It's Up.

If you've kept me in your reader all this time, then I guess this is your reward.
A new blog.  I don't guarantee consistency or amazement every time.  But maybe once in awhile I will stumble on something that's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.  Okay?  Good deal.

LEAP!

I've been MIA this month from the blog.  Maybe you've noticed, maybe you haven't.  But, as things go, I've been doing other things, and planning other things one of which is a new blog.

Yep.

I love bells on their toes, and will probably keep it up as a family journal of sorts, but I might take it private and it's just not what it was back in the day when I started.  It's time for a switch up.

The new thing is not up yet, because I have to get it organized and whatnot.  But in a week or so hopefully I can post a link here and you can {leap} on over.

In the meantime Happy Leap Day.  Enjoy the extra day the year is giving you.  Maybe read a book while catching up on your laundry or something.

Cheers!

P.S.  I love that picture.  I have no idea where it's from.

8:50 on a Monday morning

and January is almost over.  Two more days.

Which is crazy.

But awesome.

Why?

Because I keep getting tax forms in the mail.

And I actually really get a kick out of doing my taxes.

Everyday when I hear the mailman stick something into our mail box I run down the stairs and check to see if there is another tax form in there, and then I can stick it in my tax folder and cross it off my list.

Does this make me odd?

That's okay.  I don't mind.

the debate...

The first day back at school after a (too) long weekend.

Half of my kids are not feeling well.

Well. Of course.  One is legit, but she doesn't go to school.  Trying to figure out who is sick enough to stay home, or well enough to go to school and slog through it.

Generally, mostly a no-brainer.  But a particular child has a penchant for exaggerating symptoms of illness.
She is prone to a psychosomatic empathetic response when others have been ill.

So.

We're waiting.

I don't send truly sick kids to school.  But I don't keep truly well kids home, either.

Lovely time of year, this.

Maybe I could use a second nap, too.

I conked out on the couch today while Camille chatted on about the flower garden she was building with tinker toys.  Then when I woke up,  I made my way to the bathtub. So what if I already bathed this morning?  I was trying to figure out why in the world I am so dang tired.  Besides the obvious answer.  (Life).

Things have been intense around here, for several months. In the post-holiday wake, however, everyone's schedules are settling down, which is nice.  But  I'm feeling a little rudderless; a small ship in a big sea, fierce winds, etc., etc.  There is nothing quite like being lost in a familiar place to make you tired.  Or, if you like to switch the metaphor, perhaps a little ship with way too many rudders.  It makes it impossible to get anywhere because every rudder is pointing in a different direction.  Poor little ship, churning to get somewhere.

But then it came to me.  I painted a room yesterday at breakneck speed.

Rudderless, rudderful, or whatever.  I painted a room.  It looks nice.  And today I am tired.

Booklist 2011

Well, this is not a short list.  But there are some good things on here.
Books appear in the order they were read.
 And so without further ado: Here we go...

The Alchemist ~ Paul Coelho

This was a nice little story about one's purpose in life, and the power of the mind and the divine etc., etc. I can see why it's popular.  I should re-read it, perhaps, to really remember.

Gift from the Sea ~ Anne Morrow Lindburg

Anne has some lovely thoughts and ideas.  But for me as a mother of many small children I thought at times that her suggestions of solitude and it's fruits were nice and pipe-dreamy.  Maybe I'm just too lazy to pursue the deliberate thoughtful and meditative life.  But frankly at the moment it seems utterly impossible.  Maybe I just don't have enough friends with money who will offer me time at their beach houses to write profound thoughts.  

The Mysterious Benedict Society ~ Trenton Lee Stewart

Good fun.  

The Beyonders ~ Brandon Mull

Brandon creates an interesting world with a good plot, and fun characters.  A very different feel from his Fablehaven series; for a little older age group.

Book of 1000 Days ~ Shannon Hale

This is my favorite Shannon Hale book so far.  I have enjoyed her other books, but this story was well-crafted and well-told.  Very nicely done.

Peter& the Starcatchers / & the Shadowthieves / & the Secret of Rundoon / & the Sword of Mercy 

~ Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson

All books were thoroughly enjoyable.  Lots of nice Dave Barry moments.  Lots of nice moments in general.  

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand ~ Helen Simonson

This was a rather charming book, exploring the idea of traditions we carry with us, what is valid and what is not.  It worked until the end, when Ms. Simonson falls into the trap of our current age -- over-exhorting for a new morality, in a scene that struck me as disingenuous due to the unnecessary ferocity of making her point.  I don't agree with her stance, but she can write as she writes; and disagree with her morals or not, I think she could have done a better job.

The Help ~ Kathryn Stockett
I haven't seen the movie, but I did enjoy this book.  The author does a nice job of pulling the reader into the time and place of the story.

Because of Winn-Dixie ~ Kate DiCamillo

Well, Kate is one of my favorite authors, hands down.  I want to be like her when I grow up.  This was a great little read.

Outliers ~ Malcolm Gladwell

Interesting as Mr. Gladwell always is.

Mountains Beyond Mountains ~ Tracey Kidder

Fascinating true story about a doctor who spends his life helping the poor, especially in Haiti.  Really great read.

Tuck Everlasting ~ Natalie Babbitt

A simple, sweet book from my childhood, but I don't remember if I read it, or just heard about it.  Like Kate DiCamillo, Natalie Babbitt tells a wonderful story with out flourishes or blots.  I really enjoyed this.

In the Company of Others ~ Jan Karon

The first of many Jan Karon novels I read  this year.  I needed the easy story, and enjoyed the blatant faith.  She is a good writer and I'm glad I picked this up at a bookstore going out of business.

The 39 Clues - Maze of Bones ~ Rick Riordan

Decent.  My daughter loves these books.  Not literature, but fun story.

Welcome to Holly Springs ~ Jan Karon

{see review above review for Ms. Karon's books}

At Home in Mitford - A Light in the Window - These High Green Hills - Out to Canaan - A New Song - A Common Life - In This Mountain - Shepherd's Abiding - Light from Heaven

~ Jan Karon

These books made me want to move to North Carolina.  (Do you think people in Mitford would welcome a Mormon in their midst? :)  (Sorry, it's the election.  It's getting to me.)

Jacob T. Marley ~ R. William Bennett

I generally avoid books that piggyback on the works of other authors, but Mr. Bennett did a nice job telling a story that runs parallel to A Christmas Carol.  I don't think Charles Dickens would mind.

Beyonders - Seeds of Rebellion ~ Brandon Mull

You can't actually read this one yet, because we got an advanced reader's copy,  ha ha!  It was good to get back into Lyrian and see what what going on.  The book has been passed around from my daughter to my husband to me.  With everyone reading when they could steal the book from someone else. You can read all about it in March 2012.  Brandon progresses the story nicely, and I am anxious to see what the final book brings.  

Death Comes to Pemberly ~ P.D. James
Like I said, I'm not  generally a fan of authors who piggyback, but P.D. James is a story teller in her own right.  I found this book equal parts amusing and annoying.  I guess my feeling is that I wouldn't tell you not to read it.  But read the forward apology from James to Jane Austen; I agree with the imagined sentiments of Jane, herself.

Happy New Year

Here: A blank page, just for you.  

Boxing Day

I'm trying to decide if illness is upon me.  My throat feels funny.

I think boxing might be a good way to get out any post-Christmas aggression that may be lingering around: uncooperative siblings, stress from the pre-holiday build up, running noses and sore throats that are attempting to overtake people.  Hey, do we have a punch bag around here?

The Christmas gifts were a success.  Especially the simplest ones-- sequined hats and camouflage belts.  The Christmas turkey was a success.  The actually day was a combination of ups, downs, and all arounds.  Christmas on Sunday with kids presents it's own challenges.  Hark the Herald Angels Sing at church was great.  What I really want is a nap.

Now for today:  Hmmm.

So they say

I've made my list.

I've checked it twice.

I've checked more than twice.

I am tracking my list on Amazon.  Most of my packages should arrive today.  One more in a day or two.


*On my naughty list: U.S. Congress, and politicians in general, people who sell Christmas albums to make a buck without really believing in Christmas, and occasionally, my kiddos.

*On my nice list: Lincoln (nice pens, really awesome), Alena (you saved me this week,  thanks), my mom, Ben, U.S. Post Office, K.K. for her blog, and at times, my kiddos.

*This is not a complete list.


My baby is sad.  I must rescue him.  My baby is on my nicest of nice lists.  And he's almost not a baby anymore.

It might snow tonight!  Snow!

Litany

I think I'm getting a cold.

I think I know what I'm getting people for Christmas, mostly.

I do not know when I am going to buy said presents.

Except for the ones I can get on Amazon.  Hooray for Amazon.

I am feeling whelmed these days.  Some days it tips into over.  You know.

It would be lovely if we could actually get some snow.  Maybe I will try and pray some snow here. If you don't like it when it shows up, blame me.

At a certain point today I sat at the table with four of my kids (baby was napping) sipping hot cocoa.  It was nice.  It lasted for about 2 second.  I guess I'll take what I can get, but I'd really like that cocoa to translate into kids who got along better and stuff.

I really need to go to bed.  It's better to get to bed early than to try and squeeze in a nap.

Sometime I think life would be easier if I were a funner person.  Then I wouldn't hate to buy large plastic toys for my children (which I know I don't have to do, and I usually don't, but you know, where's the fun in that? blah, blah).

This blog post is getting to be like one of those conversations you shouldn't have before you go to bed because it's not constructive.  So let that be a lesson to you: sometimes it really is better to go to bed instead of hashing things out.  You'll feel better in the morning.

Hey, snow?  Coming?

Oh my.

Goodness.  I am so behind on my Christmas shopping it is not even funny.  I shouldn't even say "shopping" I should say gifts.  I am behind.  I know, you say: It is only December 5th.  I have no idea  what to get my children, my husband, my parents, my in-laws, yikes.   Yikes!

I have my sisters' presents.  Yay for sisters.


p.s.  Caitlin: pioneer woman sticky buns?  what do you think?

what I like

I like that even though I have been married for 11.5 years and have 5 kids and a bustling crazy existence all on my own that my siblings call me to let me know that the family Christmas tree is being decorated just in case I want to come over.

I can't always sneak away.  But I always want to.

Merry Christmas you guys {L,S,L,B,K,N,N,C,C,C}.

the nightly round

I am going to hire someone to come over every night and put my kids to bed. They can deal with the whiney whiney about what CD so-and-so wants to listen to and so-and-so doesn't want to listen to before they go to sleep.  They can deal with the flash lights and the sisters who were "just joking" and the little boys who wander aimlessly out of bed.  They can tuck in a child, and tuck them in again, and again, and again, and again.  They can do this happily because they will be getting paid for it.  If they get tired of the brouhaha, they can quit.  And then I will find someone else to hire.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

My Christmas Spirit is just lurking around the corner.  Not because I am bah-humbug or anything.  I just can't believe it is December already.  Seriously.  Where does the time go?  I have to get my Christmas playlists together.  Thinking of throwing an advent calendar together today.  We shall see.  Here's to some Christmas Cheer!

ramble

I really like looking at colored christmas lights.  But I think our house would look pretty cool in a red and white candy cane theme.  But still, colored lights!

I'm thinking of starting a new blog.   I'm thinking of stopping blogging.

I need to do the dishes.  There are a multitude of them on the counter.  But I am waiting to know for sure that the kids are asleep, first.  They probably are.  And it seems totally odd that I must wait to do the dishes just in case the kids are not asleep but trust me on this one.  I do and I will.

Oh help.  Like any of it really matters.  But it kind of does.

I need to go to bed soon.  But you know: dishes: kids asleep: waiting.  And so it goes. {Which, we can all agree on this one, even I agree with myself on this one: And So It Goes by Billy Joel is a pretty awesome song.  The End.}

You know, Gratitude Week, or something like that

This morning I am thankful for rain instead of snow.  I am thankful that we got three of our four upstairs doors re-hung (just waiting on the fourth).  I am thankful for a gene inheritance that lends itself towards finish carpentry.

November

It's come down to that: the posting at the beginning of each month, and then -- nothing.  And so it goes.

November entered this year with swirling wind and rain beating down the leaves that have not yet fallen off the front tree in our yard.  It is still dark outside from the blanket of heavy clouds covering the valley from mountain to mountain.

Now I wish I had bagged up the leaves that were left on the ground yesterday.

There is something cozy and grim about this kind of Fall weather.  Something that demands a sweater and a nice cup of herbal tea.  My tea went cold this morning getting kids out the door to school.  But that is not unusual.  I have a house to pick up, beds to make and floors to vacuum and sweep.

Last night after the kids had eaten a sufficient amount of candy and were sent off to bed I took down the Halloween decorations and packed them back up.  I gathered a few carefully chosen candy remnants for myself and took a book to bed to read.  This morning I am back to eating no sugar for a few weeks.  I turned the calendar almost as soon as I was up. I am fond of October but I am happy to be done with it this year.

Hello, November.

Oh, October

I just read through all of my past October posts.  Because, amazingly, it's October.  October, month of beautiful leaves, the commencement of chilly days, and apparently a month where the occasional discouragement of motherhood shows up and then retreats with a cup of hot cocoa and a bit of philosophy.

No hot cocoa for me this month, though.  This month is No Sugar Month.  I know.  It sounds like a lot of fun.  But truthfully, there will be some sugar this month, because I let my kids celebrate birthdays and my sister's birthday is coming up.  But the sugar is limited. I figure before we jump into the holiday season with beaucoup sugar we will try and go without for the most part.  Wish me luck.  I'm the one addicted to chocolate chips.

Soccer season is over, and that's a relief, because it will cut down on the weekly craziness.  Although not entirely this week, because the kids' Reflections stuff is due this week.  My kids take Reflections seriously.  I am not a fan.  But I do what I can to facilitate.

It's late and I need to go to bed.  I'm tired.  I need to brush my teeth.  I need my sleep since I don't get my sugar.

I'll see you later.


{P.S. Go Riley Nelson.  You have my vote for QB.  Just wanted to get that in there.}

Monday: An evaluative approach

The Conundrum of the non-social: how social to be in the balance of everything?

The Conundrum of the woman who needs to clean her house and take a shower: what to do first?

The Conundrum of the mother who was sick, now feels better, but still needs a nap. Along with a clean house and a shower: Again, what to do first? Or, ever?

The Conundrum of the grumpy one year-old: Cry now? Later? Both?

The Conundrum of Monday: where to start? Answer: Well, at least get some blogging out of the way.

Today's adventure is...

My four year-old is coloring at the table. She is singing variations on the Star War's Darth Vader theme. It's pretty much the best.

My one year-old is sick. He caught the make-you-throw-up stomach bug that my other son and my oldest daughter had on Sunday. I put him down early for a nap and as far as I know he's asleep. Which is good. It's good to have him in the crib, and sleeping. My motto is: I'd rather clean up bed sheets than my new rug. Okay, that's not really my motto, it just kind of is, when my kids have the stomach flu. Also, sleep is helpful when you're sick.

So, three kids down, two to go - and we're just pretending this is the kind of thing that skips the parents. Which is why I am not eating anything this morning. Because my stomach is queasy, but only from empathy, right? Yes. I am nothing, if not an empathetic parent. Okay, that's not really true, oh wait, it is. I am pretty good with empathy. I could work on sympathy, however. Sometimes I'm a little too "come on and buck up." I should work on that.

Anyway, I am going to clean something now. Or maybe just look through a magazine. But what I am really going to do now is go and check on my baby, because sick babies are the saddest thing, and I hope he's just sleeping through it.