The Joys of Parenthood

Ah, parenthood.

Peanut butter kisses, warm hugs, snuggling on the couch with your 6 year old son, who's not yet too old to cuddle his mommy. And then he starts talking...

Gabe: "I love you mommy....SO MUCH!"
Me: "I love you, too!"
Gabe: "But I love Taryn more because when I'm a man and she's a woman we're going to get married. We're going to live in a palace and have five kids and five dogs and four cats and a bunny!
Me: "Aren't you a little young to be getting married?"
Gabe: "Not now! When we're grown up! You'll be old by then, almost dead. Yup, you'll be dead by then."

Ah....parenthood.

Nuff said???

Going with your strengths...

I have always referred to myself as "multi-talented". For one thing - it sounds MUCH more positive than "lazy-assed slug". I DO have talents - even if they don't include team sports or keeping house like Martha Stewart. My talents are harder to explain - at least to my mother!

I read, I write, I communicate, I speak. (Note that washing the windows didn't make that list) I actually love public speaking - I really enjoy that form of communication. To me, it's sharing my writing - verbally! I discovered public speaking in 6th grade (and won best in school for my version of "America's Promise"). My dad was a Methodist minister, so I also had the opportunity to be the guest lecturer at different Methodist churches before I was out of college. Later on I traveled around the country, talking about the different research projects I worked on as a PhD student. Once I was in private practice (audiology) I would travel to different groups and talk about hearing loss. I also became a certified toastmaster - just for the fun of it!

People had told me for years that I should follow in my father's footsteps and become a minister - but I had a few problems with that. For one - mainstream religion doesn't fit me well - I believe everyone must find their own path. I eventually became a Unitarian Universalist - and found a few more public speaking opportunities there! But - even in a UU church - I have no desire to be a minister. I've lived that life - and have no desire to repeat it. But parts of it appeal to me.

Last month by dear friend Theresa decided to re-marry. They were having a hard time finding a pastor that would design a ceremony to reflect their beliefs and journey. Theresa said she really wanted ME to design and perform the ceremony - so I did. I became a certified wedding officiant and quickly put together a simple wedding ceremony that included Theresa's children and the different backgrounds and beliefs of Theresa and her husband to be.

It was amazing. The ceremony took place in the courtyard of a small restaurant - with about 20 friends and family members. The ceremony was unique, touching, and memorable. One of my favorite parts was the exchanging of rings...

The wedding ring is a circle symbolizing the sun, and the earth, and the
universe. It is a symbol of wholeness, perfection and peace.

As you enter into the circle of your shared love,may you be blessed through
your devotion to this union. May your journey as husband and wife be filled
with peace, love and joy.

Then the ring vows were exchanged...

This ring is my gift to you.

May it always remind you
that from this day forward, you will be surrounded by my love.

It felt right, performing the wedding. I felt so blessed to be able to contribute my puny talents to their celebration. Let's face it - other friends took care of flowers, make-up, restaurant reservations and so on. Instead of being the usual "bump on a log" I was able to make the day incredibly special for them.

I read, I write, I speak, I communicate.

Not bad talents, really. I plan on using them MUCH more frequently.

Namaste.

The Joy of Old Houses

I've always loved old houses. The style, the history, the personality - the new housed just can't compete. When we bought our 1900 house I was ecstatic - sure, it needed work, but nothing we couldn't handle.

Go forward 4.5 years. The house still looks like early ghetto. We DO have hot water and a kitchen, thankfully. The husband is making a strong attempt to finish the walls in the main rooms so I can paint them - and I've actually chosen paint! I had to empty and move all the bookcases so he could GET to the walls, though. He was in spackling last week, then called me. He directed my attention down to an abandoned, coverless outlet that had been behind the bookcases. The back half of a mouse was hanging out of the wall, tail dangling.

Can you say, "YUCK! YUCK! GROSS!!!"? Cause I did. Or possibly I said more than that - I don't really remember. I had been smelling something "unusual" for the past month, a girlfriend had been telling me the animals probably dragged a potato somewhere, and it was decomposing. Well - it was decomp - but no potato.

Now...how long until I can walk into the dining room without wrinkling my nose???

And....it's almost time to cut the field behind us - which means we will once more be inundated with the lovely mice. We DO have three cats - time for earn their kibble!

Ah...lovely Victorian houses. Is there anything better?

Don't ask.

Aaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhh!!!!!

It's September - how did that happen???? Next week starts chorale, dance & co-op, soon to be follow by karate, speech, book clubs & the YMCA. Oh yeah - and our formal education resumes on Monday! Also in September we have two trips to the Science center, a Sultana trip, and possibly a zoo visit.

And somewhere in there - I need to work!

Did I mention.....AAARRRRRGHHHH???

Please send positive energy, followed by LOTS of coffee, followed by alcohol.

Yeah, that might help!

ruck rucka rucka

Homeschooling 101

Went to Jungle Jims today, a water park in Rehobeth Beach, DE. (yeah, it was overcast and raining, in case you were wondering). The kids had a ball!

I was talking with a lovely woman there, sharing kid tales. She asked what school my children attended, and I told her we homeschool. Her mouth dropped open and she asked, in complete awe, "How do you manage?"

I looked that delightful woman straight in the eye and replied......

"I drink."

yeah....it's been THAT kind of week. Oh well - at least I made a new friend! (when she stopped laughing, anyway!)

FYI

Just in case you ever REALLY need some scotch tape to hang a note on the door for DHL, but your lovely children have absconded with every roll of tape you own....

Just stick that printed, professional note to the clean glass door with blue modeling clay. Then wash your hands - a few times. The blue stains.

Off to wash the door...and buy more scotch tape.

Camping for Couch Potatoes!

For those of you who would rather read a good book than leave the house - take note! We, the famous (infamous?) Bubble Family, survived AND enjoyed our first camping trip!

The tent, newly purchased for the event, was a tad disappointing. Really rotten assembling instructions, and when we finally figured it out we realized it was MUCH smaller than we expected. Two of my kids ended up happily sleeping in the attached (but floorless) screen room, so all was well.

I was so proud of myself when I called my husband that evening. "We got the tent set up - by ourselves, I built a fire AND I just cooked hot dogs and salmon over the fire. Let's face it - I ROCK!!!"

We went swimming the next day and had a fantastic time - until my 5 year old disappeared. Again. He has this thing.....if he doesn't see me he picks a direction and BOLTS as fast as he can. Luckily this time he was wearing a lime green floatie. I ran to the life guard - who already had him corraled - all the way at the other end of the beach. Did I mention he runs - fast???

Rucka rucka rucka...

The Secret...Revealed!

I have discovered the secret to awesome family adventures!!! In the last three days we have 1) Gone on our FIRST family camping trip and 2)Spent the day at Six-Flags America - all with my friend T and her two children.

The secret? Simply this... lower your standards. Drastically.

My goal was survival. I expected to be miserable - but hey, it was for the kids. The only thing I wanted to do was avoid catastrophes. I met my goal!

I'll detail the camping trip in the next post, right now I'll focus on the Six-Flag Adventure:

We were going to Six Flags for one reason, and one reason only....our children read the required eight hours (each) to earn a FREE ticket - and they refused to be denied their prize!

I started out excited about the upcoming adventure - and then I started researching the place. Reviews were horrible: the place was crowded and dirty, the lines were long and service was slow - and that was the good news! As we looked into "additional" charges we realized our "Free" day was going to cost a mint. $15 parking, $7.00 pretzels, $14.00 hamburgers, $9.00 raft fee. I started to fret and fume, and try to figure out less expensive options. I eventually gave up.

We postponed the trip several times, eventually settling on last Sunday. You know - the day of the monsoons? Luckily, we bailed before getting into the car, and rescheduled for yesterday. It meant T couldn't bring her boyfriend, but at least it was a Wednesday, and hopefully less crowded.

We were already tired from camping, and slow to get on the road. We didn't get to Six Flags until almost noon, and decided to stop and fuel up on the cheap at McDonald's before entering the EXPENSIVE ZONE. Paid the $15 for parking (rucka rucka rip-off!) and started schlepping to the gates. Finally got inside and realized we had to pay $17 for a locker rental (guess we didn't need to collect those quarters, after all!!!!)

And then - we were ready to play! Despite many buses filled with children, there was no wait for the non-thrill rides. Each ride, however, still took forever. The people seemed to move in slow motion, there was a deliberate pause before each movement and safety check, then they always stopped for the two extra people that were "almost" there, then did the safety checks again. I think it was a company policy, actually. They lose money the more times they run the ride, and so try to fill each ride to capacity before they start - and they are in NO hurry to start. Ah well.

It was a memorable event on the wooden roller coaster - the children and my husband's FIRST time on a large coaster - and my LAST. Stick a fork in me, I'm done!

When we were done with the ride part, we shared water and snacks we had stashed in the locker, then changed into swimsuits. Our first water ride was everyone's favorite - riding an inner tube down 1 of 4 slides into a 3foot deep pool. What fun! We spent quite a bit of time on that one before moving on.

The rest of the water park was less impressive - although the kids had a ball! I was especially impressed by the diligence of the lifeguards - they were amazing! (ok, I was initially irritated by their penchant for incessant whistle blowing - but I moved on!) Turns out the life guards are constantly tested and monitored. I saw one guy being berated because it took him over 30 seconds to see (and retrieve) the object the tester had thrown into the pool. Another dove into the water, blowing her whistle frantically, to "rescue" a staged drowning victim. No wonder these folks look like their wired on speed! I have NEVER seem a place take life guarding so seriously - way to go, Six Flags!!!

By now the kids were dragging and hungry. We bribed them into waiting until we left the park to get dinner by promising them dessert, as well (no, we have no shame, we're PARENTS!). We ended up at a nearby Ruby Tuesday's. The five children sat at one booth and the three adults were able to eat and speak in relative peace and another table! AND...the waitress kept telling us what wonderful, polite children we had!!!! (guess exhaustion works - right up til the moment they dissolve into a quivering mass, anyway)

We then took ours to the bookstore for a treat. They each got a book, and read in the car until they fell asleep. We were home and in bed by 10.

It was a good day! Wasn't perfect, but we were expecting to have such a hideous time that it seemed wonderful by comparison!!!

So there you go folks....when all else fails - lower your standards!

Pop back soon for the camping adventures of the bubble family - complete with real horror stories!!!

Enjoy!v

Small breasted women of the world - take heart!

I was always tall and thin. Used to hear the jokes, growing up....."Turn her sideways and she disappears" and "What sticks out further, her nose or her chest???"

Yup. Funny stuff. Really. The comedic talent of those around me never ceased to amaze.

And....I rather liked my chest! They were small (b-cup) but perky! Let's face it - they had personality!

And then I birthed, and nursed, three children. The youngest nursed til he was three. His favorite trick was to latch on, plant his feet on my belly and catapult himself over my shoulder. Without letting go.

I knew things had "changed" chestwise. Perky was certainly a thing of the past. But "womanly" was ok, too. I searched for bras that hiked my now non-perky friends up to a more acceptable position. I even sought out the help of an older woman at the Penney's store for fitting advice. I eventually threw out my 34B's and accepted my post-baby 40C's.

But I hated buying - and wearing the bras that fit now. They were old lady hassocks, ugly and frumpy. When I tried a prettier bra - nothing fit. Body parts stuck out at weird angles, or lounged down on my belly as if in defeat. Not to mention, trying on bras while juggling THREE small children is a sanity tester by itself!

Last Sunday I went shopping with a girl friend - sans the six children who usually accompany us. I once more struggled to find a less hideous bra. I drug my friend into the act who immediately announced I was wearing the wrong size. [Apparently Oprah did a show recently - Bless that woman!]

Yesterday I left the children with Grandma long enough to be fit at Nordstroms. Here's to Sasha, the certified fitter (it says so right on her business card) who settled me into a large dressing room, did her magic with the measuring tape, and then spent the next hour bringing me bras for my approval. I entered in a frumpy, old-lady bra measuring 38C and left in a blue lacy number in the size.....ready? 34DDD! Triple D! Me - the chestless one! [now, some stores refer to that as 34E - but that makes me think of E for Elephants - so I MUCH prefer the DDD!]

I am woman, watch me strut!

I called my husband with the news..."The good news, honey, is that your wife is STACKED!....The bad news...it's almost impossible to find a bra in 34DDD for less than $50!" He seemed to consider it a fair trade. Bless his little male heart.

The funny part.....I still don't look like I have large breasts. In fact, the new bras are "minimizing" -so I actually looked bigger before. But my button down shirts fit better!

I'm thinking these bras were designed by women and I need to find one (just ONE!) that was designed by a man! "Well....HELLO! How lovely to meet all THREE of you!"

In the meantime - I'm walking tall! (and ma, check out my posture!)

A Sense of History

I hear children screaming. It must be Monday.

We're taking a break from formal learning right now - so apparently the children just scream because it's Monday - not because they don't want their new Latin vobabulary words. Good to know.

Actually, I have only two children screaming. The eldest is spending a few days with Grandma. She's riding her bike to the beach, going swimming, and making friends with the children of MY old playmates! I like the sense of continuity.

It's funny - I've always been one for moving on - new places, new challenges. The Beach house has been my only constant in life. And, as it turns out, that's important to me. Who knew?

Here's to enjoying life's simple pleasures, my friends!

The Universe - 9,371: Me - 0

Sometimes my life feels like an "I Love Lucy" show. You know, where whatever CAN go wrong - WILL!

Case in point: I have been endeavoring to improve my image. When we moved to the country I was thrilled that I could roll out of bed and trundle off to the local stores in whatever was handy & comfortable and STILL be considered presentable.

And then you clean the mirror and realize that YOU have become the frumpy hag you never wanted to be! Hence, the makeover.

I've become zealous about using my fantastic Tarrah skin-care line (I'm also a distributor - but haven't done anything with it - yet!) so that my face is smooth, soft, and glowing. I've also used the Tarrah foot care system - but need to do it again! I'm dressing well upon waking, AND doing hair and makeup. That's it - I want to be the womyn who can handle anything - and STILL keep her lipstick on straight. If only I could stop eating it off. {{sigh}}

All this sounds good - right? Enter the laughing Universe.

Ever since my new approach - "things" are happening. I'm looking polished and professional as I herd my children into a local store. I happen to glance down and realize that my 5 year old - the one who reads fluently AND is learning Latin - has apparently FORGOTTEN how to use a toilet - and simply doesn't care!! He actually had several "potty issues" that week - all of them involving me dealing with them in heels and lipstick.

And then there was the bank incident. I can't even blame this one on the kids - I was alone. The bank moved their ATM - it's now in the wall of the drive-thru. The first time I used it I hadn't gotten close enough to the wall, and could barely reach the thing. Now I was determined to correct that mistake -and pulled in quite closely. I was making a deposit, and the machine asks if you want an envelope (they no longer have them just sitting there - the machine will give you ONE).

Unfortunately, I fumbled the envelope, and it fell outside the car. And I can't get the door of the car open far enough to get out. So....I'm leaning, stretching (most likely also cursing) and finally repositioning myself so that my leg (I'm 5'11") can pull the envelope close enough that I can stretch down and pick it up. Meanwhile the ATM is beeping at me - but not offering any more envelopes OR giving me back my bankcard. All of this - on film. I'm so proud. Oh well, at least my lipstick was on straight!

The Universe has a whacky sense of humor - and doesn't want us to take ourselves too seriously, apparently.

Luckily, laughing at myself has always been easy. Too easy. {{sigh}}

Enjoy!

Savings vs Sanity

Some people brake for sales.

Me - I drag three cranky children hours out of my way, battle 100 degree temperatures, then put myself within touching distance of variously sized smelly people wearing way too much spandex (and shouting obscenities) just to claim my bags of "clearance" merchandise. Between the gas, food, bribes & recovery alcohol involved - it would have paid me to have Nordstroms deliver to my door.

Wait! I forgot to mention the 9,000 potty stops! And the sticky floors!

And then there's the.....returns.

I've returned five items in the last 2 days - and now have to return the sandals I bought my husband yesterday. The nearest Kohl's is an hour away. What's wrong with me???

Obviously, I'm sanity challenged.

This morning I've been checking out www.drugstore.com and www.amazon.com (groceries). Both offer free shipping with orders over $25.00. I'm still going to have to hit Sam's Club or Costco once a month for pet food, coffee, peanut butter (three kids) and paper products. Not sure I see a way around that one!

I'm open to suggestions - does anyone have a favorite site for ordering the necessities of life????

Talk to me!

The Bubble Family hits the Water!

I don't know about anyone else - but many of our family outings and adventures are much better on paper than in real life. Usually the stress and cost of our outings far out way the enjoyment that's wedged between dealing with cranky children.

Yesterday may have been an exception.

We went to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center in Grasonville, Maryland - on the Eastern Shore. We had attended their annual "Wade-In Festival" earlier in the month, and ended up getting a year's family membership. The family membership entitled us to unlimited access to their hiking and bike trails - AND free canoe/kayak rentals.

Yesterday we hit the water.

Please understand - we're not the most outdoorsy of families. All of us, including the five year old, prefer to curl up with a good book. So outfitting our pasty white bodies with life vests, sunscreen and bug spray is a major deal.

The grown-ups had experienced canoes before - if 30 year old experiences count. The children were unsure about putting their bodies over water - and trusting their pasty parents. Certainly the first step into the canoes from the floating pier had all of us wobbling uncertainly. It didn't help that we had to split up - the nine year old and I in one canoe, and Dad in another with the two younger ones.

We eventually figured out the paddling techniques needed to propel us away from the pier. There's a relatively large, calm area to explore - and if one is brave enough one can go ashore on one of the reed covered shores and explore. We weren't brave enough. We did see ducks, swans and an eagles nest.

One of the best points - from this family's perspective - the water rarely gets over 2-3 feet deep - so even if we tipped we could simply stand up and step back into the canoe. I'm happy to say that didn't happen.

The current, however, was a challenge. I especially had difficulty getting the canoe to go in the direction I chose - can you say "chicken arms"? After three attempts to return to the pier, only to end up sideways, floating towards Kent Island, my lovely husband came to our rescue, and towed our wimpy butts back to shore. My hero!

All in all - a fun day. I think mostly because it was close to home, and not expensive - and we didn't have outlandish expectations. I should probably note that the children have declared they are NEVER doing it again. But they always react to new experiences like that.

And, as a whole, the family has decided we need something with a motor!

The husband and I would like to try the kayaks - without children. I'm hoping for something a little easier to maneuver!

All in all - a good day - with children! (and really, can you ask for anything more?)

Enjoy!

Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails...

I don't want to shock anyone - but I just can't keep it to myself any longer. Ready? Here goes:

Boys are ....... different. Their brains are apparently just wired differently from the gentler sex. Namely....ME!

Exhibit A: We spent last week with my mother, who was recovering from knee surgery. Now my mother is fastidious at best. Obsessive also comes to mind. She has - and has always had - a very, very clean house. (note how she never managed to pass that knowledge along to me, however. Ah well.)

Anyway....after an exhausting day (everyone, including children, left the house at 6am, my mom had knee surgery, we got prescriptions filled, went back to her house and took care of meals, dogs, laundry, etc.) I had finally collapsed into a chair to stare mindlessly at the television set. (I think it was on - but I'm not really sure). The eldest comes in and whispers in my ear, "Gabe did something really, really bad......he drew on grandma's closet doors."

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!

I ran from the room and yup - there it was. He had labeled the two closets in the spare bedroom. "MEN AND BOYS" and "WOMEN AND GIRLS". All spelled correctly with impeccable printing, I might add.

I think the back of my head came off. Now, it's not like he's permitted to write on walls or furniture at home. I do know people that allow it and don't like to stifle a young one's creativity. Me - I stifle.

He was able to clean off the damage - using elbow grease and a Magic Eraser. (wow, do I LOVE those things!!!) He was later explaining to his grandma that he just wanted to label the closets so that the boys got the good closet with the light. I asked why he hadn't written on a piece of paper and taped it to the door. His eyes got large, his mouth dropped open, and he admitted that would have worked, as well.

I'm with Bill Cosby - they're just brain damaged. Testosterone poisoning, possibly?

Now, Exhibit B: Yesterday I walk into the kitchen, Gabe has just let our small dog into the house, but hasn't unhooked the leash. I bend down to do so and realize that the white dog is now BLACK, soaking wet, dripping, and trembling. Not being stupid, I turned to Gabe, "WHAT DID YOU DO?????"

His answer...."Tee hee hee hee. I got her with the hose!"

Me...."WHY????"

Brain damaged male child: "I HAD too, the cat ran away and hid and I HAD to squirt something!!!!"

Nuff said?

The real question....is this just a phase and life will get better? OR....is this the beginning of the downward spiral into stupid male tricks?????

I'm beginning to understand the blessings of boarding school! Don't boys start them around 6 six years old? Hmmmm......

Yeesh.

Juggling lessons

I am striving to become a better juggler. It seems I have the ability to focus on ONE thing at a time - and all else falls to ruin. I've been working to achieve a more sane balance between parenting, homeschooling, cooking & housekeeping. Work is slow right now, and other obligations are on summer hiatus.

And so....I make lists of reasonable things to accomplish each day...and I do a little at a time. Actually, I make more reasonable lists for the children - I still try to do too much. But I'm learning. I think. The goal being to achieve sanity AND progress.

We went blueberry picking yesterday. Then made blueberry crisp, blueberry & spinach salad & blueberry muffins (which would have been better had I not forgotten the baking powder - oops!)

Now to go re-clean the kitchen, switch the laundry and write out the weekly homeschool assignments.

I guess life is juggling act - and sometimes - you just have to make omelets!

Maryland's Hero: Cal Ripken, Jr.

They say everyone needs a hero. Around these parts (Maryland) that hero is Cal Ripken Jr. The Iron Man himself, thanks to his dedication to persistence, consistency and excellence. Apparently he's never developed the "big head" ego so popular with other stars. I know that well into his famed career he thought to include a favorite teacher in the festivities. I know that he and his wife are devoted to children's literacy issues. I know he's written a book that walks children through his approach to baseball and life.

And now I know something else.

I know that he has funded groups of inner city baseball leagues to enjoy and learn from a five-day stay at the North Bay Adventure Camp, in Northeast, MD. My husband was on hand last night when a group of kids from Kansas City, Missouri arrived. The kids were ecstatic at the facilities, pool, indoor basketball, indoor AND outdoor climbing walls, zip cords into the Chesapeake Bay, and a new baseball uniform and equipment for each child, courtesy of Cal Ripken, Jr. The kids are also scheduled to attend his baseball training camp, and maybe take in an Orioles game!

It's the week of a lifetime for these kids - all thanks to Cal Ripken, Jr.

Thanks, Cal - for showing us the true meaning of the word, HERO!

et tu, Brutus?

We've added Latin to the homeschooling curriculum, it's very exciting. I took a couple of years of Latin in one of my high schools (Fort Hill in Cumberland, MD) and found it quite useful for 1) learning other languages and 2) understanding medical terms in my anatomy & physiology classes. Not to mention, it allows your inner geek to soar!

Lesson #1 was rather limited in vocabulary. Conjugate the verb amo, I love. [amo, amas, amat, amamus, amatis, amant (I love, you love, he loves, we love, you all love, they love)] Had three other vocabulary words: et (and), video (I see) and caput (head).

The five year old, who's also learning English grammar, and knows sentences need both a verb and a noun, immediately puts together his first Latin sentence (NOT in the curriculum and NOT taught by ME). His sentence....Amo caput.

My husband has it written on his whiteboard at work, is telling every male he can find, and wants to make t-shirts.

Luckily, this week we're adding many more verbs AND nouns to his vocabulary.

Yeesh.

It's Monday - Please Send Chocolate!

Let's see....my blood pressure is rising, my eyes are burning, I've developed a twitch, and I keep wanting to put my head through the wall. Hmmm...it must be...MONDAY!!!

Monday - when we all try to accomplish some formal learning. Something OTHER than reading books. Monday - when we try to dig out the house from the weekend crazies. Monday - when we realize we are a vile, dirty, disgusting people. Monday - when peanut butter magically appears on the kitchen cabinets, trash multiplies under tables, animals mysteriously knock over everything, and children forget how to a)clean up their messes and b)LISTEN to their MOTHER!

Monday, when the responsibilities of work, homeschooling, housekeeping, mothering, and being a reasonable human being all mesh into some snarling lump of humanity.

Monday, when you realize all those things you DIDN'T get done last week are now perched to bite you on the butt.

Monday, when the socks are all unmatched and the underwear is all dirty.

Monday, when the kids have three settings: hungry, whiny, or screaming.

Monday, the day the chocolate died.

Lions and Tigers and Bears .... oh my!

Ah...there's nothing like family adventure....to make you long for a good book. We took the clan to the National Zoological Park yesterday - otherwise known as the DC Zoo. I was very excited, since this was our first time (in recent memory) of visiting the zoo without heavy strollers or whiny toddlers. And, since the weather has been quite balmy, we were optimistic that the traditional heat wave that always seems to accompany us would be absent.

Um....no. Not so much.

We had no stroller - so we had to carry our bags and water bottles - and pull, threaten and cajole our cranky children. Also...it was...HOT! Very hot. And uphill. I'm not sure how they do it - but the zoo is about 90% UPHILL!

We were all less than impressed with our views of lions and tigers. "See that brown lump waaaay up there, behind the shrub? That's a lion!!!!!" Whoopee. We did, however, have AWESOME views of all three panda's. Dad was busy taking pictures of the animals, I was busy taking pictures of my children, and the 5 year old kept walking away from real animals to read the animal facts on the exhibits. He would have been happier staying home and reading a book about animals. Go figure. (ok, to be fair - that would have worked for me, too!)

At any rate - we're home now, recuperating. Is it just our family that adventures usually fall short - or is this a normal phenomena?

Zzzzzzzzzzzz...

It's official. I'm old. Old folks go to bed early, prefer their own cooking to most restaurants, prefer to watch movies in the privacy of their home and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Sign me up.

We took the children to their first drive-in movie last night. A great double feature, Shrek III and Pirates of the Caribbean III. We had to park ALL the way in the back, and couldn't see very well. Because we were in the next to last row, we were surrounded by people that.....I'm not normally (and never intentionally) surrounded by.

I must say, the children had a GREAT time. They sat outside, on fold up chairs, and made LOTS of friends. They were all asleep before the last movie ended, at 1:40am. John and I didn't get to bed until 2:30am.

I'm wiped. The kids were up by 7, I slept until 9. John and I both took afternoon naps - and I can't wait til bedtime. Pathetic. Oh yeah - and the only thing I managed to do today was obsess about how tired I was! Sad, very sad.

What can I say, I'm old. Pass the Geritol, please!

The Awakening

It seems I've been running on less than all cylinders lately. I admit to having {great} difficulty in juggling everything - but this is ridiculous! I've been focusing on educating the children, so the housework was falling behind. Then I was semi-ill for a few days, and didn't get much done {except to take the five year old to get a log removed from the bottom of his foot}.

Yesterday I spent most of the day getting the year end homeschool reviews completed -they're due next week. And then I woke up and looked around.

Can you say "Chaos"? With a capital "CRAP!"? Yes, we had the mounds of laundry, a few dirty dishes waiting for the dishwasher to be unloaded, a family of dust bunnies, and the expected toys and books everywhere. What I didn't expect was the TRASH!

It seems that my children, as intelligent and delightful as they can be, quickly regress to swamp-like mentality when I'm distracted. They totally ignore me when told to do something, their arms become broken when asked to actually put something away, and they regard the world as their trashcan! Food wrappers, tags, bits of paper, used tissues - all of these things were flung with great abandon all over my home. ???????

So...just to be clear...I have a BS, an MS and most of a PhD and my current job title is....trash can monitor.

At any rate, I'm now recovered from my fugue, and am once again attempting to do it all. While cleaning last night - and sounding a bit too much like my mother, I must say - I did have the following altercation with my middle child:

Child: I want to go to school. (this while doing the math work she "forgot" to do ALL day - despite frequent requests.)

Me: School? You want to sit for six hours a day and do schoolwork - and ONLY EAT at lunchtime? You don't like sitting still for 10 minutes - and that's just so you can go get a snack! You want to go to school????"

Child: Well....I want to get away from you..........I love you, though.

Me: "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"

Yeah, it was lovely. She really wouldn't do well in school, she learns quite slowly and deliberately - and does NOT take direction well. The problem is - she takes speech therapy there once a week - and gets a lovely half hour of one-on-one attention from someone other than me - and gets to play games and get prizes and candy. So...she thinks this is school. And really doesn't believe me when I assure her - it's NOT.

And how was YOUR day???

Introvert, anyone?

I am a true-blue, dyed in the wool introvert. Most people don't believe this because I'm friendly, funny and not-too-subtle about letting my opinions known. Well, and I also LOVE to speak in front of a group - the more the merrier. But I have a hard time going up to strangers and introducing myself - and after public speaking, they all come up and introduce themselves to ME! Much better.

At any rate, I found a definition of introvert/extrovert that precisely explains my dilemma....

"The defining characteristic of an introvert or extrovert is where they get their strength. Ergo, an introvert may be the life of the party and have a wonderful time, but afterwards is drained and useless and needs time alone to refuel. An extrovert, however, will feel energized and alive after such an encounter, and will seek to repeat it immediately."

I'm an introvert. And I just had a wonderful, busy, fun, extended weekend with four houseguests - two of them children. We cooked, we ate, we sang, we played Rook, we went to the pool and the park - it was fantastic. And now I'd like to be locked in a sound-proof room with a bag of books and hourly coffee and scone service.

Hmmm...probably not going to happen unless the faeries come to shovel out the house and magically clean the mountains of laundry. Ah well. It was SO worth it!

Our visitors were T and her family. T being the best friend with stage IV cancer. She's doing great! Eliminating the estrogen has put her in remission for what we hope is a very, very, VERY long time. She has so much else to deal with on a daily basis, I'm glad cancer isn't at the front and center any more. Her birthday is this Friday, she's turning 36. I think it's the most beautiful number in the world, except perhaps for 37 - and so on!

Life is good if you take the time to enjoy it. And plan time for recuperation afterwards!

Homeschool Daze

We homeschool. We've always homeschooled. The decision was made when I was pregnant with our first child, ten years ago. At the time, we were considering re-locating to West Virginia, and had no faith in local school systems - nor finances for private education. We began looking into home education - and our world expanded.

People have funny ideas about homeschoolers. Some envision children playing video games all day, and only reading comic books. Others see the religious families with their morning prayer and schoolroom, complete with chalkboard and flag. And yes, I'm sure both of those extremes do exist. People homeschool for different reasons - with different goals in mind. But every homeschooling parent I've met has the same ultimate goal: to provide the best possible education - and life - for their child.

Please understand; I am NOT encouraging you to homeschool. In fact, I really don't want the homeschool population to continue growing - because I don't want the government to get more involved in structuring the process. But I'd like to touch on the main (in my humble opinion) pro's and con's of homeschooling.

PRO: The freedom. Our schedule is set by us - and reflects the needs of family members, each child's goals (we're NEVER allowed to skip dance class), or the weather! Having said this, let me amend - I live for summer when we have NO schedule: no speech or dance classes, no homeschool co-op, no other "have-to's".

PRO: Progressing at each child's level. My nine year old and I started reading my old college physics text this week, discussing Aristotle, Copernicus and Galileo. My seven year old, who only mastered reading in the last 12 months, is now constantly curled up with a book -and has never felt she was "behind". She loved the children's chemistry book we read, and began building water and salt molecules using her big sister's chemistry kit. The five year old boy has been reading for a year (but his printing SUCKS) and loves geography. I invented a game a few days ago, asking each to find places on the globe (and using chocolate chips as reinforcement to keep the 7 year old interested). They all were amazing: The 9 year old can beat both her parents, the 7 year old can find a LOT more countries than she could a few months ago, and the 5 year old can find almost anything. Madagascar, Nepal, Vietnam, Morocco, Mali....he scoffs that the questions are "too easy". Yeesh.

PRO: The family unit. Our kids like each other. They play together, they learn together, they teach each other. Sure, they occasionally fight, and they drop their siblings for a friend in a heartbeat - but they DO get along. I like that.

CON: My sanity. Or lack of same. My other friends have sent their children off to school, and have delicious hours each day to THINK, to plan, to achieve, to EARN MONEY! Me...I have a hard time putting a complete sentence together most days. Or having an uninterrupted thought. In fact, I just had to leave the computer during the last sentence to call a child in to clean the cat litter, because the eldest had already done her share.

It's a LOT harder financially without me working. I had been working part time, but the hours have been cut back radically - which has drastically improved my sanity while hurting the bank account. I know other moms manage home-businesses while homeschooling - and I'd love to get there - but I'm not ready yet.

Yeah, we're still on my sanity. I am continually doubting myself, wondering if I'm doing enough, if I'm doing the right things, if I'm totally ruining my children. Every book I see is something "we haven't done yet!". Every time I hear what other kids are doing -in home OR school - I wonder if my kids need that.

Yup, still on my sanity....did I mention that there's NO ONE TO BLAME BUT ME!!!!!! Laundry's not washed - my fault. Kid's have only eaten peanut butter sandwiches all day - my fault. House looks like a tornado touched down - my fault. Five year old can't hold a pencil right - my fault. Husband's not happy working 12 hour days - my fault(it's not like he has options, since I'm not working). Cat's have fleas - my fault (I've got the medicine, just haven't put in on). Dog peed on the boy's new backpack - my fault (should have made him put it away -and NOW I have more laundry!!!) Oh yeah, and don't forget the dog dirt that the kids have tracked in because I haven't "scooped for two days". My fault. Oh yeah, and then there's exercise. HAH!

Gee, I guess there was only ONE con. The funny thing is - I'm happy that I'm homeschooling and I love doing it. I just need to figure out how to do everything else, too. {{{sigh}}}

The Un-Runner, still juggling.

Guns, schools and videotapes

I'm in shock over the massive killings at Virginia Polytechnic Institute yesterday. VPI is such a great school - best place for engineering studies. And now everyone is rehashing ALL the school shootings - and reminding us of how unsafe our children really are. Does it all begin with "the right to bear arms"? Do England and Canada have similar issues and problems?

How do we keep our children safe?

It's Been a Hard Day's Night...

It's Spring....technically, anyway! (just returned from visiting the in-laws in south-west Virginia - where it dropped to 16 degrees -with two inches of snow!)

I've been AWOL for the last month - buried in a growth phase - and yes, growth IS another word for crisis! I've been organizing, reading and planning. Creativity starts with organization for me - getting the daily routine of cleaning, cooking and homeschooling underway allows me the freedom to reach for more!

I always begin with books - they're friends, mentors and cheerleaders. I just found a newly published gem, "Mommy Millionaire" by Kim Lavine, president of Green Daisy, Inc. We were in the middle of our 13 hour return journey, and had stopped at our favorite rest place, "Books-A-Million". I had gathered several books to peruse while our three young ones were gleefully gathering a pile of reading material in the kid's section. I had just put down one woman's business success story with a sigh, telling my husband it was another "guts to glory" book that pushed attitude but gave no details. "It would be worth the cost of a book in a heartbeat to get ACTUAL information and websites about where and how to manufacture an idea!" And then I picked up "Mommy Millionaire" and just about turned to the page LISTING the exact information I had just asked for! SOLD!

I just finished reading the book - and am still sold! Her story - and her "Wuvits" are great - but she goes well beyond her tale and tells others exactly what they need to do to follow their own dream! Well done, "Wuvit Wady"! I hope she eventually adds a newsletter or blog for updates!

Now...time to plan the weekly menu and grocery list...and get the kids to pick up their STUFF! {{sigh}}

Happy Spring!

Complained about the weather, lately?

This picture is from the town of Versoix, near Geneva City, Switzerland. Makes me feel fairly grateful for the wee bit of ice I've had to deal with lately! (and reminds me NEVER to go world traveling in the winter!)

Things are much more boring in this corner of the world. Sunny skies, food in the fridge which will, hopefully, be turned into something both delicious and nutricious, and self-educating children who never worry about armed bullies.

Life is good. Especially when I stop to think about it!

I attended my FIRST Pampered Chef party this week. Apparently I was the last female on the planet to succumb. I believe they'll be a press release and pictures later. There was certainly applause. (???)

As for Pampered Chef - I'm still sitting on the fence. I did indeed order a stone-ware loafpan and covered mixing bowl that I'm sure will be useful in the kitchen. However, I was unimpressed by the large proliferation of plastic gadgets. I like neither plastic NOR gadgets - so was doubly doubtful. I'm also wondering how, after purchasing all these "kitchen savers" you have any space left in your kitchen to actually cook?

I suppose it's like most things - I'll take what I find useful and tactfully (or not) ignore the rest. {{sigh}} Unfortunately, as any person who has spoken to me for longer than 10 minutes will eagerly attest, I'm NOT known for my tact.

Oh well, I guess I can live with that!

The February Doldrums

I have no idea what it's like to live in a part of the world that has more consistent weather than the Mid-Atlantic states. It's 40F, no wait, now it's 2F, tomorrow it may be 60F.....AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!

In a nutshell - we've all been sick. Well, with the exception of John. I'm not sure if it's because, as he believes, he refuses to be sick because he doesn't have the luxury of being sick, OR if it relates to the fact that he doesn't spend hours every day holding sick children.

I've re-learned something this week, however: snot makes me stupid. I was unable to type a decent sentence, or hold a thought long enough to share the information. A friend shared her recipe for "Tomato Tea", which was touted as the answer to head/sinus congestion. It was actually effective, if one took it often enough. I didn't. That stupid thing, again. Anyway, heat tomato juice/diluted tomato soup mixed with LOTS of crushed raw garlic, lemon juice and tabasco sauce. As much tabasco as you can stand. Not only does it relieve congestion - it also keeps the vampires at bay.

Happy sniffling!

Life, part 4267

Wahoo! It's a balmy 45 degrees F. outside! I'm ready to hit the beach! To say the least, my hands and feet have finally thawed out, and I've even let the woodstove have a break!

Kathryn was sick yesterday, and spent the day in my bed watching Shirley Temple movies (from my mom) and my collection of old American musicals. It's a good thing she's homeschooled - she's beginning to acquire my tendency to break into song (old songs) whenever possible. She's better today, and is attacking the new spelling/vocabulary lesson I printed out. Not singing about it, though. {{sigh}}

As for me....my to-do list is reaching alarming proportions. I suppose I could always strangle myself with it? Wait....and then, instead of the usual epithet on the headstone, the list could just be continued.....

There was a (not quite yet) old woman, who lived in a shoe...

My children are now reading my "Cathy" cartoon books, as well as "Baby Blues" and "For Better or Worse" books. The books are scattered around the house, the car, in reading cubby's behind beds, and next to the bathtub. Don't get me wrong - I'm thrilled to find kids (ages 9, 7 & 5) ALL curled up with a book - but do they have to be MY BOOKS????? I don't mind when I find the 5 year old's "Captain Underpants" book crammed behind the toilet - but MY BOOKS????? How rude!

Did I mention I'm grouchy? Yup. As verified (or vilified) by my daughter, who just left in tears because I wasn't up for a FAMILY PROJECT night. Give me a break. The children have been tag-teaming me again - beginning 5 minutes after I get out of bed in the morning - whenever that may be. And since I exercised WITH them yesterday, I didn't get to stay home alone and work on my sanity. I love having a couple of hours alone to organize my thoughts, to write, to plan, to dream. Without it.....I GET CRANKY!!!!!! rucka rucka rucka... There are definite disadvantages to homeschooling.

On the upside - I actually exercised yesterday!!! Went to the Y and worked out on the machines, then did 30 minutes on the stationary bike before watching the kids in the pool. Wahoo! Of course, today I can't seem to STOP eating - so that probably negates yesterday's efforts. {{{sigh}}}

At least it's supposed to be over 50 degrees tomorrow - and the rest of the week. I'm very excited. Hopefully my hands and feet will thaw out and I'll actually get some work done! And...if it's warmer...I may be able to get up at 4am to write!

I wonder if Hemingway had these problems???

The Big Chill, Part II

Unfortunately, there's no great soundtrack for this one - just the sound of my teeth chattering and knees knocking. Please note- we're EXTREMELY fortunate here - we don't have the snow and ice that has crippled a great portion of Maryland - and the Northeast. But it's COLD! I'm typing at the computer, 4 feet from the woodstove, and keep making typos because my fingers are cold. I'd love to pack up the kids and go someplace warmer but A)I have to lead a 6 hour literacy training tomorrow and B)then the dogs would freeze.

We did go to co-op this morning - many, many, MANY families were absent. And didn't bother to cover their classes - so everyone was scrambling to entertain large groups of children without a lesson plan. I had 13 knee-sized mathematical whizzes in my class - many of whom couldn't get 0+?=3 or 1+1+?. I don't believe these concepts are too advanced for 5-7 year olds. I mean, ok, it's probably not IMPERATIVE that they understand addition that young - but why wouldn't they? It's a reasonable, day to day activity. Of course, I had one 6 year old who SWORE she had NO idea how to add 2+3, nor was she interested in learning how to do it. And I KNOW she does do it at home - so maybe they're all shy???? I dunno...but I have a WHOLE new respect for classroom teachers - and a greater understanding of why it's so hard to learn in a traditional classroom!

On the positive side - it was warm there. My hands weren't even chilly. If only my head didn't twitch so while I'm there!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is one of those weird holidays - at least to me. When I was unattached it served as a raw reminder that everyone ELSE was loved - but not me. The first few years of couplehood I reveled in V day - and we did cards and romance.

Then came children...1...2....3. (too MUCH romance, perchance???)

Valentines Day has calmed down. I did give [small] boxes of chocolate to the kids - and we'll be downloading and doing some Valentine's activities for "school" today. And I'm considering making biscotti or bread (in the shape of a heart??? awww) to take to John at work - but that may not happen. But that's it. No flowers from the gas station or a cutesy stuffed animal that sings and dances. That's just not us.

But John IS going to fix the the gaping spaces in the kitchen ceiling this weekend - we just figured out that they serve as a lovely wind tunnel when the gales turn artic. (actually, the kittens told us - by disappearing and ending up in an uninsulated storage room.) Yeah, we're not that bright, sometimes.

I must say...I'd MUCH rather have home repairs than chocolate. Besides, I can always buy myself chocolate - I can't hang drywall alone. But this isn't a Valentine's thing - although I'm taking his cheery attitude towards the weekend's adventure as the BEST present possible!

It's just life...and love.
And it's a 365 thing.
And...I like that!

Part Two

This is the close up of the cake (yes cake - these are NOT real vegetables!) They're hand made of marzipan. See the whole cake in the earlier post! And, as Angela pointed out, I forgot to mention that she knits!!! Gloves, socks, everything. And boobs - she knits boobs. Uses them as bookends, actually. Her twins just try to nurse on them. Too cute!

Let Them Eat Cake!

I have amazing friends. This particular friend is Angela - and she made this BIRTHDAY CAKE for her daughter's sixth birthday! The writing says "Happy Birthday Bailey", and said 6 year old REQUESTED a Chinese birthday theme. I love homeschooling! [Eat socks, Barney!] I can't get the close-up of the marzipan lo mein to load, but it is absolutely amazing!

Angela's the Martha Stewart of creativity. She sews, she cooks, she bakes....and she actually finishes things! I plan, purchase materials, and begin....and then the vision in my head collides bloodily with my actual talent -or lack thereof. I borrowed Angela's cake decorating kit to make Kathryn's birthday cake - note you NEVER saw a picture of the finished product. The kids liked it- and we'll stop there. {{{sigh}}}

I think I'll have to stick to writing. I'm actually working on a childrens' book - inspired by my find at a used book store this weekend. I came across the Coronation Souvenir Book from 1937. Wonderful articles and pictures of King George VI and the Princess Elizabeth. Now I just have to find time and space to actually be creative, which is difficult when surrounded by whining children. It's too cold for them to play outside - so they're using their favorite alternate playground, which is anywhere within three feet of ME!

John actually took all three to the YMCA yesterday - and I got 4+ blessed hours ALONE! I spent an hour simply listening to the silence, then an hour cleaning. By then, the lack of distractions had allowed my creative streak to be heard once more. I spent the next two hours crocheting, baking biscotti, and playing with different scenarios for books. I want to write. I will write. I must write!

But first, I must open the peanut butter.

Insanity, anyone???

It's happened. The cold, the children and/or the day-to-day insanity have finally permuted my last vestiges of sanity. They'll find me in the spring, huddled under a down blanket clutching an empty wine bottle and my collection of "Baby Blues" cartoon books.

It's been too cold to move. The kitchen, despite my occasional efforts at shoveling off the counters, has deteriorated to "call the health department" standards. We did manage a couple of loads of laundry before the drains froze, so that's something. The wind has been so fierce that not only are the blankets covering the door swaying - the door's swaying, too!

My darling husband did come home early last night to un-freeze the drains. He had to crawl under the house - but didn't quite fit. He ended up duct-taping a hair dryer to a 2x4. I didn't notice till this morning that he left the bathroom AND bathtub filled with all his assorted tools - and never re-plugged the heater back in - so the bathroom was about 5 degrees. I decided this was my cue to NOT do laundry or take a hot bath. rucka rucka rucka. (I figure the drain has re-frozen - and that I just DON'T CARE!!!!)

I managed to haul my brood out the door BEFORE 7:30 am today to attend our weekly homeschool co-op. I tried to talk them into canceling because of the cold - but was told that's NOT an acceptable reason. Yeah, at least half the folks weren't there - something about burst water pipes and such. On the positive front - the kids were too cold to be bouncing off walls - and the "kicker" was absent.

Of course, my son, Gabriel, was kicked out of two classes today. One of them mine. He's five, and doesn't like large groups - much like his parents. His way of dealing, however, is to attach himself to my backside and whine. ?????? He was MUCH better in an alternate class. But he was also starting Tai Kwan Do - and the teacher grabbed me immediately after class, telling me my son just wasn't participating or following the instructions. Since I was busy trying to peel him off of my backside at the moment - I only agreed that he was being a PIA today. Later I talked with the teacher, and realized that he's NEVER expressed any interest in martial arts or fighting - and hates both large groups and following exacting directions. He'd much rather go under the table and read a book. A chapter book, the mother of the 5 year old bragged. (but only Scooby-Doo or Captain Underpants - so it's really not THAT impressive) I thought about it - and moved him to another, smaller class. And, he'll have one less class with "the kicker" - so that's good!

So...here I sit. Typing and drinking wine, trying to block the sounds of children playing six inches from my head. At least I hear them talking about different countries. The fire's burning happily -which means I soon have to go OUTSIDE to bring in more wood. Ugh. and brrrr.... I'd go hide in my room - but they'll need food soon. {{{sigh}}} Oh yeah, and I have to re-package the bread I brought home - the kittens tore open the bag and ate 1/4 loaf. I hate animals. And children. And cold....

If I haven't posted again in a week - send out search parties!!!!

All I want is a room somewhere..

Far away from the cold night air
And an enormous chair
Oh wouldn't it be loverly?

I tried to find a picture of Eliza Doolittle warming her hands, but failed. In short - I'm COLD!!!! And I'm inside, relatively near the raging woodstove. Doesn't seem to matter, my fingers and toes are frigid. Yup, it's below 20 degrees and our walls have disappeared.

Not even tea is helping me warm up - perchance it's time for a hot bath and a cuppa something stronger??? (besides, my brown betty teapot fell apart a few days ago, so I'm back to tea bags. It's just NOT the same)

I hope it warms up soon - we're taking a field trip to Baltimore's Inner Harbor tomorrow morning, to visit the national aquarium. We haven't been to the aquarium since the kids were tiny - and that was a DISASTER! Three small children - and no strollers allowed. Hopefully, tomorrow will be MUCH better - especially because John's working, so it's just me!

Stay warm!

A Cup of Tea...

A friend and her children came over to play today. It was snowing slightly, and the children were giddy with excitement - not sure if the snow or the playmates tickled them more! I made lunch, Baked Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Cheese, which was quite flavorful - and low in calories and fat. I'm really enjoying the recipes from Cooking Light.

A bit after lunch it was time for a cup of tea. My friend loves tea, but had never heard of my favorite company, Harney & Sons. I warned her that after experiencing the tea, she would instantly become a "tea snob" and want more. It happened. We enjoyed the last of my "Smokey Lapsang Souchong" then I showed her the Harney catalog. She's hooked. :) My favorite is "Sally's Secret", an Earl Grey mixed with rose hips. There's nothing like a good cup of tea and a good friend on a snowy day. Not even six children under the roof can diminish the pleasure! (well, ok - maybe a tad!)

The snow's gone, the friends are gone, the baked pasta and sausage dinner is almost gone. I have two kids in the tub, and another curled up on the couch, reading. Not a bad day.

Of course, homeschool co-op starts again tomorrow - and I still have to prepare for my classes. Also have to figure out if I'm going to the YMCA after co-op. We joined last night - so I have very little excuse for not getting into shape.

{{sigh}} This may call for yet another cup of tea....and perhaps some chocolate???

Brrrr...

Winter has arrived! (Now just remind me why I was complaining about balmy temperatures a few weeks ago?)The children have been thrilled by a few flutterings of snow - and run outside to sled down the mudhill. (it's the Eastern Shore - we take any sledding opportunity we can get. This was a pile of dirt.)

The woodstove is running nonstop - and the woodpile decreasing at an alarming rate. After our first winter here we invested in a new woodstove that uses soapstone to retain the heat. Love this thing - you can almost always get a fire started from just a pale ember. On the down-side - it's VERY efficient - so very little heat goes up the stove pipe. Unfortunately, our house (built 1900) was designed to bleed off the heat from the chimney to warm the 2nd level. Doesn't work so well, anymore. Ah well. At least I no longer worry about the chimney getting too hot and starting a fire. (one worry down, 9764 to go)

Living in an old house is.....different. I used packing tape to cover some cracks in the living room floorboards to deter the wind. At one point, the mice and I were on a first-name basis. And whenever the temperature falls below 20 degrees, the walls disappear. Seriously. There's no way to get warm. I usually grab the kids and head for a friend's house until the artic gale disappears.

And yet, I love our house. It's a work in progress. I love the fire-engine red 4 oven AGA that fits exactly into the spot once occupied by the wood-fired cookstove. (I found a used AGA - British cookstove - in our nearest town just as we bought this house. It was fate.) I love the old houses in our village, and the differences between them. I love that our kids can run free outside, and be safe. I thoroughly enjoy our neighbors. I like NOT having a rush hour.

Just remind me of all this, the next time the temperature drops and I start searching the web for a warmer geographic location!

Let it SNOW!

We have SNOW!!!! Very exciting here on the eastern shore of Maryland - we don't get much of the white stuff. I took advantage of hubby being home with the kids and hit the local Food Lion today (yeah, I know, but it's the ONLY grocery store around) and it was PACKED. Apparently an inch of snow could be a national emergency.

My new year's eating plan is going well - I think I'm down about 5lbs. Not quite sure because I bought a new scale a few days ago - and immediately went up about 7lbs. I'm rather impressed, because the weight loss included my eldest daughter's birthday week and the plethora of cake, cupcakes, fudge frosting and ice cream! [NEVER substitute egg beaters in your baking - it just doesn't work. Trust me.]

I still love the SmartGlobe by Oregon Scientific. My 5 year old was helping his father find Morocco, Turkey and Mali earlier. Gotta love it!

Ok, this seems like a boring post - or perchance a boring life. {{{sigh}}} We did go see "Arthur and the Invisibles" for Kathryn's birthday. It was quite good, although seeing Mia Farrow as Grandma is somewhat startling.

Yeah...that's all I've got. Sorry. Maybe something exciting will happen tomorrow {definition of "exciting": anything that doesn't involve cooking, cleaning, homeschooling or kamikaze kittens!}.

It's a wild, wonderful world!

Or globe, actually. I had bought the kids a GeoSafari Talking Globe by Educational Insights for Christmas - and returned it 2 days later. Poorly made to begin with, the questions it shot at you resembled a nasty teacher holding a switch. Learning should be fun - so back it went.

I remembered seeing one at Costco before Christmas. I used to buy everything at Costco, but I'm now 1.5 hours away. They have a phenomenal return policy - it's still well worth the trip. At any rate, they were no longer carrying the globe in the store, but I was able to order it through www.costco.com.

The SmartGlobe by Oregon Scientific arrived yesterday - it's amazing! My kids haven't put it down. (and that's after the battery in the pen died!) By using the pen you can click on any location and learn about it - currency, time, history, amazing fact, geography, etc. It even has a pull out blow-up of the United States to learn about individual states. There's a question mode - continents (I got one wrong - apparently Australia is no longer a continent - it's part of Oceania????), countries, cities or capitals. It gives hints when you have no idea where something is. It's absolutely wonderful. And...if it ever dies....Costco will take it back - no problem.

Ah, life is good. Especially with lemon white-chocolate biscotti to munch. Enjoy!

The Healthy Eating Craze

Life used to be so simple. If I was hungry I'd forage around until I found something acceptable to eat. If it was yucky I'd only eat enough to keep from fainting. If it was yummy I'd eat at much as I could hold, because you never knew when a wolverine would come around and snatch it from you! [husband and children count as would-be wolverines, just so you know. Actually I've been known to tell my kids there's nuts, or spinach, or some other entity I KNOW they won't eat in the scones or biscotti, just so I can eat more. Yes, I am evil, but I now repent.]

A few days ago, after listening to a friend, I began logging every bite I eat into this lovely free site, www.fitday.com. Who knew I was such a pig? Even on days when I think I'm eating well, my little pie showing my caloric distribution indicates half of my calories are from fat. [probably left over from the Atkins craze, when I ate all the butter and cream I wanted - and lost weight.] I'm not doing Atkins now, mostly because I LOVE baked goods - even when made with whole grains! In the last 36 hours I've made whole wheat bread and whole wheat scones, even sneaking some ground flax powder into the mix. Even got my kids to eat them by NOT putting in nuts, fruits, or coconut.

In case you didn't know, whole grains seem to be quite high in calories. I found this out when entering them into my daily food counter - YOWZA! It's hard to be healthy! I've been fighting to keep my total calories between 1500-1800. Emphasis on the fighting. Last night got an email from the girlfriend that got me on this particular bent.

"I hate when this happens. After dinner, all food accounted for, and I am at 839 calories. Obviously, I’m going to have to have another scone and a cup of hot chocolate (with marshmallows) later. I may even have to have a couple of pieces of Dove dark chocolate."

I promptly sent her off a one-word reply. I'll let your imagination figure out the word!

Go forth and eat well!

Paxton, drinking black coffee to save the calories!

Welcome 2007!

It's a whole new year! (rats, that means the video store coupon expired yesterday). We celebrated the end of 2006 with a "Loser's New Years Eve Party". In other words, a party for people with young children who tend to act like wild animals (or college coeds on spring break) when in groups. The party broke up before 8:30pm - and as much as we enjoyed each other - everyone was ready to go home and muzzle, medicate or mutilate their loving offspring.

Actually, we only had 5 adults and 9 children - but I'd swear the children were multiplying. In an attempt to lower the sound intensity in the living room I amended my "NO FOOD UPSTAIRS" law and encouraged them to take a bowl of pretzels upstairs - and LEAVE US ALONE! I began to sit near the hallway door and check packages when I realized one girl (who was grinning at me in an alarming way) was trying to smuggle a huge bowl of APPLESAUCE up to the bedroom! To be honest, I haven't investigated the kids' rooms this morning - there could be worse things already up there that I totally missed (and obviously smuggled by NON-grinning children).

John made stromboli for yesterday's gathering, and I made French bread and curried chicken salad. [The recipe's from Epicurous.com - Curried Turkey salad with cashews -and is absolutely AMAZING. I've been making it for years.] We're into breads right now. I even severely wounded my 20 year old food processor this week making French bread, and was forced to order a MUCH better one. Awwwww.

Back to the New Year's bent: many people make resolutions round about now, usually involving diet and exercise. A friend told me yesterday that her family does a New Year's Family Mission Statement, then frames and mounts it in a well-viewed spot. I like the idea! Her family's 2007 is entitled, "The Zen Year", and is all about de-stressing the home and the lives of those who reside there. Mine's not done yet, but will certainly touch on the importance of a restful, organized home. We've been doing MUCH better on that. I'm thinking ours will promote creativity this year. Promoting creativity in our home [I'm gonna get the walls painted if it KILLS me], creativity in education, in the kitchen, in our art [mine's writing, John's is digital photography with post-editing]. Hmmm...needs more work. I'll let you see the finished product.

What wonderful adventures await you in 2007? Let's start planning our lives and making informed choices, rather than just drifting along!

Happy New Year!