tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113808072024-03-06T20:54:01.345-08:00Healthy HomesA healthy home includes love, laughter, and lots and lots of books.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.comBlogger349125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-90976803875630985872013-03-05T16:06:00.000-08:002013-03-05T16:07:03.647-08:00On the road again...Well - not literally.<br />
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But my blog is moving.<br />
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I know I've not done a good job of keeping up my poor blog - partly because I've known this change is coming; partly because I'm busy writing my <a href="http://cultivatingreaders.com/" target="_blank">Cultivating Readers</a> blog, full of children's book reviews; partly because I'm just plain busy.<br />
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I have four children, remember? And a <a href="http://mlcontent.com/" target="_blank">home business</a>?<br />
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Anyway, Glen and I have finally updated our website, so you can find me, my photos, my musings over at <a href="http://leichty.org/">leichty.org</a>.<br />
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I hope to see you there!<br />
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<i>ps: I'm still working out the kinks. Right now you will mostly find my previous posts from blogger.com there. But I will be adding new content. PROMISE!</i> Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-58877656911560017442012-07-25T08:05:00.000-07:002012-07-25T08:05:04.161-07:00Family Vacation. (Or Family Vacation, Part 2)WARNING: This post contains too many pictures.<br />
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But I just couldn't decide which ones I could eliminate. My sister-in-law, <a href="http://www.mollysabourin.com/" target="_blank">Molly</a>, got her camera back from cleaning just in time for our family vacation. She has worked really hard to develop her eye - and took so many great pictures.<br />
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(And, if I can say so myself, captured a few fun moments on 'film' as well.)<br />
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Scene: Gladstone, Michigan. The town where my dad grew up. As children, we spent a week every summer there, sometimes more if Mom could pawn one of us off on Grandpa & Grandma, with a ride home. Grandma's house sold (<a href="http://healthyhomesforall.blogspot.com/2012/07/pre-family-vacation-or-family-vacation.html" target="_blank">see previous post</a>), so Mom and Dad rented a vacation house right across from the beach, Kid's Kingdom and the bike path. Lovely!<br />
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Cast: Mom & Dad, Me and my four children, my brother and his family, and my sister. 14 in all. Glen had to stay home to work. Bummer.<br />
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Celebrating Cousins!</div>
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My brother, his boys and Isaac. </div>
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Where was Nathaniel?</div>
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My brother and me.</div>
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Nathaniel was probably avoiding the pictures...</div>
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The house where we stayed. </div>
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See those goofy boys in the window?</div>
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My sister made ribs - YUM!</div>
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Cousins!</div>
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We toured Fayette State Park.</div>
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The kids cooling off on the hotel porch.</div>
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Isaac, our resident historian, completed the entire tour with the adults.</div>
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Papa & Nana and the grandkids.</div>
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Mom & Dad and their kids.</div>
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See how much my sister loves me?</div>
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Elijah organized his siblings and cousins and filmed a short movie.</div>
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I've not seen the final cut yet - but here we have the assassin and the hero.</div>
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Can you tell which is which?</div>
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A rousing game of Trivia Pursuit - the 90's edition.</div>
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(Molly & I were cleaning the kitchen, so our girls rolled in our stead.) </div>
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Our favorite place and activity in Gladstone:</div>
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reading on the beach.</div>
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Cousins and best friends.</div>
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Our annual ice cream picture - in grandkid order!</div>
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My four. When did they get so big??</div>
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Mary & Anna enjoying time together.</div>
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Digging for worms for fishing on the pier.</div>
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Our official photographer.</div>
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Papa and Ben 'mickey-mousing.'</div>
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(my dad's favorite term for goofing off.)</div>
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Playing the thrift-shop find of the week:</div>
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How Things Work board game.</div>
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Isaac loves it. Mary tried hard.</div>
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<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-18582320169011925392012-07-20T08:17:00.000-07:002012-07-20T08:17:23.942-07:00Pre-Family Vacation. (Or Family Vacation, Part 1)I had decided I wanted a few extra days in Upper Michigan. A week never seems quite long enough to relax and enjoy the beach. Plus, we were going to miss the Gladstone Fourth of July parade, which made me sad.<br />
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We usually camp out in my grandmother's house. My uncle's been trying to sell it for the past four years (at least), so I wasn't worried. Until my dad told me in April that Grandma's house had sold.<br />
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What great news!<br />
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Wait a minute...<br />
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No July 4th in Gladstone! I was very sad. Dad said, "Call my cousin!"<br />
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"I hardly know your cousin!"<br />
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"Call him anyway. He says he wants to stay connected."<br />
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I wrote Nolan, Dad's cousin, a letter. I boldly asked to invite myself and three of my children (Glen was working & Nathaniel on a youth trip to New Orleans) to their house for four days.<br />
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They said yes! And we had a great time!<br />
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The kids and I started with a family tradition: Gladstone's July 4th parade.<br />
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Lydia was grumpy about sitting in the smallest chair.</div>
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It was really hot, so we went back to Nolan & Carol's to rest & nap.</div>
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Thursday, Nolan declared it too hot to stay in Gladstone, so we headed to Munising. We went to the waterfall (which we could not walk under, much to Nolan's dismay), then had a quick picnic lunch before heading out on the Pictured Rock boat tour (gorgeous). The way home included a stop at Pete's Lake in Hiawatha National Forest for a swim, a stop at Carol's brother's house to clean up after the swim, and a stop at a small store for big bowls of ice cream. Whew! </div>
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Nolan & Carol - our hosts</div>
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Pictured Rock Boat Tour</div>
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Nolan & Isaac enjoying a snack</div>
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Anna loves Pete's Lake! </div>
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She read while Isaac played in the sand,</div>
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Carol and I took pictures,</div>
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And Nolan threw Lydia & Isaac in the water </div>
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to wash off the 'stickies.'</div>
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Wednesday night's fireworks had been postponed because of a storm that blew up right before they were to be let off. So we had a double dose of fireworks. Thursday night we went to Escanaba for their fireworks, and Friday night we watched Gladstone's.</div>
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Lydia & me in Escanaba</div>
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Friday and Saturday we hung around the house, so Nolan brought out a plethora of airplanes and gliders for Isaac to throw. He was in heaven!</div>
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So much for Gladstone's beach! Nolan and the kids went to the pool on Friday afternoon for several hours, so the kids did swim some before we headed down to town for a week with my family.<br />
<br />
Which is your teaser for Family Vacation. (Or Family Vacation, Part 2). More pictures to come of biking, fishing, swimming, beaching, reading, relaxing, touristing, etc.<br />
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Stay tuned!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com0Gladstone, MI, USA45.8527435 -87.021804945.8306245 -87.061286900000013 45.874862500000006 -86.9823229tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-2356410811810627052012-07-18T13:23:00.000-07:002012-07-18T13:23:51.183-07:00Queen of the TournamentAs I was downloading pictures off my camera this morning, I found pictures from our family outing last month to celebrate the end of school.<br />
<br />
Oops.<br />
<br />
So, before I write about our fabulous family vacation (minus Glen) in Upper Michigan, I'll share some overdue pictures of....<br />
<br />
Medieval Times!<br />
<br />
(I had received tickets for our family to attend a show as payment for writing an article for a local magazine. Yippee!)<br />
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Yes, they were excited!</div>
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Glen and his girls.</div>
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Anna got a picture of Glen and I.</div>
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Nathaniel tried hard to not get his picture taken -</div>
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especially with that crown on his head.</div>
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But Dad made him!</div>
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The knight we were cheering for was handing out flowers.</div>
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Lydia wanted one, but didn't get one. </div>
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He came back with this sash for her.</div>
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She was super-excited!</div>
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There's 'our' knight - black & yellow.</div>
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(My other pictures of the show didn't turn out well.</div>
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Bummer.)</div>
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A fun time was had by all!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com0Medieval Times42.0333607 -88.083405941.9861852 -88.1623699 42.080536200000004 -88.0044419tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-71334745637275026382012-06-06T18:44:00.001-07:002012-06-06T18:44:41.794-07:00Sew DeterminedThis morning, Isaac said to me, "Mom, I want to make a kilt for Lambie."<br />
<br />
I heard, "quilt."<br />
<br />
"Isaac, honey, you already have a quilt. We made it months ago and has buttons on it. I know it's for Teddy, but surely he'll share."<br />
<br />
"No Mom, a KILT."<br />
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"OH. That's another matter entirely. I'd have to have a pattern... and... " (picturing in my mind a Scottish kilt with all the pleats etc.)<br />
<br />
Subject dropped so we could get to his sisters' softball game.<br />
<br />
I forgot about it. Isaac did not.<br />
<br />
After lunch, "Mom, I'll clear the table so we can make Lambie's kilt. I found the perfect fabric, and even white fabric for the inside."<br />
<br />
Me, "WHAT?" (In my head. I did not say it out loud, thankfully!)<br />
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So, instead of a nap I so desperately craved, here's what I did this afternoon:<br />
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Button for the back of the kilt</div>
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Decorative button at the front of the kilt.</div>
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Apparently, it has the emblem from the Delaware flag on it.</div>
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Of course, Isaac would know that.</div>
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Of course, I would not.</div>
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Lambie in his finished kilt!</div>
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(I realized Isaac wanted the plaid fabric. He wasn't worried about the pleats. SO much easier!)</div>
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Grandma Sabourin's sewing kit</div>
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My sewing kit.</div>
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(Maybe I'm a tad OCD? Just a tad though.)</div>
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This was one of those moments I was very glad I sacrificed my nap to help Isaac's dream come true. He even volunteered to clean everything up so I could go lay down.<br />
<br />
He did.<br />
<br />
I did.<br />
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Everyone was happy. Except Lydia, who did not get an opportunity to sew today. However, she will soon. I promise.<br />
<br />Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-45363847429781424662012-05-25T12:03:00.000-07:002012-05-25T12:03:16.996-07:00Playing Catch-up. Again.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(I couldn't help being a bit silly today.)</div>
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Yes, again I find myself looking at the date of my last blog post and thinking, "Really? Sure doesn't seem that long since I last blogged."</div>
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And yet, it is. So, here are some pictures from this past month.</div>
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Papa (my dad) hugging Nathaniel.</div>
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Yep. 8th-grade graduate.</div>
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Attending our local high school in the fall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgfKXsDosTJjZ2DulT7Uy4optjPlo52yziBrDyrR9vKuJ8xnGE9gEpKeu0rft6B-sw2a-i9-ZIVpA9bDHNEWOdtIZx-jX5q-PEde_9y3yR6yfi2794fYsBTaTuDG_IFBHy3HRaA/s1600/graduation+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgfKXsDosTJjZ2DulT7Uy4optjPlo52yziBrDyrR9vKuJ8xnGE9gEpKeu0rft6B-sw2a-i9-ZIVpA9bDHNEWOdtIZx-jX5q-PEde_9y3yR6yfi2794fYsBTaTuDG_IFBHy3HRaA/s320/graduation+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(what? a picture of me??)</div>
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Anna loves graduation parties.</div>
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They're a great chance to catch up on her reading.</div>
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Speaking of reading, I've read several books over the past few months which I've not reviewed at all. Since Christmas, really. So here are a few:</div>
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<i>In the Garden of Beasts</i> by Erik Larson is an interesting biography of America's ambassador, and his family, to Nazi Germany before World War II. Really, there's more about his flamboyant daughter than about him. She was rather wild, dating all sorts of men, including a probable KGB agent. Again, interesting, but not what I would consider required reading.</div>
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<i>In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day </i>by Mark Batterson is a quick read. He bases this entire book on two verses, 2 Samuel 23:20-21, which describes Benaiah, a valiant warrior who chased a lion into a pit, and despite the slippery snow, caught and killed it. My dad wasn't impressed with this book, but I enjoyed it. At the end of each chapter, Batterson includes points of review and application questions.<br />
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I know I'm slow to get on the <i>No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency</i> bandwagon, but it's worth joining, even a bit late. Why? Because these books are delightful to read, and because I can read through them all so quickly. There are 13 in the series now, and I don't have to wait for the next one to come out. They're all right there on my library shelves. These books are perfect summer reading - interesting, fun, but not stressful, suspenseful or otherwise keep-me-awake-at-night reading. I highly recommend them.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-9517101453239281562012-04-25T13:02:00.003-07:002012-04-25T13:05:35.683-07:00Celebrating April Birthdays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We spent the weekend in Indiana, celebrating April birthdays with Glen's family: Nathaniel, Glen, Karen and me. The kids were beside themselves - so excited to see Grandpa and Grandma, Uncle Brian and Aunt Karen and their cousins. Who wouldn't be excited to spend time with these beautiful girls?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEBSl2-O5jVtCa-qpIotQWS_25fBjz_b2AmQBvOKNP2Xa8PxCHS7zyckg5UT_J1K_z0JGzdnBVB5QhVV-TC6GeIOQNwVro09AOByWzFCzcWfISZp2TvDn0qep7bhTpj2f8kzyqg/s1600/IMG_0367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEBSl2-O5jVtCa-qpIotQWS_25fBjz_b2AmQBvOKNP2Xa8PxCHS7zyckg5UT_J1K_z0JGzdnBVB5QhVV-TC6GeIOQNwVro09AOByWzFCzcWfISZp2TvDn0qep7bhTpj2f8kzyqg/s200/IMG_0367.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEBSl2-O5jVtCa-qpIotQWS_25fBjz_b2AmQBvOKNP2Xa8PxCHS7zyckg5UT_J1K_z0JGzdnBVB5QhVV-TC6GeIOQNwVro09AOByWzFCzcWfISZp2TvDn0qep7bhTpj2f8kzyqg/s1600/IMG_0367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNauQk3nb2SaLnS05A8w8TvVG7kUUtMGv-BqHkGSHWutCFiWaGUnvMd8mxzseX2uUFn7eU9UTwa-pNUMDLMPoVOAOqPi-7IjFQnHv8RrX837J_S8zO65uVVaWXs6OTGagBG1p-Wg/s1600/IMG_7581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNauQk3nb2SaLnS05A8w8TvVG7kUUtMGv-BqHkGSHWutCFiWaGUnvMd8mxzseX2uUFn7eU9UTwa-pNUMDLMPoVOAOqPi-7IjFQnHv8RrX837J_S8zO65uVVaWXs6OTGagBG1p-Wg/s320/IMG_7581.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatHzjtBK56UYjJgvA_UPPUF005Fj2fnRy3PlmaPpSCmgmqtg0Cdl76beCw6jNEe3aygzBtAj-Q7ArvqYC1FUMEAiLaiJgezp9f67h8ukM6Kl1O4BDBDM9NSlCfTNB-Tl5qI8VmQ/s1600/IMG_7595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatHzjtBK56UYjJgvA_UPPUF005Fj2fnRy3PlmaPpSCmgmqtg0Cdl76beCw6jNEe3aygzBtAj-Q7ArvqYC1FUMEAiLaiJgezp9f67h8ukM6Kl1O4BDBDM9NSlCfTNB-Tl5qI8VmQ/s320/IMG_7595.JPG" width="320" /></a> Here are the birthday siblings - with Mom in the background.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZn4Z6oa__DnDgTLxhfg62mjWA7yq3d_J3cV-TZVw4HFAmbQf4QRxhQ24JSYYqSlU0fA4g7UQuX1_KOP3WKhs75cXrLtgBOIlfAnHNDqarBpN_5DBFmtA830addPp42xrYIByz9w/s1600/IMG_7586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZn4Z6oa__DnDgTLxhfg62mjWA7yq3d_J3cV-TZVw4HFAmbQf4QRxhQ24JSYYqSlU0fA4g7UQuX1_KOP3WKhs75cXrLtgBOIlfAnHNDqarBpN_5DBFmtA830addPp42xrYIByz9w/s320/IMG_7586.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0dg7aHusZXc0xFPiG1wtHmSt94zCGX5DIdcLwXrutd-MONPY7NCw39xUC8V_-2PgUNeM9jU3RUMoaE92tIQ_nVRGoiQlYlWttS0IoKJArI8SZeB_RdIBISZKhUZ9-D3s2Uxnbg/s1600/IMG_7585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0dg7aHusZXc0xFPiG1wtHmSt94zCGX5DIdcLwXrutd-MONPY7NCw39xUC8V_-2PgUNeM9jU3RUMoaE92tIQ_nVRGoiQlYlWttS0IoKJArI8SZeB_RdIBISZKhUZ9-D3s2Uxnbg/s320/IMG_7585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anna banana<br />
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Lydia: mid-eye roll. Lovely.<br />
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Waiting for dessert</div>
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I begged for a nice picture. Katy complied. Isaac not so much.</div>
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Happy Birthday Karen!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidP_Jsp6IML8lc87_ZRPHj9x0ei2UnMHaMc3emCOb4yyLSo4HylYAiS0P8EtBm7xnPVjx-cVGPZ-khToRnGTohfvVAYvFf0oUSzCe4f5XNires-4Pl9DZcN_cQ5CswxagbiLwYFw/s1600/IMG_0369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidP_Jsp6IML8lc87_ZRPHj9x0ei2UnMHaMc3emCOb4yyLSo4HylYAiS0P8EtBm7xnPVjx-cVGPZ-khToRnGTohfvVAYvFf0oUSzCe4f5XNires-4Pl9DZcN_cQ5CswxagbiLwYFw/s200/IMG_0369.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGWCnMOdNQRlN0aHXY7D7lOrARK03UxfvBQqoSDQzinBEjPhBeIAC7ytZi6R5lNUMng4kSTpEI7WPboH1aH8GugSGm1QYJl3or_P9I6YKD4Qm-pUytLVBsxhBBg95v1HBR4mxyg/s1600/IMG_7600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGWCnMOdNQRlN0aHXY7D7lOrARK03UxfvBQqoSDQzinBEjPhBeIAC7ytZi6R5lNUMng4kSTpEI7WPboH1aH8GugSGm1QYJl3or_P9I6YKD4Qm-pUytLVBsxhBBg95v1HBR4mxyg/s320/IMG_7600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Waiting in line for dinner. My kids said the best part of the weekend was the food! Of course, seeing their cousins came in a very, very, very close second.<br />
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(right) View from my window Sunday night as I drove back to Rensselaer from Lafayette and dinner with Sarah. Very lovely - both dinner and the view!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-21407521806697031162012-04-18T06:19:00.000-07:002012-04-18T06:19:09.464-07:00Happy Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since I've neglected my poor blog for... not sure how long... here are
some pictures to catch up on our recent family happenings. And since half of our immediate family were born in April (Nathaniel, Glen and I), it's mostly about birthdays. But other stuff too. </div>
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Today is the official birthday of my wonderful husband, Glen. (And that
of his sister, Karen. No they are not twins - but born three years
apart on the same day.) </div>
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Happy Birthday Glen & Karen!</div>
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(That's ME in the picture, not Karen. This is for Do Re'.) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vFkNV94KbWig6CldmqCjF0fG0JnKj20_X-NTO9dvupJOJG8m-Ea11EZZT5IgKfJwzc1ydiFQyaknCP9ugYOvda6IEz_DBl7j40ajV2d4skrn58vSKuLNsqlyomY87SmGlxzGHQ/s1600/IMG_7557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vFkNV94KbWig6CldmqCjF0fG0JnKj20_X-NTO9dvupJOJG8m-Ea11EZZT5IgKfJwzc1ydiFQyaknCP9ugYOvda6IEz_DBl7j40ajV2d4skrn58vSKuLNsqlyomY87SmGlxzGHQ/s320/IMG_7557.JPG" width="320" /></a> Our family LOVES March Madness. This year, Isaac and I tied for the highest number of games picked correctly - we each picked 41.<br />
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Because today is Glen's birthday, as a birthday gift I will concede that while Glen didn't pick the most number of games correctly, he did pick the final game correctly - Kansas vs. Kentucky. Although he picked Kansas to win. Thankfully they didn't, but this Mizzou alum still hasn't quite forgiven him for picking Kansas.<br />
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This is my oldest on his birthday. </div>
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He agreed to help me watch the twins of my good friend Dawn so she could attend church. We had so much fun cuddling on those sweet little babies!</div>
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Above, Nathaniel is holding Micah.</div>
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Below, I'm holding Jude.</div>
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(Wait - WHAT? isn't that the 3rd picture of me in this blog post? Do Re', I hope you are ecstatic!) </div>
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Isaac and my dad worked hard on creating this car for a pinewood derby this month. </div>
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Isaac came in 3rd overall - not bad for his very first race! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2WqUQYkAMJoReAqYPDVsbCMqYn-iq_8pe3DuYfSCDjdh_zbkZqzU2lHM2hc7RQ_sa9r7hvXVGM8mv6f6v-PtNYE0O_gDziv2P875zCiaf4S2SKv9NfCYS0K6VOEXCtgcyvM-ZA/s1600/IMG_0350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2WqUQYkAMJoReAqYPDVsbCMqYn-iq_8pe3DuYfSCDjdh_zbkZqzU2lHM2hc7RQ_sa9r7hvXVGM8mv6f6v-PtNYE0O_gDziv2P875zCiaf4S2SKv9NfCYS0K6VOEXCtgcyvM-ZA/s320/IMG_0350.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And Lydia officially got her expander and braces off this month. Here she is with her orthodontist, Dr. Foley. When I went back for the celebration, the assistants all told me how much they loved Lydia and what a perfect patient she was. It was good news to this mommy.</div>
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Congratulations Lydia!</div>
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And now I just realized that the only family member missing from today's post is Anna.</div>
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She took the picture of Glen and me - hope that counts. I guess I've been as remiss in taking pictures as I have been in blogging. </div>
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(in case you're wondering, my birthday isn't until next week...)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-24527743829657787742012-03-07T11:52:00.002-08:002012-03-07T11:52:17.344-08:00Who Has Seen the Wind?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzuFCNMesN2C2XwaaD-DI3puiMkeEEhfX1wtlWj5TiFtgDVdAlsdbCThxEnrOkDOrPNkVcIxwvsVWP0KI5R_7T2JN2bIJRDedPuWFNBZe8AKMqRawiOu-ln8Hs371cYFomCz6JQ/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzuFCNMesN2C2XwaaD-DI3puiMkeEEhfX1wtlWj5TiFtgDVdAlsdbCThxEnrOkDOrPNkVcIxwvsVWP0KI5R_7T2JN2bIJRDedPuWFNBZe8AKMqRawiOu-ln8Hs371cYFomCz6JQ/s320/IMG_0307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2luhh2c6bOjveaqPqRkokPHrDyUc3Lba-vW3wTQDIWZI0oDzvv4jwOyxZTkyWLGVAcAm9CwdvEMHILMPsu5UGTfgbo7jluW5dfbcw8O1lEL3Wt7TCvUbG4T4jSxzeBXbXNqAdQ/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2luhh2c6bOjveaqPqRkokPHrDyUc3Lba-vW3wTQDIWZI0oDzvv4jwOyxZTkyWLGVAcAm9CwdvEMHILMPsu5UGTfgbo7jluW5dfbcw8O1lEL3Wt7TCvUbG4T4jSxzeBXbXNqAdQ/s320/IMG_0305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Who Has Seen the Wind?</div>
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<i>Christina Rossetti</i></div>
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Who has seen the wind? </div>
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Neither I nor you:</div>
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But when the leaves hang trembling</div>
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The wind is passing thro'.</div>
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Who has seen the wind?</div>
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Neither you nor I:</div>
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But when the trees bow down their heads</div>
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The wind is passing by.</div>
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<a href="http://enanoslivo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Read more poetry for Poetry Wednesday here.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxw1yvDzHb-vLW-9JaPgl7Wzko0FDT_dmESAb72k1H9bZxsSHhVQXwneahD8nRJfxefO-s83Q4Do6hTOJ7GkHFy4KS_qr7BuKjKIAkd8kArD8CvMIo_kytqIw-CgKPNvzwKbhDMA/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxw1yvDzHb-vLW-9JaPgl7Wzko0FDT_dmESAb72k1H9bZxsSHhVQXwneahD8nRJfxefO-s83Q4Do6hTOJ7GkHFy4KS_qr7BuKjKIAkd8kArD8CvMIo_kytqIw-CgKPNvzwKbhDMA/s320/IMG_0306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Don't they look so excited to be outside? It is a very windy day here - windy but warm. Yesterday, I ran the kids to the library to return books - and pick up some new ones.<br />
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That one looking at his watch picked up a movie they are all dying to see. The condition of watching it this afternoon was at least an hour outside. Thus, the watch-checking.<br />
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What's a mom to do? Compromise.<br />
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So I told the kids if they walked with me around the block (a rather large one), I would allow them to come in and watch the movie. (I think they were all secretly hoping the anticipated rain would arrive early.)<br />
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So this is what the watch-checker does on his walk:<br />
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Yes. He reads. Can't say I blame him. Like mother, like son. I remember dusting the house each Saturday morning with a book in one hand. Yes, it drove my mom crazy, but I did it every week. At least he's walking. Just not very quickly.<br />
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Last, but not least, we spent (the kids and I, while Daddy stayed home to study) a wonderful weekend with my brother and his family last weekend. I promise you I took my camera. I promise you my sister-in-law is a fantastic photographer. And I promise you this is the ONLY picture I have of the weekend. In fact, I would venture to guess this is the only picture anyone took the entire weekend. Lovely, isn't it?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVV2BoFEBBqWLF4RU23YmIny5na0N4_5kPqbHOx0zaPedfLH8lm3jFkHSQfStfy6kvOIZN3u5iRVG4Syq-oNO0iVEIFgmWmqs4uInvgZsgF8zPySGVbKU7CdzGJGprESmoj0Jng/s1600/IMG_0301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVV2BoFEBBqWLF4RU23YmIny5na0N4_5kPqbHOx0zaPedfLH8lm3jFkHSQfStfy6kvOIZN3u5iRVG4Syq-oNO0iVEIFgmWmqs4uInvgZsgF8zPySGVbKU7CdzGJGprESmoj0Jng/s320/IMG_0301.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Molly, showing off her daughter's creation.</div>
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"You can do anything with pipe cleaners and pom poms." -Priscilla, age 10.</div>
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Since we're on the subject, check out <a href="http://mollysabourin.com/" target="_blank">Molly's new blog</a>. She was inspired by <a href="http://cultivatingreaders.com/" target="_blank">my new blog</a> for my book reviews, and in about 48 hours recreated her blog/website. It's gorgeous. (And, I have to say, I absolutely adore my new blog too!)</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-58772882102830002132012-02-24T10:45:00.001-08:002012-02-24T10:45:02.387-08:00And Still More Pictures...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Random pictures from January & February</div>
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPO2EZXMFbMYp7NNvb8kl2PU1-OJw23xBLJhziq8oD_fDCGJUkFhoe4Afy5ujN1zqW5CIinm1dMgsIKosxUk9JiJWzwUi8BsbDZPt_H7oB13KkxCvObWeAhnIjnqPfarJiCKNGWw/s320/IMG_0262.JPG" width="320" /></div>
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Another one of Issac's Lego creations.</div>
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This is an aircraft carrier, complete with a plane with folding wings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaGO8wWUwjOl7vYLleDvr2cT_0pCMWnwnBNyHVvEifM4S1qsGd7jBu7cLRaWtViP0sK2vcEOnHANM8iZ8XeEqP0OctLn8wGMzKcfEnQ2vnfhNEG7-JOIWhaqdLnBL9qJIdI1Ghw/s1600/IMG_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaGO8wWUwjOl7vYLleDvr2cT_0pCMWnwnBNyHVvEifM4S1qsGd7jBu7cLRaWtViP0sK2vcEOnHANM8iZ8XeEqP0OctLn8wGMzKcfEnQ2vnfhNEG7-JOIWhaqdLnBL9qJIdI1Ghw/s320/IMG_0268.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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One of my creations: homemade bread. I made four loaves. Then the kids said, "We're tired of homemade bread!" WHAT??</div>
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My awesome new shoes. Less than $10 at Kohl's. Who doesn't love new shoes, new red shoes, and a great deal? Not me, that's for sure.</div>
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(DoRe': do pictures of my creations and bargains count as pictures of me? **grin**) </div>
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Look - we actually celebrated Valentine's Day! As a family! With a festive tablecloth and napkins and everything fancy - except fancy food. Although we did have pudding for dessert. Yum.</div>
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Isaac: "Mom! The guy on Nathaniel's card looks like he's looking at a girl!"</div>
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The whole table dissolved into giggles.</div>
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Another of my recent creations: vegetarian bean chili made from scratch.</div>
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Somehow Isaac ended up in 3 science classes at our co-op this semester. In one of his classes, they studied volcanoes. We made it erupt at home. It was so fun he had a hard time parting with it, so I took a picture.</div>
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One of the three 'thank-you' hugs Nana got after bringing Isaac a special gift.</div>
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What gift was that?</div>
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The Vulcan Nerf Gun. Quite the beast of a gun. I got some great video, which I'll share once I get it edited down to a manageable size.</div>
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And, yes, Papa was a part of this whole presentation - which you will see in the video. </div>
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Hey look! We're caught up! Four months in three days - how time flies.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-70365683422760847942012-02-23T10:48:00.002-08:002012-02-23T10:48:48.843-08:00More PicturesI'm working on a new book review blog/website (and I can't wait to show you!) but I'm having technical issues - unable to access it right now.<br />
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So... since I'm stymied in working on that, and I don't particularly want to plan schoolwork for the next three week, here I am again. With more pictures. From centuries ago. Well, really only Christmas. It just seems like centuries ago.<br />
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Our holidays were so busy and full of family gatherings I swear it took me until January 15th to recover. But it was a good busy - and I'm glad I needed to recover - because it meant I got to see and spend time with people I love.<br />
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During December, as in every other month of the year, the boys were building lots of 'creations' with their Legos. Isaac asked me to print out pictures of a WWII destroyer from the internet, and he proceeded to build this:<br />
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Isaac, with some help from Nathaniel, built this WWII Destroyer, complete with airplane.</div>
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Here are a few pictures from the various gatherings:<br />
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Anna celebrated her 12th birthday...</div>
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Everywhere we went. </div>
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Family Christmas</div>
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My brother & his wife</div>
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Aren't these girls so grown-up??</div>
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Cousins - and best buds</div>
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Mary gives Nathaniel a hug after receiving a rug he crocheted for her American Girl doll.</div>
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Nathaniel crochets at Grandpa & Grandma's</div>
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Cousins!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-26792178030151911332012-02-22T09:58:00.000-08:002012-02-22T09:58:53.917-08:00Playing Catch UpI found my camera the other day, and as I was flipping through pictures, I realized I hadn't uploaded them to my computer since... um... <i>Thanksgiving.</i><br />
<br />
Not a fact I'm proud of, for sure. But, I have now uploaded all the pictures between Thanksgiving and today. <i> </i>I will not try to dump them on you at once, but a little at a time.<br />
<br />
Aren't you happy?<br />
<br />
I almost skipped Thanksgiving. But then I looked at the pictures, and a couple of them made me laugh. So, here you go:<br />
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Thanksgiving 2011. Rockford, IL.<br />
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Playing games - or the piano</div>
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Isaac was enamored with Meaghan's new puppy.</div>
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Erik & Grandma</div>
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Neil quietly eating the last piece of pecan pie.</div>
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Rebecca's reaction when she realized Neil was eating the last piece of pecan pie.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-36450478620283701762011-12-29T07:48:00.000-08:002011-12-29T07:48:23.870-08:007 Tipping Points that Saved the World<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51T--s5396L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51T--s5396L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
One thing I love about homeschooling my children is that it supplements my own education - especially in history.<br />
<br />
I appreciated how much history I had learned when I read <i>7 Tipping Points That Saved the World</i> by Chris and Ted Stewart.<br />
<br />
Their focus is on freedom and individual liberties. They make a good argument in the introduction that we live in a very unique time in history in which liberty is the norm. The purpose of their book is to point out specific moments in history which could have destroyed the foundations of our liberties if the outcome had been different.<br />
<br />
The cool thing, for me, is that I was familiar with each of the events - not from my own schooling, but from teaching my children at home. Even if you're not familiar with the historical events, you will enjoy this book.<br />
<br />
This is not a dry, technical history book. The Stewarts incorporate narratives, bringing readers to the time and place they are discussing in that chapter. Then they include relevant historical information, and make their claim that if the outcome had been different, the world as we know it would not have been.<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to reading their first book, <i>Seven Miracles That Saved America.</i>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-87133381021602122342011-12-21T13:17:00.000-08:002011-12-21T13:17:30.921-08:00Once in Royal David's City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1RC34N1TfCQ?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once in Royal David's City</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Cecil F. Alexander</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Once in Royal David's City</div>
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<i> </i>Stood a lowly cattle shed</div>
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Where a mother laid her baby</div>
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In a manger for His bed;</div>
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Mary was that mother mild,</div>
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Jesus Christ her little child.</div>
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He came down to earth from heaven</div>
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Who is God and Lord of all,</div>
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And His shelter was a stable,</div>
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And His cradle was a stall;</div>
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With the poor, and mean, and lowly,</div>
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Lived on earth our Savior holy.</div>
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And through all His wondrous childhood</div>
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He would honor and obey,</div>
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Love and watch the lowly maiden</div>
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In whose gentle arms He lay:</div>
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Christian children all must be</div>
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Mild, obedient, good as He.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And our eyes at last shall see Him,</div>
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Through His own redeeming love;</div>
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For that child so dear and gentle</div>
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Is our Lord in heav'n above,</div>
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And He leads His children on</div>
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To the place where He is gone.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Not in that poor lowly stable,</div>
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With the oxen standing by,</div>
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We shall see Him, but in heaven,</div>
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Set at God's right hand on high;</div>
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When like stars His children crowned</div>
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All in white shall wait around.</div>
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<b>Merry Christmas!</b></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-54146936384415649222011-12-07T05:03:00.001-08:002011-12-07T05:13:53.085-08:00Sir Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
When I think of winter, this is what I imagine: the aftermath of the Blizzard of 2011 last February.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, we've had no such snow this winter, and I'm not sure we're expecting anything like this (much to my children's chagrin). They would love winter to be snow this deep every day.<br />
<br />
Quite frankly, if it weren't for the digging out part, I would too. Because then my children would be outside every day, playing in the snow. Playing outside in the cold, without snow, does not hold the same charm or excitement.<br />
<br />
So far this year, we've been fortunate. We've had relatively mild weather and only a dusting of snow (which does not make for dramatic pictures). But this week it's starting to get colder and colder.<br />
<br />
Brr!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sir Winter</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Jean Kenward</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I heard Sir Winter coming,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>He crept out of his bed</div>
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and rubbed his thin and freezing hands:</div>
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'I'll soon be up!' he said.</div>
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<br /></div>
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'I'll shudder at the keyhole</div>
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and rattle at the door,</div>
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I'll strip the trees of all their leaves</div>
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and strew them on the floor.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'I'll harden every puddle</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that Autumn thinks is his - </div>
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I'll lay a sparkling quilt of snow</div>
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on everything that is!</div>
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<br /></div>
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'I'll bring a load of darkness</div>
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as large as any coal,</div>
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and drive my husky dogs across</div>
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the world, from pole to pole.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Oho! How you will shiver!'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- And then I heard him say;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'But in the middle of it all</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll give you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
CHRISTMAS DAY!'</div>
<br />
Yay for Christmas! As the radio is playing right now, "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-11263771244745281492011-12-05T14:14:00.001-08:002011-12-05T14:19:56.312-08:00If you're lucky enough...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/images/fearless-flyer/uploads/article-339/feature-candycanetea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.traderjoes.com/images/fearless-flyer/uploads/article-339/feature-candycanetea.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
... to live near a Trader Joe's, or know someone who does...<br />
<br />
And if you love peppermint tea...<br />
<br />
I highly recommend you high-tail it to your nearest store,<br />
<br />
or politely beg your friend or relative,<br />
<br />
for Trader Joe's Candy Cane Green Tea.<br />
<br />
I read about the Candy Cane Green Tea in the holiday Fearless Flyer, and thought, "Well, if it tastes half as good as they say it does, then I'll probably enjoy it."<br />
<br />
Oh. my. word.<br />
<br />
Best peppermint tea I've ever tasted. Hands down. Sending my dear husband for another box before they're gone (maybe the rest of the store's inventory?).<br />
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And don't ask for some when you come visit. I'm not sharing mine.<br />
<br />
(Unless you're Dawn Swendsen. Cause she's having twins, so she's special.)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-72992178115376788692011-12-01T14:21:00.001-08:002011-12-01T17:21:04.195-08:00Breaking Stalin's Nose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KG-h0a0dL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KG-h0a0dL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Interesting title, isn't it? <i>Breaking Stalin's Nose</i> by Eugene Yelchin is a children's book, written from a young boy's perspective during the time of Stalin's rule of the USSR.<br />
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Sasha Zaichik is about to join the Young Pioneers - and he cannot wait! He writes a letter to Stalin as he waits for his father to come home from work. His father works in State Security, and Sasha is proud of the work he does, rooting out traitors from their country.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, his world changes completely. The Secret Service comes and arrests his father. Sasha is shocked, and he immediately tries to go see Stalin, the great leader. Sasha is sure Stalin would realize a big mistake has been made, and would immediately release his father.<br />
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However, things do not go as planned, and events go from bad to worse when Sasha makes his way to school the next day.<br />
<br />
Yelchin does a masterful job of slowly exposing Sasha's naivete' throughout the course of the book - and exposing the sinister underpinnings of the system Sasha trusted explicitly. Yelchin grew up in the USSR, and used his own experiences to write this book - which he explains in an afterword.<br />
<br />
Because of the disturbing nature of peer pressure, group-think, and manipulation, children should not read this book without an adult. (Which is why I'm reviewing it here instead of on my <a href="http://www.kidsbooksthatrock.com/">kid's book review blog</a>.) However, with an adult's guidance and discussion, this book can be a powerful tool in helping children (and adults) understand how people survive in hostile dictatorships.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-7024033961102170042011-11-30T12:59:00.001-08:002011-11-30T13:08:54.752-08:00Chocolate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />I found this wonderful poetry book at my library last week. I can't tell you how hard it is to find poetry books I like (really, really hard).<br />
<br />
It's called <i>she walks in beauty: A Woman's Journey Through Poems</i> by Caroline Kennedy. I have realized that I enjoy anthologies more than a single poet. And I tend to prefer older poems to newer ones. (The ones I've read are rather depressing!)<br />
<br />
I can't say I've read every poem in Kennedy's book, but I've found a bunch I like to share for Poetry Wednesday - and that in and of itself is an accomplishment.<br />
<br />
I had found a few I liked, when I came across this poem - which I loved. You who know me know why. And it has a lot to do with the picture up there.<br />
<br />
So, enjoy the poem. I'm going to dig around and find something in my stash to satisfy my craving.<br />
<br />
And if you're craving more poems, check out <a href="http://www.enanoslivo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Poetry Wednesday</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Chocolate</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Rita Dove</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Velvet fruit, exquisite square</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> </i>I hold up to sniff</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
between finger and thumb - </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
how you numb me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With your rich attentions!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I don't eat you quickly,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you'll melt in my palm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pleasure seeker, if I let you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you'd liquefy everywhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Knotted smoke, dark punch</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of earth and night and leaf,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for a taste of you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
any woman would gladly</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
crumble to ruin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enough chatter: I am ready</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to fall in love!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
By the way - if you know of a really excellent Christmas poetry book, let me know!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-47387741174984152332011-11-23T09:46:00.001-08:002011-11-23T10:02:27.396-08:00Lineage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Grandpa & Grandma Sabourin</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Grandma (Nyberg) Nelson (and Anna)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Grandma Marce</div>
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<br /></div>
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Grandpa & Grandma Cotterman</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(with all their great-grandkids)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We will be celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow with Grandma Nelson and Grandpa Roy. The family who can come will converge on Rockford - Fairhaven Retirement Community - where Grandma & Roy live. Not everyone will be able to be there, but I think we'll be almost 30 for dinner tomorrow - including one of my mom's cousins and family.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm so incredibly thankful for my family. I know I am blessed - not only to be a part of my family, but also to marry into my husband's family. Even though we cannot see them all tomorrow, all are in our thoughts.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I admire all of our grandparents so much. So many times I've thought of Grandma Marce reading to Uncle Junior as she washed the dishes - remembering to be thankful I have the opportunity to cuddle on the couch with my children because the dishwasher is running in the kitchen.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This <a href="http://www.enanoslivo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Poetry Wednesday</a>, I dedicate this poem to my grandmothers especially - all four of them. Even if they didn't all work the ground as this poem suggests, they all worked very hard and raised wonderful children.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lineage</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Margaret Walker</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My grandmothers were strong.</div>
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<i> </i>They followed the plows and bent to toil.</div>
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The moved through fields sowing seed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They touched earth and grain grew.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They were full of sturdiness and singing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My grandmothers were strong.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My grandmothers are full of memories</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Smelling of soap and onions and wet clay</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With veins rolling roughly over quick hands</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They have many cleans words to say.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My grandmothers were strong.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why am I not as they?</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-60849380582353284692011-11-22T11:33:00.001-08:002011-11-22T11:52:31.722-08:00The Dressmaker of Khair Khana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B2P+mA9rL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51B2P+mA9rL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
As I was browsing the shelf of new books at my library, several books caught my eye - and this was one of them. <i>The Dressmaker of Khair Khana</i> by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon tells the story of Kamila Sidiqi, an Afgani woman who came of age just as the Taliban took over Afganistan.<br />
<br />
Kamila had just graduated from a two-year teacher training course, despite of her country's civil war. She was looking forward to teaching at one of the many schools in Kabul, but soon after her graduation, the Taliban moved into the city, closing schools and forcing women indoors.<br />
<br />
Kamila's story is one of courage, strength, and taking reasonable risks - all while trying to live within the rules imposed upon her as a woman. Because of past political affiliations, Kamila's parents had to leave Kabul for the northern part of the country. The journey was too dangerous to take all their children with them, so they left Kamila in charge of her younger siblings.<br />
<br />
The responsibility became heavy as the streets were too dangerous for the young women to venture out. Kamila and her sisters became bored and restless, and Kamila became anxious as she watched their reserves and savings dwindle.<br />
<br />
Kamila searched for a solution, trying several ideas before deciding to start making dresses. She risked the marketplace, found a buyer, and started a business which kept her and her sisters busy at home. Over time, she hired more help, and then started an apprenticeship school for younger girls.<br />
<br />
Kamila's story is remarkable. Her drive, energy and determination are admirable. But I especially admire her desire, and ability, to start a business within the severe restrictions imposed upon her. Instead of fighting, and losing, a battle with the Taliban, Kamila worked hard to quietly pursue her dream - and she succeeded.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-35815549973281631072011-11-09T08:43:00.000-08:002011-11-09T08:43:05.643-08:00Habits of the HippopotamusI was going to share a somber poem, and write a book review of the latest book I've finished.<br />
<br />
Then I looked outside. Oh, such somber, yucky weather. Amazingly, the sun peaked through the clouds at just the right time to illumine the books I was reading to the older two. We paused and drank in its delicious beauty. Then it was gone.<br />
<br />
So, instead of a book review, with it's accompanying serious poem, I present to you this delightful poem which I read to the younger two this morning. They enjoyed it, but could not fully appreciate its fun plays on the word 'hippopotamus.' I hope you will!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Habits of the Hippopotamus</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Arthur Gutterman</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The hippopotamus is strong</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And huge of head and broad of bustle;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The limbs on which he rolls along</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Are big with hippopotomuscle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He does not greatly care for sweets</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like ice cream, apple pie, or custard,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But takes to flavor what he eats</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A little hippopotomustard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The hippopotamus is true</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To all his principles, and just;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He always tries his best to do</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The things one hippopotomust.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He never rides in trucks or trams,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In taxicabs or omnibuses,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so keeps out of traffic jams</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And other hippopotomusses.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-57417126064746864212011-11-02T09:13:00.000-07:002011-11-03T11:01:21.840-07:00EletelephonyI had my poem all picked out for Poetry Wednesday last Wednesday. Honestly, I did!<br />
<br />
Then our day got CRAZY. We read our schoolbooks, I dropped the younger two a friend's house, took the older two to a corn maze, went to the library to write my lecture for Bible study, picked up the older two, picked up the younger two, home in time for Anna to be picked up for AWANA, dinner, clean up, kids to bed, run out to pick up Anna, get home and COLLAPSE.<br />
<br />
So, no Poetry Wednesday last week.<br />
<br />
This week, I'm in my sweats. At home for most of the day. School books read. Dinner planned. A couple of errands to run later. Time to breathe, and time for a poem.<br />
<br />
We read this poem last week in school. It's a lot of fun, and rather difficult to read aloud if you go too quickly. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eletelphony</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Laura E. Richards</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once there was an elephant</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who tried to use the telephant -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No! No! I mean an elephone</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who tried to use the telephone -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Dear me! I'm not certain quite</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That even now I've got it right.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Howe'er it was, he got his trunk</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Entangled in the telephunk;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The more he tried to get it free,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The louder buzzed to telephee -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(I fear I'd better drop the song</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of elephop and telephong!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.enanoslivo.blogspot.com/"><i>Read more poems here for Poetry Wednesday.</i></a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-8662414526740361032011-10-19T13:20:00.000-07:002011-10-19T13:24:24.197-07:00TwinsI mentioned last week I've been feeling particularly uninspired this fall when it comes to poetry. I even checked out a poetry book from the library last night - but I didn't particularly like his poems. Rather depressing.<br />
<br />
This morning, I read <i>Wynken, Blynken and Nod</i> to my younger two children in school. I decided to glance at the other poems we have read and found <i>Twins</i>.<br />
<br />
This poem made the three of us laugh when we read it. When I glanced at it again this morning, I was reminded of <a href="http://thehost55.blogspot.com/2011/10/youd-better-sit-down.html">my friend Beth</a>, whose Wonder Twins have just turned four.<br />
<br />
My grandmother was a twin, I have twin boy cousins, and I lived in constant fear with each of my pregnancies that I would have twins. A few months ago, my friend Dawn and I were sitting at her kitchen table, discussing her newly-discovered pregnancy.<br />
<br />
"I'm afraid I'll have twins," she told me.<br />
<br />
"Don't worry," I said. "I had that fear as well. I'm sure it'll just be one baby in there."<br />
<br />
I spoke too soon. Way too soon. Dawn and her husband are not only expecting twins, but they found out last week, they're expecting twin <i>boys</i>.<br />
<br />
I think they should name one of them John. Don't you?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twins</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Henry S. Leigh</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In form and feature, face and limb,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I grew so like my brother,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That folks got taking me for him,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And each for one another.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It puzzled all our kith and kin,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It reached an awful pitch;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For one of us was born a twin,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet not a soul knew which.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One day (to make the matter worse),</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before our names were fixed,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As we were being washed by the nurse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We got completely mixed;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And thus, you see, by Fate's decree,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Or rather, nurse's whim),</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My brother John got christened <i>me</i>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I got christened <i>him</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The fatal likeness even dogged</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My footsteps when at school,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I was always getting flogged,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For John turned out a fool.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I put this question hopelessly</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To every one I knew -</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What <i>would</i> you do, if you were me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To prove that you were <i>you</i>?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our close resemblance turned the tide</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of my domestic life;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For somehow my intended bride</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Became my brother's wife,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In short, year after year the same</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Absurd mistakes went on;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And when I died - the neighbors came</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And buried brother John!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.enanoslivo.blogspot.com/">Poetry Wednesday </a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-1815795144551698732011-10-12T18:23:00.000-07:002011-10-12T18:41:12.731-07:00Battle Hymn of the Republic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I've been struggling to find poems this fall. I had a few earlier - in August and September, but since then this well has dried up.<br />
<br />
I had been counting on the poetry books from our homeschool curriculum. Unfortunately, my older two were scheduled to repeat a book (second time for them, <i>third</i> time for me. I love reading, but that was too much), and my younger two have a rather small poetry book, from which nothing has stood out so far.<br />
<br />
One thing we are doing is singing our way through <i>Wee Sing America</i> - a collection of songs tied to our nation's history.<br />
<br />
This morning, it struck me:<br />
<br />
<i>Songs are poetry put to music!</i> (Yes, I knew this. But I was excited to remember it.)<br />
<br />
I took a few pictures of my younger two, belting their hearts out, singing this week's song <i>The Battle Hymn of the Republic</i>. They were singing so well, I also took some video.<br />
<br />
They were so amazed and excited to find the song in the old church hymnals I have on the shelf for singing Christmas carols, they pulled them out this week to use instead of the tiny little <i>Wee Sing America</i> songbook. (I'm not sure they understand that you would find a hymn in a hymnal. They're of that generation, you know.)<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy their rendition of this Civil War era song.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Battle Hymn of the Republic</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Julia Ward Howe<br />
(historical note: Howe heard the Union soldiers singing "John Brown's Body," a popular Union song. The melody stayed with her and during the night she got up and wrote the words of this song.) <br />
<br />
Mine eyes have seen the glory<br />
Of the coming of the Lord;<br />
He has trampled out the vintage<br />
Where the grapes of wrath are stored;<br />
He hath loos'd the fateful lightning<br />
Of His terrible swift sword,<br />
His truth is marching on.<br />
<br />
(my favorite verse is the last:)<br />
In the beauty of the lillies<br />
Christ was born across the sea,<br />
With a glory in his bosom<br />
That transfigures you and me;<br />
As He died to make men holy<br />
Let us die to make men free,*<br />
While God is marching on.<br />
<br />
(*newer hymnals say "Let us live to make men free", but it's not historically accurate.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.enanoslivo.blogspot.com/">Poetry Wednesday</a></div>
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</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11380807.post-60763652685475615332011-10-04T14:02:00.000-07:002011-10-04T14:11:33.851-07:00Look at that!This week has been bee-u-ti-ful! The sun is out, the weather is warmer - it's been lovely.<br /><br />It almost makes me forget how downright cold it was for the previous three weeks. And how it rained for nearly eight days straight.<br /><br />Almost.<br /><br />But, there's a silver lining to every cloud, isn't there? Last Thursday, when I despaired of ever seeing the sun again, it peaked out from behind the clouds at just the right time.<br /><br />The weather forecasters had been promising us a change from the dreary days, and then Thursday afternoon it poured and poured. Just before sunset, as I was on my way to Bible study, this is what I saw. Amazingly enough, I even had my camera in the car to capture it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAtnEghE9ELW4vU1XmXT5u1c3y1ULH09ZI9sNDYeh6QiHDp70VkIZS9n9TLAnV73cEVtwqzVOk8ebV-w5JtirRwhf6GcAVJWlEEn-iS2-eE_npuVvpHt-NCXlDnz7Ukvshvv1cw/s1600/IMG_6957.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAtnEghE9ELW4vU1XmXT5u1c3y1ULH09ZI9sNDYeh6QiHDp70VkIZS9n9TLAnV73cEVtwqzVOk8ebV-w5JtirRwhf6GcAVJWlEEn-iS2-eE_npuVvpHt-NCXlDnz7Ukvshvv1cw/s400/IMG_6957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659745862423473618" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYZQhDfZZxdBgleLSXp-GbXoVGLEXA1AAcYRij3lXuYE6mzn1VIQ8pokARuV4iKztqP60vk2SOFcOChYoFcf1PhaUyqea1DY9UNIutFak3doifbn5S5gE6CAXDTNXkwKwrUxvkw/s1600/IMG_6956.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYZQhDfZZxdBgleLSXp-GbXoVGLEXA1AAcYRij3lXuYE6mzn1VIQ8pokARuV4iKztqP60vk2SOFcOChYoFcf1PhaUyqea1DY9UNIutFak3doifbn5S5gE6CAXDTNXkwKwrUxvkw/s400/IMG_6956.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659745854466563938" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjGnm8v6f28gTgUpOE5JsxnDoPbXjHFeiM8qBdGPeUM5HXLZfoPszG4FrCy9T_GKKHwIQ_23DXGxqVbbpd3Zj3fUVpNueR2OyY9OVh5cbWoC0_8dhYI8i7oBevmD2fkSs8HXSWg/s1600/IMG_6959.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjGnm8v6f28gTgUpOE5JsxnDoPbXjHFeiM8qBdGPeUM5HXLZfoPszG4FrCy9T_GKKHwIQ_23DXGxqVbbpd3Zj3fUVpNueR2OyY9OVh5cbWoC0_8dhYI8i7oBevmD2fkSs8HXSWg/s400/IMG_6959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659745880658859314" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBB4KgPpm1JIZAQ82UrPqefZLUjYOkeg2kxSY69FF-q2QACxfAkUydIMRHKDfRYfkJu518bSCNhXlL3FnJ8evYuZDnIyTH0DT5ySW9Dve3VDq3s063P04n15-ONJ8DM-U_ODjnA/s1600/IMG_6958.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBB4KgPpm1JIZAQ82UrPqefZLUjYOkeg2kxSY69FF-q2QACxfAkUydIMRHKDfRYfkJu518bSCNhXlL3FnJ8evYuZDnIyTH0DT5ySW9Dve3VDq3s063P04n15-ONJ8DM-U_ODjnA/s400/IMG_6958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659745873688786322" border="0" /></a><br />Beautiful! What a great ending to the dreary days.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13658466566356377322noreply@blogger.com2