A little of this and a pinch of that today. Actually, that's sort of how I make soup, come to think of it.
9:45pm-blogging solo tonight- the baby is asleep!
Well, first off, this was linked on TWTM forums today, and I got a big kick out of it. Dick and Jane, if written by Poe... too funny! Actually, I read the whole blog of Bob the Ape, and he's a great new blogger!
10:10pm- now up w/ baby-
Motherhood teaches us a lot, the strangest of which hit me today- only a mother with a diapered child would understand that you can pretty well sum up a situation by sniffing someone's rear end. Dogs aren't so stupid, after all! *Note: this is NOT recommended for anyone outside the parent/diapered child relationship! Failure to follow this guideline may result in very awkward, embarrassing events.*
10:40pm-this isn't going well- he should be out by now!
Melissa sent me this link, about why we should never post a photo on the internet, which has me in stitches at eleven thirty at night!
11:50pm- ARGH! I'm walking with this child and I think we're halfway to Rivendell by now! HELP!
OK, so Jacob is helping me blog tonight. Or rather, he's irritated and grouchy that he is still up. He can't help it, though, as a quick peek in his wee mouth revealed not one or two, but FOUR teeth trying to push their way through. He's gassy, sleepy, in pain (I think he may have fluid building up in his ears- he started grabbing at his ear over supper)... He is, in short, miserable. He has also become a relentlessly gnawing toothless gopher and I am pretty much desperate at this point. I just put him in the neglect-o-matic (swing) to see if the motion will help soothe him.
While I'm up at midnight w/ a teething child and coming up on a Friday I'm just not looking forward to one bit, I'd like to say that Joyce is one of the neatest people. She is just selfless in her patience and humor, and she makes me feel so much better after a chat. :-)
Let's see, what else?
The boys are going to a play tomorrow night! The neighbor's daughter is having her end-of-year school play tomorrow night and the neighbors asked if they could take the boys for supper, to see the play, then perhaps to the park. I always panic at the thought of the boys being without my supervision, but we trust these neighbors, the kids do all get on quite well... I'm still anxious as heck, though.
(The swing didn't help, trying to brainstorm, but am only getting a mild breeze and some slight humidity.)
Ragin Dave left a cute note about submission... "If I want a part of my family to be submissive, I'll get a dog". I can appreciate that. Those who have known me for years usually get that cock-eared, RCA puppy expression when they hear me use the word "submission" in a context other than "to put in for; apply". I guess it's pretty well-established that the term, submission, evokes images of one (usually assumed to be a woman) who has no thought of her own, no desires of her own, and certainly no opinion of her own. I loved Samantha's recent musings on how submission is tailored to each marriage just as each person is tailored to his or her marriage. What constitutes me being "submissive" to my husband probably wouldn't even count for some ladies I know. Conversely, if I tried to be like they are, my wonderful Zorak would most likely take me in for some kind of shock therapy to rid me of it. At the very least, he'd walk quickly ahead of me in public, moving in a zig-zag motion and glancing over his shoulder occasionally to see if I'm still stalking him. It would be horribly uncomfortable for all involved, indeed.
It just struck me as funny to think what image pops into visitor's heads when they come here and read about "submission" from me, the One Most Far Removed From Position of Uber-Wife. (I'm pretty sure that's an actual Viking title from the early 1300's.) I dunno, but I can tell you Jess is laughing at me right now.
12:49AM! OK, I'm back. Warm bath with lavendar oils, massage, dim lights... that did the trick. Unfortunately, it also sucked all will to stay awake from my frail bones, too. He's not asleep, but he is significantly calmed and much happier now. I feel better having been able to help alleviate some of his pain and misery.
It's funny the things that make me feel "successful" now, vs. the things that would have made that same top five list ten years ago. The things that mean the most are the things that make me feel like a good Mom, a good wife. What are your top five?
I look forward to hearing them!
1:04am- Houston, the Eagle has LANDED!!! (He's sound asleep!) I'm off to follow suit!
G'night,
Dy
Thursday, May 20
For Donna...
The editing is terrible, but I did something wrong at the start and am just too tired to fix it. Sorry. This cut off a few things near the bottom, but I had to sit on the counter opposite just to get the picture- our kitchen is a skinny piece of land between the living room and the dining room. :-)
Wednesday, May 19
A great reprieve from the heat
It is cool and breezy today, and we have spent the day in unusual physical activity. Two days, actually, have been like that, and it's been oh-so-good for all of us.
Lessons on the fly today while making up (and then checking off- the checking off is the bestest part, don't ya know!) a "game plan" for getting the house tidied and cleaned. We drew a hamper with clothes flying into it. We drew a bookshelf with toys and books climbing onto it. We drew a big toilet with large teeth battling a toilet brush. Yeah, we have fun with it.
The boys both begged to be allowed to "help" and so, with *grave and dire warnings* about how very much trust is involved and how they must be able to follow directions, they got to use (here is where the angelic choir begins to sing and the boys nod in solemn honor of this milestone, this passing into Bigger Boyhood) the Clorox Wipes! Weeebuddies! We have one sparkly, lemony set of bathrooms now! They were so serious in their "proper procedure" for using "chemicals", and it was quite cute. (Not to mention the Hail Mary I said for being one step closer to no longer being the Lone Wrangler of the Toilets-of-the-Home-of-Four-Males!)
We took a break for quesadillas and a movie, then resumed lessons and cleaning. It is wonderful how much can get done when it's not a chore, it's a blessing.
Our neighbors came over this afternoon for a bit. (WOOHOO! Clean house!) The kids played and had a nice time. James is now making jewelry for the girls. I don't know if they appreciate it as much as I do- I just think it's hilarious. John, well, he needed a nap. He was a wee-bit "three" this afternoon. Still and all, he did come down a little and had a nice time.
Now supper- we have pork ribs on the bbq, asparagus steaming and rice settling. The house smells loved and lived in and cherished, which is how I feel about its inhabitants. And this breeze, this cleansing, relaxing breeze. I thought I'd come and visit for a bit.
Rules are important. We endeavor to guide our children and teach them in order that they will learn by observation and teaching rather than from experience. Sometimes, however, they just have to learn through tears. Tonight James learned not to leave his favorite bowl from Granny on the floor. John learned not to wear the bowl on his head and walk around. There were tears. Zorak and I will be holding a family meeting over supper to discuss how bad it feels to injure someone, albeit accidently, by not following the rules. (Although, if you know it's not "ok" to do something and you do it anyway, that's not quite an accident, is it?) ;-) We're hoping to soothe the tears with a renewed strength of heart and desire for obedience among the boys. After all, Grace is important, too.
And, like cats to the can opener, my children have materialized from other rooms, drawn by the soft tap-tapping of the keyboard. They have come to snuggle and sing and derail my train of thought. Time to go play!
Dy
Lessons on the fly today while making up (and then checking off- the checking off is the bestest part, don't ya know!) a "game plan" for getting the house tidied and cleaned. We drew a hamper with clothes flying into it. We drew a bookshelf with toys and books climbing onto it. We drew a big toilet with large teeth battling a toilet brush. Yeah, we have fun with it.
The boys both begged to be allowed to "help" and so, with *grave and dire warnings* about how very much trust is involved and how they must be able to follow directions, they got to use (here is where the angelic choir begins to sing and the boys nod in solemn honor of this milestone, this passing into Bigger Boyhood) the Clorox Wipes! Weeebuddies! We have one sparkly, lemony set of bathrooms now! They were so serious in their "proper procedure" for using "chemicals", and it was quite cute. (Not to mention the Hail Mary I said for being one step closer to no longer being the Lone Wrangler of the Toilets-of-the-Home-of-Four-Males!)
We took a break for quesadillas and a movie, then resumed lessons and cleaning. It is wonderful how much can get done when it's not a chore, it's a blessing.
Our neighbors came over this afternoon for a bit. (WOOHOO! Clean house!) The kids played and had a nice time. James is now making jewelry for the girls. I don't know if they appreciate it as much as I do- I just think it's hilarious. John, well, he needed a nap. He was a wee-bit "three" this afternoon. Still and all, he did come down a little and had a nice time.
Now supper- we have pork ribs on the bbq, asparagus steaming and rice settling. The house smells loved and lived in and cherished, which is how I feel about its inhabitants. And this breeze, this cleansing, relaxing breeze. I thought I'd come and visit for a bit.
Rules are important. We endeavor to guide our children and teach them in order that they will learn by observation and teaching rather than from experience. Sometimes, however, they just have to learn through tears. Tonight James learned not to leave his favorite bowl from Granny on the floor. John learned not to wear the bowl on his head and walk around. There were tears. Zorak and I will be holding a family meeting over supper to discuss how bad it feels to injure someone, albeit accidently, by not following the rules. (Although, if you know it's not "ok" to do something and you do it anyway, that's not quite an accident, is it?) ;-) We're hoping to soothe the tears with a renewed strength of heart and desire for obedience among the boys. After all, Grace is important, too.
And, like cats to the can opener, my children have materialized from other rooms, drawn by the soft tap-tapping of the keyboard. They have come to snuggle and sing and derail my train of thought. Time to go play!
Dy
Tuesday, May 18
I found it!
The lost Tuesday from last week- see, here it is! Neat, huh?
Well, we have some big news-
Crissy is back among the blogworld!
So is Joanne (The Happy Homeschooler).
What a serious bonanza for the blogworld!
I also found the guys over at Four Right-Wing Wackos. It's a fun place if you're a Right-Wing Wacko. *wink* Yeah, I'll be hanging out there. Each of the posters has a distinctive voice and tone, and covers a wide variety of material. A homeschooling blog, it's not, but then a little change of pace from time to time is nice, I think. You can also buy some raging cool Molon Labe bumper stickers!
Also, I want to say a great big "THANK YOU!!!!" to those of you who left a comment or emailed me privately about the upending last week. With a few days break, and some common sense restored to my thought process, I can honestly say that I agree with you. There's probably something to offend everyone here, but anybody who has half a brain knows better than to take offense, unless A) you're actually guilty of whatever it is I'm poking at *in which case that's your own conscience and don't yell at me b/c you feel like a dolt*, or B) I come right out and say, "You are a moron!" Which, really, I seldom actually do that, and when I do, it's either blatantly deserved or is not something I'm concerned about asking other's opinions on- so that's sort of a non-issue in itself, isn't it?
That said, I love my pacifist friends, my right-wing crunchy friends, my fundy friends, and my pagan buddies. I love you all to pieces. I love it when we agree, and when we don't. It's great to learn new points of view and to be able to sit down over a cuppa joe and think over why I believe what I do. Sometimes it's really neat to find threads of commonality among seemingly disparate philosophies, and those threads are woven into the unique and beautiful designs that make life oh, so interesting and beautiful. You keep me alert and on my toes. You rock!
My feelings on personal rights and responsibilities, and my fervent belief that the government does not need to babysit us (any more than the church needs to be the government babysitting us), in the end, outweighs the thought that I've pissed off yet another Canadian. (With very few exceptions, I do seem to have that effect on Canadians. Which is funny, because some of my absolute favorite people in Cyberspace, and our Blogosphere, are Canadians!) Anyway, there ya go.
Don't like that? Tough. Really. Between raising three young men to be contributing members to society, being a loving and submissive wife to my hubby (working on that whole submission process *grin*), running our home, preparing for tomorrow, engaging in the political process, re-educating myself along the way, and dealing with a plethora of stuff you don't even want to know about, I just don't have much "give a darn" left.
That's the beauty of living in America. I can go to Target, I can take pictures of my beautiful, articulate children, and by golly I can dislike people who are narrow-minded and persnickety. Case closed.
You are one click away from not having to deal with me, O, Offended Visitor, one click away...
If, however, you realize that not everybody is going to have the same milktoast opinions as everyone else and you are actually capable of towing the "respect for others" line, then welcome, Friend. Welcome.
And so, we're off to ride bikes and maybe slip down to the corner store for a treat! Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Dy
Well, we have some big news-
Crissy is back among the blogworld!
So is Joanne (The Happy Homeschooler).
What a serious bonanza for the blogworld!
I also found the guys over at Four Right-Wing Wackos. It's a fun place if you're a Right-Wing Wacko. *wink* Yeah, I'll be hanging out there. Each of the posters has a distinctive voice and tone, and covers a wide variety of material. A homeschooling blog, it's not, but then a little change of pace from time to time is nice, I think. You can also buy some raging cool Molon Labe bumper stickers!
Also, I want to say a great big "THANK YOU!!!!" to those of you who left a comment or emailed me privately about the upending last week. With a few days break, and some common sense restored to my thought process, I can honestly say that I agree with you. There's probably something to offend everyone here, but anybody who has half a brain knows better than to take offense, unless A) you're actually guilty of whatever it is I'm poking at *in which case that's your own conscience and don't yell at me b/c you feel like a dolt*, or B) I come right out and say, "You are a moron!" Which, really, I seldom actually do that, and when I do, it's either blatantly deserved or is not something I'm concerned about asking other's opinions on- so that's sort of a non-issue in itself, isn't it?
That said, I love my pacifist friends, my right-wing crunchy friends, my fundy friends, and my pagan buddies. I love you all to pieces. I love it when we agree, and when we don't. It's great to learn new points of view and to be able to sit down over a cuppa joe and think over why I believe what I do. Sometimes it's really neat to find threads of commonality among seemingly disparate philosophies, and those threads are woven into the unique and beautiful designs that make life oh, so interesting and beautiful. You keep me alert and on my toes. You rock!
My feelings on personal rights and responsibilities, and my fervent belief that the government does not need to babysit us (any more than the church needs to be the government babysitting us), in the end, outweighs the thought that I've pissed off yet another Canadian. (With very few exceptions, I do seem to have that effect on Canadians. Which is funny, because some of my absolute favorite people in Cyberspace, and our Blogosphere, are Canadians!) Anyway, there ya go.
Don't like that? Tough. Really. Between raising three young men to be contributing members to society, being a loving and submissive wife to my hubby (working on that whole submission process *grin*), running our home, preparing for tomorrow, engaging in the political process, re-educating myself along the way, and dealing with a plethora of stuff you don't even want to know about, I just don't have much "give a darn" left.
That's the beauty of living in America. I can go to Target, I can take pictures of my beautiful, articulate children, and by golly I can dislike people who are narrow-minded and persnickety. Case closed.
You are one click away from not having to deal with me, O, Offended Visitor, one click away...
If, however, you realize that not everybody is going to have the same milktoast opinions as everyone else and you are actually capable of towing the "respect for others" line, then welcome, Friend. Welcome.
And so, we're off to ride bikes and maybe slip down to the corner store for a treat! Have a wonderful Tuesday!
Dy
Monday, May 17
Mid-Day Funny
So James and I were doing math review today. I asked him a question, then he said, "Ya know what? Four plus three plus four plus three minus one is thirteen."
Just to be silly, I jokingly counted it out on my fingers (since our math program says NOT to use your fingers), by counting out, "Four (one finger up) plus three (second finger up) plus four (third finger) plus three (fourth finger) minus one (put the fourth finger down) equals THREE!"
James looked at me quizically, laid his hand on my knee and said, "Mom, I think that's why you're not supposed to count on your fingers."
Just to be silly, I jokingly counted it out on my fingers (since our math program says NOT to use your fingers), by counting out, "Four (one finger up) plus three (second finger up) plus four (third finger) plus three (fourth finger) minus one (put the fourth finger down) equals THREE!"
James looked at me quizically, laid his hand on my knee and said, "Mom, I think that's why you're not supposed to count on your fingers."
RATS
I thought I'd found the scanner cord, but it was a mirage. *sigh* I'll keep looking. Maybe I can take a picture of the drawings? Will that work w/ a cheapo digital camera?
Today was, in general, a test of my ability to be a kind human under pressure. I failed miserably for the majority of the day, finally gaining some redemption this evening. I don't think it was enough. Tomorrow should be better. I hope so.
The vacuum cleaner died today- twice. It's now been thoroughly repaired and works wonderfully. Then the carpet cleaner died. Twice. It's still laying dead on the floor, its innerds strewn mysteriously around the living room. *sigh* I don't know what happened to it. I don't think I can repair that one. And so, we have a partially cleaned, partially just wet living room right now. Ewww.
We finished The Tale of Despereaux. It never got any better. I don't even feel better for having finished it. The boys quit caring about the characters about halfway through. That didn't do much to spark the fires.
I finished Cat's Cradle. That was worth reading, although I must say that I'm glad I did not read it as a teenager. Considering I considered myself to be quite the existentialist at one point, Bokononism would have been very appealing when I was, say, 17. Scary thought. Reading it at this point, however, was thoroughly enjoyable.
Spent the better part of the evening cleaning. The downstairs is relatively decluttered (four trash bags later...) and the bookshelves are once again returned to their utilitarian and anally organized structure. *happy sigh* We are looking forward to this coming week. Let me rephrase that, I am looking forward to this coming week, at any rate. The rest of them just have to come along, willingly or not. We'll see how it goes.
John built a "launcher" for his helicopter toy today. It's very cool. He used a long stick and tied a clothes pin to it at the bottom. The rubber band is at the top. Clip the 'copter to the pin, pull the band down, release, and WOOHOO- airborne! Plus, since the stick is straight up, the helicopter comes back down relatively nearby. Less shaking the trees to rescue it.
James continued his crafty streak today by making paper dolls. He's never seen paper dolls, but he made them up and cut them out. They're very neat. They even have voice bubbles over their heads. The Mommy says, "I love you, you're a great kid." The James says, "You're a nice Mom. I love you, too." And their legs are split, so they can walk! Like I said, very neat.
One full day tick-free boys, but talk about psychological warfare. Every stray hair that falls across my arm, everything that bumps against my skin... *shudder* I've been a walking mass of goosebumps all day.
We also went to look at a house today. It's on a lovely acre. The house needs about $30K in work done to it, but it may be do-able, certain requirements all told. The neighbors seem nice. It's *relatively* in our price range. But then, getting back into the car, I knocked not one, but two ticks off me! BAECK!!! If y'all have watched many Steve Martin movies, then you can imagine the dance I did. We hauled the boys out and did a thorough tick-check on them, too. Yuck.
Here's to a twitch-free week!
Dy
Today was, in general, a test of my ability to be a kind human under pressure. I failed miserably for the majority of the day, finally gaining some redemption this evening. I don't think it was enough. Tomorrow should be better. I hope so.
The vacuum cleaner died today- twice. It's now been thoroughly repaired and works wonderfully. Then the carpet cleaner died. Twice. It's still laying dead on the floor, its innerds strewn mysteriously around the living room. *sigh* I don't know what happened to it. I don't think I can repair that one. And so, we have a partially cleaned, partially just wet living room right now. Ewww.
We finished The Tale of Despereaux. It never got any better. I don't even feel better for having finished it. The boys quit caring about the characters about halfway through. That didn't do much to spark the fires.
I finished Cat's Cradle. That was worth reading, although I must say that I'm glad I did not read it as a teenager. Considering I considered myself to be quite the existentialist at one point, Bokononism would have been very appealing when I was, say, 17. Scary thought. Reading it at this point, however, was thoroughly enjoyable.
Spent the better part of the evening cleaning. The downstairs is relatively decluttered (four trash bags later...) and the bookshelves are once again returned to their utilitarian and anally organized structure. *happy sigh* We are looking forward to this coming week. Let me rephrase that, I am looking forward to this coming week, at any rate. The rest of them just have to come along, willingly or not. We'll see how it goes.
John built a "launcher" for his helicopter toy today. It's very cool. He used a long stick and tied a clothes pin to it at the bottom. The rubber band is at the top. Clip the 'copter to the pin, pull the band down, release, and WOOHOO- airborne! Plus, since the stick is straight up, the helicopter comes back down relatively nearby. Less shaking the trees to rescue it.
James continued his crafty streak today by making paper dolls. He's never seen paper dolls, but he made them up and cut them out. They're very neat. They even have voice bubbles over their heads. The Mommy says, "I love you, you're a great kid." The James says, "You're a nice Mom. I love you, too." And their legs are split, so they can walk! Like I said, very neat.
One full day tick-free boys, but talk about psychological warfare. Every stray hair that falls across my arm, everything that bumps against my skin... *shudder* I've been a walking mass of goosebumps all day.
We also went to look at a house today. It's on a lovely acre. The house needs about $30K in work done to it, but it may be do-able, certain requirements all told. The neighbors seem nice. It's *relatively* in our price range. But then, getting back into the car, I knocked not one, but two ticks off me! BAECK!!! If y'all have watched many Steve Martin movies, then you can imagine the dance I did. We hauled the boys out and did a thorough tick-check on them, too. Yuck.
Here's to a twitch-free week!
Dy
Saturday, May 15
Yeah, it's hard not to blog...
We had the sweetest day today!
I heard, through my groggy morning-brain haze, Zorak tell the boys, "Let's let Mommy get some rest, she's sleepy." Mmm, I spread out on the cool sheets (something that's nearly impossible to do with four high-metabolism bodies squished into bed w/ me), flipped my pillow over to the cool side, and dozed back off... heavenly.
When I came downstairs, the coffee was fresh, and the boys said cheerily, "We're cleaning the house for you!" My heart beamed at their joy. I could not see a single difference at all, except that the house glowed with love and appreciation now, even amidst the clutter and miscellaneous "stuff" piled here and there.
We enjoyed a nice morning playing, gathering, and planning our day. We went to Wal-Mart and bought the boys some summer clothes. James picked out his own shirts. *sniff* He's getting so big and independent. He picked a "cool" Bugle Boy t-shirt that I wouldn't have picked (it's not offensive, just looks "older" than I evidently am geared toward...) He is growing up in many wonderful ways, and I'm trying to let him. *cringe*
Lunch at the buffet! Oh yeah, all-you-can-eat. This is the way large families can afford to eat out! Good stuff.
We came home, and as we walked in, John let out a HUGE sigh, saying, "It's so nice to come home to a clean house." I could have died laughing! It was so heartfelt, and so genuine. What a neat kid.
It was too hot 'n sticky (read: generally, temps over 80'F and humidity over 15%, although today it was WAY over that) to do anything but read and watch a movie. Oh, and nap. We napped. I'm really quite serious about that whole "summer hibernation" theme!
We had our first hands-on experience with ticks in Maryland today. Oh... dear... God. Poor Jacob. At first, I thought it was a crumb, but it wouldn't wipe away (diaper change, no less). Then I thought, "A scab? How would he get a scab THERE?" I checked his nails. Nope, all short... ACK! OMG!!! THAT'S A TICK!!! We got it off, and as of bedtime there was no rash and no swelling. Lyme's is pretty big here, and I'm more than a little freaked out over this whole thing.
Tonight I noticed James' light was still on, so peeked in to see what was going on. He was sitting in bed, drawing. My first instinct was to reprimand him for being up... I'm glad I curbed that reaction. We had the neatest visit. He was drawing music notes, rests, staffs, cleffs. He was drawing them freehand and they are absolutely beautiful! He shared with me all his drawings and what he was going to do next. I kissed him and told him how amazed I am with his interest and talent. He kissed me back and said "Thanks, Mom. I love this." I slipped back downstairs with my head shaking: who would have guessed one of my children would have artistic abilities like that? So I told Zorak, "His light's on. You have GOT to go see what he's drawing. It's amazing!" I want to scan them in- they're just beautiful drawings.
Sometimes, among the guiding and teaching, cleaning and feeding and sorting, running about and praying for sleep, we have the opportunity to be the mothers we want to be remembered as, and we must make use of those moments. Parenting is a moment-by-moment thing, and eventually all those moments come together to create the picture that will be your life. Your final masterpiece. It's in those moments that you get to decide whether you'll pay attention to details, like a twinkle in the eye or a mysterious smile. It's in those moments that you will figure prominently in the composition of your picture, or you will be absent from it. Will your picture be rich in literature and history and emotion, or will it be barren and bereft of connection? Will it be fraught with fear, or will it dance with delight and fortitude?
Choose well.
Dy
I heard, through my groggy morning-brain haze, Zorak tell the boys, "Let's let Mommy get some rest, she's sleepy." Mmm, I spread out on the cool sheets (something that's nearly impossible to do with four high-metabolism bodies squished into bed w/ me), flipped my pillow over to the cool side, and dozed back off... heavenly.
When I came downstairs, the coffee was fresh, and the boys said cheerily, "We're cleaning the house for you!" My heart beamed at their joy. I could not see a single difference at all, except that the house glowed with love and appreciation now, even amidst the clutter and miscellaneous "stuff" piled here and there.
We enjoyed a nice morning playing, gathering, and planning our day. We went to Wal-Mart and bought the boys some summer clothes. James picked out his own shirts. *sniff* He's getting so big and independent. He picked a "cool" Bugle Boy t-shirt that I wouldn't have picked (it's not offensive, just looks "older" than I evidently am geared toward...) He is growing up in many wonderful ways, and I'm trying to let him. *cringe*
Lunch at the buffet! Oh yeah, all-you-can-eat. This is the way large families can afford to eat out! Good stuff.
We came home, and as we walked in, John let out a HUGE sigh, saying, "It's so nice to come home to a clean house." I could have died laughing! It was so heartfelt, and so genuine. What a neat kid.
It was too hot 'n sticky (read: generally, temps over 80'F and humidity over 15%, although today it was WAY over that) to do anything but read and watch a movie. Oh, and nap. We napped. I'm really quite serious about that whole "summer hibernation" theme!
We had our first hands-on experience with ticks in Maryland today. Oh... dear... God. Poor Jacob. At first, I thought it was a crumb, but it wouldn't wipe away (diaper change, no less). Then I thought, "A scab? How would he get a scab THERE?" I checked his nails. Nope, all short... ACK! OMG!!! THAT'S A TICK!!! We got it off, and as of bedtime there was no rash and no swelling. Lyme's is pretty big here, and I'm more than a little freaked out over this whole thing.
Tonight I noticed James' light was still on, so peeked in to see what was going on. He was sitting in bed, drawing. My first instinct was to reprimand him for being up... I'm glad I curbed that reaction. We had the neatest visit. He was drawing music notes, rests, staffs, cleffs. He was drawing them freehand and they are absolutely beautiful! He shared with me all his drawings and what he was going to do next. I kissed him and told him how amazed I am with his interest and talent. He kissed me back and said "Thanks, Mom. I love this." I slipped back downstairs with my head shaking: who would have guessed one of my children would have artistic abilities like that? So I told Zorak, "His light's on. You have GOT to go see what he's drawing. It's amazing!" I want to scan them in- they're just beautiful drawings.
Sometimes, among the guiding and teaching, cleaning and feeding and sorting, running about and praying for sleep, we have the opportunity to be the mothers we want to be remembered as, and we must make use of those moments. Parenting is a moment-by-moment thing, and eventually all those moments come together to create the picture that will be your life. Your final masterpiece. It's in those moments that you get to decide whether you'll pay attention to details, like a twinkle in the eye or a mysterious smile. It's in those moments that you will figure prominently in the composition of your picture, or you will be absent from it. Will your picture be rich in literature and history and emotion, or will it be barren and bereft of connection? Will it be fraught with fear, or will it dance with delight and fortitude?
Choose well.
Dy
Friday, May 14
Happy Friday
Well, Zorak and I hope to spend a wonderful weekend with our boys, exploring the area and avoiding the heat and humidity. I doubt I'll be blogging over the weekend, so I wanted to pop in with a few thoughts before we get started on our lessons.
We talked to my nephew, John, last night. He's going to be a daddy in July and it was so exciting to hear him talk about it. He's going to be a great father, and we are so excited for him.
The frog did escape. With a little help. I told Zorak I thought he was stuck and he said that no, they should be able to get out. Well, we peeked again and there he was, huddled into one of the scallops in the pan. Zorak tried to encourage him out of there with no luck. "He's not a very bright little guy, is he?" he chuckled. So we gently upended the pan and released him back to the wilds of our back yard. We also removed the pans from the patio so he can now roam free in the yard.
The baby is eating cheerios, the boys are building with Duplos. I'm going to tidy up a bit and print off today's reading, then it's time for lessons. (Yes, we're doing a Friday day of lessons since we lost Tuesday somewhere in there.)
Have a wonderful weekend, all! Be good to your little ones.
Dy
We talked to my nephew, John, last night. He's going to be a daddy in July and it was so exciting to hear him talk about it. He's going to be a great father, and we are so excited for him.
The frog did escape. With a little help. I told Zorak I thought he was stuck and he said that no, they should be able to get out. Well, we peeked again and there he was, huddled into one of the scallops in the pan. Zorak tried to encourage him out of there with no luck. "He's not a very bright little guy, is he?" he chuckled. So we gently upended the pan and released him back to the wilds of our back yard. We also removed the pans from the patio so he can now roam free in the yard.
The baby is eating cheerios, the boys are building with Duplos. I'm going to tidy up a bit and print off today's reading, then it's time for lessons. (Yes, we're doing a Friday day of lessons since we lost Tuesday somewhere in there.)
Have a wonderful weekend, all! Be good to your little ones.
Dy
Thursday, May 13
Wow.
Evidently I am posting "hateful, racist crap" and someone out there finds it both "frightening" and "disgusting" that I would blend my "hateful, racist crap" with snippets of domestic life...
Hmmm. OK. Well, the manner in which the message was conveyed leaves quite a bit to be desired. And the, um, tone, shall we say, was rather out-of-left field. However, if someone feels vehemently enough that I am espousing hateful, racist remarks that they feel the need to deride me publicly, then I would certainly like to address that...
Since there was nothing in particular pointed out to me, I had to go back and re-read the most recent entries to try to figure it out.
Geneva Convention? Neuremberg? ACLU? Probably not, although admittedly I'm not usually in bed w/ the ACLU (or any union-like organization for that matter).
The Japanese under Hirohito while he was still considered "god"? Was that racist? I certainly didn't mean it to be, nor was anything there anything other than historical fact. The behavior was barbaric.
OK, I think this is it- the head-lopping, raping, etc.? I am not saying that all Muslims are this way, nor did I, nor will I. But is the Middle-East in large part manipulated by these particular sects? You betcha. Do I take issue with religious groups (of ANY persuasion) that are going to oppress and murder? You betcha. Do I care what color, nationality, or creed they are? Not a whit. Do I hope for more for the women and children of these war-torn countries? With all my heart. For their men, as well. If my comments were taken as anything other than I intended, then certainly the fault lies with me. Mea culpa. Please forgive me. If I have somehow missed the boat, I sincerely apologize.
Wow. A hateful racist. THAT is certainly not something I would have expected to see today. To the lady who posted her thoughts on the issue, thank you for opening my eyes somewhat, and I will endeavor to be more cautious of how my words may be interpreted.
And to my other readers who may also have taken offense, I apologize to you, as well.
Dy
Hmmm. OK. Well, the manner in which the message was conveyed leaves quite a bit to be desired. And the, um, tone, shall we say, was rather out-of-left field. However, if someone feels vehemently enough that I am espousing hateful, racist remarks that they feel the need to deride me publicly, then I would certainly like to address that...
Since there was nothing in particular pointed out to me, I had to go back and re-read the most recent entries to try to figure it out.
Geneva Convention? Neuremberg? ACLU? Probably not, although admittedly I'm not usually in bed w/ the ACLU (or any union-like organization for that matter).
The Japanese under Hirohito while he was still considered "god"? Was that racist? I certainly didn't mean it to be, nor was anything there anything other than historical fact. The behavior was barbaric.
OK, I think this is it- the head-lopping, raping, etc.? I am not saying that all Muslims are this way, nor did I, nor will I. But is the Middle-East in large part manipulated by these particular sects? You betcha. Do I take issue with religious groups (of ANY persuasion) that are going to oppress and murder? You betcha. Do I care what color, nationality, or creed they are? Not a whit. Do I hope for more for the women and children of these war-torn countries? With all my heart. For their men, as well. If my comments were taken as anything other than I intended, then certainly the fault lies with me. Mea culpa. Please forgive me. If I have somehow missed the boat, I sincerely apologize.
Wow. A hateful racist. THAT is certainly not something I would have expected to see today. To the lady who posted her thoughts on the issue, thank you for opening my eyes somewhat, and I will endeavor to be more cautious of how my words may be interpreted.
And to my other readers who may also have taken offense, I apologize to you, as well.
Dy
Crud.
I had an entire entry typed up and ready to go when *wham* IE experienced some "exceptional error" or "magnificent malfunction" or what have you, and shut down. I hate it when that happens.
So, where was I? I think our frog is stuck. There's a baking pan on the porch. He hopped in there a few minutes ago and seems to be making the rounds. I wish the boys were up- they'd love to be able to get up close without fear that he'll jump into the house (which he's done- he seems driven to try to get in). If he's not extricated himself from the pan before I head to bed, I'll let him out. Poor thing.
The boys are... well, they're boys. They are wonderful, active, creative, funny, exhausting little boys. I just want to snuggle them til their little eyes bulge. (...and I will luv him and squeeze him and name him George...*) Today was not particularly splendid, but it was nice and filled with many good things.
Diving Deeper- this is an issue for James. I'd love insight if any of y'all have it. For some reason (couldn't have anything to do w/ my genes, right? ha ha!) he doesn't particularly care for "mastery". He just wants to know if he can do it- is he actually, physically, technically capable? If so, then he's good-to-go, let's move on! I know I haven't relayed to him the Einstein quote about memorizing what you can look up, but somehow he senses it on a very instinctive level. How do you get a highly motivated, accelerated child to slow it down a bit, take a breath, do a little deeper? Now how do you do it without dulling his exuberance or making things feel droll?
Protecting the World- John wants to be a soldier. He says that he wants to be an Army soldier, but maybe he wants to fly planes, too. We'll see. Either way, that works. Today he saved us from flying dragons and small, multi-headed beasts. We've got to get that kid into fencing. He's downright deadly with a sword. And don't even think about trying to play dead and then jumping up and roaring because if he is anywhere near you, he will thwack you on the head with his rubber sword. His fight-or-flight reflexes are finely tuned and ready for action, but there's no flight option.
Jacob had his first M&M today. You'd think after the brownie pouncing adventure, we'd be more careful with our dainties, wouldn't you? Nope. We were camped out on the floor, enjoying math questions and M&M's when suddenly, like something out of The Swamp Thing, he emerged from under the coffee table and in a flash of Carter's prints and drool, nabbed a handful of the brightly colored treats and they were gone. (For the record, they will melt in your hand if you've previously slobbered all over it.)
Zorak was not well today. He slept for 16 hours straight. I am amazed at the body's ability to completely shut down for repairs. He's feeling markedly better tonight, and I had a serious V-8 moment when I realized, much to my embarrassment, we had the car all day and didn't go anywhere! D'oh. It was a great idea, in hindsight.
Alrighty, it's time for a Windows update to fix whatever this magnificent problem is, and then perhaps new pictures? It's been awfully quiet around here lately. Let me know if you've found us ok!
Dy
*if you can do the voice w/ the reference, you get extra points for being cool!
So, where was I? I think our frog is stuck. There's a baking pan on the porch. He hopped in there a few minutes ago and seems to be making the rounds. I wish the boys were up- they'd love to be able to get up close without fear that he'll jump into the house (which he's done- he seems driven to try to get in). If he's not extricated himself from the pan before I head to bed, I'll let him out. Poor thing.
The boys are... well, they're boys. They are wonderful, active, creative, funny, exhausting little boys. I just want to snuggle them til their little eyes bulge. (...and I will luv him and squeeze him and name him George...*) Today was not particularly splendid, but it was nice and filled with many good things.
Diving Deeper- this is an issue for James. I'd love insight if any of y'all have it. For some reason (couldn't have anything to do w/ my genes, right? ha ha!) he doesn't particularly care for "mastery". He just wants to know if he can do it- is he actually, physically, technically capable? If so, then he's good-to-go, let's move on! I know I haven't relayed to him the Einstein quote about memorizing what you can look up, but somehow he senses it on a very instinctive level. How do you get a highly motivated, accelerated child to slow it down a bit, take a breath, do a little deeper? Now how do you do it without dulling his exuberance or making things feel droll?
Protecting the World- John wants to be a soldier. He says that he wants to be an Army soldier, but maybe he wants to fly planes, too. We'll see. Either way, that works. Today he saved us from flying dragons and small, multi-headed beasts. We've got to get that kid into fencing. He's downright deadly with a sword. And don't even think about trying to play dead and then jumping up and roaring because if he is anywhere near you, he will thwack you on the head with his rubber sword. His fight-or-flight reflexes are finely tuned and ready for action, but there's no flight option.
Jacob had his first M&M today. You'd think after the brownie pouncing adventure, we'd be more careful with our dainties, wouldn't you? Nope. We were camped out on the floor, enjoying math questions and M&M's when suddenly, like something out of The Swamp Thing, he emerged from under the coffee table and in a flash of Carter's prints and drool, nabbed a handful of the brightly colored treats and they were gone. (For the record, they will melt in your hand if you've previously slobbered all over it.)
Zorak was not well today. He slept for 16 hours straight. I am amazed at the body's ability to completely shut down for repairs. He's feeling markedly better tonight, and I had a serious V-8 moment when I realized, much to my embarrassment, we had the car all day and didn't go anywhere! D'oh. It was a great idea, in hindsight.
Alrighty, it's time for a Windows update to fix whatever this magnificent problem is, and then perhaps new pictures? It's been awfully quiet around here lately. Let me know if you've found us ok!
Dy
*if you can do the voice w/ the reference, you get extra points for being cool!
More thoughts
OK, so little Lindie is crying "chain of command"- as if we could expect anything noble from this little one? One word: Neuremberg. Ring a bell? How about putting your jail time toward some history lessons. You can, and actually must, refuse certain orders. History has borne this out. The UCMJ, the Geneva Convention, and probably the ACLU will back you up for taking a morally appropriate stand.
Secondly (and then I'm done and will move on to more uplifting thoughts), I read in the paper that she claims she was told to pose for the pictures for "Psy Ops"... uh huh. OK, so if your friend's creepy brother tells you that if you'll let him take polaroids of you and the dog in compromising positions he can get you a modeling contract... are you gonna BUY that? Puhleeze!
The thing that is getting farther under my skin is that our military, a proud and mighty institution, filled with wonderful men (I admit I do have a beef w/ women in the military and Lindie is just one shining example of WHY), who are willing to lay down their lives for freedom, are being dragged through the mud as a whole. They permit us to be heard, to educate in our own way, to learn a foreign language as part of a chosen course of study and not due to a recent Occupational Edict... if you see a servicemember today (man or woman), please give that person your support and encouragement to stand strong, continue to be a good representative of these great United States, and come home with dignity and honor because we miss them. What was done was wrong, yes. It was already addressed. Why is this not mentioned or highlighted more clearly? It was done by a few idiots, not the entire military? Oh, but no, we don't want to mention that. And finally, it was humiliating, YES, but it was NOT torture, and I don't want to hear another simpering, whiny victim-minded moron try to compare the two. Stop. Get a clue.
OK, ok, I lied. One more. Jessie Jackson. ROFLOL! Oh, when is Satan going to collect on that man's deal and leave us in peace? War crimes. Heee heee. I'm sorry. I can't help but laugh.
Secondly (and then I'm done and will move on to more uplifting thoughts), I read in the paper that she claims she was told to pose for the pictures for "Psy Ops"... uh huh. OK, so if your friend's creepy brother tells you that if you'll let him take polaroids of you and the dog in compromising positions he can get you a modeling contract... are you gonna BUY that? Puhleeze!
The thing that is getting farther under my skin is that our military, a proud and mighty institution, filled with wonderful men (I admit I do have a beef w/ women in the military and Lindie is just one shining example of WHY), who are willing to lay down their lives for freedom, are being dragged through the mud as a whole. They permit us to be heard, to educate in our own way, to learn a foreign language as part of a chosen course of study and not due to a recent Occupational Edict... if you see a servicemember today (man or woman), please give that person your support and encouragement to stand strong, continue to be a good representative of these great United States, and come home with dignity and honor because we miss them. What was done was wrong, yes. It was already addressed. Why is this not mentioned or highlighted more clearly? It was done by a few idiots, not the entire military? Oh, but no, we don't want to mention that. And finally, it was humiliating, YES, but it was NOT torture, and I don't want to hear another simpering, whiny victim-minded moron try to compare the two. Stop. Get a clue.
OK, ok, I lied. One more. Jessie Jackson. ROFLOL! Oh, when is Satan going to collect on that man's deal and leave us in peace? War crimes. Heee heee. I'm sorry. I can't help but laugh.
Wednesday, May 12
Wednesday Already?
Wow, the mind is still going, albeit slowly, downhill. Could've sworn it was only Tuesday.
Ah, well, we had a good day schooling: Bible, Math, Reading, Grammar, Phonics, Latin, Music (had to throw music in when I realized I'd planned to do it M,W,F.. and with today being W and all...) The boys are wonderful. I, however, am horribly behind-the-curve. Thank heaven for resiliency!
You know, we just don't "do" formal science yet. Some days I feel somewhat neglectful about that, and come next year, when we have to register with the gestapo, I'm going to have to pull something out of the hat. I am, however, fairly convinced that the Robinson way is a good idea. Besides, we watch enough bugs, discuss digestion ad nauseum (*grin*), and touch on myriad other topics regularly. They are not suffering from a lack of "formal" science. Maybe I will talk them into creating sketch journals of things that fascinate them. I did pick up a "How to Draw Insects" book last month that touches on the anatomical details in a very neat way... hmmm. Well, we have enough on our plates right now. Talk to me in August. ;-)
We hit Target today. I had to buy a few tops. Found a cute one: flourescent yellow tank with powder blue swirls all over it. The boys said it's not a top for a grownup. They laughed hysterically when I put it in the basket. They don't believe me when I tell them it's for me. When did I become too- whatever- to wear bright yellow shirts with geometric designs?
Our little frog was back tonight. John has claimed it as "the family frog". He sits at the back screen door for long stretches of time, watching it hop about, eat ants, and croak. He thoroughly loves that frog. I need to touch base with our neighbor about the tadpoles. We spent some time tonight on the internet looking up the care and feeding of tadpoles. I think we can do that. We may even have better luck than we did with the fish!
Oh, and I've got to share a recipe! Normally, I DETEST, loathe, and in general DO NOT LIKE cole slaw. (Well, except for the stuff from KFC, which is actually ambrosia, and not like cole slaw at all.) However, we had half a head of cabbage languishing in the fridge. I hate to waste food. I had nothing to prepare it with (according to the umpteen some-odd cookbooks that inhabit my kitchen.) Then I found this recipe: fresh apple-slaw.
I read the ingredients.
I cringed. "Ewwww," I thought.
I looked for other options.
Nothing.
So.
I made it.
With a great deal of trepidation. (I even prefaced supper with a disclaimer: "The cabbage salad has not been tested on the open market, nor have its claims been verified by the FDA. You are required to taste it and report your findings back to me, and only me. Should you choose to accept this mission, nothing further will be asked of you. Should you complete this mission, you will be given fresh berries and cream for dessert, no questions asked. Thank you.")
IT WAS GOOD!! So, here it is, in case you, too, have some random cabbage languishing in your ice box.
Fresh Apple Slaw
thinly sliced, cored, unpared red apples
finely shredded green cabbage
dairy sour cream (I substituted plain yogurt)
lemon juice (just to keep the apples from turning brown)
sugar
salt/pepper to taste
poppy seed (I didn't use this- who keeps this on hand???)
In large bowl, lightly toss all ingredients until well combined.
Refrigerate at least 1 hr. before serving.
Ta-da! How easy can it get on a hot summer night? The recipe has amounts, but to be honest, I think the actual recipe would feed a large Mormon gathering- far too much food for a small Protestant family. Just wing it. Have some fun with it. Put in enough to feed your family and add enough to make it "look right". That's the stuff true Granny-Style cooks are made of!
G'nite!
Dy
Ah, well, we had a good day schooling: Bible, Math, Reading, Grammar, Phonics, Latin, Music (had to throw music in when I realized I'd planned to do it M,W,F.. and with today being W and all...) The boys are wonderful. I, however, am horribly behind-the-curve. Thank heaven for resiliency!
You know, we just don't "do" formal science yet. Some days I feel somewhat neglectful about that, and come next year, when we have to register with the gestapo, I'm going to have to pull something out of the hat. I am, however, fairly convinced that the Robinson way is a good idea. Besides, we watch enough bugs, discuss digestion ad nauseum (*grin*), and touch on myriad other topics regularly. They are not suffering from a lack of "formal" science. Maybe I will talk them into creating sketch journals of things that fascinate them. I did pick up a "How to Draw Insects" book last month that touches on the anatomical details in a very neat way... hmmm. Well, we have enough on our plates right now. Talk to me in August. ;-)
We hit Target today. I had to buy a few tops. Found a cute one: flourescent yellow tank with powder blue swirls all over it. The boys said it's not a top for a grownup. They laughed hysterically when I put it in the basket. They don't believe me when I tell them it's for me. When did I become too- whatever- to wear bright yellow shirts with geometric designs?
Our little frog was back tonight. John has claimed it as "the family frog". He sits at the back screen door for long stretches of time, watching it hop about, eat ants, and croak. He thoroughly loves that frog. I need to touch base with our neighbor about the tadpoles. We spent some time tonight on the internet looking up the care and feeding of tadpoles. I think we can do that. We may even have better luck than we did with the fish!
Oh, and I've got to share a recipe! Normally, I DETEST, loathe, and in general DO NOT LIKE cole slaw. (Well, except for the stuff from KFC, which is actually ambrosia, and not like cole slaw at all.) However, we had half a head of cabbage languishing in the fridge. I hate to waste food. I had nothing to prepare it with (according to the umpteen some-odd cookbooks that inhabit my kitchen.) Then I found this recipe: fresh apple-slaw.
I read the ingredients.
I cringed. "Ewwww," I thought.
I looked for other options.
Nothing.
So.
I made it.
With a great deal of trepidation. (I even prefaced supper with a disclaimer: "The cabbage salad has not been tested on the open market, nor have its claims been verified by the FDA. You are required to taste it and report your findings back to me, and only me. Should you choose to accept this mission, nothing further will be asked of you. Should you complete this mission, you will be given fresh berries and cream for dessert, no questions asked. Thank you.")
IT WAS GOOD!! So, here it is, in case you, too, have some random cabbage languishing in your ice box.
Fresh Apple Slaw
thinly sliced, cored, unpared red apples
finely shredded green cabbage
dairy sour cream (I substituted plain yogurt)
lemon juice (just to keep the apples from turning brown)
sugar
salt/pepper to taste
poppy seed (I didn't use this- who keeps this on hand???)
In large bowl, lightly toss all ingredients until well combined.
Refrigerate at least 1 hr. before serving.
Ta-da! How easy can it get on a hot summer night? The recipe has amounts, but to be honest, I think the actual recipe would feed a large Mormon gathering- far too much food for a small Protestant family. Just wing it. Have some fun with it. Put in enough to feed your family and add enough to make it "look right". That's the stuff true Granny-Style cooks are made of!
G'nite!
Dy
Tuesday, May 11
What a delicious day!
The boys started the day with music lessons. An hour later, we had to stop before we fell over from hunger. (I didn't expect that they'd want to keep going like they did! I swear they are little intellectual camels!) Tonight the boys played for Daddy. (Cheryl, why didn't you beat me about the head with this whole music thang a year ago? *grin*)
It is such a wonderful feeling to pile onto the floor after supper, the baby clamboring over me, my husband sitting next to me (beaming from ear to ear), the boys proudly and excitedly playing their chosen pieces. John showed Zorak how to play B, G, and A on the recorder. Repeatedly. He was quite excited about that. James played Merrily We Roll Along and Hot Cross Buns. Then Zorak and I played for the boys (hey! we aren't half-bad!) and the boys finished the performance by showing Daddy how to clean their instruments properly before returning them to their cases. *awww* (They listened! They really really listened! Yippee!)
We did our Math (another hour, what is it with MUS? They love it! Do anyone else's children do that?), Plants Grown Up, History (will we ever be done with Egypt? Just when we think it's gone- ahhhhhh, there it is! Run Away! Run Away!)
James had already rummaged through our new Latin materials before I awoke this morning. He blew his cover when he said (in a giggly tone) before we prayed, "Oremus". Ahhh, evidently it's not too soon to begin Latin.
At six o'clock, we were still not done with school. Well, we were done, but then the FedEx man showed up with a new cursive workbook for James! He yelled out the front window, "Thank you, FedEx man!" The driver was mostly around the van already, so all I saw was his shoulders shake as he laughed. James did two pages in Handwriting Without Tears before supper. I think that's another winner.
Supper was a nice light grilled chicken (the boys made the seasoning! Yum!) with green beans, hoppin' john w/ jalapenos, lemonade... and for dessert a delicious wheatfree shortcake topped with chilled fruit and cool whip! Mmmm, there is something to be said for the cuisine that develops in muggy, hot weather.
Aside from my Bible study, which I had to sneak in during lunch time, I've not read anything edifying or enriching today. Well, nothing above a fourth grade level, anyhow. It is hot and sticky. I cannot concentrate when I can't just sweat and get it over with! (To be perfectly honest, I believe mammals ought to hibernate in humid summers. It makes the most sense, if you think about.)
Oh! And score one for the good guys! Have y'all been following the case at Cal Poly in Kalifornia? It's too funny, really. Well,no, it's sad and disgusting, but the school has agreed to settle out of court, pay court costs and legal fees, and permit the student to pass out flyers. How big of them. WOO HOO! Let's hear it for putting a little of the "sense" back in "common sense"!
While you're at it, check out Mason Weaver's Homepage and go get his book!
Alrighty, folks, it's late and Zorak wants to communicate with the outside world. Time to relinquish my spot and go find a book to curl up with... and more coffee... must have more coffee... (where did I put my cup?)
It is such a wonderful feeling to pile onto the floor after supper, the baby clamboring over me, my husband sitting next to me (beaming from ear to ear), the boys proudly and excitedly playing their chosen pieces. John showed Zorak how to play B, G, and A on the recorder. Repeatedly. He was quite excited about that. James played Merrily We Roll Along and Hot Cross Buns. Then Zorak and I played for the boys (hey! we aren't half-bad!) and the boys finished the performance by showing Daddy how to clean their instruments properly before returning them to their cases. *awww* (They listened! They really really listened! Yippee!)
We did our Math (another hour, what is it with MUS? They love it! Do anyone else's children do that?), Plants Grown Up, History (will we ever be done with Egypt? Just when we think it's gone- ahhhhhh, there it is! Run Away! Run Away!)
James had already rummaged through our new Latin materials before I awoke this morning. He blew his cover when he said (in a giggly tone) before we prayed, "Oremus". Ahhh, evidently it's not too soon to begin Latin.
At six o'clock, we were still not done with school. Well, we were done, but then the FedEx man showed up with a new cursive workbook for James! He yelled out the front window, "Thank you, FedEx man!" The driver was mostly around the van already, so all I saw was his shoulders shake as he laughed. James did two pages in Handwriting Without Tears before supper. I think that's another winner.
Supper was a nice light grilled chicken (the boys made the seasoning! Yum!) with green beans, hoppin' john w/ jalapenos, lemonade... and for dessert a delicious wheatfree shortcake topped with chilled fruit and cool whip! Mmmm, there is something to be said for the cuisine that develops in muggy, hot weather.
Aside from my Bible study, which I had to sneak in during lunch time, I've not read anything edifying or enriching today. Well, nothing above a fourth grade level, anyhow. It is hot and sticky. I cannot concentrate when I can't just sweat and get it over with! (To be perfectly honest, I believe mammals ought to hibernate in humid summers. It makes the most sense, if you think about.)
Oh! And score one for the good guys! Have y'all been following the case at Cal Poly in Kalifornia? It's too funny, really. Well,no, it's sad and disgusting, but the school has agreed to settle out of court, pay court costs and legal fees, and permit the student to pass out flyers. How big of them. WOO HOO! Let's hear it for putting a little of the "sense" back in "common sense"!
While you're at it, check out Mason Weaver's Homepage and go get his book!
Alrighty, folks, it's late and Zorak wants to communicate with the outside world. Time to relinquish my spot and go find a book to curl up with... and more coffee... must have more coffee... (where did I put my cup?)
Monday, May 10
Hooo Boy!
It's HOT. It is Africa hot... Sahara, shortly before the monsoons actually let loose, hot... yep. That hot. Whew.
Today was a great day, aside from the heat. The boys did an hour of math, and stopped then only because I insisted that we STOP. Enough, already! Let's do something else.
We did phonics in the tub with washable crayons on the walls.
We played in the water with the neighbors.
We made wf brownies (which aren't half bad) and a wf shortcake.
Now we need fresh berries. We had to dump the strawberries because they grew incredibly long, thick hair overnight. Seriously, we went to bed and they looked fine. We woke this morning to find 1/2" hair on them! Sticking straight up like pins in a pincushion! Being the good homeschoolers we are, of course, we watched it most of the day before throwing out the berries. It was over 2" long by five this evening. Creepy stuff.
Mr. FedEx man did not come visit me today. So sad. *sniff* But that means he will surely come tomorrow! Yay!
James read most of A Quest in Time, more of Jolly Robin, and perused the new books from the bookstore. His reading is just amazing, and I am tickled beyond words that he loves to read so very much. He's also thoroughly enjoying the lined paper I bought at the curriculum fair, and is begging to learn to plot points on graphs!
John showed me today during phonics that he knows a great deal more than I (once again) gave him credit for knowing. What a smart little guy (some might say "too smart" if he's already capable of outwitting us...) He's reading VC, CVC, VCC words now on his own. It's a brave new world, indeed!
Jacob can pounce. Yessiree, pounce. Like a stealthy, slightly chubby tiger with no regard for the effects of gravity, he lunges and snags like the most revered jungle dweller. I made the mistake of not guarding my wf brownie closely enough and *fwomp* it was gone! Took a while to get the chocolate from all those fat baby crevices, but he thoroughly enjoyed the spoils of his victory. What an introduction to solids, eh?
A few thoughts to share from today's reading:
"Love is not a retreat from the hard things of life but a citadel from which to gain strength to meet the complex problems of a public and private world." ~Robert N. Rodenmayer, author of I John Take Thee Mary, A Book of Christian Marriage
"...they constantly forget, what you must always remember, that they are animals and that whatever their bodies do affects their souls." ~Screwtape, in a letter to his nephew, Wormwood
The quotes are in no way related, just things that caught my attention while I was reading. Homer was left neglected today, but perhaps he and I will get a chance to chat tonight.
And so, can you believe I've actually blogged before midnight? I'm going to round up tomorrow's pages and worksheets, then go hit the blogosphere.
Have a great one!
Dy
PS- Had a bit of a scare there! You cannot use the "back" button from the new "preview" screen (which doesn't open in a new window automatically, I found). Using "back" will take you BACK to the DASHBOARD! *gasp* ACK! But just as an FYI, you can then hit "forward" and it'll bring you back to the writing screen, text intact, blood pressure back down. :-) Thought I'd share.
Today was a great day, aside from the heat. The boys did an hour of math, and stopped then only because I insisted that we STOP. Enough, already! Let's do something else.
We did phonics in the tub with washable crayons on the walls.
We played in the water with the neighbors.
We made wf brownies (which aren't half bad) and a wf shortcake.
Now we need fresh berries. We had to dump the strawberries because they grew incredibly long, thick hair overnight. Seriously, we went to bed and they looked fine. We woke this morning to find 1/2" hair on them! Sticking straight up like pins in a pincushion! Being the good homeschoolers we are, of course, we watched it most of the day before throwing out the berries. It was over 2" long by five this evening. Creepy stuff.
Mr. FedEx man did not come visit me today. So sad. *sniff* But that means he will surely come tomorrow! Yay!
James read most of A Quest in Time, more of Jolly Robin, and perused the new books from the bookstore. His reading is just amazing, and I am tickled beyond words that he loves to read so very much. He's also thoroughly enjoying the lined paper I bought at the curriculum fair, and is begging to learn to plot points on graphs!
John showed me today during phonics that he knows a great deal more than I (once again) gave him credit for knowing. What a smart little guy (some might say "too smart" if he's already capable of outwitting us...) He's reading VC, CVC, VCC words now on his own. It's a brave new world, indeed!
Jacob can pounce. Yessiree, pounce. Like a stealthy, slightly chubby tiger with no regard for the effects of gravity, he lunges and snags like the most revered jungle dweller. I made the mistake of not guarding my wf brownie closely enough and *fwomp* it was gone! Took a while to get the chocolate from all those fat baby crevices, but he thoroughly enjoyed the spoils of his victory. What an introduction to solids, eh?
A few thoughts to share from today's reading:
"Love is not a retreat from the hard things of life but a citadel from which to gain strength to meet the complex problems of a public and private world." ~Robert N. Rodenmayer, author of I John Take Thee Mary, A Book of Christian Marriage
"...they constantly forget, what you must always remember, that they are animals and that whatever their bodies do affects their souls." ~Screwtape, in a letter to his nephew, Wormwood
The quotes are in no way related, just things that caught my attention while I was reading. Homer was left neglected today, but perhaps he and I will get a chance to chat tonight.
And so, can you believe I've actually blogged before midnight? I'm going to round up tomorrow's pages and worksheets, then go hit the blogosphere.
Have a great one!
Dy
PS- Had a bit of a scare there! You cannot use the "back" button from the new "preview" screen (which doesn't open in a new window automatically, I found). Using "back" will take you BACK to the DASHBOARD! *gasp* ACK! But just as an FYI, you can then hit "forward" and it'll bring you back to the writing screen, text intact, blood pressure back down. :-) Thought I'd share.
Sunday, May 9
Wow, a new look!
I guess now is as good a time as any to see changes at Blogger. It's not like I'm accustomed to the "old" look of the "new" pad yet, anyhow. Actually, it's kind of nice. The new layout is easier to navigate. It's cleaner, and does not feel as claustrophobic as the old look did. (The "dashboard" designation is a cute play on the old "control panel" title!)
We had a truly wonderful day. The morning was spent wrestling, playing dragons & knights (guess who gets the "luxury" of being the dragon...), read stories, colored, and played just a wee bit more. I am worn out!
Zorak made brunch for us, then I got to go to the used bookstore in Leonardtown, ALONE. Wow, that was neat. I bought ten books~ two for me, eight for the boys. *sigh* I sure missed them. We'll have to all go back together. (We meant to go together today, but poor John was done-for by noon, when the shop opened.)
Since I was all by my lonesome, I did slip on down to a little cafe/boutique for a big, frothy, iced mocha coffee frappuccino-like concoction! YUM, YUM! Then came home and cleaned/vacuumed the Suburban. I had hoped to shampoo it, but it was too hot and sticky. (Besides, I had my new copy of The Screwtape Letters calling me back inside the house!)
We've had a wonderful supper, and I'm going to wind up this blog while the boys finish the end of their new Jonny Quest video. (HEY- did y'all know that Jonny Quest was homeschooled? How very cool! That also explains a LOT about Race Bannon's role in the show! Now anyone know where Hadji came into the picture?) I'm off to sit on the porch and practice being old with Zorak. Hope you are savoring your Sunday just as much. See you Monday!
Dy
We had a truly wonderful day. The morning was spent wrestling, playing dragons & knights (guess who gets the "luxury" of being the dragon...), read stories, colored, and played just a wee bit more. I am worn out!
Zorak made brunch for us, then I got to go to the used bookstore in Leonardtown, ALONE. Wow, that was neat. I bought ten books~ two for me, eight for the boys. *sigh* I sure missed them. We'll have to all go back together. (We meant to go together today, but poor John was done-for by noon, when the shop opened.)
Since I was all by my lonesome, I did slip on down to a little cafe/boutique for a big, frothy, iced mocha coffee frappuccino-like concoction! YUM, YUM! Then came home and cleaned/vacuumed the Suburban. I had hoped to shampoo it, but it was too hot and sticky. (Besides, I had my new copy of The Screwtape Letters calling me back inside the house!)
We've had a wonderful supper, and I'm going to wind up this blog while the boys finish the end of their new Jonny Quest video. (HEY- did y'all know that Jonny Quest was homeschooled? How very cool! That also explains a LOT about Race Bannon's role in the show! Now anyone know where Hadji came into the picture?) I'm off to sit on the porch and practice being old with Zorak. Hope you are savoring your Sunday just as much. See you Monday!
Dy
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Good morning, one and all. Zorak and I had a lovely evening, sitting on the back porch, just reconnecting. I talked with him about Jess' wonderful response to some questions I've had recently, outlining the Proverbs Wife of Noble Character with regard to current issues. It was a wonderful talk we had together, and cleared the air of several misunderstandings. (My bad, I get so excited in my mind about doing something "good" that I often forget how that good is perceived- yikes! Getting better, though- thanks, Jess!)
***
The boys made a lovely handprint card for me this morning (yes, Zorak did the last minute thing bright 'n early this morning. I cannot complain, though, as if it weren't for the last minute, we probably still wouldn't even be married, let alone parents! We do love the last minute.) It's a beautiful card. Those tiny hands won't be so tiny for long. John's hands are already the same size as James'- I have to say that if it weren't for the color-coding, I wouldn't have been able to guess which handprint went to which boy. *sheesh, bad mommy* I plan to find a frame for this one- it's precious- two little handprints on each end and one teeny tiny spot in the middle...
Remember, no matter how "big" your children seem to you today, they'll never be this small again. Relish this time.
***
My Mother's Day gift is a family trip to the bookstore! This will be great, actually. The boys are wonderful at bookstores- they find a book and a corner and call it a day. (Yep, those are my boys!) The shop opens at noon, and brunch is ready now, so I'm going to sign off and finish enjoying the day. I'll post back later and will see you at your blog then, too!
Dy
***
The boys made a lovely handprint card for me this morning (yes, Zorak did the last minute thing bright 'n early this morning. I cannot complain, though, as if it weren't for the last minute, we probably still wouldn't even be married, let alone parents! We do love the last minute.) It's a beautiful card. Those tiny hands won't be so tiny for long. John's hands are already the same size as James'- I have to say that if it weren't for the color-coding, I wouldn't have been able to guess which handprint went to which boy. *sheesh, bad mommy* I plan to find a frame for this one- it's precious- two little handprints on each end and one teeny tiny spot in the middle...
Remember, no matter how "big" your children seem to you today, they'll never be this small again. Relish this time.
***
My Mother's Day gift is a family trip to the bookstore! This will be great, actually. The boys are wonderful at bookstores- they find a book and a corner and call it a day. (Yep, those are my boys!) The shop opens at noon, and brunch is ready now, so I'm going to sign off and finish enjoying the day. I'll post back later and will see you at your blog then, too!
Dy
Saturday, May 8
Oh, what a day!
I am reposting my favorite poem, in its entirety, written by Dorothy Law Nolte. This poem hung in every home we lived in while I was growing up. It now hangs in my home, and I love it. So, I thought I'd share.
Children Learn What They Live
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
Granted, there is no sure-fire, guaranteed method for raising a wholly healthy, well-rounded, happy, respectful, generous child. We are, by nature, tainted and bent toward the defunct. That flaw, however, does not excuse us from doing our utmost to achieve and emulate the ultimate good that is modeled for us in our Lord. With His help, we have hope.
***
James prepped the flower beds for us. He happily pointed out that he "even made pillows for them!" Sure enough, each hole has its own little dirt "pillow" for the flowers.
John told Zorak this morning, "I am super duper smart and I love learning!"
Jacob just might figure out that he CAN, in fact, go from sitting to mobile without having to tip over first. Uh-oh!
***
The boys are wonderful and are doing well, but they are now working out some, um, issues they developed over the last few weeks. In all, today has not been a very good day. I am glad it's nearly over. A hot bath, a good story and and early bedtime are in order (and that's just for me!) Tomorrow will be much better- a fresh and beautiful start, and another day to enjoy one another!
I'll talk to y'all tomorrow!
Dy
Children Learn What They Live
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
Granted, there is no sure-fire, guaranteed method for raising a wholly healthy, well-rounded, happy, respectful, generous child. We are, by nature, tainted and bent toward the defunct. That flaw, however, does not excuse us from doing our utmost to achieve and emulate the ultimate good that is modeled for us in our Lord. With His help, we have hope.
***
James prepped the flower beds for us. He happily pointed out that he "even made pillows for them!" Sure enough, each hole has its own little dirt "pillow" for the flowers.
John told Zorak this morning, "I am super duper smart and I love learning!"
Jacob just might figure out that he CAN, in fact, go from sitting to mobile without having to tip over first. Uh-oh!
***
The boys are wonderful and are doing well, but they are now working out some, um, issues they developed over the last few weeks. In all, today has not been a very good day. I am glad it's nearly over. A hot bath, a good story and and early bedtime are in order (and that's just for me!) Tomorrow will be much better- a fresh and beautiful start, and another day to enjoy one another!
I'll talk to y'all tomorrow!
Dy
Pictures to hang!
With many thanks to Samantha, we now have photos! Yippee! Now if we can just figure out why Blogspot blogs are gobbledeygook for some people. Anyone know? I don't want to lose my favorite blog-sistahs b/c I'm suddenly unintelligible. I mean, if they've hung around deciphering my ramblings for this long... gosh.
So, hey, how about a picture? (Nothing new- just thrilled to have pics uploaded now!)
Here are our reasons for doing what we do... in no particular order...
And here's a relatively recent photo of me and my munchkins~
Thank you, Samantha!
Alrighty, I'm off to redecorate an actual room and will do a little virtual redecorating here this evening. Have a blessed Saturday, all!
Dy
So, hey, how about a picture? (Nothing new- just thrilled to have pics uploaded now!)
Here are our reasons for doing what we do... in no particular order...
And here's a relatively recent photo of me and my munchkins~
Thank you, Samantha!
Alrighty, I'm off to redecorate an actual room and will do a little virtual redecorating here this evening. Have a blessed Saturday, all!
Dy
Friday, May 7
Getting Settled
Ah, yes, this is going to take some getting accustomed to~ new look, new routine. I don't have any virtual pictures hanging on the walls yet, and the sofa is in the middle of the floor... just hop over the back. I'm going to get a cup of coffee. Would you like one? OK, I'll be right back...
***
OK, here ya go. Careful, it's hot.~
Well, it's Friday evening. Today was hot and sticky, but now it's raining and windy. It's wonderful. I have the windows open and the breeze is heavenly. Zorak is over at the neighbor's house, decorating a Care Bare cake for their little girl's 2nd birthday party tomorrow. The boys are sound asleep, and I have just finished updating my control journal, compliments of FLYlady. So now it's time to blog and play!
It seems we have some changes coming up in our actual home at the same time there are changes to our virtual home. I'll probably bore you a bit with hashing them out. (Sorry.)
We have given up on the idea of a school room. I want one very much, but this house isn't conducive to it- the layout, the flow, the lack of appropriate furniture. We had two choices: splurge on furniture for the room now and push back buying a house, or wait on the furniture and once we aren't paying rent, use the $ we'll save with a lower mortgage payment . Plus, if we wait, we'll be able to match the furniture to the room of a more permanent nature. I'm happy with the decision. That entire quadrant of the upstairs has been in limbo for nearly six months now, and it's sucking the energy from the rest of the house. So now, there will be a niche for it. Happy room, happy house, happy Mommy. (Relieved Zorak, who is sick of hearing me ask, "What are we going to do with the school room?")
This decision means that James will be getting his much-coveted room. He has ached for a room of his own since we moved, and was quite upset to find that he still wouldn't be getting one. We'll make the changeover tomorrow. He'll be thrilled to death, and so will John (although at some point John will have to share with Jacob, but he doesn't seem to mind that so much.)
I helped some friends do some housecleaning today. They have offered me the opportunity to do this with them regularly. I would really like to do it, but Zorak and I need to talk some more about it before I can make a certain commitment. It seems every penny we have is earmarked for something or other right now, all of which is wonderful and helping us to achieve our financial goals. However, every time I take money out for a museum membership or new books for the boys, I feel like I'm stealing from the cookie jar. It would be nice to find a happy middle with that.
Rainbow Resources shipped my order (again) yesterday. FedEx takes about 3-4 days to get here, so I'd say on Monday I can start oogling the truck as it cruises through the neighborhood. (Well, I do that anyway, but now I can do it with a purpose! Yippee!)
So, let's see- the rest of the weekend is coming up. I have a few goals:
1. MUST declutter the house. I'm sure we aren't slobs, but evidently when both parents are paper-addicts, the children inherit the gene. There is paper everywhere and I can't get it sorted through! Forget Calgon, I need FLYLady!
2. Schedule next week's lessons. The boys are ready to go bed the neighbors to give them recorder lessons.
3. Make it to church. We haven't been since the whole directory photo, German swimmer's neck fiasco last month... they're going to think we're hiding.
4. Round up the library books and find out what's due when. I went on a reserving binge last month and now have several due dates scattered around the house.
5. Buy a crib for Jacob and a dresser for James. (We currently have three boys sharing one dresser and a closet that is approximately 1/4 the size of a normal closet.
6. Get the upstairs rooms moved and find a new home for all our school room books (which have been living in the third bedroom... although James won't mind having a zillion and two books in his room, honestly, so this one isn't a priority.)
7. Plant the flowers we picked up today.
8. Pay off a few more bills and get a credit report in preparation for applying for a home loan NEXT MONTH! (I can't believe we are so close to actually doing this! That gives me shivvers!)
The fog is beginning to clear now. I'm reading the following (with notes):
Catcher in the Rye (SO not enjoying this, but have taken the notion that I'll plug through it like I did with Anna Karenina and hopefully will be able to glean something from it.)
The Dead Sea Scrolls (I am thoroughly enjoying this- it's a research-based history of the scrolls from the time they were found in the late 40's through current day. So far, it's a very good read.)
Middlemarch (This is good, but it takes some switching gears to get into the mindset to be able to enjoy it. It's under the pillow, b/c it seems best absorbed in the quiet of the evening with a hot cup of coffee and a thick, fluffy blanket.)
Who Killed Homer? (I am going to have to start over with this one. I cannot seem to get through a full page without interruptions. Perhaps I will ask for an unaccompanied trip to a coffee shop for Mother's Day? Just me, Homer, and a BIG cup of coffee! Mmm, heaven awaits!)
Hey- does anyone know how to do underlined with this thing? It doesn't look like normal HTML works. *sigh* More to learn.
Well, that's it for tonight. I am off in search of a file hosting company and a comment utility. In the meantime, you can email me at tbowmommy @ yahoo . com (minus the spaces) if you'd like to leave a note.
Have a wonderful night!
Dy
***
OK, here ya go. Careful, it's hot.~
Well, it's Friday evening. Today was hot and sticky, but now it's raining and windy. It's wonderful. I have the windows open and the breeze is heavenly. Zorak is over at the neighbor's house, decorating a Care Bare cake for their little girl's 2nd birthday party tomorrow. The boys are sound asleep, and I have just finished updating my control journal, compliments of FLYlady. So now it's time to blog and play!
It seems we have some changes coming up in our actual home at the same time there are changes to our virtual home. I'll probably bore you a bit with hashing them out. (Sorry.)
We have given up on the idea of a school room. I want one very much, but this house isn't conducive to it- the layout, the flow, the lack of appropriate furniture. We had two choices: splurge on furniture for the room now and push back buying a house, or wait on the furniture and once we aren't paying rent, use the $ we'll save with a lower mortgage payment . Plus, if we wait, we'll be able to match the furniture to the room of a more permanent nature. I'm happy with the decision. That entire quadrant of the upstairs has been in limbo for nearly six months now, and it's sucking the energy from the rest of the house. So now, there will be a niche for it. Happy room, happy house, happy Mommy. (Relieved Zorak, who is sick of hearing me ask, "What are we going to do with the school room?")
This decision means that James will be getting his much-coveted room. He has ached for a room of his own since we moved, and was quite upset to find that he still wouldn't be getting one. We'll make the changeover tomorrow. He'll be thrilled to death, and so will John (although at some point John will have to share with Jacob, but he doesn't seem to mind that so much.)
I helped some friends do some housecleaning today. They have offered me the opportunity to do this with them regularly. I would really like to do it, but Zorak and I need to talk some more about it before I can make a certain commitment. It seems every penny we have is earmarked for something or other right now, all of which is wonderful and helping us to achieve our financial goals. However, every time I take money out for a museum membership or new books for the boys, I feel like I'm stealing from the cookie jar. It would be nice to find a happy middle with that.
Rainbow Resources shipped my order (again) yesterday. FedEx takes about 3-4 days to get here, so I'd say on Monday I can start oogling the truck as it cruises through the neighborhood. (Well, I do that anyway, but now I can do it with a purpose! Yippee!)
So, let's see- the rest of the weekend is coming up. I have a few goals:
1. MUST declutter the house. I'm sure we aren't slobs, but evidently when both parents are paper-addicts, the children inherit the gene. There is paper everywhere and I can't get it sorted through! Forget Calgon, I need FLYLady!
2. Schedule next week's lessons. The boys are ready to go bed the neighbors to give them recorder lessons.
3. Make it to church. We haven't been since the whole directory photo, German swimmer's neck fiasco last month... they're going to think we're hiding.
4. Round up the library books and find out what's due when. I went on a reserving binge last month and now have several due dates scattered around the house.
5. Buy a crib for Jacob and a dresser for James. (We currently have three boys sharing one dresser and a closet that is approximately 1/4 the size of a normal closet.
6. Get the upstairs rooms moved and find a new home for all our school room books (which have been living in the third bedroom... although James won't mind having a zillion and two books in his room, honestly, so this one isn't a priority.)
7. Plant the flowers we picked up today.
8. Pay off a few more bills and get a credit report in preparation for applying for a home loan NEXT MONTH! (I can't believe we are so close to actually doing this! That gives me shivvers!)
The fog is beginning to clear now. I'm reading the following (with notes):
Catcher in the Rye (SO not enjoying this, but have taken the notion that I'll plug through it like I did with Anna Karenina and hopefully will be able to glean something from it.)
The Dead Sea Scrolls (I am thoroughly enjoying this- it's a research-based history of the scrolls from the time they were found in the late 40's through current day. So far, it's a very good read.)
Middlemarch (This is good, but it takes some switching gears to get into the mindset to be able to enjoy it. It's under the pillow, b/c it seems best absorbed in the quiet of the evening with a hot cup of coffee and a thick, fluffy blanket.)
Who Killed Homer? (I am going to have to start over with this one. I cannot seem to get through a full page without interruptions. Perhaps I will ask for an unaccompanied trip to a coffee shop for Mother's Day? Just me, Homer, and a BIG cup of coffee! Mmm, heaven awaits!)
Hey- does anyone know how to do underlined with this thing? It doesn't look like normal HTML works. *sigh* More to learn.
Well, that's it for tonight. I am off in search of a file hosting company and a comment utility. In the meantime, you can email me at tbowmommy @ yahoo . com (minus the spaces) if you'd like to leave a note.
Have a wonderful night!
Dy
Thursday, May 6
Will be returning soon.
Well, it seems as though the time has come. I have to admit that this time, it feels different. Still, I'm not happy with the way my other "home" treated fellow bloggers. All Standard users were simply locked out of their blogs without notice nor explanation. I can appreciate the need to restructure, but why burn consumer bridges in the process? Bad capitalist move, imho. So, I've got to re-sign up for comments, register with Walagata (or some other file hosting service for pictures- open to recommendations) and then just take a deep breath and m-o-v-e. (I hate moving- both virtually and in real life.)
Dy
Dy
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