Our Christmas

Last night we had Christmas at our house. The kids were hardly able to wait through dinner! After a little quick clean-up we handed out presents and brought down the stockings (or, socks, as Jamie calls them). The kids are very pleased with their new toys and books. (It seems that an inexpensive wooden top from Target is the favorite toy of all. Dot keeps trying to get Jamie to trade!)
Dot is at the age where she wants to give presents, but doesn't have much money. While we do let the kids pick out presents for us and each other, she wanted to give something all by herself. That means that I now own a new cookbook (cards from my recipe box copied on each page). Also, there were poems in our stockings:

Love
by Dot
love is love
no matter
what
love is
alive no
matter
what
love is
strong
love is
beautiful
love has
me and you

Trains
by Dot
trains are
going by today
so wave and
say hi trains
are big and
trains are
small trains
are a sleek
person
trains
arrive and
go goodbye
but there
are trains
everywhere

Christmas cards

Remember when you were young, and it was exciting to get the mail each day? You looked for something with your name on it, or the Highlights ads that would have stickers in them. It was wonderful to have something addressed to you, something you could open!

Christmas is great time of the year for mail. Yeah, the same bills come every month, and the same junk mail, but so do a bunch of cards from friends and family! Apparently it was too much for Dot. She has been the one to bring in the mail this week, and has quickly learned to separate out the cards. She was opening them, too, until I noticed that she had opened Jim's Christmas present by mistake... We put it back together as best we could, and now she lets me oversee the mail each day. I still let her open a card or two...

Hooray!

The cookies are done! I spent over two hours dipping chocolate the other day - I used 6 bags of chocolate chips! We have buckeyes, cookie truffles, oreo biscotti, pumpkin fudge, sugared pecans, cookie dough bites, frosted sugar cookies and cranberry-lemon cutouts. Oh yeah, and Jim has chocolate covered pretzels and ritz sandwiches. Not to mention the cherry crumb pie sitting in the fridge...

Yesterday we went on a theatre field trip. Goucher college does a series of plays for schools and homeschool. We joined an auditorium full of grade-schoolers to watch the Nutcracker. I wasn't sure if Jamie would sit through it, but he thought it was funny. The music was canned, the dancing and acting were adequate, and the sets and costumes were at local college production level. The kids loved it though, and Dot wants to see it every year. We'll go back for Seussical in May.

After the ballet we ate lunch at a nearby mall. I had chosen this mall for one reason - I had been told it set up a large model train layout for Christmas. Jamie loved it! He didn't want to leave... However, he has a cold, and needed a nap. We had plans to carol in the evening.

We met up with others from our church, and traveled to three houses. We sang pretty well for an unpracticed a capella group. It seems the "audiences" enjoyed it. It's Christmas!

it was a bad hair day

One morning last week I let the kids play together while I finished some work. They seemed to be playing so nicely, no whining or screaming. I soon found out why...
If you were 8 years old, would you let a three year old cut your hair? Apparently Dot thought it was a good idea. It really wasn't so bad on the sides, easily cut into a short bob, but that sort of thin patch at the top of her bangs? It's a crew cut! There wasn't a thing I could do about that. 

Laugh, it's good for you

I was looking up some quilting sites recently and came across this story. There are some other funny things on that site as well...

Revisiting my childhood

Having children is one way to enjoy those fondly-remembered childhood toys, books and shows without seeming weird or immature. Jamie is well versed in Underdog, and Dot is thrilled with Carmen Sandiego. Did you know they were even still around? Jim bought a set of Underdog dvd's, and they are watched frequently in our house. Jamie runs around giving people a "lightning jolt!" Dot is happy that Carmen Sandiego is an educational video - which means we have it checked out for 21 days!

Thanksgiving

Praise ye the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.
Praise ye the LORD.

Already???

Did anyone else get surprised by the holiday season this year? I thought we were just ending summer a couple of weeks ago, and now we're talking Thanksgiving and Christmas! Sigh... It's a lot of work... Time to shop for gifts, decorate, and bake all those treats. Time to eat, eat, eat. Time to write Christmas cards. Time to listen to Christmas songs, and sing along, making up words for those we can't remember. Time for nostalgic childrens' specials on tv.
We begin this weekend, decorating the house and breaking out the advent calendar. I'll start baking cookies soon, after I decided which ones to make. The kids helped to pick out a poinsettia this morning while we were shopping.
What are your favorite parts of the season? What cookies are you making? Will you go to Merry Tuba Christmas? Sing in a concert?

Meadville

It has finally hit me, now that we are home. I am grieving now. I am deeply saddened that I will not see Grandma again here on earth. My children will not know her, will probably not remember her. I will probably never see the house again, never be amazed at the ingenious little things rigged up by Grandpa, never again wonder what is hiding in the attic (those treasures were amazing to discover!), never again sit in the kitchen nook for lunch. I will never again receive a letter from her, with news of the weather in Meadville and what plants are growing in their yard. No more fruit cocktail, not that we have had that for awhile now.
I have often asked God why we are so far from family. Why does he not provide a home and job for us near our parents? I would love for my children to grow up having Sunday dinners at Grandma's, learning to sew or cook or fix cars or build a birdhouse or any number of other wonderful things that Grandma and Grandpa seem to have time to teach. It would be nice to let their cousins be their best friends. Is it enough to see family two or three times a year? To call once a week? To email whenever?
It was so nice to see everyone again. It's too bad that time was short. I wish we could've stayed longer, talked more, helped more.
There's so much more I'd like to say, but I don't know how to say it...

Exciting Uncle Mike

Our kids are so happy to have Uncle Mike here for a visit. All sorts of fun goes on, from gifts, dinners out, games, and lots of field trips!
Yesterday we went hiking in the afternoon. The weather was perfect - just what a fall day should be like, crisp and clear. We started out at Hampton, a national park just north of Baltimore. It was once a large plantation, and at this point you can tour the farmhouse and farm buildings. The mansion is closed for renovations (Air conditioning!!) until next fall/winter. The kids weren't too thrilled with the farmhouse - although they did enjoy the hands on exhibits.
A few minutes away was a county park, which also had a farm. This park had trails, and more importantly, a geocache. Mike brought his GPS and taught Dot how to use it for this "treasure hunt." Jamie couldn't follow them at their speed, so we wandered along the paths as we could. Eventually we all ended up back at the car, tired but happy with our afternoon's adventure. Dot loves geocaching - and hopes to get a GPS for Christmas... unfortunately, "Santa" can't afford that sort of present.

Shall we dance?

There were mysterious footprints on our deck this afternoon (they're still there, and likely to be there for quite awhile). It took a second or two for me to realize that was where Jim had sprayed rain repellant on his new boots. Apparently it works as deck protectant as well.

another busy weekend

Apparently fall is the time to complete tasks around the home... at least for us. We had another busy weekend. This time the dining room (finally) got painted. (Just a hint here - if you are painting a room in a house where there are likely to be children, don't use flat white paint...)
In between coats we took a drive down to DC, along the Potomac, and stopped to let the kids play in the leaves. It's not peak season there yet, but it was nice anyway. Jamie kept trying to throw the leaves away in the trash can!
During the week it's back to work and school. Dot is enjoying Little House in the Big Woods right now, and wants to do things just like Laura. Jamie is trying to help out in many different ways - he's becoming very independent. Watch out, he might become the next famous chef!

I'm done!

The quilt is completely finished! We have used it on our bed the last few nights, and it is wonderful! Well worth the work.

Busy weekend

We didn't have such big, exalted plans for this past weekend... but it turned out to be very busy. We talked it over - Jim was going to caulk in the bathroom, and I would clean a little and check out the buffet for some identifying marks. Not too much later and we were both in over our heads. Jim decided that the linoleum flooring should just come up - there was too much mildew underneath, and the tiles looked fine. Once he had done all that, and scrubbed up most of the glue and mildew, we ended up with a tiled bathroom floor that will eventually need some replacement tiles. It still looks nicer than the linoleum, though. We will need to do some more scrubbing - to get the mildew stains out of the grout.
After lunch we pulled out the buffet, but couldn't find any marks to help us identify the maker. We needed to move it somewhere - or get rid of it somehow - to make room for the new bookshelf that has been sitting in the dining room. It sure would be nice for storage in the basement... but it won't fit down the stairs. The buffet is now a proud resident of our garage, and will most likely be my "potting bench" for a couple of seasons.
A trip to Lowe's and Home Depot took up an hour of the afternoon, and then we both got back to work. Jim caulked, I finished up in the living room. It was good to get some work done.

How do you say it?

So, some of y'all say I sound southern now... Well, it's what ya' hear all day 'round here. Want to fit in next time y'all visit? Study up...

After you spend some time learning the lingo, get ready to sing:

Ao say can yew see ba de don's early late,
What sao praddly we held at de twahlate's lass gleemin,
Hews broad strapes en brate stors, frew de pearlus fate,
Ore de ramparts we watched were sao gawwandly streamin?
En de roggets' red glare, de bums burstin in air,
Gabe proof frew de nate dat air flag was still dere.
AO say does dat stor spangelt ban-an-ner-er ye-ed way-abe,
Ore de la-ann ub de free en da haome ub de brabe.

PLAY BAW

Laundry woes

Yesterday I found that my load of towels had taken a trip through the dryer with Jamie's jeans - which had a brown crayon in the pocket. Surprisingly, the dryer was very easy to clean. The towels, however, are still in the wash. Those brown spots won't come out! (Are you thinking of a certain line from Macbeth?)
How many times do you wash towels before you give up? How much effort should you put into getting them clean? Most of these towels are over 10 years old (but still in good condition). Do I just give up, and live with brown-spotted towels?
Aah, the joys of being a stay-at-home mom.

Help needed

Have you ever felt like you could really, really use a vacation? Right now?!?
Perhaps it is because we live in such a busy area, or just because homeschooling and trying to keep the house in order is a lot of work to begin with, but I feel like I need a vacation. Wouldn't it be nice to get away from it all? To put the to-do list away? To get out of the rut - er, routine?
Unfortunately, vacations cost money. And time. Both things are stretched rather thin right now. Any ideas for what to do?

All Aboard!

This past Saturday we went up to Strasburg, Pennsylvania for a day full of trains. Mom and Jeanne were on a church bus trip to Lancaster, and we met them at the railroad to spend the morning together. After we bought our tickets we looked through a few of the stores on the property - can you guess who was very excited by the Thomas store? We all got on the train together and enjoyed a 45 minute round trip ride through the country. After the ride we ate lunch, and then let the kids ride on the "crank cars." (These turned out to be Jamie's favorite part of the day.) Soon it was time for the bus to head back to Ohio, so we said goodbye and headed over to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania across the street.
Lined up throughout the large building were many trains, some of which you could climb aboard. There were more trains in the yard outside, where Jamie found a yellow caboose! However, the favorite spot here was the "Railway education center", where they have set up many different types of toy trains to play with. Dot played with Geotracks while Jamie preferred the Lego Thomas set. We had a hard time getting them out of that room! In the gift shop we found a few Erie Lakawanna items - need some EL coffee, placemats or playing cards? By this time the kids were getting cranky, so we headed back down to Baltimore.
This was my first time to go up to Lancaster County. I'm not sure why everyone raves about it. It was so built up and touristy. I'd rather "visit the Amish" in Ohio. At least there I feel as if I am in the country.

Halfway there

For three years I have been working (on and off, as I have time) on a new quilt for our bed. Things would have gone faster if I didn't have to stop every so often to make long-enough-shorts for Dot, baby quilts as gifts (probably 10 in that time frame), and, of course, homeschool. However, I worked hard this last month, and now it is done - well, at least the piecing is done. I now have to baste it to the backing and batting, then quilt it, and bind the edges. Probably another three years...
Oh, and it doesn't look that busy in real life... somehow the lighting makes it look crazy in that photo.

Jamie's beard

This past weekend held another "haircut Saturday" at our house. About once a month I get out my tools and cut hair for Jim and Jamie. While it is easy enough to do Jim's hair, Jamie is tricky. He does not like the razor, and hates, hates, hates the hairs left behind.

Jamie's prized "train board"

In the store you can buy a Thomas the Tank Engine playboard for $50, if you wish. Jamie needed something to put his trains on (the track comes apart more easily when on carpet), so we decided to buy a train board. We, however, are cheap. I could not pay $50 for a painted piece of particleboard. A $6 piece of pegboard and some acrylic craft paint make Jamie a happy boy.
By the way, you can see we have a roundhouse - a nice $2 thrift store find. However, we need the turntable to go along with it. It would make a nice Christmas present if you find one... Other gift ideas for Jamie: more track pieces, more bridges, more train cars (he has most of the engines). 

Dot's new pets

The ladybug larvae finally arrived this afternoon. Dot and Jamie gathered around as I dumped in the food/water balls, and oohed and aahed when I dumped in the larvae. We have about 10 that crawl around the habitat - they are the dark spots in the photo. Next, they enter their pupa stage...

its the most wonderful time of the year

New pajama time! The weather is getting cooler, and out come our comfy clothes. I admit it, I am a sucker for kids in pj's. Especially one-piece pj's on toddlers! 

Fair results

Dot won six dollars and a second place ribbon with this bowl at the Maryland State Fair. She has big plans for next year...

homeschool 2006

Today we had our first portolio review, and we passed with flying colors. The kids enjoyed spending the hour at the library, and I enjoyed showing off my daughter's work.

The public school system has an office that follows the homeschoolers. By law they are only allowed two portfolio reveiws a year as long as you are doing your job as teacher. I have heard some horror stories from other parents, but I had a good experience. I guess we are doing okay after one whole week...

I haven't planned out the entire year. I do have a few field trips planned - Science center, art museum, a couple of plays. When we read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory we'll visit Hershey. I'm sure we'll go to a Smithsonian at some point.

I never thought I would ever homeschool. It has worked out well for us, though, and I'm not crazy yet...

Captain Hook

Captain Hook must remember
Not to scratch his toes.
Captain Hook must watch out
And never pick his nose.
Captain Hook must be gentle
When he shakes your hand.
Captain Hook must be careful
Openin' sardine cans
And playing tag and pouring tea
And turnin' pages of his book.
Lots of folks I'm glad I ain't --
But mostly Captain Hook!

by Shel Silverstein 

what those Koreans are up to now

Most Americans have the idea that the people of the orient are super smart and super busy. Perhaps they are... but sometimes you have to wonder what they are busy doing. Is it worth the effort? It's worth a look...

new toy

We found a real deal today - only $3.99 as an end-of-summer clearance item. The sand and water playset kept the kids happy for a good half hour before naptime intruded. Poor Jamie, he cried as he had to leave, "I miss it!" 

Ohio field trip

Our trip to Ohio was wonderful - a time for fun with family and friends. We relaxed, played and shopped. It made me wish to move to Ohio! Oh well.
On Friday we went on a field trip to the Brukner Nature Center, which is near Dayton. We got more than we bargained for, in a good way and a bad way. It was a very nice place to visit - a welcoming visitors center, birds and animals to observe, an old log cabin, and plenty of paths to hike (reminiscent of Hocking Hills). On top of those things they were having a sale, where we got some good deals! Unfortunately, Jamie had some problems keeping clean and healthy, so our visit was cut short. He did enjoy seeing the animals and birds, especially the turtles.
They rehabilitate injured wildlife there, which explains all the animals and birds. We were able to see owls, turkey vultures, a heron, a bald eagle, crows, foxes, a bobcat, turtles, quail, opossums, and snakes. All for free! The center is supported through donations and grants for the most part, and charges a small fee for entry (only on Sunday). I highly recommend a day trip here. It would be nice to go back someday.

hindsight

From a little book I picked up at the library this week:

The British government even tried this tea tax on the American Colonies, but the Americans would have none of it. At an enormous fancy-dress tea party in Boston in 1773, where the guestss came dressed as Red Indians, they decided to renounce tea in favour of Independence. Pitt the Younger then reduced the tax on tea in 1784, a classic example of locking the door after the horse has bolted.

by Helen Simpson

what assistant pastors do on their days off

Apparently they research Saabs and post on blogs like this. Of course, this is only conjecture on my part. BTW, Mom and I highly recommend the ballet.

toddler vacation

What does a three-year-old do when on vacation? So far Jamie has been spoiled by his grandparents - he's never had so much attention throughout the day. There's always someone who will play with him. There are lots of "new" toys, and new places to see.
In Norwalk Jamie tries to play with Abby, Grandma's dog. Unfortunately, Abby is a bit frightened by this small human, and tries to avoid being alone with him. She does sit by his feet at dinner, though, as he is the one most likely to drop food.
In Columbus there are trains. Lots of trains. If only we could see each and everyone go by... On the other hand, there are lots of toys inside the house, and a swing outside the house. Of course, in Columbus we also go to the thrift stores, where there are lots and lots of new toys just waiting to be played with! Too bad Mommy always wants to look at clothes.
On Friday Uncle Mike will come over. We will go out to Slate Run or Ye Olde Mill or something else fun. On Saturday Daddy and Dorothy will join us and we will have a big party! Want to join us?

Rupert Christmas Exchange

Summer is coming to a close. Soon school will start, leaves will fall, days will shorten and winter will arrive. The holidays will be here before you know it! Are you ready?

Here is the Rupert exchange list for this Christmas:

Mike for Joel
Linda for Katrina

Andy for Mike
Sharon for Linda

Jim for Andy
Laura for Sharon

Joel for Jim
Katrina for Laura

Katrina, I like jewelry! :-)
Sharon, what's on your list this year?

The result

This is what I have decided to go with for now... medium-length, side-swept bangs. Thanks for all the input! 

Hair

I had the same hair for so long, and I figured it was time to change something. At the beginning of the year I started to let my bangs grow out. I know that it is hard to grow hair out gracefully, but I am getting pretty tired of my long bangs. If I return to my old hairstyle I'll feel like I am giving up. What do you think? Should I go for all long hair / no bangs? short bangs straight across the forhead? long bangs swept to the side? medium side-swept bangs?

what you say... what kids hear

This week is Neighborhood Bible Time at our church. I am in the nursery this year, which is far more work than you would think... we had four babies (under one year old) and one toddler (under two years old). None wanted to sleep, but all needed to sleep. I have two teen girls helping, but they tend to let me handle the diapers and fussy kids. At least I am inside with the AC on, instead of out in the heat wave we are dealing with.
One perk of working with the babies - we can sneak in the back of the auditorium for a few minute of Bible time if we want. One day I walked in and listened as they went over the Ten Commandments. Mr. Brock (our NBT leader) asked the primary kids to help him list the commandments in order, one by one. They did well up until they hit #6.
"What is the sixth commandment?" asked Mr Brock.
"Do not kill adult trees." a young boy answered.

Museum day

On September 30, 2006, for one day only, museums and cultural institutions across the country will join the Smithsonian Institution in offering free admission to visitors.
Look for more details and a complete listing of participating museums in the September issue of Smithsonian or visit smithsonian.com/museumday.

There are a few here in our area that look a bit tempting. A day at Historic St. Mary's City? The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania? (Yes, the RR museum would be for Jamie... I'm sure he would be thrilled!)

the good part of the concert

Earlier I wrote about the patriotic concert we tried to enjoy. Here is a photo from the good part. Jamie is a very friendly kid - he says "hi!" to everyone who passes our house. Here you see him as he made friends with a boy nearby our seats, one who was kind enough to share his toy cars with Jamie. Jamie has good taste, don't you think? Or is it normal for my famiy to seak out redheads? 

pinocchio

If only I were a real boy! 

Happy 4th!

We have been looking forward to this weekend for awhile. Jim obviously has today off, but he took yesterday off as well, making it a lo-o-ong weekend. We cleaned in the basement, and took a load of stuff to the thrift store (and brought back books, of course), went swimming at our friends' house, did some finish work on the basement door, and did lots of yardwork. To actually celebrate the Fourth we made plans with friends to meet up at Oregon Ridge for the Baltimore Symphony's Patriotic concert and fireworks. We had gone last year, and we all really enjoyed it.
Last night we headed out the door a little after 5:30 - the concert started at 8 pm. We arrived at the alternative parking area and rode the bus (free shuttles, well timed!) over to the park. Jamie loved the buses! It was probably the highlight of the night for him... The park was packed when we arrived, but we found a pretty good spot on the far side of the hill, and we staked out enough room for our friends, too. Jim took the kids to the playground, and by the time they were heading back our friends arrived as well. We all settled in, opened snacks, and waited for the concert to start. Jim, being a closet pessimist, looked up and commented on the clouds. No, they'll blow over, surely? (Please God, let it blow over...) The concert started, and we all stood at attention for the national anthem. Jamie was frightened when they shot off a few fireworks at the end of the song... he might not be ready for fireworks yet. We sat back down, and the symphony started some Copeland, when Jim turned to me and said, "I felt a raindrop." I admitted that I had, as well. (Please God, let it blow over...) Jim began to pack things up, and folded up our quilt. People nearby also packed things up, or brought out umbrellas or tarps (things which we did not pack). The kids huddled in our laps as it began to pour! The music stopped, and they announced that there would be a short break in the program. I pulled Jamie's quilt over our heads while Jim and Dot simply cuddled up without cover. There was thunder and lightning. People began to leave. Jim wanted to just wait it out, but the minutes went by and the rain kept falling. Dot pleaded to go take shelter in the bathroom. Jamie started to quietly question, "Bus? Bus? Bus?" as he and I got soaked through. We gave up on trying to stay dry, and told our friends we were going to leave. We slogged through the crowd, dripping wet, looking for a bus to take us back to our car. Jamie was happy to ride the bus again, and happily exclaimed whenever we crossed train tracks. He did not want to get off the bus! However, we were wet and cold, and we miserably trudged across the parking lot to our car. Thankfully it was not raining there. We loaded our wet things into the trunk, stripped Jamie, and tried our best to get into the car without soaking it. We headed home, and noticed that it seemed dry everywhere else. Some areas were setting off fireworks, which we could see from the interstate.
We got home and changed into dry pajamas once we unoaded all our wet stuff. Jim set out the chairs to air dry on the deck as I started a load of wet laundry. We covered the table with wet and damp items from our pockets (even things in Jim's wallet got wet!), and finally got the kids to bed.
We slept well last night. No thunderstorms here - in fact, the only rain in our area last night was up there, where we were. There's a higher chance of rain tonight, though. Other than PBS, we may not see fireworks at all this year!

Favorite new toy

When Joel went to DC by himself KJ and I took the kids to the thrift store. What else do you do when site-seeing??? :-) Of course, the kids wanted to look at the toys, a section that amounts to a giant toybox. We do find good toys every so often, and they found one on this trip, too. For only $ 1.91 we bought a magnetic play theatre, and all the pieces were there! We thought that Dot would be the one who enjoyed this toy, but it turns out that Jamie has claimed it for himself. He loves to play with it, and loves to have Mommy tell stories with it. Check it out!