I'm gonna blog about you!

A few minutes ago Danny left the house to go pick up the cousins for an outing. He is taking his day off to take the kids to a swimming pool with a high dive (across town). After that, he is taking them on a picnic, to an old well (the civil engineer in him coming out) and to an emu farm. The kids were as excited as if they were going to Disneyland.

What a guy!! He takes *his* day off to make wonderful memories for the kids. And you wondered why I still like him so much even after 15 years?! He is a dad who never chooses to take time for himself when he could do something with the kids. He is so purposeful about how he spends his time. In the evenings, he is doing things with them from the time he gets home until the time they go to bed. During that time, they play games, practice Spanish, do science experiments, read the Bible, ride bikes, play soccer, and many other activities. Of course, he would love some down time when he gets home from work, but instead he chooses to be greeted at the door by welcoming children jumping all over him. He hugs and kisses us all and usually plays with the kids a bit before opening the mail. He knows that these days are short and he wants the kids to remember Daddy coming home as the highlight of their day. And it is!

As he was walking out the door, I said to him, "You are quite a Daddy. I'm gonna blog about you."

He smiled.

Even Barb couldn't work her magic

One of these children was not happy to be getting their picture taken. I'll let you try and figure out which child that was. We have been having Penny's portraits done by the same woman since Annsley was a baby. Barb has this amazing ability to make the kids smile and get great shots of them. We always request Barb! Barb is legendary in our family. But, Sammy was not to be consoled on this day. Even Barb couldn't make him smile. Seth did get him to stop crying when he had him on his lap. But, nary a smile was to be seen....until we got a cookie at Mrs. Fields.

We love cousins! 

This is SO my daughter!

Today we made covers for our new notebooks. The kids thought this was an extremely fun activity for some reason. I just had to post Annsley's because it is just so her. Seth is still working on his, but he had to tear one up in frustration because it didn't look good enough for him. The picture next to Spanish is the profile of a computer, in case you were wondering. They do Rosetta stone.

Our notebooks are ready to go for fall. But, they wanted to start using them now. OK, twist my arm.

I also got those really cool plastic dividers with the pockets. Well worth the extra money in cool geekiness! Very high geek factor!! The kids liked them too. :-)

18 more days

We have 18 more days until we get to go here.

My family has been going to the conference center since I was 7. Yup, for all you mathematicians that makes 31 years. It has been such a joy to add Danny and my brother's wife, Erica to this trip. It has been even more fun to add our children to the mix. They have a fantastic children's program and the kids love it (as I loved it as a child.)

One of the best things about this vacation is that there are very few choices to be made. Meals are chosen for you (and they are good.) The basic schedule is chosen for you. The biggest decisions I have to make are what books to read and which beach to choose.

• Shopping in Portland on the way down
• Taco bar on Sunday night
• Seaside on Wednesday.....don't forget the bumper cars
• The Cannon Beach Carnival on Thursday afternoon
• A play at The Coaster Theater
• Hours of digging and playing (and reading) at the beach
• Morning walks with my mom to Haystack rock (a mile down and a mile and a half back) followed by a latte
• Time for serious spiritual introspection and reflection
• Walks through the town, poking into galleries and tourist shops
• Last, but certainly not least....Bruce's Candy Kitchen. The ONE thing that has not changed one bit in 31 years!
  

Yup, counting down the days. (Can I get a witness, Diane?)

Happy Anniversary to us!

There are things that I did not know fifteen years ago that I do know now!

• I didn't know that a person might floss their teeth twice in one night (let alone once) to make sure their teeth were clean.
• I didn't know that watching your husband become a father could only increase your love and respect.
• I didn't know that one person could make you laugh and cry harder than you have ever done in your life.
• I didn't know that in order to have a well-balanced meal at dinner someone has to make it...every night (go figure!)
• I didn't know what it meant to be a grown-up.
• I didn't know that laundry doesn't put itself away. (Now the kids do it. :-))
• I didn't know that watching World Cup soccer could be so exciting. I didn't know it would be almost as exciting as watching your husband coaching your 7 year old son's team.
• I didn't know that there is nothing sweeter than seeing your husband with another girl....as long as that girl is your 9 year old daughter.
• I didn't understand how differences can be such strengths
• I didn't know how prayer works in ways that nagging never can.
• I didn't know I would never have to pick up any of my husbands dirty clothes because he always puts them away.
• I didn't know he would be such a good dad.
• I didn't realize that high expectations cause a person to achieve more than they thought they could.
• I didn't know that er....um....marital relations only get better with time.
• I didn't know that we would be teaching our kids at home.
• I didn't know that we would need two computers to avoid shoving matches in the evenings...and I'm not talking about the kids.
• I didn't know he would wipe down the sink and shower just to make it easier for me to clean.
• I didn't know that we wouldn't run out of things to talk about.
• I didn't know you would still make me laugh.
• I didn't know we would both start liking country music. (I *really* didn't know that one!)

• I didn't know what a rare treasure a happy marriage is!

I love you, Danny!

Rent

A couple of nights ago I watched the movie Rent. I have never seen the musical (although I am familiar with some of the songs) or the movie. I have debated whether or not to watch this musical, because of the controversial subject matter, but I really wanted to see it because of the amazing music. I rented it (no pun intended) on a night where I had the whole house to myself.

First, let me say, that the music is so beautiful! I wept from the beauty of it. I'm a sucker for a show tunes and pop opera!

I wept through the whole thing. I wept for the consequences of sin. I wept for hopelessness. I know the people in the musical found their hope in love, but I so longed for them to find their hope in Jesus-the author of hope and love.

I don't pretend to understand street life or the struggles these people represented. I really don't think I have an easy answer to all of life's problems, but in Rent I saw a whole culture without God. And, I so wanted Him to be there.

Did I like it? Yes! It made me think and feel compassion like I haven't in a long time! The music (even for a movie version) was breathtaking. I am still processing, actually. Even though I really liked it, I just can't recommend it. There is too much that is controversial to put my stamp of approval on it. But, if you want to be moved, hopefully to compassion, get the soundtrack...or watch the movie....but consider yourself warned!

Baby dreams

Have you ever had that baby dream? The one where you find out you are pregnant, or you have a baby? I had such a vivid one last night. I was due to have a baby any minute. I kept going to the hospital, but I wasn't in any pain...and my stomach had that cute small basketball shape that the models get. (That should have been my first clue that it was a dream! I never had that "cute" look.)

I usually awake from those dreams SO disappointed to find out that it was just a dream. I would love to have a huge family!! But, this morning, I didn't have that ache. It wasn't exactly relief, but it wasn't disappointment either.

Nothing earth shattering. I just thought I'd share. And no....I'm not pregnant. I know that FOR SURE!

I just want to recommend....

A great summer read.

The Morning After...

I heard little noises at about 6:00 this morning. At about 7:00 they all emerged in parade fashion, singing, left, left, left-right-left as they marched. They had all chosen red, white and blue outfits so they could match. I couldn't resist a couple more pictures!!

Slumber Party!

Guess what is going on at our house tonight!
It is very hot here, but that didn't seem to dampen the enthusiasm of sleeping in an un-airconditioned room in the warmest part of the house! These are five very happy children, and I am relishing every moment of this summer with them. I am not known for spontaneous (or even planned, for that matter) play dates, but this summer is dedicated to the cousins. So when they asked when they could have a slumber party, I said, "How about tonight?" They accepted the offer with squeals of joy. Of course, they will wake at the crack of dawn and continue right where they left off this evening....with those giggles I hear coming from the other room. It is music to my ears!

Learning to read...

Yesterday, we went garage saling. This has been a favorite Saturday morning activity for several years that started when my mom was looking for things for the church nursery. It saw me through baby equipment and clothing, some home furnishings, kids clothes, and of course....books. The kids think it is a great treat to come along and sometimes you find that special something that makes all the junk worth while.

Yesterday, Seth found a brand new Dover wild animals coloring book for a quarter. The VERY ONE that we had been looking for at Barnes and Noble the day before. They didn't have wild animals, so we had to settle for cats. And, there it was, buried below some books on bird watching. We were all so excited! Sure, we only saved $3.75, but it was more about the thrill of the hunt, and the victory of the find.

I saw an old reading text book that took me back to my first grade year. It was the very same reading book I had used in school. (I was in the bluebird group, you know the one that they cleverly named to protect other children's self esteem, but everyone knew it was the highest group.) I showed Annsley the book and said, "These are the books they used to teach us how to read. " She looked perplexed, laughed, and said, "Who learns to read with one book? You should use thousands of books to learn to read." That's my girl! Well indoctrinated at a young age!

This strange feeling...

Yesterday, I had this strange feeling. I seem to remember it from distant times. We woke up, ate breakfast, spent an extended time reading out loud. We progressed quickly to our modified summer school schedule. The kids finished by lunch, which is the goal. And then it hit me....I have nothing hanging over my head right now. I had just turned in two assignments for my master's classes. I had finished the development of the summer school online class I'll be teaching. I didn't have to plan lessons. I had no meetings.

It is the feeling of summer! I remember this! I could get used to this!

Where I'm From poem....

I read several of these last month and I was so moved by them. I tried to write one of my own and was frustrated by my lack of memory and poetic words to describe my true feelings. So, I deleted my attempts and promptly forgot about the task. However, Diane at A Circle of Quiet reminded me, and I thought I'd give it one more shot. I think it is a valuable exercise even if my poetry skills are not what I wish they were. Hey, that is a part of Where I'm From, right? So, for better of for worse....here you go.

I am from laughter, from music, from love.

I am from the four seasons,
from the brilliant color of fall and the excitement of a new school year,
from the smell of snow at twilight, sledding down the driveway, and making snowmen in the front yard,
from endless lazy summer days, swimming and going to the lake,
from long-awaited springs bursting with new life, and the freedom of the first bike ride of the season.

I am from a huge front door with my mom waiting on the inside.
from sizzling onions and smells of food preparation,
from sounds of the piano from the living room.

I am from roses on the table and an abundance of multi-colored flowers growing in the yard.
I am from summer spent on the Oregon coast and Christmas spent singing carols and the ability to laugh when times are hard,
from Grandma Nadine, Grandma Verna, Grandpa Tick and Grandpa Herb.

I am from "work hard" and "play hard" and confidence that occasionally crosses into pride.

From “Now we’ve had our accident for the day.” and “Always do your best work.” and “Pursue Jesus with all your heart.”
I am from my Dad’s crazy mnemonic devices and memorizing the state capitals on long car rides.

I am from baptism in the river. I am from a deep love of the Bible and what it holds for all man. I am from the battle of hymns versus choruses that often still takes place in my own heart. I am from teaching Sunday school with my mom and youth group mission trips. I am from summers working as a Bible camp counselor and work crew.
I am from forgiveness.

I'm from Washington, from comfort foods and from a little dessert after every dinner.

From summers on the farm with Grandma Verna,
from riding the combine with Grandpa Herb.
from listening to stories of childhood from Grandma Nadine,
from riding in the boat at the lake with Grandpa Tick,
from going on special dates with my dad,
from wanting to be just like my mom.

I am from Grandma Nadine’s jewelry box and the family pictures stored in her hutch, now in my living room,
from the upstairs closet at Grandma Verna’s farmhouse where there were treasures untold, but peppered with a little fear at the depth of the dark closet.

I am from comfort and blessings and riches, both earthly and spiritually.
I am from and will continue to be from deep gratitude to God for all these.

The cousins are here!!!

You may remember that Danny's sister, LaNae, and her husband and three kids moved last summer to California to attend seminary. This has been such a sad thing for our kids because they are best friends. However, they accepted a summer internship position here and arrived yesterday for an eight week stay!! The kids were counting down the days (and the minutes) until last night when they got to be together. They are staying with Danny's parents and it was so fun to all be together again last night. We are all looking forward to a summer of lots of time together. Life is good.

No more homework, no more books....

No more teacher's dirty looks. Oh, wait....I'm the teacher.

Today was our last day of classes at TEC. We still have conferences next week, but all the lesson plans are over for the year!! Woohoo!!

I told Annsley that she is now officially a 4th grader and Seth is officially a 2nd grader. They thought that was really cool. They had a year book at school this year, and the kids were so cute having people sign them. They had *me* sign their yearbooks! :-) Yesterday, they had a school variety show. Seth played the piano and Annsley and a friend did a scene from Taming of the Shrew. It was so cute. She also did a Readers Theater and played a song on the recorder with her music class. She was in her element! I just love the experiences and classes that they get at TEC. It is such a perfect fit for our family.

I don't have the total weight off my shoulders because I still have several obligations that will be following me through the summer, but at least I will have more time to do them all.

Next week our home "summer school" starts. We will be dropping a couple of subjects, reading more, and enjoying our extra two days a week.

Happy Summer, everyone (Will someone give the sun the message that school is out?)

Funny metaphors from high school essays....

You have probably seen these before. I had, but I couldn't resist posting them so you can all get a little chuckle!

Every year, English teachers from across the country can submit their collections of actual analogies and metaphors found in high school essays. These excerpts are published each year to the amusement of teachers across the country. Here are last year's winners.....

1. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.
2. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.
3. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.
4. She grew on him like she was a colony of E. Coli, and he was room-temperature Canadian beef.
5. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.
6. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.
7. He was as tall as a six-foot, three-inch tree.
8. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM machine.
9. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't.
10. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty bag filled with vegetable soup.
11. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30.
12. Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.
13. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease.
14. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.
15. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.
16. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.
17. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant, and she was the East River.
18. Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.
19. Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.
20. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work.
21. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.
22. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.
23. The ballerina rose gracefully en Pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.
24. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.
25. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.

Simon says...

My thoughts, exactly! Once again, Simon says it spot on!

A Blow to my Ego!!

Let me start this story by telling you that I have a nice voice. It feels weird to just say that, but, it is true. It isn't the hippest voice you have ever heard (think Twila Paris) but one of my strengths is blending with other people. I know how to make other people sound even better. I've been doing this almost every Sunday for the last 15 years!

In church yesterday the girl (she is 30) that I sing with was telling me about this trio that she was going to do with two girls (in their young 20s) from the other worship team. It is actually a Destiny's Child song but it is gospel. Somehow the conversation turned to the fact that she hadn't asked me to sing with her and this is the conversation that followed:

Her: Well, actually...oh never mind, I don't want to say. It sounds bad.
Me: Now you have to tell me.
Her(laughing and putting her arm around me): I thought it might be better for the "young girls."

Now granted, I am no Biance, but I don't think I have ever been thrown into the "old girls" category before!! So, after I recovered from my geriatric shock, she continues,

Her: Besides, I have sung with those two before and we just blend really well.
Me: (smiling graciously, in a grandmotherly way) I understand, I have two old ladies, I mean women, that I used to sing in trios with also.

It was actually not my ego that was so much bruised, I came to terms a long time ago with the fact that ego and pride have no place in singing for the Lord, but it did make me feel very lonesome for my friends that I used to sing with in our old church!!

After a few tears to Danny, I thanked God for the reminder to be humble in doing His service, and for allowing me to feel what I'm sure that I unintentionally made others feel in the past.

I'm off to go sit in my rocker now!

Summer Reading Challenge

I have decided to join in on the summer reading challenge. If you want to join me, visit here for more info! The deadline to sign up is May 31.

Here are the challenge books I want to finish this summer. They will be joined by many more light fiction, I am sure!

5 Autobiographies from The Well Educated Mind
The Confessions by Saint Augustine
The Book of Margery Kempe.
Essays by Michel De Montaigne
The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Teresa of Avila
Meditations by Rene Descates

5 spiritually challenging books
The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian
Too Busy Not to Pray
3 others to be determined

All the books that are under my bed right now
The Count of Monte Cristo by Dumas
The Open Door by Mrs. J.L. Ragsdale
Condi by Antonia Felix
The Hospital by the Rinver by Dr Catherine Hamlin
A Table in the Presence by Carey Cash
1776 by David McCollough

Popping in to say hello....

There is light at the end of the tunnel! This month is still crazy, but I got some assignments turned in and I feel like I have some breathing room. My children think I have a lap-top sized growth coming out of my stomach! :-)

My American Idol thoughts. In the end, I was happy that Taylor won. I didn't ever vote for him, but after Tuesday night, I knew he deserved to win. One thing I love about AI is that it shows that America still loves nice people. The nice guy does win on this show. That makes me happy.

Speaking of nice guys, I *LOVE* that those three cowboys got to be on the show last night. I thought that those two cowboys were so sweet to have the little cowboy guy in their group. They were so supportive of him, even though he was obviously a net minus for their team. I thought it was just great that they let them come and perform in the final.

I was in hysterics over that Clay-Aiken-wanna-be-kid who was singing and then so excited to see Clay! :-)

I thought the whole finale was really well done. I loved all the singing and highlights from the show. It was much more entertaining than past years.

OK, I could always do without Prince!! What was up with that? Everyone else sort of fit into the big picture of the show. He came out of nowhere, sang, and then left. I find Prince kinda slimey.

Taking a little break....

Well, folks, it is my turn to take a little blogging break. The classes that I am taking this semester are much more work than some of my others and I need to cut back from the blog-world for a season. I'll be popping in occasionally to read yours, but I need to be spending my time elsewhere for now! But, promise you'll come back in a couple weeks??!!??

Love to all!!!

The things they miss....

Seth was reading his new devotions book and asked me, "What is a report card?" I explained it to him and told him he didn't need one since his mother already knew how he was doing in school. He said, "Well, why would I want to hide it?" I said, "Well, you might not want your mom to know if you weren't doing well in math."

He smiled at me, and said, "If I did get a report card, I'd get a good grade in math."

Will this boy really be truly adjusted if he doesn't learn how to hide his report card? How will he survive in mainstream society?

Yes, I am aware that...

I still have a blog. I just have no inspiration.

I just finished a really great book called Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks. It says on the cover, "A story of love and war." I must qualify my recommendation because it is a little heavy on both the "love" (if you know what I mean) and the war. There are very graphic scenes describing both. The scenes of war paint the horrific picture of World War I, and add to the richness of the book. However, the couple of "love" scenes I could do without! It is a haunting book that bridges the past with the present and I stayed up way too late the last couple of nights to finish it.

I am leading a bookclub at school with some of my teen students. We are reading Night by Elie Wiesel. My students are such great kids, and have beautiful insights into life and the subject of the holocaust. I am looking forward to having our discussion today.

This makes me mad!

Does this infuriate anyone else? How DARE someone taunt like that? I'm not debating whether or not Moussaoui should have received the death penalty but, oh boy, does his quote make me sick.

I didn't even know anyone personally who died in the September 11 attacks, but it still feels so raw to me when I think about it. I bawled like a baby at Ground Zero. I was upset by the fact that at the Ground Zero site there was not one mention of terrorists or even *who* it was who perpetrated the heinous acts. It bothers me that a man can be so evil that not only does he have no remorse about what happened but that he flaunts it as a victory. I know it is not politically correct to call someone evil, but anyone who could willingly participate in terrorism is evil.

I do believe that Moussaoui will someday meet and answer to a holy God, and the penalty he will get at that time will be far worse than anything the American judicial system could hand out. I also know that Moussaoui is a soul that is loved by God and that God would forgive him if he asked. Perhaps that is why God is God, and I am not. I think I'd have a hard time with that one!

My American Idol thoughts

Play That Funky Music, White Boy?!?! Taylor, what *were* you thinking?

I still have only been moved to vote once this season and that was for Mandissa when she sang that song that was a testimony of her love of God. I like all the singers that are left, but they don't seem to move me to pick up the phone. I don't even really care who wins.

I love Katherine's voice, I love how Taylor feels the music, I think Chris is sexy, Paris is cute, Elliot seems like such a nice guy, but they aren't making me pick up the phone.

Maybe next week.

First Date....

Annsley received an invitation in the mail the other day for a date! At age 9!! The gentleman was very proper and asked her in a polite, formal way. When she read the invitation her eyes sparkled and danced with excitement. This event was a dinner and a dance. The event was sponsored by our church, so I felt that it was an acceptable venue for a first date. Of course, I wanted to know all kinds of information about the young man who asked her. It turns out, he is a God loving person, really loves his family, a boy of character, a hard worker, and a very fun guy. I told her I thought it would be fine if she accepted the invitation. So, she immediately called him. Normally, I would frown on Annsley calling a boy, but I made an exception in this case.

"Hello, this is Annsley."
(the other side of the phone.) "Hello"
"I'm just calling to tell you that I would be happy to accept your invitation."
(words that I couldn't hear)
"So, you'll pick me up on Thursday at 5:45?"
(insert other small talk here)

"Goodbye, Daddy. I love you too!"

I told her that she couldn't have chosen a better first date. They had a fun time doing the chicken dance, the Scottish polka, the Limbo, and many others. It is hard to imagine that someday in the not too distant future some other guy will be calling to ask her out. Let me just tell you that I won't be so easy in giving my permission!

The room where we live....

I thought I'd give you a little tour of the school room. Seth is watching the Latin DVD and doing some art at the same time. On the wall to the right is our timeline and copies of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution that we got while we were in Washington DC. The plastic globe ball in the background was free with our subscription of Kid's National Geographic and Seth drives me crazy bouncing it all over the room.

Note the rabbit ears. Nice TV, eh?




This is our US map that we have traced the routes of our different driving trips on (which, of course, you can't see) but we have been to 26 states altogether. The trampoline is a wonderful energy burner when the kids need a little energy burn-off! The Playmobile castle is the only toys my kids have ever really with (although you can see that there are bins of legos, blocks, etc) The picture is and has been leaning against the wall for about 6 months now. I guess I need to hang it up or move it out, eh?






Another picture of the timeline, and some posters and Seth coloring.

Behind the door on the left is our laundry room.
















The piano, the art display, the computer for the kids to do Rosetta Stone.

Behind that door is my "office." It is lined with bookshelves and I have my homeschooling/scrapbooking/junk stored in there. It is actually clean right now which is a rare shock!






Behind the couch is where we usually sit. The kids are at their desks and I sit at that brown chair in the middle (I am there right now.)

Most of the books are in the kids' rooms or in my office. The bookshelves behind my chair are our daily stuff.

Usually the kids are up and dressed by breakfast, but for some reason Annsley begged to do school in her jammies this day. So, I let her. After all, today I'm still in my exercise clothes from this morning.

Grandparent lessons....

Perhaps you remember that on Tuesday afternoons Annsley and Seth go to one of the grandparents. (Then the next week they switch.) In today's post I want to honor my parents and in-laws. When I dropped Seth off at my parents my Dad had taped a little scorecard on the door of ten Olympic events that he had set up for them to do together. They included a round of croquet, backyard golf, holding their breath in the hot tub, foos ball, etc...How many Grandpas would go to all that effort to entertain a seven year old? Seth loved it (especially because he "won" 8 of the events.) Then I went to pick up Annsley and she had her piano lesson with my mom-in-law. Next they worked on their sewing project that they have been working on together (a home made doll and accessories.)

We constantly remind our kids how blessed they are to have grandparents who not only love them and want to spend time with them, but also invest their time and energies to teach them and support them. Last Saturday morning, in the freezing rain, Seth had four grandparents standing with blankets and umbrellas to cheer him on in his soccer game. They use every opportunity to teach them about God as well.

Believe me when I tell you that I am taking notes on how to be a grandmother some day. I know that most people don't have even one set of parents who are able to do this, and it is something I never take for granted. Not even for one minute!!! Not even for one second!!!

Happy Me, too

Yah, what she said!!! (Except for the toes, the dog, and the bladder issues!)

Happy, happy spring!!

How can my little girl be 9? (Obnoxious bragging mother alert)

9 years ago today we celebrated the birth of our first child. Annsley LaNae came out and I was so thrilled to have a little girl. I wanted a girl so bad to share the kind of relationship that I have with my mom. And there she was. I realized that I have probably blogged more about Seth than I have about Annsley, so today is my tribute to her.
This is a poem I wrote one day when she was three and the sun was shining in on her blonde hair and chubby thighs. I would still say the exactly the same about her today (minus her chubby thighs!!)

You stand before me a picture of light
The sun shining on your golden hair,
reflecting the sparkles in your blue eyes.
Your smile lights up every shady spot in the room.
You in pink-there is no more innocent sight.
Purity and goodness.
You are a precious gift from God.

The word "good" is a weak word. They tell you not to use it when writing, but it describes Annsley. She is a "good" person. From the time she was a baby she was good. She was happy, loving, and obedient. She is considerate far beyond her years. She anticipates what might hurt someone's feelings and makes sure that she doesn't do that. She loves deeply. She loves life. She loves learning.

Here is a story that shows her sweet heart. When we were at the National Art Gallery I was really excited about all the wonderful paintings. Many were things that we had studied. The kids were really tired because we had been walking all day and they weren't totally in the mood for an art gallery. I was a bit frustrated because the men were acting like it was something to rush through as fast as possible and the kids were following that lead. I leaned over to Annsley and I said, "Annsley, I was really hoping that this would be something that you and I would enjoy together." She could tell that it was important to me, and from that minute on she walked hand in hand with me throughout the gallery and really participated. Once she chose to put her mind to it I think she really did enjoy it a lot, but it brought tears to my eyes to watch her choose to do something just to make me happy.

I could share story after story about her sweet nature. People who know her in real life know that I am really not exaggerating. She is the kind of child that makes a parent want to write a parenting book, but we are smart enough to know that God had a lot more to do with who she is than we do.

She has been a spiritually sensitive child since she was old enough to tote books around. Her favorite book was the Bible. She accepted Christ when she was 4 and she prayed a prayer (on her own) that she read in the back of her Bible. We never really pushed her to "accept Jesus" although we talked about Him a lot. She did that totally on her own. She still can be found pouring over her devotions and memorizing verses on her own.

Happy Birthday, sweet Annsley!

Tagged by Cathy....

Hey Cath, I keep meaning to call you....:-)

5 Things

in my fridge:
1. case of Diet Coke-a sweet gift from my mother-in-law waiting for me when we got home from our trip (along with some fruit, milk and dinner) Isn't she sweet?
2. small jar of chili-garlic paste from....let's see....how many years have we lived here? 6 years ago.
3. a huge fresh box of STRAWBERRIES!!!! Nothing says "spring is finally here" like fresh strawberries. Yummy!
4. Left over fajitas. On any give week we have fajitas at least once.
5. Cream for making homemade ice cream.

in my closet:
1. that pair of jeans that Betsey gave me that I'm waiting to be small enough to wear. :-)
2. about 100 tanks for layering. God bless whoever invented that style. It really helps those of us with long waists to cope with the short shirt fad.
3. the pair of white pumps from my wedding....worn only once.
4. all of Danny's coats (this is a whole blog post in itself, but he has taken over my side of the closet with them!)
5. my fluffy white terrycloth bathrobe that I got as a high school graduation present and wore all through college (right, Becky?)

in my purse:
1. several tubes of Carmex
2. a bulletin from church last Sunday
3. my daytimer (aka: my brains)
4. flushable wipes (you never know when you may need a wipe)
5. several receipts wadded up towards the bottom wedged in next to pb gum (purse bottom gum-you know the kind that you only chew when desperate because it has been laying in the bottom of your purse and may or may not still have the wrapper in tact.)

in my car:
1. my yoga mat (even though I have only done yoga a couple times in the last few months)
2. the latest Lemony Snickett book that we are listening to on tape (we are on Carnivorous Carnival). Am I the only grown up that thinks these books are hilarious?
3. the little notebook that for some unknown reason Danny makes us record our gas purchases. Can't I just write, "WAYYYY too much!!"
4. a little emergency kit that I put together (including duct tape, fingernail clippers, needle, tampons, aspirin, scissors, etc....)
5. our lawn chairs for watching soccer games

on my TiVo???:
ummmmm.....my 18-year-old-no-cable-can't-even-barely-figure-out-the-dumb-VCR television has nothing recorded right now. If I were to record something, it would be fuzzy because I would have to unplug the rabbit ears in order to plug in the VCR (it is either one or the other, baby!)

Time to blog...

Since we have been home I feel like I have been going 100 miles per hour. I find I go through phases where I am highly productive and energetic and for some reason I am in one of those phases right now. When I get into this mode I get less sleep and have more energy. Perhaps it is motivated by the incredible amount of things I have to get done over the next couple of months. I layed out a schedule of all the things I want to get done so that I can begin checking off the boxes. But, I haven't had a lot of brain power left over to blog. Maybe one of these days I'll get inspired to post something interesting. Until then, just know that I am reading all of *your* interesting thoughts!

Whoever said, "It's great to be home?"

People always say that when they come home from vacations. I never really have that feeling. Danny loves being back to our own bed. I can sleep anywhere, so this doesn't affect me. Danny likes eating homecooked meals again. Guess who has to cook those meals? I prefer restaurants. Sure, living out of a suitcase is a bit of a pain, but who has to empty those suitcases and wash every last piece of clothing, and get it folded and put away? When we got back last night I had a bit of an overwhelmed feeling with all the things I need to get done in the next couple of weeks! I prefer worrying about decisions like whether to eat in Chinatown or Little Italy in NYC! (We chose Chinatown, by the way.)

I haven't yet had the time to tell all the the sites we saw in New York City or in Philedelphia, but that will have to be saved for another time.

Alas, I know that real life must happen in order for vacations to seem so special but, this trip was a very special one to me. The theme for this trip that kept running through my mind the whole time was "In the Presence of Greatness." Great historical leaders, great museums, great monuments, great documents of freedom, great art, great architecture, simple places where great things happened, and most of all, great country! Everywhere we went, that thought kept popping into my mind. It was such a privilege to get to share this greatness with my children at a young age, and hopefully, it will inspire them to greatness as well.

If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere...

It's up to you, New York, New York!

Thank goodness for a gorgeous day!! We drove to New York this morning and took the ferry over to the statue of liberty and then went up to the observation deck. It is such an incredibly amazing sight! It really gives you shivers seeing it up close in real life.

We will spend tomorrow doing more sight seeing/tourist stuff.

Danny reserved hotels before we left. We are not the kind of people who spend a lot of money on hotels. We view them as a place to sleep and if they are clean we are happy. However, since we have my computer every night we go to priceline.com and see if we can get a nicer hotel for the same price as the one we have reserved. So far, we have been able to upgrade almost every night and tonight takes the cake! It is a beautiful hotel with a view from our window of the Empire State Building! This was less on Priceline than the Red Roof we had originally reserved. God bless the internet! Our kids are going to become hotel snobs!

I would not have made a good Pilgrim!

Well, it was bound to happen, but today we hit miserable rain all day. We braved the Mayflower boat tour, but decided to bag Plymouth Plantation. We had been a bit undecided about whether we would go there even if the weather was nice. Although, after talking with the very knowledgeable people on the Mayflower, we were sorry that it wasn't nicer out. The Pilgrims landed at that very spot in December. I can't imagine how cold and miserable that would have been. It must have been pretty bad in England to set sail on that tiny ship with 130 other people. I think I probably would have chosen to stay.

Next we drove to Providence, Rhode Island. We drove by the capitol building, but the weather just wasn't permitting of too much walking around outside. So, after lunch, we headed on to our hotel in Connecticut. We are staying here so that we have a short drive to NYC tomorrow. Fortunately, we looked at the weather and it is supposed to be sunny and warmer! We are headed straight for the Statue of Liberty, so I really hope the weather is nice!

Today reminded me of how thankful I am for warmth. We hopped in our car, turned on the heater and warmed right up. When our nation started there were no places to go to get warm. Those early colonists battled amazing conditions and we are reaping the benefit or that!

Update from Boston...

This morning we drove down the Maine coast and saw the Atlantic Ocean. We can now say we have been in all four corners of the United States. There were some quaint villages that I'm sure would be packed at a warmer time of the year, but were pretty deserted today.

We then hopped over to Boston, parked our car at a subway station and rode to the beginning of The Freedom Trail. This is a 2 mile historic loop that weaves you through Boston and it is so interesting how the old and new building co-exist right next to each other. You will be looking up at a modern skyscraper and then walk right by the Old North Church (famous from the Paul Revere story where they hung the lanterns so Revere could send out the message, "The British are coming.")




















One of my favorite parts of The Trail are the old (REALLY old) cemeteries. I included a couple of pictures because I think they are so cool! We saw John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere's graves.
I ate Lobster Bisque at Fanuel Hall (a famous meeting place of the Revolutionary heroes.) I was bound and determined to have lobster in some form before leaving New England. It was delicious!!! It sprinkled on us, but I was so thankful that it was warm and not freezing. I was really worried that we would freeze on today, but the temperature was great!

Now, I am sitting in front of a swimming pool in our hotel while blogging. You gotta love modern technology!! Danny is taking a nap, because he is getting a cold and needs a rest.

Hello from New Hampshire

I don't have any pictures loaded from today yet, but this morning we got an early start and drove through some quaint historical towns. Our goal was to get to New Hampshire to stay with a friend of Danny's since childhood. On our way we got to see them make maple syrup in Vermont. Danny was really hoping we would get to see them tap the trees and watch the sap flow out. We missed that by a few days but we were there just at the right time to see them take the sap, boil it, filter it, and turn it into syrup for us to taste. It was a neat little mom-and-pop operation and the owner was no nice in showing us all the steps. The maple ice cream was delicious!!

This was out longest driving day, but we did stop and peek into the New Hampshire capitol building. We happened to see the governor walking by. We had a nice home cooked meal at our friend's house and we set sail for Boston and the Freedom Trail tomorrow. I've been really looking forward to that after reading Johnny Tremain and all the books about the Revolutionary War info.

The kids do so great on the long driving days. They didn't even complain one time about the driving. We pop the Story of the World CD's in and everyone is happy. It is great because the kids beg us to put it in, we get a good history review in, and Danny gets to hear all the things we have learned about. We have been listening to vol 2-The Middle Ages and I am hoping to get through the first half of vol 3-Renaissance to Early Modern. That would catch them up to where we are in history.

It has been fun to read your comments. I think of so many of you as I am driving through your states. I really wish I could stop and meet all you East Coasters!! Donna, today I thought of you because we drove by a store called Boucherville (pronounced Boo-shay-ville.) I had to tell Danny all about you. And, friends from home, I am missing you all!

Trip update...

Tuesday, April 4-This morning Danny (bless his heart) left our hotel to stand in line for tickets to the Bureau of Engraving. He got to see the Washington Monument at sunrise, which is something the rest of us can't say. He got 9:00 AM tickets and we scurried to meet him. I can't say that I have ever seen 130 million dollars in one place before, but now I have! WOW!

On the other side of the extreme we went to the Holocaust Museum next. They have a fantastic exhibit called Daniel's story that is just perfect for children. It was so well done and Annsley and Seth really got a feel for what happened without all the images that they might not be ready for.

We went up to Arlington Cemetery to see the changing of the guard. Seth really enjoyed that. There are some amazing stats about the men who serve in that position. I'll have to dig those out sometime, but they take these amazing promised when they accept that position. It was a beautiful day and we had some good pictures of the city in the background.

The kids got a chance to swim and then we set off on to see the monuments at night. It was a beautiful night and they were absolutely gorgeous!!























This is what Seth looked like by the end of the day! (Notice the book title.)

Wednesday, April 5-We woke up very early to take Danny's parents to the airport and then we set out for PA. We stopped for an extremely cold tour of Gettysburg. We did the car tour thing and didn't get out too much. We haven't studied the Civil War yet, but we did talk about it some before our south trip last year. We did read a biography about Abraham Lincoln and the kids memorized the Gettysburg Address. (Yes, I made them stand in the freezing spot where Abe Lincoln stood and quote it!)

And what Classical Education tour would be complete without the Hershey, PA chocolate factory tour? We changed out itinerary a little. We were going to tour Amish country and Lancaster, but decided to take a shorter route to our hotel and go by Hershey. We were going to skip it, but decided to include it and it turned out to be a highlight for the kids (of course.) They put you on a little ride and you learn about how they make the chocolate and then they give you some samples. Hey folks, it can't be education all the time!! (Actually, the funny thing is that they already knew a ton about how chocolate was made from the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory class they just finished at our co-op! It was a great reinforcement of what they learned!)

Tonight we are in another hotel with a pool and internet access. We are all happy! We are having a great time, and it is so fun just to be together!

An update of the last four days (feel free to skim)

Friday March 30, 2006-WARNING-Long trip explanations!! Prepare for skimming ahead!!

The first place we started this morning was at the Library of Congress. While we were waiting for our tour, we walked next door to the Supreme Court building. I was moved to tears by the huge majestic marble columns. (Remember, I am a sentimental sucker for all things patriotic.) We went back to catch our tour of the Library of Congress. This was a spectacular building fully decorated in Italian Renaissance style. Of course, any Classical educator worth their salt gets excited about seeing one of the three surviving original full Gutenburg Bibles. I was amazed at the perfection of the type set and ink. The reading room was something we looked into from behind a closed window, but I’m pretty convinced that any book read in that room would make you smarter just by osmosis. Both Annsley and I fell in love with that room! I also enjoyed seeing some letters written by George Washington and an original manuscript of Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography since that is what I brought along to read.


Next we went to hear a lecture at the Supreme Court Building. It was interesting and we took a little tour of the place.














The highlight of the day for the boys was the Air & Space Museum. I realized that Danny and I are great complements for homeschooling because he got so excited in the hands on science part and was explaining things to the kids (and me, as well!) I get more excited about all the history/literature stuff. So, between the two of us, our poor children are constantly being subject to school.

We also took in the Botanical Gardens which were lovely.

Note to future DC travelers…SKIP THE ZOO!! To be fair, it closed earlier than we thought and so many of the animals were put away for the night. But, the joke is now that the only animals we saw were a squirrel and an emu. Part of the problem is that is was quite a distance of walking for us at the end of a day already full of walking.

Saturday, April 01, 2006
This morning started at the Washington Monument. We walked around the mall and the cherry blossoms were absolutely amazing!! No wonder they seem to make the National news every year. The weather was perfect for this day. My favorite is the Lincoln monument. (Yes, I teared up.) I had the kids quote the Gettysburg address for me. (they’ll have to do it again in Gettysburg. J) I had never seen the Korean or WW2 memorials before and I was very moved by the sculptures done of the Korean War soldiers. We haven’t studied WW2 yet and Danny gave a short history of WW2 for the kids while sitting looking over the memorial.

The one place where we have had to pay for admission so far is the National Aquarium. Don’t bother. It is very unimpressive. Neither of the kids even ranked it in the top 5 things we saw today.
Our bonus treat for the day was a tour of the White House grounds. We were disappointed because we were not able to get a White House tour before we left. However, two times a year they open up the white house grounds for tours. We got to go right up to the White House. This was an unexpected addition to our itinerary and it was in everyone’s top three favorite things of the day.

Lastly, we went back to the Air & Space Museum for the 5:00 planetarium show. This was very interesting. Then we took the subway back to the hotel and rested our oh-so-weary feet!


Sunday, April 2, 2006
This morning we started out the day at the Museum of American History. We enjoyed seeing things from the Revolutionary War time since that is what we have been studying and I really loved seeing the original Star Spangled Banner. (Yup. Teared up!) Danny enjoyed taking the kids through The Price of Freedom exhibit and explaining the different wars. Annsley and I liked the First Ladies’ gowns.

But the highlight of the day for everyone was the Museum of Natural History. If our feet would have lasted we could have spent 10 times as long there. The gems and rocks were a big hit for everyone. Seth gave us a guided tour in the animal sections. (Who knew he was actually reading all those books. I always figured he was just looking at the pictures. He knew all sorts of animal trivia.) There was also a cool exhibit on ancient peoples including a real live (dead) mummy. There were some cool little videos about Ancient Egypt. We saw some of the vases from Ancient Greece that were just like the ones we studied from Story of the World.

We ended the day at The National Archives and saw the original copy of The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and The Bill of Rights, and one of the original copies of The Magna Carta. The kids were so excited to see John Hancock’s name. I made the kids quote the intro to the Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the Constitution. I got a little teary just standing in the room with such greatness.

Monday-April 3 We started out the morning with a Congressional tour of the Capitol building. It was very interesting until about 3/4 of the way through our tour the lights went out in the Statuary Hall. All of a sudden they started ushering people out of the building and the men in charge didn't look like they were fooling around. I would be lieing if I said my heart wasn't beating a little faster than normal, but it was amazing how fast and efficiently they got people out of there. It turns out that it was just a power outage, but it made for an exciting morning.

This afternoon we spent way too short of a time at the National Art Museum. I had no idea the amount of famous paintings they have there. I went from room to room in awe explaining to the kids and my less than enthusiastic husband and father-in-law what I remember from Art in Story. (Thank goodness for homeschooling!) I could have spent hours there, but we had to check into our next hotel. I loved comparing the different Madonna and Child paintings. Those were my favorites, but there was art from Monet, Cezanne, Manet, Van Gogh, VanEyk, Renoir, Ruben, Rembrandt, and the list goes on and on.

I'll update again tomorrow before we leave this hotel.

Funny Birthday story....

Let me preface by saying that although my dear husband doesn't make a big deal of birthdays and anniversaries, I always get a card or flowers and dinner out. This morning he woke me up to go work out and went back to sleep. I didn't hold it against him because he wasn't fully awake. When I got back from exercising he was gone and there was no little note. The phone rang at 7:00 am and I thought for sure it was him calling to say HB before I left for work. It was my mother-in-law. All day, I got no call or email. I knew he had to remember because we are going out to dinner with my family for my birthday. So, at 4:00 he called me at work.

Danny: What is the plan tonight?
Me: Yes, what IS the plan tonight?
Danny: Aren't we going out to dinner?
Me: Yes. (pause) Why are we going out to dinner?
Danny: (confused) For your birthday.
Mindy: (pause) Do you have something to say to me?
Danny: (in a very quiet small voice, dawning with realization) It's today.
Mindy: Yes.

I just laughed. Life is way to short to be offended. In fact, I told him I was so happy because now I have something to hold over his head. He has been so focused on planning the trip that he thought tomorrow was the 28th. I laughed and told him I was really looking forward to seeing the special things he had planned for me tomorrow!

Thanks for all the Happy Birthday emails! They made my day!!

Shameless self promotion...

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me!

You know you are getting old when your mother says, "Happy 36th birthday....and you are turning 38!!" (I could have sworn she was there!!)

Today I have to be at work all day having parent conferences, but I enjoy being there so it is not a bummer. The kids will be at my parents' house since there are no classes for them. That will be very fun for them!!

I stopped and got a giant late after working out this morning. (It is my birthday, you know!)

My friend, Cathy, posted a birthday tribute to me on her blog last week here. Just so you know the background (and don't think she is a weird stalker or something,) the day before she listed a bunch of things she had to do that day, and my birthday dinner was listed right up there with doing laundry. :-) I was teasing her about it, and so she surprised me with kind words!!

I think 38 is going to be a good year!

Happy Birthday to me!

Our itinerary

Not that you really care, but now you can follow along on our trip!

March 30-fly to DC
March 31- Library of Congress, Supreme Court, Botanical gardens, Air & Space museum
April 1- All the outdoor memorials, Holocaust museum, Aquarium, White House, Zoo
April 2-Smithsonian castle, Museum of Natural History & American History, National Archives,
April 3-Bureau of Engraving, Capitol, National Gallery of Art,
April 4-Arlington cemetery, any stuff we missed or want to see again
April 5-Drive to Gettysburg, drive through Amish country
April 6- Drive to stay with a friend in NH, see a few historic towns on the way
April 7-Maine coast in the am, Boston Freedom Trail in the afternoon
April 8-Lexington/Concord, Pymouth, Cape Coast, Mayflower
April 9-New York-statue of Liberty, Times Square
April 10-NYC lots more sight seeing including Ground Zero, Broadway, Central Park, etc...
April 11- Philadelphia- Independence Historic Park, the Liberty Bell
April 12-fly home

This is a very condensed trip and I know we won't have enough time to see everything as deeply as we would like, but our main purpose is to give the kids a flavor and an overview of the region and whet their appetite to go back someday. We could spend weeks in each of the major cities that we are only staying one day, but it is all we could manage. We are all counting down the days until we leave. The books are chosen, set aside, and arranged. The clothes are not.

I'm taking my laptop and several of our hotels will have free wireless internet, so I will hopefully post a few pictures along the way.

Soccer begins...

It must be spring soccer season in Spokane because it was raining, windy and darn cold. Seth's team only plays 3 on 3 and we only had 3 players there. It didn't seem to slow them down. They won 11-0 and Seth scored 3 goals. We weren't playing a great team (obviously) but I was so proud of our boys. Even better than the score was the fact that they were communicating and calling for the ball like little pros. It was fun to watch, even in the cold conditions. I'm not so sure that the other team was feeling the same way, however. I'm not sure why they insist on starting soccer in March. Last year it snowed at our first game.

Did you hear that?

A collective horrified shout all across Spokane!!

Can you say HEARTBREAKER?

Deep in the Revolution!

Which revolution, you ask? No, we are not protesting McDonalds or cruelty to animals or anything like that. We are totally engrossed these days in the American revolution in preparation for our trip. We have read the whole book of Johnny Tremain in the last two weeks on top of Joy Hakim's 3rd book in the History of the US among others. Danny has been reading them a biography about John Adams in the evening. We are talking hours of out loud reading! It has been so fun. I can't wait to show them the kids all the spots where these famous events took place.

I am so moved by the men who founded our country. They believed and fought for ideas that were totally new and different. They were human, and America certainly isn't perfect, but I am such a sentimental patriot that my eyes fill with tears every time I read words like, "Give me liberty, or give me death."

This stanza in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's famous poem, "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere," gets me every time!

So through the night rode Paul Revere;
And so through the night went his cry of alarm
To every Midlesex village and farm,
A cry of defiance and not of fear,
A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door,
And a word that shall echo forevermore!
For, borne on the night-wind of the Past,
Through all our history, to the last,
In the hour of darkness and peril and need,
The people will waken and listen and hear
The hurrying hoof-beat of that steed,
And the midnight-message of Paul Revere.

If you haven't revisited some of the words that these men wrote over 200 years ago, I would suggest reading here and here. Good stuff. Actually, Great stuff!!!

Lenten observations

Here I am midway into Lent. I have found that it is easier to give something up than it is to take something on. I love Diet pop. It has not been easy for me to give it up, and it does in some strange way focus my attention onto the sacrifice Christ made for me. (And I've been enjoying the Sunday feast of Diet Dr. Pepper :-))

My other goal was to find ways to serve my husband during this season. I find this more difficult. It is not that I don't enjoy serving my husband, it is just difficult to remember little ways to do this. In fact, what I have realized is the thousands of ways that he serves me. Little things, that often go unnoticed by me, in the course of the day. If anything this Lent season has heightened my awareness of this. This last week was a very busy time for me. I had to be at work every day, and I had to finish a big assignment for my class over the weekend. I found him cooking, cleaning, straightening, and occupying the kids. I never ask him to do these things. He always does the work that needs to be done without complaining or even pointing it out. I seem to need recognition for my effort. For example, I made his favorite meal last week (chile rellenos) which are a real labor of love! What do I say during dinner? "How much do you appreciate it that I made these? Come on, let me hear how much you love them! etc...." I was kidding, but I have realized that I often want credit for going the extra mile. He usually doesn't.

This realization has been a wonderful side benefit of Lent this year. It has caused me to appreciate him all the more. It is funny how when you look to give, you get back so much more! As I have sought to serve, I have gained a deeper love and appreciation for my husband.

Thank you, God, for making him the husband, father and man that he is!

Now I've seen it all....

I'll give credit to *anj* on The Well Trained Mind for this gem, but I really couldn't let it pass by without sharing it with you. First of all, why? Why, oh why, oh why? This gives new meaning to the word PMS-ing! Secondly, who has this kind of time? Did I already ask WHY!?! The heart earrings really have to go! And something seems so very sacrilegious about this menorah. That is all I have for you tonight, people. Just a little tampon art.

I was tagged...

This one is for you, Nancy

Four jobs I've have had in my life:
1. Teacher
2. waitress
3. bank teller
4. clerk at a small pharmacy/Hallmark store-this was my first job

Four movies I would watch over and over:
I'm so bad at this kind of question. I know there are a ton of them, but I can't really think of any.
1. Sound of Music
2. Elf
3. Mr Holland's Opus
4.

Four TV shows I love to watch: (I only have one now that Football is over)
1.. American Idol

Four web sites I visit daily:
1. welltrainedmind.com
2. my extended family has a message board that is so fun
3. drudge report
4. about 10 (or so) blogs

Four of my favorite foods:
1. popcorn
2. brie cheese
3. turkey sandwiches
4. avocados

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Anywhere with hot sun and a beach (and one of those pools with a bar to swim up to that serves drinks with umbrellas)
2. Cannon Beach, Oregon
3. In the sitting room that Wilike Collins describes in The Woman in White
4. Starting our trip to the Northeast (14 more days!)

Four friends who you have tagged that you think will respond
If you want to do it, consider yourself tagged.

Apparently the Tooth Fairy doesn't work on the Ides of March

Who knew that the Ides of March was a national tooth fairy holiday? Well, I just found that out this morning when Annsley found that her tooth was still in the little pocket of the tooth pillow underneath her pillow. Seventeen teeth have been lost in this home and the tooth fairy has never yet missed a meeting. She (or he...the kids haven't yet decided on which) has had to make an emergency 6:00 am landing, but never has she just not shown up!! So, we decided that the only reason that the tooth fairy could possibly have for not showing up was that is was a fairy holiday. So, that was when we realized that the tooth fairy takes March 15th off. So make a note, if your children have loose teeth, all I have to say is. "Beware the ides of March!!"

That is my story, and I'm sticking to it!

A Goal Accomplished

First of all, as a math teacher, I can not in good conscience *not* point out the fact that it is National Pi Day today! I learned about this here. I may have to celebrate National Pi day tomorrow with my math class. Thanks to Crissy for the info!!

Last night I accomplished a goal that I have had for quite some time. I finished all the fiction recommendations in The Well Educated Mind. Susan Wise Bauer recommends that each book is read three times to really dig into the book. Let me just tell you now that I will NEVER read Moby Dick again (Lord willing) but there are others that I can definitely see revisiting at some point in the future! However, one time through for now was enough to give me the flavor. It was very interesting to follow the flow of the novel chronologically and see the themes changing. I am a bit less preferential to modern novels, I realized. Later 20th century novels seem to have more disturbing language and themes than earlier 20th century novels. My sensibilities seem to prefer the more old fashioned. Well written? You bet! But, I would rather think about the beautiful, pure, and praise worthy.

Now what, you ask? I'm starting the Autobiography section. I approach this with a little fear and trepidation. I am a fiction kinda gal and this will be a stretch to push myself in this way. The first selection is Augustine's The Confessions followed by The Book of Margery Kempe. The books in this list should keep me challenged for years to come.

Here are the rest of the books in the list.
Essays by Michel De Montaigne
The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Teresa of Avila
Meditations by Rene Descates
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners by John Bunyan
The Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration by Mary Rowlandson
Confessions by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin
Walden by Henry David Thoreau
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, by Harriet Jacobs
Life and Times of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
Up From Slavery by Booker T Washington
Ecco Homo by Friedrich Nietzsche
Mein Kamph by Adolf Hitler
An Aubiography: The Story of y Experiments with Truth by Mohandas Gandhi
The Autobiography of Alice B Toklas by Gertrude Stein
The Seven Story Mountain by Thomas Merton
Surprised by Joy C. S. Lewis
The Autobiography of Malcom X
Journal of a Solitude by May Sarton
The Gulag Archipelago by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Born Again by Charles Colson
Hunger of Memory by Richard Rodriguez
The Road from Coorain by Jill Ker Conway
All Rivers Run to the Sea by Elie Wiesel

So, I'll see you in about 10 years!! Do you think this list will keep me busy? I highly recommend The Well Educated Mind because it give a great frame of reference on how to read all different genres of books. And when I'm done with these, I get to move on to History, Drama and Poetry.

Let's talk Yoga...

First of all, this topic is on my mind today because I did yoga yesterday after missing several weeks. If any of you have done yoga before then you know why it is on my mind (and most other parts of my body today!) Who knew there were so many *different* muscles. My yoga class does not include any of the spiritual parts of yoga. It is just the hard work kind. Here are some random yoga thoughts.

• Have you ever seen the Far Side cartoon entitled Boneless Chicken Farm that has lots of rubber chicken looking creatures laying around the farmhouse. Why do my arms and legs feel like that after I have done my yoga class?
• What is up with Warrior 1? 2? 3? Reverse Warrior? Come on, how fierce can you be when your arms and legs are shaking in uncontrollable spasms? Is that really going to frighten away any enemies?
• There are some people in this world who can twist their bodies into the most unnatural positions. I look around and just think....fuggetabowdit! I am not and never have been flexible. One reason that I like yoga is that it increases my flexibility, but I will never be one of those human pretzels.
• Must they call it "downward facing dog?" Couldn't they think of something a little more elegant sounding? I mean, really...when you are holding yourself in that position, it is the least they could do.
• I confess, my favorite part is the last five minutes where you just lay there. Sure, they call it corpse position, but it always reminds me how little time I am just still. Every week I have a hard time not hopping up, putting my shoes on and skipping that last 5 minutes. I mean, after all, it is kind of a waste of time to just lay there, isn't it? But, when I force myself to stay I realize that sometimes just "being" and not "doing" can be a good thing. I force myself to think of things I am thankful for, and pray and forcefully push away the mental to-do list that always creeps into my thoughts.

I have a confession to make. Yesterday, during my corpse position......I planned this blog entry! I owe myself 5 minutes! I guess I'll put it on my to-do list.

Old letters....

I was helping my mom clean out and organize her office and we stumbled upon a package of old letters I had written home from college. I brought them home and read them last night and I was overwhelmed with shame. I know, I was only 18 years old, but I was so self-centered, so shallow, so empty of deep thought, so silly. I was 18. I want so much more for Annsley when she is 18. I want Annsley to be more like this. (Make sure to scroll down to March 6th entry.) I stumbled upon her at A Circle of Quiet who knows this 18 year old girl in real life and says she is every bit as wonderful as her thoughtful writing indicates.

It is only through God's grace, I know, that I am not the person I was when I was 18 years old. (Thank you, God!!) I am actually going to throw the letters away. There is nothing terrible in there. I really didn't do much that would be considered bad in college. I got excellent grades. I held down jobs. I even taught Sunday school for a while. But, I don't want my children to remember me that way when I am gone. It is the same reason I got rid of old journals. I want my children to remember the woman that God has changed me into and not what I once was. Maybe this is revisionist history, but honestly, I don't want to know any dirt on my mom when she is gone...or my Grandma. I want to remember them as the Godly women and examples that they are in my life.

It was a good exercise to read them again. It caused me to realize how far I've come (and how much exasperation I must have given my parents.) I really don't expect my children to be perfect. I know that immaturity accompanies youth. I know that at 18 they will not be as wise as they will be at 37 (38 in 16 more days.) I also know I will probably look back on this blog when I am 60 and wonder how I could have possibly thought the things I now believe so firmly. I guess that is the way of wisdom.

The most well-worn pages in my Bible include one of my favorite verses.

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

God, please give me wisdom!

Since it went over OK last time....

I am going to talk a little more about my other life/public school teacher self again. Yesterday was a great day for us. We have been preparing our students for their second round of exhibitions (a time where they demonstrate the work they have done over the trimester.) And, part of that preparation happened yesterday. The students were required to put together a tri-fold of their project and half the kids set theirs up and the other kids went around and asked questions about them. Then they switched. Other parents and students came in and got to interact with the teens and see their work. I was so proud of them! They really rose to the occasion.

One thing we have been working on with them is to make eye contact and greet people (especially adults) that they don't know. They are a bit lacking in this skill as a whole. I made them practice hand shaking and introducing themselves to me and they giggled uncomfortably, and rolled their eyes at me. But, I was so proud of them as I watched them interacting with both the adults and young kids that came through. I watched this little seven year old girl walk up to one of my 9th grade girls and say, "So, what did you like the best about your project?" It was precious! And, I watched Seth and a group of 7 year old boys staring in wonder as one of my squirreliest 9th grade boys explained some of the battles he had learned about from D-day. My heart just soared as I watched this multi-aged celebration of learning! This is another reason I love my job!

I just wanted to tell y'all about my great day yesterday. I realize I don't often tell people (including my family) some of the things I do at school. So, there it is. Yesterday I got to celebrate learning! And isn't that one of the greatest joys of being a teacher?

I know you have all probably seen these before, but....

these tickle my funny bone every time I see them, so I thought I'd repost them here. I think "Up Yours" is my personal favorite, but I also like the "cripple children" one, too.

Church Bulletin Bloopers

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus."

Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say "Hell" to someone who doesn't care much about you.

Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all thehelp they can get.

The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing: "Break Forth Into Joy."

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in thechurch. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition ofseveral new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to berecycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.

The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park acrossfrom the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation wouldlend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in theChurch basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours"

And just when you think it is spring....

It snows! Wind blustering-bone chillin'-sideways blowin' snow. Remember that flower I posted two days ago? Well, you can see it there to the left. But, I will say that the last two mornings have seen much lighter than other mornings. This morning when I went to work out it was actually light! I love it when that happens.

Today we are going to do a whole lot of reading out loud. I have about 500 books that I want to read out loud to the kids before we go on our Northeast trip. I am so excited to take them to all the places we are studying about and I don't want to miss preparing them for anything. I love US History. I love reading about the events that shaped our nation. The kids have memorized The Gettysburg address, The Declaration of Independence (into), and The Preamble to the Constitution. Now, we get to go see these documents at the National Archives. We have read and studied Longfellow's famous poem, The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere and we get to go see the church where the lanterns were lit. Danny is reading a biography outloud to the kids about John Adams and we get to go visit his house. So many other neat things that the kids will get to see and do. I know they won't totally understand the significance of all these things for a long time, but they will have the pictures in their minds and remember that they were there.

It just happens that this trip falls at the perfect time with our history studies. We are on the chapter in Story of the World 3 about the Revolutionary War. So, we are breaking pace (something I don't normally do) and taking a month to go deep in depth on these. We have enjoyed many library books, the Joy Hakim US history series, and a good set of biographies entitled Heroes of History by Janet and Geoff Benge.

I am more excited about our trip this year even than I was about our south trip last year. I know Danny prefers red states to blue ones, and national parks to big cities, but he is being a great sport and I even talked him into spending a day in NYC.

Seth just came sleepily out of his room and asked the plan. I told him we were going to be a lot of reading. He asked hopefully, "Is it going to be one of those days where you read to us all day?" I answered, "Yes!" I'm off to Johnny Tremain! Bye.

One very, very small sign....

Sure, A Circle of Quiet has beautiful daffodils but here is what I have in my back yard. It is the first sign of spring in my neck of the woods. It has no friends, yet. However, my tulips are also starting to poke their little green leaves out of the ground. There is nothing like the first signs of spring when you live in a place with a long winter. It just sets my heart to soaring like nothing else. The first blossom, the first color...means that summer is on its way!! I love crocuses because they pop out long before I'm ready to go outside.

A friend who I haven't seen in a long time asked me the other day, "So, are you excited to get out in your yard?" I looked around, thinking that she had mistaken me for someone else. I'm not one of those women who love "puttering around out in their garden!" I like flowers and their beauty, but I want to do the minimum amount of work to get there. I probably would have no flowers at all if it weren't for my mother (who does enjoy yard work.) We do have lots of lovely flowers around our house and I weed, tend and deadhead them as needed. But....love it? Not really! Love fresh cut flowers in my house? Oh yah! I wonder how that one little tiny crocus would look in a vase?

Happy National Frozen Food Day....

Doesn't it kind of make you want to go out and buy some chicken nuggets and pop them in the oven. I rarely get frozen food, but it seems that whenever I do, I'm torn between following the microwave instructions, which will cause the food to be ready in 3 minutes or follow the oven directions. Now, normally I don't have a problem with delayed gratification, but there is something about it that makes me want to just stick it in the microwave. I don't know who invented the microwave directions, but I have never yet tasted a frozen burrito that has been microwaved that tastes like it should. They are either soggy and still cold inside or hard as a rock on the outside. Yuck! But, do I plan ahead and put it in the oven for 20 minutes? Nope. That would take, like...20 minutes! Perhaps this is why I rarely ever buy frozen food. It just doesn't taste good!

Thanks to LB who posted this website of bizarre American Holidays. Apparently, my birthday (March 28) is "National Something on a Stick Day." You never know, maybe I'll have a frozen corn dog!

photo fast

Does anyone else go into a serious photography fast during the time period following Christmas through spring? I am uninspired to take any pictures during this time. Outside is blah. Inside is mundane. We are all a bit white and pasty. I went around the house with my camera trying to be inspired and I came up with nothing! Well, our trip is coming up at the end of the month and then we'll go crazy!!

The good part is that if I don't take any pictures, I don't have to catch up on scrapbooking!!

My book light saved our marriage

Well, maybe that is an overstatement, but I love my book light. Danny is a light sleeper and has a hard time going to sleep with any light or noise. I, on the other hand, could fall asleep in the middle of a construction zone....standing up! So, it really chapped my hide when we first got married that I couldn't read in bed. So, I got in the habit of going into the other room to read for a while before nodding off. I hated this, because I like going to bed at the same time as my husband. I seem to need less sleep than he does, so he usually want to go to sleep earlier than I do. A few years ago, I got one of those book lights that clamp onto my book and I discovered that if I lay at a certain angle and turn the pages very quietly Danny can still go to sleep and I can stay in bed and read. I was reading in bed last night and thinking about how thankful that I am that I can have my book and read it too. :-) Sure, I get a little tired of laying on my left side, but I'm not complaining!!

I have been through several different varieties of book lamps and I'm not picky. I don't really like the idea of the flat ones that lay on top of the page because I have to move it each time I turn the page. (You know, danger of increased noise. :-)) Right now I am using my daughter's because mine broke and hers plugs into the wall. I like one that has the option to plug in so I'm not draining our batteries all the time. Hers has a timer on it that shuts the light off automatically after xx minutes. I don't use that feature, but the light works great.

Well, it's not life changing stuff around here today, folks. But, I just thought I'd shed a little light (ha ha) into the mundane!

Ash Wednesday

In case you were wondering what exactly Ash Wednesday is, here is a link to check out. All About Lent. I'm not Catholic or even any kind of Orthodox church that practices any kind of Lenten activities. I do not believe that the church (or anyone) can mandate heart change and giving something up can be only meaningless liturgy. However, the church sort of threw the baby out with the bath water and threw many rich spiritual traditions out for the sake of legalism. But, I think that when observed with a true heart of devotion to God, giving something up at Lent, or going to church to have a cross rubbed on your forehead can be a wonderful time of communion with God. The trick is that I am not doing it to show God how spiritual I am, but I am doing it as a reminder. Every time I long for an earthly craving I can use it to remember Christ and his sacrifice. So, tonight we will go to an Ash Wednesday service at a beautiful cathedral in town. I decided to give up pop for Lent again this year. Why? Because that is one thing that I really love and I figured if I want to have constant reminders that will do it! The other thing I am doing this year is to take up something as well. This year I'm taking up serving my husband. I am committing to pray for him each day.

Happy Ash Wednesday, everyone.