The Mother of Geese

Yes this child actually did get stuck.

October 2010

Brad likes to help out by making the bed. Then he amuses himself by stacking the pillows high to prove a point that we have too many pillows.

...when you find a picture you forgot you had taken... And it takes your breath away?

A few days before Christmas Bradfo had surgery to repair his rotater cuff (approximately .3 seconds after I took this picture he growled, NO pictures! at me. sheesh. It's not like I took a picture from the backside or anything. or did I? mwah ha ha! ) when they wheeled Brad in from surgery he pretended to be asleep then scared the poop out of me when I went to take a picture. also, interesting fact, when Max and Abbie returned from surgery years ago they were very agitated and angry. I was bracing myself all morning for the "Crab-Bradiness" headed by way. Turns out, Brad was HILARIOUS! When he wanted a drink he would pucker and make kissy sounds. It amused me greatly. Here he is a few hours post op. He was given instructions to take it easy and keep it on ice for the next 3 days. He mostly ignored that advice and also decided to forego most of the pain meds. Call me silly, but I'm pretty sure "welding" is not on the approved activities for him. Ridiculous.

1. Christmas is nine days away and I have only purchased 4 presents. Total. We were going for the "something to wear, something to read, something to play with, something from Santa. All I have is 3 something to wear's and 1 birthday present. Oh and there are 3 birthdays this month. 2. I marvel at people who are "done". I play this game with myself where I remind myself how much I still have to do then time how long it takes for my heart to race, sink to my toes, then loose feeling in my fingertips and lips. The game amuses and hurts me. 3. I have had the annual cookie party (I think there were 70 people), a surprise party for Mariko (30 teenagers dancing on the deck), choir concerts, elementary school sing a longs, Max's "program", helping in classrooms, swim meets, dinners, after school activities, caroling, 3 more school parties, creche festivals, making dinner for a family in need, dropping off the cookies for the kids primary teachers, oh and the b...

Remember how you have been teaching your class about Christmas around the world? Your lesson on Sweden really struck a cord. Because this morning... This child came dressed as St. Lucia with breakfast on her arm. I was shocked! And delighted! And thrilled! And sleepy! In a cute little basket St. Lucia packed cereal, buttered toast, jam, cinammon, bowls, plates, and napkins. I have a feeling the younger kids could get used to this.... I believe points for her table are in order!!! Sincerely, Mama St. Lucia

I am thrilled that the kids have discovered the wonder of bugs bunny cartoons. And I LOVE that Amelia thinks he says, "ah, what's up DOUG?"

noun \ˈri-gə-mə-ˌrōl, ˈrig-mə-\ : a complex and sometimes ritualistic procedure Let's use the new word in a sentence shall we? We have to go through the rigamorale of brushing teeth, potty time, bedtime drinks, vaseline up his nose, prayers, songs, kisses, hugs, FORT MAKING , secret passageway, kisses to the monkey, finding of the didi, more kisses, and hugs in order to meet his demands at bedtime. Yes, the child requires a fort in order to fall asleep lately.

Locked Becoming unlocked My heart starts beating wildly when I am in the shower because I know that my few moments alone and private will be over as soon as I am discovered "missing". Max helps himself to a "sword" and opens the door by himself. Boundaries Schmoundaries.

How Max rolls on roadtrips. Costco Pizza, bagel, oranges, and turkey roll up sandwiches