When All Else Fails, Try Bribery

It's not as bad as the time I bribed my daughter with four dinosaurs of her choice if only she got her ears pierced. (Really, at the time it didn't seem so cruel and weird!) No, no- this bribery is nicer. And for a good cause nonetheless. We're "enticing" our little one to stop his resistance training when it comes to sleeping. Not one more night of the insane screaming for hours can we take in our household so here comes the carrot dangling part...

For each night my little night monger lays down nicely without the screaming (and we don't care where he does this either- who can be picky at a time like this) he will earn a backhoe, bulldozer or excavator sticker. After five stickers are on his chart (prominently displayed on the fridge and really played up) he will get A NEW TRUCK!

So imagine this plan rolled out to a 2.5 year old. He may get the concept, he may not. But for the past two nights he has given up the fight and I swear there was no Benedryl involved. Ahhh, the peace, the quiet, the surprise that I have a husband who I can actually talk to- what a concept!

Here's to night number three.

Ask and You Shall Receive

Yesterday I mentioned making blackberry jam and look what I found today- an expert! Visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Cannery to learn more! (Pssst, there's a giveaway...)

Tuesday's Nature Hike

What we found...

The little guy found lots of scat (don't tell him it was just dirt). His daddy saw a coyote in the yard early in the morning so he was looking for tracks. Gulp.

.

A bath tub!!

Lots of blackberry bushes starting to bloom. I can't wait to make jam!

A mama deer with her baby - a bit too far for my lens but nonetheless beautiful.

Our Visit

Last week I got a call from a lady at church. She was reminding me that I had signed up to bring the traveling Blessed Mother into our home for the week. "That's right!" I exclaimed. It had been months since I did that and specifically put down the dates so that we could have her for my birthday and our anniversary.

I was so pleasantly surprised to see that she came in a big suitcase full of rosaries, prayer books, dvd's on Fatima, candles, etc. And I was even more surprised to learn that there are welcoming family prayers and farewell prayers.

Funny enough she in one week became "ours". The kids really took to her bringing flowers in from the yard to lay by her feet, making sure she was facing the right way, talking about her eyes (they looked so real)- just being plain aware. They even leaned over after Mass as Mary was being presented to the next home and said, "Look mom, that's our statue!" If you ever get the opportunity through the Legion of Mary or whatever your church offers, we highly recommend it.

Tired of Two

I feel like this is the on-going post- it seems to keep resurfacing. But the fact of the matter is that I'm tired. Tired of having a two year old, that is. And just to clarify, I wouldn't trade him in for a better sleeping model, or a less whiney model but I would like a slightly modified brand. One that doesn't put his feet on the brake lines of his mommy's bike and laugh while being scolded during one of the most glorious family rides through the forest. One that doesn't go to a neighbors house for Memorial day dinner and say "NO!" when told to sit nice at the table (by the neighbor, I might add). One that doesn't scratch his mom and dad when they have the audacity to deny a cookie ten minutes before dinner. One that doesn't scream himself into hyperventilation for almost two hours to go to sleep.

I really don't ask for much. Obedience, compassion and fairness isn't a tall order, is it? (And I would slip in a good night's sleep but I don't want to push it.) I'd better re-fill the coffee, say yet another prayer for patience and wisdom and hope that today brings none of the above.

Eleven Years Ago Today

We babies said, "I do"...
And here we are with our beautiful family- living in the paradise we caught of glimpse of as newlyweds. Happy Anniversary Josh!

Thirty-Something

Yesterday marked the downward spiral* of my 30's - 36 to be exact. My sweet honey made me a delicious breakfast before heading out the door and my kids were so sweet with their homemade cards and wishes. It was hard to decide when my little guy asked if I'd rather have a truck birthday or Thomas the Tank Engine. How can a mom pick between two such wonderful themes? (I chose Thomas).

Somewhere around 10:30 in the midst of vacuuming and schooling, my middle man burst out into tears with the realization that there wasn't going to be a party with balloons. That there was nothing in the works. That it was going to be a disaster of a day (his feelings, not mine!).

So without hesitation we jumped into the car and headed to the city for an afternoon at the aquarium and the market. I'm so glad that we did -the weather was nicer in the city than at home and we just relaxed and totally enjoyed ourselves. Followed by a nice dinner and fabulous kid-cake we ended the day with a bang.





*So far the spiral isn't that bad.

Last Day of the Novena

THE DAY OF GRATITUDE
Lord Jesus how can I express my gratitude to you for having heard he prayer of your servant Rita who had recourse to your great power and love on my behalf. Lord you have granted my request and I can only try to thank you by satisfying the deepest yearning of your heart.

You said to your disciples before offering your life for us: I will be with you for a short time. Love one another as I have loved you. In this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Yes, Lord Jesus, I will love my neighbor, especially my most needy brothers and sisters and those who suffer most. I will help them and comfort them; this will be my task. I am certain that no other gift of mine could be more pleasing to your servant and my dear patroness Saint Rita, who can well be called the saint of fraternal love. For her, earthly life was not sufficient in giving herself in love. She now spends her life with you caring for us in our sorrows an difficulties.

Saint Rita, sweet messenger of divine mercy, I offer praise to our heavenly Father in your honor. Saint Rita...pray for us.

Four Down, Three to Go

I'm blessed with fair, Irish skin. (It's more like a curse but I'll remain positive). I'm just about covered with freckles and moles. They appear to come in droves- after two off the tummy and two on the back today, twenty probably will crop up tonight in their place. But since I'm so optimistic about this post, ahem, let me just say how wonderful it is to have these puppies removed - knowing that we're airing on the side of caution and being proactive. So I'm gonna pop some Advil and pull the plug on the pity party. In fact, I'm off to afternoon tea at a friend's house- gauze and all.

Day Nine of the Novena

DAY OF GOOD WILL
Lord Jesus, I want to offer you today my good will. Praying to you throughout these days I have become aware of my spiritual poverty. I have come to understand how unworthy I am to be heard by you, for I have served you and loved you so poorly.

Saint Rita, let me share in your great love and your Christian zeal and I will offer these to our God of goodness as a precious gift to intercede on my behalf. He cannot but hear you. With my whole heart I pray you to enrich my humble prayer with your own ardent, confident and selfless prayer. Tell the Lord that from this day forward I too will render him more courageous and clearer witness. I wish to be a Christian in deed, a Christian who transmits to others the light of faith ,hope and love.

O Lord, hear my prayer.

The Curtain Raises Again

Boy it's been a few months since "the show" was in town. A few months ago there was a show in the works on any given day. You would know when to expect a show because signs would be posted all over the house, music (I mean the same songs over and over) could be heard, oh and how could I forget- we were politely reminded about every ten minutes that such an event was about to occur.

Well just when we thought the show hit the road (ha!)...yep, you guessed it- the band is back together. The music is playing, the signs are up, he's told us all about it. I just don't have the heart to tell him it's American Idol night. Do you think he'll mind?

Day Eight of the Novena

THE DAY OF FORGIVENESS
Lord Jesus, it is impossible to approach you and your servant Rita without learning the way of forgiveness. No Prayer would ever be acceptable to you if it did not come from a heart free of all resentment and full of love. You have said: " Whatever you seek in prayer, believe you have received it and it will be yours. And when you come to pray, forgive anyone against whom you may have something. This is the condition you place before us.

You, Saint Rita, when your husband was murdered, quietly hid his bloodied clothing so that your sons would not be moved to seek revenge. Teach me the strength, the joy and the peace that are found in forgiving.

I want to give my brothers and sisters true Christian example, for without this my faith would be poor and pharisaical and all my offerings in vain. I do not want to be rejected by the God of mercy and love to whom I confidently offer today a willing heart and from whom, through your intercession, O great example of forgiveness, I await the favor I seek.

Day Seven of the Novena

THE DAY OF ABANDONMENT
Lord Jesus, the thoughts and the insights of these days of prayer have led me to place my complete trust in you. The closeness of your chosen one, Saint Rita, whose heroic virtues I have considered and, though only lightly, have tried to imitate, has revealed to me the absolute surety of your paternal and divine attentiveness and your immense love for us.

Now I am certain that, if it will be for my god and for the good of all those who are dear to me, you will grant the request I make of you to obtain this favor which is so important to me. If you should answer my prayer , I with my whole heart, will praise your greatness which is full of mercy and I will speak of you, Saint Rita, and of your sweet, protective intercession on behalf of all who like me are burdened with sorrow.

Forever, Lord, I will praise the works of your divine Wisdom. With the psalmist I will say: " Lord, though I must walk in the valley of darkness I will fear no evil because you are with me:

Triple Whammy Pays Off

It's not often we get up at 6am on Sunday. But yesterday, we did. We got the entire house up and out- coffee on the go to get downtown so I could run in this race. I was ready, really looking forward to it. That is until we got to the end of the floating bridge and stopped. Traffic was jammed up for the race and police ended up closing our exit so we were stuck. By the time we could get to where we needed to be the race would have begun. Bummer- whammy one.

On to plan b. Isn't it always good to have a plan b? I mean if you're going to wake sleeping children and have them hurriedly get dressed and scarf down toast in the car, you'd better have an alternate. So on to the coffee shop for cup number 2 and some pastries. Next stop- the Ballard Locks. What a beautiful morning to see the boats coming and going, run across the bridges and pick shells by the water. Here comes the next whammy- I forgot my camera. Do I go anywhere without my camera??

And finally for the last blow...The locks are adjacent to a beautiful botanical garden. Where was my nature book for sketching? On the kitchen table where I was last seen painting some watercolors.

However as we meandered back to the car we happened upon this farmers market and treated ourselves to some yummy stuff. So our plans changed, perhaps for the better. I still got my run in at home. And I still have some images stored away in my mind from our morning together. It's all good.

Day Six of the Novena

THE DAY OF STRENGTH
Lord Jesus, you know how much strength I need in these days of trial. I have been frequently tempted against confidence and fearing that you would no longer hear my prayers, I have become more and more filled with anguish. The first day of this novena to Saint Rita has helped me understand, however, that faith is the secret to strength- provided it is a living faith, nourished by prayer.

I believe Lord, that by virtue of my baptism I am a temple of God who is a tower of strength. He lives within me; therefore I live night and day within this tower. Yes, Lord, you are my rock and my strength.

Saint Rita, this truth was your strength in the trials of your life. But your strength joined with such heroism as to deserve to share, through the gift of a thorn, the redemptive suffering of our Savior. This special gift encourages me to place my trust in you.

I am certain that in my life, too, the cross must put my faith to the test; ane I am happy to be able to say to the Lord that I believe in his love in these days of sorrow. If it pleases him, I pray to obtain through your intercession the favor which I earnestly seek

The Fifth Day of the Novena

THE DAY OF PATIENCE
Lord Jesus, I can sometimes hear the words of your servant Job on my own lips: Where will I find strength to hope again, and when will the end which I have always awaited finally come to me ?

I know Lord that the faith of the true Christian is measured by patience but I become impatient precisely because faith is not deeply rooted in my heart. You, in your love, though have clothed our weak human nature and you know its limits. Clothe me with your mercy and grant me the gift of patience.

Saint Rita, you were spared nothing in this world: neither sorrow, nor humiliation nor deprivation; but God was your patience, God and his Word. Your whole life gives evidence of this. Today you offer me the word of Scripture to share with me the secret of your patience: "Happy the person who bears trials patiently because, once having been tried, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him".

Thank you, Saint Rita, or having shown me the light which does not deceive and the comfort o God's word. With greater tranquility and peace I commit myself to the intercession of your heroic patience to obtain the favor which I greatly desire and uniting to it the gift of patient waiting.

Finally, The Sun

It felt so good to be in the warm sunshine yesterday. We were all so exhausted leaving the beach but still had to stop to get a giant ice cream for the way home. It's gonna be a good weekend.

Still sleeping- sandy bottom, sticky fingers and all...

Day Four for the Novena

THE DAY OF PRAYER
Saint James writes: Is there someone among you who is suffering? Let us pray.

Jesus, I do not have the courage to pray to you. How can you hear the prayers of someone who turns to you in time of need but afterwards, in the normal events of life is so often far from you?

Lord, the only prayer which can truly reach you is that of a life lived as you wish: in love, in truth, in fidelity to your law. It is impossible for you not to hear anyone who lives with you and for you and who serves you with a sincere heart.

I am not capable of offering you such a prayer. But Saint Rita is. And so I offer you her holiness, her faithfulness together with my sincere ande firm will to imitate her every day. Hear me Lord!

Saint Rita, teach me the prayer which can change my heart, the dialogue with God which opens me to accepting his will ane to making myself available to my brothers and sisters. I commend to your intercession the favor which I seek with all my heart. Ask it of our good God if it be his will.

Day Three for the Novena

DAY OF LOVE
God is Love
Lord Jesus, may my heart discover in these words the most valuable lesson of life, which invites us to a life of trust in you and which is expressed in gratitude : because of love, you, O God, have wished to know our sorrow. God is love. Therefore I too created in your image and likeness, ought to be a reflection of your love, your mercy and your goodness, in the world and for the world.

Saint Rita was this, Lord. She was a true Christian, self-giving, generous toward all , even her enemies, both spiritually and materially.
I have not always been this way, and yet many times I have tries to be heard by you who have told me: love one another as I have loved you.

Saint Rita, example of love an suffering, teach me to love God and my brothers and sisters with true Christian love. And since on account of my selfishness I do not deserve to be heard, join your ardent love with my desire to grow in love and offer it to the God of goodness for the favor I so greatly desire.

Night Walking

The fog comes
on little cat feet.
It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.
Carl Sandburg

Last night, against all better judgement we took a night walk. Leaving our house about 8:30, we hiked up our road into the fog. Being late seemed to add to the delight of the children - there was an extra element of wonder. The woods off to our side became more mysterious like a scene from A Bridge to Terabithia. The snails and slugs picked up along the way seemed larger. The river was flowing fast and loud. The frogs were raucous. We made our way home at 9:30feeling refreshed and ready for a good book and bed.

Sometimes you just have to bend those rules.

We discovered that our little sandy beach that we bonfired on a few weeks back had been flooded. The snow melting and the last two days of rain has really brought the river up. The water had come up over ten feet and used to be out past the tree on the right.

Taking our time and exploring our world. (Keep in mind this is what the sky looks like at 9pm- no wonder we're not in bed.)

A good spot to enjoy nature.

My little one (the usual non-sleeper) said, "The moon is out-it's beddy time". And so it was.

Turning it Off

I had the most delightful drive to the oral surgeon today. (No, I'm not being sarcastic.) I dropped the kids off at the neighbors and had a 25 minute drive ahead of me. I did something that I never do. I turned it all off.

With no small voice telling me they were hungry or hot or needing something, I totally enjoyed the silence. There was no book on tape. There was no silly song. There was only the sound of the rain on the car and the wipers dutifully at work. As my hand reached up to the radio dial to fill the silence I thought twice.

Turning off the radio I drove- quietly. It was so nice and even more so it was necessary. I got to think and pray and think some more about my family, the world- China, Myanmar, and then more prayers offered.

I arrived at my appointment uncharacteristically calm. Unhurried. Maybe it can happen again when I go back to get my wisdom teeth pulled. Ehhh, maybe not.

Day Two of the Novena to St. Rita

INVOCATION
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

THE DAY OF HOPE
Scripture tells us; " Abraham believed hoping against all hope." And God performed a miracle. Lord Jesus, how seldom I have practiced the virtue of hope in my life. I am so short-sighted. I place confidence in created things and in a world which will pass away and rarely hope in those greater goods which never pass away; in you, in your grace and in your promise of never-ending life.

I am so proud, Lord, that I entrust myself to your great power only when my own weak and helpless natural powers fail me. But now, Lord, the disappointing experience of misunderstanding and injustice, the impotence and the limits of our human resources have robbed me of all hope. Nonetheless, like Abraham, our father in faith, I want to hope. Since I hope in you. O Lord, you will hear me, O Lord my God.

Saint Rita, you teach me the way of hope and so I entrust o your powerful intercession the favor which is so close to my heart. You teach me by the example of your entire life to count on God alone, since he is the great hope of our people and above every other good.

Look Who Just Came To My House

An early birthday gift.
Thank you Mom and Dad. I just LOVE it!

When Mom Folds Clothes...

One makes a bird feeder for her bedroom window.

And the other entertains his brother, cozy in a chair.

Gotta love em!

Saint of Impossible Causes

FIRST DAY OF THE NOVENA

INVOCATION
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

READING - FAITH
Lord Jesus, to the man of the Gospel who asked a great favor of you, you said:" All things are possible to one who believes."

My faith is weak, Lord and too often it falters in the course of life's daily events. But encouraged by the example and the intercession of your servant, Saint Rita, I make the words of the Apostle Paul my own; " I know in whom I have placed my faith and I remain firm".

You, Saint Rita, have suffered greatly, but have always believed in the Lord no matter what life brought you. I, too Lord. Believe in you, Son of our all-powerful Father.

I believe firmly that you never deceive anyone who calls on you with a sincere heart, entrusting all to your wisdom and love. I believe that you order all the joy and suffering of our lives solely for our good. And so I believe that you will grant me the favor I ardently seek if it will be for my greater good.

O Lord, I will strive to live a life more consistent with faith in you and inspired by the teaching of the gospel

REFLECTION
( A time of silent prayer )

LITANY
Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy
Lord, have mercy Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy
God our Father in heaven Have mercy on us
God the Son Have mercy on us
Redeemer of the world Have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity , one God Have mercy on us
Mary, Mother of God Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Consolation Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Grace Pray for us
Saint Joseph Pray for us
Saint Augustine Pray for us
Saint Monica Pray for us
Saint Clare of Monte Falco Pray for us
Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Pray for us
All holy men and women Pray for us
Saint Rita, our protectress Pray for us
Saint Rita, peacemaker Pray for us
Saint Rita, friend of widows Pray for us
Saint Rita, example of obedience Pray for us
Saint Rita, model of mothers Pray for us
Saint Rita, heroic in suffering Pray for us
Saint Rita, generous in forgiving Pray for us
Saint Rita, persevering in prayer Pray for us
Saint Rita, filled with compassion
for the suffering of Christ Pray for us
Saint Rita, wounded with a thorn
from the crown of Jesus Pray for us
In all our temptations Pray for us
In all dangers Pray for us
In all tribulations Pray for us
In all sorrows Pray for us
In the hour of death Pray for us
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world Have mercy on us
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world Have mercy on us
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world Grant us peace
Pray for us, saint Rita of Cascia That we may become worthy of the promises of Christ

Father in heaven, you granted to St. Rita a share in the passion of your Son. Give us courage and strength in time of trial, so that by our patient endurance we may enter more deeply into the paschal mystery of your Son , who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

PRAYER
O powerful Saint Rita you are called Saint of the Impossible. In this time of need, I come to you with confidence. You know my trials, for you yourself were many times burdened in this life. Come to my help, pray with me, intercede on my behalf before the Father. I know that God has a most generous heart and that he is most loving Father. Join your prayer to mine and obtain for me the grace I desire. ( HERE MENTION YOUR REQUEST ) I promise to use this favor when granted to better my life, to proclaim God's mercy , and to make you widely known and loved. Amen

SAINT RITA............................PRAY FOR US

Sowing the Seeds

When I was growing up I had an image of farming. It was a vague and general one- people in their overalls not working overly hard, and sitting on tractors all day thinking and singing. I conjured up images of peaceful, non-stressed days of farmers just doing what they liked and what they knew. In my mind, farming looked easy.

Not so. Farming is hard labor. My back will tell you so. I spent the majority of my Saturday helping to get the land ready for our garden. I had no idea what we were in for. I thought I was just going to go plant my seeds and watch it grow. I had not a clue that there would be hours of raking through silage and scooping out rocks only to bring each bucketful of a variety of rock sizes over to the nearby creek. Scoop, dump, scoop, dump- it seemed to never end. And it still didn't come to fruition, so to speak. The organic material we used wasn't breaking down finely enough even after many tilings with the tractor and numerous raking and scooping from us. We're going to wait a few days until the weather warms and try it again before we seed.

However, the aches were well worth it. I loved having dirt embedded in my nails. It felt indescribable to be so muddy and messy. And the children had such a new and exciting experience. Each worm was bigger than the one before which brought mad squeals. My big kids helped out more than I thought possible. And they enjoyed being connected to the earth- they reveled in digging their toes down deep and burying their legs. And my little guy had probably the best day of his small life- he watched John Deere- his new best friend go around and around. He got his favorite hand-me-down truck to work and spent hours at my side in his own world. And in overalls and singing- just like a real farmer.

Marzipan Morning

Yesterday a friend from co-op had us over to play and learn how to make and decorate marzipan. It's so easy to do and a great recipe to whip up with the kids.

2 cups finely ground almonds
2 cups confectioners sugar
1 beaten egg
1 tsp almond essence

Grind the almonds and sugar together. Add essence. Add only enough egg to make stiff paste. Knead until smooth. Make icing adding color. Dust board with confectioners sugar and create what the imagination wills.







Note of Caution: Watch out for rabbits on the loose because pieces of our garden keep disappearing!

All Messed Up and Still Adjusting

Excuse me while I yawn. Don't mean to be rude but we're not getting much sleep around here. Remember back a few months ago when it would get dark at 3:45 pm and it would still be dark, like pitch-dark at 7am? That wasn't fun but neither is our current situation. It's still light out at 9pm and again at 5am. Do you know what this means? It means that children don't wind down naturally to sleep until 10pm (sometimes later if it's my little guy). It means mommy is up late because when the house isn't quiet until 10- she's getting a rather late start on "her time". Sure there are positives with this- like more time to play and enjoy the days that aren't cold and rainy but I'm tired and grumpy.
Maybe our bodies will naturally adjust, maybe we just need more time. It's our first spring up here and perhaps by summer we'll be all straightened out. Let's hope...

What a Small World

Saturday I attended the Northwest Catholic Family Education Conference not too far from where we live. It was so inspiring and recharging for this sometimes-doubting homeschool mom. You'll be happy to know that I'm all jazzed up about our curriculum change for next year after listening to Laura Berquist speak about classical education. And what a small world...a face looked very familiar to me and sure enough it turned out to be Christine over at Memories of a Catholic Wife and Mother. There were other moms there too from this little blogging world but I was there for only a few hours and had to dash. However, I left a hefty credit card trail in my midst- you should have seen all the books for sale!

Buy Me Some Peanuts and Crackerjacks

Is there anything better then watching a group of 5 year olds play t-ball? It's like watching a bunch of restless puppies spill out all over the field and run amok. Tears flowed as I watched my little guy lap 3rd base and run home with mitt in hand. (Mind you he was the 2nd baseman at the time). Later driving home I asked him why he made that play. "Because the coach yelled run" he said with such innocence and pride. And more guffaws as he and two other children rounded all the bases together- it's more fun to do it together, right? Seriously, it doesn't get any better than this.

Crowning Mary

Growing up as a Catholic we went to Mass and took Catechism classes but I never attended Catholic school. When my daughter started parochial school at 5, I learned about May Crowning for the first time.

With May being Mary's Month, the popularity of crowning Mary with flowers in honor of her virtues began pre-Vatican II. Today, in many parishes the tradition continues. You can read more about it here.

I was sad to think that my kids now being homeschooled wouldn't get to partake in this beautiful celebration until a new friend here invited us to their home. Sunday my family and about 100 other homeschoolers gathered. We processed through their property (yep, it's a big one) singing and down into the garden where everyone placed a flower around our Blessed Lady. And while everyone prayed the rosary, I chased my busy little man around the fortress- business as usual. The next few hours were spent eating and playing and enjoying the company of so many beautiful families.

No Oompa Loompas Here

Growing up I had an absurd fear of that dreadful movie, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. My brothers used to tease and taunt for a long time. The saddest part is that the imagery has stayed all these years of those creepy oompas and those horrible songs and worse- the girl blowing up like a giant blueberry. Eeek.

Friday some friends from co-op invited us along to our own chocolate factory tour. But no worries- nothing really horrible happened except that my little one pitched a Veruca Salt sized fit over wearing his hair net. And my coat that I had just cleaned and pressed looked like a savage beast was let loose and I lost. But now on to the good part...




The tour was great due to the consistent flow of samples. The children were slightly dismayed that the majority of the chocolate was a little too sophisticated for their wee buds. Dark, organic chocolate tinged with tea, spices and fruits is not on every kid's palate. I have to admit that I learned a ton about the process which is a complex system.

Hopped up on cacao, we drove home from the city with many a bar in tow. We'll let you know if we find the golden ticket.

Our Favorite

My little guy adores his daddy. Not uncommon, I know- but definitely cute. Right now no one but daddy can brush his teeth, put on his jammies or read at bedtime. Only daddy can play with trucks. We have to sit by daddy at dinner.

Yesterday I caught this picture which sums it all up. Daddy hadn't even gotten out of the car after work before being carted off to "play wif me!!!" Too bad it doesn't last...

Borrowed Ideas

I just loved Dawn's ideas yesterday for Ascension Thursday so I borrowed some. (The math and grammar never got done yesterday- shh!)

We went out with our new nature notebooks and talked about what it would be like to be one of the apostles watching Jesus ascend into the clouds. We sketched the clouds and wrote what they looked like. Then we headed inside to whip up some meringues which turned out to look just like Washington clouds- a little dark, ready to rain. They didn't warrant any pictures. Yes, they looked that bad but they were yummy indeed.




My big kids and I needed to watch our Lion, Witch and Wardrobe movie before it was due today. It's tricky with those kind of movies- we can only watch them during naptime so we were down to the wire. Afterward it seems that all things Narnia came into play and for hours we slayed the birds.