A Simple Face Lift

I wish. 

However, the blog did get a simple face lift because:

1. I have too many books in my house, and my blog sidebar was reminding me of that each time I logged in.  So, instead of decluttering my home, I decluttered my blog.  Totally logical.
2. I haven't touched my blog in a month, so I felt like I needed to reclaim it.  Who knows what it has been doing while I was away.

Things have been crazy around here.  I was recently elected to public office in my city, which is very interesting and educational.  It also comes with the occupational hazard of neck/ear pain from holding the phone with my shoulder while I do laundry.  Such is the life.

I also decided that it was the right time to finish the four classes I need to get my bachelor's degree.  I know, the timing seems a little illogical, but I have decided that I work best under greater demands...at least that is what I keep repeating to myself when I go to sleep at night.  I figure it will be true soon. 

So, how are the ladies feeling about all this excitement?

Tiny Love is skeptical.

Curlyjo is too busy with more pressing matters to form an opinion.

So, some things are still the same around here :)

If you...

If you let your daughter have access to too many Junie B. Jones books, she will call everyone "Lucille" and "Meanie Jim," and she will want to go to the store dressed like this:

If you get to the Market on the Square, look for my homemade, all natural body products and cleaners.  I will be selling:

• deodorant
• all-purpose cleaner
• tub and tile scrub
• bath salts

When I get the packaging created, I will post pics.  I am not very good at that part, so it should be interesting.  But, I am very excited to share this little business venture with my little helpers!  Curlyjo and Tiny Love have been helping me make all of the products in our very own cozy kitchen.  We like to put aprons over our pajamas...you know, for professional reasons ;)

Get the Tape

Well, I haven't blogged much lately, because all I would have had to say would be something like this:

I got up.  I took my temp.  I ate ibuprofen.  I went to bed. 

*cough, cough*

But, I am finally on the mend. 

Today was a cool and breezy fall day.

The girls decided to get some fall exercise while I sat around and coughed.

I think flip flops are the perfect attire for raking leaves, don't you?

*cough*



Then Tiny Love, our resident connoisseur of field guides, spotted this book at the library:

Well, Tiny loves all things natural, but practical?  I don't know.  She once tried to keep some cicada shells as pets. 

*cough*

Inside the book, she zeroed in on a picture that represents two things she adores:

Bringing yard waste into the house and finding reasons to use copious amounts of Scotch tape.

So, we made our own color wheel out of leaves and taped it to a pizza box. 

Then we posed with it, which is both natural and practical.

We actually had a lot of fun looking for our leaves and getting the project ready.

Now a perfect fall day comes to a close, one that will live on in our memories, shining, unmarred...

*cough, cough, cough*

Well, almost.



My Favorite Photos

I had a lover's quarrel with the world. ~Robert Frost, The Lesson for Today, 1942

Some of my favorite photos of my kids are the crying ones. 

I am not sure what that says about me as a mother.

This may be the only time in their lives when their grief is not only cute but easy to remedy.

I will enjoy it while I can.

That Poor Tree

Let's reminisce. 

This week I have been thinking about how awesome God has been to us in home schooling the girls.  Curlyjo and Tiny Love are doing so well, they are both so intelligent in their own ways, having so many talents and gifts. 

Lest you think I am taking credit for their success, let me take you back to year one of homeschooling.

This photo was taken the first year of home schooling. 

Aren't they precious?

See that tree behind them?

I spent the first year of homeschooling stoning that tree.

Literally.

Confession:  I hate teaching children to read.

The incessant confusion between "b" and "d," the sight words that obey none of the given rules, the sounding out of every word that begins to sound like a bad case of Turrets. 

I had so little patience for it.

Then there was Math. 

Curlyjo hated the traditional Math we used.  The stupid flashcards and worksheets. 

She was way behind in Math, and I felt that my whole worth hinged on her ability to pass a timed addition test.

So, we spent the first year leaving the table after home schooling with Curlyjo in tears and with me in the driveway throwing rocks at the trees in frustration.

Mature, I know.

Fast forward three years, and things are so much better.

Curlyjo is catching up in Math, and I am much more gentle in teaching Tiny Love to read.

Well, we haven't gotten to sight words yet, so this could still go south.

But, I see how God is blessing our faithfulness, His grace is covering my mistakes, and He is equipping us all for the task He has given us.

And I stopped throwing things.

I enjoy them so much.  I love that Curlyjo still wants to take her doll to the grocery store.

I am so grateful that God has grace for me in this endeavor, that He continues to be faithful when I am discouraged.

I threw rocks at the tree.

And Heaven laughed.

And sent me more help.

Spice It Up

Mr. Chins has come to live out his final days in our home. 

While he seems to be doing well, we believe that he still has cancer.  So, we brought him with us, and he is spending his precious time left with us, lounging on my couch, shedding fur all over the spots touched by the sun.  He also enjoys sleeping in Daisy Dog's pillow, when available.  It isn't often available.

Tiny Love has acquired the job of feeding Chins his daily meals. 

Last night, she obviously felt that his dinner needed something extra.

She emptied in the usual fare:

"Hmmm, Rotisserie Chicken and Gravy?  Sound good, but I think it needs a little something..."

She scurried out back to this:

My lovely little thyme plant.

Dinner is served.

Chicken is better with thyme.  I agree.

Chins was not impressed.

I was totally impressed--matching the herb with an appropriate food (well, cat food) and knowing how to strip the leaves off and make it pretty. 

OK, I was also a little grossed out.

If it is true that we eat with our eyes first, Chins must have shut his.

He waited for a less fancy dinner.

"Chicken and gravy, straight up.  No garnish, please."

In Memory

In honor of the wonderful friend I lost:

We had this lovely rock engraved to mark the place of her burial. 

It was an inexpensive way to make a memorial to the pet we all loved.

Well, love...

I know, Tiny Love.  Me, too.

First Day of School

The first day of school went great!  The students this year:

Tiny Love, who is would be in kindergarten or first grade.

Curlyjo, who would be in fourth grade.

I say "would be" because they are homeschooled, and I don't really know what the public school is doing.  I know that my girls are bright, curious, fun, and busy.  That is good enough for me!

After lessons are over for the day, I do this:

Settle in my chair with a cup of tea, my planner and a book.  And my cell phone...I have a friend who is due to have a baby any day now, and I want to know when he arrives.

The girls do this:

Visit Webkins World, the place where brain cells and patience go to die.

They are allowed 15 minutes apiece. 

Daisy Dog does this:

We all have our own version of relaxation!

What a wonderful and peaceful first day of school.

Cookies So Good, Your Teeth Fall Out

I baked cookies on Saturday, and the recipe made the most delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER. 

I sent some over to each of my sisters' houses to welcome them home from their mission trip to El Salvador. 

And to keep myself from eating the whole batch by myself. 

Sharing is good for everyone.

Smitten Kitchen's recipe!  Go here to get it.

Now, don't eat too many, or your teeth might fall out. 

Take it from someone who has endured a sugar-induced tooth loss:

Someone who doesn't consume sugar like the favored form of addictive stimulants, and she still lost a tooth last week (ah, rites of passage, how I love you for letting me think Curlyjo is still just a little girl):

Here, Curlyjo, I will let you have the last cookie.

Too slow, girl. 

Maybe next time.

Discipline Advice

Sometimes I have to have a "conference" with Tiny Love about her behavior.  I will even subject myself to the aroma of her beloved yellow blanket if it means that we can talk privately about the issue in a room full of people. 

I am happy to discipline and train my children. 

I am not happy to humiliate them in front of others to do so.

Tiny reacts to discipline slightly different than Curlyjo. 

Me:  No, Tiny.  The answer is no.

Tiny:  But, but, but...AAAAUUUGHHHHHHH!  *insert crying*

Me:  No, Curlyjo.  The answer is no.

Curlyjo:  Oooookkk.  *insert slight eye roll*

And you know what?  The eye rolling drives me the most bananas.  Poor Curlyjo, my sweet, compliant, gentle child, can't even get away with an eye roll.  But Tiny Love can just have an all out mental breakdown, and I will just tell her to go have it somewhere else.  I guess I just don't know what to do with the eye-rolling, as it often is coupled with obedience.  But it is obvious by her attitude that the compliance I am receiving is begrudging.  She still thinks I am wrong/crazy/annoying.

Obviously, I am not a perfect parent.  So, I like to seek parenting advice from books, other mothers, and "professionals." 

I recently read a post on the blog "Making Home."  The blog writer, Jess, has five children, which in my opinion makes her a professional.  If you find yourself tossed in the wind of parenting, looking for answers, trying new methods only to end up in the same tantrum place, check out her thoughts on discipline.  

You just might identify some areas that need work...in YOU. 

Then you can roll your eyes at yourself.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY, July 20, 2010


Outside my window...It is dark and rainy.  Perfect weather for sleeping late!

I am thinking...about the storms we have had in the last couple of days.  Storms make me think of how awesome God is, that if He were to come over me with even a fraction of His power, I would bend like the trees in the wind.

I am thankful for...my husband, who works so hard so that I can be home with our children.

From the learning rooms...I have been freaking out about planning our next school year.  I am looking forward to having a normal routine again. 

From the kitchen...I am about to make breakfast, which Tiny Love likes to include syrup.  I am out of almond butter.  This is not good.

I am wearing...a t-shirt, boxer shorts, no socks.  But my hair is done, makeup on.  Priorities.

I am creating...a very detailed information packet to take on vacation.  It has maps, directions, local businesses, lists of things to pack for each family member, phone numbers, and instructions for Brother while I am gone.  I love lists.

I am going...to get a pedicure today with a dear friend.  I haven't had one in a few years, so I will try to swallow my pride and not feel ashamed of my calluses.  Running is unkind to the feet. 

I am reading...A Little Piece of Earth by Maria Finn.  Now I need a worm farm in my basement.

I am hoping...to buy almond butter today.  Sorry, the almond butter is obviously distracting me today.

I am hearing...Tiny Love give me her itinerary for the next few days. 

Around the house...Tiny Love is dusting my printer.  She can leave her room so trashed that I can't find my way to her bed to kiss her goodnight, but dust on the printer requires immediate action.  I don't get it.

One of my favorite things...almond butter.  Again with the obsession.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Packing for vacation, getting my teeth cleaned (which I hate), helping with VBS, putting some mileage on my sneakers, and the usual (dishes, laundry).

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

The beautiful and elusive Curlyjo has a loose tooth.  Loose teeth are all the rage around here.

Thank God for Tiny Love

Tomorrow we take Tiny Love to the children's hospital for her "check up."  This is an event that takes place every two years, and it really is an all day event.  I dread it.  I brings so many memories flooding back to my mind and heart, things I would like to never have to think on again.

Maddie was diagnosed with Craniosynostosis when she was eleven months old.  I had no idea there was anything wrong with my little tiny baby, I just thought she was perfect.  A wonderful doctor who attended church with us happened to notice some abnormalities in her head shape and voiced her concerns.  I am thankful for that doctor every day. 

Looking back on her early pictures, I see now that her head shape did get worse as she got older, but I just hadn't ever heard of such a problem. 

We went to the children's hospital to see a Pediatric Plastic Surgeon.  That title made me feel guilty, before I knew what these wonderful doctors do.  They advised us that surgery was the only way to fix the problem and avoid a potentially serious situation later on.  I left that day shocked, scared, and shaken to the core.  We scheduled surgery, and I prayed and prayed and cried and called out to God on her behalf.  

And He heard me. 

Though immediately after surgery, she sure didn't look like it.

I was the most shaken I had ever been, or have ever been since.  I couldn't bear to look at her at first, and that made me feel guilty along with scared.  She battled blood loss, blood transfusions that just didn't end, and a collapsed lung.  But she was strong, and God was faithful. 

I clung to Him and tried to just keep going.

She took a step forward, she took a step back.  It felt like years, but actually it was only five days.  Yes, five days after surgery, Tiny Love went home.  She never acted like she was in pain, though her pupils showed the effects of the trauma to her head.  She never seemed to notice the wound on her head, though others looked terrified when they saw the massive amount of stitches used to close up her precious body.  She never cried in the night, though I did. 

Five days after coming home, we celebrated Christmas.

I thanked God for restoring her health and her smile, and He continued to heal her.  To communicate all the ways God used this dark time in our lives to strengthen us is beyond my power of communication. 

All I can say is, He is my Counselor, my Healer, my Good Shepherd. 

Heaven listens.

That I know for sure.

Life Work

After a weekend of family fun and strict observation of a Sabbath "day of rest" (aka--not doing dishes after every meal and not walking around picking up stuff and putting it away), Monday morning dawned on a very messy house.  I knew I needed to stay home and get things shaped up for the week.  But, I was struggling with "homeschooling mother guilt," which is of another species than the usual forms of mother guilt. 

If I am good at home management today, I will be bad at homeschooling. 

I can only be good at one thing a day. 

I don't know how to overcome this phenomenon. 

Except that my kids will homeschool themselves. 

Science happened in the form of Curlyjo and Tiny Love finding no less than six snails in the back yard and creating a habitat for them:

In between vacuuming, laundry, and cleaning out kitchen cabinets, we looked up some information in our trusty nature guide:

We identified the snails and found out what they need to survive in the habitat.

Later, Tiny Love ran into the house to begin another science lesson with her latest find:

We discussed it's beauty, the amazing precision with which it was crafted, and the mighty God who could created creatures who just knew how to do such intricate and wonderful things.

And then we talked about bird lice.

So, science, health, and theology.  Done.

After they cleaned the garage and their room (life skills), they went outside to play have PE:

At lunch, we had a little reading time:

I didn't want Brother to miss out on all the fun, so I made him a little to do list, you know, to help him focus. 

It has nothing to do with the fact that he doesn't seem to hear me when I talk.

Yes, he wrote, "Can't do it!" on the bottom of the page.  But you know what?  He did do it.  All of it!

What a productive day. 

Maybe homeschooling really is a lifestyle. 

Maybe it really doesn't need to be a source of guilt, but one of joy and wonder. 

Maybe, but I think I will err on the side of seat work tomorrow. 

Two for a Dollar?

The Husband:  Tiny, let me see those loose teeth.  I will just give it a little wiggle.

Tiny:  Okay, Daddy!

The Husband:  Hmmmm, let me just give it a little tug.

Tiny:  Okay, Daddy!

The Husband:  *jerks on the tooth*

Tiny:  DADDY!!!

Out came the first tooth.  Proudly displayed gap-grin:

The Husband:  Tiny, let me stop the bleeding and give the other one a little wiggle.

Tiny:  Okay, Daddy. 

*sob*

Tiny:  OUCH!

The Husband:  I think we are all done here. 

Tiny:  *sob*

The Husband:  I guess we better get ready for the tooth fairy.

Crazy little consumer, capitalizing on life's inevitabilities. 

Where is my purse?