SmallDaughter's Day Out

Yesterday (Friday) SmallDaughter didn't have school--but all of the big kids DID. So I decided to make her day great! We started by getting dressed at the normal, super early time (We have Seminary from 5:10 to 6:05, and normally she gets on her bus around 6:30, but instead--she got to go with her beloved big kids, and we dropped them off at school. Then, we drove over to the YMCA where I normally go do a workout (I have been meaning to blog about that fairly important change in my life, but I...haven't. Ah, well.) She got to SWIM for 2 full hours! She had a great time! The second hour was during my "AquaDance" class--where I didn't get the best workout ever, but she had a lot of fun! After we got showered and dressed I took her over to the library. The town the big kids attend school in is about 30 minutes away from our house, and she had never been to this library, but it was (of course!) love at first sight! Especially when she found that they had an elevator! And an adorable little playhouse kitchen area--which is her favorite! Just to top it all off, we got her a hamburger and fries for lunch!!!!!
Then we went to the Amish Sewing Machine store (no, not for me to buy an awesome new Bernina, but to get my scissors sharpened--finally!), and to the little Amish bulk food store. She is still a little rough on the concept "only eat ONE sample", but we had a good time! Then we picked up the big kids and came home.

She had a great, great day (I know this, because as soon as she opened her eyes this morning, she asked to go swimming!).

Sadly, I was developing a fever and body aches, which really clouded my joy with her. The big kids (bless their hearts!) put me to bed, dosed me with meds, cooked a yummy dinner and watched SmallDaughter for the rest of the day. I think a nap, meds and a full nights sleep may have conquered it, because today was definitely better.

Looking on the bright (and sparkly!) side of life!

Last week was pretty gloomy. COLD--temps in the single digits, with wind chills into the "double below zero" digits. And gray. VERY gray. The kids first day back to school was a two hour delay. Tuesday was cancelled. Wednesday was another two hour delay, and the last day of school for a week. We had 6 teenagers here for most of it--because the roads were too crappy to drive and this was a nice, safe place. But--it was very cold (especially before I realized somebody had turned the (*&^%$#@! thermostat down to 58 degrees! Much better after that!). So mostly we sat or layed around in warm quilts watching movies, binging on netflix and drinking mass quantities of herb tea and cocoa in the giant new Christmas Mugs (everybody got one--they hold 2/3 of a quart, and I personalized them with a name and mustache for each person. Pictures may be forthcoming).

BUT--today, is GORGEOUS! Not warm---just gorgeous! It warmed up enough for fog, then dropped suddenly, coating all the trees with amazing hoarfrost. It is cold enough that all the fresh snow has crystallized and every field looks like it was sprinkled with the best diamond glitter ever made. And--the sun is shining and tiny, bright shiny ice crystals are floating in the air, so everything literally glitters! Perfect weather to be in a warm car or house looking out onto. Not so fun to be out in, since between the time I drove everybody to school and they came home it had warmed from -7 to-2. Woo.

And Now...Home Decorating with SmallDaughter!

To recreate these amazing 3-D effects, SmallDaughter recommends that you simply start with a box of baking soda and a box of table salt (the large, round one)--then add a can of shaving cream, 2 bottles of lotion (she prefers the really nice, expensive kind, not the cheap stuff that smells weird that nobody wants anyway) and a brand-new bottle of liquid sub-lingual vitamin B Complex (because that stuff is a DEEP yellow, that really stays!). Mix it all together thoroghly, with your hands (and feet if you want!). She recommends doing it in your mom's bedroom.

Ed. Note--FYI--do you know what is worse than crumbs in your bed--salt!

Note 2--You know what makes a really gross, but surprisingly pleasant smelling mess to clean out of the vacuum tube? Guess!

Too much space

This week the city guys cut down the two big old Maple trees in front of our house. It was not a surprise--they asked my permission (even though they are technically on the right of way, and they didn't have to LEGALLY ask--I think it's nice that they did), and I have known for several years that one of them was rotten in the middle and would have to come down. They are running a sewer line down, and I know how hard it would be to work around them. With all that being said, there is too much space and too much sky where they used to be!

I'm BACK!

Wow, we had a busy, fun summer! Living without internet, but LOTS of other things! Company, adventures, fun, good food--you name it!

There is real news forthcoming--I promise! I just wanted to let you know I am still alive!

Au Revoir!

We are getting rid of internet for the summer, in a grand attempt at getting outside and doing "non-electronic things"! Which is a lovely thing for the children, but also affects me a LOT. Since I am the worst offender at spending mass amounts of time on the computer!

Which is a long-winded way to say, I probably won't be posting much.

Some of the most exciting things in a child's life only come once a year...Christmas, Birthdays, Halloween, and then (when they get a little bigger) Colossalcon! It seems hard to believe that only a few years ago, I was pretty unaware of the existence of fan conventions. I vaguely knew that there were Sci-Fi conventions where weirdos dressed up as Klingons, but that was about it. Now I know that there are conventions for EVERY fandom--if you love Star Wars, Anime, playing games, Dr. Who, Harry Potter, Steampunk or almost anything else (!) somewhere there is convention hall full of people just like you! Now I have more experience, I love the enthusiasm, creativity, acceptance, cheerful friendliness that abounds at conventions. While at first it is a little odd to see people in long pink wigs or Pokemon costumes, it is no stranger than those hardcore Cleveland Browns fans who paint their faces (and, horribly, their naked bodies!--some things should stay covered!) I have had a houseful of excited teens who worked on costumes and preparations and had an amazing time together!

Now I need to go take a nap!