Well, last night at about 12:00, I was sitting in my dimly lit kitchen, looking bewilderingly at my 14 yr old son. He was sitting across the table from me eating cheese flavored rice cakes, and laughing in silent, hysterical laughter, while he tried to recount all of the funny things that happened while skiing. But why was I bewildered, you ask? Because he was doing all of this with an enormously swollen lip, and the remnants of a very bloody nose. Apparently, Mr. Alpine skiier had cleared one jump, and was about to clear the next one, but was unprepared for the ditch in front of it. One ski caught, and SLAM! Face meets ice. If he hadn't turned his head in time, all the weight would have come down square on his nose. What was so shocking, is how little it bothered him. All he could talk about, (with his disfigured face) was how much fun he had, how he had gone down the black diamond without falling, and all the funny things that were said. THIS, from the once little six year old boy who would need a stretcher to carry him off of the Pee-Wee soccer field, if he accidently stubbed his toe. THIS from the boy, who at 10 asked to be taken to the hospital and put to sleep, to have a splinter removed. And there he was......sitting in the kitchen, taller than me, with his face all swollen and smeared with dried blood......laughing hysterically at the great time that he had.
Did you hear that? That was the sound of time swooshing by me...
As my latest batch of Saltine Toffee cools in the fridge, I thought that I would share the recipe (for you Jess).
Saltine Toffee
1/2 cup of butter and 1/2 cup of sugar in a sauce pan, until it is melted. Let it bubble for a few minutes. Then pour it over about 35 saltine crackers that you have placed, in one layer, on a foil lined cookie sheet. Place in 400 degree oven, for a few minutes until it is really bubbly. Take it out and spread with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Let them sit a second until warmed, and then spread them evenly. Place in the fridge until hardened, break and enjoy! Then hide the saltines, so that no one eats them before you can make more.
It has been kind of a lazy day around here today. I am finishing up a lot of last minute Christmas details. And I guess we will be doing a lot of wrapping tonight. We will do some baking tomorrow, and then Thomasina is coming over for dinner on Wednesday night. I bought the book The Littlest Angel to read aloud...(we have quite a collection of Christmas picture books, as I try to find a worthy book each year), so we may get to that tonight. It is pretty quiet and relaxed here this year. And it feels so good.
Well, the Saltine Toffee should be about done, so I am outta here.
G'night!
Melissa
Monday, December 19, 2005
Sunday, December 18, 2005
First, and foremost. Laney: I read your comment below, about "Hot Mamma and her family goes to London", and may I just say...(sniff, sniff)...... God Bless You....You dear, dear woman. (sniff,sniff)...God Bless You. A thousand thank-you's.
I finally talked to Dy last night. (Thanks Jess) They are all plugging away like champs. She really sounded great. Like a woman on a mission. Just to give you an idea, she said that she will absolutely freak if she goes into labor early.......................because she still has 3 more rooms to insulate! Yep, she's doing fine. Also, I know that I can't be the only one who was concerned that she would buy her new baby girl's clothes at Lowes, but as it turned out some of her cyber friends were a step ahead, and have sent baby girl clothes, and other things that have just been awesome. She is genuinely touched by the kindness of these people.
Anyway, I was so relieved to speak to her, and just to find out that things were going well, and that they were carrying on like the troopers that they are. Thought I'd give a bit of an update.
We've had the best day today. Church was wonderful, and Race is really loving it. Everyone has made him feel so welcome. Tonight, he and Jack took the jeep back out to church. We don't have a Sunday night service, but the men get together and play basketball. Apparently, they leave the robes at home when it comes to playing ball. Race said it was VERY competitive. He loved it. He has a funny way of playing basketball. He believes that they give you have 4 fouls.........so, you may as well use 'em. LOL
While they were gone, Savannah and I ran out to Target to pick up a few things......o.k...o.k....I HAD to go out to get more butter, because I am completely HOOKED on that damned Saltine Toffee. It's like cocaine, I tell ya. I gotta have it. Thank-you Cribchick . Thank-you. Anyway, I made the excuse that we needed wrapping paper..............but we got butter too.
One of Austin's friends from church invited him skiing today. I tell ya, Mrs. H is ONE BRAVE LADY. She was taking 6 boys skiing.........by herself. She's the kind of lady that you wouldn't want to cross, though! They are a great family, and we couldn't be more delighted with Austin's choice of friends so far. I know that they are having a blast. I can't wait to hear about it.
Have a great night,
Melissa
I finally talked to Dy last night. (Thanks Jess) They are all plugging away like champs. She really sounded great. Like a woman on a mission. Just to give you an idea, she said that she will absolutely freak if she goes into labor early.......................because she still has 3 more rooms to insulate! Yep, she's doing fine. Also, I know that I can't be the only one who was concerned that she would buy her new baby girl's clothes at Lowes, but as it turned out some of her cyber friends were a step ahead, and have sent baby girl clothes, and other things that have just been awesome. She is genuinely touched by the kindness of these people.
Anyway, I was so relieved to speak to her, and just to find out that things were going well, and that they were carrying on like the troopers that they are. Thought I'd give a bit of an update.
We've had the best day today. Church was wonderful, and Race is really loving it. Everyone has made him feel so welcome. Tonight, he and Jack took the jeep back out to church. We don't have a Sunday night service, but the men get together and play basketball. Apparently, they leave the robes at home when it comes to playing ball. Race said it was VERY competitive. He loved it. He has a funny way of playing basketball. He believes that they give you have 4 fouls.........so, you may as well use 'em. LOL
While they were gone, Savannah and I ran out to Target to pick up a few things......o.k...o.k....I HAD to go out to get more butter, because I am completely HOOKED on that damned Saltine Toffee. It's like cocaine, I tell ya. I gotta have it. Thank-you Cribchick . Thank-you. Anyway, I made the excuse that we needed wrapping paper..............but we got butter too.
One of Austin's friends from church invited him skiing today. I tell ya, Mrs. H is ONE BRAVE LADY. She was taking 6 boys skiing.........by herself. She's the kind of lady that you wouldn't want to cross, though! They are a great family, and we couldn't be more delighted with Austin's choice of friends so far. I know that they are having a blast. I can't wait to hear about it.
Have a great night,
Melissa
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Checking in...
I have to tell you, that I am having the nicest holiday, with Race at home. It has really just been so wonderful. I can't remember when I have seen him so relaxed. He seems like himself again. He's fun and hilarious and he's spending time doing the things that we all love. The kids are just bubbling over with happiness, because dad is ...............well.................being dad. Their dad. It really has been great.
When he leaves for the next trip is going to be really hard. But I won't think about that now. I'll think about that tomorrow.
We had an ice storm here and were without power for almost 24 hours. It.was.cold! But, we made the best of it. And, hey, there's nothing better to getting up to the sun rising on an ice covered forest, hurrying to get dressed, and heading out to breakfast. My kids love power outtages. They love to get out the oil lamps and the candles. I can remember feeling that way when I was little, too. Everything just seemed so different. Funny how it doesn't really seem like that when you're an adult! Anyway, I wrote out my Christmas cards by lamp light, in the kitchen, with my down coat on!
For the first time in......oh....I dunno how many years.....Race has been here to help with all of the gift buying, and tree trimming, and house decorating, and all of the other stuff that we have always enjoyed doing at the holidays. Last night, we decorated our tree. (Yes, we are later than usual, but we were overseas, people, c'mon!) It was difficult to FIND a tree, because of the ice storm, but we found a nice one. And it smells wonderful. Our ornaments are a big mixture of home made things that the kids and I have made with the kids over the years, along with special ornaments that we have picked up from special places that we have traveled to. (I got to put on the London ornament!) I made home made pizza, and then later we watched a Charlie Brown Christmas and had warm, iced cinnamon rolls. Race is loving it. We are loving it.
I am starting to get worried about Dy. Has anyone talked to her? She and I played phone tag a few times several weeks ago before we left for our trip.. I have left a few messages, but I am not even sure that I am calling the right numbers anymore. Anyone been in touch?
Have a great day!
Melissa
When he leaves for the next trip is going to be really hard. But I won't think about that now. I'll think about that tomorrow.
We had an ice storm here and were without power for almost 24 hours. It.was.cold! But, we made the best of it. And, hey, there's nothing better to getting up to the sun rising on an ice covered forest, hurrying to get dressed, and heading out to breakfast. My kids love power outtages. They love to get out the oil lamps and the candles. I can remember feeling that way when I was little, too. Everything just seemed so different. Funny how it doesn't really seem like that when you're an adult! Anyway, I wrote out my Christmas cards by lamp light, in the kitchen, with my down coat on!
For the first time in......oh....I dunno how many years.....Race has been here to help with all of the gift buying, and tree trimming, and house decorating, and all of the other stuff that we have always enjoyed doing at the holidays. Last night, we decorated our tree. (Yes, we are later than usual, but we were overseas, people, c'mon!) It was difficult to FIND a tree, because of the ice storm, but we found a nice one. And it smells wonderful. Our ornaments are a big mixture of home made things that the kids and I have made with the kids over the years, along with special ornaments that we have picked up from special places that we have traveled to. (I got to put on the London ornament!) I made home made pizza, and then later we watched a Charlie Brown Christmas and had warm, iced cinnamon rolls. Race is loving it. We are loving it.
I am starting to get worried about Dy. Has anyone talked to her? She and I played phone tag a few times several weeks ago before we left for our trip.. I have left a few messages, but I am not even sure that I am calling the right numbers anymore. Anyone been in touch?
Have a great day!
Melissa
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
A few London pics
O.K., here are a few pictures (remember, you asked for it). I am not supposed to put Race's photos on here, so I will have to "fix" them a bit, before I post them. But here are some that we took.The view near our hotel, on the Thames.
A few London pics!
Me and the kids, scarfing down fish and chips at Race's favorite pub, The Clarence.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Pinch Me! I'm in London!
We are having a wonderful time! I don't think that I will ever tire of seeing and hearing Big Ben while walking across the Jubilee Bridge! We have seen and done so much. We took a seemlessly smooth ride on the incredible London Eye, we watched the changing of the guards and revelled in the parades with their bagpipes and pageantry as they marched by Buckingham Palace. We toured Westminster Abbey, (practiced our latin translation skills on the tombs there), and stayed late for the Evensong. What an incredible experience to partake in a familiar Protestant service and hear the sound of choir boys singing in that enormous gothic Abbey, built for the human voice. Truly a moving experience.
We took the kids to Piccadilly. All the shops and windows are magnificent! We let them shop at Hammleys. They were amazed at the World of Narnia that was built within, and were even more excited to find out that we had gotten cinema tickets at a posh theatre to see the movie that night. AMAZING! The kids have tried all sorts of food while we have been here, but everyone's favorite has been fish and chips served up in a smokey old Pub, called The Clarence.
We have walked for long periods down by the Thames, and the city is absolutely breathtaking all lit up, with Big Ben chiming in the background.
At the Tower of London, the Yeoman Warder guide, took great delight in using ME in his demonstration of a beheading, in front of about 50 people! The kids just ate this up. What fun!
Today we saw the British museum as well as the Baden-Powell House (guy who began scouting, i.e, boy scouts). Then we took the kids down to Covent Gardens to do a bit of shopping, and to see the sights. We ate dinner outside beside the Christmas Tree in the square. The kids drank hot chocolate, while Race and I sipped mulled cider to keep warm. Austin, Savannah and Jackson got such a kick out of all the entertainment in Covent Gardens, from the mimes to the singers, to the magicians. All very exciting!
The people here, have been so accomodating, and one feels st home almost immediately. The city is so service oriented, that it is incredibly easy to get around. We have been very centrally located, so we have been able to walk almost everywhere. I would LOVE to know how far we have walked total on this trip!
Well, that's about all I have time for, but I did want to check in. We are truly having a lovely time, and the kids have just taken right to everything. We are looking forward to coming home, but we LOVE LONDON!!!!! I have to run.
Cheers!
Melissa
We took the kids to Piccadilly. All the shops and windows are magnificent! We let them shop at Hammleys. They were amazed at the World of Narnia that was built within, and were even more excited to find out that we had gotten cinema tickets at a posh theatre to see the movie that night. AMAZING! The kids have tried all sorts of food while we have been here, but everyone's favorite has been fish and chips served up in a smokey old Pub, called The Clarence.
We have walked for long periods down by the Thames, and the city is absolutely breathtaking all lit up, with Big Ben chiming in the background.
At the Tower of London, the Yeoman Warder guide, took great delight in using ME in his demonstration of a beheading, in front of about 50 people! The kids just ate this up. What fun!
Today we saw the British museum as well as the Baden-Powell House (guy who began scouting, i.e, boy scouts). Then we took the kids down to Covent Gardens to do a bit of shopping, and to see the sights. We ate dinner outside beside the Christmas Tree in the square. The kids drank hot chocolate, while Race and I sipped mulled cider to keep warm. Austin, Savannah and Jackson got such a kick out of all the entertainment in Covent Gardens, from the mimes to the singers, to the magicians. All very exciting!
The people here, have been so accomodating, and one feels st home almost immediately. The city is so service oriented, that it is incredibly easy to get around. We have been very centrally located, so we have been able to walk almost everywhere. I would LOVE to know how far we have walked total on this trip!
Well, that's about all I have time for, but I did want to check in. We are truly having a lovely time, and the kids have just taken right to everything. We are looking forward to coming home, but we LOVE LONDON!!!!! I have to run.
Cheers!
Melissa
Monday, December 05, 2005
In Dy's defense, she does not have an internet connection yet. I just hope that she doesn't get used to NOT BLOGGING. I mean, what if she just started enjoying the Forever Home and all it's joys with her family so much, that she just shrugged off posting about it. (shudder) Nahhhh...couldn't happen.
It has been snowing here all day. It is a wet, heavy snow, and alot of it sank into the ground, but there's an inch or two on the ground to play in. It is great packing snow for snow balls. I was led stupidly, once again this year, like a lamb to the slaughter, straight into an ambush. Race and Jack were outside playing in the snow, and Race told me to set the trash bag on the deck, and he would take it out. I opened the kitchen door, and started to open the screen door, and they started at me, nailing me with snowballs that they had collected for the ambush. I scream in terror, (remembering last years sneak attack that left my shirt filled with icy snow). In my confusion and panic, I try to open the screen door to release the trash bag in my hand, and Jack rushes at me. I took a direct hit to the face, with another missile-like snowball whizzing past my head and landing on the kitchen counter near the coffee pot. After taking another hit to the side of the head, I was able to slam the kitchen door shut. I staggered around momentarily bewildered. I creep up to the door and see Jack and Race exchanging high-fives, while taking out the trash. Savannah had been getting herself some chili, and saw the whole thing.
With snow on the ground this morning, we headed out to breakfast. This is a rare treat, because Race is not a huge breakfast eater. I, however, grew up on a farm, and could simply live on eggs,grits,sausage, biscuits and gravy. It was fun to trek out in the snow, down to the local breakfast hole with fresh coffee waiting when we got there. While we were there, we had the "safety talk" for our trip, and talked about "What would you do if....(insert various dangerous occurrences here)". I think we're set!
This evening, Race and Jack took out a salt block and some corn to put out back in the edge of the woods. (No, he's not hunting now...while we are handgun wealthy.....we are apparently rifle poor at the moment. A situation my former sniper husband intends to remedy soon!) Anyway, I love to watch the deer and turkey outside in the mornings. (Ahem.....I also love to see them neatly packaged in my freezer....but.....another time perhaps).
We are all feasting on chili tonight, with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I will try to get outside in a bit and take a few pictures to post.
G'night y'all
Melissa
It has been snowing here all day. It is a wet, heavy snow, and alot of it sank into the ground, but there's an inch or two on the ground to play in. It is great packing snow for snow balls. I was led stupidly, once again this year, like a lamb to the slaughter, straight into an ambush. Race and Jack were outside playing in the snow, and Race told me to set the trash bag on the deck, and he would take it out. I opened the kitchen door, and started to open the screen door, and they started at me, nailing me with snowballs that they had collected for the ambush. I scream in terror, (remembering last years sneak attack that left my shirt filled with icy snow). In my confusion and panic, I try to open the screen door to release the trash bag in my hand, and Jack rushes at me. I took a direct hit to the face, with another missile-like snowball whizzing past my head and landing on the kitchen counter near the coffee pot. After taking another hit to the side of the head, I was able to slam the kitchen door shut. I staggered around momentarily bewildered. I creep up to the door and see Jack and Race exchanging high-fives, while taking out the trash. Savannah had been getting herself some chili, and saw the whole thing.
With snow on the ground this morning, we headed out to breakfast. This is a rare treat, because Race is not a huge breakfast eater. I, however, grew up on a farm, and could simply live on eggs,grits,sausage, biscuits and gravy. It was fun to trek out in the snow, down to the local breakfast hole with fresh coffee waiting when we got there. While we were there, we had the "safety talk" for our trip, and talked about "What would you do if....(insert various dangerous occurrences here)". I think we're set!
This evening, Race and Jack took out a salt block and some corn to put out back in the edge of the woods. (No, he's not hunting now...while we are handgun wealthy.....we are apparently rifle poor at the moment. A situation my former sniper husband intends to remedy soon!) Anyway, I love to watch the deer and turkey outside in the mornings. (Ahem.....I also love to see them neatly packaged in my freezer....but.....another time perhaps).
We are all feasting on chili tonight, with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for dessert. I will try to get outside in a bit and take a few pictures to post.
G'night y'all
Melissa
Sunday, December 04, 2005
On Saturday Race took the boys to the outdoor store and to open matt day at Martial Arts. This left Savannah and I to get a bit of shopping done by ourselves, (mostly at Barnes & Noble). We ran into some friends while we were out, and just had a great time.
Dy and I keep playing phone tag, and I still haven't been able to catch up with her. Are y'all missing her blog as much as I am???
We went to church this morning, and participated in a beautiful service. This is the first Sunday that my family has taken communion together in a Looooong time. It was wonderful. The service left us feeling humbled and blessed by God's goodness, grace, and mercies toward us.
We chatted way too long after the service with folks whom Race is just getting to know, but this also gave him a chance to get to know some of the friends that the kids have made too, and see how comfortable and welcome we all feel at this church. What a blessing. We grabbed a bite to eat before coming home.
Race and Austin spent a long time out in the yard throwing the baseball, and working on A.'s pitching. Race is mighty impressed......mighty impressed. Jack and Savannah helped me put up Christmas lights. The rest of the day was spent watching football, making bows for all of the wreaths on our windows, and generally just decorating the outside of the house. I LOVE to do this. I love it all! And before we go to bed tonight, the entire family will be forced out into the cold, to stand in the yard and gaze up at my handy work. I LOVE Christmas! And I am definitely with Cribchick I do all my shopping from a chair in front of my computer. Click n'spend! I LOVE that all my packages are delivered to my door........and I can compare prices so easily!
Speaking of being delivered to my door......did y'all order your free panties from Hanes? Mine arrived in the mail the other day! How about that? I go to Em's Blog and click on the Free Panties link (you'll have to scroll down a ways when you get there)......and BOOM. Free panties right to my door. The internet is great isn't it? Thanks Em!
My mom has been feeling a little under the weather this weekend, so I am hoping that she is perking back up really soon.
They are calling for snow here tonight and in the morning, so maybe we will get some pictures. The kids are excited and already made sure that they knew where their snow bibs and boots were!
G'night Y'all!
Melissa
Dy and I keep playing phone tag, and I still haven't been able to catch up with her. Are y'all missing her blog as much as I am???
We went to church this morning, and participated in a beautiful service. This is the first Sunday that my family has taken communion together in a Looooong time. It was wonderful. The service left us feeling humbled and blessed by God's goodness, grace, and mercies toward us.
We chatted way too long after the service with folks whom Race is just getting to know, but this also gave him a chance to get to know some of the friends that the kids have made too, and see how comfortable and welcome we all feel at this church. What a blessing. We grabbed a bite to eat before coming home.
Race and Austin spent a long time out in the yard throwing the baseball, and working on A.'s pitching. Race is mighty impressed......mighty impressed. Jack and Savannah helped me put up Christmas lights. The rest of the day was spent watching football, making bows for all of the wreaths on our windows, and generally just decorating the outside of the house. I LOVE to do this. I love it all! And before we go to bed tonight, the entire family will be forced out into the cold, to stand in the yard and gaze up at my handy work. I LOVE Christmas! And I am definitely with Cribchick I do all my shopping from a chair in front of my computer. Click n'spend! I LOVE that all my packages are delivered to my door........and I can compare prices so easily!
Speaking of being delivered to my door......did y'all order your free panties from Hanes? Mine arrived in the mail the other day! How about that? I go to Em's Blog and click on the Free Panties link (you'll have to scroll down a ways when you get there)......and BOOM. Free panties right to my door. The internet is great isn't it? Thanks Em!
My mom has been feeling a little under the weather this weekend, so I am hoping that she is perking back up really soon.
They are calling for snow here tonight and in the morning, so maybe we will get some pictures. The kids are excited and already made sure that they knew where their snow bibs and boots were!
G'night Y'all!
Melissa
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Well.......THAT was weird!
I created this post last night, and published it to the blog, but for some reason, it went down to the Nov 30th date! Oh well, I brought it back up here where it is supposed to be:
We got new tires, got Race in for a check-up and blood work with the N.D, grabbed a bite to eat out for lunch, and cleared away some of the pesky paper work and mail that piles up for Race while he is gone. He took the boys out for Martial Arts this evening, while Savannah and I made supper with pecan pie for dessert. Jack and Austin are on K.P duty tonight. So, here I sit in front of the computer, while the rest of the fam is eating warm pecan pie and watching............."Leave it to Beaver". Yep, that's right. We love that show. Let's face it, we've all had an Eddie Hascall in our past. And as I watch June Cleaver in her crisp dress and pearls, vaccuming the crown molding.........I say aloud, "I do that". There is silence and everyone stares at me, because they know, without a doubt, that our door facings and crown mouldings have never seen a vaccuume. Oh well......my mama had a housekeeper.
Race has organized all of the camping gear for our family. Each person has a large container with his/her name on it. Everyone has a cool backpack, a down sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and tents, etc, etc,. He LIVES for this stuff. WE. MUST. HAVE. COOL.GEAR. I never truly appreciate this, until we are camping or hiking.........and.........I am actually warm and dry! Anyway, he enjoys the heck out of doing that stuff! Too funny!
So, tell me. Do your husbands do things that leave you scratching your head and wondering.."huh?"
G'night,Melissa
We got new tires, got Race in for a check-up and blood work with the N.D, grabbed a bite to eat out for lunch, and cleared away some of the pesky paper work and mail that piles up for Race while he is gone. He took the boys out for Martial Arts this evening, while Savannah and I made supper with pecan pie for dessert. Jack and Austin are on K.P duty tonight. So, here I sit in front of the computer, while the rest of the fam is eating warm pecan pie and watching............."Leave it to Beaver". Yep, that's right. We love that show. Let's face it, we've all had an Eddie Hascall in our past. And as I watch June Cleaver in her crisp dress and pearls, vaccuming the crown molding.........I say aloud, "I do that". There is silence and everyone stares at me, because they know, without a doubt, that our door facings and crown mouldings have never seen a vaccuume. Oh well......my mama had a housekeeper.
Race has organized all of the camping gear for our family. Each person has a large container with his/her name on it. Everyone has a cool backpack, a down sleeping bag, a sleeping pad, and tents, etc, etc,. He LIVES for this stuff. WE. MUST. HAVE. COOL.GEAR. I never truly appreciate this, until we are camping or hiking.........and.........I am actually warm and dry! Anyway, he enjoys the heck out of doing that stuff! Too funny!
So, tell me. Do your husbands do things that leave you scratching your head and wondering.."huh?"
G'night,Melissa
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Well, our hike was AWESOME yesterday. Everything was beautiful, and it was so good to get the whole family outdoors hiking around our familiar woods.
Race took Austin to scouts last night, and they had an awesome time. Several boys want to come out and shoot, so I think that Race is going to go ahead and arrange to get a range for a day coming up. Too fun. Tonight we had martial arts. Austin has totally outgrown his Jiu Jitsu Gi, so we had to order a new one. Actually, we ordered 2, because Race is suiting up as well. (You knew that was coming, didn't you?) He has had some Jiu Jitsu training in one of his former positions, and is really looking forward to having Austin teach HIM! "Tap or snap!"
For Savannah's writing curriculum, we have been using Writing Strands. It is a good fit for her, because she doesn't want anything too constrictive. She has always liked to write, and I didn't want anything to dampen that natural creativity of hers. We came to a place in this curricula where we talked a lot about how a good author is able to have all of his readers "see" what the author "sees" in her mind. We talked about the power of words, etc. Well, this totally clicked with her. She has been typing away on her computer for the past several days. I am so proud of what she has accomplished! It is amazing how her writing has matured. I will have to post an excerpt. It is just leaps and bounds ahead of what she was doing previously. I am just thrilled, and so is she.
Jackson is just having the best time soaking all of this DadTime in. They have worked out together, played ball together, wrestled together, played video games together and taken walks in the woods together. This is exactly what Jack needs, and it has made a world of difference in his attitude. He has returned to his happy-go-lucky self, and that is such a relief to me. I thoroughly enjoy watching Race fill a spot that only he can fill.
I was especially thrilled to have Race at home yesterday. We had a flat tire! So the guys got out there this morning, and got it changed, and we head off to the tire place tomorrow for a new pair. And....ummm... OUCH! Those suburban tires ain't cheap! Can't complain though, they have taken a TON of miles and abuse. But still......OUCH!
We are looking forward excitedly to our trip, and I am feeling really good about the grasp that the kids have on British history and the Middle Ages. Most of our time will be spent sight seeing, and I think that this time period will truly come to life for them. Can't wait!!!!!!!
G'night!
Melissa
Race took Austin to scouts last night, and they had an awesome time. Several boys want to come out and shoot, so I think that Race is going to go ahead and arrange to get a range for a day coming up. Too fun. Tonight we had martial arts. Austin has totally outgrown his Jiu Jitsu Gi, so we had to order a new one. Actually, we ordered 2, because Race is suiting up as well. (You knew that was coming, didn't you?) He has had some Jiu Jitsu training in one of his former positions, and is really looking forward to having Austin teach HIM! "Tap or snap!"
For Savannah's writing curriculum, we have been using Writing Strands. It is a good fit for her, because she doesn't want anything too constrictive. She has always liked to write, and I didn't want anything to dampen that natural creativity of hers. We came to a place in this curricula where we talked a lot about how a good author is able to have all of his readers "see" what the author "sees" in her mind. We talked about the power of words, etc. Well, this totally clicked with her. She has been typing away on her computer for the past several days. I am so proud of what she has accomplished! It is amazing how her writing has matured. I will have to post an excerpt. It is just leaps and bounds ahead of what she was doing previously. I am just thrilled, and so is she.
Jackson is just having the best time soaking all of this DadTime in. They have worked out together, played ball together, wrestled together, played video games together and taken walks in the woods together. This is exactly what Jack needs, and it has made a world of difference in his attitude. He has returned to his happy-go-lucky self, and that is such a relief to me. I thoroughly enjoy watching Race fill a spot that only he can fill.
I was especially thrilled to have Race at home yesterday. We had a flat tire! So the guys got out there this morning, and got it changed, and we head off to the tire place tomorrow for a new pair. And....ummm... OUCH! Those suburban tires ain't cheap! Can't complain though, they have taken a TON of miles and abuse. But still......OUCH!
We are looking forward excitedly to our trip, and I am feeling really good about the grasp that the kids have on British history and the Middle Ages. Most of our time will be spent sight seeing, and I think that this time period will truly come to life for them. Can't wait!!!!!!!
G'night!
Melissa
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Tah-tah!
We are off to the Mother Land. Our staunchest ally. Across the pond to Jolly Old England. I shall extend to the Queen all your best wishes.I shall cruise the Thames. I shall take the cat walk on the Tower of London, and lay my neck on the executioners block. I shall hear Evensong at Westminster Abbey, and visit St Pauls Cathedral. And you can bet your life that we will feasting on fish and chips from Race's favorite pub before the sun goes down on our first day of arrival! WE.ARE.SO.EXCITED!
Internet cafe's are abundant (and cheap) in London, so, who knows, maybe I'll dive into one and post! We purchased Journals for the kids to write in each night, and got everyone a new book for the plane. We packed light (backpacks, weighing in at less than 13 lbs each!), and warm and dry, with comfortable walking shoes and socks. We're off! I'll take plenty of pictures!
Cheers!!
Melissa
Internet cafe's are abundant (and cheap) in London, so, who knows, maybe I'll dive into one and post! We purchased Journals for the kids to write in each night, and got everyone a new book for the plane. We packed light (backpacks, weighing in at less than 13 lbs each!), and warm and dry, with comfortable walking shoes and socks. We're off! I'll take plenty of pictures!
Cheers!!
Melissa
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