The First Month of School

So the first month of school has come and gone. Now I should theoretically have our new routine down. I should be put together, have my things planned ahead and everything in order. Not really...but I am a little more settled and beginning to be more social.

I miss the laziness of summer. I think the boys do, too. Nick told me the other day that I should act silly a little more often. Translation--maybe I am not playing enough. This reminder was a wonderful thing for me. My goal for this year is to always find peace and have peace. I don't want to be the tree that gets uprooted with every passing storm or gust of wind. I am rooted and I may sway, but I am still rooted. Nicholas reminded me to stay rooted I need to play. I need to play with him and Samuel. I also need to play with Diego and all by myself. The hardest thing I find doing is finding time to play by myself or with my firends. That is why I am trying to take one night or afternoon a week to myself. Sometimes it means breakfast with a friend, or time to go take a walk. I also try to wake up before everyone else every weekday. That way I feel like I have a full bucket to give from. How do you "refill your bucket?" How do you play?

Fun at Ringling Museum

On Monday, Samuel and I met some new friends at Ringling Museum. We brought my school ID and a pay stub and we got to see the mansion and the circus museums at a discounted rate. Educators can also print out a year pass from the Ringling Web Page for a free membership! The link is:

http://www.ringling.org/educational_programs2.asp?id=538

Ringling is so beautiful. When I am there I feel grounded. I feel like I have entered another era, and time does not exist. Each time we go, we enjoy a new exhibit, a new rose or a new picnic spot. In June, we went to the Ringling Art Galleries for a family outing. Diego was so happy to share the art with Nicholas. We saw paintings there just like Deigo's, in the modern art exhibit. Nicholas was amazed by the ancient artifacts and sculpture garden. Samuel loved the fountains. We all fell in love.

Diego and I were so enchanted that we thought we should renew our vows in the rose garden this April. We will both take off of work. I will wear a pretty white sundress and a corsage. And we will sit in the garden, profess our love, run away to the galleries, take beautiful walks, eat lunch in the pretty restaurant with a view of a fountain and be back in time to pick up the kids from school.

Then in 2 more years we'll pick another historic Sarasota landmark. Any suggestions?

Magic Milk

Will help Nicholas stop thinking and fall asleep every time.

a spoonful of sugar
a little vanilla
a little cinnamon
milk


Mix in mug. Warm in microwave. MMMMM.

Meanest Mommy Ever

Our House Rules

1. Be safe.
2. Listen.
3. Use your manners.
4. Clean up.
5. Be kind.


Last night Nicholas broke the "be safe" rule. He unbuckled Samuel from his high chair without grown-up permission, leaving Samuel sitting 3 feet above the ground without a seat belt. Diego saw it happen and ran across the room to get Samuel. Since "be safe" is a very important rule, Legos are in time-out until Saturday.

Losing Legos is a HUGE consequence. Tears flowed. This morning, I continued to hear, "...but I'm so bored. I don't know what else to do. This is going to be the longest and worst week of my life." I felt like I was teaching middle school again. Instead of pulling my hair out, I broke out the rainy day book. I found a "Dollar Quiz," from 365 TV Free Activities, and then we built a fort out of pillows, sheets and dining room chairs. Now Nick and Samuel are testing to see if their fort is "hurricane safe" by throwing things on the roof and watching them crash through. Maybe we will be able to survive without Legos.

"The couch is my playground now!"--Nicholas Brian Anthony

We are so blessed!

Lord, thank You for this sink of dirty dishes; we have plenty of food to eat.

Thank You for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry; we have plenty of nice clothes to wear.

And I would like to thank You, Lord, for those unmade beds; they were so warm and comfortable last night and I know that many have no bed.

My thanks to You, Lord, for this bathroom, complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory; they are so convenient.

Thank You for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly; it has served us faithfully for many years, is full of cold drinks, and enough leftovers for two or three meals.

Thank You, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today; it has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing, the lawn that needs raking; we all enjoy the yard.

Thank You, Lord, even for that slamming screen door; my kids are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says, You have richly blessed my family.

I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully. Amen!


I am not sure who to credit this prayer to. I received it in an e-mail from church. I just had to share it!!!

Vida

Another Thing to Do

I am starting this blog as a way to share with my friends. I am blessed to have an amazing group of women in my life with amazing strengths. Everyday one of you gives me advice for my home, health or heart. I want to be able to share that with all of you. I would love for you to share that with each other. I will keep this PG, since a lot of us have lives open to the public. My next post will be that muffin recipe I have been meaning to share.
V