We were able to go to the beach again this summer. My MIL turned 60 last week and so we were able to celebrate by going to Isle of Palms in SC for a week. I was particularly excited to see my new (and only) niece, Margueritte (Maggie is an approved nickname). She is about 6 months and the first child for my brother and sister-in-law. She is sweet and oh so chubbalicious!
I will put up some pictures soon.
I love to travel, but it is always nice to come home to you own bed.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
Please?
Mary Clare will be two tomorrow, but because she is very advanced, she has been acting very two for quite while now. We discovered her stubborn streak pretty early on in our relationship. Even as a baby she was determined to do what she wanted when she wanted. Luckily, she is easy going most of the time, but when she is crossed about something she really cared about? Look out! She happens to have a set of lungs strong enough to equal her stubborness.
She also has a strength of will power I secretly admire. We have been working on making her say 'please' when she wants something. I know, we can be quite mean, but I think 'please' will serve her better in the world than grunting and pointing. The sweet puppy dog eyes and sheer cuteness factor really are good tools. But we don't want her to rely soley on her looks and charm, though I am sure they will work for many years to come.
Anyway, she absolutely refuses to say the magic word. We tempt her with ice cream and favorite books and toys, but the girl stands firm. We know she can say it because we have heard her say it before it times of complete desperation, but only once or twice. In any case I am not looking for clear elocution, just a 'pluh' or an 'eash' and I would gladly give in. Instead she cries with giant tears and loud wails. And if that doesn't work? She simply walks away. Yes, she will walk away from ice cream. See why I admire her willpower?
She also has a strength of will power I secretly admire. We have been working on making her say 'please' when she wants something. I know, we can be quite mean, but I think 'please' will serve her better in the world than grunting and pointing. The sweet puppy dog eyes and sheer cuteness factor really are good tools. But we don't want her to rely soley on her looks and charm, though I am sure they will work for many years to come.
Anyway, she absolutely refuses to say the magic word. We tempt her with ice cream and favorite books and toys, but the girl stands firm. We know she can say it because we have heard her say it before it times of complete desperation, but only once or twice. In any case I am not looking for clear elocution, just a 'pluh' or an 'eash' and I would gladly give in. Instead she cries with giant tears and loud wails. And if that doesn't work? She simply walks away. Yes, she will walk away from ice cream. See why I admire her willpower?
Friday, July 13, 2007
Are you ever ready?
I just love this post at "Et-tu?"
Jen really puts clarity to the jumble of thoughts that go through my brain when people say, "So, are you done yet?" or "How do you do it with FIVE kids?". Mostly I mumble around and shrug and try to change the subject, but this is what I wish I could say.
Jen really puts clarity to the jumble of thoughts that go through my brain when people say, "So, are you done yet?" or "How do you do it with FIVE kids?". Mostly I mumble around and shrug and try to change the subject, but this is what I wish I could say.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Summer daze
Summer is in full swing. The days seem long and relaxed, but they are passing by too quickly. I read this on the 4Real Learning Forum and felt this summed up my feelings completely!
Hugs and blessings to all of you who still have wee ones...where the days are so very long, but the years are too short!-Oney Jones
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The Fourth was a great day for all of us. In the morning we went to the local parade. I just love a parade. I always get choked up when the bands play and the kids cycle by on their bikes decorated with red, white and blue. When I am at the parade I have a real feeling of community and citizenship. We always go to this parade on the Fourth if we can. We went before we actually lived in this part of town and we will come even when we move out.
After the parade we headed home to cool off and rest. I lounged around reading while Mary Clare had a long nap and then we went to mu in-laws for a swim and some hamburgers and grilled corn on the cob, yum!
We gathered up the crew as evening approached and drove to meet our friends (and Mary Clare's godparents) to watch some fireworks. After getting lost and stuck in traffic, we ended up with a great parking spot and a great view of some spectacular fireworks. Fireworks have gotten quite fancy! Our favorites were the ones with golden glitter trails at the end and the ones with crazy meteorite movement.
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This week, Luke and Laine are continuing their swimming lessons and we have a co-op meeting on Thursday. We are planning to go to a cousin's annual pig roast at their lake house on Saturday. YUM! I am also beginning to plan for this year's curriculum. This is a bug job, but I really enjoy it.
Happy Summer Days to all of you!
Hugs and blessings to all of you who still have wee ones...where the days are so very long, but the years are too short!-Oney Jones
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The Fourth was a great day for all of us. In the morning we went to the local parade. I just love a parade. I always get choked up when the bands play and the kids cycle by on their bikes decorated with red, white and blue. When I am at the parade I have a real feeling of community and citizenship. We always go to this parade on the Fourth if we can. We went before we actually lived in this part of town and we will come even when we move out.
After the parade we headed home to cool off and rest. I lounged around reading while Mary Clare had a long nap and then we went to mu in-laws for a swim and some hamburgers and grilled corn on the cob, yum!
We gathered up the crew as evening approached and drove to meet our friends (and Mary Clare's godparents) to watch some fireworks. After getting lost and stuck in traffic, we ended up with a great parking spot and a great view of some spectacular fireworks. Fireworks have gotten quite fancy! Our favorites were the ones with golden glitter trails at the end and the ones with crazy meteorite movement.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
This week, Luke and Laine are continuing their swimming lessons and we have a co-op meeting on Thursday. We are planning to go to a cousin's annual pig roast at their lake house on Saturday. YUM! I am also beginning to plan for this year's curriculum. This is a bug job, but I really enjoy it.
Happy Summer Days to all of you!
Monday, July 9, 2007
Monday, July 2, 2007
No moon, but look!
We were outside Saturday night looking for the Summer Moon Illusion, but I guess it was too cloudy for us to see. While we were waiting we worked with Luke and Laine on learning to ride their two wheelers.
Check out her boots. She loves to wear these, even during this hot summer. Turns out they do have a practical purpose. She claims they are part of her biking protective gear and keep her from getting hurt. At the very least they give her confidence!
What a milestone for them. I am so proud! I vividly remember when Jake and Ryan learned how to ride their two wheelers. Riding a bike is such a liberating feelign, isn't it?
Check out her boots. She loves to wear these, even during this hot summer. Turns out they do have a practical purpose. She claims they are part of her biking protective gear and keep her from getting hurt. At the very least they give her confidence!
What a milestone for them. I am so proud! I vividly remember when Jake and Ryan learned how to ride their two wheelers. Riding a bike is such a liberating feelign, isn't it?
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