my spirit rejoices

Daybook, November 8th 2009

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:44:00 +0000

Happy Birthday, Nan!

Outside my window: It's dark now, but the weather promises to be lovely today.

I am thinking....about Nan on her 91st birthday today. Happy Birthday Nan!

I am thankful .....for laundromats, this week :)

From the schoolroom..... hmmm, mostly just thinking how to improve. Some "winner" crafts:

A leaf walk where we picked up various leaves and dipped them in wax.

Reading the book; "The Zoo I Drew". While the title suggests drawing the animals, we took our new stock of construction paper and made various animals with it. The kids really got a bang out of them. Pictures to follow once we get a few more additions. It really is a darling book with lots of bright colors.

From the kitchen ...I'm making the first turkey of the season today. They had them on sale for 40 cents a pound at Walmart the other day. Since making a turkey is much easier than making 3 roasted chickens to feed us all, it works!

I am reading and watching and listening to:

Listened to:

Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson Really enjoyed this one. Very funny but poignant at the same time. Full of twists and turns and surprises.

Reading:

The German Slave Girl by This is a fascinating book about a german woman who was taken for a slave. A true story based on the historical court case. Although most understand the horrors of slavery, this has opened my eyes to further atrocities.
I am hearing: Jed and Manny chattering. Gabriella breathing softly on my chest. Those three have been getting up WAY too early since the time change.

Around the house..we furiously scrambled about yesterday trying to get *warmer weather* chores done. The attic organized (I'm not going to say "cleaned out" but it was a start :) Leaves raked, vans de-junked.

One of my favorite things: having a load of bags to give to Goodwill. It makes me feel much lighter.

What will we do this week: I think not much out of the ordinary, which always makes me happy :)
We may take Maddie on a field trip to "The Shrine of the Little Flower" this weekend. Even though it is only about 20 minutes away, I've never been to the shrine!

Pictures I'm sharing....Halloween and All Saints. Only the three youngest participated this year ( the rest were Indiana for a soccer tournament) and Noah had to dress up for work. :) Dyl went to a party, but I never got a picture of him.

The Last Day of October- October in review

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:05:00 +0000

Masquerade ball and a pretty new dress for Sissy
Naomi's Summit team won second place at the Nationals in Indiana (with the Flynn girls, Carmel, Bernadette and Sheila)
George was voted "The Player Who Gives 110%" (George's soccer team)
Jackson was voted "Best Goalie" Dylan was his coach
The view from the front porch of the cabin
A quick camping trip at Lakeport for just me, Naomi, Gwen, Jay, Noah and Neana

Drawing has been a huge pass time since we are indoors alot. :(
Sunset over Lake Huron
Jed became obsessed with owning a camera. He finally wore Dad down. ;) Thank heavens for pawn shops! ( = cheap cameras)
Big brother Dyl giving the littles an art lesson.
A lovely dinner date with just my parents and Tim and I.

I think we actually made this trip to Greenfield Village the last weekend of September, but...... :)
Our first batch of pumpkins were mauled by squirrels. Grrr

Although it has been a pretty cold October, the glory of fall colors still greeted us each day. I think the winds from yesterday/today may just have erased this sort of scene for good. :)

I am thankful for: Relieved my friend's daughter didn't have leukemia. Zak got a job. Tim recovered from his kidney stone.

Book and video highlights:

Videos:

The Widow of St Pierre

This starred Juliette Binoche and Daniel Auteuil. The funny thing about Daniel Auteuil is the last time I saw him in a movie it was "Manon of the Spring". In that he was a bit slow in the head and generally bumbling about. In this one, a dashing military officer with a beautiful wife. It really was a gorgeous film. Lovely costumes and scenery. I don't know that the premise of the movie was all that believable ( it said it was based on a true story, but I couldn't uncover anything about the real tale). It revolved around a man who committed murder while drunk, was sentenced to death and had to wait several months for his sentence to be carried out since the small island they lived on ( St Pierre, new Newfoundland) didn't have a guillotine or an executioner ( apparently at that time that was the only mode of execution the French would allow). While waiting he was *adopted* by the chief officers wife and shown to be a good man. Without giving too much of the film away, what I admired about the story is that the man ( the murderer) never shirked from his sentence or tried to escape. He was courageous enough to accept that he had done something wrong and was willing to pay the consequences for it despite having love and sympathy from nearly the whole town. A couple of iffy parts that may not make it appropriate for teens and there may have been one sexually graphic part, but I fastforwarded through it and can't really say how steamy it got. :)

Napoleon (PBS)

Love him or hate him, you can't deny he was one interesting character. This PBS documentary was excellent.

Elizabeth 1, Virgin Queen

Another PBS Masterpiece Theater winner. I wasn't sure how they could make a tale that has been told many times fresh and new, but they did. Excellent, but probably some iffy parts for teens.

Read/listened to:

Cotollion by Georgette Heyer

This was very "Jane Austen-esque" and thoroughly delightful. Recommended!

Napoleon: His Wives and Women : Christopher Hibbert

A very interesting biography about the women in his life. I am pretty impressed with this author as a biographer. He knows how to tell the story and keep it interesting.

From the kitchen: I made some quiches for the first time in a very long time. Spinach and quiche Lorraine. They weren't all that popular with most, which is why I guess I don't routinely make them. :)

Around the house: I did get some organizing done when the family was in Indiana for Nationals. Even though I had the two littlest home with me, it was a whole lot easier keeping the house clean with just those two. Go figure! ;)

I think I finally got all the winter/summer clothes switched out. George helped me clean the garage and did a great job with all the wood piled up by the freezer.

One of my favorite things. ...kids of all ages coming in to talk at night in my room.

The last week of September

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:59:00 +0000

"B" is for Bat. Manny and Gabriella decided to make some funky ones. :)
Jackson, the awesome goalie!
and defense man....what else? :) He's about a half a foot taller and 50 lbs more than most on either team :)...which this photo shows clearly LOL!
George is my new favorite photographer!

Outside my window: a very lovely fall day.

I am thinking....about all the things on my" honey- do list" I should try to ask Tim to get to since he is in a stellar mood today. The. LIONS. WON.

I am thankful .....for a fantastic fall day spent at Greenfield Village.

From the schoolroom....B is for Bats with the preschoolers. Manny has finally started to show an interest in preschool type things. We made some "handprint" bats, and read books on the subject. I thought to celebrate the first day of fall by going swimming :) ( it was warm enough) but didn't get to it. The rest are cooking along. Signed Naomi up for the PSAT October 14.

From the kitchen ....there were so many saurkraut themed meals at GFV yesterday, I felt I had to make some today! :) I tried a corn chowder recipe that was pretty good. Usually I do crab/corn chowder, but this time just corn.

I am wearing . ..khaki capri's, navy and cream knit top, grey, short sleeve hoodie, flip flops.

I am reading and watching . .listening on cd :

I think I am suffering from the "I just read a great book and now everything else pales in comparison" because I am having a hard time finding anything that keeps my interest. I bring home an armload from the library, and check the reviews on Amazon, but not much luck. I am keeping with "Sarah's Story" by
As stated on Amazon, the writing is a bit juvinile and the modern part of the story a bit cliched of course she is an (american living in Paris, of course she is a journalist, of course she has a handsome, rich,French husband and they are remodeling a chic apartment. Of course she has the token gay male couple for friends, who cook marvelous meals and throw fabulous dinner parties, and, of course, she is working on a controversial story with a dark secret! blah blah blah :).....but the *historical* part of the story is interesting.

reading:

The Case of Cornielia Connely.

Yes, this is SOME case.

Unto the Daughters by Karen Tintori

Very fascinating book about an Italian family in Detroit in the early parts of the 20th century. The author was investigating her family history and found an alarming skeleton in the closet. Also descriptions of their lives in Sicily before coming to the US. I feel like I've read lots of books about immigrants to the United States, but she has so much interesting information about how it was, some I've never heard. Engrossing.

Nuns in America: by John Fialka

Watched:

Nothing much watched this week. But I did see Phantom of the Opera on stage. :)Which was outstanding!

I am hearing . ...Sports Center, what else? The Lions won for the first time since 2007. LOL!

Around the house. ..wahhhhh! Trying hard not to mutter about the fact whenever I take a day off, it's all waiting for me when I come home, plus some. :) (but I did mutter, anyway)

One of my favorite things. ....the first,crisp apple from the apple orchard. And doughnuts and cider. Time to get over there!

What will we do this week. ...the usual, soccer, school, classes ...catechism starts this week. Jed's first time. :) Going out to eat with my parents. It won't be long until they are all heading back to Florida. :(

Here’s a picture I am sharing. ...a pictorial of our week......:)

My little corners of the world.......

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:58:00 +0000

What I finally decided to do with my bed. Ignore that funky lamp, I'm not sure it that is staying. ;)

My sewing room. Not used often enough. ;)

Summer wrap up

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:40:00 +0000

Nan with "the boys"
The three birthday boys with VERY cheesey smiles

Pool time! Warm enough weather to swim didn't last long.......

Manny has finally learned to love the cat. A bit TOO much at times.

Daybook, September 20, 2009

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:16:00 +0000

The kids in their HEP uniforms, ready for their classes. :) George looks thrilled!
George, hard at work.

T-shirt painting was a hit with this crowd.

Some people can take pictures of their kids in the schoolroom with them sitting placidly at their desks. Mine prefer ninja moves. ;)

Outside my window: Bright and sunny after a c-c-c-old morning.

I am thinking....."where charity and love prevail, there Christ is ever found!"

I am thankful .....for Fr Dino's homilies

From the schoolroom....another pretty good week. Outside the house classes went smoothly, I guess we are getting in a routine. We even got a craft in this week! :)

From the kitchen .....did we eat? did I cook? Nothing comes to mind this week.

I am wearing . ....beige capri's, green and brown knit floral top, brown hoodie sweater and tennis shoes.

I am reading and watching . .listening on cd :

The Seamstress by Frances De Pontes Peebles

Enthusiastic "high five" for this one. It was one of the books that brings you into it and makes it hard to forget that you aren't there anymore even when you are not reading it or ( in my case) listening to it. Enthralling descriptions of pre-World War 2 Brazil. My only criticisms are that it was a bit too brutal at times, and I thought the cangaceiros got a bit too much sympathy for their evil ways ( poor upbringing, poverty, etc) while other naughty people didn't get the same pass. Even so, she seemed to redeem herself by being even handed to all the characters throughout. It was thoroughly refreshing to read something that didn't seem to overtly have some kind of agenda. (She may have, but I am too dull to be assaulted by it. :) One of those books where you marvel at the author. How did she come up with this story, and carry it to the end so smoothly and satisfyingly?

Very , very sorry to have this one end, but couldn't stop listening to it every time I had the chance. :)

reading:

The Case of Cornielia Connely.

Yes, this is SOME case.

Nuns in America: by John Fialka This is really a fascinating book so far. It's amazing all the work & services religious sisters provided to the general public ( not just Catholics) Hospital, schools, and other charitable endeavors. I have to say it is pretty inspiring. Their uncomplaining sacrifices are a rebuff to me. A needed one, for sure :) It was also interesting, and disturbing to read more about how the Irish Catholics were treated by the English in the late 17th and early 18th century. I guess I should not be so enamored by English society back then. ;)

Watched:

The Six Wives of Henry the 8th.
This was produced awhile ago, and it is evident. Still, it has some marvelous scenes in it, despite knowing the story like the back of my hand. :)

Tried to watch "A Portrait of A Lady" with Nichole Kidman ( I know I saw it in the theaters when it came out) and just couldn't go past the first 10 minutes. Ugh....I am too spoiled now by the BBC. :) I may try again just because the costumes and scenery was very beautiful.

I am hearing . ...Tim playing the keyboard, Spongebob....erg! Gabriella reading a book of prayers and saying the ones she knows. :)

Around the house. ..nothing very exciting. Just trying to maintain order right now.

One of my favorite things. .... a pretty, orange, pumpkin.

What will we do this week. ...the usual, soccer, school, classes BUT! Naomi and I are getting taken to see "Phantom of the Opera" by my parents on Friday. So excited!

Here’s a picture I am sharing. ...a pictorial of our week......:)

Daybook, September 6th First Week of School!

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 10:23:00 +0000

Outside my window: Still dark and cool.

I am thinking.....

I am thankful ......for all my birthday boys this month! A dear husband, a darling 17 yo and a new teenager! ack! That makes 4 (teens) in the Vrazo home for the next year or so. :)

From the schoolroom.....All in all our first week went pretty well. Only a few temper tantrums ( and NOT from anyone under 6 :) The little kids were very geeked, maybe a little less enthusiasm would have been appreciated. ;)Our "outside the house" classes on Thursday all went smoothly. It's nice to be back in the routine. Summer freedom is great, but a little like chocolate cake.....you can only eat so much of it before it starts causing problems. :) Jed, as usual, was the biggest surprise. That is how 5/6 year olds are, but it has been awhile since I've had one. I asked him how his reading skills were so good despite spotty practice this past month ( gulp!) and he said "I've been watching you while you read, Mom" :) He also had surprising answers to many questions I asked. A reminder of how much they pick up just by listening to various goings ons. :)

From the kitchen ..... Lots of culinary delights this week. Saturday; chicken penne with vodka sauce. Roast beef and roast pork for the birthday celebration. Chicken lemon rice soup for lunch on Wednesday, which made Jed happy ( and me happy! a break from his favorite...ramen noodle,ugh!) homemade granola yesterday, this weekend, bbq ribs and steak for the other birthday fete.

I am wearing . ..short sleeve gray hoodie and brown knit shorts.

I am reading and watching . .listening on cd :

Martin Chuzzlewaite: This was very entertaining. I love Dicken's interpretations of Americans. Hilarious!

The Importance of Being Earnest: First thing I've read by Oscar Wilde. Unbelievably funny!
Portrait of A Lady, Henry James: You know, I saw the movie long ago, but the book didn't call it to memory. I know my memory is bad, but I think the way you read something can be different from how it is interpreted on screen, even if the story is basically the same.

Of Time and Memory: This is the true story of a man trying to find out more about his mother who died when he was just 19 days old ( she had pre-eclamsia during pregnancy, and they didn't have the technology to save mothers back then other than take the baby early, which usually meant death for the child). It turned out to be a beautiful tale. Interesting, thoughtful....and very pro-life, even though I'm not sure the author intended it to be.
The Seamstress by

reading:

Clover: Henry Adams wife. I gave up on listening to "The Education of Henry Adams" There was too much in there to read over and ponder, not easily done while listening. So, I found a book about his wife, which includes him, of course. Very interesting, so far. I need to find a hard copy of TEofHA.

A strange co-incidence regarding this book, which I finally finished. I thought it was one of the better biographys I have read despite the obscure subject matter. After I did ( finish it, that is) I started listening to a book on cd about General Grant, called "Grant" ( imagine that :) Unbeknown to me, this book was filled with references to the Adams! I had no idea!

It was very strange. doo doo- doo doo ( Twilight Zone music fading in)

The Rose of Sebastopol : Katherine McMahon I really enjoy her writing style. I loved "The Alchemist's Daughter", although it was a little saucy for my taste. This one was less so but no less gripping. I couldn't put it down, and it was a great book to have while camping since I had lots more time to read :)

Watched:

Miracle at Carville: PBS Documentary about the famous Leper hospital near New Orleans. Very well done.

Barchester Chronicles ( BBC) You could tell this one was filmed long ago ( 1982?) but it was really entertaining. I told Naomi I was struck by the fact that in many BBC productions, every actor from the smallest part to the largest seems to be a master of his/her craft, while in a lot of modern films, you MIGHT get one or two good performances by the lead. This one was absolutely full of marvelous acting. Astonishing, really. Alan Rickman as Mr Scope was a treasure, along with, as Mrs Proudy.

I am hearing . ...the littles watching an old family film. Mee maw and Papa visiting us in Virginia when Naomi was just a baby. To hear her little cries right now....sniff!

Around the house. ...we gave the house a pretty good scrubbing on Monday and I am pleased to say it has stayed that way. Mostly. Of course this is for OUR family, not general public standards. :)

One of my favorite things. ..The first weeks of September, such lovely weather. You can almost count on it.

What will we do this week. ...( or what we did this week) Labor Day birthday party for the birthday boys. 4 soccer games. HEP classes for George, Jed and Manny, Mr Mc Alpine classes for Naomi, Jax and Noah.

Soccer practices ( of course!) Dyl, Noah and Naomi went to a going away party for Mary Giroux last night, then slept over at various friends and went to a pro-life prayer vigil this morning. Noah will have a birthday party at Al's tomorrow ( video games will be the main activity :) and we will celebrate quietly here today...I think. :) Perhaps Tim and I will go out tomorrow for his birthday. I saw he could get almost half off his meal at El Charro! :) ( They give you your age as a percentage off :)

Here’s a picture I am sharing. ....well, since I inherited a new computer ( cough!) all my picture files aren't on yet. So I stole one from Naomi. :)

Daybook, August 23, 2009

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:59:00 +0000

outside my window: Still dark and cool.

I am thinking.....I'm really feeling old this week. I had a bout of some sort of stomach ailment, then my knee went out ( yes, all in the same week) I met a new lady at a homeschool gathering and she was 10 years younger than me. Well, that is nothing new, but then it dawned on me that I am now the oldest of most women I meet in the homeschooling world these days. Lots older.

I am thankful . . my gimpy knee gets better every day, although it seems to do so ONLY if I keep it propped up on a pillow for several hours each day, which is difficult at best. But, I guess you have to deal with what is, not what you wish it could be :) Makes you appreciate the simple things in life like, er...walking! :)

From the schoolroom. . .school bins out and somewhat organized. The dining room table and living room are a maze of books, bins, papers and other such educational messes.

From the kitchen ...I think I made dinner ONCE the whole of last week. It felt strange. Dyl made some unbelievable fettuccine Alfredo on Saturday, though. :)

I am wearing . ...black track capri's and a blue knit hoodie.

I am reading and watching . .listening on cd :

Return of the Native Thomas Hardy

The Nature of Water and Air ( which I am about to give up on....interesting story, but the usual worldliness inserted in for shock value, I guess.)

reading:

Watched:

Brideshead Revisited ( the 2008 movie) I saw this at the library and decided to give it a try, although I couldn't imagine that any movie made in 2008 could really explore the spiritual themes in the book that would do them any justice. It's just not politically correct these days, you know. However, I was somewhat suprised that is wasn't the hatchet job I thought it might be. I think anyone unfamiliar with the book could be left scratching their heads at certain things because they weren't adequately explained, but I thought the acting was well done and the cinemetography, gorgeous!

Brideshead Revisited ( 1981 miniseries)
This one is pretty much completely true to the book so far. Marvelously well done.

I am hearing . ...silence.

Around the house. ...ugh. scuzziness abounds when mom is not on top of her game. well, it sometimes does even when she is but at least this time I have an excuse :)

One of my favorite things. ..a little bit of fall in the air :)

What will we do this week. ...family camping trip this weekend, other than that it's the usual soccer practices, teen get-togethers, organzing for the start of school, which is two weeks from tomorrow, I might add!

Here’s a picture I am sharing. ....a get-together with our nephew Matt!

Daybook, August 16th 2009

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:03:00 +0000

"She was dressed extravagantly and gaudily, as I would expect a Catholic to be!" Innocent Traitor, Alison Weir. L.O.L !

outside my window:

cooler and sunny. yay!

I am thinking.....

I am thankful .....

our Nicaragua boy returned safe and sound and very upbeat about his time there.

From the schoolroom. ....

well, we got the basement mostly cleaned and looking school-ish. Now it is time to tackle the books!

From the kitchen ...

pretty much too warm to cook anything exciting this week. I did make some chicken/lemon/rice soup, which Jed actually liked and wanted more of, so I feel like it was a score! ;)

I am wearing . ..

beige capri's, orange scoop neck t-shirt, orange bangle and hoops. I certainly am colorful lately!

I am reading and watching . .listening on cd :

Innocent Traitor, Alison Weir: which was a historical novel about Lady Jane Grey. I thought it was pretty well done, even though I generally don't like historical novels. Usually the *REAL* story is gripping enough.

Return of the Native: Thomas Hardy

reading:

Watched:

I actually WENT to a theater and saw a movie: Julie/Julia. It was very cute and a nice story, but ( and you knew this was coming) why oh why must some sort of crassness and a jib at republicans be in EVERY modern made movie? What does s-e-x have to do with Julia Child??? Can we have a movie without s-e-x inserted into it? Just askin'?

I am hearing ....general chatter interspersed by silence. Dylan playing the guitar.

Around the house. ...basement cleaned and general organizing. Still need to work on backyard/frontyard and shed. And of course school, which takes precedent, at this point. :)

One of my favorite things. ..camping

What will we do this week. ...Naomi had a day out at the mall with friends on Monday. Tuesday, I had a night out :) at the movies with friends, Wed. cousin Matt Vrazo comes into town, so some visits with him today and tomorrow. Friday, Metro with some pals and Sunday, a Redeemer Reunion. Jax and George started soccer, looks like Dyl will assistant coach their team. Naomi continues on with her team after a lackluster tournament this past weekend. Why does soccer season have to start when school does? May I ask who came up with that plan? ;)

Here’s a picture I am sharing. ...Peek-a-boo!
I really don't know how those *squares* got in here. Naomi, help! :)

Camping

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:11:00 +0000

We did a little impromtu camping trip this past week. We WERE going to stay for 2 nights, but since Naomi and I didn't get much sleep the first night, we decided to cut out early. Still, we overall had a lovely time with super weather and a beautiful lake!
Sissy in her normal state of being these days. Oh, the angst of the teenage years! :)

Well, another thing I gave up on was cooking, but the kids didn't mind a little lunch at Golden Corral ;)
Some pooped out campers on the way home!

Fun in the sun!

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:18:00 +0000

At Metro

Neana and Gabby-ella ( I don't know why pictures won't rotate for me!)
nutty boys!
waiting for a blast
shiver!

Finally.......Graduation Party!

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:02:00 +0000

Dyl, after being dumped in the pond...
BOYS!

!st dunking....
the man of the hour and Al
everyone was enamored with Anne's keds.
King of the hill!
Andrew pondering the meaning of life

gearing up for a soccer game

I put these on to get a feel for the set up. Nita and Joe let us use their awesome tents...in front of the shelter.

Apparently, Sissy had these on her card. :)

Daybook, August 9th, 2009

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 19:17:00 +0000

The "Joe Vrazo" clan, sans Lisa, London and Graham. Sniff! ( hmmm, I don't see Jay in there, either :) Off partying!)

outside my window: I might think I was in Florida except there are no palm trees. :) Steamy and hot.

I am thinking......about Dyl. He's probably landed in Nicaragua by now. He seemed a bit subdued and nervous yesterday. Of course, a mother hates to see her child nervous :) We watched "Knowing" the night before which was a silly choice ( lots of air disasters :( But once Andrew showed up with his buoyant self....he seemed to perk up and off he went, his usual happy-go-lucky self.

I am thankful . ..the graduation party was NOT today! Phew! We had almost perfect weather, except a little windy, which ruined my decorations :( :)

From the schoolroom. . .time to start thinking and planning. NOW! ( well, maybe it can wait another week ;)

From the kitchen ...stuffed cubanelle peppers yesterday. I think I like those better than stuffed green peppers. Blueberry pie, strawberry pie, blueberry buckle, crab corn chowder, beef burgandy. All this was made today and yesterday. I think I needed a distraction from Dyl's departure ;)

I am wearing . .plum and cream print skirt, plum t-shirt and plum flip flops. I am feeling purple....

which reminds me of my Aunt Lydia's favorite poem, "When I am old I will wear purple". I guess it has come to that. :)

I am reading and watching . .listening on cd :

Brideshead Revisited, Evelyn Waugh This was strange, humorous, interesting and profound all at the same time. Loved it!

Emma Blau's Vision: This one had potential as a good story, but it had so much *modern* dumbness inserted in it. Homosexuality, adultery, the token priest who disavows his vows and becomes involved with a woman, on and on......

it all seemed so "INSERTED" instead of relavant to the tale. I'm not quite sure why I even continued listening to it after the first five chapters. As I said, it was an interesting tale of a German immigrants life in turn of the century ( and beyond) America, so I guess that kept me going but Ididn't end up finishing it out of chagrain.

What is funny, is that Brideshead Revisited had pretty much all the same things in it ( although presented in a much more subdued manner...and no errant priest...I guess that subject was still sacred back when it was written :) but it WAS there to show how man can be redeemed even from the most troubling parts of human nature. Emma Blau celebrated them. I guess that was the difference.

It was also read by the author who was German and she read it in such a strange way. I'm not sure I can describe what is was that annoyed me about it, but it did. ( and had nothing to do, I think, with her Germaness :)

reading:

Watched:

Knowing: I never will understand what people see in Nicholas Cage. This one had potential as an interesting story but it seemed to fall apart at the end and disintegrate into silliness.

Emma ( Masterpiece Theatre version with Kate Bleckett) I liked this one better than the Gweneth Paltrow one. How's that for a review!?!? ;)

I am hearing . ...Tiger game.....

Around the house. ...bulk of the week was spent packing and organizing things from the party. It almost felt like an after Christmas pack up by Saturday! Argh!

One of my favorite things. ...a misty walk at Metro/

What will we do this week. ...we were planning on camping Tue/Wed/Thur....but a phone call saying Dad is in the Er has put that on hold until we see how he is doing.

After that, it's time to start fall planning!

Here’s a picture I am sharing. ....a few graduation party pictures. We did't get many....too busy, I guess :)

Summer snapshots

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:22:00 +0000

I lost a tooth!

Chillin in the backyard ( me trying to listen to a book on cd, my new obsession! :)

Gabriella and Manny eating breakfast on the stairs because Manny is afraid of the new kitten :)

A treasure found at the thrift store.....ballerina outfit for G.
Our ninth son, AMill :)

Picnic!

Our new budding photographer

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:43:00 +0000

George decided to use his birthday money for a camera.

I was pleasantly surprised with his skills!

Daybook, July 26th 2009

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:54:00 +0000

outside my window: sunny and a bit warm. Still, for almost August, there are no complaints.

I am thinking......why am I sitting at the computer when my family room looks the way it does. Probably because it takes less energy to sit at the computer rather than clean a messy family room.

I am thankful . ..things seem to be coming together for Dyl's party. For my supportive husband who is off this week and my helpful relatives!! What would I do without them? I reflect on that daily!

From the schoolroom. . .not going to address this subject until next month. :) (DITTO)

From the kitchen ...well, there WILL be a lot of cooking later in the week for the party. Yesterday a blueberry pie was made. Delish!

I am wearing . .black and white floral skirt, turquoise t shirt and flip flops. Silver hoops.

I am reading and watching . .listening on cd "The Barchester Chronicles" by Anthony Trollope. Finished and enjoyed!

Barnaby Rudge, by Dickens. I had a bit of a hard time following this one. I think it was abridged.

reading: We Two and -

The Unhealthy Truth: Why our food is making us sick and what we can do about it.

I've no doubt this lady is passionate about what she is writing about. I've no doubt what she says is true, it just seems like she is one of those people who grab you by the collar and shout at you about any given subject she feels strongly about. :)

So, the book is a bit off-putting for me. I don't know that there is anything in there that hasn't already been discussed anyway. I'm going to keep trying. ( In her defense, I really liked her menu suggestions for kids....not perfection, but working towards it.)

Watched:

Frenchman's Creek ( by Daphne Du Marnier) I have a feeling there were some liberties taken with this one. It was a good story, though.

I am hearing . ."The battle is the Lord's........" Veggie Tales "Esther"

Around the house. ..I finally did a bit of weeding out front ( not all, of course) and tucking up of the plants. Still needs some bush trimming and new mulch. The rest of the house is not looking too spiffy and I can't imagine much about that will change this week. I spent about an hour in Neana's garden and have taken notice of other gardens, recently. There is such peace and beauty there. I just keep thinking if I would just do a little gardening here and there what a difference it would make, especially in the back yard ( UGH!)

One of my favorite things. ...COOL SUMMERS! Let's hope it stays that way!

What will we do this week. ...went to Ann Arbor Hand's On Museum today, and out to IKEA for lunch. The kids had a terrific time. I found some napkins at IKEA that inspired some party decor. :) Tim took Naomi and Jax for a tour of downtown Ann Arbor while we were in there.

Tomorrow we officially become members of St Cyril and Methodius. The rest of the week will be shopping, cooking and trying not to freak out about Dyl's party on Sunday. Oh, and we have another grad party to go to on Saturday! LOL!

Here’s a picture I am sharing. ....Some golden oldies of the man of the week. Dyl :)

Daybook July 19, 2009

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 12:05:00 +0000

Some deer seen on the way to the park.

Why the grimace, George?
Ninja moves at Del Taco. The food must be very inspiring.
Ditto from Manny
We're a cheerful bunch, are we not?! ;)

outside my window: sunny and cool

I am thinking......I'm glad I have nowhere to really go this week. Being out of the house for 4 or 5 hours everyday last week took it's toll. Hats off to working mothers! :)

I am thankful . ..Jackson had a good dr's appt on Friday. All is healing well, the stitches are out and he can swim and bathe AND use his hand in a limited manner ( ie: MATH!). No soccer, of course, which caused some despair. :(

From the schoolroom. . .not going to address this subject until next month. :)

From the kitchen ...this morning, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and chicken Parmesan made yesterday for today's dinner.

I am wearing . .black knit capri's, gray print hoodie,

I am reading and watching . .listening on cd "The Barchester Chronicles" by Anthony Trollope

reading: We Two and -

The Unhealthy Truth: Why our food is making us sick and what we can do about it.

So, the book is a bit off-putting for me. I don't know that there is anything in there that hasn't already been discussed anyway. I'm going to keep trying.

Watched: Northanger Abbey and started Dickens "David Copperfield"

both very good.

I am hearing . ..nothing at all. Manny is sitting very quietly on my lap. Gabriella is sleeping on the couch and Jed is off somewhere.

Around the house. ...it got the main points taken care of yesterday. Hopefully, the laundry room and some yardwork can be addressed tomorrow.

One of my favorite things. ...a long walk. This week I have decided to be a bit selfish and go walking by myself. I do like to include the kids in whatever activities I can, and walking always seemed to be one of them. Lately, though, there is just too much stopping and starting. Someone wants to walk, someone is tired, someone needs a drink, someone who wanted to ride the scooter decided he doesn't want to anymore....etc etc

Of course I will walk with them and call it a stroll but real exercise walking I've decided to do on my own. I pleased to say I've taken at least 5- 45minute to an hour walks this week.

What will we do this week. ... a quiet week, overall. Dyl's musical today, a pre-graduation party meeting later in the week with Neana, graduation party on Saturday and the kids and Tim will go to the Tiger game on Sunday. Oh, and dear Noah arrives home from camp tonight! Yay!

Here’s a picture I am sharing. ....some shots from our new camera Tim found at the thrift for $30! He took the kids out yesterday afternoon so I could have some time to myself......
dinner at Del Taco and the park :)

Daybook July 13, 2009

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:27:00 +0000

Outside my window: sunny and pleasantly cool. We've had some incredible weather, lately.

I am thinking.......about the changes in our family. AGAIN. Mostly as it concerns the children. I think this year has held the greatest number of changes we have experienced. Some new ones like one son going away for college and another moving out. More of the same for others like getting a driver's licence, a new job, wanting to be the usual teenage socialite :) or graduating from high school and embarking on a new, adult life.
I think what has made me reflect on this is that I am so often out and about with just the youngest 5 these days. And I know it won't be long until Naomi is subtracted from that number. It seems like just as quickly as they all came to us and we were grappling with a house full of little kids, they have collectively *grown* up and have started to move away from us.
I'll admit it does fill me with a bewildering panic at times. Maybe that's a little melodramatic :) I just want to say *WAIT*! Can't we have this is little increments as before?"
But you can't. Life moves along as it will, guided by the hand of Providence.
I hope it reminds me to embrace the time with the current batch of littles.

What I should be thinking about: Dylan's graduation party, which is coming upon us with stunning rapidity!

I am thankful . ..books on cd. They have revolutionized my life these past few weeks! :) A good book, listened to while doing a dreaded chore, makes the time pass pleasantly. ;)

From the schoolroom. . ..I know I should be starting to prepare for next year, but haven't gotten to that point yet.

From the kitchen ...blackberry pie, apple pie for George's birthday. A scrumptious Sunday dinner with a beef tenderloin as the main event. Lovely!

I am wearing . .white capri's, black tunic with red/black print cami under. Black flip flops.

I am creating . . .I found 4 chairs being tossed out while biking the other night. Noah and I went to get them.

I originally was just going to recover them, but in the end decided they needed a good coat of paint. So that was the main project this week. I hope to use them in the dining room as the *B* set. The kids love to do their schoolwork in there, but they are rough on my antique set (ie: at least 3 have bit the dust due to rocking motions while doing math). Problem solved. I hope.

I am reading and watching . . .Listening to "The Education of Henry Adams" on cd. Finished "Jane Boleyn" on cd.

Reading "We Two" and "

Henry Adams is the grandson of John Quincy Adams. He has some really compelling thoughts on educaiton, especially of boys. I've only listened to a couple chapters, but I think this is one I need a hard copy of to underline his many, pithy quotes.

Jane Boleyn

Was married to the brother of Anne Boleyn, the infamous English queen. While it touched on her (Jane's) life, it really was an in depth history lesson on what was going on then with King Henry (8th) her husband, the Church, English goverment , etc. etc. Of course, we all know the *stories* of King Henry, but listening again, it is incredible to ponder the machinations he went through to get what he wanted, most often against the hand of God......

and with sobering results. A cautionary tale.

Watched: "Little Dorrit" by Dickens....which was very long, but very, very good. It became an evening ritual for Naomi and I last week and I miss it. Haven't been able to watch a thing this weekend/week. :)

I am hearing . ..Manny making various hoots, hollerings and yells. Wow, is he loud this am!

Around the house. ..Well, it got a good spring cleaning due to the cooler temps and a scheduled bbq.

One of my favorite things. ...a day at the beach! We found a nice one in Pt Huron. The kids and I had a grand time and as an added bonus, saw many huge barges speeding accross the river/lake.

What will we do this week. .K 4 J VBS rules this week ( how is that for a bunch of acronyms?) Yesterday the saint of the day was Edmund Campion, which is who Jedidiah Campion is named after, so that was a nifty serindipity!. A visit with Aunt Lydia ( holding my breath on that one, it has been fraught with complications on this end, anyway :) Dyl's musical this weekend! He's so geeked about it, and it is very cute.

Here’s a picture I am sharing. Our birthday boy, George Augustine. 11 on 7-11!

4th of July

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:45:00 +0000

Celebrating the birth of our Country ( hoooo boy, our front yard looks like an overgrown jungle. The things you don't notice until viewing it in a picture. The story of my life lately ;)

The kids and I decorated their bikes for the neighborhood bike parade.

They participated for all of about 5 minutes, when.............

a certain young man came running into the house hollering. He fell off *his* bike.
The poor fella broke his wrist and had to have surgery to repair it. A 4th of July to remember, although perhaps not the way we might wish. :)

Daybook June 28th, 2009

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:02:00 +0000

Outside my window: Cloudy and cool. Was it just a week ago that we were sweltering?

I am thinking.......I'm having a hard time getting my motor running lately.

I am thankful . ...for so many things during the power outage. A cool headed babysitter, water that was still on, a little bit of power for a day, a willing sil and an empty freezer, my refrigerators and freezer getting a good cleaning, the same appliances not being filled from a recent grocery store trip, candles, flashlights, cool weather...

the list goes on and on. :)

From the schoolroom. . ..hmnmm. There has been a great buzz in blogland over a certain lady posting pictures of her newly organized school room. Yes, they were beautiful. And for a moment my mind was racing with ways to try and replicate her ideas. Then I came down to earth. That's the madness of blog surfing. Most of the time you are inspired, or get a laugh or are informed. Other times you feel very inadequate and discontent. I had to sit myself down and think seriously about the reasons my schoolroom will never look like hers. And it's OK.

From the kitchen ...blueberries rule! 2 Blueberry buckles and 2 dozen blueberry muffins made yesterday.

I am wearing . .black knit bermudas, gray print hoodie, gray tennis shoes. It's cold this morning.

I am creating . . .mostly just some sewing repair projects

I am reading and watching . . .read "Wicketts Remedy" by Myla Goldberg. I really enjoyed this one, as much as you can use the word *enjoy* about a very sad subject. I'll have to think about that. About a young women during the Spanish Flu outbreak who lost her husband and brother to it and then decided to become a nurse to help. I heard about it on NPR.

Listened on cd to "Resilience" I happen to see this at the library the night the power went out and thought it might be a good idea since we were without tv, internet or radio ( well, I did get batteries, eventually). I've always though Elizabeth Edwards was a decent sort of woman. She doesn't disappoint in this thought provoking work. I don't know if she wrote all this herself or with help ( didn't read the cover) but she has a very eleoquent way of describing her thoughts and emotions during the most difficult things she has faced ( and there have been many). I especially was moved by her journey after the death of her 16 yo son. Her voice is soft and raspy at times. You can tell she is not well ( she has terminal breast cancer). She doesn't claim to have all the answers, and you are left feeling she is still grappling with coming to terms with her cancer ( which I found very honest) still you can't help but be moved by her courage.

Naomi and I have been trying to watch "Our Mutual Friend" by Dickens. It sure is a long one. I keep dozing off. :) Not that it isn't interesting, I just can't seem to sit or lay on my bed motionless and not zonk out, which is why I usually iron or fold clothes or putter about when I am watching something, much to my husband's dismay.

I am hearing . ..Jed making "shhhhhhhhhewwwww" sounds. I don't know what he is playing in his mind.

Around the house. ...Going to keep hope alive that the garage WILL be cleaned today even though it is drippy and drizzly.

We did it! ( and I use the word *we* loosely ;)

You know, I had a hard time getting started, and there was lots of grumbling and exasperation in my head ( and probably visable at times) but with a little praise music on my cd player ( don't snicker, Sissy!) it was at once a religious experience and an energizer.

Did *some* painting repairs....but many more on the docket.

One of my favorite things. ...a clean garage. ;)

What will we do this week. . Monday we had dentist appointments and re-filling the refridge shopping. Tuesday we went to Pt Huron for a field trip at the Thomas Edison museum and a tour of a lighthouse ship called the *Huron* I think. Meeting for Dyl's Nicaragua trip that night. Not sure what we will do on the 4th, thinking about heading up to the thumb (Just seems too cool for that). There is a neighborhood bike parade that we went and got supplies to decorate the kids bikes for at the Dollar Store. :) Sunday, belated Father's day dinner with mom, dad and nan.

Here’s a picture I am sharing. Our little ham.

An Anniversary to remember......

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:09:00 +0000

but not for the reasons you might think! ;)
Tim and I had big plans to do a belated 25th Anniversary celebration this year and go away for a night since I am not nursing anyone ( was it really only a year ago I was nursing a baby? It seems much longer).
But since that wouldn't work out this weekend, we decided instead to just go out to lunch at our favorite Chinese restaurant and stop for a Cold Stone afterward (of course!)
We put the littles down for a nap and left Naomi in charge. We knew Noah would be home from work in a half hour to back her up. As we were leaving the sky looked a bit menacing, but I had just checked the weather. It said there was a severe thunderstorm watch but when I looked at the hourly forecast it only gave 20 or 30% chance of rain.... which was puzzling, but not all that much for Michigan. (My friend Donna backs me up on this one :)

As we drove throw dowtown MC, we were suprised by the hoards of people down by the river. A couple signs on the corner tipped us off to the reason "No saving spaces for fireworks until 3PM Thursday". It was right at 3 o'clock and everyone was descending upon the riverfront to "save their spot" :)

By the time we reached the freeway it was sprinkling. By the time we reached the restaurant it was pouring. By the time we sat down to eat the sirens were going off.
We called home to a panicked Jackson. Tim gave him a pep talk and called Naomi. He suggested she go downstairs, so she dutifully woke up the babes and took everyone downstairs, cool as a cucumber. We sat watching the tv, seeing "Severe Thunderstom Warning" on the news, wondering if we should chance dashing home, making frantic phone calls to Noah and Dylan.
Both got home, and we finished eating and got some ice cream

Upon arriving home we realized the power wasn't entirely out but wasn't entirely on, either. Just enough for a little light and some fans. No laundry, no vacuuming, etc. Rats! ;)
We woke up the next morning to the same situation. Some bike rides around the neighborhood alerted us to the reason why. A tree had completely uprooted (one of many, we later learned) and downed two power lines on the street over. But we made do. We did errands, went to the park, came home and ate dinner. The refridgerator was losing coolness rapidly, so a call to Neana solved that problem. She had a nearly empty freezer AND power. Thankfully, I hadn't gone big grocery shopping lately, but once we cleaned out our three freezers, I was amazed at how much was actually in there. ;) Still, we loaded a bin full and gratefully headed over to drop it off.
That evening was the fireworks, so we headed downtown ( sort of ....we try not to go right down by the river with all the kids..too crowded) and had a grand time. As we were riding home through our neighborhood we noticed a house that was lighting a coleman lamp in front of their window. And it looked very dark. It was very dark. No power at all now.

It was really very cozy lighting candles. Your house looks so much different in the candle light and dark in a pleasant sort of way. The weather had cooled considerably which was another blessing, so we didn't even miss the fans.

The next morning I called the electric company again. Their original estimate had been between 11-1 am the night before. Now it was between 6-8 pm today. I wasn't sure if I should believe them.
Really, things weren't too bad. There were a few grumpy people because of lack of internet access or tv :) but I was overall enjoying it, trying not to think of the growing laundry pile or grungy carpet. My concern was feeding 10 people out of a little cooler. I guess there are worse problems in the world than running to the store to get supplies for every meal. I was really starting to think this was going to be a long term situation.
But, just as we were finishing dinner on Saturday the lights came back on. Naomi and Ella and I had taken a walk earlier and finally saw the crews working on the power lines. It gave us hope things would be back to normal soon, and we weren't disappointed. It's funny how your grumbling toward a certain entity turns to wanting to hug them once they fix your problems. :)

So that was our powerless adventure. Somehow, I have much fonder thoughts about it than the one we had several years back. Probably because it was so darn hot during that one and NO WATER.
Boy, we are spoiled. I know it.
And thankful for all the little blessing interspersed in this now seemingly trivial inconvenience. :)

Double Decker

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:42:00 +0000

Yesterday it was forecasted to be a hot one. Probably the hottest day of the year yet. I decided it was time to take the kids to the squirty park at Metro. It hasn't been all that warm this summer so far, and since we don't have a/c ( besides window units) and it is often 10 degrees cooler by the lake ( especially on the days you DON'T want it to be, ie: psuedo spring days when it feels nice enough to want to be outside and you think "Let's go drink in the beauty of Metro!" only to find it is still winter there :)
Well, it wasn't. Cooler that is.
And we finally made it there at the height of heat and sun.....12-3PM. Serindipitously, even though it was uber crowded, we walked into the park just as someone else was leaving a shady spot so we set up shop there and the kids went in and out of the squirting water. Naomi ran (????) and George biked his heart out. We ate our picnic lunch but by 2:30 or so the heat was wearing on us, even in the shade, so we headed home.

We did a little reading, a little *States Game* playing ( Jed's new favorite....fun, but only so much fun after you've played it 10 times in a row;) a little laundry ( can't put that one on the back burner, even when it is hot) and dinner eating ( chicken gyro's).
At 7:30 we decided to head back since the sun was somewhat less intense. As I was unloading the bikes, strollers, kids and other paraphenilia from the van I noticed a wallet sitting on the pavement in the next parking spot.
We walked it over to the park office, and when I handed it to the attendant a man sitting next to the desk jumped up with joy. I guess he had been there filing a police report. It was nice to help someone out like that. I know what a nightmare it is to lose your wallet.

Unfortunately, and unbeknowst to me, the squirty park closes at 8. Bummer.
Still, we were able to go and play at the playscape for another good hour and then stopped on the way home for Mc Donald's 1.00 cones. :) By then some cool showers helped get us ready for bed.

When it gets hot like this in the first days of summer I always think how it doesn't seem that long ago that we were dealing with ice and snow. And it probably won't be that long until we are again. So no complaints, a/c in the house or not. We will enjoy all of summer. The heat, the mosquitos, the sticky popscicle messes, the wet bathing suits left all over the house ( does anyone change in their rooms or bathrooms? :) Precious days.

Daybook: First Day of Summer & Father's Day 2009

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Outside my window: bright and sunny. The first day of the new season and it appears to be the quintessentially summer day.

I am thinking.......I'm still waiting for those lazy, hazy days of summer. Crazy, we got. :)

I am thankful . ....that I have an excellent father and that my husband is an excellent father and I had an excellent father in law.

From the schoolroom. . ..trying to make sure Jed reads every day so as not to lose his skills. Finishing up math with the rest. (Ditto) Hopefully we'll start the library reading program this week.

From the kitchen ...I think I will try a pecan pie today. Never made one, but the father of the house has been dropping hints.

What I could take a break from making for the next 6 months: chocolate peanut butter squares. I'm sure I've made about 100 dozen in the last few weeks. They are the potluck favorite. ;)

I am wearing . . grey sweat capri's and a blue and silver metallic t-shirt. grey flip flops

I am creating . . .Well, I just finished some curtains for my canopy bed. I jinxed myself, though. While I was sewing away this morning I was thinking about how wonderfully the whole project was going. I *had* the curtains to match my new duvet, just needed to re-work them. ( IN other works, I didn't have to go searching the various thrift stores for new goods) I found a workable way to hang them, and it all was working out technically. I even had a quiet morning to myself with no littles up and about.

Then I started breaking needles one after another which precipitated a store run. I tried Walgreens, but no luck, so I had to go to Meijer. Tim and I love Meijer, and it's so close, but the problem is, just walking into the store is a huge time commitment and I knew I was working with limited minutes left in my *alone time* allotment . Thankfully, I was able to breeze in and out at a pretty good clip and somehow managed to finish up without breaking any more....

I am reading and watching . . . three diet books ( oops, I'm not supposed to call them diet books....."nutrional books".

Love on A Diet by Wendy Jeub

This was a quick read and pretty inspiring. I mean, when a lady with 15 kids writes a book on how she looks so great you want to know her secrets. I think it boils down to she hit a *crisis* with her weight and appearance and decided to do whatever necessary to change. Isn't that the bonafide secret to all *changing your eating habits and losing weight" books? You've got to want it! :) I like the fact that she didn't stop eating regular foods, mostly just less of them and has a few helpful hints.

I thought it was a little humorus when she wrote "If I can do it, anyone can!" I know what she was trying to say but I can just see the general public thinking "Well, you have 15 kids and homeschool them, so it is obvious you can do a lot of things I would never imagine trying. " and set the book down.

The Beck Diet for Life

This one goes into the more psychological reasons for overeating which I liked. It was written by a woman who believes/practices cognitive therapy ( which is changing your thoughts to change what is wrong in your life) which I think highly of as well. The *diet* itself is sound and not too low in calories ( which she advocates). She has you write out cards with reasons why you want to lose weight to read every morning and charts to fill out everyday to check off various behavioral exercises she wants you to do. I don't doubt the benefit of all that, and maybe that is an area I am failing in and need to take the time to do, but I sort of shy away from doing things like that because I forget or don't want to be bothered.

But by far my favorite is:

Unleash your Skinny Girl by Bethenney Frankl

She has all the reasons for me to write her off. She has no children and has never been pregnant, she is single, she has her own *healthy cooking* company.......but she mixes a good bit of humor with "get a hold of yourself! you're not a 2 yo" in her writing. Her ideas are commonsense and she, like the aforementioned book have helped me see ( which I was starting to suspect) that I have a very immature attitude when it comes to food. I THINK I should be able to eat what I want and shake an angry fist at the gods for not being able to ( which mostly means I just eat what I want anyway...and then complain that I am getting chubby. ;)

For some reason I picked out three Henry James novels to screen Dvd's at the library the other day. Didn't do it on purpose...it just happened! I watched the Masterpiece Theatre version of "The Turn of the Screw" yesterday at ironing time, which I thought was well done.

Naomi and I watched "The Mayor of Casterbridge" which was also good, but left me scratching my head a little. I just don't know why the daughter was so fond of her stepfather/father/in the end, not related to her at all. I remember reading the book, but I couldn't remember all the details, so I am wondering if re-reading it might shed a little light or if the movie just didn't really do the story justice. This is one book with a MULTITUDE of twists and turns in the story line.

I am hearing . ...Jed and Manny giving their breakfast requests to George.

Around the house. ...THE GARAGE MUST BE CLEANED!!!!

One of my favorite things. ...a warm summer night.

What will we do this week. . lunch with Neana to try and figure out Dyl's grad party. Sigh of relief!

Homeschool meeting, someone's 26th Anniversay, but I don't know how that will be celebrated, a belated Father's Day dinner on Sunday with my parents and Nan.

Here’s a picture I am sharing. .My two gradutes! Dylan (High school) Jed (Kindergarten)

Blogging while waiting for my nails to dry.......

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 06:40:00 +0000

Too tired to do much else.
The day started with some early morning floor mopping, bathroom cleaning, laundry loads and dishwashing.
All because two teenage girls were coming over. I don't fuss about a clean house as much when boys are coming over, but I think since they are female, perhaps messes bother them like they do me.
We zipped off to the 9am mass to pick the girls up. Armed with our extra doses of estrogen we came home. I grabbed Manny and went to visit Noah at Value Center :) I love having him bag my groceries.
After we unloaded the goods we re-loaded the car with kids, scooters and bikes we headed to Sonic ( the girls had never been) and took it all to George George.
Boy, it was crowded there. It didn't dawn on me it was the last day of school-school. I suppose everyone thought it was a good idea to go and celebrate the finish of the school year.

I laid on the grass and read while the littles played at the park. The sun was dancing through the trees. The man behind me was talking on his cell phone in French. A cool breeze blew. Ahhhhhh, a perfect summer day.
Too soon, it was time to go. Off to Dyl's graduation practice. When we walked in the room was a whirl of activity. Teens practicing Pacobel's Canon. Mom's carrying potted plants, men and boys setting up tables and chairs. I think it will be quite a ceremony. I'm sure very emotional. It is nice to be in a group of collectively proud parents. Very dear.

A mad dash home to toss a greek salad and cut up a pan of cookies for the basketball banquet. Finding out Jed wasn't feeling so well, I stayed home. A trip to Walgreens to get some nailpolish remover and fresh paint. Gabriella and I had a little girly time doing our nails just before Jed decided to lose his cookies in the very spot we had been sitting.
So the night finished off by cleaning up that mess, but at least with nice looking nails. ;) Tried to get to sleep, but tossed and turned knowing that there would be emotional messes to deal with in the morning ( The. Wings. Lost.)
Wondering now if I should try to get back to sleep or just get started on a new day.
It's been a busy, but lovely week.

Mysteries

vrazok@comcast.net (Kris) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:52:00 +0000

Lately I've been thinking about the many stages of mothering.
Is there any other vocation with so many changes, so many experiences that can't be related to or known, unless gone through?
I remember the first time I realized I was pregnant. No matter how badly I wanted to be a mother, no matter how many other mothers I had talked to about it or books read, there was no real preparation for realizing you held a little being within your being. There was no way to understand the nausea, the tiredness, the delight when I felt a small someone kicking a book perched on my stomach. No way to know what labor was going to feel like ( admittedly that one has taken quite awhile, they are all so different. :) No way to wrap your mind around the joy of holding that little being in your arms once he arrived. No way to understand that forever your heart would be tied to theirs. That you would feel every pain and joy, excitement, nervousness ,despair or hope that they feel inside your own soul. ( every one you know about, anyway :)

When you have just babies you can't imagine ever having enough sleep, or not changing a diaper. When you have all toddlers you wonder if you will ever be able to sit still, to not constantly be on alert lest they fall or wander off.....
and on and on it goes. One day when I had all small ones I was talking to my sister in law on the phone and she was telling me her nine year old was making cookies. Wonder of wonder! A child doing something so advanced! Would I ever get to those days?
Yes, they have come and gone. And will still come and go for some time.

I have experienced many of the mysteries of motherhood. Potty training, drivers training, starting school, graduating from school....even the mysteries you hold your breath and hope you will never know.... holding a very tiny little boy, still...with no life in his fragile body. No, no one can help you to understand the icy cold pain of losing one so unexpectedly.
Yet, there are still some out there for me. Some I am just getting used to. For a very long time I couldn't imagine any of mine living apart from us. Now there have been two. I still sneak into the laundry room and let the tears come. I wonder if that will ever become commonplace like having someone who can now cook a 4 course meal, or babysit, or go to the store for me.
Having a married child is an unknown, having a grandchild. Having an empty nest ( well, that one might never happen anyway ;).

I don't think you can ever say you have arrived as a mother. It seems like no matter how long you've been at it there will always be something new waiting for you on the horizon.

Motherhood

From out the front of being, undefiled,
A life hath been upheaved with struggle and pain;
Safe in her arms a mother holds again
That dearest miracle--a new-born child.
To moans of anguish terrible and wild--
As shrieks the night-wind through an ill-shut pane--
Pure heaven succeeds; and after fiery strain
Victorious woman smiles serenely mild.

Yea, shall she not rejoice, shall not her frame
Thrill with a mystic rapture! At this birth,
The soul now kindled by her vital flame
May it not prove a gift of priceless worth?
Some saviour of his kind whose starry fame
Shall bring a brightness to the darkened earth.

Mathilde Blind