Observations and Everyday Life

Nathaniel is tickling my funny bone lately. We were reading "Animals, Animals!" by Eric Carle, and there is a picture of an octopus on the front. I said, "What's that, Nathaniel?" His response? "A cactapus!"

Later in the day he was disciplined for disobeying, and we were talking afterward. I was telling him that I loved him no matter what and I asked him, "Why do I love you no matter what?" And he responded, "Because I'm cute?" Uh, no. :) The answer (that he usually says because we say it all the time) is supposed to be, "Because I'm your boy." :)

As usual, Abigail came out with a noteworthy saying this evening at dinner. We were discussing what kinds of dogs we would be if we were dogs. She was not pleased with my opinion that she would be a cocker spaniel because they're adorable, sweet, intelligent, hyper, and chatty. Her choice for me? "A hound dog, Mommy - because they're loud and they're SLOW." Then she cracked herself up. Cheeky girl. VERY cheeky. She just doesn't get why I run these races if I'm not "going to even TRY to win!" Anyway, we decided on a stylish poodle for Adah (natch), a friendly golden retriever for Cora, a crazy Jack Russell terrier for Nathaniel, an elegant Irish setter for Shiloh, and a stubborn bulldog for Jackson. :)

They are certainly entertaining, that's for sure. They have lifted my spirits as we've dealt with double ear infections with Shiloh and Jackson and an ear infection and strange rash with Abigail. I think it's all connected to swim lessons, and we missed out on the last few lessons this past week, plus tennis lessons for Shiloh and a picnic at Daniel's work. We've hunkered down this past week to recover. We have been able to attend our church's Vacation Bible School, which our pastor called a "Puritan Bible School." :) It was old-fashioned without a lot of glitz or expense. They learned stories from the book of Daniel, played games, made crafts, and learned Bible verses and songs. They had a great time. Our pastor was almost apologetic for it being so low-key, and all of the parents reassured him that it really doesn't take as much for kids to enjoy something as we think it does. We liked the focus on the Word and learning the truths of the Scripture. The old-fashioned VBS was perfect for our family. I was supposed to be at tennis lessons with Shiloh in the evenings all week, so I didn't commit myself to help out. I stayed home with Shiloh on Monday, but then I had Tuesday and Wednesday nights ALL TO MYSELF for two hours because Shiloh felt well enough to go (well enough not to want to miss out, anyway). I confess that the break time could be why I enjoyed VBS so much. :) I tell Daniel I don't actually feel like I need a break from my kids most of the time, but when the Lord unexpectedly gives me a time of refreshment, I'm happy to take it! Thursday night I was all set to go grocery shopping on my own (what luxury!) but a freak storm crippled the main roads with trees down and power out everywhere. After reaching the church, I didn't want to go back on the roads anytime soon, so I stayed to watch/help out, and the kids were happy to show me what they'd been learning.

Tonight everyone was feeling well enough to run around in the sprinkler and then catch fireflies in the dark. Such fun! I love hearing the squeals and laughter as they run around. Tomorrow we'll sleep in from the late night and just plan to do some errands. We'll try to spend Shiloh's gift certificate to the running store, check out kittens at the SPCA (Cora and Daddy have a date to pick out a new kitten when he returns), and pick up our weekly delivery of co-op produce.

Have a wonderful Saturday!

p.s. Speaking of times of refreshment, Daniel and I are going away for a couple of days ALL BY OURSELVES when he comes home!! This is only the third time in 15 years of marriage, so we thought we were due. :) We're going to a B&B only about two hours away, and it looks fabulous. The last time we went away was right before the kids came home from Haiti, and a family in our church blessed us tremendously by taking care of the kids for us and practically forcing us to go. :) They knew we needed it, and we didn't even know we needed it until we did it. What fun we had! We are pretty excited about it (that's an understatement). I miss my best friend!