wait, these windows can open?

The windows are all open for the first time since April. The kids are outside shivering and claiming to be cold and loving every minute of it.

Mmm....65 degrees at 8:00. Will the a/c kick back on before noon? Probably, but we'll take what we can get.

nine years

Nine years ago today, our family was born. As Jonah said to Caroline this morning, "Today is our family's birthday!" Happy anniversary to my sweetheart.

In a rare show of romanticism (Josh is the definite romantic of the house), here are words of nine love songs that express how I feel:

Where was I before the day that I first saw your lovely face? Now I see it every day. And I know that I am (I am, I am) the luckiest.

                                      

Remember when the sound of little feet was the music we danced to week to week? Brought back the love, we found trust, vowed we'd never give it up. Remember when?

                                   

You're still the one that I love, the only one I dream of. You're still the one I kiss goodnight. You're still the one.

When you're standing at the crossroads and don't know which path to choose, let me come along. 'Cause even if you're wrong, I'll stand by you.

                                     

Better than I was, more than I am. And all of this happened by taking your hand. 

And the easy silence you create for me. It's okay when there's nothing more to say to me. And the peaceful quiet you create for me. And the way you keep the world at bay for me. The way you keep the world at bay.

 So close no matter how far, couldn't be much more from the heart. Forever trusting who we are, and nothing else matters.

I found a dream that I could speak to, a dream that I can call my own.

Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am home again. Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am whole again. Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am young again. Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am fun again.

Happy birthday, family! We're lucky to have these three yahoos, and we are lucky to have each other.

So much for calm and relaxing

Remember me waxing poetic about the calm pace around here? 

Ha ha ha, that's funny. 

The kids are running through the house yelling, "go go go! We're late! We're late!"

hello world

How can I be mad about being awake when this is the reason?

Secret Service Agent

So to tell this story, some background information will be helpful. First, have we talked about his imaginary friends? There's Lazer Man, the super hero he invented. Then there's Jo and Zo, who are brothers (I think?) and sometimes Creature Jo/Zo or Soldier Jo/Zo depending on the day. Second, at church Jonah's class was challenged to perform secret services for the week. All week he has been cleaning up and leaving these secret service notes around the house. All that wind up for the following exchange:

J: So, who do you think our secret service agent is?

Me: I'm not sure. Lazer Man?

J: Mom, Lazer Man is pretend...

...but it might Jo and Zo. 

Thoughts on homeschool, part 1

There are many things I love about homeschooling so far, and a few things I don't. I have been hesitant to write a ton about it because it can be somewhat of a controversial decision. I shy away from conflict and frankly, I don't want to hear why you think it's an awful idea (comment directed at the world in general, not anyone specific).* I also don't ever want to give the impression that this is the only way to educate children that I find worthwhile. There are as many right answers as there are parents to ask for them.  All that said, this is part one (of many, or maybe just 1/1) of my thoughts.

Today, one thing I love: the flexibility to do school at the park, in a blanket fort, or after a walk in the all-too-uncommon rain.

Once, a few years ago, Jonah burst into tears and told me that I was always telling him to hurry, hurry, hurry. That was an awakening for me. There are many times when my children must hurry or meet a deadline. Those times will come more frequently the older they get. But the mornings like these where we have the freedom to be a little slower paced make me very happy.

PS I have no idea why my font keeps changing mid-post. Annoying. 

*Constructive criticism, honest questions, or well-meaning concerns always welcome. 

Dear Dad,

I spoke in church today and thought of you. The acoustics in the chapel are pretty awful, and there's something wrong with the sound system. I worried about if anyone would even be able to hear me. As I started speaking, I remembered all the times you've told me to slow down. So I slowed down, at least for a minute. 

I really want people to hear me speak and say, "That must be Karl's daughter." I loved listening to you speak. I loved watching you prepare for lessons and talks. I hope I enunciated enough. 

three months, a comparison

Happy three months to our little darling. We get asked often which child or which parent Miriam favors.  First of all, that's a hard question to answer. Second of all, someone in Alabama told me that it's good fortune for a daughter to look like her dad. So to answer the first part of the question, a comparison! All pictures are from the third month of life, respectively.

Caroline v. Miriam: laying down

Jonah v. Miriam: big smile

Me with kids v. Me with kids: What was I doing to poor Caroline?

Jonah's response, part 1

In response to this, Jonah offers the following:

oh boy

Jonah: Guess what? One of the kids at church on Sunday didn't believe me that Santa Claus isn't real. He didn't even know that magic isn't real!



Please forgive me, unknown parents.

warning: pity party

Which is worse:

The baby falling asleep too early, thereby ruining any chance of both girls napping at the same time, thereby eliminating my chance at a rest.

OR

The baby falling back to sleep after being fed, thereby sleeping at the same time as her sister, but the usually pleasant and helpful six-year old is upset and requires some parenting time, thereby further eliminating the rest.

Dear Dad,

Today, Caroline told me that you were at church. I don't know if that's because she remembers your funeral or if she thinks you're in a meeting, but I like the idea. Many Sundays in my childhood, you would be at church before Mom and us kids for meetings. I remember one Sunday, the opening song was "I Stand All Amazed"--your favorite. We were saving a place for you while you finished up whatever you were working on, and I was sure that if I sang the song really well, you would follow my voice to our seats. When I'm missing you, I try to sing that song (or one of the songs you used to sing to me) to my babies in hopes that your memory will stick with them and your influence will stick with me. When I get to the other side, I hope you'll be singing for me so I can find the seats you're saving for us.

P.S. Yesterday, Mom told me that "As I Have Loved You" was another of your favorite hymns. So when I found this arrangement of the two hymns, I could not resist listening on repeat. I wonder if you would like it too, or if you would wish for the original. Add that to the list of things for us to discuss when we're together again.