Peter and Debra's World

Becoming Catwoman

2011-07-19T15:36:00.000-07:00

This is a story about the very mysterious, sudden plethora of cats we have, and has nothing to do with Batman.

For the record, let me tell you my background with cats.

As I was growing up, we never once had a cat. We didn’t need to, because our neighbors had cats, and the cats thought we were their extended family. My strongest cat memories involve a certain male cat named Razz, who was forever trying to sneak into our house. He would camp out on our front doormat, waiting for the door to crack open as we tried to sneak out, at which opportunity he would dart in through the door, run through the house, up the stairs, and hide under my parents’ king size bed.

Then we would spend a good deal of time trying to coax out Razz, who never came, until we would be trying to pull him out, which usually involved some scratching or teeth. Suffice it to say, I have not-the-fondest memory of cats.

Fast forward 25 years. When Peter and I moved to the country, we talked briefly about getting a “mouser.” Our slowness to act was partly because 1. I had bad memories of cats, and 2. I had enough small mouths to feed with just my little kids. Then we discovered that we had foxes, owls, a snake, hawks, and plenty of other wildlife to control any rodent population that might consider taking up residence.

Everything went fine until we did construction 2 years ago and put in a pool. The owl left. The foxes left. Thankfully, the snake left. Apparently, the heavy machinery was not their style. We were sad to see them go. So far, everything but the owl and the snake have returned.

Then we had flood season in the country this spring, and they water rose in the dike nearby, and one night I went in the garage and saw a RAT. I was petrified. I had never seen a rat this big (think R.O.U.S.) and it was vertically scaling a wall like nobody’s business. I screamed and ran inside. Peter was thrilled and ran to get a gun. I guess we see things differently.

That’s when the cat talk got serious.

Next thing I know I am at the pet store with Hannah, choosing a spayed, female, shelter cat. I spent $50. In return I got a mousehead every morning for the first few days (she ate the rest of the body), plenty of slain lizards, and not a trace of a rat since May 24, 2011 (the date of acquisition).

Here is Snow. We love her.

Then we noticed that another cat seemed to be visiting a lot. It was a Siamese cat, who helped itself to Snow’s food in the garage, via the cat door, and was extremely arrogant. Let’s just say I wasn’t thrilled. Dumb cat! Don’t you know we only have “service animals” here? Stealing our poor, innocent, mouse-killing cat’s food! Go find another home! We could see it had a collar, but when we tried to get near her she just took off.

Then one day Peter was in the garage attempting to rebuild a very sad weed-eater. He thought he heard mewing, but ignored it.

We went out that night. We saw a play. When we got home, we were greeted with this letter from Hannah.

Here is the transcription:

Dear Mommy,
We have KITTENS in our garage! Mr. Siamese is now officially Mrs. Siamese! Now we have two cats - and one being SIAMESE! The one I saw was a gray-and-white bicolor. Papa saw two different ones.
Love, Hannah
P.S. I told you spaying was ridiculous.

Suddenly, we have 3 kittens. So cute! Even though I can’t stand to touch a cat, these were so CUTE!

So Mr. Siamese is really Mrs. Siamese. She’s nursing the kittens. Awfully cute…I’m sure someone is looking for this cat and her babies.

This goes on for a few days, and Mrs. Siamese gets used to us, and lets Hannah pet her enough for Hannah to get a look at her collar – which has no tags. What?! OK, we’ll care for her since she’s nursing. We put out lots of food and water. I remember what nursing is like – you eat and drink a lot!

I asked Hannah if the Siamese and her kittens have names. I suggest Marie, Berlioz, and Toulouse, the names of the kitties in the movie The Aristocats. (French names sound so exotic, you know.) She replies that she’s afraid to name them because she doesn’t want to get too attached in case we have to return them to someone. Wow, I think to myself, that is a mature thought for my 8 year old.

The next morning she tells me the kittens are named Nicole, Olivia, and Penelope. She then proceeds to write a hilarious letter to her pen-pal and close friend, Kiah, on the way to church.

Here is the letter.

Here is the transcription in case you can’t read it.

Dear Kiah,
It turn[s] out we have three kittens! The owner hasn't shown up yet, so I have found some names that I like: and here they are: Nicole, Olivia, and Penelope. You won't believe how Mommy was "Oh, how cute" she said, "Oh, Hannah, I just want to have another baby just to see them!" (My number one and deluxe excuse for spaying.) The big girl's name is Edith. Get it? We named them to spell this: NOPE!
Love, Hannah

N.O.P.E.?

I'm not making this up! I couldn't.

That was Sunday. Monday brought us 3 more kittens.

My parents rolled in the gate with their windows down, and noticed hawks crying and circling the wood pile. As they slowed down, they heard loud mewing. They told the kids playing outside to check the woodpile, that the kittens had somehow gotten out of the garage.

Yes, there were 3 more. When we retrieved them and put them “back” the original three popped out of their hideout in the garage. They are the same size, and same set of markings. They’ve got to be Mrs. Siamese’s kittens as well. When she returned from her prowling around, she started nursing them all.

Folks, today is Tuesday, and I have 8 cats. Less that 2 months ago, I had no cats. I am not a cat person! Still I found myself at Petsmart today, buying kitten food, and inquiring about spaying and neutering. The last thing I need is even one more cat. Did you know that it costs around $350 to spay or neuter just one single cat? I have seven that need it! I guess Peter and I are going to have to figure this out ASAP.

Somehow chickens are so much easier.

P.S. Any name suggestions for the newest three are appreciated. Something to go with the letters N.O.P.E. would be good.

Inspirational Cooking

2011-07-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

What's for dinner tonight? Tonight we're having Pizza Braids. I'm kind of excited about it. I'm embarrassed to say that I'm in my 30's and have just for the first time attempted to make whole wheat pizza crust from scratch. It just seems like something every good housewife should be able to do. It's rising nicely right now. I'll admit, I totally faked the whole kneading thing and watched a video on YouTube to see how it's done. I know my mom taught me this skill, but it's been a while...

One thing I've realized about myself is that I am not a great cook. My family doesn't complain, they eat happily, but let's just say I have a long way to go towards gourmet. I would love to be a gourmet cook. I always tell Peter that I want to take some cooking classes, or just go to one or two of his CLE courses where they have classes like that for bored spouses, but I don't have time to take a class, and even if I could go to his courses with him, what would I do with the kids while I went to the class?

Today, I just had fun in the kitchen. My mom took the girls to her house for some special time with Mimi, and I had just the boys here. Two of them were sleeping(!) so it was just Daniel and me in the kitchen. He sat there eating every scrap I would toss at him, and I made dough, cut up pizza fixings, etc. We chatted and I created. It really helps to have a friend in the kitchen! Often times, Hannah helps me cook, but it seems like I have at least 4 others in there with us, and I'm on such alert to make sure that someone doesn't pour an entire box of baking soda into something or give the baby eggshells that I'm just focused on safety instead of the love of cooking.

I have my friend Jenn at The Sassy Chicken to thank for her post about pizza braids. She also linked another site that is really inspirational, For the Love of Cooking. If I could just cook like that woman, OR take photos like she does, I would be really, really happy. I love cooking with fresh, organic ingredients that are ripe in that season. Tonight's pizza braids are getting cilantro from my herb garden.

I hope it turns out!

I'm Ga-Ga Over My Attorney!

2011-04-12T14:58:00.001-07:00

I just want you all to know that today is International Be Kind to Lawyers Day. I love how their website says that this unsung holiday is strategically placed between April Fools Day (April 1), and Tax Day (April 15). It's very appropriate. And since my husband is an attorney, and both of our fathers are attorneys, I'm singing out "Happy International Be Kind to Lawyers Day!"

Check this website for more information, or as they say "For press inquiries, please call (314) 821-8700 or simply stick your head out your window and shout, "I'm ga-ga over my attorney!"

I love this. Here is how you can participate:

The best part of INTERNATIONAL BE KIND TO LAWYERS DAY is that you're the judge of exactly how much you participate. Here is a brief list of idea starters to get your legal kindness flowing.

- Take your favorite lawyer out to breakfast or lunch (make sure it's not billable!).

- Send your lawyer a "just because" greeting card or a bouquet of flowers.

- Switch your ring tone to the "dah-dah" sound from NBC's "Law & Order."

- Abstain from telling lawyer jokes for 24 hours.

- If you can't abstain, tell your funniest lawyer joke but switch out the lawyer with your profession. (I bet it's still funny.)

- If you accidentally say something wrong or inappropriate on this day, just follow it up with the words, "Strike that from the record." Then continue talking as if nothing happened.

- Salute the flag as you walk or drive by your local courthouse.

- Watch your favorite legal drama and pretend you're the one delivering the powerful closing argument. Some suggested films: "The Verdict," "To Kill A Mockingbird," "A Few Good Men" and "With Justice For All."

- Do some simple repairs around the house with a gavel instead of your trusty hammer.

- Try to slip words like "I object!" or "You're out of order!" into your everyday conversations.

- Try to write up your own Articles of Organization for an LLC or draft your own will. See? It's harder than it looks.

- Take notes at a meeting on a legal pad. Don't you just feel smarter looking at the glorious yellow hue of that 8-1/2" x 14" pad?

- Go ahead, be creative. What are some ways you can be kind to lawyers today? Be sue to let us know so that we can add your ideas to our list.

Entertainment Weekly posted their list of the Top 15 On-Screen Lawyers. What do you think? http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20189419,00.html

The Listmaker Turns Illustrator

2011-01-25T14:56:00.000-08:00

If you know our family, you have probably already guessed by the title who this post features. Yep, the oldest daughter.

She is a listmaker. She likes to know what the rules are. She likes to make the rules. A word to the wise...she doesn't always play by the rules. At a recent Scrabble match, I couldn't figure out how she came up with so many uber creative words when she would occasionally let me see her tile bar, until a few Scrabble tiles slipped out of the edge of her sleeve onto the table! Hannah!

She also took the initiative to surreptitiously hide every last one of her father's birthday presents earlier this month. She did however, make a very nice treasure map for him to locate each present in the house. Then she hung it on the mantle so he could reference it easier. Thoughtful, eh? Notice that we still have no front teeth. (I love this.)

Here is something I found recently in a construction paper notebook. It is a list of school rules, complete with illustrations. I'm not going to post all the artwork, because it takes a long time to upload.

Here's the list of rules...

...and illustrations...

...and translation:

Class Room [Rules:]

1. No fancy ribbons on your pant buckles.

2. No smoking allowed!

3. No reading books except at storytime.

4. No eating or drinking except for an experiment.

5. No alcohol.

6. No high heels.

7. No play swords.

8. No pets.

9. No playing instruments until music time.

10. Do not play or splash the paint.

11. No reading books snuggled into school books.

12. Boys: No bullying.

13. Girls: No bragging about your dresses.

14. No night lights allowed.

15. No funny noises.

16. Sorry, we do not take visitors.

17. Don't wear club shirts.

You'd think our school was run like the military! I don't know where she gets this stuff. I'm just her mom.

Table Manners

2010-12-02T15:54:00.000-08:00

I think we're the only family out there who hasn't mastered table manners, but we're working on it.

The other night we were correcting one child's table manners, and Hannah exclaimed "There are SOOO many rules! I just can't keep track of them all!"

It wasn't long afterward that I found the following posted on the wall next to the table. Apparently, she made a list of as many things as she could think of.

Here is a transcription:

TABLE RULES
1. Children (12 and under) cannot talk [when food is] on their plate.
2. No interrupting.
3. No touching the mirror.
4. No water spitting.
5. No talking with your mouth full.
6. No eating fork foods with your hands.
7. No food playing.
8. The one you touch is the one you take.
9. Toddlers (3 and under) cannot pour liquid.
10. No complaining about your food.
11. Don't add too much salt and butter.
12. Ask for everything you get.
13. Say please and thank you.
14. If you might fall asleep, excuse yourself.
15. No toys except centerpieces.
16. No books except centerpieces.
17. No teasing.
18. No burping.
19. Chew with your lips closed.
20. Keep babies older than nine months in a high chair.
21. No nursing at the table.
22. No being rude.
23. No mocking.
24. Don't steal food.
25. No hitting.

Does she have a career in law, law enforcement, or politics ahead of her?

Best Friends

2010-10-17T21:06:00.001-07:00

Tonight while doing the dishes, Hannah asked Daniel "Do you have a best friend?"

Somehow this was not a question I had ever thought to ask my 6 year old boy. I knew that Hannah had a best friend, but she's a girl. It's different.

There was a long pause.

"Daniel, did you hear the question?" I asked

"Yes."

"Buddy, who is your best friend?" Hannah asked again

"Is it Hannah?" I asked, thinking that he had probably never thought about it himself.

Another long pause.

And then, as if it had just dawned on him, he said quietly "Caleb."

And my heart melted. It's a dream come true to have your children call each other best friends, especially when the one asked is speaking of their 4 year old little brother. I only wish that Caleb had been in the room to hear when Daniel said it. Caleb absolutely loves Daniel and looks up to him, copying him in everything. It is a beautiful evening here. My heart is still warm.

Peace, Dude.

2010-10-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

I've gotten a number of emails from people from readers far and hear about a post I wrote a few months ago that mentioning a biblical way to help your children resolve their own differences. I've been responding individually, because I didn't know how to insert a link until today. I just spent several minutes of desperate searching, and of course, found it totally easy - as long as you think like Blogger. Anyway, let me know if the links don't work.

I had originally seen a link by a friend on Facebook to a post to Raising Olives, and I went over to investigate. Folks, I am barely making it with 5 kids, so I figure if a woman has 8 kids and she finds the time to blog and run her family too, she must be worth a few minutes of reading! In this case, I think it was a providential find, as I was really blessed by her post about Solving Sibling Squabbles. (If I'm doing overkill on the links, it's because I'm trying to repeat the process a few times so I don't forget.)

By way of update on the results of our using a Biblical approach to help our children solve their differences, I can tell you that it has really worked for our 6 and 7 year old children, and to some extent with our 4 year old. Conflicts between our 6 and 7 year old kids are being resolved regularly without parental oversight. Conflicts between either the 6 or 7 year old with a 4 year old sometimes need a little oversight. Conflicts that involve the 2 year old ALWAYS need oversight, because well, toddlers don't reason very well. I honestly think that is just a developmental issue, and that they'll get it as long as we teach them, and stick with it.

Peace, Dude. Let me know how it goes.

Daddy and the Toe Volcano

2010-08-29T16:00:00.001-07:00

This is the story of Daddy and the Toe Volcano, which could also be called "Peter, the Best Daddy in the World."

This morning Daniel came into our room with a very bloody big toe. Apparently, he had a corner of his toenail too long, and it had snapped backwards, but not snapped off. He was tough, and wanted a bandaid. It was gross.

I turned away at the sight of it. I set him on the counter by the sink to wash it, but I was just plain repulsed, so I asked if Daddy wanted to help. Daddy came up, and he turned away in horror too. It looked painful. He told Daniel that we were going to need to put some hydrogen peroxide on it.

"Will it hurt, Daddy?" Daniel asked.

"Maybe a little, just a sting, while it gets the bad bacteria out." Peter replied.

"Not as bad as a bee sting, Buddy." I added.

"Yes, and it will do some foaming...like a volcano!" Peter said.

And that is when the crisis became fun, like 'a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.' Thank goodness for Peter.

Yesterday was Daniel's 6th birthday. We only have friend birthday parties every 3rd year for each kid (3,6,9...) and this was Daniel's year. He had his volcano birthday party yesterday. He and Papa spent a week making a very awesome volcano which they had erupt during the party, and we had rootbeer floats that ran over instead of birthday cake.

So when Daddy mentioned the possibility of a toe volcano, it was like he had suddenly been BLESSED with this injury!

Peter gingerly put the peroxide on his toe. It foamed up nastily, complete with Daddy making volcano sound effects. Daniel got in on the sound effects. And before we knew it, the toe volcano had erupted, and was done.

"Can we do it again later, Daddy?" he asked.

"Yes, probably twice a day, until it is safe enough to trim the nail. We'll keep it covered with a bandaid in between times." Peter said.

It made me so glad to be his wife. I would have never thought of that! I'm sure he is the best Daddy in the world.

Hot Dog

2010-08-06T09:58:00.001-07:00

Last night during dinner Hannah looked up and exclaimed "There's a four- footed animal on our property!" Since we don't have any animals with 4 feet, I ran to window to get a look.

This is what we saw. Some neighbor's dog wandered in the gate and was taking a swim in the pond. That's one hot dog. When I took the picture he just looked at me like "Thanks for having this pool, lady. I needed it!" Then he jumped out and headed out the gate. There is never a dull moment here.

When Peter got home from I told him about it and he wanted to know if I had turned the waterfall on to scare him out (the switch for the waterfall is in the house). Why didn't I think of that? Not that I wanted to scare him away, but it would have been pretty funny to see the dog's response!

2010-07-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Abby is 21 months now, and is a bundle of joy. This morning my heart melted when we were having our family worship time, and she volunteered "I want be wise!...I want make Mommy Daddy happy!"

As much as my heart is so pleased that she wants to by wise, and to please her father and mother, I couldn't help thinking of how it would make God happy if we as adults were striving to "Be wise! Make Heavenly Father happy!"

Recently, Peter and I have struggled with how to steer our children towards sibling harmony. The 7 seater minivan is full, and we're just going to have to learn to get along in that amount of space for the time being. As a parent, I've felt like I'm just stumbling around in the dark trying to figure out how to get family harmony back.

Then I saw a blog that I've never seen before and it was talking about applying principles from Matthew 18:15-17 to peacemaking within a family. I showed it to Peter, and we both wondered why we had never thought of it ourselves. I don't feel qualified to go into much depth on it right now, because I'm still trying to figure out myself, but the next morning we read Matthew 18 for our family devotions, and talked about settling conflicts between siblings peaceably and biblically. We even did some role playing, which the kids found both funny and helpful.

Then this morning Abby declares that she wants to be wise, even if just to please us. Talk about out of the mouths of babes...They teach me so much.

Samuel

2010-07-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

Another photo album by Smilebox

Here are some photos of our precious boy. You will need to maximize the screen to see it correctly. Samuel is the perfect addition to our family!

Dirty Laundry

2010-06-21T11:41:00.000-07:00

Whoa Nelly!!! Let's just say a lot has happened since I last blogged. For starters, we had a baby, and he's now more than 6 weeks old. His name is Samuel Lorne, a family name on Peter's side of the family. It really doesn't do him justice to write without putting a picture of how adorable he is, so I'll have to write again and post pictures - when I am home.

Today - I am not. I am actually nextdoor at my parents' house (they are out of town - hope we can keep it clean!) with my 5 kids, and 4 loads of laundry, because my washing machine has stopped. Believe it or not, I actually packed up the car with the hampers and children and drove next door, because it was too much for me to ferry back and forth by myself. I'm sitting here enjoying the sounds and smells of clothes being washed, while letting the bigger kids watch Bob the Builder, and the little kids play next to me. Abby is systematically emptying every toy consisting of 30 pieces or more, and Samuel is contently watching a singing frog light up, because that's about all a newborn can be entertained with.

Things are so busy here. Sometimes I try to estimate when things will slow down and be more manageable, and so far I'm coming up with something when I'm in my forties. Please tell me it will be sooner! Life with 5 is not much more complicated than life with 4, except for nursing and nap schedules. Life without my washing machine is significantly more complicated by having #5 though, as he creates a lot of dirty laundry, besides our regular laundry for small children living in the country (read "dirt"), and an increasing volume of pool towels (which is a good thing).

Aside from increased laundry and the inability to wash it, the only thing I had not forseen about having another family member is that our car has shrunk. We have a very fine Honda Oddyssey that seats 7. I love this car, and that's saying something for someone who very reluctantly went from a really fun little Acura to a Mommy mini-van. Last night we had a very serious talk about a full-size van. This is the one change I am having trouble with. We can't get an SUV (we already shopped them), because we have so many car seats that we would have to take at least one out every time we wanted to go anywhere, just to climb into the back seat. As much as I am reluctant to have a giant van, that's too much inconvenience even for me. After taking a 4 hour trip yesterday (2 hours each way), a van is looking REAL GOOD. There is just no room left in there, and the kids need a little bit of space. Caleb finally fell asleep - on Hannah. She shoved him off, he started crying, and this woke up Samuel. The chain reaction continued until I think all 7 of us had weighed in on the issue. Yes, I need a van, and a washing machine.

The repairman will be here late this afternoon. I won't be here then, so I'm hoping he can fix it without needing any more information. Peter thinks I just wore it out. I looked up the average life expectancy for washers (no actuarial tables, just the web) and it said with an average of 400 washes per year they will last approximately 14 years. Ours is 7 years old, but I think I wash approximately 650-700 loads per year. Hmmm...We'll see what the repairman says.

Well, I must dash off now and make some lunch for the happy crowd. It's nice to be out of the house for a few hours, blogging and listening to my baby coo. I don't even mind have 4 loads to fold, because it is CLEAN laundry. How nice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Labor - by Hannah, age 7

2010-05-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

1. Have the baby get ready
2. Get ready
3. Have the kids get ready
4. Tell the baby he's almost ready
5. Tell the children about labor
6. Check baby sup[p]lies
7. Decide what to pack
8. Pile packing things
9. Check the things you need
10. Correct anything needed
11. Check it off!
12. Start commanding
13. Settle unkindness
14. Settle any argu[e]ments
15. Tell baby to be still
16. Tell kids to be quiet
17. Stop any contractions
18. Say goodbye and kiss/hug
19. Take out suitcases
20. Pack for the hospital
21. Drive to the hospital
22. Labor

Glad we got that settled now...

Your Ways or My Ways?

2010-04-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

The past couple of days have not gone according to my plan. Yesterday we woke up to find all of our hens had been killed by something (probably a raccoon), and the chicks are missing. Not only was it disappointing and frustrating to all of us, but it was a major cause of grief to one little girl here in the house who cried for probably 2 hours. On the practical side, we ended up not even cracking open a book for school because trying to bury 4 hens in the rain, with mud up to my ankles, kids crying and mud flying, and chickens in various pieces is not real easy when you are only 2 weeks out from your due date, and you're digging through the contractions. Ugh. All the kids - and me - had to have a bath or shower immediately following.

Then today I got Peter out the door for work, and promptly came down with a migraine headache. Thank goodness my parents are nearby and were available to come and read quietly while I waited for some pretty powerful coffee to hit my head and clear my vision. When I could finally see and walk around again, I sent the kids outside and they got literally stuck in the mud. My mom went outside just in time to find Daniel with a hoe about to "chip" Hannah and Caleb out of the mud. Caleb was truly stuck in something like quicksand mud and could not move. Thank goodness my mom rescued him from what would certainly have been bloodied ankles, as he mysteriously decided to wear his crocs into the mud, instead of rain boots. Again, no school today.

Then again, the last few months have not been according to my plan. In December, the Monday after Christmas, my Nana became suddenly so sick that she was hospitalized. She never went home. She went to a convalescent home, and made it 6 weeks - dying on Valentine's Day. Largely due to the stress of her passing, but also many other factors, before she was even buried the next week I went into preterm labor at 29 weeks. Not good. I was put on medication to stop my labor and told to rest. Rest? Dr.'s orders - the Dr. is crazy! Who rests when they have a houseful like mine? I tried resting. We did school while I laid down on the couch every day. I gave up having a tidy home for having a healthy baby. Our wonderful church came to rescue with meals to keep us going.

Then I got sick. It is not easy when Mommy is sick. 3 weeks of not being able to keep anything in. Finally we discovered that I was allergic to the anti-contraction medication! We stopped that quickly, and I just went on more strict bedrest. We made it. I'm 38+ weeks now - and still pregnant.

Now that I am full term, I am super healthy and ready - and he's not coming out. The irony of it all! Do I need to learn this much flexibility Lord?

Then today I was resting (Mommy's maxim "When the kids rest - Mommy rests!") and I remembered Isaiah 55:8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Oh how true. His ways are not my ways. If I had my way, Nana would not have died a painful death. If I had my way I would have sailed through this pregnancy. If I had my way there would be no mud outside!

But I'm glad that His ways are prevailing. There are some wonderful moments to be remembered these past few months. Reminiscing with my mother, while we cleaned out my Nana's apartment. Watching Daniel insist on being the first to eulogize Nana at the viewing service ("That's my Nana," he said, grabbing the microphone and pointing a long bony 5 year old finger, "and she is...DEAD! She's not moving because...she is DEAD!"). Working with Hannah on her memory work, and listening to her share her heart with me. Potty training Caleb. Watching Abby become more than a tummy on legs - but a little person - with lots of fun personality. Reading endless books on the couch. Cuddling on the couch with Peter while we talk about the day each evening, watching God's plan unfold. Learning to trust that God's ways ARE really better and higher than mine.

Yes, it has been a rough couple of months. I'm hoping we are nearing the end of the challenges.

But even if we are just beginning, I think I'm starting to get it. His ways are not mine - they are better. It's going to be OK. Actually, it's not going to be OK, it's going to be better than I could imagine. I have hope, because I know the Giver of Hope, and He's good on His word. May He be glorified through my life - even today.

I don't want the IPad, but what do I want?

2010-04-14T13:11:00.000-07:00

I checked out the IPad to see if that is something that would work for me. Unfortunately, it comes short in a lot of areas. But it set me thinking: if I had the ideal electronic thingy, what would it do? That is what this post is about. I think there may be something out there that could accomplish this, but maybe not in as small of a form factor as I want. Here's the list:

1. Small form factor, but not too small. I like the netbook weight, but maybe slightly bigger screen.
2. I want a real keyboard, but the option of turning the monitor around into a tablet like the Lenovo Thinkpad Tablet X200 (that may end up being my answer to all of this, but it is kind of heavy).
3. Both WWAN and Wifi built in. And it would really be nice if the software for connecting was not clunky (See Verizon's VZAccess software), but connected automatically, unless it was turned off.
4. Any document that I might need or e-mail that I need to read/answer would be available. This is not as much about the device as about my own system, but I think it could happen. I think the Google e-mail system is the closest I have seen to this so far. I'm testing out Sugarsync for document availability and so far it seems to be working pretty well. So, I think I may be close. But I'm having a hard time letting go of MS Exchange. It's working really well for me right now and I hate to kick out something that is working, just to get something that might work better . . . or worse, much worse.
5. I would love for it to boot up fast, but I'm not sure if it is worth it to give up the features that come with a full-featured operating system.
6. I also want enough storage so that I could store a substantial amount of files in the event I was somewhere without internet access. By substantial, I'm talking about 100 gig worth of files.

So, there you have it. If you see it, let me know.

What They're Saying

2010-02-09T22:14:00.000-08:00

Hannah...Today in ballet while doing "butterfly" warm-ups, the instructor asked each girl where they were "flying" to. Typical answers were things like "Grandma's house," "Disneyland," "my friend's house," etc. Until we get to Hannah. "Hannah, where are you flying today?" Without skipping a beat we hear "I'm flying to a meeting house in Spain where we are meeting to discuss taking back Mexico as one of our own." Totally random...

Daniel...Today in choir the director began to clean the white board. All of a sudden Daniel blurts out "Watch out for those DANGEROUS CHEMICALS!!!" All the parents giggled. Mrs. Clark tried to assuage his fears by explaining that it is only water by flipping the bottle around and reading the label - in Spanish. Now my Spanish isn't great, but even I was able to understand the "flammable" warning! As if this isn't enough, a girl in the front row began to freak out over the whole idea and started yelling "I need safety goggles!" It caused quite such a stir that the director just abandoned cleaning the board altogether. Sorry about that Mrs. Clark! Daniel also got to sing a little solo this morning. She gave him the microphone, but he certainly did NOT need it. This guy has got lung power.

Caleb...speaking of singing, he has the sweetest singing voice. I just melt whenever he sings. But on to the real news: Caleb has recently become potty trained! Do I hear shouts of relief and gratefulness? (Oh wait, that's me.) This is nothing short of an answer to prayer! God knew that his mommy NEEDED this to happen. He is doing great! He also became aware of one big lack in his life this past weekend. Peter took me out on a date, but Caleb wanted to come along. I explained that it was just for Mommy and Daddy and that when he got married he could take his wife out for a date. "Oh no!" he exclaimed "I don't have a wife!" Not yet little one, not yet...

Abby...thinks she is a big kid. She tries to keep up with the bigger kids and she's pretty good at it. It helps that she has a very large vocabulary for a 16 month old. She is especially fond of bath time, raisins, and making messes. She is our little delight.

Did I mention yet that Baby #5 is on the way? He is apparently destined to be a soccer player. We haven't heard any words from him yet, but if he's anything like the rest of us, he'll have a lot to say.

Mad Libs

2010-01-11T22:20:00.001-08:00

Today I found some Mad Libs filled out by Hannah, who apparently didn't know that you are supposed to do it with a friend and fill in the blanks without knowledge of the scenario. What's so funny is that I think she put in what was most logical in her little girl mind... I'll retype it here, with her words inserted in all caps:

"Love Letter"

My DEAR darling, I love you more than EARTH itself. Each minute away from you is a/an HOUR, each hour a/an LONG eternity.

I can't stop thinking about the color of your CAT, the way you wear your DRESS, the way you toss your BALL. This morning, when the mail TRUCK brought your special delivery BOX, my HEART skipped a beat, my HEART was in my throat, and my DOG trembled so much, I could hardly SEE your HOUSE. What you said set my HOUSE on fire! Do write again. Until then, I love you from the bottom of my FEET.

I will LOVE you always,

HANNAH

Seven

2010-01-01T15:58:00.000-08:00

My Dear Hannah,

Today is your last day of being six years old. Today I watched you skip outside while heartily blowing a harmonica with carefree abandon. It brought tears to my eyes to see what a big girl you've become, and how lovely you are becoming.

I remember - as if it were yesterday - going to the hospital 7 years ago today to give birth. I remember crying in the Doctor's office a few days before that I thought I would be eternally pregnant, and you would never come out! The doctor assured me that "Chance of baby coming out: 100%!" It seems so silly now, but even now as I'm pregnant I can imagine one of those kicks to feel like it was yours.

Right now I can hear a happy harmonica outside. I think of how much joy you have brought Daddy and me! We named you Hannah Joy, because #1 Hannah was the first and only name that we liked at the time (and it means "Grace") and #2 We just 'knew' you would be our joy - and you are! Only you know exactly where that silly tickle spot is on my neck, because it is the same on yours. Only you can amaze us with reciting your history cards - something like 150 events in history from creation to Henry V now - in perfect order. Only you could teach yourself to read.Only you would be so stubborn to refuse to be potty trained until YOU were ready! I could go on and on...You make us smile, my dear!

Tomorrow is your birthday, and we will celebrate seven wonderful years of you. Only you would choose pink peppermint cupcakes - because you knew that I always wanted that when I was your age. I'm looking forward to relishing them with you and going to the snow and having a snowball fight!

I love spending time with you. This year I think we should: have more tea parties, play dress-up together, swim every day in the summer, sing really loud together (like Daniel), try and talk Daddy into a trip to Disneyland, and of course do lots of fun school. (Only you would think school is just for fun!) Your interests are so varied! You are the keeper of random facts! You are the memorizer of everything that I can never remember! You are my ballerina girl who I have to make sure who I have to make sure I get you out of your leotard before you go play in the mud! I thought Uncle Andy summarized you well at Thanksgiving when he said "She is the perfect blend of tomboy and girly-girl."

Most of all, you are a gift from God. If there is one thing I hope you remember about me when some day I am gone, it is that I loved you, every single minute of every single day - even when I had to discipline you. You are such a gift and a joy.

I love you sweet girl!

Mommy

Dangerous Toilet Incident - or - Another Reason I Love Being My Kids' Mommy

2009-10-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

This afternoon there was a loud crash during quiet time. I dropped my project and went running down the hall as I heard a gasp for air followed by a moan and LOUD crying. Apparently ___________ (name withheld because someday they are going to be as embarrassed as all get out), took an "extended potty visit" and - fell asleep on the toilet. The crash was what happened when said anonymous child (hereinafter "SAC") fell on the floor headfirst, pants down, and was then very confused, somewhat embarrassed, hurting, and altogether not happy about such a rude awakening.

Grateful that the bathroom door was not locked, I rushed in, scooped up SAC, helped them get dressed again, and soothed lots of tears in the process. Then I carried SAC to the couch, and with lots of cuddles, SAC fell asleep in my arms for the rest of quiet time.

As I lay there trying not to giggle I couldn't help thinking that someday this will be a special memory, because SAC rarely naps anymore, and never on Mommy. It was one of those times I love, a funny moment when only Mommy can save the day.

But if you're ever staying at our house, please try to stay awake in the bathroom.

The Lesson in Caleb's Waffles

2009-10-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

We usually have waffles on Wednesdays here. Lest you think I am a domestic diva who actually takes real time to make homemade waffles on a school morning, I will qualify that to explain that we have warmed up frozen Eggo waffles with store bought smoothie yogurt on top on Wednesdays, because beginning readers like the alliteration of "Waffles on Wednesday!"

Our toaster oven (not the drop-in kind) comfortably fits 3 round waffles, and bulges the door open with 4. With 5 people eating the waffles, you can imagine that there is often some wait time involved...

Here is what I heard:

Caleb: Mommy, may I please have more waffles?

Me: Yes, Caleb. They're cooking right now.

(No more than 4 seconds later) Caleb: Mommy, can I please have more waffles?

Me: Of course, Caleb. They're cooking right now. Would you like to watch for the light to go off?

Caleb: No, I would like another waffle.

Me: OK, just wait while they're cooking.

Caleb: Mommy, may I please have another waffle?

And so it went on and on, for the entire 2 minutes it takes for a waffle to toast.

Aaaaaahhhh! I thought, after going through this every 4 seconds. Just listen to me! I WANT you to have waffles! I'm cooking them as we speak! You must be patient!

And then it dawned on me...How often is this the way I pray to God? I keep telling Him over and over what I need. Like He doesn't know. Like He hasn't anticipated my need before I even spoke it - the first time - just like I put those crazy waffles in before Caleb even finished his previous waffle. Like He doesn't care - even more than I care to feed my precious children!

How many times do I think I know what I need, and that I need it NOW. Maybe He's just cooking it all up as I speak?! Maybe He's already got it ready, and He's just waiting for ME to be ready?! It's OK to learn to be patient isn't it? He knows best!

On the other hand, I think He wants us to ASK Him for what we need and/or want. When my children want something from me, I want them to ask, and ask politely and respectfully. Around here, demanding gets you nothing but a big fat NO from Mommy. I'm sure God is more gracious than I am, but I'm also convinced that even though He knows our need and has prepared all good things from before the beginning of time, He wants us to ASK Him, and do it respectfully.

As the waffles toasted and my mind warmed all these thoughts, I took the time to speak my thoughts to the kids. They looked at me with their glazed look of "Mom is spouting on her soapbox again, and all we want are waffles," but I'm praying that someday it will mean something to them. Maybe someday they will want to be married, and God hasn't brought the right spouse into their lives yet. He's not necessarily saying NO, but maybe "Wait while the waffles are cooking! You don't want soggy waffles anyway!" Maybe it will be something else, I don't know.

But in the meantime kids, don't fret the wait. In the end, it won't seem that it was so long of a wait after all.

Giving God a Try

2009-09-12T21:33:00.001-07:00

Daniel recently turned 5, and is totally delightfully 100% boy. Peter and I have nicknamed him "Pig Pen" (although he and the other kids don't know) because he is happiest in the dirt. He can hardly wait to get out the door in the morning, and loves to help outdoors at any time, regardless of whether it is 110 outside or pleasant. He is a boy with a wheelbarrow, a rake, and a shovel, and he's on a mission. Earlier this week I told him to go play outside and he actually implored me "No Mommy! Please! I can't just PLAY! Give me some work! I need a job!!!" So I acquiesced with a muffled chuckle and sent him outside to rake the pine needles off the grass. What a kid!

Even more of a marvel is to see in him how his faith in God is growing. When he prays, he prays with fervency, with what can only be termed "childlike faith" to God, who (obviously to Daniel) is really listening and acting on Daniel's behalf. If only the rest of the world could see it as clearly as he does!

Recently Daniel has had some bad dreams at night, and has been afraid to go to sleep in the dark. He wants his nightlight, songs to be sung, each member of the family to pray for him, etc. It is precious, but still concerning.

So last night he started panicking again, and Peter told him to go back to his room and HE ask God to protect him from bad dreams. The look on Daniel's face was priceless, like 'Do you think He would Dad?' Peter went back with him to tuck him in and listen to his prayers, but the sweetest thing was that he announced "OK. I'll give God a try!"

With that, he promptly went to sleep and slept like a baby through the night.

Tonight when it was bedtime he wasn't afraid at all.

"Do you want to pray and ask God to protect you from bad dreams Buddy?" I asked

"Yes. I already did."

"Did God protect you last night? Did you decide if you can trust God?" I queried

"Yes. I can trust Him. He takes care of me."

Ah, the peace that passes understanding. If only we all had the faith of a child, in the one true omnicient, omnipresent, omnipotent God.

Not Really Needed After All?

2009-09-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

This morning Hannah announced to us that "the kids and I will be fine if you and Mommy die."

"Oh really?" Peter questioned

"Yes, because I can feed us all the food in the pantry. The only think I can't do yet is get money and get us places."

Just a few minor things...

2 x 6

2009-08-13T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hannah:

Was a flower girl last week in her Aunt Mary's wedding. She was lovely (of course), and gets the award for the best traveler in the kids group. She is a pro. She gets the gear in, sits down with the ipod, and kicks back for the flight.
Can hardly wait to start the next level of math, Math-U-See's "Gamma." Lest you think that she is boringly studious, let me assure you that although she is rip-roaring-ready to begin multiplication ("multiplicating" as she calls it), the real reason is that the book binding is PINK. How could they have known what a motivating factor that would be to a 6 year old girl? And what will happen when the boys are ready for that level?

Daniel:

Was the Hero of the Wedding. He wanted a job (Hannah had one...) but the ring bearer job was already taken. I told him that he had a special job to watch quietly and pray. He said that he would not, because he was going to be "The Hero!" Aunt Mary and I agreed that this was a fine job for him. Then he spent the entire weekend trying to figure out what The Hero should be doing. He finally landed on the idea that a hero is a gentleman, so he dashingly opened every door for every lady he could find. I tell you, this kid is a keeper!
Daniel gets the award for the cutest moment on the plane. He is learning to recognize words and logos, and while traveling quickly identified the words and logos for our carrier, American Airlines. You have to know that Daniel has an uncommonly loud and clear projecting capability (ie. when he was born he came out screaming so loud that even the doctor was shocked). So there he was on the plane identifying every American plane he saw. This got to be a problem at the Dallas airport, as it is their hub. "American!" he exclaimed, pointing long bony fingers, "American!" over and over and over again. It was very cute, and was only be topped by his breaking out into song as we taxied to the runway "American! American! [God shed His grace on thee....]" at which point everyone on the plane craned to see the 4 year old singer and the entire plane erupted in chuckles. That's my Daniel! At least he carries a tune well.

Caleb:

Has gone from being a constant drowning risk to a good swimmer! That is nothing short of an answer to prayer, and the work of a wonderful swim teacher. He is still our cuddly little guy.
Caleb gets the award for the wedding stopper. Just after the pastor asked the formal legal questions about if anyone knew any reason why they should not be married, Caleb blurts out "Hannah! NOOOOO!!!!!" Apparently, he had been irritating Hannah in the pew during the ceremony, and she had had enough and hauled off and slugged him hard! Peter was sitting there with Abby sleeping in his arms, trying to shush them. I was standing up in the front trying to look like nothing had just happened. It seemed like everyone in the world looked first at Caleb, then back at me to see my reaction. Thank goodness Aunt Mary thought it was funny! Sometimes parenting is so humbling...

Abby:

Gets the sweetness award. She is so endearing to everyone! She copies animal sounds when you read to her and watches your mouth and imitates sounds and words as she is able. Her four words are: Mama, Dada, Nigh-Night, and Bob (as in Bob the Builder, Daniel's newest obsession).
She has also turned into our speed-crawler. The bigger kids think she is so cute that they don't even mind when she crawls right through their toys on the floor. I hope that continues for the rest of their lives (but I doubt it).

Peter:

Gets the working-so-hard award. He is so diligent in his work, but he knows how and when to stop and play. He is so sweet too. I told him I was craving frozen yogurt while we were in Florida, and when we were in the airport he came back from walking the boys with a huge cup of Butter Pecan for me.
Has been doing the P90X exercise regimen for a some weeks now and is having great results. I tried doing the Ab Ripper with him one night and it wasn't easy! I'm sure I could never keep up with plyometrics (or whatever it is called) and most of the others! The whole "bring it!" mentality cracks me up, but I've got to respect Peter's stick-to-it-ness. I'm thankful that he doesn't do it every single day, and that he has some give in his diet too. He's looking great, and feeling good. I'm proud of him.

Debra:

Gets the brave traveler award. When we got to the airport to leave for Florida, Peter unloaded the car to so I could get in line, but there were no porters on the street! I ran to find someone and the security told me they were all busy just then. There were no carts around. So I circled the kids and told them that we were going to have to get all the gear in by ourselves. I swung two carseats onto my back, held a few carry-ons, and pushed Abby in the stroller. I had each of the 3 other kids pulling rolling suitcases and carrying things on their backs. Miraculously, we stayed together and got to our ticket counter, at which point a porter appeared to ask if we would like him to help. Yeah right, like I'm going to pay him something after I just herded (and "herded" is the best word) 4 kids, 3 suitcases, 2 carseats, 1 stroller, and 3 carry-ons into the line!
Is loving summer. We swim every day, and do school when we feel up to it. I especially love the stage that Abby is in right now. The whole world is there to explore! She is just so...adorable! I love being a wife and mother. It is a lot of work, but so rewarding. Peter had a lot of mommy duties this weekend, and after the wedding, he told me that being a mom was hard work. Yes, yes it is. I'm glad he can appreciate it!

Snapshot of a Day

2009-07-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up in the midst of a very vivid dream that I was back 11 years ago living in the orphanage in Russia. I could almost smell it in my dream. Totally wild! Long ago memories...

Then I realized what a beautiful day it was becoming outside and decided, with my eyes still closed, that today was a zoo day.

Fun Flexible Fridays. That's what we call them around here. On Fridays we do fun/education things that we never seem to make room for if we didn't have a designated day. We have French toast, play with friends, and try to do as many things that start with "F" as possible, only because Friday starts with an "F!"

In the car on the way to the zoo, this was part of our conversation:

Hannah: "Mom, you know what America has in common with Canada?"

Mommy: "Well, what do you have in mind?"

Hannah: "We both speak two languages, English, and another one. Canadians speak English and French, and we speak English and Spanish."

Mommy: Thinking that she must be a California girl..."Yes, that's true." Sort of...

Hannah: "And I speak some French, so if we go there, I'll talk for us!"

Mommy: Thinking it would be a lot more useful if she spoke Spanish like we're trying to learn "That's a great offer! So what French do you know?"

Hannah: "Merci."

Mommy: "Which means thank you."

Hannah: "Gallery."

Mommy: "I think that is an English word too. Did you learn that in Fancy Nancy?" (a book series)

Hannah: "Yes. And 'Paris.'"

Mommy: "Yes, the capital of France. Good!" Thinking that we'll be off to a great start when we visit Canada OR France!

Hannah: "And I know German too...Frau, and fraulein, and the difference between them."

Mommy: Thinking that reading Heidi and The Little Princess is teaching us SOMETHING! "Yes. Good! And you also know more French from ballet, like pas de deux..."

Hannah: "Yeah, and plie. And listen to this Mom 'ARABESQUE!'"

Mommy: "Very nice!"

And so we continue much the same way down the road until we zoo.

As we are walking up to the ticket counter I realize that I must be feeling good, because this is the first time I have ventured out to take all 4 of them out to the zoo with just myself as the one single adult watching them, and that I am outnumbered if they scatter and get lost.

Mommy: "Hannah, do you know your full name and our telephone number?"

Hannah: "Yes...." Recites it perfectly

Mommy: "And my full name too?"

Hannah: With a glance like 'I wasn't born yesterday Mom!' "Yes." Recites it perfectly.

Mommy: "Daniel, what is your full name?"

Daniel: "Daniel."

Mommy: "Is that all? What is your last name?"

Daniel: With a quizzing look recites it perfectly. Caleb chimes in to tell me his full name too.

Mommy: "Good boys! And my name? What is my name, Daniel?"

Daniel: This time with confidence "Washington, D.C.!!!"

Mommy: Hmmmmm....I guess I better keep a close eye on him...

So then we go into the zoo. So much fun! So much room to jump and run! We're being so obedient the first time, and so KIND to each other! This is great! Everyone is having such a great time!!! Here are some pictures to prove it.

My four, with the classic rule of "If someone two or more people are already looking pleasant AND at the camera, by no means shall everyone else comply." (Although they do all look pleasant!)

Mrs. Llama there for petting. Notice that this girl isn't flinching from the camera. I was truly face to face with this lady, and after noticing her lower teeth, I'm glad she's muzzled. She doesn't look pleased. Sorry Mrs. Llama! I'll take my bouncing brood out of here, really!
I'm thinking I should caption the above picture "Hope," because it shows caring and love between my two oldest, that I wish to see more and more. This is Hannah lifting Daniel down from the railing he was standing on to get the best view of the giraffes. Ah, today was a good day...
This is a bit fuzzy, but what trip would be complete without a visit to "Stingray Bay, A Touching Experience." Isn't that a great name? We, obviously, love it.

And one final picture: The Cute Baby. I think she really did have more fun than this photo shows, but you'll have to ask her personally.

Now to the rest of the day! The kids and I are rooting for pizza tonight. How else can you crown such a great day?

Catching Up

2009-07-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

Whew! Life has become a whirlwind! There is no way to fill in all the blanks since I last posted, but here are a few highlights:

We finished Hannah's butterfly project, watching and documenting the lifecycle of 10 painted lady butterflies, and reported on them at co-op. Co-op and ballet have both ended for the summer.

We went to San Diego to visit our cousins. It was our first distance trip with 4 little ones, and it was a success! Peter had a legal continuing education course, so the kids and I went to Legoland, the beach, etc. with our cousins. You should have seen Hannah at the beach. I think it took all of about 3 minutes for her to get completely soaking wet - in her cute little dress with capris - just as we were about to go out for lunch. Ah, the joys of abandon at the beach...

Back on the homefront, our pool was built and completed! It is beautiful and so refreshing, and just in time for the real heat. We could hardly wait for the water to go in. When the water eventually came (we had water trucks bring it in), we were all in the pool with the fire hoses. The men thought we were crazy.

We flew to Florida! We celebrated Peter's parents 40th wedding anniversary at a beach community where they used to go when Peter was growing up. They all said it was amazing the same as they remembered. Hannah once again showed us her magnetism to the ocean. She just about lived in the water the whole week. Daniel and Caleb eventually warmed up to it as well. Those boys were covered in salt and sand the entire time. Abby happily agreed to share all baby attention with the newest grandbaby in the family, the sweet Geneva Caroline. Daniel and Hannah had their first tennis lessons. We had such a great time that we are already trying to figure out if we can go back in a few years.

Once again we have attempted to potty train. I think I am going to go insane.

Here are few photos per Amy's request:

Abby, 9 months

Caleb, 3 years
(Did I mention how hot it was in FL? He's trying to stay cool just WATCHING a tennis match)

Daniel, age 4

Hannah, age 6

Daniel's first tennis lesson! He was so proud. (I was too.)

Peter and me

Kid Quotes of the Day - Caleb

2009-04-26T23:17:00.000-07:00

This morning as we were about ready to leave for church, Caleb was the first to head towards the car. Discovering that the door to the garage was still locked, he immediately cried out "Jesus, help me! Jesus, help me!" His prayer was immediately answered in the form of Mommy, so pleased that he knows who to cry out to when he's really stuck.

Then after dinner Caleb announced he was still hungry. I handed him a banana as I started to clear the dishes, and overheard him say "I love you banana!" before devouring it. Priceless moments with our 3 year old...

Abby's Big Day

2009-04-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day for the littlest one! She said her first word - with meaning - and I have witnesses. My heart is melting. It was "Mama." She kept looking at me and saying it over and over. I can't believe my 6 month old is talking.

71

2009-04-10T15:37:00.001-07:00

The 71 items on this table are what I found today hidden underneath or behind the furniture when I decided to vaccuum. Let it be known that vaccuuming is a regular occurrence at this home. But we have a Caleb, and he hides everything. At least I have an idea of where to look for things next time.

Score: - Raccoon: 2 - Peter: 0

2009-04-09T10:23:00.001-07:00

By the time I got back, the 'coon was gone. He was apparently able to lift a quite hefty side door. I had heard of the crafty nature of coons and was a little leery of leaving him there while I got a thunder stick. Next time, I am just going to get my knife out and whittle a sharp stick.

Vengeance is mine!

2009-04-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

So last night spomething killed two of our chickens. We thought it got in through a loose door, so we fixed that. Lo and behold, while eating dinner tonight he came back for more. I trapped him in the hen house and am on my way to the store to buy something to kill it. TNT might be a little too destructive and I am sure there is a waiting period, so I think we are looking at a pellet gun. - Peter
Sent from my Blackberry

Breakfast Conversation

2009-03-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

During breakfast this morning Daniel had a few questions:

Daniel: "Mommy, what does 'stubborn and rebellious' mean?"

Mommy: "Well, rebellious means that if I tell you to go to the bathroom and wash your hands, and you say 'NO! I will not!,' you are being rebellious. Stubborn means to get your mind set on something and then refuse to change your mind."

Daniel: Pauses..."Mommy, what does 'temporal values' mean?"

Mommy: (Wondering where he heard that term and how to explain it to a 4 year old...) "Well, it means to be concerned only with something that is not going to last, something temporary."

Daniel: "Oooooh. I don't want that. I want to have NOCTURNAL values!"

So cute. I love that he wants to have "eternal" values, but still doesn't know that right word for it. His heart is in the right place.

A Tale of Two Noses

2009-03-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

This morning during our family devotions both the boys both had runny noses.

Finally, Daniel springs up off the couch announcing that he getting a tissue. He grabs a kleenex and promptly wipes his nose over and over in a downward motion making a complete mess. Then he triumphantly puts the tissue back in the box. Yuck!

As if to not be outdone, Caleb grabs his bare foot and promptly wipes his nose with his big toe. Yuck!

Can you reach your nose with your toes? It's not easy! Go on, try it!

Daniel's Dream

2009-03-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

This morning Daniel wandered in and announced that he had had a dream:

"Daddy! Last night I had a dream!"

Peter responded "What was it Buddy? Do you want to tell me?"

"Yes. It was about Jesus and idols."

By way of backround information, our pastor preached about idols several months ago, and Daniel was really listening. For months now he has spontaneously reminded us that 'we don't bow down to idols!' at various random moments.

Peter continued to probe, so Daniel went on:

"A lot of people were bowing down and worshipping idols!"

"Oh, that's not good. Were you in the dream?"

"Yes."

"What did you do?"

"I did NOT bow down to the idols!"

"That's good. Did you do anything in your dream?"

"Yes. I did not bow down to the idols. Instead, I went over and sat by Jesus - and He LOVED me."

(Smiles shared by Mommy and Daddy...)

"That's right Buddy. Jesus does love you. Thanks for sharing your dream with me."

It is so special to see my little 4 year old learning to know and love Jesus. He has a sweet and open heart. Beneath all that loud, blustery, tough boy exterior is a very sensitive heart. Of all things for him to remember about the dream, I'm glad it was that Jesus loved him.

Letting Imaginations Fly

2009-02-27T15:44:00.000-08:00

One thing that I love about home educating our children is that they have lots of time to develop their creative side. Sometimes they amaze me with a hidden talent or interest, and sometimes they just make me laugh with some crazy idea.

Their most recent past-time has had a lot of role-playing. Daniel has a knight costume, complete with shield and sword (a la leftover bargains after Halloween!) and his recent mission in life has been to protect "his lady" (Hannah) and the children (Caleb and Abby), from the bad bad giant (a very large weed) in the backyard. He hacks away at the giant, and trims him down to size, and then grabs Hannah's hand and races her away from the bad giant and up to their castle - the play structure that Peter built. Hannah, always up for a good pretend, plays along with all kinds of fainting and flowery words, while attired in big cherry printed rainboots, muddy clothes and a delicate flower crown. It is worth the price of admission!!!

Early (as in 6:30) this morning they were emperor penguins, taking turns with their egg (a small travel alarm clock), alternately standing very still with the egg on their feet (penguins keep the egg on their feet tucked under their "brood pouch"), and racing to the ocean (Mommy and Daddy's shower) to eat up all the fish and krill they could, then "tobagganing" back (on their tummies) to the other one to trade places.

Sometimes Daniel is a soldier and Hannah is a military nurse. Here she gives him "CPR," while he waits patiently

then she writes him a prescription.

In case you can't read it, it says:

Daniel's Prescription: Daniel is going to spend most of his life in bed, so by the time he is 60 years old, he will be able to go back to war. The bad news is, that when he is 70 years old his scars can kill him.

So with all that drama in mind, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised this morning when I discovered that Hannah LOVES - opera. It is sooooo dramatic!!! Yesterday we studied the composer Richard Wagner, so I asked my dad if he had any Wagner recordings to supplement our study. (Most people think to teach art from a classical method - studying the masters, but I am not artistic. However, I do LOVE music, so we study music in the classical way - studying the masters.) So far, I've had lots of recordings to share, but I'm not that much into the heavy orchestral mode of Wagner, although I did grow up hearing a good amount of it, as my dad was a devoted opera fan for many years.

This morning I popped "Lohengrin" into the VHS after Peter left so I could nurse without distraction. Hannah was glued. So was Daniel. I could not pry them away - even for breakfast almost an hour later! They can hardly wait to watch more!

All this seems very providential because Peter and I have always joked that Daniel was destined for opera because he has the most amazing projection ability while still carrying a tune. Unfortunately for him, he is only allowed to be an attorney or rocket scientist - according to Hannah.

Oh well. Maybe I should teach them to multi-task their make-believe. ???

Hannah's Explanation of Her Photographic Memory

2009-02-22T14:33:00.000-08:00

I was driving Hannah to ballet the other day, when we had this interchange:

Hannah: "Mommy, do you know how I remember things?"

Mommy: Eager to understand (!) "No, please tell me!"

Hannah: "My eyes take a picture of everything I see. So signs that we pass, stores that we pass, books that I read - I take a picture with my eyes. Then I put the picture in my brain. When I want to remember it, I take out the picture and look at it again."

Mommy: Wishing she had such a memory..."Oh! That makes sense." Now testing her as we pass a sign for an accountancy corporation "So, what did the sign in front of that brown building we just passed say?"

Hannah: "Hmmm. We went kind of fast. That picture is blurry."

Spring Cleaning Peter's Office

2009-02-17T22:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, being a holiday, seemed the perfect time for our annual cleaning of Peter's office.

Peter (I love him!), is never going to be in danger of being called a "neat freak." He has a unique ability (that I unfortunately do not share) to be able to focus so completely on whatever task is at hand, that he can entirely block out EVERYTHING around him. That can mean that if he's working on his laptop at home, and kids are falling off the coffee table and landing all around him crying, he is completely unfazed until I come running from another room to help said children. In the case of his office, that means he is all but completely unaware of the stacks surrounding him.

Granted that he's got a lot in front of him. I like to tease him that he is secretly running some kind of security company because he isn't content with one, or even two monitors. He's got three of them lined up in a row on his credenza and he just moves from one end to the other - literally. It cracks me up! Now he's even got his office manager and his associate using two monitors. But I digress...

So we cleaned up the office. What that means is that I clean up as much junk as I can first. If there are new books, I shelve them and toss out prior editions if needed. Then we just sit there while I hold up things in front of him and he tells me where to put it.

In the process, I took 3 loads of trash to the dumpster, removed 13 rotten apples, 4 very sad oranges, and a stinky slab of string cheese in separate lunch bags under his desk, recovered 14 legal pads with only the front page used, and retrieved one of Hannah's paper dolls peeking out from a limb on an artificial plant.

I also found multiple brochures, texts, and materials that referenced or cited him as a contributor, author or speaker. While I hear what he does on an daily basis, it was so good for me to step back and see how he is involved in the community by speaking, organizing, writing and leading, all "on the side." Those things aren't even part of his every day job description of helping people at the end of their financial rope, running a law practice, administrating a law school, and leading our growing family. Wow. It gave me a new respect and appreciation for my busy husband. He's always doing something!

All that to say, that if he piles up junk in the process, I'm OK with it. That's what I'm good at - cleaning up after people. I'm just proud of my husband, and I'm glad to help in my little small ways. He's worth it, and I love him.

A Secret Revealed

2009-02-15T16:00:00.000-08:00

After being married for almost 7 years, Peter told me something this morning that I never would have imagined about him:

"If I weren't a lawyer, I would want to be an earth mover. I think I'd like to drive a bulldozer."

Now we know where the boys get it...

A True Psalm 51 Moment

2009-01-31T13:27:00.000-08:00

I caught Daniel sitting on top of Caleb's head, which Caleb did not at all appreciate and Daniel knew it. So, Daniel was given a time out. After a few minutes, I asked Daniel if he was sorry for what he did. "Yes," he said. Then, in an earnest, commanding tone I said, "okay, you may get up, but you must express sorrow to your brother and show him that you are genuinely sorry for what you did and show gentleness and kindness to him. Are you ready to do that?" "Yes," he said.

So he gets up and walks over to Caleb and yells, "SORROW!" at him. His task being accomplished, he went on to play with a toy in another part of the yard.

So, now I am having a difficult time figuring out how to instruct him further because I am laughing too hard.

The Philosophy of Love

2009-01-31T10:23:00.000-08:00

Random comments heard by Hannah this morning:

"Love is a pink liquid that when it dries it becomes as skinny as paper and turns red in a heart shape and stays inside someone until they put it into a love slingshot to put that into another person."

Pictures of the Month

2009-01-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

Hannah, with her doll, Liberty

Daniel, in the only position I could get him to hold still for a photo

Caleb, sweet as ever

Abby, with emerging personality ;-)

Hannah's Calendar

2009-01-12T21:26:00.001-08:00

Hannah has big plans for this upcoming year. In fact, all of her plans are set for one week out of the year. Here is the transcription, spelling and all:

Monday, Sept. 4
Daddy hopefullee will retire and will have billions of dollars and spend most of his time at the house, or anywere the family gos on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wedsdays, Thrsdays, Fridays, and Saterdays.

Tuesday, Sept. 5
Mommy hopefullee will not have to nurse Abigail any times so that she does not feel tired all the time. Then she will not have to get very tired on her acount. Then she will be like magic! She will weane the baby.

Wednesday, Sept. 6
Perfect! Wedsdays are my favorite days of the week and my age is six! This is my faverite day. I love a day sometimes and I hate a day sometimes. So a quarter of Wedsdays I hate sometimes.

Thursday, Sept. 7
Daniel hopefullee will start scool in kindegarten for Mommys tests. He will work in math first. He will work in Math.U.See I will feel happy for him, very happy for him forever.

Friday, Sept. 8
Caleb hopefullee will finish being potty trained forever and ever and no more rewards! Great! I have allways, wanted him to finish it! I will feel happyer for him than ever forever and ever.

Saturday, Sept. 9
Abigail hopefullee will learn to walk and talk. Thats how she learns to get around and play. I allways hope Abby will grow up into a wise young lady.

Sunday, Sept. 10
Twins hopefullee will be due or a bit early, and be born. I would prefer the twins due than a bit early tho.

(Disclaimer - the last day is just as hopeful as all the other days, and is not to be taken as an announcement!)

A Fun Parent

2008-12-27T22:55:00.001-08:00

Today I watched Peter play with the kids. He was throwing the football to them outside, and teaching them to play soccer. Then they all came inside and played hide and go seek, even Daddy running through the house. These are priceless moments in our busy lives, ones that we treasure. These moments can occur at any time, any day, and yet too often we let them slip away until we have completed our more urgent work.

It's hard for me (and I think Peter too) to find - no make - time to make the most of each moment. How often do I play with my precious children? I meet their needs, I go to them at night when they cry or need me, recently racking up an average of 4-5 hours of sleep a night with all the colds and sickness, but how often do I let the dishes, the laundry, my shower(!) go, and just let down my hair and enjoy these little ones? Not often enough.

I want to be a fun parent. I don't mean by that an indulgent parent, giving in to every whim or demand, but I mean one that loves to enjoy my children, and let them see it. Kids can tell the difference between scheduled fun and pure fun, just like grown-ups.

Tonight while I was cutting Peter's hair we were talking about this. We both agreed that we want to spend more "down" time with the kids, playing things that THEY enjoy.

With new year's resolutions just around the corner, you can bet this will be on our lists for 2009. Let's show our kids we love them, and let our actions confirm our words.

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-16T18:05:00.001-08:00

Overheard...

2008-12-15T14:12:00.000-08:00

Here are a few recent kid quotes:

"I must ruuuuuunnnnnnnnn!!!!" - Caleb (age 2), as he goes tearing down the hallway;

"Let's sing 'Angels We Have Heard and Hide!'" - Daniel's (age 4) request during family worship time (he loves the "Gloria" part...); and

"If light shines in the water, does that make the light wet?" - Hannah's (age 5) random question as we drove down the street.

Officially Retired

2008-12-13T21:48:00.000-08:00

It's been too long since I wrote updating the family news.

The biggest change is my dad has officially retired. After a long summer of prayer, struggling with Parkinson's Disease, breaking his back, and learning to cope with chronic leg pain, he decided that he would like to spend his "good" days enjoying life with my mom and family and friends, instead of in the office. It was not an easy decision, but I am confident he has made the right one.

With that decision in play, he called up another estate planning attorney to see if he could send a few cases his way. The man offered to not only take the cases, but to buy his entire practice! So, in short, he sold it - all. It's all gone. The files have all been moved to the new attorney's office, and the furniture has been moved as well. He is completing a few remaining projects at home, with my mom as his secretary. He seems much relieved, and his overall health is improving again. It's good to see him smiling so much, and even down on the floor playing with the kids.

This also means that after nearly 20 years, I am retired as well! While I will admit, I had a few tears over the whole change (it has been a way of life for me), after 4 children, I NEEDED to retire. It is timely for both of us.

On the other hand, Peter's practice is expanding. During the fall we came to the conclusion that he needed to hire an associate. He has now hired a very competant gentleman to come and work with him in his practice, beginning in January. Because my dad and Peter share an office, and our lease expires at the end of the year, all of this came together perfectly...because that's what God is in the business of doing.

We are loving having more time with my dad. My mom called me the other day and said that they had both slept well and slept in. "I think I'm really going to like retirement!" she said. And rightly so.

Hannah thinks she likes the whole idea too. The other day Peter went outside to the swings to kiss her goodbye before leaving for the office. "Daddy," she said "Why don't you retire? We could play together everyday!" His heart melted. He explained that is would be many years before he would retire. She suggested that he wait until he is 41. Wouldn't that be nice, eh?

A few weeks ago I asked my dad if he was excited about retiring. His response was telling: "I don't think excited is the word. Relieved is probably more accurate." He wasn't planning on retiring at this time, but it isn't all that earlier than he had planned, and he's in a good position to do so.

He plans on spending more time on working with the law school, as well as pursuing innumerable projects. He wants to keep his mind active, and his body healthy. Good goals!

I'm excited for him, and happy for me too. God is good, all the time.

Make the world a better place for these children . . .

2008-12-11T11:58:00.000-08:00

Ben needs cousins and is looking for a volunteer to get Uncle Mark out of bachelorhood. :) (Mark is a good friend of mine, by the way, and happens to be a great guy.)

Speaking His Language

2008-12-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

This morning Peter asked me "What are you doing today? Any plans?"

Who can explain the busy life of a mommy of 4 small children, including 1 infant, homeschooling, managing meals, household chores and cleaning, errands, working on the side, topping it off with Christmas and two birthdays?

I replied "I've got triple-booked, back-to-back appointments all day."

He immediately sobered up. "Oh."

Glad to speak his language...

A Visit to the Dentist

2008-12-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

Today I took Hannah and Daniel to the dentist. Hannah and I had our regular check-ups, and I thought it would be good to take Daniel so he could see what happened there before I made an appointment for him.

We had a long pre-talk in the car about not touching things, and how Buddy and I would watch Hannah first, and then they would watch me.

As soon as we arrived, they called Hannah first, and Daniel and I dutifully followed to watch from a distance. They decided to do x-rays first.

Hannah has not had x-rays before, and had she known that they were actually x-rays, would likely have protested loudly, as she has always had an unexplainable fear of x-rays. Daniel and I watched as they put the little film pieces in her mouth. Then she threw up. Not gagged, actually vomited...on her new sweater from Granny. She wasn't at all upset, but seemed rather impressed with the drama of the situation. The hygenist looked a little disgusted, and a little bothered at the setback. Daniel was more interested with the giant sailfin fish on the wall, so he wasn't bothered either. I pulled him over to the legos while the hygenist and Hannah talked and decided to abandon the x-rays for today.

Just then they called my name. Daniel and I went into the little cubicle area and tried to get him to perch on the dentist's stool and watch. He was very good and didn't touch anything, but the spinning stool was pretty exciting just by itself. When it was time for my x-rays, the hygenist asked Daniel to come out and back over to the legos, which he promptly dumped all over the main walkway of the office. It's a good thing they are used to kids...

When that was completed they began cleaning my teeth. I was trying to relax, knowing that my 4 and 5 year olds were roaming the office, hoping that they wouldn't fight or turn on any drills, and listening intently for some sound of them. The hygenist made some comment about "Careful, I don't want this sharp instrument to cut you..." when I opened my eyes to see Daniel hovering about 2 inches over my mouth, watching with wrapt attention.

"I'll bet you've never seen your mom from this angle!" the hygenist said. By then I was cracking up, the hygenist was continuing to work as if nothing were out of the ordinary, and Daniel wasn't moving one ioda. This only made me laugh more. I had to close my eyes.

Daniel spent the rest of my check-up right there, occasionally leaning down further to give me a gentle kiss. (I love my Daniel.) At one point the hygenist asked him if he'd like to be a dentist. "No," said Hannah, he wants to be a lawyer."

"A lawyer?" said the hygenist somewhat incredulous that Hannah would come up with such a suggestion.

"Yes, he has to be. Daddy is a lawyer, and so is Papa and Grandpa." she said logically.

Daniel had no comment. Apparently he'll be what Hannah tells him to be. He's a good sport.

From there we went out and got frozen yogurt together before heading home.

Now he can't wait to go back and be the one to sit in the chair and have the dentist look in his mouth (and then hopefully go out for yogurt).

What a nice start to dental work.

Baby Magic

2008-11-26T10:31:00.001-08:00

Five Year Old Politico

2008-11-06T14:38:00.000-08:00

Hannah has been soooo into the election. It started with her U.S. Presidents placemat at the breakfast table. She studies each portrait and asks so many questions that I just can't answer them all without looking things up myself.

Then it was in her reading. She gets the God's World Magazine for kids and they had a big election article that really captured her attention, together with an online exercise to learn about voting. She held her own elections about an issue important to her: whether cleaning your room should be a prerequisite to dessert.

On Tuesday, she got up early to go with Daddy at 6:45am to the polling place to see how we vote. She came back, sample ballot in hand (to keep forever) with a look of triumph and an "I voted!" sticker. Dad had cast his vote - for all the right people and causes. She further informed me that she will be able to vote in 2020. (Just a little bit off, but not by much.)

So when we turned on the T.V. on Tuesday night just in time to see McCain's concession, she almost cried.

She's a dyed-in-the-wool Republican already, with a few extra quirks.

She thinks that we ought to elect a conservative and then make it so they stay in office for the rest of their life;
She proposed that she and Daddy would go out after dinner on election night and FORCE the Republicans who had not already voted to do so; and
She thinks we should have a recount for John McCain, just to make sure.

She's funny.

We also found a great book at the library called Vote! by Eileen Christelow. It covers everything from a history of voter rights (she was horrified that only white landowning men could vote at one time), voter registration, volunteering to help with a campaign, fundraising, going to vote, and... recounts. This book is well done for children, on a topic many might not find interesting.

The final word came yesterday when Peter and I were talking about F.D.R. and how many years he had been in office. We were batting around 11 or 12 years, and then tried to recall who his vice president had been who had stepped into his place. We couldn't remember, so we asked Hannah. She promptly responded "Harry S. Truman!" like 'who doesn't know that?' Then we came downstairs and looked at her placemat. She was right.

She's amazing...

Big Radiant Smiles

2008-10-31T16:08:00.000-07:00

One day she's going to think this is a less-than-flattering picture. But I love it. This is the first big radiant smile we've captured on camera. She is 5 weeks of joy!

Watcha Need - the 1st Month

2008-10-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law is expecting her first baby. I'm really excited because I have never been an aunt before, and it's fun to add a baby to your family that you really have no responsibility for - you just enjoy them! Of course, having one of your own is better, but I already have a few of my own...

She recently asked "what do I need" for baby? Here is my two cents, and I'm hoping that a few of my friends out there will add their two cents to pass on with this.

Our pediatrician says that the first month, all they do is "eat, sleep, pee & poop." Since I have a 5 week old, I can attest that this is true.

Eat - They will eat seemingly all the time. If you're nursing, that means that you need to eat well and be hydrated. Beyond that, I really appreciate having a good chair to nurse in (a glider with an ottoman is my favorite), a Boppy to hold baby up (your arms get tired even holding a 7 pounder for hours each day), and lots of lightweight blankets and/or burpcloths for spit-up. It is also a good idea to purchase a small breastpump. I'm on my third one now, and I like the Avent Isis Manual Pump. It's quiet and efficient. I also have a Medela electric pump that is efficient, but it is incredibly loud! Both the models I mentioned are in the $50 range. You will also want a few bottles to accompany them. It is convenient if they are the same brand as your pump, but not critical. I also buy milk storage bags and freeze the milk for future use (like for when we go out on a date). You will also want to purchase the appropriate undergarments and some disposable leakage pads.

Sleep - When we had our first baby we were in a one bedroom apartment. We had no room for a crib. On top of that, I was on bedrest for months before she was born, and had virtually nothing for her. However, before she was born, a friend bought me a bassinette, and some onesies and someone else loaned me some baby nightgowns and two outfits. We managed just fine with these few items until we had a baby shower, about 3 weeks after she was born. All this to say, you do not have to have everything on the Babies'R'Us check-off list. You will need a safe place to have your baby sleep. If you don't have a crib, I would recommend that you invest in a nice crib that converts into a toddler bed, and later a double bed. I don't have one myself, but if I were shopping I'd choose this. You'll need the other items later! Another option is a Moses Basket. These, like bassinettes, only work until your baby starts rolling over and moving about, but they are very handy - especially the Moses Basket for travel. (The basket is not absolutely necessary...I've had babies sleep in blanket lined dresser drawers when we travel, and even on the blanketed and cushioned floor of a hotel closet. I just like the baskets...) Another good option to acquire is a Pack'N'Play. Baby can sleep in it at your house, grandma's house, the backyard, etc. and can use it as a play yard when they're bigger. Don't worry about the fancy sounds and dinglebobs. If you get it used, just make sure it is really clean because you can't take the fabric off to wash it.

Pee & Poop - I would recommend that you at least acquire a padded changing pad. These are foam filled and contoured on the sides. (But don't EVER leave them unattended - they will start to roll over when you least expect...) We set a pad up on the bathroom counter for years. I loved it because it was right near the sink! When we moved to our present house, none of the bathrooms would accommodate a changing pad, so we had to find a changing table. I found a very decent one for $14 at a baby consignment sale, and turned a closet into a changing room. You will also need a diaper pail. I like the Diaper Champ, because you can put regular kitchen size garbage bags in it (as opposed to the Diaper Genie, which requires special liners), and the fact that it doesn't smell horrific after 4 kids. One trick: when they start eating solid food the smell will amp up. You can purchase little diaper disposal bags that you stick the diapers in, before you toss them in the diaper pail. It wipes out about 90% of the odor. Diapers? Any brand will do, but I like Huggies. When it comes time for a bath, you will need baby soap, washcloths, and warm water. A baby bathtub is great, but don't spend a lot on the attachment to prop them up in the water - you have to hold them anyway!

Other things:

Travel system. You have to get around, right? I like the travel systems that have both carseat and stroller. I'm on my third now, and my children were happier with the Evenflo brand ones than Graco. I think the Evenflo carseats are slightly larger, which will last you longer. Hannah loved her carseat so much, that when she was really upset, we would let her sleep in her carseat instead of the bassinette! Make sure that you get a new carseat. Most other things are OK to be "gently used" first, but you need your carseat to be structurally sound and not outdated.

Bouncy seat/Swing. These are really nice for when you want to put your baby down, but don't want them always on the floor. (They do need some "floortime" though to develop muscles and learn to get around.) We recently got a portable swing and I LOVE it. It folds up into a decent box to transport it, it is lightweight, and no clicking sound. (The brand is Boppy.)

Blankets. Several different weights of blankets are helpful. They will get spit-up on, and your weather will vary. I also keep at least one in the diaper bag at all times.

Go register. Babies'R'Us and Target are good places. They will have checklists for you. Keep in mind that this is an INDUSTRY. They want your money! Fancy is nice, but not always best. Keep quality in mind!

That ought to help you through the first month. We're officially in Month Two now - which is much more fun. Our doctor calls is "Smile and Coo." You should see her smile...Precious, precious, precious!

OK Ladies, anything to add?

Growing

2008-10-11T14:58:00.000-07:00

This one is for Granny. Abby is growing and looks very much like Hannah! We can't wait for you and Grandpa to meet her.

If any of you did not get Abby's birth announcement in your email - and want to see it (complete with video of the other kids initial reaction upon seeing their new sister), let me know and I'll email it to you. I don't have everyone's email addresses...

My Girls

2008-09-24T03:55:00.001-07:00

Actually, she WAS born yesterday

2008-09-23T22:44:00.000-07:00

Meeting Abigail

Today my mom brought the kids to come meet their sister at the hospital. This is a tradition that I love to savor each moment of.

When Daniel was born, the Hannah's first comment was "Put it back."

When our Caleb came, the Hannah and Daniel were interested, but moreso because he was hooked up to lots of machines in the ICU and was really interesting to look at behind the glass bubble.

Now we have Abigail. Hannah is practically beside herself with pure joy. Daniel thinks she is really cute and wants to kiss her ALL the time. And then there is Caleb.

When Caleb walked in and saw me holding Abby, his big blue eyes welled up like giant blue-green tidepools. He didn't cry, but he wouldn't look at me or his sister. Finally, I sent Abby to my mom, and my very sober Caleb climbed into bed with me and just put his head on my shoulder and held me. Since we've come home he has studiously ignored her, and refused to kiss her goodnight, although he did condescend to say "Goodnight, Abby."

Poor Caleb. I knew he was in for a rude surprise. He understands about baby, for sure. In the meantime, I'm trying to find ways to make him feel special during this time too.

Precious Sleeping Baby

2008-09-23T10:31:00.001-07:00

She has brown hair . . .

2008-09-23T10:17:00.001-07:00

Hannah will be very pleased. She was hoping for a "twin"! Abigail actually does look very much like Hannah did. She has taken to nursing like a champ and is eating quite well.

More pictures

2008-09-23T08:43:00.001-07:00

Abigail Katelyn

2008-09-23T03:35:00.003-07:00

Here is a first glimpse of the newest little one.

Stats

2008-09-23T03:35:00.001-07:00

8 lbs. 5 oz.
21.5 in. Long
Born at 8:34 p.m.
Mommy and baby are doing fine.

Debra is in the hospital!

2008-09-22T16:39:00.001-07:00

Well, after a few false starts, we are in the hospital and Debra's water is broken.

The Sacraments (according to Hannah)

2008-09-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

Today during Sunday school, I looked over to see Hannah writing in her notebook. She frequently writes things that are church related in her notebook, along with pictures of the sermon, etc. This was her list of the important things at church:

1. Lord's Supper
2. Baptism
3. Coffee time

Madame Blueberry

2008-09-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at my computer right now watching a hawk in the tree outside my window systematically take apart another bird. I didn't know birds could spit, but this one is spitting out feathers everywhere as it eats. I wish I could get a picture of this, but I don't want to move... It's pretty amazing to watch.

That wasn't what I intended to write about. First, I want to say that I have no idea how to edit my earlier published post, so just grin and endure the mysterious lines that float through it. If anyone know what happened there, please fill me in!

Yesterday the kids and I checked out several movies from the local library. One of them was Veggie Tales Madame Blueberry. I really got a kick out of the kids' reactions.

Caleb thought it was hilarious. I don't think he got the point at all, but he thought the vegetables were very entertaining. (He also doesn't understand about the upcoming baby. When you ask him where the baby is, he lifts up his shirt and shows you HIS belly button. He's only 2!)

Daniel cried. He felt so sorry for Madame Blueberry losing all of her "stuff" and her house, that he just welled up with sympathy. He also cried through the silly song "His Cheeseburger," because it was sung to an emotional tune. He is my sensitive one, but he also wanted to watch it again today, and didn't cry at all the second time.

Hannah got it! I wouldn't have expected a 5 year old to understand the irony, but she got the lesson AND the jokes! She thought it bad for Madame Blueberry to be discontented and thinking that stuff would make her happy. She thought it hilarious that anyone would sing a love song to a cheeseburger. I agree with her, it is pretty funny.

Back to the hawk outside, it's really pulling on something now. I think I'll see if I can get closer.

What We're Reading

2008-09-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

After reading several interesting books this summer, here is a synopsis of what we're intaking...

Peter:

* Winston Churchill's 6 volume History of the Second World War. I don't even remember the official name of this set, but it was meaty. I'm proud of him for making it all the way through! Let's just say that the sheer size of the books filled a grocery bag. He raved about Churchill's writing, and would on occasion me excerpts. He says, (and I quote) "Reading Churchill gives you a sense of perspective because the same conflict between a combination/acquiescence and taking a bold stand for what is right has been at the center of world politics at least this whole century."

* Islamic Imperialism, by Efraim Karsh. He hasn't finished this one yet, but has made a few favorable comments, such as "Fascinating. Interesting because it helps you get into the Islamic mind by tracing their history and giving you a sense of 'that's why they do that!'"

Peter with Hannah:

* The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S.Lewis. I didn't think Hannah would get into this series (she's only 5), but I was wrong! She loved it! Her favorite books were The Horse and His Boy, and The Last Battle. Not one to shy away from battle scenes, I guess.

Debra with Hannah:

* Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan. This is a truly classic allegory of one's walk of faith from leaving a life of sin behind, to coming to the cross of Christ, to progressing in faith, to entering into God's eternal rest. We actually read the children's version, Little Pilgrim's Progress, which basically makes Christian, the main character, a child. We had some great discussions on this book, and now we're watching the video series, The Dangerous Journey, as a follow-up before we start Christiana's story.

Debra:

* The Spiritual Power of a Mother, by Michael P. Farris. This book is good clean encouragement for moms, just in case you ever wonder if you are doing any good in a sometimes thankless work. I loved his realism, and would recommend this to any mom, especially any homeschool mom who is discouraged with her homeschooling, and thinking of putting her children in a structured school setting.

* Homeschooling Methods, ed. Paul & Gena Suarez. After starting my search for quality homeschool curriculum in the spring, I realized that I really needed to start with my approach, or philosophy of school. Let me just tell you, there is a HUGE curriculum market out there, and it is slick and competitive. I don't remember my mom struggling with her philosophy of school when she homeschooled my brother. It was just RIGHT. Now people have a multitude of reasons for it, and many of them are not spiritually rooted. This book does a good job of letting key proponents of 10 major approaches to homeschooling speak their best pitch to the reader. It covers everything from the classical method to the eclectic, Charlotte Mason to Carschooling (yes, that really is a "method"). After reading through the entire book, only the very last chapter rang a bell with me, and led me to read the next book...

* When You Rise Up, a Covental Approach to Homeschooling, by R.C.Sproul, Jr. This book is more about approaching homeschooling under the premise of discipling your children than a "how to" book. In fact, at times I wished he would have let his wife chime in and say "and this is HOW we do it." At any rate, it was full of vision about directing your studies around training up a child in the way they should go, using the model in Deuteronomy 6:4-7, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."

The greatest thing that I gained from this book was that every moment from wake-up to go-to-bed is a teachable moment. We don't have to be sitting in the school room to be learning. There are many other "methods" compatible with this approach (ie. Charlotte Mason, etc.), but the point is that you are raising up disciples for God's kingdom, not the world's. Therefore, it doesn't matter to me so much if my child is well versed in Egyptology in elementary school, and can debate great Socratic thoughts in high school, so much as Do they love God? Are they loving each other as He has loved them? Now, I'm just trying to flesh this out on a day to day basis. It is much easier to make sure that we're getting through our math lessons on "schedule," than to take each teachable moment (like when somebody pops a toy on someone else's head), and use it to talk about the lovingkindness of God. There is no check-off sheet available to disciple your child, but this is what counts for eternity.

* Passionate Housewives Desperate for God, by Jennie Chancey & Stacy McDonald. I'll admit that the title is what caught my attention here. This book is all about recovering a vision for the importance of being a housewife/homemaker/domestic engineer, or I told the guys at the bank the other day, the Official Booboo Kisser. Here is an excerpt that I think summarizes the point of the book (p. 91-92)

"You see, homemaking is far more than housekeeping. We need to toss out narrow modern-day conceptions that are built around stereotypes and restore our vision based upon God's Word. When we do, we can begin to understand why the biblical family is an indispensible foundation stone of a healthy society - and what happens when that stone is removed.

You want to watch a culture self-destruct? Eliminate the fathers, make the mothers neglect their children, and teach everyone to forsake the weak, the needy, and the elderly. It has happened before. Just read your history. The Spartans declared that children were the property of the State, better trained by experts than by their own parents. The ancient Romans exposed unwanted babies and the elderly, leaving them to die in isolation. Euthanasia and abortion are not new, nor are the less distasteful sins of family disintegration and the welfare state.

These things are happening in our nation now, just as they have happened in the past when men and nations rejected God's ways. Man without Christ is lost. Families who reject the clear biblical commands for fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, and children are doomed to follow the same downward spiral, no matter how "relevant" their counselors tell them they are boing.

God's Word raises a standard His people can confidently trust. This is why ancient Israel had strong laws to protect widows, orphans, and strangers. It is why Christians went against cultural trends in pagan Rome, rescuing babies and the unwanted from exposure and certain death. It's why they boldly took care of plague victims when pagen doctors fled, causing heathen kings to note their genuine hospitality and fearlessness. Vibrant Christian homes where families work together, contented in God's wise division of labor, can quite literally change the world."

And later on page 92: "The home is a tiny world - a cosmos all to itself. Do you want to rule the world? God has given you the universe of your home to manage. Your job is to make this small kingdom a picture of God's greater kingdom - a kingdom in which the subjects are in order and obey their king; a kingdom where beauty shines in every word and deed; a kingdom that welcomes friends and strangers with abundant hospitality and gracious care."

Wow. After reading this pep talk I felt like I had been empowered with the greatest task on earth! But all pride aside, I was refreshed in my calling as a wife/mother/Official Booboo Kisser/keeper at home. I recommend it to really any female.

* And the last book: A Christian Woman's Guide to Childbirth, by Debra Evans. I skimmed this book when I was pregnant with Hannah, but I really read it this time around. After coming out of my last childbirth experience with rather negative thoughts, I'll admit I've been dreading it this time around. With only 2 weeks to my due date, I think I've finally reconciled that yes, she's gonna have to come out - and soon. (It's a she, by the way!) What I appreciated about this book was coming away with the sense that God has made my body to do this task, hurt as it may! But that He will give me the grace to endure it all. After many tears and soul-searching talks with Peter, I think we've come up with a birthplan we can live with: if it is really fast (like Daniel was born REALLY fast) - Great! Roll with it all! I didn't even have time to be medicated with him. BUT, if it has to be long, drawn out, painful, and medically controlled/augmented, let there be pain relief! (Part of my problem is that I am terrified of needles...) At any rate, we're trusting God for a safe delivery and a healthy baby. The doctor already didn't think I'd go this long, so every day I think "Today's the day!"

And for now, tonight is tonight, I'm going to bed.

Buddy's 4th Birthday

2008-09-10T21:49:00.000-07:00

Daniel the Buddy turned 4 a few weeks ago. He's such a delight. I can't even think of him without having the corners of my mouth turn up a little bit. He's just full of energy, enthusiasm, and a little bit of impish fire. I love this guy.

Here are a few photos to share of Daniel over the past few months.

Swimming at Brooke & Erin's pool

Teasing somebody! He quite frequently has something up his sleeve...

At Pump It Up for someone else's birthday party

Planting a dead fish in the corn in Daddy's garden (Hannah's suggestion for the ultimate resting place for her recently deceased pet fish, Goldie, after reading about the Pilgrims).

Talking, talking, talking! I think he's telling me about boating with Daddy.

Playing pretend. He received this great train engineer costume from Granny and Grandpa for his birthday. He is so thrilled to have something really "cool" to wear to play dress-up with Hannah! He LOVES trains.

Happy Birthday, my Daniel. God has shined His face upon you, and you are a delight to your mommy and daddy. We love you!!!

Ouch!

2008-09-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

In an earlier post I had mentioned my dad's recent struggle with Parkinson's Disease (PD), and subsequent depression. I am happy to report that he is over the hump, and is stabilized as to both. He is also not experiencing the same leg pain. After many doctor visits, they have finally determined that...he was overexercising. I didn't know exercise could be a problem. People with PD are supposed to exercise regularly! At any rate, now that he's not working out so vigorously, he's doing well. God is so good. Thank you for your prayers.

But don't stop praying yet.

Now he's broken his back! Poor Dad. When he restarted the last PD medication, it was one that makes him very very sleepy. So sleepy that he pretty much had to take the entire week off of work, just to acclimate his body. One morning about 3 weeks ago now, he woke up in the morning to take his next medication. He went into the kitchen to get some water and then passed out. Along the way, he landed on his tailbone on the tile floor and gained two compression fractures in his lower back.

What I can't understand is why it took nearly 3 weeks to diagnose the problem. He has been enduring a lot of pain, and we've all been told (and believed) that this was just a bad muscle strain. Hmmmm....Compression fractures call for a different treatment that muscle strain too, by the way.

For his part, I will say that he's not complaining. I think he's just happy to know what is wrong, so he can know what to do about it.

At any rate, please keep him in your prayers still.

Milestones

2008-08-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend we celebrated two major milestones. My beautiful mother turned 60 on Saturday, and my parents celebrated their 40th wedding annivesary on Sunday. (In case you're wondering about the proximity of the dates, my mother did not want to be a teenage bride, so they waited to get married until the day after she turned 20!)

As part of the celebration, I wanted some "mom-time," so I suggested that we go to the spa. You have to know that my mom NEVER goes to a spa, or really pampers herself in any way, so I was pleasantly surprised when she was interested and excited. She wanted just a manicure to make her nails pretty, especially in light of her wrist surgery this week and the giant cast on her wrist, and I wanted a pedicure - because I can't reach my toes right now.

When we got there the ladies were all excited that my mom was there on her birthday and gave her the extra special treatment. When she revealed to all of us that the last time she had had a manicure was 40 years ago this weekend before her wedding, we all sighed and they really rolled out the red carpet treatment. She ended up with 10 lovely LONG nails! I was happy to just have a pedicure and watch her be spoiled.

When we got home, Daniel examined our fingers and toes and was quite concerned with my toes. I got a French pedicure, but the lady was feeling artistic, and painted a few little white flowers while she was at it. Daniel was really interested, and figured this is what you DO on birthdays, and then announced that when it is his birthday he will paint trains on his toes... Hmmm....

Yesterday we celebrated my parents 40th wedding anniversary. (We had earlier celebrated in July, when all of us went to the lake for a week, but this was the "official" weekend.) It seemed strange to me that just my parents, my brother, and my Nana having dinner. If they had been feeling up to it, and I wasn't so pregnantly huge, I would like to have given them a big party. It's funny that you have a big wedding at the beginning of your marriage, with lots of guests to support and honor you. And then you make it FORTY years, and you celebrate with a small family dinner party. Shouldn't it be the other way around?

I'm so grateful for my parents. My mother is so selfless. Even with her arm in a cast, she's trying to do things for me so I don't go into labor! My parents' marriage is an inspiration to both Peter and me. Forty years is - well, longer than I've been alive!

Congratulations, Mom and Dad, on your first 40 years together, and 60 years of life. I love you!

Update on Dad

2008-08-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you to those of you who have been praying for my dad. He is improving a little bit each day. By last weekend he was "himself" again, although the pain and Parkinson's symptoms have yet to be worked out.

Thanks also for the emails and calls to check on him and us. Just knowing that others are thinking and praying for him makes such a difference. You just don't feel alone! Please keep it up. I'll keep updating...

The Dark Valley

2008-08-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

On Sunday our pastor was gone, and one of the ruling elders spoke about being a healthy church. One of the things he mentioned was that we need to be "real" with each other, and share what is really going on in our hearts.

What we're dealing with right now is my dad's health. I can't tell you how hard it is to see him suffer with Parkinson's Disease, and the accompanying clinical depression. One day he's the same dad that I grew up with, and the next is another story.

Last week he began having such severe side effects from one of his medications that something had to change. It must have been too much of a change, because he is really having a tough time.

Today Hannah and I were reading in a book called Little Pilgrim's Progress. It is the same story as Pilgrim's Progress, by John Bunyan, but it is told as if the main character were a child. Today Christian made his way through The Dark Valley (also known in the adult's book as The Valley of the Shadow of Death). Of course, Christian has to enter the valley just after he's finished battling the villian called Self, so it is night and very dark. He can't see ahead and one on side of a very rocky and narrow path are cliffs, and the other side a marsh. Above him there are rocks that appear to be closing in over his head. He hears voices saying disturbing things, and he isn't even sure if he heard them or he's saying them himself. At one point he hears a band of the Wicked Prince's soldiers coming right at him and he thinks it must be the end - but then they turn off the path and he never meets them. Christian gets no rest that night, but he walks bravely through the darkness praying all the while that the king will watch over him, remembering what he had read in the King's book "He shall give his angels charge over thee."

This is what my dad is experiencing right now. This dark valley is one of a hopelessness and feeling physical pain, in addition to his regular Parkinson's symptoms, and a sudden drop in Seratonin - sudden (and hopefully temporary) depression. Yesterday I spent the day working with him, and by the end of the day I was weeping. It is so, so hard to see him suffering!

But there is hope. You see, if we had not the watchful eye of our beloved King Jesus watching over him (and the rest of us as we try to help), we would be really and truly hopeless.

And so I ask you my friends, to please keep my dad, Russ, in your prayers. The doctor today said that they will be adjusting one medication at a time - for a week at a time, until they find the right balance. Medically, there is no quick fix. We are trusting that this is just a speedbump in his and our lives right now, and that in the end it may be all for the better - for it draws us nearer to our Savior. Please pray for strength for my mom too, as she is his helpmeet in every way. I need strength too, to support them and fill in the gaps as best as I can - and I'm having a baby soon too.

Back in the story of Little Pilgrim, Christian is alone, but then we read the following:

"And now little Christian was comforted in his loneliness by hearing the voice of a pilgrim who was repeating aloud some of the beautiful words that were written in the King's Book. It was too dark for him to see who the pilgrim was, but he hoped that it might be Faithful and that he would soon be able to overtake him. At last he called out to him, but although Faithful heard Christian speak, he did not know who might be wishing to stop him, so he made no answer. Still, little Christian knew that he was there, and he felt less frightened than when he had thought he was alone."

Will you be that person?

You Know You're Pregnant When...

2008-07-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

You are round enough that you wear your shorts backwards all day long and don't even notice until the end of the day.

He ventured forth to bring light to the world | Gerard Baker - Times Online

2008-07-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of you saw Gerard Baker's He ventured forth to bring light to the world. This is funny stuff.

Creating Competition in the Transportation Energy Sector

2008-07-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

I think I mentioned a few days ago that we heard Gal Luft speak at our local Lincoln Day Dinner. The basic gist of his speech (which he previously gave to a Senate Committee) can be found here: http://www.iags.org/LUFT_Senate_HSGA_072208.pdf

The Melting Pot

2008-07-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

Seeing the pan on the stove and supposing that my wife had already filled it with water, I turned it on so that the water would be boiling by the time I had the corn ready to put into it. Coming inside a few minutes later, I found Debra and her Aunt Lisa staring at a pan that had melted onto the stove. There was a bunch of molten stainless steel (or whatever it is made of). Never seen that one before. Memo to self: always check to make sure there is something in the pot before turning on the burner.

Here is one of the pieces of molten stainless steel after it cooled.

Flex Fuel Vehicles

2008-07-18T12:49:00.000-07:00

We went to the Lincoln Dinner last night and they brought in a fascinating speaker--Gal Luft. His topic was energy independence and he is an advisor to John McCain on that subject. In researching the topic a little more, I came across the article linked to the title. The article was written in 2004 and predicted a run-up in petroleum prices (that we are seeing now), and analyzed alternatives to petroleum. Fascinating stuff.

Baptism Analogy, by Hannah

2008-07-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had the pleasure of witnessing the baptism of our dear friends' daughter, Gabriella. Gabriella is 2 years old, and as we are new Presbyterians, we thought it would be best to talk about baptism at home first, since our children were more familiar with the Baptistic tradition of believer's baptism by immersion.

After careful thought and many questions, Hannah summarized her thoughts with a breakfast analogy:

"Baby baptism has sprinkling, like putting cinnamon on your toast. Believer's baptism means going all the way under the water, like a tea bag getting dunked."

At least she got the tip of the iceberg.

Vacation!

2008-07-04T17:21:00.001-07:00

Here are some of my favorite shots from our recent vacation to Donner Lake. We were celebrating my parents' 40th wedding anniversary (a little early). Congratulations, Mom and Dad, and thanks for sharing your vacation with all of us! We had such an awesome time, and hope you did too.

One More Thing

2008-06-30T21:06:00.001-07:00

Unless you have a little boy in your life, you probably will not appreciate the following comment by our 3 year old son. He was trying to be stern and let her know that he was not pleased with her (she was bugging him). Then he leveled what he considered to be the ultimate:

"Hannah, you have caused confusion and delay!" - the words Sir Topham Hatt uses to admonish the naughty engines in the adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine.

Daniel's New Hymnody

2008-06-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

Daniel has been learning some hymns recently, but he hasn't quite got all the words.

When asked the other day what we should sing first, he excitedly asked for "My Faith Is Up To Me." Apparently he has some Arminian leanings...The real name is "My Faith Looks Up to Thee."

And then yesterday, he asked to sing "Be Thou My Television," instead of "Be Thou My Vision."

I love this guy...

Also, we just got home today from vacation. Imagine 5 hours in the car with our newest talker, announcing every single car on the freeway.

"Car. Car. Car. Car, Car, Car! Tuck!" Do you know how many cars there are on the road these days?

Merited and Unmerited Favor

2008-06-09T21:59:00.000-07:00

Daniel met a certain potty training goal recently and was rewarded with his reward of choice...a train ride at the park nearby. So early the next morning Mom and I piled the kids in the car, and headed out to the park. When we got there, the ride section was closed, but we could see the train was pulling people anyway, so I went to go buy tickets. After all, the website said they were open. The ticket lady informed that the rides were closed unless you were part of a school. At this point I became the mother I never thought I would be.

Seeing Daniel bouncing at my feet, I had to spill the beans - the reason for our trip that day. "Can I make an appeal?" I asked, trying not to sound desperate. "We're here today JUST to ride the train. My little guy here just finished a certain potty training milestone, and this was what he worked for - a ride on your train." Seeing the gazillions of kids everywhere around us I continued "Can we just slip in with a group? I'm happy to pay!"

The poor girl looked hopeless, and replied that she was new there, and could not make any exceptions, as she wanted to "get in good" with her employer, but pointed out a man in the crowd. "That's my boss over there. If you want to make an appeal, go ask him." That was a fair answer. I can't ask her to overstep her authority, I thought, so I went the next step.

I went up to the man, just as I heard him tell the engineer to put the train away for the day. "Excuse me, sir" I said, "we're here today because my son right here just reached a very important potty training milestone, and the reward he's been working toward is a train ride on the train here. I checked the website this morning, and it said you were open right now."

The guy pointed to Daniel with a questioning look. I nodded back. He got down right at Daniel's eye level.

"I hear you're here for something special today, young man" he said. Obviously, this guy has children, I thought.

"YES!" Daniel shouted back "I did all my poopoos in the potty!!!" with all the unashamededness and enthusiasm of a 3 year old boy.

The man stood up and smiled. He motioned to the engineer to wait. "Well you certainly DID earn a trip on the train! Hop on board, we'll take you on your own personal ride!"

And so it was, that Daniel earned us all a free ride on the train that morning - at a time when the park was closed to the public (the website had not been updated) - by the park director.

Here are few photos to show for it.

This is Daniel running through the park before the train ride. This is pretty typical of his enthusiasm and energy level right now. This is Daniel on the trainThis is Hannah celebrating with Daniel

And this is 3 tired but happy children :-)

Ode to a Chicken, by Hannah

2008-05-28T15:08:00.000-07:00

Another of Hannah's chickens passed away recently, this one named "Carol." Peter and I can't tell the chickens apart, but Hannah has got them all figured out, apparently by the markings on their wings and necks. She spends quite a bit of time each day talking to them, urging them to get better, take a drink, eat some food, stop pecking each other, or whatever she thinks would help the most at the moment.

At Carol's death, Hannah recited her own Eulogy for a Chicken, which went something like this:

Carol the Chicken,
Was a good chicken.
We loved her,
And she gave us eggs.

Carol the Chicken,
Was a good chicken.
She was kind to the other chickens,
And was my friend.

Carol the Chicken -
Died today and I am sad.
Carol the Chicken,
The dead chicken.

If a 5 year old could write poetry, this would be it.

Peter vs. the Skunk

2008-05-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

Early yesterday morning Peter went out to check the chickens. They have been sick recently, and two of them have died, so he checks them frequently.

Once out at the coop he saw something moving in the brush nearby and assumed that a chicken had broken out of the coop. So he started chasing the chicken...until it stuck it's black and white tail straight up in warning. Realizing the imminent fragrant threat he put his hands up and backed away slooooowly.

Later in the evening Hannah, Caleb and I watched the mother skunk from my parents media room while she taught her EIGHT babies how to dig for grubs. It was fascinating! Then we came home and I put them to bed.

Just then Peter called. He was stopped at the gate with Daniel in the car.

"Honey," he said "I'm stuck at the gate. I can't get in."

"What do you mean?" I said, looking out the window seeing his headlights just inside the gate.

"There are two huge skunks and eight baby skunks blocking the way - all with their tails up in the warning position!"

"Well don't get any closer to them. Your car will stink for a LONG time. Why don't you try honking?"

"I don't think it would help. They're practically deaf, you know."

"Yes, but what could it hurt?"

I hear a honk.

A second later, he proceeds down the driveway and walks in the door.

We're not quite sure what to do about this...Anybody know how to eradicate skunk?

---

Hidden camera moment recently:

Today I went to an all-day scrapbooking event. All day... 9am to 9pm. I didn't go for the whole time, but I did get a lot done!

When I went out to the car, I couldn't get the back hatch of Peter's Explorer to unlock. Frustrated, but remembering that my key doesn't always work in his car's doors, I went around to the front. I stuck my key in the door and the lights came on inside. I started to climb in and reach to unlock all the doors when I realized that someone had left something else in the car since I left it in the parking lot. How strange, I thought, examining the new carseats and toys. Then it hit me. This wasn't our car!

I quickly closed the door and gathered up my gear, and headed over to OUR car - two cars down.

Poppy Seeds, and Other Things

2008-05-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

The following conversation was relayed to me last night by my mom, who had been making lemon poppy seed muffins with Hannah earlier that afternoon:

Hannah: If I eat one of these poppy seeds, will a poppy plant grow inside me?

Mimi: No. What three things do plants need to grow?

Hannah: Water, soil, and sunshine.

Mimi: Well, you aren't able to get all three of those inside you, so it won't be able to grow.

Hannah: I know! I can drink a lot of water, eat some dirt, and go outside and hold my mouth open to the sunshine for a looooooong time!

What would we do without her?

In other news: Daniel has blessed me immeasurably by taking to potty training like a duck to water. I must admit I have been dreading the whole potty scene for too long, and finally decided that it was going to HAVE to happen before the baby is born. I tried him about 3 months ago, and he didn't seem ready. Now we tried again, and he is a champ. Hallelujah!!!

Also: Caleb has moved to a big boy bed! This is his third day, and I think he is finally sleeping peacefully. He has been soooooo excited that he just lays there grinning and can't sleep. The first night he tried to get up a few times before going to sleep, and was awake and wandering the house crying over his "abandonment in this house!" at 5:45 the next morning (we were all sleeping, of course), but this morning he came right up to find me - at 7pm. Both boys are thrilled to have an "all boys" room. Daniel is proud to be the top bunk resident, and Caleb is just proud to be out of his crib.

And last, but certainly not least: Baby (yet to be named) is a GIRL!!!

Sick, but Happy

2008-04-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

Late this week, everyone but Peter came down with runny noses and sore throats. Yuck! Nothing like a spring bug... I'm still not sure if it is allergies or colds, but Hannah is better today, so that is a step in the right direction! Even though we weren't feeling 100%, we spent most of the day outdoors, getting fresh air, Kleenex in tow.

Last year Peter gave up his beloved Saturday basketball game to spend the day working around the house and being home with the kids. It was his decision, and it wasn't easy. I used to refer to it as "Sacred Basketball," because nothing could interfere with it! Since then, we have loved having Daddy home on Saturday mornings. Here are some photos of our day:

Daddy spending time on the couch with Hannah. They are perusing her Schleich (little resing figures) catalog. I'm sure she is telling him all about Hanoverian mares, or something else he's never heard of. She is quite a horse authority these days...

Daniel got a lesson yesterday on how to hold a baby. This is Rachel, Hannah's beloved (almost) antique doll. I couldn't believe she was letting him hold it, but she was about a breath away from grabbing her back at any moment - just like a mommy with a real newborn. They have been practicing for when we have our baby. It looks like he's starting to get it! They both want a sister.

We let Hannah stay up and play outside in the afternoon while we continued our projects. (She's used to having some quiet time.) At one point, I sent her to her room for a time out. After a few minutes, I noticed that it was very quiet down the hall, and went to investigate. This is what I found...Sleeping Beauty. I think she went to hide in her closet, and fell asleep while she was waiting for us to come look for her! It had been a long day!

This is a shot of the boys right now. Hannah and Daddy went to church, but the boys and I were still under the weather. They are watching a video. Look how big Caleb is getting! Actually, it is just that he's sitting up straight and Daniel is slouching. See who's toes are sticking out?

More to come later...

Cruising

2008-04-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

Peter surprised me recently with an anniversary cruise to Mexico! My gracious parents took care of our children, while we went to San Diego, CA, Catalina Island, CA, and Ensenada, Mexico. It was the first cruise either of us had taken, and we had such a special time together. Here are a few photos to give you a glimpse...

The sunset on our first night at sea

Our first port to dock in was in San Diego. We toured the USS Midway, a retired Naval aircraft carrier. It was amazing to see. I have a new respect for our military! The amount of engineering involved in making a floating war machine was staggering to me. The men and women who serve on these vessels live in unbelievably tight quarters, with a strict regimen. They don't do it for the fun of it, I'm sure. The bunks were 3 beds high, and I don't think you could even turn over. There were probably 20 people to a room about the size of our master bedroom. Below is a side view as we approached the ship. The part sticking out is an elevator for moving the aircraft from the flight deck to below. It was, like I said, truly amazing...
This is me trying out the cockpit of one of the aircraft. It was tight quarters!

This is me on top of the flight deck. I'm standing in front of one of the types of aircraft that flew off the Midway. I think this one is a Tomcat. My grandpa used to fly something like this off aircraft carriers many years ago. While touring this ship I couldn't help thinking of him, remembering stories I'd heard about his experiences. They say that landing on the ship at night is one of the most stressful experiences. At night there is virtually no light on the deck, and you have about a 40 foot space on which to touch down, in what can basically be called a "controlled crash." There is a hook that the plane has that catches a cable to make it stop, so that it doesn't just go straight into the ocean. The pilot makes the landing at full throttle, so if they miss the cable they can take off again and make another attempt. All this takes place in a matter of seconds. I think they said that they used to have a take off or landing in as little as 4 minutes apart! And...all this on a ship that is going up and down and side to side at the same time. They said that the stress level on the pilots is lower when they encounter enemy combat, than when they have to land at night. Wow.

Me and my one and only! We took walks on the deck every night after dinner. The food was amazing. Not only was it delicious, it was served to me! I didn't have to cut up anyone else's food, Peter and I could carry on a conversation without any interruptions, and someone was standing there all the time refilling my water and offering me more bread! And...I didn't have to do one single dish. Now that's a vacation!!!

Our second stop was Catalina Island. We had planned to go kayaking in the ocean and then take a glass-bottom boat tour, but the wind was too strong for any small vessels to be allowed out of the harbor. Instead we went shopping, and rented a golf cart and toured the island. This is a view looking down on the city of Avalon.

Our third stop was Ensenada, Mexico. We went to this place called La Bucadora. I don't know what it means, but it was an outdoor market right on the cliffs of the ocean. Here is a Mexican "zebra."

Outside the market is something they call "the Blowhole." The tide was too low for us to see its wonders, but I understand that when the tide comes in the waves really kick up the side of the mountain there.

How could I leave out the dancing waiters? Every night they would have something special. On the last night they came out parading with Baked Alaskas on their heads!

Happy Anniversary, Dear! Thank you for a lovely, special vacation. I love you!!!

Termites!?

2008-04-20T13:26:00.001-07:00

We were walking past a car in a parking lot recently. The car had a cover which is sometimes used after a new paint job. Daniel asked, "Is that a blanket on the car?" Hannah replied, "They must have termites!"

Bad to the Bone!

2008-04-19T00:08:00.001-07:00

This is Caleb who loves to wear his sunglasses, even when it is dark out.

USS Midway

2008-04-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

The picture with a carrier closer is the Midway. The one in the distance is the new USS Regan. It apparently came in last night. I am not sure if the photo shows this, but most of the planes are on deck. The tour of the Midway was fascinating.

Cruising!

2008-04-08T15:32:00.001-07:00

I am taking Debra on a short cruise for our anniversary. This is a photo of the cruise boat. We are currently in San Diego and toured the USS Midway this afternoon. I'll pst a picture of that when I get a chance.

Quotes of the Day

2008-04-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it in an older post, we are expecting a baby in September! This has made for much conversation around here...

Hannah: "If it is a girl, I think we should name it Gloria. Gloria is such a beautiful name. Don't you think?"

Mommy: "Gloria is a lovely name. I like it too. I'll talk to Daddy about it."

Hannah: "Well, if we can't name her Gloria, how about Grace? Grace is a nice name too."

Mommy: Trying to figure out where this is going..."Yes, Grace is a lovely name too. Did you know that your name means 'grace?' We wouldn't want to have two "Graces" would we?"

Hannah: "No. But Gloria or Grace will be her name."

Mommy: "Why did you pick those two names?"

Hannah: "Because they are "G" names. G is my favorite letter! Don't you think that G is a fun letter to write?"

Leave it to Hannah to name the child for her favorite letter of the alphabet. And who would have known that she even would have a favorite letter?!

---

Here's one from Daniel while eating breakfast yesterday...

"Mommy put pretty ribbons on the walls!!!"

I decided on a whim to redecorate the kitchen (I'm definitely in my second trimester). The "ribbons" are the paint masking around the edges. I'm glad he likes the transitory decor!

---

And another from Hannah, who apparently had her mind wandering during devotions...

Turning her shoulders toward Mommy while whispering..."Mommy look! Four days of puffed sleeves in a row!!!"

We just finished reading and then watching Anne of Green Gables together...

My Thoughtful Girl

2008-03-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of what my thoughtful little girl brought me this afternoon:

She was so pleased to present her work! It is not uncommon for her to pick the flowers and bring a handful in to me, but this batch she took the time to "plant."

I think she was copying my friend Julie, who recently delighted me with a basket a flowers she had planted. Hannah knew it had been a blessing to me, and she was trying to imitate Julie's kind gesture. Thanks Julie, for your example!

My little girl is growing up in so many ways!

Happy Birthday Caleb!

2008-03-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Today is K-Guy's 2nd birthday!

Every time someone has a birthday I inevitably end up strolling down the memory lane of my photo library to see old pictures, what they looked like last year, etc. Here are a few for all of you to enjoy.

He loved the Florida beach last summer!

Sweet little guy! He is so kissable!

This is where I found him hiding...with the spiders under the slide! He was pretty pleased with himself. :-)

Did I mention that he is fearless? He LOVED sledding at the snow! Here he is with Aunt Mary. One day he's going to get me for buying him purple snowpants...but they didn't have any boy ones left!

One thing I really appreciate about Caleb is that he always wants to help

Enjoying the new play structure Daddy made

Having lunch at Nana's restaurant after church.

He is definitely Daddy's boy!

I'm one of the big kids, Mom!

Having his "quiet time"

He LOVES dirt. This is right before he took a big bite out of some clod he found...

Everybody cuddles with Mommy to watch a movie!

He loves to color!

Hunting for eggs at Eastertime

He likes to be like Daddy, and wear his safety glasses when he's using his tools...

And finally -

This is one of my favorites, taken by our dear friend, Veronica Campbell.

Caleb, my prayer for you this year is that you will learn to speak words that will be honoring and glorifying to God. You are a precious boy! Daddy and I love you so much, and wish you a very, very Happy Birthday!!!

T.V. Dinners

2008-03-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

I love T.V. dinners. I'm not kidding.

My friends think I'm crazy, and Peter just shakes his head in disbelief, but it is my comfort food!

When I was a little girl and my parents would leave me with a babysitter I hated to see them go. Somewhere in there, my mom decided that a special dinner would be in order to get my mind off their absence. When we would shop, she would let me choose a T.V. dinner to save for when they went out on dates. I would actually check the freezer inventory periodically, just to see what was there in case they ended up going out. My favorite was (and still is) the Salisbury steak with plastic style potatoes, rubbery corn, and cherry pie (if you can call it "pie"). When I was in Russia, I remember coming practically unglued in a store when I found a Russian T.V. dinner. I bought it on the spot, stuffed it in my backpack, and then stored it in my 4th floor windowsill between the sets of windows to keep it cold (it was snowing that time of year still). My roommates thought it was some kind of joke. It was all business to me. Eating it was like being home!!!

So why all the prose? Because I just had one. The Salisbury steak kind with the plastic potatoes and corn. No pie, but that's OK. It was great. Maybe it's because I'm pregnant.

California Court Ruling on Homeschooling

2008-03-09T21:22:00.000-07:00

As is fairly common knowledge now, on February 28 the California Court of Appeals (from the L.A. area) ruled that (1) California law provides that homeschooling is not allowed unless the parent has a teaching credential, and (2) this law does not violate the United States Constitution, specifically, the right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children. Debra and I have had many intense discussions after we found out about this. Debra's first response was one of fear, mostly of the unknown. Mine was a little different. I was (and am) concerned, but I know what the process is, I know what the law is, I know the warriors on our side who are going to be fighting it, and I have a great deal of confidence that God can and will use them to achieve victory on our behalf. Because I used to work at HSLDA and have some knowledge regarding the legal issues and attorneys involved, Debra thought it might be helpful if I laid out some of those thoughts on our blog.

A little farther down, I will get into the details of the Court decision and the law involved, but I think it is important first to consider our attitude. First, we should be vigilant in prayer, pleading that God would turn the heart of the justices toward our side. This is extremely important. God delights to show himself strong on behalf of those who call on his name. Throughout the history of religious liberty and homeschool litigation, we have seen God work in mighty ways to protect his people through the court system, even when it looked like they would lose. Two examples come to mind. Constitutional litigator Jordan Lorence tells the story of how thousands of people were praying for a particular Supreme Court case, Bowers v. Hardwick. Unbeknownst to all of these people, the initial vote of the justices was 5-4 that would have found a Constitutional right to sodomy. However, in his memoirs, Justice Lewis Powell says that he switched his vote at the last minute, thus finding that there was no Constitutional right to sodomy. (This was later overruled in Lawrence v. Texas.) God heard the prayers of those people and moved the heart of Justice Powell to change his vote. Mike Farris tells the story of the Michigan Dejonge case. In that case, a justice changed his vote at the last minute, so that the case was won by one vote instead of being lost. The Dejonge case may be the most significant homeschool case in the last 20 years. The Michigan Supreme Court found that parents have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing and education of their children. Again, homeschooling families all over the country were praying and there is really no other explanation why this justice changed his vote at the last minute. Interestingly, in the Michigan case, the state was requiring parents to be certified teachers.

The second attitude is that we will not give up. Homeschooling is so important that we will exhaust every avenue to prevail. In the summer of 1940, England stood nearly alone against the Nazi hordes and there were many people in England who thought of giving in and negotiating peace terms. Fortunately, Winston Churchill was Prime Minister at that time and he stated as follows in a speech to the House of Commons on June 4, 1940:

We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender . . ..

We must have the same attitude with regard to homeschooling. As discussed below, there are considerably brighter chances of victory for us than England had in the summer of 1940, but there may be some dark hours that we go through. We must remember that we can never give up and never give in. This is non-negotiable.

Now, we will turn to the decision, why it is wrong and what will be done next. The decision can be found here if you would like to read it. It is really a poor piece of appeallate writing and handles the Constitutional issues with all the precision of a hippopotamus. Poor appellate writing often flows from either (1) poor representation of one of the parties, thus giving the court little feedback from one side of the issues, or (2) the court's desire to rule a particular way, compounded by laziness in not fully addressing a particular issue. I don't know which it was in this case, but my guess is it may have been a little of both.

First, the decision conclusorily states that being taught at home cannot satisfy the private school law. It relies for that finding on two 50-year-old cases, Turner and Shinn. Both of these cases were decided before the modern proliferation of homeschooling and both make an argument that is kind of like this: (1) it's not a "school," its a home, (2) so, unless there is some brick and mortar school there, it does not qualify under the private school exception. The other argument made is that the legislature specifically provided for homeschooling, but only if the children are taught by a credentialed teacher. If the legislature had meant the private school option to apply to parents teaching at home, they would have said so. Both of these arguments are do not do the statute justice.

Second, the court only cursorily examines the issues of Constitutional law, specifically, the right of a parent to direct the upbringing and education of the child and their religious liberty in so doing. The Constitutional question is quite complex, but the Supreme Court has held in several cases (notably Pierce v. Society of Sisters, summary here, and Wisconsin v. Yoder, summary here) that parents have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing and education of their children and that when parents are also exercising their religious belief by how they educate their children, there are significant Constitutional protections for those parents. The California opinion swatted away those Constitutional arguments as if they were pesky flies and went on to their ruling. Interestingly, I think the court actually left the door open for a finding that the law does violate the parents' Constitutional rights as long as more facts are determined. The record was apparently sparse.

What will happen now: I understand that the parents are appealing and that HSLDA and others will file an amicus. I also understand that HSLDA is attempting to get the opinion depublished so that it does not affect anyone else in California. A depublished opinion has no precedential value in California. You can help with this effort by going to http://www.hslda.org/ and signing the petition to depublish the case. If both of those efforts are unsuccessful, there are a lot of other things that could happen and it would be folly to speculate right now. Suffice it to say that this could be a battle that continues for a long time, even if we lost on both of those fronts.

Why I'm Glad I'm Not a Democrat

2008-02-29T14:10:00.000-08:00

I set a goal for myself to write at least 3 times a month on the blog. Does it count if Peter contributes?

Just in case, I thought I better push hard today to meet my own goal...

Peter and I were having a conversation the other night that went something like this:

(DISCLAIMER: I NEVER VENTURE INTO POLITICS, SO BEAR WITH ME...)

D: I'm so glad I'm not a Democrat right now. I would be so confused.

P: Why?

D: Well, if I were voting Democrat, I would really be stumped as to who to vote for. I don't like Hillary a whole lot because she just irritates me and a myriad of other reasons. But at least she is a somewhat "known-quantity," I mean, we know what she thinks - she tells us. But then there is Obama. He's got this cult-like charismatic following and I can't figure out why. He never says anything. It's all hype.

P: Have you heard him speak? He's brilliant.

D: No, I haven't. But what he's got going for him in my opinion is that he is likeable and he's NOT Hillary.

P: You should listen to him sometime.

D: I can't. We don't watch T.V., and the only time I hear someone's clips is when I'm driving and listening to talk radio on the hour.

(Both thinking)

D: I will say that I think Hillary has a better position on a few things - like her position about meeting with rogue nations - just for the sake of discussion. She's against it. For all her problems, I think she has a better grasp on foreign policy, even if her "experience" is somewhat - at least we think it to be, but now we wonder about her position in the White House - vicarious, through her husband. I realize you can pick up a lot living with someone, but then...well, was there a co-presidency in effect - then?

P: Who knows. You aren't tired are you?

D: Then there is this whole momentum thing. Obama is on a roll.

P: I don't think she's going to catch up.

D: I have heard Michelle Obama. I was totally impressed with her. She's got a head on her shoulders. That woman knows what is up.

P: But she's not the one running. What did you hear?

D: Then again, is it even a great time to be a Republican? I'm not exactly thrilled with John McCain. At least he has some bonified years of experience. I think he'll grow on me - especially when I think about the options.

P: Yeah, me too.

D: You know what? It's a great time to be an INDEPENDENT!!! If I were an Independent, it would be a snap. I would be a whole-hearted McCain voter. He's got experience, and he is business. I was pretty impressed with how he handled the whole New York Times flap...very presidential.

P: I was impressed too. He didn't lose his cool. He addressed the issue, and closed the subject.

D: Yeah, so if I were an Independent I would vote McCain for a lot of reasons...

P: You're not sleepy at all are you.

D: I guess not, but I can stop here.

P: OK, let's get some sleep.

(Pause.)

P: Yeah, I guess McCain is growing on me too.

I want to be like my big brother when I grow up.

2008-02-22T21:16:00.001-08:00

We have noticed recently that Caleb really looks up to Daniel. That showed up again tonight. Daniel spilled water on his shirt and had to have it taken off. As soon as he saw what was happening, Caleb came running in pulling his shirt up with loud grunts indicating he wanted his shirt off too. So here are our two shirtless little boys, the younger of whom is only like that because he wants to be like his big brother.

The Ickies

2008-02-20T15:37:00.000-08:00

Peter and I are both sitting in bed sick right now. It's kind of funny, because we decided it is fun being sick together! Maybe misery loves company, but it is also just fun to be with someone when you're too sick to do anything else.

I think I picked this flu up at church on Sunday. On Sunday evening I wasn't feeling too great, and by Monday morning (which happened to be one of the few holidays in the year when my dear husband is home) I was really sick. I spent almost all of Monday in bed. Fortunately for us all, my parents are right in the back pasture, so they swooped in and rescued the kids from The Ickies.

By Tuesday morning I was feeling much better...but Peter wasn't. The guy who is NEVER sick actually cancelled all of his appointments but one (he couldn't get out of that one), and spent the day in bed. I was too weak to do much, so my parents again took the kids all day, and brought them back at bedtime.

Last night I woke up thinking we were having an earthquake. I laid very still for a second listening, almost excited that we were having an earthquake (it's been some time since we had one), until I realized it was Peter shiverring with the chills!!! Poor guy! I've been so cold, and he has been so hot, that we are quite the duo. I keep snuggling up to him to get warm, and then he starts sweating profusely to cool down.

Today is Wednesday. Peter cancelled his morning appointments, and abbreviated the afternoon ones. We're sitting/laying here trying to rest. I can't sleep, because the only thing that I can eat still is 7Up floats, and the sugar is keeping me awake. He's not asleep because he can't get comfortable. We've been watching Perry Mason reruns and trying to figure out the plots. I'm sorry to say, we still can't figure them out until the end!

Hopefully, this will end soon. I'm not complaining, because it is just too funny. I just hope that the kids and my parents don't get The Ickies.

Our Weekend Scare

2008-02-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

We learned this weekend that croquet balls can be lethal.

Caleb loves to play with the croquet set whenever he gets a chance to run in the garage. His favorite thing is to bowl them down the cement part of the driveway to the rocks. There isn't much of an incline, but there are always a few bumps along the way to set him giggling.

This weekend Peter the Ambitious decided to undertake to MAKE a bookcase with a drop down secretary-type desk for the alcove in Daniel's room. (Isn't he wonderful AND amazing?) Anyway, he decided he needed more space to spread his tools and wood out out, so he asked me to hold on to the boys while he backed his Explorer out. I sat down on the basketball goal and took the boys, one in each arm while we smiled at Daddy slowly backing out.

Then we heard a loud POP (as the ball shot out from the edge of the tire), and a yellow blur sped past us, just at eye height. It couldn't have been more than 6 feet away from Caleb and hit a tree before landing some 30 yards away near the property line.

Peter and I just stared at each other.

God's protection is so perfect. It would have probably killed Caleb if it had hit him, or it could have really done some serious damage to Daniel or me.

Thank the Lord for His protection!!!

P.S. The croquet ball had a chuck out of it from hitting the tree. Now the entire set has been put up, out of little hands' reach. I still can't stop hugging the kids. Life is so precious, and fragile.

X-Rays

2008-02-06T10:04:00.001-08:00

Here is an x-ray from Daniel's broken clavicle. When we saw this, Debra and I both said "ouch!" But the doctor says it is healing properly and Daniel almost never complains about it now even when he takes a (not infrequent) tumble.

The Little Things in Life

2008-01-25T14:07:00.001-08:00

I realize that I may be the only one right now who is not completely absorbed in something world-changing, like presidential politics, unsolved crime, or keeping up with Heath Ledger's funeral service, etc. Oh, I have plenty to say about all of the above, but I'm just trying to "keep it real," as they they say.

I realized today that I have not read a novel since March, 2006, when I was in the hospital trying to keep my mind off the fact that my newborn was shut up in the ICU trying to breathe. I know many of you are avid readers out there, and probably look at me with shock and pity, but my reading these days is limited to books that meet a felt-need around here (like potty-training and home organization), and even then I'm lucky if I finish the entire book without skimming part of it.

I'll admit, I'm an article reader. Short, I can do. Long, well...if you want me to learn it, better put it on a CD for the car! Before college I was an avid reader. I loved to read! I loved to learn and imagine! Unfortunately, in college I read and read and read until I thought my head would explode with scads of rather useless and completely unrelated information. I swore off useless reading, and busied myself with purposeful reading. But somewhere along the way, I went back to reading-for-pleasure.

And then I became a parent. My attention span has been somewhat burned by the fact that my attention is called to helping one or the other small child about every 2 minutes (or less). But today I found myself skimming an article, and I was rather disgusted with myself. I used to be a deep thinker. Maybe the old addage 'parenting causes brain damage' is true! It feels like parenting has caused ADHD in my case! I am just so BUSY!!! Somebody always needs their cup refilled, a sock put back on, a bottom wiped, a tear dried, a book read, a piece found... When Peter comes home I ask him what is happening in the outside world and sit there hanging on every word!

So here ends my pity party, and here begins my official posting of my New Years resolutions. I have gone back and forth about posting this, because I'm worried that someone will hold me to these amazingly BASIC things. I guess I finally decided that some accountability was good. You will notice there is nothing grand or sensational here, just goals that I think, by God's grace, I can attain this year.

2008 Goals

Blog 3 times a month
Plant flowers and/or a garden
Relax and not rush through school with Hannah
Relax and enjoy kids & Peter
Exercise somehow, somewhere!
Spend AT LEAST 5 minutes of UNINTERRUPTED time in the Bible/with the Lord EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE YEAR
Date with Peter at least once a month
Try new recipes
Get out of town with just Peter at least once this year

Think I can manage? These are certainly the little things in life, but I'd like to think that investing in my family is my way of changing the world - one life at a time.

New View

2008-01-25T09:44:00.001-08:00

This is the view from our window. I have never been able to see this without contacts or glasses. I can this morning and I can actually see the mountains better than I could with glasses or contacts.