Our Hillside

Fall is most definitely in full swing here in New England. I couldn't resist this shot of the beautiful foliage on the hillside. That building is a bunch of condos now and I'm not sure what it used to be but isn't it lovely? It's made from stone - lots and lots of stone. That hilllside is the same hill we live on, only on the other side of it. I was sitting in the parking lot of the middle school waiting for Katie to finish math when I noticed the maginificent colors. What a perfect mix of autumn's colors and summer's remaining green...

This and That

The end of September already?! The leaves have started changing - actually they are probably approaching peak color at this point. The days are still warmish with temps in the upper 60's. I do love this time of year but it's so brief. It also signifies change. Fall is notorious for all the changes it evokes. Somehow children seem to grow suddenly when school starts and they appear to be a year older regardless of when their birthday is. I don't much like that part of fall. Although with school age children fall also signifies new beginnings. Mostly that's spring's job but when looked at from a school perspective (or I suppose a fiscal year perspective) fall can also offer fresh starts and prospects for bright beginnings. I do like that part. While not my favorite season I try to appreciate what fall has to offer. I'm most definitely a summer girl all the way.

My husband arrived safely home last Thursday much to the delight of his adoring fan club! We are very glad to have him home. Friday night I went to a youth event in Amherst MA with Katie and her friend. It was Friday night and Saturday so Ed went back up on Saturday with them. It was called Acquire the Fire and had dynamite worship music and some speakers. We all enjoyed it. But yesterday (Sunday) was a nice, pretty much lazy day at home after church. I think we all needed a day like that. Today starts the regular routine of work and school.

With Ed gone for 10 days I really struggled with cooking a half way decent meal for my family. Some nights we had leftovers or cereal or waffles or sandwiches. Other nights we ate out. Terrible, I know. But now that Ed is home I must get back into the swing of things. Tonight is steak on the grill with baked potatoes. I feel like having carrots too. That's a good start. I'll figure out what to make the rest of the week tomorrow.

Homeschooling Katie continues to be a learning experience. I think we've decided that we want to mix up the curriculum a bit. Taking her classes on the computer is nice for language arts but for social studies we're switching to a more traditional textbook curriculum. She continues to take math at the middle school and we are waiting to find out about taking science there as well. As a homeschooler Katie is able to take academic classes at the public school and our district has been fairly cooperative in making this happen. But now that I've asked for science as well we are having some scheduling issues. I think they are doing their best but I also think it just isn't a real priority for them. And why would it be. It's a learning experience for us, that's for sure.

I was thinking today about how blessed I am to have some of the same friends I've had since elementary school, junior high, and high school. It's so cool to think about the way things were - the way we were back then - and how we are now. It's neat to be in touch with these friends and know how they are now as moms and wives. To think that we've grown up together. And even though we don't see each other often or even talk on the phone often we are able to pick up where we left off and continue our friendship. What a blessing...

Have you started Christmas shopping yet?...

My Favorite Time of Day

My favorite time of day is most definitely when the girls get off the bus. Our bus stop is at the end of our street at the corner of a busy road. I drive (sometimes walk) to pick them up there each day. The bus drops them off across the road so they have to cross the busy street. This makes me slightly nervous with Allison because she's just a little tyke who hasn't had much experience crossing the street without her mother! Thankfully her responsible big sister Becky is there to watch out for her. I get out of the car to wait for them to cross. When the kids are given the go ahead by the bus driver to cross, Allison takes off running toward me yelling "Mommy!" Then she grabs me into the biggest, sweetest hug ever. I look forward to that moment every single day. Becky, in her fourth grade-ness, wouldn't dream of making a spectacle of herself in such a way. But I hug her just the same and her sweet smile tells me she's missed me too. I'm glad Katie is home with me each day - she's great company. But, when they're all home together with me is the best. That's when the world feels right again.

What's your favorite time of day?

On Our Own

The girls and I have been on our own since the beginning of last week. This is a pretty long stretch for us. Normally Ed will travel 3 or 4 days during the week and that's it. And he doesn't have to travel very often. This trip is his longest since we've had children, I think. Fortunately we've been able to stay pretty occupied. School and soccer have filled up lots of time and it really hasn't been terrible. I've let the girls take baths in my bathroom tub. It's a very large jet tub so for Allison especially it's like a small pool! I think that was the highlight of the weekend for them. They've each had a turn sleeping in my room. Katie and Becky watch TV with me for awhile. Allison just likes to go to sleep! Last Friday we went to a concert. The headlining band was Sanctus Real. Tenth Avenue North and VOTA (formerly known as Casting Pearls) were there too. It was amazing! Allison usually stays home with either Ed or I when these late evening events come up. But this time either all of us went or none of us went. She did fine, although she was literally asleep in my lap during the last song! Anyway, the concert was incredible! There's a guy from our church who books these groups and does the setup/take down work for the concerts. He told Katie he could definitely use her help backstage sometime if she's interested. She's very excited about that!! There's something about meeting professional performers! Here's a couple of pictures from the show - of the show. I didn't get any good ones of the kids. Sorry.

VOTA

Sanctus Real

Time to meet the bus! Don't forget to watch The Biggest Loser tonight!

General Update

Shop Talk: Assignment 10 is just about finished. I typed my final revised copy today as well as the bibliography. Now I need to get my query letter prepared. I haven't done a query letter yet, only cover letters. A cover letter accompanies your manuscript and describes your story or article as well as any pertinent information about yourself and your qualifications. A query letter is sent on its own. It also describes your story or article and information about you but a query sort saves an editor time, I guess. If they like your query they'll ask you to send the ms. Does that even make any sense? So, I'll send in my article to my instructor who will then tell me all the ways to improve it - I hope. Then I'll revise it again and get it in the mail to magazines. This is my last assignment for the writing course - I'll be done!! They do have advanced courses and if they offer me one I'm not sure I'll do it just yet. I'd like to see what measure of success -if any- I can achieve with the knowledge I have now. Maybe later on I'll want to take another course but not just yet.

Becky is going to begin playing the flute. We go to pick it up tonight and she'll take lessons at school. I'm so excited for her to do this. She is reluctant, to put it mildly. I think she'll like it once she gets going with it. We're only committed for three months at a time so if she's doing terribly and she hates it immensely maybe she'll be able to stop. Maybe.

Allison is doing great at school. She walks around the house saying words and emphasizing their vowel sound. It's very cute. Each day she has more to tell me. At first I was lucky to find out anything that happened at school. Now she tells me lots of interesting things about her day. I think at first she was so overwhelmed by all that school entails. Now it's beginning to feel normal to her. That's good. Tomorrow I'll go to help in the library during her class time. I hope she behaves while I'm there. I've tried to explain that even when I'm there she has to follow the teacher's rules and do what her class is doing. Hopefully she gets it.

Katie's schoolwork continues to be challenging. She gets LOTS of writing assignments with research to do too. I'm glad about that. We are settled into a nice routine now but we're still working out some kinks in the curriculum. I'm sure everything will get straightened out soon.

Time to go meet the bus.

Do You Remember Where You Were?

I don't think any of us will ever forget where we were or what we were doing September 11, 2001. I know I won't. It started out routine enough but changed dramatically by mid morning. Katie was 6 and we had just started school for the morning. The phone rang and I thought about ignoring it but decided to see what was up with my friend/neighbor. She asked right away if I was watching the news, which I wasn't. "Turn it on!" she said. I was confused by the images and thought we were seeing scenes from a terrible 'accident'. We stayed on the phone trying to decipher what we saw. And together we watched the second plane hit. It was awful. I remember leaning on the counter, hovering close to the screen, making sure I'd really seen what had happened. It was clear that the crashes were no accident.

The rest of the morning went by in a blur. BIW sent folks home early. The Navy readied ships at the Iron Works to head out to sea. The Brunswick Naval Air Station went on high alert. And every TV set in our house was on a different news channel trying to get information about what was happening. As reports came in about the other two hijacked planes that crashed that day I remember being afraid for our country. Would any more attacks happen? I remember wanting to be with my family, needing to feel the security that comes with that. I remember the subdued way people had about themselves that day in the store. I remember tucking my kids into bed that night, hugging them extra tight, and feeling so thankful for the hum of the Navy P3s flying overhead. I felt safer knowing our military planes were close by, watching out for us.

The images of 9/11 will stay fresh in our minds many years from now - thanks to TV and Internet. It must be so difficult for those who lost loved ones or lived through the horror of it all personally, to see the images. I'm sorry for that. But for the rest of us, we shouldn't want to forget or push aside memories of that terrible day. Let's remember that from the tragedy of that day many renewed there faith in God and our country; our President and our military. We came together as Americans in a patriotic union against terrorism. Let's remember that the war in Iraq is unfortunate but necessary. So instead of belly aching about it let's be thankful for those who without hesitation jumped into a jet or onto a ship on 9/11 in order to secure our borders. Or those who readied themselves to leave their families to go and fight on our behalf. They believed in the importance of the cause then and still do. Shouldn't we?

Miss Popularity

Here we are half way through the second week of school. I was concerned that Allison's enthusiasm would wane by this point. Oh contraire, mon frere. Other than some worries she had about the bus ride home she's been LOVING school! I'm so thankful about that. She's even letting Becky walk her to her class each day. I'm so proud of my little miss. This morning I sent the girls down the school hallway toward Allison's class, and then waited for Becky to come back my way to go to her own class (she's so sweet to be willing to walk her little sister WAY out of her way!). It seemed like it was taking a long time and it was getting close to the late bell ringing. I started to think that Allison had become clingy with Becky or something. Finally with 5 minutes to spare Becky came back down the hall. I asked her if anything went wrong and she said, "No. We kept running into people that wanted to say hi to Allison!" I will say that Allison's two years as a guest lunch room visitor, classroom helper, and honorary elementary school student have left her with a bit of a fan club. Plus, she has two older sisters with friends who LOVE to dote on her. I'm so glad that my little girl can find a friendly, familiar face around every corner of her new school.

I'm having a bit of frustration with Katie's school stuff. It's supposed to be an Online Academy with teachers who offer help and assistance. I'm not feeling the help and assistance part. There's one man who I can call and he answers all my questions, but the way the system is set up I'm supposed to be able to leave notes with questions for teachers of specific subjects. I'm not sure what they are going to do for us that I can't do myself. The computer grades most of her work already. Hopefully my questions will be answered today!

My dear, sweet husband took the new car for a spin last night and then sat in the garage and played with all of the gadgets and gizmos. This morning when the girls and I got in it to bring them to school the battery was DEAD. Apparently, after sitting in it, sucking juice from the battery for about an hour, he proceeded to leave the interior light on all night. The poor thing tried to start. She gave it a really good effort. And I could tell that she didn't want to let me down. I don't blame her for this little oops. Thankfully my trusty van was standing by ready to assist. We have to give it back on Saturday (sniff, sniff).

Shop Talk: My big plans of spending GOBS of time writing once school started got interrupted when we decided to homeschool Katie. Not drastically interrupted but definitely revised. I found, however, that I have 45 minutes of completely uninterrupted time each day when I bring her to her math class. That doesn't sound like much but it really is plenty. I still have time during the day that I can spend writing while Katie is working on school stuff, I just have to be available to help her. So, as the school year progresses we are finding our way to a routine that works. And so far I'm feeling pretty good about it.

I may have jury duty next week. Not good. I won't find out if I have to report until Monday and then I'd have to be there on Tuesday. Hopefully my number won't come up and I won't have to go at all. Or, if my number does get called maybe they'll decide I'm an unfit juror. Say a prayer that I won't have to serve, would you, please?

Five Year Old Fashion Troubles

Allison is in a bit of a phase right now. Seems she wants to look "sporty" all the time. This means she wants to wear jeans, and shirts without 'puffy' sleeves. Usually sneakers are fine, although this morning she wanted to wear her flip flops. Her hair has to be down and free flowing - this is all part of the 'sporty' look she wants to have. I've been growing more frustrated by this phase every evening before bed when we pick out the clothes for the next day. This morning I insisted she wear some adorable khaki Capri pants. She made a fuss about them and told me "they get flat when I sit down!" I'm not sure what that means. I assured her she could change when she gets home and she seemed fine with that. Until I dropped her off at school. Originally I was going to walk her just to the lobby and Becky would take her down to her class. We talked about it and she agreed that she was willing to do it that way. However, when we got to school she became a bit clingy and instead of making a big fuss I decided to walk her myself. On the way to her classroom she told me a couple more times how her pants are bad, ugly, and FLAT. When I kissed her goodbye she was holding back tears (which is unusual for Allison, usually she just lets the tears fall) and telling me she wanted to come home with me. Now I feel terrible about insisting she wear those pants. If she feels self conscious - which she most certainly should not - then she'll feel bad. Poor thing. I think this is one of those times when I need to pick my battles - I think. I'm going to go to the mall before school gets out and buy her some more jeans. I so don't like the uncertainty that comes with parenting. The self doubt, the worry, the sinking feeling that I've blown it somehow. And this is all over her outfit! She's FIVE!!! When to pick battles and when to insist on something - that is the question! As I was leaving school I popped into the office and asked the secretary, who knows Allison very well and has lunch/recess duty with the kindergartners, if she'd please tell Allison that she looks 'sporty' today. After chuckling about my five year old's fashion troubles, she assured me she would. Poor Little Miss. What do you suppose she'll be like when she's a teenager?

Revisions, Politics, and Shop Talk

I've been revising the blog a little bit. I love the picture I put just below the title. I think it captures some of the beauty we can see and experience here in our neck of the woods. I have another picture which I love more but because of my terrible file saving system I can't seem to remember where it is in 'My Pictures'. If I stumble across it you'll be the first to know. There will more changes and hopefully improvements over the next couple of days.

One area I've neglected terribly is Shop Talk. Honestly there hasn't been much Shop to Talk about lately. I put the writing on the back burner for pretty much all of August. I did submit my baseball article to two more magazines and am waiting to hear from either or both of them. It's going on three weeks since I mailed them out and according to the submission guidelines, it can take up to 4 months to hear back. I did some research the other day at our library on a man named Thomas Allen. He's known in these parts as "The Fighting Parson" because he fought in a pivotal Revolutionary War battle in Bennington, VT. Apparently he marched to battle wearing his Parson attire and folks just starting referring to him as "The Fighting Parson." Strangely, not many folks around here have ever heard of him. I had the privilege of reading a few of his journal entries and was just blown away by the matter of factness he wrote with. There was a sense of compassion in his writings too. He wrote about seeing a comrade's foot be blown off and seeing prisoners of war be killed - but there was an underlying empathy that I can't really describe. There's something so special about seeing a man's handwriting on yellowed paper that's over 200 years old. To think that I got the tiniest glimpse into his life, wow. The only problem with this man as a topic for an article is that I have NO IDEA how to narrow it down so that my focus is tight and specific. What is it I want to say about Thomas Allen? What do I want kids to learn about him from my article? How deep into the history of the Revolution do I need to get to make my point? Why is he so fascinating to me? Somehow I feel compelled to write about him but I don't know what to write. These are the troubles that plague me!!! I've decided to put a bit more energy into an article I wrote on Whoopie Pies. The first draft is done and needs some polishing. I think I'll be getting that one into shape this week.

The first week of school is behind us and we are settling into a routine. I won't say it feels 'normal' yet to send Allison to school. I know that it will eventually but for now it's still strange. She's excited to go back to school tomorrow and has even decided that she wants to buy her lunch. Today at church she saw a girl from her class! I'm so glad that she had an opportunity to connect with someone from school outside of the classroom.

I keep feeling the need to express some political opinions here on the blog. I will keep this brief. Obama blew it big time with his interview at the Saddleback church. His answer to the abortion question was a pathetic something or other about how it was "above his pay grade" to answer such a thing. Apparently now that he's had time to think about it he's come back to say that "intended to say" something else. Excuse me while I go THROW UP! Clearly the man doesn't do well when put on the spot or under pressure. Can the Commander in Chief afford the luxury of thinking through his answers or decisions for several days or weeks before coming up with what he truly "intends"? I think not.

Tomorrow is a bit of a sad/happy day for me. I've lived in minivan world for the better part of my married life. We've owned three of them. This one, a Honda Odyssey, is my favorite and I LOVE it with all my heart. It has never let me down, ever. I can fit TONS of stuff in it and lots of people too. I remember moving from Maine with that thing stuffed full of suitcases, houseplants, snacks for the road, two hamsters, and three kids. But, our time together has come to an end. Our lease is up and I have to give it back. I thought about getting another van but I think I'm ready for something different. So yesterday we bought an SUV. It's a used Acura MDX. It's really pretty and has room for all of us. Not as much room as my van but it'll do just fine. We pick it up tomorrow. It better be as good to me as my Honda! Stay tuned.

Stuff

I only have a few minutes before I need to meet the bus. These last few minutes before the girls get home draaaagg by. I can't wait to see them and hear all about their day. Allison is still loving school and Becky has really resolved to keep her chin up. I'm really proud of both of them. Katie is really liking her homeschool curriculum so far. It's definitely challenging already and I'm especially glad about that! In science this morning she was covering a brief review of science history and early scientists like Isaac Newton. She was impressed that the text talked about how Isaac Newton was a Christian. She said, "Mom, last year we talked ALOT about Isaac Newton and never once did we hear that he believed in Jesus!" YAY for Christ centered, creation view scientists and the curriculums who teach about them!!

I hope you all got to watch Sarah Palin's speech last night. In a word... WOW! She sent some zingers flying straight into the Democratic camp. I was mighty impressed. I'm not going to go on about her attributes or my hopes that our country will vote for her and John McCain to lead our country but I could. And don't even get me started about how I believe it should be mandated that our President should have served in the US military. How can someone with no military ties, background, or training, be the Commander in Chief over our fighting forces?!?! That's enough...

My baby will be home momentarily so I'm off to meet the bus. I sure do miss that little bug. Don't get me wrong, I miss Becky lots and lots too but I've gotten used to her being at school, it's part of the routine. But Little Miss has never spent so much time away from me and I just miss her like crazy.

First Day of School

We just got home from dropping Allison and Becky off at school. Allison greeted me with a huge smile, outstretched arms, and a little happy dance this morning when she got up. She was SO excited about going to Kindergarten today. Her excitement made it much easier to say goodbye to her when we left her at her classroom. She was a bit nervous - which is to be expected - but her excitement outweighed any hesitation she had. YAY Allison!

That backpack is almost as big as she is!!
Becky had that "I'm not going to cry" look on her face when we were at school this morning. I think she's determined to hold it together. I'm sure she'll be fine. Her teacher seems wonderful!
Here's a little interview we had as we walked Allison to her classroom...

Big Day for Allison

Allison learned something new this weekend. Check it out...

She caught on very quickly and was SO excited that she can ride like her sisters!! Now we just need to teach her to tie her shoes...