Some Excitement

I looked out yesterday morning and saw this fawn in a neighbor's backyard.

We quickly realized that it couldn't figure out how to get back on the other side of the fence.  The poor thing was running around the yard, even whimpering a bit.  Then we saw it's mama.  She was prancing about, on the wrong side of the fence, almost frantic.

At one point the fawn ran through our backyard, trying so hard to find a way out.  The mama deer ran along side the fence but there was really nothing she (or we) could do.  I don't know how the baby found it's way out and to it's mama.  We've kept watch all afternoon, hoping to see mama and fawn together. 

It really was such a picture, though.  To see that mama deer so worked up and concerned for her baby.  God has ordered even the animals to care for their young  How much more then should we.

Some Sammy Stories

Samuel has given me so many stories lately.  Not that he hasn't in the past but these are more from things he says, not the crazy things he does!  So here's a few.

Sam is learning to chew gum.  Well, really, how not to swallow gum.  He was doing great when I realized he no longer had his gum.  I said, "Sam, what happened to your gum?"  And what did he say?  "God told me to swallow it, Mom."   "God told you that???"  Serious look.  "Yah.  He did."  Hmmm...

Later during dinner, I got up for something, turned around, and there was Sam, on the floor.
"Sam, what are you doing on the floor?"
"Not eating my dinner." 

One evening,  I was putting Samuel to bed.  As I sang him one more song, he reached up around my neck and pulled my face down next to his.  He whispered, "Mommy, I'll keep you forever."
Oh, I'll keep you too buddy.

Summer Reading

I decided to try some of Wendell Berry's essays.  Love his fiction but wasn't sure about biting off his intellectual musings.  Well, I'm glad I did.  As we were leaving the library Monday Brian noticed "Imagination in Place" on the new book rack.  Perfect place to start.
So, last night, Brian took the older two out to see "Oceans" (which caused some trauma to the oldest who has a soft spot for animals).  I got the youngest two in bed and looked around thinking of all I should do.  Then I looked out back.  It was around 8:00 in the evening, my favorite time of a summer day.  Forget the chores.  I got my book and some ice cream and hurried to the deck.
The air was just right, with a gentle warm breeze that just kind of envelopes you.  I heard a rumble of thunder, or maybe it was a jet, and closed my eyes, pretending it was the ocean waves I actually heard and that I was at the beach.  (You can laugh.  I did.)
I skipped around a little in the book but found this one quote that I loved from an essay called Sweetness Preserved (love that title): 

"I would say, partly from knowing the story I am talking about that though you may get a new life, you can't get a new past.  You don't get to leave your story.  If you leave your story, then how you left your story is your story, and you had better not forget it."

40 Years and Counting

Today is my parent's 40th wedding anniversary.  They'd known each other since high school and were married in a little country church just after college graduation.  The VA/NC state line goes right through the church.  I think the minister was in NC and they were in VA!
I've been thinking about their marriage and one of the things that strikes me is they don't forget the little things.  I can remember Dad sending Mom flowers for no reason in particular.  And not just once or twice but it seems like he did it a good bit.  He worked nights for many years and Mom always made his dinner plate and then sat with him while he ate, usually around 9:00 before he left for work.  They talked about their day and maybe some important things but they always took that time.  They went on dates a lot, too.  They joked with each other, even when they were maybe a little irritated with one another!  Probably the biggest thing about them is they just seem to like being together.  They enjoy each other and are good friends.  It's neat to see how your parents change and grow as they get older, too.  (It's not just kids that change!)  Mom and Dad still like being together, helping their kids, their parents, their church. 
One of their most precious gifts to me (and my brother) is their love for and enjoyment of each other.  Thank you Mom and Dad and Happy Anniversary!

Summer Salad

Now here is a good summer salad.  If you're looking for something cool and refreshing, this is it.  I got the recipe out of the latest Better Homes and Gardens.  Blueberries, corn, cucumber, cilantro, red onion.  With a dressing of olive oil, honey, and lime juice.  The recipe calls for cumin but I'm not a fan so I didn't add any. 

I can't say everyone in my family loved it but I did so I made some more for the church potluck tomorrow. 
Isn't it pretty?

Love this.

6 Months

Yesterday was the day.  We gave Lucy some rice cereal for the first time.  Honestly, I don't know who was more excited, her or the rest of the kids.  They could not help crowding around the high chair to watch her.  And she loved it.  She's been watching us eat and reaching for our food for a while now.  It was almost as if she was thinking, "Finally!  My turn!"  She would open her little mouth when she saw the spoon coming, sometimes grabbing the spoon.  "Hurry up Mom!"  I guess we're on to a whole new phase now with this little one. 

6 months today

Early Birds

I wasn't sure what they were getting into.  They seemed to be working pretty hard and I don't think it was even 8:00 in the morning yet.

And I really wish I knew what they were talking about.

My hope for them, as well as the littler ones, is that they will always be good friends.  That they will enjoy life together and have great memories of the fun they had and the time they spent together.

Preparing for

the first backyard campout

of summer 2010!

(for the bigger boys anyway...)

Disbelief!

I find myself shaking my head in disbelief a lot lately.  Things like: 
I can't believe how quickly things get messy around here. 
I can't believe how little we've slept through the night lately (and not because of Lucy) or how quickly the pantry seems to empty out. 
I can't believe we have such a nice backyard to enjoy. 
I can't believe how big these kids are getting.  I keep telling them to stop but they don't listen.
The list goes on.  I'm sure yours does, too. 

Take Lucy.  Sitting up.  Rolling over.  Almost ready to start solids.  Shaking my head.  Disbelief.

Sammy flies on his bike- I really can't believe he hasn't crashed yet!

And among the many more, I can't believe this is in my front yard!!

To Mimi and Papa's

We visited my parents a few weeks ago.  It was a great trip.  Relaxing, fun, shopping, good food, good company.  It must feel a little like a tornado when we're there- fast-paced (with the kids), lots going on.  Then we leave and it's...quiet. 

Here you have sweet Mimi.  Busy making sure everyone has what they need, keeping good things to eat around, reading stories here and there.

Then you have my dad, Papa.  Can you see the look on his face?  Ever the playful one.  I think he is usually plum worn out by the end of any visit with us.

This picture was actually at Grandma Lucy's a couple of months ago but I think it captures them both nicely and it makes me laugh everytime I see it.    I know you're so happy to see this Dad!!

Really???

Why am I blogging in the middle of the morning?  Because we just officially finished kindergarten and second grade!  In one sense there is a great relief.  Promises of care-free summer days, more time to tidy up around the house and work on projects.  There is also this fear though: are we really ready to call it a year?  Did they really learn enough?  Is Jack really well prepared for third grade?  Ohhh...I can torture myself!    Like with most things, there is a lot of insecurity on my part when it comes to educating my children.  But, I am going to let it rest for a week or two and see where I am.  In the mean time, here are some recent highlights:

Can you see what's hanging from Jack's beltloop?  Probably not- it's his own library card.  He got it this week and is so excited about it.  Keeps it with him all the time.  Love it!

Kayla lost not one but two teeth within a couple hours of each other.  They were literally hanging on by one very small corner each- and she would NOT pull them. They ended up just falling out on their own.   I was in the kitchen and heard a very calm, "Tooth, Mom."  Then later as she was eating a popcicle, "Tooth!"  Cute as a button.

Samuel's backpacking his bear, who by the way is also named Sam.

And finally, the beginning of many meals outside on warm summer evenings.