More sunflowers and swinging

Next year, oldest said he'd try planting them in a circle like some friends of ours did one year so that it makes a little playhouse. Fun, fun!

What summer is ALL about!

Isn't my playground great?

Since summer has returned (near 90 today and humid!), and I miss my husband, I keep thinking of different things we'd love to do once he gets home. And, no, there is still no news about when that will be. It's getting quite frustrating really. But here are some things on my list....

We live less than 2 hours from the Biltm0re Estate in Ashev1lle NC. I keep forgetting that. On the way to church today, I noticed a billboard that reminded me. I hope they leave it up till after Lucien gets back (so I don't forget again). I just went to the website and I'd really like to go.

We also found a place called CAmden Park in WV. This is a little longer distance. I would love to know if someone I know has actually been there. It seems a little like Funtown in ME. Reasonable prices. Anyway, if you've been there, leave a review in the comments.

The Creation Museum is also not too too far. We'd have to make it an overnight trip. Then there's DC or Williamsburg (have been but would like to go back), and W0nderWorks in Pigeon Forge (where D0llyw00d is but I'm not ready to go there quite yet.) I think I want to do at least 2 of these things BEFORE we vacation in Maine again. (sorry!)

We had a great time yesterday. Pianoman and I did a lot of mowing in the morning. Then I made whoopie pies and a casserole and we headed to our pastor's for a church picnic. I managed to haul them back home by 8pm. They likely would've kept on playing for hours and hours! There were at least 112 children (low estimate). Under 25 families. It sounds crazy, but it was a lot of fun. Love it! ;0)

mud boots

Lucien made me this stool when I was pregnant with boy5. He used whatever we had in the garage--very heavy wood and I covered it with a blanket we weren't using for anything else. It's a monstrosity but I am thankful for it and boy5 learned to flip it over (it's heavy) and climb in like he's a jack-in-the-box. I think watching the Olympics gave him ideas....

I decided to make sure they all have mud boots. Pianoman is inside and I 'borrowed' his today. Picture me driving out the 7/10s of a mile long lane wearing capris and mud boots and stopping to remove fallen branches on the way out. I'm a redneck, I guess.

He's just too cute.

She's being sweet to him for once! lol

We've got a bunch of these sunflowers.

our new song

(tongue in cheek)

Mommas don't let your babies grow up to be pipe welders
cuz they're always alone and never at home.....

We've had an actual rainy day. Maybe not actual precipitation at all times, but most of the time. In honor of this rainy day, I cleaned off the top of the fridge. It's one of those jobs you don't think of unless you can't go out to play.

The basement cleaning is going well. I have emptied at least 8 storage bins. When you have a small house, that is significant. I also had the boys declutter their 'rec room'--they threw away nearly as much as I would have. I was impressed.

Princess and boy5 are still watching the Leapfr*g phonics dvd's. Boy5 (almost 19 months) is learning the letter sounds. He knows A, B, C, D, M, S, and T. Maybe more, but he usually loses focus after a little quizzing and wants to play. ;0) It's odd that he knows how to say buh for B yet says dye instead of bye. But then, he also says dya for yes. (Truly, I'm not trying to have these kids reading really early or anything but if they are going to watch tv it might as well be educational!) Princess does well too--but being that she's a princess she'd rather dance and sing with the songs....

Pianoman and boy3 started music lessons for the year yesterday. Boy3 didn't actually get to touch his violin yet. He has to learn a few things first. I'm so excited for him to learn! Oldest would like us to look for a viola and he'd like to start lessons too. Viola is not so popular apparently. I'm not sure how far I want to travel for lessons!

The oldests and I watched The Pursuit of Happyn*ss. A little bad language (warning), but a story that made me thankful I've never been homeless. Very inspiring man.

Race Weekend

Since we live in the vicinity of Bristol, TN, our area is hit with heavy traffic twice a year when N*scar comes to town. I had heard yesterday that O1d N*vy was having a big one day sale on jeans and thought about going until oldest said that I probably didn't want to go near Bristol. It's the usual approach. We try to stay on our 3 acres as much as possible on these weekends.

We watched a little of the race last night and then switched it to Laurel and Hardy which was much more amusing. This morning we headed out on 81 to church and the north bound traffic was nearly as amusing. Interesting, anyway. I told the boys they should be counting campers, etc, but they didn't. On the way home, 3 hours later, traffic had gotten a bit worse (and we were headed north too) and I opted for a lesser traveled route. Slower, yes, but peace is worth something.

They have a family night downtown Bristol on the Thursday evening before the race and I wish we could have gone this year. Probably would have if Lucien had been here. I wasn't brave enough to tackle crowds without him. Anyway, they usually close off a street and there are various demonstrations, some drivers signing autographs and typically it's very hot. This year it was not too hot to go, hence why I'm bummed.

They have great tours of the track. Come visit and we'll go! ;0) It's much quieter than going to the race!

On Thursday, I picked up the fixed lawnmower. After dinner, oldest and I cleaned up in a hurry and everyone else had already gone out to play. I ran out, grabbed the mower and made about halfway through the first round...when kaput. I nearly kicked the thing to pieces. Our neighbor, whom we usually don't see because he lives up on the hill, happened to be working on the bottom of his driveway. After listening to me struggle for a bit, he came over to see what the trouble was. Within 5 minutes, he'd figured out that the gas had been shut off...duh. Of course, they would do that to make transporting it safer. Would I ever have figured it out?

I like to mow because it stays done longer than anything else I do. Likely that is also why I'm always searching for a project. Since painting the bedroom is finished, I've been desperate for what is next. I've settled on decluttering the basement. What fun.

Tonight princess slipped in the tub. I told her there was a red mark on her back. She said, "OOOH, I can't see it because I'm on this side." She makes me laugh. And sometimes she makes me nuts. She can not be trusted around boy5 lately. Pushing and the like. Typical aggression against the toddler getting big enough to get in the older child's space. I suppose we'll live through it again.

I ordered a sweet little white dress from eBay for her for the new portraits and I'm thinking of having the boys wear black t-shirts and jeans. What do you think?

Tides and Dinosaurs

I'm using Exploring Creation with Astronomy (Fulbright) for Boy3 and boy4 science. Today I read about the moon and tides. So you know the gravity of the moon is enough to cause the oceans to 'bulge' and that causes the tides. I can't understand then why the bulge doesn't contribute to waves. No, they say it's the wind. Ok, but when I go to the beach to watch the tide come in--I'm watching waves, aren't I? Please don't bother to explain it to me, it's just one of those things.

Oldest is one of those 'well-read' people. He reads way more than any of you reading this blog--I can likely prove it. He reads more than me and I thought I read a lot. At any rate, he was telling me about school curriculums that teach that the Hol*caust was a hoax. I got so angry I made him stop and I'm letting him tell me little bits here and there after I process it. It reminds me, although the other thing is mild compared to this, of when I took Earth Science in 9th grade. Our teacher said over and over and over that there was no way possible that humans and dinos existed at the same time. Now, I'd seen pictures of footprints so I didn't believe this. But test time came around and sure enough--there was a question something about what human life would be like around dinos. I knew it was a trick question because according to him it wasn't possible anyway. I answered it according to what he had said--while writhing inside because it bothered me that to pass a test I had to lie. Maybe I shouldn't have lied but I was 14--I had been in this school a matter of a few months having switched from a christian school and I was shy.

How was I to know really that no one else listened? The next day the guy practically gave me a gold medal being that I was the ONLY one in the class to answer the question correctly. Wow. I feel much better getting that off my chest. It has apparently bothered me a long time otherwise why would I remember it?

Ok. So all this brings me to my point.... What is education anyway? What if God hadn't led us to home educate? I am so pleased that my sons are learning discernment, the ability to think for themselves, and responsibility. Praise God!

one more pic

The curtain hasn't come but the bedding obviously did while I was out shopping and meeting a lady about a violin for boy3. I kept getting weird spots in these attempts to show the bedding not sure why. I still think the colors are better in person! I really, really like it!

Room and child pics

I think the colors look better in person, but here is the master bedroom in chocolate brown. You can see the hall color and 'library' color beyond. I think it is simply amazing. I hardly wanted to turn out my light last night as I wanted to keep looking at it. I can't show you the whole room yet because the new bedding hasn't come yet.

This is the contrast of where I kept the former closet area white. I really like it.

Peek a boo!

Sort of an oriental hair look?

Don't you love digital cam night setting? Both sheepy and lamby on her chest--others lined up next to her and opposite her pillow. Yep, life is good!

I have begun painting my room. I finished the trim and the part where there must have once been a closet (there was a closet and bath added on by the previous owners). I can't say what color yet as it's meant to be a surprise for Lucien but if you are on Facebook--you already know.

Speaking of Facebook, the last time Lucien was away, I was mildly obsessed with Virtual Villagers. This time it's Facebook. Funny, really. It's almost the same idea. Except I can't change people's names or make them pick berries. ;0)

The dog not only barked most of the night, but she brought home someone's trap that had a very, very dead, decomposing animal in it. It was in my driveway and smelled SO bad. There just is nothing like it. I can live with most outdoor, animal type smells, but that--ick. It made me think though of the verse--Eph 2:1--that we were dead in trespasses in sins. To God, we must have smelled like the thing in my driveway and instead of sending His Son out with a shovel like I did (sent pianoman to get rid of it)--He sent Him to die for us and chose to draw us to Himself (John 6:22 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him..). It's really amazing grace and mercy, isn't it?

My princess has started telling me stories. Today's story was about a dragon--a good dragon, tho, mom, and someone was bad to him. When she actually follows through and finishes a story, I think she'll be quite good! Sort of like me, if I ever follow through and finishe writing the books I start, maybe I'll turn out ok too.

The boys claim boy5 said "three" today when they had counted to 2. I'm not sure. Can't get him to again. He's etting really good at his body parts. From his hair to his toes. I love toddlers....

Fun pics for Lucien

Here's where I found them after I did supper dishes a few nights ago.

Boy3 seems to be in a posing mood lately. Makes it seem like I have only 3 nuts. I'll try to get the others next time.

Here they are supposedly ready for bed. I let princess' messy bun down so there are the 4 medusa like braids. ha ha

Nail polish, kittens, illness, and hair.

Last night was bath night for boy5 and princess (remember every few nights since their skin dries out), and then I cut their nails. Princess has been asking for nail polish for about a week and since boy5 figured he'd had his nails cut also then he must also need the polish. It's a nice bright pink. I indulged him but only the pointer finger of his right hand. Today, we were 'trying' to get a nap and he sat up and lifted the right pointer finger to his mouth and shooshed me. I now believe that indulging just one fingernail is wrong, very wrong! It seriously doesn't look right.

I apparently accidentally killed one of Lucky's kittens. This is a bad thing since Sparky's kittens are a devilish brood whose eyes actually glow red. Well, nearly. Sparky moved them under the porch and since that is where Lucky's kittens liked to hang out--they had to move under my van (because Sparky's kittens must carry knives or something). When I left to take the lawnmower to get fixed, I watched to see the kittens scramble and pianoman who stayed was giving me the clear to go, but later after lunch, the neighbor stopped to tell us that he'd found a dead kitten down the lane a bit. Therefore I must conclude that it was underneath the van somewhere. Now if we can get Sparky's kittens to move under the van to even things up....

Boy3 was ill early this morning. I decided around 5am to move his mattress downstairs so he could be near the bathroom in comfort. I figured he had what oldest had and that it would be a 2 day thing. Nope. I moved it for nothing. He was only sick about an hour and ate breakfast as normal. I can't for the life of me figure out how he does this several times a year. An hour or 2 of vomiting and then he is absolutely fine. I was so excited too, because I made salmon burgers last night and he was the only one out of all them to eat 2 and be happy about it. I suppose it's how it goes.

I tried another new style on princess this morning. And, btw, momma, she does NOT sit still and there are times I do a lot of moving around behind her. She stands, I stand, etc. Anyway, I split the hair into 4 sections and did 4 braids all ending up in sort of the middle of the top and then made a sloppy sort of bun. It would have been neater, but by that time--well, she ran out of patience. Little girl hair is so fun and sloppy looks just as good really! What a blessing she is!

Update on Lamentations

Since oldest's illness was of that nature that usually spreads in a disgusting fashion through the other boys, I failed to have the courage to venture abroad to worship yesterday. In short, we stayed home for nothing. No one else succumbed to the malady. For that I am truly thankful. (He is nearly fully recovered.)

I have rigged up a new clothesline on the porch.

The lawnmower that is broken was just purchased at the end of May. It is under warranty. Lucien is contacting those in charge of such poor quality merchandise. We should have a working lawnmower very soon.

I've decided the guys can miss CAP for a few weeks. Hoping that Lucien will be back soon. If the man at CAP misses them, perhaps he'll help me arrange a ride home for them. I have, in the past, offered to pay. Whatever. I suppose it is difficult to understand what my life is like if one has only had one child.

As far as the weeds are concerned, I'll do what I can when I can. I'm letting the rest go.

I still miss my husband, but things are looking much more do-able.

Lamentations

The lawnmower is broken. Oldest was sick all day. Huge t-storm took out my clothesline Thursday. The weeds grow back within hours. A couple of my boys really need extra 'guidance' this week. Civil Air Patrol people can't get the boys a ride home anymore and think I should take 4 children 9 and under out at 9pm on Thursday nights to pick them up. (Am I nuts that this bothers me? I wouldn't get the littles to bed till nearly 10pm! Not to mention that I currently have no cell phone and what if something happened out in the scary dark night?) Early this morning, I fell asleep with boy5 on my left arm and my shoulder and neck have been kinked up all day.

I really miss my husband.

butterfly wings attempt pic

I got this idea from the shedoeshair blog. My first attempt. I am supposed to have pretty ribbon bows to tie the braids up with but I don't have those yet. She likes it this way anyway.

Front view and boy5 had to get into the action. He's a ham.

Apparently, he likes my pillow-I left him sleeping in a totally different position. (He still sleeps with me although when Lucien gets home we'll likely be looking for a toddler bed for him. For now, it's easier on me--I get more sleep and being the only parent, well, sleep is important. I usually don't train them to sleep on their own until between now and age 2 anyway. )

chocolate chips, anyone?

I've been so busy and tired from weeding that until last night I assumed I *had* to do the shopping today. When I finally thought it out last night, the only 2 things I am very much out of are paper towels and chocolate chips. I guess it can wait until Saturday. Today I plan to enjoy the fact that the garden is caught up and maybe I'll go out and see what needs harvesting and maybe I'll wait until tomorrow. I also might take us out for DQ Blizz*rds on the way to drop the boys off for CAP tonight. Today is boy4's actual birthday and even tho we've had the cake and presents--a Blizz*rd would be nice too.

We continued my Bollyw*od obsession this week and watched Kal Ho Naa Ho. Only the third Bollywo*d movie I've watched but also the third one I've watched with Shahrukh Khan. In the first 2 movies, he ends up happily ever after with the girl. Now, about half way thru Kal Ho Naa Ho, I realized it might not happen this time. I kept hoping. He was playing a guy with a bad heart and I thought maybe they'd do a miracle ending. Nope. And what's worse, he did this amazingly unselfish and passionately loving thing and made sure the girl married the other guy. I wanted to bawl my eyes out, but there's this peer pressure here when you watch movies with young men. So I wiped up the few tears that escaped and swallowed the rest. At first, I figured I'd never want to see that one again, but I think I might. ;0)

Oh, I'm supposed to write a little about boy4's birth. His labor and delivery was a lot like princess' only a little later in the night. He was born at 1:40 am round there anyway. It was my easiest labor ever. I was shocked when they said it was time to push and the contractions never got closer than 4-5 minutes. Only hard part was that I think there was an arm that came out with his head or something like that. She said he came out waving. I liked that birth in that it was really quite dark in the room and calm. After boy4 was out, he didn't cry--just looked around as tho he were trying to figure out what just happened. As he has proven to be a boy that doesn't do well with change--I really am surprised he didn't come out screaming. 7 years ago already!

Perspective

I've mentioned before that we memorize passages from the Bible as a family. We have recently started 2 Timothy 1. Vs 8 and 9:

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began (or in the kjv--before the world began)

According to His own purpose. It's a hard thing to remember. Especially, when things look so unlike His purpose. Or what I mean is--how they look from our perspective.

I'm also reading a book called Hero Tales to the children. This week's hero is George Muller. I wish I could ask George to pray that Lucien's time away would be short--that the nearby job would be ready for him next week. I pray that--totally having faith that God will answer favorably yet I know it may not be what He has planned. How did George manage it? I can't figure.

Anyway. While we wait, we keep busy. My big guys finished up 9th grade work and are starting 10th--well, they already have in some things but the 2 others are now done. I'm getting up early and weeding the garden for an hour before breakfast every day until it's caught up. (Some help from big guys.) Then there's all the other stuff. The lawn mower needs to be fixed--we're gonna try a spark plug. There's some firewood to haul from the lane. Stuff to buy, stuff to cook, stuff to clean.

Pirate and Princess Party

It all went well. Boy4 said tonight he would like the same party next year, just different presents. I asked princess what she liked best and she said everything. We had a craft time (girls made a little butterfly purse and boys painted sailboats), then presents and cake, then treasure hunt (treasure chests with baggies of candy for each child), and then water balloon fight.

I've put up pictures over at facebook. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=3117&l=7f3ad&id=1325303467 Yes, I am too lazy to put them up twice. Uploading is just too tiresome. I am seriously considering the satellite internet again. If you know of a good deal, let me know. Anyway, they do seem to upload a bit faster at facebook--or at least more successfully. Sometimes here I'll wait and wait and then get the 'can't be found' page. What fun dial up is.

Tonight pianoman said something to princess about being taller than her after she had asked him to reach something and she said, "You boys are such knuckle heads sometimes." Whether they are knuckle heads are not--she still can be heard to call them her boys. That's love for you.