Y'all. I am not even kidding when I tell you I actually did a Google search today for boarding schools FAR, FAR AWAY. Because it was that kind of day. The kind of day where I wondered what on earth had ever prompted me to homeschool my children. Or bring them into this world in the first place. The Google search actually seemed like the most rational thing I had done all day, and frankly, I felt better just knowing there were some options out there.
To combat the feelings of ick lingering over the house, I transformed the whiteboard in our school room into a thankfulness board. I put up a note that no one was allowed to write anything on the board that didn't have something to do with gratitude. One of the kids looked at me cock-eyed and confused and asked if this was supposed to be the grammar lesson. It wasn't. When the actual grammar lesson was dispensed, I stood at the board for a long time and could think of nothing to write. I walked away. I came back. Still nothing. Finally the fog lifted (Literally. It was a ridiculously foggy morning.), and I rushed to the board and wrote "sunshine." No one else came within ten feet of the board. But I felt my focus shift and with it my day.
Being a single parent this evening, I had all the taxiing duty to myself. So, after dropping a kid off and picking a kid up, and doing the in between errands, I arrived back at the house prepared to open a can of beans and call it dinner. But as I walked in the back door, I found two of the children WORKING TOGETHER in the end stages of dinner prep. And, they had not been asked, cajoled, or begged to do this. There were no tears and no ugly words. And the child I had just picked up immediately jumped into the fray and started helping. Again, without being asked. And, one of the other children demanded from the third that he thank his sister for the help. I almost fell over from shock! And gratitude swelled in my heart.
And, as I rounded the corner, I saw several items written on the board, and one of the children declared that making a gratitude board had been a wonderful idea.
I don't know what magic was present in our house tonight. I only know that these people that I brought into the world are both my madness and my sanity. And I know there is power in gratitude.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Monday, December 18, 2017
Winter Breakfast 2017
Winter Breakfast has become one of the most talked about and anticipated events in our household. We haven't yet gotten it to work out on the morning of the Winter Solstice, but we get as close as we can. Only the snowman pancakes and the white hot chocolate have been present at all our Winter Breakfast celebrations. The rest of the items change, depending on my creativity, motivation, and available time. This year the menu included snowman pancakes, white hot chocolate in snowman mugs, snowman bagels, hard boiled egg snowmen, grape penguins, and polar bear yogurt. As always, we had a blast!
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| Plate of Peguins |
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| Egg Snowmen |
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| Snowman pancakes |
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| Snowman bagels |
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| Polar bear yogurt |
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| White hot chocolate |
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| Winter Breakfast is our favorite! |
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| We gave the kids some little surprises, and when Ruth saw these two items, she declared it to be, "The best day of her life!" |
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy. Fun, fun, fun, fun fun!
We've had a wild but very fun weekend. The boys worked really hard to get all their school work done early this past week so we could play on Friday afternoon. We met up with some friends at a trampoline park in Grapevine, and the boys had a blast. I did not participate, as I'm only cleared for activities on "predictable surfaces" at the moment. The lady who checked us in did ask if I wanted to jump, and Weston's face registered pure horror as he thought about the possibility of me hurting my knee again, and he pleaded, "Mom, please don't!" Of course, I wasn't going to anyway, but it was sweet how concerned he was for me.
Yesterday morning, Weston had his first basketball game, and yesterday afternoon he had his second. By the second one, he had kind of gotten the hang of it and scored nine out of his team's fifteen points.
Between the games, Jeff went to pick up Ruth from the airport. She was returning from a week of working with her aunt at a vet clinic in Houston. She had a wonderful time and so many great experiences, but we sure did miss her and are glad to have her back!
Max and Clay and I left the first basketball game early, so we could make it to the Christmas party for Clay's Cub Scout den. It was another opportunity for climbing and bouncing at an indoor playground called Going Bonkers, and the boys loved it. (They were not still enough or close enough for me to get any pictures!)
Later in the day, Max got to participate in show-off meets for both his gymnastics class and his tumbling/trampoline class. I can really tell his skills and flexibility have improved since he started in September, and he thoroughly enjoys the classes.
Meanwhile, Jeff took Ruth over to Farmersville for a Christmas party with the homeschool honor society she's a part of. He took advantage of his waiting time by visiting the Landon Winery in Greenville. He was lucky enough to get a private tasting with the owner, Bob Landon. He enjoyed the wine and the experience tremendously. (I have to admit, I was a little jealous, but I'm hoping he'll take me there for a date sometime!)
When all the boys' activities were finished, they settled in for movies and pizza, and I started working on some of the things for Winter Breakfast, which was on the agenda for this morning. (There will be a separate post about that.) This is a tradition my kids love, even though we haven't yet actually gotten it to work out for the morning of the Winter Solstice.
Weston had another basketball game this afternoon (because through a series of odd events, he is actually playing in two leagues). And, then we headed to the theater to see The Last Jedi. It was a crazy, whirlwind, super fun weekend!
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| There were only action shots at the trampoline park. They are all blurry, but that's how you know it was fun! |
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| Bouncy, bouncy basketball |
Yesterday morning, Weston had his first basketball game, and yesterday afternoon he had his second. By the second one, he had kind of gotten the hang of it and scored nine out of his team's fifteen points.
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| The big man making a big grab in game one |
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| Number 29, with the rebound |
Between the games, Jeff went to pick up Ruth from the airport. She was returning from a week of working with her aunt at a vet clinic in Houston. She had a wonderful time and so many great experiences, but we sure did miss her and are glad to have her back!
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| Spleen surgery |
Max and Clay and I left the first basketball game early, so we could make it to the Christmas party for Clay's Cub Scout den. It was another opportunity for climbing and bouncing at an indoor playground called Going Bonkers, and the boys loved it. (They were not still enough or close enough for me to get any pictures!)
Later in the day, Max got to participate in show-off meets for both his gymnastics class and his tumbling/trampoline class. I can really tell his skills and flexibility have improved since he started in September, and he thoroughly enjoys the classes.
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| He flies through the air with the greatest of ease |
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| The rings are all about strength and control |
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| Stellar straddle jump during the trampoline routine |
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| So proud of this kid! |
Meanwhile, Jeff took Ruth over to Farmersville for a Christmas party with the homeschool honor society she's a part of. He took advantage of his waiting time by visiting the Landon Winery in Greenville. He was lucky enough to get a private tasting with the owner, Bob Landon. He enjoyed the wine and the experience tremendously. (I have to admit, I was a little jealous, but I'm hoping he'll take me there for a date sometime!)
When all the boys' activities were finished, they settled in for movies and pizza, and I started working on some of the things for Winter Breakfast, which was on the agenda for this morning. (There will be a separate post about that.) This is a tradition my kids love, even though we haven't yet actually gotten it to work out for the morning of the Winter Solstice.
Weston had another basketball game this afternoon (because through a series of odd events, he is actually playing in two leagues). And, then we headed to the theater to see The Last Jedi. It was a crazy, whirlwind, super fun weekend!
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| Taking (and making) a free throw |
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| Ready to see The Last Jedi |
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
PT Graduate
Today I graduated from physical therapy, and it honestly felt like a miracle. When I injured my knee back in August and after I had my surgery in September, there were many times when I wondered if I would ever regain a full range of motion or be able to do simple things without a great degree of pain. But, after months of hard work, I am mostly there. I do still have some work to do, and I haven't yet been cleared for all the activities I would like to do, but I am pleased with the progress I've made. I am so thankful to my therapist, Lisa, and the support staff that encouraged me and pushed me to do more than I thought I could. I plan to keep working, and I look forward to getting back to my normal level of activity, but today I am celebrating this victory that once seemed out of reach.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Twelve Already
Dear Weston,
Today you are 12, which is a little hard for me to believe. Time just seems to go by so quickly, and in a blink you have become a young man--a young man who I am very proud of and constantly amazed by! You have changed and matured a lot this year, and it's so fun to watch you learn and grow.
You played football in the spring, but this summer you decided you were ready for a change of pace and chose basketball for your sport for this school year, surprising pretty much everyone. But, you haven't regretted your decision, and you are enjoying learning a new sport and are looking forward to the time when you start playing games. You definitely still enjoy watching football, and you were thrilled that Dad and I gave you tickets to the TCU/OU game for your birthday.
Another activity you have gotten involved in this school year is scouting. You joined the Boy Scouts in late August, and you have poured yourself into it and have worked very hard to catch up with the boys who joined in the spring. I have been amazed and impressed with your hard work and intense attention to completing the requirements to earn the merit badges and higher ranks. You have showed great levels of leadership and responsibility, and you really enjoy working towards specific goals and checking them off your list when you accomplish them. You are hoping to someday achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, and at the rate you are going, I have no doubt that you will make that a reality.
You are also participating in Cotillion this year, which you enjoy but are a little shy about. Once a month, you meet with a group of your peers to learn etiquette skills and some ballroom dances. You can appreciate that you are learning important life skills, but some of the things are a little outside your comfort zone. I'm proud of you for doing it anyway and for pushing through those uncomfortable feelings in an effort to better yourself. Trust me, your future self will appreciate the investment.
You still very much enjoy traveling, and you had so much fun on our summer RV trip around the western U.S. and Canada. You were especially pleased to see Mt. Rushmore, and you loved the Alaskan cruise, where you made lots of friends and enjoyed a high level of freedom. And, of course, you were always interested in trying the local food for each state and any other edible offerings we came across! As usual, your favorite places were the cold, snowy places. We also got to travel to Nashville for the solar eclipse, and we just got back from a trip to D.C. You enjoyed both trips immensely. Additionally, Nana took just you to Williamsburg for a special birthday trip, and you had a blast spending some quality time with Nana and learning about colonial times as well as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Your favorite thing was Monticello, as you are fascinated by Thomas Jefferson and love learning about his life.
You have been enjoying reading The Economist magazine the past several months, and you have become interested in the stock market. As of now, you are kind of thinking you might want to pursue a career in financial planning or economics. Financial fields seem like a good fit since you are very interested in math and money, and you appreciate a good spread sheet. You love to ponder the difficult problems of the world, and you ask lots of questions to try ensure you are well educated about these matters. Never lose your desire to learn and to think about hard things! Those traits will serve you well no matter what you ultimately decide to do for a career.
Weston, you are such a sweet son and brother and grandson and friend -- an absolute joy to everyone who knows you. You have a great sense of humor and always have us laughing, but you can also be very serious and contemplative. You are thoughtful and helpful, and you give hugs and compliments freely. You are adventurous, and you add an element of fun to almost every day. I love you so much and am so proud of the amazing young man you have become! Happy 12th birthday!
Love,
Mom
Today you are 12, which is a little hard for me to believe. Time just seems to go by so quickly, and in a blink you have become a young man--a young man who I am very proud of and constantly amazed by! You have changed and matured a lot this year, and it's so fun to watch you learn and grow.
You played football in the spring, but this summer you decided you were ready for a change of pace and chose basketball for your sport for this school year, surprising pretty much everyone. But, you haven't regretted your decision, and you are enjoying learning a new sport and are looking forward to the time when you start playing games. You definitely still enjoy watching football, and you were thrilled that Dad and I gave you tickets to the TCU/OU game for your birthday.
Another activity you have gotten involved in this school year is scouting. You joined the Boy Scouts in late August, and you have poured yourself into it and have worked very hard to catch up with the boys who joined in the spring. I have been amazed and impressed with your hard work and intense attention to completing the requirements to earn the merit badges and higher ranks. You have showed great levels of leadership and responsibility, and you really enjoy working towards specific goals and checking them off your list when you accomplish them. You are hoping to someday achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, and at the rate you are going, I have no doubt that you will make that a reality.
You are also participating in Cotillion this year, which you enjoy but are a little shy about. Once a month, you meet with a group of your peers to learn etiquette skills and some ballroom dances. You can appreciate that you are learning important life skills, but some of the things are a little outside your comfort zone. I'm proud of you for doing it anyway and for pushing through those uncomfortable feelings in an effort to better yourself. Trust me, your future self will appreciate the investment.
You still very much enjoy traveling, and you had so much fun on our summer RV trip around the western U.S. and Canada. You were especially pleased to see Mt. Rushmore, and you loved the Alaskan cruise, where you made lots of friends and enjoyed a high level of freedom. And, of course, you were always interested in trying the local food for each state and any other edible offerings we came across! As usual, your favorite places were the cold, snowy places. We also got to travel to Nashville for the solar eclipse, and we just got back from a trip to D.C. You enjoyed both trips immensely. Additionally, Nana took just you to Williamsburg for a special birthday trip, and you had a blast spending some quality time with Nana and learning about colonial times as well as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Your favorite thing was Monticello, as you are fascinated by Thomas Jefferson and love learning about his life.
You have been enjoying reading The Economist magazine the past several months, and you have become interested in the stock market. As of now, you are kind of thinking you might want to pursue a career in financial planning or economics. Financial fields seem like a good fit since you are very interested in math and money, and you appreciate a good spread sheet. You love to ponder the difficult problems of the world, and you ask lots of questions to try ensure you are well educated about these matters. Never lose your desire to learn and to think about hard things! Those traits will serve you well no matter what you ultimately decide to do for a career.
Weston, you are such a sweet son and brother and grandson and friend -- an absolute joy to everyone who knows you. You have a great sense of humor and always have us laughing, but you can also be very serious and contemplative. You are thoughtful and helpful, and you give hugs and compliments freely. You are adventurous, and you add an element of fun to almost every day. I love you so much and am so proud of the amazing young man you have become! Happy 12th birthday!
Love,
Mom
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| My favorite 12-year-old |
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Non-traditional Thanksgiving
We had to be out of our AirBnb by 11:00 this morning, and even though our flight wasn't departing until 4:30, we decided to go ahead to the airport because we didn't really want to trek all over D.C. with all our bags. At first, I was a little bummed that our Thanksgiving Day was going to be spent mostly in an airport since it's one of my favorite holidays, but we definitely made the most of it and ending up having a great time and making some wonderful memories. We had a long, drawn out lunch in the D.C. airport and had plenty of time for reading and football watching afterwards. Jeff and I surprised the kids with an upgrade to first class to make the day a little more special, and they were so excited when we boarded the plane and they saw where our seats were. And they really loved all the perks that came with them! The icing on the cake was that our plane arrived about an hour ahead of schedule, which never happens! We definitely have so much to be thankful for on this day and every day!
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| We spotted a turkey in the terminal |
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| Thanksgiving lunch at the airport |
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| My seat partner was pretty pleased with our upgrade to first class |
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Day Seven in D.C.
Ruth, Weston, and I headed over to the Holocaust Memorial Museum this morning, while the rest of our group went over to the National Building Museum. (The Holocaust Museum has a recommended age of 11 for their main exhibit, which is why we decided to divide and conquer today.) The Holocaust Museum was chilling but was beautifully done, and we were able to take our time and really appreciate it.
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| A hauntingly beautiful exhibit |
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| Broken Jewish gravestones |
When we were done, Jeff and I exchanged text messages, in which he declared the younger boys were so happy in the hands-on room of the Building Museum that they hadn't even been willing to have lunch, and they certainly weren't interested in leaving any time soon. So, we agreed to just meet them there. The Building Museum is housed inside a lovely building, and truly the hands-on exhibit was fantastic. We ended up staying until closing time. (The boys did eventually scarf down their sandwiches as quickly as possible, so they could get back to playing.)
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| The National Building Museum with an impressive CANstruction display |
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| This boy loves to build! |
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| Clay's little house |
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| Getting in a good workout |
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| Weston's car |
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| Max's fortress |
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| Clay's canon-firing dune buggy |
Upon leaving the museum, we headed over to Busboys and Poets for dinner. It was such a cool place--a bookstore/coffee shop/bar/restaurant--with a really fun vibe. And the food was excellent! Sadly, this was our last day in D.C. There is always more to see and do in this city than is possible on such a short trip, but I think we've made the most of our time and did pretty well. I hope we'll have a chance to visit again!
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| Busboys and Poets bookstore |
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| Crab cakes over crab grits with lobster sauce |
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| A parting treat: banana bread pudding with coconut ice cream |
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Day Six in D.C.
It was another full and fun day in D.C.! We spent most of it at the National Museum of American History, where there was so much to see and do and learn. Later in the day, we saw the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, and the Albert Einstein Memorial. We also scoped out the Department of State building. As Jeff is currently on step two of a very long process to apply for a diplomatic position within the department, we thought it would be good to know where his future potential office might be located. Finally, we made our way over to The Carving Room for a delicious dinner. We are loving D.C. and can't believe we just have one more full day here!
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| Creating old school computer images at NMAH |
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| Trying out a kid-sized penny-farthing |
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| Learning about chocolate |
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| We weren't allowed to take pictures, but it was awesome to see the actual flag that inspired the writing of the Star Spangled Banner. |
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| Lunch break |
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| Jeff was so happy to find an everything-on-it hog dog |
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| Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial |
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| Korean War Memorial |
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| Vietnam War Memorial |
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| Albert Einstein Memorial |
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| Surely not one of the main attractions in D.C. but certainly of interest to us |
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| Dinner at the Carving Room |
Monday, November 20, 2017
Day Five in D.C.
After a leisurely morning, we headed over to Mt. Vernon to learn more about America's first president. The property was absolutely beautiful, and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the mansion and exploring the grounds and outbuildings.
From there, we made our way to Old Town Alexandria for a late lunch at Virtue Feed and Grain. The food was delicious, and the little town was lovely!
Our next stop was Arlington Cemetery, and truly I have no words. It completely took my breath away, and I walked around with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes the entire time we were there. We were just in time to observe the last changing of the guard for the day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was a beautiful and moving thing to behold.
Finally, we stopped to pick up "dinner" at Dangerously Delicious Pies and Coffee. I would not really recommend having chocolate pecan pie for dinner every night, but sometimes when you're on vacation, you've just got to go with what feels right.
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| Washington's Home |
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| The grounds at Mt. Vernon were gorgeous! |
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| George Washington had terrible teeth and had to have several sets of dentures made. He was self-conscious of this, which is one reason he always looks so serious in portraits. |
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| The swearing in ceremony |
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| A meeting of the great minds |
From there, we made our way to Old Town Alexandria for a late lunch at Virtue Feed and Grain. The food was delicious, and the little town was lovely!
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| Virtue Feed and Grain in Old Town Alexandria |
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| Weston's lobster pot pie |
Our next stop was Arlington Cemetery, and truly I have no words. It completely took my breath away, and I walked around with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes the entire time we were there. We were just in time to observe the last changing of the guard for the day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which was a beautiful and moving thing to behold.
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| So incredibly thankful for the sacrifice of these brave souls |
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| The changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier |
Finally, we stopped to pick up "dinner" at Dangerously Delicious Pies and Coffee. I would not really recommend having chocolate pecan pie for dinner every night, but sometimes when you're on vacation, you've just got to go with what feels right.
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| Dinner |