Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Thursday, December 03, 2009
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!!!!!
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 WorldThe store wasn't very big, but there was lots to do.
Make Your Own Mini-fig, 3 for $9.99Trevor 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!!!!!
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
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. ♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥♥
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.
I like the rain here; there's no noticeable wind, so the rain falls straight down.
Peaceful.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
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!
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!
Monday, November 30, 2009
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.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, November 09, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
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. :)
Trevor flies over icy Lake NipigonHe also spent much time entertaining himself with his circuit set. (Definitely recommended for any boy's Christmas list!)
Lucky snoozes, happy to be close byWe 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, November 03, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
How some of us spent that extra hour
This is the one day each year that my dream comes true: I get one extra hour added into my day. Oh, to fall backward! It's a day to sleep in, to leisurely read the newspaper, to drink more coffee, to get a slower start, the one day to not rush.
This year, Holly spent the weekend at a friend's house. Her friends' church begins earlier than ours, so we left home an hour early to pick Holly up.
It's a good thing we had this extra hour, because there's no way we ever could have left the house earlier on any other Sunday morning of the year. We're usually running five minutes late as it is.
But then we were left with that extra hour to kill. We managed. We suffered, but we managed.
McDonald's
And it was all I could do to not dream about my cozy house, my newspaper still sitting in my newspaper box, and my coffee still waiting in my coffee pot at home.
On the plus side, I get my kid back. I suppose I'd give up that extra hour for her--at least when I have an extra hour to spare.
This year, Holly spent the weekend at a friend's house. Her friends' church begins earlier than ours, so we left home an hour early to pick Holly up.
It's a good thing we had this extra hour, because there's no way we ever could have left the house earlier on any other Sunday morning of the year. We're usually running five minutes late as it is.
But then we were left with that extra hour to kill. We managed. We suffered, but we managed.
McDonald's
And it was all I could do to not dream about my cozy house, my newspaper still sitting in my newspaper box, and my coffee still waiting in my coffee pot at home.
On the plus side, I get my kid back. I suppose I'd give up that extra hour for her--at least when I have an extra hour to spare.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
HaLLoWeeeeeeeeeN
I worked at work. Trevor worked at pumpkins.
Trevor realized yesterday that we'd never bought pumpkins to carve. We had to stop at several stores before we were successful. We were all getting a little worried, but Robert and I pretended we knew exactly what we were doing.
Holly is spending the weekend at a friend's house. She left her phone at home and is, for all practical purposes, incommunicado. Next time, I'll have to threaten her with posting goofy comments on her Facebook page if she won't take her phone.
Muhahahaha!
This was how I spent my evening.
I think I'll go puke now.
Trevor realized yesterday that we'd never bought pumpkins to carve. We had to stop at several stores before we were successful. We were all getting a little worried, but Robert and I pretended we knew exactly what we were doing.
Holly is spending the weekend at a friend's house. She left her phone at home and is, for all practical purposes, incommunicado. Next time, I'll have to threaten her with posting goofy comments on her Facebook page if she won't take her phone.
Muhahahaha!
This was how I spent my evening.
I think I'll go puke now.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Weekly menu
Greek Soup, sourdough bread
Rocky Mountain Salad with chicken, bread
Flank Steak, Baked Rice
Amy's Dirty Rice, cornbread, fruit or vegetable
hot dogs
Husband Delight
Shredded Beef Tacos
Orange Chicken, egg rolls, rice
BLTs
Breakfast Burritos
Cake of the week: hmm...Chocolate Sheet Cake?
On the back burner:Easy Peanut Butter Fudge, thanks again to Heather
Marlboro Man Sandwiches, creamy orange jello
frito pie
beef shoulder filets (whatever that is!)
Bobby Flay's fish tacos, and sweet and spicy kettle corn
Robert's philly cheese steak pizza
French onion soup
Rocky Mountain Salad with chicken, bread
Flank Steak, Baked Rice
Amy's Dirty Rice, cornbread, fruit or vegetable
hot dogs
Husband Delight
Shredded Beef Tacos
Orange Chicken, egg rolls, rice
BLTs
Breakfast Burritos
Cake of the week: hmm...Chocolate Sheet Cake?
On the back burner:Easy Peanut Butter Fudge, thanks again to Heather
Marlboro Man Sandwiches, creamy orange jello
frito pie
beef shoulder filets (whatever that is!)
Bobby Flay's fish tacos, and sweet and spicy kettle corn
Robert's philly cheese steak pizza
French onion soup
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Late October
Turning leaves and foggy mornings.
Grandma sends Popcorn Factory treats.
Lots of dress up parties at the library for story hours.
(NO, I did not dress up!)
Grandma sends Popcorn Factory treats.
Lots of dress up parties at the library for story hours.
(NO, I did not dress up!)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Pig Roast
Earlier this month, cool and damp weather postponed our church's annual pig roast. This weekend, however, was gorgeous. Reading last year's post, the weather must have been about this same--only it definitely seemed warmer this year. And this was the weekend for fall colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The pig cooked while we visited with our wonderful church family.
Robert even played a little basketball (I have to add: "with the rest of the old guys," lol).
It cracks me up to see these guys stretching.
And my camera ran out of batteries.
We had a lovely time.
The pig cooked while we visited with our wonderful church family.
Robert even played a little basketball (I have to add: "with the rest of the old guys," lol).
It cracks me up to see these guys stretching.And my camera ran out of batteries.
We had a lovely time.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Stupid things I say
I really should have a label for these. But it might be too painful.
I was checking out books to a Susan Nickel today, and then to her daughter Jessica. Little Jessica spelled her last name for me, "N-i-c-k-e-l." Because she's little and cute, I just had to say something.
Me: I bet you're glad your name's not Penny!
(Mom and daughter give each other a looong look before Mom looks back at me.)
Mom: My name used to be Penny before I legally changed it to Susan.
* * *
I of course died of embarrassment. The mom showed a LOT of grace and was very nice about it. She said that's exactly why she changed her name. I swore I wouldn't talk to anyone else the rest of the day.
But I did anyway.
I was checking out books to a Susan Nickel today, and then to her daughter Jessica. Little Jessica spelled her last name for me, "N-i-c-k-e-l." Because she's little and cute, I just had to say something.
Me: I bet you're glad your name's not Penny!
(Mom and daughter give each other a looong look before Mom looks back at me.)
Mom: My name used to be Penny before I legally changed it to Susan.
* * *
I of course died of embarrassment. The mom showed a LOT of grace and was very nice about it. She said that's exactly why she changed her name. I swore I wouldn't talk to anyone else the rest of the day.
But I did anyway.
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