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!

Whatcha readin?

Summer beach books have been snatched up by the thousands, and many have already been devoured or abandoned. No bestseller books for me this summer... Not that I have much time to read anyway, with the summer schedule we have! On my dresser there is a pile of books that I am working my way through:
Bright Captivity by Eugenia Price
Socrates Meets Jesus by Peter Kreeft
The Holy Bible, ESV
AWife's Purpose by Cindy Schaap (for Ladies Bible study)

I wholeheartedly promote reading the first three books. The last one is okay - if you can't find something better (which should be easy enough to do!).

On top of all this, I am also reading through my latest issues of Smithsonian (always a good read) and Cook's Country (a sister magazine to Cook's Illustrated from America's Test Kitchens).

Last night I read from Ladybug and Highlights to Jamie. A little below my normal level, but enjoyable just the same. Earlier this summer I read The Westing Game before giving it to Jim and then to Dot. That was a fun little mystery, very engaging.

So, what are you reading this summer?

local attractions

This past week was spent visiting our many local attractions. We spent a day in Annapolis, touring the historic downtown and Naval Academy, and picnicking at the beach (where while "wading" both kids got soaked). Tuesday we all went down to DC, walking through two Smithsonians and two monuments (Washington and WWII). It was very hot and sunny, and we heard many a request (complaint) for a drink. We took a break on Wednesday, although Joel headed back down to DC to do some research on his own. Thursday we drove into Baltimore, where we started off the day with a wander through a cemetery. After touring the shot tower, we headed to Little Italy for lunch. We then went back out into the hot, humid, sunny day to walk to the Public Works museum (not worth the admission price) and then to Fells Point. On the way back we walked through the Fells Point Markets, where the kids enjoyed Italian ices.

The kids thoroughly enjoyed having Unc and Aunt Bean around, and so did we! I will miss KJ cleaning up around the house (now I have to do it by myself again!). Dot misses having Unc playing games with her. We will all miss going out to eat at restaurants...

If any of this sounds good to you, call us to vacation at our place! :-)

Bad! Bad! Bad!

Last time I posted I told you I was going to clean the house and stay off the computer. Yeah, right. My house is still messy, and I've spent too much time on the computer, and my kid still isn't potty trained (although we have had a few successes!). Oh well.

Unfortunately, I found a blog that really interests me: A dress a day.

Yeah, I spent way too much time reading that blog. Well, I also spent a good deal helping a little boy try out the potty and pull up training pants. Fruit Loops and trains are our prizes for successes. I'm not sure how much he really understands, but he's doing better. Hopefully he'll be trained soon!

I am not worried, though, about my messy house. I know that if I had cleaned it the work would have been in vain anyway. The kids would have trashed it. So, on Saturday we will clean and it will look good when KJ & Joel get here. Then we will let it go. It will revert to it's natural state. Unfortunately.

A little break

Of course, as soon as I post this, I will find something of interest online that I will just HAVE to tell you about...

This week we are cleaning and potty training. I am not sure how successful we will be at either one, but we will be busy. Next week we have company! As a good hostess, I should try to spend time with our visitors. Therefore, I plan to stay away from the blog for awhile...

Is it time for a new purse?

You may have seen my handmade purse, which, despite it's upside down zipper, is turning out to be a pretty good purse. You may have bought yourself (or your wife) a purse at some time. I doubt many of us have spent more than $50 on a purse, although I have seen many purses that retail for $100 or more. I will probably never own a purse that expensive. Why would a purse be that expensive? I'm not sure I could feel comfortable using a purse that expensive... I guess it's just me.
Here's what you can buy for the woman in your life if you win the lottery.

back to reality

Vacation was wonderful! We enjoyed the peace and quiet that the "camping" and hiking in Hocking Hills provided, but we had to come back to the busy, noisy city of Baltimore that we call home. After all, it was Jim's job that paid for that vacation...

It had been a long time since I had been in Hocking Hills. I had forgotten how beautiful it is. We were alone on most of the paths, and were able to really enjoy the scenery. Memorial Day week is a really good time to visit, if you are able. The weather is comfortable, there aren't many bugs yet, and most kids are still in school, so the parks are quiet. We saw many beautiful flowers and lots of butterflies.

The gypsy wagon was a nice place to stay. Of course, you don't expect to be pampered while camping (even cabin camping), so the air mattresses were about as comfortable as we thought they would be. (They squeaked when you moved, so we tried to stay as still as possible all night long. That wasn't much of a problem, though, since we were exhausted from hiking all day long.) The castle and grounds were very nice, and the owners were friendly. Our kids really enjoyed the castle dog and cat! We didn't spend a lot of time at the castle other than sleeping and eating, since we had hiking to do each day, but we did stop to play giant checkers once or twice.

During the day we hiked, and Dot did every step that we did. Jamie, however, spent much of the time in the hiking backpack, and some of it sleeping! He did get out to hike some of the gorge trails. We are proud of how well they did - we figure we hiked 12 miles last week!


By the way, we took about 150 pictures last week... want to stop by and see them sometime?

Mothers day

I got to take the day off this year... someone else did the kitchen work!

yard work

This morning I heard that rain was coming... possibilities of showers and thunderstorms. That would make mowing the lawn tomorrow an impossible task, so I ran out and did it this morning. It actually was a great day to mow, as it is cool and cloudy. After mowing I finished cutting down a few volunteer trees, and moved two hostas that have been hiding behind the bleeding hearts. The kids helped to water the plants, and watered themselves as well.
I love gardening - well, not the weeding, who does? - for so many different reasons. I get to make my little patch of earth beautiful and productive. I get to be outside, gettting exercise while working. I get to be away from the kids... ;-)
I know people who say that anything they plant dies. I have been blessed - most of my plantings flourish. I also have been able to transplant things that were here when we moved in. I have found, though, that I prefer perennials (come back every year), and I prefer in-ground plantings rather than pots or baskets. (They don't die as quickly if you forget to water them!)
Last year I took out all my perennials and redid the flower garden. All the plants seem to be enjoying their new spots, as they are either blooming like crazy or getting ready to do so! I do need to cut back the tulip foliage... This year I am working on the new vegetable garden and also on the plantings around the garage. I need to work on getting a trellis for the clematis to climb. It will help to dress up the garage - it has beautiful white blooms in the fall, and the fragance is like perfume! Another task this year - planting grass where the bushes used to be... but we have to move the mulch and logs first!

vacation tips?

Ooooh, we can't hardly wait! Vacation is just around the corner!
It has been a long time since I have been to Hocking Hills. I have many fond memories of our family hikes there, and I look forward to introducing it to my children. The kids are excited about camping in the gypsy wagon, and being able to explore places where Native Americans once lived. It will be nice to go without the television and computer, to be away from the city noises, to live at a more relaxed pace. Peace and quiet.
Any tips on hiking with kids? Best parks? Good restaurants? Neat stores?
Want to join us for a day? Meet us at the wagon...

cute and easy craft

I was surfing, looking for patterns for Dot's fair entries this year, and found these really cute crafts. They promote them as easy enough for VBS, and they only take 1/2 sheets of felt and some embroidery floss. Cheap!

cleaning out the attic

Our attic is stuffed full of boxes of children's clothing, mostly girls. We have finally asked ourselves why we should be keeping this stuff... if we ever do have another child (no plans to do so right now), what chance is there that it would be a girl born in late summer? Or a boy, born in early summer? Why are we using up valuable storage space on tubs of clothing? So, the clean-out begins... who needs clothing? I have clothing for girls, up to size 7/8, various seasons. I have boys clothes up to size 2T/3T. I have tons of girls shoes, and fewer pairs of boys shoes. It's all free! Ask for it now, I want it gone by the end of May!

How to get what you want.

Grand Prix 2006

This afternoon we went to church for the Master Club Grand Prix. Dot and Jim worked this week on her car, and both seemed happy with the results. Dot won 3rd place in the primary division!

aaarrgh!

As if there wasn't enough to do already... now there's more! Can my children play without making huge disasterous messes? Apparently not! My list will have more items added onto it than crossed off. And I don't know what we're having for dinner...

latest project

I had time to relax yesterday, and I spent it downstairs, sewing. It felt so good to create something!
I needed a new purse, and I figured I could make one for less than buying it (and I wouldn't have to travel all over the place looking for it). Last year I made myself a purse, and it turned out pretty nice. Dot has adopted that purse for this year, although she is waiting for me to make a special tote bag just for her. We picked out material at Joann's last week, and found some nice ones on sale. I forgot to buy strap material, though, so I had to scrounge through my leftovers to put together this purse. I worked without a pattern or instructions, and it turned out pretty well. It's a little Lacoste, I think, although those are dragonflies, not alligators... and the zipper is upside down. It'll work. For now.

ministry fair results

I worked hard on my booth for the ministry fair, and it went over well. Unfortunately, other booths included powerpoint and sound productions, or puppet shows, and I couldn't compete with them. The gift certificate is in someone else's pocket now... oh well. I did get a few more women signed up for the nursery, though, and that is a very good thing!

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.

sympathy outpoured

Last week at this time we were still recovering from the initial shock of having our house broken into. Things have settled down considerably, but we are still trying to put things back together and make them better. The kids seems to have forgotten it even happened.
We are very thankful for all the sympathy that our family and friends have shown to us. A huge thank-you will be going out to the Greens, as they are taking a weekend to come out and help us fix things around the house. They have disguised it as a birthday treat for Jeanne (Happy birthday to you!), but we know that the gift is for us.
This makes me wonder, how have I shown sympathy to others? Is a listening ear enough? Was I too busy to help in some way? Would a batch of cookies help? A dinner or the offer to babysit? A note of encouragement? A phone call? Can I take my eyes off myself long enough to look at others?

not again...

Yesterday afternoon I took Dot to her gym class. Jamie and I spent the time at the library, where he picked out Rolie Polie Olies again. We picked Dot up and headed home, Jamie all excited about watching his dvd, Dot dreading it. (We've watched it a lot...)
As we waked in the door I noticed some food on the floor of the kitchen. "Who's been in the freezer?" I asked. Dot immediately piped up that her two year old brother had done it... ha. That sinking feeling hit me when Dot ran into the living room and called out that we had been robbed again - the dvd player was gone. She started sleuthing right away, trying to find what had been taken. She can't resist a mystery...
I called Jim, and then the police. This time the entry was forced - they broke down our door in the basement, and then kicked open the door that leads to the basement. For all that work (the doors are quite heavy!), they got very little. Obviously, they took the dvd player, bought for $40, but they also got my earrings (this time they weren't worth much), and the handmade quilt and baby dress that were ready to give out at the next two baby showers. The police officer came quickly and made her report, but it took a long time for the crime lab to come. While waiting Jim went out to buy supplies to fix the doors, and then I took the kids out to buy a new dvd player (another cheap one!). Finally crime lab came - and couldn't find any fingerprints, unfortunately. Jim then worked on the doors (we won't be using them anytime soon!), and I put away all the stuff that got thrown out of our drawers. Most everything is back to normal.
It's much harder to put your life back together. (I immediately put in a bid for moving, all the while knowing that it isn't practical at all.) How long does it take before you feel safe in your house, or safe to leave your house? How long before you stop "hearing things"? How long before you start trusting people again?

nursery promotions

At the end of April our church will be having a special day focusing on our in-house ministry opportunities. The evening service will conclude with a fellowship in the gym, where the heads of the ministries will each man a table promoting our ministry. Here's where it gets interesting: the church members will vote on which table they think is best, and the winner gets a $100 gift certificate to a fancy restaurant.

After my initial groan (not another responsibility!!!), I am now grudgingly beginning to plan out my table. While at the fair, we are drawn to the booths that are colorful and give away free items. The church will be providing hor d'ouerves for everyone, but I intend to have lovely frosted mini cupcakes at my booth. Everyone likes free food. I will also have the diaper bag tags that the church ordered last year, along with some favor for those who actually already work in the nursery... but I am not sure what to give them. As for decorating the booth, I first thought of balloons, stuffed animals, etc., the kind of thing you would see at a baby shower. Then I came to my senses. Ugh. Too cute. Now I am leaning toward a large cutout of Jesus and the children, you know, "Let the little children come unto me..." sort of thing. Other thoughts - children are the future, children are a blessing from God, arrows in your quiver... (I'm not sure where I am supposed to go with that last one!!)

Already it is all sounding like a lot of work and money. Any ideas on how to draw them in? Put your minds to work!

a funny little boy

Jamie is definately all boy - he likes to run, jump, hit, throw, wrestle, etc. Lately another boy trait has been emerging - he knows his sister has cooties.
Dot, our very affectionate little girl, has found it hard to give Jamie kisses and hugs lately. He will run from her, scream, anything to keep her from kissing him. When she does actually land a kiss on him, he cries and tries to wipe it away, and then comes to Mommy for a kiss to make it all better. Yup, Mommy does not have cooties. Mommy's kisses are okay, in fact, they are wonderful!