2012 in 38 questions

1. What did you do in 2012 that you'd never done before? Homeschool the girls. 2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions? I find it's so easy to keep resolutions when I just don't make any. ;-) 3. Did anyone close to you give birth? No 4. Did anyone close to you die? Yes. My cousin's 6 year old daughter Morgan-Jade. It was tragic, awful, completely unexpected. I think about my cousin everyday and pray that he and his family are finding peace. 5. What countries did you visit? The good ol' U S A 6. What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012? some girl dates 7. What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? Labor Day weekend, it's when Morgan-Jade died. 8. What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year? Homeschooling the girls. 9. What was your biggest failure? Homeschooling the girls. Kidding. But really, some days are TOUGH. 10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Yes. Stupid plantar wart on my left foot. Surgery to remove it, painful recovery, and the effing thing is back. 11. What was the best thing you bought? A tablet. I've done loads more reading, and have read more classics that I hadn't read before. 12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Aubrey's. She's shown us how mature and nurturing she is. 13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Politicians. Really, life is rarely ever black or white. Or red or blue. Stop trying to win, and do your jobs. 14. Where did most of your money go? groceries, bills 15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? 16. What song will always remind you of 2012? Blow my whistle. So bad, but I love it. 17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? Sadder, but only temporarily as we're a house full of sick right now, and everyone is on edge. b) thinner or fatter? Thinner. Thanks, nasty stomach bug! c) richer or poorer? About the same. 18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Reading to the girls. 19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Facebook, Pinterest. 20. How did you spend Christmas? We went to Andy's folks' house, and my parents came down for a day. Fun times! 21. Did you fall in love in 2012? Mmm hmm. I call him Andy. Been falling deeper and deeper in love with him for a long time now. ;-) 22. What was your favorite TV program? Eureka! 23. (question deleted) 24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? No energy for hate. 25. What was the best book you read? In October I would've said Pride & Prejudice. But then I read Sky of Red Poppies. It's a toss up. Two great books. 26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Sirius XM. 27. What did you want and get? Some kickin' cowgirl boots. I'm a real Texan now, y'all. 28. What did you want and not get? A water dispenser. 29. What was your favorite film of this year? Rise of the Guardians 30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? We celebrated my 32nd birthday at Taste of Thai and I had curry. Mmmm. 31.What was one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? A roadtrip to Wisconsin would've been awesome. 32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012? Jeans and comfort. 33. What kept you sane? Phone chats with my sister, Andy. 34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Hmm, I'm not much of a celebrity fancier, but I do enjoy looking at Bradley Cooper. 35. What political issue stirred you the most? The fact that politicians seem so wrapped up in being "right" that they get hardly any work done. 36. Who did you miss? My extended family. We need some reunions. 37. Who was the best new person you met? Saba, a friend from playgroup/neighbor. She's sweet, inspiring, generous. 38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012. Appreciate each day you have with the ones you love. I knew this already, but Morgan'Jade's death has been a bittersweet reminder to really, really appreciate who I've got in my life. 39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Hold on, to me as we go As we roll down this unfamiliar road And although this wave is stringing us along Just know you’re not alone Cause I’m going to make this place your home Settle down, it'll all be clear Don't pay no mind to the demons They fill you with fear The trouble it might drag you down If you get lost, you can always be found Just know you’re not alone Cause I’m going to make this place your home Settle down, it'll all be clear Don't pay no mind to the demons They fill you with fear The trouble it might drag you down If you get lost, you can always be found Just know you’re not alone Cause I’m going to make this place your home

On the Twelves

Twelve bits of my day:

* Finished reading book one of the Sisters Eight series with the girls while having a tea party.

* Mailed out Christmas cards. Photocards. With professional pictures. And they will arrive before Christmas. This is kinda a big deal for me.

* Made venison chili for the first, and definitely NOT last time. Yummy!

* Proudly listened to Aubrey tell me about her babysitting adventure yesterday, and how she handled a particularly challenging child.

* Set Lauren's on-line curriculum settings to 2nd grade. Smart cookie.

* Cleaned out my yahoo mail box - aka the junk mail box. Any guess how many unread messages there were?

* Remembered some special events in my life. Namely, Sasha's birth and Grandma Marg's passing.

* Played with my new, yet technologically old, cell phone. No more internet-at-my-fingertips, thankyouverymuch. (Andy thinks I'm crazy. I might be. But, I'm also $50 richer per month. ;-) )

* Listened to Sasha attempt to plunge the toilet. Twice. It was not overflowing, she just likes to think it is.

* Had a giggle-fest with Zoe. On that note, have you heard of Laughter Yoga? I am intrigued.

* Thanked the Lord that I am not yet parenting teenagers. I know I'll get there, but today I'm glad I'm not there yet.

* Enjoyed Blue Bell's Cookies-n-Cream ice cream. The best. Seriously.

As requested, more pictures. Well, a picture.

Zoe is quite the people person, and finds herself in many different arms at church. It so happened that Pastor Heath had her one Sunday as Church began, so she helped him with announcements. <3

Magic Wand

It's like my fairy godmother waved her wand, and suddenly my baby isn't a baby anymore. And a small (very, very small) part of me longs for more baby-ness. But that is mostly, I think, because Andy has had surgery, so now we *can't*. And aren't things that are off-limits more enticing? All that to say that Zoe turned 1 last month. At 11 months she decided that food was acceptable, and she LOVES to eat. Just about anything. But, after last night, I can safely say pizza is her favorite. After meals there are always bits in the high chair. Not after pizza. Not one little bit escaped her. And she ate a TON. She still doesn't care to walk, but as in everything she's done, I know that once she starts, she'll be running, so, really, she can take her time. And she is such a little cuddle-bug. Still a happy, mellow child. And quiet, always observing her world. Reminds me so much of Aubrey like that. But with more chill thrown in. I do some signs with her, and she has her own versions, completely different than what I've shown her. But we mostly figure out what we are saying to eachother. (and that sounds fancy, that we do sign language with her. it's not. it's a very, very few signs. Mostly, NURSE and MORE. The MORE always being 'MORE food to eat.' She is incredibly enthusiastic with that sign. Especially on pizza night. And NURSE is usually signed with a head bob, indicating she is tired and ready to cuddle in. I don't think she can sign NURSE without dropping her head. It's very cute.

Elephant and Piggie

You know that I love reading, right?

Children's books, especially. Because it's so fun to read out loud and do silly voices, scared voices, loud voices. You get the picture.

Anyway, lucky for me, one of the girls grabbed an Elephant and Piggie book at the library awhile back.

These books - there is a series - are awesome. So funny, so cute, so perfect. Mo Willems rocks.

I recommend We Are In A Book first. Haven't met one of them that I didn't like, but this one is probably my favorite.

"Banana!"

You've got to read it. Go to your library. Or order it from Amazon. There is a little kid in your life who needs to know Elephant and Piggie, and they will love you forever for introducing them.

when the uncle comes to town

We've been having a fun summer, being busier than I would've liked, though I can't think of anything I wish we hadn't/weren't doing.

Uncle Eric (Andy's oldest brother) came to visit for a few days, and whoa, is he spoiling us. He's a bachelor, very patient, very kind. So his lap was rarely empty. Usually he had 2 or more girls on him/next to him/touching him/climbing on him. He read stories, listened to stories, took Andy out for a Bro's Only movie date, and joined me, two dogs, and anywhere from 2-4 girlies on daily walks.

He spoiled us, I tell you.

Also, he came bearing gifts from the in-laws. Peaches they canned (after they grew, picked, peeled, and sliced 'em, that is) and my favorite Trader Joe's treat - Sunflower Seed Butter. Oh wow, that stuff is heavenly. He also brought 2 Idaho Spuds for Andy. Well, 1 for Andy, 1 for me. But really, I said I'd like 1 so that I could let Andy have it. Every time his mom goes to Idaho, she stocks up on this candy, with plans to share with the boys. And every time, his dad sniffs out where she stashes it, and eats all but 2 or 3. She needs a better system, I think. ;-)

Also, while here in town, Eric needed to buy some stuff found at HEB. (The best grocery store in Texas, maybe in the world) Everything on that list were things Andy and I have introduced the Family to. Some local (Texas local) yummies. Makes me feel good that they like the sausages, salad dressing, bbq sauce, and salsa enough to stock up when they are here.

Also, we had a small birthday party for Sasha while Eric was here. Cute, fun, and small. Almost perfect, except we got rained away from the splash park. So we're gonna take popsicles to the splash park on Wednesday, and have a mini party then.

Hmm, I just noticed that my last 3 paragraphs all start with "Also, " Screw it, I'm tired. ;-)

Love ya,
thanks for reading my ramblings
R

Whoa, Nellie

Thinking 'out loud' over here.

I just committed to being a preschool teacher at our co-op. And part of me knows I can do it. That part of me is really excited. The other part of me is kinda kicking my own butt right about now.

One day, maybe, I will be a member of a group without helping to run it. Phh. That's funny. I'm just crazy enough to help any chance I get. And it always works out. But yikes, I've got to make a plan.

Okay, 12 class sessions, one hour each. Spread out over 3 months. This is doable. Absolutely doable. So doable that I feel foolish worrying about it.

Looks like I've mostly got free reign as to how to do things, and what to do.

My first thought is to read stories, and do art related to the stories. Now to come up with book/art combo ideas....

Harold and the Purple Crayon (purple oil pastels on sketch paper)
Beautiful Oops (collage with mixed bits and pieces)
The Monster at the End of this Book (fingerpaint monster masks)
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do You See?
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Jamberry
Ten Apples Up On Top (Apple stamping - maybe on t-shirts? And apple stacking)

Okay, but also, knowing the alphabet, and how to count (and how high?), recognizing/writing their own name. This class will probably be 3 and 4 year olds, maybe an older 2 year old, too. Lots of cutting, drawing, gluing, creating.

Sasha loves when I use dots to write her name, and she works on tracing it. (Thanks, Kristin - I remember you doing that with Jake.)

Today

Today my oldest turned 10.

And I am so excited for her. She is such a sweet, nurturing, creative soul. The world needs her, and I pray I am doing her justice as her mama

(and hopefully soon I'll get more pictures up. camera issues.)