Grand Central Station

I have four children, but if you sat across the street and watched my house for an hour, you would think I had more like fifty. My house is grand central station. I did try to warn our new neighbors about this fact. They thought I was joking until the weather turned nice, and the noise emanating from my back yard echoed off their house.

Quiet times are few and and hard to catch, but (as I try to explain to my discombobulated husband) the noise is all good noise. (Except for the occasional screaming). Quite often, it sounds like a heard of elephants are parading up and down my stairs. And the volume level of voices trying to get my attention does become maddening at times. Due to the increasing crowds, passing out Popsicles and other choice amenities have had to give way to offers of broccoli and brussle sprouts. (They have yet to accept my offer... like I even buy brussle sprouts-Yuk!).

My children are extremely generous in offering my services and craft supplies for impromptu art classes. Today we had two "sessions" because I was not quick enough in putting away the paints.

Despite the noise and the mess and the Aaahhhh, I love it. I would rather have my sweet peas and their gaggle of friend here, than any place else.

"I have confidence in confidence..."

I love that song from The Sound of Music... "I Have Confidence." I have been trying to teach my children (my girls, mostly) about having confidence in themselves. I think we need to use that song as this years theme song. It might be out theme song until they are past the teen stage, Ugg. The reason this was on my mind today was because today is International Day at their school. They were encouraged to dress up, bring things, share a word or two in the language, and paint a flag on their cheek of the country of their choice. My girls were excited to participate. Madi left wearing an African dress and head wrap, with the flag of Congo on her cheek and a few word in Swahili to share. (The "dress" is my really brightly colored baby sling) But she felt great and was on her way. Brooke was thrilled when I produced a little Dutch doll my brother had brought me from his mission. I knew with this child we'd need something for her to compare her outfit to in order to feel appropriately dressed-up. She headed for school in a dress and apron, with a HUGE paper Dutch hat and poster board wooden shoes. (You can find the pattern for the hat and shoes here ).http://www.hvanrossum.com/costume.html She had the doll in her hand for protection against anyone who might doubt her authenticity. Her confidence began to waver as we approached the playground. Not a single child in her grade had dressed up. I had to do some quick scanning to locate a few older kids in costume. When I pointed them out to her, she let out an audible sigh of relief. I tried to reminder her of what confidence is... she looked at me uncertainly but walked in wearing her Dutch outfit and holding her doll tightly. I imagine that the hat and shoes will probably come off as soon as she shows her teacher. But I am proud of her for marching in with her head held high. ... and now I have that song stuck in my head. "... I have confidence in confidence alone. Because as you see, I have confidence in me!"

Hooray for Spring!!!!

HOORAY! Even though it will snow today... I have a few of these happy little guys to let us know Spring is really trying to make an appearance.I also had an Easter bunny in rain boots hopping around my kitchen. Nothing says Spring like a bunny in cammo.

Women at a well... musings

For centuries the girls and women of civilizations would collect water from the well for her house hold. While this must have been a back breaking and exhausting chore, I can't help feeling that we miss out on something that is essential to all human kind, but especially to women. Personal interaction. Historically this was the time that these women could chat and interact with one anther before going back to their very full lives. We are so blessed to have an army of modern conveniences at our fingertips to make our lives easier. But somehow, with all these time saving devices, our lives are no less busy. Ironically, we seem to have even less time than we used to. And what has gone by the way side? Sadly: personal interaction. Instead of walking next door or to the office down the hall, we e-mail, text or just post a comment. Think about the last time you called someone to just see how they were or ask a simple question. Texting is convenient, efficient and serves a valuable purpose... but it is over used and we are slowly losing that quality of personal touch and necessary human emotion in our every day contacts.

Social media is one of the largest growing enterprises on the Internet. It is fabulous for getting in touch with friends and family far and near. But it seems unfortunate that we find out our neighbor is ill because we read it on face book and not because we stop to say hello by the mailbox.

Heaven forbid we should send a real note through the mail! (Those notes, tangible, not virtual, have a little something that holds meaning. It exudes an emotion: Caring).

I am not saying that we should chuck our cell phones and bury our computers... I think certain members of my family would suffer cardiac arrest if we did that. However, I am concerned that as my children grow, that we remain able to carry on a full conversation with someone face to face and not just with our texting thumbs.

So, I hope I see you at the well... or maybe at the mailbox.

Sunny ingnorance!

Yesterday, the weather was sunny and spring time-ish. Madi and a friend lay down on the grass to enjoy the sunshine... or so I supposed.

"What are you doing?" I asked, as I walked by.

"We're tanning." was they're lethargic reply.

"What's that?" I asked innocently, as I looked down at their very clothed and jacket covered forms.

After a slight pause...they acted a little frustrated with my ignorance: "It's something people do."