Art

Several pieces of art came home this week. Here are my favorites.

Ruby's:







She must have been asked what she would do to make the grinch happy. Her answer, "I would tickle him."

Eliza Claire's:



Her answer, "I would sing to the Grinch."

Charlotte's:






Jennifer

For My Dad

Eliza Claire did this at school for Veteran's Day. It just came home this week.



It says, "Veteran's Day is important to me because my Papa was in the military. I think he fought in World War II. I really love him."

He actually fought in Vietnam. World War II was over before he was born. I guess the good news is she knew he fought in a war, even if she didn't know which one.


Jenn

Ruby's New Reading Buddy

Ruby gets the privilege to read to a dog named Cowboy at school on occasion. Cowboy played Diego in Beverly Hills Chihuahua. She loves reading to Cowboy.

Yesterday Ruby decided she should read to Baron. Baron was not being as attentive as she wanted. She told me she was going upstairs to find a cat to read to.

When she came down she informed me that she had read to Pearl and what a good reading companion Pearl is. At the time I didn't think anything about it and was just glad that Ruby had finished her reading and was in a good mood.

A few hours later, I started laughing. It finally sunk in that Ruby had read her book aloud to our deaf dog and was thrilled by how well Pearl listened. It has yet to occur to her that Pearl did not hear a word she read. Pearl is a great snuggler and I'm sure was just happy to be getting some extra attention.

In the end, it is a perfect situation for both of them. I may have the only deaf literacy dog around, but she does her job well.

Jenn

Surprises

I found these pictures on the tablet I'm currently using. I never know what I'm going to find on the cameras. It always makes me wonder what they were thinking or trying to do when I find these.













Jen

Mac and Cheese in the Crock Pot.

My family loves homemade maccaroni and cheese but it takes forever to get it in the oven. I've been trying crockpot recipes and finally modified one that pleases my entire family. The original recipe can be found here.

I love how simple this recipe is. It take five to ten minutes to get it ready, including clean up time. And even better, the only thing that has to be washed is a measuring cup.






Crock pot macaroni and cheese

16 ounces of pasta shape of choice, uncooked
4 cups of milk
One stick of butter melted
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon of ground mustard
One half teaspoon of cayenne pepper
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
One 12 ounce can of evaporated milk
Two eggs beaten
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in 6 quart crockpot. Cook on low for four hours. Top with toasted breadcrumbs before serving if desired.

I used speech to text to "type" the recipe. So much quicker than actually typing, especially on a mobile device.


Jenn

I'm Lucky

I have an awesome husband. He did the grocery shopping for me tonight. This is after taking Eliza Claire to basketball practice and, of course, working a full day. He didn't get home from grocery shopping until after 10:00 pm. Not only did he bring all the groceries in, he also put them all away.

Grocery shopping is right up there with laundry on chores I dislike. It was a lovely gift to not have to deal with this week.

Now if I could just get him to come around on the "lovely" 70s hamburger chair I would like for my sewing room. You know, the sewing room that doesn't exist...yet. Maybe this grocery store trip was just bribe. Maybe I should have done the shopping after all.




Jenn

Bingo

We had lunch with the grandparents today. Bingo was the pre-lunch entertainment.









Everyone was enthralled. You would have thought they were playing for prizes or money. They weren't.

I love continuing my family's Sunday family lunch tradition. I think it is good for all three generations involved.

When we left it was raining. This is how my kids reacted.








In other happenings today, I was very proud of Charlotte. She helped Michael lead worship at the 8:15 service. Getting up in front of 60 or more people can be daunting. Charlotte read the call to worship and the prayer of adoration. These are not easy things to read when you are ten and have a learning disability. She totally rocked it.

Eliza Claire came through the house practicing her zombie walk. According to her the key to an authentic zombie walk is dragging your right foot. Dragging your left foot is a dead give away that you are a zombie imposter.

The girls spent the entire afternoon running around outside with the neighborhood kids. I love that Texas winters typically allow for lots of outdoor time. I guess it partially makes up for the six months of the year that being outside is unbearable.

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Saturday

It's been a good and productive day. My little girls spent a good bit of the day running around playing with different kids from the neighborhood. Rehm rode his bike to meet his Boy Scout patrol for a social gathering. He loved having the new privilege.

Charlotte finished her second Harry Potter book - Learning Ally is awesome. I highly recommend it for kids with reading difficulties. It requires a paid subscription. We are blessed that our school provides the subscription for my to dyslexic children.

Michael started digging out a new garden bed. He also moved several furniture pieces around to make room for the new to us pieces my parents brought us.

I got some chores done and got to spend some time sewing. I finally got some mending done I've been putting off for weeks. I hate mending. Now that I sew, my family expects me to mend. They don't seem to understand that it is a chore not a hobby. I'm hoping to finish piecing a quilt today. This is my first completely on my own, without any help top. Once I get it done, I have several other sewing projects I want to start, including a top for Ruby, my block of the month block, a zippered pouch and some other things I'm not remembering right now.

Happy weekend all,
Jenn

Interpretation

Michael turned on Star Wars this evening. Not sure which movie. I'm assuming the first one since Michael didn't clarify. A scene came on that was on the millennium falcon.

Charlotte: Who's the drunk guy? (Referring to Han Solo)

Michael: He's not drunk.

Charlotte : So what is he?

Me: He's swashbuckling

Charlotte: What's that mean?

Rehm : He's drunk.


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Conversation with a Middle School Boy

Rehm walked in the house after school.

Mom: Hey, Rehm! How was school today?

Rehm: Good.

Mom: What was good about it?

Rehm: Well, it was good because nothing bad happened today.

And that, my friends, concludes all I learned about his day.

Jenn

I've lost my mind

I must be crazy. I have now officially signed up for two different monthly quilting activities. A block of the month and a modern block club. I have never taken a beginning quilting class. The only knowledge I have is by watching my mom. I'm probably in way over my head. My plan is to have fun, hopefully learning something and end up with a finished product I'm not embarrassed to show.

I know getting out of my comfort zone is good for me. It stretches me. Now I'm hoping I enjoy it and stick with it for the whole year.


Jennifer

Going back to school is hard work

Someone is tired and has conked out on the couch.



Jenn

Blessings

In transcribing the kids' answers to their end of the year survey last night I was struck by how many people have been a blessing to them.  I am so grateful  for all the people in my parenting village.  Below is a list of the people that showed up on my kids surveys:

The other families that we celebrate New Year's Eve with.  Each family in attendance has at least one baby in heaven.  The hosts lost their baby on New Year's Eve.  More than anything on New Year's Eve were are celebrating their son and all the children we have in heaven and that we have learned to have a meaningful life after such a profound loss.  Not only do the adults support each other, but the kids also enjoy knowing there are other kids like them that have a sibling (or more) in heaven.

Boy Scouts.  Rehm is not an outdoorsy or sporty kid by nature.  He loves scouts and all the skills he learns there, including shooting.  I am so thankful for the adults and other teens that spend their time encouraging and teaching each other.

Band.  Being part of band at the middle school has be amazing.  Rehm loves his band director and his band director from last year, whom he helps out during his lunch with the 6th grade double reeds.  Band is definitely his most challenging class at school. His directors encourage him to do his best even when it means working hard.  

The girl who has made my son realize that girls are not horrible creatures.  Having three younger sisters he does not always think highly of girls as they tend to annoy him. I am grateful that he is learning that girls are funny, smart and kind, even if he still does not recognize these traits in his sisters. 

Johnny Football (Manziel).  Rehm is not hugely into any sport but he loves watching Johnny.  Who can blame him?  Johnny is a wonder to watch.  I love seeing Rehm developing an appreciation for sports, even if he still has no desire to play them.

All of the teachers who continue to inspire and encourage my children to love learning.  I am in awe of teachers.  It truly takes a gifted person to teach.  We have been blessed with many wonderful teachers this year and honestly, every year we have been in school.  A special shout out to Ruby's teacher who made her list as the best thing in 2013.  

All of my kids coaches.  Especially Eliza Claire's softball coaches.  They have done a great job of teaching and motivating her.  She loves playing softball and that is most certainly due to her coaches. 

These are by no means the only people who have blessed us in the past year.  However, I was overwhlemed with gratitude when I realized just how many people outside of our family bless us on a daily basis.

We are truly blessed.  Thank you all for being part of our journey.  We couldn't do it without you.

Jenn

Year in Review

I asked the kids to fill out theses work sheets for the start of the year. I was surprised that none of them complained about doing them.



Name:  Rehm
Age: 12
Favorite Color: Gold
Favorite Food:  Bacon Alfredo
Favorite Activity: Playing Minecraft
Favorite Book:  The Lord of the Ring Series
Greatest lesson learned:  That girls are not all crazy and it is possible to love one.
Hardest thing this year: 7th Grade
Favorite Memory:  The New Year's Eve party this year.
What I loved about 2013:  Johnny Football
Want to learn:  I don't know
Want to get better at: Shooting
Goals for 2014: Get A's in all subjects and stay first chair



Eliza Claire's got trampled, or rather slept on by the dog. So it is a bit harder to read. I love that she was practicing her cursive "M" on the top of the page.

Name: Eliza
Age:7
Favorite Color:  Red
Favorite Food: Spaghetti
Favorite Activity:  Sports and reading
Favorite Book: Magic Tree House Series
Greatest lesson learned: Science:  Learning solids and Reading: The New Field
Hardest thing this year:  Writing: Stories
Favorite Memory:  Playing Softball
What I loved about 2013:  Staying with my family:  Mom, Dad, me, Ruby, Rehm, Charlotte
Want to learn:  Cursive
Want to get better at:  Being nice to Charlotte
Goals for 2014:  Reading at the end of grade reading level.

I was thrilled to see that Charlotte wrote in cursive. And her "looking forward to 2014" cracked me up and warmed my heart all at the same time.

Name: Charlotte
Age: ten years old
Favorite Color:  Neon Green
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Activity: Reading
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Greatest lesson learned: How to Cook
Hardest thing this year: Taking care of my ears (she got her ears pierced for her birthday)
Favorite Memory:  Getting my ears pierced
What I loved about 2013:  Spending time with my family
Want to learn:  How to get along with Eliza
Want to get better at:  Get along with Eliza
Goals for 2014:  Get along with Eliza


I thought it was cute that Ruby made a place to write her name at the top of the page. I'm sure she did that before reading anything on the page. She worked diligently on hers and did not ask for help. It is hard to read but I was proud of her for doing it with a good attitude and independently.

Name:  Ruby
Age: 7
Favorite Color:  Neon Pink
Favorite Food: Spaghetti
Favorite Activity: Art
Favorite Book: Tea for Ruby
Greatest lesson learned: Cursive
Hardest thing this year: Reading and Writing
Favorite Memory:  My Birthday!
What I loved about 2013: Miss Zuniga
Want to learn:  How to do a hand stand
Want to get better at:  Writing
Goals for 2014:  To not get my letters backwards



Jenn

Aliases

Ruby has started a new thing. Wh e you say something to her or ask her to do something and use her name in the request she will say, "I'm not Ruby, I'm _______!" She always picks a different name, typically from a list of I've memorized. Of course, if you list off all the names as part of your request she will come up with a new name. This sounds really annoying but it is actually extremely adorable, especially since she always has a big smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye during these exchanges.



Her current list of names includes, but is not limited to:

Ralph - this was her first and most popular choice
Phillip Johnny Bob - this is from the Junie B. Jones series. PJB isnJunie's stuffed elephant
Olaf - from Frozen
Gus
Simon

A typical conversation with Ruby now goes something like this:

Me: Hey, Ruby!

Ruby: I'm not Ruby, I'm Ralph!

Me: Hey, Ralph!

Ruby: I'm not Ralph, I'm Phillip Johnny Bob!

Me: Hey, Ruby, Ralph, Phillip Johnny Bob, Olaf, Simon, Gus, whoever you are!

Then she giggles and says, "I'm Table" or some other such nonsense.

This girl always cracks me up and keeps me on my toes. I'm so lucky to be her Mom.
Jenn

Weekend fun

I'm enjoying having my parents in town. I wish we lived closer to each other. It is so nice to get to spend time with them and for my kids to get to enjoy them.

Today Papa went to A&M with Michael, Rehm, Ruby, Eliza Claire, Michael's parents and Jessica (Rehm's girlfriend - yes I know he is young to have a girlfriend and I try not to overly encourage, but if they are hanging out with our family it allows us to get to know her and see how they enter act with each other). It was Grandpa's idea to see if she wanted to use our extra ticket.

Charlotte had some one-on-one time with Cici and I. Then, she left for a sleepover.

Cici and I had a fun evening going to the movies. We saw Philomena. We both really liked the movie and then went to dinner. I don't get to have dates with my mom often and it was a nice treat.

I'm trying to think of some funny or insightful thing that happened today to add to this but apparently it was just a good old boring day. I'll take it! Sometimes boring is good.

Jenn

Friday

Today has been another fun and laid back day.






I've officially lost my mind and started a block of the month quilt at a local quilt shop. I didn't know what has possessed me. I hope I'm not in too far over my head. At least I'm trying something new and getting out of my comfort zone.

Shoe shopping with Rehm was not torture today. I'm so glad he has settled on a brand he likes. Now we can be in and out in half an hour. And they didn't cost a fortune.

Ruby told Cici at lunch "to be responsible" when Cici asked her to do a cartwheel in the restaurant. Of course, Cici was joking.

Papa took Charlotte and Eliza Claire fishing today. Eliza Claire caught her first fish. At least, she says it is her first. I think she has caught some before but if so,Nashe doesn't remember. If the anglers are anywhere near accurate (truthful), the fish was a two foot long carp. Charlotte was not so lucky. She didn't even get a bite!

Papa called Charlotte "Cheese Bob" this afternoon when she was wearing a stool on her head. He meant Sponge Bob but didn't come up with it. Charlotte is now calling him "Cat Head" because Phineas is sitting on the back do the chair he is sitting in.

Jenn

At least it arrived

This was in my mail box today.






It's a shame the return address and signature are both missing.

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

A New Year

2013 is in the books. I'm really not sure where the year went. I did such a terrible job of blogging last year I can't even look back to see what kept us so busy. Here's to a better blogging year in 2014.

The maniacs are definitely getting older. We kept them out until 11:30 last night and they did great. No one had to nap today and they weren't tired, whiney messes. So lovely!

My parents are in town for a visit. Today my dad, Michael, Rehm, and Eliza Claire went to play golf. The rest of us ran some errands, went to the park and hung around the house. A great family day to start the year

Happy New Year,
Jenn

11-12-13

Today my Great Aunt Ina would have turned 100. She was a very interesting lady. I miss visiting with her. She always had a lit cigarette in her hand but very rarely actually smoked them. And until she moved into a nursing home always had a Boston terrier. If it was female its name was Suzie. If it was male its name was Butch.

She was known for giving us all unwanted advice about our style, weight, hair, grooming, posture, etc. She loved to send us random articles clipped from magazines and newspapers in the mail.

Growing up she always called my grandmother on Sundays around dinner (lunch) time when she knew the entire family would be there. That way she could talk to all of us. The kids would hear the phone ring and would all suddenly have an immediate desire to play outside. Trying, usually unsuccessfully, to get out of our couple of minutes if unsolicited advice.

Her husband died before I was born. She never remarried and had no children. She lived in a cute little 2 bedroom house in Wilmington, NC. It had a wonderful backyard.

I miss her. There have been many times I've wished I had known her longer as an adult. There are so many things over the last decade I have thought I would have loved to ask her about. And honestly, I miss those random, sometimes eye-rolling, articles and pieces of advice arriving in the mail.


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Vocabulary

Michael and I were discussing if there were any scenes in Ghostbusters that we need to fast forward through.

Ruby: Why?

Me: Because of inappropriate sexual content.

Ruby: OK, I have absolutely no clue what "content" means!

Oh my goodness! Of all the words of that sentence that she doesn't know, that wasn't the one I would have thought she didn't know!


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

All About Eliza Claire

Eliza Claire brought home a paper she did on the first day of school that was titled All about Me.  Here is what she had to say about herself.

What words best describe you and your personality?  Like school

What is your favorite activity to do with others?  Play Wii

Describe your family.  Fun, Crazy

What is your special talent? Singing

What is your most treasured possession?  Bear

What is your favorite activity to do alone?  Play with my toys

What is your favorite school subject?  Reading

What person do you admire most?  Mom

What career would you like to have in the future?  Beluga whale trainer

I love this girl so much.  She is so much fun.  I am lucky to get to be her Mom.

Jenn

First Day of School 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And there you have it.  The first day of Seventh, Fourth, and Second grade.  Everyone is happy to be back at school and seem to like all their teachers.  I am happy to not have them all yelling at each other all day long.

Jenn

Dance Parking

In the parking lot at the restaurant tonight.

Eliza Claire: Mom, did you get dance parking?

Me: Did I get what?

Eliza Claire: Did you get DANCE parking?

Me: I don't know what you're talking about, sweetheart.

Eliza Claire: You know, ballet parking?

Me: Oh, no, I didn't.


It was so cute I didn't even tell her it is really called valet.


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Making Rock Candy

Week one of summer included making rock candy. It was Rehm's idea and the kids did it with very little help from me.

Here are their results. Rehm was disappointed because his mostly formed in his cup instead of on the string.












Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Bedtime Conversation

Me: Rehm, you have got to go to be, buddy.

Rehm: Alright, I love you, Mom.

Me: I love you more.

Rehm: Yeah, you probably do.


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone