Oct. 22, 2008 - Priceless

My littlest one, 20 months old, has learned to talk much sooner than her older siblings.  She has somebody around her all the time, talking and playing, and she surprises me with the things that come out of her sweet baby mouth.

Always guaranteed to bring tears to my eyes, though, the first time they initiate affectionate words, and not just a repeat of what people say to them.

I'm sitting at my desk typing away and she's on my lap.  I hear this insistent background noise, and then a tapping of my chest, and I tune in to my baby girl and what she's saying to me.

Out of the blue, "Mama, I ruh yooo.  Mama, I ruh yooo!"  She loves me!  And she has been singing and humming to herself, and every once in a while I hear, "I ruh mama." 

You all know the feeling, the unsolicited, first time that your child tells you they love you...nothing in the world beats it.

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Oct. 2, 2008 - Enjoy the journey

So, what do you think of my homemade invitation for a tea party? 

I think I must be manic/depressive.  One moment I am full of plans and ideas, and the next moment dread and worry and not wanting to be social one iota.

This party is being given by my six-year-old daughter and I, and I have to make sure I include her in on the plans.  She so much wants to help, and if I can be graceful enough to let certain of my ideal standards slide, it's a time she will remember with joy I hope.  So tomorrow we sit down and plan the menu, and she did mention already I should have brownies.  This girl is a die-hard chocolate fan.  H'mm.  I can't say I've ever successfully made brownies.  So perhaps we should practice in the weeks leading up to our event.

As happens to others, at least I think I'm not the only one, the event should not be the main event.  It's the time spent preparing and planning and sharing with our loved ones along the way that can sometimes be more enjoyable than the ending.  It's so easy to busy ourselves with life and when we get to the end to have not enjoyed the journey.

So, cliche:  Stop, and smell the roses.  Really this time.

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Sep. 24, 2008 - Please see this movie

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Sep. 11, 2008 - Where everyone knows your name...

Isn't it enjoyable to enter a location and to be greated warmly, that your presence was missed?  I was only 9 when Cheers first aired, but I remember the theme song, and through the years I sing it sometimes, just thinking how nice it is to be appreciated and loved. 

It doesn't happen often in life for many people.  Work can be a drudgery for some, where maybe you wish they didn't know your name, or in my case, I work in a different location every job, so I never can become acquainted with the same folks.  Maybe you're at home with the kids all day long, and wish they'd stop calling your name with such frequency, "Momma,"  "Mommy!"  "Mooommmmm."

We attend a monthly church home group meeting where we really enjoy being there, and others enjoy the contribution that we can bring.

Our homeschooled kids would appreciate that as well.  I never thought much about it until tonight.  It was the first night back at AWANA, and as we entered the building with hundreds of people milling about, five or six people spotted my kids and cheerfully smiled, "It's the _______ family!"  The lights in my kids eyes almost made me cry.  They were gone for a few months for summer, this is their second year back, but folks remembered them, and they were welcomed back to a place where everyone knew their name.

It's our privilege as home educating families to choose our children's associations, rather than have acquaintances foisted upon them.  I'm glad I picked a place when my children can learn the Word of God and form friendships with like-minded children and families, and be missed when they're gone.

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Sep. 8, 2008 - You're Invited

It's tea party time!  If you've read my blog from almost two years ago, I had a tea party that just kind of got out of hand.  I had meant to only have a nice ladies' tea, and instead 25 men, women and children came for a Christmas tea, and I was seven months' pregnant.

This time around, it's just for ladies, and a few young ladies as well.  I am making scones and chicken almond tea sandwiches, and we'll have tea and some type of something else.  I don't have it all planned yet, but part of the fun for me is making up the party.  My daughter can't wait to attend.

T, you're invited with your daughter, although I don't suppose an eight-hour drive there and back would make the tea worthwhile to come by, but you're always welcomed.

A fall tea, maybe some kind of spiced tea would be nice.  Ahhh, I can smell the pumpkin spice and cinnamon, the clink of fine china, and the laughter of good friends.

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