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!

It's THAT time of year!

Anniversaries can be bittersweet. Today's December 29th....a year ago yesterday Theresa and I met at the IKEA outside of DC. We shopped, ate, played with our kids, and had a great day. Theresa was having a hard time catching her breath, and so far her doctor had been unable to figure out why. She was upset at being sick over the holidays, but determined to have fun, anyway. We went our separate ways that night, figuring we'd see each other in a few weeks (we live 2+ hours apart).

The next day, December 29th, I was cleaning and reorganizing the girls' room - and was knee-deep in assorted crap when the phone rang. It was Theresa, calling from the hospital. Her doctor had done a chest x-ray and sent her immediately to the ER. She was calling now because the doctors were scaring her. They were being very, very attentive. They were also pulling bloody fluid from her lung. None of this sounded good to me. I tried, and failed, to find someone to watch my kids so I piled them in the car and headed to Frederick. They had admitted her to the hospital, but were still running all kinds of tests. Something was going on, but they weren't telling us yet.

I returned to the hospital the next day, December 30th. Theresa was holding on to the hope that the doctors would soon tell her everything was fine, and kick her out. This had happened to me the previous year, after 12 hours of terrified hell. I had looked up "bloody lung fluid" online, and was now terrified. I now knew it couldn't be "nothing" - and was holding onto the hope that she had Lupus or TB - although the odds were slim.

She didn't. I was there when the doctor entered the room and began to tell us she had invasive breast cancer that had already spread to her lungs and spine. We sat there, weeping and terrified, trying to figure out what this really meant. We got on our cell phones, Theresa calling multiple friends and family, gathering everyone to her. I called my husband, who was busy with a new job he'd started the week before. I used the three word code that is always guaranteed to get action, "I need you". Everyone close to me knows that using this code will cause me to drop anything and everything and rally to the need at hand. My husband knew, although he had never heard me utter the words before, that he now had to do the same. He arrived three hours later.

The next couple of days are fuzzy. The only thing I really remember is going to Borders with Theresa, looking for books about dealing with breast cancer. The clerk advised us to look in the "Death and Dying" section - and I went postal. We eventually found the books in the "Health" section - where they belong! Betcha that clerk will NEVER make that mistake again! (can you say, "Crazy lady in the non-fiction section"????)

It's a year later. Theresa's in remission. She's left a bad marriage and is trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. Yesterday Theresa and I met at a Costco between DC and Baltimore. We shopped, laughed and ate, and eventually traded daughters. She's coming to my house later today and spending the night. I'm glad she's spending her cancerversary with me. I hope she spends many, many more here, too.

Here's to the future!