Overheard

Boy#1 Woooo, you just accidentally stepped into the lair of the Black Dragon.

Boy #2 But that's OK because he mistakes me for one of his children.

Boy #1 Right, but the Black Dragon usually EATS his children.

Caught

Lessons Learned (or Perhaps not)

Friends of ours from church invited us over as they had the day off school today on account of "Veterinarian's Day," as they told their mother. My kids started asking if they'd get the day off, too. I hadn't planned on it, as we generally go by a if-Jeremy-is-at-work-we're-schooling policy, with the exception of two months in the summer. But then, after stopping at the library last night and picking up some really great finds I thought a book reading morning was in order. It wasn't a day off, per se, as we read together from a great assortment of books for three hours straight. I don't often get to just sit and read with my kids anymore so this was a real treat for me, too, and we learned plenty. We spent the rest of the day with our friends--thank you P family--you are wonderful! Then, on the ride home we talked about veterans and who they are and what they have done for us. We prayed for them and their families. Turning in the driveway, we decided to check the mail from the van on account of the rain. No mail? Ah yes, the kids realized, the mailman has "Veterinarian's Day" off too.

No More Training Wheels

"Mom, can I use one of Dad's tools?" Alex asked from the garage.
"Sure, what are you doing?"

"Fixing Nicholas' bike," he said.

Squeals and cheers were heard soon after.
"Mom!" Alex called, "You're going to want to see this!"

And off he went.

Cheating November

I don't know what kind of weather you have been experiencing, but it has been in the high 70's almost 80's around here. It is wonderful.

Yesterday, we went for a Sunday walk at a new park in town designed for joggers, walkers and bikers. The scenery is so inviting with restored farm buildings and old Pecan groves. The fall colors are glorious and we saw more than a few parties taking advantage of the vibrant color and late autumn light for those special photographs. There was the boy scout posing for professional photographers through the window of an old chicken coop. There was the family of four all dressed in fancy purple and black siting on a rock wall for a family portait. There was the mother of two young sons dressed in their Christmas clothes, she would dance to make her baby smile as Grandma snapped shots.

We walked a long way stopping only to swing on the swinging benches, making the most of a short weekend and a short day as the days are now. Sure enough, when the sun set at 5:30 or so, the temperature dropped 10 degrees and counting and our camera was at home in the camera case. I stopped for the moment, before the rush of dinner and Sunday night obligations and looked around. There was the sight of hot air balloons on the horizon and the sweet smell of burning leaves in the air and I felt as though we had cheated November, somber November. The simple gift of a lovely day spent with those we hold dear, passing, and unexpected and not captured on film. Just us. Just being together in that lovely place on a lovely day. Thank you, Lord, for setting this day apart.

Kids: They Can Help You Out In a Pinch

So, I was up late the other night painting by myself while my husband was out of town. When I slid the roller brush onto the roller I caught the soft part of my littlest finger between the teethy metal parts and the roller. Ouch. I tried to get it off myself but my efforts only made the problem worse. The children were all sleeping. I headed up the stairs trying not to think of the pain or the flashes of heat that accompanied it. "Simeon" I said in an urgent whisper, "I need you to help me."

After a few pleas he awoke from a deep sleep. I turned on the lights and gave him clear instructions. He pulled the brush off the roller, freeing my finger. "Oh," I said with relief, "It's fine... It's fine." I had worried that I might need medical attention. Simeon assessed the wound as he wiped his eyes, "I don't know," he said groggily, "It isn't the prettiest either."

Nail Pops

We're getting the living room and foyer walls ready for painting this weekend. I gave the job of digging out nail pops and removing the offending drywall screws to Alex. He loved it and did a fantastic job.

"Mom," he said, "This is the best job you ever given me because it allows me to be destructive and helpful at the same time. I can't believe I get to pop holes in all the walls and I won't even get in trouble."

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

or: In Defense of Procrastination.

I never adjusted the clock on my cell phone for Daylight Savings last spring. Thanks to fall back, that clock is once again accurate and I didn't do a thing.

Future in Marketing?

Found in the margins of somebody's schoolwork.

All Souls

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace.

Happy All Saints Day!

Almighty and Everlasting God,

who dost enkindle the flame of Thy love in the hearts of the saints,

grant unto us the same faith and power of love;

that, as we rejoice in their triumphs

we may profit by their examples, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Gothic Missal

The Antidote

Alex (on the ride home from the Halloween party): Mom, when we get home, can we eat broccoli?

Boo

He glows in the dark.

Happy Halloween!

Should Christians Participate in Halloween?

Sally Thomas has a really good answer over at First Things today, The Drama of Hallowmas. I couldn't agree more.

Look Who's Walking

Splash