Yesterday as we were leaving Church we went to visit the Christmas manger scene in our parish courtyard.
Some one(s) had left a few small gifts for Jesus - a candy cane, 2 apples and a dollar or so. We pointed them out to the children and Clare asked if I had any presents to give the baby Jesus in my purse.
No, I replied, not much in there, nothing that would make a good gift.
I got distracted for a moment by Gregory - who was attempting to grab the light shining on the manger and when I looked back Clare had given her own present to Jesus.
Clare put down the toy that she had been playing non-stop with since she had received it in her stocking - a little puppy that looks just like our neighbor's real dog. It is one of her prize possessions at the moment, the thing she cannot sleep without, the one who eats meals with us and gets dragged everywhere.
The sight of that little dog right next to the Christ-child was so touching. The smile on Clare's face was angelic.
We told Clare she should retrieve her puppy, that it was okay. Jesus would accept her present anyway. The statue couldn't really enjoy it.
I've been thinking about this since and wondering at the lesson Clare has taught me, and pondering in my heart - what present do I have to give the Christ-child this year? And am I willing to just give it to Him in an instant like she did when she thought He might delight in it?
Monday, December 29
Sunday, December 21
Joyful Mysteries Anyone?
We let Gregory bring his football into Mass today. He was pretty good, and as usual started rummaging through my purse looking for things to fiddle with.
I decided to pull out a plastic rosary that he is allowed to play with at Mass. But it became an unintended distraction.
Gregory decided it was a hoop to throw the football through.
I think the couple behind us was laughing at us, and the couple in front of us was just annoyed. Something about the football that rolled under the pews and under their feet several times.
I decided to pull out a plastic rosary that he is allowed to play with at Mass. But it became an unintended distraction.
Gregory decided it was a hoop to throw the football through.
I think the couple behind us was laughing at us, and the couple in front of us was just annoyed. Something about the football that rolled under the pews and under their feet several times.
Friday, December 19
Friday Quick Takes Vol 5
---1---
Clare's last day of school was yesterday until early Jan. This does not make her happy - her teacher told me too. In circle time Mrs. E mentioned that they would have 2 weeks off. At this Clare's face darkened and she scowled. You never have to guess about what emotion Clare is feeling, her face tells it all.
---2---
To celebrate John finishing finals on Wednesday - we ate at a Chinese restaurant for lunch. The fortunes were great:
John's - You have a lively family.
Gregory's - An angry man shuts his eyes and opens his mouth. (totally sounds like a toddler tantrum)
Clare's - You must struggle as hard as you can for what you want.
Clare responded to hers with "I can do that."
---3---
We are blessed with very nice landlords. When we moved in we were having a conversation about kids vs. pets. Knowing what my children can do to homes, I imagined that pets were better, but they insisted that children were.
This week, I had to call them to ask the paint color of several walls in the house. My first thought - pets don't draw on the walls. Their response - it's no big deal. My guess is that they wouldn't be as thrilled if we weren't willing to paint over the murals before we move out.
---4---
My literary error of the week.
I've started reading Moby Dick via Dailylit.com, and I was telling John about how much I was enjoying it.
Me: You know, I didn't really enjoy the Scarlet Letter, but I've been surprised by Hawthorne's writing style here.
John: Ummm...didn't Herman Melville write Moby Dick?
---5---
John's a little upset - a few quick takes ago Gregory had learned to catch a football. This morning John threw the ball to him several times and Gregory did not catch it. In fact, Gregory started doing ballet poses. Not what John was hoping for.
I think that was partially influenced by getting to sit in Clare's ballet class and watch for 15 minutes this week. Gregory was entranced.
---6---
My parents have flown in from Belgium to visit for Christmas. At the moment I don't think they have seen any family. My mother had a doctor's appointment and she has some kind of rash on her chest.
The doctor said she had only seen something like that once when she was in India. She proceeded to give my mother several drugs and very specific directions on how to take care of it. If it does not begin to heal by tomorrow - my mom will need to check into the hospital for treatment of this mystery infection.
Needless to say none of the grandchildren are allowed to see Grandma right now, neither am I. Hopefully it will clear up. If you get a chance say a little prayer or 2. My mom has some health complications and I know this isn't what she had planned on for Christmas.
---7---
It is 10:30 pm here, and I think Gregory has finally fallen asleep and I can go to bed. This is the first time I can remember him staying up so late. Clare is visiting her other Grandma tonight and I think that was part of it. He kept waiting for her to show up and go to bed. But after 2 hours, I put him back in bed for the 5th time, turned off all his lights, and now it is quiet.
Good night to all - Sleep in peace and Rise with joy!
Clare's last day of school was yesterday until early Jan. This does not make her happy - her teacher told me too. In circle time Mrs. E mentioned that they would have 2 weeks off. At this Clare's face darkened and she scowled. You never have to guess about what emotion Clare is feeling, her face tells it all.
---2---
To celebrate John finishing finals on Wednesday - we ate at a Chinese restaurant for lunch. The fortunes were great:
John's - You have a lively family.
Gregory's - An angry man shuts his eyes and opens his mouth. (totally sounds like a toddler tantrum)
Clare's - You must struggle as hard as you can for what you want.
Clare responded to hers with "I can do that."
---3---
We are blessed with very nice landlords. When we moved in we were having a conversation about kids vs. pets. Knowing what my children can do to homes, I imagined that pets were better, but they insisted that children were.
This week, I had to call them to ask the paint color of several walls in the house. My first thought - pets don't draw on the walls. Their response - it's no big deal. My guess is that they wouldn't be as thrilled if we weren't willing to paint over the murals before we move out.
---4---
My literary error of the week.
I've started reading Moby Dick via Dailylit.com, and I was telling John about how much I was enjoying it.
Me: You know, I didn't really enjoy the Scarlet Letter, but I've been surprised by Hawthorne's writing style here.
John: Ummm...didn't Herman Melville write Moby Dick?
---5---
John's a little upset - a few quick takes ago Gregory had learned to catch a football. This morning John threw the ball to him several times and Gregory did not catch it. In fact, Gregory started doing ballet poses. Not what John was hoping for.
I think that was partially influenced by getting to sit in Clare's ballet class and watch for 15 minutes this week. Gregory was entranced.
---6---
My parents have flown in from Belgium to visit for Christmas. At the moment I don't think they have seen any family. My mother had a doctor's appointment and she has some kind of rash on her chest.
The doctor said she had only seen something like that once when she was in India. She proceeded to give my mother several drugs and very specific directions on how to take care of it. If it does not begin to heal by tomorrow - my mom will need to check into the hospital for treatment of this mystery infection.
Needless to say none of the grandchildren are allowed to see Grandma right now, neither am I. Hopefully it will clear up. If you get a chance say a little prayer or 2. My mom has some health complications and I know this isn't what she had planned on for Christmas.
---7---
It is 10:30 pm here, and I think Gregory has finally fallen asleep and I can go to bed. This is the first time I can remember him staying up so late. Clare is visiting her other Grandma tonight and I think that was part of it. He kept waiting for her to show up and go to bed. But after 2 hours, I put him back in bed for the 5th time, turned off all his lights, and now it is quiet.
Good night to all - Sleep in peace and Rise with joy!
Wednesday, December 17
Elf Yourself
Last year, I saw Elf Yourself videos on several different blogs. I thought they were fun and cute and made a few.
This year, I actually remembered them and went looking for them online. While I am hoping to find a way to embed the video on the blog at the moment you will have to settle for the link.
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/difsaOS4bpHbkF6lYZfe
Enjoy! And if you're up to it, go make a video too. They always make me chuckle and they're pretty easy.
This year, I actually remembered them and went looking for them online. While I am hoping to find a way to embed the video on the blog at the moment you will have to settle for the link.
http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/difsaOS4bpHbkF6lYZfe
Enjoy! And if you're up to it, go make a video too. They always make me chuckle and they're pretty easy.
Tuesday, December 16
Saving the World
Clare came into my bedroom with a pad of paper pretending to check things offs of a list.
Clare: Mommy, the girls in my class and I are going on a trip to save the world and you have to come with us and make sure we have everything.
Me: Hmmmm (if I ignore this conversation, will I have to do anything?)
Clare: We need food and clothes and a gun, in case we need to shoot an animal for food
Me: A gun? Where are we going?
Clare: And head bands, and lotion, and lamps, and flashlights -in case it gets dark, and beds - oh we can use sleeping packs...and OH!
Me: Hmmmm (slight interest - not too much, I might have to get up).
Clare: Little House on the Prairie!! We must take that - it will tell us what we need to do and we can look at the pictures if we can't read it. Like this - you can do this for us (pointing to an illustration.)
Me: They've built a well, I don't think Mommy can make one of those.
Clare: And sea shells and buckets, and...Gregory can't come with us!
Gregory: (suddenly looks up and says with disapproval) Eehhh!
Clare: Well he can come, but only 2 year olds can come, no babies.
She continues to chatter about her trip meandering through the room with her ever-growing list.
Mommy's thinking this sounds like a pretty intensive trip - Mommy, Clare, six other 4 year olds, and Gregory. I've never seen a movie where the hero saves the world with a group of 4 year olds. Would make for an interesting plot, can you imagine the twists? ;) My guess is the heroine would be pretty tired by the end.
Clare: Mommy, the girls in my class and I are going on a trip to save the world and you have to come with us and make sure we have everything.
Me: Hmmmm (if I ignore this conversation, will I have to do anything?)
Clare: We need food and clothes and a gun, in case we need to shoot an animal for food
Me: A gun? Where are we going?
Clare: And head bands, and lotion, and lamps, and flashlights -in case it gets dark, and beds - oh we can use sleeping packs...and OH!
Me: Hmmmm (slight interest - not too much, I might have to get up).
Clare: Little House on the Prairie!! We must take that - it will tell us what we need to do and we can look at the pictures if we can't read it. Like this - you can do this for us (pointing to an illustration.)
Me: They've built a well, I don't think Mommy can make one of those.
Clare: And sea shells and buckets, and...Gregory can't come with us!
Gregory: (suddenly looks up and says with disapproval) Eehhh!
Clare: Well he can come, but only 2 year olds can come, no babies.
She continues to chatter about her trip meandering through the room with her ever-growing list.
Mommy's thinking this sounds like a pretty intensive trip - Mommy, Clare, six other 4 year olds, and Gregory. I've never seen a movie where the hero saves the world with a group of 4 year olds. Would make for an interesting plot, can you imagine the twists? ;) My guess is the heroine would be pretty tired by the end.
Monday, December 15
Haunted Houses and Shoes
Visiting Clare's class and helping out is always a treat and you never know what the kids are going to tell you or where they get their information.
Child 1: Did you know that there are real haunted houses?
Me: No. Tell me about them
Child 1: I saw one on TV yesterday.
Child 2: Ghosts - Haunted houses have ghosts
Me: Oh?
Child 1: And the one I saw had a President staying in it
Child 2: Ghooooosts
Me: A President?
Child 1: And he was attacked - they tried to kill him.
Me: A President was attacked in a haunted house? (shock in my voice)
Child 1: Yeah - someone threw some shoes at him. It would have been funny if he had caught them and thrown them back
At this point I have to stop myself from laughing - the news would be much more interesting told from the point of view of a 5 year old. I wonder how he got Bush's visit to Baghdad and a haunted house intertangled.
Child 1: Did you know that there are real haunted houses?
Me: No. Tell me about them
Child 1: I saw one on TV yesterday.
Child 2: Ghosts - Haunted houses have ghosts
Me: Oh?
Child 1: And the one I saw had a President staying in it
Child 2: Ghooooosts
Me: A President?
Child 1: And he was attacked - they tried to kill him.
Me: A President was attacked in a haunted house? (shock in my voice)
Child 1: Yeah - someone threw some shoes at him. It would have been funny if he had caught them and thrown them back
At this point I have to stop myself from laughing - the news would be much more interesting told from the point of view of a 5 year old. I wonder how he got Bush's visit to Baghdad and a haunted house intertangled.
Sunday, December 14
The Morning Wrestle
Clare has always had strong fashion opinions. It was a struggle to get her to wear most clothes, until I gave in to her tastes. Luckily her tastes are ultra conservative - long frilly dresses, tights, and girly-girly. I don't think she will ever want to wear something that says "juicy" on her bottom - mainly because it wouldn't be feminine enough for her. In fact the more old fashioned and poofy the dress is in cut, the happier she is.
When we found out we were having a boy with Gregory, I gave a sigh of relief. It meant (at least in my mind) that this new little person would be more accepting of whatever I chose to dress him in.
I mean, how many little boys do you hear about that insist on wearing certain clothes? I've heard of one or two - but mainly it's things like the colors matching, etc.
Gregory however has surprised me. He is pickier about clothes than Clare. He desires one motif on his clothes - football. Preferably Redskins football. He has a total of 2 Redskins onesies plus 4-6 other football themed onesies or shirts. Sometimes the non-redskins shirts won't cut it. And I spend each morning wrestling a screaming, unhappy 2 year old into his clothes. When I bought his wardrobe I wasn't exactly thinking along the lines of NFL.
Once he's in them, he settles down and seems to forget all about it. (Which is good, Clare would cry for at least an hour and if I didn't watch her, remove the offending articles of clothing as quickly as possible.) But each morning I gear myself up for the fight - especially on Sundays or other days where I'd like him to look like something other than a die-hard sports fan.
When we found out we were having a boy with Gregory, I gave a sigh of relief. It meant (at least in my mind) that this new little person would be more accepting of whatever I chose to dress him in.
I mean, how many little boys do you hear about that insist on wearing certain clothes? I've heard of one or two - but mainly it's things like the colors matching, etc.
Gregory however has surprised me. He is pickier about clothes than Clare. He desires one motif on his clothes - football. Preferably Redskins football. He has a total of 2 Redskins onesies plus 4-6 other football themed onesies or shirts. Sometimes the non-redskins shirts won't cut it. And I spend each morning wrestling a screaming, unhappy 2 year old into his clothes. When I bought his wardrobe I wasn't exactly thinking along the lines of NFL.
Once he's in them, he settles down and seems to forget all about it. (Which is good, Clare would cry for at least an hour and if I didn't watch her, remove the offending articles of clothing as quickly as possible.) But each morning I gear myself up for the fight - especially on Sundays or other days where I'd like him to look like something other than a die-hard sports fan.
Friday, December 12
Quick Takes - Photo Edition
I haven't posted in weeks. We've been so busy - so here is the Quick Takes Version in Photos
One - Leftover Thanksgiving Stuffing
Two - Gregory's Birthday
He's 2 now - and loved this cake! Guess what he loves and obsesses over?
Three - Cookie Day #1-Clare
Three A -Cookie Day #1- Stephanie
One of our gracious hosts making more cookies
Four - Cookie Day # 1- Gregory
Five - Baby Corrina
I'm getting my baby fix - she is soooo sweet!
Six - Cookie Day #2
Seven - Puppy Sitting
Isn't Cash the most adorable puppy? The kids wore him out - when his owner came he was falling asleep on a pillow.
If you want more info or pictures - you'll have to check out facebook...it's easier than blogging. ;)
Friday, November 28
Quick Takes Vol 3
It's Friday again - head over to Jen's and check out all the quick takes:
---1---
New Development: Gregory can open screw on lids and safety caps (on medicine bottles). I found out the first with a small jar of glitter that ended up as a sand dune on the floor. And the second - well he opened the children's chewable Tylenol and looked as pleased as punch. Do child safety caps keep any kids out - both of my kids can open them- pushing and twisting at the same time seem to come naturally.
---2---
Clare has a large bruise/scrape on her hip of all places. She was running on a flat sidewalk and fell down. At first I couldn't figure out why she was screaming because there wasn't a scratch on her knees or hands. Then I see this bloody spot on her hip. John says it looks like she was playing tackle football instead of running. This happened walking into school - of course the first thing she did (after treatment) was show her entire class, who were all very interested.
---3---
I love Clare's school, especially her teacher. Her teacher planned their Thanksgiving feast on Tuesday - so she could spend all of the last day before break preparing the kids for Advent. She sent home 2 different advent wreath activities and an awesome advent countdown candle activity that I will be posting about later. How wonderful is that?!
Say a little prayer for said teacher - she has to go in for surgery this week and will miss all of December, which makes me sad. Hopefully December is all and she'll be back in Jan.
---4---
Near Charlottesville is a Plow and Hearth outlet shop. I went in for the first time today and they sell HearthSong and Magic Cabin toys for even less than the websites' sales. They also have tons of other cool things, I can't wait to go back again. (Today John and the kids stayed in the car - John gave me a 5 minute limit to check it out and come back. I was back within 10 minutes-pretty good for me.)
---5---
Are you ready for Advent? I think we are getting there. Clare's teacher helped a lot, and the kids and I made our Advent wreath. I'm hoping to light it every night during dinner, so I bought really thick pillar candles. I'm also hoping to do a Jesse tree - but we'll see with that one, I think it might be too much for me this year, since I want to make an ornament each day with Clare.
---6---
I'm not sure what concerns me more in the world at the moment - what is happening in Mumbai, India, or the fact that American shoppers trampled several people and killed one worker at a Walmart this morning. Mumbai is very disconcerting, to think that terrorists can just show up in any major city and cause such destruction and terror. But the fact that people (normal folks like you and I) can get so caught up in materialism/good deals that someone gets killed disturbs me greatly.
---7---
I didn't put up a post about Thanksgiving, knowing the quick takes were coming.
We had a great Thanksgiving visiting with John's folks, and we truly hope that everyone else had a wonderful one too.
Wednesday, November 26
The Beloved Puzzle
My Aunt Karen made Gregory this really cool puzzle of a bear when he was born.
He loves it now, and I wanted to post a video of him playing with it, so she will know how appreciated it is. He plays with it every day for at least 30 minutes.
Sunday, November 23
But for the grace of God
Just when I was about to bemoan my life to God about being a law school widow, and how rough it is - He gave me a good smack upside the head.
This morning, one of the little boys in our CGS class said his dad was in the hospital. His mom is expecting, so I thought - ahh the baby has come and dad went to the hospital with mom. But I was wrong.
I ran into this boy and his grandma leaving the Church and asked after the family. His dad is in the hospital, and his mom had just gotten home from the hospital but hadn't had the baby yet. So both parents have been hospitalized this weekend. The grandmother was pretty distraught - but doing a really good job of keeping her grandson oblivious of what was going on.
Another family we know was just in a serious car accident - by God's grace no one was seriously injured. The accident was caused by a seizure on the dad's part while driving. He is also undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.
Please say a prayer for each of these families. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be in either of their shoes. It makes law school exams look like a walk in the park rather than our own cross to bear.
This morning, one of the little boys in our CGS class said his dad was in the hospital. His mom is expecting, so I thought - ahh the baby has come and dad went to the hospital with mom. But I was wrong.
I ran into this boy and his grandma leaving the Church and asked after the family. His dad is in the hospital, and his mom had just gotten home from the hospital but hadn't had the baby yet. So both parents have been hospitalized this weekend. The grandmother was pretty distraught - but doing a really good job of keeping her grandson oblivious of what was going on.
Another family we know was just in a serious car accident - by God's grace no one was seriously injured. The accident was caused by a seizure on the dad's part while driving. He is also undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.
Please say a prayer for each of these families. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be in either of their shoes. It makes law school exams look like a walk in the park rather than our own cross to bear.
Lovey, Bu-ball!
Gregory's newest must-have item: NFL Dynamic Duos - a paperback scholastic book about quarterbacks and their receivers. It goes everywhere, and has the chew marks to prove it.
If that is not available any old football game case (ie NFL Madden 2006) will work.
If he does not have one in bed, he cries, and today he held one all of Mass.
It's so funny the things kids choose to attach to.
If that is not available any old football game case (ie NFL Madden 2006) will work.
If he does not have one in bed, he cries, and today he held one all of Mass.
It's so funny the things kids choose to attach to.
Friday, November 21
Friday Quick Takes
1) Clare's dental surgery went well, the doctors didn't find any additional decay/work through x-rays, the whole thing was under 2 hours, and she did beautifully. Afterwards she wanted to snuggle for 4 hours straight. It was very sweet - part of it was the drugs - but the drugs also make some kids combative. Glad mine is not one of them.
Thank you for all the prayers, they were truly felt by all involved.
2) Clare has a choleric personality - which basically means she would rather argue until she's blue in the face than admit she's mistaken. I asked her about the dentist and she said that they didn't do anything to her but give her a shot (the first part of sedation). I told her that the shot made her fall asleep. She insists that she did not sleep at the dentist's office - she played with toys, got a shot, and snuggled with Mom. Amazingly, her bite feels different and she has a new silver tooth, but she doesn't know how they got there.
3) Of note (to my husband and probably no one else) - Gregory caught a toy football his father threw to him for the first time today. John declared that this must make my Quick Takes.
4) We went pine cone hunting today - I want to make some pine cone crafts with the kids - tree ornaments and bird feeders and maybe a turkey or 2. Clare said she had found treasure when we brought home all of 2 pine cones.
Did you know that when making crafts with pine cones you should put them in the oven on a cookie sheet at 200 degrees for an hour? It kills any bugs/spider eggs, etc, and melts the sticky sap. The sap turns out really pretty melted, it forms a glaze on the tips of the cone.
5) We're in the middle of exam season here - of course exams really don't start for a few more weeks. but the students are gearing up. Which means the kids and I are on our own for the most part. I am so grateful that John comes home for dinner each night, and that no one is sick at the moment. We can manage without dad, but I don't do well with unexpected surprises like stomach flues or ear infections.
6) Clare wants to learn how to play Chess - today she learned all of the piece names. She's doing well keeping them straight - except for the bishops and the pawns. She keeps picking out pawns when we ask her to find a pawn, and pawns when we ask her to find bishops. Here's hoping this doesn't influence her futures views of the hierarchy of the Church.
7) I keep trying to think of some really cool fact, or tidbit or something that has nothing to do with my family for a quick take.....I'm drawing a blank. Luckily we have the power of Google.
Historically today - take your pick:
In 1980, 350 million people around the world tune in to television's popular prime time drama "Dallas" to find out who shot J.R. or in 1620 the pilgrims reached America, Provincetown Harbor, Mass.
****
I'm sure there some other fun takes over at Jen's. I'm planning on reading a few - how about you?
Thank you for all the prayers, they were truly felt by all involved.
2) Clare has a choleric personality - which basically means she would rather argue until she's blue in the face than admit she's mistaken. I asked her about the dentist and she said that they didn't do anything to her but give her a shot (the first part of sedation). I told her that the shot made her fall asleep. She insists that she did not sleep at the dentist's office - she played with toys, got a shot, and snuggled with Mom. Amazingly, her bite feels different and she has a new silver tooth, but she doesn't know how they got there.
3) Of note (to my husband and probably no one else) - Gregory caught a toy football his father threw to him for the first time today. John declared that this must make my Quick Takes.
4) We went pine cone hunting today - I want to make some pine cone crafts with the kids - tree ornaments and bird feeders and maybe a turkey or 2. Clare said she had found treasure when we brought home all of 2 pine cones.
Did you know that when making crafts with pine cones you should put them in the oven on a cookie sheet at 200 degrees for an hour? It kills any bugs/spider eggs, etc, and melts the sticky sap. The sap turns out really pretty melted, it forms a glaze on the tips of the cone.
5) We're in the middle of exam season here - of course exams really don't start for a few more weeks. but the students are gearing up. Which means the kids and I are on our own for the most part. I am so grateful that John comes home for dinner each night, and that no one is sick at the moment. We can manage without dad, but I don't do well with unexpected surprises like stomach flues or ear infections.
6) Clare wants to learn how to play Chess - today she learned all of the piece names. She's doing well keeping them straight - except for the bishops and the pawns. She keeps picking out pawns when we ask her to find a pawn, and pawns when we ask her to find bishops. Here's hoping this doesn't influence her futures views of the hierarchy of the Church.
7) I keep trying to think of some really cool fact, or tidbit or something that has nothing to do with my family for a quick take.....I'm drawing a blank. Luckily we have the power of Google.
Historically today - take your pick:
In 1980, 350 million people around the world tune in to television's popular prime time drama "Dallas" to find out who shot J.R. or in 1620 the pilgrims reached America, Provincetown Harbor, Mass.
****
I'm sure there some other fun takes over at Jen's. I'm planning on reading a few - how about you?
Wednesday, November 19
Surgery
If you get a chance say a little prayer for Clare and I tomorrow. She has dental surgery with an i.v. sedation at 1:45.
This means that after 7:45 she can't have any food or dairy products. After 10:45 she can't have anything not even a drop of water.
She's already stressed/scared and it's been showing through her moods this week.
I'm a bit stressed by her moods and the thought of denying a hungry/thirsty 4 year old food and water. And it's always a bit scary to have a family member sedated.
Please pray that they don't find any additional work to be done. The x-rays taken at the beginning of the sedation will tell whether it will be 2-3 hours or more.
Thank you!
This means that after 7:45 she can't have any food or dairy products. After 10:45 she can't have anything not even a drop of water.
She's already stressed/scared and it's been showing through her moods this week.
I'm a bit stressed by her moods and the thought of denying a hungry/thirsty 4 year old food and water. And it's always a bit scary to have a family member sedated.
Please pray that they don't find any additional work to be done. The x-rays taken at the beginning of the sedation will tell whether it will be 2-3 hours or more.
Thank you!
Cake Stealers
On Sunday we celebrated John's birthday with his folks.
I got up early, bought a cake, and left it on the kitchen counter. I then volunteered at our parish.
When I got home I glanced at the cake and gasped - the icing was all smooshed along one side, and one corner was stuck to the top of the plastic cover.
"What happened?" I asked my husband.
"Well I was sitting here studying and turned around to see the kids trying to carry the cake up the stairs. The clue that something was up came when Clare told Gregory to turn around, put it on the step, and then lift."
"How did they get the cake?"
"I don't know for certain but Clare must have gotten it down."
Clare: I didn't get it down, Gregory did.
(Here's the thing, Gregory can't reach the top of the counter even on his tiptoes)
Us: That's not possible, Gregory can't reach.
Clare: He can.
We show Clare it is not possible for Gregory to reach
Clare: He pulled it down with his pinkies
Gregory's also not strong enough to pull it down, it would have fallen on his head and made a huge mess, not a little squishing.
We explain this to Clare - who insists she did not pull the cake down. She did not help pull the cake down, she simply helped carry it to the stairs. No threats or denial of goods change this statement.
Today Clare asked me to put the leftover cake back on the counter so Gregory could demostrate his cake stealing abilities. Sigh...maybe Gregory can fly too.
I got up early, bought a cake, and left it on the kitchen counter. I then volunteered at our parish.
When I got home I glanced at the cake and gasped - the icing was all smooshed along one side, and one corner was stuck to the top of the plastic cover.
"What happened?" I asked my husband.
"Well I was sitting here studying and turned around to see the kids trying to carry the cake up the stairs. The clue that something was up came when Clare told Gregory to turn around, put it on the step, and then lift."
"How did they get the cake?"
"I don't know for certain but Clare must have gotten it down."
Clare: I didn't get it down, Gregory did.
(Here's the thing, Gregory can't reach the top of the counter even on his tiptoes)
Us: That's not possible, Gregory can't reach.
Clare: He can.
We show Clare it is not possible for Gregory to reach
Clare: He pulled it down with his pinkies
Gregory's also not strong enough to pull it down, it would have fallen on his head and made a huge mess, not a little squishing.
We explain this to Clare - who insists she did not pull the cake down. She did not help pull the cake down, she simply helped carry it to the stairs. No threats or denial of goods change this statement.
Today Clare asked me to put the leftover cake back on the counter so Gregory could demostrate his cake stealing abilities. Sigh...maybe Gregory can fly too.
Tuesday, November 18
Birthday
Happy Birthday John!This is probably not the best picture of you - but I feel like it captures the essence of Daddy at home. The kids love you, they love swarming you, overwhelming you with attention, affection, and demands. I love how you stay so calm under everything you have going on, and how you make time for your family when there seems to be no time to spare. I love you for all of your wonderful traits and putting up with unpredictable, emotional me. You are so good to all of us!
Hope you had an okay birthday- even if you had 4 classes and an upcoming exam to focus on. The kids promise to jump on you early tomorrow morning to make up for it. ;)
Snow fall!
We awoke to snow this morning, if you can believe it. This is the first time I can ever remember having snow in central VA in November.
It melted before we took a picture, it truly was only an inch if that, and didn't stick to anything but the non-road surfaces. Nonetheless it was a treat. (First moonlight, then deer, now snow...what next?)
And on a side note, we must have all felt like hibernating bears - because Clare, Gregory and I all took naps today - nice long 2 hour naps.
It melted before we took a picture, it truly was only an inch if that, and didn't stick to anything but the non-road surfaces. Nonetheless it was a treat. (First moonlight, then deer, now snow...what next?)
And on a side note, we must have all felt like hibernating bears - because Clare, Gregory and I all took naps today - nice long 2 hour naps.
Monday, November 17
From the window
First moonlight and now these! What a wonderful few days of nature.
The middle picture is the most blurry, but the best capture shot of the whole. We had 8 deer moving in the back yard at the same time. There were several fawns too. Simply amazing.
Clare came to check it out - especially the fawns. Her response:
"Mama did the Native Americans eat deer too?"
"Yes Clare, so did the pilgrims."
"I'm glad we don't have to kill them and eat them."
"Me too, kid, me too."
The middle picture is the most blurry, but the best capture shot of the whole. We had 8 deer moving in the back yard at the same time. There were several fawns too. Simply amazing.
Clare came to check it out - especially the fawns. Her response:
"Mama did the Native Americans eat deer too?"
"Yes Clare, so did the pilgrims."
"I'm glad we don't have to kill them and eat them."
"Me too, kid, me too."
Sunday, November 16
Moonlight
Has anyone else noticed the full moon? It's so beautiful
Last night I went to bed and noticed a small square of light on my hand. "Where is that coming from" I wondered, and realized it was coming through the window shades. Now there are no lights behind our townhouse - it's wooded. It was the moonlight shining in.
I opened the shades and gazed up at the moon, so pretty, and it made a pretty patch of light on the bed.
So I fell asleep gazing at the moon and thanking the Lord for the beautiful, natural gifts He gave us.
Photo credit: Wikipedia.
Friday, November 14
Update on the Sickies
Gregory was extra fussy today and only slept about 9 hours with a nap and last night. That's really low sleepage for him.
So we went to the doctor - he has an ear infection - his very first ear infection, poor thing.
Clare seems to be feeling better and with some Vick's Vapor Rub and a vaporizer they both are sleeping soundly (Last night they were still awake at this time and coughing for 3 hours after they fell asleep).
The great part about C'ville:
2:30 Call doctor - Please squeeze me in today - I think he has an ear infection!
4:30 Doctor appt - scheduled and seen
4:45 Leave doctor's with prescription
5:30 Home with the prescription
I am so impressed with our practice. I probably should expect it by now, but I'm always so grateful to be seen so quickly.
So we went to the doctor - he has an ear infection - his very first ear infection, poor thing.
Clare seems to be feeling better and with some Vick's Vapor Rub and a vaporizer they both are sleeping soundly (Last night they were still awake at this time and coughing for 3 hours after they fell asleep).
The great part about C'ville:
2:30 Call doctor - Please squeeze me in today - I think he has an ear infection!
4:30 Doctor appt - scheduled and seen
4:45 Leave doctor's with prescription
5:30 Home with the prescription
I am so impressed with our practice. I probably should expect it by now, but I'm always so grateful to be seen so quickly.
7 Quick Takes Friday
Jen at Conversion Diary started doing 7 quick takes on Fridays, and I love the idea since I rarely feel like I have time for a big post any more (not that most of these would be a major post). Thanks for hosting Jen!
one
Clare has to have major dental work next week. Sigh...poor child, she must just have genetically bad teeth. It should be fun for all involved.two
Clare's bed now has a canopy. She's excited. Of course I could have figured out how to actually set up the bed's canopy, but instead decided to do the 30 second fix with a lovely old curtain and the spindles on each bedpost. It does look nice though, I will have to take a picture.three
We rented Sleeping Beauty last night - what a beautifully made children's movie. I love how goodness and virtue are really goodness and virtue, not disobedience masqerading as such (see Little Mermaid). four
There is sickness in the our household - just viruses. I really think God should have designed things differently - if you're pregnant and already having issues finding things you want to eat, you shouldn't be able to get a stomach bug which rules out everything else. Hopefully the viruses will pass and my children will stop coughing and throwing up.five
Clare's class is learning about Native Americans to prepare for Thanksgiving. Some of the children were really grossed out by the fact that they wore animal skins and all the different things they might do with a buffalo when they killed it. Clare - not so much. When I asked her about it she replied...."Well mom - they couldn't just go to Walmart, they didn't have Walmarts back then." Very practical child (I think that was the teacher's response to the children, and my daughter snapped it up).six
Gregory's latest art work: Green marker on face and rocking horse's face. I guess he wanted them to match. He actually dug through a cabinet, found a big bag of pens and markers, opened it, picked one out, closed it and put the bag away. I only know this because the cabinet was open, with the bag half hanging out.seven
Don't watch Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull the same day you're reading Anna Karenina, and a little of The Two Income Trap - you'll have really strange dreams.
Wednesday, November 12
An artist's limitless scope
I have been discovering masterpieces by Gregory all over the house. He is an artist using whatever materials he can find to decorate his canvases (our walls).
In the basement there is a large crayon and marker mural on at least 2 walls - this is an older piece of artwork which is resisting removal.
Next to the stairs on the main level was a black design of something icing-like - no idea what he used, I'm just hoping he can't find whatever it is again.
There are sticker collages on countless surfaces - including my oven, one of the stairs, and the sliding glass door.
And there was the sprite spattering design all over the foyer floor - he took quite a bit of time to shake his cup in just the right way to cover as much of the floor with sprite drops as possible without making a puddle.
And today the latest artwork by one of our lamps - wall painting in banana. Maybe a fun idea with a fresh banana - I'm sure it smeared pleasingly across the wall. The dried result however was not so pleasant.
I have seen attempts to use pens, pencils, forks, pennies, and various other items as drawing utensils - some of them make interesting lines that you wouldn't expect (like the eyes of one of his stuffed animals). And every time a line or mark appears on a wall the delight in Gregory's eyes is unquenchable.
O little artist enjoy this time when mama is too tired to search you out every time you decide to play by yourself. Soon you will find yourself shackled by the ideas that parents and schools enforce upon children - such as staying on paper. In the mean time we will just continue to hide any and all art supplies we can from you.
In the basement there is a large crayon and marker mural on at least 2 walls - this is an older piece of artwork which is resisting removal.
Next to the stairs on the main level was a black design of something icing-like - no idea what he used, I'm just hoping he can't find whatever it is again.
There are sticker collages on countless surfaces - including my oven, one of the stairs, and the sliding glass door.
And there was the sprite spattering design all over the foyer floor - he took quite a bit of time to shake his cup in just the right way to cover as much of the floor with sprite drops as possible without making a puddle.
And today the latest artwork by one of our lamps - wall painting in banana. Maybe a fun idea with a fresh banana - I'm sure it smeared pleasingly across the wall. The dried result however was not so pleasant.
I have seen attempts to use pens, pencils, forks, pennies, and various other items as drawing utensils - some of them make interesting lines that you wouldn't expect (like the eyes of one of his stuffed animals). And every time a line or mark appears on a wall the delight in Gregory's eyes is unquenchable.
O little artist enjoy this time when mama is too tired to search you out every time you decide to play by yourself. Soon you will find yourself shackled by the ideas that parents and schools enforce upon children - such as staying on paper. In the mean time we will just continue to hide any and all art supplies we can from you.
Monday, November 10
Gold in Sand
"And besides, hard though it was for the mother to bear the dread of illness, the illnesses themselves, and the grief of seeing signs of evil propensities in her children--the children themselves were even now repaying her in small joys for her sufferings. Those joys were so small that they passed unnoticed, like gold in sand, and at bad moments she could see nothing but the pain, nothing but sand; but there were good moments too when she saw nothing but the joy, nothing but gold." - Anna Karenina; Tolstoy, Leo.
A great quote for all mothers - (especially when you or your little ones have stomach viruses).
I am really enjoying Anna Karenina; Tolstoy has an amazing depth of insight into the human person.
A great quote for all mothers - (especially when you or your little ones have stomach viruses).
I am really enjoying Anna Karenina; Tolstoy has an amazing depth of insight into the human person.
Veteran's Day
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.
Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army
We shall not forget the sacrifices made by countless men and women around the world for freedom.
Thank you to all the veterans I know (and don't)!
Friday, November 7
Some Election Reflections
I've finally sorted through some of my thoughts about the election.
I realized that I am relieved. I voted for McCain, but I didn't really want him to be President. I voted pro-life - that is what I wanted. Hearing about all of the back-biting and spiteful things coming out of the campaign I am sickened. McCain was in charge of his campaign and he allowed it to get like that. I am glad that he will not be making decisions for our country at the level of President.
I am excited. President-elect Obama is exciting. I think he has a good head on his shoulders - perhaps not the experience I'd like, but I can get past that. And I think it is an awesome thing that we have an African-American President. I think this is a great step forward for all minorities and for our great country.
In the excitement vein, I am curious how Obama will handle everything that the world is throwing at him. Russia, Israel, Iran, Afghanistan. There is a lot going on and he is going to have a trial by fire. I'm not sure that the first thing he will have to deal with is FOCA (the freedom of choice act). His mettle will be tested, and I hope and pray that he will come through it all in a way that America can be proud of. I feel like he will rise to the occasion, but time will tell.
I am sad that no pro-life initiatives passed anywhere. I am sad that Obama is so pro-choice. But here is where the power of prayer comes in - prayer for conversion, for miracles, for witnesses to life. And I hope that Obama is more moderate than he appears and takes into account all of the pro-life voters in the country.
I am nervous that something will happen to Obama. I am praying for him and his soul every day. I pray that no one will get any crazy ideas. I can be excited about Obama - I am not even slightly interested in President Biden.
So we have hope and some nervousness and lots and lots of prayers. I am hoping to read many more election reflections, because I would like to see how people are processing. I'm not sure I'm quite through processing myself, but I know I will probably be praying more for my country in the months to come than I have for a long while - and that is a good thing.
I realized that I am relieved. I voted for McCain, but I didn't really want him to be President. I voted pro-life - that is what I wanted. Hearing about all of the back-biting and spiteful things coming out of the campaign I am sickened. McCain was in charge of his campaign and he allowed it to get like that. I am glad that he will not be making decisions for our country at the level of President.
I am excited. President-elect Obama is exciting. I think he has a good head on his shoulders - perhaps not the experience I'd like, but I can get past that. And I think it is an awesome thing that we have an African-American President. I think this is a great step forward for all minorities and for our great country.
In the excitement vein, I am curious how Obama will handle everything that the world is throwing at him. Russia, Israel, Iran, Afghanistan. There is a lot going on and he is going to have a trial by fire. I'm not sure that the first thing he will have to deal with is FOCA (the freedom of choice act). His mettle will be tested, and I hope and pray that he will come through it all in a way that America can be proud of. I feel like he will rise to the occasion, but time will tell.
I am sad that no pro-life initiatives passed anywhere. I am sad that Obama is so pro-choice. But here is where the power of prayer comes in - prayer for conversion, for miracles, for witnesses to life. And I hope that Obama is more moderate than he appears and takes into account all of the pro-life voters in the country.
I am nervous that something will happen to Obama. I am praying for him and his soul every day. I pray that no one will get any crazy ideas. I can be excited about Obama - I am not even slightly interested in President Biden.
So we have hope and some nervousness and lots and lots of prayers. I am hoping to read many more election reflections, because I would like to see how people are processing. I'm not sure I'm quite through processing myself, but I know I will probably be praying more for my country in the months to come than I have for a long while - and that is a good thing.
Monday, November 3
Clare - On the Election
It's time for another interview with our world savy - Clare
Mama: Do you know who's in the election tomorrow?
Clare: Ma'bama and McCain.
Mama: And who do we want to win?
Clare: McCain
Mama: Why?
Clare: America needs someone to win
Mama: Does that mean that you don't think Obama is a winner?
Clare: I don't know
Mama: Who do you think would be a better president for children
Clare: McCain....No! Ma'bama
Mama: Why
Clare: Children want him to win
Mama: Could you explain that a bit more
Clare: For no reason...will you please let me get back to making my pie (play-doh)
Mama: Isn't this important?! This election and who will win it?
Clare: No! Can we talk about puppies instead?
And this is why, in my opinion, why the youth vote (though passionate about Obama) will never turn out in the numbers they predict.
Mama: Do you know who's in the election tomorrow?
Clare: Ma'bama and McCain.
Mama: And who do we want to win?
Clare: McCain
Mama: Why?
Clare: America needs someone to win
Mama: Does that mean that you don't think Obama is a winner?
Clare: I don't know
Mama: Who do you think would be a better president for children
Clare: McCain....No! Ma'bama
Mama: Why
Clare: Children want him to win
Mama: Could you explain that a bit more
Clare: For no reason...will you please let me get back to making my pie (play-doh)
Mama: Isn't this important?! This election and who will win it?
Clare: No! Can we talk about puppies instead?
And this is why, in my opinion, why the youth vote (though passionate about Obama) will never turn out in the numbers they predict.
Thursday, October 30
Sweet Heart Meme
SWEETHEART TAG
The rules are posted at the beginning.Each person answers questions about their sweethearts.At the end of the post, the person then tags 6 people and posts their names; then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged.
What is your husbands name? John
How long have you guys been married? 6 and almost 1/2 years. Has it really been so long?
How long did you date? 5 years. We met in highschool and didn't get married until after I graduated from college. We were engaged for about 2 of those 5 I think.
How old is he? 28 almost 29
Who is taller? John
Who can sing best? We both like to sing...he likes to sing more and has better pitch - so I'll say John
Who is smarter? I don't know! LOL - I'll call it a tie because my pride would suffer otherwise. For the record, I always had better test scores and grades, but then again, he's the one in law school. For the record...John says he has always scored higher verbally and I've always done better in Math.
Who does laundry? Me.
Who pays the bills? We each pay some of them.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? John? Which side is the right - from the head or from the foot?
Who mows the lawn? When we have a lawn it's been John.
Who cooks dinner? Me.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Again I don't know - John's pretty good about this, but I will admit that I was wrong too after an argument. John says him, but that I usually admit I'm wrong in a decent amount of time.
Who kissed who first? Both.
Who wears the pants? Depends on the situation.
I tag:
April
Amy
Kate
Colleen
Majella Mom
Sheila
I love reading these kind of memes. It's fun seeing how different folk's relationships are, and how they still make it work.
The rules are posted at the beginning.Each person answers questions about their sweethearts.At the end of the post, the person then tags 6 people and posts their names; then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged.
What is your husbands name? John
How long have you guys been married? 6 and almost 1/2 years. Has it really been so long?
How long did you date? 5 years. We met in highschool and didn't get married until after I graduated from college. We were engaged for about 2 of those 5 I think.
How old is he? 28 almost 29
Who is taller? John
Who can sing best? We both like to sing...he likes to sing more and has better pitch - so I'll say John
Who is smarter? I don't know! LOL - I'll call it a tie because my pride would suffer otherwise. For the record, I always had better test scores and grades, but then again, he's the one in law school. For the record...John says he has always scored higher verbally and I've always done better in Math.
Who does laundry? Me.
Who pays the bills? We each pay some of them.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? John? Which side is the right - from the head or from the foot?
Who mows the lawn? When we have a lawn it's been John.
Who cooks dinner? Me.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Again I don't know - John's pretty good about this, but I will admit that I was wrong too after an argument. John says him, but that I usually admit I'm wrong in a decent amount of time.
Who kissed who first? Both.
Who wears the pants? Depends on the situation.
I tag:
April
Amy
Kate
Colleen
Majella Mom
Sheila
I love reading these kind of memes. It's fun seeing how different folk's relationships are, and how they still make it work.
Monday, October 27
Keeping Score
Clare and Daddy were playing catch this evening and somehow Clare started keeping score.
Clare: Daddy you have 6 points and I have 7.
Daddy: Oh? You have more points than me.
Clare: If I start having less points, I'll change the rules.
Daddy: How feminine of you.
Clare: Daddy you have 6 points and I have 7.
Daddy: Oh? You have more points than me.
Clare: If I start having less points, I'll change the rules.
Daddy: How feminine of you.
Baby Update
I had my 3rd appointment at the doctor's office today. Yep, I'm about 10 weeks according to the doctor and I've been there 3 times.
Luckily, the baby is beautiful and as far as they can tell very healthy. I had sonogram #3 and could see his/her arms and legs kicking. (I've been going in because I've had quite a bit of spotting which appears to have nothing to do with the baby).
Having been in so often I have already accumulated lots of sonogram pictures. The difference between a 7 week baby, a 8 week baby and a 10 week baby is quite astonishing. You go from seeing a blob that might be a person with a flickering heart, to a person, albeit a funny looking one, with arms, legs and heart all in the right spot.
I can't believe that anyone could mistake a 10 week old unborn baby for anything other than what it is. I feel like they should show pictures of these little people to all teenagers - it brings home exactly how human unborn babies are so early (in case that was in question).
And it is always so amazing for me to see that new little person so safe and secure, and doing so well. I get a thrill every time, even if the moment before my heart has been in my throat, hoping everything is fine.
Luckily, the baby is beautiful and as far as they can tell very healthy. I had sonogram #3 and could see his/her arms and legs kicking. (I've been going in because I've had quite a bit of spotting which appears to have nothing to do with the baby).
Having been in so often I have already accumulated lots of sonogram pictures. The difference between a 7 week baby, a 8 week baby and a 10 week baby is quite astonishing. You go from seeing a blob that might be a person with a flickering heart, to a person, albeit a funny looking one, with arms, legs and heart all in the right spot.
I can't believe that anyone could mistake a 10 week old unborn baby for anything other than what it is. I feel like they should show pictures of these little people to all teenagers - it brings home exactly how human unborn babies are so early (in case that was in question).
And it is always so amazing for me to see that new little person so safe and secure, and doing so well. I get a thrill every time, even if the moment before my heart has been in my throat, hoping everything is fine.
Saturday, October 25
Shorts - 1
So since everyone else seems to be doing it - I'm doing short blips about what's happening here
-----------------------------------------1--------------------------------------
Gregory got a hair cut a while back and I never posted a picture of it.
----------------------------------------2--------------------------------------
The guys are gone, but I haven't gotten much cleaning done. Why is it when you're pregnant you have absolutely no energy? - I've been very good at napping and that's about it.
----------------------------------------3--------------------------------------
Last week we picked apples - probably about 10 lbs. They are all gone. I didn't make one pie, the children just devoured them. Clare was eating 4-6 a day.
Well, I thought I had lots of interesting things to say, but the list is rather small, but unless you want lots of boring mundane details. I will spare you.
Maybe I need to keep a blogging notepad...lol! Just until pregnancy brain clears up.
Friday, October 24
Guy's Weekend
John and Gregory drove down to the lake last night. John thought it would give me a break to take the toddler away for a few days - and he is so right.
Don't get me wrong, I love Gregory. He is the sweetest little boy who loves to snuggle and throw balls, and point out anything he gets excited about. But all toddlers are work, they have short attention spans and destructive abilities (like coloring all over the basement with blue crayon).
Daddy and Gregory are going to watch sports and relax. It will be Gregory's first guy's weekend.
Mama and Clare are going to have a great weekend too. At first Clare was a bit jealous of her little brother, but as soon as he went out the door she realized something:
"Mommy, this is like a Clare-Mommy date - we can do everything we can't do with Gregory!"
Bring on the games and books and crafts she never gets to do!
I'm planning on some cleaning since I don't need to be on the watch every moment, and I'll have more energy. Funny how life has changed...now when I get a free moment to myself my first thought is...what can I clean before the kids get back? :)
Don't get me wrong, I love Gregory. He is the sweetest little boy who loves to snuggle and throw balls, and point out anything he gets excited about. But all toddlers are work, they have short attention spans and destructive abilities (like coloring all over the basement with blue crayon).
Daddy and Gregory are going to watch sports and relax. It will be Gregory's first guy's weekend.
Mama and Clare are going to have a great weekend too. At first Clare was a bit jealous of her little brother, but as soon as he went out the door she realized something:
"Mommy, this is like a Clare-Mommy date - we can do everything we can't do with Gregory!"
Bring on the games and books and crafts she never gets to do!
I'm planning on some cleaning since I don't need to be on the watch every moment, and I'll have more energy. Funny how life has changed...now when I get a free moment to myself my first thought is...what can I clean before the kids get back? :)
Friday, October 17
Law School vs. Preschool
John made a startling statement to me the other day.
Clare spends more time in class as a pre-k student than John as a 3rd year law student! As in - she's in school for more days a week (4 vs. 3) and spends more hours in class (16 vs. 10)
I wonder who is learning more?
Now if only we could pay the law school what we pay Clare's school for tuition.
Clare spends more time in class as a pre-k student than John as a 3rd year law student! As in - she's in school for more days a week (4 vs. 3) and spends more hours in class (16 vs. 10)
I wonder who is learning more?
Now if only we could pay the law school what we pay Clare's school for tuition.
Monday, October 13
Face Paint
A little over a week ago, we visited the grandparents and went with them to the annual cancer walk for the Vienna Optimist Club.
Clare loves going because someone paints her face. This year she asked for a butterfly princess - and she sparkled all day long.
Gregory wanted a football (shocker), and ended up with a snake. Snakes are much easier to draw on swirming 22 month olds. He was a little confused by the whole thing.
"Hair Cuts"
Clare's been giving Gregory quite a few "hair cuts" lately. The first time she said this, John and I jumped up and ran to see if Gregory's scalp was intact.
Luckily for Gregory (and for Clare), what she meant was styling Gregory's hair with every clip she could find.
Here's a more detailed shot, and there are more clips on the back of Gregory's head.
I wish I knew how she got Gregory to cooperate with all of the those clips - even how she got him to sit still long enough to put them in.
Luckily for Gregory (and for Clare), what she meant was styling Gregory's hair with every clip she could find.
Here's a more detailed shot, and there are more clips on the back of Gregory's head.
I wish I knew how she got Gregory to cooperate with all of the those clips - even how she got him to sit still long enough to put them in.
A Good Wife
I really enjoyed this article by Elizabeth Foss.
I've been struggling with what makes a good wife when you feel sick, and watch the house deteriorate around you.
I feel like it is gross knowing exactly how long it's been since I've cleaned things well, and I feel bad asking John to help.
So thank you Elizabeth Foss, for letting me know that it is more than just the exterior things.
I've been struggling with what makes a good wife when you feel sick, and watch the house deteriorate around you.
I feel like it is gross knowing exactly how long it's been since I've cleaned things well, and I feel bad asking John to help.
So thank you Elizabeth Foss, for letting me know that it is more than just the exterior things.
Saturday, October 11
A Centrist
Over at Faith and Family Danielle Bean has a political quiz linked to one of her posts. Knowing how deeply my friends are into politics, I couldn't resist. Looks like I am pretty much smack in the middle, with somewhat liberal leanings. Very interesting. I'm curious how my friends score.
HT: Faith and Family
| You are a Social Moderate (50% permissive) and an... Economic Moderate (43% permissive) You are best described as a:
Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid Also : The OkCupid Dating Persona Test |
New Baby on the Way
So the number of posts has dramatically decreased, and there seems to be a connection with that and morning sickness.
We are expecting a third bundle of joy in late May, and at the moment I am feeling quite ill. The blog just tends to fall behind my efforts to feed the children, clean my house, and keep from being sick.
Hopefully morning sickness will pass quickly by, and I will be back. If nothing else I will try to find some time to post the many pictures and activities we have been up to. Otherwise you can probably find me lying on my couch watching the children pull out everything around the house. I figure sooner or later they will discover something edible in the kitchen. ;)
We are all very excited about the new baby - Clare keeps asking to kiss my tummy and telling everyone that mommy has a baby in her tummy.
We are expecting a third bundle of joy in late May, and at the moment I am feeling quite ill. The blog just tends to fall behind my efforts to feed the children, clean my house, and keep from being sick.
Hopefully morning sickness will pass quickly by, and I will be back. If nothing else I will try to find some time to post the many pictures and activities we have been up to. Otherwise you can probably find me lying on my couch watching the children pull out everything around the house. I figure sooner or later they will discover something edible in the kitchen. ;)
We are all very excited about the new baby - Clare keeps asking to kiss my tummy and telling everyone that mommy has a baby in her tummy.
Tuesday, September 30
Cartoons and Rest
Today is the first time Clare has missed school. She had a fever yesterday of 102, and the school likes them to be fever free for 24 hours before returning.
So today (even though she is feeling somewhat better and doesn't have a fever) we are watching cartoons in our pajamas, and probably will for most of the day.
Yesterday at nap time - everyone took a nap - unusual for Clare and I, but I guess her body needed the sleep.
So today (even though she is feeling somewhat better and doesn't have a fever) we are watching cartoons in our pajamas, and probably will for most of the day.
Yesterday at nap time - everyone took a nap - unusual for Clare and I, but I guess her body needed the sleep.
Wednesday, September 24
Skill Conquest
Clare's latest achievement - riding a bike.
She's a trooper, getting back on every time she falls. And she usually rides for about 2 miles when we go out. That much farther than she's usually willing to walk.
Adventures in Shopping
My mom needed a few items while she's here in the States, and Gregory and I went with her. It's sometimes fun to watch someone else shop when you're not planning on buying anything
Gregory explored every inch of the Chicco's we were in. The ladies were really nice to him and he even got a handful of candy corn from them
I'm posing because I'm so cute.
I've called this meeting to discuss the importance of retail in our economy - get out there and shop.
I'm all done, please take me home...no more shopping for now.
Gregory explored every inch of the Chicco's we were in. The ladies were really nice to him and he even got a handful of candy corn from them
I'm posing because I'm so cute.
I've called this meeting to discuss the importance of retail in our economy - get out there and shop.
I'm all done, please take me home...no more shopping for now.
Tuesday, September 23
Pretty Quiet
There has been lack of posting as we get into the routine of Clare's school and a myriad of events that seem to herald the beginning of a new school year, both for Clare and for John.
Clare is loving school - she's excited to go every day. And at this point I think it is a better option than homeschooling. That girl loves people, and has more words to use up in a day than John and I combined.
John is deep in the law school trenches again. He's in the middle of a cite check for a journal and has had a couple of crazy weeks. I hoping that soon it lightens up - he was at the law school most of the weekend, and there are only so many nights where I don't want to see him at all. (Are there any nights where we don't even want to see our husband's faces...not generally.)
Gregory is enjoying Clare being at school, he loves the time to himself. Unfortunately, I also want to use the time to clean house, so he tolerates it while I mop, or clean bathrooms, or whatever else I need to do.
And lastly, my mom is here for a week. This is a real treat for me and the kids. We're not doing anything exciting though - just going to all the things we would normally do. I'm glad that she's so flexible, and it's just nice to see her.
Clare is loving school - she's excited to go every day. And at this point I think it is a better option than homeschooling. That girl loves people, and has more words to use up in a day than John and I combined.
John is deep in the law school trenches again. He's in the middle of a cite check for a journal and has had a couple of crazy weeks. I hoping that soon it lightens up - he was at the law school most of the weekend, and there are only so many nights where I don't want to see him at all. (Are there any nights where we don't even want to see our husband's faces...not generally.)
Gregory is enjoying Clare being at school, he loves the time to himself. Unfortunately, I also want to use the time to clean house, so he tolerates it while I mop, or clean bathrooms, or whatever else I need to do.
And lastly, my mom is here for a week. This is a real treat for me and the kids. We're not doing anything exciting though - just going to all the things we would normally do. I'm glad that she's so flexible, and it's just nice to see her.
Wednesday, September 17
1400 AD
Your result for The Who Would You Be in 1400 AD Test...
The Prioress
You scored 5% Cardinal, 74% Monk, 53% Lady, and 35% Knight!
You scored high as both the Lady and the Monk. You can try again to get a more precise description of either the Monk or the lady, or you can be happy that you're an individual.
Take The Who Would You Be in 1400 AD Test at http://www.okcupid.com/tests/the-who-would-you-be-in-1400-ad-test
Saturday, September 13
Book Geek
Stephanie and Maria both posted this meme. And as the title of my post says it all, I have to do this meme. And what I haven't read is now going to go on a list to read I think.
Update: My bold and italics don't show up so - I'll have to come up with something else
Bold--I've read it (black).
Italics--I started it (gray).
Gold --I want to.
Nuttin'--I don't care and (probably will read at some point).
Red -- Have no interest and will never have an interest.
Green -- Seen the movie.
1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4. Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6. The Bible (most of it, anyway)
7. Wuthering Heights -Emily Bronte
8. Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials - Phillip Pullman
10. Great Expectations -Charles Dickens
11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12. Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare (I've read quite a bit, and I've tried to like Shakespeare, but I don't, maybe one day I will.)
15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveller's Wife -
20. Middlemarch - George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll (Clare and I are reading this now)
30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis (many many times. We're reading these to Clare too.)
34. Emma - Jane Austen I just can't get into this one compared to her others
35. Persuasion - Jane Austen
36. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
37. Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
38. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
39. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
40. Animal Farm - George Orwell
41. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
42. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
43. A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
44. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
45. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
46. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
47. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
48. Lord of the Flies - William Golding
49. Atonement - Ian McEwan
50. Life of Pi - Yann Martel
51. Dune - Frank Herbert
52. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
53. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
54. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
55. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
56. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
57. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
58. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
59. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
60. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck (I have read most of Steinbeck just not this)
61. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
62. The Secret History - Donna Tartt
63. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
64. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
65. On The Road - Jack Kerouac
66. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
67. Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding
68. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
69. Moby Dick - Herman Melville
70. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
71. Dracula - Bram Stoker
72. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
73. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
74. Ulysses - James Joyce
75. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
76. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
77. Germinal - Emile Zola
78. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
79. Possession - AS Byatt
80. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
81. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
82. The Color Purple - Alice Walker
83. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
84. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
85. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
86. Charlotte's Web - EB White
87. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
88. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Again I tried, no interest
89. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
90. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
91. The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery in English and in French (in highschool)
92. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
93. Watership Down - Richard Adams many times, I love this book
94. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
95. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
96. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
97. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
98. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo (3/4 of it and then it was due back at the library after several renewals
99. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain
100.The Outsiders -S. E. Hinton
And here's my pride (such ridiculous pride) - 52 of the titles - yea! I'm such a geek.
Anyone else interested? It's kind of fun.
Update: My bold and italics don't show up so - I'll have to come up with something else
Bold--I've read it (black).
Italics--I started it (gray).
Gold --I want to.
Nuttin'--I don't care and (probably will read at some point).
Red -- Have no interest and will never have an interest.
Green -- Seen the movie.
1. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4. Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6. The Bible (most of it, anyway)
7. Wuthering Heights -Emily Bronte
8. Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials - Phillip Pullman
10. Great Expectations -Charles Dickens
11. Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12. Tess of the D'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13. Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare (I've read quite a bit, and I've tried to like Shakespeare, but I don't, maybe one day I will.)
15. Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16. The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17. Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveller's Wife -
20. Middlemarch - George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23. Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll (Clare and I are reading this now)
30. The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31. Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32. David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis (many many times. We're reading these to Clare too.)
34. Emma - Jane Austen I just can't get into this one compared to her others
35. Persuasion - Jane Austen
36. The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
37. Captain Corelli's Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
38. Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
39. Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
40. Animal Farm - George Orwell
41. The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
42. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
43. A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
44. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
45. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
46. Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
47. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
48. Lord of the Flies - William Golding
49. Atonement - Ian McEwan
50. Life of Pi - Yann Martel
51. Dune - Frank Herbert
52. Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
53. Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
54. A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
55. The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
56. A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
57. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
58. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
59. Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
60. Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck (I have read most of Steinbeck just not this)
61. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
62. The Secret History - Donna Tartt
63. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
64. Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
65. On The Road - Jack Kerouac
66. Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
67. Bridget Jones' Diary - Helen Fielding
68. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
69. Moby Dick - Herman Melville
70. Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
71. Dracula - Bram Stoker
72. The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
73. Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
74. Ulysses - James Joyce
75. The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
76. Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
77. Germinal - Emile Zola
78. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
79. Possession - AS Byatt
80. A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
81. Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
82. The Color Purple - Alice Walker
83. The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
84. Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
85. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
86. Charlotte's Web - EB White
87. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
88. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Again I tried, no interest
89. The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
90. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
91. The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery in English and in French (in highschool)
92. The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
93. Watership Down - Richard Adams many times, I love this book
94. A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
95. A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
96. The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
97. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
98. Les Miserables - Victor Hugo (3/4 of it and then it was due back at the library after several renewals
99. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain
100.The Outsiders -S. E. Hinton
And here's my pride (such ridiculous pride) - 52 of the titles - yea! I'm such a geek.
Anyone else interested? It's kind of fun.
Wednesday, September 10
Shocking!
Shocked is the new phrase that Clare brought home from school, and there's a face that goes along with it. She happily modeled it for me above.Yesterday I asked her what she did at school - and she told me that she had made friends with everyone.
"How?" I asked.
"I told everyone there was going to be a flood at playtime and we all climbed up onto the monkey bars (Clare's generic word, for playground equipment) and waited for it."
I can just see my daughter convincing (at least as a game) all of the other kids in her class that a flood is coming. If we don't watch out, maybe one day she'll be the one saying - Change is coming!
Football - Part 2
Gregory is now the proud (literally) owner of 2 Redskins onesies - all because of his love of football.The other day he didn't run to the playground at a local park - why? Because he was too interested in the Redskins flag on top of a nearby van.
Then we went to Walmart, and happened to pass a car with a magnetic Broncos helmet decal on the back of it. He about leaped out of my arms to get to it.
Finally, while I was looking at women's clearance items, he tried to climb out of the cart to get to the women's Redskins jerseys hanging on a rank.
At that point I broke down - I headed back to the the toddler boys section and found the only thing Walmart had in his side that screamed NFL - 2 Redskins onesies. Every time we mention football - he pulls on his onesie and points out the emblems to us.
I think these onesies are going to get plenty of action.
Monday, September 8
Happy Birthday Mary!
Today is a fun feast for kids in the Catholic Church. It's the feast of the birth of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. There are only 3 feasts where the Church celebrates the birth of someone - Jesus (Christmas), John the Baptist, and Mary.
Clare gets really excited because she knows birthdays mean cake. So we made cupcakes, and sang Happy Birthday and Immaculate Mary, and Clare said a Hail Mary. Clare also told her Pre-K teachers all about it. Gregory was really just excited that we got cupcakes.
Our cupcakes had a little surprize, in honor of Our Lady, they have blue and white swirled batter.
May the Blessed Mother intercede for us, and draw us ever closer to her Son Jesus.
Nature, not Nuture
Gregory's love of football is nature, not nuture. Especially since he spends most of his time with me, and I don't really watch football...as in ever.
But whenever football is on TV Gregory gets really excited - more excited than John even. He points to the screen and shrieks - ball, ball! ball! BALL!
Tonight, John mentioned that there was a game on. Gregory started crying and pointing to the TV.
John turned on the TV, Gregory whimpered and pointed again. Hold on Gregory, Daddy needs to find the right channel.
Football! Gregory dances for joy and starts shrieking BALL!
A commercial comes on Gregory starts crying again. Sigh.
His attention span to the games doesn't last long, but every time he realizes it's on again, he gets just as excited. And Mama sighs - now there are 2 guys who want to watch football - any game, any time, - in my house.
I need 5 more girls. :)
But whenever football is on TV Gregory gets really excited - more excited than John even. He points to the screen and shrieks - ball, ball! ball! BALL!
Tonight, John mentioned that there was a game on. Gregory started crying and pointing to the TV.
John turned on the TV, Gregory whimpered and pointed again. Hold on Gregory, Daddy needs to find the right channel.
Football! Gregory dances for joy and starts shrieking BALL!
A commercial comes on Gregory starts crying again. Sigh.
His attention span to the games doesn't last long, but every time he realizes it's on again, he gets just as excited. And Mama sighs - now there are 2 guys who want to watch football - any game, any time, - in my house.
I need 5 more girls. :)
Saturday, September 6
Careful what you play
This morning John got the kids and let me stay in bed. Shortly after this both kids were on the bed, and John had come back into the room.
Gregory picked up the phone and was pretending to talk on it
Me: Look he's ordering pizza.
John: Does that mean you want to do pizza for dinner (talking to me)?
Gregory: Please!
John: It's like he understands completely. Gregory do you want pizza?
Gregory: Smacks lips
Guess we'll be ordering pizza tonight.
Gregory picked up the phone and was pretending to talk on it
Me: Look he's ordering pizza.
John: Does that mean you want to do pizza for dinner (talking to me)?
Gregory: Please!
John: It's like he understands completely. Gregory do you want pizza?
Gregory: Smacks lips
Guess we'll be ordering pizza tonight.
Thursday, September 4
Oh the drama - Pre-K style
Clare: Mama, I saw Alan today
Mama: That's great, Clare. (Alan is a friend of Clare's from VLF. Alan's mama and I are friends)
Clare: Yeah...I saw him on the playground and Carrie got frustrated with me, since I was talking to my boyfriend and then she walked away.
Mama: Oh! (trying hard not to let my amusement show through my voice)
Clare: So I ran after her, and left Alan there.
As the world turns in Clare's school - the hard choices - your guy or your best friend. ;)
Mama: That's great, Clare. (Alan is a friend of Clare's from VLF. Alan's mama and I are friends)
Clare: Yeah...I saw him on the playground and Carrie got frustrated with me, since I was talking to my boyfriend and then she walked away.
Mama: Oh! (trying hard not to let my amusement show through my voice)
Clare: So I ran after her, and left Alan there.
As the world turns in Clare's school - the hard choices - your guy or your best friend. ;)
A Week In
So I've been getting up early for about a week - the alarm goes off, and I'm actually getting up.
I'm excited that it's working for me. John's not because my alarm is waking him up.
Today when I awoke, I heard Clare's door open - both kids were up before 6:10. I whispered that to John, who said it was my fault and I was teaching them to get up earlier. (He was sleepy at this point and unhappy to be having a conversation)
Is that true, do those of you with experience of early rising find that your kids get up earlier?
They do occasionally wake up early - so this isn't unheard of, but still, I don't think I can handle 6:10 with the kids everyday - I might go back to not getting up until after 7.
I'm excited that it's working for me. John's not because my alarm is waking him up.
Today when I awoke, I heard Clare's door open - both kids were up before 6:10. I whispered that to John, who said it was my fault and I was teaching them to get up earlier. (He was sleepy at this point and unhappy to be having a conversation)
Is that true, do those of you with experience of early rising find that your kids get up earlier?
They do occasionally wake up early - so this isn't unheard of, but still, I don't think I can handle 6:10 with the kids everyday - I might go back to not getting up until after 7.
Wednesday, September 3
Fake Friends?
Yesterday I asked Clare if she made any friends and I quickly became confused.
Clare: Mama - when we were playing outside I met a girl.
Me: Great - what's her name?
Clare: Cherry
Me: Cherry!? Are you sure? (I'm thinking to myself, I saw the class lists, there's no Cherry, I would remember that name.)
Clare: Yeah, I'm sure.
Me: I'm not sure. (Now I'm thinking...gracious did my daughter not make friends with anyone? Was it so bad that she had to come up with an imaginary friend?)
Clare: Mama, sometimes I get words wrong, I think I used a rhyme. Her name is Mary.
Me: Big sigh of relief - Mary sounds right. (It's a Catholic school, there's a really good chance there's a Mary in her room.)
Today I walked Clare to her class room and scanned the names on the cubbies, and the sign-in board. Mary, Mary....There's no Mary....Yikes, there's a Meghan....maybe....or my daughter really just has an imaginary friend.
Suddenly a little girl with her mom runs up to Clare and grabs her hand. And her mom says: Carrie, so this is Clare!
Ahhh - CARRIE! -Cherry sounds pretty close to Carrie. :)
Clare: Mama - when we were playing outside I met a girl.
Me: Great - what's her name?
Clare: Cherry
Me: Cherry!? Are you sure? (I'm thinking to myself, I saw the class lists, there's no Cherry, I would remember that name.)
Clare: Yeah, I'm sure.
Me: I'm not sure. (Now I'm thinking...gracious did my daughter not make friends with anyone? Was it so bad that she had to come up with an imaginary friend?)
Clare: Mama, sometimes I get words wrong, I think I used a rhyme. Her name is Mary.
Me: Big sigh of relief - Mary sounds right. (It's a Catholic school, there's a really good chance there's a Mary in her room.)
Today I walked Clare to her class room and scanned the names on the cubbies, and the sign-in board. Mary, Mary....There's no Mary....Yikes, there's a Meghan....maybe....or my daughter really just has an imaginary friend.
Suddenly a little girl with her mom runs up to Clare and grabs her hand. And her mom says: Carrie, so this is Clare!
Ahhh - CARRIE! -Cherry sounds pretty close to Carrie. :)
School Days
Clare had her first day of school yesterday. This picture conveys her excitement before she headed out the door.
I'm not sure what face she's making here, but she's infront of her school.
And I don't have a picture of her heading into her classroom, because she practically ran through that door and didn't look back.
I'm not sure what face she's making here, but she's infront of her school.
And I don't have a picture of her heading into her classroom, because she practically ran through that door and didn't look back.After day 1, she was still running through that door.
Sunday, August 31
Walks
We absolutely love our new place, especially the location.
It is so nice when everything you need to get to is 5 minutes away.
And it is great for walks with the kids. I can walk to a huge shopping center in about 15 minutes - it's a bit of haul back though, since it's pretty much all uphill from there. Or I can meander around this part of Charlottesville and get in a good hour long or so walk.
I'm loving this and so is Gregory who has never had an opportunity for long walks before. He's enjoying pointing to everything and just relaxing in the stroller. Sometimes Clare comes and sometimes she doesn't - since the double stroller is so heavy, and I end up wanting her to walk most of the walk.
It is so nice when everything you need to get to is 5 minutes away.
And it is great for walks with the kids. I can walk to a huge shopping center in about 15 minutes - it's a bit of haul back though, since it's pretty much all uphill from there. Or I can meander around this part of Charlottesville and get in a good hour long or so walk.
I'm loving this and so is Gregory who has never had an opportunity for long walks before. He's enjoying pointing to everything and just relaxing in the stroller. Sometimes Clare comes and sometimes she doesn't - since the double stroller is so heavy, and I end up wanting her to walk most of the walk.
Oh Deer!
Yesterday, I was picking up things in our living room when a flicker of white in the backyard caught my eye.
It was a deer's tail. She was just sitting in our back yard munching away.
It was so cool. I told the family and in the scramble to see the deer, the doe saw us. For the next 5 minutes or so, she eyed us as we eyed her. And then she stepped back into the woods.
It was a deer's tail. She was just sitting in our back yard munching away.
It was so cool. I told the family and in the scramble to see the deer, the doe saw us. For the next 5 minutes or so, she eyed us as we eyed her. And then she stepped back into the woods.
Thursday, August 28
Day 2
I woke up at 6:15 this morning - it helped that there was a massive thunder storm right outside my window.
I got up - amazingly, then worked out, and then got ready for the day. Then the kids were up, and for once I got to be the one to suggest to my spouse that he get up (this time he was the grouchy one).
And to top it off I made cheddar garlic biscuits for breakfast.
What a great morning - we're heading up to NOVA for John to see the Redskins game and to visit the grandparents. We'll see if I can continue these amazing feats when we get back.
I got up - amazingly, then worked out, and then got ready for the day. Then the kids were up, and for once I got to be the one to suggest to my spouse that he get up (this time he was the grouchy one).
And to top it off I made cheddar garlic biscuits for breakfast.
What a great morning - we're heading up to NOVA for John to see the Redskins game and to visit the grandparents. We'll see if I can continue these amazing feats when we get back.
Wednesday, August 27
Peach Picking
After last year's peach picking fiasco, I promised never to go again. But we went, and it was wonderful this year.
We went with Virginia Law Families' play group from UVA. It was the perfect day, overcast and cool. The kids each picked several peaches. Gregory kept calling them balls and would throw them. Clare just wanted to eat every peach she picked.
3 little guys all in the same wagon. Gregory's a shrimp - both of the guys behind him are at least 3 months younger than him, yet bigger.
Yummy Peaches!
3 little guys all in the same wagon. Gregory's a shrimp - both of the guys behind him are at least 3 months younger than him, yet bigger.
Yummy Peaches!
Forsaken Camera Cord
So my hunt for my camera cord has been unsuccessful - but my uploading of pictures has succeeded.
I found one camera cord but it was to a different camera and I almost despaired.
But I noticed a little slot on the side of my computer, and holding my breath for fear I would be doing something extremely stupid, I decided to insert my camera's memory card.
By God's grace, the card actually fit - and I didn't need tweezers to remove it from my computer. And it uploaded all of my pictures!
So long tangled camera cords that I tend to misplace over and over again.
Hello fast uploads!
I found one camera cord but it was to a different camera and I almost despaired.
But I noticed a little slot on the side of my computer, and holding my breath for fear I would be doing something extremely stupid, I decided to insert my camera's memory card.
By God's grace, the card actually fit - and I didn't need tweezers to remove it from my computer. And it uploaded all of my pictures!
So long tangled camera cords that I tend to misplace over and over again.
Hello fast uploads!
Early Bird - Not Really
Last night I finally felt like posting a bunch of the things I've been waiting to post - but I'm not sure where my camera upload cord is, so those posts will hopefully come soon.
This morning I am awake, up and showered - and the kids aren't even up. It's 7:45 so that's a bit of a surprize.
I'm not usually out of bed this early (I know, it's not really early) - but I have a new goal. Since Clare starts school on Tuesday, I am trying to get up before my children. I will try to be up by 6:30. This morning it was more like 7:10.
I am so not a morning person. John is the one who gets up with the kids before I get up. But I am hoping to change all of this and get into a routine. I feel much more on top of things if I get up before the kids. We'll see how this goes.
This morning I am awake, up and showered - and the kids aren't even up. It's 7:45 so that's a bit of a surprize.
I'm not usually out of bed this early (I know, it's not really early) - but I have a new goal. Since Clare starts school on Tuesday, I am trying to get up before my children. I will try to be up by 6:30. This morning it was more like 7:10.
I am so not a morning person. John is the one who gets up with the kids before I get up. But I am hoping to change all of this and get into a routine. I feel much more on top of things if I get up before the kids. We'll see how this goes.
Monday, August 25
Blogworthy?
In the midst of settling in I am doing many things - but blogging is not really one of them. It was the same when we got to Dallas.
It takes me a while to settle in to a point where I feel I have the leisure to blog. Usually I can think of 101 other things to do at the moment - such as sorting old baby clothes, cleaning the floor, doing laundry, etc.
It's not that there is nothing to blog about - I keep meaning to put up pictures from our trip and things have occured here, but I find myself doing other things.
To my devoted readers, I apologize. There will be posts coming, but you must be patient, and suddenly there will be a deluge.
It takes me a while to settle in to a point where I feel I have the leisure to blog. Usually I can think of 101 other things to do at the moment - such as sorting old baby clothes, cleaning the floor, doing laundry, etc.
It's not that there is nothing to blog about - I keep meaning to put up pictures from our trip and things have occured here, but I find myself doing other things.
To my devoted readers, I apologize. There will be posts coming, but you must be patient, and suddenly there will be a deluge.
Friday, August 15
Up and Unpacking
We finally have internet again, and we are back in Charlottesville.
Lovely VA, how excited I was when we drove across the state line.
Now we are unpacking and settling into our new townhouse which seems huge to me - what am I to do with all of the cabinets and rooms. It is fun and tiring moving into a new house. The kids are adjusting nicely.
I promise more when I have a few more hours. But I wanted to post that we had arrived safely.
Lovely VA, how excited I was when we drove across the state line.
Now we are unpacking and settling into our new townhouse which seems huge to me - what am I to do with all of the cabinets and rooms. It is fun and tiring moving into a new house. The kids are adjusting nicely.
I promise more when I have a few more hours. But I wanted to post that we had arrived safely.
Friday, August 1
Wednesday, July 30
Love with depth!
Just a few thoughts from the Bible study this week. Beth's point was about traveling with other people on our pilgrimage - and how none of the ancient Israelite pilgrims would ever travel alone.
How many of us travel alone (or semi-alone) on our pilgrimage to the Lord?
She pointed out that our culture is saturated with a superficial love - superficial friendship. We will have 300 contacts on Facebook, people we IM and text message, but no deep friendships. We are so self-reliant.
"I am fine." We tell just about everyone. No worries, I don't really need any help, I can manage it all by myself. For some reason our culture sees this as a great thing - not to depend on anyone except for maybe a few people.
She pointed out that when we get together with old friends we say things such as "This is great, it's like we've never been apart." And that's because we haven't made any new friends in the gap, because our lives are so busy, complicated, the people around me aren't really the type of people I want to be vulnerable with, etc.
And her most interesting point to me was that we can't just wait for perfect soulmates to come along for friendship- nobody's normal when you get to know them, and if you have a chance to have a deep friendship with someone you should take it and get over the little quirks that keep you from developing a support that will help you on the journey.
Now, Beth Moore isn't discounting family supports and the close friends we've had forever, but she is urging us if we are struggling with loneliness that maybe the people God has put around us are there for a reason.
Friendship means a lowering of defenses and can be quite scary with people you don't know very well. But we must love deeply. It is how we are called to be Christian in the world, and how we get the support we need to continue the journey we make through life.
I see this both for ourselves and in reaching out to others who need our encouragement too.
For
The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Pt 4: 7-8
And
And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hb 10: 24-25
How many of us travel alone (or semi-alone) on our pilgrimage to the Lord?
She pointed out that our culture is saturated with a superficial love - superficial friendship. We will have 300 contacts on Facebook, people we IM and text message, but no deep friendships. We are so self-reliant.
"I am fine." We tell just about everyone. No worries, I don't really need any help, I can manage it all by myself. For some reason our culture sees this as a great thing - not to depend on anyone except for maybe a few people.
She pointed out that when we get together with old friends we say things such as "This is great, it's like we've never been apart." And that's because we haven't made any new friends in the gap, because our lives are so busy, complicated, the people around me aren't really the type of people I want to be vulnerable with, etc.
And her most interesting point to me was that we can't just wait for perfect soulmates to come along for friendship- nobody's normal when you get to know them, and if you have a chance to have a deep friendship with someone you should take it and get over the little quirks that keep you from developing a support that will help you on the journey.
Now, Beth Moore isn't discounting family supports and the close friends we've had forever, but she is urging us if we are struggling with loneliness that maybe the people God has put around us are there for a reason.
Friendship means a lowering of defenses and can be quite scary with people you don't know very well. But we must love deeply. It is how we are called to be Christian in the world, and how we get the support we need to continue the journey we make through life.
I see this both for ourselves and in reaching out to others who need our encouragement too.
For
The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Pt 4: 7-8
And
And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Hb 10: 24-25
Sleeping Position
Sometimes before Gregory goes to bed, he likes to snuggle in the covers on mama and daddy's bed. It's very cute to see him pull the blankets up to his neck and lay there and giggle at little things.
The other night this "conversation" transpired when John walked into the bedroom and saw Gregory on our bed.
Daddy: Gregory, you look like you're all set for bed in that bed.
Gregory: Da! (Which means yes!)
Daddy: You've got lots of space, where will Mama sleep?
Gregory: Da (Which means there) - and pats the bed next to him.
Daddy: But if you sleep in Mama's spot, and Mama sleeps in Daddy's spot, where will Daddy sleep?
Gregory: Da! And points to the pack n play. Then he giggles.
The other night this "conversation" transpired when John walked into the bedroom and saw Gregory on our bed.
Daddy: Gregory, you look like you're all set for bed in that bed.
Gregory: Da! (Which means yes!)
Daddy: You've got lots of space, where will Mama sleep?
Gregory: Da (Which means there) - and pats the bed next to him.
Daddy: But if you sleep in Mama's spot, and Mama sleeps in Daddy's spot, where will Daddy sleep?
Gregory: Da! And points to the pack n play. Then he giggles.
Monday, July 28
Museum
We got to go to the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science today, and had a great time.
This last picture is my favorite.
This last picture is my favorite.
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