{Iambic Quadrameter at Its Finest}

Newsflash: It's SUNNY and HOT in the Pacific Northwest.

I'm aware that "talking about the weather" is about as unoriginal a topic as can be. But. We've had some pretty decent summer weather around here, which has made for some fun excursions.

It's also addled my brain, so I shan't write much. Or well.

Nonetheless, I offer a series of rhyming descriptions. Just for you.

The Pacific Ocean has lots of sand;

I can hold it in my hand!

Brother can float in country or city,
 

While little sister holds . . . a kitty.

Paddling with cousins is lots of fun,

Especially when Auntie and Clara come. 

 Little Boy Blue dangles his feet,

While big brother, Ethan, dries off in the heat.

Two sweet pixies splash in the pool:

While crazy cousins try to keep cool.

The drinking fountain has lemonade;

And dear old Maizy stays in the shade.

The End.

{Sun Kissed}

When the forecast is sunny, sunny, sunny, we are happy, happy, happy. I pull out the lawn quilt, stack the books and suggest to Miss Kate that we do outdoor school today.

It doesn't take much arm twisting.

She snuggles into my arm and leans her head against my shoulder. Seemingly small signs, but for my little firecracker this shouts, "I love you, Mommy. And I'm perfectly content right now."

I'm not going to rush this. Not one bit.

We turn the pages. I read, she reads.

I kiss the top of her head, smell the smell that's her, and I'm grateful for the now we are sharing.

She says, "Pretend I'm sleeping," and I take the picture.

She rolls back onto her tummy, flips through the poetry book and asks me to read the one about the kittens.

We read some more. We read about Laura and Mary and how proud they are of their beautiful mother, all dressed up for the dance at Grandpa's. She giggles over the corset tightening and I put my hands around her waist and say that women's waists were supposed to be SO small back then!

We're relieved that we don't have to wear corsets.

School ends and in a flash she's changed into her swim suit. Big brother sets up the sprinkler. I lather on the sunblock and we smile over the smell. It's been a long time since we've smelled summer.

The ice cubes clink in the glass of sweetened sun tea.

She splashes and squeals, sips and sunbathes.

Because when it's sunny, sunny, sunny, we are happy, happy, happy.

Fall Haiku

Bethie has been reading Little Women this month. I'm thrilled to my absolute very core. It's one of my most favorite books, and I'm delighted that she's loving it too.

Now, to read Little Women is to become a Little Woman. It's impossible to hear about the antics of the March sisters without taking part. This means that Bethie is currently working on a play (to be performed on Thanksgiving) and producing a family newspaper (complete with contributors named Snodgrass and Pickwick).

Did I mention this thrills me to my very core?

Tonight at dinner, Bethie suggested that anyone in the family could contribute to the newspaper. Submissions are welcome! We thought a theme might be nice to give writers a bit of a framework. So we went with the most obvious theme: Fall. Which, naturally, led me to blurt out, "I know! Fall Haiku!"

We sat around the table, each attempting to compose our own Fall Haiku poems. (I still can't believe that Jamie is able to flawlessly compose Haiku without counting on his fingers. But it's true. He can.)

So far, Jamie, Aidan and I are the only ones who've submitted Fall Haiku for the paper. See if you can guess whose is whose. I know it will be a challenge.

Submission #1:
Autumn is now here
Dad is very sad today
Make it go away

Submission #2:
Fall is here today
They are potato chip leaves
Autumn, autumn, yeah!

Submission #3:
Scarlet, amber, drift
silently, carpet the earth
With their vibrant hues.

And I just stumbled upon this unfortunate contribution:

You are super gross
You like to burp and toot, too,
So I don't like you.

Although I'm somewhat heartened to see the 5-7-5 in tact throughout this piece, I do have some investigating to do.

Do you have a Fall Haiku to contribute? If so, please share! It's sure to land in a very distinguished column alongside Snodgrass' riveting (though somewhat plagiarized) tale, "The Masked Marriage."

P.S. But the real question in this: Can you Haiku without counting on your fingers?

Four New Things

When it comes to change, I'm a bit reticent. I tend to stick with the familiar and very rarely branch out beyond my little comfort zone.

But this week, I not only did something new, I did four somethings new. I'm not sure what's come over me. Please tell me if I'm getting too wild.

My new things include:

1. A new drink at Starbucks. I'm not much of a coffee drinker. And I get all nervous and weird at the counter, so I tend to just stick with the one I know and blurt out, "Tall decaf mocha!" (and then, almost apologetically) " . . . with half a shot . . ." 'Cause, you know, I'm not much of a coffee drinker.

Well this week I met a friend for coffee. The gentleman in front of me was taking quite some time, so it gave me ample opportunity to read the board and slowly analyze my options. When it was finally my turn, I boldly announced that I would like to try something different. I got really crazy and ordered a tall caramel mocha. Not just a regular old mocha. A caramel mocha. Aren't you proud of me? And guess what? It was super yummy. I think I like coffee now.

2. A new friend. Yesterday the kids came bursting into the house with letters in hand. Real letters, from the mailbox. I had one, too. It was from a dear friend in Alabama. A friend whom I've never actually met. We "met" through homeschool blogs and thought it would be fun to pair off our kids (and ourselves) as pen-pals. It was absolutely delightful to open the page and see the script of a friend, to hear about her cozy life and home, and to realize that she probably has a delightful southern accent. I'm so jealous.

3. New walking music. When I was sure that Drew was within earshot the other day, I gently hinted rather loudly that I might like to borrow his iPod while I walked. He was happy to oblige and quickly filled me in on the shuffle and artist and song buttons that I'd need to use. (I'm lost when it comes to such things.)

I skipped out the front door, eager to listen to new music. The first was a Phil Wickham song, which I love, but it wasn't great for walking. I shuffled and somehow landed on Queen's "We Will Rock You." Not quite what I had in mind, but it ended up being kind of fun to walk to.

The only problem with walking to music, however, is that I have an irresistible urge to walk in time to the beat. I had to really concentrate on walking normally, because I was pretty sure that walking to the rhythm of "Boom, boom, smack! Boom, boom, smack! We will, we will rock you!" might look a bit strange.

I found that it was most difficult to maintain my pace when I shuffled my way to "The Pirates of the Caribbean." That Black Pearl theme? So, so great. One of the best music scores. But. Written in three-four, it works a bit better for waltzing, not so much for walking briskly through the park. While trying to shuffle a strange iPod. And just about screaming when a girl zips by on her bike, scaring me half to death. Because I couldn't figure out how to shuffle. And I was starting to experience motion sickness. Because I was walking and shuffling and trying not to waltz while looking down at the thingy-ma-jig.

I finally made it home and probably listened to about five whole songs. I'm pretty sure that Drew was very impressed to see me walking through the door with Queen playing once again. "Did you really listen to that, Mom?" I nodded with a glint in my eye and charged into the room, "Boom, boom, smack! Boom, boom, smack!"

4. A new haircut. It's true. I actually did it. This is a big one for me. I usually go for a really, really, really long time without a cut. Like (blush) . . . a year. And then I think of a zillion other things I should probably spend the money on. But last night, I went and did it. And it felt so good. A weight was lifted, both literally and emotionally. I love my hairdresser. She blessed me and ministered to me and gave me a great cut. I feel like a new woman. I might even go back before a year is up. Talk about living on the edge.

Four new things in one week has me pretty wiped out. That's quite a bit of change. But good change. In fact, I might be open to branching out even more in the future. Maybe you could give me some pointers? Let's start with coffee. Any recommendations? 'Cause I might want to try something new. In a year.

Day 7: Please Don't Make Me Go Around the World

It's always a bit of a challenge for me to make math exciting around here. I grew up with a morbid fear of the subject.

Remember that game we were forced to play in elementary school? I think it was called "Around the World." The chosen student had to "travel" around their peers' desks, challenging each classmate to see who could correctly call out the answer to the flash card displayed up front.

I hated that game.



It's only because of my parents' gentle persistence and my dear tutor's excellent and patient instruction that I emerged from middle and high school math unscathed. My brain just doesn't do numbers.

The thing that's interesting is that I actually like teaching math. Well, at least elementary level math. Of course, I do have the answer key. Perhaps that has something to do with it. Because it's awful scary to think about doing fractions on my own. (I have my sister to thank for helping me survive those nasty things.)

Because I know how creepy math can be, I try to incorporate a little fun and variety into our lessons. Aidan and I usually toss around a Hugg-a-Planet while wildly chanting his "count-bys." Sometimes I whip out the overhead projector for a little tangram excitement. Avery, of course, responds well when a pile of chocolate chips is placed near her math page. I am not above bribery.

On Fridays I usually try to replace a regular math lesson with a math game or activity. It in no way resembles "Around the World." You know how I feel about that wretched game. But we have discovered a few activities that are especially fun, such as pattern blocks, Pattern Play and Qwirkle.

This morning I enjoyed joining Miss Kate at the table for a little Equilibrio fun. We followed the patterns to balance the bright orange blocks and screamed when they came crashing down. It was thrilling.



As we played, Bethie made a file folder game featuring pyramids and times tables. When it was finished, Aidan and I practiced our sixes together. He timed me (with a glint in his eye) and I . . . let him take his time. (You'll be relieved to know that I can successfully multiply numbers one through twelve by six. Just don't ask me to do it around the world.)

I'm starting to like math now, more than ever before. I'm actually improving, too. Because you know what they say. The best way to learn something is to try and teach it.

Maybe I should try teaching calculus next . . . .

On second thought, I'll go ahead and let their dad take that one. Honey?

My profuse apologies if I've offended any math teachers out there. Wink. Wink.

Day 4: Mazel Tov!

Well, folks, she did it again. My mother managed to pose as another woman, causing much confusion and suspicion among my dear, innocent children.

Actually, I'm partly to blame this time. You see, it all started about twenty five years ago. Our elementary school featured a regular visitor whom we affectionately called "The Picture Lady." This "lady" was any one of a number of mothers who volunteered to share a pre-determined piece of artwork with the classroom. Of course I was always delighted when my own mother got to be "The Picture Lady." It was a grand distinction.

So I wasn't surprised to get an email from my mom yesterday, asking if she might pop in during school sometime this morning since she would be in the area. Perhaps she could pose as "The Picture Lady" or do something else that might tie in with our lessons?

I was delighted. Our current history lesson focused on the life of the Jews during the Middle Ages. I gave her the details, suggesting that maybe she could run with a Jewish theme.

Well, boy did she run.

This morning, as we sat around the school table with spelling books in hand, there came a knock at the door. Miss Kate, eager to answer, peered through the window. She hesitated. "I don't know who that is. You get it."

Aidan offered his assistance. When he saw the strange figure, however, he quickly changed his mind. "Mommy? Can you get it?"

Bethie finally burst into the room, "I'll get it!" She slowly opened the door and was met by a veil-covered woman named Golde. Speaking with a strong accent, the woman asked if Bethie's mother was available. Bethie, very poised and polite, quietly directed the woman to my attention.

And Drew? He snickered. After the woman and I shared a few initial pleasantries, he couldn't take any more. "Hi, Noni." We couldn't pull one over on him. The cat was out of the bag.



We laughed over the surprise, but it definitely took a few minutes for the girls to calm down. It's not often that one entertains a loud Yiddish woman who turns out to be a relative.

We enjoyed our version of "The Picture Lady" immensely. "Golde" helped the children with their lessons. Their productivity was amazing. (Please come over any time, Mom.)

During our morning break we feasted on the Jewish pudding-like casserole called kugel that Golde had prepared. She shared about some of the Jewish traditions and terms that surrounded the dish.

Finally, we gathered at the piano for some serious singing. "King of Kings" was definitely on the agenda, along with a new song, "King of Glory." The tambourines (held by Aidan and Miss Kate) crashed frantically. Bethie and I danced as Jewishly as possible. Golde pounded away at the keys, while Drew made sure that we all kept tempo.



It was eventually time to bid our Golde farewell. Swept up in the moment, the girls donned their own scarves and thought it marvelous fun to become Jewish women. (Aidan somehow became a shepherd or something.) We blessed each other with a dozen Mazel Tovs and kissed our visitor goodbye.


I'm only four days into this thirty-one day challenge, and already I've been given a number of opportunities to sit with the people I love. I certainly never expected that I'd be sitting over a plate of kugel with my mischievous mother, but I sure am glad that it worked out that way. It was most definitely a blessing on my head. Mazel tov!

Day 3: Martian Mom

Do you remember Miss Stacy from Anne of Green Gables? She's the delightful teacher who breathes new life into the Avonlea school after they've suffered a long, boring stint with Mr. Phillips as their instructor.

The contrast between them is obvious. He taught by standing at the front of the school room, droning on and on while peering over his spectacles. She, in turn, took the students out and engaged them in meaningful activities. I especially like the scene where she's leading her class in outdoor calisthenics. Not only is she leading, she's participating.

I have my Mr. Phillips days. I have far too many Mr. Phillips days. I suppose I have my Miss Stacy days, too. But I want to have more. I want to join my children rather than be a stand-up-front-and-drone kind of mom.

Today this meant that I helped paint a Martian volcano.



Usually I let the kids run with their art projects after giving them some initial instruction. I use the time to attack a pile of dishes or toss a loaf of bread in the oven. The kids are old enough to be independent and don't really require my help.

But they like to have my help. And I've noticed that whenever I join them with a paintbrush or blob of clay in hand, the enthusiasm escalates.

So this afternoon I decided to join my smock-covered children at the table as they mixed brown and red paints, coming up with a perfect rust color for their science project, Olympus Mons.

I sidled up to the table, grabbed a paintbrush, plopped myself down and began to dab away at the salt-dough craters. The kids lit up. "Are you gonna help, Mom?" They smiled their approval, and together we painted that rusty terrain.

It was so much better than doing the dishes.

Read more about the thirty-one day challenge.

Cousins Camp! Day 5

In which I am hoodwinked into taking ALL of the cousins to the park. So my sister can go shopping.

I couldn't resist. The truth is I offered to take the kids so my sister could get some groceries and grab the goodies for tonight.

The grand finale of Cousins Camp was a quick play time at the park in the early afternoon followed by a late afternoon rest (in our own homes) so we could gear up for the last hurrah: a hot dog roast and movie night at Papa and Noni's.



It took quite some time to make our way to the park. This was largely due to the fact that Miss Kate insisted on roller skating. The whole way. Those skates are really noisy.



There were also a number of scooters to reckon with. But we made it there and back again unscathed, and the kids had no problem filling the time with all sorts of activities.




Then we went to our respective homes and rested. I didn't even have to tell the kids to do it. They voluntarily sequestered themselves. I guess we really needed it.



We gathered again in the early evening. The weather was amazing. The dogs were roasted to perfection, with Papa tending the fire and coaxing the most ideal glow from the coals.



Chins dribbled with watermelon as we laughed over yesterday's deception and reveled in the beauty of being together.



The roast was followed by a movie in Papa and Noni's basement. We had all agreed earlier in the week that The Apple Dumpling Gang would be a fun choice.

We settled down, dimmed the lights and snuggled on pillows. Partway through the movie Noni surprised the kids once again. No, she did not alter her appearance. She simply whispered to Papa, who pushed pause, and said it was time for dessert. But not just any old dessert. Apple dumplings.

The kids rolled their own dough and added the filling.



After they had baked to perfection, we added a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Mmmm. Deliciousness.



Finally, the credits rolled, and "The End" followed a goofy Don Knotts and Tim Conway across the screen -- a rather appropriate symbol for the last day of Cousins Camp.

We had a great week. And we'll definitely do it again next summer. But for now, we're all completely wiped out. We've bribed the children to sleep in, and don't plan to wake up until sometime next week.

So the biggest question now is this: Who is the most exhausted?



The cousins?



Or their mothers?

I'll let you decide.

Cousins Camp! Day 4

In which we are refreshed . . . and surprised. Thrice.

Krista and I decided that we would sleep in a bit and start camp a little later this morning. It was a good plan. We were chipper and refreshed, and ready for some mini-golf at the Steakburger in good ol' Hazel Dell.



What we didn't know is that we were in for a surprise. Or three. (Thankfully, these unexpected events did not involve dog poop or insect bites.)

The first surprise was that Drew had secretly invited a friend and his older brother to meet us. They just "happened" to show up. Such a coincidence! Drew was pretty pleased to pull one over on mom. They had a great time.

The second surprise was that Daddy decided to join us. Apparently Aidan had casually said this morning, "You should come with us, Daddy!" So Daddy did.



My heart did a little flip-flop when I saw my tall, dark and handsome guy suddenly saunter through the geraniums and swing his little Miss Kate up in a hug. She was thrilled and immediately claimed Daddy for her exclusive golfing partner.



We had all arrived, so the kids formed little groups and began golfing. Krista and I took up the rear as little Clara wielded a putter with as much cuteness as can be. We didn't get much golfing in, but it sure was fun to watch.



As the kids made their way through the various obstacles, we noticed an older couple at the hole behind us. My sister quietly ached for the woman who was obviously wearing a wig. Cancer, perhaps? Poor thing.



I, however, noticed the twinkle in her eye and the intentional limp in her step.



It was our mother.

Hidden under large straw hats and sunglasses, our parents masqueraded as "old folks" for as long as they could. The kids kept on playing, but one by one they began to glance at the frail couple, then glance away. They glanced back, glanced away, and hesitated. Finally they got up the nerve to say, "Papa?"



They were rewarded with big smiles, for it was indeed Papa and Noni. Fresh from a vacation, they were eager to dole out lots of hugs to the grandkids.



I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.



We wrapped up the game and decided to grab an ice cream cone before we left. The kids were delighted with their chocolate-vanilla swirls, and we reminisced about the youth group events that used to take place at that very restaurant. (Youth events, by the way, that had my heart doing that very same flip-flop over that very same man.)



It was soon time to part ways and shout, "See you tomorrow!" Mini-golf had been a blast, and the added surprises made it priceless. I think the kids all agree that it was the best day yet.