After a long road trip, the Cook family is now safely arrived in Indiana. Though we nearly lost a wheel (I thought the AA Highway seemed bumpy...), we had a relatively uneventful ride. 11 hours or so in a car is easily survived with a little candy, a couple movies, and the threat of Math Pages to anyone who complained.
As Elizabeth noted, the Duffys and the Cooks are getting along loudly. We spent the night last night at the Brecounts and enjoyed conversation in between the chasing and complaining. Janie did not complain about being left out when Annie decided Catherine Brecount was her friend of the day, but all the girls complained when Daniel showed off his itchy spots.
Tonight we are spending the night with the Duffys. We had a nice afternoon: the kids played chase outside. Andrew and Claire had fun playing in a 5 gallon bucket of water until Andrew dropped a concrete hedgehog in the bucket and splashed Claire from head to toe. Fortunately it was time for pizza soon after, which was followed by popsicles outside. Claire and John had sticky hands, so I told them to wash them in the bucket of water. Then Annie came over to complain about her sticky hands. I told her to wash them in the bucket as well, but she informed me that Daniel used it as a pee pee bucket. Then it was time for baths.
After baths we were treated to Adventures in Oz with Cheryl. This is an award winning video starring body builder Cheryl Ann Silich. Check out her pecks here. This film is a Duffy favorite.
I put the kids to bed while Elizabeth attended her PTO meeting. She is president this year. Congratulations, Liz, on your secret identity! The kids were all going to sleep in the same room, but they got a little rowdy. I told Janie to lay down, and she gave me the stink eye, so I felt like pinching her. She might not be my friend anymore.
Elizabeth later informed me that her boys used to keep a "poddy time!" bucket in the closet. It's always good to be back in Indiana, where you never lack for a place to go!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
If you're reading this from the Lake...
stop it.
Instead, go outside and enjoy the fact that you aren't immediately sweating.
I write this suggestion from Dallas, in a hot office, on a sticky leather chair, in wool pants. [For perspective, see Dallas 10-day forcast versus Frankfort's 10-day forcast.]
Don't get me wrong, TX can be beautiful (see here, here, here, here, and, of course, here), and you all should come visit. Just don't pack wool pants.
See you at the farm.
UPDATE:
Here's the fourth picture that didn't link. Sorry it's not dirty.
Instead, go outside and enjoy the fact that you aren't immediately sweating.
I write this suggestion from Dallas, in a hot office, on a sticky leather chair, in wool pants. [For perspective, see Dallas 10-day forcast versus Frankfort's 10-day forcast.]
Don't get me wrong, TX can be beautiful (see here, here, here, here, and, of course, here), and you all should come visit. Just don't pack wool pants.
See you at the farm.
UPDATE:
Here's the fourth picture that didn't link. Sorry it's not dirty.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
"Not My House Either," or, "Coffee!"
I am at the computer, trying to enjoy a guilt-free mega-venti (my 32 oz water cup!) homemade latte, now my only chance of improving a second-rate day (having been deprived of my shot at a nap by my disobedient, newly sneaky, untired two-year-old.) No sleep? Then, Caffeine! It may wake me up, but unfortunately it doesn't keep me from being cranky. So don't call me, unless you're Hubby saying you'll be home early today, or anyone else who'd like to watch my offspring while I conk out for a couple of hours.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Another great line
Today, we passed a large magenta bus parked in the lot at the mall. Not sure what it was, but Luke had some ideas.
"Did you see that pink bus? What IS that for?"
"I don't know."
"I think it's a school bus."
"No, I don't think so. Usually school buses are yellow."
*silence for a few seconds*
"Maybe it's to take the naughty kids away."
When I asked for clarification, he only said, "to the place," so I guess we'll never know his whole thought, or (more importantly) where it came from! Maybe the same person who taught him about paddy wagons? JOHN?
"Did you see that pink bus? What IS that for?"
"I don't know."
"I think it's a school bus."
"No, I don't think so. Usually school buses are yellow."
*silence for a few seconds*
"Maybe it's to take the naughty kids away."
When I asked for clarification, he only said, "to the place," so I guess we'll never know his whole thought, or (more importantly) where it came from! Maybe the same person who taught him about paddy wagons? JOHN?
Caving to pressure from the kids...
The kids are all irritated that I haven't posted any more photos of them on the blog. So to avoid mass mutiny, here goes (in no real order):
Christmas 2007
Grandma's 95th Birthday...sneaking a bite!!!
Scootie's 4th Birthday
Indoor Camping...preparing for camping at the Farm!! (Taken this afternoon...older girls have been sleeping in their tent at night...in their room!)
Sarah's 6th Birthday
The beautiful birthday girl...
Scootie wanting in on the photo-taking action (taken this afternoon!)
Zoey looking all innocent and stuff. OK. Where'd you poop?
Zoey's first trip on the boat. She wasn't much luck. We didn't catch anything. She was cute, though.
After a standard day with five very active, very rambunctious, very "loving" kids. She's pooped.The first week we got her...
They're just so cute (and QUIET!) this way!!!
Emma and Megan snuggling up on the couch over Christmas Break.
The recitals never end!!! Sarah looks like she's going to a hoe-down, though.
Jake and Sarah in our backyard last fall. I love this photo of them.
Something is amiss. What might it be? The chatter is still the same...
Daddy & Megan after her Easter recital and the day she got her braces off. What a gorgeous smile!!
A day at the Farm...
That's all for now. Daddy make tie-dye shirts with the kids yesterday and we will be having the grand reveal later in the day. I'm sure there will be photos of that, too.
Sorry about the layout. I guess I haven't mastered it yet. I have to go rustle up the kids. It's like herding cats. Speaking of...here are some photos of Alex. And Seth. No kidding. And the Leopard Geckos. Alex didn't try to eat Sam (the lizard). Seth was impressed. I'm just glad my cat hasn't gone "missing" yet.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Morning at the Capp Bar with Toddler & Co.
A conversation I had in the UD bathroom stall with my son:
"Mom! Who's that?"
"Just someone else using the bathroom."
"Is it Uncle Pat?"
"No, this is the ladies' bathroom. Uncle Pat doesn't use this one."
"I think it's Uncle Pat. Is this bathroom not too dirty?"
"No, it's pretty clean."
"I just goed pee. Mom, I was trying to gerk Annie and she was trying to gerk me!"
"What's gerk?"
"It's a game. You play gerk."
Turns out "gerk" is played by hitting someone while simultaneously saying "gerk." I think I know who came up with that one...
"Mom! Who's that?"
"Just someone else using the bathroom."
"Is it Uncle Pat?"
"No, this is the ladies' bathroom. Uncle Pat doesn't use this one."
"I think it's Uncle Pat. Is this bathroom not too dirty?"
"No, it's pretty clean."
"I just goed pee. Mom, I was trying to gerk Annie and she was trying to gerk me!"
"What's gerk?"
"It's a game. You play gerk."
Turns out "gerk" is played by hitting someone while simultaneously saying "gerk." I think I know who came up with that one...
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Marine Science
Today we went to Nauticus, the Marine Science Museum, to be a part of a home school advisory group. The kids went with a couple of docents to touch sea creatures and play with the underwater robot arm, and the moms met with one of the education staff members to talk about ways the museum can assist the home school community. If anyone has any good ideas for a science experiment having to do with oceans, rivers, or estuaries, let me know. Apparently there are lots of little grants available, and if your kids comes up with an experiment, like growing oysters to filter water or something like that, they can work with one of the museum staff to carry out the experiment with museum money. Mini-grants are also available for creating outdoor classrooms. I'm thinking about trying to have the backyard re-landscaped. I'm so excited by the idea of applying for a grant that I think I might of missed my real calling. I really did enjoy my two jobs grant writing: for the mayor's office and for UD. Then again that could be because they outshone so splendidly my preceding jobs. A song on the country music station yesterday took me back to a lucrative but unsatisfying stint as a waitress at the Lone Star Steak House. We used to have to stop what we were doing and line dance to the Watermelon Crawl at least once a night, maybe two or three times on weekends. The uniforms were t-shirts and jean shorts. Although at the time I didn't give a thought to modesty in dress, I still wasn't willing to go Hooters short for an extra $0.50. I did not recount this job experience to my kids who were enjoying the song. (Joe announced the other day that, while Ben prefers country and Weird Al, he liked hard rock. Huh? I don't know that he's even heard hard rock. Is this something to do with testosterone?) . . .
Speaking of history, my book club met last night: the pick was Ten Dates Every Catholic Should Know by Diane Moczar. Some of the dates were obvious: Like the Edict of Milan in 313 and the posting of Martin Luther's Theses in 1517. Others were less obvious: like the reform of the monastic movement in the early 1000's. While this book could have been a lot more interesting - it breezes through a lot of the information about the period, not very many quotes from sources - it did provide a good summation of how turbulent human history has been. In comparision, the War on Terror is a minor incident. And $4 gasoline could actually be a good thing. The book didn't spur any heated discussion, although later I thought of a couple of things that might have been good fodder, like why didn't she talk about the Avignon papacy and what a mess that was. It would be nice to have that laid out neatly for comprehension if possible.
Speaking of history, my book club met last night: the pick was Ten Dates Every Catholic Should Know by Diane Moczar. Some of the dates were obvious: Like the Edict of Milan in 313 and the posting of Martin Luther's Theses in 1517. Others were less obvious: like the reform of the monastic movement in the early 1000's. While this book could have been a lot more interesting - it breezes through a lot of the information about the period, not very many quotes from sources - it did provide a good summation of how turbulent human history has been. In comparision, the War on Terror is a minor incident. And $4 gasoline could actually be a good thing. The book didn't spur any heated discussion, although later I thought of a couple of things that might have been good fodder, like why didn't she talk about the Avignon papacy and what a mess that was. It would be nice to have that laid out neatly for comprehension if possible.
Monday, July 14, 2008
My baby is cute
I got out the camera post-bath today because the boys both looked sweet - Chas in his duckie terry towel outfit, and Luke with a fresh-as-can-be haircut. (My first time with clippers - not too bad!)
Also, have you all heard of the recently-named eight new wonders of the natural world? Read and see some pics here, but you should search for other picture sites, because I saw some breathtaking photos elsewhere. It seems most of these places are valued for "biodiversity," and none of the wonders are as distinct as, say, the Grand Canyon, but still they all are beautiful, and inspire me to travel to see them... someday. One more "wonder"ful item- my sister was telling me about Ayers Rock in Australia - it's the largest rock in the world. It looks like a mountain, but it's not, for some geological reason. It's just a freestanding rock that is seriously enormous - you can see it on Google Maps! So, anyone up for a trip down under to climb it? Maybe instead of Sleeping Bear this year? :)
Friday, July 11, 2008
A Time for Mourning
Sad news: Tasha Tudor passed away last month.
From www.tashatudorandfamily.com/news.html
"June 18, 2008
It is with great sadness that we must tell you Tasha Tudor, 92, passed away in her Vermont home on June 18, 2008 surrounded by family and friends. We have created an online memorial website and invite all who loved Tasha to share their feelings and memories in the Memory Book section. Memorial Website
The office of Tasha Tudor and Family is closed for the time being and will reopen on June 30th.
Due to the extensive travel plans of our national and international guests, the Secret Garden Tours of Tasha Tudor and Family will proceed as scheduled. They will, however, be led by our capable staff, instead of the family.
We thank you for supporting Tasha Tudor's lifestyle and artwork during her long career. We hope that Tasha's message of 'taking joy' in all that one does will be remembered as we pass through this difficult time together. "
(I tried to copy a picture but couldn't figure out how)
Eternal Rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her . . .
While in mourning today, I found:
Another bit of sadness: One of the family heirlooms, a MAT plate from Grandma Margaret,
succumbed to ill usage by a four yr old. John, I'm posting this in full resolution, for your benefit, but it may take Mom and Dad a couple hours to download.
From www.tashatudorandfamily.com/news.html
"June 18, 2008
It is with great sadness that we must tell you Tasha Tudor, 92, passed away in her Vermont home on June 18, 2008 surrounded by family and friends. We have created an online memorial website and invite all who loved Tasha to share their feelings and memories in the Memory Book section. Memorial Website
The office of Tasha Tudor and Family is closed for the time being and will reopen on June 30th.
Due to the extensive travel plans of our national and international guests, the Secret Garden Tours of Tasha Tudor and Family will proceed as scheduled. They will, however, be led by our capable staff, instead of the family.
We thank you for supporting Tasha Tudor's lifestyle and artwork during her long career. We hope that Tasha's message of 'taking joy' in all that one does will be remembered as we pass through this difficult time together. "
(I tried to copy a picture but couldn't figure out how)
Eternal Rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her . . .
While in mourning today, I found:
- a loaf of bread in the mail table drawer (covered in mold)
- a carton of organic strawberries in James's desk cubby (covered in mold)
- 2 boxes of Jimmy Dean Pigs in a Blanket sausage rolls in the pasta cupboard (not covered in mold, but not smelling too good).
Another bit of sadness: One of the family heirlooms, a MAT plate from Grandma Margaret,
succumbed to ill usage by a four yr old. John, I'm posting this in full resolution, for your benefit, but it may take Mom and Dad a couple hours to download.
My Allergi-rific Day
This is the product of a couple hours (naptime) spent at the computer. If you can't tell, it's a largish can that's about half full. And most of them are fully saturated, so it's no fluffy mass of Kleenex - they're pretty well packed in there.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Last Birthday of the Year at our house
Our John's birthday is finally here. Although he couldn't remember exactly how old he is (additional proof that I am not a perfect home schooler despite outward appearances), he thoroughly enjoyed his day, as you can see in the photos that follow.
The day began with cake and presents on the breakfast table. That is supposed to be the Roman Colosseum topped with a gladiator and a lion. I was too tired last night to make more than two colors. Confectionary architectural renditions could use the expertise of my husband. But John seemed not to notice.
Next we went to the zoo.
This portly lady might like to live with the Duffys. Don't you think you should spell your name "Duffies" from here on out? How are the bees, by the way? Will you feed us honey when we come to visit?
After the zoo, three families joined us for lunch. We did make your own pizzas. I thought this would be easy, seeing as we only had 17 kids for lunch. Presents followed. Annie received the
Littlest Pet Shop creatures she had been craving, plus some makeup, so she was happy. John put on his favorite present to defend his cake. His pinata
lasted long enough for all the little kids to get a whack before it broke open and all the cheap candy and junk from China spilled out.
On the list of things to do in Indiana: Visit Salon Duffy for a little trim.
One of things John received was this guy. He said he would share with
Daddy, who loves Incredible Hulk.
Annie took some pictures at the end of the day, including this picture of John adn this self portrait. Note in her eyes the gleam of stolen pleasures. She also reconstructed this
horseshoe crab for a photo, unbeknownst to me.
Kate, are you sure you don't want a dog? They are great at cleaning up after a party. Bosco only has a moderate case of gas tonight after all his scraps.
Coincidences: or how I wasted time last night, retold here so you can waste time, too: I was looking up Sarah Antonio since we might go to West Lafayette while in Indiana to meet friends from Chicago. I remembered her brother the illustrator had a blog (http://www.househatke.com) so I went to it to see if I could find a link to Sarah. (which I did: http://mythreelittlemonkeys.blogspot.com,and to Annie's, our favorite folk singer babysitter, http://www.beanieschapini.blogspot.com now married with a baby!) Also a link to Ben's wife's page: if you would like to suffer from envy, you can read about their life in a small town in northern Italy: http://www.shortcutomushrooms.blogspot.com. The coincidence is that from there I went to Regina Doman's web page (http://houseartjournal.blogspot.com) and read about a teen who died trying to save his father from drowning. Today, Kelly starts talking about the same family, whom they knew in CT. Surprising how far tragedies reach. We have been blessed.
Adding to the list of blog links: Here is Brian and Mikko's, if you would like to suffer garden envy: www.theaccidentalfarm.com.
The day began with cake and presents on the breakfast table. That is supposed to be the Roman Colosseum topped with a gladiator and a lion. I was too tired last night to make more than two colors. Confectionary architectural renditions could use the expertise of my husband. But John seemed not to notice.Next we went to the zoo.
This portly lady might like to live with the Duffys. Don't you think you should spell your name "Duffies" from here on out? How are the bees, by the way? Will you feed us honey when we come to visit?
After the zoo, three families joined us for lunch. We did make your own pizzas. I thought this would be easy, seeing as we only had 17 kids for lunch. Presents followed. Annie received the
Littlest Pet Shop creatures she had been craving, plus some makeup, so she was happy. John put on his favorite present to defend his cake. His pinata
lasted long enough for all the little kids to get a whack before it broke open and all the cheap candy and junk from China spilled out.On the list of things to do in Indiana: Visit Salon Duffy for a little trim.
One of things John received was this guy. He said he would share with
Daddy, who loves Incredible Hulk.Annie took some pictures at the end of the day, including this picture of John adn this self portrait. Note in her eyes the gleam of stolen pleasures. She also reconstructed this
horseshoe crab for a photo, unbeknownst to me.
Kate, are you sure you don't want a dog? They are great at cleaning up after a party. Bosco only has a moderate case of gas tonight after all his scraps.
Coincidences: or how I wasted time last night, retold here so you can waste time, too: I was looking up Sarah Antonio since we might go to West Lafayette while in Indiana to meet friends from Chicago. I remembered her brother the illustrator had a blog (http://www.househatke.com) so I went to it to see if I could find a link to Sarah. (which I did: http://mythreelittlemonkeys.blogspot.com,and to Annie's, our favorite folk singer babysitter, http://www.beanieschapini.blogspot.com now married with a baby!) Also a link to Ben's wife's page: if you would like to suffer from envy, you can read about their life in a small town in northern Italy: http://www.shortcutomushrooms.blogspot.com. The coincidence is that from there I went to Regina Doman's web page (http://houseartjournal.blogspot.com) and read about a teen who died trying to save his father from drowning. Today, Kelly starts talking about the same family, whom they knew in CT. Surprising how far tragedies reach. We have been blessed.
Adding to the list of blog links: Here is Brian and Mikko's, if you would like to suffer garden envy: www.theaccidentalfarm.com.
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