Lesson Learned

I discovered today that it is probably best not to expose my kids, particularly my 10-year-old, to my pregnancy cravings lest they take the opportunity to make fun of their poor aged mother. 

Lucy and I stopped at the grocery store on our way to ballet rehearsal this evening.  We hadn't had much dinner, and all of a sudden the chocolate covered pretzels near the checkout seemed absolutely necessary to my survival. 

Just as the clerk was about to put them in a bag, I made a save by saying, "I'll just hang on to those." 

My sweet little daughter's response: "Nice dinner, Mom.  My compliments to the chef." 

She definitely has her father's sense of humor. 

I wish I could remember all the funny things my kids say and do...

So, in the interest of recording as much as possible of their fleeting childhoods, here are a few recent comments I can actually remember:

Felicity calls Taekwondo, "Kwan-do-do-do."

Victor, today: "Felicity likes bothering me more than she likes lip gloss."

A certain 4-y-o standing just outside the shower, dripping wet and buck naked, belting out the song, "Oh Christmas Tree..." 

In a fit of rage over something terribly important, I'm sure (ahem), the same 4-y-o struggles to conjur up the meanest insult she can.  To her father, she shouts, "You head block!!"  (too many Peanuts episodes, perhaps...)

One morning, I surprised the kids with a chocolate and vanilla cereal.  Felic was picking out all the chocolates.  She informed me of her mission: "Mommy, I'm looking for all the husband pieces." 

Two mothers at ballet separately commented on how much their daughters appreciate Lucy's kindness toward them.  :) 

Driving past the 'Occupy _______ ' protestors, Lucy states, "Yeah right, as if they're going to change anybody's mind about anything..."  (Chip off the ol' block.)

Mr. 6-y-o while watching a ballet rehearsal (with his mind obviously elsewhere): "Do ninjas use sulfuric acid or any liquid weapons?"

Ignace, explaining to me that his team would play another called the 'Colts': "Don't worry mom, it's not the professionals.  And football and basketball teams cannot play together - it's impossible."

update:  I remembered another one...
Felic woke up yesterday and announced, "Mom, I had a scary dream about Grandma surfing!"

First Tournament

We are super proud of Victor who, upon beginning his taekwondo classes late this summer, vowed he would never participate in a tournament. We were fine with that, but felt certain he would change his mind in a few years. Weren't we surprised, then, when he did a complete 180 in a matter of 2 months. This martial art has really sparked an enthusiasm in him, so when the first tournament opportunity presented itself, he was totally game.

After signing up, and especially as we were checking in at the tournament, he had some moments of serious nerves. He muscled through them, though, and did a great job today!! He competed with 6 to 8 year olds who were also white, orange, or yellow belts.

Here he is doing his 'one steps' against an opponent.

Receiving his scores after showing his form.

And, finally, sitting patiently with the competition.

This was certainly a learning experience for all of us!!! Vic ended up earning a third place medal for his one steps. For a little guy who often leans on his big sister for confidence, this was a big accomplishment!! Monday evening he officially receives his orange belt, which he earned in testing last week. We are very grateful he has found a sport he really enjoys and that gives him an opportunity to develop confidence and character. Way to go, booj!!! (The source of that nickname is material for another post...)

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

{pretty}

I took my girls and some friends to a 'Princess Tea Party' (a fundraiser for our local ballet company) a couple weeks ago. Face painting was one of the activities.  Normally, I'm not a big fan of this, but aren't these designs unique?  The girls in attendance certainly enjoyed the transformations and felt very pretty.



{funny}

Our cat Susan likes to check in on us  by sitting outside my kitchen sink window.  It always makes us smile.

{happy}

One of many really great things about homeschooling (which makes me very happy) is flexibility.  We've been reading about George Washington, and yesterday, on a whim, we read the book you see above called George Washington's Breakfast.  It inspired us to make 'Indian Hoecakes' for lunch.  I had a vague memory of trying my hand at these as a fourth grader.  I thought they might turn out something like sand patties, but the experiment was a fun one.  This is probably one of the activities they'll really remember from this fall...

A certain child among us prefers to read on her own... 

{real}

I was right about the taste of these little hoecakes.  A cross between dirt and sand with a little salt.  Me thinks these children may be grateful for the eggs, cereal and toast they generally consume for their daily morning meal.  :)





Linking up today with the ladies at Like Mother, Like Daughter.  Have a blessed day!

Something New

I added a little something to my blog page...  You can see it above.  I wish I could get it centered, but alas, no luck on that so far...   Have a great day!!

Smoky Mountains part 2

Reciting the Junior Park Ranger pledge.

Felicity and Julia taking a little rest break in the National Park.

Smoky Mountains

Not bad for a self-portrait.

Here are a few highlights of our trip to Tennessee last week.  It really was a good time with my side of the family.  The fall colors were slightly beyond peak, but still gorgeous. 

Cousins (missing the little guys), Grandma and Pada, and Aunt Emily

Close encounters with taxidermy.

The pied piper.

Love this sweet picture of Lucy and my sister.

Baby Luke with the Lupinator.

Near the peak.

Receiving Junior Park Ranger certificates.  They had to work for these.

Somehow I didn't get many pictures of my brother's family.  I also completely failed to capture any shots of the waterpark.  I'm sure Pada will come through to help me out with that....

We returned Friday and have hit the ground running with a full schedule of activites and appointments this week.  I'm reasonably confident that we'll get unpacked by Christmas.