It was brought to my attention that my birthday blog for Carlos was less than flattering. Hmmm... who said birthday blogs were supposed to be flattering?
I suppose I could have reminisced about how in one of our first visits to TX when Miles was only 3 he couldn't pronounce Carlos and so instead referred to him for a month as Uncle Curlers.
Or how he hit it off so well with 'Uncle Curlers' that one Sunday as we were all preparing to head off for church he begged to please stay and have some special time with 'Uncle Curlers'. Which melted my ice heart and I did allow. We returned to find that they had painted a little picnic table while we were gone and he was so excited for us to have our lunch out there... once it had dried... which thankfully in TX doesn't take long.
Or I suppose I could tell of our last trip to TX, and how Duncan may never forgive Carlos for his teasing about nuts. While Duncan is very accepting when we tell him that things have nuts and awaits an alternative snack or meal, he really wasn't willing to accept that he couldn't drink the Mountain Dew because it had nuts in it! But Carlos insisted and then went on to include all pop in their house had nuts. I didn't exactly jump in to correct the situation, not really caring for Duncan to drink pop anyway but he really didn't believe Carlos!
Or I could mention how Carlos begged me daily to please take an animal home with us when we left... especially the stray dog that had showed up.
Or that he didn't seem too perturbed when I would try (very poorly) to translate the shows that he was watching on the Spanish channels...
Or how nicely he pretended to enjoy each meal that I cooked while we visited, and how he put up with having more than twice the people inundate his home with craziness, renting odd movies which we watched to all hours on the TV in his room! And many a night having seven sleeping children sacked out all over his room for him to have to find his way to the bathroom in the morning when he had to get up to still go to work!
I suppose those memories might have been more acceptable and more accurately portray the sweet, quiet, kind and funny sides of Carlos... but personally I love that peeping tom story!
You freaked me out
It's always fun to mess with a child's mind.... ok.. not for the child maybe...
Today with a houseful of children from the neighbourhood and the Connolly's, I seized a moment to have a bath while they were all happily playing outside. Cooper had to run potty though and although the door was closed he came on in anyway. In fact he began a running commentary about how it was odd the door was closed but no one is in here, and I have to take my pants off first and then my underwear, and I have sand in my pockets and on and on and so forth.... Lucky me, a private showing of Coopers monologue... ...
It was about this time that I hatched my diabolical plan. Lined along the edge of the tub are a dozen small rubber duckies and two rubber turtles... I very slowly so as not to cause splashing or dripping sounds reached for a turtle and launched it up and over the shower curtain. It landed on the floor in front of Cooper.
"Ahh, what, how did that happen?" The monologue continued but now it was all a puzzlement about how the turtle could suddenly have appeared from the ceiling and fallen.
Then the duck came over and landed in front of him.
"A duck too?"
Then another duck and a turtle. Then another duck. Each solicited an exclamation of surprise and intrigue... then..
"I'm starting to get freaked out... these things can't fly. Is someone in here? Who's doing this? I'm freaked out!"
"Wa ha ha ha... " I had to give myself up... and we both had a great laugh. But as is Cooper's style he relived the incident over and over the rest of the day for anyone who would and wouldn't listen!
Today with a houseful of children from the neighbourhood and the Connolly's, I seized a moment to have a bath while they were all happily playing outside. Cooper had to run potty though and although the door was closed he came on in anyway. In fact he began a running commentary about how it was odd the door was closed but no one is in here, and I have to take my pants off first and then my underwear, and I have sand in my pockets and on and on and so forth.... Lucky me, a private showing of Coopers monologue... ...
It was about this time that I hatched my diabolical plan. Lined along the edge of the tub are a dozen small rubber duckies and two rubber turtles... I very slowly so as not to cause splashing or dripping sounds reached for a turtle and launched it up and over the shower curtain. It landed on the floor in front of Cooper.
"Ahh, what, how did that happen?" The monologue continued but now it was all a puzzlement about how the turtle could suddenly have appeared from the ceiling and fallen.
Then the duck came over and landed in front of him.
"A duck too?"
Then another duck and a turtle. Then another duck. Each solicited an exclamation of surprise and intrigue... then..
"I'm starting to get freaked out... these things can't fly. Is someone in here? Who's doing this? I'm freaked out!"
"Wa ha ha ha... " I had to give myself up... and we both had a great laugh. But as is Cooper's style he relived the incident over and over the rest of the day for anyone who would and wouldn't listen!
like father like daughter
Patrick is celebrating his birthday today. He's a bigger kid than the kids.... this morning while I made green eggs and toast for breakfast they were downstairs wii bowling. He arrived late and I actually heard him say... "Hey, I should get to play... it's my birthday!"
We didn't let him sleep in this morning since Caleb had a basketball game and needed to be there by 8 am! But the kids did wake him by blowing on an enormous purple horn that we have.... Not sure how we acquired it. I think it comes from a Jazz Basketball game, at least I know Pat and Caleb take it anytime they go to a game and always come home complaining 'that their lips hurt real bad'. I was just glad I noticed the oncoming horn and made my way to the bathroom before they started blowing the horn and singing to daddy!
We've always teased Patrick that since he was adopted, that he's really a leap year baby but they changed the date when he got adopted to make it easier for him to have a birthday every year, and thus only 9 1/2 today just like Sarah! But his mother was diligent and actually managed to acquire his real birth certificate, which has been invaluable, but ruined all our trickster fun at his expense. Oh well we like to pretend anyway! He certainly fits in with the 9 1/2 year old crowd... playing the wii, and going to the park to shoot hoops with the neighbourhood gang!
We didn't let him sleep in this morning since Caleb had a basketball game and needed to be there by 8 am! But the kids did wake him by blowing on an enormous purple horn that we have.... Not sure how we acquired it. I think it comes from a Jazz Basketball game, at least I know Pat and Caleb take it anytime they go to a game and always come home complaining 'that their lips hurt real bad'. I was just glad I noticed the oncoming horn and made my way to the bathroom before they started blowing the horn and singing to daddy!
We've always teased Patrick that since he was adopted, that he's really a leap year baby but they changed the date when he got adopted to make it easier for him to have a birthday every year, and thus only 9 1/2 today just like Sarah! But his mother was diligent and actually managed to acquire his real birth certificate, which has been invaluable, but ruined all our trickster fun at his expense. Oh well we like to pretend anyway! He certainly fits in with the 9 1/2 year old crowd... playing the wii, and going to the park to shoot hoops with the neighbourhood gang!
making sense of things
Duncan accompanied me to my first OB appt. I hadn't exactly planned to take him and hadn't exactly told him what the appointment might reveal... not having known quite how to announce that suddenly Mummy has this baby in her tummy. Explaining things to Caleb so many years ago seems all a blur to me.
But this Dr. was great! I didn't need to say much, he and Duncan did all the talking. I knew that an appt. at 11:30 would be difficult in my new need-to- snack- all- the -time- state so I packed little snacks for myself and prepared for waiting around in a doctor's office. Apparently Duncan is also in a snacking mode and proceeded to use the doctor's chair and set right up at the little counter in the exam room and made himself comfortable with my crackers, cheese stick and raisins... I did manage to snatch a cracker or two before the Dr. arrived to examine me. At this point Duncan wanting to know what the Dr. was up to stood at my side and started asking questions about the buttons on the bed and why he was using goop on my tummy? He was at least sharing some apple with me now. When the Dr. was done with his preliminary exam and questions, I got the inevitable... "well we'll have to do an ultrasound to determine your dates I think" comment. Since I'm anything but ordinary when it comes to maternity issues! My dates were adding up to an Aug. 18th delivery, but my size was indicating more of a July 29th option....
I am of course by now quite used to this as the routine but this is a new Dr. and I guess he just didn't take my word for it so we made our way across the hall for a quick dating ultrasound. By now Duncan and I were about half way through the apple. Again some goop on my belly and the Dr. asked Duncan
"So what do you think we'll find inside your mummy's tummy?"..
Duncan in a rather obvious tone replied "Some apple and a cracker!"
Boy was he surprised when the Dr. found a baby! "My mummy didn't eat that!"
The dates changed once again now Aug. 28th... I know they'll change at least once or twice more before August!
Duncan watched the ultrasound intently and then when it was all over and we were leaving the room I reached for a bite of the apple which he snatched away telling me "NO, the apple will fall on the baby's head!"
I promised that I would chew my bite very well and that it wouldn't hurt the baby! He was very excited to be included in the discovery of a baby in my tummy, but after making the next appt. and we were waiting for the elevator he, looking at the picture of the ultrasound, said.."Did you know I saw a mouse in there too?"
Hoping that there was some apple in his mouth I asked "you mean you saw the baby's mouth?"
"No, there was a mouse in the tummy but it's not in the picture"
We discussed that there wasn't a mouse in my tummy the whole way to the car. (not sure how to explain how there can suddenly be a baby but there can't possibly be a mouse!) But he was adamanat that he saw a mouse. He then showed me the error of my thinking..... "See it's not in the picture, now it's by the words."
How obvious that he is growing up in a completely different era than his own mother! The mouse... or cursor... was indeed 'in my tummy' when the Dr. was taking the picture... getting all the measurements.
He's already asking when the next appt. to see the baby is.... I'm not sure I want to have him tagging along.... I got hungry and had a lot of explaining to do afterwards this time....
But this Dr. was great! I didn't need to say much, he and Duncan did all the talking. I knew that an appt. at 11:30 would be difficult in my new need-to- snack- all- the -time- state so I packed little snacks for myself and prepared for waiting around in a doctor's office. Apparently Duncan is also in a snacking mode and proceeded to use the doctor's chair and set right up at the little counter in the exam room and made himself comfortable with my crackers, cheese stick and raisins... I did manage to snatch a cracker or two before the Dr. arrived to examine me. At this point Duncan wanting to know what the Dr. was up to stood at my side and started asking questions about the buttons on the bed and why he was using goop on my tummy? He was at least sharing some apple with me now. When the Dr. was done with his preliminary exam and questions, I got the inevitable... "well we'll have to do an ultrasound to determine your dates I think" comment. Since I'm anything but ordinary when it comes to maternity issues! My dates were adding up to an Aug. 18th delivery, but my size was indicating more of a July 29th option....
I am of course by now quite used to this as the routine but this is a new Dr. and I guess he just didn't take my word for it so we made our way across the hall for a quick dating ultrasound. By now Duncan and I were about half way through the apple. Again some goop on my belly and the Dr. asked Duncan
"So what do you think we'll find inside your mummy's tummy?"..
Duncan in a rather obvious tone replied "Some apple and a cracker!"
Boy was he surprised when the Dr. found a baby! "My mummy didn't eat that!"
The dates changed once again now Aug. 28th... I know they'll change at least once or twice more before August!
Duncan watched the ultrasound intently and then when it was all over and we were leaving the room I reached for a bite of the apple which he snatched away telling me "NO, the apple will fall on the baby's head!"I promised that I would chew my bite very well and that it wouldn't hurt the baby! He was very excited to be included in the discovery of a baby in my tummy, but after making the next appt. and we were waiting for the elevator he, looking at the picture of the ultrasound, said.."Did you know I saw a mouse in there too?"
Hoping that there was some apple in his mouth I asked "you mean you saw the baby's mouth?"
"No, there was a mouse in the tummy but it's not in the picture"
We discussed that there wasn't a mouse in my tummy the whole way to the car. (not sure how to explain how there can suddenly be a baby but there can't possibly be a mouse!) But he was adamanat that he saw a mouse. He then showed me the error of my thinking..... "See it's not in the picture, now it's by the words."
How obvious that he is growing up in a completely different era than his own mother! The mouse... or cursor... was indeed 'in my tummy' when the Dr. was taking the picture... getting all the measurements.He's already asking when the next appt. to see the baby is.... I'm not sure I want to have him tagging along.... I got hungry and had a lot of explaining to do afterwards this time....
Forties File Friday - Parlor Games
Growing up we had what I guess one would call dinner parties. It was a time when we ate in the formal dining room and used the pink duralex dishes instead of the bronze colored ones. Invariably it meant a guest or two for dinner... often the missionaries. With so many different ages and not wanting anyone to feel excluded we often gathered in the living room and played what I guess would be called parlor games..... or brain teasers. (We couldn't just have small talk I guess)
Johnny, johnny
Pass the scissors crossed or uncrossed
I think there was one with spoons.. like chinese spoons or something
And one that could only be played in the living room at Haultain... find the light switch
I'm sure we did other things but these were definitely ones that stood out for me.
This last fall when Valerie was here we played Johnny and pass the scissors. I realized that my own children didn't even know the trick. It was so fun to see the 'aha' moment as each finally figured it out.... and to watch how frustrated Patrick was getting, he kept saying "I did it just like you and you say no, then I do it just like you again and you say yes.... there really isn't a right or wrong is there?", but then Sarah and Caleb caught on and he really got frustrated! Valerie didn't take too long though... she's a quick cookie!
When I made it a forties file question I thought it would evoke more memories but it didn't really do it for me so I guess that even after 2 weeks that's what happened to everyone else too. I'll work on better questions for the future!
Johnny, johnny
Pass the scissors crossed or uncrossed
I think there was one with spoons.. like chinese spoons or something
And one that could only be played in the living room at Haultain... find the light switch
I'm sure we did other things but these were definitely ones that stood out for me.
This last fall when Valerie was here we played Johnny and pass the scissors. I realized that my own children didn't even know the trick. It was so fun to see the 'aha' moment as each finally figured it out.... and to watch how frustrated Patrick was getting, he kept saying "I did it just like you and you say no, then I do it just like you again and you say yes.... there really isn't a right or wrong is there?", but then Sarah and Caleb caught on and he really got frustrated! Valerie didn't take too long though... she's a quick cookie!
When I made it a forties file question I thought it would evoke more memories but it didn't really do it for me so I guess that even after 2 weeks that's what happened to everyone else too. I'll work on better questions for the future!
I am alive and well
Due to many concerned emails, phone calls and messages of various natures I must announce that I have indeed not died! I am simply busy and overly tired! I've been tackling the tasks that have most priority and that I can't get away without doing and nothing much else... including even sitting in front of my computer... I no longer find the computer chair and desk a comfortable place to spend time.... As such.... I am off to bed!
P.S. I do fall asleep with many a blog swimming in my head at night, so I shall inundate you as soon as I feel like sitting at the machine again... which I don't yet... all I want to do from the time I get up in the morning until I finally can fall into bed at night is wish for some slumber... I find myself laying on the couch dictating words for spelling... curled up on the floor, slowly matching socks, doing reading lessons in bed with the boys, and often dozing when I should be doing well everything.... which I will get to when I'm truly awake... and care again!
Maybe it's finally time to join the laptop world.... ohhh how I've fought that.... The temptation right now may just be great enough.... the house is already wireless... I could stay in bed all day and blog..... although you'd likely tire of hearing about my drapes, bedspread and nonsensical dreams....
P.S. I do fall asleep with many a blog swimming in my head at night, so I shall inundate you as soon as I feel like sitting at the machine again... which I don't yet... all I want to do from the time I get up in the morning until I finally can fall into bed at night is wish for some slumber... I find myself laying on the couch dictating words for spelling... curled up on the floor, slowly matching socks, doing reading lessons in bed with the boys, and often dozing when I should be doing well everything.... which I will get to when I'm truly awake... and care again!
Maybe it's finally time to join the laptop world.... ohhh how I've fought that.... The temptation right now may just be great enough.... the house is already wireless... I could stay in bed all day and blog..... although you'd likely tire of hearing about my drapes, bedspread and nonsensical dreams....
The peeping tom
Today I had two birthday blogs to do. Neither were particularly simple ones... Two men in the family who tend to keep to themselves and are content to have it this way.
Carlos is a quiet and thoughtful fellow who puts up with my incessant attempts to speak Spanish to him, and never seems to get flustered at unannounced (to him) house guests that don't ever have an exact departure date set in stone...
Early, last summer or late last spring depending on how to determine your seasons... It was end of May early June so technically still Spring according to the calendar but in Texas we almost reached 100 degrees so we called it, definitely summer.... regardless, when we were visiting in Texas last year I learned of a choice little story about Carlos that I must share... (obviously without his permission)
The Scarborough Faire is their lives for 8 weekends in April and May. Carlos does everything he's told regarding loading animals, building shelters, catching animals when they manage to escape, fetching feed and water, but when it comes to having to dress in Renaissance period clothing, well he puts it off as long as possible. And when he does finally give into the pressure of setting the mood, he lays low... happy to be a peasant in the background and not have to actually speak to the customers, let alone answer their questions.
The Scarborough faire is a rather LARGE event and it's even kinda organized. One afternoon Paige was approached by a security guy for the faire and let in on a little info regarding a report of a peeping tom near the 'privvy's' just a little ways down from the petting zoo (the rows of porta-potties, hidden behind a tall wooden fence area) He is described as average height and wearing a blue and white striped shirt. Paige who is an amazingly quick thinker on her feet, turned to the kids and asked "What shirt is your dad wearing?" You see, Carlos happy to not be amongst the public had gone after an escaped bunny rabbit and had ended up behind the many booths trying to catch it.... the bunny hopping wildly had gone all the way to the end... near the .... privvy's.... and Carlos... having put off dressing in Renaissance attire for as long as possible, as is his habit... was wearing a blue and white striped shirt...
Needless to say, he dressed in his outfit the rest of that day! (Who would be a peeping tom to a row of porta potties anyway? what would they be hoping for... a whiff when the door opened?)
So, Feliz Cumpleanos Carlos... see what I have to resort to when you don't answer my simple questions....
Carlos is a quiet and thoughtful fellow who puts up with my incessant attempts to speak Spanish to him, and never seems to get flustered at unannounced (to him) house guests that don't ever have an exact departure date set in stone...
Early, last summer or late last spring depending on how to determine your seasons... It was end of May early June so technically still Spring according to the calendar but in Texas we almost reached 100 degrees so we called it, definitely summer.... regardless, when we were visiting in Texas last year I learned of a choice little story about Carlos that I must share... (obviously without his permission)
The Scarborough Faire is their lives for 8 weekends in April and May. Carlos does everything he's told regarding loading animals, building shelters, catching animals when they manage to escape, fetching feed and water, but when it comes to having to dress in Renaissance period clothing, well he puts it off as long as possible. And when he does finally give into the pressure of setting the mood, he lays low... happy to be a peasant in the background and not have to actually speak to the customers, let alone answer their questions.
The Scarborough faire is a rather LARGE event and it's even kinda organized. One afternoon Paige was approached by a security guy for the faire and let in on a little info regarding a report of a peeping tom near the 'privvy's' just a little ways down from the petting zoo (the rows of porta-potties, hidden behind a tall wooden fence area) He is described as average height and wearing a blue and white striped shirt. Paige who is an amazingly quick thinker on her feet, turned to the kids and asked "What shirt is your dad wearing?" You see, Carlos happy to not be amongst the public had gone after an escaped bunny rabbit and had ended up behind the many booths trying to catch it.... the bunny hopping wildly had gone all the way to the end... near the .... privvy's.... and Carlos... having put off dressing in Renaissance attire for as long as possible, as is his habit... was wearing a blue and white striped shirt...Needless to say, he dressed in his outfit the rest of that day! (Who would be a peeping tom to a row of porta potties anyway? what would they be hoping for... a whiff when the door opened?)
So, Feliz Cumpleanos Carlos... see what I have to resort to when you don't answer my simple questions....
The end is near
We've never really made too much of a 'todo' regarding John C.'s b-day... He is after all much happier that way.... But as this year is destined to be his last I thought the least I could do, would be to remember him via the blog!
"His last?", you ask.... well... according to him.... You see I've been watching his facebook comments and he's counting down it seems til the end of the world! Actually it must be a countdown to something disastrous but not all encompassing because he and his friends are talking of being prepared for it and eating popcorn.... I know Channa has been asking for info about food storage... maybe being in Utah is finally getting to him! His countdown seems to have ended or been postponed.. probably til the next friday 13th in March perhaps he just is suffering from triskaidekaphobia (the fear of 13th) and as this is the second friday the 13th in a row maybe there is something I don't know about. (My advice is to schedule all unpleasant things i.e. dentisit, tax audit, nose hair trimmings etc. after such a date to be on the safe side...)
So it's not exactly the end but maybe the beginning of the end, or such a disaster that he doesn't intend to resurface.... with what's going on in the news it's likely just an economic problem.... yeah I know... I said just... but when you aren't burdened with lots of money you don't tend to panic as much when the stock market begins to crash...
Either way with all the doom and gloom predicting I'd be for a grand ole' hoopla birthday bash today just because!
(I kinda sorta wonder if this might just be his own special way of having a midlife crisis? I guess he already had enough cars....)
So, 'Eyore', one year older, and if things don't go quite as plannned... we'll keep it low key for you again next year too... if there is a next year.... which he doubts....
"His last?", you ask.... well... according to him.... You see I've been watching his facebook comments and he's counting down it seems til the end of the world! Actually it must be a countdown to something disastrous but not all encompassing because he and his friends are talking of being prepared for it and eating popcorn.... I know Channa has been asking for info about food storage... maybe being in Utah is finally getting to him! His countdown seems to have ended or been postponed.. probably til the next friday 13th in March perhaps he just is suffering from triskaidekaphobia (the fear of 13th) and as this is the second friday the 13th in a row maybe there is something I don't know about. (My advice is to schedule all unpleasant things i.e. dentisit, tax audit, nose hair trimmings etc. after such a date to be on the safe side...)
So it's not exactly the end but maybe the beginning of the end, or such a disaster that he doesn't intend to resurface.... with what's going on in the news it's likely just an economic problem.... yeah I know... I said just... but when you aren't burdened with lots of money you don't tend to panic as much when the stock market begins to crash...
Either way with all the doom and gloom predicting I'd be for a grand ole' hoopla birthday bash today just because!(I kinda sorta wonder if this might just be his own special way of having a midlife crisis? I guess he already had enough cars....)
So, 'Eyore', one year older, and if things don't go quite as plannned... we'll keep it low key for you again next year too... if there is a next year.... which he doubts....
Forties File Friday - Valentine Heart
Isn't it funny how long you hang on to believing in things because you want to. I mean Santa, Easter bunnies, tooth fairies they're a part of the magic of childhood. As you grow older you learn the truth and discover typically that they are ... your mother ... keeping the magic alive.
In our home though we had another magical character. He... decidedly HE, came on Valentines. It was the Valentine Heart. He left an individualized note written on a red construction paper heart with an assortment of little chocolaty goodies. (I know Sparky once got a chocolate totem pole... but then that could have been Easter...) This was Dad's doing. Sorry Dad.... not sure what the exact giveaway was but the secret is out. But it's ok. I decided a while back that I liked the idea of Daddy having to take on a holiday of his own! So Patrick has been given the Valentine Heart task around here. Even though we both agreed a Saint Patty's day leprechaun would have been more appropriate with his Irish descent and namesake... but he wouldn't agree to wearing green tights and leaping around!
The telltale tidy writing, the fact that we were the only family ever visited by a Heart on Valentines?, the fact that there wasn't red construction paper handy anymore near Valentines day?? But it made our Valentines that more special... in a day for love and romance, and gushy stuff for adults, we kids had our own little pleasures in a special message of kindness and encouragement.
For other's memories and thoughts click here.
In our home though we had another magical character. He... decidedly HE, came on Valentines. It was the Valentine Heart. He left an individualized note written on a red construction paper heart with an assortment of little chocolaty goodies. (I know Sparky once got a chocolate totem pole... but then that could have been Easter...) This was Dad's doing. Sorry Dad.... not sure what the exact giveaway was but the secret is out. But it's ok. I decided a while back that I liked the idea of Daddy having to take on a holiday of his own! So Patrick has been given the Valentine Heart task around here. Even though we both agreed a Saint Patty's day leprechaun would have been more appropriate with his Irish descent and namesake... but he wouldn't agree to wearing green tights and leaping around!
The telltale tidy writing, the fact that we were the only family ever visited by a Heart on Valentines?, the fact that there wasn't red construction paper handy anymore near Valentines day?? But it made our Valentines that more special... in a day for love and romance, and gushy stuff for adults, we kids had our own little pleasures in a special message of kindness and encouragement.
For other's memories and thoughts click here.
Feline Frolickings
I know, I know... the Chinese Holiday is over but I felt sorry for the cat.... in the legend of the Chinese zodiac the cat was maligned and exiled from an honorable position. I waited until the official New Years celebrating was over, but thought that I should try to redeem the cat.
Six months after moving into our new house, daily life was just as insane as ever! I fortunately wasn't working full time at the school anymore and having to do the 100 mile/day commute, but somehow although life was 'easier' without the commute and imposed school schedule, it was just as hectic and insane. I had contractors at the house every day. I was still living amongst boxes and trying to unpack what could be unpacked while living in a half finished house. I was trying to corral the dog in a yard without a fence thanks to our construction. (A dog who loves going for an impromptu run through the neighbourhood) I was watching Connolly's round the clock while Channa's house was even more torn up inside than mine. I finally met the neighbors which just meant more friends coming and going, and received a calling in Primary at church. Patrick was away almost this entire time with work. Oh and this was also the time when the microwave blew up and the stove quit heating things... So we lived on crock pot fare and cold foods for almost 2 weeks.
So the fact that Sarah's birthday arrived almost suddenly sent me into a small panic! I could wing it sort of. Special milkshake for breakfast and what would she like to do today? But no gift and no party plans and no time to do anything about either!! AHHHH.... Caleb saved the day! He had been out walking the neighbourhood...looking for our runaway dog... when he saw a sign. 'free kittens'. He called and asked what I thought, knowing of the days dilemma. Oh... Pat will eat me alive, this is terrible timing, the last thing we need is more animals to take care of, but Sarah would LOVE it! Ok... Caleb was great at being sneaky. He got them home and hidden in a box without arousing any suspicion. I called Channa regarding the forgotten birthday and she arranged to bake a cake at her house and we could come there. So we piled the seven kids and two carefully hidden kittens into the van and drove across town to celebrate. There really wasn't anything more to the plan than to eat some cake and discover the kittens... I took the chance to whip out while they were playing with the kittens and pick up a few supplies, litter box being especially foremost in my mind. She was thrilled! So now we had two kittens!
The kittens settled in very easily. I need not have worried about Patrick who played with them as much as the kids, or their care since they practically care for themselves. They were a lot of fun and Sarah was tickled that they liked to sleep on the end of her bed (amongst all those stuffed animals)
I learned after a while with the kitties that they sleep a tonne! They hide a lot. They were surprisingly patient with the constant mauling from Duncan, Derek, Cooper, Mackenzie, Sarah and Miles. They also have a wild side. This typically comes out around 11:00 at night so the kids weren't privy to the little show each night that I was. I could set my clock to their little romps. Up the stairs, down the stairs, around the room, over the couch, under the couch, roll around with each other, back down the stairs, up the stairs, down the hall, under my bed, over my bed.... EVERY NIGHT!! even if I was in the bed, or on the couch... didn't deter them! In fact if I was in the bed all the better... they'd attack the covers if I so much as moved a toe. They've toned it down a bit as they've matured, but it's still 11:00 every night.... The night we layed the new floors upstairs was fun.... they came flying up the stairs as usual but when they started down the hall unaccostomed to the slick flooring they went KA-Thunk against the wall!! We heartless as ever laughed hysterically each time they went sliding and ka thunking.
Also as they've matured they've developed a knack for knowing when I'm about to head to bed... whatever unusual and non-commital time that might be. As soon as I head for the bathroom to do my teeth they are both there. They haven't been annoying cats that had to be trained to stay off the counters or to jump into peoples laps unexpectedly but every night when I'm doing my teeth they're immediately on either side of the sink trying to get a drink while I swish and spit. So it has become a habit to leave a little water in the sink with the stopper for them.... not as though they don't have access to a full bowl of water downstairs though! On nights when I've stayed up extremely late they have been known to hop on my desk and walk across the keyboard as if trying to convey a message to me.... They've never tried either of these interesting habits during the day or whilst anyone else does their teeth.
Then there was the night I was cat burgled... Patrick was out of town. I had gone to bed late and was just dozing off when I was awoken by a racket. This house isn't sound friendly. I had a difficult time telling exactly where the sound was coming from. I was trying to decide what it could be, what I should do. I had my cell phone in one hand and a book in another.... don't know what I was going to do exactly but I didn't turn on any lights so I could be extra stealthy. I tiptoed down the hall and was going down the stairs when I heard it again. It was upstairs. It of course seemed louder and big! It was definitely in the office. Initially when I went into the office I wasn't sure what the sound was... it was rhythmic though and I was slowly ruling out any real danger figuring that anyone trying to break in making that much noise wasn't very good at burgling. It must just be a ... but a what?
The cats during their nightly romp had been playing in the office and had knocked over one of Patrick's drafting drawing tubes which had then fallen behind the bookshelf, landing on top of Figaro. The startled and panicking cat was trying desperately to escape and everytime she thought she removed the barrier so she could escape it would come crashing back down on top of her again.... In all the commotion other things on the bookshelf were falling like a vase with some peacock feathers from Paige which were very annoying to the trapped cat. Books toppled over, and the speakers and mouse to the computer on the nearby table were hitting against the wall as Figaro kept tugging on the cords which were also behind the book shelf where she was trapped. It was fairly comical for me the rescuee! Figaro hasn't ever been seen behind the bookshelf since! Thus ended the evening of cat burgling and I went back to bed.
Not sure if my tales have redeemed the cats or not from their dishonorable Chinese fate but they do bring excitement and happiness to our home.
Six months after moving into our new house, daily life was just as insane as ever! I fortunately wasn't working full time at the school anymore and having to do the 100 mile/day commute, but somehow although life was 'easier' without the commute and imposed school schedule, it was just as hectic and insane. I had contractors at the house every day. I was still living amongst boxes and trying to unpack what could be unpacked while living in a half finished house. I was trying to corral the dog in a yard without a fence thanks to our construction. (A dog who loves going for an impromptu run through the neighbourhood) I was watching Connolly's round the clock while Channa's house was even more torn up inside than mine. I finally met the neighbors which just meant more friends coming and going, and received a calling in Primary at church. Patrick was away almost this entire time with work. Oh and this was also the time when the microwave blew up and the stove quit heating things... So we lived on crock pot fare and cold foods for almost 2 weeks.
So the fact that Sarah's birthday arrived almost suddenly sent me into a small panic! I could wing it sort of. Special milkshake for breakfast and what would she like to do today? But no gift and no party plans and no time to do anything about either!! AHHHH.... Caleb saved the day! He had been out walking the neighbourhood...looking for our runaway dog... when he saw a sign. 'free kittens'. He called and asked what I thought, knowing of the days dilemma. Oh... Pat will eat me alive, this is terrible timing, the last thing we need is more animals to take care of, but Sarah would LOVE it! Ok... Caleb was great at being sneaky. He got them home and hidden in a box without arousing any suspicion. I called Channa regarding the forgotten birthday and she arranged to bake a cake at her house and we could come there. So we piled the seven kids and two carefully hidden kittens into the van and drove across town to celebrate. There really wasn't anything more to the plan than to eat some cake and discover the kittens... I took the chance to whip out while they were playing with the kittens and pick up a few supplies, litter box being especially foremost in my mind. She was thrilled! So now we had two kittens!
The kittens settled in very easily. I need not have worried about Patrick who played with them as much as the kids, or their care since they practically care for themselves. They were a lot of fun and Sarah was tickled that they liked to sleep on the end of her bed (amongst all those stuffed animals)
I learned after a while with the kitties that they sleep a tonne! They hide a lot. They were surprisingly patient with the constant mauling from Duncan, Derek, Cooper, Mackenzie, Sarah and Miles. They also have a wild side. This typically comes out around 11:00 at night so the kids weren't privy to the little show each night that I was. I could set my clock to their little romps. Up the stairs, down the stairs, around the room, over the couch, under the couch, roll around with each other, back down the stairs, up the stairs, down the hall, under my bed, over my bed.... EVERY NIGHT!! even if I was in the bed, or on the couch... didn't deter them! In fact if I was in the bed all the better... they'd attack the covers if I so much as moved a toe. They've toned it down a bit as they've matured, but it's still 11:00 every night.... The night we layed the new floors upstairs was fun.... they came flying up the stairs as usual but when they started down the hall unaccostomed to the slick flooring they went KA-Thunk against the wall!! We heartless as ever laughed hysterically each time they went sliding and ka thunking.Also as they've matured they've developed a knack for knowing when I'm about to head to bed... whatever unusual and non-commital time that might be. As soon as I head for the bathroom to do my teeth they are both there. They haven't been annoying cats that had to be trained to stay off the counters or to jump into peoples laps unexpectedly but every night when I'm doing my teeth they're immediately on either side of the sink trying to get a drink while I swish and spit. So it has become a habit to leave a little water in the sink with the stopper for them.... not as though they don't have access to a full bowl of water downstairs though! On nights when I've stayed up extremely late they have been known to hop on my desk and walk across the keyboard as if trying to convey a message to me.... They've never tried either of these interesting habits during the day or whilst anyone else does their teeth.
Then there was the night I was cat burgled... Patrick was out of town. I had gone to bed late and was just dozing off when I was awoken by a racket. This house isn't sound friendly. I had a difficult time telling exactly where the sound was coming from. I was trying to decide what it could be, what I should do. I had my cell phone in one hand and a book in another.... don't know what I was going to do exactly but I didn't turn on any lights so I could be extra stealthy. I tiptoed down the hall and was going down the stairs when I heard it again. It was upstairs. It of course seemed louder and big! It was definitely in the office. Initially when I went into the office I wasn't sure what the sound was... it was rhythmic though and I was slowly ruling out any real danger figuring that anyone trying to break in making that much noise wasn't very good at burgling. It must just be a ... but a what? The cats during their nightly romp had been playing in the office and had knocked over one of Patrick's drafting drawing tubes which had then fallen behind the bookshelf, landing on top of Figaro. The startled and panicking cat was trying desperately to escape and everytime she thought she removed the barrier so she could escape it would come crashing back down on top of her again.... In all the commotion other things on the bookshelf were falling like a vase with some peacock feathers from Paige which were very annoying to the trapped cat. Books toppled over, and the speakers and mouse to the computer on the nearby table were hitting against the wall as Figaro kept tugging on the cords which were also behind the book shelf where she was trapped. It was fairly comical for me the rescuee! Figaro hasn't ever been seen behind the bookshelf since! Thus ended the evening of cat burgling and I went back to bed.
Not sure if my tales have redeemed the cats or not from their dishonorable Chinese fate but they do bring excitement and happiness to our home.
Me Ca (sa)
Bailey.... Bailey.... Bailey... I just thought I'd let you know that since you've reached adulthood it's over.... all my efforts to be the favourite Aunt have to go to another worthy niece. I've done all I could. I didn't waste time and I stuck with you through it all.... I was there for one on one bonding during your infancy in Quebec... even tried to stow you away in my suitcase.... but I was caught!
Then you were a tougher nut to crack when I had to fight for your time with all the other Aunts and Uncles hanging around once you came to Victoria. There were some good times! It was good that your Aunts and Uncles spoke both English and French when you moved in at 3 since you had created you own little 'Franglish' and we caught on to what you were trying to say. Your "Me ca" was imitated for eons! You had amazing grip in your hands and could wander the house with a large grapefruit in your one hand without dropping it.... ?Have you done anything with that skill?....
So... the effort was there... I don't think I have to prove anything to anyone.... I'll just let the walk down memory lane do the talking. Now that your an adult, I think I'll move on from favourite Auntie to Coolest Auntie.... (I know I've been working that angle for a bit, but I think I've got it down now) Not that I'll ever be as cool as you!
Enjoy a little blast from the past!
Then you were a tougher nut to crack when I had to fight for your time with all the other Aunts and Uncles hanging around once you came to Victoria. There were some good times! It was good that your Aunts and Uncles spoke both English and French when you moved in at 3 since you had created you own little 'Franglish' and we caught on to what you were trying to say. Your "Me ca" was imitated for eons! You had amazing grip in your hands and could wander the house with a large grapefruit in your one hand without dropping it.... ?Have you done anything with that skill?....
So... the effort was there... I don't think I have to prove anything to anyone.... I'll just let the walk down memory lane do the talking. Now that your an adult, I think I'll move on from favourite Auntie to Coolest Auntie.... (I know I've been working that angle for a bit, but I think I've got it down now) Not that I'll ever be as cool as you!
Enjoy a little blast from the past!Rather anti-climactic .... sorry
Day 15... the last and final day.
Well... all good things must come to an end... I'm sure the greater knowledge of the Chinese New Year will benefit all who followed the drivel of the last 15 days! So here's the last little bit of trivia I've gleaned to pass on...
Good luck
* Opening windows and/or doors is considered to bring in the good luck of the new year.
* Switching on the lights for the night is considered good luck to 'scare away' ghosts and spirits of misfortune that may compromise the luck and fortune of the new year.
* Sweets are eaten to ensure the consumer a "sweet" year. I think I may have overdone that one by eating the whole bowl of cookie dough.
* It is important to have the house completely clean from top to bottom before New Year's Day for good luck in the coming year. (however, cleaning the house on or after New Year's Day is frowned upon) I've been very careful not to risk being frowned upon!
* Some believe that what happens on the first day of the new year reflects the rest of the year to come. Chinese people will often gamble at the beginning of the year, hoping to get luck and prosperity.
* Wearing a new pair of slippers that is bought before the new year, because it means to step on the people who gossip about you.
Bad luck
* Buying a pair of shoes is considered bad luck amongst some Chinese.
* Getting a hair-cut in the first lunar month puts a curse on maternal uncles. Therefore, people get a hair-cut before the New Year's Eve. My boys are happy to wait until the lunar month is over... of course they've no idea when that is....
* Washing your hair is also considered to be washing away one's own luck (although modern hygienic concerns take precedence over this tradition) whew!
* Sweeping the floor is usually forbidden on the first day, as it will sweep away the good fortune and luck for the new year. I didn't risk it all week!
* Buying (or reading) books is bad luck because the character for "book" (書/书) is a homonym to the character for "lose" (輸/输). OK.... they've crossed over the line now!!... It was a great time to read!
* Avoid clothes in black and white, as black is a symbol of bad luck, and white is a traditional Chinese funeral colour.
* Foul language is inappropriate during the Chinese New Year. Is it ok normally?
So there you have it. Today marks the end of the holiday. Traditionally you light lanterns and parade through town.... Here today it slushed off and on all day and I ran errands with my lights on on the car in honor of the holiday! Miles wore his dragon fleece with pride. Hopefully you were able to participate somehow in a Chinese celebration over the last 15 days. Even if only virtually. May the year of the ox look favourably upon you all!
Well... all good things must come to an end... I'm sure the greater knowledge of the Chinese New Year will benefit all who followed the drivel of the last 15 days! So here's the last little bit of trivia I've gleaned to pass on...
Good luck
* Opening windows and/or doors is considered to bring in the good luck of the new year.
* Switching on the lights for the night is considered good luck to 'scare away' ghosts and spirits of misfortune that may compromise the luck and fortune of the new year.
* Sweets are eaten to ensure the consumer a "sweet" year. I think I may have overdone that one by eating the whole bowl of cookie dough.
* It is important to have the house completely clean from top to bottom before New Year's Day for good luck in the coming year. (however, cleaning the house on or after New Year's Day is frowned upon) I've been very careful not to risk being frowned upon!
* Some believe that what happens on the first day of the new year reflects the rest of the year to come. Chinese people will often gamble at the beginning of the year, hoping to get luck and prosperity.
* Wearing a new pair of slippers that is bought before the new year, because it means to step on the people who gossip about you.
Bad luck
* Buying a pair of shoes is considered bad luck amongst some Chinese.
* Getting a hair-cut in the first lunar month puts a curse on maternal uncles. Therefore, people get a hair-cut before the New Year's Eve. My boys are happy to wait until the lunar month is over... of course they've no idea when that is....
* Washing your hair is also considered to be washing away one's own luck (although modern hygienic concerns take precedence over this tradition) whew!
* Sweeping the floor is usually forbidden on the first day, as it will sweep away the good fortune and luck for the new year. I didn't risk it all week!
* Buying (or reading) books is bad luck because the character for "book" (書/书) is a homonym to the character for "lose" (輸/输). OK.... they've crossed over the line now!!... It was a great time to read!
* Avoid clothes in black and white, as black is a symbol of bad luck, and white is a traditional Chinese funeral colour.
* Foul language is inappropriate during the Chinese New Year. Is it ok normally?
So there you have it. Today marks the end of the holiday. Traditionally you light lanterns and parade through town.... Here today it slushed off and on all day and I ran errands with my lights on on the car in honor of the holiday! Miles wore his dragon fleece with pride. Hopefully you were able to participate somehow in a Chinese celebration over the last 15 days. Even if only virtually. May the year of the ox look favourably upon you all!
Day 14 - Be prepared
I am officially hating the Chinese New Year.... they start you out with some fun visiting and feasting... and then WHAM... they nail you with deep soul searching philosophical stuff at the end.
Being prepared has been weighing on the mind along with a little friend I'm acquainted with..'guilt'. I think I finally understand with new perhaps deeper meaning of the scripture "Faith without works, is dead". To believe that planning ahead for a tough time or a disaster is the right thing to do and then put off the preparation..... could be what kills you. If not physically... definitely with the little friend 'guilt', who I'm sure in times of disaster would only grow immensely for the one who was forewarned and did not prepare when she could and should have!
I mentioned a little over a month ago that I had renewed my dedication to get those 72 hour kits done once and for all. My neighbour worked with me... and as I mentioned hers are tidily lined along the wall ready for action. Mine are still woefully empty and sitting on the floor in the mudroom waiting for hooks to hang on when I finish them. I haven't completely ignored them... I made lovely and detailed lists for each bag of what needs to be in them and then laminated the lists... even making columns for items that need rotating and items to remain in kits forever. They taunt me when I go in or out the door. I'm just glad they aren't on the kitchen table anymore. I couldn't stand eating with my friend 'guilt' at the counter anymore.
I hope my children don't grow up afflicted with my lack of focus... so in honor of Day 14 my Chinese New Years resolution is to finish these bags and get them hung and send my friend 'guilt' on a much needed vacation! To make it happen... the objective is clear, the goal is set, and the target completion date can realistically be met by Feb. 14th... How appropriate... on another holiday... it'll be my little Happy Valentines gift to myself!
That's it... I'm not alowing 'guilt' the pleasure of reminding me that it isn't the only thing in my life that needs completing or preparing for... nor reminding me that I type this blog about being prepared while I should be preparing for Singing time in Primary tomorrow, or thawing something for dinner tomorrow, or throwing in a load of laundry so Patrick can pack clean clothes in his suitcase... Nope one step at a time!
Being prepared has been weighing on the mind along with a little friend I'm acquainted with..'guilt'. I think I finally understand with new perhaps deeper meaning of the scripture "Faith without works, is dead". To believe that planning ahead for a tough time or a disaster is the right thing to do and then put off the preparation..... could be what kills you. If not physically... definitely with the little friend 'guilt', who I'm sure in times of disaster would only grow immensely for the one who was forewarned and did not prepare when she could and should have!
I mentioned a little over a month ago that I had renewed my dedication to get those 72 hour kits done once and for all. My neighbour worked with me... and as I mentioned hers are tidily lined along the wall ready for action. Mine are still woefully empty and sitting on the floor in the mudroom waiting for hooks to hang on when I finish them. I haven't completely ignored them... I made lovely and detailed lists for each bag of what needs to be in them and then laminated the lists... even making columns for items that need rotating and items to remain in kits forever. They taunt me when I go in or out the door. I'm just glad they aren't on the kitchen table anymore. I couldn't stand eating with my friend 'guilt' at the counter anymore.
I hope my children don't grow up afflicted with my lack of focus... so in honor of Day 14 my Chinese New Years resolution is to finish these bags and get them hung and send my friend 'guilt' on a much needed vacation! To make it happen... the objective is clear, the goal is set, and the target completion date can realistically be met by Feb. 14th... How appropriate... on another holiday... it'll be my little Happy Valentines gift to myself!
That's it... I'm not alowing 'guilt' the pleasure of reminding me that it isn't the only thing in my life that needs completing or preparing for... nor reminding me that I type this blog about being prepared while I should be preparing for Singing time in Primary tomorrow, or thawing something for dinner tomorrow, or throwing in a load of laundry so Patrick can pack clean clothes in his suitcase... Nope one step at a time!
Day 13 - Simplicity, a cleansing of body, mind and soul
Simplicity is laying in bed visualizing everything completed and serene... it's not reality!
Simplicity is certainly the goal... one might think it a simple and attainable one, but for whatever reason it's very complicated!
Simplicity is different for everyone.
Simplicity and Perfectionism don't seem to do well together.
Simplicity is still a dream unfulfilled.
Simplicity is still the goal.... a goal in progress.... I'll let you know when it's achieved!.... Don't hold your breath....
Simplicity is certainly the goal... one might think it a simple and attainable one, but for whatever reason it's very complicated!
Simplicity is different for everyone.
Simplicity and Perfectionism don't seem to do well together.
Simplicity is still a dream unfulfilled.
Simplicity is still the goal.... a goal in progress.... I'll let you know when it's achieved!.... Don't hold your breath....
Forties File Friday - Pets
Odd how growing up pets were not mine. They were family animals or decidedly one persons thing. We always had a cat that I can recall. There were some I know of but don't remember myself.
* Stadler, a decidedly Channa feline. Stadler was around a long time. Then she brought home Dremel.
* Sugar and Spice. We had sheep. I dont' remember the how or why we had them but we did... and we fought for them. I couldn't have been more than 8 or 9 and Sparky and I went to the city council to petition to be allowed to keep our sheep. I can remember watching them be sheered.
* Bringing home a dog for only a few days and it destroyed Eden's shoes... me the one who doesn't like dogs... Finding Sorry dog irresistible
* I did not like birds. We had an assortment for a few years. I was assured that they go to the tallest one in the room. I would crawl on the floor to avoid them landing on me... LIARS... they still landed on me! I also wasn't a turtle fan. Now Paige has some cool ones.. but technically those are tortoises... what we had were little aquarium stinky turtles.
* Jim, I heard that he had a pet chicken but I don't personally remember it, Taylor will always be remembered as the Granddog. Without grandchildren he was it! He got front seat privileges in Jim's car and was even ordered for in the drive thru! He made it into a family photo.
* Paige. Not sure if I can go here..... Fine line between pet and menagerie I guess... but love of animals was evident very young. Not of my love but hers! I can definitely remember NOT being impressed to hear that 'one of the white mice' was missing from the 'Rodent Hotel'! Cockateels, Guinea Pigs the stinky turtles were probably her doing too.. One I didn't mind too much was Norman the duck. I didn't even mind too much that given the chance he tried to swim in the pool! Norman lived with us (thankfully, outside), in Texas until one Thanksgiving week when he had vanished! That was most upsetting that someone would abscond with Norman!
* I've been corrected.. the birds were Edens' idea!
* I know we had a pony collection going. We were determined to save money for a pony... We got a gray one. A Hyundai pony, not quite the same thing.
* Stadler, a decidedly Channa feline. Stadler was around a long time. Then she brought home Dremel.
* Sugar and Spice. We had sheep. I dont' remember the how or why we had them but we did... and we fought for them. I couldn't have been more than 8 or 9 and Sparky and I went to the city council to petition to be allowed to keep our sheep. I can remember watching them be sheered.
* Bringing home a dog for only a few days and it destroyed Eden's shoes... me the one who doesn't like dogs... Finding Sorry dog irresistible
* I did not like birds. We had an assortment for a few years. I was assured that they go to the tallest one in the room. I would crawl on the floor to avoid them landing on me... LIARS... they still landed on me! I also wasn't a turtle fan. Now Paige has some cool ones.. but technically those are tortoises... what we had were little aquarium stinky turtles.
* Jim, I heard that he had a pet chicken but I don't personally remember it, Taylor will always be remembered as the Granddog. Without grandchildren he was it! He got front seat privileges in Jim's car and was even ordered for in the drive thru! He made it into a family photo.
* Paige. Not sure if I can go here..... Fine line between pet and menagerie I guess... but love of animals was evident very young. Not of my love but hers! I can definitely remember NOT being impressed to hear that 'one of the white mice' was missing from the 'Rodent Hotel'! Cockateels, Guinea Pigs the stinky turtles were probably her doing too.. One I didn't mind too much was Norman the duck. I didn't even mind too much that given the chance he tried to swim in the pool! Norman lived with us (thankfully, outside), in Texas until one Thanksgiving week when he had vanished! That was most upsetting that someone would abscond with Norman!
* I've been corrected.. the birds were Edens' idea!
* I know we had a pony collection going. We were determined to save money for a pony... We got a gray one. A Hyundai pony, not quite the same thing.
Table Manners
Perhaps another reason we didn't invite people over to dinner even though it's the designated Chinese Holiday time to do it... is our table manners.
Yesterday we had Spaghetti for dinner. At our house spaghetti has an interesting history. First of all I had these well... messy eaters...
Secondly, I knew that spaghetti was just tempting the fates with their skills. So... Saturday night became spaghetti night at our house. We had them strip down to their underwear and eat their spaghetti. (My mother being present for a Saturday night once asked if we should close the blinds, since each of the children seemed to be stripping down for dinner.... she wasn't sure if she could stay for such an x-rated meal)
After dinner we put on our swimsuits and headed to the local pool where we'd run through a community shower and spend an hour or so playing in the pool. After which we'd all go back to the family changing rooms for a good scrubbing down and dress in jammies to go home thoroughly exhausted and ready for bed at a reasonable time on Saturday night. Fed, clean and tired... made for some simpler Sunday mornings.
This went on for a LONG time. We started when Sarah was only one year old and I can remember donning a swimsuit even when I looked myself like a whale before Miles was born! We continued this tradition for over 8 years!
Then we moved. We haven't eaten spaghetti or gone swimming on a regular basis since.
Yesterday we had Spaghetti for dinner. At our house spaghetti has an interesting history. First of all I had these well... messy eaters...
Secondly, I knew that spaghetti was just tempting the fates with their skills. So... Saturday night became spaghetti night at our house. We had them strip down to their underwear and eat their spaghetti. (My mother being present for a Saturday night once asked if we should close the blinds, since each of the children seemed to be stripping down for dinner.... she wasn't sure if she could stay for such an x-rated meal)
After dinner we put on our swimsuits and headed to the local pool where we'd run through a community shower and spend an hour or so playing in the pool. After which we'd all go back to the family changing rooms for a good scrubbing down and dress in jammies to go home thoroughly exhausted and ready for bed at a reasonable time on Saturday night. Fed, clean and tired... made for some simpler Sunday mornings.
This went on for a LONG time. We started when Sarah was only one year old and I can remember donning a swimsuit even when I looked myself like a whale before Miles was born! We continued this tradition for over 8 years!
Then we moved. We haven't eaten spaghetti or gone swimming on a regular basis since.
Day 9 - Sacrifices
Did you feel it.... I didn't blog... wasn't that a sacrifice?
Seriously... Day 9 of this-seems-to-be-dragging-on-forever holiday is about giving up something even temporarily... to show appreciation for it. Kind of like Lent I guess. I've often thought I should test my self discipline out by giving up something for Lent.... but I always find myself in such a quandary deciding what to give up... I could easily give up some things... like gum or candy... but I don't care about stuff like that normally... and then I think of the larger things that would be such a deep and difficult thing to give up... and I convince myself that it would be ridiculous to pretend that I could give up say... technology or driving... I'm sure there must be middle ground type things to come up with but if I gave it any thought I'd probably come up with one and then I'd feel obligated to give it up... and that would require the self-discipline that I already know I'm lacking in...... Lent and Day 9 of the Chinese New Year just don't get the attention they likely deserve from me for being such deep soul searching holidays that they truly are!
Seriously... Day 9 of this-seems-to-be-dragging-on-forever holiday is about giving up something even temporarily... to show appreciation for it. Kind of like Lent I guess. I've often thought I should test my self discipline out by giving up something for Lent.... but I always find myself in such a quandary deciding what to give up... I could easily give up some things... like gum or candy... but I don't care about stuff like that normally... and then I think of the larger things that would be such a deep and difficult thing to give up... and I convince myself that it would be ridiculous to pretend that I could give up say... technology or driving... I'm sure there must be middle ground type things to come up with but if I gave it any thought I'd probably come up with one and then I'd feel obligated to give it up... and that would require the self-discipline that I already know I'm lacking in...... Lent and Day 9 of the Chinese New Year just don't get the attention they likely deserve from me for being such deep soul searching holidays that they truly are!
Dinner is served
Day 10-12 -- Invite people to dine with you
WELL.... Ok.. so I haven't had anyone for dinner in the last two days, and there aren't any plans for anyone to come tomorrow. But I'm pretty good about tweaking the holiday to suit my fancy anyway!
I've certainly had people for dinner before! One time that has been etched into remembrance was almost 4 years ago. It was winter time and Sparky, Valerie and Audrey were visiting. We had spent the day having a blast sledding up in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Knowing we would be gone most of the day and would likely return tired and hungry I had tossed some things in the crockpot before we left so we could have Chicken Noodle Soup when we returned. One might think.."SO".... but thanks to Sparky not only was sledding memorable so was dinner that night. How else do you convince 6 hungry children 1- 7 years that homemade soup was exciting? Why call it 'Soup du jour' in a french accent and sing song voice and serve it with a flair as only Uncle Sparky can!
WELL.... Ok.. so I haven't had anyone for dinner in the last two days, and there aren't any plans for anyone to come tomorrow. But I'm pretty good about tweaking the holiday to suit my fancy anyway!
I've certainly had people for dinner before! One time that has been etched into remembrance was almost 4 years ago. It was winter time and Sparky, Valerie and Audrey were visiting. We had spent the day having a blast sledding up in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Knowing we would be gone most of the day and would likely return tired and hungry I had tossed some things in the crockpot before we left so we could have Chicken Noodle Soup when we returned. One might think.."SO".... but thanks to Sparky not only was sledding memorable so was dinner that night. How else do you convince 6 hungry children 1- 7 years that homemade soup was exciting? Why call it 'Soup du jour' in a french accent and sing song voice and serve it with a flair as only Uncle Sparky can!
Shadow... where's the shadow?
Taking a quick break from the other side of the world's festivities,
(fyi... today they feast with their families again and then stay awake until midnight so they can offer a prayer to the God of Heaven... I think we'll have an early dinner and change the clocks so we can pray at a reasonable bedtime!)
let's take a look at a holiday a little closer to home... and I literally mean take a 'look'. For a shadow, or not for one as the case may be. So how and why do people think that a shadow from a varmint from in the ground can predict the weather is beyond my understanding. Certainly makes for a fun time and and an excuse to discuss the weather I guess.
Seriously though if there is to be more winter then there is to be more winter.... and we just put up with it... and if there is to be an early spring then we shall bask in the delightfulness of it!
But what I enjoy most is that a movie with Andie MacDowell and Bill Murray captured an idea I'd like to have. Wouldn't it be fun to be able to relive a day until you got it right? Be able to do things that you wouldn't normally do because you know you get a do-over if it doesn't work out? Just take a day off completely from anything and everything, catch up on sleep, or take up a new hobby without losing 'time' over it.
Now if that were truly what Groundhog's day was all about and it was the one day a year we all were able to live over and over until we got it just right... wouldn't we be more excited for that than the prospect of seeing a shadow or not?
(fyi... today they feast with their families again and then stay awake until midnight so they can offer a prayer to the God of Heaven... I think we'll have an early dinner and change the clocks so we can pray at a reasonable bedtime!)
let's take a look at a holiday a little closer to home... and I literally mean take a 'look'. For a shadow, or not for one as the case may be. So how and why do people think that a shadow from a varmint from in the ground can predict the weather is beyond my understanding. Certainly makes for a fun time and and an excuse to discuss the weather I guess.
Seriously though if there is to be more winter then there is to be more winter.... and we just put up with it... and if there is to be an early spring then we shall bask in the delightfulness of it!
But what I enjoy most is that a movie with Andie MacDowell and Bill Murray captured an idea I'd like to have. Wouldn't it be fun to be able to relive a day until you got it right? Be able to do things that you wouldn't normally do because you know you get a do-over if it doesn't work out? Just take a day off completely from anything and everything, catch up on sleep, or take up a new hobby without losing 'time' over it.
Now if that were truly what Groundhog's day was all about and it was the one day a year we all were able to live over and over until we got it just right... wouldn't we be more excited for that than the prospect of seeing a shadow or not?
Sick and Tired
I came clean about my lack of self-discipline when it comes to going to bed.... and I'm doing my best I really am, but I don't think it's fair to be punished so much in this manner from my body! I mean I understand being tired and worn down and feeling a little under the weather but this has to stop eventually, right!?
I think I've had some kind of cold, or flu since November. They've come and gone I suppose and I'm grateful they didn't all hit at once but hardly a break in between. I have had a 24 hour bug, I've had an incessant cough, I've had a sinus cold, I've had disco fever, I've had a sore throat, I've had the stomach flu and the... other end ickyness, I've had the sniffles, the aches, I've lost my voice and had headaches and now the Egyptian flu to top it all off! One can only take so much!
I think I've had some kind of cold, or flu since November. They've come and gone I suppose and I'm grateful they didn't all hit at once but hardly a break in between. I have had a 24 hour bug, I've had an incessant cough, I've had a sinus cold, I've had disco fever, I've had a sore throat, I've had the stomach flu and the... other end ickyness, I've had the sniffles, the aches, I've lost my voice and had headaches and now the Egyptian flu to top it all off! One can only take so much!
What's that smell?
So on the 7th day of the Chinese New Year they toss a raw fish salad... I'll toss one... straight into the chicken coop! It's also the day everyone celebrates their birth... getting one day older! That's gotta be one huge cake!
Birthday parties are a lot of fun and sometimes can be exhausting.... the very thought of a party for all the world's births amongst all this Chinese celebrating... I was hoping it would be a day or relaxing or be-as-lazy-as-you-like-day... but those Chinese have stamina I tell you.
Well we did our best. We celebrated by watching a marathon of 'Andy Griffith Show's'. Did you know that it was on the air for 9 seasons? We enjoy watching old shows like this. This one has been a lot of fun as the kids started recognizing special guests in certain episodes... like 'I dream of Jeannie' was a guest on one, and 'Gilligan' and the 'Skipper' were both guests in another. Sterling Holloway, the voice of Winnie the Pooh, was a guest and 'Reverend Alden' of Little House on the Priarie... from his younger days was a guest. 'Jed Clampet' and the handy man from Green Acres, and Gomer Pyle have all made their appearances as well.... It's a shame that my children aren't likely to ever run into all their new favourite celebrity characters, or even hear much about them in today's news, other than maybe their obituaries...
Maybe the Chinese aren't too crazy.... it was a great way to waste almost 7 hours of our 'New Year'.
Duncan, Cooper and Derek lost interest after a while but didn't want to be out of the loop completely so we taught them to play Chinese Checkers and that entertained them a long time, while of course being appropriate for the Chinese New Year Holiday!
Birthday parties are a lot of fun and sometimes can be exhausting.... the very thought of a party for all the world's births amongst all this Chinese celebrating... I was hoping it would be a day or relaxing or be-as-lazy-as-you-like-day... but those Chinese have stamina I tell you.
Well we did our best. We celebrated by watching a marathon of 'Andy Griffith Show's'. Did you know that it was on the air for 9 seasons? We enjoy watching old shows like this. This one has been a lot of fun as the kids started recognizing special guests in certain episodes... like 'I dream of Jeannie' was a guest on one, and 'Gilligan' and the 'Skipper' were both guests in another. Sterling Holloway, the voice of Winnie the Pooh, was a guest and 'Reverend Alden' of Little House on the Priarie... from his younger days was a guest. 'Jed Clampet' and the handy man from Green Acres, and Gomer Pyle have all made their appearances as well.... It's a shame that my children aren't likely to ever run into all their new favourite celebrity characters, or even hear much about them in today's news, other than maybe their obituaries...
Maybe the Chinese aren't too crazy.... it was a great way to waste almost 7 hours of our 'New Year'.Duncan, Cooper and Derek lost interest after a while but didn't want to be out of the loop completely so we taught them to play Chinese Checkers and that entertained them a long time, while of course being appropriate for the Chinese New Year Holiday!
Mes Amis!
Make new friends but keep the old,
One is silver and the other Gold.
They say you can't choose your family but it's a good thing you can choose your friends... well I think friends are sometimes not a chosen thing either. Friendship is vital... and often comes from unlikely places. Some last a short while for a variety of reasons while others are eternal. But each plays an important role in the story of your life.
One is silver and the other Gold.
Day 6 is a day to celebrate friendships. As I ponder on my friendships there are some that stand out so prominently in my mind. Ones whom have shaped me... Who will always have that title of 'Friend'.
Trisalyn, my childhood friend. She was always trying to see how gullable I was. (I was pretty gullable) We were angels and troublemakers. We grew up... we started out as doll playing little girls, dressing up and playing make believe to having teen nights and sneaking out at night to walk with a boy (shh... I never told my mother that's how I broke my nose!)
Jessica, a Texas miracle. Not sure if I'd meet anyone that I could get along with after we moved to Texas shortly after I turned 16. I met Jessica. We double dated and put on parties with Sparky and Andrew and had all sorts of mischievous fun. We attended the Dallas Opera house in our formal attire and acted the hobnob part from our nosebleed balcony seats! We worried and prayed together under the overpass during the tornado and flash floods on one of our MANY long drives from Red Oak to Italy.... Texas that is. (not the Europe.. dang!)
Kelly, the college buddy. We ate far too much chinese food, and frozen yogurt and were forever belting out Lion King Songs after hours in the preschool lab as we 'studied' and prepared for classes. She didn't even care when I came back one summer married... She just took Patrick in stride and along for the ride!
JoLyn, the neighbour. She took a chance and rented to the young couple from out of state without a job yet whose sister from another country would be moving in with them also.... Risk taker! She introdued me to Utah. She and Jaden made apartment dwelling bearable for both me and Caleb who had been accostumed to "land lots of land and the starry sky above...."
Genevieve, the one who happily shares the title of wicked witch of the west with me. She's still as crazy as ever and always checking up on me. She's more laid back and carefree than anyone else I know and reminds me how to kick back and not take things so seriously. Her husband and I share a birthday although it's about all we have in common... oh and we both like Genevieve...
Amber, the one that makes Channa jealous, simply because she's closer and gets all my spare time. This one isn't so carefree. This is my focused, self-disciplined friend. My got to be on top of things... even if it's only in her own mind friend. This is my.. I still have a lot that I can gain from this relationship friend. Sometimes I like to hang out with her because I know we're such opposites and that we're good for each other... to make this a Chinese day 6 holiday blog.... she is my ying/yang relationship... This is also the lady who seems to think it's her duty to remind me that I'm an adult and the mother of a teenager and I should act accordingly.... That's when I tell her if she keeps stuff like that up...we'll have to break up.
Trisalyn, my childhood friend. She was always trying to see how gullable I was. (I was pretty gullable) We were angels and troublemakers. We grew up... we started out as doll playing little girls, dressing up and playing make believe to having teen nights and sneaking out at night to walk with a boy (shh... I never told my mother that's how I broke my nose!)
Jessica, a Texas miracle. Not sure if I'd meet anyone that I could get along with after we moved to Texas shortly after I turned 16. I met Jessica. We double dated and put on parties with Sparky and Andrew and had all sorts of mischievous fun. We attended the Dallas Opera house in our formal attire and acted the hobnob part from our nosebleed balcony seats! We worried and prayed together under the overpass during the tornado and flash floods on one of our MANY long drives from Red Oak to Italy.... Texas that is. (not the Europe.. dang!)
Kelly, the college buddy. We ate far too much chinese food, and frozen yogurt and were forever belting out Lion King Songs after hours in the preschool lab as we 'studied' and prepared for classes. She didn't even care when I came back one summer married... She just took Patrick in stride and along for the ride!
JoLyn, the neighbour. She took a chance and rented to the young couple from out of state without a job yet whose sister from another country would be moving in with them also.... Risk taker! She introdued me to Utah. She and Jaden made apartment dwelling bearable for both me and Caleb who had been accostumed to "land lots of land and the starry sky above...."
Genevieve, the one who happily shares the title of wicked witch of the west with me. She's still as crazy as ever and always checking up on me. She's more laid back and carefree than anyone else I know and reminds me how to kick back and not take things so seriously. Her husband and I share a birthday although it's about all we have in common... oh and we both like Genevieve...
Amber, the one that makes Channa jealous, simply because she's closer and gets all my spare time. This one isn't so carefree. This is my focused, self-disciplined friend. My got to be on top of things... even if it's only in her own mind friend. This is my.. I still have a lot that I can gain from this relationship friend. Sometimes I like to hang out with her because I know we're such opposites and that we're good for each other... to make this a Chinese day 6 holiday blog.... she is my ying/yang relationship... This is also the lady who seems to think it's her duty to remind me that I'm an adult and the mother of a teenager and I should act accordingly.... That's when I tell her if she keeps stuff like that up...we'll have to break up.
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