, and I am so thankful for him. He is actively involved in choosing our church homes, in guiding the boys' spiritual upbringing, and in supervising the overall spiritual growth of our home and family. He encourages me to study the Bible and to follow the teachings of Christianity. He undertakes his role as the Head of our Household with great love and reverence. He listens to Biblical arguments for or against certain decisions. He holds hands around the supper table for prayer.
All that, and he is not a believer. He doesn't ken to the faith I do, and yet he puts that faith at the center of our home and family because he knows how deeply I cherish it (his description is that my faith is not something I do, but what I am~ which is more than a little humbling, to be honest), and that the boys will receive nothing but good from it. He is a strong man, and I appreciate all that he does for us, in more than the traditional ways of providing a roof over our heads and food in our pantry.
He is honest and upfront, as well. He doesn't sugar coat our situation- for me, or for anyone else. He doesn't buy it. He doesn't claim to have the answers, but he's relatively certain Christianity doesn't, either. He asks questions when something seems askew. He challenges my beliefs- not in an antagonistic manner, but in a logical, loving, curious manner. We actually sit down and discuss Faith, Religion, and Doctrine in depth, and our conversations are wonderful.
Yes, I know what the Bible says about being unequally yoked. I know the statistics on mixed faith marriages, as well. But truthfully, although I was not walking closely with the Lord when Zorak and I met, and I have come Home to Him more over the past six years than I had previously, I don't know how many husbands, believers or non, would handle that shift with the grace, love and unconditional support that Zorak has offered to me. I am truly, truly blessed.
So, we have a new church home, and I am once again more thankful than I have words to describe.
~Dy
That said...
Huge kudos go to Zorak. He is a gem among men, and I am so thankful for him. He is actively involved in choosing our church homes, in guiding the boys' spiritual upbringing, and in supervising the overall spiritual growth of our home and family. He encourages me to study the Bible and to follow the teachings of Christianity. He undertakes his role as the Head of our Household with great love and reverence. He listens to Biblical arguments for or against certain decisions. He holds hands around the supper table for prayer.
All that, and he is not a believer. He doesn't ken to the faith I do, and yet he puts that faith at the center of our home and family because he knows how deeply I cherish it (his description is that my faith is not something I do, but what I am~ which is more than a little humbling, to be honest), and that the boys will receive nothing but good from it. He is a strong man, and I appreciate all that he does for us, in more than the traditional ways of providing a roof over our heads and food in our pantry.
He is honest and upfront, as well. He doesn't sugar coat our situation- for me, or for anyone else. He doesn't buy it. He doesn't claim to have the answers, but he's relatively certain Christianity doesn't, either. He asks questions when something seems askew. He challenges my beliefs- not in an antagonistic manner, but in a logical, loving, curious manner. We actually sit down and discuss Faith, Religion, and Doctrine in depth, and our conversations are wonderful.
Yes, I know what the Bible says about being unequally yoked. I know the statistics on mixed faith marriages, as well. But truthfully, although I was not walking closely with the Lord when Zorak and I met, and I have come Home to Him more over the past six years than I had previously, I don't know how many husbands, believers or non, would handle that shift with the grace, love and unconditional support that Zorak has offered to me. I am truly, truly blessed.
So, we have a new church home, and I am once again more thankful than I have words to describe.
~Dy
Saturday, July 31
Oh, those amazing moments~
Had several today:
James has mastered several knots and spent a great deal of time trying to teach me how to make knots. I am a poor student, but he is an enthusiastic and patient teacher (thankfully). He's getting a better grasp on his temper, but unfortunately he now bursts into tears more frequently. He should not have been the eldest child. He's so sensitive, and comprehends so much... and we do not always realize that he is still such a little guy. We are doing better, though. One incident at a time, one breath at a time. More hugs, more snuggles, more eye contact. He's doing better, and so are we.
Jacob absolutely wore himself out tonight and hit the hay an hour early after chasing The Brothers and Zorak 'round and 'round the house after supper. He's pretty quick for a temporary quadruped. Zorak pretended he was going to eat the Smidget and The Brothers bounded to the rescue, as it were. (Poor Zorak, he got pummeled.) At one point, Zorak said he was going to eat John, and what do you know- The Smidget came to the rescue! Growling like a bear cub (in between fits of laughter that literally paralyzed him and sent him sprawling), he climed Zorak and wrangled him to the ground. Ta-Da! Our hero. He also thoroughly enjoyed an extended game of peek-a-boo with anyone who would play as he hid behind the coffee table and popped up to yell BOO!
John invented a few new games today and spent a while trying to teach me how to play. Um, again I say, I'm a poor student. I also got hit in the face pretty regularly with the Beanie Bear he lobbed at me. He thought it was great fun and didn't mind that he thoroughly trounced me in his version of Calvin Ball (which I'm certain it was, because I still don't know what the rules were!)
*drum roll please* After umpteen failed attempts and the frustration of untold mentors who have attempted to teach me the craft, I think I have mastered the single crochet! WooHoo! I can't tell you what I was doing wrong, and certainly couldn't pinpoint what I'm doing differently now, but I can feel it (well, and see it in the samples). Just as I can tell in the split second I loose the bowstring whether my aim is true, I can tell in the feel of the needle as it slips in and out of the stitches whether I've got the stitch. Now, only how many more of the basics before I can make a "simple blanket"? I have two goals with this project: to make a blanket for Gram in appreciation of her time and patience trying to teach me to crochet, and also to get to a point where it's actually somewhat (partially? I'll settle for remotely at this point!) relaxing. I need a relaxing hobby that doesn't involve having to find a sitter for the boys. At least until they're old enough to hunt with me.
And how is your weekend going?
~Dy
James has mastered several knots and spent a great deal of time trying to teach me how to make knots. I am a poor student, but he is an enthusiastic and patient teacher (thankfully). He's getting a better grasp on his temper, but unfortunately he now bursts into tears more frequently. He should not have been the eldest child. He's so sensitive, and comprehends so much... and we do not always realize that he is still such a little guy. We are doing better, though. One incident at a time, one breath at a time. More hugs, more snuggles, more eye contact. He's doing better, and so are we.
Jacob absolutely wore himself out tonight and hit the hay an hour early after chasing The Brothers and Zorak 'round and 'round the house after supper. He's pretty quick for a temporary quadruped. Zorak pretended he was going to eat the Smidget and The Brothers bounded to the rescue, as it were. (Poor Zorak, he got pummeled.) At one point, Zorak said he was going to eat John, and what do you know- The Smidget came to the rescue! Growling like a bear cub (in between fits of laughter that literally paralyzed him and sent him sprawling), he climed Zorak and wrangled him to the ground. Ta-Da! Our hero. He also thoroughly enjoyed an extended game of peek-a-boo with anyone who would play as he hid behind the coffee table and popped up to yell BOO!
John invented a few new games today and spent a while trying to teach me how to play. Um, again I say, I'm a poor student. I also got hit in the face pretty regularly with the Beanie Bear he lobbed at me. He thought it was great fun and didn't mind that he thoroughly trounced me in his version of Calvin Ball (which I'm certain it was, because I still don't know what the rules were!)
*drum roll please* After umpteen failed attempts and the frustration of untold mentors who have attempted to teach me the craft, I think I have mastered the single crochet! WooHoo! I can't tell you what I was doing wrong, and certainly couldn't pinpoint what I'm doing differently now, but I can feel it (well, and see it in the samples). Just as I can tell in the split second I loose the bowstring whether my aim is true, I can tell in the feel of the needle as it slips in and out of the stitches whether I've got the stitch. Now, only how many more of the basics before I can make a "simple blanket"? I have two goals with this project: to make a blanket for Gram in appreciation of her time and patience trying to teach me to crochet, and also to get to a point where it's actually somewhat (partially? I'll settle for remotely at this point!) relaxing. I need a relaxing hobby that doesn't involve having to find a sitter for the boys. At least until they're old enough to hunt with me.
And how is your weekend going?
~Dy
Friday, July 30
A Fine Day, Indeed
Today was what I would call "A Fine Day". Once again, I was struck by how quickly the boys are growing into fine young men while still retaining their childhood graces and the wells from which they draw their strength.
Zorak and I arrived at VBS for the Closing Presentation (a little performance the groups put on to summarize their week and their lessons). As we found a seat to the left of the classes and settled in to enjoy the children, our eyes sought our own from among the throng of heads bobbing eagerly up and down in the rows. John was easy to spot: he was in the front row, facing backwards, bouncing his chin on the back of his chair and chatting away happily with a little girl in the second row. Ah, good to see he's paying attention. *grin* I had spoken with his teacher earlier this week and knew that he actually paid attention wonderfully most of the time- she thought he was closer to turning five than just-turned-four. This morning, though, at 8:30, he had begged to stay in bed "just a little longer". This, from a child who is normally up by six, at the latest! So, hey, a little case of the squiggles isn't bad. He looked so contented and happy. He giggled and signed "I love you!" when he spotted us in the seats.
We found James a few rows back, almost directly across from us. He sat hunched up, looking sullen and on the verge of tears. My "Mommy alarm" went off, so the three of us (Zorak, Jacob and I) sidled across the aisle to the row behind James. I tapped his shoulder. He ignored the tap. I scratched his back. He gently and quietly shrugged that off, too. Hmmm. His teacher then tapped his shoulder and said, "Look behind you." He turned his small, sad face up to us and the instant recognition that lit his eyes was matched only by the speed with which he flung himself at me, wrapped both arms around my waist and buried his head in my torso. He stayed there, clutching me as if he was afraid he would disapper if he let go. I wasn't about to let that happen. We stayed there for a full couple of minutes. He finally lifted his face, smiled a smile that reached up to his reddened eyes and said, "I'm just so happy to see you!" Then, as if nothing had happened, he was once again fine with the world and all that lay ahead of him. (We spoke with his teacher after the show and she explained that he'd seen Zorak by the door and was sad that he couldn't go to him, nor had he seen that I was there, too.)
Both boys smiled like maniacs every chance they got, sang with more gusto than I thought possible, and bounded along with their classes like Retrievers on a good Autumn walk. They looked so... so big! The pang in my heart at the loss of my babies was easily soothed by the warm comfort of raising such incredible young men. Our little men, our guys, they are amazing, and we get to be a part of their lives. Just when I began to look appreciatively at the other, "older", boys running about the church grounds, I felt a wee hand grasp mine. I looked down into huge smiling blue eyes. Then wee arms wrapped around one of my legs, and I looked down to see the tousled, sun streaked head of my other beautiful boy. They stayed that way as we left the Sanctuary, and with a little grin I remembered that they are growing, but they are, after all, only five and four. The world is a magical place, but Mom and Dad are still magical people. Our little guys, for a time yet, anyway.
Jacob has a mouth just bursting with teeth. He's standing unaided for small bits of time now, too, climbing and cruisng his way around the furniture. His favorite people in the world are his brothers (Zorak and I run a close second in this category, but we don't quite have the "fun factor" going for us that The Brothers do.) He blows the sweetest kisses and growls like a little bear, which cracks us up six ways from Sunday. He understands so much and communicates so well. He'll be 11 months on Aug 9th, and yes, he's small (still wears 6-9 mo. clothes). He's fully functional and very happy, and there's no need for concern. I wish there was a way to convey all that without having to just hand out tracts to everyone we come in contact with each day.
I got this from Lynne- It certainly explains a lot! I have SO been talking to the wrong muse (or I've been given the wrong muse!) ;-)
Urania
Seek One of the Nine Greek Muses
brought to you by Quizilla
(Note: I took the quiz again this evening, and got Calliope... which, I am hoping, is more accurate. Who do you talk to about switching muses, anyway?)
The temperatures have dropped, but the humidity has gone up (I'm thinkin' it's around 310% lately...) Everything has a time and a purpose. I may not like the side effects of summer, but the reasons for it are bountiful and glorious. (My less-than-inspired whines over summer will re-commence at some point, I'm sure, but for tonight, I'm willing to think of it as "a necessary evil".)
Alrighty then, I'm going to go play and pretend the dishwasher isn't hollerin' for some attention! Be good to each other!
*I almost forgot! This was posted at TWTM forums the other day, and it is hilarious! My personal favorite... well, I can't pick, but I really want this one for the Suburban:
~Dy
Zorak and I arrived at VBS for the Closing Presentation (a little performance the groups put on to summarize their week and their lessons). As we found a seat to the left of the classes and settled in to enjoy the children, our eyes sought our own from among the throng of heads bobbing eagerly up and down in the rows. John was easy to spot: he was in the front row, facing backwards, bouncing his chin on the back of his chair and chatting away happily with a little girl in the second row. Ah, good to see he's paying attention. *grin* I had spoken with his teacher earlier this week and knew that he actually paid attention wonderfully most of the time- she thought he was closer to turning five than just-turned-four. This morning, though, at 8:30, he had begged to stay in bed "just a little longer". This, from a child who is normally up by six, at the latest! So, hey, a little case of the squiggles isn't bad. He looked so contented and happy. He giggled and signed "I love you!" when he spotted us in the seats.
We found James a few rows back, almost directly across from us. He sat hunched up, looking sullen and on the verge of tears. My "Mommy alarm" went off, so the three of us (Zorak, Jacob and I) sidled across the aisle to the row behind James. I tapped his shoulder. He ignored the tap. I scratched his back. He gently and quietly shrugged that off, too. Hmmm. His teacher then tapped his shoulder and said, "Look behind you." He turned his small, sad face up to us and the instant recognition that lit his eyes was matched only by the speed with which he flung himself at me, wrapped both arms around my waist and buried his head in my torso. He stayed there, clutching me as if he was afraid he would disapper if he let go. I wasn't about to let that happen. We stayed there for a full couple of minutes. He finally lifted his face, smiled a smile that reached up to his reddened eyes and said, "I'm just so happy to see you!" Then, as if nothing had happened, he was once again fine with the world and all that lay ahead of him. (We spoke with his teacher after the show and she explained that he'd seen Zorak by the door and was sad that he couldn't go to him, nor had he seen that I was there, too.)
Both boys smiled like maniacs every chance they got, sang with more gusto than I thought possible, and bounded along with their classes like Retrievers on a good Autumn walk. They looked so... so big! The pang in my heart at the loss of my babies was easily soothed by the warm comfort of raising such incredible young men. Our little men, our guys, they are amazing, and we get to be a part of their lives. Just when I began to look appreciatively at the other, "older", boys running about the church grounds, I felt a wee hand grasp mine. I looked down into huge smiling blue eyes. Then wee arms wrapped around one of my legs, and I looked down to see the tousled, sun streaked head of my other beautiful boy. They stayed that way as we left the Sanctuary, and with a little grin I remembered that they are growing, but they are, after all, only five and four. The world is a magical place, but Mom and Dad are still magical people. Our little guys, for a time yet, anyway.
Jacob has a mouth just bursting with teeth. He's standing unaided for small bits of time now, too, climbing and cruisng his way around the furniture. His favorite people in the world are his brothers (Zorak and I run a close second in this category, but we don't quite have the "fun factor" going for us that The Brothers do.) He blows the sweetest kisses and growls like a little bear, which cracks us up six ways from Sunday. He understands so much and communicates so well. He'll be 11 months on Aug 9th, and yes, he's small (still wears 6-9 mo. clothes). He's fully functional and very happy, and there's no need for concern. I wish there was a way to convey all that without having to just hand out tracts to everyone we come in contact with each day.
I got this from Lynne- It certainly explains a lot! I have SO been talking to the wrong muse (or I've been given the wrong muse!) ;-)
Urania
Seek One of the Nine Greek Muses
brought to you by Quizilla
(Note: I took the quiz again this evening, and got Calliope... which, I am hoping, is more accurate. Who do you talk to about switching muses, anyway?)
The temperatures have dropped, but the humidity has gone up (I'm thinkin' it's around 310% lately...) Everything has a time and a purpose. I may not like the side effects of summer, but the reasons for it are bountiful and glorious. (My less-than-inspired whines over summer will re-commence at some point, I'm sure, but for tonight, I'm willing to think of it as "a necessary evil".)
Alrighty then, I'm going to go play and pretend the dishwasher isn't hollerin' for some attention! Be good to each other!
*I almost forgot! This was posted at TWTM forums the other day, and it is hilarious! My personal favorite... well, I can't pick, but I really want this one for the Suburban:
Si hoc adfixum in obicle legere potes, et liberaliter educatus et nimis propinquus ades.
~ "If you can read this bumper sticker, you are both very well educated and much too close."
~Dy
Thursday, July 29
I think my muse is sick.
It may have dementia, or perhaps simply a very warped sense of humor. Whatever the problem is, inspirations come fast and hard... while I'm stuck in traffic. When I sit down to the keyboard, you can hear the opening theme from The Good, The Bad & The Ugly whistling in the walls as tumbleweeds scamper across the desk.
Blogger found the ghost in the machine, and it's not ME and my big mouth! WooHoo! (Note the absence of wayward text in the sidebar!) BIG thanks to the Blogger folks!
VBS Days are not text-rich days. I can honestly say that without feeling guilty. We get up, get dressed, eat. We leave. Jacob and I come home. He passes out on the couch. I clean. We pick up the boys, come home and hide from the humidity. Soon, Zorak is home and suddenly it's midnight. If I weren't actually witnessing this process, I would swear I was hiding (or forgetting) something.
Reading: so far this week, I've finished re-reading The Waste Lands (Dark Tower 3) and The Gunslinger (Dark Tower 1) (which is, pretty much, the order in which I read them originally), and read Song of Susannah (Dark Tower 6) . I just love Roland of Gilead and his ka-tet. Yes, I know I'm not reading them in order. I read what I can get, when I can get it. I think books four and five may have come in today. Smidget and I will hit the library tomorrow to pick up whatever's waiting.
Zorak is nudging me to begin writing again. I am willing and eager, yet, what's the word I'm looking for here? I don't know, it's that darned demented muse issue. Not to mention the short attention span. Yes, that may have something to do with it. How do you pick up again when you haven't written for a long, long time? (This would be another good place to insert the theme music. I wonder if I could upload a .wav file to the blog?) Anybody want to take in an apprentice?
Well, it is late (far later than I thought! Yikes!) so I am going to say goodnight here and go visit the boards and blogs while I savor one last cup of coffee. See you in the morning!
~Dy
Blogger found the ghost in the machine, and it's not ME and my big mouth! WooHoo! (Note the absence of wayward text in the sidebar!) BIG thanks to the Blogger folks!
VBS Days are not text-rich days. I can honestly say that without feeling guilty. We get up, get dressed, eat. We leave. Jacob and I come home. He passes out on the couch. I clean. We pick up the boys, come home and hide from the humidity. Soon, Zorak is home and suddenly it's midnight. If I weren't actually witnessing this process, I would swear I was hiding (or forgetting) something.
Reading: so far this week, I've finished re-reading The Waste Lands (Dark Tower 3) and The Gunslinger (Dark Tower 1) (which is, pretty much, the order in which I read them originally), and read Song of Susannah (Dark Tower 6) . I just love Roland of Gilead and his ka-tet. Yes, I know I'm not reading them in order. I read what I can get, when I can get it. I think books four and five may have come in today. Smidget and I will hit the library tomorrow to pick up whatever's waiting.
Zorak is nudging me to begin writing again. I am willing and eager, yet, what's the word I'm looking for here? I don't know, it's that darned demented muse issue. Not to mention the short attention span. Yes, that may have something to do with it. How do you pick up again when you haven't written for a long, long time? (This would be another good place to insert the theme music. I wonder if I could upload a .wav file to the blog?) Anybody want to take in an apprentice?
Well, it is late (far later than I thought! Yikes!) so I am going to say goodnight here and go visit the boards and blogs while I savor one last cup of coffee. See you in the morning!
~Dy
Wednesday, July 28
Quick, pointless blog
Had to shave James' head yesterday. The barber botched it on Thursday, then combed it over to hide it intentionally from us. We found it when we got home. Tried to live with it over the weekend, but, erm, no. He looked like quite the neglecterino. Now, sadly, he looks like a chipper little skinhead. Which is worse, really, but the chop job was so bad (and right in the front!) that this was the only way to do it. I hope it grows quickly. I was on the verge of tears until I noticed he was on the verge of tears, at which point I tried to point out the benefits of this newly acquired 'do: it'll be easier to do tick checks, when he is grown and joins the military this is what his hair will look like for basic training, and he has a beautiful head. He's not sold on it. "But MOM, I don't even look like myself anymore!" He's right. He has always had a little Normal Rockwell haircut, and we really, really hate this para-military style. *sigh*
John has overcome his weekend meltdown and is completely enthralled with VBS. He bops and struts all over the place and the moment his eyes meet mine, he clamps down like the little German-Irish child he is and announced, "I don't want to go home! I want to stay here!" I swoop him into my arms, peck his chubby cheek and announce right back at him, "Oh, I'm so glad you've had a wonderful day! Tell me about it!" Fortunately, he's still young enough to fall for re-direction.
Jacob and I were going to have all manner of wonderful adventures during our three hours alone together this week. I was certain of it. He's sleeping. Again. Ah, well, next year, for sure!
We hit the library again yesterday. I picked up some new books (without the librarian's assistance) and spent the time before supper last night thoroughly lost in other worlds. I remember my sisters telling me that I wasn't filling out (I was a late bloomer, so to speak) because I spent all my time reading books. Evidently, you must engage in other pursuits in order to, erm, "fill out" at the proper time? Well, if books will keep the boys focused and away from "other pursuits" for a wee bit, then I'm buyin' a library!
And on that note, I need to go pick up my little adventurers and bring them back to the den of never ending scouring for a little slave labor and treats!
~Dy
John has overcome his weekend meltdown and is completely enthralled with VBS. He bops and struts all over the place and the moment his eyes meet mine, he clamps down like the little German-Irish child he is and announced, "I don't want to go home! I want to stay here!" I swoop him into my arms, peck his chubby cheek and announce right back at him, "Oh, I'm so glad you've had a wonderful day! Tell me about it!" Fortunately, he's still young enough to fall for re-direction.
Jacob and I were going to have all manner of wonderful adventures during our three hours alone together this week. I was certain of it. He's sleeping. Again. Ah, well, next year, for sure!
We hit the library again yesterday. I picked up some new books (without the librarian's assistance) and spent the time before supper last night thoroughly lost in other worlds. I remember my sisters telling me that I wasn't filling out (I was a late bloomer, so to speak) because I spent all my time reading books. Evidently, you must engage in other pursuits in order to, erm, "fill out" at the proper time? Well, if books will keep the boys focused and away from "other pursuits" for a wee bit, then I'm buyin' a library!
And on that note, I need to go pick up my little adventurers and bring them back to the den of never ending scouring for a little slave labor and treats!
~Dy
Monday, July 26
We made it!
We made it to the end of the day. Yes, for some of us, that is quite an accomplishment, thank you. ;^)
Steph, yes, they'll read them all. With the exception of the read-alouds, they have already read every book on there at least once so far. I try to pace them on the read alouds, but it's not uncommon for James to chew his way through 15 books in a day. John is picking up the habit, too, of looking through books and asking to be read to more frequently. We spend a lot of time reading, although I can't claim some high virtue or discipline as the cause of it. It's just too hot and humid to go outside (really, just ask me!), we don't have cable, and the house is not fit for company. So, what do you want to do, kids? Do you want me to read to you or do you want to read to me? Ha! My poor children. My list, however, is rather slow. The house related books came first, and then I could begin interspersing my pleasure reads with my second reads. My "completed" list is a lot shorter than the boys' lists are!
I had a weird thought today. As I prepared for my day, I opened the new body wash I'd picked up the other day. It smells so good (and is much nicer than the Dial I've been using the past few years!) I paid closer attention to the scents in the things I use: my shampoo is citrus, the conditioner is eucalyptus and mint and coconut oil, the body wash is almond. My facial cleaner has echinacea and ginseng in it, as well as something else I can't remember. I started thinking about the way "Moms" smell- mine always smelled lovely. As far back as I can remember, she smelled like Zest for everyday, and Shalimar Guerlain for special occasions. As I donned my "spring musk" deodorant and rubbed more of the almond lotion on my arms, I realized something... I smell like a schizophrenic ecosystem! Good grief. Something has got to give.
The boys earn beads at VBS- not beads like Mardis Gras, obviously. It's something that goes on their name badges. They didn't mention this until supper. Sometimes our conversations just seem so... weird.
Steph, yes, they'll read them all. With the exception of the read-alouds, they have already read every book on there at least once so far. I try to pace them on the read alouds, but it's not uncommon for James to chew his way through 15 books in a day. John is picking up the habit, too, of looking through books and asking to be read to more frequently. We spend a lot of time reading, although I can't claim some high virtue or discipline as the cause of it. It's just too hot and humid to go outside (really, just ask me!), we don't have cable, and the house is not fit for company. So, what do you want to do, kids? Do you want me to read to you or do you want to read to me? Ha! My poor children. My list, however, is rather slow. The house related books came first, and then I could begin interspersing my pleasure reads with my second reads. My "completed" list is a lot shorter than the boys' lists are!
I had a weird thought today. As I prepared for my day, I opened the new body wash I'd picked up the other day. It smells so good (and is much nicer than the Dial I've been using the past few years!) I paid closer attention to the scents in the things I use: my shampoo is citrus, the conditioner is eucalyptus and mint and coconut oil, the body wash is almond. My facial cleaner has echinacea and ginseng in it, as well as something else I can't remember. I started thinking about the way "Moms" smell- mine always smelled lovely. As far back as I can remember, she smelled like Zest for everyday, and Shalimar Guerlain for special occasions. As I donned my "spring musk" deodorant and rubbed more of the almond lotion on my arms, I realized something... I smell like a schizophrenic ecosystem! Good grief. Something has got to give.
The boys earn beads at VBS- not beads like Mardis Gras, obviously. It's something that goes on their name badges. They didn't mention this until supper. Sometimes our conversations just seem so... weird.
Mom: So, how do you get beads for your badges?
James: You do stuff.
Mom: What kind of stuff do you do?
James: Tasks, mostly.
Mom: (thinking to herself: Thank you, Captain Obvious) What tasks do you do to earn your beads?
James: Most all of them, I would imagine.
John: And God loved the world!
At this point, I'm not sure I'll ever find out, short of staying there in the morning and seeing for myself! However, we now know that they will earn beads for performing tasks, and both boys seem completely at peace with this. I'm really glad we've taught the boys to be ok with questioning authority...*
Zorak has found a jacket! Gosh, that could be an entry unto itself. He has one in his crosshairs. Oh, happy day! But don't let out that sigh of relief just yet... it's not paid for or shipped yet! (But still, he FOUND ONE!)
And if you have a blog, as you can see, my sidebar is DOA. It needs to be rejuvenated. This is a painful process, as I generally have to go wending about the blogosphere to gather all my favorite links (and they never end up on my list)- if you know I read you, would ya lend me your URL? As soon as I figure out how to put things up on the sidebar, I'll need 'em. ;^) Thanks.
Alright, done blogging before nine. Off for a fresh cup of coffee and one more chapter in a Mommy book before it's time to knock out the Smidget and go read about Bilbo's current adventure.
G'nite!
~Dy
(*As a side note, no, there's not a question in my mind about the integrity of the staff at VBS- I'm just feeling back to my smart alecky little self this evening!)
ARGH! I give up!
HA, talk about embarrassing! I discovered the problem: I talk too much. It's fixed now. ;-) NOW, how to add things to my sidebar and what is the name of that cool script font?
~Dy
Mid-Monday Tidbits
The boys (including Babyzilla) are playing legos. I've cleaned the dining room, de-spidered the foyer, and tidied the kitchen. So, I thought I'd come chat for a bit.
This template must go. Not liking it one bit. Don't leave comments until then, 'cuz I'll lose 'em! ;-O
Big Boys and VBS- I have to laugh at first impressions. Twice, John attended the Sunday School class at this new church. He loved it, he flourished. All reports were the same: "Very outgoing, very interactive, very pleasant child." Last Sunday, (3rd visit) they moved him to the 4yo class. He was punky from lack of sleep, anyway, still off kilter from the last two weeks of swim. He bolted. He begged to be in James' class. He then stood in the corner in James' class and refused to speak or move or sit. So today, as I took him in for VBS, the director caught me at the front and said, "John doesn't do well without you, so if you want to sit in on his class, you can." I appreciate the proactive approach, but Huh? Doesn't do well without--- ohhhh! She met him for the first time just yesterday. Funny. I took him to the door, the 3yo teacher has the pre-K class for VBS, and she treated him like he was the most outgoing, enthusiastic child in the world. Meanwhile, the co-director was en route to make sure she had multiple ways of getting in touch with me in case he melted down. For the record, he had a great time. And I love the staff involved with this VBS.
James had a good time, too, although there is a wee bit o' 'tude the kid's carrying around, and we aren't sure how best to have it removed. Lobotomy? Hypnosis? Shock therapy? We'll see.
Screens- have to buy screen material and fix our back screen door. What was your normal wear and tear hole by the handle has been, um, enhanced, and will now let through all manner of insects and perhaps a few small birds. Grrr.
I'm going to go play with templates. I'll update in a bit.
~Dy
This template must go. Not liking it one bit. Don't leave comments until then, 'cuz I'll lose 'em! ;-O
Big Boys and VBS- I have to laugh at first impressions. Twice, John attended the Sunday School class at this new church. He loved it, he flourished. All reports were the same: "Very outgoing, very interactive, very pleasant child." Last Sunday, (3rd visit) they moved him to the 4yo class. He was punky from lack of sleep, anyway, still off kilter from the last two weeks of swim. He bolted. He begged to be in James' class. He then stood in the corner in James' class and refused to speak or move or sit. So today, as I took him in for VBS, the director caught me at the front and said, "John doesn't do well without you, so if you want to sit in on his class, you can." I appreciate the proactive approach, but Huh? Doesn't do well without--- ohhhh! She met him for the first time just yesterday. Funny. I took him to the door, the 3yo teacher has the pre-K class for VBS, and she treated him like he was the most outgoing, enthusiastic child in the world. Meanwhile, the co-director was en route to make sure she had multiple ways of getting in touch with me in case he melted down. For the record, he had a great time. And I love the staff involved with this VBS.
James had a good time, too, although there is a wee bit o' 'tude the kid's carrying around, and we aren't sure how best to have it removed. Lobotomy? Hypnosis? Shock therapy? We'll see.
Screens- have to buy screen material and fix our back screen door. What was your normal wear and tear hole by the handle has been, um, enhanced, and will now let through all manner of insects and perhaps a few small birds. Grrr.
I'm going to go play with templates. I'll update in a bit.
~Dy
Saturday, July 24
All On A Saturday Night!
Ah, well, mostly it was Saturday Day, but I've got that song stuck in my head.
Susan- you will SO have email after I get done blogging! There is a special place in software heaven for kind souls like you. :-) Thank you! Or, if I don't get back on, it's the "rounders 2" template at blogger. :-D
The boys, Zorak and I spent around ten hours today scaling, printing, gluing and building a 1/40th scale model of the house design. The boys had a blast with the glue and the layout. They brought down their Green Army Men to act as inhabitants. Jacob got in on the fun, as well. At one point I heard Zorak call upstairs, "Could you bring the house back down, please?" James whispered furitively from the top step, "Are you insane? You have two choices: upstairs and safe, or downstairs, drooled on and torn apart! What do you think? We're not bringing it down!" We assured him (once we quit laughing) that Babyzilla would not tear apart the house. They were doubtful, but obedient. They're very good boys.
That was pretty much all we did today. Well, and I read many (many) books over (and over) again. A few of these books may find themselves returned long before their due date. *wink* When a 4 year old child has only had a book for three or four days and has it memorized verbatim, it's easy to understand a mother's desire to make it "go away", no? Want to hazard a guess as to which one will go first?
I talked to Gram today, and also to Granny Bette (my Aunt Bette, but she prefers the "Granny" moniker that John bestowed upon her, and I love her, so she's "Granny" now). There are days I wish we could scoop these two ladies up and just wrap them in our hearts forever and ever. I cannot imagine the world without them, and it's a far better place for having had them over the last few decades (relatively speaking, it's an old, old world...) We all wish they lived closer to us, or that we lived closer to them. Either way, we all wish we were closer. I need to start knitting or crocheting or tatting again, too. Hope this weather cools off soon so we can get started!
Oh, Zorak needs to print another roof. Gotta run! Be good to each other, and have a lovely Sunday!
~Dy
Susan- you will SO have email after I get done blogging! There is a special place in software heaven for kind souls like you. :-) Thank you! Or, if I don't get back on, it's the "rounders 2" template at blogger. :-D
The boys, Zorak and I spent around ten hours today scaling, printing, gluing and building a 1/40th scale model of the house design. The boys had a blast with the glue and the layout. They brought down their Green Army Men to act as inhabitants. Jacob got in on the fun, as well. At one point I heard Zorak call upstairs, "Could you bring the house back down, please?" James whispered furitively from the top step, "Are you insane? You have two choices: upstairs and safe, or downstairs, drooled on and torn apart! What do you think? We're not bringing it down!" We assured him (once we quit laughing) that Babyzilla would not tear apart the house. They were doubtful, but obedient. They're very good boys.
That was pretty much all we did today. Well, and I read many (many) books over (and over) again. A few of these books may find themselves returned long before their due date. *wink* When a 4 year old child has only had a book for three or four days and has it memorized verbatim, it's easy to understand a mother's desire to make it "go away", no? Want to hazard a guess as to which one will go first?
I talked to Gram today, and also to Granny Bette (my Aunt Bette, but she prefers the "Granny" moniker that John bestowed upon her, and I love her, so she's "Granny" now). There are days I wish we could scoop these two ladies up and just wrap them in our hearts forever and ever. I cannot imagine the world without them, and it's a far better place for having had them over the last few decades (relatively speaking, it's an old, old world...) We all wish they lived closer to us, or that we lived closer to them. Either way, we all wish we were closer. I need to start knitting or crocheting or tatting again, too. Hope this weather cools off soon so we can get started!
Oh, Zorak needs to print another roof. Gotta run! Be good to each other, and have a lovely Sunday!
~Dy
Friday, July 23
A quick few things before bed.
1) I need techie help! I cannot make heads or tails of the code for this template! My sidebar is way down yonder, but I can't seem to scootch it up this way. Tried resizing anything that looked resizable, but just received some terribly funky previews. Anyone willing to take pity and help me out? Please?
2) The last day of swim was, get this, rained out! :-( Sad boys. Mama was sad for them, but my saddlebags leapt for joy. (Or would've leapt if they weren't so firmly attached...) Instead, we met with Zorak and his co-workers for lunch. It was a lovely time. The boys were wonderfully well-behaved. We visited with Zorak's boss' wife and family. They are truly pleasant people. Come to find out, she had wanted to homeschool their daughter, but he wasn't up for it. So their compromise was a private school. They are a very interesting family, and we received an invitation to come see the play their daughter is performing in next weekend.
3) Here is what we've currently been burying our noses in- some on the nightstand, some right smack in the middle of the hallway (both of the older boys have some bizarre predisposition to sit/lay directly in the line of traffic to do their reading and coloring... at least it makes them easy to find, right?) Right now, there are books everywhere! So, in case you're looking for a title or two, here you go:
Mama's Reads:
Some for Pleasure~
Waterloo Station by Emily Grayson (can't get into this one- it's languishing in the room)
More guns, less crime : understanding crime and gun-control laws by John R. Lott (love it!)
Dependent on D.C. : the rise of federal control over the lives of ordinary Americans by Charlotte Twight (good, but depressing so far)
The Waste Lands by Stephen King (part of his "Dark Tower" series- boning up on the first three so I can read the next three!)
Diary of a Mad Bride by Laura Wolf (chuckled for days- witty and fun- total brain candy, but good!)
Some for Work~
Building your own house : everything you need to know about home construction from start to finish by Robert Roskind
Electrician's exam preparation guide : based on the 2002 NEC by John E. Traister
The owner-builder book : how you can save more than $100,000 in the construction of your custom home by Mark A. Smith
Foundations & concrete work : the best of Fine homebuilding
Builder's guide to foundations & floor framing by Dan Ramsey
Read Alouds (although technically everything we bring home gets read aloud at least once- these are just the "designated" read alouds):
The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again [large print] by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Magician's Nephew by C. S. Lewis
The Children's Book of Virtues
'Again and again' Tales
James' Reads:
What to do when your mom or dad says-- clean your room by Joy Wilt Berry
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
Aunt Eater Loves a Mystery by Doug Cushman
Aunt Eater's Mystery Halloween
Aunt Eater's Mystery Vacation
Aunt Eater's Mystery Christmas (can you tell James likes the Aunt Eater books?)
Snow Valentines by Karen Gray Ruelle
Visit to Another Planet by Jean-Philippe Delhomme
The Bobbsey Twins' Adventure in the Country by Laura Lee Hope
The Chalk Box Story by Don Freeman
The Aesop for Children (Milo Winter's illustrations)
The Secret Hideout by Paul Hutcheons (not the one we were looking for, tho-)
James & the Giant Peach by Lane Smith (not the one we reserved, but we took it anyway)
Lady Lollipop by Dick King-Smith (this is a delightful book so far, according to James)
The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack
Atomic Ace : (he's just my dad) by Jeff Weigel (written in rhyme, illustrated like a comic book- different, but not bad)
Walter the Farting Dog : Trouble at the Yard Sale by Kotzwinkle, William. (um, yeah.)
John's Picks:
Let's sing fingerplays [sound recording] by Tom Glazer
Once Upon a Potty : Boy by Alona Frankel
The Ultimate Book of Dinosaurs (again)
My Gigantosaurus Book of Colors by Lewis, Jan.
My "e" Book by Jane Belk Moncure
The Poky Little Puppy's Counting Book
Sally Goes to the Vet by Stephen Huneck (this is that dog w/ the idiot vet)
Froggy's Day With Dad by Jonathan London
Good Morning, Garden by Barbara Brenner
And you know, it's now far later than I thought it would be, so I'm going to sign off, check email- I owe a few of you some notes! Coming soon! Have a lovely Saturday, all!
Oh, and I have comments set to accept anyone, so if Blogger tries to make you sign in to leave a comment, drop me a note and I'll look into it. Thanks.
~Dy
2) The last day of swim was, get this, rained out! :-( Sad boys. Mama was sad for them, but my saddlebags leapt for joy. (Or would've leapt if they weren't so firmly attached...) Instead, we met with Zorak and his co-workers for lunch. It was a lovely time. The boys were wonderfully well-behaved. We visited with Zorak's boss' wife and family. They are truly pleasant people. Come to find out, she had wanted to homeschool their daughter, but he wasn't up for it. So their compromise was a private school. They are a very interesting family, and we received an invitation to come see the play their daughter is performing in next weekend.
3) Here is what we've currently been burying our noses in- some on the nightstand, some right smack in the middle of the hallway (both of the older boys have some bizarre predisposition to sit/lay directly in the line of traffic to do their reading and coloring... at least it makes them easy to find, right?) Right now, there are books everywhere! So, in case you're looking for a title or two, here you go:
Mama's Reads:
Some for Pleasure~
Waterloo Station by Emily Grayson (can't get into this one- it's languishing in the room)
More guns, less crime : understanding crime and gun-control laws by John R. Lott (love it!)
Dependent on D.C. : the rise of federal control over the lives of ordinary Americans by Charlotte Twight (good, but depressing so far)
The Waste Lands by Stephen King (part of his "Dark Tower" series- boning up on the first three so I can read the next three!)
Diary of a Mad Bride by Laura Wolf (chuckled for days- witty and fun- total brain candy, but good!)
Some for Work~
Building your own house : everything you need to know about home construction from start to finish by Robert Roskind
Electrician's exam preparation guide : based on the 2002 NEC by John E. Traister
The owner-builder book : how you can save more than $100,000 in the construction of your custom home by Mark A. Smith
Foundations & concrete work : the best of Fine homebuilding
Builder's guide to foundations & floor framing by Dan Ramsey
Read Alouds (although technically everything we bring home gets read aloud at least once- these are just the "designated" read alouds):
The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again [large print] by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Magician's Nephew by C. S. Lewis
The Children's Book of Virtues
'Again and again' Tales
James' Reads:
What to do when your mom or dad says-- clean your room by Joy Wilt Berry
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
Aunt Eater Loves a Mystery by Doug Cushman
Aunt Eater's Mystery Halloween
Aunt Eater's Mystery Vacation
Aunt Eater's Mystery Christmas (can you tell James likes the Aunt Eater books?)
Snow Valentines by Karen Gray Ruelle
Visit to Another Planet by Jean-Philippe Delhomme
The Bobbsey Twins' Adventure in the Country by Laura Lee Hope
The Chalk Box Story by Don Freeman
The Aesop for Children (Milo Winter's illustrations)
The Secret Hideout by Paul Hutcheons (not the one we were looking for, tho-)
James & the Giant Peach by Lane Smith (not the one we reserved, but we took it anyway)
Lady Lollipop by Dick King-Smith (this is a delightful book so far, according to James)
The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack
Atomic Ace : (he's just my dad) by Jeff Weigel (written in rhyme, illustrated like a comic book- different, but not bad)
Walter the Farting Dog : Trouble at the Yard Sale by Kotzwinkle, William. (um, yeah.)
John's Picks:
Let's sing fingerplays [sound recording] by Tom Glazer
Once Upon a Potty : Boy by Alona Frankel
The Ultimate Book of Dinosaurs (again)
My Gigantosaurus Book of Colors by Lewis, Jan.
My "e" Book by Jane Belk Moncure
The Poky Little Puppy's Counting Book
Sally Goes to the Vet by Stephen Huneck (this is that dog w/ the idiot vet)
Froggy's Day With Dad by Jonathan London
Good Morning, Garden by Barbara Brenner
And you know, it's now far later than I thought it would be, so I'm going to sign off, check email- I owe a few of you some notes! Coming soon! Have a lovely Saturday, all!
Oh, and I have comments set to accept anyone, so if Blogger tries to make you sign in to leave a comment, drop me a note and I'll look into it. Thanks.
~Dy
Oh, a whole new set-up.
OK, well, I didn't realize I'd lose everything by changing the format- including my Haloscan commenting feature. SO- comments via blogger now. But I did fix it so y'all can comment w/o having to register or sign up. The sidebar is going to have to wait until I can figure out where it goes in this new template. I have no idea.
Jacob broke through three teeth yesterday. Consequently, he was miserable last night and up until after eleven. It's now 9:21AM and he is still asleep. I packed a breakfast for him to eat at the pool and will be able to just wake him up and go.
Today the children get to go down the slide at the pool. It's the big treat for the kids at the end of the session- they don life jackets, and trek up the stairs to the very tippy top (which, when you are five and four, must seem enormous!) The water isn't turned up full force, so they don't really achieve a high throttle speed going down, but it is exhilerating nonetheless. One of the lifeguards catches them at the bottom and helps them to the side, where they are met by their teacher who gives them a small candy and a certificate of completion. It's very sweet. James cannot wait to go. John refuses to go.
I can't believe it's Friday. Another full week gone. I've been grouchy as heck this week- not fit for public interaction, really. Hopefully that's overwith now. We are all looking forward to a wonderful weekend together. I hope yours is wonderful, too!
Dy
Jacob broke through three teeth yesterday. Consequently, he was miserable last night and up until after eleven. It's now 9:21AM and he is still asleep. I packed a breakfast for him to eat at the pool and will be able to just wake him up and go.
Today the children get to go down the slide at the pool. It's the big treat for the kids at the end of the session- they don life jackets, and trek up the stairs to the very tippy top (which, when you are five and four, must seem enormous!) The water isn't turned up full force, so they don't really achieve a high throttle speed going down, but it is exhilerating nonetheless. One of the lifeguards catches them at the bottom and helps them to the side, where they are met by their teacher who gives them a small candy and a certificate of completion. It's very sweet. James cannot wait to go. John refuses to go.
I can't believe it's Friday. Another full week gone. I've been grouchy as heck this week- not fit for public interaction, really. Hopefully that's overwith now. We are all looking forward to a wonderful weekend together. I hope yours is wonderful, too!
Dy
Thursday, July 22
WOOHOO! And Ow.
Well, it's official. James can swim! Not far, and not fast, but he can swim. He swims under water, even! I cannot believe it! We're so proud of him, and he is so proud of himself. It's just amazing to see the difference in this child- from the fear of even putting his nose in the water, to totally submerging himself and swimming- in only four weeks of lessons! Go Red Cross!
That said, "OW!" I have managed to use body parts while swimming that don't get used at any other time in one's life- not hiking, not biking, not even birthing! The closest description I can give to how I feel is that all-over, throbbing ache that comes on about three days after a no-holds-barred fist fight (win or lose, doesn't matter, it hurts a few days later). For those who've never had the joy of experiencing a fight like that, um, it's like having the brunt of the flu three days after you fell head over teakettle down two flights of stairs. I am SO glad tomorrow is the last day for swim class! Ohhh... ouch. Pass me the Ben-Gay!
We hit the library for "Quest 2" on the Summer Reader's program. James took his reading list from the previous two weeks and showed it to the librarian, then asked for suggestions based on his reading list. She had many suggestions, and most of them were crap. We went ahead and checked out a few because after a while I think she started to feel offended that we weren't taking the bait on anything. (Well, and she started bringing them TO US when we showed no interest in going to get them ourselves... *shrug*) The two we gave in and picked up are... um, well, not great. There is a series of picture books (that was all she would recommend until he told her he read The Boxcar Children on his own) about a lab named Suzy. Or Sue. Something like that. We got, "The Black Dog Gets Taken to the Vet by its Ignorant Owners", which is one in the series. The dog falls and bonks its head while chasing her friend cat. The owners swoop the dog up and take her to the vet, who takes a full body x-ray, gives her a shot (?!? for what, it doesn't say) and then sends her home with medicine to take. This vet would probably neuter a dog that's in for a deworming. The boys caught on to the discrepancies, too, and they talked my ear off about it. The flow is too choppy, the dialogue is forced. The cat is cute. That's about it.
The other book, well, ok, the title is fair warning: "Walter the Farting Dog". The bodily function humor is actually written rather sweetly, as far as that can go. It's certainly not the dog's fault he's flatulent. It's the illustrations and the father's behavior that completely creep me out. First of all, the kids look like zombies. The father looks like "Pat" from Saturday Night Live. Then he goes and sells the family dog for ten bucks while the kids are off getting ice cream and LIES about it when they come back (oh, he also eats the dog's ice cream). The father is a creep. He's an androgynous creep, at that. Never does he apologize, not even in the end, when Walter is a hero. Nope, not good old "Sell-Out" Dad. He hogs the glory, praises the dog profusely in public, and never fesses up. I hope Walter farts in his after shave bottle.
Still no word from Blogger as to what has infected my poor blog. I am tempted to just redo the entire look. *cringe* Oh, I hate to do that! But this is just silly, all the text wrapped wonky around to the sidebar. Pffttt. For those who are hanging in there and still reading: bless you!
Alrighty, the baby is sound asleep. I'm going to lay him down and go hunt for some kind of pain soothing balm I can marinate in for the night! See y'all tomorrow!
Dy
That said, "OW!" I have managed to use body parts while swimming that don't get used at any other time in one's life- not hiking, not biking, not even birthing! The closest description I can give to how I feel is that all-over, throbbing ache that comes on about three days after a no-holds-barred fist fight (win or lose, doesn't matter, it hurts a few days later). For those who've never had the joy of experiencing a fight like that, um, it's like having the brunt of the flu three days after you fell head over teakettle down two flights of stairs. I am SO glad tomorrow is the last day for swim class! Ohhh... ouch. Pass me the Ben-Gay!
We hit the library for "Quest 2" on the Summer Reader's program. James took his reading list from the previous two weeks and showed it to the librarian, then asked for suggestions based on his reading list. She had many suggestions, and most of them were crap. We went ahead and checked out a few because after a while I think she started to feel offended that we weren't taking the bait on anything. (Well, and she started bringing them TO US when we showed no interest in going to get them ourselves... *shrug*) The two we gave in and picked up are... um, well, not great. There is a series of picture books (that was all she would recommend until he told her he read The Boxcar Children on his own) about a lab named Suzy. Or Sue. Something like that. We got, "The Black Dog Gets Taken to the Vet by its Ignorant Owners", which is one in the series. The dog falls and bonks its head while chasing her friend cat. The owners swoop the dog up and take her to the vet, who takes a full body x-ray, gives her a shot (?!? for what, it doesn't say) and then sends her home with medicine to take. This vet would probably neuter a dog that's in for a deworming. The boys caught on to the discrepancies, too, and they talked my ear off about it. The flow is too choppy, the dialogue is forced. The cat is cute. That's about it.
The other book, well, ok, the title is fair warning: "Walter the Farting Dog". The bodily function humor is actually written rather sweetly, as far as that can go. It's certainly not the dog's fault he's flatulent. It's the illustrations and the father's behavior that completely creep me out. First of all, the kids look like zombies. The father looks like "Pat" from Saturday Night Live. Then he goes and sells the family dog for ten bucks while the kids are off getting ice cream and LIES about it when they come back (oh, he also eats the dog's ice cream). The father is a creep. He's an androgynous creep, at that. Never does he apologize, not even in the end, when Walter is a hero. Nope, not good old "Sell-Out" Dad. He hogs the glory, praises the dog profusely in public, and never fesses up. I hope Walter farts in his after shave bottle.
Still no word from Blogger as to what has infected my poor blog. I am tempted to just redo the entire look. *cringe* Oh, I hate to do that! But this is just silly, all the text wrapped wonky around to the sidebar. Pffttt. For those who are hanging in there and still reading: bless you!
Alrighty, the baby is sound asleep. I'm going to lay him down and go hunt for some kind of pain soothing balm I can marinate in for the night! See y'all tomorrow!
Dy
Tuesday, July 20
Glitch
It appears there is something very wrong w/ the formatting of my blog. I apologize- am aware of it, but don't have a clue what happened and it's too late to fix it. I am sorry for the inconvenience.
Dy
Dy
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