11.23.12 Finn and....Kevin

3 evenings ago, Charlie and Lizzy came to the door around 9 p.m.  When Joe opened the door they asked, "Is this your cat?" It was not!  Yesterday, this beautiful cat was at the back door, meowing it's head off.  The dilemma...let it in, or not.  The weather has just turned cold.  It was about 17 degrees. with 20 mph winds.  Cold. Out neighborhood has always had a lot of stray cats, and we've adopted 3 over the years.  This cat didn't look like it was starving, and had a beautiful coat.  We tried to determine if it looked like a stray, or someone's pet.

I let it into our front entry way and gave it 1/4 cup of food and water.  Left it in there for about an hour, thinking even though it's cold in there, the cat would at least be out of the wind. It was starving.  It is a roly, poly, affectionate, purring cat.  It is used to people, and didn't try to run when I picked it up, so I would say used to being around people. Finn was sleeping in the basement laundry area, so we let the cat into the house to further assess.  We had just watched the movie "Up", in which the boy scout calls the bird "Kevin." Joe started calling the cat Kevin, because it just showed up and latched onto us.  We let it sleep.
When Finn emerged from the basement, cat chaos ensued!  Mad cat yowling!  Finn is very aggressive with Kevin, and Kevin just makes low growling noises in his throat and positions himself with his back to a corner.
Emily took pity on Kevin, and let him hang out in her room last night.  Other names were considered....Otis. Oscar. Charlie.  Em started considering Spanish names, because the cat immigrated to our yard.  Alejandro? Carlos? Jose?

Dan has been reading the paper to see if there are ads for lost cats.  In today's paper, there was an add for a cat that is "the color of leaves, named Leaves" lost on West 4th avenue!  It is not Kevin.  We even wonder if someone came to town for Thanksgiving, this cat got out of the house, and is simply displaced.  We do not know how this story will end.  Joey was petting Finn yesterday , as Finn eyed Kevin with animosity..."Finn, you just need to be nice to Kevin.  Ok Buddy?"  Finn is not buying it!  This morning I told Matthew and Joe they need to let Kevin and Finn "Talk to each other."  They need to establish boundaries!

11.22.12 Thanksgiving Dinner

We were watching the Food Network last week, when Joe asked "Why don't we ever get to have a whole turkey like that?"  I don't think I have roasted a whole turkey in about 15 years.  I converted to simpler things, with fewer "turkey leftovers"....a turkey breast only, sometimes a ham or a roast.  It's hard to take up so much oven space if all you have is one oven.  This year, I ordered a turkey at the deli.  They charge you $10 to roast it!

Here is Joe with the deli turkey!

We made the side dishes...mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, oyster dressing, and Em made the french onion green bean casserole. For dessert, apple crisp or gooey pumpkin cake, with cool whip. Actually one of my favorite things was the relish tray!  At our holiday arts and crafts fair, there is a gal that sells her canned goods.  I bought her "dilly beans", which were crunchy and delicious with a kick of cayenne pepper! Her pickled beets were wonderful, even if only Eleanor and I appreciate them.  I also bought her "sweet dill pickles", which were not as sweet as bread and butter pickles are.  We rounded it out with black and green olives, celery and carrot sticks, and ham and pickle roll ups.
The company was delightful.  For the first time in about 2 years, our entire family was here, including our mothers.

11.24.12 Holiday Gift Giving

I was following this thread on 2peas message board this morning:

Youhttp://www.twopeasinabucket.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=3205961&org_post_to_fb=&post_to_fb=

The post was about limiting gifts to 4 items:
Something they want,
Something they need,
Something to wear,
Something to read.

I like it!
The holidays can be very materialistic today, and we try to minimalize that.  My Grandma Faye sewed new pajamas for each grandchild, every year.  We all knew we were getting pajamas! The suspense was in wondering what fabric grandma chose for us, and what the style was!  Tops and bottoms?  Nightgown style?  We knew we were loved, and learned that a gift of someone's time is a very precious thing!

My other grandmother, Esther, made little felt table name pieces and ornaments for us each year, that might contain a candy cane, and a $5 bill.  I looked forward to that every year, seeing what grandma would create.

I am proud to say my "black friday expenditures" yesterday were limited to a couple of happy meals at McDonalds for Joey and Matthew!

11.21.12 Let the countdown to fun begin!

This girl surprised us by coming home today instead of tomorrow!

Zach went to pick up Matthew Thomas, and they will arrive tomorrow!

This girl and this boy come home tomorrow!

I am going to put aside my worry that our house is not spotless, that I haven't shopped for groceries yet, and focus on just enjoying the time with our family.  

11.20.12 Meditation with Deepak

I have registered for the free 21 day meditation on abundance through the OWN network.  you can google OWN, and register to meditate with Deepak Chopra.  I very much appreciate the content of the messages.  The meditations are 15 minutes.  I have been doing them once a day, in place of a "break" at work, or, if pressed for time during the work day, participating for 15 minutes before I leave work.  I find it to be a great stress reliever.  If you would like to register for free, here is a link:
http://www.oprah.com/own/First-Look-Deepak-Chopras-21-Day-Meditation-Challenge-Video
Don't worry that it is past November 5th.  Give it a try!  Namaste.

11.18.12 Author Russell Hoban

For Joey's homework this weekend, he brought home the book Bedtime for Frances, written by Russell Hoban and illustrated by Garth Williams.  I have loved this badger family since I was Joey's age. Bedtime for Frances was published in 1960. Another favorite, and must read for anyone who has a picky eater in the family, is Bread and Jam for Frances, which was published in 1964.  I distinctly recall reading this to emily when she wanted to eat only chicken strips and french fries at every meal.  I read it to Joey as well...

The books in this series are so timeless.  The content is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.  There are other books in the series, such as Best Friend for Frances, A Bargain for Frances  (in which a playmate tries to con Frances out of money for a tea set) and A Baby Sister for Frances.  I love Frances' parents, and her sister Gloria.  I also appreciate her friend Albert! These books have been reprinted and are available in paper back for $3.99.  The original first print books are listed for purchase without a price!

Russell Hoban was born in 1925.  I learned that he was born to Jewish immigrant parents, and was a World War II veteran. His first wife, Lillian, was also an acclaimed children's author.  Russell looks like someone I would have liked to have known.  Check out that library wall in his office! Sadly, he passed away in 2011, but left behind a lifetime of wonderful work for us to enjoy.
The "Frances" books were illustrated by famous illustrator Garth Williams. (1912-1996)  Garth's father was a cartoon illustrator, and his mother a landscape painter.  They lived on various farms when he was growing up.  He was educated as an architect, but in the end, chose a career in illustration.  I absoulely LOVE his illustrations for Charlotte's Web, Stewart Little, and of course, Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books.
He doesn't look at all like I pictured him, but I appreciate his work none the less!

America is rich with literature.  I am grateful for the legacy Andrew Carnegie left us with the Carnegie Library buildings dotted all over the country.  In America, being poor doesn't necessarily  mean you aren't well read.  A library card is free! I encourage you to introduce a young reader to the Frances books, and see if they make any "text to self" connections with Frances and her family.

11.18.12 Animal Hat fad and early morning conversations

 A trend we have noticed this year is animal hats in children's winter wear.  At Joey's school, kids of all ages are wearing them. The Lands End catolog has them for $39.95.  Eeeek!  If you go to Shopko.com, you can find a good selection clearanced already, for $9.95.  Much better!  Joey chose the owl hat...

Here are others...

The bottom 2 rows are the shopko hats at the great prices.  I'm kind of partial to the raccoon and the sock monkey designs! Being aware of the current winter wear trends is just one of the joys of having a 7 year old at home.  This morning, Joey came downstairs and started talking!  He has been "off" since the daylight savings time change 2 weeks ago.  He wondered if we should request that he work with the reading specialist.  He's above grade level in reading skills, so I don't think he would qualify, but he desperately wants to go.  Then he wondered if he should go to speech therapy, since he has trouble pronouncing social studies!  He says (Show shul studies!  He still says "aminal" also."  I told him his missing teeth are causing some problems, but otherwise he's doing o.k. with speech.  Right now, he's counting all the money saved in his jar to estimate if he has enough for the alligator pillow pet, or the Disney "Brave" bear pillow pet.  I told him he should continue to save. 

We are very much looking forward to Thanksgiving break, and a lighter homework load from school this week.  Time off is good for everyone.  We watched the Pioneer Woman this morning, as her show yesterday featured Thanksgiving dinner. Joey likes her basset hound, "Charlie the Ranch dog."  He's always lounging around during the episodes, keeping Ree company while she cooks!  Joey thinks we should do what the Drummond family did in the episode. We do every year.  We will go around the table and voice one thing we are thankful for.  My list is long!

11.16.12 Computer woes

Our computer is limping along.  It is very annoying! Every time we use it, we need to completely shut it down and reboot.  Sometimes it even freezes right in the middle of something.  Is it worth spending $200 just for someone to look at it and assess what needs to be done?  Or should I bite the bullet and just spend money on a hard drive?  This is impairing our functionality and ability to communicate! Even Emily is sending technological recommendations!

11.17.12 People you meet

Marge Price once told me, "I have met the most wonderful people through my children."  This is true! Here are the people who are important in our lives, because they have come to us through our children...

Our daughter-in-law Mauri, who brings goodness to Matt's every day. She has a kind and generous spirit, and a sense of adventure and fun.  It makes me happy that she loves cookie baking too!
Jordan has been part of our lives for over 5 years, I think.  When Katie was going to graduate from tech and start looking for jobs, I thought, "I am really going to miss Jordan." Thank goodness he is permanently in our lives. He is respectful to our daughter, and brings out the best in her, and is inclusive of the rest of us as well.

They make me happy.  

I know Jordan will always be good to Katie!

Leah, who gave us the gift of our grandson, Matthew.  We love her family, and her sense of adventure also.  We are grateful that she generously shares Matthew with our family.

 Matthew, who does many things that make us smile, such as reading the newspaper.

He is precious to us in all ways. 

Renia, who has one of the kindest hearts, and a very nurturing spirit, who brings out the best in Zach.

 Caleb, Indyra, Caleigh, Corbin, Cara, Renia

These are 5 of the nicest kids you would ever want to know, who have generously included us in their lives.It is fun to watch them learn, change, and grow.
I have been doing a 21 day meditation on abundance, and journaling each day.  We are abundantly blessed with the people who have come into our lives to be part of our family.

11.13.12 Do What You Can, With What You Have

Last night was session 5 of 8 for Joey's Monday night basketball sessions. Someone was jokingly poking fun at my lack of basketball experience.  It is true....I played 7th grade girls' basketball.  I am confident that we learned NONE of the skills we are now teaching first and second graders!  The Park and Rec program started this basketball program just this year.  It is managed by parent volunteers, most of whom have never played basketball themselves.  Park and Rec hired a basketball coach to lay out the practice sessions....from 6:00 to 6:05 stationary ball handling skillls, 6:05 to 6:15, dribbling activities....etc.  It's a nice resource, but even so, the parents still don't understand everything we are supposed to be teaching the kids.  Last night we had the defensive strategy of "boxing out", which I could not understand from what they had written. We are fortunate to have a parent in our group, who is a basketball coach for Middle School and High School.  Once he explained and demonstrated "boxing out", every parent there could work on it in small groups.  We are grateful for his shared time and knowledge, because he also volunteers 2 nights a week with his daughter's 3rd and 4th grade basketball group. All this after coaching till 5:30, and then turning around to come right to our group's activity.
I have a sticker on my monitor at work that says...

"Don't let what you can't do, stop you from doing what you can do."

Here's the take away message here...the world is run by people doing what they can, with what they have.   

It's usually not run by the experts/most skilled.  It's run by the most willing to put forth effort.  I am not an expert in basketball, but I am an expert in 1st and 2nd graders!  They need a certain number of parents to even start the sessions, and I'm sure it gets even harder to commit next year, when the kids play 2 nights a week. My willingness to be present allows a good experience for 16 boys who want to play. 

Here is a list of other things I've done that I am not highly qualified for...

• Wasn't raised as a Catholic, but taught religious ed and confirmation for 14 years (and counting)
• Was never a boy scout, but have put in 6 years as a den leader (and counting)
• Never managed a fund raiser, but ran the Skating and Hockey association fundraiser out of our dining room for 4 years, with about $18,000 of funds per year. 
• Never had played hockey, but could manage a penalty box for 12 years
• Was never trained in cake decorating, but tried to make special cakes for our kids' birthdays

My intention is to be present for my children, and others who do not have a parent or adult to be there for them. When Joey was born, I was determined that I would not use my age as an excuse not to contribute. If I could help with all these things for our other kids, I will do them for Joey as well. I don't want him to remember me as a parent who was not involved. No parent can do everything, but I'm a big believer in taking turns.  I will do what I can, and I hope you will too. 

11.10.12 Burn Pile

Something we don't think about in town is burn piles.  We pay refuse collectors and recycling companies to pick up our garbage.  Joe was quite fascinated by the massive burn pile today.  It was massive.  The land owner, Rod, let Joe come out with him to monitor the burn pile in the field.  It started out with Joe watching Rod's dog, a black and white midsized spaniel.  Rod told Joe that his dog, "Mac McMillon" was deaf, due to a disease he had as a pup. Joe was fascinated that the dog watched his owner's hand signals and responded.  Joe really like the dog.  In spite of drizzle, that burn pile was going pretty strong.  There were tree roots that had to be 10 foot across, in some of the trees they were burning.  Joey completely smelled smokey.  As soon as we got home, he had a bath, and I washed everything he was wearing.  He had an apple, some Lipton Chicken Noodle soup, and watched Martha Stewart's cooking school with me.  (Today's topic: Rice) Martha's voice has always been soothing to me.   I admire her deep appreciation of so many things around us....like rice!  I love the public television series on cooking, and her return to just her and the camera, rather than an audience.
This is the effect Martha has on Joe...

Exhausted from a busy farm day...the burn pile, helping dad and zach by pulling nails out of the floor ("mom, look how many nails I have so far in my pile!", the painting, finding the stereo cabinet.  Time to carry Joe up to bed. He is getting almost to big and heavy for us to carry up the stairs.

11.11.12 Important November days...

November 11th, Veteran's Day

November 12th, Grandma Estell's birthday

November 15th, Matt's birthday

November 19th, Eleanor and Jerry's anniversary
November 22nd, Thanksgiving

11.10.12 Farm House

Zach and a friend have been working on the farmhouse he rented.  They ripped out the carpets and burned them.  Ripped out the linoleum and burned it.  The burn pile the land  owners have going is working pretty well for us.  They cleared trees and brush, and also are clearning out a shed/barn. Katie and I started on the kitchen cabinets today. The inside of the cabinets were pink.

At one time this kitchen has also been kind of a moss green.Someone stripped the paint of the exterior of the cabinets, which was helpful to us.  Katie removed all the hardware while I was buying paint.  We soaked the hardware in dawn dishwashing liquid and hot water, and used a metal scrubber to remove the grease.  They cleaned up beautifully.
Katie painted the inside of all the drawers today, and they look clean and beautiful!

I painted the inside of all the south cabinets, and the inside of the bottom cabinets on the north wall.  They are well built, super strong and deep.  Hard to reach the backs of them. We will also be painting a lot of trim on windows white.  I did not get to the inside of the top cabinets, and they will be harder to reach due to stove and fridge. Also need to do both sides of all the doors and drawers.  This is going to be a multi weekend project.
Zach says Joe has been watching too many episodes of American Pickers.  Joe said, "This is a great piece! Can I have it?"  The owners left a bunch of furniture items, and told Zach they don't want it.  We brought home this lovely stereo cabinet, which looks to be from the 60's, and Joey is using it for a desk!

Life is an adventure.

11.9.12 Vintage Wallpaper

What do you think of this?

The photo doesn't do this justice.  The colors are beautiful.  It is on 3 walls of an east facing bedroom, in a farmhouse that is over 100 years old.  When I am in the room, I think of the 96 year old woman who lived there, (now in a nursing home) and how she lovingly chose it, for a boys' room.  The walls are in bad shape in spots.  Trying to figure out how to salvage some of it, even in a picture frame.

11.8.12 Daylight Savings time

Good grief.  Did the originators of daylight savings time ever give thought to how the time change affects children?  Joe was up at 5:20 a.m. this morning. With the time "falling back" Sunday, Joe is simply off.  It makes the days long for young people, and old people! He is taking in an episode of Lego Ninjago.  Thank goodness for dvr.  Public Television children's programming does not start before 6:30 a.m. This series, along with the Lego Clutch Powers series, makes me laugh.  How can you seriously become involved in a series with characters whose Lego hands are in the shape of letter C?  So funny.
All day yesterday Joey was saying how he wished he could "skip Wednesday" and get to Learn To Skate day.  Well, it's here.  Hopefully with getting up so early, he will have strength and attention left for skating at 5:15 p.m.

11.7.12 Top Chef Season 10

Top Chef Season 10 on Bravo has begun.  The first episode was divided into 4 locations in which these chefs presented challenges to the contestants within their own restaurant kitchen:

Tom Colicchio tested 5 chefs in his actual kitchen at Craft, looking at their knife skills, time management, and how they worked with others in the kitchen. He actually took only 3 of the 5 chefs he tested.  What he required of each was so diverse, from pasta making, to butchering, to presentation of a dish.

Emeril was next, testing 5 chefs at Table 10 in Las Vegas.  His test for the chefs was make a soup.  He often judges restaurants on the level of skill presented in their soup course.  He also chose only 3 of the 5 chefs.

Wolfgang Puck tested chefs on the challenge he himself was judged by at age 18....omelets.  Wolfgang took 4 of the 5 chefs based on complexity/taste, and presentation.  The chef he did not choose, to me, actually looked as though he would have done well in the competition long term.

Finally, Hugh Acheson, who himself competed in an earlier Top Chef Season.  His challenge was salads, and he also took 4 of the 5 contestants.
Hugh has a wonderful sense of humor which really came across in his interaction with the cheftestants. The others presented a level of intensity, and the cheftestants were intimidated.
Season 10 will take place in Seattle, and the challenges and judging look fierce.  I look at this as potentially the best season so far.  I look forward to the judges again as well. Top Chef holds the same appeal for me that Project Runway does...how do talented people deal with pressure and create amazing things with the limitations they are given.  Thank goodness for dvr!

11.6.12 Google Vote

You may not know this about me...I collect Google art.  I'm fairly certain someday they will publish a book of their work.  I don't save every piece of google art.  I am fascinated by the vast department of people who work to research and create the art. If I like it, I will always drill down and read more about it.  Today's art is simple, but to the point.  Please exercise your right to vote. Thank you.

11.6.12 Learn to Skate

We believe our children should be exposed to different activities, and that they will find things they enjoy participating in.  I signed Joey up for Learn to Skate.  It is only $15 through park and rec, seven 45 minute sessions of ice time during the month of November.  Because the time is 5:15, I can't get there fast enough.  So Dan brought Joe to equipment check out.  Joe is so excited he can hardly stand it.  Dan enjoyed relative anonymity for equipment check out.  There were a few people that recognized Dan.  Jerry Thompson said he completely understands "round 2".
The Mitchell Skating and Hockey Association has an excellent strategy...get kids on the ice.  Of course they will love it, and want to continue with hockey.
Dan found skate guards, even small hockey socks and a garter, and two left skates in size 4.  Wonder where the right size 4 skates are?  Joe was walking around the house in his skate guards.  It is good for all of us to be active.  In November, we will have 1 hour of basketball on Monday night, and Learn to Skate on T-Th nights, as well as 3-4 wolf scout activities.  Life is good.

11.6.12 Thank you Fourteen Foods!

Fourteen Foods, I applaud your support of our children's education.  The DQ Frequent Reading Card has once again created a frenzy of reading in our home.  Tonight Joey read for 2 1/2 hours aloud to me.  I"m exhausted!

I believe the intention of Fourteen Foods is that children will read one or two books a day, and when they reach 5 books, they receive a treat. The treats are graduated in value, but every level delicious! Small Cone, Dilly Bar, Small Sundae and finally Small Blizzard.

Alyssa read 20 books in one day.  (She must have more free time in class than Joe does.)  He read all 20 tonight.  Well, Practice makes permanent, so words are burned into Joey's reading vocabulary!  Thank you Fourteen Foods.

11.4.12 Sunday morning friends

With Daylight Savings time ending, the smartest decision of the weekend turns out to be going to mass on Saturday night!  Joey woke at 6:45, which today becomes 5:45 a.m. We have watched some public television, CBS Sunday morning, and lounged around.  Joey was building with his K'nex set and using his imagination.  He is pretending the K'nex are a sea cracken.  What makes me smile, is the way Finn sits near Joe, and appears to listen to his narrative. Here is Finn, behind the castle dock, between the pirate ships.  Just sitting.

Here is Finn being attacked by the Sea Cracken...

Poor Finn.

11.3.12 Wedding pics are finally here!

Anne of the Photography Shoppe finally posted some wedding pictures on facebook and the disc is in the mail to Katie and Jordan. Here are some facebook highlights...

Katie's dress, hanging from the balcony..

Our beautiful church...

A closeup of the altar...

The girl...

The girl and the boy...

Dan walking Katie down the aisle...

Homily thoughts, the wedding paper work, and the parents' prayer for their children...

The special day...

Witnessed by these family and friends...

Mr. and Mrs. Reiner leaving the church...

More tomorrow on the reception!