Halloween, St. Louis Style

I wasn't able to get all the kids together for a pic so everyone will have to settle for individual shots. Be warned. Colin's costume this year was an accident victim. We spent the evening in a neighborhood not far from our house. It's a popular trick or treating place for all the local kids including the high school. I think every child in the school district was there. Luckily, the rumor at the high school that the police were closing down the neighborhood at 8:30pm was true. Imagine packs of teenagers knocking on your door after 9pm. Some of the neighborhoods in St. Louis as trick or treaters to tell a joke for their candy. This was once such neighborhood. Here's Eva's joke: What kind of pie does a ghost like best? Boo-berry.

Pumpkin Carving Time

I love to carve pumpkins and part of the pleasure is the reaction of the kids. It feels like I'm "really" doing something as a mom. They love cleaning out and scraping the inside of the pumpkins which is nice since I don't like that part. We have a silly pumpkin, and angry one, a spider and a painted one. Eva wanted the angry and Liam picked out the painted one. The spider was a huge pumpkin I picked up at the grocery store for $5.

Images from the Past Week

Fuji apples are ripe so the boys and I headed across the river to Illinois for apple picking. It was sunny and in the 60s. We rode a wagon to the orchard. Liam didn't like for me to have my arm on the rail. He thought I might fall out.





Eva experienced a first this week. She lost her first tooth. She attended a birthday party with a Halloween theme. During the wrap the mummy game her tooth became caught on the tissue paper, when it was time to unwrap the mummy out came the tooth. She is excited and anxious to spend the tooth fairy money.

Sunday Blessings

I have a friend who posts weekly blessings each Sunday. It's a way of finding joy in everyday life. Since I can sometimes dwell on the negative, I thought I'd give it a try.

* Cooler weather coming soon
*Thrift store finds including jeans for three out of the four kids.
*Liam loving preschool
*General Conference and being able to listen to it on an IPod
*Quick dinners that don't taste quick
*Teaching another Sunday school lesson and feeling good about it
*Gas prices dropping
*Eva discovering Thoroughly Modern Millie(movie) and remembering how much I love it

My Boy Makes Me Laugh

I have this fabulous 12 year old boy. He has this magical ability to make me laugh.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

I know I'm bragging, but my children have beautiful hair. It's a rich, chestnut brown color and thick with lots of body. Liam's hair is still in that blond turning to brown stage which all the kids went through. Eva's hair has been past her shoulders and part way down her back. We've been growing the bangs out, too. Tonight Liam decided to take a swipe at Eva's hair while playing with scissors. Needless to say I had to even up her hair. I know it's just hair and a vain thing to dwell on. She still has that beautiful smile and a pleasant disposition. I just wish we had chosen to cut her hair instead of needing to do so.

Before the Hair Cut


After the Hair Cut

Spider Update

About an hour after taking the photo, one of the kids wanted to look at the spider. There was a hole in the middle of the web and the spider was missing. My guess is a bat(lots of them in StL) swooped down and had a nice dinner with our fat, arachnid friend.

Isn't Summer Over?

Colin and I have been studying the stars, planets and space in Science. We took a moment and learned about the recent autumnal equinox on September 22nd so I know that it's officially Fall. Mother Nature hasn't let all her critters know about the change of seasons though. Last night I was walking Colin home from a friend's house. It was dark and we were chatting away until at the end of the driveway we spied a skunk in the garage. Luckily, we made it into the house without being skunkified. Eva reminded me that we'd have to 'pour all our tomato sauce on me to get the smell out' if it did spray me. The skunk did leave peacefully and our garage door will now be kept shut especially after dark.
After the skunk scare of 2008, we noticed this lovely spider waiting for its prey out our back door. Thankfully, we spotted it before stepping through the web. It reminds me of the poem, "Will you walk into my parlor?" said the spider to the fly, "Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy." BTW, the web is the size of a large watermelon.

Beware of the Scissors

We've all been told and heard, "Don't run with scissors." As children we are taught to hand scissors to another person with the sharp, pointed end facing away from the person. Scissors even come with the pointed end dulled and safety versions. Despite all these precautions, I have suffered two wounds from scissors, both on my legs. I have a lovely scar on my left knee from a pair of hair cutting scissors. I was about 7 years old and my mother was cutting my hair. I raised my knee at the same time she brought the scissors down and Shazam! One deep scar running vertically across the knee cap. I can still remember walking about with an ace bandage, keeping my knee from bending.
Yesterday, I was cutting Liam's hair. That squirmy, little monkey child moved, I wasn't paying attention and Bam! One gouge in my leg not too far from the knee cap on my right leg. I probably needed a stitch, but what's the point in paying an emergency room bill when I can use the handy dandy skin super glue now sold everywhere. Before anyone asks, I have had a recent tetanus shot.
I'm sure Freud would find something in both wounds coming from hair scissors. Both wounds occurring while a mother cut a child's hair. The difference being I was the child in one story, the mother in the next and always ended up being the one hurt. I think I'll chalk it up to staying away from scissors and always staying up to date on those tetanus shots.

First Day of Preschool for One, Flu for Another, Immunizations for the Rest

Liam officially started preschool yesterday. Because of speech and behavioral delays he qualifies for free preschool, four days a week. I've been hesitant and sad to send him. He's my baby, so little, and I didn't send any of the other kids to preschool. I love and value those years before school, but recognize that he needs help I can't give him. We visited the class on Wednesday and it helped to settle most of my fears. He is in a classroom at the district's early childhood center with eight other children. They have two teacher, Miss Jill and Miss Janie, at all times, and then a third person in the room is rotated between the speech pathologist and the occupational therapist. The class is a mixed classroom with only part of the children having IEPs. He'll go for a few hours in the morning, four days a week.
Thursday morning we headed to school for the first day without Mom. He was fine until it was our turn in the carpool lane. As they helped him out of the car, here came the tears and cries of "NO, NO." I drove away with an assurance that they would call if he continued to be upset. A couple of hours later, I picked up a smiling, happy to see me three year old. As we drove away, I asked him what he did that day. I got a jabbering, full of hand motions and sounds effects answer. What a relief!
Adria and Colin had yearly doctor's visits as well. Each had to have several booster shots and immunizations including this year's flu shot. Both came away with sore arms. Liam also had a test to check the levels of his peanut allergy. Love that blue, restraining papoose! My boys are so strong it has been needed anytime blood is drawn or stitches given.
We headed home after the exams to find that Eva came home from the bus crying. Andrew was home with her and tried to determine what was wrong only to get mumbling and more crying. She quickly fell asleep only to wake up an hour or so later vomiting and complaining of body aches. My sweet, little angel remained sick through the night and was left exhausted today. I think she's on the mend as she just asked what was for dinner. I gave her the choices I've planned for this week and she asked if we could have chicken and mashed potatoes as "That will make me feel better."
As a parent, the old adage 'when it rains it pours' is always appropriate. Thank goodness for the weekend!

High Water, No Lights and Good Friends

Gusty winds and heavy rains woke me at 6am around the time Andrew rises on Sunday mornings. By the time we trekked downstairs the usual parts of the basement were leaking and new spots along the wall were wet. Fortunately, it is contained to one general area that we avoid putting anything of importance.

Along the north side of the house we had a rolling river. Ours is the yellow house on the right. Notice the white 'spots' on the pic. It was raining so hard and fast that you can see individual rain drops that the camera caught.


The backyard was a lake which emptied into our river. Fortunately(again) for us, we live on the high side of the street and at the top of the road. The water has other places to go. Some areas in St. Louis weren't as fortunate. This image is from ksdk.com and was taken in front of Adria's high school. It also happens to be a route to church. We had to go the long way to church.


Before church and while Adria was taking a shower the power went out. Bathing by candlelight is grand especially if you have to shave your legs. I was in the process of preparing a brisket for dinner. I called a friend and arranged to use her oven while at church. After church the power was still out, so we invaded another friend's home and settled in for a bit. It's 8:30pm and power is restored, children are fed and the basement is drying out.

A HUGE thanks to Bonnie and Julianne for making the day better.

At Home with the Boys

Life is a lot different this school year. At the moment, both boys are home with me all day. For various reasons, we decided to homeschool Colin this year. We're still trying to find our groove, but life is more calm. Colin started guitar lessons and now that he is twelve and in Young Men's he has Boy Scouts in addition to school work. I have to say I enjoy having him home. He's a cool kid who makes me laugh and reminds me not to take myself too seriously.Liam loves having Colin to himself all day. Colin is his big brother/wrestling partner.
Next week, we'll shake all of this daily rhythm up a bit. Liam will be starting preschool. He has a moderate speech delay which qualifies him for free preschool. Today I met with the early childhood center to put the finishing touches on his IEP and see his classroom. He'll be in a class with 8 children including him. There will be two to three adults in the classroom. Two regular teachers and then the speech therapist and the occupational therapist will rotate in and out. I know he needs this just like I know Colin needs to be home this year, but he is my baby. My 'little Liam, monkey boy'. His speech delay keeps me from remembering how old he is until I am around other children his age. So come next week, I'm sure I'll be a little weepy as my 'baby' takes the big leap into school.
*Sadly, Colin won't allow a pic of him playing the guitar. I'll have to be sneaky.

Foot in Mouth Disease

Have you ever had the best intention, yet come up short and end up with your foot so far down your throat there is no hope of retrieving it? And when you try to apologize, you fall so short the situation becomes worse?
I've learned never to talk politics with anyone at church or in my family. Never get involved with a group of women discussing "birth stories", someone always has a more sad, painful story. Let things sit a day or two or six before sending off that email. Always think twice before saying whatever pops into my head.
Just some common sense most people learn early on, but which I am continually re-learning. Oh, and another thing, always ask forgiveness.

Birthday Girl

Yesterday was Adria's birthday and, poor thing, she spent the day in bed with a cold. She did enjoy her favorite ice cream and cake, but refused any picture taking. I'll have to fake some birthday pics later.
I have to say I love the woman my daughter is becoming. Pushing aside some of that typical teenage angst, she's great to talk to and be around and doesn't mind hanging out with her mom. She is her own person, not afraid to express a differing opinion especially about clothes and music. It's hard to believe I have a fifteen year old who will soon be in college, but it's wonderful to have such a friend.

In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.
~Alex Haley

My little Eva Gracie's heart is always turned towards her family. From the beginning she loved talking about and asking about her family. "What is Grandma doing today?" "Where is Granny?" "When can I see Aunt Kelly or Aunt Julie again?" "I miss Uncle Peter." "Why can't I live near my cousins?" For a long time she would ask about her Grandpa Charlie who passed away long before she was born. "What is he doing now?" "Does he see me?" "When will I see him again?" She seems to have been born with a connection and longing for her family.
This weekend Granny Diann, Aunt JoEllen and Uncle Stephen came to visit. It was the first Sunday that Colin passed the sacrament as a Deacon. We just said goodbye after a nice weekend and my beautiful baby girl is in tears. "When will I see them again?" "I miss them already." It all makes me a little sad that we don't live closer. I am happy when my children remind and teach me about what's important in life.

So Easily Pleased

Yesterday my new cell phone arrived. I say 'mine', because I'm the one that carries and uses it the most so I view it as mine. Although, Colin has informed me that it's not just mine. It's a little bigger than my previous one and black which as we all know is my favorite color. It's just a basic, non-expensive phone, no bells and whistles except this one has a camera. I know what your thinking, 'pretty much all phones come with a camera'. Ah, but my old phone didn't have one. When Andrew told me we were getting a new phone, I didn't think I cared too much. He asked me which one I wanted and I said 'whichever, it doesn't matter'. I didn't realize how much I would enjoy my new toy. I can carry pics of my kids wherever I go. I loved picking out a new ring tone. And I like how new it looks. Isn't that strange? How easily I can be pleased? I feel like such a kid at Christmas.

Another School Year, Another Dollar (or five)

Aah, the beginning of another school year. My time is spent prior to the first day with endless mind-numbing activities. Filling out the same bazillion forms for different children, hunting down imaginary school supplies from mile long lists, fighting other parents for the last sturdy backpack that isn't covered with Bratz or Barney, and, of course, writing checks for lunches, PTO dues, school spirit T-shirts, yearbooks, etc.

Do I sound a bit bitter? Probably so. I have to admit I have mixed feelings about school time. My girls love school, and after a long summer, we all look forward to school starting. I just don't enjoy all the mess that comes with it. For example, there is always at least one item on each kid's list that doesn't exist. This year, it was the 70 page, single subject notebook for Eva. I could find 80 page ones and larger, but no 80 page ones. I know, I probably went to the one store that didn't carry them, but who wants to schlep all over town for a notebook. So, ten extra pages it is for Eva.

It sounds silly, but those pages represent all the silliness that is the beginning of school. We happen to live in a school district full of parents that I can only suppose are able to write checks without batting an eye. It's a great district with lots of advantages for my kids, but the downside is we must be one of the 'poorer' families. Otherwise, more parents would balk at all the money that's asked of us at the beginning of the year. This year we are homeschooling Colin so we didn't receive a supply list for him, but I understand that a flash drive was on the list. Come on, a sixth grader needs a flash drive?!

So what's a mother of four to do? Protest. I only pay for the necessities like lunch. If they ask why I haven't sent in my $25 per kid for class parties, then I'll volunteer to bring cupcakes. I doubt it will make any difference except in my pocketbook. Maybe with the extra money, I can buy the real Cheez-Its for kids snacks instead of the store brand.

"We're Bobbing Along in Our Barrel"

Yes, by the time we reached home after the long car trip, some of us felt liked we'd 'tipped right over the edge'. We did manage a stop by Niagara Falls. As promised, I have the pics to prove it. We wanted to see if the Maid of the Mist statue truly existed(as seen on a TV show), but didn't have enough time.

American Falls


My Beautiful Kids


Horseshoe Falls


Bridal Falls

"And hie him home, at evening's close,
To sweet repast and calm repose."
~Thomas Gray

We rolled into St. Louis yesterday to find the house standing, the lawn mowed and the cat anxiously waiting our arrival. Midnight greeted us at the door complaining about being left so long and continued to follow us around for the rest of the night. He was so annoying this morning with all the meowing that Liam got up, shooed him out of the room and shut the door. Midnight was interrupting "Blues Clues" after all.
We all woke up at 6am since our bodies are still living on Eastern time. Maybe this will carry through to Monday when school starts, but I'm sure with our night owl tendencies we'll correct that in a flash.
*I have some pics of our time at Niagara Falls that I will post later.

Final Images of Middlebury

We leave tomorrow for home. Vermont has been great and here are some final pics.

Otter Creek Falls, Our Favorite Place in Town


The Chateau on Campus


It's been so rainy, that everywhere you walk you find Mushrooms in the Grass


Otter Creek, again


Isley Library where we spent a lot of time


Two of My Monkeys


Main Street Middlebury