Free Ranging Chickens and Grandchildren

It's Electric

2012-01-26T16:15:00.001-08:00

My sweet son-in-law forwards me sites he thinks I might find interesting. A standard in fourth grade is about electricity. I knew when I read about Squishy Circuits, I would have to do it with my students. I have always had them build a circuit board, and the custodian at work graciously aids them in getting it done. But it's mostly putting it together, there's not much room for messing around with it. Enter Squishy Circuits-awesome. I ordered the battery packs, lights etc and they kindly sent me extras. So, I practiced on my mostest favorite experimenters.

Let's just say it is way cool.

First, you make two types of playdough. The first we made with salt, because salt will conduct the electricity.

I divided the dough in the recipe in half and Bean kneaded his choice of green food coloring and Bugg pink, into their dough. Next, we made a different batch of dough with sugar to serve as an insulator.

Here, they stuck the battery terminals into two blobs of conductive dough, separated by the insulating dough, and lit up there bulbs!

There was a lot of trial and error about how it all worked, but with Pap's help, we finally got it all going. Before that, Bugg asked could she just play with the dough, but I encouraged her to persevere.

This is Bean's fierce bear, which he made growl with the buzzer.

Once Miss Bugg figured out how to make shapes, light lights, run motors and sound buzzers, she was all over it. Ceece and 1st. Lt. were impressed with their little scientists. I was grateful to have a better grasp of how it all worked before trying it with 24 students- good times.

Other times, well. Sister SuZQ and I headed to Pete's last night to help him sort through Kaye's things. Ahh, sad. So many memories. Handy Man came along and David was there. Later another niece followed. There was much to do so it was busy and that helped. Still, strange and heart breaking.

The cousin I mentioned early received more sad news today. Cancer, cancer everywhere. I'll be praying that every day he has is sweet and precious to him and those who love him. His name is Randy if you want to be praying too.

Happy 29th Birthday

2012-01-21T17:13:00.000-08:00

Today is Drummer Boy and Rae-rae's birthday. I remember the ice storm of the day they were born. Everything was iced over, limbs falling under the weight of the ice, electric out all around. I thought I was going to have to have them without the benefit of the Handy Man, or anyone else known to me, but my doctor had to deliver a patient of a doc who had an accident in the ice on the way to the hospital, so they put off my induction and Handy Man made it.

Happy Birthday to the two of you. May you have so many more and good health to enjoy them!

I babysat Giddy-up for his Mama and Papa to have a date night for the birthday girl. I thought he handled it very well. That boy can eat! I enjoyed him.

Tomorrow I'll fix a birthday dinner for Drummer Boy and his family.

Never a dull moment.

I visited Trader Joe's for the first time today. I'm sorry it isn't closer, as I believe I would be a big fan.

In other exciting news, a new discovery. I love, love, love Big Red, but I seldom allow myself one because of the sugar, and nothing good. Though I drink Diet Coke, I've never cared for Diet Big Red. Well, happy day, we now have Big Red Zero and it's enough like the real thing to make me smile, the only good thing about it. Oh well.

Nearly There

2012-01-18T16:58:00.000-08:00

Well, Handy Man and I have nearly completed our bedroom, the attic room and the craft, kid room with their bed and crib. I've gone through everything and sorted and sorted, trashed and packed cart loads to the Salvation Army. For now, the attic room is easy to maneuver and there's a place for everything and everything in it's place. Same with the kidlet/craft room. There is a worktable for me and two desks with stools and lamps and loaded with pens and papers, markers, stickers, cards, blah, blah. Yeah, it might stay that way for about fifteen minutes. Neatness is nowhere understood in my psyche. I just can't manage it.

Much to the lack of understanding from my friend-girls, I don't really pack a purse. I have one. It hangs on the doorknob. I don't smoke or wear lipstick and hardly ever write checks anymore. Our school doors must remained locked at all times. If I don't carry my keys in my pocket, they'll be lost. I also feel the need to carry my cell phone in the event of being outside and having a need for another adult, plus, I use it to tell the time. I take my students outside frequently. So, since I can only own clothing with pockets, I go ahead and throw a little change purse in there. The littlest change purse though is full of my credit card, library card, license, gift cards, Kroger card- okay, I know you get it. That doesn't leave any room for change. So, when I get home, empty my pockets, plug in my phone, I have a tendency to dump out the change somewhere. Remember the whole lack of a neatness gene? Well I'm not terribly picky where the change lands. This train has a caboose, just hang in there. So we're cleaning and cleaning and Handy Man is laughing every time he finds a handful of change somewhere. Like a little squirrel lives here and hides money. So he keeps finding and collecting, and rolling and laughing at me I might add, and gets a big kick out of the final total, $210.00, yes, in change.

Well, see I had this idea that I'd try to get my gramerlings to buy into the change saving thing and we'd get some chickens or goats for a family somewhere.

For whatever reason, Ol' Mother Hubbard finds this as entertaining as the Handy Man and has a moment in the Target store and thinks she'll buy me a present. All things considered it was a reasonable and needed gift. She knows me, so decides this gift needs to be something I can't miss and will manage my evil non-purse toting, change throwing ways. The gift- why a bank of course.

She's hopeful that it's big enough for me to hit while I'm tossing. Farmer John added a large hole on top and she decorated it with beautiful children as you can see. In addition to a much needed laugh after all that painful cleaning, this gift also inspired me with those sweet faces of all color. This will be a gramerling bank for my little gramerling who needs to come to Rae-rae through a different route. Adoption is so very expensive. $210.00 will be a nice start and the best use I know of my loose change. It's big enough if anyone else wants to throw their change in as well.

Soon enough, he'll be ready for a sibling and we don't care what color.

MLK Day

2012-01-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

Wow, haven't posted in awhile. Mostly because I've just been working, working, working. My room and my upstairs needed a very serious taking apart and putting back together, which is about all the Handy Man and I have done for the last three weeks. We're getting there.

Today was a play day. I love me some three day weekends. With three day weekends I can actually manage a day of rest.

Today I went to Michael's, then to visit my handsome blue-eyed boy. Well, I guess that doesn't tell you much, as everyone of mine are blue-eyed, despite the fact that all their Papas are brown-eyed. Well, and they are handsome too.

Giddy-up and I had a long discussion about the differences in cylinders and rectangular prisms.

We also discussed finding the area of 3d and 2d objects. He was enthralled.

So relieved that he smiles now when I come in and I was able to hold and entertain him quite a bit today. He loves to roar like a lion and better still to eat. It is simply the sweetest thing ever when he signs and says, "mo." I told Rae-rae I didn't know if there would be much use in teaching him to sign as he is saying words as fast as he's learning the signs.

Rae-rae fixed us white winter soup and roasted chicken for a warm and tasty lunch.

And, wow, Gardener E. is fixing my supper. I feel so privileged.

Well, there was still a bit of work to be done today. I needed to clean Cluckingham Palace. Much to my dismay, there was a lifeless chickie girl on the floor of the coop. I decided to be a brave and dedicated farmer girl and bury it myself. I'm not particularly surprised that the older girls are giving it up. They have been busy and laid lots of eggs in their three years. What surprises me is it is different breeds. We've lost an Andulusian, an Australorp, a Silver Wyndotte and a Red Star now to unknown causes. I guess I would have thought different breeds had different life expectancies. I fear those new roosters have also caused a lot of undue stress for the girls. I won't make that same mistake again. I kept all of them, hoping I could find them a good home, since they are rare and beautiful. Sadly, no takers. If I can't find them homes this spring then chicken soup is back on the menu boys.

Many times here I've mentioned my beloved Aunt Lois and Uncle Berry. When Uncle Berry became so fragile and disoriented last year, their son Randy moved in to take care of him and keep him home for his remaining days. He has stayed on caring for my Aunt Lois. He went into the hospital this weekend with a bad case of pneumonia. It appears that there may be more wrong and he's in need of our prayers.

Good Grief!

2012-01-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

Is there any good grief? I don't know. Pete wanted me to come by and try on some things.

It is very awkward, rifling through someone's else's things. Seems a bit like an invasion.

It does open lots of opportunities for remembering, talking, crying.

I gave him a book a friend gave me. Well, I bought him a new one, as I loaned mine out so often it finally disappeared. He's reading it now, A Grace Disguised. I think he's doing as well as anyone can under such circumstances.

We talked again through all the events of that last day and the days before. Ahhh, me.

It was poop-pie night and I was glad to see Bean and Bugg. I stopped by the store to pick up some Crisco before I fetched them. I forgot it last week, and couldn't make our blessing gems on New Year's. I use Crisco for donuts and Chi Mi Changas (prepared maybe two or three times a year, tops), not a product I keep around anymore. They enjoyed them as much for an after dinner treat as a breakfast one.

They are big into ghosts at the moment for some reason and brought up being scared at night.

I shared my remedy of just saying, "Jesus," over and over when my sleep is troubled. We talked about where people are when they are gone and I shared with them the Jewish thought of loved ones being a star that looks down on us as we go on. Bean said that was an Indian belief as well.

We ended the evening with a bit more of the Hobbit and a picture bbok for Missy Bugg.

I was out of the classroom today due to a couple of appointments. Gardener E. continued with the knitting I started on Wednesday. She e-mailed me that she still had all of her hair, and they had theirs as well, so it's all good.

It's Here 2012

2012-01-02T14:39:00.001-08:00

Bugg did manage to get some peanut butter on the pinecone, but needed some New Year's peanut butter for her ownest self. You know peanut butter is a real treat.
The bird feeders have to go way up high to keep them out of Arwen's mouth.

Lest you think peanut butter was the dish of the day, we enjoyed our usual corned beef, cabbage and black-eyed peas.
Giddy-up thought it was all dee-wishus.

Time for his winter bath. Between the peanut butter and drinking straight from the fountain, you'd think we never feed this kidlets or give them anything to drink. The baby enjoyed a bath, a drink and live action of the chickie girls out of the kitchen window.
Before dinner, he was a bit resistant to napping, so I bundled him up and we took a big walk. He fell fast asleep and I basked in his chubby cheeked dreamland, holding him close while he snoozed. He woke up smiling and happy, so he and I continued to play and Mama got to eat her New Year's dinner with the Papa and the Pappy in relative calm. That's the longest I've had a hold of that boy since he was tiny.

So, to end the year cuddling a sweet girl and begin a new year cuddling a sweet boy was a terrific end and an equally marvelous beginning.

Pete took in a movie with David on the eve of the New Year, then he and Ol' Mother Hubbard visited his sweetie on Sunday. He's visiting shut-ins and attending grief counseling and doing the best he can.

I returned to work today, while the Handy Man had one last day off. My students return tomorrow.

Happy New Year to all.

New Year's Eve Tradition

2012-01-01T16:16:00.000-08:00

Since Bean was a wee tiny fellow, five months old, we have kept him on New Year's Eve. On his third New Year we added Missy Bugg. So this is eight New Year's Eve's as grandparents. On his second, when he was 17 months old, we began the tradition of taking down the tree and moving it outdoors on New Year's Day. We made pinecone bird feeders to give our feathered friends a winter snack. I didn't think he'd think to much of it, one way or the other, but even so small, he enjoyed messing in the seed.

There wasn't much tradition to New Year's Evening as they weren't up for ringing in the New Year for several years. This year they were old enough and when I said I'd bought hats and horns and sparkling grape juice, my boy responded, " Umm, don't be offended, but I thought you were too old to stay up that late." After laughing a lot I informed him it wasn't my strong suit, but I'd taken a nap and then had a big mug of coffee, so I was prepared.

What to do? Last year I believe it was science experiments. This year, the temperature was fairly mild for December- in the forties, so I asked Handy Man about a bonfire. He thought it would be great.

Up the hill we went for hot dogs and marshmallows and a not too scary ghost story.

Bugg declared it all good when you have " a warm fire, a warm marshmallow, some warm hot chocolate and a warm girl." I couldn't argue.

Lilli asked if it was midnight yet at about 8:00. When she found we were a ways from the big event, she curled up in my lap and went sound asleep- still with her little ketchup mustache.

In case you didn't know the big news, Peter Jackson and cohorts finally have a release date for The Hobbit. I am so very excited. We started reading the book to Bean, while Miss Bugg napped.

Pappy introduced him to all thirteen of the dwarves. Bugg slept about a half hour and woke up happy.

Handy Man and I have been throwing out and cleaning. There was some old stuff to burn and the kiddos loved tossing it in the fire.

We didn't come into until about 11:00. A bit of play, then time to watch the ball drop in NYC.

Time for some bubbly and to call Mom and Dad for a Happy New Year's!!

They don't drink soft drinks, so were a little unsure of the sparkling juice and just sipped through the first moments of 2012.

By this time, ha, I was feeling my age and ready for a long winter's nap.

Back Up a Bit

2011-12-28T16:28:00.001-08:00

Angels We Have Heard on High

My friend, Gardner E., volunteers in my classroom on Thursday mornings. She does a variety of art projects with my children. What you see here is a few of the Christmas stitcheries they made for their parents.

First she teaches them basic stitches, then they can choose from an assortment of angels, each holding a different instrument. For the dress, the students decide on color and stitch type.

These projects we do are, have mercy, of the hair pulling kind I'm telling you. Most of my fourth graders have no experience with textiles/fibers, or needles.

"Mrs. E, this string got tangled."

"It is yarn dear, and it doesn't tangle itself."

"Mrs. Paris, I parked my needle like you said, but it's gone."

"Sweetie, if it was parked in your fabric, it would be there."

"Mrs. Whoever is handy (cuz you know Mr. E goes and home and leaves me with the little tailors/seamstresses) how do you make a knot in the back again?"

"Darling, remember, you don't make a knot, you pull the yarn under several stitches on the back side."

"Uh, how can I do that, there isn't enough string."

"Well, that's why we've been saying since September that you always, always leave a couple needle lengths of yarn."

It is a lovely picture though, when 24 wee heads are bowed over their canvas, so intent, working like the shoemaker's elves.

The problem, one finishes in 3 sessions, while three are still stitching at the very last minute on the day we dismiss. Praise be, 24 beautiful angels were completed and wrapped by the bell that day. Now, one or two had no additional stars adorning the background and one had no instrument (no arms either actually, but since there was no instrument to play....), but all were perfectly adorable.

This kiddo worked so hard and was determined to see it through, even though he had picked a tough instrument to create.
The fellow who created this little masterpiece was absent on the first day of instruction, due to a broken elbow. I was worried that there was no way he could manage this, but he worked and worked at it. When he made her horn, he could see that it was too big and didn't look right. He shared with me his disappointment. I told him he had the option of just having the gold be part of her dress, but I thought if just took out the outline he'd made, it would be okay. He wanted her to have an instrument, so he opted for carefully pulling out those stitches that took him so much time in the first place, bless his heart. He said he was okay if she didn't have stars, but he wanted her to have arms. I asked if he wanted help, but he wanted it to all be his own work. Kudos to such a hardworking young man. I think his angel is divine.

I wrap them around mat board, so no rough edges show. Gardner E. brings wooden stamps from a trip to India and they stamp their own wrapping paper. So, their gift in it's entirety is a work of their heart and hands. I love it.

Thanks Gardner E. -how much for hair replacement? A tad premature perhaps since knitting starts in one week. Yee Haw!!

We are Santa's Elves

2011-12-25T02:37:00.000-08:00

It's the wee hours of Christmas morning. Tah dah, we all survived Christmas Eve.

I have to say, it seemed to be a big black cloud hanging over me, and I feel a weight lifted off this morning.

Seeing as how I switched my little (well, not so little anymore with grandbaby 6 on the way) immediate family circle to the week before Christmas, I had been in the habit of spending the day at Kaye's and the afternoon and evening with my Mom on the eve of Christmas.

Mom and Auntie G-Lou weren't able to do as much food wise, so on Friday I made some yummy homemade sauce and put together a couple of huge pasta dishes, some garlic rolls and cinnamon rolls for the party yesterday.

Jake the Baker made multiple cakes and donuty goodness.

Ol' Mother Hubbard brought a poinsettia and had our favorite cookie maker prepare honorary Kaye cookies, "K's" and teapots decorated with more poinsettias - too adorable. She had an ornament made with Kaye's name and the date for us. Then Tish had each of us sisters a piece of jewelry made with five peas in a pod (one of each of the sister's birthstones being a tiniest pea), with a little disc stamped "Kaye" and our initials. So very sweet.

Mom hung in there pretty well.

Drummer Boy and his wifey and little Blue-eyed Boy looking handsome before being so silly.

Silliness does help, doesn't it?

In an interesting turn of events, I was blessed to spend Christmas Eve preparing someone's Christmas dinner after all. I always hated it that Kaye couldn't tend to her own Christmas preparing, but I loved helping them prepare and spending those Christmas Eve days with her. I will long treasure those memories in my heart.

She was so happy on this particular Christmas Eve, helping peel potatoes for their traditional supper of Honey Baked Ham and potato salad.

Well, a dear friend broke her foot on Friday, so again, I was blessed to head out to her place after Mom's party and throw her Christmas fixings together. I surely am sorry that she is laid up, and wished she wasn't, but I was glad I was available to help out. It felt so very Christmasy, with the tree lit, the music on, other friendly elves furiously wrapping her presents, eating Christmas fudge, all the good smells of Christmas, laughing, talking, tearing up, loving each other like Jesus loves us- Christmas.

Well, I best sign-off and get on the road. I'm headed to my Aunt Lois's this morning.

One last wish for a very merry Christmas to you and yours, and one last bit of elving to bring you a smile!

Weeeeeee, Presents

2011-12-23T06:30:00.000-08:00

What is it Pappy?

Look Gramerly, I love it. Pappy did a good job.

As I commented yesterday, the Bugg and Bean were here elving. Bean was busy twisting up a beautiful holly wreath with berries.

Bugg, complete with tiara and fancy jewels from Ol' Betsey, worked on a Christmas tree with red ornaments.

Ahhh, this fancy frame and artistic rendering of the first Christmas by Mr. Bean almost got "accidently" left at Gramerly's-forever. Baby Jesus, the big star and a wee lambie. Oh, squeeze my heart.

My friends and family will waste no time in telling you, usually in somewhat of a disgusted tone, that I am hard to buy for. I don't mean to be hard to buy for, it's just, well, I don't know. I wear pins, that's about it. Never will a fine jewel be on my Christmas list. Now, I'd like a cow, really. But then that would necessitate someone to take care of it, a shed to put her in, a fence. I love books, and Handy Man is ever thankful for the library as he claims there is no way he could ever keep me in books as fast as I read. I don't wear much make-up. I had a massage once and hated it. I don't watch TV. Cleaning chicken and bunny coops, along with all the glue, glitter, and paint, don't mix well with manicures. So again, I don't mean to be difficult.

Well, my girls nailed it this year. Below is a pin I received from Rae-rae and Gwen. I love it. It is as me as there ever will be in the form of jewelry.

And then Ceece found a way to give me something I so needed- knowledge of Kaye's value to me and the yearning that my Christmas would include her somehow. This little remembrance has brought me some much needed comfort.

In Kaye's eulogy, I mentioned that she was the person who took me to my first theatre experience to see The Jungle Book. It remains my favorite Disney flick.

Ceece also gave me the hard back copy of The Jungle Book with this picture inside, taken on Christmas Eve.

So, tomorrow is the day to fill with busyness. It would have been a day to spend with Kaye getting ready for her traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Pete and Ol' Mother Hubbard have rented a cabin to put a little distance and scenery change on Christmases Past. I hope it helps.

Hope your elving is nearly complete.

Ahhh, No Creatures Yet

2011-12-22T10:04:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon calm.

I fixed the Handy Man and I a big bowl of the French Onion Soup and sat in front of the tree and enjoyed it.

The best thing about the stove was having a big stove box. It was a big hit at the party with the wee folk.

We strung lights inside and left out crayons, stickers, etc.

The school calendar interfered with Bean and Bugg spending the night. So, they came last night and we've been crafting the day away. They are now making themselves into Santa and Elf. My house is a pile of glue, glitter, crayons and tissue paper- you know, Christmas.

Not a Creature was Stirring

2011-12-20T06:38:00.001-08:00

Friday evening, all day Saturday and most of Sunday was a blizzard of wrapping and cooking and decorating in preparation for my children and grandchildren's Christmas. If you recall, I moved our Christmas to the Sunday before the actual day when my youngest started her family. I'm still not really used to it. It seems weird.

I really start preparing for Christmas a least a year ahead of time. I'm ever torn by warring sentiments. How to keep a spiritual aspect to the day, how to create something magical for the gramerlings, how to please my next to impossible to please sons, how to give good gifts, not just something for the sake of having a present to unwrap, etc., etc.

Handy Man fried a turkey, which was delicious. To accompany the turkey, was the soups I mentioned yesterday, candied carrots, cheesy potatoes, green beans, homemade pumpernickel bread, pecan pie, cheesecake and piles of fudge. Gwen brought a delicious spinach salad, and Rae-rae brought vegies and dip, Ceece contributed brownies. I also made spinach/artichoke dip, brie w/apples,pears and some shrimp.

We opened gifts at 4, ate at 5, and then had dessert and opened stockings.

It is here I wished to entertain with pictures of the calm before the storm. Alas, the pictures I downloaded two days ago to IPhoto are still no where to be found when I browse to download them here. So, instead I'll show pictures of a couple of gifts we gave.

I received the sweetest gifts from my girls this year, but that will have to wait.

Do you know what these are? If you guessed salt cellars, you are correct. Ol' Mother Hubbard says I'm a salt snob and I fear it is true. I saw a picture of these on a spice website, but they were sold out. I asked Handy Man if he thought he could make them. Well, make them he did. I think they are so beautiful. Salt of the earth kind of gift-ha, so funny.

Several people on our list received his lovely handiwork, in addition to some snobby salt.

Rae-rae wished for wood blocks for baby Giddy-up. Again I dug around for an appropriate place to put the blocks, shared it with the Mister, and here it is. So lovely. Giddy-up loved it too and I'll show you when I can find my pictures. ArrrrGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH.

On an endnote, when I'm sad, Handy Man knows to get out the Lord of the Rings movies. Don't ask, I don't know why, it's just all I can think of to do. We just finished them night before last(extended versions, of course), and yesterday the trailer comes out for the Hobbit movie. I am so excited.

Christmas Kitchen Treachery

2011-12-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

Notice anything interesting here? First, the stove is off, secondly, it is on my side porch, further adding to "Welome to the Squatly's" persona of my side porch.
My stove blew-up, with my meatloaf supper inside it's bowels. "Well duh," you might way, just get it out. Oh no, it couldn't completely explode, just explode enough to scare me half to death whilst I was stirring the sauce. Just enough to do that and cause it's little stovie brain to be temporarily recircuited, believing me to have wished it to clean itself and thereby locking the oven door!

"Give me my meatloaf!" Rude.

Well, Handy Man eventually wrangled it free. Thankfully, it was already nearly done.

Why, why do my appliances insist on going out at the holidays? Why can't the oven blow-up in the dead of August when I don't want to cook anyway. Why can't the frig bid us a farewell in February, when all food can be safely stored on the back porch? Oh no. It has to be Thanksgiving or Easter, and now Christmas.

My Christmas dinner with my kids is tomorrow. Though my sad sack self wasn't too zealous at doing anything big, I was hoping for something a bit more than carry out pizza.

Such times cause people to make hasty decisions, like sending their husbands to check out stoves. He didn't just check them out, he brought one home. It only has one big burner. Umm, what is up with that? What is the purpose of all those little burners? I use one for tea or to melt butter, that's it. I'm a big burner kinda of cook. Oh, and no clock, forget a timer. Honey, we're only one step above his coal cookstove.

Yes, I suppose I'm being ungrateful, but I spend a lot of time with my stove. Oh well.

It works thankfully. I still had a batch of fudge and caramel to make last night. I wondered to Phil if I hold some sort of record for repeated years of mailing candy to a friend.

Marie was my maid -of-honor. She always came over for Christmas dinner and I always made her fudge and caramels. She has long since moved to far off New Jersey, but I send them each year just the same. Likewise, every year I get a note that quotes her oldest, "It's not Christmas until the caramels get here." So, the Christmas candy will soon be on it's way. Same recipes I've used for over thirty years. Only now I add the tiniest bit of flaked sea salt in the caramel pan. It gives such a big burst of caramel flavor.

We get our beef from a local farmer. I ask for the soup bones and cook them up for the chickie girls and pooch, as well as for soup. I have wanted to make French Onion Soup for a very long time. Well, today was the day. Wow, it takes hours to carmelize all those onions.

I'm still reducing the beef broth and then it will be all done and ready to top with a toasted baguette and cheese for our Christmas dinner tomorrow. I'll also be making cream of mushroom. Good thing I made the onion today, since, you know, only one big burner.

Advent Tea

2011-12-14T16:44:00.000-08:00

Each year in my fourth grade, I divide my students into small groups. Each group is responsible to host the other students for an Advent Tea.

When I do Guided Reading, my students rotate through centers. Since they are big intermediate kids now, I call them Learning Zones. One of their Learning Zones each day is for planning their tea. I provide china cups, tea and sugar cubes, and an Advent candle ring for the actual event.

During Learning Zones, they peruse my ton of Christmas/Advent books with a planning sheet and decide on a song, scripture, prayer, snack and a craft. Each person on the team must play a part. I start this the week before Thanksgiving. I have a big class for my school- twenty-four this year, so they were in four groups of six each. Each afternoon, Monday through Thursday this week, we've enjoyed or will enjoy, an Advent Tea.

I am so very surprised by what nine year olds come up with. The three teas we've had so far have been completely different. These finger puppets pictured above cracked me up. They had a little puppet stage complete with manger. They had a light man spotlighting (flashlight) the action. So cute. We have enjoyed King cupcakes, Cross sugar cookies and Cloud desserts. We've made a star pencil topper, a glittery ornament and toilet paper roll shepherds and angels. The Candy Cane story has been told, as well as a reenactment of Gabriel with Mary, then Joseph. A piano solo of Little Drummer Boy and lots of carols have been sung. We've even played Pin the Halo on the Angel. Precious really.

Some come armed with tablecloths, holiday paper goods, bows, etc. Others are a bit more simple, but enjoyed all the same.

I do this for several reasons.

One- I'm allowed, and I'm going to seize the opportunity to celebrate my faith together with my students.

Two- It is a great opportunity for children to serve one another.

Three- It is a great opportunity for it to dawn on children how much effort goes into something that lasts less than an hour.

Four- It is a very nice way for us to spend our afternoons during a very hectic time of year.

Five- Children gain a great deal of confidence through these activities. It is no small thing to get up in front of your peers and sing, tell stories, instruct a craft, etc.

Six- Well, I'm not sure how great this is, but I sure end up with a lot of tea drinkers where previously there were none.

These kiddos have really impressed me this year.

The final piece of the project is to write a reflection on what they enjoyed, what went well and what they learned. I always feel much was learned, especially in life skills. It is a rewarding activity.

A Change in the Air

2011-12-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

Today was our sibling dinner for Christmas. This has for years been hosted by my sister SuZQ. I've posted some piks from those fancy dinners in time's past. Her house breathes Christmas cheer and the meal is always four star. Well this year, when talk of Christmas rolled round, I confessed to her that I just didn't think I could manage it this year. One sibling wouldn't be coming to any more Christmas dinners because she can't, and one won't, well because he chooses not to do so.

It seemed a little lopsided on the heartbreak side. She wasn't willing to abandon it entirely.

She found a B&B in a town nearby and we met today for brunch. I didn't really know how it would go.

After a fabulous show by my school kids last Wednesday, I fell ill with something foul. Debilitating headache for twelve hours, followed by twelve hours of raging fever and rolling stomach and believing my bone were being pulled out. Then, just weak and goopy.

So, today I was just so very grateful to feel better, and I headed to the brunch in an okay frame of mind.

The house was lovely and the brunch was very tasty. Well, it did not compare to SuZQ's fare by any means, but was very fine.

We again lit a candle in memory of Kaye and shared funny stories and sweet ones. Usually we have a few gifts. Handy Man was busy all fall on special gifts, but I can't show you a picture, because a couple of folk have yet to receive theirs. A little bit of Christmassy goodness wrapped in pretty bags, boxes and bows was passed about.

No one was expecting gifts from Pete. We know that Pete has had all he could manage the last three years without adding doodad buying to the list. We were just glad he had the wherewithal to show, forget gifts.

When it was all said and done, he pulled out this little Walmart bag and said he had a gift for us. He reminded us that Kaye always loved coats and enjoyed having a nice pin for her coat. He then laid out all of her coat pins and invited us to choose one we'd enjoy wearing on our coat, or for my brother, to hang on his Christmas tree. Oh, so sweet. The picture above is the one I picked.

This grief thing, so strange. Such sadness over who is missing, such an increased awareness and appreciation of who is there.

Thanks SuZQ for the gift of sweet fellowship, laughs, memories and tears. Thanks too, to each of you who brought your smiles, hugs and mostly for your presence.

Just a Spoon Full of Sugar

2011-12-05T14:56:00.000-08:00

Aunt Tish blessed us with the most glittery sprinkles we've ever enjoyed at a Gingerbread House Party. Aren't they so lovely?

Though his mama made a valiant effort in trying to entice Blue Eyes into putting the candy on the house, his only interest was putting it in his mouth.
His sister, Buttercup, just wanted lots and lots of icing.

Ah, yeah, that's how it's done. This was about a four story gingerbread house by the time she finished.

Nick was too busy drinking homemade hot cocoa.

In addition to gingerbread houses you could make a candy necklace, a Christmas necklace, a nativity bracelet, or a scratch ornament.

Wow, Baby Boy is intrigued with the necklace making. This picture cracked me up. Ol' Mother Hubbard was patient though and persevered until the end when she spilled the whole thing. It was kind of funny. Well, I thought so anyway. I don't recall her finding the same humor in the spill.

Let's See, was this Twenty Five?

2011-12-03T17:13:00.000-08:00

I was trying to think this morning which Gingerbread Party this might have been. I believe it's twenty five years. Don't you think that should qualify me for some sort of prize?

It always seems hard to pull it off on the heels of Thanksgiving and when I'm up to eyeballs in the Christmas musical at school, as well, as you know, trying to teach and stuff. Add to that my lack of clear headedness during this particular season of life. Anyway, it was a fun day. In addition to all the beautiful houses, it was warm enough for outdoor play and swinging.

Baby Giddy-up wondering what kind of interesting object this might be. Okay, let's decorate the roof with the very cool snowflakes from Aunt SuZQ. That should do it. Now for a taste.

Hey, where have I been, this is dee-wish-us.

Well, we now know how to light this little guy up.

And there are a couple more cutest pictures I must share, but I seldom upload and immediately try to post without losing pictures somewhere in cyber space. One time I do it and when I browse the latest entry they pop right up, next time I'll have picture I can't access anywhere- arghhhhhhh.

It was a sugary sweet day.

Hmm, Guess it's Coming

2011-11-27T17:20:00.000-08:00

Well, it's abundantly clear, that just like every year, Christmas is going to follow Thanksgiving.

Every season Kohl's has books they sell with a stuffed animal. I really, really try not to buy the gramerlings stuffed animals. The book though, is so very beautiful. And wouldn't you know the page where the child is swinging is superimposed onto a scene where dolphins are off in the distance. Of course, with the great love of the ol' blue dolphin swing I wasn't able to resist. I wrote each child a letter in the back of their book. So on this first Sunday of Advent, I made the usual, turkey salad, and loaded potato soup and had everyone over and gave them each their winter scarf, dolphin and book. Christmas has begun at Gramerly's.

Scarves for my wee boys.

I told my big kids that I make a concerted effort to not think about what happens to gifts when they leave my hand. Maybe they are regifted, stuck in the Goodwill box, whatever. This time I asked that they save those sweet books with my letter for always please.

We had a little photo session in hopes of getting them all at least looking in the same direction for a Christmas card. What was I thinking?

Our little Gideon was a happy boy all the day long and even let Pappy and I hold him a little bit.

Hopefully, we'll see a lot of him through the holidays and he'll get more and more comfy in our arms.

Pete and Mom both seemed to have a hard day today, though I'm not sure any day is good at the moment.Bless their hearts. Please keep them in your prayers.

Happy Turkey Bird Day

2011-11-24T03:51:00.001-08:00

An old friend once told me about a sermon she heard. The pastor challenged the flock to work on acting their way into a feeling over the usual route of feeling your way into an action. That was a long time ago and I still think of it often.

If I felt my way into an action this Thanksgiving, there would be no action at all cause that's what I'm feeling.

I'm trying here to go the opposite route and act like it is Thanksgiving.

Surely it is more than that twenty pound turkey.

Though I'm sad, I am thankful.

I'm thankful my daughter and grandson came and kept me company all through the afternoon's chopping and baking. Little baby smooches are a great encouragement.

I'm thankful for a nephew who made a special trip out to visit, peel potatoes and lift the heavy stuff for me. What a terrific young man.

I'm thankful for a mama who makes my favorite cranberry relish and wants to sure it is just right.

I'm thankful for my husband and the few who understand that I'm not over it yet.

I'm thankful for the chickie girls and the delicious eggs used in various dishes.

Speaking of eggs, I'll leave with a funny note.

No matter what I fix for a meal, Bean and Bugg usually want an egg. It wouldn't surprise me if someone even orders an egg today, in spite of the turkey. Anyway last Thursday they were eating their eggs and Bugg says, " I like chicken eggs." "I don't like the eggs they give me at playplace." " They tell me they are chicken eggs, but I know they are Walmart eggs. " " I'm not eating Walmart eggs." "I only like chicken eggs."

Now I know Walmart can pull off a lot of stuff, but I didn't know they could lay eggs.

The rare hens are laying.

Her Rose

2011-11-19T05:50:00.000-08:00

We have had the most beautiful days this autumn that I can remember in a while. Still, we've had some cold and a few frosts now.

I have two old rose bushes at the side of the house. They bloom majestically in spring. I've posted pictures here before. Now and again I'll see another rose or two pop out through the summer months. But spring is their season.

Kaye loved beautiful flowers. That is another thing we shared.

Imagine my surprise, wonder, comfort and joy to find a bud on that rose bush on the day she died. A tiny bud from a dormant rose. If you look closely you can see a rose-hip behind it. All that I usually find on this bush in autumn.

Then, in full bloom on the day of her burial.

Such a sweet gift. I don't know, a little God present that says, "You are loved and I want to give you some comfort." Yes thank you, I'll take it.

2011-11-15T02:53:00.000-08:00

Well it is done. All done.

I walk a fine line between

gratefulness- no more surgeries, sticks, infections, meds, or dialysis,

sadness- she is so very gone and her huge presence in my life can do nothing but leave a gigantic hole in my daily living by it's absence, and lastly

brokeness- all of her pain, confusion, limitedness that I could do nothing about.

My heart's desire is that I will see the day when gratefulness wins, but today is not that day. I can't rest because the hurtful parts float to the surface and drown me in tears. Yet, I can't accomplish anything because I can't put two thoughts together without a painful memory interrupting me. I can't turn my work over to someone else because I've never learned how. I feel useless and drifting in this grief sea.

Ol' Mother Hubbard did an amazing making the situation all it could be.

Our pastor friends, all three of them, who came to the hospital, funeral home, led, spoke, prayed, could have done not a thing more to show their love and support of our family.

A pastor friend who sang her most favorite songs would have brought a huge smile to her face.

She loved flowers and they were so very beautiful.

The many friends who worked for days to organize and keep this big group fed were amazing.

The special ones who hung around the whole entire time, just to show support-such love.

A fountain coke on the morning of, a special CD for the long drive to the cemetery, copies of pictures of our family in happier times to pass around, a warm dinner and pretty flowers delivered to my house. Even cooking seems more than I can manage.

Little curly tops who fold into their Gramerly with a squeeze comforts like nothing I know.

A sibling who expects and embraces an hysterical moment.

Kind words when you've tried so hard to impress your love of her and value through a eulogy.

A classroom of fourth graders, their parents and a school community who rallies round and sends love swirling in a sea of hugs, notes, gift cards, visits, plants and work.

The friends who knew her value to me and acknowledged it in a visit, or card or phone call.

Cousins who came from near and far.

For the rain holding off.

For the hairdresser/family/friend who knows the importance to me of February hair on this day.

For my handy man, who quietly in strength, stands by my side and rides these waves of grief like it is his job.

The Word, where I find comfort.

Each and everything precious and treasured in my broken heart.

And so, perhaps another last, a post, wearing the label "Kaye." So sad.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-12T04:24:00.000-08:00

Mine eyes have seen the Glory.......

I've seen the mercy of the Lord as my little fourth graders carried out a very touching, sweet service project yesterday.

The timing of Kaye's homegoing left me a bit panicked, after the event itself had panicked me enough. Each year since I've been where I am now ( 7 years), I've done a big service project for our veterans with my fourth grade.

All the students in the building pre-school through 6th write a thankful essay to a veteran and one from each grade is chosen to read their essay at our Veteran's Day Breakfast. My students, with help from the music teacher, learn patriotic songs, and I teach them to sign. Then the afternoon before, my kids make egg casseroles and fruit salad. I add cinnamon rolls and biscuits, sausage and gravy. My students decorate the gym, serve the veterans, sit with them to enjoy the bountiful breakfast and listen to whatever stories they might tell. We then call in the other students and present the program.

My students sing a part of each branch's song as each group of veterans march in. Then our scouts present the Colors, a student leads prayers. Each year we change up the songs. They did Battle Hymn of the Republic first, essays, a sweet reading about how awful it is to watch someone leave and how wonderful when a soldier walks back into your arms, followed by a student on snare, then recorders with piano, followed by voices to When Johnny Comes Marching Home (with our little three and four year olds punching the air and yelling Who-wa, Who-wa), a couple more essays and the kids finish up with In God We Still Trust, retire the Colors, the vets march out to the cadence. Students are then free to visit the veterans and see the memorabilia brought in and talk to them about their military career.

I am not exactly sure why I started this. Having a son in the military and wanting to make people aware surely brought it center stage in my mind. Also, my children come to me nearly illiterate historically and geographically speaking, and I want so much for them then cramming boring facts down their throat, so I try to tie our learning to something very real. Our whole focus the last weeks of October and first of November is about our government, elections and military. This is way to put a face to the fact. Also, anytime I can pull them into to hands-on service, I do. The first year I did this it was challenging to get them write a decent essay to a veteran, as they had such little background knowledge. My kids this year have now been through this program over and over again through the years and when you ask them to write their essays, it is like racehorses at the gate just prancing to be turned out. For the program, they cook, serve, sing, sign and read with such enthusiasm. It is a blessing to see.

Even more are the men and women veterans and their response-precious.

If things had taken the accustomed route, Kaye's services would have been on Thursday or Friday. I really don't know what I would have done. After 7 years, I'm on auto-pilot with this program, but no other teacher can sign, or is much accustomed to cooking for big groups. I would have felt awful to have left my students. Well, it turns out I didn't have to. Ol' Henry's birthday is on Veteran's Day and Old Mother Hubbard didn't want his Granny's funeral to be on this birthday. So I was able to practice with my class and oversee the food preparations on Thursday and carry on through Friday's program with the help of a few great moms and teachers.

I shared with the kids that it would be a very emotional program for me. Not only was I so, so sad about my sister, but my son would be there. I assured them that I was fine and not to worry if I got really teary. Thank God, it wasn't nearly as hard as I feared. When 1st Lt. started the Army branch out, I nearly lost it and just had to look away while he marched in, then I was able to continue.

When these grown men come to me in tears and share their joy at having been so honored, I am grateful I persevered. It is a worthy cause indeed.

Reflecting

2011-11-08T16:51:00.000-08:00

Kaye was admitted to the hospital last week with an infection at the last surgical site on her right foot. That required a surgery and IV antibiotics. All sites above the waist were no longer functioning for such purpose, so a line was placed in her groin. In addition to being uncomfortable, she was not able to get up, even to sit in a chair. Now, the left foot was presenting problems, so an intervention (angioplasty to increase blood flow to the foot, another surgery) was scheduled for Friday at noon. The doc was called away on an emergency, so changed it to Monday. I went on Saturday to take her lunch and spend the afternoon. We had a good visit. As usual, she wanted to know what I'd been doing, then went through Handy Man and each kid, their spouse and their kids, and I filled her in on everyone. It was bittersweet to me. I had felt very, well I don't know, but just sensed our time was short. Usually, in her presence I try to be very upbeat about her recovery. On Saturday, I cried and told her how it broke my heart each time something hurt her and how very sad I was that we couldn't make her better. She just sadly nodded and told me she loved me. I can only say that it seemed to me the light had gone out of her eyes.

She went to surgery Monday afternoon and after surgery, things went south. Pete got to go back with her for a bit between surgeries, and she told him she was dying and to call the children. Apparently, in surgery, something was nicked and she was bleeding internally. I was there for the second surgery. The surgeon's report sounded vague- the bleeding had stopped, they do this all the time, they don't what went wrong, they couldn't find the source of the bleeding, he thought he'd stabilized her, maybe. Then the Rocky Horror Picture Show when they came out and told us they had put her on a respirator. Hmmm, that was not one of my finer moments. As best I can recall, that was about 11 something. She died at 3:30.

I would not bring her back here to face thirty seconds more of what her life had become, but I will miss her so. She was precious to me.

Elinda Kaye Howard

Newcomers Funeral Home Grantline Rd

Sunday 2-8

First Assembly of God Church

9-11 Funeral at 11 Burial in Brandenburg KY

Thank you for the many thoughts and prayers for our family

Fly Away Home Princess Sweetie

2011-11-08T03:43:00.000-08:00

Ever so slowly the shade's been drawn,
Removing the dusk, revealing the dawn,
Of a day without pain, heartache or fears,
Though on our side, sorrow and tears.

But who would withhold the splendor and grace,
Forever with Jesus, face to face,
Leaving behind that which is worn,
Into perfection, your new life is born.

So fly away home precious sister of mine,
Pete's Princess Sweetie, now is the time,
To say, "Goodbye" to the person we've known,
But your love will live on in the seeds you have sown.

The children you've loved, the gifts you've given,
Will grow and spread on this side of heaven,
A legacy of caring, a garden display,
Leaving a mark that is uniquely Kaye,

You've slipped out of our grasp, but in our hearts you are near,
We will never forget, you'll always be here,
We remember your smile and your tender touch,
Wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend,
We love you so much.

Rest now in Jesus.

Cutest Kids

2011-11-05T07:10:00.001-07:00

Kinda late, but had some recent appearances of rather famous folk in my life.

Old McDonald had a tractor.

Rapunzel, let down your golden hair.

Now Pirate Smudgy might not be famous to you, but he's quite famous around these ports of call.

And of course Miss Cinderella who was rockin' it.

Captain Cody dropped in off his fighter starship.

And beautiful Belle visited our little town full of little people.

Bunny Drama

2011-11-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

There's a bunny mystery afoot. Because I have the largest class at our little school, and due to my rather bohemian style of teaching, I use two classrooms. Most of the day is spent in one room, while art activities, etc. go on in the other room. The bunnies spend Monday through Thursday in that room. They have a cage big enough to hop around a bit and stretch out when they're tired. There is also one of those yard pens that surround the cage. In the mornings, the students on bunny patrol feed the boys and let them out into the pen where they can hop about, up and down, in and out of their cage and a shoebox. On top of the cage sits the small blue carrier that I use to transport them to and from school. Are you still with me?

Okay, good.

Anyway, I do literacy groups all afternoon with fourth and fifth grade and they rotate through learning zones in and out of that room. After school, one of my kids asked me why Merry was in the carrier. Well, I assumed someone bumped the cage, knocking the carrier in the pen and Merry was hopping in and out of it. Imagine my dismay, and fury when I went in to return to them to their cage for the evening to find Merry zipped in that carrier, sitting on top of the cage. Someone took him out of the pen, put him in the carrier and sat him on top with no food or water. The last time I was in the room was at 8:50 when the students let them out and fed them, so it happened after that and before 12:50 when my instructional assistant was with my kids in the room. It was so one of those weird twilight zone feelings. Who was in the room? Who took it upon themselves to chase, grab, enclose the bunny and leave him on the cage like that? Did the guilty party think that was funny? They either knew how to handle a bunny, or they are likely very scratched up as Merry does not take to being picked up. Ahhhhh! It makes me so mad!

Well, speaking of bunnies, the last leg of their tour took me to Miss Antebellie and Miss Linee's preschool. I decided to use Knuffle Bunny in their class as well. The activities I used with Bean's class would have been too challenging for three and four year olds. So, since the story revolves around Trixie's bunny being accidentally put in the washer, I made an activity to allow them to retell the story.

A washing machine.

Next, each child chose a wardrobe and a bunny to color.

Then they put their clothes in the washer to hide the bunny. Of course, like Trixie, they found and saved the bunny.

A little pocket on the back to keep clothes and bunny in when not telling the story.

They were sweet and enjoyed the story, patting the bunny and having a cookie. It was a busy day and both the bunny boys and I needed a nap when we were done.

Kaye is having some drama of her own. She is back in the hospital as the last surgery is not healing and she is in a lot of pain with both legs. They went back in last night (uh, at 11pm) to clean it up, then followed immediately with dialysis, after which she had a seizure (that would have been about 4:30 am). So she and Aunt SuZQ had an eventful night. She now has to have a roto-rooter surgery on the left leg. Friends, it's awful and that's all. Keep praying.

Bunny Boy Tour Part 2

2011-10-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

Next stop on the tour was Bean's 2nd grade room. That picture of Bugg with the golden shoes was the only "at school" picture I got the whole day. I snapped that one and the battery informed me it was finished-arrgghhh, so frustrating. Oh well.

I chose Knuffle Bunny to read to Bean's class as it was mighty cute and fairly short, and a book I felt all the kidlets could connect with. I read that story, then we broke into three groups. One group visited with me and the bunny boys and I used the bunnies to discuss and write similes. I made books for another group. Bean and I had created a box of pom-pom bunnies to inspire their story. Each student chose a bunny and book to create his/her own story. I made a story about Pippin's Big Adventure in Room D22 to give them additional support.

Thankfully, the glue dried clear, so they were quite cute when I packed them up. Missy Bugg's class also got a tiny bunny.

The third group worked with still another book about a responsible bunny who planted carrot seeds and waited patiently for the carrots. I had four copies and marked each with the reading parts along with props to act out the book. The students rotated through the groups every twenty minutes.

Lastly, a treat.

I sent my cookie lady a picture of the boys.

And picked up these cookies, which I left with Bean's class for an afternoon snack. I left them with Bugg's class as well, of course.

On the way out, I stopped to say, "Hello" to a favorite kindergarten teacher and she let her little ones pat the bunnies too.

So before noon, we'd visited about sixty students, with one more group to go.

Hopping Down the Bunny Trail Part One

2011-10-26T15:38:00.000-07:00

So, back to the Fall Break Bunny Tour. Several weeks ago I realized I did not have any bunny books. Now any normal person would just go and talk about the bunnies and let the kids pet them, but oh no, I have to make it complicated. It is one of best skills.

So, I read 7,000 bunny book reviews and decided on five. They arrive and I read all of them to Miss Bugg and let her pick which one I'll share with the class. She picks the very longest book, The Country Bunny and the Gold Shoes. I believe her choice was due to the gold shoes. That girl likes some bling.

It might surprise you to know that pre-first grade children are not my strong suit. I love those wee folk that belong to me and can, for a sustained amount of time, exercise great patience. However, when they aren't mine, well, different story.

So I wonder, " How I can make this story interesting to a pack of wiggling puppies, uh, I mean children." In the book, the little bunny assigns jobs to all of her twenty-one (have mercy) children. So I brought props so the little pup, er people could act out the parts. Still, never to be one to leave well enough alone, I sprayed some tiniest outgrown shoes with gold paint.

When I arrived at school, with all my loot, Bugg immediately snatched up the gold shoes to oooh and ahhh. She asked if those shoes had been hers. Later, she told the class that those shoes had belonged to her and her brother.

So, we set the wee folk down. I passed out props and they did a fabulous job listening and acting out their parts.

When I got home, I put the props in a basket with the book, so Miss Bugg can't act out the story again and again.

The children enjoyed petting Pippin and Merry and were gentle. Throughout the tour, kiddos were disappointed that they couldn't hold the bunny boys. That led to lesson about how bunnies are prey animals and being picked up is very frightening to them. I shared that I felt a responsibility to treat them kindly. After that, they were satisfied with just petting them. They are so very soft.

Three more classrooms to go.

Little Boy Blue

2011-10-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

A full fall break was capped off with the dedication service of our youngest grandboy Gideon, all decked out in his miracle suit.

Gardner E. bought Gideon an adorable woodland crib set and someone bought the matching stuffed owl. Rae-rae has taken his picture with it every month since birth. I believe his name is GlenFeather, but I'm not sure about that. Anyway, when I found this wee outfit with owls smocked on the front, I knew that was the one for baby Gideon. So I promptly ordered it from Zulilly over four weeks ago, and it not so promptly failed to arrive.

I was very upset. Finally, on Wednesday I received a notice of shipment and a tracking number. Each day I kept looking, hoping and praying, but there was no information on Thursday, or Friday. Finally, Saturday morning it said it had arrived in Ohio, UPS on Friday, and delivery was scheduled for the today, October 24. I know it's a dumb thing and just an outfit, but I was ticked. Anyway, I went to six different stores trying to find something equally as adorable and came home empty handed Saturday afternoon to the find the package on the table, delivered by the US mail. I don't know how it happened, only that it was my little miracle and I said, "Thank you Lord!" I must say, Gideon looked like a little doll baby.

Guess I Shouldn't be Surprised

2011-10-23T08:39:00.001-07:00

I've had a couple of days off for fall break and, of course, I packed it full. Lots of things I want to share about a fun day sharing the bunny boys with gramerling's classmates, but that sharing will have to wait as my mind is on other things.

I had a house full for Gramerling night on Thursday, so Bean didn't get his swing time until after supper. It was cold and dark by then, but he needed a swing and story. Like I said, I shouldn't be surprised, but he just doesn't fit in that old dolphin swing anymore. Not to be deterred, he sat on the back with his feet in the seat and ordered up a story with two of his friends, Luke Skywalker and a bunny. I was happy to oblige.

This seemed particularly poignant in light of other news received a few hours before. 1st Lt.'s unit received their deployment papers to Afghanistan. It's been eight years since he enlisted and for most of those years I've made it a point to pray everyday for the Good Lord to keep him out of this war. As I've shared before, I've always considered those particularly selfish prayers, as I cannot fathom a mother anywhere who would gladly send off a child to the war.

I made myself feel better by saying it was for a different reason. You see, no one knew Bean was coming when 1st. Lt. enlisted. 1st Lt. was in boot camp when Bean was born. Ceece managed well through the remainder of the pregnancy and labor and delivery without him being here. Then Bean contracted that awful bacterial infection, and well it was a very long three weeks for everybody. 1st Lt. only got bits of information piecemeal. Finally he came home and though he wasn't available for any of the bonding you always read about, that baby boy fell as in love with 1st Lt. as 1st Lt. did with him. Seeing them together is what prompted those prayers. Thinking of Bean growing up not knowing his dad was about more than I could think about and still breathe, so I'd ask, again and again, "Please keep him out of this war." Then came Missy Bugg, with her own bit of trauma, being born early and needing some NICU time on a respirator. This time, he was here and all Daddy Bearcat. I only think I held her once before she came home from the hospital. Ahh, keep praying. Over and over, the powers that be would switch him to a new unit and the one he left behind would be deployed (big sigh). I suppose with talk of bringing our men and women home and less of those leaving for foreign shores, I've become a bit complacent, thinking that soon, there'd be no more troops deployed.

Guess I shouldn't be surprised, because unlike his previous yearly two weeks training, his last training was different and very specific. I was surprised however. I can honestly say the very first thought that floated to the surface was my gratefulness for the gift of his presence to his children during their formative years. Of course my next thoughts were different- edgy, sad, fearful. Though the gratefulness was there, it won't keep me from hoping and praying that a last minute switch of commands will again leave him here with his family when that unit leaves.

Till then I will try to remember who is in control and rest in that. It isn't my strong suit.

Time for a Spot of Tea

2011-10-15T05:22:00.000-07:00

Even though I fed Bean and Bugg well after our big trek at the Falls-sausage, eggs, biscuits, gravy and tomatoes, they still felt a tea was in order to finish off the afternoon. So, all accoutrements must be assembled.

There is tea of course. Bean has been drinking this tea since he was wee, which is a blend of de-caf and Constant Comment Green Tea. I add locally harvested honey when it isn't tea time.

Tea time, however calls for sugar cubes.

It is no proper tea in their mind unless it includes triangle cheese.

And with the triangle cheese, Cheez-its! I suppose we should call it a Cheesy Tea.

Aghhhh, all twenty four conferences done and a weekend that appears to be perfect with few social obligations. Off to the fiber fair for me.

Hope your weekend is lovely.

What a Fall!

2011-10-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, finally a full blown fall-fabulous! Last year it was 95 degrees until it was winter, and what a winter. This year we've been blessed with a chilly evening, followed by glorious blue sky and warm sunshine day, over and over again. I am loving it! Thank you Lord for a beautiful autumn.

Last year, about this time, I sprung Bean out of school and took him and Missy Bugg to the Falls of the Ohio. It turned out that we had them for a long period of time on this past Saturday, so we headed back there.

I love that they both remember so much of what we did and talked about that day. It was surprising and somehow comforting that they could recall little places we stopped and discussed from the last trip, like a little fort and a fairy house. Bugg said it would be a beautiful place for a wedding with the yellow leaves all strewn about. We crossed a little dry gully and Pappy warned them that a dragon lived under there. Bean decided to throw a rock in just to be sure and planned to scramble down, when no dragon was forthcoming. Pappy told him it was a smart dragon that knew the difference between a boy and a rock. Neither kiddo decided to risk venturing in. Such times are so sweet to me, because I know they won't carry that vivid imagination much longer.

When we got to fossil beds, Bugg was wishing for a dolly, so we made one.

This is Princess Splendiferous in her lovely seeded ball gown.

Since she had a plaything, Pappy picked up a piece of driftwood and made a little something for Bean.

I think I must name him the Repooperless bird. Bean and I were having a discussion about school and he told me a recent experience was repooperless. I asked him if he meant superfluous. The boy has an extensive vocabulary, but still. "No," said he, "I mean repooperless." "Hmm," says I, "I don't believe I know what that means." "It means stupid." Ahhh, I should've figured that one out based on the discussion we were having. Anyway, repooperless sounds a lot better than stupid.

Lovely weather, fun conversation, precious people and enjoyable exercise- delightful.

Wash Those Hands

2011-10-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

When I picked Miss Bugg up from daycare on Thursday I told her baby Gideon would be visiting as well. She replied, " I still have chicken pox, but I'm no longer contagious, you think I can touch him." I responded, " Oh, of course you can, but let's wash our hands first." She agreed with this comment, " Yeah, I am still a nose picker." No better entertainment anywhere.

They want so badly to hold him, however he isn't about to be held by any of us. Rae-rae tries really hard to still involve them, so she asked Bugg to help her feed him some yummy avocado (um, after some vigorous hand washing).

Evening Update

2011-10-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

It's after eight. Kaye got out of surgery at 7 pm. The doc said it was obvious there was poor oxygen flow to the toe, however they just took the toe. Pete was sicker than a dog all day and it broke my heart to leave them. I didn't know he was sick. I was just there last night and he didn't mention feeling bad. It's hard to just not show up at school without warning and expect someone to take over without notes or anything, but I would have liked to stay and let him go home. They had put a local in her foot, so I told him as soon as she was settled they both needed to try and get a nap before it wore off.

Of course, it was necessary to do the oxygen monitor dance, like we've done now for two and a half years.

Um, the monitor isn't reading for some reason.

Umm, it never does, she has a disease that doesn't allow for great circulation in her finger, move it.

Arggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Thanks for the prayers and good thoughts.

Is it a Scam?

2011-10-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been introduced to two miracle cures. It is so interesting to me that I would come across information on both of these products around the same time. One is called ASEA and the other MMS. Both have loyal followers who claim amazing results from the use of these products. Both have detractors that accuse ASEA of being simply salt water and MMS bleach. Hmm.

I know there are greedy folk out there who will do absolutely anything to make a buck, including preying on desperate people. Still, if I were in pain, or given a horrible diagnosis, I'd try it.

It's interesting to me, cause when chemo fails, no one says the treatment was a scam. Same for fertility drugs. Tylenol doesn't usually do much for my headaches so is Tylenol a scam? I use Crest faithfully, in addition to mouthwash, but the cavities keep on coming. Is toothpaste a scam? Another friend completely believes in the benefits of Juice Plus products, while information can be found negating the company's claims.

I read somewhere about the accidental discovery of xylitol, first used for sugarless gum, having other properties and now being used as a wash for the sinuses, as it doesn't let those wee nasty things we breathe in set up camp and colonize. Yee haw. I live in an environment where bigger wee folk are bringing me every manner of germ to inhale on a daily basis. I use that xylitol spray morning and evening, and it has cut my sinus infections, colds, flu, etc by more than half. I think I've only had something like that twice in two years and both cases were mild. I tell people. They don't use it.

I think we are complicated. Clearly, a miracle for one, isn't for another.

Is it possible that these miracle cures do the the trick for some, and not for others? Could it have anything to do with the way it's used, or the consistency of use?

I will say, I don't know. I do know some people I trust say it works, and I believe they are telling me the truth.

What say you?

Speaking of miracles, Kaye heads back to surgery tomorrow and Pete's hoping for just the toe to go, as opposed to a good portion of the foot. She could use a miracle and your prayers are always appreciated.

And the Birthdays Go On and On

2011-10-02T13:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday was my baby brother's birthday. Friday was his granddaughter's, Saturday was Mom's and Gardener E's, so back to more celebrating. Woo hoo! Tim sometimes joins us for Thursday Gramerly Day with Sophia. Since this Thursday past was one of those, I told him I would fix a yummy dinner. Miss Sophie had ordered a cake with a purple star. No, a blue star. No, purple. Grandfather brought a cake with a purple and blue star. Of course he did.

He and I were visiting while she was entertaining herself with one of Bugg's Disney dolls, Belle.

Soon I heard the whole song Belle sings on her morning visit to the village, all the words, perfect pitch- so cute, drifting up from underneath the kitchen table where we were visiting and she had chosen to play. Mom and Auntie G-lou were able to join us in celebration.

On Saturday, I fixed dinner for my friend Gardener E. She is a knitter too and I found this yarn bowl at a potter's booth. I loved it and thought she might as well. I always think in blues for her gifts.

With the last bits of summer, I made my favorite salad for both birthday celebrations.

Here, at last, is how it goes. You toss room temperature fresh tomatoes and cucumbers with some sea salt flakes. Add rice vinegar and olive oil. For this amount of vegies I would use about 4 tablespoons of oil and 2 tbsp of vinegar. Then I pick and rinse a handful of basil. I roll it up together, slice it thin and stir it in with lots of fresh ground pepper.

Next I take some chunky bread. I love sour dough or the multigrain french ever available at the Kroger store. I put my homemade garlic spread on it. What is that? Well, whenever I bake something, I throw a head of garlic in the oven and bake until it's soft. Next I peel and squish some of the garlic and mix it with 3 parts butter to one part olive oil in a glass jar. It is in the frig for whatever need I have of garlic butter. Anyway, I toast the bread on 400 degrees until it is brown.

Cut it up in a bowl, pour the vegies on top and eat it while the bread is still warm. Uh, then we eat some more when the bread isn't warm, and typically don't stop until the bread is all gone. Bean and Bugg love this too.

Now it seemed Ms. E liked her yarn bowl, but this, this was her favorite treat of the evening- fried green tomatoes. I don't know why, but fall green tomatoes have more body, or texture, or something than early summer ones. These were green tomato heaven.

We actually had a main dish, though we probably wouldn't have missed it if we hadn't. This is another dish I love- Gorgonzola Crusted Chicken. There were lots of leftovers, so I'm already looking forward to lunch tomorrow.

A very happy birthday to Tim, Sophia, Mom and Gardner E.

I'm ready for a birthday rest.

Party, Party, Party

2011-09-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a wild week. In addition to my anniversary, two little dollies celebrated their birthday and another friend turned the big 40. We've had parties nearly everyday.

In so many ways she seems five, but this picture captures a little of that Bugg babyness that I feel the need to hold onto a big longer. She's all about princesses, school and her big brother. She loves to do all sorts of crafts. Recently we were upstairs in the Nipping Room, doing those annoying little plastic cards that you put teeny tiny plastic beads on, which can never be successfully toted to the ironing board without spilling some and having to delicately replace them, yeah those. Anyway Bean was telling me that they have those at daycare and once he designed a particularly interesting pattern on his. Bugg piped up, "Yeah, he really did. It was inspiring! " Ahh, inspiring the four years olds at the ripe ol' age of seven. I love that. She is all sassy and sweet and I could just smooch off those cheeks.

And Missy Buttercup is all of three now. You could lose yourself in those baby blues. She might love princesses today, but be all about spiderman tomorrow. She still loves to eat popsicles, swing on the dolphin swing, and pick the eggs. She's a great big sister, and is going to have lots of experience with that as she's expecting another sibling in the spring. I love to give her a squeeze.

I finally finished making and ordering Bean's book of our summer Day with the Dolphins and took it to him tonight. It was so sweet. I thought he was going to cry.

For lots of reasons, that trip was not the easiest thing I've ever done in the realm of grandparenting, but the memories are certainly precious to me.

Hope you did something fun this weekend.

Prayer of Thankfulness

2011-09-22T03:46:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Lord,

Today is my anniversary. Wow, thirty-two years. How could someone as young as me be married that long? Anyway, I'm feeling so grateful and blessed.

Handy Man and I both knew and understood commitments. When I got married, I believed I would be married a long time. Both sets of parents modeled that kind of commitment for us and for that I am grateful.

The surprise is how happy I am about it. Who knew you could still be so content in a love that began at sixteen? I had no idea that I would still find such joy in this place called marriage. It is a bit miraculous still to me after all these years. As you know, we are so opposite in so very many ways that it is laughable. But in lots more ways I'm grateful for the inverse nature of our ways.

Just recently I saw something made from a piece or two of wood that I loved. Now, I could not produce a respectable child's building block from a chunk of wood, much less something beautiful and functional. But Lord, you put such art in those hands of his. After my request, he disappeared into his workshop and returned first with a pattern, then with the product, beautiful and functional and just what I wanted. Amazing.

I loathe errand running. In my mind, all jobs must be lined up in an order that makes sense to me, and if you have to stop to do some little something else, I'm all snorty and dismayed. Not this guy, he'll go to the store for me three times. He much prefers to avoid snorty and dismayed. I love that.

Though I desire to do big physical jobs, I have always been lousy at it, as I have pitiful arm strength. The mulch, pots, hoses, kid's yard toys, boxes for showers, teas, celebrations that poor man has drug around is impressive. To me, he is Hercules.

I'm the cook usually, and any day he would choose my meals over his, but it doesn't keep him from trying to get a meal on the table when I'm still chained to my classroom desk at six o'clock. He's right, it isn't as tasty as mine, but you know what, when it's six o'clock and I've just gotten home for an eleven hour day, I think it's dee-wish-us.

Somehow, Handy Man doesn't feel the need for church that runs deep in my veins. Still, there he is every Sunday, right beside me. Does that make you smile too?

He wasn't much of a kid person either, whereas my life has been my children, their children and lots and lots of other children. Again, he if faithful with hugs and kisses and a snuggle with any little one who like his attention.

Soft drinks have never been on his list of good things to drink. Me, there is nothing much better than a fountain Diet Coke. How many times does one seem to appear out of nowhere. And, if it is really a no good, terrible very bad day, it is a Big Red ( the one much better)!

You've grown a sixth sense in him Lord and it's precious. He often knows when to close his book because I could use a snuggle, when we need to call out for pizza, when a bubble bath is in order, when one more errand needs done.

When my feelings are hurt, I love how he threatens to bust their chops! Probably you aren't so crazy about that, but I like it I'm afraid.

Lord, I could keep going ( what, you say you aren't surprised). So, I guess I want to close by saying the best part. The best part is, at then end of the day, a great one or a wearisome one, there is no place I would rather be than in his arms. What a great gift to fall asleep each night wrapped in such warm love.

I didn't deserve such a gift as Handy Man. I wish everyone had such a gift.

Thank you!

Happy Anniversary to my Handy Man I love you!

Birthday Fun

2011-09-18T15:33:00.001-07:00

We had a full house for some birthday fun last Thursday on my big day. Handy Man grilled brats and the girls brought some tasty sides, including lemon raspberry cupcakes. Dee-wish-us!

I got lots of presents throughout the day. Great books, CD's, yummy tea, good smells, much needed muffin tins, some new clothes, and a few little homemade items like the card, book and bookmark you see here. Buttercup and BJ made the bookmark and Ceece, Bean and Bugg made the book.

This page from Bean cracked me up. He loves me because I let him bring live and dead animals in the house-ha.

Isn't this a good rendition of me? Bugg loves when I swing her.

This was from Ceece and the back said, "I love your never ending energy and devotion to playing with and entertaining kiddos." 14 little handmade pages that carry far greater weight than words can tell.

I was surprised by a visit from my baby brother and his little grandgirl. She has not been here much, but you would never know it. She just jumped right in the fray and had a big-o time.

She was clearly intimidated by the animals here on the farm.

Then Miss Tish and Ol' Mother Hubbard (with some very beautifully spangled homemade cards from her wee folk) made an appearance, so it was a party.

Happy Birthday, Gramerly!!!

2011-09-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Gramerly's birthday!

Be sure to leave your well wishes below!

What Teachers Want to Tell Parents Thanks CNN

2011-09-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.cnn.com/2011/09/06/living/teachers-want-to-tell-parents/index.html

Did you catch this article on CNN. I think it is an awesome article. Ms. Glitzy said as much on her FB page and I responded with:

Might I add that when a parent comes in with both ears and eyes open, showing kindness and respect for the hard work teacher's do and asks how they can help, they usually have a teacher doing backflips to support their child.I have been so blessed to know and work with so many of those kinds of parents (perhaps that's what is wrong with my back).

I had a child that needed that support. Personally, I never thought sending curt notes, challenging every concern of the teacher, talking trash about the teacher to my child, and expecting the teacher to think for my child was the best tactic for putting my child on their good side. And lastly, I find it a little ridiculous to think a teacher would never feel frustrated with my child, when she/he had him for more waking hours than me and I got frustrated.

Actually, that isn't my last thought, but hey, I'm not writing an article. Hmmmm.........

I love teaching children who love to learn. Give me a child that is interested in learning and the year will be magical. Give me a child who isn't and the year will be long and challenging for both of us.

If a child comes to me two years behind let's say. If I do everything I know to do and somehow accomplish what no teacher before me has and bring them along a year's worth in a year's time, where will they be? That's right-still two years behind. And there is no way that any parent I have ever known is excited and thrilled to know that I haven't preformed a miracle.

Our state law requires that I teach fourth grade standards, no matter where the child is academically. For instance, today I was teaching variables in math, that would be algebra. Any child development book will make it clear that children the age I teach still think concretely. Numbers are not letters and letters cannot have a numerical value. There is nothing at all wrong with those students, they are just not developmentally there. Still, I have to teach it and when they don't master it, then something is wrong with me. I reviewed exponents with one kiddo I remember every two weeks for the entire year and 3 with an exponent of 2 was 6, not 3x3.

Well, as I said above, I could go on and on. I was happy to see CNN report on a situation that is so very true.

Also it's on my mind, cause now and again, you get one of those parents that you can't please no matter what you do. Then they enjoy telling anyone who will listen exactly how they feel about my lack of miracle working abilities. It's hurtful and it's untrue, the things she says, but what can you do? This person is also a teacher by the way.

Well, for the ones who are there to learn and grow, that we do. We are studying Asia and they are currently making a panda pillow. Today we ate rice with chopsticks. They are comparing rice, wheat and corn. Tomorrow it's wheat bread and Wednesday it will be popcorn. They are growing the above mentioned grains and recording the growth in their science journals. Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is all about the horrors of war, peace and remembering- what all of us were doing over the weekend, though 50 years removed from Sadako's experience. I'm good at what I do. I connect it up, make it meaningful, teach life skills and have some fun. I'm so sorry that there are some miserable ol' people in this world who make it their mission to make others miserable too.

One Happy Handy Man

2011-09-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

This morning we headed out to the Farmer's Market and loaded up eggplant, corn, apples, tomatoes, cucumbers and butternut squash. I'm still getting tomatoes, but not enough to

satisfy two little tomato monsters of mine. Bean and Bugg will eat two or three at each meal.

I also picked up a loaf of sourdough bread to make my tomato/cucumber/basil bread salad that I'm not ready to say good-bye to just yet. That is about my favorite summertime treat. I won't be sad to enjoy another BLT or two either.

Then we were off to a little small town festival down the road a piece. A guy Handy Man works with came by this week to pick up a couple of big trees we lost in past ice storms. This fellow's brother has several antique steam engines. They go to these shows and demonstrate how the steam engines powered saws and threshers. So we went today to stroll around and then bring home a truckload of Handy Man's trees fresh from the sawmill.

I love that future toys and furniture for our kids and grands will come from trees right off their Gramerly and Pap's place. I believe I saw him salivate when he saw that pile of wood. He came straight and home and took proper of care of it and it is all put away to season. It makes me happy to see him so happy. He figured he would've had to pay about $1500 for that much lumber. Quite a prize for a woodworker. I can't wait to see what it will become.

Just Putzin' Around

2011-09-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Today I've declared a day of rest for myself. Well, mostly anyway. The heat index is supposed to be over 105 in our area today. I went out early to gather some basil, peppermint and fresh grass for the bunnies to entertain themselves with. Took semi frozen snacks to the chickens and put a frozen milk container of ice in their water bowl. It's been a wild ride this beginning of school. I decided not to add to the heat of the day with laundry and cooking, but just to putz around.

I'm not really good at it. I brought home a huge sack of books to read from our school book fair. If there are a couple of good ones, I can pull them and the librarian will get me book sets to use for reading groups. Well it's about three in the afternoon, and besides tending the beasts, I've read and napped. I'm kind of over it already. I feel like I needed it. Sort of some quiet reflection, and not running about like a chicken with head cut off as I've done for weeks on end it seems.

The temperature is supposed to drop into the 60's and 70's starting Monday-weird, but I'll happily take it over the temps today.

Thursday the kiddos came over and Bean and Pappy chopped corn to make a fine indian house.

I was excited to give baby Gideon his very own Sophie. Secretly I hoped to tempt him away from Mama with it. No deal.

Bean wanted to hold him while he was watching Davy Crockett for the 200th time, but Gideon, even in his coon skin cap, was not interested in Davy.

The fact that he cried mattered not to Missy Bugg she wanted her chance at holding him.

Well, there's more than one way to skin a cat.

Mostly he only cries when he's out of Mama's arms. Otherwise he is a happy, chortling, drooling boy.

I'm a tiniest bit sad, as I surely looked forward to lots of time in a rocking chair with him. I suppose I'm a little bit surprised as well. We'll keep working on him and loving him just the same.

3 Weeks In

2011-08-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

I made a commitment to working hard to have one bean, one egg and one seafood meal each week. I didn't necessarily think it had to be in a row, it just worked out that way this week. So far, we're doing good. Sunday was a mushroom and swiss frittata, Monday baked fish, and tonight we enjoyed bean and cheese quesadillas. If I keep at this too long Handy Man will get crotchety and feverish, so tomorrow night, meat is back on the menu.

Kaye is probably headed home after restoring some blood lost yesterday. For now the decision is to send her back for the oxygen treatment for two more weeks and make further decisions. after that. I don't exactly get that when there is no circulation below the knee. Hello, where is the oxygen going to go? What I do know is I'm relieved. I am not in denial. I knew when the first surgery had to happen that short of a Red Sea miracle we were headed down a long and painful road to the end. They can't cure her, they can't even keep her where she is, and I am fully aware of the reality of this situation. But for today, I am grateful that we have two week reprieve. Thank you Jesus.

Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush

2011-08-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update on Kaye. The roto-rooter didn't go well. Excessive bleeding and very painful for her. The vascular surgeon says he got nothing-no circulation past the knee. The podiatrist says the infection is clearing up and just the toe will have to go. So which is it? Your guess is as good as mine, but it looks like she's in no shape now for any kind of surgery. So back to "wait and see." There are spots on the other foot as well. You know, I just don't know what to even say.

Pictureless Post

2011-08-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

No pictures to match my words this week. You will have to use your imagination.

I hadn't seen Bugg and Bean for a couple of weeks before this past Thursday. My class work is a bit overwhelming this year, so I'd hardly had time to miss them. By Thursday though I was happy to be picking them up.

Bean seems happy in his school situation, which thrills me.

I sensed a bit of disappointment in Bugg. She has always gone to daycare where she is now going to Pre-K. I wonder if it just wasn't the difference she was expecting from regular daycare. She's a bright little cookie and whereas Bean was a year younger than most of his classmates, she's the older one with a September birthday.

It is hard work deciding which Gramerly house things to do when we just have a very few hours, not like the full days of summer.

So we played a memory game, baked an applesauce cake, picked flowers and built our own tacos.

We taste tested all parts of the cake mixing and discovered flour is blah, sugar is dee-wish-us, applesauce yummy, and vanilla paste, though divine in sniffing, lacks something on the tongue.

Bean helped me cut flowers in the garden.

When I was a little girl, I loved picking flowers, but never seemed to be where picking flowers was an acceptable practice. I didn't want to discourage him from cutting all the ones he found perfect, so I ended up with way more cut flowers than needed for Ms. Glitzy shower. So, he took flowers for his teacher and I made additional bouquets for Kaye and Mom.

Then he wanted to cut the corn stalks and build an indian house. Be still my heart! I think there is a side of me I try to keep hidden that keeps peeping at him, wondering when his great imagination will begin to taper, when video games or other such pointless engagement will replace his love for the outdoors, pretend and great books. That peeping Gramerly sighs and smiles and wonders how those corn stalks can make a house.

My Missy Bugg, she still loves games and puzzles and I love how a little memory card game teaches her about Bible characters while she laughs the dearest laugh each time she makes a match.

Time with them is always a healing balm after Kaye visits.

God gifts us so many ways. I was not gifted with being in the presence of suffering. Hats off to kind, caring docs and nurses and to that man of hers who has gone where no one wishes to go.

She will lose at least her big toe. Monday they will roto-root that leg again and then do further tests to determine how far down oxygen has gone, before making a decision about how much to take.

They believed the antibiotics had checked the infection, but then she spiked a temp again Friday. She got a picc line since there wasn't much place left to poke her. She is black and blue.

Now the steroids have her sugar over the moon. Of course antibiotics mean yeast infections, upset stomach etc. So we visited a while yesterday morning, then I returned last evening with supper and a coconut cream tart. Now and again, she looks at me and makes some remark like yesterday, "You are so sweet." For a minute, I feel six again and she's the big 1 7 year old sister. A moment-then I realize that now she's my baby and I'm the big sister and the pain I feel is physical. Not because I don't want to do what I do. I want to, but more I wish, for her sake, there was no need.

So thankful for the joy of gramerlings.

I'm trying out some new to me digital scrapbooking technology. When I review it, I'll have one to give away, so stay tuned if you are interested.

Dear Me

2011-08-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday, whilst trying to make sweet with baby Gideon, some gigantic beastie flew out of the yard, right past the window to the kitchen roof. We ran out to see. It was this huge hawk. The chickie girls were strangely absent, though caterwauling to beat the band. Thankfully no chickie girl was shrieking from said beastie talons necessitating me breaking my neck trying to climb a roof or tree to save a terrified girl. When we saw him spread his mighty wings and fly off into the wide blue yonder, we went back to sweet talking the baby. Later, quite a bit later, when Rae-rae was leaving Handy Man laughingly called me to the porch where he found seven hens huddled under a chair- still. They must have really been scared. I've experienced hawks flying over, but never had one come into the yard. My fearless guard dog had escaped and was being fattened at the neighbors.

I think upbeat posts are lots more fun, but I have to admit I'm feeling anything but upbeat. I just haven't adjusted to "back to work" yet. I have almost three times the students I had last year and I leave everyday feeling like there was just not enough of me to go around. Really scary since let's be honest here, there is a lot of me. I've never been a "read the text, answer the questions at the end" kind of teacher. If they miss something, then I think we need to figure out why, not just give a bad grade and move-on. I've always been able to manage, but I don't feel like I'm doing a very hot job this year. I typically go in at seven, come home at six, still with work undone.

Today I left early. Kaye is in the hospital again. When I walked in she started telling me about her afternoon, tearfully. In this long journey (two and half years now), there have been less than a handful of times where she's been left to deal with tests on her own. Pete had a dentist appointment and basically they came and got her and she was out of her room in tests all afternoon. They had to do a Doppler test and MRI on her foot. The first test was fine she said, but the second test didn't go well and she felt someone was mean to her because somehow she wasn't doing what they wanted. I just don't even know how to express the despair and broken heartedness I feel for her. She's there because likely there is gangrene in her foot, along with her usual host of other things. I simply cannot grasp that a person with enough intelligence to use an MRI can't see they are dealing with a brain injured person, who cannot communicate clearly and doesn't always understand directions. Why the hell do they have charts if people can't read them and respond appropriately. I was furious.

I asked the nurse to please find out where she was and what happened. The records showed that the first test went fine, just like Kaye told me, and the next test couldn't be completed because the patient wouldn't cooperate. Perhaps the giver of that test wouldn't be very cooperative when their painful toe that is rotting off was being messed with. I was very polite, as it wasn't those nurses fault, but expressed my dismay and requested that it be investigated further. I reminded them that when she is anxious, it is to be treated before continuing with testing. Kaye felt vindicated that I had gone to bat for her.

I can't help but think of all the poor people who don't have a Pete or sisters who love them and try to take care of them.

So, prayers for my Kaye are appreciated, as always.

Ahhh, We Did It

2011-08-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

My little Gideon does not like to be out of his Mommy's arms. This is troubling because first, I long to hold and smooch his little sweetness. Next, sometimes even when you are an "in love with the boy" new mommy, you still need a minute. Though breast fed, he takes a bottle fine, he just wants his mommy. He'll talk to Handy Man and I, smile, giggle, and coo, as long as the momma doesn't turn loose.

Today, Rae Rae hoped to have a wee date somewhere close by whilst the Pappy and I kept the boy. Michael brought him in and right away it went smoother with Daddy handing him off instead of Mom. I showed him a slide show of himself set to "You've Got a Friend in Me," which he found quite entertaining. Hoping for the best, I took him out to the stroller. I strolled him for an hour. He slept about thirty minutes of that time, then was quite content to watch the leaves blowing through the trees. Then we went in for a bottle.

So, at last, Mommy and Papa had a little date and I enjoyed the boy. He was done by then, and happily returned to his Mommy.

But his big day wasn't finished. Rae-rae is a voracious reader of nutritional books and adheres to the notion that cereals are not best foods for babies. According to her resources, you begin with the soft yolk of free range egg. So with some help, Gideon picked and sampled his very first non-mommy food. He loved it.

I think I'm going to have to get some more chickens.

It was such a delightful day!

Whoa, where is this place?

What do you do with this thing?

Ahh, that's what you do with it! Lip smacking good. No spitting it back at you from this wee one.

How in the world do we keep coming up with these big blue eyes. All of grandchildren's fathers have brown eyes.

Busy, Busy,Busy

2011-08-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

My class returned last Wednesday. All 24 of them. They are a good group and have started the year well. I usually get to class about 7 am and go non-stop until 5:30 or 6. Somehow, perhaps in schlepping stuff around, I hurt my back. I manage to sleep two straight hours on a good night and there have only been two of those. So thankful for coffee.

Sunday was BJ's Happy First Birthday.

He's being picky about which whipped cream berry to choose next. So cute.

It was my delight and privilege to bless a dear friend with a Bridal Tea for her darling girl. My side kicks -Miss Glitzy and Miss Resource and I pulled out the stops and put on our best show. I was chief cook, but they were awesome bottle washers. I so enjoyed the time we spent planning and preparing and watching the guest enjoy themselves. It was enchanting.

Guests enjoyed tropical chicken salad in phyllo cups, tomato basil tarts, vegies and dip, berries with sour cream and brown sugar, fresh benedictine, strawberry fluffs, warm brie with apples and pears,

coconut cream puffs, lemon meringue tarts, cream cheese mints, truffles and cookies.

I can manage all the food, but cookie decorating is not my thing. Lucky for me to have found someone who creates such beauties as these. They taste wonderful too.

Ah, such joy and sweetness.

So Long Summer

2011-08-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

The last Playdate is always a bit bittersweet- this one, the worst yet. I was so sad about summer being done that I could hardly enjoy the day.

There are a lot of crazy things coming down in our state, education wise right now, and it hurts my feelings to have to send these kiddos into that environment. It hurts my feelings that keeping my job means I have to participate in the craziness. I fancy how much better I could teach these wee folk my own self. Unfortunately, I need a paycheck. So boo, hoo, hoo!

The last Playdate was for science experimenting. We made snow, grew fish eggs, and here we were making and observing lava lamps created with oil, water, colored water and Alka Seltzer. Miss Linee, being three and quite a precocious littlest bit, seems to be the Playdate Student of the Week.

I told them to keep their eye on their bottle to see what happened to the oil after it was shaken.

Yes, go ahead and laugh, Miss Linee's eye is indeed right on the bottle.

Well, I guess we've made progress over the summer. Usually BJ screams when I look his direction.

For a couple of years, Bean has taken over the roll of swinging Miss Linee. Now she has picked up the torch and is swinging Buttercup.

Buttercup wasn't here when we made hula hoops, so she was a bit fascinated by them. Miss Bugg and Linee were showing her the ropes. The day we made them, Bugg could hardly do it. Now she is rocking that hoop.

This is Davy Warrior- just because. I suppose most children paint on paper. I have paper, but their joy is painting themselves and they take this art expression very seriously.

Here comes the bride and there go my magic lillies- every last one of them.

BJ would keep on stretching until he could get a big drink.

Baby Boy can turn on the sweet like nothing you ever saw. Now, it doesn't interest him to do that much, but he can. He was passing out kisses here.

Bean didn't celebrate his birthday with our side of the family, so I got Cars cupcakes for snacks and we sang, "Happy Birthday."

The boy likes his icing.

I so love how Bean thinks and plans for Playdates. He had been telling me about a science experiment he was working on. He discovered the difference in the way pen caps held water based on whether or not the cap had a hole. He brought lots of caps to share. Later he told me that he didn't think anyone was too impressed with his experiment. I think it looks like he has a captive audience here. I told him I was impressed, because I was.

Time to pack up this shop and open my classroom. I'm glad to have a picture journal of the summer. I loved having Auntie SuZQ and her grandkids join us this year. So closes Playdate 2011, though Missy Bugg requested a Playdate for her September birthday. We'll see. Hope you have some fun left in your summer!

Bananas

2011-08-03T17:36:00.000-07:00

Well, suffice it say I've many more beachy/vacation piks I haven't posted than those I did post, but life goes on and I will too I guess. I did love one excursion particularly (perhaps after Dolphin Day). We loved the Florida Agricultural Museum. If you click on colored title it will take you there and you can see pictures of Bean and Bugg enjoying the museum and their delightful guide, Miss Debbie.

Tomorrow I head back to work officially. As is usual for me, I've spent many days there this summer, including today, unofficially. I met my new instructional assistant and was relieved to like her a lot and feel very good about the situation.

Yesterday was the last Playdate of 2011.

Bean and Bugg often come early. A dear friend had a fun project she wanted to try with them. A puppet she'd seen created by a puppet maker on the MUPPET team .

She came early and they got right to work. What a hoot. You can see the kids got a big kick out of their creations. They were so excited to show them off to their Mom when she came.

Toothy bananas are just too funny.

I can imagine we'll have lots of fun with them for a very long time.

I so love when dear friends share their talents with my little ones. I love for them to experience someone else's creativity and style.

Thanks Gardner E for a fun and long lasting toy for lots of imaginative play!

Not Flipper Maybe, but Close Enough

2011-07-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday my handsome grandboy Bean!

I cannot grasp that you are seven years old already.

When I was looking for places to stay for our big vacation, I had no idea we were only fifteen minutes from MarineLand. Ever since I first knew a person could swim with dolphins, I've longed to. I really never thought I would. Since our trip fell so close to your birthday, I thought that might make an amazing gift for both of us. I knew I would love it. I also knew that only the love for a grandchild, and a desire to make a wonderful lifelong memory with him would give me the courage to get in deep unknown water, in a swimming suit in public for Pete's sake, where they are taking my picture- have mercy. What I didn't know was how much you would love it. When I look back on that afternoon, I get all teary. You were all read up on dolphins before we got there and counting the days for a long time. I've taken you a lot of places and done a lot of things, but never have I seen you so excited. You were just about beside yourself. You worked hard at maintaining some composure while we were shown the dolphin's environment and learned about how they are cared for and the conservation efforts there. Then, finally, in the pool with a few of God's beautiful and amazing creatures. You weren't so sure of that dark,deep water (neither was I actually), but kind trainers had you warmed up pretty quickly. Pebbles and Aque were so friendly, and sweet, they were irresistible. Before long, all of us relaxed and simply enjoyed getting to know them. The time passed so quickly, but we learned so much and smiled a million smiles when we weren't gleefully laughing at their antics. You just about grinned your face right off.

You couldn't believe she'd roll right over for a tummy pat.

Wow, their skin felt so neat.
You loved wiggling your finger at Pebbles and having her talk right back to you. You learned the sound comes from the blow hole, not her mouth. You also felt how forceful the air comes out.

Group hug!

Will he bring it back?

Indeed!

So sad, the time to say, "Good-bye."

When it was said and done, you were still incredulous and exclaimed, "That was the most wonderful thing I've ever done in my life." "I want to grow up and be a dolphin trainer."

It certainly was a most wonderful thing in my life too, just as you've always been and continue to be. I just don't think there is anything like you. I hope we share many more wonderful experiences, though I think we'll have to put this one on up on the top shelf. I don't think I could match it. I love you and pray you are blessed with long life, good health, and many more fabulous experiences.

A besotted Gramerly

More Life's A Beach

2011-07-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

The folks who own the house where we stayed also own the local coffee shop. We stopped there for coffee and hot chocolate before going to the Farmer's Market, where I purchased my first fresh summer tomatoes and cucumbers. Bean and Bugg love them almost as much as me. We then headed to back to the beach. Ol' Mother Hubbard was off to Saint Augustine, so we were the only ones on the beach for awhile until some neighbors joined us with an adorable puppy.

By this time Bean had mastered the waves.

Of all the pictures, this one is tops. Neither 1st Lt, nor Ceece can deny who parented this little chicken. She looks so much like both of them here, but mostly she looks like the cutest little beach baby ever. I wish I could've figured out a way to make that puppy tug on her swim bottoms. She tans so amazingly for a red head. What a little dolly.

Weary

2011-07-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

Back home again. I think living out of a suitcase for just at three weeks is about my limit. I wasn't home from the beach long before I headed up to Indy for a conference. The conference was fabulous. I stayed at a B & B that was charming and peaceful. An added bonus was spending sometime with Bob and Dixie, their sweet kiddos and their even sweeter grandbabies. Thanks guys for your hospitality.

Ol' Mother Hubbard left a yummy chix/mex casserole so I could come home to a good supper. Wasn't that nice?

As I said, I got a few comments and raised eyebrows about taking the little ones to the beach for two weeks. Could we have had a good time in less time? Certainly we could've of, but it would have been a very different experience. The kidlets gained so much confidence as the days went by. By the time we left even BabyBoy was happy frolicking in the waves.

The girls went from melding themselves to our legs when they couldn't talk us into holding them, to jumping the waves and riding them right on in.

The day of these pictures was our wildest and made me a wee bit uncomfortable. The waves were high, hard with the only undertow we experienced the whole time. The kids, they didn't notice anything but fun.

This trip took a lot of time, a lot of money and some stress a time or two, but those smiles, ahhh, the smiles made it all worthwhile!

Novice Beach Goers

2011-07-24T19:58:00.001-07:00

So we finally arrive at our beach destination after two full days of driving. It was dark when I arrived, but I took the kids down to the beach anyway. They had waited a long time and needed to at least see and hear it. Of course, it was big and loud. We fell into bed, but were up early to meet the day.

We slathered everyone throughly from head to toe with sunscreen and tried to make ready-no small task. Not knowing what we would need, we decided to err on the side of overdue. Ol' Mother Hubbard and I both had a gargantuan beach bag with towels, sheet, beach blanket, goggles, sun glasses, more sunscreen along with a bag of beach toys that looked like something Santa himself would be intimidated by, along with a cooler full of snacks and drinks. We haul it all across the road and down the stairs, looking like the Beverly Hillbillies I'm sure.

The beach blanket is spread, the toys brought out, the little ones trying out the water and all is well for oh, twenty minutes, when a big black storm cloud pops up and nearly drowns us as we try to herd six wee folk and all that baggage back up the stairs, across the road and up more stairs to the apartment. If we thought it was overload going down, that was no comparison to going up with it all soaking wet. Some serious rain.

About the time we got everyone and everything under cover, it stopped.

Okay, so forget the towels, it's plenty warm and they'll air dry by the time we walk back home. And, let's risk putting the toys under the stairs and not hauling them to and fro. We did make one more attempt with the cooler, but nary a child asked for a drink for a snack. I returned at 2 and we didn't head back until seven. After that, it was a small bag for keys and camera and the Boogie boards.

Just a few toys.

Sand Monsters

Antebellie is ready for some serious waves.

The boys head out to try the Boogie Boards.

Baby Boy heads back, wanting no part of the water.

Bean's first big find. The ocean was new everyday. One day it was starfish, the next jelly fish, another day tiny shells, and Bean was a master and finding something new and interesting everyday.

I am not a strong swimmer, nor do I particularly love the ocean. I like looking at it and hearing it, but it's vastness and constant movement is a bit scary to me. I was thankful Miss An-La came along, who wasn't the least bit concerned. Luckily, the kids were a bit unsure at first too and weren't too willing to go far those first couple of days.

Oops, forgot the in between piks of the Indian mounds in Macon- Big!

This is where Miss Bugg thought it would be fun to throw her baby down the side. Some sweet young man was kind enough to climb up from the bottom and fetch it for her.

Let's say this was a good activity to pursue before settling in for another long ride.

Bean ever monitored Bugg's activity and got a big kick out of her falling asleep with a sucker in her mouth. He took this picture.

Maybe I'm Crazy

2011-07-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

Back in the winter when plans began to firm up for this trip, I got a lot of looks like, "You are crazy to take six little ones to the beach." I figured it would be exhausting, but I thought I was up for it. I knew it would just be life as usual for Ol' Mother Hubbard.

I've long had soft spot for people who begin to look forward to retirement, then find themselves in the position of needing to raise their grandchildren. That happened to my mom. When mine leave from after Playdate or a couple of days when their parents are out of town, I am entirely spent. I could not even go to a place where I would again return to full time child rearing. Trust me, I still feel a great deal of sympathy for those folks, but once again realized you just do what you need to do.

My little Miss Bugg tolerates no closed doors or lights out, so for the most part, we were the three musketeers 24/7, from the time we pulled out of the drive till we pulled back in fifteen days later. I did leave her with Rae-rae while Bean and I swam with the dolphins. I did manage a few minutes in the morning sometimes. My goal was always to have a cup of coffee before having to actively engage in conversation and child tending. Most days I made it. Ol' Mother's Hubbard's wee ones are early to be and early to rise, so this often meant a 5:30ish cup of coffee. Bugg seldom naps and Bean never naps, so it was go, go, go, all day. Just keeping all six of them fed, and watered was no small chore. Hats off to folks with a ton of kids. You just develop a new routine and do what you need to do, but it certainly returns to a place when all your thoughts and what to do next is all about them.

You start with a new toy for the road and some goodies to provide as you plod along. Bean and Bugg were really good travellers for almost all of the trip down. I dug out mine and Rae-rae's old Walkman CD players and had several books on CD. I don't have a DVD player, so no movies on the road. They enjoyed their books. Both of them are great auditory learners.

We're ready.

Supper was a rest stop in Tennessee with some time to run and stretch.

We finally made it to Macon. Our hotel was great- thanks Big D!

A few cartoons while we get everyone dressed and repacked.

Ready for Indian Mounds, then another day of travel.

I must admit it was lovely to come home last night to a dinner prepared by Handy Man with lots of delicious goodies from the garden. But this morning, I've had my coffee and I'm missing them.

We're Home

2011-07-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

Thank the Lord, we arrived home this evening safe and sound. Praise be. I have so many pictures and am so thankful that I do. In the busyness of herding six poopies, it's at times difficult to stop and take it all in. It's so fun to just go through the pictures again and again and smile all the while. Maybe one or two over the next few days will make you smile too.

Beauties and the Beach

2011-07-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken by Bean.

My sister, Auntie G-Lou, made the girls pillowcase dresses from vintage pillowcases I found, so off to the beach.

LIfe at the Beach

2011-07-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

We're here and having a lot of fun. So far we've discovered eels, jelly fish, leopard crabs, and starfish. Bean and Ol' Henry are learning to master the boogie board and we're learning to treat and and manage sand rash. The girls are braving the waves and love jumping and floating. I love watching them and the dolphins at daybreak. Good times. So thankful to the Lord for this winter dream to be a reality. Wish you were here.

Away We Go

2011-07-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

Way back in the winter, when I was missing sunshine and gramerlings, I had an idea-dear me.

I've been having Playdate for five years. I'm not sure if a Playdate has ever ended without a disgruntled wee folk loudly protesting the end of the fun. Seldom do they end without a request for a sleepover. My idea, when ice bound in January, was to find a place by the water, somewhere to have a big sleepover and day after day of sunshine and play.

I asked Ol' Mother Hubbard if she would consider such an idea. She clearly was having some mid-winter depression and jumped on the idea. So, I started looking and lo and behold found exactly what I was looking for.

Since then, I've worked, planned, shopped, packed and worried, oh and prayed and prayed. It's a long way where we're heading, so we'll stop and spend the night. Some big blessings- we were gifted rooms coming and going by one friend and another friend got my car all checked out. Handy Man and Farmer John have been most supportive. Aunt G-lou made all the little girls vintage pillowcase dresses for beach pictures.

Seriously, it looks like we are moving out. I have no idea how I'm going to get all this stuff in my car. Aunt SuZQ will smile and nod and be happy to tell you that she is not the least surprised owing to my obsessive-compulsive ways.

Anyway, I'll be absent from this space for awhile. Handy Man and Uncle Jimi will do a fine job minding the chickie girls, pooch, and bunnies. They draw the line at blogging. I don't have a laptop, and you know I will have seven hundred pictures I think you need to see. Oh well.

This will be the longest I've ever been away from home, so I'd love for our little caravan to be in your prayers as we head out today.

And if prayers continue for Kaye, Big D, Aunt Bett, and Bob, I know they'd be as happy as me.

Here's to a Playdate that rocks the Cazbah!

Blue or Pink?

2011-07-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

No, no one is expecting, at least none of mine that I'm aware of at the moment. I'm talking about hydrangeas. There is something about hydrangea roots that's a big draw for chickie girls. I let them scratch until I fear there is not enough earth to keep them grounded (umm, the plants). Then I put cardboard around them (that would be the plants again). Let me tell you, whatever it is those girls are doing, the hydrangeas have gone berserk.

I have searched for years to find the secret of using hydrangeas as a cut flower. Turns out you have to cut, then dip straight into boiling water, then into tepid water that covers nearly the whole stem and mist, then use in a vase.

I love to look at them on the bush, but I ended up with some gorgeous ones in the back and hidden in the bush, so I brought some inside.

White hydrangeas come on green, turn white, then back to green. I've always understood that hydrangeas of color respond to soil acidity, or lack thereof. Acidic soil gives you blue, alkaline produces pink. Okay, well these beauties came from two different bushes in two different location. The first picture from the tea house hydrangea and the second from the house yard hydrangea.

Guess some sides get more chickie girl poop.

Whatever the reason, it's okay by me. I loveeeeee them!

Red, White and Blue

2011-07-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

Songs about America always bring a tear and cause me to pause and feel all mushy and philosophical, as I should. Yesterday in church was no different.

I wonder why I get to pursue my dreams, make my own way, have lots to eat and endless resources when so many do not.

I wonder why I appreciate so little, sing those songs only once a year when they should be my daily heartsong.

"Glory, glory, Hallelujah,"

I wonder what compels folks to support us with their time, education, energy and life, in this pursuit of happiness.

I should know. I have one of those folks. Well, I birthed him anyway.

How strange, those mom emotions that flit between pride and terror.

When 1st Lt. was fifteen, I worked with a teacher who flipped houses and needed a dependable kid to pick up shingles. 1st Lt. was the most dependable kid I knew, so I hooked them up. Oh my. In addition to teaching, flipping houses, buying a restaurant and seventy two other things, this teacher was in the National Guard.

So, my kid starts with picking up shingles, then mostly managing said restaurant, and probably some other activities I don't know and don't need to know about, in the shadow of this teacher.

1st Lt. finished college, never had trouble finding a job, ending up in the roofing business. I should have known he'd have some climbing job as he was always as surefooted as a goat. But, alas, that did not satisfy and one fateful day he came home to announce that he had joined the National Guard.

Stab! My kiddos have done a lot of things I've loved and few I haven't. Handy Man and I have tried to support them in any endeavor, regardless of how we feel about it. So, we smiled, sort of-you know, pride and terror all stirred up, and wondered where this would take him.

This is where my faith gets all mixed in with the military. He joined the Natl. Guard in the middle of a war. I'll be blunt and say that when your kid does that, I think it's heroic, when my kid does it, I think it's terrifying. I love a lot of people and I thought I loved them a big ol' bunch, but when it comes down to my son's life or yours, sorry. If it were dependent on my feelings, I'm keeping my kid! I'm not sure a day went by that the newspaper didn't sport a picture of a handsome Natl. Guardsmen on the obituary page. I have no words to describe my angst. Brings that whole picture of God's gift and grace into a much clearer perspective.

Unbeknownst to him, or any of us, life would take some unusual turns in the 8 months between when he signed up and when he left for training. This is the week he left seven years ago. That year it was a big 4th of July celebration. His first baby, Bean, was born three weeks after he left.

Bean contracted a rare bacterial infection at the ripe old age of three days and was in intensive care for three weeks. At the time, I was finishing my Masters in teaching. For all intents and purposes I lived those three weeks at the hospital with Ceece and her family, wondering, worrying, praying, grieving.

Wondering how it would feel to 1st. Lt. to be so far from home and only get information about his new son piecemeal.

Worrying that he might never get to see or hold this precious boy.

Worrying that this precious boys only knowledge of his Daddy would be that he was a war hero.

Grieving that this first baby experience for a new mommy and daddy was lost for Ceece and 1st. Lt. Have mercy, it was a trying time.

Books talk a lot about the importance of bonding early on with an infant, and I support that, but I needn't have worried about that part. From the first time they finally met, Bean has believed the world began and ended in his 1st. Lt. Daddy.

Praying, praying, praying, "Lord, keep him out of the war." Each time I prayed, I felt guilty, because what mama would ever want that for her child. Every time rumor started about them readying another unit to ship out, I would look at Bean and Miss Bugg and have a broken heart over the thought of Ceece having to raise them by herself.

Thankfully, home he remains. Still, there are sacrifices though for him, Ceece and the kids- nothing comparable to the laying down of one's life, but sacrifices.

As Bean soon celebrates his 7th birthday, I'm so hugely grateful that he has known the great love and influence of his Daddy.

Still, those pictures in the paper continue, all these seven years. Thank God, not as much. I don't need that kind of reminder, but I make myself look and read. I believe that kid deserves me think about him. That mom deserves a prayer and a tear on her behalf.

When I teach America's history to my students, I try to help them understand the sacrifices all of America made when we went to war in years past-rations, factories, etc. They don't really get it. This war has been raging for the most of my fourth grader's lives and they are pretty unaware that we are even in a war.

It's awful enough that our freedom must be maintained by the cost of our young men, but worse that we go on as if it isn't happening.

Bet you are hoping I don't feel too philosophical often in this space.

I do hope you have happy celebrations with family and friends. I hope you laugh, spit watermelon seeds, and clap for the fireworks. I also hope you remember all the 1st. Lt.s out there, their families, and the fact that the sacrifices you hear about are real and happening as we speak.

To leave you on a lighter note. I tried to keep something going out to 1st. Lt. daily during his Boot Camp. He had just adopted a new weim Grace not long before leaving. His beloved first weim, Gandee (Gandalf) came to stay with us for boot camp. Handy Man and I are pretty boring, so trying to write a full letter every day was hard. So, I tried to be humorous, in sending a letter from his dog.

Dear Dad,

Where in the hell are you? I just thought I was having a little break from Grace, but you left me and never came back. You were hardly gone any time before this whole house was in a big stir about something. Doggone it, I think I’ve figured it out. You have a new puppy!!!! I remember when I was a puppy, life revolved around me, everyone oohed and ahhed over my pictures, how could you dad. I sneak and look at those pictures when everyone is in bed. He isn’t even cute. Barely has enough fur to cover the top of his head and none anywhere else. Pathetic!! With all this attention he is bound to be a wuss dog and I know how you hate that. And that Grace is so stuck up now that she hardly acts like she knows me. I just treat her nice because you like her so much, but I draw the line at Mom treating her nice. When Mom tries to pet her, I shove her out of the way. I heard a rumor that will turn you green and set your head to spinning. I hear she’s taken up with a new man named Dan and you don’t even cross her mind. That’s what you get for falling for a stupid girl dog!

And Addie, well she is just Addie. She’s lost weight. Mom says she always does when I come back home. Poor thing, got three baths this week. I got the message and am trying to stay out of all the sweet smelling goo in the yard, but it’s hard. Since the new puppy came we don’t spend much time in the garden, but I love when we do. I play jungle wars and run and jump and crawl, terrorizing bunnies, snakes, bugs and toads, It is so fun. I tried to eat a butterfly today, but Mom reacted a little different to that than when I catch flies in the house. Women, honestly you can not figure them out!

I look for you to pull in everyday, but life isn’t too bad here. I eat a lot better than I did at your house and I get to run two or three times a day. I am trying to make up with these weird field dogs. Some are bigger than me and some smaller with white spots. They are brown and eat a lot of grass, guess they don’t have a Mom. I mean I eat grass, but just enough to keep the bacon going through if you know what I mean. They are sort of clannish and skittish. I tear out to introduce myself and they run like their butts are on fire. Don’t you hate unfriendly neighbors?

Speaking of running, Mom said we were going to do boot camp with you and run. I get all excited about this and we take off. Within about a half a minute I have left Mom in the dust. By the time I get back she’s not running anymore, but is all out of breath trying to gimp along. Good grief!!! Can’t I come to real boot camp with you and some people who can run further than two car lengths?

Wherever they’ve taken you I hope your dogfood is good and that you get to run and play. Can’t wait till you come home again.

Your faithful partner,

Gandee

Happy 4th of July

Time for Tea and Frogs- Not Together

2011-06-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

My mama decided to part with some little keepsakes that long sat in a huge picture window with many shelves. This was a house and a few years ago. She told me to take them for tea parties. I did. They were much enjoyed throughout Playdate. Aunt SuZQ brought some spearmint tea that was equally enjoyed.

Hey Ms. Shell Mabelle, what did you find this time?

Whoa, three of those big tad-frogs.

Baby Boy is again thrilled, only this week, they are tad-frogs, not crayfish.

Annabelle was so tickled holding that slippery tad-frog.

The kids so enjoy the creek catch and release. While they watched during Playdate, the tad-frogs last appendage separated from his body-fascinating. At first he only had one arm and two legs, but we sent him back with four working parts.

Baby Gideon is mostly amused at all the chaos. He loves being outside, but it's time to say, "So long!"

Hula-Hooping

2011-06-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Ummm, another ridiculous amount of pictures. Goodness, we have some busy Playdates.
Last week, while reading at SouleMama's site, she had a visiting blogger that had a tutorial on making your own hula-hoop. Well now, I thought that was pretty neat and something I had never tried. So I trotted down to the Home Depot in search of poly pipe-nothing. I shared my despair with Handy Man and he was on a mission, but, alas, neither our little neighborhood hardware, nor Tractor Supply had the required poly pipe. Next, I complained to Pete, who ran to the Ace Hardware and all supplies were found!

First we distributed the pipe. Nine feet for the little ones, ten for the bigger ones. Next, you dip one end in hot water and push in the connector. If you want a noisy hula-hoop, you have to add some beebees. Then dip and connect the other end.

If you are Baby Boy or Baby Gideon you just entertain yourself with a little tea party, or some lovies.

Now for the first round of fun-decorating your hoop with electrical and duct tape in a variety of colors.

A few flower blossoms adds to the prettiness, don't ya think?

Now, who is the best at hooping.

Big Al did it in his usual dramatic fashion, while Matt-Man barely moved in his stoic way.

As is typical, some had more trouble than others, but most stayed with it and worked hard.

Little Miss Linee was cracking me up. She had those hip moves down pat.

Bean just got better and better-love the boots.

Turns out it was worth all the fuss and bother and much fun and lots and lots of movement was enjoyed by all.

Still to come-tea parties, frogs and a visit from Uncle Jimi.

Little Red Hen

2011-06-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

I ran off to Indy yesterday. It is nice to feel free to do that when it's summertime. I still do such things when I'm teaching, but it really is tough to only have one day to play catch-up from the week when I need about three days. Anyway, it was cool and beautiful and nothing more pressing than a wish to spend the day with folks I love, so off I drove.

I returned home to some sad news. Handy Man found Little Red Hen dead in the chicken yard, like she literally fell over and died. I was not expecting this, no warning. She was one of my most favorites. There are two more of her kind, Henny Penny and Ruby. Now, I'll be nervous about them.

It's afternoon already, how did that happen. I've been out in the garden most of the morning, but I must remove the layer of garden I brought in with me and move onto to other chores and errands.

Have a blessed Sunday!!

All Things Kaye

2011-06-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

I have not posted on Kaye in a good bit. Not because there isn't a lot always happening, but because there has not been a high crisis situation. When there isn't a crisis, I get a lot of my information second or third hand, so I'm always a little unsure what's what. Since I'm off, I'm able to go once a week again on a regular basis.

Pete was successful in getting the new type of dialysis at home and she seems to be handling that pretty well.

Her circulation continues to be a problem. She had a toe removed a few weeks ago, then a nail and now there is a new problem. At first, it appeared they would be removing more of the foot. Now, it seems that the vascular surgeon would like to try an oxygen chamber, where she'll have to be by herself for two hours daily for a month. She flatly refused.

As anyone would be, she is most weary. I don't have the ability to convey the sadness I feel for her and for Pete as they just put out one fire and another pops up. Pete doesn't want any part of her taken off, but when it's causing pain and risking horrible infection, something has to be done. But to have to be hooked up to dialysis multiple days and week, and then think of another daily procedure-have mercy. She can be very, very difficult when she doesn't feel well, and bless her heart, she mostly doesn't feel well.

So, she and Pete are happy recipients of your loving prayers.

Also, so many needs today. Two friends are hospitalized in Indy, Big D and Papa Bear, for cancer treatment. I'm headed up there today to give their wifeys a hug. In addition, a little baby several weeks early due to Mama's rough road with toxemia. We'll keep praying on.

The Big Dog Dilemma

2011-06-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

You've met my dog many times in these posts. I felt so very blessed to find her. She's been a wonderful pooch. From the time the chickie girls go to roost at night, until we are home the following day, Arwen lives in the big pen in the back. It's a huge space where she can run and dig, rest and play. We have never seen evidence of even a tiny mouse in or around the coop. Her first summer, I would put her on a leash and walk the property line. I had hoped she'd get the idea of where she was supposed to be. Sadly, a time or two, she travelled across the street to a neighbor. Said neighbor apparently has a thing for my pooch and takes her for walks around the pond and feeds her constantly. Consequently and sadly, my now chubby girl thinks the busy road, his house and property are also under her domain. I am not too much for conflict. If it weren't for the road, I'd share my sweet dog for the sake of harmony. Alas, there is a road. One folks walk on and drive on. Needless to say, my fierce watchdog gives walkers the business. This is not usually a problem because most walkers know her and know she's just warning them. They stop, smile, let her sniff, another friend made. Recently, someone was not amused by her barking and kind of lunged at her and she lunged back, so I'm told. She did not bite, but it is frightening. Recently, if Handy Man or I are not in the yard, she goes on the chain, in the shade with treats and water, but still. It hurts my feelings. I'm back to walking property with her on the leash, but she's no fool. If someone were waiting across the road to love on you and give you lots of treats, what would you do?

The way the creek runs, there's no way to fence her in. Anyway, I wanted her rolling and peeing all over so the deer and other critters keep their distance. So, the dilemma.

I have been slow to introduce Merry and Pippin to all the creatures great and small around here. Over the weekend, we introduced them to Arwen. She was fascinated, and as usual, well-behaved.

Pippin decided it worked both ways and wanted to check her out as well.

Sweet girl.

We aren't in Kansas anymore Toto!

2011-06-23T03:29:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at Lilly's, being treated to fine dining in the extreme by a dear friend, when it started sprinkling last night, about eight o'clock. Finishing up and getting to the car provided a good soaking. We flipped on the radio to discover a tornado had been sighted near Churchill Downs and was headed straight for the Highlands. Happy day! Somewhat alarming for a couple of reasons. Rae-rae lives near Churchill downs and we were driving down the street where it was expected to hit next. We kept heading north, out of harm's way, thank the Lord! Still a bit stressful, as Rae wasn't answering her phone. I comforted myself with the notion that in her haste to get that boy to the basement, she'd left her phone. That was indeed the situation. Their local alarm sounded, then after a time the warning ended. Michael walked outside to check it out and saw the funnel cloud arriving a bit after it's scheduled warning time. Aggghhhh. Lord bless those folks who received damage!

Speaking of storms-we were frolicking in the creek on Tuesday when it started sprinkling.

Good skip Ol' Henry

Baby Boy was intrigued by the crayfish. He said, "Look, a tad-frog!"

When the sprinkling turned to rain my little creek sprites welcomed the cloudburst with a rain dance!

In response, the rain came faster, then thunder accompanied by his friend lighting. Out of the creek! What to do?

Snuggle up on the porch with yummy snacks, good stories and silly songs. Well,well, now I know 19 people fit on the front porch.

So happy that Aunt SuZQ has been able to join the fray this year. Always great to have another creek sprite snuggler.

Gideon is quite intrigued by all these wee folk. He loves it when they give him their undivided attention and they love when he smiles, laughs and squeals at them.

The storm finally headed out to another location and I brought Merry and Pippin out to play.

Such blessings, these special days.

A Few of My Favorite Things

2011-06-21T16:05:00.001-07:00

I love a lot of things about Playdate. I love that cousins and friends of all ages can find a common area of play to engage in. This is the fifth year for summer Playdate. I can't say I ever really dwell on it, but now and again, it crosses my mind, "How old is too old for Playdate?" I figured there would come a day video games, other friends, interest in the opposite sex, or whatever would put an end to playing at my house. Whaaaaaaaa. Well, I'm starting to think it won't be anytime soon. I'm surprised that the original Playdaters are already taking on the role of helpers. Today Bean brought books to share at snack time, again spent a good deal of time swinging Miss Linee, then drove the jeeps and trucks in the rain back to their parking spot and covered them up until next week. Not what I expected from a six year old, but I surely loved it.

When Miss Linee was ready to move onto other play, Bean returned to my grand boy, ever in need of a long trip in the blue dolphin and a Civil War story. We were interrupted by a Girl with Pearls, who happened upon a treasure-a tiniest inch worm and needed to share it with Gramerly and Bean. Then of course we had to find it a home, and some friends, etc.

Their favorite thing to paint is they wee selves, and paint they did. Ol' Mother Hubbard's were still slapping it on over at the art easel.

Ms. Shel MaBelle was a bit shy the first week, not having been here since she was about 4. Now, she could run the Playdate-helping me with snacks, kidlet watching, animals, etc. Since Big Al left for a warmer clime, oh wait, is there a warmer climate then what we're experiencing? Well, an ocean view at least, Shel brought her brother and a friend, all a great help and joy to spend the afternoon with. And-ee and An-ee have spent a lot more time with kidlets, so were doing their usual of being ordered about by the youngest ones-God bless and love their faithful hearts.

Then it started to rain, then thunder, then lightning. Umm, what to do with 19 people, age 2 months to 60 plus for an outdoor Playdate when a storm settles in? Stay tuned.

Fathering

2011-06-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

Don't fathers come in all sort of interesting shapes and sizes. I am privileged to love and know so many fathers.

I have sons who are fathers, along with two brothers, several brothers-in-laws, cousins and friends.

I always enjoy being an observer to their fathering.

I have such a clear memory of Bean's first belly laughs, and of 1st Lt.'s laugh in equal measure and declaration, "That is the best the sound in the whole world." For someone who never cared a fig for wee folk, I stood by smiling when a four pound red head wrapped him right around her little finger in beat of her heart.

Watching Drummer Boy swing BJ and telling me he positively knew there could be no cuter baby anywhere. Hmm, I remember a boy that might have been that cute.

Michael sharing the stories he's been reading Gideon since he knew he was coming.

Pete, who stands in prayer and unconditional love for his own, though the road has been so very challenging.

A nephew-in-law who goes like the energizer bunny, though he's my age and has four busy, busy children.

And then there's my Handy Man. I know there's a host of folks out there longingly admiring the grass on the other side and perhaps some have good reason. Not me. If he loved more, cared more or tried more he'd be perfect.

Let's not forget my Heavenly Father, so merciful in blessing me and future generations with all these fabulous examples of wonderful fathering. I am grateful.

Happy Father's Day to all. There is no more important job in life to do well!

Dawn Near the Downs

2011-06-18T15:48:00.000-07:00

I crept out by dawn's early storm this morning, across the river, to fetch baby Gideon from his sleepy Mama after his six o'clock feeding. Mama Rae headed back to bed for a few hours of uninterrupted sleep, while the little man and I settled in for a snuggle on the couch.

He went right back to sleep, but was only still or quiet about twenty minutes of the two and a half hours we snuggled. I easily see how he's earned the nickname, Grunty McGruntle. He pushes and grunts due to his reflux. It's better, but he still spends part of his day plenty uncomfortable.

When it was close to snack time, I changed his diaper, which woke him up. He's just too adorable. I got him dressed and out we went for a little porch time. It was raining slow and steady, a perfect summer garden drizzle. Gideon was intrigued by the rain.

I need some practice on trying to take pictures while trying to keep talking and making eye contact, so the boy keeps smiling.

Thanks Great Grandma Ol' Betsey for my littlest angel.

Papa Michael appeared on the porch, so I took Gideon in to fix Dad some breakfast. I sat the boy in his little seat in front of a big black and white "R" magnet Rae has on the frig. He was quite content to talk to the magnet, while I cooked. Then he joined us at the table .

On the way home, I called Aunt Lois. As you might guess, I filled her in on every wiggle, smile and coo. She said her oldest boy behaved exactly like that (fidgety and grunty) and at the time, it was called The Stretching Disease. That would have been over seventy years ago-interesting.

When I'm with my gramerlings, I try to be very in the moment- talking, singing, snuggling, smooching, telling stories, picking eggs, whatever. However, after I'm home, and look at the pictures, such an intense feeling washes over me that brings me tears of thankfulness for such an opportunity to grandparent these sweet little souls.

Uh, Gideon didn't understand why he wasn't included in the Bubble Ballet post, so here he is. No, he didn't learn to stick his face in the bubbles from his cousin Big Al. These are of his very own making-genius baby I'm thinking.

Farm Living is the Life for Me

2011-06-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this is the last playdate post.

Just a last peek at a glorious day. We all had so much fun!

I always wonder how much about playdates the kids will remember.

Syddie said, "This is a farm." Well, not quite, but it might give you an idea of the way raising animals works. Ms. Shel MaBelle was much braver aroundthe critters this week.

You know on a farm you have to have lots of tractors. Ol' Henry has loved tractors since he hatched out. Drummer Boy had a tractor I saved. It's the one in the very front. That has always been the go-to tractor on playdate. I have two sweet friends who are big into yard sales and keep me supplied with tractors. Baby Boy joined the tractor play.

BJ thought he would play awhile too.

Tractors aren't just for grandboys. I love this picture of Miss Bugg, totally absorbed in her play. Isn't dirt an awesome thing?

When the tractor work is done, time to take care of the livestock.

My goodness, girls with curls and chickie girls galore!

Ms. Shel wasn't even intimidated by the rooster.

Well, as usual, Big Al surrounded by a clutch of girls.

Remember those rare eggs I hatched five weeks ago? There they are.

Oh, sweet Merry Thumper.

Before heading home Buttercup asked, "Can I pick the eggs?" In the coop, doing some egg picking. She wanted to keep the eggs she picked, so she did.

Pappy has to spend a minute with his boys before they head home.

No, it didn't blow up a big storm and hail. Auntie SuZQ brought marshmallow shooters and shoot they did. Well, most playdaters were pinging tiniest softies off their cousins, Antebellie was consuming the puff balls at an alarming rate. Alas, that happens when they are so busy, everyone forgets snacks. The best playdate ever and it only took five days to get it all told.

Just a Creek'in

2011-06-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

Playdate dawned overcast, damp and cool. Actually, I was glad. It has been so very hot this June.

I wondered as I filled the pool, water table, wash tub etc., if the kids would be comfortable being wet today. No need to worry. After a brief shower, the weather turned into a "blue skies smiling at me, " kind of day. Lots to see and do in the creek and the kiddos spent a good bit of Playdate there.

And they are off!

Big Al showing a fat minnow to Antebellie and Ol' Henry.

And what have we here?

Our Sweet An-ee with Antebellie in tow.

Interesting find.

This looks like one of pictures taken in front of a fake background scene. I am not sure who Ms. Shel MaBelle was hiding from.

I love Miss Linee's smile.

Still barnyard pictures and marshmallow wars to come.

The Bubble Ballet

2011-06-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

Sit back and be smitten by BiG Al at the Bubble Ballet.

I love this grandboy of SueZQ's. Entertaining poopies comes as natural to him as breathing. I can only imagine what a great dad he will be. I have so enjoyed him and his cousin Ms.Shel Mabelle at our weekly playdates. This is a rather ridiculous amount of pictures, but which one would I leave out?

In the middle of bubble blowing, Big Al broke into his ballet routine. Loved that he is wearing my fire-engine red back to school crocs.

First the deep bend for dipping.

Next come the hop and spin. It was was lovely.

When he stuck his face in the bubbles, my teacher persona was tempted to scold. I knew he knew what he was doing, but he had amassed quite a little following of fans in two weeks and I wasn't in love with the notion of fixing a crop of crying girls with a mouthful of bubbles. Fortunately, most all were to content to continue to watch and be amazed at his antics.

Pop goes the bubble.

I've made bubbles with dozens of people. It is always so interesting to me to watch. Some kiddos are never very successful with the homemade bubble makers, while others can make some bubble magic.

Time to get down to business. I'm wondering here if a bubble popped in Miss Bugg's ( alias Popeye's) eye.

Bean would get frustrated and go back to his old stand-by, his own hands. Then he'd try again and ended up with some nice bubbles.

Nikko was the bubble king.

Bugg had a harder time, but she stayed at it till she was producing some fine bubbles. I love four year olds. She wanted to help me make the bubbles. As we were stirring she inquired, "When do you put all the colors in?" Teaching moment.

See Missy Bugg, I told you the colors would be there.

Syddie worked hard too and was impressing me with some biggo bubbles.

An-dee is back to help this summer and I absolutely love this picture of her-so joyfull.

What did I tell you?

Buttercup and Rae-rae are admiring the show and applauding all the beautiful colorful bubbles.

Wow, it was such a fun playdate. Stay tuned for creek, and chickie pictures as well as a report on the marshmallow wars.

Kiss the Babies as They Sail By

2011-06-14T04:58:00.000-07:00

Jane Roman Pitt Midnight Lullaby

I was so excited to get this CD in the mail today. Don't you love the picture. I think it is inviting, but the sweetness on the back is even better-looking through the window at a mom, or grandma with her little lovie.

I understand that Jane Roman Pitt is a grandma herself and made this CD with her little ones in mind. The gentle strumming guitar welcomed me to pause and listen. Such softness and love in every lullaby. La Moora tells of beautiful mermaids who kiss the babies as they sail by on their way to rest. Ahh, how much we love kissing our babies around here. I couldn't believe she did a rendition of one of Bob Dylan's tunes, Forever Young. I was so surprised, as I'm a big fan of his, but have somehow missed this song. It is really a song of blessing. In addition to kissing, I'm a big believer in blessing my little gramerlings. This grandma sings it so beautifully, I felt blessed myself. It is certainly a little tune I'd love to ring in my wee ones ears for many years.

I know what will send the gramerlings to dreamland when they are spending the night from now on.

Today was a practically perfect in every way Playdate. I'll likely be posting pictures everyday, but for now, this exhausted Gramerly is going to let Jane Roman Pitt send me off to sleep.

Who Knew?

2011-06-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

You might remember last spring, the fabulous Handy Man made me yet another raised bed. I had grown a few strawberries from seed and wanted a contained place to grow them. I think I managed six successful plants. I also grew a lavender from seed, so I put that in the bed and grew lettuce, spinach and parsley in the remainder.

Not a bad stand of lavender from a teeny tiny seed they took for-ev-er to pop out and grow.

Last fall, I planted lettuce again, for a fall round. We never had an autumn. It was dry and ninety until it wasn't, then it was winter. I thought that was a waste of good seed. The seed thought otherwise, wintered over and popped out with the spring sun. I didn't get to use much of it still, because it was wet and cold until it wasn't. We didn't have a spring either, so much of the plants bolted right away. No problem, I'll let it go to seed and try again in fall.

Today, as I was putzing around, looking at each garden plant on the chance there was a change from when I looked last night, I spotted this sweet little purple flower blooming in amongst the strawberries that I didn't recognize and was sure I had not planted.

Upon closer examination I discovered that the little beauty was blooming on the lettuce plants. What a delightful surprise. I began checking around and found several more.

My lettuces in the past have only had yellow or white blooms. Who knew?

I do love me some sweet garden surprises. How does your garden grow?

My Favorite Fancy

2011-06-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

Ceece is throwing a bridal shower for her sister today.

Hmm, I'd be curious to know how many showers I've orchestrated or been a part of. Let's just say, "Plenty." I told Ceece I'd help her out, and she ordered her favorite dish, Fruited Chicken Pasta and some homemade garlic/parmesan rolls, oh, and garden flowers.

I finally learned how to keep hydrangeas from wilting.

Anyway, to be such a Plain Jane, I really love fancy details for parties. As a matter of fact, the little detailed things are my mostest favorite!

I learned to do this from a class at Stream Cliff Farm one summer years ago. Brandt Carter led a class on using flowers in cooking.

I think this is best done on a big round of cheese, but those are quite pricey. I had hoped to find a wee round, but there were none at my Kroger and I was out of time. Still, I just love the look.

First, I made foil collars for chunks of cheese, fastened with a toothpick and sprayed with oil spray for good measure.

Then a trip to the garden to pick some edibles like pansies, rosemary, parsley, sage. As I pick, I drop them in a bowl of water, give them a good rinse, then on a drying towel. I never spray anything, so all my stuff is safe for snacking.
Next, 1/2 cup of water in the pot. Sprinkle one package of unflavored gelatin over the water and wait a few minutes. Then add 1 and 1/4 cups white wine. Stir over medium heat until there are no more bubble and it's clear.
Put into a bowl, inside a bowl of ice and stir until it gets thick. Smear some of it on top of the cheese.
Add the flowers in the way that you like best. Then blop some more gelatin stuff on the top until everything is covered. Stick in the frig until the gelatin is set. Peel off the foil.
Wha-la. Isn't it loverly. It looks like the flowers are under glass on the cheese. I like to put a lovely green from the garden on a cake stand and set the flowered beauties in the greens. Slice and serve your wine and cheese with crackers. Though I'll warn you, unless you have some odd peeps, most people just look until you insist they try it. I guess they they think it would be like pulling off a chunk of a flowered dish to munch on. Ahh, so pretty.
Linking today with Creative Friday.

Newest Lovies

2011-06-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

More boys to love-Peregrin Took Nosey and Meriadoc Brandybuck Thumper, to be known as Pippin and Merry. They are getting used to a new place and more contact with people.

A funny story already. Their inside cage ( HareRaising Condo) has two floors basically, one a little higher up than the other. The high one being right inside the door, where I put them first. They looked and sniffed at the lower floor, but wouldn't jump down there, so I sat them down there to show them it was cool. Well, then they liked that part better and would hardly come to the up part.

Their previous owner said they like to fed the same time everyday and are rather temperamental. This made me chuckle, I mean what are they going to do, picket, pass a petition, start a facebook page, what?

Anyways, I fed them two little dishes of 1/2 cup pellets each and put it in the back corner of the up floor, close to their water at 8:30 Sunday night. I was surprised to find over half of it still there Monday morning. Monday night, I had bible study and checked them at 6, still food in the bowl, though less.

Anyway, I didn't get back to them until 10. Both were on the top part, side by side, noses pointed toward the door and me, with two empty food bowls moved in front of them and between me and the door. Crack Up!!

I've been looking for sometime. Handy Man presented me with nice hutch and all the accoutrements as an Easter surprise. I didn't really want to get them until summer, so I could spend a lot of time acclimating them to us. I plan to take them back to school with me when I go.

First, I went to the Rescue Rabbit site and hoped to save a bunny, but the contact person turned out to be a little to difficult to contact. In the meantime, I found these two fellas, and who could resist those whiskery, twitchy wee noses? Not me, or Handy Man either.

I let the playdaters look and pet, but I thought it best to let the boys get used to their space before I let them out in the play yard with my little cherubs. Tomorrow they meet Arwen and the Chickie Girls.

A new adventure everyday! Good Times

Exhausted

2011-06-07T15:36:00.000-07:00

Usually we kick off the summer with shirt painting. Today we tye-dyed, the easy way, with permanent markers. The kids did a great job!
Miss Raina's is lovely.
Even the grown -up cousins , Big Al and Shelby got in on the fun. The little kids love them.
Playdates always wear me out. This insufferable heat and humidity did not help at all. Well, perhaps insufferable is incorrect as we did get through it and had some fun too, but it was warm and close out there today.

Ahhh, baby Gideon's first playdate.

He thinks his Gramerly is cute and fun and that's all. He was pretty taken by all the short people activity. Gardener E even brought Fiona puppy to join the frolic and fun.

Well, you can only stand the heat so long before you head to the hog wallow.

What do you mean we have to get out!

Do you have any idea how much rinsing it takes to get that off?

Well, after much ado about mud and water, they were ready for their story and snack. I read to them about the root children and turned them loose with petals, pipe cleaners and beads to create their own root children!

Then Fairy Godmother SZQ changed their ziploc bags of sand to edible fairy dust with her special powders and powers. A lollipop was used to indulge in the yummy sweet stuff.

Oh, such sweet boys BJ and Gideon with their mamas.

Wrap up the afternoon with a chickie baby visit. They need lots of treats you know.

Then one last popsicle before hitting the road.

So ends the first playdate of summer 2011. 13 kidlets, one pooch and lots of big folk!

Work and Play

2011-06-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of both the past few days.

Handy Man was on vacation this week, so we've worked long and hard in and around the house. I sent him off to camp a couple of days last Thursday morning. I drove down in the late afternoon with Bean, Bugg and Miss Raina in tow. Lots of tree climbing, river wading, mud slippin', s'more making ensued, along with a bit of fishing. I left Bean with his Pap, carted Raina home and brought Missy Bugg with me.

It was dark by the time we got home, and I found Little Red Hen and Ruby in the back of the coop, completely bum-fuzzled as to how to get through the wire to their roost. Umm, girls, there is no way through the wire, you have to walk all the way around to the front- no deal. So, I had to climb over various large garden implements, tuck a girl under each arm, climb back out and deliver them to the front door.

Missy Bugg needed a bath to wash off the river and some sticky gooey s'more remnants. Then she needed a few stories before passing out cold. I don't think she moved a single time all night. She was exhausted.

After playing a couple of games the next morning, we took a stroll around the yard to find the bulbs she had planted and admired how much they had grown. We were walking around the front of the house when she stopped by the porch flower bed and exclaimed, "Pastas!" "I just love Pastas!" I was seriously confused for a second before I realized she was referring to the Hostas.

She and I headed back to pick-up Bean. I dropped them off with Aunt Leesh, then drove south to see baby Gideon. He is so smiley, playful, and cute when his little belly isn't hurting. Rae-rae and Michael actually left him for an hour to have some supper. The boy and I journeyed out to view the plants and trees and feel the warm breeze. Then it was bath time with lots more smile and giggles. Finally, jammies and a snuggle. His first babysitting experience was a big success! Snuggling babies just doesn't get old.

Today we add two new members to the menagerie-stay tuned for pictures.

A shout out to Ceece the Brave for finishing the Warrior Dash! You go girl!!!

Wheeeeeeee, It's Here

2011-06-01T16:53:00.000-07:00

I love me some good ol' summertime now. Don't misunderstand. I would love it a tad bit more if it were 82 degrees instead of 95, but still.

The mean rooster bid us a sad farewell on Sunday. It is so nice to be able to take care of chicken business without Caillou, Handy Man or Arwen having to stand sentry. Our little chickie babies are growing and entertaining us daily. Each morning we move them out to the chicken tractor. I bring them worms-hysterical, wood sorrel and oats and yogurt. Caillou and my big girls are jealous and have to come poking around, even though I fed them a treat first-rotten chickens. I'm actually glad for that, as it acquaints them with the new kids on the block a bit more.

I was able to get all my corn planted in the down garden and Handy Man got his planted in the up garden. We've toted seven wheelbarrows full of mulch to various flowering spots in the yard. Finally, Handy Man was able to till the rest of both gardens, so I'll get in a few more things that I'm not likely to harvest until September, but we'll enjoy it when it comes.

I picked a bag of lettuce this evening and enjoyed a delicious supper of pan seared salmon with mango salsa, pan seared asparagus and a yummy salad- so very summery!

I sorted through all my gramerling shoes and clothes to be sure I have a few changes for everyone. Mostly, I stick them in a play swimsuit as soon as they get here. They don't seem to mind a wet swimsuit and dry quickly.

I loaded the playdate basket with old towels, wash cloth, wipes, diapers, white tee shirts (the other go-to outfit for play), bug stuff, bandaids and blankies. I laid out items for play next Tuesday including my favorite fairy book, When the Root Children Wake Up, items for creating our own root children, and of course some edible fairy dust.

Yes, it's feeling like summer to me.

What makes it feel like summer to you?

What Happened to Marshmallows?

2011-05-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

I hope you were able to enjoy some holiday fun this Memorial Day Weekend. Also to pause and consider what it is we celebrate and mourn. Blessings, abundant blessings on all those good folk who serve, to allow us such freedoms.

Handy Man and I have alternated between very busy and very restful to our own tune this weekend. A tune I find most pleasurable. Due to endless rain and endless May activities, little had been done in the garden or yard. I was out by 7:00 this morning, planting corn, bulbs, flowers, etc. Handy Man helped with some unwanted flora that needed trimming and I drug it away.

This afternoon, we started on the house that has been just as horribly neglected. A lot to show for a day.

Tonight, a fire on the hill and some hot dogs to roast.

My mom always called me a firebug and actually worried about my love of a fire. It's one of those things that are hard to explain, but one of my great joys is poking in a fire.

I have quite an overactive mind. I fear I have limited success in quieting its roamings. A fire does that for me. The dancing, colorful flames entertain me with all their ease of movement, never still or dull. It seems my worries flee. If I had a fireplace, I'd never get a thing done. So Handy Man frequently fixes me up fire on the hill.

Handy Man is not quite so entertained by the fire, so it is necessary to feed him. How do people his size hold five hotdogs? Some of them with relish and onions, others with onions and his favorite Fire on the Ridge hot sauce he's eaten non-stop since I gifted it to him on his birthday.

Then, of course, marshmallows.Except those deceptive looking white puff balls are not really marshmallows. It is a trick. I want to know who is responsible! They say marshmallows on the lablel. They feel like a marshmallow and even smell rather marshmallowy. The similarity ends there.

I know about marshmallows. I'm not particularly fond of them in their room temperature state. S'mores don't do much for me either. I just think you can't improve on either Hershey's chocolate, or a perfectly roasted marshmallow. Don't bother detracting from perfection with a lowly graham cracker.

They have to be roasted very slowly. Then the outside is quite brown, not burned. You can pull off the entire brown crust, crispy outside, sticky inside, dee-wish-us, except when you can't. And you can't. I think it's been about two years since I've had a good roasted marshmallow. What happened? What is that alien marshmallow form in familiar Kraft bag? And why do I keep trying?

Not only are they alien, they are dangerous. I wasn't even close to flame when the stupid thing spontaneously combusted. As is my usual wont, I brought it to my lips to blow out, then pass onto Handy Man, who eats such things. Except, it isn't really a marshmallow, so I didn't get it that far before one jumped off the stick onto my ankle and the other my wrist, which now sport blisters for all my trouble. Fuss and bother.

So, I guess marshmallows have gone the way of Wink, perfect french fries, and other foods I've long had a fondness for. Boo, Hoo!

Saved by the Dog

2011-05-28T18:16:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday was the last day of school. I love to teach. I love the kids. I start the year full of ideas and excitement for what the year holds in store. Like a new fluffy dish cloth, I research and read and plan and soak up new ideas that I squeeze back out to my eager students. We do a ton of work, art and fun. By yesterday at 3:15, I felt like one of those dish rags that come out of the washing machine in pieces. That's it folks, no more, all done, tired, weary, finished!

Then, because some folks have to be out for a PD on our last teacher day, we had to have our "End of Year," meeting after school. Yes, you heard correctly. After every last bit of patience, ideas and goodwill had been put through the wringer and had come out on the other side in pieces, I had to talk about themes, and schedules and on and on and on, for four hours. I came home in a foul mood to say the least.

Good news! I slept well and returned to the scene of the crime this morning to retrieve my new chickie babies and bring them home. First, I stopped and introduced them to Arwen. She stuck her head in the bucket, as if to count them, then was no longer interested. Much earlier in the spring I planted the chicken tractor with wheat and chickweed, so I let them play in the sunshine and tasty treats most of the day.

I played in the yard, planting, planting and planting. Before my last bit of energy was spent, I decided I'd best return the wee babes to the coop. Now if you've ever raised chickie babies you know they run from you. I was catching them fairly easily in the small tractor and putting them, three at a time in a bucket, and transferring them to Cluckingham Palace. Of course, I'm trying to be calm, singing Amazing Grace. They are not impressed by my peaceful demeanor and hymn chanting and squawk their tiny heads off. When I put Holly, so named by my class, in the bucket, she climbs right on another chick's back and flies out of my bucket and the tractor into the VERY BIG chicken yard. Time for Keystone Cops!

Thankfully, as she is running full force along the fence line, Arwen the Wondergirl is running right along side her on the outside of the pen. I'm trying one trick after another, but am not catching Miss Holly. Finally, I get her cornered and pray I can grab her when she sticks her head through the fence. By now my heart is pounding, I'm dripping sweat and envisioning a lost Ameracauna. Oh, I'm also yelling, "Arwen, don't let her out! Don't eat her either!" God love that dog, she sticks her face right up the chicken, who is half through the fence, as if to say, "I double dog dare you to go another step." This terrifies the poor chick into submission and she plops her feathered hiney down in the dirt, and I pick her up.

Disaster averted, thanks to one faithful, smart dog!

The Calm before the Storm

2011-05-25T18:21:00.001-07:00

The midwest has endured a rough storm season this spring. We've experienced several storms, and much water here in southern Indiana, and tonight is no exception. Tornado and storm warnings abound.

It's my own kind of storm at school. Trying to wrap up this year and wrap my mind around the fact that I will have almost three times the students next year. It's a hectic week, always is. Still, I picked up Bean and Bugg and headed home this afternoon, wondering if we'd get any play time before scary weather presented itself.

As is his custom, Bean wanted a swing and a story. He had even drawn a picture of me swinging him with a speech bubble indicating a story. I scanned it, but couldn't size it to fit here. So cute. It was the American Revolution today.

After the story he asked if I had any honeysuckle, so I took Bugg and him over to the big patch in the side woods. They were thrilled. I putzed around pulling weeds and such and when I returned, they had stopped pinching and sipping and were instead collecting. Bugg said they were picking blossoms for a Honeysuckle Picnic. Bean added, "Could we have something to put on the ground and maybe some other things?" So I went in and grabbed a sheet, some cheese and a box of crackers. He found some juice to his liking in the pantry and brought that out as well.

I just handed them the things and they made their own decisions about where to put their picnic. I sat on the rocking chair on the porch and simply relished the calm. It is restorative to me, watching little ones take a few simple things and make a grand time of it. Bugg didn't finish until she polished off the honey from every last blossom in that pile of blooms.

We talked about the way fairies use honeysuckles for their honey pot. I told them I imagined their honeysuckle patch housed a fairy abode or two, and I would be on the look out.

Such fun.

I spent the remainder of the evening cooking up some goodies for my Handy Man, who celebrates his birthday tomorrow. Butterscotch dessert for breakfast. The man likes his sweet stuff. Russian egg salad on rye in his lunch. Bbq'd ribs for supper. He'll be a happy handy man which makes me smile.

Now, to unplug this before the storm.

Ewww, What an Ugly Word

2011-05-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

Cancer, how do I loathe thee, let me count the ways- too many ways!

Cancer, leave the people I love alone- Aunt Bett, Bob, Dave, Dora and so many more.

Lord, help-please!

Thirty Three Thousand Dollars

2011-05-21T16:53:00.000-07:00

Thirty three thousand dollars is a bunch of money.

Today I went to snuggle that new grand boy for a few hours. He's growing like a weed. He is resting better, but still spends quite a bit of time squirmy, grunty and uncomfortable with the reflux. No, I didn't have to pay to get in and hold the wee one, but that is something to consider.

Rae-rae has long had a heart for orphans, and always wanted a house full of kids. She talked of adoption, long before she would have been able to pursue such an endeavor. That desire seemed to increase after she visited Ethiopia a couple of years ago.

Since her experience with Gideon did not go like we hoped and was in fact, quite terrifying, she's already looking ahead to coming by that next little poo-pie a different way. I imagine you've guessed it. Thirty three thousand dollars is what it costs to adopt a baby from Ethiopia.

Doesn't that break your heart? Babies who need a family, families who want a baby and only a few thousand dollars stands in the way. Gee, that is a bunch of money.

I asked about trying for an adoption locally. She shared the fear, perhaps all adoptive families have, of someone showing up at their doorstep to take the baby they've considered theirs from the moment said baby was placed in their arms. That is a terrifying thought and trust me, one I would never, ever wish on any poor soul, but it did get me thinking.

As a teacher, I feel the teaching profession has really taken a beating in our state and they aren't done (those doing the beating). Long I have believed they've chosen the wrong to tree to bark up and just continue to do so. Their belief- poor learning is a result of poor teaching. Don't get me wrong, poor teaching doesn't help, but teachers are not miracle workers. When you are given 28 children to teach 230 new standards to in one hundred and eighty days, much of your success is based on the type of learner you get. The type of learner you get is fashioned, in my experience and opinion, by their formative years 0-5. Do I feel like what happens in those years locks you into a situation for life? No, only because I believe God is a miracle worker and if you diligently seek to walk a different path, your life can take a different course. I do believe the role it plays in education is seriously overlooked. I have never had a child that wanted to learn that I couldn't find a way to teach. Children who don't want to learn, that's another story.

So what does that have to do with adoption? Oh, just meandering thoughts. When I had my first baby, I thought letting them go, as an adult, would be easy, because you know, they weren't little anymore. I didn't know that I would still feel the need to help each time they get in a tight spot, want to buy them things they want or need, hurt when they hurt, long after their childhood had ended. So, if they leave to a marriage, or to move to another town, or in rebellion as I know many parents face, it's so, so hard. Oddly enough, it's hard even when your thrilled about their choice of mate, or college, or whatever it is. You've just spent so much time, energy, emotion, etc. into them and they are gone.

All that to say, I just think that even if you risk someone showing up down the road and claiming your child, think about what they take with them, what a loving, stable home gave them. What a priceless gift.

Now, would that knowledge be enough? Not if it were me. I would be devastated, but would it have been the right thing? Just thinking, because thirty three thousand dollars is a bunch of money.

May Games

2011-05-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

For the past several Wednesday nights, Bean has had to leave early for soccer practice, which leaves me with Missy Bugg for an hour or so. Bean doesn't get all the time he'd like in the swing, or with playing with Gramerly, which is sad. I do though love the time one on one with her. Tonight she wanted to play games. She is a real puzzle/game girl. I reviewed about a million games trying to find some good ones. I must confess-I am not competitive, and not a big game player. I've searched high and low to find a few I could stand to play over and over.

This is a favorite. A tiny bee sits atop the hive. You spin to determine which color piece you push out without knocking over Mr. Bee. I usually deliberately lose all games with wee folk. Yes, I'm aware that is not teaching them about real life. I think they get enough real life at daycare and in the classroom. I don't feel like they need another dose from me. This game though I frequently win. The reason, if I knock off the bee, the action stops and it has to be set up again. However, losing is tempered by the fun of watching all the pieces fall and go clanging about. It also gives me an opportunity to pat Missy Bugg on the back and remind her that being a good winner is easy, but being a good loser is a wonderful thing indeed.

This is a pretty silly little game. Bet you can't guess why it tempted me. Bugg is happy with the simple matching color game.

Tonight was the first time we pulled out this Bible matching game. She was pretty good at it. She wanted to know the story to go with each character. So this will be a learning game too.

Rae-rae came over on Saturday and Pappy and I took turns holding the boy while Rae and Michael watched a movie. Gideon is still having a tough time with his reflux. I got out an old chair that I have. I hoped since it keeps them sitting up so much, it might be a good spot for him. He faded right off and slept for a good bit.

They are still trying one thing after another to get him some relief. Hopefully her blood is built up enough, because she is going to try to go off all her iron, in case that is the culprit. Poor little guy.

He is a sweetie.

Davy in a Bucket

2011-05-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

Whoa, some kind of craziness going in Blogdom. Everytime I've tried to do something for three days, this blog has looked different. First a comment, then it was gone. Next, the whole last entry was gone. Then it was back with the comment, then gone again. Now it's back, but the comment is gone. Don't ask me, I haven't a clue.

Drummer Boy brought the kids over Wednesday. It was time for baby boy BJ to follow his sibling and cousins in the tub pictures. His are kind of late really, since as soon as it got warm, it rained, and rained, and rained. He was up for the tub that evening, so in he went.

Oh, me, I'll have a hard time choosing. You know Buttercup had to be in on the action too.

Need I elaborate on the humidity level that afternoon. So glad no one was taking my picture!

I had just returned the day before from our all day field trip to the Indiana History Museum and Conner Prairie. I really like both of those places and it's a very wonderful place for my students. After so many years, the wonder has kind of worn off for me.

Still, I seem to always find a few gift shop items for the gramerlings.

I'm sure this is exactly what Davy Crockett looked like at 8 months old.

Is this some serious cuteness or what?

Which one is your favorite?

I bought wee Gideon a hat as well. Poor littlest bit, he has reflux quite severely. Neither him nor Mama are getting much rest. We be praying for that boy.

Thirty Went In, How Many Came Out

2011-05-11T16:38:00.000-07:00

I believe this is the 7th year I've hatched chicks in room 15. This was by far the most unnerving year, though it's always a bit unnerving.

Remember, I paid big bucks for rare eggs. I also added six of my own for insurance. First, next day postage was above and beyond what I was willing to fork over. Secondly, you want to get them in the brooder ASAP, but you have to turn them big end up for 12 hours so the air bubbles will all settle at the big end to make an air pocket prior to brooder placement. That of course all occurred the same day Gideon decided to make his appearance. So, Handy Man had to come to hospital, retrieve the keys, trudge over to school and settle them properly. You have to maintain a steady temp to grow a chick and we only had about three storms a day for the entire 21 days, producing not only loud thunder and lightening, but power outages. Thank the Lord, not at school. Lastly, if there is a chick in there and the temp and humidity are right, etc, etc, they still have to get out!

Never underestimate a praying child. My students hoped for at least nine, and prayed for them all 21 days.

I purchased six Ameracauna eggs, six Black Copper Maran eggs and twelve of the company's pick of rare eggs, cause that was the cheapest route.

I had hoped to get one BCM rooster and all the rest hens, cause I had a friend willing to take some them so then I could continue to hatch eggs of known origin.

Last Monday, I saw one Amercauna egg and two BCM rocking. I don't remember having ever noticed that before. By Monday evening we were hearing some peeping.

Remember that air pocket? Well the chicks first breakthrough to the air pocket so they can breathe and that allows them to start peeping.

I came in Tuesday morning to find a chick, not from a rocking egg, but one I never saw move, the first Ameracauna. Another of the same was pipping and broke out in front of the round, astonished eyes of my students. By the time I left, two more were pipping. The next morning we had two more chicks, but nothing was happening when I left at six. I was thankful there would at least be four, but I was disappointed overall. Those four were some expensive chickie girls (except two were already acting really cocky).

I came back at nine to check on them and five more were pipping.

We watched all day with bated breath. By day's end we had seven chicks altogether, two working hard on their shells and one that didn't make it.

There's a lot of controversy over whether or not it's a good idea to help a chick hatch. Some say, "No, it's mother nature's way." Others believe a chick, like a baby, can just be turned wrong and need some help. The blood circulation to the chick flows through the inner most membrane There is yet another membrane beyond that, then the shell. First, with an egg tooth that later falls off, it pips through to the air bubble, then through that first membrane. This sends a signal to stop the blood flow. If you aren't very careful when you help with the hatching, the chick could bleed to death. This type of stuff, while fascinating, makes me a bit weak in the knees to play a part in the bleeding to death scenario.

So, I return at 9 again and those two chicks still aren't out, but have made enough headway, that clearly there's no blood flow, so I did a few chips for them. I didn't want to risk them not making it like the one earlier in the day. Soon, they were out and doing well.

I was still very troubled by that one big chocolate brown BCM egg that I knew I saw moving. Finally, I decided I would try a to make a tiny chip in the large end, cause obviously, she wasn't coming. I did and it bled, so I immediately stopped. I was sad, cause I knew it had indeed held a chick that was alive and well on Monday.

That was at nine pm and when I came in on Friday morning, there she was, already hatched out.

Maybe the naysayers are right, she was fine on Friday, having trouble breathing on Saturday, and gone on Sunday. Somehow, I had to try. She was the sweetest little thing.

So, the end result, nine living chickies. My students are thrilled with their babies, that are named such things as JJ, Holly, Double Trouble and I forget the others.

Best of all, we have two hobbit chickens-be still my heart, with wee furry feet!

Now it will be interesting to see if the two I think are roosters, are indeed cock a doodle doos and the rest hens.

Speaking of roosters, either mine have gotten old and lazy, or my girls have improved their escape techniques, because not a one of my eggs hatched.

I ended up with four Black Copper Marans ( two of the feathered feet kind), three Ameracuanas (that lay blue eggs), and two that look like chipmunks with a name I'm not even sure how to pronounce-Penedesenca.

So that is the rare egg story!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T04:39:00.000-07:00

Someone recently asked a question that gave me cause to pause and reflect, a lot.

"Are you sorry you ever had kids?"

That, with a statement Michael made, "When he does that (baby Gideon), it worries me." I smiled and told him, "Yes, and now you'll never stop having something to worry about."

So, I've been reflecting on being a mother. I grew up in the "Women can have it All," " I am Woman," "I can Bring Home the Bacon," etc. It never occurred to me that I couldn't be president, or run a company, but never did I aspire to such things. I wanted to be a mom, that's all. Ha- that's all, that, is in fact the most challenging job I've ever pursued and find it just as challenging now as then.

First you worry if the baby is healthy. Then I worried if the baby was a girl, cause at the time I wasn't too crazy about my brothers, and by comparison to my four sisters, thought boys were big trouble.

Then they lay that little wet, wriggling creature on your chest and you are smitten. Is it a boy, girl, alien, it doesn't matter- what it is - MY BABY. Then, for a whole minute, the world is bliss, until the next set of worries. Is he too hot, too cold, hungry, bored, what?

For a solid year you hold your breath every time you question if he's breathing because SIDS is never far from your mind.

Then it's his first birthday and you sigh, feel so happy, for a whole minute.

Next, since just like your own Mama told you, "Every ol' crow thinks her is the blackest." You worry that he'll be snatched, because who wouldn't be instantly attracted to the cutest, sweetest, smartest, little lumpkin ever?

Then you have two more, rinse, wash, repeat the above. Wow, seriously, you can love this many wee folk this much?

In two shakes of lamb's tail, he's big enough to know how to use the phone, tell where he lives and scream if threatened, so you smile and feel confident, for about a minute. You read an article about a kid finding a gun, and the tragic results that follow and question when it's safe to allow him to go to someone else's house, cause who tells you they have a gun lying about where children play?

And daily, you smile at the wonder of this magnificent child, and you smile and blink and suddenly his voice is changing, he's looking you in the eye and taking every opportunity to express in attitude and body language what a worthless no account he thinks you are. And you wonder, "Where is that sweet little boy of mine." But, other people are always telling you of his work ethic and politeness and you comfort yourself with the thought that you must of done something right.

The worries though, come faster now, because I can no longer see what happens. The boy drives. Car wrecks, drugs, alcoholism, unplanned for babies and a million other things linger in the shadow of my mind, playing peek-a-boo when I don't know where he is or what he's doing.

Still, there is much joy.

I was sipping my coffee this morning, thinking on past Mother's Days.

I hosted all my kiddos friends overnight and then fixed prom breakfast four years running. Three of the four were on Mother's Day weekend. I can still picture all those kids soundly sleeping and every available surface in the house covered with a body. Prom punch, cinnamon rolls and sausage, biscuits and gravy. I still run into kids who remind me of that.

Then you watch them graduate with much pomp and circumstance and think, "Well, we did it, we got here."

Then your kids tells you he's joined the National Guard and we're in a war. So far, I haven't mentioned guilt, but it comes in equal doses with worry. I want to pray, "Lord, please keep my boy out of harm's way." And, in spite of myself, my eyes are instantly drawn to the article of another brave soul who will not be coming back home. I wonder what right I have, and if there is a mom out there anywhere who wants her child to grow up, barely, and leave this world in such a way. Of course there isn't. I can't help myself. I ask anyway.

The very first thing that crossed my mind when I heard of the fall of Osama Bin Laden was a concern for the men that did the deed. My boy would have said, "Yes," to that call. It is the kind of man he is.

You teach your children what you believe is right, then you have to watch when they make decisions you think are wrong and you have to live with it. It is still hard and frightening and worrisome.

But thankfully for me, I have had the privilege of watching them do so many right things, good things, responsible things, and just tender, loving sweet things.

Ahh, then they bring a baby. A most perfect, precious wee baby, and all the love and the fear begin for the next generation.

Then more and more babies!

My boys jumped right into to parenting with both feet, heart over heels. Clearly, their sister is the same. All three are hard workers. Both my boys got an overdose of their Mama's ADD gene and are satisfied with status quo for, oh a whole minute sometimes. Running, bicycling, deer, pheasant, turkey, drums, yoga, bows and rifles, chicken killing, houses to rent, flooring businesses to buy, the next thing. I smile, cause I get it. I worry cause I know it's hard to have such an over active mind.

And that girl, surely inherited my momma gene. Being a mom is what she is all about.

So, back to the original question. I was born a mom, and looks like I'll leave this world the same. If I had not had children, I would have mothered something or someone all along the way. It is the fabric of my being.

I am joyful that I made a contribution to the world at large that will fall on the positive side of the balance. Handy Man and I truly did all we knew to do and I believe the world is a better place because of 1st. Lt, Drummer Boy and Rae-rae. In addition, they'll likely be better parents than we were, so the legacy will continue.

The world is fraught with worrisome things for true. That has always been. Being so reminds me of my need for someone who knows the end of all stories, and daily I must place those worries in His big hands. And daily, I will aim to thank Him for the gift of my children and their children.

The truest words I've read about being a mom and have quoted often, still strike a chord that resonates in all my parts.

"To have a child is to make the momentous decision to forever have your heart walk about outside your body."

The same is true for grandchildren. Now I my heart is walking everywhere in a multiplicity of directions.

No, I'm not sorry. I would do it all over again.

Even today, when I'm cooking and all of three of them are sitting at the kitchen table, making comments and cracking each other up, it is the deepest, most satisfying peace and joy I will know this side of heaven.

Happy Mother's Day - hoping joyful things for you.

Oak's Day

2011-05-07T04:40:00.000-07:00

Woo,hoo, we actually got to be off for one of our scheduled snow days. I spent Oak's Day as close to Churchill Downs as I likely ever will. Rae-rae lives just a couple of blocks from the backside of the track. As Michael pointed out, you can see the grandstand from their front porch. So between the traffic, funny intoxicated walkers (saying some rather inappropriate things I could hear in the house), and the fancy hat people at the day long party in the business next door, I was close enough.

I spent my day doing my favorite thing- gramerling wearing. My little Gideon is a happy boy snugged right against my heart (umm, when he's not hungry, when he is hungry, my beating heart is of no interest to him and necessitates me locating a different chest- speedily). Isn't he a handsome boy?

It is a little early to tell, but those eyebrows and hair on top are looking very auburn.

Raechel continues to regain her strength. I don't think she's feeling like running a marathon anytime soon, but day by day is improving.

Can I just say how sweet it is to me that she'll join the ranks in tomorrow's Mother's Day celebration?

For all the chicken farmers, or chicken farmer wannabes, watch for all the chickie news that is news in the next couple of days. Remember the gamble I took in ordering rare eggs through the mail? Well, I'll be telling you all about it soon.

Pizza Anyone?

2011-04-29T15:17:00.000-07:00

This has been a big pizza week. My fourth graders had state testing all week. I like to do some particularly hand's on style learning during this time after all the tests. We just finished the chapter on matter in our science text. All those states of matter, physical, chemical and phase changes, solvents, solutes, etc are a bit abstract. I don't even think I had an iota's bit of exposure to those terms until 8th or 9th grade.

In an attempt to bring it to their level, we make our own lunch, mostly from scratch. At first they are a bit put off when they find out what we'll use to produce a chemical change in milk. But when we actually add the rennet from the stomach of a ruminating animal, they are fascinated to see it form curds and whey, and then cheese. We use the leftover whey to make pizza crust. Since winter, we've watched various herbs grow under the grow light and used them to create a mixture of pizza sauce and Ranch dressing from the original recipe. From lemons, oranges and sugar we concoct a drinkable solution. Lastly, we mix solids and liquids, apply heat and change it to yummy caramels. Dee- wish -us! And all that science jargon makes a bit more sense.

Well, we did it Wednesday. Whatever I do with my class my gramerlings want to do as well. So Wednesday night was more pizza. I don't really even like pizza, especially twice in one day, but I do love teaching these kiddos.

Pull, push, pull, push.

Push really, really hard!

Well, that pushing and pulling was fun, but we're still not quite done playing in that fun white fluff, so get the princesses for a little play time.

On with some favorite toppings.

Yum!

Speaking of eating, I just got a call from Rae returning from Gideon's two week check-up. He's already gained a pound and is thriving. Thank the Lord!