MY Kitchen

Last week the boys were using my kitchen. They are completing a cooking project this year for 4H, and so I have to let them use the kitchen. I believe I already told you that #2 made pancakes and ended up with batter on his back. Yes, his BACK!
Then it was cupcake time. The place was left a mess with chocolate batter dripping down the INSIDE of the cupboard door! How in the world do you manage that? I have since found batter on the wall underneath the counter- not sure how that happened either.
Several days ago, #1 was eating a small piece of pumpkin bread in the kitchen. He was using a large dinner plate, which I had almost told him to exchange for a small bread plate, but decided not to. He finished, and I looked at the crumb-covered table. "How do you manage to use a huge plate and still get crumbs all over the table?" I asked.
"It's a talent," he smugly remarked.
I guess I can get used to sharing the kitchen with the boys. Perhaps with time they will become less messy, but what I can not abide are the MICE! I found my first dead mouse of the season on Saturday. It had crawled under the stove to die. I know we live near farm fields. I know the mice have to go somewhere, and that they are hungry. But do they HAVE to choose my kitchen to go into!? They are probably eating cake batter off the cupboard door.

One Day at a Time

Last week I was telling myself I only had to get through that week. I would just have to be patient, accept that I could not control most things, and then it would be over. The week went fairly well with no major mishaps.
Monday- Co-op all day, pick up a kid and take him with us to play practice, pick up Hubby's car from the shop after it broke down the week before
Tuesday- First Geography Club meeting, two 4H club meetings, LOTS of rain to mess with, monitor play practice to fill in for someone who didn't show
Wednesday- Get #1 to Math class, grocery shop, host an unexpected Political Meet and Greet Committee meeting, Take dinner to church and host the Family Night- Hubby took care of getting #1 to and from practice
Thursday- Monitor play practice because it was actually my turn to, get kids to radio and Packing 4 the Patriots to do community service, and go to the fair
Friday- Math class, fix a bike, Yearbook meeting

So I was looking forward to this week, until along about Friday morning I started looking at the calendar.
Monday- Co-op all day, NO play practice, Youth Group party in evening
Tuesday- Play Practice and 4H Political Meet and Greet at night
Wednesday- Math, Play practice and church
Thursday- Play practice, Wedding Rehearsal
Friday- Math, SGA, Hubby's last night to teach for this term (Next one starts the 19th)

I guess that does actually look better. I am posting this as a scheduled post, so it is hard to tell what will happen in the meantime. Now you see why I was needing a vacation last week! But still I find if I can go into it thinking that it will be horrible and I just have to get through this bit, then I do ok. Once the Political Meet and Greet is over then we head into getting the Fall Dance together. After that we just have to finish up the play, complete project record books for 4H, and oh, yeah, do school! Maybe it is better not to look at the calendar after all.

Fair Time, Part 2

I grew up going to the county fair. I remember horse barns and hay bales, washing and currying cow tails into big balls of hairsprayed stiffness, eating at the Shriner's Pizza Booth, and riding rides. I remember leather bracelets burned with my name and a horse picture, demolition derbies, and concerts on the side of a hill. I remember cookies placed in the exhibit hall, free water to drink, and tractor and horse pulls. I remember beauty pageants, game guys calling for customers, and seeing lots of friends. I loved the fair.

So imagine my disappointment when #1 emphatically asked not to go to the fair this year. I tried getting him to ask a friend, but it was pretty hopeless. I think he was burning out on play practice and 4H responsibilities, but I thought a night off with friends and fair fun were just what he needed. So I made him go.

The boys, of course, headed off on their own and soon found some friends to hang with. They bought a wristband so they could ride whatever they wanted, and then we rarely saw them again. Hubby and I enjoyed some time wandering alone and looking at the sights. Above was a one man band playing guitar, harmonica, and drums. The drums and cymbals are on his back and he had strings tied to his legs to make them do his bidding. He actually was pretty good, but his voice wasn't so hot.

Hubby HAS to have funnel cakes whenever we go to the fair. Notice the line to get one. I guess he isn't the only funnel cake lover in town!

We did come across #1 watching a puppet show with his friends. He was eating pizza and taking a break. I snapped this picture because he looked like he was in jail, which was the way he made me feel when I told him he had to go to the fair. What a mean mother he has!

Above is one of our 4H kids showing her goat. She didn't place, but she looked like she was having a good time. I remember showing lambs when I was young. I did not put the time and care into the raising or training, so I didn't do well. That wasn't the case with this girl though.
Below you see what treat I want at the county fair-- Cotton Candy! I shared some with my boys when we came home, but that bag lasted me three days. We also ate dinner at the Law Enforcement Booth to help support them.

The boys entered cupcakes and both placed second. #1 made chocolate with autumn decorations and #2 made white with honey, coconut, pecan icing. I think they each won $3 for that. That was their admission price the night we went, so I guess it paid off.

You see #2 is like his mother. He needed cotton candy too! He found several friends and they managed to have a good time. Here they are waiting for the pig races to begin. They raced regular pigs, potbelly pigs, goats, and ducks. Just the kind of fun the doctor ordered!

I caught #2 on the ferris wheel with his buddies. We stayed until about 10:00 PM.

So how did this prison sentence end? #1 happily told me that he had a good time, and I even got a hug when we got back home!!! Sometimes mothers do know best.

Cold Returns or What Happened to Summer?

Well for a couple of days, we are experiencing cold weather and autumn rains. That's a sure-fire way to get soup for lunch! Soup is actually one of our favorite lunches around here, and now the boys are resting with their bellies full and their heads hazy.
What is it about the weather that always makes us long for something different? We enjoy each season for a week or two, luxuriating in each tradition and comfort, but then we want to go back to 70 degrees and sunny, unless you are #1 whose favorite weather is rainy.
In the middle of summer we wish it were cool so we could put on our favorite sweater and drink hot cider. When Fall makes it here, we wish for snow days and sled rides. Winter brings dreams of warm Spring breezes and flip flops, and Spring only hastens the desire for shorts and beach trips.
I think it has to do with an old song, "This world is not my home; I'm just a passin' through." This world is just one big vacation trip (perhaps vacation is a bit too strong), and so we enjoy the little changes of scenery, the rest stops, and curiosities along the way, but after a while we start to long for home.
Vacation is fun for a while, but the return home is always the best.

Yorktown

 While my parents enjoyed a day at the beach, my family and I went to visit Yorktown. The boys and I actually had heard, and would hear, a lot about the town and the battle in our history lectures. It was helpful to see what the lecturer was talking about, and I have an idea of what it may have been like now. Looking through this tree to the opposite shore lets me understand that the site Cornwallis chose was not good because it was so easy for the French to trot their boats out and scare the boogy out of the English. Of course, Cornwallis thought he had aready scared the French away and that the English were on their way; oh for a good current time satellite image.

 This statue was placed in town years later in commemoration of those who fought in the battle. It was dedicated to Liberty, and in 1942 (? if I remember correctly) lightning struck it and knocked the head off of "Liberty". I thought perhaps God was saying, "Wake up and look around! There are people dying in this world and you are hiding your head. What happened to Liberty?"

 We walked from the National Park over to the town of Yorktown. It was kind of sunny and humid, so we expired about when we go to the statue. Shade was a pleasant blessing, as was the Ben and Jerry's ice cream store in town. Of course, I was told not to look at the prices and just to order what I wanted. We had saved money again by picnicking, and so I took this in stride- and didn't look.

 At the museum and reenactment center the boys were chosen to help fire the cannon.

 Imagine both of my boys being old enough to go fight for the new country-- and commit treason!

 And that was the end of our vacation field trip. We have one more field trip for history- Richmond, VA and the White House of the Confederacy. I had planned on that for Novemebr, but with the play in full swing, and a Biology field trip planned for after the play, it may have to wait until January.

Historic Jamestowne

 The last time we visited this indian village was in February or March five years ago. It was COLD! #1 had "forgotten" his coat at home, after being told to take it, and so he was learning about thinking ahead. That day I was surprised by how warm it was inside the furlined wigwam. There may have been a small fire inside that day, but I don't remember it if there was. You can tell by our clothing that it was not cold this time. Still, we took advantage of the furlined benches to enjoy a little rest.

 Here we are being shown the foods that the indians would have eaten and the way it would have been prepared. I asked about salt and was told they don't think the indians used salt, but I am thinking they did. I mean, they live this close to the ocean and they haven't thought of salting their food? If we could think how to make glass thousands of years before, then I think the indians thought of salting food.

 The armor leaves a little bit exposed, I am afraid. I guess they thought only kids would try it on.

Here are some handsome men on the ship. I enjoy the replicas that give me an idea of what things were like way back when. I wouldn't have enjoyed the ride over, I am positive. Flush toilets for me, thank you very much!

Still On Vacation

 This picture looks like the boys are standing in the water, but they are actually on the sea wall. This is the outside of the National Park Jamestown Settlement. The day was as gorgeous as the pictures imply. Lovely day!

 My parents said this was the first picnic they had been on in years. It is pretty common for us; I guess because I am cheap. I do enjoy a good picnic though. The sandwiches were thick and meaty, and we had chips, veggies and dip, good drinks, and cookies! Now that's a picnic.
I just enjoyed this bucket near the water. I thought it was a nice picture, peaceful.

 After lunch we headed over to the Glasshouse where they still blow glass. Growing up in WV, a visit to the glass blowing factory was a school field trip tradition.

 Here is the whole family watching the miracle unfold. There are so many things that I wonder how humans discovered. What was it about these things that made someone say, "Let's crush and burn these materials and see what happens."

I Need a Vacation

Has it really been less than a month since our vacation!? It was during our trip that we discovered #1 was to be in the play, and life hasn't stopped since then! So since I can't go on vacation again for a few months, I thought I would post the long forgotten pictures to remind myself what a wonderful time it was.

 The first day we went to Williamsburg. The kids are not cool enough to be seen with the likes of Hubby and I, so we asked them to please leave us alone. They sadly obliged and went their way. Hubby and I took a tour of the Capitol Building. I believe this is King George. The guide didn't go over the art work, but he did mention a painting of Queen Anne. The poor woman had 18 children and NONE lived long enough to succeed to the throne. How sad. With 18 children and running a country I bet she wished for a vacation too.

 I enjoy seeing the people in costume and "going about their day". This looked so peaceful to me just now, but in actuality it was the beginning of a drama of a rebellion.

 The Red Coats are coming! We have learned in our History course that the Brits were called Bloody Backs. In part it was because of their red coats, but it was also because they were often lashed for disobedience. It was a cruel army, but well-disciplined.

 My parents were able to go with us for most of the trip. They needed a vacation themselves and took one day to head to the beach, my mother's favorite get-away. Here we are entering the original Jamestown. It was such a pleasant day. We enjoyed sitting in the shade and looking over the water and trees. We also had a lovely picnic that day. How restful.

 Pocohontas greets us at the gate. #2 thought he found his love, but she was as cold as stone to him!

This is inside the church in Jamestown. I think it is important to realize how much God was invited into the beginning of this young nation. What a shame that He is so carelessly tossed out now.

Well, now I head off to Family Night at church. Hubby and I are in charge of tonight's activities and we are studying the B-I-B-L-E. One of the Ice Breakers is to find someone with a Bible name. I will let you in on a secret. My name is Leah.

The Word

I was tired yesterday. I have been praying about something for many, many months, and I found out Friday the answer is "no". So I slept late Saturday, then began my usual morning routine of prayer, journal writing, meditation, and reading The Word. But I was so disappointed and tired that I decided to forego the scripture reading. I turned to my devotional book and read the following by Tim Anderson.

One of the benefits of taking a tour is the blessing of a good guide. A guide takes all of the stress out of our trip because he or she has already gone before us and has the knowledge that we do not have about the trip. As a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is comforting to know that I do not have to preach on my own. As the Holy Spirit guides me, He also provides me the words that God Himself would speak if He were here in the flesh.
Our Lord was always careful to give His disciples the right amount of truth at the right time. The Holy Spirit is our teacher today, and he teaches us the truths we need to know exactly when we need them. It is impossible for the Spirit of truth to give us error.
The twenty-first century has afforded us a day of e-mail, text messaging, and Internet. However, the Bible remains truly unique and separate from all other forms of information. The Bible is the word of God, inspired by the Spirit of God, and invested with the power and authority of God. It is infallible, inerrant, and sufficient for all our needs in life. Only the Holy Spirit knows what God knows, and He alone is the only One who is qualified to reveal divine truth to our lives.

Then the prayer: Lord, I take comfort in the fact that You have gone before me and intervened in situations that I will never even know about. I also take comfort in the fact that You will tell me what to say and when to say it as long as I fill my heart and mind with Your inspired Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen

You better believe that I turned my tear-stained cheek right over and grabbed my scripture book! How right the writer is; only God is able to reveal divine truth, and that is what I need to be filling my mind with. Disappointments come and go, God sees what is really going on, and only He has the wisdom to deal with it.

Fair Time

Well it is autumn, and it is supposed to rain all this next week. Must be time for the county fair! It always seems to work that way.
The boys are entering exhibits. #1 is decorating cupcakes, and #2 is making cookie bowls. You put the cookie dough around the underside of muffin tins and bake them into bowls. Then you fill them with ice cream.
I thought we had another day to turn in exhibits, then I saw in the paper that we could start turning in Friday. That made me wonder about the schedule, and I discovered that we had three hours to get them over to the fair! So budda boom, budda bing! The boys were corralled into the kitchen and put to baking.
The recipes need a little tweaking for the humidity. Hope those heavy skies hold off until we can deliver the goods!
UPDATE:
#2 decided to make pancakes for us this morning for breakfast. How sweet! Somehow he managed to get batter on his back! Then we realized the fair exhibits were due in three hours!!! So I yelled for them to start baking. #1 was planning on cupcakes, #2 on cookie bowls. The cupcakes didn't come out of the molds. The cookies baked over the side and spilled on the oven floor, causing quite a lot of smoke and smell. Then they wouldn't come off the tins. Quickly looked up the categories and found "Any food made with honey". #2 made coconut pecan icing (3/4 cup honey) while I whipped up some cupcakes. The icing had to cool to thicken, so it was partly made in the van while we raced to the fairgrounds. We made it in time. Whew!
Back home, I looked at my kitchen. I should have known after batter was on his back that this was going to be a mess. I don't like to let the boys use my kicthen. What a mess.

I Am Cool to Someone

This past weekend I got my feelings hurt. #1 let it be known that he will not invite people over because I am "embarrassing." I don't pass gas in public, belch rudely, or say crude things. I dress modestly, yet classically. I have a good sense of humor. I have been a popular person most of my life. So just what is embarrassing?!
A friend took her 13 year old daughter to New york City recently, and they visited the Rockefeller Plaza Today Show area. A guy was giving a concert, and thousands of people were out on the sidewalks dancing. My friend joined in to the great emabarrassment of her daughter. It was perfectly fine for all of those other people to dance; hey, it was even "cool", but as soon as she saw Mom dancing along--- Embarrassment. I guess everyone is embarrassing to their kids, even if no one else is bothered by them.
So imagine my surprise and delight when #1 ran to greet me at the door this morning. "Hi Mom!" he happily offered. Of course I was suspicious.
"What are you up to?"
"Nothing. Why?"
Then I noticed the licking of lips. "What are you eating?"
"A donut," he grinned. "What's for lunch?"
Then I knew why he so quickly greeted me at the door. He thought my bags might hold more food! Well, I might be embarrassing, but I am good for some food occasionally. Guess I'm glad I'm good for something.

School is Important

Listening to my husband and younger child work on Algebra now. #2 wants to know why this is important. The problems are about how many cc of medicine a nurse should give. Hmm. Wonder why we need to know this?
Yesterday I was talking with a parent of a kid in my writing class. She is having a hard time helping him understand that he will have to write in this life. What's the point, he wants to know.
I imagine God is saying the same things to me. I ask, "Why do I have to go through THIS?"
And He replies, "You need to learn this."
"But, Why? How is this important?"
He looks down the road at all of the obstacles ahead of me - the ones He can see, but I can't yet grasp - and says, "Keep working on this one. You'll get it. Someday you will be glad that you learned this lesson. Trust Me."

What Lasts?

God's love endures forever. That is something I can count on, trust in. That was the sermon today. It was  preached while my older child was visiting another church which contains a particular girl that our church does not contain. I am hoping that my son realizes God's love is soooo much better than what this girl has to offer. (Not meaning anything about the girl. That was meant to emphasize God.)
But a time will come when the boy will choose a girl to be with forever. How do you find a love that will endure forever? You don't.
My God is great. He is merciful, compassionate, generous, loving, and faithful. I do not have to wonder if His love is forever; I know that it is. I do not choose Him; He chose me. But my husband, who like me does not have all of those traits of God, will be with me forever. So how do I know that this love will last forever? Because I choose it to last that long. It doesn't much have to do with Hubby, but with me.
However, that decision was made nearly twenty-five years ago. I was young. Very young. But I also knew that it was to be forever, no matter what. Thankfully, Hubby knew that too and made the same decision. No matter what I do, he will love me forever.
Right now I don't think that my son has a clue about what a young girl thinks. I hope before he makes a decision that must last forever, that he will be extremely careful to make that decision with a girl who makes the same decision about him. I want my children to experience a marriage as fabulous as mine has been. One that lasts forever.

Still Here

My mother-in-law was concerned about my well-being since I haven't posted in a while. It went something like this:
"You haven't posted since the tenth. Get on it."
No wonder I feel so loved by that woman!
Actually, I have been a bit busy and distracted. Now that both boys are in high school, I have decided that it will be easier to do some things together. One of those things is American History. Last year #1 took World History. It is unusual to take World before American, but I only wanted to have to teach it once, so I flipped his schedule. Now here we are learning amazing things about this land we call home.
For instance, today as we listened to a lecture on The American Revolution, we learned that the man our county is named for was against the American Revolution. William Pitt, The Earl of Chatham, told Parliament that the Americans would not be subdued, and if he were an American he would never give in, never-never-never! I think I will let him be an honorary American for that. Heck, let's name a county for him! Oh, why not two!?
But his attitude is really what I need to catch. I have nearly finished my book, and now I have to figure out all of the Business side of writing. I guess I need to read a few books on agents, query letters, etc. Looks like this is going to take more time than I planned.
Of course, life itself is filling in most of the little holes of time that I have had before. We took the boys to VA last week for a few days to do a little "History Field Trip." A sweet, sweet friend let us use her time share, so it was a high-end field trip to say the least. We managed to visit Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, as well as fit in a few matches of racketball and a dip in the hot tub in the evenings.
This evening I went to a parents' meeting for the fall play. #1 got the LEAD!!! He will be playing the role of Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. As wonderful as that is for him, it means a lot of work for the parents. He will have practice four or more times a week until November 17th!
Looking at that on the positive side, I suppose I will have plenty of time to read books about query letters and agents!

Talkers

My boys are both talkers, though there seems to be a huge difference in when they choose to talk. They both went to two meetings last week. Now that they are both in high school, they are sharing some of the same experiences.
#2 came home and told me all about the Yearbook and SGA meetings: who was there, what they discussed, which committees they are on, what I need to do, and which month is our turn to take snacks.
#1 came home and told me squat. When I asked about the meetings, I got, "They were good." After much probing I got that he thinks he is on a committee for a dance this fall; he doesn't know really who is in charge of it.
I would think that he is just avoiding me or hiding things from me, but then I watch him wander around the house following directions I give, and realize he just doesn't listen. "Do we have any ketchup?" "Yes. It's in the fridge; we just opened a new bottle."
He goes to the pantry and looks all over for the new bottle of ketchup, which is all he heard in my statement. So it is probably good that the good listener, AND good talker, is the second child. Perhaps I will be informed all through the rest of high school that way.

Sighing

#1 had a date today. He doesn't think it was a date. He was the only person attending a movie viewing at a girl's house, but hey, it wasn't a date. Hubby and I both were able to say why it was a date, given the experiences and the larger scope of sight that we have, we could clearly see that it was a date. He could not.
It would be so nice if God, the Heavenly Father, would share some of His insight with the kids in this house. Seeing a bigger picture is just difficult these days. My scope is sited in much too narrowly, and I have no idea what this is. Is it a date? Is it friendly chatter? I just sit and sigh and wish God would ride in the car with me and tell me what is going on.

God Is Crazy

Wednesday was "Family Night" at church. That means we gather together for a meal, and then we have a large group devotional time that is fun for the whole family. It doesn't matter how old you are, or if you belong to a family. You will be gathered into a group and made to participate.
This particular night we were playing The Price Is Right. I finally had the right bid on some power tools, HA!, and was able to play one of the games. I had to put in order the price tags on some things I have never before bought or even tried to price. I failed.
Then we talked about what people are willing to pay for things. Outlandish prices in my mind. I certainly would not pay what was being asked! And then the lesson was driven home: How much did God pay for you? He sent his Son for worthless me, because for some reason He was willing to pay that much for me.
Later I was talking to the woman next to me, and she nearly cried as she said that she was the one person in the room that wasn't worth Christ dying. I assured her that none of us were worth that death, but she didn't believe me. I told her I have done some pretty low down things, but I still get to go to Heaven. Isn't that wonderful news!?
She still didn't quite believe. "I wish I could know that I could go to Heaven," she said.
"You can! Have you ever killed anyone?"
"No."
"Well, the Apostle Paul did, and don't you think he is in Heaven?"
"Yeah."
"See? Isn't God crazy!? But I am so glad he is! I don't deserve it, but I get to go to Heaven. WooHoo!"
I sure do love that Crazy God that I call Father.

What's For Lunch?!

I am my children's teacher, and yet the question I get asked the most often is, "What's for lunch?" The second most often asked question is, "What's for supper?" The third most common question? A tie: "Do we have to do anything today?" and "Leftovers, again?" Seeing a trend here?
Yes, my kids like to eat. Often. Last night at church another lady and I were cleaning up and I made a comment about having had to go to the grocery store again. I said I had just gone two weeks ago! She was shocked, since she goes to the store daily. I, however, shop in advance, keep staples on hand, and prefer to shop once a month. I'll run out for some milk, maybe some bread, but that's it. Not anymore.
Both boys have reached the eating constantly stage. #2 can be swallowing the last of his meal and asking what's for snack all in one swallow! When I came home from the store on Wednesday, I had the boys unload the car while I unpacked things into the cupboard. When everything was in the house, I had #1 stay in the kitchen to tell me about his first math lesson with the tutor. At least that's what I intended when I had him stay. He did manage to tell me several things, but he also managed to open the grapes, dried pineapple, and gummy bears. He was heading into the bag of donuts, when I asked what he was doing. "I just thought I'd go ahead and open everything I like so you'll know next time what to buy." Gee Whiz!
The boys are both completing a cooking project for 4H this year. They were both irritated about having to do it, but I told them they ARE leaving home in a few years, and they need to know how to cook for themselves. #1 said he is fine; he can cook eggs. #2? "I can pour a bowl of cereal just fine." I imagine they will do well, having had several experiences over the years. What worries me, I guess, is that they won't be able to get a job that pays well enough to actually keep them full!

Labor Day

Well if anyone around here had picnic plans for the holiday, they have since been cancelled. It is raining like monsoon weather. There is no wind or even slight breeze, so I suppose the heavy downpours will continue at least through the day. The whole yard is covered with several inches of water and the road in front of the house has nearly disappeared. I was looking out the back door at the water-covered yard and thought if Kelly were here she would be following me from room to room. I remember last year during the hurricane that she would not go outside to the bathroom. No one had told me about that part of hurricanes!
Speaking of Kelly, my book is nearly done. I had hoped to finish it by the end of summer, and with the threat of rain all day I just may be able to do it. I have about ten chapters done. My next step is to find an agent who will take me on.
So here is to the end of summer, and to a new beginning of ..... Not really sure what we are beginning around here, but here's to it anyway!

Good Health

June 29th I started feeling a pressure under my left rib cage. It has come and gone ever since then, and two ultrasounds later, I have been declared healthy. They don't know what I could be feeling, but I shouldn't be concerned about it.
Sometimes my body tells me that something is wrong. I slow down, change my eating habits, whatever, in order to make my body return to normal. How often though does my spiritual body say to knock something off and I don't listen?
This year at Winterfest we were given a copy of the New Testament in a different format- no chapters and verses, just the letters printed the way they were written. I have been reading it ever since. Every morning I read several pages, meditate on them, find things I never noticed before. I feel like it is my "daily check-up" with the Healer.
And this Healer has the ultimate ultrasound! He can see what is inside my very soul. He has no doubts at all about what ails me. What an honor it is that he still takes me on as his patient.