Zorak is now the proud owner of a shiny kinda-new motorcycle! Yup, Friday we drove to Philadelphia (yes, 481 miles round trip, in one day, with three small children...) to pick up the bike. We arrived in Philly with a few hours to spare, so we cruised down to the Historic Waterfront district and enjoyed some of the museums and history of the area. Although the wall-to-wall people, the unheard-of traffic, and the absolute level of chaos there reminded us that we would rather have our toenails removed piece by piece sans anesthesia than to live in a large metropolis, the opportunities and experiences available for the occasional weekend trip do abound. We had a lovely time and would like to go back to spend a full weekend there sometime. We picked up the bike and arrived back at home around three Saturday morning.
There is now an incredibly well-maintained 1980 BMW R-something or other motorcycle (with a horizontally opposed twin engine- I do know that much! But that's probably what the "R" is for, huh?) residing in our vehicular family. It isn't exactly what he wanted, but it will serve his purpose, is in phenomenal shape, and with what we saved buying this one we can fix it up quite nicely. Zorak is a happy man. The trip was definitely worth the effort.
Then it was up bright 'n early *yawn* Saturday to return the trailer we'd rented. The boys and I dropped Zorak off for a "dudes only" fishing trip (that's another blog- maybe next week?) and then we went to the Marine Museum to check it out at the boys' pace. That was truly wonderful. We took the marsh walk- a nice boardwalk discovery trail that winds through the marsh grass (eww) and makes a full circle back at the otter tank (wee!). Some truly disgusting things live in the marsh. But like I said, this was for the boys... and they loved it.
Picked up a crib, heard the news of President Reagan, came home and spent the rest of the day crying and sharing stories of the President with the boys.
Zorak returned to base camp a little after midnight and our wonderful neighbor came over to watch the boys while I went to get him.
Today we attended our church's annual church picnic. It was so nice to worship on the beach. It was the first time we've ever been overdressed for church. The BBQ was catered, and the turnout was huge! (This was also the congregation's 50th Anniversary). We all had a nice time, and I was absolutely filled to the gills with happiness at having my four guys sitting there with me in service. Jacob in the sling, John on my lap, James leaning against me, and Zorak's hand resting on my back. *happy sigh* If it wouldn't be so traumatic for the kids, I'd say that's just how I'd like to die. ;-)
Tonight while we played out front, the boys befriended two new neighborhood children. *unhappy sigh* This week we are going to study the importance of choosing friends wisely. We'll see how it goes.
We've been so incredibly blessed with the wonderful neighbors we have in our little corner here, it was quite a shock to get smacked with these two. I guess what makes me so sad and angry about it is that I know these girls started out just as kind and decent and loving as our good friends' girls, but when a girl is left to grow up without her mother's guidance (or if her mother guides her in a less-than-encouraging direction), the results are immediate and sad. I am praying that if we can be a positive influence on the girls, the Lord will show me how to do it. If we cannot exert a positive influence, then I'm praying the backup plan to help me provide a buffer between the girls and my boys.
Schooling is going well. Last week was skewl-lite, as Zorak had only a three-day work week. So this week will be back to the laughingly-named "grindstone" (as if to imply that we ever work our little fingers to the bone!)
Had tons more to blog about, but it will have to wait. I am going to try to finish ROTK tonight before Zorak returns from his Wal-Mart run.
OH- that was it- WALMART! So, we did more research on the place that had the lowest camera price. SCAM ARTIST ALERT on every point. *sigh* We looked and looked the rest of the week, and you know, for all-around value, you just cannot beat Wal-Mart. Even shopping online!
Dy
If you don't mind the construction dust, come on in. The coffee's hot, the food's good, and the door is open...
Sunday, June 6
Saturday, June 5
Today we lose a hero.
President Reagan passed away today, having lived a full and service-filled life. He left his mark upon America's history, upon the world's history, and quite indelibly, upon my heart and home.
There is a wonderful photographic essay of the life of Ronald Wilson Reagan, which is of interest.
This is, for our country, and in honor of the office and the man, a time of mourning. You may love his economics or hate them, claim his legacy or not, but I hope that you will take a moment to reflect on, and show respect for, the life and service of a man who loved and served his country far better than most of us today could possibly hope to do.
Our prayers are with the Reagan family today.
There is a wonderful photographic essay of the life of Ronald Wilson Reagan, which is of interest.
This is, for our country, and in honor of the office and the man, a time of mourning. You may love his economics or hate them, claim his legacy or not, but I hope that you will take a moment to reflect on, and show respect for, the life and service of a man who loved and served his country far better than most of us today could possibly hope to do.
Our prayers are with the Reagan family today.
Wednesday, June 2
Motherhood *sighs*, Routines and Homes.
James and I had a "brain stretching" pow-wow tonight. He asks the most incredibly intricate, exhausting questions. I don't know how to answer them. Sometimes I'm afraid to answer them because I am terrified he'll actually try one of the things he's come up with! So tonight, after supper, I called him to the couch and said, "Hey, buddy, let's stretch Mommy's brain." We came up with silly, outlandish scenarios and explored them. He snuggled and giggled. He laughed. He was really, very, very sweet. Then he went upstairs and messed with the electrical plugs, playing musical outlets w/ his lamp and nightlight. (A constant source of contention since he's been moved to his own room, along with the "keep out" sign and the hoarding of goods under the bed. *sigh*) Argh.
****
John lost his sword this week. Oh, he knows where it is, but he cannot have access to it for a week. It is far too handy to use as a retaliatory tool on your big brother. It is far too convenient to use it as a pre-emptive strike on your big brother. So, the sword is on sabbatical. *sigh* He asks for it no less than every fifteen minutes.
"Can I have my sword?"
"No, you may not."
"Why?"
"Do you want me to remind you, or do you remember why you may not play with it."
(He sighs heavily and goes off to play with the myriad other things at his disposal, or brings me a book and we read. Fifteen minutes, repeat.) Then tonight he asked me to read a book to him. I was en route to the Suburban to get a paper for Zorak and promised to return to read the book. Got the paper, went upstairs, and *zzzzzzzzz* he's drooling on his pillow. I feel so bad. I even tried to wake him up, but had no success.
Motherhood is chalk full of ups and downs some days.
****
OK, ok, I will admit it. Routines do make my life much simpler. I hesitate to give license to myself even to utter that statement in the darkest recesses of my closet, let alone commit it to eternity in cyber space. Still, as stubborn and hard-headed as Ican be, er, um, tend to, no, AM, when I'm wrong, I'm wrong, and I am totally (well, mostly) ok with admitting it.
It's true that my soul remembers with fondness the bygone days I spent as Zorba; my gauze-dress clad, toe ring wearing, barefoot, nymph-like alter-ego. The braids and beads, crashing at a friend's "pad", arguing the finer (? yeah, ok) points of civilization on the veranda at a wine tasting... free of structure, routine, and obligations.
But you know, I really didn't accomplish much then. There is no way I could have actually developed the sticktoitness required for motherhood (or wifehood, for that matter). It took a change, not of garments (for there are still funky gauze dresses hanging beside my Rockies), and not of activities (one day I will attend another wine tasting, oh yes, I will!) but of mind.
Heart.
Soul.
Point of view.
It's not about me, and it's not about the grander schemes of my youth. It's about God's purpose for my life, whatever that may be, and having the fortitude to look at the oftentimes overwhelming list (was going to say "laundry list", but then the washer hit the spin cycle and that seemed a little too cheezy, even for me) of things to be done and saying, "Uh, yeah. OK, this is going to take some organization."
Again, what it's not. It's not the three-ring binder fetishist's four-day binge on double stuffed oreo's and coffee, *sip* furiously rearranging the lives of everyone else within a 100 mile radius in order to "get organized". Not that coffee is a bad thing, mind you, *sip* Ahhhhh.
But what it is... it is being able to say, "This needs to be done. I don't necessarily want to do it now, but it must be done and that's OK." It's the "that's ok" part that usually makes me stutter like mad. Just as my son is learning, so am I. When we balk, there are consequences: in my case, an unkempt home, unorderly days, harried Mommy, confused and cranky babies. When I suck it up, do what it is my job to do, maybe even smile about it a bit (you know, sing a song, dance like you think you're alone in the house), the converse consequences are blessings that far, far outweigh the insanity of shirking my responsibilities.
And that, for me, my friends, comes in the form of a routine. A routine doesn't mean you are caught in a trap of a deadlines and strict hours (although if that works for you... well, if that works for you, then just reading my blog probably gives you hives.) It's about not being idle, about doing your utmost in the best way you can given our natural tendencies to slack off and hide from the unpleasant. Routines teach us to make the most of those three minutes between points A and B, to do something productive and loving for our homes and our families when we just don't have the time to plan a black tie gala to show our appreciation.
I caught myself telling James yesterday, "Honey, you have had the same exact bedtime routine every night for nearly six years. I would think at this point you would understand that it's easier on everyone when you do your part." Hmmm, funny, God whispered the same thing in my ear when I went to bed. Every night after supper, Zorak takes the boys upstairs for bath time. I am alone, just me and the kitchen. Our eyes meet. I used to scamper off to the back porch with a book and a cup of coffee. "I need this break," I'd tell myself. Pfft. No I don't. I need to clean the kitchen, need to tidy my home and then I need to enjoy a quiet evening- maybe even all evening- relaxing with my husband. He needs to have a nice home. But, nooo! That's a routine, that's responsibility, that's haarrrrrddddd. (That would be my "inner child" whining there- you know, the one that would rather take twice as long to do something after being told all day to do it than to just get on it and do it right the first time.)
Lately, with thanks in large part to the encouragement, humor, wit and insight of the wonderful blogbuddies I have here, I've been better about it. I don't don the pearls and touch up my makeup before Zorak gets home, but I do tell the boys, "OK, Daddy will be home shortly. Let's tidy up!" We've talked about how good it feels to Daddy when he can tell we have been expecting him. We talked about how much work we put into the home when company is coming, and how much they appreciate it, so think how good it must feel for Daddy to see that we've blessed the house 'specially for his arrival!
Yes, all this to say, "I did my job today". It's not looking for accolades, as this is really the bare minimum of it all. I'm sharing this to encourage others who have a petulant 17 year-old Inner Child. *wink* I've done my routines most of the past month and a half, in fact, and the difference has been wonderful. The boys are reacting positively to it, Zorak's happier when he gets home, and I feel like I have more time (imagine that) to really enjoy the rest of them!
So now, the dishwasher is running, a fresh load of wash is going, the house looks, feels and smells great... and I have the rest of the evening to enjoy my home. What a great routine! Maybe I'll go braid my hair...
****
John lost his sword this week. Oh, he knows where it is, but he cannot have access to it for a week. It is far too handy to use as a retaliatory tool on your big brother. It is far too convenient to use it as a pre-emptive strike on your big brother. So, the sword is on sabbatical. *sigh* He asks for it no less than every fifteen minutes.
"Can I have my sword?"
"No, you may not."
"Why?"
"Do you want me to remind you, or do you remember why you may not play with it."
(He sighs heavily and goes off to play with the myriad other things at his disposal, or brings me a book and we read. Fifteen minutes, repeat.) Then tonight he asked me to read a book to him. I was en route to the Suburban to get a paper for Zorak and promised to return to read the book. Got the paper, went upstairs, and *zzzzzzzzz* he's drooling on his pillow. I feel so bad. I even tried to wake him up, but had no success.
Motherhood is chalk full of ups and downs some days.
****
OK, ok, I will admit it. Routines do make my life much simpler. I hesitate to give license to myself even to utter that statement in the darkest recesses of my closet, let alone commit it to eternity in cyber space. Still, as stubborn and hard-headed as I
It's true that my soul remembers with fondness the bygone days I spent as Zorba; my gauze-dress clad, toe ring wearing, barefoot, nymph-like alter-ego. The braids and beads, crashing at a friend's "pad", arguing the finer (? yeah, ok) points of civilization on the veranda at a wine tasting... free of structure, routine, and obligations.
But you know, I really didn't accomplish much then. There is no way I could have actually developed the sticktoitness required for motherhood (or wifehood, for that matter). It took a change, not of garments (for there are still funky gauze dresses hanging beside my Rockies), and not of activities (one day I will attend another wine tasting, oh yes, I will!) but of mind.
Heart.
Soul.
Point of view.
It's not about me, and it's not about the grander schemes of my youth. It's about God's purpose for my life, whatever that may be, and having the fortitude to look at the oftentimes overwhelming list (was going to say "laundry list", but then the washer hit the spin cycle and that seemed a little too cheezy, even for me) of things to be done and saying, "Uh, yeah. OK, this is going to take some organization."
Again, what it's not. It's not the three-ring binder fetishist's four-day binge on double stuffed oreo's and coffee, *sip* furiously rearranging the lives of everyone else within a 100 mile radius in order to "get organized". Not that coffee is a bad thing, mind you, *sip* Ahhhhh.
But what it is... it is being able to say, "This needs to be done. I don't necessarily want to do it now, but it must be done and that's OK." It's the "that's ok" part that usually makes me stutter like mad. Just as my son is learning, so am I. When we balk, there are consequences: in my case, an unkempt home, unorderly days, harried Mommy, confused and cranky babies. When I suck it up, do what it is my job to do, maybe even smile about it a bit (you know, sing a song, dance like you think you're alone in the house), the converse consequences are blessings that far, far outweigh the insanity of shirking my responsibilities.
And that, for me, my friends, comes in the form of a routine. A routine doesn't mean you are caught in a trap of a deadlines and strict hours (although if that works for you... well, if that works for you, then just reading my blog probably gives you hives.) It's about not being idle, about doing your utmost in the best way you can given our natural tendencies to slack off and hide from the unpleasant. Routines teach us to make the most of those three minutes between points A and B, to do something productive and loving for our homes and our families when we just don't have the time to plan a black tie gala to show our appreciation.
I caught myself telling James yesterday, "Honey, you have had the same exact bedtime routine every night for nearly six years. I would think at this point you would understand that it's easier on everyone when you do your part." Hmmm, funny, God whispered the same thing in my ear when I went to bed. Every night after supper, Zorak takes the boys upstairs for bath time. I am alone, just me and the kitchen. Our eyes meet. I used to scamper off to the back porch with a book and a cup of coffee. "I need this break," I'd tell myself. Pfft. No I don't. I need to clean the kitchen, need to tidy my home and then I need to enjoy a quiet evening- maybe even all evening- relaxing with my husband. He needs to have a nice home. But, nooo! That's a routine, that's responsibility, that's haarrrrrddddd. (That would be my "inner child" whining there- you know, the one that would rather take twice as long to do something after being told all day to do it than to just get on it and do it right the first time.)
Lately, with thanks in large part to the encouragement, humor, wit and insight of the wonderful blogbuddies I have here, I've been better about it. I don't don the pearls and touch up my makeup before Zorak gets home, but I do tell the boys, "OK, Daddy will be home shortly. Let's tidy up!" We've talked about how good it feels to Daddy when he can tell we have been expecting him. We talked about how much work we put into the home when company is coming, and how much they appreciate it, so think how good it must feel for Daddy to see that we've blessed the house 'specially for his arrival!
Yes, all this to say, "I did my job today". It's not looking for accolades, as this is really the bare minimum of it all. I'm sharing this to encourage others who have a petulant 17 year-old Inner Child. *wink* I've done my routines most of the past month and a half, in fact, and the difference has been wonderful. The boys are reacting positively to it, Zorak's happier when he gets home, and I feel like I have more time (imagine that) to really enjoy the rest of them!
So now, the dishwasher is running, a fresh load of wash is going, the house looks, feels and smells great... and I have the rest of the evening to enjoy my home. What a great routine! Maybe I'll go braid my hair...
Tuesday, June 1
Snippets
Me: What are these little orange, leaping bugs?
Zorak: I don't know, but they sure are good in coffee!
Yup, the leaping, the flying, the climbing, the miniscule and the moderately-sized; we have 'em all. Even in our coffee. I'm starting to think Napalm is in order...
James: I think being a kid is average. Sometimes I like it, and sometimes I don't. So that comes out to be average.
Hmm, I guess it's a sliding scale.
Not much to blog about here. The storms lately have been beautiful, but they have also turned our normally somewhat marshy back yard into a veritable biology lab of nasty, biting insects. Ewww.
Ya know, when things are happening that you can't blog about, that pretty much just creates a total flatline when you try to think of topics. Funny how that works. LOL. (It's nothing serious- boys, Zorak and I are all fine.) Anyhow, I'll think of something and will blog again soon!
In the meantime, have a great day!
Dy
Zorak: I don't know, but they sure are good in coffee!
Yup, the leaping, the flying, the climbing, the miniscule and the moderately-sized; we have 'em all. Even in our coffee. I'm starting to think Napalm is in order...
James: I think being a kid is average. Sometimes I like it, and sometimes I don't. So that comes out to be average.
Hmm, I guess it's a sliding scale.
Not much to blog about here. The storms lately have been beautiful, but they have also turned our normally somewhat marshy back yard into a veritable biology lab of nasty, biting insects. Ewww.
Ya know, when things are happening that you can't blog about, that pretty much just creates a total flatline when you try to think of topics. Funny how that works. LOL. (It's nothing serious- boys, Zorak and I are all fine.) Anyhow, I'll think of something and will blog again soon!
In the meantime, have a great day!
Dy
Monday, May 31
Happy Birthday To You!
Happy Birthday To Yooooou!
Happy Birthday Dear Zorak!
Happy Birthday To You!
Today my wonderful Zorak is "three dozen" (his answer). The boys and I were up at six thirty, ate breakfast, wrapped presents, played, watched the most amazing storm move in and drench the earth. We watched a movie, and let him sleep in. That was my gift to him. Not much, but he sure was happy.
When the boys could no longer stand the suspense and began using Zorak's gifts as race cars around the downstairs, we crept upstairs to wake him with cards, presents and a fresh cup of hot coffee. They agreed not to pounce on him right away and shriek "SURPRISE", if I would promise they could do it at some point. So, he was awoken to a soft serenade of "Happy Birthday" by his little guys. I'll upload pictures after Jacob goes down for the night. They're really cute. Then the boys hid in the closet and jumped back out, shouting "Surprise! Happy Birthday!" That worked well all the way around, and Zorak acted genuinely surprised.
After keeping the "surprise" a secret for nearly a week, the boys promptly handed Zorak the boxes and said, "Can you tell what we got you? It's an ICE CREAM MAKER!" It's been a while since I've laughed like that. Very cute.
We enjoyed the rest of the morning in a leisurely way, played with the boys and looked at cameras. My wonderful, self-described shopaholic friend, Jackie, helped me locate the best price on the cameras Zorak had most wanted to buy. She also held my hand while I tried to figure out purchasing memory cards. Oy, things have changed a lot since we bought our last camera! I printed out the details on both camera and card and slipped them into his birthday card. We can't wait to place our order!
Around noon, Zorak decided that perhaps he would like a birthday bbq after all. *I cannot type the expression on my face at that point, but am pretty sure it's been typified in at least one comic strip over the years...* However, it sounded like a great idea, anyway. James wrote up invitations to come for ice cream at four and placed them on the neighbor's doors. He was so proud. We roasted chicken, made carrot cake and homemade ice cream, beans and chile, fresh corn chips, fresh homemade salsa, and chile con queso dip. The neighbors brought corn on the cob and peach cobbler. It was a wonderful afternoon.
It's a little after nine, and they've all just left. The boys are bathing, and I am absolutely bushed! What a day. What a wonderful day.
This is our ninth of Zorak's birthdays that we have celebrated together. I could not, at that first party, have imagined that this is what today would hold, and I am so very thankful for all the years we've had. I look forward to many more, too. BBQ's, children, good neighbors and one another- Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! I love you.
G'night,
Dy
Happy Birthday Dear Zorak!
Happy Birthday To You!
Today my wonderful Zorak is "three dozen" (his answer). The boys and I were up at six thirty, ate breakfast, wrapped presents, played, watched the most amazing storm move in and drench the earth. We watched a movie, and let him sleep in. That was my gift to him. Not much, but he sure was happy.
When the boys could no longer stand the suspense and began using Zorak's gifts as race cars around the downstairs, we crept upstairs to wake him with cards, presents and a fresh cup of hot coffee. They agreed not to pounce on him right away and shriek "SURPRISE", if I would promise they could do it at some point. So, he was awoken to a soft serenade of "Happy Birthday" by his little guys. I'll upload pictures after Jacob goes down for the night. They're really cute. Then the boys hid in the closet and jumped back out, shouting "Surprise! Happy Birthday!" That worked well all the way around, and Zorak acted genuinely surprised.
After keeping the "surprise" a secret for nearly a week, the boys promptly handed Zorak the boxes and said, "Can you tell what we got you? It's an ICE CREAM MAKER!" It's been a while since I've laughed like that. Very cute.
We enjoyed the rest of the morning in a leisurely way, played with the boys and looked at cameras. My wonderful, self-described shopaholic friend, Jackie, helped me locate the best price on the cameras Zorak had most wanted to buy. She also held my hand while I tried to figure out purchasing memory cards. Oy, things have changed a lot since we bought our last camera! I printed out the details on both camera and card and slipped them into his birthday card. We can't wait to place our order!
Around noon, Zorak decided that perhaps he would like a birthday bbq after all. *I cannot type the expression on my face at that point, but am pretty sure it's been typified in at least one comic strip over the years...* However, it sounded like a great idea, anyway. James wrote up invitations to come for ice cream at four and placed them on the neighbor's doors. He was so proud. We roasted chicken, made carrot cake and homemade ice cream, beans and chile, fresh corn chips, fresh homemade salsa, and chile con queso dip. The neighbors brought corn on the cob and peach cobbler. It was a wonderful afternoon.
It's a little after nine, and they've all just left. The boys are bathing, and I am absolutely bushed! What a day. What a wonderful day.
This is our ninth of Zorak's birthdays that we have celebrated together. I could not, at that first party, have imagined that this is what today would hold, and I am so very thankful for all the years we've had. I look forward to many more, too. BBQ's, children, good neighbors and one another- Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! I love you.
G'night,
Dy
Howdy
I have no ideas for a title, probably because I have no ideas for a blog tonight. Ohhh, lucky you! Well, bear with me.
First, *waving happily* Hi, Aunt Bonnie! I'm glad you found us! Thanks for the note. I had to laugh when I read your note, though, and asked Zorak, "Hmmm, I wonder which book she thinks we need to read?" :-D Thank you for your uplifting words- they do mean so much. It feels like hearing Mom say she's proud of us, too. I love you.
Let's see, what else today? Well, the house seems to have Project Elves. I swear that's the only thing I can think of. (If y'all watched the PJ's, then you are familiar with the Project Fairy, who the Super thinks cleans apartments... conversely, the Project Elves trash them... and that's what we have.) I know this place was spotless THREE TIMES this week, and yet tonight I nearly broke my neck setting the table! What the... ohhhhh, yeah, we have kids. Many of them. They are all mobile, too. Ah, well, thanks to Flylady, it only took about fifteen minutes total to restore my home to just below OSHA standards so that I could enjoy the rest of a quiet evening searching for digital cameras and motorcycles with Zorak.
Tammy, blogger emeritus, YOU are a Ducati fan?!?!? I have to say I never would have guessed. How very neat. It looks, however, as though we are not meant to get a Ducati this go 'round. (insert sad sigh here) The dealer visit was a bust, and the three we found on cycletrader.com seem to be frauds. (Or else we're out of the loop and it's perfectly normal to wire funds directly to an individual who refuses to use an escrow co., suddenly turns up overseas and says once they pick up the funds, THEN they'll ship the bike... yeahhhhhh, I don't think so!) So, we are closing in on a couple of fairly local BMW's that have a little mojo. I'll keep you posted.
I forgot to tell you guys that James was sharing his knowledge of Latin with another little boy during swim sign ups! I have no idea how the conversation began, but I overheard James say, "Yeah, and in Latin the 'j' says 'y', so it's 'Yay-soos'." The other little boy seemed pretty interested- he had that, "Wow, cool, I had no idea!" expression on his face. They continued the discussion as they played. It was pretty cute.
John surprised Zorak today by singing the 3's song from Math-U-See. I love it when our choices are reaffirmed. We are thoroughly enjoying Primer. I have to make John stop. James, too. Boy, I hope that love of learning sticks with both of them for their entire lives!
We received our pictures from the church directory photo session. I am hoping to mail a few each day and eventually get them all OUT before the boys are ready for college! Woo Hoo! (Hey, Aunt Bonnie- what size do you want of the boys?)
All-in-all, things are wonderful here. Jacob's rash is gone and he is much happier now. He fell asleep in the sling at BJ's today, and for some reason I got more comments than usual from people, mostly along the lines of, "Is that a baby in there?!?" I love it when people comment on the sling- it's almost always positive and opens the door for a neat conversation about baby wearing. Kind of fun.
Look for a review of Plants Grown Up tomorrow! (I tried to link to the Doorposts website, but it says the URL is for sale... don't know where they went! I'll find that out, too.)
'Nite!
Dy
First, *waving happily* Hi, Aunt Bonnie! I'm glad you found us! Thanks for the note. I had to laugh when I read your note, though, and asked Zorak, "Hmmm, I wonder which book she thinks we need to read?" :-D Thank you for your uplifting words- they do mean so much. It feels like hearing Mom say she's proud of us, too. I love you.
Let's see, what else today? Well, the house seems to have Project Elves. I swear that's the only thing I can think of. (If y'all watched the PJ's, then you are familiar with the Project Fairy, who the Super thinks cleans apartments... conversely, the Project Elves trash them... and that's what we have.) I know this place was spotless THREE TIMES this week, and yet tonight I nearly broke my neck setting the table! What the... ohhhhh, yeah, we have kids. Many of them. They are all mobile, too. Ah, well, thanks to Flylady, it only took about fifteen minutes total to restore my home to just below OSHA standards so that I could enjoy the rest of a quiet evening searching for digital cameras and motorcycles with Zorak.
Tammy, blogger emeritus, YOU are a Ducati fan?!?!? I have to say I never would have guessed. How very neat. It looks, however, as though we are not meant to get a Ducati this go 'round. (insert sad sigh here) The dealer visit was a bust, and the three we found on cycletrader.com seem to be frauds. (Or else we're out of the loop and it's perfectly normal to wire funds directly to an individual who refuses to use an escrow co., suddenly turns up overseas and says once they pick up the funds, THEN they'll ship the bike... yeahhhhhh, I don't think so!) So, we are closing in on a couple of fairly local BMW's that have a little mojo. I'll keep you posted.
I forgot to tell you guys that James was sharing his knowledge of Latin with another little boy during swim sign ups! I have no idea how the conversation began, but I overheard James say, "Yeah, and in Latin the 'j' says 'y', so it's 'Yay-soos'." The other little boy seemed pretty interested- he had that, "Wow, cool, I had no idea!" expression on his face. They continued the discussion as they played. It was pretty cute.
John surprised Zorak today by singing the 3's song from Math-U-See. I love it when our choices are reaffirmed. We are thoroughly enjoying Primer. I have to make John stop. James, too. Boy, I hope that love of learning sticks with both of them for their entire lives!
We received our pictures from the church directory photo session. I am hoping to mail a few each day and eventually get them all OUT before the boys are ready for college! Woo Hoo! (Hey, Aunt Bonnie- what size do you want of the boys?)
All-in-all, things are wonderful here. Jacob's rash is gone and he is much happier now. He fell asleep in the sling at BJ's today, and for some reason I got more comments than usual from people, mostly along the lines of, "Is that a baby in there?!?" I love it when people comment on the sling- it's almost always positive and opens the door for a neat conversation about baby wearing. Kind of fun.
Look for a review of Plants Grown Up tomorrow! (I tried to link to the Doorposts website, but it says the URL is for sale... don't know where they went! I'll find that out, too.)
'Nite!
Dy
Saturday, May 29
Oh- one more thing- James' Joke
He made it up at supper and shared it with us.
What do you get if a lady is a judge and she is also someone's mother?
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A mother-in-LAW!
What do you get if a lady is a judge and she is also someone's mother?
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A mother-in-LAW!
A LOVELY Saturday!
And for those of you who know us, that is a miracle. :-)
We got up, fed, dressed and out the door by ten. We arrived at the swim lesson sign ups and the line was fairly short. We got lessons! We got lessons at eight in the morning for four weeks straight, *ugh* but we did get lessons! The first two weeks, James' class is at eight and John's is at eleven. Um, I think we'll do some "beach schooling" for a couple of weeks. Why not?
Then we went to the beach. The surf was rough and yet the boys actually went in the water! They got knocked all over kingdom come, we thought they were going to drown, but they laughed their heads off and had a blast! This, from children who are afraid of a swimming pool. I'm so confused some days.
Then, because we didn't have a beach bag ready to go, we had to come home, shower, change clothes and head back out. Lunch. Wal-Mart (for said beach bag supplies!) Home. Ahhh, a nice relaxing afternoon at home, eating jerky and watching Looney Tunes.
Jacob is still spotted, still happy, sans fever. He has a tooth. Er, almost has a tooth. It protrudes quite a bit from the gum, but the gum is refusing to break yet. Get this- it's his left upper canine tooth! I've never had a child get that tooth first! Wow, if the other one is next to come in, we'll have our own fat little Baby Dracula!
We've been light on our afternoon teas, with the weather so beautiful the past few months. I miss it, though, and so do the boys. We've decided to reinstitute tea time once swim lessons commence- I think that'll be a nice way to wind down a bit after a long, active day.
Calling all readers: do any of y'all have that lovely article about having an afternoon tea as part of your regular schedule? Sarah, was that you? Someone please share the link with me! I can't find it and am butchering the whole thing in trying to explain it to a friend! Thanks. :-)
Cousin Charles has made it to Alaska. They've camped on the beach for two days (oh, to be young and resilient!) and will be checking into the dorms shortly. All the guys are now looking for work. What an exciting time, and from the sound of Aunt B's email updates, they're having an absolutely wonderful time of it!
Ahh, tomorrow promises to be lovely if this weather will hold. I can't wait. Perhaps at some point I will be able to wrangle my family back to church, even!
Have a wonderful Sunday! I'm off to blogrun!
We got up, fed, dressed and out the door by ten. We arrived at the swim lesson sign ups and the line was fairly short. We got lessons! We got lessons at eight in the morning for four weeks straight, *ugh* but we did get lessons! The first two weeks, James' class is at eight and John's is at eleven. Um, I think we'll do some "beach schooling" for a couple of weeks. Why not?
Then we went to the beach. The surf was rough and yet the boys actually went in the water! They got knocked all over kingdom come, we thought they were going to drown, but they laughed their heads off and had a blast! This, from children who are afraid of a swimming pool. I'm so confused some days.
Then, because we didn't have a beach bag ready to go, we had to come home, shower, change clothes and head back out. Lunch. Wal-Mart (for said beach bag supplies!) Home. Ahhh, a nice relaxing afternoon at home, eating jerky and watching Looney Tunes.
Jacob is still spotted, still happy, sans fever. He has a tooth. Er, almost has a tooth. It protrudes quite a bit from the gum, but the gum is refusing to break yet. Get this- it's his left upper canine tooth! I've never had a child get that tooth first! Wow, if the other one is next to come in, we'll have our own fat little Baby Dracula!
We've been light on our afternoon teas, with the weather so beautiful the past few months. I miss it, though, and so do the boys. We've decided to reinstitute tea time once swim lessons commence- I think that'll be a nice way to wind down a bit after a long, active day.
Calling all readers: do any of y'all have that lovely article about having an afternoon tea as part of your regular schedule? Sarah, was that you? Someone please share the link with me! I can't find it and am butchering the whole thing in trying to explain it to a friend! Thanks. :-)
Cousin Charles has made it to Alaska. They've camped on the beach for two days (oh, to be young and resilient!) and will be checking into the dorms shortly. All the guys are now looking for work. What an exciting time, and from the sound of Aunt B's email updates, they're having an absolutely wonderful time of it!
Ahh, tomorrow promises to be lovely if this weather will hold. I can't wait. Perhaps at some point I will be able to wrangle my family back to church, even!
Have a wonderful Sunday! I'm off to blogrun!
Friday, May 28
Back from the dr's.
*Ahhh!* Big sigh of relief. Jacob's ears are clear. The rash is, to quote the doctor, "something viral," and should be gone by Tuesday. If it's not, we go back, but he suspects it will be fine.
I have to add that this is the first time we've seen a regular doctor other than our beloved Dr. Chelson in Arizona! I was so nervous. We saw Dr. Lindemann, and he is great, absolutely great. He lets things run their course, believes in letting the body do its job and we're there for support when the body needs it. He is quite non-interventionist in philosophy, doesn't ask certain questions on his new patient form, isn't afraid to say "it's viral, leave it alone," and he was very supportive about our philosophies in general. From selective vaccinations, to the fact that we homebirth and homeschool, he was very hands-off and positive. *whew*
Anyhow, Jacob is absolutely miserable and even the Dr. was a bit stunned at how many teeth are trying to come through all at once, but in all, it's not the worst case scenario and I am thankful beyond all belief! Thank you for your kind words and prayers. They mean so much.
Dy
I have to add that this is the first time we've seen a regular doctor other than our beloved Dr. Chelson in Arizona! I was so nervous. We saw Dr. Lindemann, and he is great, absolutely great. He lets things run their course, believes in letting the body do its job and we're there for support when the body needs it. He is quite non-interventionist in philosophy, doesn't ask certain questions on his new patient form, isn't afraid to say "it's viral, leave it alone," and he was very supportive about our philosophies in general. From selective vaccinations, to the fact that we homebirth and homeschool, he was very hands-off and positive. *whew*
Anyhow, Jacob is absolutely miserable and even the Dr. was a bit stunned at how many teeth are trying to come through all at once, but in all, it's not the worst case scenario and I am thankful beyond all belief! Thank you for your kind words and prayers. They mean so much.
Dy
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