I worked hard today, physically at least. The kids went to their Grandmother's while I cleaned the upstairs. That is not something I do often. We don't spend much time up there, except to sleep and get dressed. With the kids home it often takes me a week to clean even a small amount. They feel the need to be with me when I clean upstairs. While I'm cleaning on corner, they're in another making a bigger mess. So today was nice. My house hasn't been this organized since we moved here six years ago!
I have not written much lately. I've been so tired. I think I'm going to need to just suck it up and stay up late a few nights and just write. I actually know what I'm going to write, I just need to do it. Probably not tonight though.
Sammy-ism: The kids like to find the moon at night. Sammy keeps trying to figure out why it looks like the clouds and moon seem to follow him everywhere he goes. I've explained to him many times about how distance makes something look like it follows you. His reply is normally one of two things 1. "The clouds follow me because they like/love me." or 2. "The moon follows me because I'm cute." He is very cute, so maybe they are following him around.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Bonfires and Road Signs
We spent the afternoon and evening at my parent's house. What a great time to relax and enjoy my family. My brother and his family where visiting, so it was even nicer. The kids were excellent. Well, as excellent they can be at their age. We ended the evening with a bonfire and sing-a-long. A nice end to the summer as everyone starts to prepare for going back to school in the next few weeks.
On the way home Elizabeth was very chatty. She likes to talk in the car. Probably because that is the only time she has that Mommy can't escape or be distracted very much by the other kids. She asks some tough questions, about everything.
She's been noticing the road signs recently. I did not realize just how many road signs and reflectors there are along the roads. I think she pointed out almost every single one of them. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, a road sign is worth at least a thousand when you explain what they mean to a five year old. Often you use more, since you have to go into all the back detail about driving!
Her best question tonight: She pointed out a sign that meant a signal ahead. She asked what it was for. I explained it to her. She then asked, "But why do they need a sign for it when we can see it from here?" Many different answers popped into my head. I went with the simplest. That perhaps a tree branch had obscured the stop light from farther back, so they put up the sign and then at a later date cut the tree branch down.
I was greatly surprised by all the road signs used. I've often complained that there aren't enough road signs, at times. If I looked hard enough, I could see that there are plenty of road signs with all the information I need to traverse the various highways.
It made me stop and think about my life. Life is sometimes depicted as a road. I always ask for more road signs. God has plans for my life. I'd like to know what they are. I often complain that there are not enough road signs and that the ones there need to be clearer. Maybe I'm looking at things wrong. God doesn't give us a specific map to our destination. He does provide road signs along the way. They are plentiful, if I pay attention. And they also give me all the information I need, maybe not all I want, to travel the correct pathway.
On the way home Elizabeth was very chatty. She likes to talk in the car. Probably because that is the only time she has that Mommy can't escape or be distracted very much by the other kids. She asks some tough questions, about everything.
She's been noticing the road signs recently. I did not realize just how many road signs and reflectors there are along the roads. I think she pointed out almost every single one of them. It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, a road sign is worth at least a thousand when you explain what they mean to a five year old. Often you use more, since you have to go into all the back detail about driving!
Her best question tonight: She pointed out a sign that meant a signal ahead. She asked what it was for. I explained it to her. She then asked, "But why do they need a sign for it when we can see it from here?" Many different answers popped into my head. I went with the simplest. That perhaps a tree branch had obscured the stop light from farther back, so they put up the sign and then at a later date cut the tree branch down.
I was greatly surprised by all the road signs used. I've often complained that there aren't enough road signs, at times. If I looked hard enough, I could see that there are plenty of road signs with all the information I need to traverse the various highways.
It made me stop and think about my life. Life is sometimes depicted as a road. I always ask for more road signs. God has plans for my life. I'd like to know what they are. I often complain that there are not enough road signs and that the ones there need to be clearer. Maybe I'm looking at things wrong. God doesn't give us a specific map to our destination. He does provide road signs along the way. They are plentiful, if I pay attention. And they also give me all the information I need, maybe not all I want, to travel the correct pathway.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Adventures Beneath the Bed: Dustin Dust-Bunny and the Phantom Shoe
Dustin Dust Bunny went out to play His mother warned him to avoid The Phantom Shoe. He promised, with fingers crossed. When all the old ideas were spent, Dustin spied The Phantom Shoe, laying on its side. He pulled and shook the laces snaked upon the ground, then scurried inside. As his tail whipped out of sight, The Wandering Hand appeared and snatched up The Phantom Shoe. Later, a rather squashed Dustin was seen sneaking home. Although begged to tell of his adventures, he kept his silence. All through his life, though, he smelled faintly of old gym socks.
(My first attempt at Flash Fiction)
Copyright 2008
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Picnic Time and Spiritual Gifts
We had a wonderful afternoon at the park. My parent's church planned their annual picnic there. The older three kids love to go to their church, so we headed over for the afternoon. They are always very welcoming. We spent the afternoon playing on the playground with the different kids, my parents, grandmother, and my sister's family. Very relaxing and very enjoyable.
That erased the frustration of this morning. In Sunday School we are discussing spiritual gifts. There are many tests you can take and many studies to go through on this subject. I find myself very frustrated because every time I am labeled with a different spiritual gift. I find it very hard to use my gift, whatever it is, because I cannot discover which one I actually have as my primary gift. I guess I will continue to wade through all the information and maybe this time I will find something of practical use.
That erased the frustration of this morning. In Sunday School we are discussing spiritual gifts. There are many tests you can take and many studies to go through on this subject. I find myself very frustrated because every time I am labeled with a different spiritual gift. I find it very hard to use my gift, whatever it is, because I cannot discover which one I actually have as my primary gift. I guess I will continue to wade through all the information and maybe this time I will find something of practical use.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Wheezes and Whines
A stay at home mom never has a weekend. Saturday and Sunday (if you don't go to church) are just the same as every other day. The kids don't sleep in, they like the same schedule, and the housework can't be forgot or it multiplies.
Today was just like the rest of the week. One of the kids was sick and whiny, the rest were just whiny. I did get all the currently clean laundry folded, of course I've washed more so now there is more to fold. I hate folding laundry. It ranks right up there with washing dishes.
The kid who was sick - Hope. I think she might be on her way to having asthma. Every time she has a cold she sounds like a 50 year long smoker - hacking and wheezing. I had to nebulize her twice last night, and once today. The two of us also were up for 2 hours together last night. Well, I hadn't been able to get to bed, so I guess she was the only one actually up for 2 hours. Hopefully we don't have a repeat tonight. I haven't had a good night's sleep, or over 4 hours, since Amelia was born. It's beginning to wear on me.
Today was just like the rest of the week. One of the kids was sick and whiny, the rest were just whiny. I did get all the currently clean laundry folded, of course I've washed more so now there is more to fold. I hate folding laundry. It ranks right up there with washing dishes.
The kid who was sick - Hope. I think she might be on her way to having asthma. Every time she has a cold she sounds like a 50 year long smoker - hacking and wheezing. I had to nebulize her twice last night, and once today. The two of us also were up for 2 hours together last night. Well, I hadn't been able to get to bed, so I guess she was the only one actually up for 2 hours. Hopefully we don't have a repeat tonight. I haven't had a good night's sleep, or over 4 hours, since Amelia was born. It's beginning to wear on me.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Twists and Turns - When your plot takes on a life of its own!
I've been a little stuck with my current story. It's an Alternate History (sci-fi) story that takes place before the Flood. I'm having plenty of trouble developing cultures for a time period where not much is known. On top of that, there is a lot of science involved and lots of extinct creatures. This is the third time my story has taken on a "life of it's own." It can be very disconcerting when this happens. It almost feels like I have multiple personalities.
First time this happened a sub-plot was added with some unsavory characters. I was floored when I was typing and this all came out. It was not in my plan for my story.
Second time. I had a professional author suggest I take one of my flash backs and build it into a prologue or a live action event. I thought I can do that. It's not much longer than a prologue should be. I think I'm into the third chapter of it.
Most recently, aka today, the third event happened. I'm working on the prologue/who knows what. I know where it's going and what will happen. I've even worked out how to connect it with the first part I wrote. I'm trying to add in some of the evil that the Bible says permeated the world during this time period. It has been very hard for me to work that in with the characters and location I have. Today, as I'm changing laundry from the washer to the dryer an idea hit me. I have to write a section from the "evil" point of view. It was kind of scary, since this was nothing I had even remotely considered nor could I see my story going in this direction.
I'm finishing up the "prologue" and then I'll start working on this evil bit. I've already thought of several ideas to throw in. Who knows what the next plot twist will be, or where it will come from!
First time this happened a sub-plot was added with some unsavory characters. I was floored when I was typing and this all came out. It was not in my plan for my story.
Second time. I had a professional author suggest I take one of my flash backs and build it into a prologue or a live action event. I thought I can do that. It's not much longer than a prologue should be. I think I'm into the third chapter of it.
Most recently, aka today, the third event happened. I'm working on the prologue/who knows what. I know where it's going and what will happen. I've even worked out how to connect it with the first part I wrote. I'm trying to add in some of the evil that the Bible says permeated the world during this time period. It has been very hard for me to work that in with the characters and location I have. Today, as I'm changing laundry from the washer to the dryer an idea hit me. I have to write a section from the "evil" point of view. It was kind of scary, since this was nothing I had even remotely considered nor could I see my story going in this direction.
I'm finishing up the "prologue" and then I'll start working on this evil bit. I've already thought of several ideas to throw in. Who knows what the next plot twist will be, or where it will come from!
The Light Sleeper and The Noisy Sleepers
Once upon a time there lived a beautiful Infant Princess. Beloved and adored by all who knew her. Her hair shone like the rising sun. Her eyes grew dark as freshly turned earth. Her checks, round and soft as peaches, begged to be kissed. Her lips, a little rose bud, opened into a brilliant smile. She grew day by day, stronger, taller, and smarter.
The Infant Princess had two older sisters. They doted on the Infant Princess. The Eldest helped the Queen care for the Infant Princess. She brought diapers, wipes, tissues, and blankets. The Eldest aided the Queen joyfully and received much praise for all her help.
The Second Eldest, while not old enough to help, brought the Infant Princess toys, hugs, and kisses. She took pride in making the Infant Princess smile and talk.
During the day life sped by, mostly smooth. The night, on the other hand, presented the Queen with difficulties.
One by one the Princesses dressed for bed, brushed their teeth and tresses. The Queen read to them from an assortment of books, sang bedtime songs, and kissed them good-night. Swiftly and quietly the Eldest and Second Eldest Princesses slipped into a pleasant slumber.
The Infant Princess, however, needed to be snuggled and nursed before falling into slumber. Finally, all three of the princesses slept peacefully in their chamber.
The three princesses loved each other very much and could not bear to be parted, even in sleep. Thus, they shared a chamber in one of the towers of the palace.
All would be well, until the Queen decided to retire. At the precise moment her foot stepped upon the floor of her chamber disaster would befall her.
Many different formats occurred on different nights, but this is what often happened.
The Second Eldest Princess fell out of bed. The Queen rushed in to rescue her from the floor. Setting her gently back into her bed, the Queen covered her and made sure her royal stuffed bear was withing her arms. Kisses her softly on the head, the Queen attempted to slip out.
Just as the door clicked closed the Infant Princess awoke. The Queen hear her first whimpers. Hoping they signified all that The Infant Princess would vocalize, she quietly made her way to her own chambers.
Alas, this was not to be. The Infant Princess continued to whimper, each time louder than the last. The Queen, still holding on to the hope that each whimper would be the last, dressed for bed. As she laid her weary head upon her pillow, the Infant Princess erupted into full wails of distress.
The Queen rose from her bed and made her way back to the princesses' chamber. Gathering the Infant Princess into her arms, the Queen carried her back to the Queens chamber. Within a few moments the Queen succeeded in calming the Infant Princess.
Thinking her soundly asleep, the Queen swiftly, but silently, returned her to her royal crib. With a sigh of relief the Queen closed the chamber door, walked back to her own chamber, and laid her head back upon her pillow.
Just when the Queen allowed herself to relax, the Infant Princess began to whimper again. Holding her breath, the Queen listened as the time between whimpers extended. A whoosh accompanied the exhaled breath, and so did a cry from the Eldest Princess.
Rolling her eyes heaven ward, the Queen prayed for the Infant Princess to stay asleep. Like most nights, this prayer was answered negatively.
Rising again from her bed, the Queen walked to the Princesses room, gathered the Infant Princess into her arms, and, this time, walked to the library.
The Queen lit a small candle and selected a think tome. Settling herself into a squishy arm chair, the Queen nestled the Infant Princess against her body. The Infant Princess snuggled in and the Queen read a few pages.
Finally, after the Queen decided the Infant Princess was truly asleep, she made her way back to the princesses chamber, placed the sleeping Infant Princess into her royal crib, returned to her own chamber, and slipped beneath the covers of her bed.
The Queen waited for a whimper, a cry, or a thud. When none appeared, she closed her eyes for sleep. Unfortunately, by this time the Queen was no longer sleepy herself. After tossing and turning a few minutes, she returned to her book and read deep into the night.
The next morning the Queen appeared at breakfast with dark circles under eyes. The King glared at them, then at the three princesses.
“I am issuing a decree,” he said. “From now on the Princesses will sleep in separate chambers.”
The two elder princesses voiced their horror over this decision and protested it vehemently. The King refused to be swayed. He ordered the servants to move two of the princesses to separate chambers.
Upon leaving for his kingly duties he warned the Queen not to let the princesses return to one room. He also reminded the three princesses that if they disobeyed his decree they would be punished. Hanging their heads, the two elder princesses promised to obey.
That night, when she laid her head down on her pillow, the Queen listened intently for any noise from the princesses. She heard nothing. Sleep finally found her still waiting.
The next morning, the Queen awoke well rested and refreshed. The dark circles under her eyes had vanished in the night. The three princesses declared the Kings decree a splendid thing, for each of them had slept the most peaceful sleep they had ever slept.
And they all lived happily ever after.
copyright August 20, 2009
The Infant Princess had two older sisters. They doted on the Infant Princess. The Eldest helped the Queen care for the Infant Princess. She brought diapers, wipes, tissues, and blankets. The Eldest aided the Queen joyfully and received much praise for all her help.
The Second Eldest, while not old enough to help, brought the Infant Princess toys, hugs, and kisses. She took pride in making the Infant Princess smile and talk.
During the day life sped by, mostly smooth. The night, on the other hand, presented the Queen with difficulties.
One by one the Princesses dressed for bed, brushed their teeth and tresses. The Queen read to them from an assortment of books, sang bedtime songs, and kissed them good-night. Swiftly and quietly the Eldest and Second Eldest Princesses slipped into a pleasant slumber.
The Infant Princess, however, needed to be snuggled and nursed before falling into slumber. Finally, all three of the princesses slept peacefully in their chamber.
The three princesses loved each other very much and could not bear to be parted, even in sleep. Thus, they shared a chamber in one of the towers of the palace.
All would be well, until the Queen decided to retire. At the precise moment her foot stepped upon the floor of her chamber disaster would befall her.
Many different formats occurred on different nights, but this is what often happened.
The Second Eldest Princess fell out of bed. The Queen rushed in to rescue her from the floor. Setting her gently back into her bed, the Queen covered her and made sure her royal stuffed bear was withing her arms. Kisses her softly on the head, the Queen attempted to slip out.
Just as the door clicked closed the Infant Princess awoke. The Queen hear her first whimpers. Hoping they signified all that The Infant Princess would vocalize, she quietly made her way to her own chambers.
Alas, this was not to be. The Infant Princess continued to whimper, each time louder than the last. The Queen, still holding on to the hope that each whimper would be the last, dressed for bed. As she laid her weary head upon her pillow, the Infant Princess erupted into full wails of distress.
The Queen rose from her bed and made her way back to the princesses' chamber. Gathering the Infant Princess into her arms, the Queen carried her back to the Queens chamber. Within a few moments the Queen succeeded in calming the Infant Princess.
Thinking her soundly asleep, the Queen swiftly, but silently, returned her to her royal crib. With a sigh of relief the Queen closed the chamber door, walked back to her own chamber, and laid her head back upon her pillow.
Just when the Queen allowed herself to relax, the Infant Princess began to whimper again. Holding her breath, the Queen listened as the time between whimpers extended. A whoosh accompanied the exhaled breath, and so did a cry from the Eldest Princess.
Rolling her eyes heaven ward, the Queen prayed for the Infant Princess to stay asleep. Like most nights, this prayer was answered negatively.
Rising again from her bed, the Queen walked to the Princesses room, gathered the Infant Princess into her arms, and, this time, walked to the library.
The Queen lit a small candle and selected a think tome. Settling herself into a squishy arm chair, the Queen nestled the Infant Princess against her body. The Infant Princess snuggled in and the Queen read a few pages.
Finally, after the Queen decided the Infant Princess was truly asleep, she made her way back to the princesses chamber, placed the sleeping Infant Princess into her royal crib, returned to her own chamber, and slipped beneath the covers of her bed.
The Queen waited for a whimper, a cry, or a thud. When none appeared, she closed her eyes for sleep. Unfortunately, by this time the Queen was no longer sleepy herself. After tossing and turning a few minutes, she returned to her book and read deep into the night.
The next morning the Queen appeared at breakfast with dark circles under eyes. The King glared at them, then at the three princesses.
“I am issuing a decree,” he said. “From now on the Princesses will sleep in separate chambers.”
The two elder princesses voiced their horror over this decision and protested it vehemently. The King refused to be swayed. He ordered the servants to move two of the princesses to separate chambers.
Upon leaving for his kingly duties he warned the Queen not to let the princesses return to one room. He also reminded the three princesses that if they disobeyed his decree they would be punished. Hanging their heads, the two elder princesses promised to obey.
That night, when she laid her head down on her pillow, the Queen listened intently for any noise from the princesses. She heard nothing. Sleep finally found her still waiting.
The next morning, the Queen awoke well rested and refreshed. The dark circles under her eyes had vanished in the night. The three princesses declared the Kings decree a splendid thing, for each of them had slept the most peaceful sleep they had ever slept.
And they all lived happily ever after.
copyright August 20, 2009
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