Have I Heard That Somewhere Before?

I recently redesigned my mom's blog for her. I had so much fun creating her header and picking out the color scheme. In the midst of the project Charity (age 9) came over to where I was fiddling away at the computer and said, "Mom, you should do something else besides the computer, like sewing, or your brain is going to get fried." I guess my allotted "screen time" was up.

EnRICHing My Kids

I have been a little AWOL from the blogging world of late, but things seem to have settled down now that school has been in session for a week. The first two weeks of school around here are kind of slow, easing the kids (and parents) back into the routine. I have one more back to school night to attend and then it will be official; homework will start coming home and I'll have to be more diligent in checking backpacks and asking questions.

I welcome a little more organization to the day for the kids, getting up at a certain time, having time to play, work, and do homework set aside, and a regular bedtime as well. We all seem to be a lot calmer.

One thing that I have been really wanting to do is get back into the habit of is reading to my kids each night. We started back up a few weeks ago with The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo and have moved on to others since then (look at the sidebar to see what we are currently reading!). I read from the hallway where all the bedroom doors converge while the kids are in their beds. I am surprised at how much the four year olds look forward to it as well, even though the chapter books are above their "level." (I read them their books during the day) Perhaps they will acquire large vocabularies. Seven year old Gracie interrupts a lot to ask what a certain word means, so I know she is improving her vocab and understanding as well.

Mostly I love it because I love books. I love sharing what I love with my kids. When we can talk about a book together or laugh as we make real life comparisons to something we have read, it creates a fun connection in our relationships. What's that old poem?


You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be --
I had a mother who read to me....

-Strickland Gillilan

A Beautiful Noise

Jacob is taking orchestra at school this year and is very excited to be playing the violin. He had some instruction in violin last year in elementary school; he was able to retain some of what he learned over the summer. He brought a violin home from school today and excitedly brushed up on his skills. Here is a little performance for your enjoyment.


Perhaps he and Charity can do a duet sometime.

Sending them Back

It's barely the middle of August, and although it will be another month at least before cool Autumn breezes grace my spot in the world, the kids are back at school. This morning two rode the bus off to intermediate school and two walked down the the elementary school. The other two start preschool tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, for two and a half hours I will be alone. I will have the house to myself. I will have my thoughts to myself. I can open the pantry or fridge without someone declaring they are hungry and need a snack. I can sit on the couch without having someone ask me to read them a book. I can walk out of a room without someone instantly calling for me the minute I step out. I can even go to the bathroom in peace. For two and a half hours, I will be alone.

I used to feel guilty about the sigh of relief I let out when school starts up again, wishing I was a mom with the talent to always be "on" as a mother: homeschooling, letting the kids climb in bed with her every night, never too busy to read a book or listen to a complaint or work on a messy art project. But I know myself better now, and I know my kids. School is good for the kids. And me, I'm not anti-social or anything, but my personality has always leaned towards spending time alone with my thoughts, needing space to regroup and organize myself. Going for long periods of time when my thoughts are constantly interrupted is jarring to me. The school year brings balance, gives me enough space that I can feel collected enough to give my children more of myself when they are home than I am able to when I feel constantly bombarded by their needs.

I admire those women who homeschool and are with their children almost 24/7, and I admire the mom's who send their kids off to school every day with a hug and a kiss, and the knowledge that they are loved, priceless jewels that their mothers could not live without.

A New Talent

Four of my children take piano lessons. Two have sung in choirs. One has instruction on violin and xylophone. Four have had instruction on conga drums in school. But I never imagined one of my children would be musically talented this way. Welcome to Musical Gargling.

Update to "My Boy"

Today Tim added a more masculine touch to his dress-up ensamble.
After all, he is a BOY .

A Preschooler's Fashion Faux Pas

Inside Tabitha's mind:

Boring, boring boring -- the same old pink shirts and denim skorts. My wardrobe needs some pizazz! Maybe Charity can help me. Look how cool her outfit is. She has a real flair for fashion!

Oh, I like this skirt. Plaid, very slimming, very traditional. Wait, something feels weird. Hmm. I think Charity needs to learn to take better measurements.

No problem, easy to fix. I'll just find a piece of fabric and patch it up. There must be something in here!

Hmm, white felt with a price tag embellishment and a bit of dryer lint. No, it just doesn't "pop."

This green looks nice.

A little twist here, another twist there. Who needs a needle and thread when you have elastic pony tail holders?

Don't peek! I'm almost ready to unveil!

Ta da! Just wait 'till they see me at preschool!