A New Outlook

Sometimes, when you are looking for a new outlook, all you need to do is clean your viewer off. For me, this means eyeglasses, monitor, car windshield, and TV screen. When you are looking through children's gooey smudges and fingerprints, kitten noseprints, and dirt & grime all the time, you get used it. When you clean your viewer, your world doesn't really change, but how you look at it does. I look at this time of my life, being a mother of young children, as a wonderful opportunity. I don't sit around and wish it were over. I don't sit around and wish my children were away at school, so I can *do something* with my life. What I am doing right now is what I was meant to do. Helping these children learn and grow to be strong and healthy in all ways is a monumental task that I do not take lightly. During the last months of serious activities and heavy world events, I have reminded myself time and again to lighten up & stop taking everything so seriously. I remind myself to smile & laugh, & to play with kids & my husband. There will always be hard things to go through & to watch others go through. The days of sickness will end soon. Spring will come. Flowers will come. But even in the dead of winter, there is much to be thankful for, and much to look forward to. If you are like me and tired of trying to squint around the smudge and grime, just go find your Windex and start washing. There is a lot to see beyond our own four walls.

New insight....when you have a little one with a very runny nose and you give her a white powdered donut, it is best not to wear a black shirt. I can see it now: CSI Mommy's House. We have a lot of forensic evidence for this one. Black shirt, white smudges, shiny patches similar to snail trails. Wait, we have a new development. Apparently the culprit is ready to turn herself in with a proud, "I did it!" No fifth amendment for her. She is proud of her work. Moral to the story, plan ahead, if you are passing out powdered donuts, just wear a white t-shirt.

What did the dog say to the bone?

Well, the last handful of times I have tried to post on my blog, weird things have happened, especially with the layout. Everything previews fine, but when published, everything looks helter skelter. Anyway, it looks like we will all still be sick for New Year's. So again, we will be staying home, and also quarantined. This morning we will be taking both girls to the doctor. Last I had to get out the nebulizer to give Dancer Girl a breathing treatment before bed, which really stinks because I thought everyone was getting better, and she was the one with the least amount of symptoms. All of a sudden before bedtime, she started the barky, croupy cough. When she has had a cold in the past, it has gone from that to different sounding coughs, but all eventually lead to the doctor's office, and breathing treatments. On a silly note, Dancer Girl came up to me yesterday and said, "What did the dog say to the bone?" me, "I don't know." her,"I dig you." Very cute.

For Aunt Sandy

This is for my Aunt Sandy, my dad's sister. She wrote to tell me she could hear a pin drop in the blog silence of kittenyarn and motherkitty. This is from dancer girl....
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from little sister...
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From me....one good thing about being sick for christmas is that christmas will last longer. We will get to leave the tree up longer. We will be able to visit grandparents and celebrate christmas long after everyone else is done with it. We will still be opening presents in January.

Other good news...I called to find out the balance for my gas bill (because we thought we were going to be late), and I found out that we paid our bill already. Woo Hoo! Alright, you may scoff if you like. Who forgets that they paid a bill? Well, if you have had a month like we have had, you would forget lots of things, too. Anyway, it is good to know someone is thinking of you. Thank You, Aunt Sandy. I Love You.

merry christmas

I am glad You came to earth to see what it felt like to be a man. I am glad You came as our Messiah. I am glad You loved us so much that You spent Your life loving people, helping people, healing people, & feeding people. In Hebrews it says that if we want to see what Father God is like, all we have to do is look at your life. I never heard or read about You killing people, making people sick, or letting them go hungry. Thank You for Your Love and sacrifice for me.

I'll Be Home for Christmas...

Well, one thing I like about Christmas songs is that they are good to have floating around in your head all day long. In case there was going to be any doubt to whether we'd have to stay home from Grandma's, etc. because of runny noses and coughs, Little Sister tossed her cookies all over me right after her nap today. And, no, they were *not* chocolate chip. Part of me had this little glimmer of hope yesterday afternoon when the little one's nose cleared up, and everyone was feeling great and happy. I thought, "Maybe we will get to go, after all...." Well, no. I don't know about you, but a certain line is crossed when the puking begins. I don't care if it is an accident, a fluke, or a virus. Throwing up is just gross, and when it happens, everything else usually comes to a screeching halt. So I spent the better part of the afternoon on guard, ready in case *it* happened again. And it did. 4 times, I think. And, I wasn't ready. Oh, well. After a while, I just gave up doing anything but keeping everyone calm, cool, and collected (that meant me, mostly). I remind myself that this is part of parenting. I am not having a pity party. I am just facing reality. Helping children stay calm and well can be exhausting, and well....I am exhausted. So, I guess I will go see if we have any Hershey bars left. I am only really glad that this song is running through my head, because it really is rather funny....

I'll be home for Christmas......(now you make up your own lyrics if you are me)

Here's a Song for You

http://www.reuters.hu/card_dom/index_content.html


My friendKris sent me this. Little Sister & I laughed all the way through it.

Witty Schmitty Pretty Kitty

I know most of my posts lately have been short and not very witty. Well, it has been quite a roller coaster around here, so I have mostly posted short cute things. This is mostly for myself, of course. It is a way of keeping one foot on solid ground, and not disappearing entirely. Some people have asked me why not keep a private journal, why blog? I don't know. I like the spontaneity of it. I like the idea that I can write what I want, and my friend and family can read it, as well as random visitors. I like getting my thoughts *out there.* But if you really want to know, here goes.....(read at your own risk)

• I don't like cleaning up bird guts
• I found a squirrel tail on my porch, don't know where the rest is
• I have been washing my hands 10,000 times a day in between wiping ooey gooey Little Sister's nose. As a result of her not feeling quite up to herself, she has been wanting to nurse more lately. Also, with a stuffy nose she is not resting well, hence no real nap for her lately. Last night she slept half the night half sitting up laying across my chest (no kidding)
• Yesterday, Dancer Girl woke up with a cough (striking fear in me after previous years bouts with bronchitis and almost pneumonia, breathing treatments, etc etc)
• Today, I woke up with a cough. That means all out war.
• My mom is getting over something called mycoplasma pneumonia, which she apparently had at Thanksgiving but she didn't know. As a result, Long Hair Daddy got sick, and slept at his office most of the month to keep us from getting sick.
• We were very thankful to have a wonderful new to us van for approximately 3 weeks before the transmission fell out. Ok, not really, but it is currently at Transmission Hospital waiting for the ok to do the $2,000+ transplant. Let's just say that that was *not* in the Christmas budget.
• Over the last 2 years I have had to talk about death a lot to little Dancer Girl after our pretty Ashley kitty got hit by a car. We were crying in bed last night missing her and remembering how she used to take naps with Dancer Girl in her little toddler bed.

So, in conclusion, I have decided not to bore you or anyone else mostly with the negative junk that happens, unless it is very funny. Let me try to think of some things I am thankful for....

• A wonderful, loving, helpful husband
• A terrific, supportive family
• Beautiful, strong, healthy daughters
• Electricity, heat, warm water, tv, dvd, computer, etc
• Hot tea
• Bathtubs
• Paved roads
• Cell phones
• Baby Jesus
• Instant messaging
• A good God who takes care of us
• Good friends
• Telephones
• Pizza
• Our beautiful cat Ashley, who is in Kitty Heaven

Ok, I'll stop there. How 'bout you tell me 5 things you are thankful for.

Here's My Present

Isn't she cute?

Christmas Kitty

Click the Pretty Kitty

Little Packages

I am sure there will be a picture on Motherkitty's blog first, since she is the one with the digital camera, but my little Dancer Girl was in her first Christmas production today. All the the little 3 and 4 year olds were decorated as Christmas presents. Dancer Girl chose a green striped wrapping paper with Christmas trees for her box. She had a pretty blue bow on her head. They were all soooo cute as they sang, "Good things come in little packages....just like me!" Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Brent, and Dada and Little Sister were all there to cheer her on. I think if I had let her, Little Sister would have been right up there singing and dancing too. She really wants to do everything her big sister does. I really like Christmas-time. It is a good time to get together with family and show each other love. Oh yeah, and we did get our Christmas tree up this week. Dancer Girl and Little Sister put up almost all the ornaments. So, if you come to our house, don't be surprised if all the ornaments are on the bottom half of the tree. Little Sister, who will be 2 years old in March, put hers up in little constellations, 3 or 4 on one branch. I really love Christmas carols, and I am so happy that both my girls like to sing them too. We have been singing every day. I am so glad God gave me two little packages: my 2 girls are more than good things in little packages to me. They are 2 of the best gifts I have ever gotten. I am thankful that He chose them for my family.

Little Sister's Tree

Happy Newlyweds

1969 Tomas Muse & Motherkitty, my brother in belly, he was born november 1969

Feliz Navidad

This is a Christmas drawing for Grandma & Grandpa from Dancer Girl. You will, of course, notice the bowl of guacamole on the left and the bowl of tortilla chips on the right. I drew the angel, as requested.

Quick to Listen

You haven't heard from me because there is much on my mind but nothing much to say. I am learning that even if you have an opinion or thoughts, maybe right now is not the time to voice them. I am learning to become quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry. I will send a chocolate bar to the person who can tell me where that is from.

Wednesday Update: Chocolate Bar being sent to Motherkitty. Good Job. The answer is James 1:19, from the Holy Bible.

Good Night, All

I hope everyone had a good day. It is time for bed here, even a little past. We are going to go read books, and snuggle up for the night. Hope everyone sleeps well. Sweet Dreams.

Quiet Day

Hopefully today will be a quiet day at home, a day to get caught up on laundry, a day to relax. A day to finish the Christmas newsletter, to get out the Christmas decorations, maybe. I was really stressed out when I woke up, thinking of all the things to do. Once I gave myself permission to stay home and take my time getting things done, then I felt much better. I don't have to go to every party, and do everything on a special timetable. The whole idea of preparing and giving gifts has more to do with love and patience than hurrying and scurrying. Rushing around and putting pressure on myself and others to be places at certain times adds a lot of anxiety to my home. I may still have my pajamas on at lunchtime, but I would rather be peaceful at home than add to the anxiety of shoppers out there.

Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife. Proverbs 17:1

http://www.honeybeecentre.com/about_honey.htm


Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. Proverbs 16: 24

Christmas Wishes

I agree with Motherkitty, but will also add that I want her and Long Hair Daddy to get well and never get sick again. http://motherkitty.blogspot.com/ see Dear Santa. I think I am tired of my loved ones getting sick, and being able to do nothing about it. Since Motherkitty has been sick, we have not been able to see her because she doesn't want to make us sick. Same goes for Long Hair Daddy when he was sick last week, but in some ways it was worse because he slept at his office to keep us from getting his yuck. In some ways, this whole thing has left me terribly drained and feeling helpless. When you have little ones, it keeps you from helping sometimes. Spent recent times trying not to worry, trying to find more patience for the little ones, and trying to stay warm. Hopefully, there will be no icky spiders in the Christmas decorations this year, and I can put them up. It has made me very sad to think about what would happen if everyone was still sick for Christmas, and we would all have to stay home. Well, so much for staying positive. Well, maybe, everyone will get well very soon, and we won't have to worry about it. Life is draining sometimes. I guess it is time for a refill. I think I will try to find fun things to do with the girls today, and not worry about all the things out of my control. More Christmas Carols, I say. Thank God for water. May all His children have plenty. http://www.oxfam.org.uk/coolplanet/water/problem/drought/five.htm
http://comp.uark.edu/~sskinne/SPhotographyTemplate/Nature.htm

From Dancer Girl

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Great Grandmothers

Well, if all goes according to plan, we will be visiting both of Long Hair Daddy's grandmothers today. They live in the same town, so the plan is to go to Nana's for lunch. Later in the afternoon we will go to Granmomma's. And then, after that is the highly coveted visit to the great Chuck E. Cheese restaurant (with play area). It will be a busy day, but a good one.

Snowball

I can feel it already. The gravity-pulling, quickly accelerating snowball of Christmas-like activity. I took one look at my calendar and said, one week to get that done, Motherkitty party here, birthday party there....It feels as if Christmas is tomorrow. Well, it is not. And, I am going to spend the month enjoying getting ready for it. I will teach my daughters Christmas carols, we will send out a newsletter, we will buy gifts in honor of the Christ-child's birth, set up our nativity set. As a personal Christmas tradition, I will get out my music, guitar, and keyboard and "practice" Christmas carols. I guess this is mostly for myself right now, because even though I am a trained musician (oboe), guitar and keyboard are challenges for me. Anyone who sings along with my strumming and plunking has to sing verrrry slowly. O come, all yeee (pause....strum) faithful....etc. etc. Well, I don't care, one of these years, I will figure it out, and maybe practice these songs more than November and December. (Click the music to go to a page where you can print your own Christmas carols to practice.) Anyway, Christmas is about the celebration of the birth of Christ for me. I look at all the wonderful things in our world that we have as a result of his birth and I am thankful. Christ has been a very positive influence in the world. You will note here that I am not including people who have called themselves followers of Christ, but have been nothing like Him. They will be accountable to Him for their own words and actions, as will I. Christ is the Messiah, He was a perfect man and God, and I am glad that He was born. Anyway, I look at the beautiful lights and think of the Light of the World. I think of all the gifts bought for others, and I am thinking that He doesn't mind us celebrating His birthday this way, thinking of others. Thinking of others is exactly what Jesus did His whole life, and that is what He does now. He is thinking of you and me. I will buy you a gift and think of Him.

Tis the Season for Tchaikovsky

Can anyone say Nutcracker?http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/composer/46550.html

here's the guy who wrote it...http://www.essentialsofmusic.com/composer/tchaikovsky.html

Long Hair Daddy and I are feeling very brave and are taking 4 year old Dancer Girl *and* 20 month old Little Sister Girl to a local dance company's performance of The Nutcracker on the local college campus tonite. And, we decided to take the girls to Chuck E. Cheese's on Sunday afternoon. Now all we have to do is put up the Christmas tree to officially be ushered into the joyful holiday frenzy.

Carrots & Celery

My four year old daughter just asked for celery and carrots with her lunch. Somebody pick me up off the floor. After the breakfast fiasco, this is a miracle.

My Grandma

My Grandma made me a quilt. Each piece is either a hexagon or pentagon (I would go look, but I would wake up the girls). I remember being with her when she was cutting and piecing this quilt when I was a little girl. Each piece of material is from clothing that was made by her, for herself, for me, for my mom, for my dolls. This quilt brings back a lot of nice memories. The back side is a pink rose material; this is the same material as the curtains that still hang in my bedroom at my mom's house. In one way, my life goals are directly influenced by her. One of my greatest desires is to continue her sewing heritage. She sewed and loved others through her sewing. That is my goal, too. Happy Birthday, Grandma

Berenstain Bears

The first Berenstain Bears book, "The Great Honey Hunt," was published in 1962.
Today's post is a memorial to one of the founders of the Berenstain Bears stories. Dancer Girl loves the Berenstain Bears, and we love the books and the show. It is always sad when someone dies. Hopefully, his wife and children are finding comfort for their sorrow in the One who is the Comforter. It is also interesting to note that Stan & Jan Berenstain worked with Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) to develop the Berenstain Bears series of books.

http://www.berenstainbears.com/
http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/berenstainbears/
http://pbskids.org/berenstainbears/
and for those of you who still need need to buy me a christmas present, autobiography of stan and jan berenstain....Down a Sunny Dirt Road

Time for Bed

Alright, everyone. Time for bed. Jammies on? Teeth brushed? Go pick out what books you want me to read....

what is your favorite bedtime book?

Fun E-Cards

Well, Dancer Girl, Little Sister Girl and I have found a new hobby. We like to look at e-cards together. Last night we sent one to my brother (Happy Birthday, Unca Eee-eye), a get well card to Long Hair Daddy, and one to Grandma. The girls and I love scrolling through the cards and watching the previews. Little Sister Girl tries very desparately to click the mouse. We have one of those fancy mice with extra side buttons and a scroll button in the middle, and she has a very difficult time clicking the correct button. Then again she is doing great for being only 20 months old. The popular "I do it!" is heard many times around here. This week she decided she was going to pick her own clothes, and put them on herself. She is very curious, and wants to zip zippers, flip light switches, press buttons, and climb into her car seat all by herself. She is also learning to take turns with her sister, because they inevitably always want the same toy or doll. She is learning to use words to tell us what she wants, because I just can't understand "Aaaaagghhh!" or "Waaaaa!" It is also very cute to watch her play Patty Cake with her dolls. She'll get a doll or stuffed animal, try to pat their hands or paws together, and say "Pada Pat, Pada Pat, Pada Pat". I have got to get some more tapes for my video camera.

Dancer Girl has been.....dancing. Surprise, surprise! She has been making me sit down to be her audience for various recitals, even more than usual. I think she is having withdrawal symptoms, because her ballet and gymnastics classes have been cancelled or postponed recently due to tornadoes (2 weeks ago), and the Thanksgiving holiday. She is also so, so, so excited because Long Hair Daddy decided to move all of his stuff out of his study, and give this room to the girls for a playroom/schoolroom. Dancer Girl calls it her Schoolroom, and loves it. She and Little Sister have been spending a lot of time there. So, if you come to my house, you will notice a considerable difference in the number of toys in the living room. Hurray! I also moved a lot of things out of their bedroom into the Play-School Room, and that room is less crowded now too. The only big thing left to do is finish reorganizing (okay, okay....cleaning) my bedroom. In my defense, I have to say, it didn't help when we had a Tornado Warning a couple of weeks ago. We unloaded my whole closet, and guess what? Well, it'll all get done eventually. I was talking to a friend on the phone last night, and she said there probably going to be tornado activity moving into our area today. So there, I have planned ahead. My closet is already ready, in case of a tornado warning. http://www.weather.com/

Not a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Come on, sing along with me...

On the third day of Christmas, my White Cat brought to me...
Two Dead Mice
One Snake Head
And a Dead Bird on the Carpet


True story of the last 3 days. I am sure it was grosser for me that for you, as I had to clean it all up. I just finished steam cleaning the carpet. Needless to say, the cat door is locked again. When will I ever learn? Note to self: cats hate hairball cat food, never buy again.

Ok, here is something to get that out of your head:

http://goingpostal.cc/goingpostal/blog/
Click the link for Christmas T-Shirts

That Monkey Looks Like He's Having Fun!

You Should Get a MFA (Masters of Fine Arts)

You're a blooming artistic talent, even if you aren't quite convinced. You'd make an incredible artist, photographer, or film maker.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

Songs in My Head

Show Me from My Fair Lady "Words, words, words..."
Peter, James, & John in a Sailboat from Cedarmont Kids (to the tune of Ten Little Indians)
Hot Potato from the Wiggles
I'm an Ordinary Man from My Fair Lady "But, let a woman in your life..."


I am thankful for songs

Thanksgiving Cometh

Well, I have worked hard to prepare for Thanksgiving, and though I haven't gotten every little thing done that I expected of myself, I am very happy. I am happy that family is coming to our home. I am satisfied that I have done the best that I can and I am not going to worry about all the little things that did not get done. My children are happy and excited, and my husband is anticipating our first Thanksgiving at our home, too. My heart is filled with thanksgiving for many things, and I hope every person who comes to our home will be filled with hope and thanksgiving, too. I am thankful that we have a home that can be open to anyone who wants to come in and be thankful with us. Don't be nervous, Motherkitty, everything will be wonderful! We will have fun preparing for guests on Thursday. We will relax and play and talk together and have a great time. I especially think Dancer Girl and Little Sister Girl will really enjoy helping us and watching.

Little Sister Girl is saying new words and singing new songs every day. She surprised me this morning with "Gobble" and "Office." I am so glad all the family will be here to see hear her baby talk and songs. Dancer Girl is very excited about all the Grandparents coming, too. I am sure there will be a recital, pretend restaurant, and many demonstrations of the many things she is learning in her ballet and gymnastics classes.

Inbox

I just deleted over 200 messages from my inbox, leaving me with a total of over 800. I guess I have been letting this get out of hand for a while now. Each day I process the new e-mails thinking that I am culling out the unnecessary ones. I still have lots of work to do, but I feel better now that my inbox is slimmer! I knew it was bad when I got to a Happy Thanksgiving message from 2004 from a friend of mine. Don't worry, I didn't fret, though. I just used it as an opportunity to send them a 2005 Happy Thanksgiving message. Hopefully, it was their most current address, but I guess I will find that out later. It is almost silly how much joy I got out of clicking Delete so many times...

Don't forget to click the picture to read some funny Spam Reduction Notes.

Surprise!

Ooh, I love surprises. And I have some for my Thanksgiving guests. Of course, they are not huge ones, but it is very exciting getting them ready. My husband surprised me this week, and I loved it. Maybe I should give a couple of hints for Motherkitty, because she is more curious than any cat I know. Will she want to know, "Is it bigger than a breadbox?" Hmmmm...let me see.
Naah, she'll have to wait. Sorry, motherkitty, you'll have to wait two whole days.

Hurray!

Only a few more days until Thanksgiving! Hurray! Very exciting!

One Good Thing

breasts are for....
http://www.fencer.org/kittenyarn/Why_Mom_Cant_Do_Yoga.wmv

Ok, I don't know where this video came from, but as a nursing mom, I find this hilarious. I guess most people who are into labels would call what I do something like Ecological Breastfeeding or Attachment Parenting or something like that. I think nursing babies is the best, it's what God designed Mamas to do. However, I understand and sympathize with anyone who has tried and found it overwhelming, challenging, painful, and discouraging enough to give it up. I have found that determination and education and (the right) womanly support is essential (thank you, Motherkitty). I also realized that all the nurses in the hospital that you meet may not have been nursing mothers, so though they may have a medical education, they are not really equipped all the time to help a new mom(light bulb moment for me). I say, if you are pregnant, and really want to nurse your babies, you should read, read, read, and line up some mamas to call upon who have successfully nursed a baby. I have friends who have had preemies and tried to nurse, and despite everything their milk didn't come in. I have a friend who wanted to nurse, but a severe recurring case of mastitis when the baby was three weeks caused her to quit. For times like these, I am glad that there is formula. I have also watched friends who said they really wanted to nurse their babies follow well meaning advice, and I could see that it would lead to very early weaning for them. But sometimes, you just can't butt into other people's stuff. I also know of one marriage that was severely affected because the wife was into attachment parenting and ecological breastfeeding and the husband didn't wholly agree and felt neglected enough to start an online relationship with another woman. This of course is just my opinion, because I don't know for sure why their marriage split up. But then again, common sense says that one of the most important things would be that the husband and wife agree on the care of their child. It is also important to protect your relationship with your spouse. So anyway, Long Hair Daddy and I try to re-evaluate our parenting choices every so often, and recalibrate. If it weren't for his support and love, I don't think nursing would have gone as well for me, or parenting in general, for that matter. For the most part, we are extremely happy with our parenting choices. Our reward is our two beautiful, healthy, and intelligent daughters. Who could ask for anything more?

For breastfeeding information and support, check out the La Leche League site, and don't forget to see if there is a group near you. When my babies were born, there was not a group in my town, so my friend started our own nursing moms group. Though it wasn't La Leche, it has been one of the best resources I have had for parenting. Click on my picture nursing Beautiful Baby to get to the La Leche site. Or click here http://www.lalecheleague.org/. For attachment parenting info, check out pediatrician Dr. William Sears site http://www.askdrsears.com/, or click the baby-wearing Mama (coming soon...that picture apparently not scanned in).

Tick Tick Tick Tick

One week to go....I guess Motherkitty is getting pretty nervous about now. She keeps calling and asking if I have bought all my ingredients yet? I am pretty excited about having Thanksgiving here, despite the nervousness I feel from others. It will be nice to have a house full of people. Dancer Girl is still asleep, and Little Sister is nursing quietly on my lap. So all is quiet for now. Hurray, Long Hair Daddy was able to boot his post-surgery laptop at about midnight last night. Many thanks go to his trusty sidekick and brother, Good Ol' Uncle Brent. I wonder if you can put successful laptop motherboard transplant on your resume? We prayed for the success of that operation like we pray for other operations....."God bless the surgeon's hands," "God help the laptop to survive," and "God thank you for a successful operation." Now is the usual wait and see how the patient is doing period. I think Little HP is in stable condition, so keep him in your prayers ;) Oh yeah, and don't forget to pray for worried Little HP's Long Hair Daddy, while he takes Little HP through the recovery & reloading process.

This surgeon is not Uncle Brent, of course. You can see more still life photography by Glenn Przyborski here http://www.przyborski.com/glenns_images.html

What do you say?

What kinds of things do you tell yourself?
What do you say to yourself when things go wrong?
What do you say to yourself when you things go well?

Crispy Cookies, Fried Hard Drive

Well, the girls and I have had a lot of fun trying out the new stove. We made chocolate chip cookies after dinner last night. I was celebrating because I actually had all of the dishes done before dinner, and you could see both sides of the sink!!! :o Applause!!!! Thank you! Thank you! And the new stove cooks very quickly. This just confirms that my old one was very quirky, and didn't cook very well. At least two different times I had to use an oven thermometer to figure out how much hotter my oven was cooking. The first time I set the oven for 300 degrees, and the thermometer said 375. So for a while I did this funny oven math to bake things. So thank you, Motherkitty, we love the new stove. Long Hair Daddy has had a terrible week because his laptop died, and is now going through an excruciating resurrection/transplant. Being a software developer, and totally depending on his laptop, my husband has had a difficult time sitting idle while he waits to see how the patient will do, and will he come out of surgery with all of his memory? Let's see....power supply --replaced, motherboard--missing in action, hard drive-- recovering data (hopefully). Enough said, I guess. Those of you who know computers or know my husband will know how devastating this is. Anyway, he was still very, very happy to come home to slightly crispy, almost burned chocolate chip cookies.

We love Cookie Monster, by the way.

Fall Festival

We went to a fall festival last night, and the girls had lots of fun. Horse rides, roasted marshmallows, hayride, grilled hamburgers, horseshoes, bonfire, music.....It was a late night but we had a lot of fun. Little Sister Girl met a Golden Retriever named Rusty whom she loved. Every time she saw him, she yelled out, "Dog! Dog! Dog!" We had a good time with friends from church on the hayride. Just ask Long Hair Daddy just how much fun! Wheee! Let's just say hay is slippery....and we were going up a hill. Dancer Girl loved taking a ride on Buttercup the horse, and eating grilled hamburgers. She sat snuggled up in front of the fire roasting marshmallows. Dancer Girl slept on the way there, and Little Sister slept on the way back. Now for Saturday.

Veteran's Day

Check out my mom's post on her blog today http://motherkitty.blogspot.com/. She has done all the research most of us don't bother with. A list of all the wars the U.S. has been involved in, including a casualty list for each is included. I, for one, appreciate our armed forces and all those who participate in maintaining our freedoms. I want to thank all of those in the armed forces, and those who are veterans of the armed forces. I like being part of a country whose ideals line up with helping those who cannot help themselves. I believe strong, rich countries should help those who are not. I personally want to thank these people, friends and family, who have participated in the United States Armed Forces (hopefully I will remember everyone I know):

My Dad, my brother, my Grandfather Diaz, my friends Bobby and Reid, Kris's husband Greg....

Well, I was just about to type something about my real current feelings, not something superficial, and my computer just crashed. Just shut off all by itself. Unfortunately, my first thought was, Did we forget to pay the electric bill? but I saw other lights on and wondered what happened. Just another thing to report to Long Hair Daddy. Long Hair Daddy, by the way, is very intelligent, and I look up to him very much. He is a software developer, as I have learned to call him. Most of us would call him a computer programmer. Bonafide computer geek. Proudly wears a business mullet. Anyway, all of this is a distraction from what I was going to say, though I am not sure what that really was. I just know I had it in my head that I was going to write some real thing that was happening, not just fluff or filler. In a few hours my mom and dad will be here, not just to visit, but to buy me a new stove. I am filled with anxiety and dread and at the same time joy and excitement. There is nothing really like a new something coming sparkling into your home. Is my stove broken? Nooo. Do I really need one? I don't think so, but Motherkitty does. And, this was one concession to help her with the transition from Thanksgiving at her house to mine. Oh, well. On a similar vein, Thanksgiving at my house will be open to anyone who wants to come. It will be potluck or not potluck depending on how you feel. If you are hungry or by yourself, join our family. If you want to bring food, go right ahead. If not, it doesn't matter to me. The more, the merrier. I also want to say how thankful I am for my husband. He cares for me like no one else I know. This past week he has done some very special things for me and I really don't know how to say how much it means to me. Mostly, thanks for noticing how stressed out I have been. I appreciate the love and support, and I know Baby Girls loved, loved, loved the extra time with their Daddy.

Mermaid

My Dancer Girl is the little mermaid on the right, the one with the beautiful flowing red and purple mermaid hair and red sparkly shoes. Here she is pictured with one of her little best friends at a mermaid birthday party. This picture was taken in March and really does not Beautiful Dancer Girl justice. I just didn't have time to scan a better one. Dancer Girl saw Little Sister's picture on Motherkitty's Blog and decided she wanted one of her dressed up too...

Fun at the Park

Long Hair Daddy's Mom (aka Grammy around here) came over yesterday for a nice visit. She got us lunch and then we headed to the park for swinging and sliding. It was lots of fun! I am so glad we live close enough to all the grandparents that we can see them fairly often. When I was little, I remember driving to my grandparents' house on Alice Avenue in Hammond, Indiana (8 hour drive back then---different speed limits) once a year or so. I am so thankful that Dancer Girl and Little Sister Girl are close enough to really get to know their grandparents.

I am also very thankful because my friend from New Orleans is finally headed back to see his home. It makes me wonder how many others who were displaced from Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita are still going to be homeless for this holiday season. I read on this New Orleans news blog (http://nola.us/) that there are still major sewage disposal problems in New Orleans--yuck. That would make me want to move. My friend said he would decide what to do after he saw what was left. I can't imagine how difficult that must be, not only for him, but for all the families who were affected. Still, I am thankful for his safety, and for all those who were protected and rescued.

note-- pix found at http://www.philomenaoneill.com/Philomenas-site/pon-port2.html
http://www.philomenaoneill.com/index.html. The illustrator's name is Philomena O'Neill.
reminds me of my girls, and we do have 2 pretty white kitties...

Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving. I love getting together with family. I love the food. I love the noise. I love the cooking. I love the eating. I love everyone sitting around watching football or movies. I love playing games with family and talking. On this note, I think this is the year when we officially start having a big Thanksgiving at our home, instead of just going to all the grandparents' houses. I think Motherkitty is finally ready to relinquish a small part of the traditional duties to me, even though I think she might change her mind at the last minute. We might even have the celebration at our house....this sounds better and better all the time. It will be a good motivation to get my house all cleaned up. I have really gotten behind lately with sick kiddos, and busy schedules, etc. None of us really know what the etc. is, but it really does a whopper to my house. Anyway, the big to do list today includes hiding all the leftover candy from yesterday, putting away lots of laundry; and, drum roll, please... finding all of the living room floor.

to do list update (Friday am): I can see most of the living room floor, hurray! I am going to vacuum today. Yesterday I cleaned the bathroom,got the dishes caught up (if you went in my kitchen you can see the almost all of the counters-- I am not counting the one covered in art supplies and coloring books and mail, oh my!), bagged up the garbage, and washed some towels. Dancer Girl and Little Sister Girl were a BIG help! Thank you, Sweet Girls!

All Saints' Day

Happy All Saint's Day Eve

Thermostat week

Well, both the house & the car got a new thermostat this week. In other news, I finally finished planting all the bulbs I got for free. I planted hyacinths, daffodils, & irises this fall. Hopfully, we will have a colorful yard in the spring...

this daffodil http://brecks.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_67241

these hyacinths http://brecks.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_67345

63 Degrees

well, been gone a couple of days, because our heater went out... & the Heater Guy said I needed a new ventor motor assembly.....spent two nice days with Grandma & Grandpa Motherkitty. Heat back on....thanks for the Hershey Bar

Morning

I am always glad for the morning to come. Glad for the sunshine. Glad for a new opportunity, a fresh canvas. Sometimes I wake up in the night after dreams and lay in bed and think about worst case scenarios. But one thing I am learning is that I would rather get up for a while and wait for the morning to come than lay in the dark. When I think of the morning I think about positive things. The sun is one thing that is out of my control that is good. It brings warmth and life to our planet. Why should I bother with worst case scenarios? The worst thing could happen and I would have to live with it. So why jump off that bridge before I get to it. I consider it trying to forge a habit, thinking about positive things on purpose when worries come. I read in a book recently that thoughts are like water, and that similar thoughts over and over develop a rut similar to a riverbed in your mind. Well, I am choosing to make new ruts, even if it takes the rest of my life to dig a new river. I have also learned over recent months that if you smile it makes you feel happier even if you were not happy to start with. So there.

Birthdate

Your Birthdate: June 5

With a birthday on the 5th of the month you are inclined to work well with people and enjoy them. You are talented and versatile, very good at presenting ideas. You may have a tendency to get itchy feet at times and need change and travel. You tend to be very progressive, imaginative and adaptable. Your mind is quick, clever and analytical. A restlessness in your nature may make you a bit impatient and easily bored with routine. You may have a tendency to shirk responsibility

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

saw this my friend Trish's blog, she is a writer

http://trishwrites.blogspot.com/

All you happy people

I wish the best for you...

Well I ended up taking Little Sister Girl to the doctor yesterday afternoon, just to make sure her cold wasn't something more serious....no antibiotics given, no tests done, & of course she acted better & happier & less sick than she had in 2 days....But the good news is that last night both of my girls slept better. And I made some tiny progress on dishes, garbage & laundry yesterday. Now for that elusive shower.....

When it Rains, it Pours

interesting history of Morton Salt
http://www.mortonsalt.com/consumer/about_us/history/

how the Morton Salt girl looked when my parents were born...

I looked up Morton Salt for the graphic to go with the slogan that seems to fit the mood in my family's life right now. The history of salt includes the the history of popular myths and superstitions about salt, and is very interesting to read. I found it a nice distraction. I have always admired the optimism of the Morton Salt girl, even though she might not be so happy when she realizes she poured out all her salt....Thank God for salt. I like to think about what Jesus meant when He said we were supposed to be salt and light in the world (one place He says this is Matthew 5:13)
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6, my paraphrase

forgot to mention--got my $25 in free hyacinth and daffodil bulbs in the mail yesterday. Yippee! Gonna be digging in the dirt today! :)

Feeling Better

well Dancer Girl is feeling better after the doctor visit, and 2 brown paper bags full of medicine samples.....here is what she has to say.... l,.lkuofxdg vf400. 2l45028lmjik12l,mlkkkk783322 xeg

her favorite color today is RED

her favorite song today is Patty Cake

her favorite story today is The Three Little Piggies

her favorite princess today is Belle, from Beauty and the Beast

No Dancing Today

Well, Dancer Girl has gotten a yucky cold, and we are off to the doctor's office in a couple of hours. Unfortunately, today is the day for her ballet and gymnastics classes. So I guess any dancing she will be doing today will be at home. Sad dancer girl... Kitten Duchess and Big Fat Kitty have been trying to console her with love and purrs. She fell asleep on the couch yesterday and Duchess Kitten snuggled up right next to her.

from little sister....as she says, "type" in her sweet baby girl voice....
z ,f mfmvmmvvmm...mjjj nbmk vffffggv, v jjjfjnv

Disappearing

I did write a post on the 15th or 16th, and it just disappeared. I remember it was happy and positive. Well, now it is the 17th, & here I am. Did you know you could repair one of those pop up mesh laundry baskets on the sewing machine?

Mixed Feelings

Friday morning-- in a few hours I will be on my way to a doctor visit. I have mixed feelings about this, partly because I am unsure if this new doctor will be the right one for me. Another part of me has been avoiding doctors in general for my whole family due to the cost of healthcare. Life without health insurance is a very interesting place to be, to say the least. Let me just say, well, I really don't know what to say.....I think when we finally pay off hospital bills for Little Sister Girl I will feel much relieved and less scrutinized. It is a terrible feeling to be in debt to someone (wait, did I just call a hospital/doctor's office someone ? What can I possibly be thinking?). I think mostly I am trying to retain a shred of dignity when I take myself or my family for medical care. I always thought before that there would be no difference in care I would receive no matter what my financial or insurance situation is/was. I had always heard that some offices would treat people differently if they were using a Medical Card/ Medicare, and I didn't believe it. I guess it is my own perception really, but it feels much different to have had health insurance, easily get care and pay a copay, and then suddenly be without this, and be ineligible for any health assistance. Don't get me wrong, I get a special self-pay amount that is discounted (supposedly) from regular rates. Woo hoo. But I have to pay in full for every visit to get this special rate. Every time I think I have let this issue go, something comes up and I realize I am still angry about the whole situation. It also doesn't help that I will have to leave Dancer Girl this morning with Long Hair Daddy. No problem, usually. She has had a low-grade fever for two nights now, and has been feeling puny, and mostly wanted me to hold her and snuggle. Little Sister Girl, now 19 mos, still is too young to really understand and hasn't wanted to share Mommy at all(translation-- lots of screaming and crying when I can't hold her). I feel very drained, and yet at the same time, I am glad that I am her Mommy and that I have love and patience for her that no one else has. I feel glad that she wants me to hold her and comfort her. I get this feeling that I will blink my eyes and she will be grown up. I hope she will never outgrow needing me, but know that some things will never be the same as when she is this little.

Happy Tuesday

Happy Tuesday! May your day be filled with opportunity, hope, and goals completed.

*//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////[ so aptly put by Big Fat Kitty as she sits on my lap and types ]

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus said unto him, They have no wine. Jesus said unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. His mother said unto the servants, Whatsoever he says unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus said unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he said unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and said unto him, Every man at the beginning does set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse; but you have kept the good wine until now. This the beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
from John 2

Relief

Long Hair Daddy had to replace a busted hose on our '88 car because it had overheated earlier in the week and the hose went boom. Well the good news is that he realized that the last mechanic who looked at our car to fix the overheating problem had the radiator cap screwed on too tight. Long Hair Daddy loosened the cap and Voila!, the car temperature has been normal ever since. Thank God this time it was something simple and that Long Hair Daddy figured it out himself!

Wallace & Gromit

Wallace & Gromit goooood.

Rosh Hashanah

Leshanah tovah tikkatev

May you be inscribed for a good year.

This is sometimes said during the Jewish New Year, and I have read it means not only Happy New Year, but may your name be inscribed in the book of life this year. During the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, many think about the previous year and seek forgiveness. At the end of the ten days people say to each other, "May the final verdict be favorable," because the end of the ten days is the Day of Atonement or Judgment, Yom Kippur. This is my wish for my friends and family and enemies, that they be forgiven and have their names inscribed the Book of Life. I am thankful that God is good and His mercy is forever.

I also read that Psalm 37 is a traditional reading in synagogues at this time.

Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: don't fret yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not yourself in any wise to do evil.....

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholds him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread...

But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them.....

(as always, my paraphrase)

also found this...http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday2.htm

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

I must have been tired yesterday. Apparently I had dozed off on the couch when Little Sister Girl was nursing to sleep. I woke up at least 30 minutes later than I remember with white kitten Duchess asleep under my right arm and Little Sister Girl asleep on my lap under my left arm. I spent most of the day on the phone taking care of bills and stuff and helping Little Sister with the potty. I did manage to throw some towels in the dryer and bag up the garbage and feed the cats. It was one of those funny days where you are busy all day long, and at the end of it you look back and wonder what you did. At least there were no dead birds on my carpet in the living room like Saturday morning. [Yes, I opened the cat door back up for a while, and apparently Mama White Kitty can't resist the temptation even though her kittens are grown and mostly moved away from home]. The biggest news today is that Dancer Girl is coming home after staying at Grandma's house since Saturday! Can you believe it? That's 3 nights away! I guess that means my little girl really is growing up. Also, Little Sister Girl is really starting to talk and repeat words and phrases. My favorite this week is her version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. I am glad both my girls love to sing. Thank God for the sun.
http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level1/sun.html

Dancer Girl Visits Motherkitty

Well, after a rip-roaring princess birthday party with her friends, Dancer Girl, aka Sleeping Beauty in Pink with a fancy bun ponytail with bow, announced that she was going to Grandma's house with a "Don't worry, Mama...I'll see you on Tuesday." So, it is very, very quiet around here.

Beautiful white kitten has been officially named Duchess of Silk by Dancer Girl. Now to find her a rhinestone studded collar....

5 days til Wallace & Gromit....

Happy Sewing Mom

Well, yesterday afternoon, on a whim, I decided to hem up 9 of Little Sister Girl's shirts. I cut the snaps off of her onesies that she doesn't wear much now, and made them into little t-shirts. Now that she is very interested in the potty like Big Sister Dancer Girl, Little Sister doesn't wear the shirts with snaps anymore. I got tired of looking in her drawer for little shirts, and it was becoming very annoying for her to try to go potty and have her shirts hanging in the potty--yuck! I did it all in about an hour, I think, or at least in an afternoon. My kind of project--over and done in a day. Here is a sample before picture of a onesie. Dancer Girl and I did try to type this yesterday but our entry was lost due to "Blogger Maintenance" or something. Dancer Girl also typed something....

i love you. daddy loves me.

Good Ol' Mom

speaks for itself http://motherkitty.blogspot.com/ see Sept. 28, 2005, transitions & passages

10 Days til Wallace & Gromit

http://www.wandg.com/

ok, I thought of something nice to think about. Wallace & Gromit. We love Wallace & Gromit. Their new movie will be in theaters on October 7.

Is September Over Yet?

Four days left in September. Part of me is trying to feel really optimistic that a new month might bring something exciting and unexpected, some relief. But then I remember the hurricanes....Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. And I dwell on the families without homes, without electricity, without loved ones, without telephones, without plumbing, without banks, without post offices, without grocery stores....et cetera, et cetera. I ponder these things with a heavy heart, knowing I really have no clue what real loss is, no clue how most of these displaced human beings really feel. I have no real idea of how to help them, but I have great faith in the resilience (sp?) of the human race. When I think of wars, and families with loved ones at war, I wonder how are they getting by without their loved ones. I think of places like China, with such hateful disrespect for human beings. I think of places like Israel and Palestine, and how Abraham's two sons' descendants (cousins) are at war with each other. And I think of how children are blissfully ignorant children are of all the yuck in the world....Enough of me, here are some thoughts from Dancer Girl....

n.jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjummmm,,,ujjkm,jyyujmmk,kuu k jmmnhjklijhjnntnjjk9i98kibp,o,.kjiirfrjjjmkj i okk,,,,,,kkjhhhhnljkkkll,miihytffffdffdn

What a Week!

Well, the irises got planted, Dancer Girl's beautiful white kitten was returned to us, we had a blueberry muffin tea party, and Long Hair Daddy and I actually had a date this week. A 4.5 hour date, with tag-team babysitters. The girls stayed with one friend 2 hours and were picked up by their wonderful Uncle, who entertained them with an actual trip inside McDonald's (no drive through for them) and fun with play-doh for the rest of the time. We got to go to the movies, and to dinner, with time to spare. I actually went somewhere without diapers, wipes, and Cheerios! Overall, it has been a roller coaster of a week. The girls had a great time and hubby and I got some much needed time together.

Oh, yeah, and I remembered to take the garbage out, too.

Sharing Armor

Hurricane Rita, husband's cousin in serious car accident with 18 wheeler, my uncle in surgery today for sarcoma recently discovered, husband working 16-20 hours per day for last week to 2 weeks to make up for missed deadline ....

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagles's. The Lord executes righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He has not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities them that fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; ..... from psalms 103 (my paraphrase)

No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn....from Isaiah 54:17

recent thoughts....If you are wearing armor and are in battle, you can use your shield not just for yourself but to shield your neighbor....And above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (ephesians 6:16)

armor picture from http://www.arador.com/gallery/cht.html

Moon Shadows and Stoplights

This week has been full of questions from four year old Dancer Girl. Why are there moon shadows? (following the recent Why is the moon a crescent? question) Also, Why are there stoplights? Why are they red and green and yellow?

Of course I can't quite capture the original inflections here. I love these questions she asks. I love her curiousity. It keeps me on my toes (no wait, that's pretend ballet class....)

http://arthistoryclub.com/art_history/Stoplight#History
http://www.coolquiz.com/trivia/explain/docs/stoplights.asp

http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/imgcat/html/object_page/gal_p37298.html

Long Hair Proud Daddy found a really cool site that showed the earth rotating from space...

http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/050908_messenger_movie.html. We also did some fun things with flashlights and balls, to show shadows and light, night and day on the earth. Dancer Girl was very interested in the fact that some people are asleep on one side of the world and awake on the other. Fun with flashlights never ends-- both Little Sister Girl and Dancer Girl LOVE flashlights. Big Fat Kitty doesn't jump as high as she did when she was a kitten....

Brain Teaser

Bible Brain Twister By John Kezer

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It
was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts, and for
others it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially
since the names of the books are not capitalized, but the
truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. To others,
it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few
moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to
spot. Others may require judges to help them. I will quickly
admit it usually takes a minister to find one of the 17, and
there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A little
lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate
better. See how well you can compete. Relax now, for there
really are the names of 17 books of the Bible in these
sentences.

One preacher found 16 books in 20 minutes. It took him three
weeks to find the seventeenth one.

(Hint: See how many books of the bible you can find in the
text above.)

Someone forwarded me this, I am not posting the answers yet....It came from the Good Clean Funnies List http://www.gcfl.net/. I found all 17 in less than 30 minutes, with interruptions from Dancer Girl, Long Hair Proud Daddy & Little Sister Headbanger Girl. I did get my Bible out about halfway through. I LOVED this puzzle.

p.s. Motherkitty posted the answer in the comments section. Good job, Motherkitty!

9/11 Thoughts

http://www.laurelrose.com/SEPT11a2001.HTM

Even though 9/11 was over a week ago, in 2005; and a week and 4 years ago, in 2001; I know we all from time to time think of all those families affected on that day. Here are some thoughts well written by my Dad, that put into words how most of us must feel about the horror of that day. This is a part of my Dad's writings, which I strongly believe will be taught in some contemporary college literature or humanities class in the future. He refuses to bind them up and publish them for profit, but leaves his thoughts free for all to read and contemplate.

A Day for My Girls

Well, Little Sister Girl, affectionately also known as Headbanger Girl, has been very fussy lately. She got one of her little sharp canine teeth in last week, so maybe this is the prelude to the other. We did have a very interesting time at Sirloin Stockade yesterday (details too scary, we left with doggy bags).

Though she is only 18 months old, she has surprised me very much this week by deciding she wanted to try to use the potty on her own. Hurray for Little Sister Girl! She has made several attempts, and succeeded many times. In short, this means gearing up for spending lots of time in the bathroom, reading books, saying "Bye Bye" (flushing toilet sound), and encouraging other good bathroom habits... The real trick is getting myself ready for all the "interruptions" in my day, my "plans." But then again, this is why I am a Mommy. Just to see her proud little face, and hear her cute slurred version of "I did it!!!" It could be a nuisance, but I think it is really an opportunity to celebrate and slow down several times a day.

One of my goals in recent times is to make sure I make Mother and Daughter Time for Dancer Girl. With Little Sister Girl taking up so much of my time and on my lap, Dancer Girl feels left out sometimes, I think. Today is Monday, and it should be a quiet (relatively speaking, Long Hair Daddy!!) day in that we don't have to go anywhere. I will play pretend restaurant or school today, whether I like it or not, and I will have snuggle time with Dancer Girl. Maybe we will go outside and plant some blue irises I got almost free at a yard sale. Both my girls love being outside and helping me dig in the dirt. Maybe we should have a picnic (wheels turning).......

Here is the link where I found this beautiful blue iris picture:
http://www.mooseyscountrygarden.com/gardening-articles/bearded-irises.html

War & Peace

Okay, it took Tolstoy 6 years to write War and Peace, I don't feel so bad taking such a long time reading it.

http://www.ltolstoy.com/timeline/index.html

















This picture is from the Tolstoy website, it is part of his estate Yasnaya Polyana.

Tolstoy & Yarn

http://www.ltolstoy.com/index.html

Leo Tolstoy is one of my dad's favorites. Off and on over the past couple of years, I have been making my way through War and Peace. This book is about war, yes, but also a lot about marriage, which surprised me. I think I will probably start over, because curious Dancer Girl likes to remove bookmarks from any book I am reading. So over the past few years, I have been trying to make a habit of remembering the page number I am on. Well as you can guess, this doesn't work well for War and Peace. Maybe the next time I start I will keep a short journal of my progress. It took me many years to appreciate history, and now some of my favorite reading material are biographies. This site has wonderful photographs of Tolstoy, young and old, and pictures of his home. Anna Karenina is also one of my favorites.

On a completely different note, someday I will post pictures of some of my completed needlecrafts, mostly crochet, some sewing. I love to create with my hands, and mostly give away what I make. I have many works in progress at the moment....some current, some started years ago that I get out occasionally and work on. Little Sister Girl, Big Fat Kitty, and Dancer Girl LOVE to play with my yarn (while I am trying to work). As you can guess this makes progress slow. I am very proud, though, because my little Dancer Girl, wants to learn to crochet and asks to help every time. Needlecrafts will be a part of her education. Attention Motherkitty, be prepared! Your turn to teach her is next!

Even Curiouser....

all of my bullets and numbering choices showed up as little flowers.......no matter how i try to edit them or how they look in the preview pane.....oh yeah, and the line breaks are very interesting, not what i chose at all.....same as Kitty Cliffhanger Update. That is NOT how I wanted that to look by the way....just gave up. This is still going to be a wonderful day, quite an adventure, I expect.

Curious

1. Just wanted to see what some of these buttons will do....

Now is the first day of the rest of my life.

Now is the first day of the rest of my life.

Now is the first day of the rest of my life.

• Now is the first day of the rest of my life.

1. Now is the first day of the rest of my life.

ok, all done...

Someone I Greatly Love

Calm Delight

I once heard a definition of joy as calm delight. I like that word with that definition. I feel hopeful and happy and calm today. Which should be weird because on the surface my life is very turbulent right now, many challenging things going on right now. There are so many things that are out of my control that I could worry about, but I am choosing not to. Today I will rely on God for wisdom and strength to do what I should do, and somehow everything that should get done will get done.

Happy Grandparents Day!

Just wanted to write a quick note of appreciation to all the Grandparents in my life. There really is no way to say how important they are in my life and in my children's lives. One of my life goals is to keep my family close to grandparents, cousins, etc. It's the main reason my husband and I don't move somewhere else. Grandparents, you are greatly loved, and I am glad my children love all of you.

Up at Night

Sometimes I find myself up in the middle of the night. After my second baby I decided to look at this time as an opportunity instead of a bother. I have a lot more peace now that I just use the time reading, praying, crocheting, or surfing online. Sometimes I even try to clean up my Inbox. Eventually the baby will wake up & want to nurse or I will get sleepy, & then I just squeeze back in to bed. This, by the way, reminds me of baby kittens sleeping on top of each other...that's me on the bottom.

Kitten Cliffhanger Update

I was reading over my first entry today and realized that there may be many people who are wondering what ever happened to New Kitty, and was she killed by Big Fat Kitty? What a cliffhanger! Well, anyway, just in case you were wondering. New Kitty became Mama Kitty and taught her pretty white babies to play with dead baby birds in my living room. Therefore a proclamation was made:

Henceforth Mama Kitty and all her Pretty White descendants will be exiled to the Yard, where they may frolic with Birds and Bird Parts all they want.

This did make things hard for Big Fat Kitty, because now that the cat door is locked she has to ask to go in and out. But I have to say she doesn't care one bit, because all she ever wanted was the house to herself. Big Fat Kitty purrs again and has even come to sit on my lap. She still wakes me up with requests for food, even if there is still food in her bowl.

As for Dancer Girl and Toddler Girl. Well Dancer Girl recently had a wonderful birthday bash. Being 4, she makes wonderful proclamations like, "Mama, when I'm 6...."(you can fill in the blanks). Apparently she is too excited and wants to skip past 5. Her Dada tells her she's not allowed to grow up, but she rightly tells him that she's supposed to grow up, God made her that way. Dancer Girl's new pastime is trying to tell jokes, which may go something like this--- "Mama, what is forest and trees and clouds together?" "I don't know." "The letter A and T." Which is followed, of course, by wild laughter (and you'd better laugh, too). I keep telling myself I am going to find a book of jokes for preschoolers, and teach her some.....

Toddler Girl is almost 1.5 years old, and I guess she has graduated from toddlerhood. Maybe I should call her Running and Spinning Without Looking Where She is Going Girl (then again, that could go for either one....might be a bit confusing). Maybe I should call her I Want to Be Like Big Sister Even Though I am Nothing Like Her Girl (whew! too long). I guess for now I will settle on Little Sister Girl. Little Sister is going through the exciting phase of learning new words every day. You never know what she will repeat. She is very determined to learn how to jump properly and does a very cute impression of a little stomping sumo wrestler, complete with hair, which is very long so I try to keep it in a little ponytail (sticks straight up, now I know why people put bows in their babies' hair)

Both girls are Daddy's girls and I have to admit that I sometimes feel a little jealous of the attention they get from their daddy. But then again, that is the way it is supposed to be. I am very very thankful that they are wholly devoted to him. To sum up, I love the way they run to the door and wave and call to him when he leaves for work. Even better is how they run to him in glee when he gets home. He loves it, and so do I.

Hurricane Katrina on my Mind

I have a friend who lives in New Orleans and have been continually thinking about his safety. When I feed my family I wonder if he has something to eat. When I get something to drink I wonder if he has enough clean water to drink. I wonder how hot he his and hope that relief will be brought his way. I give my children a bubble bath and hope that all the children in the Gulf area are safe. I am thankful for God's protection of my friend. I know I have no real idea how isolated and lonely he might be, with no power, phone, car, or clean water. No freedom to hop on your bike and run down to the store for some ingredient you forgot for dinner. I pray for God's continual protection and guidance for all stranded from the storm. I pray especially for my friend that he will be given specific insight on how to proceed...if and when he should leave his home and where he would go.....

Mama's Kittens

Welcome to my attempt to chronicle the yarns & threads of my life and family (stupid pun intended). It is very early Saturday morning (still dark), and I have already been up for a while. My sweet family is sleeping so all is very quiet here. I expect to hear Baby at any moment, or should I say Toddler. It is so sweet to see this transition from crawling to walking those wobbly little steps. Thankfully, we are at the end of weeks and weeks of illness, and I am very, very tired of giving antibiotics. Feb. 13 is the last day of Toddler Girl's antibiotics, only 2 more days!

I am attempting to make peace with our new kitty for the sake of Dancer Girl and Toddler Girl who both love new kitty. New kitty keeps bringing me feathery presents in my living room, and I am getting tired of recleaning my carpet. I finally figured out that I should set my cat door on a one-way setting. Kitties can go out, but have to ask nicely to get back in....

Scratch, scratch, "Meow...."
"Do you have anything to declare? Anything with feathers or fur? I'm sorry, but you'll have to leave that at the border. You may come in now."

Well, I guess I'll go now. Big Fat Kitty is purring in my face, and giving me that "you haven't fed me since last night" look....