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A Cuppa, a top Simple Pleasure
2007-11-17 00:39:00
One of me favs is a cuppa and a bikkie. Gotta ave em. Me Mrs an I ave several a day mornin and arvo, without fail. Their beaut mate. Now me's gotta consider if I want to continue with this here practice:Man survives killer yawnBy staff writersNovember 17, 2007 08:33amArticle from: NEWS.com.auA TIRED husband almost died after his mouth got stuck wide open when he was yawning.Ben Shire was making a cuppa when he strained his jaw so much he dislocated it, The Sun reported.The horrified store worker, 34, collapsed in his kitchen unable to breathe or swallow.His frantic wife dialled emergency services as he lay choking on his saliva.Ambulance officers rushed him to hospital with his jaw still locked ? and brought him back from the brink of death using a suction device.?We can laugh about it now ? but it wasn?t funny at the time, Mr Shire said after medics won a four-hour battle to close his mouth.?I couldn?t breathe because I was choking ? it felt like two fingers down my throat."The mo...
More About: Simple , Pleasure

Newton's laws of parenting
2007-11-16 05:42:00
Sir Isaac Newton was reportedly a virgin, and therefore had no children of his own. Somewhere in his life, however he must have had some experience with children.Take this bit of famous wisdom, known as Newton's Third Law of Motion:For every action, there is an equal but opposite reaction.Around here, it is more commonly known as the Law of Reverse Readiness. The more imperative it is for us to be someplace on time, the more difficult it is to get the children to cooperate. The later we are running, the slower they move. This is especially true when they are excited to go. Then there is a great deal of running about the house, grabbing things, jumping around and not actually accomplishing anything.Mom says,Get your swimsuits and a water toy. We have time to go swimming before karate.Then, insanity ensues.Mouse collects the swimsuits and dumps a box of old clothes looking for a backpack to put them in.Bug dumps the bath toys all over the bathroom, looking for a toy.Bear runs u...
More About: Parenting , Laws , Parent , Pare

Dedicated to the man I love
2007-11-14 21:06:00
Since you missed the grand arrival of the much anticipated package, I thought I would preserve a bit of the excitement for you.What is it? What is it?Ooh! Ooh! Ooh! Can we jump in them?Are you sure we can't drink the beer? It looks like root beer....COOOOOKIES? COOOOOKIES!!!Please, mom? Please? Just one Vegemite sandwich? And as per your instructions, we ate only one hundreds and thousands each. The kids were not very impressed and Mouse thinks she is going to be ill. She still wants the Vegemite, however.It shall take incredible willpower to stay out of the Kingstons, but I shall prevail. I am not sure yet if that shall be the angelic me or the sneaky me, but either way, I shall prevail.
More About: Love , Dedicated

I think I like this template
2007-11-14 18:38:00
But I don't have time to do anything with it right now. So pardon the mess...I'll sweep up a bit tonight.
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Works For Me Wednesday, Eczema
2007-11-14 04:54:00
Sometimes it really is the simplest things in life that give us the most pleasure. It can also be the loss of the simplest things which seem to cause the most pain. My son, for example, has eczema. Now, tons of people suffer from eczema and have it a lot worse than he does. He gets little bumpy patches on his elbows and knees and occasionally itchy red spots between his toes. Oh you should see the look on his face when he lays back with his feet in my lap and I gently rub lotion between his little toes. Such pure and unadulterated relief I have never seen.For those of you who have experience with eczema, you probably know that one of the first recommendations you receive is to limit baths and eliminate bubble baths. Ouch! Because bubble baths happen to be one of my son's mostest favoritest things in his day.You look into those bright brown eyes and tell him to take a shower. That just takes all the fun out of it for this touch oriented young man who has enough issues to wo...
More About: Works , Eczema , Wednesday

My sincerest apologies
2007-11-13 21:12:00
My daughter overheard me reading My Near Death Experience to my husband and lodged a protest.That doesn't happen, mom.What do you mean, 'that doesn't happen?'You never swatted anyone with a spatula.I thought about trying to explain poetic license. But then I thought this would be easier.So I confess. I have never swatted anyone with a spatula on their fingers or elsewhere on their person. When the little ones running about the house attempt to sneak unauthorized samplings of whatever is being cooked, mom shakes the spatula at them. They actually think it is quite funny.That is all.I am sorry.(Is that better, Mouse?)She says that is better...
More About: Polo , Logi , Eres

It Cometh
2007-11-11 03:14:00
11/08/2007 19:21: BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED, TUMWATER, WA, US11/08/2007 22:26: ORIGIN SCAN, TUMWATER, WA, US11/08/2007 22:41: DEPARTURE SCAN, TUMWATER, WA, US11/09/2007 00:28: ARRIVAL SCAN, PORTLAND, OR, US11/09/2007 00:54: UNLOAD SCAN, PORTLAND, OR, US11/09/2007 00:58: LOCATION SCAN, PORTLAND, OR, US11/09/2007 02:40: DEPARTURE SCAN, PORTLAND, OR, US11/09/2007 06:27: ARRIVAL SCAN, HERMISTON, OR, US11/09/2007 07:35: DEPARTURE SCAN, HERMISTON, OR, US11/10/2007 00:20: ARRIVAL SCAN, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, US11/10/2007 01:02: DEPARTURE SCAN, SALT LAKE CITY, UT, US11/10/2007 01:03: IN TRANSIT TO, COMMERCE CITY, CO, USbyFour 'n Twenty

My near death experience
2007-11-10 20:35:00
A few days ago, I was making one of our families favorite quick lunches when I almost died. Granted, it would have been a long and slow death. I likely would have held on for years before succumbing to infection. But I was close.My recipe for death, er, potato burritos:Dice several potatoes and half an onion. Fry in a mess of butter. Add several eggs when almost finished. Stir and serve in tortillas.While frying, I sampled the potatoes. Because you have to make sure they are just right, not because I like buttery, salty and peppery potatoes or anything. Besides, sampling is the chef's natural right in our house. Everyone else gets fingers swatted by a spatula.Mid sample, I sneezed. Normally, that results in the opposite problem to what happened here. Here, the potato got sucked back into my lungs and started a fit of coughing. I finally went and sat down on the couch with my face reddenend and tears in my eyes. Between hacks, I informed my husband that when I finally w...
More About: Experience , Death , Erie

Blogging with my husband
2007-11-09 05:22:00
Getting started:Are you ready to start on your entry?What entry?The one for Simple Pleasures.Why do you think I'm posting on that?Because you said you would.I never said that.I believe your exact words were, "Ok. We can work on it tomorrow evening."Oh, that.Yes, that.Setting up the account:Do I have to sign up with Skynet?What are you talking about?The computers from Terminator. They are taking over the world you know. It starts with Google.Well, you may as well be on their side then.Ok. How do I sign in.Long pause. I finally come over to see what is taking so long and he is just typing and retyping passwords.Are you having trouble?Yeah. My password is strong. How do I get it super strong?I roll my eyes, thinking "men."I do think I need a way to make it clearer whether Dana or Four 'n Twenty is posting, but for the time being, those of you who have hung out here for awhile may note the rather drastic difference in writing styles.If you missed his blogging debut, it is here.
More About: Blogging , Husband

Turning back the pages
2007-11-08 07:19:00
From the comment box the glass is full and with each keystroke I fret about the eventual disappearance of said liquid in said glass. This scenario bothers me for the simple reason that I am solely responsible for the loss of its contents.As a foreigner in this land I am often left with Google or You Tube videos to catch glimpses of the homeland and reminisce about the old days. Misunderstand me not, I do not wish to ever relive the past but it is something I have pondered after viewing an Australian singer/songwriter, Paul Kelly and his song 'If I Could Start Today Again.'The lyrics are powerful enough on paper however, the imagery of the video, somewhat morbid, reveals a story that few physically experience yet; we can all see inner guilt on our own personal levels.All the kings and queens in the bibleThey could not turn back timeSo what chance have I of a miracleIn this life of mine?I only want one dayTo unsay the things I saidUndo the thing I didTwenty-four little hoursOh God,...
More About: Back , Pages , Ages

Simple pleasures and occasional melancholy?
2007-11-07 09:42:00
I may have to change the title of this blog again, but after much teasing and cajoling, my husband has decided to begin blogging here now and again. The teasing is because, although he himself does not have a blog, he occasionally is guilty of thinking in blog posts.Maybe I do talk about it too much.Anyhow, I am getting ready to add him as a contributor to this blog. His very first post should go up tomorrow. He was explaining it to me before he left when I finally convinced him he should just write it himself.I get to be editor. That will be fun.
More About: Simple , Melancholy

All dressed up
2007-11-05 08:20:00
Trying to get four children to all look at the camera at once is at times more of an event than one might think. Getting them to all look into the camera and present a "normal" smile is a feat I have not yet accomplished.They may be a goofy bunch, but they are also an adorable bunch. I have here my artist, my lady bug, my firefighter and my little tiger. The lady bug wasn't sure what to think of her little ensemble, but she seemed to like to hide under the hat.So the baby didn't really need a costume for the AWANA program. But we were at Goodwill and there it was and how could we not? Just look at her!

A baby's fuss
2007-11-04 18:34:00
There is something in a baby's soft fuss. Not the inconsolable cries, but the gentle fusses...the ones I know will stop the moment I pick her up. In fact, I am often rewarded with one of her famous, full-body smiles while a tear yet stains her cheek.I am often inspired by the simplicity of a baby's view of the world. They are acutely aware of their needs. And who satisfies those needs.As we get older, we add to that such a lengthy list of wants, we begin to confuse them with needs. We set ourselves up for a life of frustration because we pursue these desires with all our energy and forget to seek rest in Him who supplies all things.
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Sisters, an illustrated short story
2007-11-02 06:03:00
I love you, Anana.No, Anana. Don't cry, Anana.You 'tinky, Anana?You 'tinky, Anana!Mom, Anana 'tinky!
More About: Story , Short , Short Story , Sisters

Conversation, 2AM
2007-11-01 05:58:00
My two year old son after being taken to the restroom:Mom, you know what?What, sweet heart?You are the bestest mom in the whole world.You are the bestest Baby Bear in the whole world.And he smiled at me with an amazing affection as I tucked him back in. I wouldn't give these moments up for anything, even if it does mean late night wakings and washing out bed sheets.
More About: Conversation

President, Governor and Hostess all in one week
2007-10-31 04:19:00
Earlier this week, I was humbled and amused by the offer of the governorship of Nebraska. It wasn't that long ago that I read someone's rambling assault against the religious right's covert operation to take over America. I dismissed it as the ravings of a madman, but I may have to reconsider now that I own a state.Hmm....who shall I install as the various mayors? Here is my first speech, at any rate: Preparing for Revolution.Imagine my surprise to find that I was "elected hands-down our favorite political winner at Homeschool Blogosphere High." Check out the Carnival of Homeschooling to see for yourself. And to see the rest of our virtual yearbook.And, to top it off, I will be hosting next week's Carnival of Homeschooling at Principled Discovery's new home. Please send in your submissions! Or I might have to send the Nebraska National Guard after you.
More About: President , Governor , Week , Hostess , Resident

Memories
2007-10-29 07:02:00
In preparation for Sprittibee's Yearbook edition of the Carnival of Homeschooling, I went poking around in our shed for old photos.A bike. A bassinet. Some lawn tools. Boxes of baby clothes. And underneath it all, buried treasure.I could have spent hours sifting through all that I found. There were my old journals, some saved letters, odds and ends I had collected but no longer know why. The bottom of one box is lined with packets of photos and wrapped in cellophane are two newspapers: The Kansas City Star and the Herald Sun (an Australian paper). Both from the day my oldest daughter was born. Too bad we forgot about that little tradition by the time two, three and four came along.I pulled a few things out besides the photo albums I had been searching for, including a music box we had bought for our daughter on her third birthday. In it were my three favorite necklaces I used to wear in high school and the bracelet above, given to me by one of my students when I was still...
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Stick People
2007-10-26 22:11:00
Who doesn't like stick people?Here is our stick family, courtesy of ourstickfamily.comThanks, Pheasant Ridge Academy!Ooh! More stick people! Koinonia Academy My 5 Wolf CubsPeppermint TeaSo This is Heaven on EarthNow you want to go make one, too, don't you?
More About: People , Stick , Tick

The joys and reflections of parenthood
2007-10-26 04:29:00
April of Question the Culture recently posted a little story about her Gigglemeister that exemplifies the joys and challenges of parenting toddlers. It also reminds me of a recent conversation with my own two year old:Bug (crying): I have an owie.Me (hugging her): Oh, sweetie. I wish I could take it away.Bug (stops crying): No! My owie!And thus begins the awareness of self as the young child begins to strive for independence from his parents. It is an exciting time, even if a bit frustrating at times. Sometimes, it reminds me of my own relationship with God, striving to have my own way, no matter how little sense it makes. No! My sin.I do not always want to give them up, no matter how much they hurt. Pare nt hood seems to be an endless metaphor for the Christian life. Growing and striving, desiring to "grow up" but insisting on my own terms. My children have taught me a lot.Especially how to keep a straight face while choking back a laugh.
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The pictorial dictionary of toddler English
2007-10-25 06:38:00
rab·bit peel·er, n.Submitted by Baby Bear (my son), age 4.
More About: Pictorial , English , Dictionary , Toddler

A hard day's play...
2007-10-23 06:59:00
Leads naturally to sleep.This little guy has actually outgrown those pajamas and they have been passed down to his sister, but his love for that firetruck has not abated. Its name is Lofty. Yeah, he's a Bob the Builder fan, too. I never would have thought to name an automobile, but all of his larger ones have been named...Lofty, Muck, Scrambler...you get the idea.I know of little that is more peaceful than simply watching a child sleep.
More About: Play , Hard

Simply playing
2007-10-22 15:22:00
The last day of our vacation, the children spent the entire day playing in this mountain stream which passed right by our campsite. They jumped from rock to rock, splashed in its shallow waters, stood and felt the gentle current flow around their ankles and overturned rocks in search of crawdads. It captivated them, much like a stick and small patch of dirt captivates my son here at home. Enticing dad to join him was the highlight of my son's play.What is it about simply being in nature that is so much more stimulating to the senses and yet calming to the nerves?********If you want to know how our homeschool is going, I posted an entry over at the Well Drained Mind.Also, the Carnival of the Insanities is up.
More About: Simply

This blog is about to move...
2007-10-21 06:49:00
Over there.It does not look like much at the moment, but all this should be there in the near future.But I'll still be here, too. But the title will change. And the focus. My new moniker shall be Simple Pleasures (or something like that) and shall be devoted wholly to reminding me and anyone who cares to read it of the simple pleasures in life. The other day, I realized how silly it is that I really do get myself worked up over little things. Certainly I can find as much pleasure in little things, too?Please pardon the mess, so to speak, as we get everything moved and I get my internet houses in order.
More About: Blog , Move

Our trip to the Great Smokey Mountains
2007-10-20 03:45:00
As promised, pictures from our vacation...(One lengthy post is enough for tonight!)
More About: Mountains , Great , Trip , Smokey , Mount

Your first amendment rights begin here
2007-10-18 17:39:00
The National Park Service performs an important role in preserving some of our wild areas for human enjoyment and conservation needs. Apparently, it also protects a small area to preserve our first amendment rights.It is not a very big area, and if anyone were to take the park service up on their offer to host a demonstration, it would spill out onto the street pretty quickly. The speed limit here is only five miles per hour, anyway, so it is unlikely anyone would get hurt. I would add this to my sidebar as a nice reminder if it were not for one thing. I do not know if you can read it in this shot, but here is a close up:How can you require a permit to use the first amendment?
More About: Rights , Amendment , First Amendment , Amen

On building relationships and the homeschooled child
2007-10-17 07:20:00
On a recent post on socialization, Kymberlyn of Education Junction left a thoughtful response outlining her personal concern regarding this issue.I have posed the socialization question, but maybe my choice of words were not fitting. I do not have concerns about my children being polite or conversing with others, etc. My concern has always been about their ability to have a group of close friends.......I know the work we are doing at home is well worth it. I just don't ever want to see my son on the outside looking in."Socialization" may be the wrong word, but Kymberlyn's concern is genuine and worthy of consideration. How important are these daily, casual interactions in the process of developing friendships?I just don't ever want to see my son on the outside looking in.This sentence is actually what brought this comment into a post. Because it so clearly describes my public school experience (at least through elementary and middle school). I was on the outside looking in. I was...
More About: Building , Relationships , Child

COH is up
2007-10-17 07:19:00
The Thinking Mother has put together another great Carnival of Homeschooling. Just one more reason not to begin the daunting task of filtering through my feed reader.

Almost home from the Smokies
2007-10-16 15:38:00
We just returned from a wonderful vacation in the Smokies where we slept in a tent while the thermometer dipped into the low forties, almost lost our son to jagged rocks 500 feet beneath a waterfall and were accused of child abuse. Everyone got sick and I am still having nightmares about that waterfall. Then there are those 972 glorious miles that must be traversed in order to get there with children packed elbow to elbow. Oh, to be young enough to still be in a car seat! Where your personal space is defended by a fortress of plastic.But we managed to get there and back with only two major argments, both a slight variation of the familiar he-won't-stop-touching-me sort. Overall, our plan for remaining sociable on long car trips worked out rather well.This vacation was not planned with educational objectives in mind. It was "just" vacation. I was not thinking about geography, geology, history, biology, etc., as we looked at maps, read guides and listened to presentations. Sti...
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You have your hands full...
2007-10-12 05:32:00
Walking around town with children numbering just over twice the national average, I am used to the comment, "You sure have your hands full!" I smile, sometimes chuckle, and hope my children never really connect the dots. It is akin to the "how-do-you-get-it-all-done" question, but with a more obviously derogatory connotation. In Gatlinburg yesterday, however, I received this age old attempt at sympathy with a different twist.I would say you have your hands full, but you obviously don't. What a lovely family.Imagine that with a thick southern drawl and it is even more welcoming, more affirming.We do have a lovely family. Not perfect. Not always well-behaved in public. My son has been removed from child care situations before, after all. But lovely...I love them. I do not (have never) view them as tasks to be completed, obligations to be juggled or obstacles set between me and my goals. My hands are "full," but not in the way that question implies it. My heart is full. My...
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If you want your child socialized...
2007-10-09 04:47:00
If you want your child socialized... is a little older, but is by far the most popular post I have had (not counting the coverage of the Busekros case). I thought of it today because we are about to embark on a 15 hour journey...not counting stops. If that amount of time sitting elbow to elbow with your siblings does not develop your abilities at getting along with others, I don't know what will.If you want your child socialized, you will have to send him to school. While he is getting ready, you'll have to pack his lunch.When he gets to school, the children will probably stare at him because he isn't wearing the same brand of jeans.Math will probably be review for him, so he'll know all the answers. The children will call him "calculator" and the teacher will give him extra worksheets. He'll probably learn that it is better to stay quiet and pretend not to know the answer.Halfway through the morning, he'll start to get bored. He will probably begin to kick his legs, tip his c...
More About: Homeschooling , Homework , Child