And Now We are 8....

Baby Surprise Jacket- Finished!

2011-05-30T22:47:00.005-04:00

I finished it! Works for Ravelry's HPKCHC also, and sooo easy! I can't believe with only 3 stitches, and some creative folding, you get a totally cute sweater! Here's a pic:

Hope my sister likes it...

Progress on the BSJ

2011-05-20T19:36:00.003-04:00

I'm almost finished with the decreases- 2 more rows. Love how this color is coming out, and I think it'll be fine for either gender....

Baby Surprise Jacket Knitalong

2011-05-11T21:41:00.000-04:00

Or practicing the fine art of knitting.....

I decided to join Elizabeth Foss's BSJ KAL. Pics to follow, but I'm already on row 11!

Trying Again to Remember....

2011-02-21T17:45:00.003-05:00

The days go by in whirlwind fashion. I love Soulemama's Friday {This Moment} posts. Here's our moment for the week, even though it's Monday.

For a long time now, we've had family language that has included 'hammagas' and 'fwamps'. Smallest Cubkid just figured out the origin:

The worried expression on his face is priceless, along with his outraged outbursts, "Mama! Guess what they did now!"

Happiness is...

2010-02-05T16:44:00.002-05:00

a mugful of hot tea, a warm fire, satifying knitting, and watching 8 inches of snow falling, with more in the forecast.

Small Successes #2

2010-01-29T09:11:00.003-05:00

Well, yesterday was another one-of-those-days. Life is running at hamster speed at the moment, and I feel like I'm running, running, running in that little wheel, and getting nowhere. So to celebrate the small successes of a week:

1. Oldest Cubkid is home again. This entailed 400 miles of driving, and organizing over the phone, if the pickup time would be early enough to allow me to continue to run the usual insanity at home. Thanks to a good friend for picking up one ball (kid) and delivering him, we got it done.

2. Oldest Cubkid is on her way to being organized into a summer job and lots of scholarship applications. At least I have thrown all the information at her, and it's out of my brain. This is a good thing, since my brain is failing me at the moment.

3. I actually managed to get 3 out of 6 tax forms electronically filed, and the other 3 finished to be mailed. And it's still January. This was driven by the need to get them finished to get the FAFSA filled out. Which is the next small success.

4. I got the FAFSA filled out, which for the life of me I can't figure out what the big deal with it is. It's not nearly as bad as doing the taxes. You just have to have the paperwork handy to pull the numbers. And I'd done the PIN numbers early.

5. For once in my life, I've been slightly ahead of the game with getting all the paperwork finished to actually launch this Oldest Cubkid successfully.

6. The best for last- she felt that we had adequately prepared her for college from an academic perspective. This is always the sword hanging over my head- am I doing enough, am I going to compromise these kids because they're not in school, are they going to be prepared... And she said other than providing her with a couple of resources, and potentially writing one more long research paper, she was in good shape. So I guess I can breathe again.

Simple Woman's Daybook

2010-01-16T19:39:00.004-05:00

FOR TODAY
January 16, 2010

Outside my window... snow is melting, and it's warmer than it's been. Mud everywhere, and heavy fog rolling in.

I am thinking... that I'm looking forward to watching Agatha Christie tonight with dh.

I am thankful for... lots of things. Opportunities for Oldest Cubkid, a new kitchen. Laundry caught up.

From the learning rooms... I'm contemplating a need to return to my Charlotte Mason roots. I forget, and get too far afield, and the kids and I are all miserable.

From the kitchen... the sound of boys making calzones. I don't know why they're showing such interest in cooking/baking at the moment, but it works for me!

I am wearing... grubby shirt, yoga pants, and handknit socks.

I am creating... more socks, and order in my house.

I am going... to regret letting my kids go to the lock-in tomorrow night. They don't sleep, we lose all of Monday, and we have some obligations in the afternoon.

I am reading... A Charlotte Mason Companion. Again.

I am hoping... to find some measure of peace in the midst of all the chaos.

I am hearing... boys discussing the best way to fold calzones, and older dd playing hymns on the piano.

Around the house... there are open spaces, due to the Christmas stuff being put away. Paint is going up in the kitchen, and that's a good thing.

One of my favorite things... is sitting by the fire and knitting.

A few plans for the rest of the week: the Lock-In tomorrow night, and reorganizing school.

Find more entries at Peggy's blog:

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Small Successes #1

2010-01-16T19:31:00.003-05:00

We seem to be measuring our days with the yardstick of 'what isn't getting done.' I've been quite frustrated and discouraged with this, so I thought I'd borrow a page from Danielle Bean's 'Small Successes'. We have so much that is in an unfinished state, that I thought I'd try to write down what did get accomplished.

Our successes for today include:

1. Taking down the rest of the Christmas decorations.

2. Boys making calzones in the kitchen.

3. Catching up the laundry downstairs. Folding all the clean, and shipping it off to its respective rooms.

4. Getting stuff picked up a bit in the hall, and on the landing/mudroom area. (If we had a mudroom...)

5. Priming some of the green, green walls in the kitchen, to try to calm the color down. It's taking at least 2 coats of high-hiding primer, and we're hoping that the new color will cover a multitude of ills.

6. Sorting paperwork/knitting patterns, to try to tame the paper tiger.

So we have accomplished a bit. I have these days where I feel I do nothing but spin my wheels. All hail the small successes.

We've Run Away

2009-09-12T20:08:00.003-04:00

To the beach again. It's that time of the year. One of the beauties of homeschooling is that we can go on vacation during the off season, when it's still warm and beautiful. We have an awesome house, with the surf right out the back door, and space and time to play.

The kids are involved in a raucous game of Apples to Apples. What a blessing that Smallest Cubkid is reading now, and can join in rather enthusiastically. They're definitely raising the roof and having a good time.

Time. How I need a good dose of relaxing time. It has been a tough year.

There's Been a Mutiny

2009-08-10T21:29:00.002-04:00

Apparently my children don't like squash. Summer squash to be specific. It was most impressive tonight, when I served the offending vegetable. Every single one of them lined up on the opposite side of the table, and flat-out refused to eat any. Even the enticement of ice cream afterward was barely enough to make them take a bite. Interesting. I think I see a new potential threat.

What's This? A Blog?

2009-08-04T22:32:00.001-04:00

Methinks I need to update a little more often than every 5 months. But what busy months they've been.

We're in the thick of 4H and home re-organization. Why? Since you need to add to your normal stress by reorganizing things at home. We've been to the State Fair twice this week, and go back twice more. And construct the fairbooth for our county fair in the midst. I think I need a nap.

The Simple Woman's Daybook, March 2, 2009

2009-03-02T21:50:00.005-05:00

FOR TODAY March 2, 2009...

Outside my window...
Bitterly cold, and light snow blowing

I am thinking...
that I'm tired. It's been a long day filled with 4H stuff.

I am thankful for...
Opportunities my kids have to learn important skills.

From the learning rooms...
Not much today. That frustrates me.

From the kitchen...
Dinner the 15yo made tonight, including a veg, without parental assistance. I'm finally reaping the fruits of all those long, tedious years of allowing the kids to help in the kitchen!

I am wearing...
Jeans, my favorite turtleneck, and my favorite flannel shirt. Probably the same thing as last Monday!

I am creating...
socks. Knitted socks in wonderful, fun colors.

I am going...
Crazy? Does that count? To bed? Or to town tomorrow, with the Oldest CubKid for her reenacting.

I am reading...
Lots of 4H paperwork, Language Logic still, and blogs on organization.

I am hoping...
I can figure out why I'm not sleeping well lately.

I am hearing...
The dishwasher being loaded grudgingly, and the sewing machine running frantically, as Oldest Cubkid prepares for tomorrow.

Around the house...
Just trying to keep it together.

One of my favorite things...
My minivan. Never thought I'd say that. But it gets us to and fro in a practical way, with all the kids and their gear.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Reenacting tomorrow, schoolwork, looking for a piano.

Here is picture thought I am sharing... Outside the winter window, my favorite bird.

Please visit Peggy's website for all the Daybook links: www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com!

The Simple Woman's Daybook, February 23, 2009

2009-02-23T11:19:00.011-05:00

FOR TODAY...

Outside my window...
Bright sun, and a dusting of snow, and cold!

I am thinking...
that I need to redirect a few kids toward schoolwork.

I am thankful for...
firewood, hot tea, and nothing scheduled outside the house today.

From the learning rooms...
Journey North class, Math, and trying to figure out what
needs to be finished up in the next 10 weeks

From the kitchen...
Not sure today. We've had a run of soups lately.
Might be time for something more solid.

I am wearing...
Jeans, a favorite turtleneck, and my softest,
most favorite flannel shirt.

I am creating...
A more peaceful place to learn and live.

I am going...
to run a few errands later.

I am reading...
The Gentle Art of Domesticity by Jane Brocket.
Love the colors!

I am hoping...
that we make forward progress today.
It's been a frazzled weekend.

I am hearing...
the fire popping, George Winston playing in the background,
and sick kids still coughing.

Around the house...
It's cleaner! More open spaces.

Two of my favorite things...
my tea mugs from Salmon Falls Pottery,
and my flannel shirt.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Wrap up some paperwork that needs to be tended,
grocery shopping at some point, and
school, always school.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...
Can't get it to behave! ARGH! I will conquer this thing.....

Be sure to visit Peggy at thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com for more daybooks!

Because I probably should...

2009-02-21T00:23:00.003-05:00

Update the blog occasionally. It's been a long week. It's been a long month. It's been a long year so far! We are getting good school done, except for the latest blip on the radar of 3 sick kids. We have a lot of activities going right now, including lots of good musical stuff for the Oldest CubKid. But I'm tired of snow and cold. I'm ready to move into Spring.

I've been crocheting a brightly colored bag lately, to hold my sock yarn, etc. I needed the color fix, I think. I should finish it tomorrow, then need to decide if I'm going to line it or not. I got the idea from a blog I found, Attic24. Love Lucy's pics, and I'm jealous of her view from her attic in the Yorkshire Dales. Wish I was there....

Anyway. I'm going to try to figure out how to play with some of the other blogs out there. I like the Simple Woman's Daybook idea, and also the uncluttering one. Boy do we need that about now. If I could just figure out how to clone myself, one of me could school the kids, while the other one cleans the house. Oh, wait. That would be the fundamental problem with my life, wouldn't it? There's only 1 of me.

Cute Cousins!

2009-01-15T13:20:00.003-05:00

Because I've figured out how to upload images now...

Aren't they the cutest?

A couple of funnies

2009-01-15T11:23:00.002-05:00

Since Smallest Cubkid is the best for funnies-

On the way home from Maine, we stayed at a hotel in PA. Since he's the smallest, his bed consisted of 2 armchairs, a pillow, and a blanket. In the morning, he popped his head over the side of the arm, and looks at me, and in a plaintive voice says, "Mommy, this bed is no good. It keeps hatching!". And indeed it did- the chairs kept separating in the middle, and he was in danger of dropping out.

And the other one was just this week, in the midst of plowing through the weekly grind of schoolwork, he was muddling through his phonics book, and sadly looks at me and says, "Mommy, I can't do this any more. My brain is falling apart!" Poor guy- the room erupted in gales of laughter at his expense!

A picture of him, hard at work, holding his brain together!

Freezing to death!

2009-01-15T11:20:00.004-05:00

Brrr! In the last few days, the temps have plummeted, and the snow has fallen, and we finally hit double digits for the temperature this morning. And we have about a foot of snow. Unfortunately for my kidlets, it's just tooooo cooooold to sled for very long. We concluded this morning that it takes longer to get dressed in all the gear than they can stand to be out. On the flip side, our Christmas tree has never looked better.

Where, oh where, is my warm beach?

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay

2008-09-29T08:42:00.004-04:00

Watching the tide roll away...

My apologies to Otis Redding, and we're not sitting on a dock, but a deck, in the Outer Banks. The kids and I came down last week and hung out in Duck, NC for the nor'easter that blew through. It was really cool to see it- lots of wind and rain, storm overwash on the roads, and the roads completely covered with sea water in spots. It was particularly bad in Kitty Hawk.

This week, we're back on Avon, our little town we like so well. We have a different house this time, since ours wasn't available the week we wanted to come down. It's a couple of streets over, has direct beach access, and we can also swim in the pool. I'm here with a friend and her 3 kids, so we're definitely a crowd. I also wrangled a deal, and she's doing the cooking all week, so I'm free as a bird. Nothing to do but contemplate the sand and sea, and look for the next photo op.

The disparity between this life and my real one is quite a shock to the system!

Mi Vida Loca

2008-06-22T04:59:00.003-04:00

My wild and crazy life! We've taken an interesting turn. My mom had booked herself on a cruise some time ago, and was having trouble finding someone to go with her. A couple of weeks ago, she made an offhand comment to me that it was too bad I couldn't go, since we travel so well together. Well, I talked to The Lion King, and the upshot is I'm in London, heading for Dover, and then the Baltic Sea. The cruise covers the Baltic capitals. We've only ever been to Copenhagen, so I'm really looking forward to seeing the other sites, particularly Tallinn and St. Petersburg. How cool with that be? I am also going to particularly enjoy not having to distill the information I'm learning and reteach it. This is an information-for-me-only trip! I'm hoping to also go home with a good plan for the next schoolyear. I have no idea how this is going to go, not having ever been on a cruise before.

Shamelessly borrowed from a friend's blog

2008-05-15T11:29:00.002-04:00

You know you're from Ohio if...

You don't think of Florida first when someone mentions Miami.

You snicker when someone's from Tiffin, because you think of the State Hospital.

You think Pro football teams are supposed to wear orange!

Schools close for the state basketball tournament. Deer season, too.

You're proud of your state fair, but would rather go to Cedar Point.

You know all the 4 seasons: Winter, Still Winter, Almost Winter, and Construction.

You live less than 30 miles from some college or university.

You know what a buckeye really is, and have a recipe for candy ones.

"Toward the lake" means "north" and "toward the river" means "south."

You know if other Ohioians are from southern or northern Ohio as soon as they open their mouths.

You root for a college team though you've never taken a class there.

You can spell words like Cuyahoga, Olentangy, Bellefontaine, Tuscarawas, Wapakoneta and you know which letter is doubled in "Cincinnati."

You always visit more than two amusement parks in one summer.

You know that Serpent Mounds were not made by snakes.

You know what game they're playing when the Mud Hens take on the Clippers.

"Vacation" means spending a day at Cedar Point or King's Island.

You measure distance in minutes.

Down south to you means Kentucky.

Your school classes were canceled because of cold.

Your school classes were canceled because of heat.

You've ridden the school bus for an hour each way.

You've ever had to switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day.

You know what's knee-high by the Fourth of July.

You end your sentences with an unnecessary preposition. Example: "Where's my coat at?"

You install security lights on your house and garage and leave both unlocked.

You think of the major four food groups as beef, pork, beer, and Jell-O salad with marshmallows.

You carry jumper cables in your car.

You know what pop is.

You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.

Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.

You think sexy lingerie is tube socks and a flannel nightie.

The local paper covers national and international headlines on one page but requires 6 pages for sports.

You think that deer season is a national holiday.

You thought that the Phil Dirt and the Dozers was the most popular band in the country.

You actually understand these jokes then forward 'em to all your OH friends!!

I'm thankful for...

2008-05-15T11:08:00.001-04:00

Joy is found in the small things today.

Nothing on the schedule to get up for- we needed this slow time in the morning today. Time to sit on the sofa, children gathered 'round, reading about Flower Fairies.

An oldest child, hard at work on an essay, preparing for college, plans in place.

An older child playing hymns on her flute.

An older brother reading 'Brambly Hedge' to two transfixed younger siblings.

A middle child curled up in a chair, lost in stories.

4 cubic yards of soil being delivered, so we can start our gardens. Boxes already waiting to be filled with good dirt.

Band tonight, with a concert tomorrow. A fun, creative, productive time, and a reward for hard work this spring.

I think I can breathe again...

I should be nominated for Mother-Of-The-Year....

2008-05-09T12:05:00.002-04:00

Those of you who have boys will particularly appreciate this story. At the moment, Pip and Squeak, the youngest Dynamic Duo, are drawing a morel mushroom Pip found outside. This is particularly noteworthy, considering the week's earlier events, that I even let Pip outside any more.

Earlier in the week, younger BoyCub was complaining his stomach hurt. When I asked him where, he pointed to his bladder. I mentioned that the stomach was generally a few inches North of the belly button, not South. I was reminded it's all the same general area, Mom. So much for my Anatomy and Physiology classes. So I decided he needed to be drug off to the pediatrician. You have to understand how momentous this is, since my kids have to be close to death to be drug there. And of course, the minute we darken the doorstep, they are magically healed. I can't seem to take the man a child that is truly sick and easily cured. So anyway, appointment is procured, and since Pip has been having allergy symptoms for the last few weeks, but hasn't been properly diagnosed, I thought I'd haul him off too, before I just started doping him up.

We get in there, and the Dr. is poking around BoyCub's bladder, and we've already done the urinalysis, which of course is normal, and Doc says 'He's just constipated, and it's affecting his bladder.' Of course he is. Because I can't have a truly sick child, right?

Then he moves on to Pip. I told him I thought it was allergies. He starts checking him out, and says 'No, his ears are red, and he's got a lot of stuff going down the back of his throat. I think it's more than just allergies.' He looks a little further, and lo and behold, Pip has STUCK AN AIR-SOFT PELLET UP HIS NOSE!!! AUGH! An Air-soft pellet is a small neon green, clear hard piece of plastic, for the uninitiated. About the size of a pea. And it's obviously been there a while, since he has no idea how it got there. I asked him repeatedly, and the suggestions just got better and better. 'Maybe it ricocheted up there!' 'Maybe Squeak put it up there when I was asleep! No, wait, I go to sleep later than she does...' All said with a slightly apologetic smile and a shrug.

Son, I'm sure more than a few of these gray hairs have your name on them.

Yesterday's QOD

2008-04-12T11:31:00.002-04:00

So I'm brushing my teeth yesterday morning, and I hear "Mom, I have a question." Hmm. Must be 8 am. "Here it is." OK, I'm ready. Not. "Exactly how fast do the electrons in electricity move? I have it figured out that they move 3 mm a second. Is that right?" Son, I have no idea.....

I assume this is from our d=rt conversation the other day, which pertained to vehicle speed, just for the record. And just for the record, I WAS RIGHT THAT TIME!

Big Doin's in the Lion Kingdom!

2008-04-12T11:27:00.003-04:00

This morning, I volunteered to jack my auto insurance rate into the outer stratosphere for the next 20 years. It's official- the Oldest CubKid has gotten her driving license! She earned a perfect score on her driver's exam this morning. The Lion King is in shock, I think. I suggested that she drive her siblings to the soccer field, (joking, of course, I'm not ready to turn her loose just yet :-P), and he just sputtered. "You can't do that!" "Why not?" "You just can't! She's not legal!" Oh, yes, Daddy Dear, she is. Better get used to it.

And just to update on 2nd CubKid's big music contest last weekend, she did very well. The steel drum group scored a 1 (top score), and the comments were great. She also received a 1 on her piano. When it came time for her flute solo, which had fallen apart in spectacular fashion the weekend prior, I told her not to worry about it. The judge she had was giving out 2's and 3's- he'd given about 6 1's all day. I just told her to go in and do her best, and we wouldn't worry about the score. She did fine, 2 little trouble spots, but sailed through much better than the prior week, and we were both pretty pleased. He didn't write very long, so we figured it probably going to be one of his favored 2's. Well, she wound up being one of the 10 1's he gave all day. And then, silly me, I volunteered to take her and 3 friends shopping after, since they'd all done so well. What was I thinking? Repeat after me- never, ever, ever take 4 teenage girls to the mall without tranquilizers. I'm not sure for whom, but they're definitely necessary! I'm still traumatized...

Comment of the Day

2008-04-08T09:08:00.001-04:00

So I'm standing in the kitchen, looking out the window at the beautiful spring day developing, thinking warm, sunny thoughts, and I'd just made a comment about it to Oldest BoyCub. He looks back at me with a serious expression on his face, and says, "Mom, the word 'president' must have a Latin or Greek root."

Huh?

Who? Wha? What's this?

2008-04-04T22:23:00.002-04:00

A blog? Out here in cyberspace? Methinks we've been neglecting it a bit. I believe LB told me a month ago to update. So I'm a little late.

First of all, we're all good. Busy, but good. Second CubKid has a big music contest tomorrow- playing steel drum, flute, and piano. Soccer looks like a wash, literally. We've had about 3" of rain today. I offered to stay home and clean house, but the Lion King said he'd chance the soccer. Actually, I believe the comment was he'd rather be drowned on the soccer field, than be forced to sit through umpteen middle school music performances. All righty then. Off I go, at the lovely hour of 7.15am.

We are winding down our school year- reading more, Math still going, and finishing up the co-ops we're in. I'm in pretty good shape for planning next year. The Little Cubs need the most attention, since they're both just reading, so that's the direction we're heading.

Today was Government and Biology- the Supreme Court, and boiling purple cabbage leaves. I think I need a nap.

More later, I wouldn't want this to become a habit or anything.

Just because I can...

2008-01-17T11:41:00.000-05:00

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE ? Yes, my aunt and my godmother. And neither parent can explain why they called me by my middle name. Do y'all realize the chaos it causes at the DMV?

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? January 2nd, when we put our cat down.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Not really. It's too messy.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Tuna fish. That should come as no surprise.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Too many, some days.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I'd like to think so.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Nope, never. ;-)

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes, my mom wouldn't let the dr. take them out.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Not any more. I probably would have in my wild and crazy youth.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? At the moment, Peanut Butter Crunch. I love cereal at night, before I go to bed. Cheerios are a good standby.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Nope. And I like wearing them loose enough to just slip them on, even if they tie- my big, clunky hikers come to mind.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes. I am Mother, hear me roar.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Rocky Road or Phish food. I've always loved the chocolate/marshmallow combination.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? If they seem intense or calm.

15. RED OR PINK? Definitely red. I'm not a pink person.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF? The fact that I'm staring 40 in the face, and haven't accomplished everything I wanted to.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My family overseas. We only see them once a year, at best.

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue jeans and white socks. Makes the sorting simpler.

19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Lunch- leftovers from the Olive Garden.

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? A George Winston CD, and my kids bounce around the kitchen.

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Periwinkle Blue.

22. FAVORITE SMELLS? Pine and wood smoke. I love the Mistletoe Yankee Candle fragrance. Everyone commented on how good our tree smelled. I didn't tell.

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Tam- and caught her in the shower. We seem to do this once a week or so.

24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? OSU Buckeyes football, when I watch anything.

25. HAIR COLOR? Trying to stay blond/avoiding grey/turned brown.

26. EYE COLOR? Blue

27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yup, since I was 10 or 11. And can't stand glasses.

28. FAVORITE FOOD? Pasta with chicken, noodles, mushrooms, spinach or peas, and lots and lots of garlic. Cheesecake Factory has a great one.

29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I can't stand scary movies. Anything that can happen in real life freaks me out.

30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Hercule Poirot with dh.

31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Navy, with fall leaves embroidered on it. It's warm.

32. SUMMER OR WINTER? Autumn.

33. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs. We have colds going around.

34. FAVORITE DESSERT? Chocolate. Any form or fashion.

35. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? I always have 3-4 going at any one time. Usually a devotional type, light reading, something I'm researching for homeschool, and every once in a while, something a little deeper. Oldest dd and I are doing research right now on the Underground Railroad for 4H.

36. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? It's boring blue, but has a gel wrist rest, to help with the carpal tunnel. I also have a trackball mouse.

37. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT? Nothing. We don't watch TV as a rule.

38. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Music, songbirds, rain falling gently.

39. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Neither.

40. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Europe.

41. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I'd like to think I have a few. I can turn my tongue completely over, and wiggle one ear on demand. These will get me far in life.

42. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Rochester, New York.

I tag LB, Jen, and Tam.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-26T11:42:00.000-05:00

Because First BoyCub is who he is, the subject came up Christmas Eve. At 10pm at night, when I'm tiiiiiiired, because I've wrapped 15 million stocking stuffers, at least. 'Mom, I have a question. Where do you suppose Santa starts his deliveries? At the International Date Line? And how many time zones do you suppose he's able to cover in an hour? And what country does he start with?" "China, Son, but he also catches the kids in Siberia too." "Hmm. I'll have to give this some thought tonight." All right Boy, you do that. Let me know when you've solved the problems of world peace and the economy also....

I should probably also add a qualifier that we don't encourage Santa as a rule in the house. So this was totally hypothetical on his part. I just want to know why I have to be included in his musings. And Son, I'm not going off to college with you.

Letting Go of My Perfectionism

2007-12-21T11:25:00.000-05:00

I just had to share one more thing. I'm trying to be gracious. I really am. And I know the kids like to wrap presents. But by golly, I'm having a really hard time with Oldest CubGirl's artistic license in wrapping her presents to her siblings. Her choice of wrapping paper? Brown grocery bags. And the adhesive of choice? Duct tape.

Ugh.

New Math

2007-12-21T11:15:00.000-05:00

So because I've been slow off the marks this holiday season, we didn't get our traditional Playmobil advent calendar going. And Grammie usually sends us the little ones with chocolate in them, but she didn't this year. So I finally found 2 yesterday at Michael's, and made the younger 4 Cubkids' night, when I told them they could eat the chocolates up to yesterday's date. But then a minor battle ensued when they realized that there were 38 chocolates to be eaten by 4 children. I posted this dilemma to my favorite email group, and a friend responded with new math. I love this suggestion.

She suggested I could eat 2 and then the kids could divide 36, or I could eat 6, and the kids would each get 8, or the best answer, I thought, was that I could eat 34, and the kids could each eat one. At which point, I read this answer, and started laughing out loud. Then they all came running to see what I was laughing about, and said, "Mom! You wouldn't!" Then First BoyCub pointed out that he was pretty sure 34 pieces of chocolate weren't Weight Watchers-approved, and wouldn't I prefer a cookie or piece of fudge instead?

So much for that diet plan. But I do like new math.

Rushing Headlong Into Christmas

2007-12-21T11:06:00.000-05:00

But I had to share this Question of the Day with you all. Yes, it again came from First BoyCub. I'm driving in monster traffic yesterday, and battling a headache, and got hit with this one.

"Mom, I have a question." 'OK.' "Here it is. If you were standing next to the International Date Line, would it be possible to wait until just before midnight, and then jump over the line, and lose a whole day? And if you didn't come right back, would it be lost forever?"

Does this count as one of those 'How many angels can dance on the head of a pin' questions?

Insanity Reins Supreme

2007-12-11T21:08:00.000-05:00

I have made a tactical error. We tend to like more, um, creative birthday presents. And since it is Second Boy Cub's birthday today, and it's 2 weeks till Christmas, and I feel guilty that the poor kid has a birthday that gets blown over sometimes, (as do all my kids- it'll give them something to tell their therapists), I tried to get a cool birthday present. So since First Boy Cub got an add-on to the game Carcassone, Second Boy Cub also got an add-on. It was pretty cool actually. After FBC opens his, they both assure me there are more add-ons. Little did they know that Mom was on her game. And Mom is thinking- quiet strategy games on the floor. Yeah.

Anyway, the other present, which was the minor tactical error, was a solid 24 foot long piece of racetrack. And 10 Matchbox cars to go with it. Did you know that 24 feet of track will attach to your hall window via suction cup, go down the hall, through 2 loops, over the kitchen table, and continue across the kitchen floor? And did you know that it is possible to get a Matchbox car going fast enough to actually crack one of your windows? 'Nuff said.

The Great Pumpkin

2007-10-31T23:20:00.000-04:00

For those of you who don't know it, owing to the fact you live overseas, tonight was Trick-Or-Treat night in our neighborhood. And I knew within 10 minutes of waking up it was going to be a long day. I had 4 cubs on my bed before 9 am, with various pieces of their Halloween costumes, wanting to discuss nitty-gritty details with me. Please wait until your mother has put her contacts in and had at least 1 cup of tea, before you expect her to focus, let alone be rational. And please check your swords and rapiers at the door.....

So later this evening came The Great Sortation. Did you know that tonight is the night The Great Pumpkin comes? Yes. The deal is this- the more candy you give up, the better the present you will find in your chair at breakfast tomorrow. The best giveaway ever has been the year #1 Cub gave away all but 6 pieces of candy. This year Small Girl Cub kept all but 14. The Great Sortation comes after the gathering/snacking, when they winnow out the Best of the Best, and put it in a Ziplock bag. My family room looks like it's been hit by marauding candy elves. But the sortation is all finished, all small cubs are upstairs, if not sleeping, and it appears The Great Pumpkin may have to make a Walmart run. Sigh. Whose stupid idea was this anyway?

By the way, the Cubs were quite creative this year- we had a Pie Rat, complete with pie pan shield and fork, a Tigger, a Musketeer, a Knight, a Fairy Princess, and the best- #1 Cub dressed in a pair of jeans with stars she'd sewn on them, layered t-shirts, blue stripes in her hair, mp3 player, and a sign that read 'Trick or Treat' on one side, and then on the other side, to answer the question, "What are you?" 'Bored Teenager.' Yup, just the best. She even has the eyeroll modeled to perfection.

Compliment of the Day

2007-10-23T14:06:00.001-04:00

"Mom, did you know that shirt exactly matches the circles under your eyes?"

I *knew* I shouldn't have gotten up this morning.

Sunday's Question of the Day

2007-10-23T14:01:00.000-04:00

So the Cub that generates the deep questions, on Sunday comes up with this zinger. He starts off in his usual fashion- Mom, I have a question. "So when Jesus comes up out of the river after He's been baptized, and the Spirit of the Lord descends like a dove, is this the first place in the Bible that the Trinity has appeared all together?" Mom's educated response? "We're at church. Go ask Pastor John." And I have a college degree.....

Life with Children

2007-10-23T09:59:00.000-04:00

So Saturday's event that definitely falls under the category of "Why I never get anything done around here" would be Cat 1 coming in, bringing presents. More specifically a small, mostly-dead squirrel. Which he proceeded to toss around the kitchen floor, trying to get it to play with him further. And then of course, the dog wants it, since it's clearly a really cool toy. So Oldest Cub goes to pick up cat-and-squirrel, since he now has his toy firmly anchored in his mouth, and he has the audacity to growl at her around the squirrel!

And I'm such a good scrapbooking Mommy, I made her wait to toss the cat-and-squirrel unit outside, until I'd gotten a picture of them. ;-)

Oh, and did I mention, our pastor's oldest daughter was here, spending the night? Yeah, we really furthered her education....

Since I have one...

2007-10-19T12:25:00.001-04:00

I figure I could at least update my blog infrequently. So I thought I'd start sharing some of the humorous things that strike me throughout the day as I walk this path God has called me to. One of my cubs is the best generator of most of the humor, so I'll share the Question of the Day with you. And they always start out the same way, "Mom, I have a question." I say, "OK." "Here it is." And then he goes on with the question. So I always have warning that a doozie is coming!

Today's Question of the Day- "Mom, what's the difference between a hillbilly and a redneck?" Any suggestions? :-P I wish I could remember yesterday's. It was even better.

Home again, Home again

2007-07-06T05:30:00.000-04:00

Well, we made it! My brother is successfully married, in what was a beautiful service, in a gorgeous setting, and with amazing food! The next day, we left for the little resort town, where we were planning to spend a couple of days with my parents. We drove 8 hours across Spain, to find we'd landed in our new definition of Hell on Earth. This small 'family-friendly' resort town was mobbed with German tourists, too many people, and the hotel was something like a cruise ship gone bad. It had a game room/arcade, 2 cinemas, a discoteque that played till 2 am, and a cafeteria that would seat 2000 people. There were 500 people waiting for breakfast the morning we left. We arrived at 9.30 pm, I spent about 5 hours trying to resurrect us from there, and we left less than 12 hours later. But the rebound from this bounce was amazing. We decided to head off to the city that Gaudi and Picasso made famous. Lots of art and architecture for our last few days.

(Spoiler paragraph- stop reading if you don't want to know where we were.....)
Barcelona is an amazing city. I think we all fell in love. We hopped one of the tourist buses, and rode around to see all the major sights. Its history dates back to Roman times, and it was then a critical Medieval sea port. And then there's all the Modernisme art- I LOVE Gaudi's work. He studied nature, and took his lines from there, so these buildings have flowing curves like waves, and balconies with wrought iron that looks like 3-D leaves. And one of his buildings has a roof that's shaped and shingled like a dragon's back. Amazing. I'd have loved another day or two there. He also started a cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, that won't be finished for another 50 years or so, and is all funded by private donation and admission fees. It's amazing to see his ideas being carried out, some not so accurately, apparently, much later. I definitely need to do some more research on him.

So we made it home uneventfully, which is always good, except for the torrential downpour that occurred just as we were unloading and getting the last things from the car. Since we all got soaked to the skin, that necessitated changing clothes before checking in. I didn't get to, so was a bit soggy till about half way through the flight to New York. I pity the poor work crew that has to put that car back to rights. Yikes. My children now understand in spades why we don't eat in my van here.

So all in all, it was an amazing trip. There was so much that we did, we can't even pick one country that was our favorite, although the Lion King says his was France. Which is good, since he doesn't like to travel like I do. There's a good chance we might get to go back some day! It was great for my kids to get to know their cousins on the other side of my family, my brother got to finally meet my little guys, and we just all around had an amazing time. Now I can bore you all with the 1600 pictures I took!

Sorry for the lack of updates!

2007-06-29T05:47:00.001-04:00

We've been distracted by the large pool out back of our hotel, and all the family around. We're having a wonderful time in Toledo, Spain. But to catch you all up....

From Mt. Blanc, we went into Switzerland, in search of more Alps. Had the opportunity to climb to the 'Highest Point in Europe', but the weather didn't cooperate. So we rode cable cars, the longest gondola in Europe, and trains. We also got to luge. The kids had a blast with what we called our Transportation Day.

From there, we drove a looong way, back to our beloved France, to where Van Gogh painted his Sunflowers, and also cut off his ear. Any ideas? Then back to Nimes, since we needed one more day in the area, to see another of my mother's favorite cities. This city is made famous by a nursery rhyme. It's another famous walled city.

The Experience of a Lifetime

2007-06-20T03:27:00.001-04:00

So yesterday we climbed to the top of Mt. Blanc. Or rather took a funicular. Since MB is the tallest peak in the European Alps, we only have credit for hiking in an alpine meadow. We let someone else do all the work. It was amazing. My pictures look like I've posed the kids in front of a backdrop. Today we're off to the Berner Oberland, for more meadows, and some real hiking.

The Lion King arrived safely, albeit a bit tardy, thankfully. And Small Bug graciously awakened and vomited just as we were arriving at the airport, so I found the closest place to park, near the terminal, and entreated a police officer for a 'bano', to clean her and the car/carseat/all targeted objects up. And did you know, it took just long enough for The Lion King's plane to come in? I coached the kids to say "Mama limpia!' It was all good.

We set off for the French city with the most Roman ruins, toured the longest-standing arena and temple, and then, since the hostel didn't have room for the night, took off for the edge of France. (An hour away from Mt. Blanc, on a lake.) Any ideas?

See you on the other side!

Laundry Day and Find-the-Floor in the Car

2007-06-16T03:27:00.000-04:00

In preparation for the Lion King's arrival tomorrow! Yea! My kids wanted a down day today, other than scoping out daggers and other Medieval weaponry that we don't have room for. But they can dream, right? Tomorrow, we are up at 7 am, to drive to Barcelona to get the Lion King. Then we turn right around, and retrace our steps back to France, and lots of Roman ruins. We're heading for a famous arena, and the longest surviving aquaduct. Any ideas? Then after that, off to Mont Blanc, and France's City on Water.

Especially for My Mother

2007-06-15T18:13:00.000-04:00

We are in Carcassone, the Medieval walled city. It is my Mom's favorite, of that variety. The boys are in 7th heaven. We have stomped around all 3K of the ramparts, with the kids going 'Oh Cool!' every 2 seconds. We are on the way South, to meet the Lion King, who leaves tomorrow morning at some hour that no normal person should be required to be awake. He will arrive Sunday morning. We can't wait. Then we're off to the French Alps, and then the Swiss. I'll post clues later. For now, I'm tired. I went off by myself tonight, after the kids had eaten dinner, and had dinner. It was fantastic. The regional specialty is cassoulet, with duck drumstick, sausage, and beans. It's a great winter meal I need to try to make. Of course, I can't duplicate the effect of sitting on the terrace of a restaurant in Carcassone......

Wish You Were Here...

2007-06-13T14:40:00.000-04:00

The children and I are lolling on the Italian Riviera, eating pasta and gelato, and reveling in the beautiful blue Mediterranean. We saw our artists, left for the '5 Lands', and boy, what a drive that was! Now we're staying in an amazing castle for the night. Any ideas where we've been?

The hostel there was an old house built sometime in the 18th century. The kind lady running it put us up on the 2nd floor-which is our 3rd floor. My children assure me there were 55 steps, in a grand square around the hall, which went the whole way up. I'd rather not know that, thanks. And the room was amazing. The only one on the floor with a beautiful balcony, overlooking the garden and the Mediterranean. It's a tough life we're leading. There also was an awesome laundromat down the street. Small things to be very grateful for. I dumped the children in the sea, and did every single stitch of laundry. God is good.

We had lunch in a cute little town- we have discovered focacciarias. Yum! And of course, gelato, at least once a day, and twice when the Cubs can negotiate for it. We then went on to the last town of the 5, and found a beautiful beach. The Cubs are loving it. Driving back was interesting though- lots of twisting roads!

Tonight, we have started back toward France, to meet The Lion King on Sunday. We are staying in an amazing hostel, which is in a castle. The Cubs wanted a room in the tower, but I didn't want to hike to the bathroom! For those following us vicariously, we are in 'The End of Liguria'.

Ciao!

No, we haven't fallen off the face of the earth...

2007-06-09T20:21:00.000-04:00

Although it may seem like it! We made it through Germany, and into Italy. Clues for where we've been- First of all the 'Land' my boys enjoy so much, which has been a highlight of the trip is outside Nuernberg. So is the medieval town with the walls. Then we went to see Mad King Ludwig's only finished castle, where he lived for 2 weeks every month. Any ideas? We also hiked in the Austrian Tirol, while staying near MKL's other, more famous castle. Then we went onto the City of Canals. We had the most incredible experience there-riding a boat at sunset, with fabulous architecture, eating gelato......

Today, we left our city on the water, and travelled to a famous city with lots of Renaissance Art. Someone please tell Lela my young son came through again, with his mouthful of artists. Tomorrow, we tour the Italian countryside, and then to '5 lands'. More later, as we work our way back to Barcelona, to meet the Lion King on Sunday. If you see him Tuesday, wish him happy birthday.

Hannah, Meaghan has your trip all planned out...

Children, I give you Paris...

2007-05-31T17:05:00.000-04:00

Said in a grand voice, with a sweep of the hand, standing at the very top of the Eiffel Tower.........in the pouring rain. Why? Because it always must rain on us when we're sightseeing! It did however cut down dramatically on the tourists. The Americans are all afraid to get wet.

Hannah, Meaghan says you both are coming back here some day. Maybe your mom and I can plan some glorious trip for you both. Tam, think about all those stupid pieces we spend hours digging out of my boys' bunks- remember the wars? The 'Land' of their obsessions.....

Today was amazing. We came in on the highway that became the Champs-Elysees, so we came over a hill, and POW!! The Arc De Triomphe! Je suis amazed!

Off to the German edge of France tomorrow, and then to Germany proper. Hopefully I'll find internet access. The next clue then would be Mad King Ludwig's castle, (after the trials,) and then the squirt gun castle. See you then.....

The Children and I Are Changing Passports

2007-05-30T14:10:00.000-04:00

We are having an amazing time. We arrived without a glitch, got our tiny, tiny van, (not sure where we are going to put the Lion King or his things), and other than a few wrong turns, made it out of Barcelona, and into France. We stayed at a wonderful hostel in Bealieau-Sur-Dordogne, that has been around since 50 years before Columbus set sail. When was that?

We saw castles and caves, and have navigated through the French countryside, but not so well. There are many small towns not on the maps. And you need to know where you are going to head in the right direction. Not easy when the directions are for the next small town not on your map.

We have discovered that you can buy baguette bread on any corner, and spread it with Brie cheese, which the children are eating like peanut butter. Not a habit we will encourage when we get back.

Today were Monet's Gardens and house. We all agreed it was amazing to be where he actually painted. We also toured a chateau, which the Germans had taken over in WW2. They had hollowed out the side of the rock, and built safe houses for the soldiers. A sad note to discover this in this beautiful chateau.

Tomorrow is the City of Lights, home of Madeleine. I'll try to update before we leave. Then we're going to the edge of Germany, but still in France, for one night, and then to the place where the Trials were held after WW2. We are actually touring a Medieval city not too far from there, on the Tauber River. (That's a clue.) And we are going to tour a 'Land' of my sons' obsessions- Knights, Vikings, and Fairytale Castles.

Hopefully I'll be able to update from Germany. Let me know if you need the answers for the clues.

Aaaaand we're outta here....

2007-05-24T20:25:00.000-04:00

Well, the bags are packed, at least for the most part, we're loading the car, and setting the alarm for the unheard-of hour of 3.30am. One of the reasons we homeschool is because we flat out don't get up in the morning. Ugh. Our schedule is to fly from Columbus to JFK at 6.30 tomorrow morning, then kill time at Kennedy until our flight tomorrow night at 6pm. We land in Madrid, then fly to Barcelona, and then drive to our first destination. I'll try to post in the next few days, to let you all know how we're doing!

New Clues-save this for later if you want to follow us on the day

2007-05-22T00:34:00.000-04:00

OK, so the first place we're going to visit has the oldest paintings. This will be Sat. and Sun.

Second place- it's an area known for beautiful though not old chateaus, and a medieval castle being built in the 21st. Century. This is Monday night.

Third place, for a few days, he was known as a painter of light, and I don't mean Thomas Kinkade. He revolutionized how the world looked at art in his day.

Fourth Place, for one day- It's known for Madeline and Napoleon. My children want to see gargoyles.

I'll have to come up with a good clue for the 5th place, before we leave this country. Anyone figured out where we are yet?

If you need more hints, let me know.

Let me rephrase that...

2007-05-22T00:29:00.000-04:00

OK, it has come to my attention, if you Google oldest paintings, there are some now older than the ones we're visiting. So let's say the oldest ones conventionally believed to exist for a long time. They were discovered by a group of boys in the late 1800's, I think. How's that for generally vague?

As for prizes for guessing, you get the satisfaction of knowing you were right.

A suggestion for those following us vicariously- when my parents did their extensive traveling, we had the world map up on the wall, and the kids would move the marker wherever my parents were that day. It really brought home World Geography for them. I will try to post pictures if possible.

3 days and counting...

2007-05-20T22:44:00.001-04:00

Dragged Kicking and Screaming into the 21st Century....

2007-05-20T19:31:00.000-04:00

Well, it's happened. I've joined the real world. As requested I've started a blog to chronicle the trip of a lifetime. On Friday, my cubs and I head off to New York at an obnoxious hour, and then to Spain.

This all started when my Little Brother decided to get married in Spain. Thanks to him, my cubs are getting the homeschool experience of a lifetime. I figured if I'm going to pay all this money to fly these kids overseas, we're going to make it worth their while. And I'm winging it as a single parent for part of it, since the Lion King can't join us till later. Anyway. Prayers are always appreciated, both for safety, and Mamalion's sanity!

Can you find us on a map? Our first activity will be to see the paintings that have been recognized as being around the longest. What country and city?