Samuel is now 6 months old. Where does time go?! He is now with the crowd that rolls over, almost sits up, and eats mashed veggies and fruits. He is amazing and I'm so proud of the little rolls on his legs, as this is not something my other 2 had very much. (I am so excited that this baby is well fed!) I was flipping through some photos of Jesse when he was small, and, man, do those 2 (S and J) look almost identical. I am happily carrying Samuel in the backpack carrier now, something I enjoyed immensely with my other 2. (It was one of the things D wanted me to get rid of when J and L were too big to ride in it, but I was sentimental about it and couldn't let go. So glad.) Cooking is now made easier if I can just bear some slight shoulder pressure, greater girth in our small kitchen, and a bit of hair pulling.
Luci has been happily going to reception since it started. Even with how social Lu is, I did view her initial experiences there with a bit of trepidation. But today I realised that we are basically back into the complete comfort zone she had in nursery. She is running up to her classmates and cheerfully exclaiming their names, and they are happy to see her, and I am so happy to see her so exuberantly happy. I think i may have even made peace with the school uniform which has definitely taken away her self-expression through dress. I just don't like it when she occasionally says, "You know Mum, my favourite colours (NEWS ALERT!: my computer's spell check is preferring British English!) are black and light blue. The uniform is navy and light blue but Luci doesn't distinguish the darkest colours yet. The strangest thing has happened to Luci's speech. She has gone from speaking in a general English accent to Cockney almost overnight. Yesterday, I could not believe my ears. She is not pronouncing the d's and t's within words or at the end of words. So instead is instea and wanted is wa-ed with a big emphasis or where the letters are missing. This may bore you, but this rapid transformation is fascinating to me.
Jesse is amazing and showing us repeatedly that he has a HUGE love of learning. For several days in a row, when we asked him his favorite part of the day, he would say that it was when there was free time in school and he spent extra time on his writing assignments. Tonight, while I was putting Samuel to bed, he showed me some more work he had done during free time. It was sums of double digit numbers.
It was quite humorous last week when he complained that, after filling in his spellings chart, he wasn't required to make sentences with the words. He also came home beaming from his first in school piano lesson yesterday. (Somebody say "little Darren!")
Jesse has been doing hockey one day a week after school too and I am soooo happy as I felt he's needed to exercise the muscle of getting boy energy out in a sport rather than dissecting parts of the house, etc.
As, you can see life is good right now in soooo many ways. But it has also been trying as many things we've tried to be involved in are not going quite as planned. We are hoping that our visa situation works out so we can stay here without too much hassle and my friendships are reconfiguring a bit as I now don't have the same contact I used to have through Lu's nursery. Suddenly, I am having to engage with a new set of parents as I line up with Luci at the reception door. Call me spacy, but I totally missed that this would be a reality, until the first day of school. And I am missing one particular friend who has moved from her spot a block away. We can no longer do a late night food exchange and our children's schools draw us to different places. So I'm trying to work out the kinks of being in this new space, this sense of newness and rebalancing that is needed. But at the same time, it is really good and enlightening to see how God provides outside of the box. I guess I'm always learning to think outside my boxes and ways I assume things work.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Big Day
I have to start by saying it's a big day in lots of ways because of how it was preceded. Summer has been hard for Darren and I. Actually summer started by a great, yet tiring for us (because of jetlag, kids, and travel) holiday with family in southern CA, as well as visiting friends in SF. (Blogging about that is to come, soon I hope.) Following our trip though, we were recuperating from travel while dealing with Lu and Jesse together on summer break. This is great and, many times a day, not so great because they cause such a commotion, whether by their volume or action, in rage or happiness. ( I was watching them wrestling/tickling each other on the bus yesterday and was thinking, "Yeah, this is great--they have such a great time together, but the space invasion they create, not so good." Actually I wanted to strangle both of them. Unfortunately, I couldn't so I just deprived them of promised bubble gum.
Then there's today. Started with the usual pancakes, followed by the kids watching something, while we read the newspaper. Actually D had a meeting, so I continued on my own and the kids ended up playing really well together. Still wanted to turn the volume down but still, pretty good, and no violence. When D came home around 12:30, I really wanted to take J to Stepney Green to practice on his bike. So we did it--just Jesse and I, no baby even. I generally view these trial type things (swimming lessons, etc.) with great trepidation but instead of my fears being realized, J's attitude was great and he accomplished so much that I'm amazed at. Officially, as of today, Jesse rides a bike. He may not know how to use the brakes yet, but it's official none-the-less, complete with our new conundrum of what to do with the fact that this opens up a whole new world. It was not even 5 pm and Jesse was hanging out with the boys on his bike in the parking lot. (I don't like him in the parking lot but I have an exception for sports, where there is great fun to be had and a great number of people.) Darren and I have to think up some rules now........Anyways, I loved seeing the look of determination on Jesse's face as he realized he was riding all by himself. It's priceless to see the thrill and the pride in him.
When I got home from the date at the park with J, I had Luci time--because I wanted it, and Darren needed to go back to the park with J to see his accomplishments. So Luci and I did our nails. We did the full set for Lu and toenails for me in a raspberry color. I decided that painting Luci's nails is one of the best ways I can spend time with her. She loves it (hits all the girly spots) but it also is a good practice for her. This is because it requires her to sit still to be able to get something that she really likes. And even when it looks pretty, she has to wait even longer for it to dry. Somehow, she managed to smudge her big toenail on her left foot about 3 times but she made a good effort and perhaps sees just how wiggly she is. (I've realized lately how overwhelmed I can be around her because she is often too much of a sensory experience in an already extroverted life--she talks loud, and non-stop, and bounces around, and can't calm down easily. Quite honestly, she's exhausting.) So to find such a meditative experience to do with Luci is amazing.
And finally, we have put Samuel into his own room, where he rests right at this moment. I've wanted to get him out of this insufficient Moses basket for a long time, cuz it's rather cruddy and it lies next to my bed which is not enough distance to not scare the life out of him when I blow my nose. So I had my sights set on this move, and now that Darren has screwed it together I am satisfied. Yet a bit sad to remove that wonderful, warm, mostly content, yet waking way to much, presence in my room. My little snuggly guy is gone yet I am happy to embrace the energy and fun we can have together during the day when I get some sleep. I am really hoping for sleep as it seems I have barely slept more than 4 hours at a stretch since he came home and it's really started to get to me. With summer being here, I have not been able to cope. Until today when the kids were on their best behavior. It's been a great day!
Then there's today. Started with the usual pancakes, followed by the kids watching something, while we read the newspaper. Actually D had a meeting, so I continued on my own and the kids ended up playing really well together. Still wanted to turn the volume down but still, pretty good, and no violence. When D came home around 12:30, I really wanted to take J to Stepney Green to practice on his bike. So we did it--just Jesse and I, no baby even. I generally view these trial type things (swimming lessons, etc.) with great trepidation but instead of my fears being realized, J's attitude was great and he accomplished so much that I'm amazed at. Officially, as of today, Jesse rides a bike. He may not know how to use the brakes yet, but it's official none-the-less, complete with our new conundrum of what to do with the fact that this opens up a whole new world. It was not even 5 pm and Jesse was hanging out with the boys on his bike in the parking lot. (I don't like him in the parking lot but I have an exception for sports, where there is great fun to be had and a great number of people.) Darren and I have to think up some rules now........Anyways, I loved seeing the look of determination on Jesse's face as he realized he was riding all by himself. It's priceless to see the thrill and the pride in him.
When I got home from the date at the park with J, I had Luci time--because I wanted it, and Darren needed to go back to the park with J to see his accomplishments. So Luci and I did our nails. We did the full set for Lu and toenails for me in a raspberry color. I decided that painting Luci's nails is one of the best ways I can spend time with her. She loves it (hits all the girly spots) but it also is a good practice for her. This is because it requires her to sit still to be able to get something that she really likes. And even when it looks pretty, she has to wait even longer for it to dry. Somehow, she managed to smudge her big toenail on her left foot about 3 times but she made a good effort and perhaps sees just how wiggly she is. (I've realized lately how overwhelmed I can be around her because she is often too much of a sensory experience in an already extroverted life--she talks loud, and non-stop, and bounces around, and can't calm down easily. Quite honestly, she's exhausting.) So to find such a meditative experience to do with Luci is amazing.
And finally, we have put Samuel into his own room, where he rests right at this moment. I've wanted to get him out of this insufficient Moses basket for a long time, cuz it's rather cruddy and it lies next to my bed which is not enough distance to not scare the life out of him when I blow my nose. So I had my sights set on this move, and now that Darren has screwed it together I am satisfied. Yet a bit sad to remove that wonderful, warm, mostly content, yet waking way to much, presence in my room. My little snuggly guy is gone yet I am happy to embrace the energy and fun we can have together during the day when I get some sleep. I am really hoping for sleep as it seems I have barely slept more than 4 hours at a stretch since he came home and it's really started to get to me. With summer being here, I have not been able to cope. Until today when the kids were on their best behavior. It's been a great day!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Two Quotes I'm Savoring
One from Luci, and another from Jesse.]
When I was putting Luci to bed the other night, she said: "Mommy, I love you 150,000 roses piled up on a tree." So perfectly Luci, her being the dramatic naturalist that she is.
And this morning the first thing Jesse said as he came to on the couch, out of his sleepiness that is, was "You know Mom, if I knew how to ride my bike, I would just grab my keys, go out the door and hop on my bike." So cute, and big boyish, and timely, as we just got his bike on Sunday and he is seeming like such a big boy lately.
Oh, I must include Samuel, even though he is not saying any words of course. He is so darling and delicious, and he practices his vocal gymnastics at 6 every morning. He is rolling over and around and reaching for everything these days. Just a matter of time until he's close to smashing my teacups and dishes from his vantage point on my lap.
I couldn't stand him staring at me the other afternoon so I just popped some banana into his mouth. I also forgot that bananas make babies' diapers look wormy. (If only Bela could have seen it (my neighbor upstairs) since she's been wanting me to give him banana since he was one month old.)
When I was putting Luci to bed the other night, she said: "Mommy, I love you 150,000 roses piled up on a tree." So perfectly Luci, her being the dramatic naturalist that she is.
And this morning the first thing Jesse said as he came to on the couch, out of his sleepiness that is, was "You know Mom, if I knew how to ride my bike, I would just grab my keys, go out the door and hop on my bike." So cute, and big boyish, and timely, as we just got his bike on Sunday and he is seeming like such a big boy lately.
Oh, I must include Samuel, even though he is not saying any words of course. He is so darling and delicious, and he practices his vocal gymnastics at 6 every morning. He is rolling over and around and reaching for everything these days. Just a matter of time until he's close to smashing my teacups and dishes from his vantage point on my lap.
I couldn't stand him staring at me the other afternoon so I just popped some banana into his mouth. I also forgot that bananas make babies' diapers look wormy. (If only Bela could have seen it (my neighbor upstairs) since she's been wanting me to give him banana since he was one month old.)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Milestones
Wow!
This week marks the end of Year 1 for Jesse and the end of nursery for Luci. Next year it's reception (kindergarten) for her. Of course, it wouldn't normally be the end (the end of school is actually in 2 weeks) but since we are heading to CA on Monday, it was the last day for both kids on Friday.
I felt myself feeling really sad to mark this point, particularly with Luci. She still seems pretty small (immature) and yet she has spent so many hours away from home carving out a life (of play) for herself in her colorful school environment. Thankfully she has 2 amazing volumes of her life there that the teachers put together--it includes artwork, pictures taken of her and her friends, and things that she said. (In N Out burger even got a mention as the thing she was going to do on her summer holiday last summer when questioned about it, apparently) The upside of Luci's transition out of nursery is how much she adores the fact that she is going to "big school" next year where Jesse goes and had already familiarized herself with the ponies in Saturn class, which is where she will be. Amazingly, she was able to visit the big school with her key worker Rachel from nursery, who she absolutely adores. Rachel and Lu even managed to squeeze in making a book about it between the visit and a party at 2:30 that marked the end of international week at nursery. Luci got recognized at the party so it served as and end of the year party for her.
Jesse finished up with a trip to Greenwich park with his class. They announced the trip about 3 days before it happened and when J came beaming out of his classroom saying they were going on a trip, my heart sank because I thought he'd miss it but alas it was Friday so J had good closure to his time in Year 1 as well. Not to mention the kids and I went to a fun fair at his school today.
Samuel is amazing, still smiling at every turn. I've never had anyone in my life so happy to see me and life with him is just about absolute bliss I have to say. He's using his arms a lot now and bopping things around which is really cute to see. One of things that used to characterize Samuel's face was his intense forehead wrinkles, of which my friend Hannah said, "I have never seen that on a baby before". I thought he was just taking after me and he had them from birth. However, D just commented that they are gone and it's true! His head has now grown into all that extra skin I think. I think I actually miss his wrinkly forehead a bit. Time flies--he is already 3 1/2 months.
This week marks the end of Year 1 for Jesse and the end of nursery for Luci. Next year it's reception (kindergarten) for her. Of course, it wouldn't normally be the end (the end of school is actually in 2 weeks) but since we are heading to CA on Monday, it was the last day for both kids on Friday.
I felt myself feeling really sad to mark this point, particularly with Luci. She still seems pretty small (immature) and yet she has spent so many hours away from home carving out a life (of play) for herself in her colorful school environment. Thankfully she has 2 amazing volumes of her life there that the teachers put together--it includes artwork, pictures taken of her and her friends, and things that she said. (In N Out burger even got a mention as the thing she was going to do on her summer holiday last summer when questioned about it, apparently) The upside of Luci's transition out of nursery is how much she adores the fact that she is going to "big school" next year where Jesse goes and had already familiarized herself with the ponies in Saturn class, which is where she will be. Amazingly, she was able to visit the big school with her key worker Rachel from nursery, who she absolutely adores. Rachel and Lu even managed to squeeze in making a book about it between the visit and a party at 2:30 that marked the end of international week at nursery. Luci got recognized at the party so it served as and end of the year party for her.
Jesse finished up with a trip to Greenwich park with his class. They announced the trip about 3 days before it happened and when J came beaming out of his classroom saying they were going on a trip, my heart sank because I thought he'd miss it but alas it was Friday so J had good closure to his time in Year 1 as well. Not to mention the kids and I went to a fun fair at his school today.
Samuel is amazing, still smiling at every turn. I've never had anyone in my life so happy to see me and life with him is just about absolute bliss I have to say. He's using his arms a lot now and bopping things around which is really cute to see. One of things that used to characterize Samuel's face was his intense forehead wrinkles, of which my friend Hannah said, "I have never seen that on a baby before". I thought he was just taking after me and he had them from birth. However, D just commented that they are gone and it's true! His head has now grown into all that extra skin I think. I think I actually miss his wrinkly forehead a bit. Time flies--he is already 3 1/2 months.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
My big boys!
There is something qualitatively different about Jesse since he came back from his CA trip.
Truthfully, it does seem like being six is really a milestone of some kind. Since he came back, everyone's been commenting on how big he is, and seems, and how much he now is REALLY like his dad. J and I still have the same struggles, like him ignoring me, but it seems like a lightbulb has gone on for him in the sensitivity department. Last night when a few women from church were here and he couldn't sleep, I sat him down in the kitchen with milk and some peanut butter on bread. He said, "Thanks and oh, sorry to separate you from your friends."
Perhaps there's even a new level of confidence in him as he runs around with his friends outside--he's been squirting the neighbor boys with water guns. (Yesterday when he was done, he cleaned the outside of the kitchen windows using the water gun and rag with Luci.) Apparently, he's old enough to eat ice cream without asking his mom, too. Ike, a 10 year old, has now bought Jesse a few ice creams from the truck that comes everyday. It must feel so great to not have to go through me to get ice cream and to just have it bestowed upon him by a friend who's got money. Looks like I might need to talk to Ike about treating Jesse only once a week.
Sidenote: Luci has totally gotten in touch with her Luci/womanly/whatever charms and is now using them to get free lollipops and gum balls from shopkeepers. Several times in the last week now, I have said no to her requests on the way to shops. But somehow, the men offer her sweets from the counter or just tell her to take one. The first time it happened she came out of the shop and said in a sing-songy way, "HA, HA! The man gave me a lollipop."
Samuel is one amazing guy, and I have to say that that is an understatement. His favorite thing to do is to smile all the time. He's no longer the sleepy, slumpy baby. He likes to push up on his legs, and and watch Luci sing and dance for him--he loves her. He's developed a new squealy voice that is lovely and not too much. I can't get enough of him!
I love my kids--I really think they're great. I don't feel like I have lots of time for myself. That's obvious of course, and any parent knows that. But while I am finding them delicious, I also feel extremely disconnected from the journeys other people are on and it kind of makes me sad particularly where there are a lot of people suffering right now. There's huge health issues plaguing, and literally killing, family of friends of mine (not to mention that my Grandma is really old and I haven't seen her in ages!) and I realize I haven't connected with or even thought about these people much. It's a weird place to be--wanting to care for people but feeling like I'm at the whim of my own memory, which I know if overly affected by lack of sleep and busyiness. I don't like this fact. And on that note, I am off.
Truthfully, it does seem like being six is really a milestone of some kind. Since he came back, everyone's been commenting on how big he is, and seems, and how much he now is REALLY like his dad. J and I still have the same struggles, like him ignoring me, but it seems like a lightbulb has gone on for him in the sensitivity department. Last night when a few women from church were here and he couldn't sleep, I sat him down in the kitchen with milk and some peanut butter on bread. He said, "Thanks and oh, sorry to separate you from your friends."
Perhaps there's even a new level of confidence in him as he runs around with his friends outside--he's been squirting the neighbor boys with water guns. (Yesterday when he was done, he cleaned the outside of the kitchen windows using the water gun and rag with Luci.) Apparently, he's old enough to eat ice cream without asking his mom, too. Ike, a 10 year old, has now bought Jesse a few ice creams from the truck that comes everyday. It must feel so great to not have to go through me to get ice cream and to just have it bestowed upon him by a friend who's got money. Looks like I might need to talk to Ike about treating Jesse only once a week.
Sidenote: Luci has totally gotten in touch with her Luci/womanly/whatever charms and is now using them to get free lollipops and gum balls from shopkeepers. Several times in the last week now, I have said no to her requests on the way to shops. But somehow, the men offer her sweets from the counter or just tell her to take one. The first time it happened she came out of the shop and said in a sing-songy way, "HA, HA! The man gave me a lollipop."
Samuel is one amazing guy, and I have to say that that is an understatement. His favorite thing to do is to smile all the time. He's no longer the sleepy, slumpy baby. He likes to push up on his legs, and and watch Luci sing and dance for him--he loves her. He's developed a new squealy voice that is lovely and not too much. I can't get enough of him!
I love my kids--I really think they're great. I don't feel like I have lots of time for myself. That's obvious of course, and any parent knows that. But while I am finding them delicious, I also feel extremely disconnected from the journeys other people are on and it kind of makes me sad particularly where there are a lot of people suffering right now. There's huge health issues plaguing, and literally killing, family of friends of mine (not to mention that my Grandma is really old and I haven't seen her in ages!) and I realize I haven't connected with or even thought about these people much. It's a weird place to be--wanting to care for people but feeling like I'm at the whim of my own memory, which I know if overly affected by lack of sleep and busyiness. I don't like this fact. And on that note, I am off.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Moving On
It has been a strange time for us lately.
Following the birth of Samuel, Darren made a whole lot of trips. He is currently away in CA with Jesse and will board a plane to come home tomorrow. He does normally do a bit of travelling but his has been a bit excessive due to him needing to fit his work trips in before we surrender our passports with our visa applications in August. Our friends were without their passports for 4 months so we need to be prepared for the fact that this could happen.
Knowing that it would be a bit much for me to handle all 3 kids while he was away, Darren thought that it would be good if Luci accompanied him on his Kenya trip and Jesse accompany him on his CA. This has worked out great! It's been an experiment in seeing how our kids are without each other and enjoying them in those forms. Luci apparently never had an attitude difficulty at all on the whole of her Kenya trip. It was a bit weird here at home because I was so used to relating to Jesse in the presence of Luci. (In her absence I would take on conversing with Jesse or reaching out to do something with him and sometimes it just felt like we ended up irritated at each other.) Darren is now with him in CA and discovering (well D's pretty much suspected it all along) that Jesse is quite an introvert, not saying much during car trips (except to express that he is sick) and hunkering down to do art while being present in some of D's meetings. (I talked to my friend Mariah on the phone today in CA and she said she's been thinking of Darren and Jesse as twins because they look and act so much alike.) I've been at home with Luci surrounded by her almost constant joy--I almost can't believe I'm saying that because she can really give us a hard time, but without her most accessible rival J she is pretty much happy all the time. Perhaps the down side to the happiness is the level of enthusiasm that goes into her chattering from morning to night.
I feel like we have a new life to start with Samuel when he comes home. Samuel has really changed in the last 2 weeks while D has been away. He is really tracking with people. If they are moving he is watching and if they are conversing with him, he is doing his best to take in all in, often cooing things back. He loves when Luci sings and dances for him. Now there's a person who can fully appreciate Luci's exuberance, he just smiles and smiles at her and thinks she's beautiful I'm sure--everything Luci could hope for, an audience that adores her.
We've enjoyed experiencing our kids as separate people and it makes it exciting to think about what they will be like when they are older.
Following the birth of Samuel, Darren made a whole lot of trips. He is currently away in CA with Jesse and will board a plane to come home tomorrow. He does normally do a bit of travelling but his has been a bit excessive due to him needing to fit his work trips in before we surrender our passports with our visa applications in August. Our friends were without their passports for 4 months so we need to be prepared for the fact that this could happen.
Knowing that it would be a bit much for me to handle all 3 kids while he was away, Darren thought that it would be good if Luci accompanied him on his Kenya trip and Jesse accompany him on his CA. This has worked out great! It's been an experiment in seeing how our kids are without each other and enjoying them in those forms. Luci apparently never had an attitude difficulty at all on the whole of her Kenya trip. It was a bit weird here at home because I was so used to relating to Jesse in the presence of Luci. (In her absence I would take on conversing with Jesse or reaching out to do something with him and sometimes it just felt like we ended up irritated at each other.) Darren is now with him in CA and discovering (well D's pretty much suspected it all along) that Jesse is quite an introvert, not saying much during car trips (except to express that he is sick) and hunkering down to do art while being present in some of D's meetings. (I talked to my friend Mariah on the phone today in CA and she said she's been thinking of Darren and Jesse as twins because they look and act so much alike.) I've been at home with Luci surrounded by her almost constant joy--I almost can't believe I'm saying that because she can really give us a hard time, but without her most accessible rival J she is pretty much happy all the time. Perhaps the down side to the happiness is the level of enthusiasm that goes into her chattering from morning to night.
I feel like we have a new life to start with Samuel when he comes home. Samuel has really changed in the last 2 weeks while D has been away. He is really tracking with people. If they are moving he is watching and if they are conversing with him, he is doing his best to take in all in, often cooing things back. He loves when Luci sings and dances for him. Now there's a person who can fully appreciate Luci's exuberance, he just smiles and smiles at her and thinks she's beautiful I'm sure--everything Luci could hope for, an audience that adores her.
We've enjoyed experiencing our kids as separate people and it makes it exciting to think about what they will be like when they are older.
Friday, May 29, 2009
there is a moment
Wait--no there's not. I hear Samuel.
Oh well, he can work to get those soothing hands to his mouth for a minute.
So Samuel was born on March 26 and he is fabulous. I declare that he is our easiest baby for which we are very thankful. It's not that he's a fabulous sleeper--it's just that he seems so much more content and I am not so much on pins and needles as I was with the others. Maybe it's the 3rd and last time around and the knowledge of that that makes me just want to stare at him all the time. thankfully, the other 2 go to school and so I have the pleasure of doing that while not ignoring Jesse and Luci.
He is now 2 months old and in those 2 months, so much has happened. My parents have come and gone, as well as Jennifer, and now the Scandrette fam of 5 is here and we have 10 people sleeping in this house. And I am surprised at how well we have shared this space. It's been fun having ALL of our visitors.
Jesse had his first concert (after many afternoons in choir club) a week ago. He did great and it was awesome to see so many kids show their musical and acting skills as well as mingle with the parents and eat ethnic food afterwards. Luci continues to be a whole load of fun and funny, more on that later. The warm weather is unmatched in longevity to any we experienced last year at this time and it has brought the children flooding onto the pavement in front of our place. This means we have seen J grow into more of his boyhood as he now has regular football games with the neighborhood boys. It's just the outlet I've been praying for for him and you can see how much it pleases him to run around and get sweaty. In fact, he took his first real shower last night after coming in drenched. It was a hoot to hear him laugh and say "it tickles" as the water hit his skin.
I'm off.
Oh well, he can work to get those soothing hands to his mouth for a minute.
So Samuel was born on March 26 and he is fabulous. I declare that he is our easiest baby for which we are very thankful. It's not that he's a fabulous sleeper--it's just that he seems so much more content and I am not so much on pins and needles as I was with the others. Maybe it's the 3rd and last time around and the knowledge of that that makes me just want to stare at him all the time. thankfully, the other 2 go to school and so I have the pleasure of doing that while not ignoring Jesse and Luci.
He is now 2 months old and in those 2 months, so much has happened. My parents have come and gone, as well as Jennifer, and now the Scandrette fam of 5 is here and we have 10 people sleeping in this house. And I am surprised at how well we have shared this space. It's been fun having ALL of our visitors.
Jesse had his first concert (after many afternoons in choir club) a week ago. He did great and it was awesome to see so many kids show their musical and acting skills as well as mingle with the parents and eat ethnic food afterwards. Luci continues to be a whole load of fun and funny, more on that later. The warm weather is unmatched in longevity to any we experienced last year at this time and it has brought the children flooding onto the pavement in front of our place. This means we have seen J grow into more of his boyhood as he now has regular football games with the neighborhood boys. It's just the outlet I've been praying for for him and you can see how much it pleases him to run around and get sweaty. In fact, he took his first real shower last night after coming in drenched. It was a hoot to hear him laugh and say "it tickles" as the water hit his skin.
I'm off.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
One Last Pregnancy Rant--maybe?
Soooooooo....one day before the due date is where we're at. This baby's so late! Compared to the other 2 of course, Jesse who came a week early and Luci who came 2 to 4 days early, does anyone remember?
Up until this point I've been a bit frustrated that he hasn't come--perhaps it's mostly related to the constant inquiries that would be more interesting on the other side of things as well as, this forward movement by us to get the house in order, do this, that, and every other thing. I am sick of all that for now (though I really need to replant my salad greens with that potting soil before he comes) and I am ready to get back to life as NORMAL though of course there is irony in that thinking. But maybe I could grab a lady friend for a quick coffee?
I shouldn't be complaining but say, if I did, what would my complaints be? Well, it would be that I'm slightly tired of a bum stretching the middle of my abdomen, tired of being called Brave for venturing anywhere--really?
Actually, pause for a funny story: My friend Shajna and I were shopping at Petticoat Lane market, a place for deals especially when it comes to a winter coat NOW which I thought would be a practical purchase given the thinning of the money with a 3rd and the fact that my other one completely fell apart. When I pulled off my black trench the guys selling the gray winter coat I had my eye on jumped back and said "WHOA!" One said, "When you due? and Shouldn't you like be at home?" and the other one whose exact words I can't remember jovially conveyed the sentiment, "Should you, big lady, be trying on that quite smaller coat?"
And on another note, it really is funny the way we (I do it too) try to engage in conversation with pregnant people. I had an interaction at the library with a lady who, trying to catch my eye said, "You having twins?" I, smiling, and thinking she was ridiculous, said "No." She said, oh "When are you due?" I said "in a few days." To which she said, "Quite small aren't you?" The thought from then on was "When can I get off this elevator?"
Oh yes, back to complaining......these things have provided a level of entertainment but I think I am ready to move on. Though if the "lateness" of this child has anything to do with his mild, quiet, laid-back temperament that I am hoping he will have, I am very happy to wait around. I will also be sad to never hear what a "neat bump" I have around here. I love that little English expression, though I have to ask, "What is the opposite?" A sloppy pile?
For some reason, I am extremely hyper right now, and actually haven't had a load of sleep due to my size and congestion. Darren was saying that I flipped over so rapidly in bed during the night that it was scaring him. To which I say, "Have you seen those sea lions at Pier 39 in San Francisco?" Clearly they cannot use little effort and move slowly to flip their 300 pounds plus over--it takes momentum.
I will have to post some end-stage pregnancy pictures.............
Up until this point I've been a bit frustrated that he hasn't come--perhaps it's mostly related to the constant inquiries that would be more interesting on the other side of things as well as, this forward movement by us to get the house in order, do this, that, and every other thing. I am sick of all that for now (though I really need to replant my salad greens with that potting soil before he comes) and I am ready to get back to life as NORMAL though of course there is irony in that thinking. But maybe I could grab a lady friend for a quick coffee?
I shouldn't be complaining but say, if I did, what would my complaints be? Well, it would be that I'm slightly tired of a bum stretching the middle of my abdomen, tired of being called Brave for venturing anywhere--really?
Actually, pause for a funny story: My friend Shajna and I were shopping at Petticoat Lane market, a place for deals especially when it comes to a winter coat NOW which I thought would be a practical purchase given the thinning of the money with a 3rd and the fact that my other one completely fell apart. When I pulled off my black trench the guys selling the gray winter coat I had my eye on jumped back and said "WHOA!" One said, "When you due? and Shouldn't you like be at home?" and the other one whose exact words I can't remember jovially conveyed the sentiment, "Should you, big lady, be trying on that quite smaller coat?"
And on another note, it really is funny the way we (I do it too) try to engage in conversation with pregnant people. I had an interaction at the library with a lady who, trying to catch my eye said, "You having twins?" I, smiling, and thinking she was ridiculous, said "No." She said, oh "When are you due?" I said "in a few days." To which she said, "Quite small aren't you?" The thought from then on was "When can I get off this elevator?"
Oh yes, back to complaining......these things have provided a level of entertainment but I think I am ready to move on. Though if the "lateness" of this child has anything to do with his mild, quiet, laid-back temperament that I am hoping he will have, I am very happy to wait around. I will also be sad to never hear what a "neat bump" I have around here. I love that little English expression, though I have to ask, "What is the opposite?" A sloppy pile?
For some reason, I am extremely hyper right now, and actually haven't had a load of sleep due to my size and congestion. Darren was saying that I flipped over so rapidly in bed during the night that it was scaring him. To which I say, "Have you seen those sea lions at Pier 39 in San Francisco?" Clearly they cannot use little effort and move slowly to flip their 300 pounds plus over--it takes momentum.
I will have to post some end-stage pregnancy pictures.............
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Preparation Phase
Last week was a bit rough because I had a small fear that I would go into labor when D wasn't here but now that fear is gone because he's back. And along with it is the feeling of being slightly back to normal. I feel like I can be active like I like to be and not worry about going to go into labor because it would be just fine. (Last week I was trying to limit myself.)
FYI, when Darren came home, he got to work putting our new bed frame together (we haven't had one in 8 years of marriage) and putting the glider together too. We also ditched our box spring onto our "porch" which looks just lovely as it waits to be picked up by the rubbish folks on Wednesday. We are downsizing and hopefully upsizing to the right things. I find myself endlessly preparing and I endeavor to not do any of that tonight, I just want to relax. I'm done with window washing (where were you Dan?) and painting for now and I long for my regular thoughts and endeavors. So alas, I am off to reclaim them. It's exciting to think about baby this and that but then it does get boring after a while. It's been fun to see our particular flat as home for a while and to try to make the most of it though it is quite shabby in certain areas. Our neighbors have been particularly neighborly to be around (the warmer weather always helps) and every day I open the door to the primary school boys upstairs who want to borrow J's scooter. They are so amazingly polite and I love that we can share things and that scooter time means they are outside living it up and not inside being depressed or watching gobs of tv. By the way, daffodils are out in full force all over the place. That means Luci is busy picking them and the world here is soooooo much prettier. It's an amazing transformation that has taken place in the last 2 weeks.
Anyways, here's some pics of the baby room in progress. You can see Jesse nursing, Luci looking colorful, and Jesse reading to Luci in the new glider.
FYI, when Darren came home, he got to work putting our new bed frame together (we haven't had one in 8 years of marriage) and putting the glider together too. We also ditched our box spring onto our "porch" which looks just lovely as it waits to be picked up by the rubbish folks on Wednesday. We are downsizing and hopefully upsizing to the right things. I find myself endlessly preparing and I endeavor to not do any of that tonight, I just want to relax. I'm done with window washing (where were you Dan?) and painting for now and I long for my regular thoughts and endeavors. So alas, I am off to reclaim them. It's exciting to think about baby this and that but then it does get boring after a while. It's been fun to see our particular flat as home for a while and to try to make the most of it though it is quite shabby in certain areas. Our neighbors have been particularly neighborly to be around (the warmer weather always helps) and every day I open the door to the primary school boys upstairs who want to borrow J's scooter. They are so amazingly polite and I love that we can share things and that scooter time means they are outside living it up and not inside being depressed or watching gobs of tv. By the way, daffodils are out in full force all over the place. That means Luci is busy picking them and the world here is soooooo much prettier. It's an amazing transformation that has taken place in the last 2 weeks.
Anyways, here's some pics of the baby room in progress. You can see Jesse nursing, Luci looking colorful, and Jesse reading to Luci in the new glider.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Sights and Sounds
Luci at the beach when we went on church retreat. We were supposed to build a butterfly there out of leaves that she had brought from the retreat center but I didn't think or care about that in the cold. But she still reminds me about how I didn't follow through with that. Guess that's why she has a fresh batch of leaves on the table downstairs for me.
Tonight we had a CRM London get-together at our place. It looks much too spacious in the picture. Trust me, it wasn't. We had 8 children and 8 adults, with J being the only boy but that's okay because we discovered lately that he doesn't mind being pig-piled on by tons of girls.
Jesse did the eyeliner for angry eyebrows himself. Thanks to Papa Dan for giving him the book that inspired him.
Jesse and art. He made these amazing "scenes" taped standing up on plastic plates of ours.
Thought I'd post just little soundbites from around here lately in an attempt to recap what's been going on.
Don't worry, people but I am 2 weeks from my due date and Darren has been away on an almost 5 day work trip. It has been challenging in some ways (we both didn't really want him to go) but has worked out great in other ways. Before he left, I was having lots of at least pre-labor feelings--funny aches in my legs that I definitely had before J and L's births, etc. And I was a bit nervous that I would go into labor while he was away. If I did though, I would at least be encouraged by the presence of some great friends. Really the offers of help have been amazing--thank you friends! I had a list given to me by a bunch of friends at church that showed their am/pm availability in terms of child care or a car run to the birthing centre. My friend Noel and her husband have helped me out with taking Lu to school extra times since D has been away. Joel who lives across the street (an old friend/co-worker from Boston) took J to school on Friday. My friend Louise offered to cook dinner over here on Friday--wonderful--but an offer I didn't even take her up on because I already had 2 women coming over to hand out and were already providing dinner and a movie. And then my friend Will spontaneously took the kids on Saturday out to lunch with his kid and entertained them for another 4 hours. (While trying to keep the body sensations at bay I laid down, walked Peanut--and the only reliable and thorough way for me to do this now is for me to run her with me on the bike--wash the outside of my windows, and lay down again). I've felt really blessed by friends. Also, I was off to do an errand on Thursday when my leg had a shooting weird sensation so I turned around and walked back up the sidewalk to go home. It was about 30 seconds later that my friend Ivetta from across the street who is also a mom at J's school knocked on my door. She had seen me grab my leg and ran over to check on me, with just her slippers on. It was really touching.
FYI, Darren should be on a plane right now about to head home from Miami!
Needless to say, I'm feeling REALLY pregnant. I found myself doing some heavy breathing (not the labor kind) last night due to carrying all this weight around. (And, Americans, I have no idea how much weight because I don't own a scale and they do not weigh you during pregnancy here.) Truthfully, I have felt really good during this pregnancy, probably better than when I was pregnant with Luci, which wasn't all that bad, but I do think I am slightly bigger than before and this baby's kicks makes him appear to be huge. I've already decided that I need to sleep when he is sleeping because the kicking is a nuisance. I am trying to savor this, the last of my pregnancies, but I fluctuate--I want to meet him, then I want to read one more book or do one more project uninterrupted, and then I feel entirely bored by these outfits that repeat themselves incessantly.
I find myself wondering if you can psychologically put off labor while your husband is away, or while the bassinette is not quite put together or your not done painting the walls you plan to have done before the baby comes. We've now got the clothes lined up, the Moses Basket lined with clean sheets, the changing pad and rocking chair (though unassembled) arrived this week, my new citilite bargain stroller came in the post (Hurray!), and my friends who came over to dinner tonite also brought a crib that converts to toddler bed. I've also managed to a do a fair amount of cleaning out so that we haven't, at least, accumulated.
The kids have been interesting......They definitely had a significant bad streak since Lu's bday. Around that time I noticed how much she was advancing in certain areas but then also was digressing, which I think is a common thing to occur temporarily with kids. She was suddenly into threatening biting again, etc. but then was amazingly attempting shirts over her head (which she had insisted she was nevah, evah gonna do) by herself. I can honestly say she has been wowing me the past few days with her accomplishments like fully dressing herself this morning and doing it again with her pjs tonite. I love how she comes to me for affirmation--I AM so proud of her! While I celebrate her growth, I do want to hold onto certain things, like the way she says yellow, which is "lellow", and I wish Jesse would stop correcting her. She also tells me great stories from her day at school and things she doesn't like, like when she bumped her knee while walking past the table and the kids laughed but she didn't understand why. And she is forever my bottom-feeder, picking up lost buttons and glittery things she finds on the floor at school to bring home. We have also discovered that Luci is a gift person. Clearly the giving and loving to receive has gone on for a long time but I thought it was the usual kid thing and hadn't paid much attention. But she is always finding things (like daffodils which are rampant now in the parks!) to give people and one day--this really drove the point home--she asked me to pick a branch of cherry blossoms for her and one for Jesse to have when I picked her up from school so that she could receive them from me when her teachers called her name to dismiss her. I love that gifts (both giving and receiving) are her love language but it was a bit hard for me to swallow at first realizing how much of an anti-consumer I can be and the fact that I'm definitely NOT a gift-giver. I, of course, can't help but think of Lu's Aunt Sarah (D's sis) who enjoys the art of gift-giving and how much they must have in common.
So Jesse and Luci are 2 peas in a pod-for good and bad. They are soooo creative--I do want to compliment them but they have had me on edge lately because you never know when the next creative move or object will lead to harm or house destruction. Jesse churns out a thousand and one art creations every day, which are very good, but the impact is incredible--paper scraps, constant demands to find the end of the tape or the scissors, gluey table-tops, purple-tainted water spills from paint projects, lentils all over the living room from a sudden inclination to make a bean mosaic. This idea of him to make a bean mosaic was heart-warming. I can see him now, slaving away over his art table with our silver topped canisters containing red lentils, pinto beans, pop-corn. He puts so much care and inspiration into his creations. But I am struggling lately to appreciate and be enthusiastic about his endeavors because I am overwhelmed by how much clean-up that results. He honestly tries to clean up but I'm astonished by what he misses and can't believe this artist could overlook so many of his markers on the floor without tops.
On that note, however, he has been wonderful helping his sister get dressed or her coat on so that they can beat me getting ready to go out. He also tolerates a lot from her when he tries to correct or direct her. (One thing I've been trying to teach him lately is to be only my message bearer to Luci, not also my punitive measure bearer. He'll tell her that I want them to come down for dinner and then get really frustrated at her lack of compliance and start grabbing her, etc. which just leads to a fight.)
This leads me to say that it must be really hard to be the eldest sometimes and I do feel for him. But I am so happy about the beautiful friendship they have. Just the other day Luci was attacking Jesse from behind while he was trying to get dressed for school and they were giggling the whole time while he was trying to break free and get his shirt on. They truly love each other and it sure does make you wonder where this 3rd child is gonna position himself.
By the way, it was World Book Day at my kids' schools on Thursday and they were supposed to dress up as book characters. So Jesse was Pharoah and won a prize again this year in his class, and Luci was Angelina Ballerina.
Tonight we had a CRM London get-together at our place. It looks much too spacious in the picture. Trust me, it wasn't. We had 8 children and 8 adults, with J being the only boy but that's okay because we discovered lately that he doesn't mind being pig-piled on by tons of girls.
Jesse did the eyeliner for angry eyebrows himself. Thanks to Papa Dan for giving him the book that inspired him.
Jesse and art. He made these amazing "scenes" taped standing up on plastic plates of ours.
Thought I'd post just little soundbites from around here lately in an attempt to recap what's been going on.
Don't worry, people but I am 2 weeks from my due date and Darren has been away on an almost 5 day work trip. It has been challenging in some ways (we both didn't really want him to go) but has worked out great in other ways. Before he left, I was having lots of at least pre-labor feelings--funny aches in my legs that I definitely had before J and L's births, etc. And I was a bit nervous that I would go into labor while he was away. If I did though, I would at least be encouraged by the presence of some great friends. Really the offers of help have been amazing--thank you friends! I had a list given to me by a bunch of friends at church that showed their am/pm availability in terms of child care or a car run to the birthing centre. My friend Noel and her husband have helped me out with taking Lu to school extra times since D has been away. Joel who lives across the street (an old friend/co-worker from Boston) took J to school on Friday. My friend Louise offered to cook dinner over here on Friday--wonderful--but an offer I didn't even take her up on because I already had 2 women coming over to hand out and were already providing dinner and a movie. And then my friend Will spontaneously took the kids on Saturday out to lunch with his kid and entertained them for another 4 hours. (While trying to keep the body sensations at bay I laid down, walked Peanut--and the only reliable and thorough way for me to do this now is for me to run her with me on the bike--wash the outside of my windows, and lay down again). I've felt really blessed by friends. Also, I was off to do an errand on Thursday when my leg had a shooting weird sensation so I turned around and walked back up the sidewalk to go home. It was about 30 seconds later that my friend Ivetta from across the street who is also a mom at J's school knocked on my door. She had seen me grab my leg and ran over to check on me, with just her slippers on. It was really touching.
FYI, Darren should be on a plane right now about to head home from Miami!
Needless to say, I'm feeling REALLY pregnant. I found myself doing some heavy breathing (not the labor kind) last night due to carrying all this weight around. (And, Americans, I have no idea how much weight because I don't own a scale and they do not weigh you during pregnancy here.) Truthfully, I have felt really good during this pregnancy, probably better than when I was pregnant with Luci, which wasn't all that bad, but I do think I am slightly bigger than before and this baby's kicks makes him appear to be huge. I've already decided that I need to sleep when he is sleeping because the kicking is a nuisance. I am trying to savor this, the last of my pregnancies, but I fluctuate--I want to meet him, then I want to read one more book or do one more project uninterrupted, and then I feel entirely bored by these outfits that repeat themselves incessantly.
I find myself wondering if you can psychologically put off labor while your husband is away, or while the bassinette is not quite put together or your not done painting the walls you plan to have done before the baby comes. We've now got the clothes lined up, the Moses Basket lined with clean sheets, the changing pad and rocking chair (though unassembled) arrived this week, my new citilite bargain stroller came in the post (Hurray!), and my friends who came over to dinner tonite also brought a crib that converts to toddler bed. I've also managed to a do a fair amount of cleaning out so that we haven't, at least, accumulated.
The kids have been interesting......They definitely had a significant bad streak since Lu's bday. Around that time I noticed how much she was advancing in certain areas but then also was digressing, which I think is a common thing to occur temporarily with kids. She was suddenly into threatening biting again, etc. but then was amazingly attempting shirts over her head (which she had insisted she was nevah, evah gonna do) by herself. I can honestly say she has been wowing me the past few days with her accomplishments like fully dressing herself this morning and doing it again with her pjs tonite. I love how she comes to me for affirmation--I AM so proud of her! While I celebrate her growth, I do want to hold onto certain things, like the way she says yellow, which is "lellow", and I wish Jesse would stop correcting her. She also tells me great stories from her day at school and things she doesn't like, like when she bumped her knee while walking past the table and the kids laughed but she didn't understand why. And she is forever my bottom-feeder, picking up lost buttons and glittery things she finds on the floor at school to bring home. We have also discovered that Luci is a gift person. Clearly the giving and loving to receive has gone on for a long time but I thought it was the usual kid thing and hadn't paid much attention. But she is always finding things (like daffodils which are rampant now in the parks!) to give people and one day--this really drove the point home--she asked me to pick a branch of cherry blossoms for her and one for Jesse to have when I picked her up from school so that she could receive them from me when her teachers called her name to dismiss her. I love that gifts (both giving and receiving) are her love language but it was a bit hard for me to swallow at first realizing how much of an anti-consumer I can be and the fact that I'm definitely NOT a gift-giver. I, of course, can't help but think of Lu's Aunt Sarah (D's sis) who enjoys the art of gift-giving and how much they must have in common.
So Jesse and Luci are 2 peas in a pod-for good and bad. They are soooo creative--I do want to compliment them but they have had me on edge lately because you never know when the next creative move or object will lead to harm or house destruction. Jesse churns out a thousand and one art creations every day, which are very good, but the impact is incredible--paper scraps, constant demands to find the end of the tape or the scissors, gluey table-tops, purple-tainted water spills from paint projects, lentils all over the living room from a sudden inclination to make a bean mosaic. This idea of him to make a bean mosaic was heart-warming. I can see him now, slaving away over his art table with our silver topped canisters containing red lentils, pinto beans, pop-corn. He puts so much care and inspiration into his creations. But I am struggling lately to appreciate and be enthusiastic about his endeavors because I am overwhelmed by how much clean-up that results. He honestly tries to clean up but I'm astonished by what he misses and can't believe this artist could overlook so many of his markers on the floor without tops.
On that note, however, he has been wonderful helping his sister get dressed or her coat on so that they can beat me getting ready to go out. He also tolerates a lot from her when he tries to correct or direct her. (One thing I've been trying to teach him lately is to be only my message bearer to Luci, not also my punitive measure bearer. He'll tell her that I want them to come down for dinner and then get really frustrated at her lack of compliance and start grabbing her, etc. which just leads to a fight.)
This leads me to say that it must be really hard to be the eldest sometimes and I do feel for him. But I am so happy about the beautiful friendship they have. Just the other day Luci was attacking Jesse from behind while he was trying to get dressed for school and they were giggling the whole time while he was trying to break free and get his shirt on. They truly love each other and it sure does make you wonder where this 3rd child is gonna position himself.
By the way, it was World Book Day at my kids' schools on Thursday and they were supposed to dress up as book characters. So Jesse was Pharoah and won a prize again this year in his class, and Luci was Angelina Ballerina.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Snow Day!
Not really, not today I mean. Just pictures I never posted from about a month ago when snow dumped on London and the kids were out of school.
But before that, I should say that the baby's due date is less than a month away. It's hit that point where I'm not really savoring being pregnant anymore (though I'm trying) and I'm just excited about him coming--though I have to say I haven't packed my hospital bag, I've merely accumulated a pile. (Thanks to Hannah who also informed me that I should pack a bag for my kids too in case we need to scramble them to someone's house--that really hadn't crossed my mind but good thinkin') I've really been feeling good 'til about 8 or 9 in the evening when I can not bear to be on my feet anymore because my back hurts and I start to stiffen up. However, today was totally different. All it took was a little housework in the morning, to prepare for having a meeting here, and I was a bit uncomfortable. My abdomen hurt and I was wondering if the baby was trying to reposition himself for some kind of exit. And then I felt better but a bit uncomfortable here and there throughout the day. I'm not trying to say that the baby's coming, at all, but acknowledging that this is how it could be for another month. I am definitely hoping that he will not make and exit before I am 37 weeks because I am looking forward to that enormous shiny bathtub at the Barkantine Birthing Centre and if he's earlier than that, they won't take me. Umm...I am also looking forward to my free dental cleaning on Friday that post-birth I will not receive free because that's right, when you are pregnant, you get free dental care here. Other things I'd like to get around to are purchasing a fabric covered rocking chair (can't believe they're so hard to find, I mean really!), finishing painting, putting a curtain up in the baby/guest room for real (those of you who have visited know the temporary sort-of crack house curtain job we utilize in some rooms), planting some seeds so I don't have to eat salad forever out of plastic bags, and cleaning and repairing my pushchair since I am so stubbornly preferential to the size of my stroller.
I made a commitment to myself and to a small group of women that I would be in bed by 9 these days so that I don't consume my life with busyness so this is all I have to say. Nitey-nite!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Luci is 4
So before I post some pics from her party, which we had yesterday on her birthday, I have to write about some of the funny things Luci's been doing since she is her ever-entertaining self.
Last week when I was playing Settlers with Jeannie, Rory, and Anna after the kids had gone to bed, I found the most un-Peanut like fur on Peanut. It was soft like down and it was growing and peeling off near her backside. Since I didn't want to get up from my chair and we were in the middle of the game, I just made a little pile of it on our already scuzzy rug and totally forgot about it.
The next day when I got up, I found Jesse and Luci sitting at the table eating bowls of cereal. And right next to Luci's bowl was her art project, entitled Furball, a nickname she has for Peanut. It was a blob of my almost red homemade old wholemeal playdo with the fur that I had left on the rug, plugged into it. Added onto that were big melty beads for Furball's eyes, ears etc. All I can say is that it was a sight to behold. As disgusting as it was, I had to save it in the window of my kitchen for several days because of it's utter Luciness.
These days, Luci is good on the phone. Both kids now answer, which is quite handy. Whenever I put Luci on the phone to talk to Darren and I've already said it's Daddy, Luci gets on the phone, asks who it is, and to the answer "Daddy", she asks, "Who's Daddy?" She does this every time she talks to him. Is this some kind of joke?
On another note, Luci loves her show Numberjacks, a very educational show that feature the blobby character "Problem Blob." I admit, I am DEFINITELY blobby now given that I am quite rotund, but a few months ago when I was getting dressed, she likened my body to the Problem Blob and thought that the Problem Blob had gotten ahold of me, which in her accent is Pwoblem Blwob.
Alright, so here are some pictures from yesterday. The party was pretty tame and pleasant. Darren was very lovely to set up the food for us and it turned out to be a nice time for the kids and the ladies. We didn't do anything except hang out and open presents--no pass the parcel or party favors, and therefore more laid back for us and less of an environmental nightmare, which is how children's parties usually appear to me.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Girlie Girls
My college friend Jeannie is here visiting from the States. Since she has visited London before and done that touristy stuff AND since it's been raining we decided that a shopping outing was on the agenda for the day. A little twist in the plan is that Luci tagged along as she was low-energy and getting over a coughing resurgence on Sunday.
Just to diverge for a moment. Sometimes I just adore her beyond words when she is sick because she is so quiet--her voice, her mannerisms, everything. She got up before the bunny clock and climbed in bed with us and then did not get out of bed until 10 and she let me feed her oatmeal in bed. I'd almost do anything to savor moments with this low-key, doll-like ginger head in my bed, she's so cute!
We got to Canary Wharf around 12:15 and set off to find Carluccio's, which apparently I need more practice locating, and I took the ladies to lunch. We had a yummy and fabulous time together and then browsed a few shops, some more seriously than the others. I never know if it is a mistake to take your girlie girl daughter into Monsoon but there's no doubt that it happened today. It is impossible to describe how wonderful the clothes and accessories are in there, especially for little girls and of course Luci instantly started asking me if we could get something off the accessory rack. Usually I say "no, we are not shopping for us", but since her birthday is on Sunday, I thought I'd indulge. She was so cute trying to choose which head-band to pick and we must have stood there for 20 minutes while she tried things on and said, " Now just give me a moment mummy while my head is winding up", which must be her words to describe the decision making process she was intensely in. She did finally decide but then we walked into Accessorize, which is connected to Monsoon, and was distracted again by beautiful things and wanting more. Thankfully we were able to opt out the more expensive item at Monsoon and buy a little more for our money, which included a hawaii outfit, headband, and hair elastics. I have to say that Luci was adorable and seemed to really enjoy the process of selection, instead of demanding 5 things in an ugly voice.
FYI for those of you who are familiar with shops here or wished they were able to find a fabulous winter coat while visiting (because England does at least give the illusion that you can find a winter coat that surpasses all other styles, colors, etc.), Jeannie did come home with a steal of a cream colored coat from Zara with boots from there as well.
Just to diverge for a moment. Sometimes I just adore her beyond words when she is sick because she is so quiet--her voice, her mannerisms, everything. She got up before the bunny clock and climbed in bed with us and then did not get out of bed until 10 and she let me feed her oatmeal in bed. I'd almost do anything to savor moments with this low-key, doll-like ginger head in my bed, she's so cute!
We got to Canary Wharf around 12:15 and set off to find Carluccio's, which apparently I need more practice locating, and I took the ladies to lunch. We had a yummy and fabulous time together and then browsed a few shops, some more seriously than the others. I never know if it is a mistake to take your girlie girl daughter into Monsoon but there's no doubt that it happened today. It is impossible to describe how wonderful the clothes and accessories are in there, especially for little girls and of course Luci instantly started asking me if we could get something off the accessory rack. Usually I say "no, we are not shopping for us", but since her birthday is on Sunday, I thought I'd indulge. She was so cute trying to choose which head-band to pick and we must have stood there for 20 minutes while she tried things on and said, " Now just give me a moment mummy while my head is winding up", which must be her words to describe the decision making process she was intensely in. She did finally decide but then we walked into Accessorize, which is connected to Monsoon, and was distracted again by beautiful things and wanting more. Thankfully we were able to opt out the more expensive item at Monsoon and buy a little more for our money, which included a hawaii outfit, headband, and hair elastics. I have to say that Luci was adorable and seemed to really enjoy the process of selection, instead of demanding 5 things in an ugly voice.
FYI for those of you who are familiar with shops here or wished they were able to find a fabulous winter coat while visiting (because England does at least give the illusion that you can find a winter coat that surpasses all other styles, colors, etc.), Jeannie did come home with a steal of a cream colored coat from Zara with boots from there as well.
Monday, February 02, 2009
WINTER WONDERLAND!
We had about 12 inches of snow in less than 24 hours, starting yesterday, so the kids' schools were cancelled and I was home with them today. I was going to keep them home anyway since this is not a common occurrence but it was great to have the council's blessing.
I cannot tell you what a different neighborhood I experienced today. From morning to night, children and fairly grown people were throwing snowballs at each other and the few cars going by. It was awesome to see some head coverings cast aside by young women as they opted to run around smashing each other with snow. Jesse and Luci were in and out and I was putting on their gear and then taking it off to place on the radiator more times than I can count. I was wishing for a sled and some waterproof gloves, but this is not weather that we are prepared for.
The night before, our friend Rory, who just moved in around the corner, came into our house whispering "Darren" (and it sounded exactly like Rory whispering) to announce that we had left our keys in the door and to invite us to go tobboganing at Hampstead Heath today. I decided that that adventure was out for the humans today but that if he wanted to take Peanut, he could gladly take her. So Peanut had a day away at the Heath with Rory and a family, and came back tired and (Jennifer skip this part) with a bloody toenail due to a little run-in with the escalator at the Tube station.
Today was so much fun. We built a snowman in the backyard with lots of care--walnuts for eyes, parsnip for nose, raisins for buttons, and of course a knit-hat and scarf. After the snowman lost its identity under a further couple inches of snow, Jesse smashed him to pieces, no permission asked, just with all the thrill of an excited boy.
We also saw lots of friends--Yvetta and her kids from across the street, my friend Yasmin and her 2 who came over, a friendly boy named Ike from upstairs, and my friend Noel who came kidless to drop off some baby clothes for me. Our parking lot, concrete courtyard and estate were filled with children and intermingling neighbors and in the words of one mum, "It is great--we've spent more time with the neighbors than we ever do during the summer." I have seriously never seen so many people on our estate, and I know it was that way all over town. It was also pleasant to have no cars on the road.
My highlight was opening the door to let Jesse in after he'd had a brief evening romp in the snow tonite, to be greated with a snowball in the face and a big burst of laughter.
I'm peopled out and going to bed and will have pictures for tomorrow.
I cannot tell you what a different neighborhood I experienced today. From morning to night, children and fairly grown people were throwing snowballs at each other and the few cars going by. It was awesome to see some head coverings cast aside by young women as they opted to run around smashing each other with snow. Jesse and Luci were in and out and I was putting on their gear and then taking it off to place on the radiator more times than I can count. I was wishing for a sled and some waterproof gloves, but this is not weather that we are prepared for.
The night before, our friend Rory, who just moved in around the corner, came into our house whispering "Darren" (and it sounded exactly like Rory whispering) to announce that we had left our keys in the door and to invite us to go tobboganing at Hampstead Heath today. I decided that that adventure was out for the humans today but that if he wanted to take Peanut, he could gladly take her. So Peanut had a day away at the Heath with Rory and a family, and came back tired and (Jennifer skip this part) with a bloody toenail due to a little run-in with the escalator at the Tube station.
Today was so much fun. We built a snowman in the backyard with lots of care--walnuts for eyes, parsnip for nose, raisins for buttons, and of course a knit-hat and scarf. After the snowman lost its identity under a further couple inches of snow, Jesse smashed him to pieces, no permission asked, just with all the thrill of an excited boy.
We also saw lots of friends--Yvetta and her kids from across the street, my friend Yasmin and her 2 who came over, a friendly boy named Ike from upstairs, and my friend Noel who came kidless to drop off some baby clothes for me. Our parking lot, concrete courtyard and estate were filled with children and intermingling neighbors and in the words of one mum, "It is great--we've spent more time with the neighbors than we ever do during the summer." I have seriously never seen so many people on our estate, and I know it was that way all over town. It was also pleasant to have no cars on the road.
My highlight was opening the door to let Jesse in after he'd had a brief evening romp in the snow tonite, to be greated with a snowball in the face and a big burst of laughter.
I'm peopled out and going to bed and will have pictures for tomorrow.
Monday, January 26, 2009
In Praise of Peanut
As most of you know, I haven't been thrilled at the way Peanut has been received (or not) in our neighborhood. And in truth, she's not a piece of cake in the house with a lot of people so I've often resented her. But I've had a really hard time not resenting the neighborhood in relation to her, because while she can be grumpy in the house, she is pretty fabulous on the outside.
And those of you who know Pea know how much she loves balls. So it was heart-warming to have a family over today who, when we went to the playground on our estate, threw the ball to her over and over and over again. It brought back the warm memories of leaving Pea standing outside the gate at Precita playground in SF and letting the ball roll under the fence so a child could throw it to her. Seriously, that is when I felt really proud to have her as my dog and it always drove home the joy it was to have her playful energy in our lives.
I have waited a year and a half to finally feel that feeling here. Sure, the macho gang guys at Stepney Green will acknowledge and occasionally throw the ball to her but they are more interested in the challenge it seems to be for people to be around a dog than they are into her for pure enjoyment. I was so delighted and relieved to see Sigourney, 3, and Quintin, 6 playing with her today. It might sound over the top to some of you or even most but it has been hard, day in and day out, and all day to see her rejected by most of the people around me--really, really hard. (It's actually also been hard to feel like God's beautiful creation has been going to waste because she's not given the time of day.)
And the funny thing (or not so funny thing) was that she was more at ease and calm in the house with our guests after that interaction than I have seen her in a long time.
And those of you who know Pea know how much she loves balls. So it was heart-warming to have a family over today who, when we went to the playground on our estate, threw the ball to her over and over and over again. It brought back the warm memories of leaving Pea standing outside the gate at Precita playground in SF and letting the ball roll under the fence so a child could throw it to her. Seriously, that is when I felt really proud to have her as my dog and it always drove home the joy it was to have her playful energy in our lives.
I have waited a year and a half to finally feel that feeling here. Sure, the macho gang guys at Stepney Green will acknowledge and occasionally throw the ball to her but they are more interested in the challenge it seems to be for people to be around a dog than they are into her for pure enjoyment. I was so delighted and relieved to see Sigourney, 3, and Quintin, 6 playing with her today. It might sound over the top to some of you or even most but it has been hard, day in and day out, and all day to see her rejected by most of the people around me--really, really hard. (It's actually also been hard to feel like God's beautiful creation has been going to waste because she's not given the time of day.)
And the funny thing (or not so funny thing) was that she was more at ease and calm in the house with our guests after that interaction than I have seen her in a long time.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
In Between the Coughs
Sometimes I blog in my mind and never actually get around to blogging....so sorry if I repeat myself.
Darren has been back now from SF for a bit but I feel it has taken us a while to settle back into our normal routines. Sure, there was routine, as the kids always go to school and as we regularly have meetings but D was sick a bit and jet-lagged and I was coughing and recuperating from trying to do all these stupid details to be able to begin a nursing class (don't ask) and everything just seemed busy. I'm also on this thrust towards getting particulars done in the house before the baby comes. Actually I'd like to get them done quite a while before the baby comes--like purchase a bed frame for us, find a Moses basket, paint some walls (trust me it's not just a preferential color change, it business that needs to be finished.) I am already excited about getting rid of maternity clothes just so they don't take up room here.
The kids have been mostly great. Luci is so fun and crazy and I'm not sure I like the fact that she will be turning 4 soon. Somehow I fear the maturity of 4 will take away her spirit, but alas, I don't think we are actually at risk for that. I love how her getting dressed in the morning has become slightly more ordered lately since she has taken to laying out her outfit, as it would appear on her body) on the floor--complete with jewelry, shoes, and hair decor. (I can't imagine how she'll cope with a school uniform come September.)
We had a second Christmas (in terms of opening presents) since D came back. He came back with a load of gifts from his side of the family for everyone and we had a second whirlwind of wrapping paper all over the lounge. Luci got a white fairy outfit from Nana and Jesse has been helping Luci get dressed up in it. I love when Luci wants to present herself to us as a princess and it consistently includes her holding her pink cell phone that Jennifer discarded (gifted) to her in one hand. Truly a modern-day princess must be able to be in contact with all her friends at any time from a pink phone!
Jesse has taken to reading in bed with his flashlight at night and pretty constantly saying he doesn't fall asleep easily any more. However, he fell asleep instantly tonight. Maybe that's because he and I had a date to the Tower of London this afternoon with some friends. He was pretty engaged with the swords, armor, guns and related games they had on display as much of the exhibits we walked by included those items. I believe I heard, "yay, I just killed a bunch of people!" come from his mouth today. I assure you that he is a very tender spirit that sings, draws, and likes silly poetry. One of the things I am thinking about lately though is how to find a regular outlet for his boyishness, especially after a day at school. He loves to horse around at the playground but is not up for joining football club. Though I'm not sure I will continue to let him decide on that because when my furniture is being jumped on or I am barely avoiding being socked in the stomach because of all this pent-up energy, I wonder "Who is in charge ?"
We had the Hayes girls (10 and 15) stay at our house for 2 nights and a day this week-end while their parents were on a retreat and it was a blast. Those girls have an amazing way of relating to our kids despite the age difference and I think I may actually have done a bit of sleeping in due to Alexandra reading stories to the kids this morning. Darren and I also got to stay up somewhat late with them last night teaching them Settlers of Catan. And I think I taught Alexandra to knit though sometimes I am not even sure I really know how to do it myself. Anyways, the Hayes girls' visit was enjoyed by all and our kids are not used to having so much attention--they were spoiled in a way.
I hope to keep up 2 things I reacquainted myself with when Darren was away--yogurt making and composting in my garden. Spring is coming and I'd like to use some of that soil, if it is that, for tomatoes, etc.
Forgot to mention that we also recently visited a birthing centre where we plan to have the next baby. I'm quite excited about the massive tubs and amazing facility. I'm hoping I'm not coughing when the due date rolls around as I am really sick of a recurring cough. My neighbor hasn't even seen me recently but referred to me as being sick the other day when we bumped into each other--I guess she hears the hacking cough from upstairs in her flat and was wondering what was wrong with me. I have no other symptoms, just that and the consequential headache from volume and force. Good thing that it is virtually gone now.
Darren has been back now from SF for a bit but I feel it has taken us a while to settle back into our normal routines. Sure, there was routine, as the kids always go to school and as we regularly have meetings but D was sick a bit and jet-lagged and I was coughing and recuperating from trying to do all these stupid details to be able to begin a nursing class (don't ask) and everything just seemed busy. I'm also on this thrust towards getting particulars done in the house before the baby comes. Actually I'd like to get them done quite a while before the baby comes--like purchase a bed frame for us, find a Moses basket, paint some walls (trust me it's not just a preferential color change, it business that needs to be finished.) I am already excited about getting rid of maternity clothes just so they don't take up room here.
The kids have been mostly great. Luci is so fun and crazy and I'm not sure I like the fact that she will be turning 4 soon. Somehow I fear the maturity of 4 will take away her spirit, but alas, I don't think we are actually at risk for that. I love how her getting dressed in the morning has become slightly more ordered lately since she has taken to laying out her outfit, as it would appear on her body) on the floor--complete with jewelry, shoes, and hair decor. (I can't imagine how she'll cope with a school uniform come September.)
We had a second Christmas (in terms of opening presents) since D came back. He came back with a load of gifts from his side of the family for everyone and we had a second whirlwind of wrapping paper all over the lounge. Luci got a white fairy outfit from Nana and Jesse has been helping Luci get dressed up in it. I love when Luci wants to present herself to us as a princess and it consistently includes her holding her pink cell phone that Jennifer discarded (gifted) to her in one hand. Truly a modern-day princess must be able to be in contact with all her friends at any time from a pink phone!
Jesse has taken to reading in bed with his flashlight at night and pretty constantly saying he doesn't fall asleep easily any more. However, he fell asleep instantly tonight. Maybe that's because he and I had a date to the Tower of London this afternoon with some friends. He was pretty engaged with the swords, armor, guns and related games they had on display as much of the exhibits we walked by included those items. I believe I heard, "yay, I just killed a bunch of people!" come from his mouth today. I assure you that he is a very tender spirit that sings, draws, and likes silly poetry. One of the things I am thinking about lately though is how to find a regular outlet for his boyishness, especially after a day at school. He loves to horse around at the playground but is not up for joining football club. Though I'm not sure I will continue to let him decide on that because when my furniture is being jumped on or I am barely avoiding being socked in the stomach because of all this pent-up energy, I wonder "Who is in charge ?"
We had the Hayes girls (10 and 15) stay at our house for 2 nights and a day this week-end while their parents were on a retreat and it was a blast. Those girls have an amazing way of relating to our kids despite the age difference and I think I may actually have done a bit of sleeping in due to Alexandra reading stories to the kids this morning. Darren and I also got to stay up somewhat late with them last night teaching them Settlers of Catan. And I think I taught Alexandra to knit though sometimes I am not even sure I really know how to do it myself. Anyways, the Hayes girls' visit was enjoyed by all and our kids are not used to having so much attention--they were spoiled in a way.
I hope to keep up 2 things I reacquainted myself with when Darren was away--yogurt making and composting in my garden. Spring is coming and I'd like to use some of that soil, if it is that, for tomatoes, etc.
Forgot to mention that we also recently visited a birthing centre where we plan to have the next baby. I'm quite excited about the massive tubs and amazing facility. I'm hoping I'm not coughing when the due date rolls around as I am really sick of a recurring cough. My neighbor hasn't even seen me recently but referred to me as being sick the other day when we bumped into each other--I guess she hears the hacking cough from upstairs in her flat and was wondering what was wrong with me. I have no other symptoms, just that and the consequential headache from volume and force. Good thing that it is virtually gone now.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The flower vase she always wanted--a charity shop find that J gave Lu for Christmas.
Oh I just love my new spots. Darren gave me this spotty tea set for Christmas. The red chickens (which were my grandmas) and the teapot just cheer me up!
Decorating Christmas cookies with church friends.
I love this picture of Jesse. He's really in his artist zone.
The kids have been so good while Darren has been away--I can hardly believe it. Surely it will all melt down tomorrow just in time for him to come home Friday morning? My kids definitely watch more tv while he is away because otherwise I find it hard to get every thing done, like a healthy dinner. (Sometimes tv doesn't work, of course, and it just riles the kids up and makes them tune me out which is a worse situation. But it has worked out quite well for this stretch.)
I've wanted to ask.... Does anyone feel like they feed their kids gruel for dinner? Sometimes my food is good and almost always it is healthy. But sometimes the throwing together of the vegetables with some sort of leftover soup or sauce to either stand alone or go over pasta just looks like the only gruel we can muster to survive off of.
I found myself making crumb muffins with a recipe I found in "More with Less" and I questioned the wisdom of it afterwards. It did use up some crumbs, alas even some homemade crumbs, but the taste of them was entirely too salty, though paired with a bit of honey worked out well. Turns out, I have decided that I will make these muffins again, but I will eliminate the salt called for in the recipe. Anyway, here I am on a bad day food wise--I'm sick of preparing food and cleaning up, and I'm sick of being with my food so much that it's not enjoyable to sit down to a meal. It all looks like old news that I can't be bothered to chew, though I do it so when I tell my kids to eat up, they don't point the finger at me. Ahhh.....All I want is to savor a foamy cappucino while not engaging the outside world. Has anyone out there got so sick of the immersion motherhood gives you into food that all you want is that cup of coffee to be savored, smelled, and thankfully not chewed, cuz you just can't be bothered? I find myself in that state many times when D and I get the occasional date.
Jesse has been reading in his bed with a flashlight that he got for Christmas which has been great because it gives him the chance to stay up later than Luci. I don't think she could handle being put to bed at a different time from him. For a while Jesse needed all the sleep he could get but now it seems he's actually unable to get to sleep at the normal time. He's been telling me lately when I tuck him in that he hopes he gets to sleep because it takes him a really long time.
A great thing about Jesse lately is that he has been so willing to help Luci get her coat on, or her shoes on, or to help Luci get into her pajamas. Today I had them race me--they had to get their coats, etc. on and I had to get dressed. I thought I would beat them but they managed it, with a lot of Jesse's efforts. He got Luci buttoned unevenly up and must have been the assistant behind the hat and poncho that was over her coat flapping in the wind. Unfortunately Luci could only find one mitten even though it was attached to her coat but that's pretty good for a slow-coach Jesse and a Luci who reminds me defiantly every day (when encouraged to dress herself) that she is "Not ever, never, gonna learn how to do it." Speaking of Luci, I have been totally attuned to how Luci takes lots of breathy breaths while she is talking. It takes her forever to get through her monologues and she makes me think of Marilyn Monroe or somebody like that. She's definitely kept me laughing though and, thankfully, not so much pulling my hair out.
While I made fruit salad for dessert tonight, the kids tidied up the living room which was the greatest gift to me. Sure, I had to ask for it but I couldn't believe that they actually took the time to do categorical/organized clean-up. One of my pet peeves is when everything is just crammed into some supposedly discreet location. But I noticed that tonite the art supplies were put with the art supplies and the teacups into the teacup bag (Luci has never stopped playing with that Judy), etc., etc. I was pleasantly surprised.
I've been catching Luci ducking behind the curtain in our living room the last couple of days to color her fingernails with marker. I wonder when I started doing that.....I remember doing that around 4th grade I think? She'll probably keep me to my word to paint her nails tomorrow morning before school. Hopefully she goes to school. I kept her out today because when we were scootering J to school, she starting her hacking cough and threw up on the sidewalk. I'm sure most of the parents thought "The flu!" but thankfully (maybe with the exception of Darren) been free of that this season.
Monday, January 12, 2009
2 funnies--that's it!
Deanna told me about a funny comment Jesse said on Saturday. While he was playing with a wiseman (part of her nativity scene), Luci came along and picked up baby Jesus. To which Jesse replied, "No Luci, put him back, or I'll have nothing to worship!"
Also, this statement had been made twice now by both children at different times. When watching Teletubbies on the BBC Iplayer about a month ago, Jesse saw the sun arising with the baby face inside of it and shouted, "Mom, Son of God." I thought "Huh, nice word play but very interesting." Then today Luci, of course learning everything from her brother, made the same point while home sick watching Teletubbies.
Also, this statement had been made twice now by both children at different times. When watching Teletubbies on the BBC Iplayer about a month ago, Jesse saw the sun arising with the baby face inside of it and shouted, "Mom, Son of God." I thought "Huh, nice word play but very interesting." Then today Luci, of course learning everything from her brother, made the same point while home sick watching Teletubbies.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Starting with Summer, remember that?
Well the story is.....we (I mean Jesse) broke our camera in July, we got it fixed in September, lost the cable, found it, had the battery die and found we couldn't find the charger......and now we have another one. So Just downloaded 218 photos some of which predate our US trip. I'm here to share just a few, and will share a few more later. Of course they are on my blog opposite from how I want them and I don't have the labels lined up and I'm not fiddling with it right now.
Sometimes I hate it, but a lot of times I still absolutely love our green couch. Doesn't it photograph well? Seriously, I always think that.
For the grandparents who want to see what Luci looks like on a scooter, here it is. And is it ALWAYS with a dress since that it all she wears. Even skirts won't do.
Our cuties always have to sit outside in front of our building and wait for our guests to come--it is so exciting to them.
Awkward shot, but I thought the technique used here was very interesting.
Luci loves the heat on her back and digging in the dirt in our garden. I love it!
Sometimes I hate it, but a lot of times I still absolutely love our green couch. Doesn't it photograph well? Seriously, I always think that.
For the grandparents who want to see what Luci looks like on a scooter, here it is. And is it ALWAYS with a dress since that it all she wears. Even skirts won't do.
Our cuties always have to sit outside in front of our building and wait for our guests to come--it is so exciting to them.
Awkward shot, but I thought the technique used here was very interesting.
Luci loves the heat on her back and digging in the dirt in our garden. I love it!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Matthew 7: An Interpretation
We've been reading through the Bible this year (I'm already behind of course but I'm gonna take that afternoon "our program" suggests and get caught up) and particularly Matthew with the kids. This sometimes seems for better or for worse with their understanding and it's pretty much the same with me as I don't particularly like how harsh people talk to each other (i.e. you brood of vipers!) and I don't much like words like "murder", etc. But that's the Bible and life generally, if we aren't too glossy about life with our kids, isn't it?
Anyways, these yucky things are not what generally trip my kids up and into questions. It's usually goes something more like tonite, for example, when reading Matthew 7 to them where it is Jesus talking to the Pharisees about them being concerned with eating clean and not unclean food versus being concerned with having a clean heart and what flows from it. (Loved stumbling on this now, because this issue is so our neighborhood and I'm thinking about that bacon fat next to the stove smelling up my house) Jesse asked some question about this, as to his ears it needed some interpretation, so I gave what I thought was the most kid-friendly and intelligible answer I could muster up. Well, apparently one can never quite get their head around the Bible (this I know to be true myself) as exemplified by Jesse's response (complete with hand motions). "Well, you know mom, it's not like we would eat green eyeball soup." I said "Right Jesse and blah, blah, blah", something similar to what I had explained before. And then Luci got out of bed, came over to me and said, "Umm, you know, we eat lots of vegetable from the ground but we would never eat poison mushrooms." At that point, I decided we would read right through Matthew 7 and receive it for the time being and not really worry about getting it all straight.
Anyways, these yucky things are not what generally trip my kids up and into questions. It's usually goes something more like tonite, for example, when reading Matthew 7 to them where it is Jesus talking to the Pharisees about them being concerned with eating clean and not unclean food versus being concerned with having a clean heart and what flows from it. (Loved stumbling on this now, because this issue is so our neighborhood and I'm thinking about that bacon fat next to the stove smelling up my house) Jesse asked some question about this, as to his ears it needed some interpretation, so I gave what I thought was the most kid-friendly and intelligible answer I could muster up. Well, apparently one can never quite get their head around the Bible (this I know to be true myself) as exemplified by Jesse's response (complete with hand motions). "Well, you know mom, it's not like we would eat green eyeball soup." I said "Right Jesse and blah, blah, blah", something similar to what I had explained before. And then Luci got out of bed, came over to me and said, "Umm, you know, we eat lots of vegetable from the ground but we would never eat poison mushrooms." At that point, I decided we would read right through Matthew 7 and receive it for the time being and not really worry about getting it all straight.