Since is has been a while since my last post, I have too much to fill you in on to fit into the very small amount of time I have right now. therefore, I will try to do a number of shorter posts more often to get everyone up to speed.
First, we are home safely from our trip back to MI. the drive was not nearly as bad as it could have been, and I am very proud of all three girls for sticking it out in the car for many many hours at a time. We were able to make some entertaining stops going both directions which included a huge Abraham Lincoln head in Nebraska, a giant Buffolo Bill Cody, also in Nebraska, and a larger than life cow- oddly enough, in Nebraska.
On the way home we stopped in Yellowstone for a day which was definately the highlight of the homecoming tour. the girls has lots of fun looking for animals and we were greatly satisfied with 2 grizzly bears, inumerable bison and elk, a bald eagle, and one moose. The two oldest got their own cameras and now we will put together an album for each of them.
We arrived at Beardlsey Drive around 5am on sunday morning, last- not a minute too soon. The last 12 hours from Yellowstone to home seemed to drag on for, well, 12 hours at least. Everyone has caught up on their sleep, but the laundry remains piled in the hallway and the suitcases have yet to be put away.
So that is it for now. More later...
Your 'till we see a chocolate moose.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
I have found a few quiet moments to blog on this hot summer day while Steve and the girls are out for a swim at the park. They left Sydney Joy and myself at home to take naps and enjoy the air conditioning. And so I sit on my couch feeling the cool air play games with my hair, reminiscing about Michigan winters and how much I miss them.
I have often said to friends that I miss winter in the Mid-West, usually around February when the temperature here is 35 and its been overcast and rainy for 2 months and I wish it would just snow already so the sun can come back out. They understand the gloom factor of Northern California winters, but can never wrap their heads around my want for snow. I explain about the beauty of fresh fallen powder, the fun and frolic of sledding, skating, skiing and snowmobiling. I try to convey the sport in catching snowflakes on your tongue, and making a snow angel with no visible footprints within 3 feet. But they still don't get it. And I have to admit that I don't really get it either. I also remember, of course, frustrating hours spent shoveling the driveway only to realize that when you got to the bottom you had to start again at the top. I recall icy roads and slippery slush. Wet socks and frozen fingers. Cold air that takes your breath away, and a chill in your bones that takes hours to shake off. So why do I miss Michigan winters? I may not be able to tell you, but William P. Young, author of The Shack, the book I am currently reading, can. I read this paragraph yesterday at it hits the nail on the head...
There is something joyful about storms that interrupt routine. Snow or freezing rain suddenly releases you from expectations, performance demands, and the tyranny of appointments and schedules. And unlike illness, it is largely a corporate rather than individual experience. One can almost hear a unified sigh rise from the nearby city and surrounding countryside where nature has intervened to give respite to the weary humans slogging it out within her purview. All those affected this way are united by a mutual excuse, and the heart is suddenly and unexpectedly a little giddy. There will be no apologies needed for not showing up to some commitment or other. Everyone understands and shares in this singular justification, and the sudden alleviation of the pressure to produce makes the heart merry.
So, I now take a moment of silence in tribute to Snow Days long past, remembering them fondly and whispering a prayer that someday I might experience one more.
And as I snap back into reality, I realize that it is 104 degrees outside, and that makes me sweat just thinking about it. Oh well.
Yours 'till a Cop can yell "Freeze!" to the rain, and it does.
I have often said to friends that I miss winter in the Mid-West, usually around February when the temperature here is 35 and its been overcast and rainy for 2 months and I wish it would just snow already so the sun can come back out. They understand the gloom factor of Northern California winters, but can never wrap their heads around my want for snow. I explain about the beauty of fresh fallen powder, the fun and frolic of sledding, skating, skiing and snowmobiling. I try to convey the sport in catching snowflakes on your tongue, and making a snow angel with no visible footprints within 3 feet. But they still don't get it. And I have to admit that I don't really get it either. I also remember, of course, frustrating hours spent shoveling the driveway only to realize that when you got to the bottom you had to start again at the top. I recall icy roads and slippery slush. Wet socks and frozen fingers. Cold air that takes your breath away, and a chill in your bones that takes hours to shake off. So why do I miss Michigan winters? I may not be able to tell you, but William P. Young, author of The Shack, the book I am currently reading, can. I read this paragraph yesterday at it hits the nail on the head...
There is something joyful about storms that interrupt routine. Snow or freezing rain suddenly releases you from expectations, performance demands, and the tyranny of appointments and schedules. And unlike illness, it is largely a corporate rather than individual experience. One can almost hear a unified sigh rise from the nearby city and surrounding countryside where nature has intervened to give respite to the weary humans slogging it out within her purview. All those affected this way are united by a mutual excuse, and the heart is suddenly and unexpectedly a little giddy. There will be no apologies needed for not showing up to some commitment or other. Everyone understands and shares in this singular justification, and the sudden alleviation of the pressure to produce makes the heart merry.
So, I now take a moment of silence in tribute to Snow Days long past, remembering them fondly and whispering a prayer that someday I might experience one more.
And as I snap back into reality, I realize that it is 104 degrees outside, and that makes me sweat just thinking about it. Oh well.
Yours 'till a Cop can yell "Freeze!" to the rain, and it does.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
All That's Happened Since
There are several goings on to talk about since my last post.
Friday last was Sydney Joy's BIRTHDAY! She is now 2 years old and is exhibiting sure signs of being right on track for that so aptly named "terrible twos" syndrome. She is pushing limits, gaining confidence and losing fear both for challenging authority and for physical feats. We are in a stage where she definitely knows what she wants but is 80% of the time unable to communicate that desire effectively. Sydney Joy does have several words in her arsenal, but tends to resort to the more familiar scream to convey her thoughts. Not my favorite vocal exercise, but it will fade as she gets more comfortable with her language, and as she realizes that mom doesn't give her what she wants just because she's loud.
She is definitely on the smart side of the street and seems to be taking a right towards thoughtful avenue. She will think out a situation before attempting to solve it with her body and enjoys her alone time. At the park yesterday she spent 20 minutes sitting in a plastic toy car, drinking her juice and watching the people. Some adults I know can't sit still for that long let alone a two year old. In ten years remind me of this story and make sure that I am allowing Sydney Joy to have the time she needs in peace and quiet. Time to yourself can be hard to find for anyone, but as the baby of three girls who all share a room in a little house, the teenage years are going to be rough. And if this trend continues she's going to be craving the one commodity that will be the hardest to come by-solitude.
Saturday I taught another Bible study at church, this time on Lydia. I've had a lot of positive feedback on the lesson, particularly from our Pastor's wife who said it hit her heart dead on. I really do enjoy teaching and pray that God gives me other opportunities to use this gift, both to kids and adults.
On the topic of teaching, I have been in contact with Mrs. Brown- the morning teacher at the preschool. And while securing the job is on hold until mid-August, when the district and school staff are back in the office, we have discussed the theme for next year along with some ideas for activities and field trips. She continues to be confident that there will be no problem with me taking over the afternoon class, but I'm trying not to get carried away with plans until I know for sure.
Sarah Jane and Sadie Lynn both got their hair cut the other day. It looks fabulous! My friend Hannah did it and you'd never know it wasn't a professional cut. I can't wait to come out to Michigan so Grandma Airplane can see them!
Speaking of that, travel plans are still underway. I actually have all three girls just about packed up entirely, and have a good start on the box of stuff designated for road travel use. I've started to sneak toys to pack so that on the road I can pull out a favorite that they haven't seen in a few weeks and they'll be excited about it again. That seemed to work well the last time, so let's hope it holds true for this trip as well.
I guess that is all I have to say for now. So, until next time,
Yours 'till the kitchen sinks.
Friday last was Sydney Joy's BIRTHDAY! She is now 2 years old and is exhibiting sure signs of being right on track for that so aptly named "terrible twos" syndrome. She is pushing limits, gaining confidence and losing fear both for challenging authority and for physical feats. We are in a stage where she definitely knows what she wants but is 80% of the time unable to communicate that desire effectively. Sydney Joy does have several words in her arsenal, but tends to resort to the more familiar scream to convey her thoughts. Not my favorite vocal exercise, but it will fade as she gets more comfortable with her language, and as she realizes that mom doesn't give her what she wants just because she's loud.
She is definitely on the smart side of the street and seems to be taking a right towards thoughtful avenue. She will think out a situation before attempting to solve it with her body and enjoys her alone time. At the park yesterday she spent 20 minutes sitting in a plastic toy car, drinking her juice and watching the people. Some adults I know can't sit still for that long let alone a two year old. In ten years remind me of this story and make sure that I am allowing Sydney Joy to have the time she needs in peace and quiet. Time to yourself can be hard to find for anyone, but as the baby of three girls who all share a room in a little house, the teenage years are going to be rough. And if this trend continues she's going to be craving the one commodity that will be the hardest to come by-solitude.
Saturday I taught another Bible study at church, this time on Lydia. I've had a lot of positive feedback on the lesson, particularly from our Pastor's wife who said it hit her heart dead on. I really do enjoy teaching and pray that God gives me other opportunities to use this gift, both to kids and adults.
On the topic of teaching, I have been in contact with Mrs. Brown- the morning teacher at the preschool. And while securing the job is on hold until mid-August, when the district and school staff are back in the office, we have discussed the theme for next year along with some ideas for activities and field trips. She continues to be confident that there will be no problem with me taking over the afternoon class, but I'm trying not to get carried away with plans until I know for sure.
Sarah Jane and Sadie Lynn both got their hair cut the other day. It looks fabulous! My friend Hannah did it and you'd never know it wasn't a professional cut. I can't wait to come out to Michigan so Grandma Airplane can see them!
Speaking of that, travel plans are still underway. I actually have all three girls just about packed up entirely, and have a good start on the box of stuff designated for road travel use. I've started to sneak toys to pack so that on the road I can pull out a favorite that they haven't seen in a few weeks and they'll be excited about it again. That seemed to work well the last time, so let's hope it holds true for this trip as well.
I guess that is all I have to say for now. So, until next time,
Yours 'till the kitchen sinks.
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