On my blogspot blog, I recently wrote about coincidences that happen in my life and the next day, I happen to realize another one:  We watched the movie, "The Sound Of Music" a few days ago, a movie we haven't watched in quite some time.  Two days later, my mother-in-law showed us this video on youtube.  You may have already seen this but take a look, it's fun to watch.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k

I start to cry everytime I watch this.  I love the look on the people's faces as they watch the dancers.  Surprise and joy combined.  Fun, fun, fun!

By the way, I just received a beautiful letter from my doctor.  It's a form letter which says that my mammogram and stress test were normal.  The day before, I got an equally beautiful form letter from my ob-gyn, saying that exam was normal.  Normal is good, when it comes to your health, don't you think?  Thank you, God.

Thanks for your prayers for my busy week, last week.  The mammogram went well even though the x-ray tech is a bit eccentric.  And you know, it was the SAME lady that did my last mammogram - back in 2004!  When I saw her, I couldn't believe it.  But the facility is nearly brand new and there was no one there, so there was no wait.  The exercise stress test went better than expected, except that I had to wait an hour before starting the test.  I was nervous and the waiting didn't help.  But I completed all three phases of the treadmill run without any problems, other than getting extremely thirsty.  I collapsed in a chair when it was over but when I recovered, I had this incredible high - mentally, I wanted to run 5 miles but my body wouldn't let me.  I guess it's what people call an exercise high after getting your heart pumping really hard.  I normally walk a lot but I don't get my heart rate up too often.  Now I can't wait to get my heart rate up again, though not quite so hard and not in such a short time frame.  So that was Wednesday.

Thursday, I went for my monthly orthodontia visit.  They took me right back to the private room - hooray!  Right there on my chart, there was a post-it, to remind them "Private room, please."  As I sat there, looking out at the bay, a pair of herons flew up out of the tall grasses.  It was all lovely.  They replaced my pink bands with a darker shade of pink and I was out of there.  And my teeth haven't hurt at all since then.  So that was Thursday.

Friday, I headed out earlier than expected (an amazing thing for this chronically-late woman) for Portland on my own for my yearly female check.  2 hours later, I arrived at the hospital/med center, 20 minutes before my appointment.  They are doing a lot of construction at this place and when I walked into the lobby of what I thought was the hospital, there was absolutely no one around.  No one!  It was surreal.  After reading the sign board and confirming that my doc was definitely somewhere in the building, two people walked by and helped me find my way.  Apparently, this part of the building isn't done yet, everything was on the other side.  Anyway, I found the office and only had to wait a few minutes.  My ob-gyn is a pleasant lady and really made my office visit go well, and quickly.  I was out of there in about 45 minutes and ready to head back home.  All was well until I was 1 hour into the drive, on the Washington side of the Columbia, when a major, major downpour blotted out all the other cars and big trucks on the highway.  Honestly, I couldn't see ahead of me, or behind me for that matter.  70 mph quickly slowed to 30 mph.  I didn't panic but, boy, was I glad to get off the highway to cross the bridge back over into Oregon (it's quicker to get to Portland this way).  By that time, the downpour was pretty much behind me.  I called Todd and asked if it had rained like that at home but it hadn't.  I have been told it's wetter on the WA side of the river.  I believe it.  So, that was Friday.  Praise the Lord, that week is done.

I hope your Father's Day was a good one at your house.  We had a simple Father's Day, as Todd spent most of the day sleeping for the start of his work week.  Tonight, my son, Chad, reminded me of our perfect heavenly Father.  Since my dad and stepdad are both gone, it's good to know my heavenly Dad will always be here with me.

I asked for prayer for a little girl named Charity several weeks ago and I'm so pleased to post that she is finally home!  I have prayed and prayed for this little girl and it's so awesome to see God answer all the prayers from so many.  She continues to need medical care at home but her family is able to do this, so they can still use prayers in that regard.  The main thing is that she is home and doing well.  If you prayed for her, thank you very much.

Now, I could use a prayer or two.  I am having a mammogram and a stress test this Wednesday, an orthodontia appointment on Thursday and my annual female exam on Friday.  Ugh.  I don't want to worry about these things, I just want to get through them and, of course, pass all tests with flying colors.  Since this will be a busy week, I need all the help I can get.

On a brighter note, my teeth continue to hurt but it's all good.  I don't know if I answered your question or not, Paula, about whether I had jewels in my braces or not.  No, I don't - didn't want to spend any more $$ than I needed to - but it would have looked cool!  If my teeth continue to move this fast for the next few months, I may be out of these things sooner than expected.  Which reminds me, I need to make my monthly payment!

Still can't really get into the writing groove.  Just mundane stuff.  Life's like that, sometimes.

You see those buck teeth over there ~> (look to your right) - you will NEVER see those teeth like that again!  In just a few weeks, my teeth have moved so much that they all line up in front!  It looks really strange to me as I've lived with big front teeth jutting down below the other front teeth for so long.  No wonder my mouth hurt so much.  Things were moving!  I have days when it feels like my top teeth are all loose.  A disturbing feeling to be sure but I am promised that this won't last.  As long as they don't all fall out, I'm o.k. with it.

We had one of those surprising, go with the flow days, the kind of days I love for homeschooling.  I had a doc appt this morning and when I returned, my oldest son had done nearly all his schoolwork, my middle son had done some of his and my daughter had just behaved herself, which was about all I could ask out of her (she's only 8).  She did study her spelling words without me and we did math, a lot of math actually, which she loves.  After finishing the work and lunch, I took the kids across the river (the Columbia) over into WA, to take some kids' clothes to an awesome consignment shop my friend owns over there in Chinook.  Chinook is right on the water so we drove around a bit and then went to an old military fort that was built to protect the mouth of the Columbia River.  I think it closed down after WWII but all the buildings have been restored and there were several concrete structures that my kids love to walk around and through.  The two big guns are still sitting there, surreal-like, in such a lovely place, with grass and trees, and the water sparkling in the sun.  I was wondering what it was like, being on duty watching the river for any enemy approaching.  I'll bet more than one solder fell asleep in the warm sun on top of one of those bunkers! 

On our way back over the 4-1/2 mile bridge that spans the Columbia, we spotted 3 Navy ships making their way toward Astoria.  One was an American destroyer and the other two were Canadian.  We hurried across the bridge and found a good viewing spot along the river back in Oregon.  My kids love military ships so this was pretty exciting.  Portland is having their annual Rose Festival and every year, at least one military ship comes down the river and docks in Portland for a few days.  We are so fortunate to live where we can see them come and go on the river.  But we would have missed them completely if we hadn't have gone over the bridge when we did.  God is so good to give us these opportunities.  I love it when things like this happen.  It just reaffirms to me that God cares about my kids, in big ways and small.

It got us home later than I had planned, however, so I had to hurry over another bridge (across the bay this time) over to the grocery store to pick up a few things for dinner.  Todd is working tonight so time was tight.  On my way across the bridge (we live around a lot of water), brakes slammed unexpectedly and I was fortunate to be able to stop in time.  I don't know what the deal was but we finally got going again and I went on to the store.  I wasn't there all that long and on my way back, the bridge was completely stopped.  This usually means the draw bridge is going up for a taller-than-usual fishing boat.  There were a lot of fishing boats on the water today so I thought nothing of it except that time was ticking by and I worried about getting dinner ready.  We finally creeped along to my side of the bridge and then I saw a tow truck hauling away a car with a smashed-in front.  It dawned on me that this accident probably happened not that far behind me when I was going to the store.  Once again, God spared me of harm.

One of the songs that comes to mind frequently is one I learned as a kid in Sunday choir.  "God cares for his people wherever they may be.  Come sing praises, sing praises ... joyfully."  Amen.

I wanted to share this video that deedeeuk has posted on her blog.  You've GOT to see it!  Shepherds with a good sense of humour and great sheep dogs herd their sheep into pictures, including some with lights at night.  We couldn't stop watching over and over.  It's really great!  Thanks deedee!

To see this fun video, click here - deedeeuk

I'm starting to wonder if I can get through a visit to the orthodontist without crying. 

I went in for my second visit last week, where they removed the vexing spacers and put in the band that anchors the space-age NASA-inspired wire.  The girl working on my teeth began with accidentally hitting my front teeth, sending a nice pain through my mouth.  Sigh.  After removing my pink bands, I was instructed to go brush my teeth.  I had difficulty opening the disposable toothbrush packet and then the bristles were hard as a rock.  The brush is pre-loaded with toothpaste (made in China, of course) and I couldn't figure out what to do - am I stupid?  (Yes, at that moment, I thought so).  No amount of water would soften the bristles.  A nice older teenage boy walked past me and, taking a toothbrush, he said, "It's o.k., I'll use the other sink."  I apologized (for taking so much time) but was thankful for his kindness.  I finally got my teeth brushed and sat back down.  Now, this is a communal room with a row of 5 or so dental chairs and regular chairs situated at the foot of each chair (for your support team).  After I sat down, a teenage girl sat down in one of the regular chairs at my feet.  She was holding a two-month old baby.  I asked if it was hers, she said yes, and I said to the baby, "Are you here to watch me get braces?"  She was close enough to me to shake hands, if I had asked.  Her sister sat down in the dental chair next to me.  Cosy, but I really didn't like this arrangement.  When my assistant finally got the Dr.'s attention, he came over to work on my teeth.  Just before he sat down, I looked to my left and saw a younger kid in another chair, staring at me.  The girls and the baby to my right were also staring at me.  I looked at the doc and said, "You know, I'm not used to having an audience.  I'm normally alone for these situations.  Could everyone just kind of turn around for a few minutes?"  Needless to say, I was feeling paranoid, stupid and old.  The doc put the band on (ouch!) and the assistant hanked the wire around my mouth (more ouch).  I gave in to my emotions and the tears came.  Just tears, no sobbing, thankfully.  I told her (when I could speak again) that I felt humilated and she said she was sorry and that I could have a private room from now on.  I'm glad to hear that.  I hate to be such a baby but, darn it, this is so hard for me!  I'm really trying to be a good sport about this (really, Todd, I'm trying) but I think that will take time.  Maybe next month I won't be such a basket case.  Hormones are also putting a huge drain on my emotions right now.

Oh, and to make my day even more interesting, while I was waiting for the orthodontist, this woman comes into the room with a toddler and a dog!  And she handed the dog to a girl sitting in a dental chair.  I looked at the assistant and asked if this was allowed.  She said, (not convincingly) "I guess."   I'm not a animal lover but I really don't understand anyone bringing an animal into a medical office of any kind.  It was a puppy the size of my hand but, still!  I just don't get it.  In my opinion, "Ick!"

Needless to say, I couldn't wait to get out of there.

Ah, but fate had another idea.  Just as I hopped into my Prius, I felt something like a spring hit me inside my mouth.  Sigh.  A pink band came loose.  I had to go back upstairs and ask for help.  They were already busy but I had no choice.  They fixed it and I left but I can't help thinking they were just as glad to see me leave as I was to leave them.  If you think about it, pray that my next visit will go better.  I don't want to be the patient everyone dreads to see.  And I don't want to dread going. 

My teeth still hurt but it gets better each day.  This will be worth it, I have to keep saying that to myself.    

Last Thursday, I officially joined the ranks (young and old) of brave souls who willingly allow a trained professional to glue metal brackets on your teeth that are guaranteed to inflict pain, usually when you least expect it. We even pay lots of money to let these people do this to us. And we curse them again and again, as we bite down on something as innocent as a toasted English muffin and wince in pain. The knowledge that you can't remove these darn things is somewhat akin to how The Man in The Iron Mask must have felt. At least that's my opinion. I'm at the end of Day 4 and still, it hurts. Advil has been my friend. I've even lost a pound because it just seemed easier not to eat, although today is better. At the table, my family shows sympathy whenever I wince, which is embarrassing to me but sweet of them. I have learned to eat nearly everything cut up in small bites, including sandwiches.

Last week, I told my mother (by phone) that I was getting braces. She was silent. Then she said, " I didn't think you could get braces when you are so old." Good ol' Mom.

When I walked into the orthodontist's office, all the workers (they are called "the girls", believe it or not) were standing there and they turned and stared at me. I stared back until I finally said, "Stop looking at me like that!" Todd told me later that they were all surprised that I kept my appointment, they figured I wouldn't show up. I guess I showed them. Apparently, I have a reputation in this office, as the orthodontist has been after me for a year to get braces. I've always given my excuses for not wanting them. He and my husband chat when Todd takes Chad in for his monthly adjustments. This was all Todd's idea, completely. I would not have dreamed of doing this, due to the expense and the inconvenience, not to mention the pain. I hate, hate, hate the "chair" - in ANY dental office. And now I am committed to "monthly" adjustments for 6-12 months - these people belong in a medieval torture chamber!!!

There ... now I've gotten my rant out of the way.

I really hate having my mouth propped open but that's what they have to do. I laid there for an hour, getting pumiced and glued. Wire inserted. Lovely shade of pink rubber bands wrapped around each brace. Todd came in and stood by the chair. Tears started to flow down my cheeks and into my ears (the chair was tilted into a near headstand position). As he looked down at me, I waited for Todd to say something comforting ... "You look like Wallace and Gromit*, you know, the way they smile?" Not what I expected. More tears. He held my hand and Chad came in, stood on the other side of me and held my other hand. That helped. The tech (or whatever her name or title is) finally removed the darn plastic mouth-prop thing and I felt my lips go over the braces for the first time. What did I feel? Panic! Oh, my gosh! This is me for many months to come! At least it's only the top row of teeth. Sigh.

 

Fortunately, the pain didn't begin right away. It hurt but I got through it. It's better now but there are times I still feel bummed. Everyone keeps saying how glad I'll be when it's done. I look forward to that time.

About the bonding with my son: Chad has been my support and my coach through this whole thing. I asked him a ton of questions before and after and he's been a doll. Very comforting. I love this kid. Now we have more in common than acne and the gift of gab.

*"Wallace and Gromit" is a British clay-mation series of short, silly movies - and not a complement to be compared to.

On May 8, 1963, a daughter was born to a family that already had 3 daughters.  By then, Dad had given up on ever having a son, though he never, ever complained about it.  It was close enough to Mother's Day that Mom always said their daughter was the best Mother's Day gift she could ever receive.  That daughter was me, of course.  Forever cursed to do the Birthday-Mother's Day dance.  How do you celebrate both holidays properly, especially when they land on the very same day?  Together?  Not fair.  Apart?  Too frivolous.  Add the mother-in-law in there and you've got more problems.  I now live too far to even see my own Mom on Mother's Day.  Sigh.  This year, I had seriously felt like skipping them both altogether.  Who cares, really?  But my sweet husband had other ideas.

He secretly planned a short holiday for our family at one of our favorite places to visit.  We were already scheduled to see our droll dermatologist in Portland and stay overnight, since it was so close to my birthday.  But Todd went and booked two nights in Leavenworth, WA, for the following days!  Imagine my surprise when I accidentally found this out by seeing an e-mail confirming our reservation!  I felt SO badly for that but I couldn't undo what had been done.  And I had to tell him I knew.  He was bummed but I tried to cheer him up by telling him he should have seen my face when I found out!  Anyway, he forgave me, I worked like mad to do a ton of laundry and we set off on a foggy, way-too-rainy Wednesday.

After our appointment, we went to the Oregon Zoo to see the baby elephant that was born 8 months ago.  He's grown, all right!  The zoo was basically empty as it had been raining and everyone else was at school (the joys of homeschooling!)  A quick dinner at Togo's and back to our usual Portland hotel for the night.  The kids usually have no trouble sleeping here as it's kind of like our home away from home but I guess they were excited about Leavenworth.  Todd and Carmen slept - the rest of us struggled.

Up for our hotel breakfast and then on to Leavenworth.  This town is set in what they call "The Enchantments", a valley surrounded by awesome mountains usually covered in snow.  The town redid itself in a Bavarian theme and the hotel we stay at is one of the best there.  It's definitely an infrequent treat.  It has a huge breakfast room with amazing views of the mountains and serves an excellent breakfast, which is one of my kids' favorite things about it.  I happen to love their oatmeal (I'm not hard to please).  I got to watch the sun rise and set over the hills from our room and the moon was full or nearly so and one night, Todd and I went out to the large deck to look at the moon together.  The moon gazing down on us over "The Enchantments" was very romantic.  But the door back in was locked.  Finding our way back into the hotel was fun - the place is big.  It's so nice that the kids are old enough to stay in the room by themselves for a bit.  Todd and I also went down and listened to the nightly piano music together.  Good to spend alone time with my husband.  When we first went into our hotel room, I saw that they had put out a bottle of sparkling cider with a card that said "Happy Birthday" with two wine glasses.  On my birthday, all five of us toasted to me.  My non-soda drinking kids didn't like the bubbles but that's just fine.  I hope they always stay non-soda drinking!  Todd and the kids also had cards for me to open.  We ate well for every meal, I didn't have to do dishes, it was a great time all around.  On my birthday, we ate at a restaurant called "Cafe Mozart".  It was so cool and our meals were excellent.  The background music was familiar to us (we like Mozart) and that night there was a harpist playing.  She took to our family immediately and my kids ended up sitting with her while she played.  I got a photo (for once) but only after I saw another lady take a picture and it dawned on me that I should do the same.  I'm clueless about photo ops.  We walked around the little shops, the kids swam and played racquetball, we golfed at the hotel's putting green.  I had a wonderful time and a terrific birthday.  Thanks, Todd!

After all this extravagance, I thought today would be rather quiet.  My husband came home from work this morning and about an hour later, I finally got up and ready for the day.  Walked into the kitchen and there was a dozen pink roses on the table with cards and donuts.  Todd was cooking eggs and bacon.  What a guy!  He really made me feel special this week.  I am so thankful for this husband of mine.  He went to bed (he's working tonight) and my kids did the dishes.  I read.  After lunch, I took a nap in my big chair and when I woke up, I read some more.  Without guilt.  It felt terrific.  In between, I finished unpacking our suitcases and did laundry.  But it was a great Mother's Day.  Oh, and my mother-in-law?  She's been in Turkey since last Tuesday.  I wonder what kind of day she had? 

I am looking into writing programs for my kids and possibly for myself to learn along with them.  The first one I've researched is the "One Year Adventure Novel" writing curriculum by Daniel Schwabauer.  I sent away for the free demo CD and watched it with my boys.  They seemed interested and I thought it might be a good program.  But the price has made me hesitate.  At nearly $200.00, I don't want to jump into this without careful consideration.  So, I thought I'd appeal to my blog friends and see if you've done any specific writing course, program or curriculum.  What has worked for you and what didn't?  Any opinions or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

I previously posted that the little girl, Charity, would be going home from the hospital.  God had a different plan.  She developed breathing problems and had emergency surgery, which was successful.  Please continue praying for her recovery.  Again, go here to read her parents' blog.  Thanks!

So, just what have we been up to, lately?  Glad you asked.  First, please continue to pray for Charity.  (Please see my previous post) - this precious baby has been through so much but God continues to demonstrate His amazing grace.  She's been taken off the breathing tube and is breathing on her own but she still needs prayer for continued healing.  Thank you for your prayers! 

Remember my post about getting braces?  Well, I put it off as long as I could.  I needed more dental work done before braces could be put on.  I finally got the dental work done and we only have one more payment to pay off Chad's braces.  But on the day I make the last payment, I'll be in the chair myself, beginning another journey I'd rather not take but am compelled (or forced) to do.  Todd really wants me to get braces and keeps telling me I'll be so glad when my teeth are straight.  Fine.  At least I only need the top teeth done but the price isn't that much better.  Just when I thought we'd have some extra $$ per month, here we go again.  When I told Chad I didn't want braces, he assured me it won't be that bad.  I told him to keep telling me that, over and over!

Carmen has started swimming lessons again and is finally able to bob under water - a giant milestone.  I thought she'd NEVER be able to be comfortable getting her face wet.  I guess she realized it's not that big of a deal.  I hope she continues to do well as we just found out that our big, beautiful community pool is closing in July, due to lack of finances.  Our community will definitely feel the loss - there's not a whole lot for kids to do in our small town and the pool is used not only by children but the U.S. Coast Guard for training (it's cool to watch them).  The local high school uses it, people in water therapy use it ... it's a real shame that they can't keep it open.  I hope it will reopen again someday.  Anyway, Carmen will be able to get in, perhaps, 6-8 weeks more of lessons.  Hope she makes the best of them.

Alec, my "malady-of-the-moment" kid (we call it his "MOM") has been dealing with foot issues for weeks now and after his last doc visit yesterday, he is done with all the soaking and bandaging we've been doing.  He is just as pleased as I am.  Alec is always complaining about some discomfort - I guess for the attention.  I must be a negligent Mother or something.  Or is it just middle child syndrome - do whatever it takes to get attention.

Homeschooling is kind of running on autopilot at the moment.  We're not bored.  Everyone knows what they need to do, which is nice.  Several times lately, I have spotted Carmen sitting on her bed, reading her Pathway Reader books on her own.  She has always like books but reading a chapter book on her own is new.  So cool!

We had a bit of a bake-off in our kitchen this week. Last Tuesday, I decided to bake an apple pie. It's been a long, long time since I baked an apple pie so I was a bit out of practice but I just did it. I put Chad to work peeling apples and Carmen stirred the flour/sugar/cinnamon mixture. Alec even tried the peeling apparatus (it's one of those crank-type things). By the time it went into the oven, the kitchen was a disaster and I was a floured mess. I couldn't get to the rolling pin (a long story) so I rolled out the pie crust with a large glass. This was nothing new as I went a long time without a rolling pin in my life and learned long ago how to roll out crust with just about anything. Anyway, it looked beautiful. It was so full of apples I could barely get the top crust over it. A few slits in the crust, a little water and sugar on top and into the oven it went. Just in time, as I had to get dinner going to feed Todd before he left for work. The pie boiled over onto the floor of the oven but it's self-cleaning - I just had to remember to start the cleaning cycle. More on that later. The pie came out and was wonderful. Everyone was pleased, especially me.

Todd bakes bread for our family every week. He has to time that baking with his work schedule. So, a few days ago (after the pie had been consumed), he decided to bake bread in the evening as he had to work the following night. He got everything ready and when he had the dough rising, he decided to bake a cake. Not any ol' cake, but a German chocolate cake. I stood in amazement. I am very leery of baking bread, which is why he does it, but to bake a cake WHILE one is baking bread - I just couldn't do it. I guess I can only focus on one baking task at a time. Todd, on the other hand, sees it as a time-saver (he's SO dang logical!) So, when he's all done, he has 5 loaves of bread, and a frosted chocolate cake, topped with coconut and surrounded with sliced almonds. He knows I'm a very simple dessert eater and he said, "I know, you're thinking it's too much, right?" Well, that's EXACTLY what I was thinking but I know other people don't always think like I do. Anyway, I was so impressed with all this baking he did and in the evening, too. I didn't even mind all the kitchen clean up. I'm so glad he knows how to do these things for our family. And the cake is delicious. I think there's still enough for a small sliver tomorrow for each of us. But I still don't like the almonds.

Now, back to the apple pie filling on the floor of the oven. At some point this week, I turned on the oven to preheat for dinner and shortly heard a sizzling - you guessed it, hot pie filling. Oops! That's not such a big deal except that a few weeks ago, I was baking meatballs in the oven and when I removed the pan, one rolled onto the floor of the oven. It was too hot to retrieve so I made a mental note to wait until the oven was cool and remove it. So much for mental notes. The next time the oven was used was when Todd had to do a baking of bread. He set the meatball on fire! We could see flames through the oven window! Alec freaked out (he does that occasionally). Carmen characteristically covered her ears (as if that's going to help!) Todd made his best "I'm so disgusted" face and took care of the situation. I meekly apologized. He told me firmly that I needed to clean the oven. I made another mental note. Well, I finally cleaned the oven last night - no more pie filling or charred remains of meatball.

I have to admit, it was kind of funny seeing that meatball explode into flames like that. Reminds me of the English muffin I set on fire in the toaster oven. Or that time my steak got too close to the broiler element. Do we see a pattern here?

This is one of those typical articles about how the homeschool house looks the part.  You know, "face it", your home will never be the same until the kids graduate.  Books, science experiments, various artwork in more various stages of completion, Legos, more books, papers, papers, papers!  Sigh!

Which wouldn't exactly bother me much except I'm married to a man who used to be a perfectionist (I think I've rubbed off on you, Honey!).  Not only that, he used to build European cabinets in homes one might see in Architectual Digest.  He's seen a lot and would love to have his home just like he'd like it.  Except he happened to marry me.  And then we had kids.  And then we decided to homeschool those kids.  End of "perfect home" dream.

Oh, he has lots of ideas, and many of them have actually become part of our home.  Like our new carpet in the living room.  It's terrific.  But right now, it's covered with over half a dozen cereal boxes that have been made into pirate ships.  Great battles have been enjoyed (stuffed animals make great pirates, did you know that?)  I have to carefully move them aside just to get to the woodstove out there.  Heaven forbid I should drop a log of firewood on one of them!  Which brings to mind the new hearth Todd made.  It's lovely and can be seen best when I don't have laundry hanging around it (the only dry place in this wet climate I live in.) 

I could go on but I think you get the idea.  I'm sure you can relate on one level or another.  On the other hand, if your house is fully organized and spotless, send me some pointers.  I'm all ears.

Oh, I have some exciting (to us) news!  If you get the lovely magazine "Nature Friend", flip to the Bonus Pages with the drawings sent in by readers.  On Page 16, look in the upper right corner.  You'll see my daughter, Carmen's name!  This is a section of the magazine that thay show how to draw a particular subject (in this case, a blue jay) and children are encouraged to send in their drawing.  We've been waiting since December and we were so thrilled to see that her drawing was in there!  What a nice thing to happen to her (thank you, Lord!) 

I have been reading about homeschool families for well over a decade now.  I have learned that children's interests vary amazingly, from the boring (to me) to the impossible (no way!)  Kids who start up businesses, build rockets that really fly, kids who learn ham radio, start food drives, help the homeless, compete in Irish dancing (hi, Shani!), ski on the Olympic Ski Team, play in bands, the list is endless.  I had high hopes for my own crowd of young ones but I knew that they would march to their own drum beat.  A mom can only influence so much.  Like, I share my interest in music and writing with my kids and I know some of them will get it and some won't care.  That's o.k.  I also knew that they would probably choose interests that I personally am not interested in.  Which is where diplomacy comes in (I already wrote about that subject).  Like when a child wants to tell me about what they are doing/reading/into, etc., and I must listen even if my eyes want to glaze.  I confess that sometimes said child sees the eye-glazing which makes me feel guilty but, gosh, no ones perfect!  And most of the time, my kids don't care, they just keep talking. 

Case in point:  My middle son, Alec.  You know, the one who gets obsessed about his current interest and immerses himself completely.  The list of things he has wanted to build include (but not limited to) a Concord jet, a Civil War Hunley Submarine (hey, kid, it sank 3 times, remember?!) and the futuristic submarine from "The Voyage To The Bottom of the Sea" movie/series.  Now, he wants to be Captain Nemo.  Seriously.  It's kind of scary.  He's been reading and rereading Jules Verne's books and is so sincere about building a Nautilus sub that he's started saving his money and wants to make a parts list, including sources for parts.  Today, he had me looking online for an 18 foot diameter propeller.  He wants to live like Nemo did, free from rules and people (his desire to be free from unloading the dishwasher, I'm sure).  He keeps saying that when he builds his sub, Todd and I can come live with him.  He's drawn at least 19 different interior sketches of what he wants his Nautilus to look like.  Before this, he was content to make various models of the Nautilus out of whatever material suited him (cardboard, etc.)  This new turn has me a bit concerned.  What do you think?  Is this just the latest Alec-obsession?  He has started writing "Capt. Alec" whenever he needs to sign his name some place.  He wants to learn to play a pipe organ (Nemo played one).  I wonder if I've helped to create this 11 year old monster?  I have always encouraged him to dream big but then I get the unpleasant job of setting him straight and telling him, "No, I'm sorry, we just don't have the room for you to build ___________."(fill in the blank)

Oh, let's face it, the kid's weird.  I'll be the first to admit it.  But then, his older brother follows the stock market daily and his younger sister is enamoured with a stuffed right whale called, "Blumpie".  In fact, Carmen has started dressing "Blumpie" in a shirt and socks, and is planning a birthday party for it next week.  Complete with a play cake she wanted to purchase online.  My fault as well.  She mentioned she wanted a play cake for "Blumpie" and I found a red, wooden one made in Germany.  Carmen loved it and we decided she'll pay half (it's very reasonable).  But what was I thinking?!!

I suppose there is no harm in playing along with your kids' interests.  As long as no one gets hurt and it doesn't cost much.  Chad wants to invest in some of the stocks he's been following since last year and he'll be investing his own $$.  I think it will be a good learning experience.  Hopefully, stocks won't drop much more (hope!)  Our own stocks have taken a bit of a hit.  Maybe we can get some advice from Chad!

So what do you think?  How far is far enough for a parent to indulge or encourage a child's interest?  Where is the line drawn between sensible and outrageous?  Are my kids just strange?  Or am I the strange one?  Questions, questions ....

As a family, one of our favorite things to do is visit a book store, especially a used book store.  There was once a great used bookstore here in our little town but, alas, it 's gone.  Like a lot of businesses in our area, the population just isn't big enough to keep some places going long.  The tourist industry helps but tourists don't generally visit our area to buy used books.  (We would but we are not the average tourist.)

Anyway, it's been a long time since we've been to a used book store.  So yesterday we ventured out to find the two that are still in business in our county.  The first one was seventeen miles south and the minute I opened the door, I wanted to run.  It looked as bad or worse on the inside as it did on the outside (I wanted to be hopeful but I had a BAD feeling about this place).  Books everywhere, on the floor, in a window sill.  The place needed razing, no hope for remodel.  The woman behind the counter didn't even look at us.  I never went near where she was, as it was dark at that end of the store.  We went upstairs and it was worse.  Chad pulled out a book that revealed a lot of cobwebs and dust.  Alec reached to pick up a book on the floor and dropped it quickly, saying, "Mom, it's wet!"  Out came my "Wet Ones" wipes to wash his hands.  I found Todd and said, "Let's go", which he readily agreed.  I couldn't get out of there fast enough.  The kids said the place smelled.  Now, it has been raining for days and I imagine the carpet was wet because of leaks in the roof but still.  I was so creeped out, I couldn't wash my hands enough with the wipes I keep in the car.  (Yes, if you've read my posts long enough, you know I am the daughter of "Queen of Wet Ones".)  We drove further south.

There are two coastal towns that we visit fairly often, the first one was where this bookstore from the "depths of despair" was located.  And it's kind of an icky coastal town anyway but it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in our state.  Don't know why.  In stark contrast, further down the coast, is an adorable little town that we love.  It gets a good share of tourists as well but the people in this town really care about the place - it shows.  And in this place is a nice little used bookstore.  We had fun, didn't spend a whole lot either.  We found some books that my sons were looking for and a few books for Carmen.  We talked about books with the owner.  He even left for a few minutes to go next door and I told him we'd mind the store for him (it's THAT kind of town). 

I had to laugh when I first walked in.  Prominently displayed at the end of one of the rows was a giant cookbook of international recipes that I own.  I bought my copy of this cookbook back in the mid 1980's, when a kid was peddling them door-to-door at the office I worked at in Southern California.  How a copy of this rather obscure book ended up in the Northwest coast is beyond me.  It's a strange life.

Our books go through a process when they get home.  Before anyone can read them, they get cleaned by Chad or myself and book covers are usually removed.  Then Chad has to record them in his card file that will someday become our card catalog and finally, they can be enjoyed.  Chad has already blazed through most of the books he bought.  I'm sorry now I didn't get anything for myself but I as we have over 1000 books in our home, I am confident I will find something to read after I finish my current book on George Washington and his grand plan for the Potomac.  It's just so fun to buy books.  I'm glad our kids enjoy it, too.

I'm also trying to teach my kids to be picky about the choices of books they make.  There are a ton of books not worth the paper they are printed on.  We came across a lot of those.  But when you encounter a book worth your time, it's a treasure. 

Thanks so much for the helpful writing tips.  I did try asking Carmen what she liked about her beach day and offered to write what she said.  Some days she's just too stubborn to comply with anything.  But there's always another day.  And today she sat and did page after page of math (because she wanted to and who am I to stop her), followed by page after page of thinking skills.  As good as gold.  I count my blessings as they occur.

So, anyway, I posted about my "creepy" day yesterday on my blogspot blog therefore I won't repeat that here.  I also posted there the other day about how happy I was that I got our taxes mailed out by the end of February - my yearly goal.  I was so happy about that until I realized that I forgot to include a couple of items.  ARRGH!  Fortunately, "TurboTax" is a super program and walked me through an amended tax return.  I am also thankful I haven't yet sent in my state taxes - no amendment needed there.  Needless to say, husband was not amused.  Oh, and I can't even finish my state taxes until I receive some vital information from our fine government.  Hello, Oregon - I'm waiting!!  On the upside, my amendment will garner us a bit more tax refund.  I say, it's all good!

Today was not a creepy day.  Alec needed new sandals (do their feet EVER stop growing?!!) so we went to Payless Shoes with a coupon I got off the web and saved a bit of $.  Cool!  We got milk at Rite Aid next door and they had a milk sale going - saved a bunch of $$ there!  I would never think of buying milk at a pharmacy but they sell Alpenrose milk and I've posted here before about how their cows are treated to clean grassy fields with no chemicals, given a bath twice a day (or something like that) and are never fed anything they shouldn't be.  I might have mentioned that their barns have piped-in classical music but that may have just been my idea. 

Yesterday (on my other blog), I wrote about a sea gull we watched out our kitchen window.  Today it was a brazen racoon with a stump of a tale, limping across the street in broad daylight.  This is the same racoon (I believe) that has climbed a ladder that leans against the wall just outside the window to the left of this computer.  The rascal loves to do this on the nights my husband isn't home and there is no wind  to blame the noise of the thumping ladder on.  I'll bet this creature is responsible for a lot of the noises I hear, both night and early morning, when my husband is at work.  Perhaps I should set a trap.  Don't they like shiny things?

Well, I like shiny things.  Just thought I'd throw that in.  You know, by this time of night, I don't want to hear another word from anyone.  ANYONE!  My days are so full of "Mom ..." it's unbelieveable.  My kids come to me at every turn, seriously.  I'll be walking through the house and Chad will walk up and start talking.  Before he's done, I'll turn the corner and Carmen will approach with her question/declaration/whatever.  Two steps later, Alec will want me to come see something.  I do a fair job of keeping everything straight, sometimes all you need to do is exclaim with delight or interest or just smile.  I've got it down to a science, really.  Diplomacy is a wonderful art - you should teach it to your kids.  Everyone wants to be heard, to feel a bit important at least for a few minutes.  It's worth it.

And who listens to me?  My mom, of course.  Even though she's sitting in her living room in California with the TV blaring, playing gin rummy with her friend, the oh-so-deaf Jerry.  Through all this, I know she's listening to me.  She laughs at my jokes (always has).  Usually makes all the right exclaimations of delight or interest.  I love her!  Who do you think taught ME diplomacy?

I have decided that my kids need more writing practice in their lives so I started with a little intro into poetry, using a simple book my sister gave me years ago.  Chad and Alec did fine, even seemed to enjoy what we did.  Carmen, a.k.a. toadgirl, did not do well.  Anything new, she balks at and turns into a beast.  I hate that.  I'm patient and helpful but to no avail.  It's not pretty.

Anyway, Monday of this week, my sweet husband announced that he was going to the beach.  It was a beautiful day so we all stepped up the pace and finished our schoolwork earlier than normal.  Todd packed a lunch and we headed towards the ocean.  We were only gone about 1-1/2 hours, as Todd had to work that night, but we walked on two beaches and did some bird watching.  On one of the beaches, there were at least 3 dozen beached jellyfish.  Unbelieveable!  My younger two kids are still very interested in jellyfish and were fascinated, turning over the jellies with sticks for inspection.  Jellyfish creep me out but I keep my opinions to myself.  Todd and I saw a kestrel fly by and Chad saw several species of coastal birds.  The wind was fairly cold so we ate in the car while watching the water and headed back home around 3:00.  A terrific beach break.

So, yesterday, I told the kids were were going to write about our picnic at the beach.  They looked at me like I had asked them to walk barefoot on hot coals.  (I guess I don't do enough writing practice with them.)  Alec gave his typical "smart-alec" remarks but then asked if he could draw a picture to go with it.  Absolutely!  I said that sometimes a picture can inspire the words or sometimes the words inspire a picture.  He ended up drawing a very detailed, colorful picture of himself on the beach with the waves, birds, jellyfish, etc.  And his story was pretty good, with an illustrated title.  I was so proud of him!  In the life of a homeschool mom, where so many ideas and projects don't go as planned, it's such a joy when something goes well!

After hearing me praise Alec, Chad said to me, "Um, Mom, my story isn't going to be as involved as Alec's, o.k?"  Then I felt guilty.  I told Chad that he didn't need to do anything like Alec; he could write it anyway he wanted to.  I said that he and Alec are two completely different people and, of course, your stories would be different.  How does one praise one child without making the others feel like dirt?  My 13 year old son sometimes feels inferior to his younger brother in certain subjects and I always try to point out that he doesn't need to be like Alec.  Just be Chad.  And Chad's story WAS Chad's - written with his special brand of humor and intelligence.  I was very pleased and I think he was happy with it, too.  Another successfull ending!

And then there's toadgirl.  I did my best to help her write a few sentences about her time at the beach.  She balked.  I got frustrated.  I tried to be patient, kind, (and, no, I didn't call her toadgirl) but firm enough to let her know I wanted her to make an attempt.  Nothing but toadness.  Sorry, that's the best way to describe her attitude without using harsher words.  She always apologizes later for this behavior and I always forgive her but also ask her to remember the next day NOT to behave in this manner.  I guess it's the "phase" all my kids have gone through at this age.  She's definitely been the hardest to deal with.  Oh, Lord, I hope I can cope.  I just, you know, expect her to respond and act like her older brothers do but she's not them and she's only 8.  I need to find what works with her.  She is smart which works against her at times when she encounters something she doesn't understand.  She frustrates so quickly, even before I have a chance to explain something.  Then the attitude goes down the drain.  Then my patience wanes.  Prayer, that's what I need to do.  More of it.

Anyway, our little writing assignments have been fun and I think one a week is good for us.  Maybe I should ask Carmen to give me a writing assignment.  Hmmmm ... I may have something here! 

I was reading a friend's post last week and she mentioned CM.  It took me quite awhile to figure out what CM stood for - oh, yes, Charlotte Mason.  Now, when you've been homeschooling for 9+ years, like I have (not a veteran by any means) you tend to accumulate info about Ms. Mason's teaching techniques from various sources.  I used to feel guilty that I didn't really want to buy a book on the subject, just thought I could glean whatever I could from others who have gone before me.

For the most part, that has been all I've needed.  I did print out a 2-page article awhile back and I finally read it just a few days ago.  Well, what do you know?  I've actually been teaching along the same lines as CM.  Oh, but there is SO much more I could be doing!  Did you know that under the age of 6, most all of a child's schooling should be done outdoors?  A young child should spend as much time as possible outside, in various weather conditions, every day.  Obviously, Ms. Mason didn't live in the Northwest!  If I had sent my kids outside today they'd have thought I was nuts (it was one of those gale-force wind days with sheets of rain blowing sideways - truly a site to behold).  Seriously, I am happy to say that my kids have always gotten quite a bit of time outdoors, so now that they are all over the age of 6, I can relax a bit there (but not much).

And then there is this term, "Living Books".  I am considering using "Living Books" as a way of teaching writing.  However, how does one really know if a book is "living" or "dead"?  I mean, of course you have a personal opinion of a book (if you've read it) but how can you be sure if it's alive?  I'm being silly here but these are questions I would labor over it I was just starting out as a homeschooler.  I have decided that my own impression of whether a book is living or dead is good enough.  My oldest son is ready to learn more writing skills and this is where we will start, with some copying out of books he enjoys and I find to be alive - or at least breathing.

Now, the narrative part of CM?  No problem.  Alec (middle son) is currently reading "Mysterious Island" by Jules Verne, and after nearly every page, Alec comes to tell me about it.  Every page, I tell you!  I am thrilled that he is so excited about this book but sometimes it's hard give him the attention he needs (um, Alec, I'll be out in a minute.)  You get my drift.

I also can't help thinking that Charlotte Mason must not have been married.  How could she have devoted so much time to teaching if she'd had a husband who needed some attention as well?  I think that is why I've hesitated to read more about her methods.  Aside from the fact that facing the 6 or so volumes she wrote on the subject is daunting, I just know if I read EVERYTHING she was able to teach, I would end up feeling unhappy with how much I am teaching/doing with my kids.  I certainly don't need something else to feel guilty about.

I hope I'm not being unfair here, since I know so little about the lady, herself.  I am very grateful that she "went before us" and paved the way to this type of teaching.  While I know there are people who are not interested in the CM method (and that's just fine, everyone is different), I personally feel there is a lot to be learned from her and even if we use only a little of her advice, it is for the betterment of our childrens' lives and education.  And that would make her very happy, indeed.  I just know it. 

This past week has been a blur.  I truly dislike January and February, as a rule, and this year certainly lived up to it's annual torture.  Son, Alec, turned 11 the last day of January and his birthday was celebrated without the grandparents (one was ill, which has happened way too often, this being winter and all.)  Still he had a nice day.  Two weeks later was Carmen's birthday (her 8th) but two days prior my husband came down with a cold.  Tremendous.  That meant that I had to bake the cake.  I am NOT a cake baker - Todd is.  Fortunately, I had an angel food cake mix that is foolproof and saved the day.  The decorating wasn't as good as Todd's (his mother decorated cakes as a side job and he learned a lot), but I did my best with colored sugar sprinkles and pink candles.  And if you are wondering why we didn't just go buy a cake, well, I suppose we are just so used to homebaked that store bought is a bit of a let-down.  Todd doesn't even use a mix and his cakes come out better than mine.  But I have fully accepted this and embrace it as a blessing.

Anyway, both grandparents came over and Todd was able to sit with us, at least.  Carmen had a nice day.  I was so grateful that the winter birthdays were over.  No more birthdays for months.  I could relax.

And then the day after Carmen's birthday, Carmen woke up with a sore throat.  She gets so ill, even with just a cold, that it's totally exhausting for me.  Alec got it the next day.  So for the next 3 days or so, it was majorly stressful, but God is good.  Chad and I stayed healthy and we were able to care for everyone.  It was a mild cold, and Carmen actually began to recover by Tuesday or Wednesday, I can't remember.  Now, everyone is pretty much recovered and today we went for a short walk.  The weather has been so sunny, we've been anxious to get out.  I'm a big believer in sun and fresh air to help with pretty much everything and we opened all the windows for a short time (it was still just 45 degrees, after all.)

So, that's been my life since my handsome prince brought home another toy collectible car for me.  A few days ago, he bought me flowers.  What a guy!