An actual post
Oy vey. Why is it that the longer I wait to post, the more insurmountable it becomes? Seriously, it feels so overwhelming to write anything--how can I possibly catch up on everything--so why even bother? Dang perfectionism.
Life is good. Life isn't just good, it's GOOD. Thanksgiving was wonderful and perfect, and things just keep getting better and better. I guess a large part of my rosy outlook stems from the fact that my Steve is done traveling in just one more week. One more week of single-parenthood, then I get him home full-time for 2 beautiful months!!! And if that isn't enough to make anyone giddy, I don't know what is. It's been a long couple of months--lots of being really, really sick and just trying to get through the fog of first trimester yuckiness. Steve has worked so so hard and he desperately needs this break. Good times.
We put our tree up last night. I'm so regretting the purchase of the fake tree a few years back. At the time it seemed like my happiness would only be complete with a pre-lit tree, but now...eh. I'm missing the real one, the smell, the feel. But at the same time, is there anything more of a pain than trying to haul a tree home from the lot, set it up, saw off the bottom. Hmmmmm. Maybe this one isn't so bad after all!
We're starting to get into a routine with school again. I consider us 'off-track' for the last couple of months. Not so much schooling there. I could barely feed them, let alone teach them anything. PBS did most of that. But now, we're actually doing real math, regular reading and phonics, and lots and lots of read alouds. Hazel has been at the cat,sat,hat level of reading for about a year now. I can't seem to find the hook that will take her beyond that. I haven't known how hard to push, how much to require, how to inspire her. But she's finally finally breaking through, ever so slowly, but she's starting to get it. It's been interesting to realize that she doesn't learn exactly like I do, and that's ok.
Chloe, on the other hand, is reading little Bob books now, flawlessly. I worked with Hazel for so long, I kind of missed the signs of readiness with her. So when she started sounding out words on her own, it took me by surprise. Now she gets her own one-on-one school time and she's absolutely thriving. So fun.
Calvin recognizes about 12 letters and startles me when he identifies new ones correctly. He's learning so much just through osmosis--it's been so fun to watch. He likes a few of the letters far too much, I'm thinking, since he pried his favorite keys off my computer. My Y key is now permanently wonky, but the others recovered.
Anyway, kids are clamoring for breakfast, laundry needs to be transferred, Steve will be at the airport in a few hours, and there is much to do before he comes home! Mrs. D, thanks so much for the encouragement!! I appreciate it completely.
Labels: homeschool, Kids
Checklist
1 batch orange glazed sweet potatoes with pecans--DONE
2 pumpkin pies--DONE
Jalepeno Cranberry Relish--DONE and oh my!!!
1 turkey brining--DONE
Still to do:
make the stuffing while the pies cook
prep the green beans for roasting
clean the amazing messes my children can make in just a day
get the table ready
ignore the 5 batches of unfolded laundry for yet another day
amuse the children somehow while I get everything ready for the perfect Thanksgiving
No problem!
Love to you all, and wishes for a wonderful and joyous holiday!
Labels: holidays, Recipes
Time warp to 1977
Hazel got to watch Oprah the other day. No, it's not on the list of regularly approved shows, but we were at my Mother-in-laws, and the entire Osmond family was on, and well...it seemed pretty harmless. Well, Hazel has a crush. A crush on Donny Osmond. On the radio this morning, Donny did some kind of a little segment, and she was over the moon. For the next 45 minutes, all she could say was, "Donny Osmond, Donny and Marie!" over and over. Just ask
Sarah--we were cracking up!
Well, I guess I can say that I'm grateful it's not Justin Timberlake or the Cheetah Girls or anything like that, but seriously, Donny Osmond??
Labels: funny, Kids
Recital night
Tonight was the Family Recital. So completely fabulous!! I have a very musical family, and the ability to perform is highly valued. So my aunt (who, by the way, is my same age--my mom's the oldest of nine and she's the youngest) set up a night at a local music store to give everyone a chance to show their stuff.
My amazing sister played her trombone, my mom did a gorgeous Brahms piece, the kids all did a great job, and my Nana played Grieg's Nocturne. Hazel didn't want to play the piano this time, but I think she was inspired by tonight. Calvin didn't make a peep the whole thing, except to exclaim while Andrea was playing the trombone, "Tumpet, Mommy, Tumpet!!"
Hazel took me over to the instrument section to show me the violin she is wanting. I'm not quite willing to commit to violin lessons
quite yet. I want make sure that she really really wants them.
Happy Sigh. I love my family!!
Labels: family
Prayers
Calvin has all kinds of random fears. Like scary handsome prince capes, or having his favorite sandals taken off his feet, or the dark. Big time fear of the dark. Since he's all of two, I'm humoring most of these. He sleeps with his light on in his room--no nightlights will do, no sir. Overhead light or no sleeping!! I'll switch it off as I'm heading to bed and he'll sit straight up and yell, "HEY!! LIGHT ON!!"
Oh well. Some battles aren't worth fighting at the moment.
But we were all staying in a hotel the other night, and really needed the light off in order for the girls to be able to go to bed. So as I was helping him say his prayers, I asked that Calvin would be able to turn off the light. He always parrots back exactly what I tell him, so I thought this might work. Kid has a mind of his own! As he repeated back my phrases, he came to that one and did some swift editing. "Calwin, lights...ON!"
Labels: Calvin, funny
Movie quotes from a 4 year old
This will only be funny to a few people, I imagine, and I already told two of them (Hi, Mom and Drea!!!). But I've gotta preserve this one for posterity, so up it goes on the blog.
My girls are getting into the Christmas spirit early with repeated viewings of White Christmas.
Chloe was playing some little game with her dolls and Hazel asked if she could play, too.
Chloe replied, "But Hazel, I do a single!"
Labels: funny, Kids
