Spoiled

I'm spoiled and that's all there is to it. Our refrigerator malfunctioned last week, so we've had to use the one in the basement for everything since then.

It seems like such hard work to walk downstairs every time we need milk or juice or whatever. Ridiculous! What would I do if we had to go outside and milk a cow everyday?

First of all, I'm thinking I should be very grateful that we have a backup fridge. So, that's my first reality check.

Second, this has been a great opportunity to really clean out my main appliance (thanks for your help with that, Mom!).

Yes, I had to throw out some things that spoiled before we realized the problem. That's a bummer and seems so wasteful. But, fortunately, we have plenty more. Another reality check.

The repairman got the part we need and is on his way over this afternoon. Yay! I am resolved to be more grateful for what we've got.

Opening Night

For the past several years, early Advent in our family has included involvement in the Nutcracker. Although I think we're growing somewhat accustomed to the busy schedule of rehearsals and performances, opening night is just as exciting as ever.

Of course, in our rush to get out the door in time, I forgot my camera. Suffice it to say we had a fun night with Aunt Emily, cousins James and Julia, and Grandma and Pada.

Lucy did a great job in her role as angel. She looks so pretty on stage - she's very comfortable in front of the audience and has a natural, pretty smile. Yes, I'm a proud mommy.

Anyway, the director of our Ballet company is a huge dog lover. For the second year, dogs available at the local humane society have been featured performers in the show. It's a lovely idea, really, but let me tell you how it played out for us.

The second a particular little black dachsund mix made his appearance on stage (at the VERY beginning of the show), my 6-y-o son was convinced he was meant to be a dog owner. And I mean the owner of that particular doggie. This is what I heard for the rest of the night. Continuously:

"Mom, can we get that dog?"

"Why not?"

"Please, mom. Call dad and ask him."

"I'd rather have a dog than a new brother or sister."

"Mom, that dog is going to go home with somebody else!"

"If you get me that dog, I will have low blood pressure for the rest of my life."

"Mooooooooooooom!"

"We can't get one like that at the pet store." (true enough - mutts like that are hard to come by.)

I'm not sure he even saw any ballet, he was so obsessed with that cute little doggie.

My sister, too, was captivated by a really sweet bloodhound mix. She came close to signing papers to take her home. I guess it runs in the family.

Snow!

In honor of the first significant snowfall of the season, we interrupted our school day for a morning of playing outside! That's just how we homeschoolers roll...

Note the absence of big sister who was sleeping in after a late-night Nutcracker rehearsal... Opening night is tomorrow!

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!