new eyes

We've done pretty well with Jamie's glasses. He kept the same pair for about a year, without harming them too badly. However, he lost them in the field outside Fort McHenry not so long ago. We searched and searched, but could not find them. Earlier this week we ordered new glasses, and they came in early. What do you think?
(By the way, that's chocolate that he is drooling!)

Re-posting photos

Sorry to take down that incredibly cute photo of Jamie earlier this week. For some reason I was having trouble editing while it was up. I think the photos may be too high-res.
Here are the kids, close-up.

modesty

I love to sew, and find so much joy in making a new piece of clothing. It is a very relaxing and rewarding hobby for me. (I wish I had more time to indulge!) As I prepare to make a new outfit, I look at the fashion magazines. I look for what cut and style are popular, what materials are being used. I know and understand that I will never look like those models, and I will never be able to afford those clothes, but I can translate that style into a modest, up-to-date outfit for myself. (By the way, neither Jim nor the kids ever look at these magazines.)
What is modest? Many people would like to tell you their set of rules. Is it neck to knee? The entire body covered? Always skirts? You will probably dress in accordance with your culture... for example, an Amish girl would not feel comfortable in frilly, lacy, or tight clothing. Unfortunately, our culture seems to have trashed the idea that girls and women should be modest. It is incredibly sad to walk through the store aisles and see bikinis, halter tops and low-rise jeans for little girls. Even baby girls can have their own bikinis...

If it isn't for sale, don't advertise it.
People should be able to call you a "lady."
You shouldn't make your father / husband / brother uncomfortable.

Many sites across the web will put out their message of modesty. Some I agree with, some I find fanatical. Here is the latest site that I have come across. I cannot tell you if the rest of the site is worthwhile, but this series of articles is pretty good. Included is a good reminder to girls looking at "prom" or wedding dresses.

our family tradition

While at work this past week Jim told of the Rupert family Easter tradition (or, rather, the day-after-Easter tradition). While some laughed at our love for Peeps, others agree that they should be eaten stale. They were all interested in the idea of Peep jousting, and told Jim he should write a paper on the sport. While I could not find any Peeps Chicks, and was astonished at the lack of Peeps after this Easter, we have had fun doing online research. This is one you should visit!

blessed busy-ness

Lately we have been feeling way to busy. We found that we had one weekend free this month - and used it to work on the yard (that is turning out to be more than we thought... we might till and reseed the whole side yard!). This week was looking busy with two nursery planning meetings, a shopping day, a curriculum fair, and the Master Club regionals on Saturday. We knew we could get through it all, but wished for rest. We are looking forward to our vacation in May!
But... then we were stunned by a death. A man from our church, not old by any stretch of the imagination, suddenly died this past weekend. He had been in poor health, but was doing better of late. No one thought death was imminent. He leaves behind a wife, two college aged daughters and a high school aged son. One daughter will be getting married this summer - with no father to walk her down the aisle.
It is hard to find the words to say. Sometimes verses seem trite. (How many people tell them God will not give them more than they can hande? That he has gone on to a better place? ) Will they really take you up on your offer of, "if we can help in any way, let us know..."
Thankfully this man was saved, and his family is, too. They do have comfort and peace from God. They do have a hope. They even have joy in the midst of this sorrow!
So, even though this funeral adds to our busy-ness this week, we have to look at it as a blessing. We can be a blessing to this family, and we can count our blessings... we are able to be busy!

using -or losing- your brain?

Some days I feel very old. I feel as though I may be going senile. What did I come into this room to find? What did I need to buy at this store? Wasn't I supposed to punish you for something?
Brain foods - ginko biloba, blueberries, etc. - are supposed to help you keep your brain functioning well. Other studies have show that doing "exercises" such as crosswords or cryptograms are helpful. Anything to keep your brain from getting lazy!
My brain suffers from dealing with children. (Where did I put that? It doesn't matter - the kids probably hid it, used it or threw it away. Look under their bed, you may find it there. Oh, in the fish tank, I never would have thought to look there!) They do not follow my well-laid out neurological paths. They make no sense. all the blueberries in the world won't help. They would just stain the carpet.

clean your room!

I will admit that cleaning has never ever been a favored chore for me. I had quite the messy room when I was young - although part of that mess was due to two sisters living in the same room with me. Even today my room is not competely spic and span. (We need more bookshelves!)
Dot's room is a disaster. Literally. She has stuff all over the place. Not just clothes and shoes, but toys, books, papers, crafts... you name it, it's on the floor. We've tried to explain why she should have a neat room, but nothing has caused her to clean. We've tried rewards. We've tried punishements. We've tried everything. Nothing has worked.
If that isn't bad enough, Dot has managed to have her mess spread - Jamie's room is getting messier, and the living room and dining room are spotted with Dot's stuff. Where will it all end?
We are frustrated. What do we do now? How do we get her to clean? and keep it clean? (without going crazy?)

my little chef

A few minutes ago Dot called to me that Jamie wanted some "chock mook." I told her he would have to wait a little while, as I was busy. Only a couple of minutes later I walked into the living room to find Jamie hard at work, making himself chock mook. He had brought in the jug of milk and the bottle of chocolate syrup, opened both, and was busily pouring the syrup into the milk. I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't taken over, but I think it would have involved me using a carpet steam cleaner...

what a big yard!

A ton of work has been done at our house this weekend. Yesterday was beautiful, so Jim and Stuart spent the day taking out bushes - lots of bushes. The side yard was piled high with the branches... what to do? We don't have the truck anymore, so trips to the dump were out of the question. We tried a roll-off dumpster service - over $250! We tried a tree service - over $600!!! Yikes! We eventually found a friend with a truck who helped Jim rent a chipper, and this morning the pile of branches became a pile of mulch. The yard looks huge!
Today Stuart went to work on the basement door. He took out the old frame and replaced it. Jim replaced the old lock and installed a deadbolt. Now they are doing the finishing work.
What did we ladies do? Took care of kids, made breakfast, lunch and dinner, and went to the thrift store.