weekending: I can understand that
Crazy 8’s are out.
Uno is in.
also, entire outfits in the shade of red may also be in.
Rose appears like an apparition by my bed in the dark soup of early morning, flashing her 500 watt smile and a deck of Uno cards. And really, thank goodness! Because Crazy 8’s was beginning to feel like something we were condemned to, as penance for I don’t know, too many healthy brain cells. In Uno, there is strategy, especially if, like Col and Rose, you like to play with all your cards showing, which is, metaphorically, also how they live.
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** ** ***
My parents and I took the kids cross country skiing, and like good little Colorado kids they were terribly excited to get fitted with the tiniest rental gear. But whoops, it’s downhill skiing that all the kids love. Perhaps you need to be older to get excited about swishing quietly, thigh-achingly, and flatly, through the breathtaking snowy mountains.
Rose and Nana
Col cruising, at .00009/mph
Col was a natural, or at least that’s what my dad kept saying. And I should mention that there’s never been a bigger booster for Col than my dad. When I talk to my parents on the phone and mention that Col just wants to stay home and play legos/is happy to wear the same unwashed clothes everyday/wants to wear dirty underwear on his head and sing opera, my dad’s answer is always a supportive, “well, I can understand that.”
Col and his Baba – so good to be understood
So, the kids didn’t fall instantly in love with cross country skiing. And you know what? We can all understand that. They may have to spend their own allowance on lift tickets someday, but sweet children, by the time you’re 12, you’ll be able to sling a roadkill deer in the Subaru and gut that baby while Dan and I sharpen our knives.
Speaking of which, last week I got an e-mail from a blog reader informing me of a doe with a snapped neck on Hwy 550. (Thanks, Beth!) An hour later the animal was gutted and hanging in our shed, aging (which is a euphemism for “can’t get to it ’till the weekend; thank goodness the shed is as cold as a meat locker.”). The lovely Kati came over to help butcher and didn’t flinch when Dan explained that to determine quickly if a roadkill is good, “you can stick your hand in its armpit to see if it’s still warm.”
foreground left: deer hind leg; foreground right: ginger ale and new notebook.
Good thing Dan’s game for the old hand in the armpit trick, but really, I’m sensing that society is warming up to roadkill. Even my parents said, “we hear you got another roadkill, that’s great guys,” and then happily ate grilled backstraps with us.
Grilled deer heart is also popular with young horses name Alana.
Rose: Coley, lets say that my name was Alana.
Col: Yeah, and I named you.
Rose: Yeah, you said: your name is Alana.
Col: Right.
Rose: And I had a broken leg and I needed a crotch.
silence
Col: Um Rosie, you mean a crutch.
*** ** *** ** *** ** *** ** ***
And two more words for you: drip drip,
How was your weekend?
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Not quite the same as yours, but good in a different way. I threw a surprise party for my Mom’s 70th birthday, at my house, on Friday night. It was a success, and it ended the birthday season for me. All of my kids have had birthdays in the past few weeks, and we capped it off with my Mom’s. Full day play rehearsal on Saturday, took my 3rd monkey to a birthday party afterward, and then, for the rest of the weekend, I rested. Played Scrabble with the monkeys, caught up with Real Man, and just breathed for awhile. It much needed rest and I’m ready to get on with my March now!
http://amysreallife.wordpress.com
Not quite the same as yours, but good in a different way. I threw a surprise party for my Mom’s 70th birthday, at my house, on Friday night. It was a success, and it ended the birthday season for me. All of my kids have had birthdays in the past few weeks, and we capped it off with my Mom’s. Full day play rehearsal on Saturday, took my 3rd monkey to a birthday party afterward, and then, for the rest of the weekend, I rested. Played Scrabble with the monkeys, caught up with Real Man, and just breathed for awhile. It much needed rest and I’m ready to get on with my March now!
http://amysreallife.wordpress.com
We love the game Spot It. It comes in a round tin and you have to quickly match cards to accumulate or dispense depending on the game you are playing. We frequently have to pause because after staring at the cards someone is convinced they do not have a match but actually every single card matches.
Our weekend was nice, a little project work, chores, playing outside and a nice class on Islam. Last weekend was Hindu. Yesterday we bought a book on the various Hindu Gods and Goddesses that my 7 year old absolutely had to have (and I was interested in reading). When we got home she ran up to me and said “I need a red marker to make a dot on my forehead since I am Indian now”.
Col and Rose were just given a complimentary game of Spot It from our local book store after they lurked around the counter with $1.25, asking: can we get *this* for $1.25? How about *this*? It’s a fun game, even if some of the cards have ended up on “Alana’s” farm.
We love the game Spot It. It comes in a round tin and you have to quickly match cards to accumulate or dispense depending on the game you are playing. We frequently have to pause because after staring at the cards someone is convinced they do not have a match but actually every single card matches.
Our weekend was nice, a little project work, chores, playing outside and a nice class on Islam. Last weekend was Hindu. Yesterday we bought a book on the various Hindu Gods and Goddesses that my 7 year old absolutely had to have (and I was interested in reading). When we got home she ran up to me and said “I need a red marker to make a dot on my forehead since I am Indian now”.
Col and Rose were just given a complimentary game of Spot It from our local book store after they lurked around the counter with $1.25, asking: can we get *this* for $1.25? How about *this*? It’s a fun game, even if some of the cards have ended up on “Alana’s” farm.
Cross country skiing is my favorite these days. I’d go daily if I could. Theo, having mastered “french fries, pizza, and kissing skis” just last week as well as exiting the chair lift I fear would find cc-skiing to be a snooze now, too.
It’s a pretty grown-up sport. I remember sulking in the ski lodge watching Kenny Loggins videos on MTV while my parents were cruising around the x-country ski track. Go Theo!
Cross country skiing is my favorite these days. I’d go daily if I could. Theo, having mastered “french fries, pizza, and kissing skis” just last week as well as exiting the chair lift I fear would find cc-skiing to be a snooze now, too.
It’s a pretty grown-up sport. I remember sulking in the ski lodge watching Kenny Loggins videos on MTV while my parents were cruising around the x-country ski track. Go Theo!
I am attempting to make sparkling apple cider with some ginger “bug”. I planted herbs in old mason jars to see if I can grow them inside (no cold frame here…yet). And I took a $2 roll of funky baroque wallpaper and inserted it into 3 frames. Lucy and I are “fighting” over whose room the art will hang in. Oh…and since it is still winter, we shoveled snow.
Love reading the rhythm of your days! And I often *sigh* to Ben about your wonderful homeschool/public school mesh-up of which I am COMPLETELY envious.
I am attempting to make sparkling apple cider with some ginger “bug”. I planted herbs in old mason jars to see if I can grow them inside (no cold frame here…yet). And I took a $2 roll of funky baroque wallpaper and inserted it into 3 frames. Lucy and I are “fighting” over whose room the art will hang in. Oh…and since it is still winter, we shoveled snow.
Love reading the rhythm of your days! And I often *sigh* to Ben about your wonderful homeschool/public school mesh-up of which I am COMPLETELY envious.
So that must be the notebook where you keep track of all the daily funnies!! Classics like: “um you mean a crutch”
LOL
So that must be the notebook where you keep track of all the daily funnies!! Classics like: “um you mean a crutch”
LOL
omgoodness i adore playing uno with quinn. absolutely love the metaphor of them showing their cards, that is how quinn rolls, too. yay for free meat! and double yay for the sap starting to flow!!!
omgoodness i adore playing uno with quinn. absolutely love the metaphor of them showing their cards, that is how quinn rolls, too. yay for free meat! and double yay for the sap starting to flow!!!
I don’t know which I like better – the fact of the roadkill, or that a blog reader alerted you to it.
I don’t know which I like better – the fact of the roadkill, or that a blog reader alerted you to it.
hey rachel, i’m late to the game here, but i wanted to share a couple thoughts on the last few posts about trust and homeschooling. maybe the fear and doubts are signs that we are paying attention and are awake to our lives and our children. also, for me, i find that when i feel unsure it is more about deschooling myself than unschooling my children. i can say, oh, that’s about me, not them. just look at them! they are awesome and thriving in every way they should! mostly i feel like i need to stay quiet and out of their way unless they need help reaching something. lots of times it feels like i am hacking through a jungle with a dull machete, but those are the times i am trying too hard and thinking too far ahead. when i settle into what’s happening right now there is no question that we are all doing just fine.
Rose,
Thank you for your calm and wise perspective. It is absolutely all about me, not Col. He really truly is thriving and evolving (and is an emerging and proud reader). And yes, my bout of fear and doubt last week has been wonderfully (and painfully) instructive about catching myself before I spiral down into a deep, dark place.
xo Rachel
hey rachel, i’m late to the game here, but i wanted to share a couple thoughts on the last few posts about trust and homeschooling. maybe the fear and doubts are signs that we are paying attention and are awake to our lives and our children. also, for me, i find that when i feel unsure it is more about deschooling myself than unschooling my children. i can say, oh, that’s about me, not them. just look at them! they are awesome and thriving in every way they should! mostly i feel like i need to stay quiet and out of their way unless they need help reaching something. lots of times it feels like i am hacking through a jungle with a dull machete, but those are the times i am trying too hard and thinking too far ahead. when i settle into what’s happening right now there is no question that we are all doing just fine.
Rose,
Thank you for your calm and wise perspective. It is absolutely all about me, not Col. He really truly is thriving and evolving (and is an emerging and proud reader). And yes, my bout of fear and doubt last week has been wonderfully (and painfully) instructive about catching myself before I spiral down into a deep, dark place.
xo Rachel
wow, you’ve got everyone dialed in on the roadkill! That’s awesome for you. Not so good for the deer. I mean, he had tons of plans this weekend. : )
I know. It’s a little awkward celebrating these deaths, but also a little bit like making lemonade out of lemons…or deer burger out of…well, you get the idea. xo
: )
wow, you’ve got everyone dialed in on the roadkill! That’s awesome for you. Not so good for the deer. I mean, he had tons of plans this weekend. : )
I know. It’s a little awkward celebrating these deaths, but also a little bit like making lemonade out of lemons…or deer burger out of…well, you get the idea. xo
: )
The cross country skiing looks so beautiful. It may not be as exciting as downhill, but the kids will probably grow to love it. And also there are often lots of downhill parts and much cheaper and more accessible than downhill skiiing.
Lovely post as always!
The cross country skiing looks so beautiful. It may not be as exciting as downhill, but the kids will probably grow to love it. And also there are often lots of downhill parts and much cheaper and more accessible than downhill skiiing.
Lovely post as always!
still giggling about crotch instead of crutch.
my weekend ends now as i am home on Mondays, which is great. it was a good, out and about, slightly indulgent weekend, as in, we had a date night, I had a girls’ night, not a lot of sleep. even Avi announced that the house is a mess. but it was worth it. and i got to go to yoga tonight and everything. now I’m standing in the kitchen, eating kale salad out of the bowl (and lots of baguette, whatever steak the kids and Leeor didn’t eat, a nice Pinotage) and enjoying your posts. xo
still giggling about crotch instead of crutch.
my weekend ends now as i am home on Mondays, which is great. it was a good, out and about, slightly indulgent weekend, as in, we had a date night, I had a girls’ night, not a lot of sleep. even Avi announced that the house is a mess. but it was worth it. and i got to go to yoga tonight and everything. now I’m standing in the kitchen, eating kale salad out of the bowl (and lots of baguette, whatever steak the kids and Leeor didn’t eat, a nice Pinotage) and enjoying your posts. xo
PS. crazy, crazy packing of Misloach Manot boxes for a fundraiser for Avi’s school yesterday. swear to Hashem, it was a bit hostile in the shul. luckily for me, i was assigned the job of “childcare” outside, which was great because i had Lilit on my back. the kids were hysterical and one of the dad’s found a tinkerbell tent on the street that arrived at just the right time.
“a bit hostile in the shul” I don’t know why exactly but that completely cracked me up!
PS. crazy, crazy packing of Misloach Manot boxes for a fundraiser for Avi’s school yesterday. swear to Hashem, it was a bit hostile in the shul. luckily for me, i was assigned the job of “childcare” outside, which was great because i had Lilit on my back. the kids were hysterical and one of the dad’s found a tinkerbell tent on the street that arrived at just the right time.
“a bit hostile in the shul” I don’t know why exactly but that completely cracked me up!
After reading your post I just kept smiling to myself all day. Between your dad’s unwavering support for Col’s easy take on life, Rose’s favorite ticklish places (from a former post) and her sweet personal use of language, I truly have a soft spot for your family (and an addiction to your tale-telling :o)
After reading your post I just kept smiling to myself all day. Between your dad’s unwavering support for Col’s easy take on life, Rose’s favorite ticklish places (from a former post) and her sweet personal use of language, I truly have a soft spot for your family (and an addiction to your tale-telling :o)
Not to mention Dan the patient craft-maker and active adventure-initiator, and Nana who absorbs with grace Rose’s dedicated and ebullient closeness. And you, seeing it all with an equally dedicated tenderness and awe, blue Colorado skies included.
Hey, you nailed us, astute reader! Thanks for being here!
Not to mention Dan the patient craft-maker and active adventure-initiator, and Nana who absorbs with grace Rose’s dedicated and ebullient closeness. And you, seeing it all with an equally dedicated tenderness and awe, blue Colorado skies included.
Hey, you nailed us, astute reader! Thanks for being here!
Love this and love you sweeble-harp, Dan
Love this and love you sweeble-harp, Dan
Are you tapping sugar maples?! I had no idea that was possible here in Colorado – do you have to be at a certain elevation to do it? Loved your post :)
-Jaime
We’re tapping box elder trees! They are in the maple family (acer negundo), native to Colorado, and have tasty sap in their own right.
That’s awesome.
Are you tapping sugar maples?! I had no idea that was possible here in Colorado – do you have to be at a certain elevation to do it? Loved your post :)
-Jaime
We’re tapping box elder trees! They are in the maple family (acer negundo), native to Colorado, and have tasty sap in their own right.
That’s awesome.
Yay for tapping and dripping!
Yay for tapping and dripping!
I love the conversation between siblings. Especially if they don’t know you’re listening in on them. So endearing and at times completely hysterical! Crotch! I have to repeat the sentiments shared by other readers, I adore your perspective, your story telling and following your family’s journey. The way you speak through this blog makes me feel like I’m reading about a dear friend and sometimes I even wish that were so :) You guys make me smile, and I’ll have you to credit when someone pulls over and asks me why my hand is in a dead deers armpit. And sweet Col. My heart goes out to him. I know he will be one of those strong, gentle and wise men. Trials and hardship often carve out the best character if there is love and encouragement embracing them.
Lacey! Thanks for your words. Also, still loving (and using daily) your lotion-salve.
I love the conversation between siblings. Especially if they don’t know you’re listening in on them. So endearing and at times completely hysterical! Crotch! I have to repeat the sentiments shared by other readers, I adore your perspective, your story telling and following your family’s journey. The way you speak through this blog makes me feel like I’m reading about a dear friend and sometimes I even wish that were so :) You guys make me smile, and I’ll have you to credit when someone pulls over and asks me why my hand is in a dead deers armpit. And sweet Col. My heart goes out to him. I know he will be one of those strong, gentle and wise men. Trials and hardship often carve out the best character if there is love and encouragement embracing them.
Lacey! Thanks for your words. Also, still loving (and using daily) your lotion-salve.
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