Blizzard '09

Snow, snow and more snow, the largest snowfall in Roanoke since 1986! It began yesterday afternoon.

3:00pm

Over the past three winters, total snowfall has been 12".

4:00pm

Once the snow began, it snowed like crazy.

6:00pm

Robert pulled the sled out for Trevor, who began sledding at 8:00 in the dark! We haven't been sledding in four years, so he was pretty excited about it. He made a track down the side of the house, down the path into the woods. Robert marked it with a few lanterns, I'm not sure if they were guidelights or warning lights.

8:00pm

12:30am Saturday

When we woke up in the morning, it was still snowing.

8:30am

It finally stopped a short time later.


Lucky was so excited, but he wouldn't go to the bathroom--he was chest deep in snow.

Goofy dog

Trevor made several ventures outside. Early on, he was stung by a wasp. Very freaky, but we saw the welt and then saw the wasp on his coat. We occasionally see them at this time of year, trying to hide for the winter.


Good thing we had no plans to go anywhere!



Robert pulled the truck to the top of the driveway. We have a wonderful neighbor who plows first the street, then everyone's driveways. Hey, we're from Colorado, this is just regular snow to us! (Okay, not really, but there was no need to dig our driveway out today!)

Trevor building a snow dragon

Holly curled up by the window with her laptop.


Funny pic of Rob, since he's never on his computer like this!



Robert and I began wrapping presents.



We made two different soups for dinner.

Cauliflower Crab Chowder; Beef Noodle Soup

Holly helped made cookies, which we ate warm from the oven for dessert.

M&M/chocolate chip, since I broke into the M&Ms earlier

It was a wonderfully, down kind of day. Church is already canceled for tomorrow. As the temps aren't expected to rise out of the 30s for the week, we're guessing we'll have a white Christmas, even if it's leftover white!

More book reviews

Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto by Mark Levin

Be still my heart! I LOVE Mark Levin (impressive bio!). I recently made the connection that the same Mark-Levin-author-of-the-standout- Men In Black: How the Supreme Court is Destroying America is the talk show host guy is also the author of this book.

Liberty and Tyranny is a series of essays on hot button topics such as free market, federalism, faith and the founding of our government.

I want my own copy of this book, definitely recommended reading, "the necessary book of the Obama era."

Ronald Reagan: "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction."


Arguing With Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government by Glenn Beck

While reading the Levin book, I also picked up Glenn's latest book. After leafing through, I found the topics to be similar to Levin's, so I skipped it. For now. But I adore Glenn, I love his sarcasm, and the book's graphics are terrific. Maybe I'll read it next year (hey, that's just a month away).


Who Do I Talk To? A Yada Yada House of Hope Novel by Neta Jackson

Book Two in Neta's newest series furthers Gabby's life at Manna House--both as a program director and resident. I am enjoying the series, although Gabby hasn't worked her way into my heart yet. (It took me awhile to like Jodi in the Yada Yada series too.)

What I did not like about the book was the author's detailed inclusions of Yada Yada characters. Instead of adding to the new book, it's very contrived. I'm guessing that will stop as Jackson gets more comfortable with the current characters. I'm eagerly waiting for the next book, I don't read much fiction, but this is worth it.

Touched By a Vampire: Discovering the Hidden Messages in the Twilight Saga by Beth Felker Jones

I won my copy of this book through Jen's giveaway (thanks, Jen!). Although I haven't read the series, you'd have to be living in an Iraqian cave to not know how popular it is.

I was hoping for a valid discussion of story themes, along the lines of What's a Christian to Do With Harry Potter? Unfortunately, Jones's book is a complete mess, and I stopped reading half way through. Each argument Jones writes against Twilight can be applied to practically every fictional book out there. There is nothing here relevant to Twilight itself.

Example: "The Twilight Saga suggests that the love between Bella and Edward is true love. If Bella and Edward are used as a measuring stick for love in real life, we may come to believe that true love looks a lot like controlling, abusive love." p. 45

Example: "As readers, we relate to Bella . . . Some families are far more terrible than Bella's . . . It's also the case that many families are much less disappointing than Bella's . . . But even the most loving families disappoint." p. 85

Example: "[Bella] panics at the thought of marriage . . . Bella associates marriage with reduced opportunities and disdains it as a traditional route that doesn't make sense for her." p. 99

ARGH!!!!!! It's FICTION!!!!! It may not be appropriate for every teenager, but it's FICTION. I do not worry that Trevor expects the world to be like Hobbiton. I do not worry that Trevor will want to be Darth Vader and turn to the Dark Side. I do not worry that Holly will want to live Bella's life and become a vampire. (Hey, she's on team Jacob anyway.)

Bottom line: If this were my daughter's school assignment, and she wrote similar paragraphs uncovering "hidden messages" of Twilight, I would find her reasoning groundless and her logic unacceptable.

I am forwarding the book on to a friend who had also expressed interest in it. I'll be interested to see if she gets something different out of it. (So let me know, R., will you?!)

(As the word "FICTION!!!!!" shouts over and over in my brain.)

(And yes, that's supposed to be there.)

Waiting

Over the years, we've had a couple of computers. It's a long standing family joke, as I would always refer to the computer as "ours," but everyone knew it was mine. If Robert wanted to use the computer, he would wait very patiently until I was done (we're talking hours here). Same went for the kids.

So Rob bought himself a laptop in the spring. Was he surprised to find he had to wait to use him computer? I loved that it was soooooo much faster than mine. The kids loved it too. A newer, faster computer just meant that we could find more things to do on it, and we would eagerly clamor for our turn.

When we bought a second laptop for me to use, we put away the old desktop. Now we had two fast computers for four people, pretty awesome, but the kids still had to jockey for who got on what computer.

Holly saved her allowances and birthday money and bought her own laptop last month. So we are up to three: Robert uses his in the bedroom; I sit at the kitchen counter; Holly lounges with hers on the couch. It was natural to assume that the wait time for a computer would be minimal.

But there's a new kid kit in town.

Thanksgiving, part two

Thanksgiving morning was cold, and Trevor and I were happy to join Aunt Barb and Walker for their daily walk around the beautiful Cedar Crest College campus. I love the neighborhood, it reminds me of where we lived in Littleton.

Mushrooms growing from a tree

We visited back at the house as the Macy's Day Parade played in the background.

Walker was a pretty popular guy.

Robert and the kids and I left early in the afternoon to see Aunts Loretta and Ann Marie. This was Robert's first time meeting my dad's family, and I wanted him to see the house where my dad spent his later childhood, where Lori and I visited my grandparents when we were little, and where my aunt lives today. We headed a few blocks away to Uncle Joe's house, where the kitchen was bustling with food preparation.



Our dinner included: turkey, chicken, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, potato filling (stuffing), cranberry filling, corn, creamed cucumbers, cranberry sauce, and cranberry nut bread. I'm sure there was more that I can't remember.

l to r: Uncle Joe('s arm), Trev, cousin Tom, Rob, Aunt Barb, Holly

We washed and dried the first round of dishes. Growing up on the west coast, with no extended family to share holidays, this was my FIRST time ever drying dishes at a big meal like this. How sad is that? I was thrilled (really!).

Aunt Loretta and me

There was pie, and lots of it: pumpkin, apple, pecan, cherry, plus pumpkin cake. That doesn't even count the apple pie that we ate at Aunt Barb's house before Thanksgiving dinner!

Everyone loves to see Mom with the camera

Rob played with Bella and the dinosaur bone she dragged in. Or something like that.


Uncle Al left with Robert, Holly and Trevor. Aunt Barb and I stuck around to try the new floor steamer. No one would let me leave until I worked. (Okay, not really, the cleaner was kind of fun. And this is Robert's favorite photo of me, one where I'm actually working.)


We came home just in time to feed Holly and Trevor more dessert.

Walker is ever hopeful

It was a lovely and memorable Thanksgiving, and such a blessing to spend it with a larger part of our family!

A stay-inside kind of day

We woke up to an icy rain this morning. By early afternoon, the ice began to melt.


And the sun began to shine through.

These first three photos were taken within three minutes of each other.


By sundown, the hazy glow had returned.

It was a perfect day to stay home. We slept in, relaxed with the newspaper, played on computers, and caught up on school work. Trevor braved the weather and took the dog out for a walk twice. Later in the afternoon, we had our own "Christmas wrapping party." I'd made crockpot tacos for dinner, and we began watching Amazing Grace later in the evening. It's a long movie; we'll finish it tomorrow.

Sorry....

We've been a little busy with all the DC parties.

Thanksgiving, part one

We pretty much invited ourselves up to my aunt's house for Thanksgiving this year. She did mention it first, but I think it was more of a joke. I hope she's not sorry.

Robert has never met my dad's family, my aunts and uncles who now live "just" 400 miles away. I took Holly and Trevor up for a visit a year and a half ago; until then, I hadn't seen them since 1980. Since there were four of us, we opted for the minivan instead of the Prius. Let me just say THAT was a good choice!

It was a perfect day for driving, gray but not rainy, no driving into the sun, or having it beat against one side of the car, roasting those unfortunate people (usually Robert, the least heat tolerant of us).


The kids listened to music. Once again, I was reminded how truly well my kids get along with each other. What a blessing--for all of us (and not just on long car rides!)


Trevor's known for months that we'd be heading up this way at some point, and he'd been anticipating his first visit to a real, live Lego Store. The day before our trip I realized that the Lego Store is in the largest shopping mall on the East Coast of the United States. Seriously.

After picking myself up off the floor, I planned WELL and thoroughly. I ended up with three pages of parking directions and mall maps.

Happiest Boy in the World

The store wasn't very big, but there was lots to do.

Make Your Own Mini-fig, 3 for $9.99

Trevor ended up with a Space Police set, three Star Wars magnetic figures, and a few keychain figures. The Space Police set was only available in the store; the mag figures come off the pedestal magnets; and we looked online to see how to take the keychain figures apart. It was very successful shopping.


Oh, yeah, I snuck in a visit to Sephora too. We don't have makeup stores in Roanoke.

So we leave the LARGEST MALL ON THE EAST COAST...

AT RUSH HOUR...

ON THANKSGIVING EVE...

IN PHILADELPHIA, the 5th largest metropolitan area in the country

We were prepared for the worst. Just as we began to see brakelights ahead, we reached our exit.


And the only other bit of traffic was when we merged onto the next highway. It rained for the last hour, and the roads were crowded, but everyone happily sped along.

Eternally optimistic, I'd been hoping all along to arrive at my aunt's around 5. Incredibly, we pulled up at 5:15, unpacked and went out to grab a bite to eat.

A successful drive up!!!!!

Family history

One of my favorite stories to torment my mother with tell is how she waited three weeks to take me to the doctor when I broke my wrist. Poor me? No, more like my poor mom. There are some things you can just never live down. Never, ever, ever.

I was 13. To hear her tell it, I was quite the whiner in general. I was not a pleasant kid. That was the job of my younger sister. I hurt my wrist when I socked the paper boy. While it might seem that there was a problem with me socking the paper boy, my bigger problem was that I didn't know how to "sock."

He rode away unscathed.

I complained that my wrist hurt. I complained for three weeks.

My mom made plans to take us bowling. When I told her that I wouldn't be able to bowl, she actually growled at me, "You're going to go bowling, and you're going to have a good time." But she didn't take us bowling after all.

She drove me to the doctor's office. They believed me, took x-rays, and sent me home in a cast. And so far, I've lived to tell the story again and again. (If I disappear suddenly this month, now you'll know why.)

So fast forward 30-something years and take a look at my son.


He fell while skateboarding. He hurt his wrist. He complained about it. For a few days. He did not want to go to the doctor. I've asked him practically every two hours for two weeks, "How's your wrist feeling?" "Does it still hurt?"

So far, so good. But someday, someday, down the road, what are the chances that we'll find out he did break it. That's the reason I didn't take more pics of his wrist; I excel at denial. On the plus side, he is able to play video games.


(Then there's the appendicitis story, but that will have to wait. I want to live to see my kids grow up.)


Note to Mom: I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Really, I do. ♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥♥

Rain

Rain for the rest of this week.



I like the rain here; there's no noticeable wind, so the rain falls straight down.

Peaceful.

Book Reviews

I've read these over the past several weeks; this post would be better titled "Book LIST."

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist by Michael J. Fox

Q. Who doesn't like Michael J. Fox?

A. Any conservative who reads his 288 paged left wing liberal manifesto.

Not recommended. Read his Lucky Man instead.

Q & A by Vikas Swarup

This is the book that inspired the Academy Award winning film Slumdog Millionaire. Holly and I tried to watch the movie but, not understanding the heavily accented English, quickly gave up.

It was an interesting read. Once I began, I didn't care so much about the protagonist or the ending, yet I couldn't put the book down.

Reading the reviews, the movie is quite different, not in a bad way, just different. I'm glad I finished the book; I have no interest in trying the movie again.

Song of Redemption by Lynn Austin

This second novel in the Chronicles of the Kings series begins with the reign of King Hezekiah, his efforts to return Jerusalem to the True God, and the impending Assyrian invasion.

I am *really* enjoying this series, and I appreciate broadening my knowledge of the northern and southern kingdoms. I'm eager to read the next installment. Definitely recommended!

Lego speak

Trevor was definitely ready for his first trip to the Lego store. Like any prepared traveler, he learned the language ahead of time.

Social networking

What Robert and I did this weekend.



Bhahahahahahahaha!

I'm aLiVe!!!

I'm not sick. I'm not suffering any crisis. My internet connection has been fine. My family is happy and well fed. However, I am lacking motivation to blog. I'll get back to it very soon, I promise.

In the meantime, I have a few loopy friends who are up for big homeschool blogging awards. If you have spare time, check them out, since there's nothing to read here. Oh yeah, and if you like what you see, vote for them too; you'll see a link on each page.

#6 Best Family or Group Blog: Duckabush, Tim and Kathy share in the entertainment, with a little help from their children.

#11 Best Geographical Blog: You Did What?, Dorothy's hilarious tales of family life in the UK.

#19 Best Curriculum or Business Blog: The Homescholar, Lee successfully transitioned hsing her two sons into a business helping other hsing families.

#20 Best Variety Blog: Life Is Good, never afraid to take on another project, Cindy juggles a very full life with an intensity and ease that I can only watch with amazement. We met up in Colorado several years ago (has it been that long?) where her hs group came on a field trip from Montana. (And yes, her group does things like that.)

Although Becky is not a homeschooler, I'm putting in my own vote for her. She has the most incredible, breathtaking nature photos ever taken by a regular person with no prior photography experience.

--------------------------------

Look at this, once I start typing here, I find it hard to stop.

Trevor parties

Two of Trevor's friends had birthday parties last weekend. One friend was wonderful enough to change the time of the party to the morning, so that Trev would be able to enjoy both celebrations!

The first party kicked off with breakfast at IHOP, where Holly and I dropped Trevor off.



She and I went to the mall.


I later took her to meet Robert so she wouldn't have to spend the whole day up in town. Armed with my secret weapon (sweet tea), I was ready for anything.


Meanwhile, the birthday party had continued with the movie The Christmas Carol, where I met them at the theater. (Btw, Trev loved the movie!)

We headed off toward the second birthday party. You can tell the day was gorgeous. That was a blessing, since the party had been planned at a local park.


While Trevor played games, ate, and just enjoyed spending more BOY time, I went to the library (go figure) and the grocery store. I returned to pick him up just in time for cake. Funny how I can do that. (It's a gift.)


It was a pretty long day, and we took the faster, twistier way home. I was on the road, I swear.


Anyway, it was a super fun day for Trevor, and I am happy that I was able to do my part by chauffeuring.

Weekly menu

Amy's Dirty Rice, cornbread, fruit or vegetable
hot dogs
Shredded Beef Tacos
Breakfast Burritos
soccer banquet
Marlboro Man Sandwiches, Caesar salad

Cake of the week: hmm...Chocolate Sheet Cake?

On the back burner:Easy Peanut Butter Fudge, thanks again to Heather
frito pie
beef shoulder filets (whatever that is!)
Bobby Flay's fish tacos, and sweet and spicy kettle corn
French onion soup
Giant Breakfast Cookies
Three Cheese Garlic Chicken Pasta
Pumpkin Bars

Our Wednesday

Trevor is settling in with Beautiful Feet Geography, and the first book is Paddle to the Sea. While googling, I stumbled across a 170 paged activity guide to go along with this book, and then I found a program specifically written for Paddle on Google Earth. VERY cool!!!

Trevor flies over icy Lake Nipigon

He also spent much time entertaining himself with his circuit set. (Definitely recommended for any boy's Christmas list!)

Lucky snoozes, happy to be close by

We dropped Holly off at riding and went to the library. I found this sign hilarious and couldn't help but take a picture. Facebook classes at the library. What will they think of next?


I mentioned last week that Holly had gone back to her old barn. While the lessons down the street from us were wonderfully convenient, it was quickly apparent that things were not going to work out. (I do not need drama in my life!)




Seeing how happy Holly is to be back makes me happy too. :)

Tuesday

Robert and I voted. I don't know how many people are assigned to our polling place, but at 10:20 a.m., he and I were numbers 256 and 257 to vote. Since I was questioned (read: interrogated) last year by the voting judge, I decided to not chance it this year, and I left my camera in the car.



Right down the street is the post office. It must have something to do with voting day, because the post office was busier than I've ever seen it.



Robert played with the Postmaster's toys. Sigh. I swear I cannot take him anywhere.



It was the last night of soccer practice! I'm in my usual state of denial and wore sandals.



So I spent the evening in the car. But lucky me, the church has a wireless connection that I was able to use.



Robert made his famous Philly Cheesesteak Pizza for dinner, and we watched election returns on tv. That definitely made for a good ending to the day.