I am from the big blue quilt, from Velveeta "cheese" and four-inch thick sandwhiches loaded with MiracleWhip I made for myself after playing outside all afternoon.
I am from the red and white rambler on 75th street; the bedroom I painted purple from whose window I watched the evergreen trees waving in the wind, their branches changing shape in the shadowy moonlit night to look like wolves or flying birds.
I am from the huge thistles we collected from the vacant lot and brought back to Mom to put in a vase, the plum and cherry trees in the back yard whose branches I climbed and whose fruit I consumed.
I am from looking at the night lights of the city and appreciating the clouds in the sky with my Mom; and my little sister and I crinkling up our pug noses when we giggle, from feeding ducks with Gramma Gladys and sitting on her counter eating cinnamon toast while she mopped the kitchen floor on hands and knees, and swinging on the branches of the willow tree, being Cheetah to my brother's Tarzan.
I am from high cheekbones and stick-straight thick hair. From "You are built just like your Gramma." and "You can do anything you want to if you set your mind to it."
I am from Seventh Day Adventists and Methodists; Vacation Bible School, and Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam. From keeping the Sabbath on Saturdays and singing Bible songs with a family of gypsies.
I'm from Tillamook Oregon and the Umatilla tribes of Pendleton, from the Tillamook Cheese Factory and walks to 7-11 with my sister for Slurpees.
From the story of how I was born so many weeks early and wasn't supposed to live, and was small enough to fit in a shoe box, and how I slept for the first year of my life on my mom or dad's chest; from moving the furniture and rolling up the rugs on weekend nights and dancing on top of my dad's feet to Glenn Miller, and getting a lesson from my mom on how to "shimmy" to Elvis or Rockin' Robin.
I am from trips to Oregon to visit my grandparents, from the family pictures displayed on my mother's hallway walls, from playing down the dead-end road with my sister, from traveling to Europe all by myself, from so many children whose nanny or teacher I have been; from meeting my true love at work and trying to memorize the names and birth order of his 9 siblings.
I am from the cabin under the mountain where my first child was born, from the sounds of music wafting through my farmhouse. From the future I know not yet.
Hat tip to Amy, and Dy, and directions for doing one of your own here. If *I* can do it, so can you! Let me know if you do it, or put it in my comments if you don't have a blog.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Just a tidbit for you before I toddle off.
Just found the link to this wonderful blog-article all about reading aloud to children at Circle of Quiet. HT to Diane.
Nighty-night.
LB
Nighty-night.
LB
I'm feeling much better now.
I really am. My massage therapy went better today, and I made sure I have been drinking tons of water since I got home- makes all the difference in the world. So did not having to listen to country music. Don't get me wrong- I can dig good soulful twang with the best of them, I just hate the stuff they play on the commercial stations. It all sounds like, "My wife left me for my best friend and she took my dog with her." to me. Give me the good ol' sounds of Buffet, or John Prine, or K.D. Lang, maybe some Bonnie Rait.
Anyhoo, I digress. I feel better, and the Boy has been acting better. He spent almost all of his saved up money on grapes, berries, water balloons, rock salt and ice today. Then he folded about 5 loads of laundry, carried all the living room furniture downstairs, vaccuumed, made his own cake, de-stemmed and froze grapes, and did the dishes. He has several of his games ready, and will do the rest of them tomorrow. He did his chores without fussing, and the backtalk was tons less today- almost non-existent. Almost. Baby steps.
The Girl just walked in the door- we let her go to a Tacoma Raniers game with some friends tonight. They won, and there were fireworks. The Boy didn't get to go, obviously, and he didn't fuss about it at all. Maybe it is sinking in after all!?
Now that my baby Girl is home, I am off to bed. I need all the rest I can get if I am going to supervise 10 kids at this party tomorrow. Everyone else is out by the fire ring, visiting and enjoying the cool but clear evening. I will settle for enjoying watching the full moon from the rocking chair set in front of my bedroom window for a few minutes.
Have a good night,
LB
Anyhoo, I digress. I feel better, and the Boy has been acting better. He spent almost all of his saved up money on grapes, berries, water balloons, rock salt and ice today. Then he folded about 5 loads of laundry, carried all the living room furniture downstairs, vaccuumed, made his own cake, de-stemmed and froze grapes, and did the dishes. He has several of his games ready, and will do the rest of them tomorrow. He did his chores without fussing, and the backtalk was tons less today- almost non-existent. Almost. Baby steps.
The Girl just walked in the door- we let her go to a Tacoma Raniers game with some friends tonight. They won, and there were fireworks. The Boy didn't get to go, obviously, and he didn't fuss about it at all. Maybe it is sinking in after all!?
Now that my baby Girl is home, I am off to bed. I need all the rest I can get if I am going to supervise 10 kids at this party tomorrow. Everyone else is out by the fire ring, visiting and enjoying the cool but clear evening. I will settle for enjoying watching the full moon from the rocking chair set in front of my bedroom window for a few minutes.
Have a good night,
LB
The uphill climb of parenthood
I apologize for not blogging much this week. To be honest, I have had thick, itchy fingers, and have had a grumpy, rude 14 yr old to contend with. Both these things have sucked out much of my newly returning energies. After several doses of grog-inducing antihistamines, and a long, gut-wrenching family meeting last night, I am a bit better, but feeling very tired and worn out. Why oh why did no one tell me about the similarities between children at 2 and 3 years and the same children at 13 to 14 years old. Whew!! Demanding and beligerent, pushing me away one minute, and clingy and full of I-love-you's the next! As Dy would say, Gaaaahhhh!
This morning's chore ritual went much smoother, thankfully, than it has for weeks. We now no longer have seperate chore lists, but instead, all three of us pitch in and do the chores off of one list until they are done, and as they are needed. We have been working towards this for awhile, and it is time. We realize we can not coerce them into being the responsible, kind, and caring people we want them to be, we just hope they choose it. Cooperation works so much better.
The Boy has his birthday party tomorrow, and he is now fully responsible for it. We were very close to taking it away completely, but chose this action instead. I will be taking him shopping after classes today during which time he will use his own money to purchase the remaining items for the party. Then he will come home, rearrange the living room, thoroughly vaccuum and dust it, and then get the games and contests for the party ready. I will most likely have him make his own cake, too, though I might relent on that front. I know parenting isn't easy, but sometimes it is downright difficult. Hard. Challenging. Not fun. Poopy. Sigh.
As well as errand running and birthday party prep, I have my physical therapy today. It really hurt last week, and I am going to have to be an advocate for myself this week- no country music during the massage, thank you very much. And could we please start the massage with me on my stomach, so that if you are going to work on my back, that you are not doing it from the underside of my body? Very uncomfortable, and not nearly as effective. Sigh. I am feeling very small (another Dy-ism) today, and so wish I could crawl into bed and stay there.
Now I shall paste on my happy face, go upstairs, and get on with the day. Wish me luck, and a calm peaceful feeling inside me.
TTFN,
LB
This morning's chore ritual went much smoother, thankfully, than it has for weeks. We now no longer have seperate chore lists, but instead, all three of us pitch in and do the chores off of one list until they are done, and as they are needed. We have been working towards this for awhile, and it is time. We realize we can not coerce them into being the responsible, kind, and caring people we want them to be, we just hope they choose it. Cooperation works so much better.
The Boy has his birthday party tomorrow, and he is now fully responsible for it. We were very close to taking it away completely, but chose this action instead. I will be taking him shopping after classes today during which time he will use his own money to purchase the remaining items for the party. Then he will come home, rearrange the living room, thoroughly vaccuum and dust it, and then get the games and contests for the party ready. I will most likely have him make his own cake, too, though I might relent on that front. I know parenting isn't easy, but sometimes it is downright difficult. Hard. Challenging. Not fun. Poopy. Sigh.
As well as errand running and birthday party prep, I have my physical therapy today. It really hurt last week, and I am going to have to be an advocate for myself this week- no country music during the massage, thank you very much. And could we please start the massage with me on my stomach, so that if you are going to work on my back, that you are not doing it from the underside of my body? Very uncomfortable, and not nearly as effective. Sigh. I am feeling very small (another Dy-ism) today, and so wish I could crawl into bed and stay there.
Now I shall paste on my happy face, go upstairs, and get on with the day. Wish me luck, and a calm peaceful feeling inside me.
TTFN,
LB
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The wonders and perils of nature
Yesterday was a good day. I was productive on many fronts. But I want to start by telling you about nature study. We have been studying water habitats- the oceans/tidepools, marshes,streams, and rivers, and yesterday was ponds. We went to Camp Long, and I did my usual pond study- take all the loups, magnifying glasses, microscopes (Thanks J and L for bringing those!), petri dishes, tupperware containers, nets, and eye droppers you can find, and set the kids loose at the pond. There is an awning set up over two picnic tables a few yards from the pond, so the threee moms set up there, supervising the microscopes, and trying to identify the critters the kids bring to us. The big kids worked well with the two littles, coaching and teaching without even knowing that is what they were doing. We saw whirligig beetles, who are NOT the giant diving beetles, but are related to them; mosquito larvae, water striders, water spiders, and water fleas (L and J- that is what the shrimp-like creature was). We also looked at duckweed, the world's smallest complete plant, and lsitened to red-winged blackbirds. When we were done at the pond, the kids hit the climbing rock while the moms planned the next nature study. This part of the post was about the wonders of nature, obviously. Now on to the perils.
While we were at the pond, I noticed I had a welt on my index finger on my right hand, and that my fingers on that hand were itchy. Then my throat started to feel like it was closing up. Hmmm. Must be reacting to something around here. By last night, my throat and ears were so itchy it was hard to get to sleep. This morning, I had to take an antihistamine- my eyelids are swollen and itchy, my nose is running constantly, and my ears are itchy deep inside. My fingers on my left hand are so swollen, it was a struggle to get my ring off, and there are huge welts on three of them. Hmmmm. What did I find yesterday at the edge of the pond that is so disagreeing with me?!
Oh- Dy, the pies were yummy- very yummy. There is only about 2 pieces left! I may have to make more very soon. I think I am going to try the biscuit dough today, and get a cobbler done. We shall see.
I spent yesterday afternoon doing something other than napping! I do feel like I have more energy lately, and that I am willing to actually do something with it. This is good. I moved furiture around from my room to the living room, and visa versa. I am moving my sewing area to our room, so Papa can start working in the basement, installing the furnace and things like that. I think I may make it a no cats place, too.
Okay, time to roust the Boy and get him to classes.
TTFN,
LB
While we were at the pond, I noticed I had a welt on my index finger on my right hand, and that my fingers on that hand were itchy. Then my throat started to feel like it was closing up. Hmmm. Must be reacting to something around here. By last night, my throat and ears were so itchy it was hard to get to sleep. This morning, I had to take an antihistamine- my eyelids are swollen and itchy, my nose is running constantly, and my ears are itchy deep inside. My fingers on my left hand are so swollen, it was a struggle to get my ring off, and there are huge welts on three of them. Hmmmm. What did I find yesterday at the edge of the pond that is so disagreeing with me?!
Oh- Dy, the pies were yummy- very yummy. There is only about 2 pieces left! I may have to make more very soon. I think I am going to try the biscuit dough today, and get a cobbler done. We shall see.
I spent yesterday afternoon doing something other than napping! I do feel like I have more energy lately, and that I am willing to actually do something with it. This is good. I moved furiture around from my room to the living room, and visa versa. I am moving my sewing area to our room, so Papa can start working in the basement, installing the furnace and things like that. I think I may make it a no cats place, too.
Okay, time to roust the Boy and get him to classes.
TTFN,
LB
Sunday, May 07, 2006
The ADD gardener
I am still working on where I am from, but I know one thing I am, and that is an ADD gardener. It was a beautiful day out yesterday, not too hot, breezy, with a few sprinkles of fresh rain now and then. I set out with the intentions to get everything planted that I had meant to be planted two weeks ago, but I would start one task, and then flit to another one. I did get the turnips thinned- did I tell you about that? Right after the accident, I wanted to get the seeds in, but could barely lift anything or do anything with my right arm, so I had the kids plant for me. Well, the Boy was fussing and fuming about helping, and lost interest fast. In a nutshell, he scattered two very full packets of turnip seeds in an area about 12 inches by 36 inches. Too funny- that part of the garden looks like a chia pet. A thick, luxurious chia pet. Even after thinning.
I also cleaned up around the compost pile, and around the apple tree. We have this weed that looks like sweet woodruff, only is is sticky, and gets these little round burr-balls on it. I pulled up 3 wheelbarrow loads full of it, as the burrs haven't developed yet. That was good.
I still have punkins, squashes, cukes, and melons to plant. It is my goal to get them all in the ground this week. I also have lots of annual flower seeds Papa wants me to sow for him. We shall see, we shall see.
About 2 pm yesterday, we got a call from the B family- the same ones we are doing the garden project, and from whom we got the railroad ties to build the new garden bed. They were having an "We have too much rhubarb, so come over, the kids will pick it all and make crisps, and then we will take the rest of it to the foodbank" party. So Papa and I took quick showers, and we headed over there and had a wonderful time. That was good. Last night we played UNO again. We have been playing a great deal of UNO this weekend, and it has been lots of fun. We have listened to three Jethro Tull tapes while playing. The kids loved it.
Let's see, what else has been happening during my blogging hiatus that I haven't told you about. Oh- the Boy got a new french horn. It was pricey, but it will last him longer than the cheaper ones we had been looking at. This one should take him through his first year of college. Hopefully we will have it paid off before then, LOL.
The Girl's piano teacher quit at the beginning of April, and we finally found a new one today! She is a board member of the Seattle Music Teacher's Association, so will be able to do the adjudications and competitions with/for the Girl. And, she committed to working with the Girl for at least 4 years. This is a very big deal, and we are very excited. She also has a nine month old, and wants to use me for homeschool consulting, as we charge the same for each of our services per hour, we should be able to barter at least a little bit of our lesson fees that way. Girly is very excited to finally have a new teacher, after a month of working on her own. Yay!
We did a bunch of baking in the last few days, making a huge quadruple batch of banana muffins (we used 13 bananas!), and squash muffins and pies, too. The squash came from this huge football shaped squash they gave us at the foodbank last week when we volunteered. IT was bigger than a watermelon. It baked up nicely, and I pureed about 10 pies' worth. There are two of them on the counter right now. I can't wait to taste them. The squash is a beautiful orange color, and very sweet. I used half the sugar called for in all the baking, and so far, everything has just been delicious. This is more baking in a weekend than I have done in several months, so I feel good about it.
Oh- I think I saw a raven today. Sassy Kitty was sitting in the kitchen window this morning, and doing this funny little chirpy mewing while gazing out the window. I looked out, and saw a huge crow-like bird sitting in a top branch of the plum tree. It was so large, it was bending the branch over! My friend David was over today, keeping me company while I was baking and doing laundry, and he told me he thinks it was a raven, and described them to me. The more I saw crows today, the more I think he was right. How cool is that?!
It's funny, I have was thinking this weekend, that although I like blogging, that I always think there are others who are so much more lyrical, poetic, funny (insert any other adjective here) than I am, and maybe I should just not do it anymore, because the last few entries have seemed like do lists or finished do lists, but so many of you told me you missed it, that I must be doing something right, and you at least find it interesting, so I will keep going, and am glad to be back.
Okay, gotta check the roast and get started on the rest of supper, so that will be all for now.
LB
I also cleaned up around the compost pile, and around the apple tree. We have this weed that looks like sweet woodruff, only is is sticky, and gets these little round burr-balls on it. I pulled up 3 wheelbarrow loads full of it, as the burrs haven't developed yet. That was good.
I still have punkins, squashes, cukes, and melons to plant. It is my goal to get them all in the ground this week. I also have lots of annual flower seeds Papa wants me to sow for him. We shall see, we shall see.
About 2 pm yesterday, we got a call from the B family- the same ones we are doing the garden project, and from whom we got the railroad ties to build the new garden bed. They were having an "We have too much rhubarb, so come over, the kids will pick it all and make crisps, and then we will take the rest of it to the foodbank" party. So Papa and I took quick showers, and we headed over there and had a wonderful time. That was good. Last night we played UNO again. We have been playing a great deal of UNO this weekend, and it has been lots of fun. We have listened to three Jethro Tull tapes while playing. The kids loved it.
Let's see, what else has been happening during my blogging hiatus that I haven't told you about. Oh- the Boy got a new french horn. It was pricey, but it will last him longer than the cheaper ones we had been looking at. This one should take him through his first year of college. Hopefully we will have it paid off before then, LOL.
The Girl's piano teacher quit at the beginning of April, and we finally found a new one today! She is a board member of the Seattle Music Teacher's Association, so will be able to do the adjudications and competitions with/for the Girl. And, she committed to working with the Girl for at least 4 years. This is a very big deal, and we are very excited. She also has a nine month old, and wants to use me for homeschool consulting, as we charge the same for each of our services per hour, we should be able to barter at least a little bit of our lesson fees that way. Girly is very excited to finally have a new teacher, after a month of working on her own. Yay!
We did a bunch of baking in the last few days, making a huge quadruple batch of banana muffins (we used 13 bananas!), and squash muffins and pies, too. The squash came from this huge football shaped squash they gave us at the foodbank last week when we volunteered. IT was bigger than a watermelon. It baked up nicely, and I pureed about 10 pies' worth. There are two of them on the counter right now. I can't wait to taste them. The squash is a beautiful orange color, and very sweet. I used half the sugar called for in all the baking, and so far, everything has just been delicious. This is more baking in a weekend than I have done in several months, so I feel good about it.
Oh- I think I saw a raven today. Sassy Kitty was sitting in the kitchen window this morning, and doing this funny little chirpy mewing while gazing out the window. I looked out, and saw a huge crow-like bird sitting in a top branch of the plum tree. It was so large, it was bending the branch over! My friend David was over today, keeping me company while I was baking and doing laundry, and he told me he thinks it was a raven, and described them to me. The more I saw crows today, the more I think he was right. How cool is that?!
It's funny, I have was thinking this weekend, that although I like blogging, that I always think there are others who are so much more lyrical, poetic, funny (insert any other adjective here) than I am, and maybe I should just not do it anymore, because the last few entries have seemed like do lists or finished do lists, but so many of you told me you missed it, that I must be doing something right, and you at least find it interesting, so I will keep going, and am glad to be back.
Okay, gotta check the roast and get started on the rest of supper, so that will be all for now.
LB
Saturday, May 06, 2006
I'm here!
Did ya' miss me?
My laptop died, and the Papa Dude has ressurrected it, but without internet capabilities. And on top of that, our main internet connection was down, too. But I am here now, typing on the old monstrositity that lives in the unfinished basement. I still do not have email yet, but I seem to be able to be back in Blogland! Whew! If it weren't for Dy's phone calls I may have gone a bit mad. I missed all y'all.
I will post again later today if I can- we now have a fourteen year old Boy in the house, and have been celebrating most of this last week. Today the Godparents are coming over, so I need to help Papa fix a late breaky, wake the kids, and tidy the living room before our guests get here. Glad to be back, and talk to you soon.
TTFN,
LB
My laptop died, and the Papa Dude has ressurrected it, but without internet capabilities. And on top of that, our main internet connection was down, too. But I am here now, typing on the old monstrositity that lives in the unfinished basement. I still do not have email yet, but I seem to be able to be back in Blogland! Whew! If it weren't for Dy's phone calls I may have gone a bit mad. I missed all y'all.
I will post again later today if I can- we now have a fourteen year old Boy in the house, and have been celebrating most of this last week. Today the Godparents are coming over, so I need to help Papa fix a late breaky, wake the kids, and tidy the living room before our guests get here. Glad to be back, and talk to you soon.
TTFN,
LB
Monday, April 24, 2006
Oh what a beautiful morning!
Hey all,
Spring has finally sprung here in Washington, in all it's rain-free glory! The trees are such an incredible shade of yellow-green, and full of blossoms! In our yard alone, I am watching my pear, apple, and crab-apple sporting beautiful blooms. The lilacs are also blooming. I want to cut some to bring in today.
In addition to our weekend Gramma-comes-over-and-cleans-my-house-in-2-hours-flat-after-which-I-am-comotose-for-an-additional-2-hours-visit, we finished the new garden bed. I planted some basil, 4 packets of peas (I know, it's late, but better late than never!), a row of potatoes, and 20 tomatoes. I want to get an additional 20 tomato plants in this week. I also rescued a bulb fennel from the next door neighbor (and we had her over for supper last night so she could taste it- that was fun!). Papa and I ran to Dread Meyer's yesterday evening and came home with about 20 packets of seeds, so I will try to get them planted this week as well.
It is another busy week, with Dr's appt.s for both my Mom, and myself, horn lessons, play rehearsals, and such. We are also getting ready for our Spring Garden Pary and the Boy's 14th birthday this weekend. So, onwards and upwards, I have things to do!
TTFN,
LB
Spring has finally sprung here in Washington, in all it's rain-free glory! The trees are such an incredible shade of yellow-green, and full of blossoms! In our yard alone, I am watching my pear, apple, and crab-apple sporting beautiful blooms. The lilacs are also blooming. I want to cut some to bring in today.
In addition to our weekend Gramma-comes-over-and-cleans-my-house-in-2-hours-flat-after-which-I-am-comotose-for-an-additional-2-hours-visit, we finished the new garden bed. I planted some basil, 4 packets of peas (I know, it's late, but better late than never!), a row of potatoes, and 20 tomatoes. I want to get an additional 20 tomato plants in this week. I also rescued a bulb fennel from the next door neighbor (and we had her over for supper last night so she could taste it- that was fun!). Papa and I ran to Dread Meyer's yesterday evening and came home with about 20 packets of seeds, so I will try to get them planted this week as well.
It is another busy week, with Dr's appt.s for both my Mom, and myself, horn lessons, play rehearsals, and such. We are also getting ready for our Spring Garden Pary and the Boy's 14th birthday this weekend. So, onwards and upwards, I have things to do!
TTFN,
LB
Friday, April 21, 2006
Friday Five
Here is today's Friday Five, from Donna at Quiet Life.
1. Five minutes to yourself: how would you spend them, ideally?
Quilting.
2. Five bucks to spend right now: how would you spend it?
Buy a quilting magazine.
3. Five items in your house you could part with, right now, that you hadn't thought of already?
Dead vaccuum, dead tv, old shoes that hurt my feet, ummmm, that's all I can come up with.
4. Five items you absolutely, positively could never part with in your house?
Photos
My Hull vase collection
the chunky little clay things the Boy made when he was a little tyke.
the mosaic turtle table and the wooden box that my dh made for me as anniversary gifts.
5. Five words you love?
far out, groovy, cool,
I know that sometimes I just love the way a certain word rolls off the tongue, but I can't think of any right now!
Leave your answers in the comment box- see you there!
LB
1. Five minutes to yourself: how would you spend them, ideally?
Quilting.
2. Five bucks to spend right now: how would you spend it?
Buy a quilting magazine.
3. Five items in your house you could part with, right now, that you hadn't thought of already?
Dead vaccuum, dead tv, old shoes that hurt my feet, ummmm, that's all I can come up with.
4. Five items you absolutely, positively could never part with in your house?
Photos
My Hull vase collection
the chunky little clay things the Boy made when he was a little tyke.
the mosaic turtle table and the wooden box that my dh made for me as anniversary gifts.
5. Five words you love?
far out, groovy, cool,
I know that sometimes I just love the way a certain word rolls off the tongue, but I can't think of any right now!
Leave your answers in the comment box- see you there!
LB
Friday
Well, we didn't get to Gramma's yesterday, instead we spent it at the Doctor's office- again. The Girl was on day 5 of a fairly high fever yesterday, so he wanted to see her. He doesn't think it was antibacterial, but you do start worrying when a fever lasts that long. So far, so good this morning, though. Although her skin felt a bit hot to me, her temp is normal. Keeping my fingers crossed that it stays that way.
He also looked at the Boy again, specifically his joints. THe bloodwork he did came out normal, but he is still concerned that Boy is still in pain, and is taking Ibuprofin 3X a day. He is recommending we get him to a pediatric rheumatologist, and spent a few minutes warning me of the hoops we were going to have to jump through in order to find/see one. At least he sees that something is up, and is committed to working to find an answer.
Today, I need to get over to the Optician's to pick up my new glasses. Not sure what else we will do.
TTFN,
LB
He also looked at the Boy again, specifically his joints. THe bloodwork he did came out normal, but he is still concerned that Boy is still in pain, and is taking Ibuprofin 3X a day. He is recommending we get him to a pediatric rheumatologist, and spent a few minutes warning me of the hoops we were going to have to jump through in order to find/see one. At least he sees that something is up, and is committed to working to find an answer.
Today, I need to get over to the Optician's to pick up my new glasses. Not sure what else we will do.
TTFN,
LB
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Gramma cheering day, I hope.
Well, the Girl has been fighting a fever for 3 days now, but other than the cold symptoms we all have, she seems ok.
Today we will head over to Gramma's. She can crash on her couch for awhile today for a little variety. She is sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Gramma is very depressed today. She tried to garden yesterday, and couldn't. The lady from the CSB told us she has many clients who still garden, so I am wondering if this sadness can be dispelled somehow.
Anyhow, got to run- get them up and fed, and then over to Gramma's at a reasonable time, so we can come home in time for the BOy to go to play rehearsal at school- oh yeah- I forced him to go to school yesterday, only to find that they are doing the WASL. So I had to sit in the office while they found the excemption form for me to fill out. Man, was everyone looking at me funny for doing that!
OK, sorry this is sparse, gotta get a move on. Happy day to you,
LB
Today we will head over to Gramma's. She can crash on her couch for awhile today for a little variety. She is sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Gramma is very depressed today. She tried to garden yesterday, and couldn't. The lady from the CSB told us she has many clients who still garden, so I am wondering if this sadness can be dispelled somehow.
Anyhow, got to run- get them up and fed, and then over to Gramma's at a reasonable time, so we can come home in time for the BOy to go to play rehearsal at school- oh yeah- I forced him to go to school yesterday, only to find that they are doing the WASL. So I had to sit in the office while they found the excemption form for me to fill out. Man, was everyone looking at me funny for doing that!
OK, sorry this is sparse, gotta get a move on. Happy day to you,
LB
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Phooey!
Phooey! I made a point to get up early, even though the kids were sleeping late due to being sick, I even shaved my legs! Papa stayed home with the kids, I got to my appt. 20 minutes early, only to find that my appt. is NEXT WEEK. Sigh. I am working really hard at not feeling like a complete and total idiot. Oh well, I guess I can choose to look at it in a positive fashion: Papa got to have a quiet morning, enjoyed cooking breakfast for his kids, and I now have a little more time to get things done, in addition to putting my PAP off till next week.
Now I am off to face the day- seed-planting, laundry-folding, bill-paying, and hopefully some reading aloud and snuggling on the couch.
TTFN,
LB
Now I am off to face the day- seed-planting, laundry-folding, bill-paying, and hopefully some reading aloud and snuggling on the couch.
TTFN,
LB
Simple Pleasures
Donna over at Quiet Life (Is Blogger only acting up for me, or is it being wierd for others too? Again today I can't link!) is asking today for 10 simple pleasures. In my somewhat wordy way, here are mine.
1. Laying in bed watching and listening to the birds in the birch tree outside my bedroom window.
2. The feel of an old person's skin- like a rose petal.
3. Sitting in a rocker, snuggling a warm, sleepy baby.
4. Settling into the spoon position, that moment when I skootch my hiney up next to my man as I am sinking down into warm flannel sheets, ready for sleep.
5. Hugs, kisses, and I love you's from my babies, even though they aren't babies anymore.
6. Being in nature, sharing it with my child-friends, showing them the joy of flowers of every shape, size, and color.
7. smiles and butterfly kisses
8. kitty cats- when they are sleeping on my fresh laundry, or drinking from my bathwater, or chasing my toes, or........ being kitty cats.
9. Singing with my babies, or hearing them sing.
10. Reading blogs.
I find it reassuring and joyful that I found it hard to stop at just ten. I look forward to reading your 10 simple pleasures in my comment box- that will be #11 for me!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am headed to the Dr's this morning- yes, again. Papa stayed home for the morning, he is out getting coffee, but will return shortly, to watch over the sick kids while I am gone. Girly still has a fever (or should I say has one again), and the Boy still has a very sore throat and stuffy nose.
I slept last night, with very little coughing, thankfully. The sun is shining, and for that I am grateful. I hope to get those seeds into the ground this afternoon. We shall see what the day holds. Hope yours is great.
LB
1. Laying in bed watching and listening to the birds in the birch tree outside my bedroom window.
2. The feel of an old person's skin- like a rose petal.
3. Sitting in a rocker, snuggling a warm, sleepy baby.
4. Settling into the spoon position, that moment when I skootch my hiney up next to my man as I am sinking down into warm flannel sheets, ready for sleep.
5. Hugs, kisses, and I love you's from my babies, even though they aren't babies anymore.
6. Being in nature, sharing it with my child-friends, showing them the joy of flowers of every shape, size, and color.
7. smiles and butterfly kisses
8. kitty cats- when they are sleeping on my fresh laundry, or drinking from my bathwater, or chasing my toes, or........ being kitty cats.
9. Singing with my babies, or hearing them sing.
10. Reading blogs.
I find it reassuring and joyful that I found it hard to stop at just ten. I look forward to reading your 10 simple pleasures in my comment box- that will be #11 for me!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am headed to the Dr's this morning- yes, again. Papa stayed home for the morning, he is out getting coffee, but will return shortly, to watch over the sick kids while I am gone. Girly still has a fever (or should I say has one again), and the Boy still has a very sore throat and stuffy nose.
I slept last night, with very little coughing, thankfully. The sun is shining, and for that I am grateful. I hope to get those seeds into the ground this afternoon. We shall see what the day holds. Hope yours is great.
LB
Monday, April 17, 2006
update
The kids are sitting in front of Sesame Street- yes, you read that correctly. I can sure tell they don't feel well.
The Girl has a fever of 102, and rising. Phooey.
I read a few chapters of George Washington's World to them, before my throat gave out. I need to do dishes, fold some laundry, and try to get outside to plant those seeds......
LB
The Girl has a fever of 102, and rising. Phooey.
I read a few chapters of George Washington's World to them, before my throat gave out. I need to do dishes, fold some laundry, and try to get outside to plant those seeds......
LB
Error report
Sorry about lack of italicization on the Book title, and no link to explain the Easter Pig- Blogger is acting up and won't let me do those two things.
I will do a whole post of The Easter Pig soon, but need to tend to sick kids at the moment. If your interest is peaked however, see if they have the book on Amazon.
LB
I will do a whole post of The Easter Pig soon, but need to tend to sick kids at the moment. If your interest is peaked however, see if they have the book on Amazon.
LB
A productive and happy Easter report
Well, it was a productive weekend on many fronts.
Early on Saturday, the Papa Dude and I drove up to Gramma's in the rental car. He drove Gramma's little Toyota home, and I drove Gramma and her vaccuum home in the rental. Then he returned the rental car, and turned the new garden bed in the pouring rain while Gramma, the kids and I went to town on the house. While the kids worked on cleaning their rooms enough that they could vaccuum (and they did it without fussing! Yay!), we cleaned and vaccuumed the living room, kitchen, and our bedroom. Gramma made sure the dishes were done, and that as much laundry as possible was folded and put away. My room looks so nice and clean! I love it when my mama comes down!
I try not to feel bad about the fact that my blind 75 yr old mother can get more done in a 5 hour period than I do in a week. I have to remember that for this week has been a tough one, what with 7, count em, 7! Dr.'s appointments, and 2 visits to Mom's, and the fact that for much of the week I had a cold, and was unable to use my right arm. But for some reason, there is a little part of me that wishes I was able to accomplish everything I set out to do. Oh well, best let that one go.
Helping me gives my Mom a focus other than her blindness, and helps her to feel useful.
Most of the time Mom was here, I was feeling bad for spreading germs- I was hacking and coughing so badly all Saturday. I swear, that lady ran circles around me!
When we were done cleaning, Mom and I ran a couple errands, and I took her home, then ran to the store to buy several dozen eggs.
We didn't get around to decorating eggs till 9 that evening, but the kids had a great time and were reminded again how much they love using my cake decorating colors to dye eggs- they come out in brilliant bright colors (yes, i took pics on the digital, but I still haven't learned how to load them to the computer- maybe this week?). I fell into bed, but again, spent most of the night hacking, sneezing and wheezing.
Sunday, the kids mercifully didn't wake us till about 8:30, at which time they came up, bearing lovely Easter baskets for all of us. We spent an enjoyable 30 minutes admiring the Easter Bunny's gift choices. Faves this year were the plastic eggs filled not with jelly beans, but with 250 water balloons (a stroke of brilliance on the E.B.'s part), squishy egg- shaped pillows, bubbles, rulers,stickers and pencils, and Legos. THe Easter Pig visited as well this year, bringing very pretty amethyst points.
After the kids examined their loot, they snuggled in with us, while I told them the story of Jesus crucifixion and resurrection (as close as we get to the church-going part of Easter in this house), while Papa fixed us a nice breakfast. They did their chores while we hid eggs in the cottage garden, and then they found them. Then they hid them for us, and so on and so forth for a couple of hours, till most of the eggs were cracked, and there we only enough undamaged eggs left to make a huge bowl of egg salad. Tweens or no, these two still very much love Easter Egg hunts!!
The rest of a cool but sunny Sunday was spent in the garden. My arm is still not working as well as usual, so I mostly functioned as foreman, telling the kids where to plant what. With all of us working together, we moved the asparagus to its new bed, planted 3 types of lettuces, chard, spinach, bok choy, 2 kinds of carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips, cumin, and several herbs. There is still room in the root bed for a couple more rows of something, too.
Still left is planting the new bed Papa built- I will need to get tomatoes, potatoes, and peas in there this week.
I soaked the morning glory seeds, and will get those planted hopefully today. Papa dug up more space in the cottage garden (nearly our entire front yard) and I will be filling the entire fence line with many vining flowers.
Once the planting was done, the kids played the afternoon away while I rested, and Papa weeded. I made us a beautiful Easter dinner of ham, roasted brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, and salad. Then baths and stories. We have started a new bedtime read, called The King in the Window. Very fun so far.
As for this morning, when I went to wake the Girl, she felt hot, and said her throat was sore. She is still sleeping. The Boy showered and fed the cats, but is taking funny due to a sore throat and stuffy nose. He won't be blowing a horn today, I can tell you, so I sent him back to bed, too. It would be a good day to snuggle and read aloud, but I have no voice. Hmmm. We shall see.
I have to head back over to Mom's today, she has an appt. with her Dr. today, that my older sister and I will be attending with her. I will tell you about it later, not sure how it will go. But for now, I am off to call the school and excuse the Boy for morning classes, and feel and kiss a couple of forheads.
TTFN,
LB
Early on Saturday, the Papa Dude and I drove up to Gramma's in the rental car. He drove Gramma's little Toyota home, and I drove Gramma and her vaccuum home in the rental. Then he returned the rental car, and turned the new garden bed in the pouring rain while Gramma, the kids and I went to town on the house. While the kids worked on cleaning their rooms enough that they could vaccuum (and they did it without fussing! Yay!), we cleaned and vaccuumed the living room, kitchen, and our bedroom. Gramma made sure the dishes were done, and that as much laundry as possible was folded and put away. My room looks so nice and clean! I love it when my mama comes down!
I try not to feel bad about the fact that my blind 75 yr old mother can get more done in a 5 hour period than I do in a week. I have to remember that for this week has been a tough one, what with 7, count em, 7! Dr.'s appointments, and 2 visits to Mom's, and the fact that for much of the week I had a cold, and was unable to use my right arm. But for some reason, there is a little part of me that wishes I was able to accomplish everything I set out to do. Oh well, best let that one go.
Helping me gives my Mom a focus other than her blindness, and helps her to feel useful.
Most of the time Mom was here, I was feeling bad for spreading germs- I was hacking and coughing so badly all Saturday. I swear, that lady ran circles around me!
When we were done cleaning, Mom and I ran a couple errands, and I took her home, then ran to the store to buy several dozen eggs.
We didn't get around to decorating eggs till 9 that evening, but the kids had a great time and were reminded again how much they love using my cake decorating colors to dye eggs- they come out in brilliant bright colors (yes, i took pics on the digital, but I still haven't learned how to load them to the computer- maybe this week?). I fell into bed, but again, spent most of the night hacking, sneezing and wheezing.
Sunday, the kids mercifully didn't wake us till about 8:30, at which time they came up, bearing lovely Easter baskets for all of us. We spent an enjoyable 30 minutes admiring the Easter Bunny's gift choices. Faves this year were the plastic eggs filled not with jelly beans, but with 250 water balloons (a stroke of brilliance on the E.B.'s part), squishy egg- shaped pillows, bubbles, rulers,stickers and pencils, and Legos. THe Easter Pig visited as well this year, bringing very pretty amethyst points.
After the kids examined their loot, they snuggled in with us, while I told them the story of Jesus crucifixion and resurrection (as close as we get to the church-going part of Easter in this house), while Papa fixed us a nice breakfast. They did their chores while we hid eggs in the cottage garden, and then they found them. Then they hid them for us, and so on and so forth for a couple of hours, till most of the eggs were cracked, and there we only enough undamaged eggs left to make a huge bowl of egg salad. Tweens or no, these two still very much love Easter Egg hunts!!
The rest of a cool but sunny Sunday was spent in the garden. My arm is still not working as well as usual, so I mostly functioned as foreman, telling the kids where to plant what. With all of us working together, we moved the asparagus to its new bed, planted 3 types of lettuces, chard, spinach, bok choy, 2 kinds of carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips, cumin, and several herbs. There is still room in the root bed for a couple more rows of something, too.
Still left is planting the new bed Papa built- I will need to get tomatoes, potatoes, and peas in there this week.
I soaked the morning glory seeds, and will get those planted hopefully today. Papa dug up more space in the cottage garden (nearly our entire front yard) and I will be filling the entire fence line with many vining flowers.
Once the planting was done, the kids played the afternoon away while I rested, and Papa weeded. I made us a beautiful Easter dinner of ham, roasted brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, and salad. Then baths and stories. We have started a new bedtime read, called The King in the Window. Very fun so far.
As for this morning, when I went to wake the Girl, she felt hot, and said her throat was sore. She is still sleeping. The Boy showered and fed the cats, but is taking funny due to a sore throat and stuffy nose. He won't be blowing a horn today, I can tell you, so I sent him back to bed, too. It would be a good day to snuggle and read aloud, but I have no voice. Hmmm. We shall see.
I have to head back over to Mom's today, she has an appt. with her Dr. today, that my older sister and I will be attending with her. I will tell you about it later, not sure how it will go. But for now, I am off to call the school and excuse the Boy for morning classes, and feel and kiss a couple of forheads.
TTFN,
LB
Friday, April 14, 2006
Good Friday Morning to Ya.
Good Morning.
Today promises to be just as busy a day as I have had all the rest of this week. I need to get over to my mom's as early as possible today, to start dealing with getting her car legal and drivable. First stop will be Dept. of licensing, to get a trip pass, so I can drive it to the mechanics. Once it has had a tuneup (I am hoping that's all it will take), I will drive it to emissions. Probably won't get to that point today.
The CSB lady comes back out to mom's today, to finish marking her appliances, so she can "see" them with her fingers better. Not sure if I will stay for that or not. There is an HSA planning meeting in Renton today, I would like to go to that, but it is at the same time as Mom's meeting. We shall see. It is raining today, not sure what fun thing we could do today, but maybe we can figure out something. It is good to find something fun to do in between all the errands. Keeps the kids a bit happier.
I am tired again this morning, another sleepless night. It is always so hard to sleep with a cold- if the coughing doesn't keep me awake, the sneezing and nose-blowing does. But that's ok, it's just a cold, and I am alive, and that is good.
The Girl just got out of the shower, so I best go wake the Boy, and get the kids going on their chores, so we can get out of here early.
TTFN,
LB
Today promises to be just as busy a day as I have had all the rest of this week. I need to get over to my mom's as early as possible today, to start dealing with getting her car legal and drivable. First stop will be Dept. of licensing, to get a trip pass, so I can drive it to the mechanics. Once it has had a tuneup (I am hoping that's all it will take), I will drive it to emissions. Probably won't get to that point today.
The CSB lady comes back out to mom's today, to finish marking her appliances, so she can "see" them with her fingers better. Not sure if I will stay for that or not. There is an HSA planning meeting in Renton today, I would like to go to that, but it is at the same time as Mom's meeting. We shall see. It is raining today, not sure what fun thing we could do today, but maybe we can figure out something. It is good to find something fun to do in between all the errands. Keeps the kids a bit happier.
I am tired again this morning, another sleepless night. It is always so hard to sleep with a cold- if the coughing doesn't keep me awake, the sneezing and nose-blowing does. But that's ok, it's just a cold, and I am alive, and that is good.
The Girl just got out of the shower, so I best go wake the Boy, and get the kids going on their chores, so we can get out of here early.
TTFN,
LB
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Day of rest, maybe?
Hey all (three of you),
We had another whirlwind day yesterday, but got quite a bit accomplished. After my little nap, we headed out to the eye Dr.'s, and spent a pleasant 1.5 hours there, where my kids were spokespersons for the polite, well-adjusted, poetry-memorizing, latin-chanting homeschooled child club. Thankfully, they were on their best behavior, which made it easier on me. My eye exam took over an hour- not because there were any problems, but because the optician has a 4 yr old daughter in Montessori preschool, who is bright and precocious, and needs more. I gave her my usual "Read the WTM and call me to talk about it when you are finished." speech. She was fascinated by the idea of homeschooling, and we talked a great deal about it's benefits. We shall see if she calls me- I am always surprised which people do, and which don't. I do enjoy consulting "newbies", so hope she does.
We were supposed to go the food bank today, where I would cook lunch for the volunteers while the kids worked the food line, but I now have a full-blown cold, complete with a cough that Dy says sounds like a baby seal, lol. I am also experiencing pain in my shoulder blade. As much as I feel like crawling back in bed and sleeping the day away, I think I will be calling the massage therapy office at 9:00 to try to schedule an appt. asap. Maybe they won't have an opening till this afternoon, so I could sleep a bit before that. I need some rest. The Boy is also still having pain in his joints and spine, so the rest won't hurt him either. He is taking a lot of Ibuprofin this week, which I don't really like, but it does seem to help the inflammation. Let's hope his bloodwork reveals something.
On a quilting note, I got all the 5 inch pastel squares cut out, and laid them out on my bed last night while talking to Dy, but to be honest, they look really boring. Only light values, the softest dinner mint colors. It just looks so boring- why do fabric designers think babies (or their mamas, for that matter) will like pastel mint colors? I only picked them for the shortcut of having precut squares, thinking I could whip out the top, and just tie it, and be able to mail it out quickly. But noooo, it now doesn't seem worth it, and it isn't so easy. I am not one to work with boring fabrics. I like my quilts to "pop" cheerfully, especially for the wee ones. I went down to the basement, and checked out the "fabric wall". I have so many bright, wild novelty fabrics...... maybe I can use them to liven up the pastels, or go ahead and do the boring pastel squares on one side, and do something more arty and bright for the front side. Hmmm........
Okay, best be getting off this thing, don't want to stress my arm/shoulder out any more than it is. The Girl and Boy are taking turns reading The People Could Fly, the Black American Folk Tales book we have been reading at breakfast. They are doing a good job reading the dialect with a proper southern accent, lol.
TTFN,
LB
We had another whirlwind day yesterday, but got quite a bit accomplished. After my little nap, we headed out to the eye Dr.'s, and spent a pleasant 1.5 hours there, where my kids were spokespersons for the polite, well-adjusted, poetry-memorizing, latin-chanting homeschooled child club. Thankfully, they were on their best behavior, which made it easier on me. My eye exam took over an hour- not because there were any problems, but because the optician has a 4 yr old daughter in Montessori preschool, who is bright and precocious, and needs more. I gave her my usual "Read the WTM and call me to talk about it when you are finished." speech. She was fascinated by the idea of homeschooling, and we talked a great deal about it's benefits. We shall see if she calls me- I am always surprised which people do, and which don't. I do enjoy consulting "newbies", so hope she does.
We were supposed to go the food bank today, where I would cook lunch for the volunteers while the kids worked the food line, but I now have a full-blown cold, complete with a cough that Dy says sounds like a baby seal, lol. I am also experiencing pain in my shoulder blade. As much as I feel like crawling back in bed and sleeping the day away, I think I will be calling the massage therapy office at 9:00 to try to schedule an appt. asap. Maybe they won't have an opening till this afternoon, so I could sleep a bit before that. I need some rest. The Boy is also still having pain in his joints and spine, so the rest won't hurt him either. He is taking a lot of Ibuprofin this week, which I don't really like, but it does seem to help the inflammation. Let's hope his bloodwork reveals something.
On a quilting note, I got all the 5 inch pastel squares cut out, and laid them out on my bed last night while talking to Dy, but to be honest, they look really boring. Only light values, the softest dinner mint colors. It just looks so boring- why do fabric designers think babies (or their mamas, for that matter) will like pastel mint colors? I only picked them for the shortcut of having precut squares, thinking I could whip out the top, and just tie it, and be able to mail it out quickly. But noooo, it now doesn't seem worth it, and it isn't so easy. I am not one to work with boring fabrics. I like my quilts to "pop" cheerfully, especially for the wee ones. I went down to the basement, and checked out the "fabric wall". I have so many bright, wild novelty fabrics...... maybe I can use them to liven up the pastels, or go ahead and do the boring pastel squares on one side, and do something more arty and bright for the front side. Hmmm........
Okay, best be getting off this thing, don't want to stress my arm/shoulder out any more than it is. The Girl and Boy are taking turns reading The People Could Fly, the Black American Folk Tales book we have been reading at breakfast. They are doing a good job reading the dialect with a proper southern accent, lol.
TTFN,
LB
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Nap time
Well, I made it to the Dr.s appt. today- I like this new place- everything is all in the same building, whether it is a rheumatologist, and endocrinologist, or a primary care physician. It is not a bad drive, and there is a parking garage. Makes it easy.
I think I am going to like this Dr. For one thing, she is a she, and I think that alone helps. I have an appt. for next week for a general physical, and to start the ball rolling on the thyroid/menopause issues. She also suggested I go with a different endocrinologist, in order to get in to see one before the middle of May (read: before I kill myself or someone else in my family due to my chronic irritability,lol.). She recommended chiropractic and massage therapy, and we found one that is not too far of a drive from my house. Yay! I haven't been had a massage or been to the chiro in over 5 yrs, and I am way overdue. Good thing is that Allstate will be picking up the whole tab.
I have an appt for an eye exam and to pick out new frames today at 3:30. Right now, the kids are outside playing. They did some history reading and got their music practice out of the way while I was gone this morning, so I am letting them play. I am off to take a nap- I have a cough to go with my sore throat now, and my arm is throbbing a bit, so I am going to get some rest before I have to drive again in rush hour traffic, while listening to Latin chants (rental car has a CD player- kids think this is way cool).
There is a roast in the crockpot, and a bowl of chopped carrots, onions, celery and mushrooms in the fridge. I will throw them in before we leave. Oh- I cut a bunch of squares out of the pastel fabrics I bought the other day, maybe tonight I can lay them out. I'd do it now, but I am too pooped. Yawn.
TTFN,
LB
I think I am going to like this Dr. For one thing, she is a she, and I think that alone helps. I have an appt. for next week for a general physical, and to start the ball rolling on the thyroid/menopause issues. She also suggested I go with a different endocrinologist, in order to get in to see one before the middle of May (read: before I kill myself or someone else in my family due to my chronic irritability,lol.). She recommended chiropractic and massage therapy, and we found one that is not too far of a drive from my house. Yay! I haven't been had a massage or been to the chiro in over 5 yrs, and I am way overdue. Good thing is that Allstate will be picking up the whole tab.
I have an appt for an eye exam and to pick out new frames today at 3:30. Right now, the kids are outside playing. They did some history reading and got their music practice out of the way while I was gone this morning, so I am letting them play. I am off to take a nap- I have a cough to go with my sore throat now, and my arm is throbbing a bit, so I am going to get some rest before I have to drive again in rush hour traffic, while listening to Latin chants (rental car has a CD player- kids think this is way cool).
There is a roast in the crockpot, and a bowl of chopped carrots, onions, celery and mushrooms in the fridge. I will throw them in before we leave. Oh- I cut a bunch of squares out of the pastel fabrics I bought the other day, maybe tonight I can lay them out. I'd do it now, but I am too pooped. Yawn.
TTFN,
LB
Bird of the month
I have decided the bird of the month for April will be the Black capped Chickadee. I have been hearing these sweet little birds for the last two weeks, so this is fitting.
LB
LB
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