My mom recently asked me to start writing on this blog again. Perhaps she tires of my pontificating on the phone with her, but I hope it's more than that. =) This is for you, mom.
Looking at the posts, I'm astounded that I've neglected it so long and an update is in order!
Pooh is not only graduated from H.S., but from college and is currently working as a BSN in a local hospital.
Tigger is not just bouncing around, but is at UT as a BioMedical Engineering student and is working/ paying his way through college. His current project is landing a summer Internship.
Piglet also graduated H.S. and is attending the local CC. She is also coaching for a year-round swim team and hopes to go to a 4 year University next year.
Roo is growing too. He loves all things lego, friends, and running around in the outdoors. Oh and he loves being a big brother.
And, we have a new little roo! He is 4 now. (ouch, yes, I haven't written in a long time!) This leads to a problem as our second youngest now shouldn't be Roo, right? The youngest should be Roo? But what should the second youngest be? He thinks he should be Owl, but I'm not convinced.
If you know us and the personalities, I would love to hear your opinion on this one.
Blessings to you!
Kanga
3.05.2013
6.22.2008
goof off week, days #3,4,5
Day 3
We went to the ceramics shop. This brings back wonderful memories for the 3 oldest; we haven't been since Roo was born. Everyone picked a piece to paint. Poor Roo was done in lightening speed, so we set about re-painting his dragon. He faithfully repainted that thing until the colors were just right. He now has a beautiful patchwork dragon. The others were carefully painting their Father's Day presents. Oh my, after 2 hours I was beyond bored. So now ~I'm ~ the one whining "when can we go?" This is what happens, I suppose, when you get older!
Then we went to a friend's home for Rosary. This is when I realized that I misscheduled the goof off week. Pooh and Tigger were anxious to get home and 'do some work' Pooh is taking a class at the local Community College. It is only 5 1/2 weeks long, but they squish a whole semester's workload in. Tigger was in his last week of an online essay class. He had to write 3 essays this week. Bad planning on my part. Sorry!
Day 4
Pooh and Tigger are mostly working, and Piglet, Roo, and I are goofing off. It just isn't the same without them! Too, I remember yet another reason that this was a mistimed so-called at-home-vacation week. Pooh's graduation party is on Saturday. We've done virtually nothing but send out invites. Panic!
Day 5
We are preparing for Pooh's graduation. She has lots of great ideas...LOTS. Well, this was a day of work and paring down the ideas.
Even though the end of the week was less fun than the beginning, I am still glad we 'goofed off'. We need to plan it better, but I can't wait until next time!
-kanga
We went to the ceramics shop. This brings back wonderful memories for the 3 oldest; we haven't been since Roo was born. Everyone picked a piece to paint. Poor Roo was done in lightening speed, so we set about re-painting his dragon. He faithfully repainted that thing until the colors were just right. He now has a beautiful patchwork dragon. The others were carefully painting their Father's Day presents. Oh my, after 2 hours I was beyond bored. So now ~I'm ~ the one whining "when can we go?" This is what happens, I suppose, when you get older!
Then we went to a friend's home for Rosary. This is when I realized that I misscheduled the goof off week. Pooh and Tigger were anxious to get home and 'do some work' Pooh is taking a class at the local Community College. It is only 5 1/2 weeks long, but they squish a whole semester's workload in. Tigger was in his last week of an online essay class. He had to write 3 essays this week. Bad planning on my part. Sorry!
Day 4
Pooh and Tigger are mostly working, and Piglet, Roo, and I are goofing off. It just isn't the same without them! Too, I remember yet another reason that this was a mistimed so-called at-home-vacation week. Pooh's graduation party is on Saturday. We've done virtually nothing but send out invites. Panic!
Day 5
We are preparing for Pooh's graduation. She has lots of great ideas...LOTS. Well, this was a day of work and paring down the ideas.
Even though the end of the week was less fun than the beginning, I am still glad we 'goofed off'. We need to plan it better, but I can't wait until next time!
-kanga
6.09.2008
goof off week, day #2
Feed the Ducks!
We went to Feed the Ducks at the Arboretum. Roo and cousin X. found out that, yes, ducks and geese will peck at you if you don't move fast!
Piglet and Tigger enjoying the day.
Kanga and nephew A.
Me and A. watching the wildlife.... kids and animals!
Tigger and Piglet's favorite animal to feed, the squirrel. They did get him to come very close, only to be scared away by Roo and X.
Afterwards we went to the 'Cows' and I took more pictures. Enjoy!
5.27.2008
goof-off week, day #1
Memorial Day.
We finally made it to the 'Prince Caspian' movie. Despite reading some less than glowing reviews, I'm glad we went. It is a tremendous film, even if not perfectly matched to the book. Yes, Prince Caspian is decidedly older in the movie, and distractingly darker (isn't he a blond narnian in the book?), but overall the characters and the feel of the movie are good. Reepicheep is especially on the mark. I'd go see it again, just for him. The only 'huh?' moment that is really out of character from the book and even the movie, is when Susan kisses Prince Caspian. Obviously this wouldn't happen in the book (he's a child!...but not so in the film), but even in the film a romantic relationship isn't developed at all. I don't even think it is hinted at, other than, yes, Caspian is tall, dark, and handsome. Still, go see it! It's worth ignoring one scene.
Then I took a nap, had lunch, and played board games all afternoon with the kids and Robin. Play Trivial Pursuit if you want to wonder, 'why do my hubby and oldest son use so much brain space on completely useless information' YES, I said useless because using the info in a game doesn't count! =)
After dinner, we walked to Cups and Cones. I love having an ice cream shop close. And, I love family days!
-kanga
We finally made it to the 'Prince Caspian' movie. Despite reading some less than glowing reviews, I'm glad we went. It is a tremendous film, even if not perfectly matched to the book. Yes, Prince Caspian is decidedly older in the movie, and distractingly darker (isn't he a blond narnian in the book?), but overall the characters and the feel of the movie are good. Reepicheep is especially on the mark. I'd go see it again, just for him. The only 'huh?' moment that is really out of character from the book and even the movie, is when Susan kisses Prince Caspian. Obviously this wouldn't happen in the book (he's a child!...but not so in the film), but even in the film a romantic relationship isn't developed at all. I don't even think it is hinted at, other than, yes, Caspian is tall, dark, and handsome. Still, go see it! It's worth ignoring one scene.
Then I took a nap, had lunch, and played board games all afternoon with the kids and Robin. Play Trivial Pursuit if you want to wonder, 'why do my hubby and oldest son use so much brain space on completely useless information' YES, I said useless because using the info in a game doesn't count! =)
After dinner, we walked to Cups and Cones. I love having an ice cream shop close. And, I love family days!
-kanga
5.23.2008
Pooh is finished!
Yes! She handed in her very last High School assignment to me today. WOOHOO!
She is done with HS, She is done with HS..... I am singin' now.
I am so proud of her, and soooo relieved for me. I am looking forward to one less educationally dependent child.
Next week, we are planning our in town vacation. The plan: do some things we never have time to do, including and especially goofing off!
I'm so glad she finished, I'm so glad she finished ...sorry, singing again.
Next Saturday we are having a graduation party, so she is done in the nick of time.
I better get busy planning our goof-off week!
She is done with HS, She is done with HS..... I am singin' now.
I am so proud of her, and soooo relieved for me. I am looking forward to one less educationally dependent child.
Next week, we are planning our in town vacation. The plan: do some things we never have time to do, including and especially goofing off!
I'm so glad she finished, I'm so glad she finished ...sorry, singing again.
Next Saturday we are having a graduation party, so she is done in the nick of time.
I better get busy planning our goof-off week!
5.11.2008
Mother's Day
I don't want today to end.
I mean it! I've made a concentrated effort today to pay no attention to time, which is freeing, and besides we've just had lots of fun family time.
Breakfast in bed, very sweet and potentially relaxing until you realize that 4 kids + mom + french toast topped with powdered sugar and assorted beverages in my bed + a duvet cover that I am overly attached to = one nervous mommy! Still it was a good morning. I love my family.
Mass at St. William's, where they had a May crowning...very lovely. Plus this congregation is very reverent. I'm not sure how with the large number of people that attend how the Church can be so conducive to prayer, but it is. I like our 8 am mass at Emmaus, but it is completely quiet and I think it is good to have Roo know some typical catholic hymns and sung responses!
Lunch and dessert, the kids treated me to italian food and starbuck's (yum!) and a little more resting for me. The afternoon was filled with volleyball and my requested family hike. Back home for dinner and brownies (they know how to make me smile!) and basketball.
Roo wanted 'snuggle time' , which eventually had to end for his bedtime. Then, I looked at my calendar for tomorrow. Oh no, regular life returns!
I don't want today to end.
I mean it! I've made a concentrated effort today to pay no attention to time, which is freeing, and besides we've just had lots of fun family time.
Breakfast in bed, very sweet and potentially relaxing until you realize that 4 kids + mom + french toast topped with powdered sugar and assorted beverages in my bed + a duvet cover that I am overly attached to = one nervous mommy! Still it was a good morning. I love my family.
Mass at St. William's, where they had a May crowning...very lovely. Plus this congregation is very reverent. I'm not sure how with the large number of people that attend how the Church can be so conducive to prayer, but it is. I like our 8 am mass at Emmaus, but it is completely quiet and I think it is good to have Roo know some typical catholic hymns and sung responses!
Lunch and dessert, the kids treated me to italian food and starbuck's (yum!) and a little more resting for me. The afternoon was filled with volleyball and my requested family hike. Back home for dinner and brownies (they know how to make me smile!) and basketball.
Roo wanted 'snuggle time' , which eventually had to end for his bedtime. Then, I looked at my calendar for tomorrow. Oh no, regular life returns!
I don't want today to end.
Pentecost quote
"The Holy Spirit won't yell over Led Zeppelin" -Fr. Joel, today during his homily at St. William's.
Think about it.....doncha love it!
-kanga
Think about it.....doncha love it!
-kanga
4.30.2008
pick pics...help!
We need help choosing graduation pictures for Pooh. Sorry about 3 of them being turned! But, which one do you like the best? sorry, no formal poll, just leave a message! Thanks!
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
4.29.2008
RATTLESNAKE
in our backyard...no kidding....
I don't know if you can tell, but this guys is pretty big. And now, I am not so keen on sending Roo out to play by himself. Though he tells me, he thinks the snake is pretty cool.
cousins
The cousins, A. and J., came to visit while their mom was at a wedding out of state. A. stayed overnight and the next night J. also slept over. Apparently, he was pretty excited to be a homeschooler for the day and he energized Roo and A. to do school too. However, we normally do not start school in the 7 o'clock hour before breakfast.
While they were here, we laid 3 pallets of sod. Mostly me, Tigger, and Piglet, while Pooh made us lunch and lemonade. These 3 guys were very excited at the beginning, but then it digressed into them making forts and moving rock. Though, we do need them to move lots of rock! Pooh took them to the pool to cool off. This picture is after the pool and bath, but obviously I am just taking a quick break from the gardening. Whew! It was a lot of work, but the backyard looks good now!
Roo sure loves his cousins. Well, we all do, but it is especially wonderful for him to have kids his own age ready to play in ways that he wants. You know, hours of endless make-believe and silliness in a way that is impossible for those of us who are all growed up. I am so grateful that he gets to share his childhood with all his cousins!
-kanga
4.20.2008
eins, zwei, drei...Dortmund!!!
I can't believe I am coaching soccer again! Roo is playing his second season and now we are the Dortmund team. So, every moment is a teaching moment and so the kids must chant things in German before each game...teehee...our best good luck charm is screaming, at the top of their 5 year old lungs "eins, zwei, drei...DORTMUND!" Hey, if I knew the real cheer, I would teach it!
Here is the team warming up for the game. 
Go, Roo, Go!
visit to Wichita Falls
19 March 2008
On the way back from Nationals, we stopped by Wichita Falls where my brother E and his girls live. It has been a while and was SOOO good to see him adn catch up a bit. Plus, it was my first visit to a "Cracker Barrel". I must admit, my imagination had me beleiving that all they served was cheese, of the liquid and fake type. I was pleasantly surprised by the food and the atmosphere, but most of all the company. My brother and his girls and his mother in law are all delightful. Can't wait to see them again!
piglet's golden b-day
(I am going to do a quick history of our past few months...starting here!)
Piglet had her 14th birthday...on February 14! This is her GOLDEN birthday! She was born and was the chubbiest, round-faced, curly-haired darling. With a relaxed personality and a fun attitude we are so blessed to have her as part of our family.
Piglet had her 14th birthday...on February 14! This is her GOLDEN birthday! She was born and was the chubbiest, round-faced, curly-haired darling. With a relaxed personality and a fun attitude we are so blessed to have her as part of our family.
4.03.2008
NYC is the university!
This quote was forwarded to me today. I thought it was great!
"I’d encourage your youngest one to abandon kindergarten altogether. Almost everything I learned was learned outside the classroom, and school itself interrupted my education. Moreover, school locks you in with your peers. That is a mistake. One’s social circle should never include one’s equals. From my earliest years I found children uninteresting and always preferred the company of adults. This was an advantage, because I got to know lots of folks who are dead now whom I never would have known if I had waited until I was an adult. - So I have a collective memory - and oral tradition - that goes back to the eighteenth century, having spoken with people who knew people who knew people who knew people who lived then. - The only real university is the universe and a city its microcosm. That is why an expression like “New York University” is foolish. New York City is the university….Instead of school, children should spend some hours each day in hotel lobbies talking to the guests. They should spend time in restaurant kitchens and shops and garages of all kinds, learning from people who actually make the world work….One day spent roaming through a real classical church building would be the equivalent of one academic term in any of our schools, and a little time spent inconspicuously in a police station would be more informative than all the hours wasted on bogus social sciences. Formal lessons would only be required for accuracy in spelling and proficiency in public speaking, for which the public speakers in our culture are not models, and in exchange for performing some menial services a child could learn the violin, harp, and piano from musicians in one of the better cocktail lounges, or from performers in the public subways….So I urge you to keep your child out of kindergarten, because kindergarten will only lead to first grade and then the grim sequence of grade after grade begins and takes its inexorable toll on the mind born fertile but gradually numbed by the pedants who impose on the captive child the flotsam of their own infecundity."
- Fr. George Rutler
Originally posted by Peter Robinson via The Corner at National Review Online.
"I’d encourage your youngest one to abandon kindergarten altogether. Almost everything I learned was learned outside the classroom, and school itself interrupted my education. Moreover, school locks you in with your peers. That is a mistake. One’s social circle should never include one’s equals. From my earliest years I found children uninteresting and always preferred the company of adults. This was an advantage, because I got to know lots of folks who are dead now whom I never would have known if I had waited until I was an adult. - So I have a collective memory - and oral tradition - that goes back to the eighteenth century, having spoken with people who knew people who knew people who knew people who lived then. - The only real university is the universe and a city its microcosm. That is why an expression like “New York University” is foolish. New York City is the university….Instead of school, children should spend some hours each day in hotel lobbies talking to the guests. They should spend time in restaurant kitchens and shops and garages of all kinds, learning from people who actually make the world work….One day spent roaming through a real classical church building would be the equivalent of one academic term in any of our schools, and a little time spent inconspicuously in a police station would be more informative than all the hours wasted on bogus social sciences. Formal lessons would only be required for accuracy in spelling and proficiency in public speaking, for which the public speakers in our culture are not models, and in exchange for performing some menial services a child could learn the violin, harp, and piano from musicians in one of the better cocktail lounges, or from performers in the public subways….So I urge you to keep your child out of kindergarten, because kindergarten will only lead to first grade and then the grim sequence of grade after grade begins and takes its inexorable toll on the mind born fertile but gradually numbed by the pedants who impose on the captive child the flotsam of their own infecundity."
- Fr. George Rutler
Originally posted by Peter Robinson via The Corner at National Review Online.
3.24.2008
I'm baaaack!
And so hopefully is normal life!
Since the beginning of the year, we have been in a whirlwind of BB, birthdays, college decisions, and Lent. We have gone very light on the schedule. I mean, how do I wake the kids at 8 am when we have been out until 12 midnight at a game? And isn't it legit to push off some of Pooh's and Piglet's schoolwork to help me prepare for Roo's birthday party? Or how do I persuade Tigger to stop doing Calc homework for something else?
It's been pretty out of bounds, but happily we are trying to settle into a 'normal' routine again. We'll see if we remember how to be normal!
-kanga
Since the beginning of the year, we have been in a whirlwind of BB, birthdays, college decisions, and Lent. We have gone very light on the schedule. I mean, how do I wake the kids at 8 am when we have been out until 12 midnight at a game? And isn't it legit to push off some of Pooh's and Piglet's schoolwork to help me prepare for Roo's birthday party? Or how do I persuade Tigger to stop doing Calc homework for something else?
It's been pretty out of bounds, but happily we are trying to settle into a 'normal' routine again. We'll see if we remember how to be normal!
-kanga
3.23.2008
Alleluia
He is Risen!
Eastertime is here. We had a wonderful Easter Sunday of Church, family, and good food.....and of course, egg hunting for the young'uns.
Reasons I think Easter must be the best holiday:
1- the waiting beforehand (did I mention that I love Lent....strange, but true)
2-it's Springtime
3-dark chocolate bunnies, and jellybeans
4-no commercial pressure to buy presents
5-family comes together
and lastly but most important,
The Great Love our Lord Saviour Jesus Christ has for us that he died upon a cross so that we may live with Him.
-kanga
Eastertime is here. We had a wonderful Easter Sunday of Church, family, and good food.....and of course, egg hunting for the young'uns.
Reasons I think Easter must be the best holiday:
1- the waiting beforehand (did I mention that I love Lent....strange, but true)
2-it's Springtime
3-dark chocolate bunnies, and jellybeans
4-no commercial pressure to buy presents
5-family comes together
and lastly but most important,
The Great Love our Lord Saviour Jesus Christ has for us that he died upon a cross so that we may live with Him.
-kanga
3.06.2008
blog beating and prayer update
My blog is taking a beating during Lent! I am limiting my screen time and, well, this blog is the sorry recipient of severe neglect! Oh well!
One massively uplifting update: My brother E has full custody of his daughter! Woohoo! It is only a temporary order (he is going through a divorce), but this is such good news for his little A. Her mom is still being extremely hurtful to her (at least only emotional with the custody arrangement), but at least there is some buffer. Hopefully this little soul will be able to heal. I will update the prayer requests too.
Maybe soon, I will update on all that is happening here too!
kanga
One massively uplifting update: My brother E has full custody of his daughter! Woohoo! It is only a temporary order (he is going through a divorce), but this is such good news for his little A. Her mom is still being extremely hurtful to her (at least only emotional with the custody arrangement), but at least there is some buffer. Hopefully this little soul will be able to heal. I will update the prayer requests too.
Maybe soon, I will update on all that is happening here too!
kanga
2.16.2008
prayer requests
I just added a place for prayer requests. Please let me know if you have a need, and I will include it so that others can pray for you.
-kanga
-kanga
2.14.2008
6 months to live
What would you do if you had only 6 months to live?
Don't ask me why, but I've been thinking about this lately.
For me, the first thing I would do is cut back...on everything...of course the extras, but even important, good things stand in the way of the most important.
Secondly, I'd spend more time with my family. Not sure how to spend more time, as I am with my crew 24-7....but maybe I mean spending time AND being present to them more often. I would love them more and better. I can't control C. Robin's work, but I could hope he'd be home more often too. Then I could love him more and better too!
Third, though I know my olders would remember me and would remember how profoundly I love them, I would need to find a way to translate my love to Roo. I would want him to know that I love him beyond imagination. I love them all wildly, without reason.
And fourth, I would try to finish my scrapbooks. To which Pooh said, "you better start scrapbooking again then!"
And I guess I should, if it ranks on a 6 month to-do list!
-kanga
Don't ask me why, but I've been thinking about this lately.
For me, the first thing I would do is cut back...on everything...of course the extras, but even important, good things stand in the way of the most important.
Secondly, I'd spend more time with my family. Not sure how to spend more time, as I am with my crew 24-7....but maybe I mean spending time AND being present to them more often. I would love them more and better. I can't control C. Robin's work, but I could hope he'd be home more often too. Then I could love him more and better too!
Third, though I know my olders would remember me and would remember how profoundly I love them, I would need to find a way to translate my love to Roo. I would want him to know that I love him beyond imagination. I love them all wildly, without reason.
And fourth, I would try to finish my scrapbooks. To which Pooh said, "you better start scrapbooking again then!"
And I guess I should, if it ranks on a 6 month to-do list!
-kanga
A Knight's Birthday
Roo turned 5. He loves knights and the whole medieval time, so we tailored a party for his brithday. Saturday was perfect, in the 70's, weather. We decided on 'quests' for them to earn their knighthood!
First, the kids made shields. We made 'knightly' names for them like 'Sir Seth the Sixth' (this one was my favorite! ) or 'Sir Frank the Fearless' etc. and they decorated the shields.
I then put the lone maiden in our party in the soccer net, which was made into a castle (thank you Pooh and Piglet for finding tall, perfect boxes for castle posts) In theory, they would free the maiden after getting by the dragon (this time, C. Robin) the older kids did so, but the younger ones kept going after poor dragon. He later said it was like being swarmed by ants...only they ha
d swords! 
My sis then read a book to the troops, which settled them a bit...or me =) Thanks A-L!
First, the kids made shields. We made 'knightly' names for them like 'Sir Seth the Sixth' (this one was my favorite! ) or 'Sir Frank the Fearless' etc. and they decorated the shields. Then, we went upstairs which was filled with balloons. 288 of 'em....soar cheeks and a dizzy head...but well worth it! I don't know how I thought that the kids would be able to ignore all the balloons and listen to intructions for their next quest. Duh! They went nuts for a while, and then they needed to try to get across the perilous balloon infested ground, dodging the balloons being lobbed at them from their fellow knights. If they made it outside and touched the dragon, they earned a tunic.
Then we went outside for them to shoot an arrow at the dragon (pinata). If they hit the dragon, they earned a sword. Again, I don't know how I thought that they would ignore the great outdoors to do the quest! 
Anyway, enough hit the target to get the swords.
Anyway, enough hit the target to get the swords.I then put the lone maiden in our party in the soccer net, which was made into a castle (thank you Pooh and Piglet for finding tall, perfect boxes for castle posts) In theory, they would free the maiden after getting by the dragon (this time, C. Robin) the older kids did so, but the younger ones kept going after poor dragon. He later said it was like being swarmed by ants...only they ha
d swords! I knighted them (I dub you "Sir Xavier o' Lake" ) The kids solemnly kneeled down for the ceremony. And then they killed the Dragon (pinata) and got booty (chocolate coins).
At some point, they were thirsty so we went in for cake.
We sang, Roo blew out the candles, and the kids ate the castle cake.
My sis then read a book to the troops, which settled them a bit...or me =) Thanks A-L!Whew!
It feels like it went that fast too! I think the kids enjoyed themselves; I know Roo did. He's been reminiscing ever since.
I figured out that the part I like best of parties is the preparing. I like remembering too,... oh and I loved watching the kids delight in the moment.
-kanga
2.09.2008
State Homeschool BB Championship
This is an email that I sent out to my local hs groups. I have no energy to go more in depth, but here is the update.
The State Basketball Championship was held in Dallas from January 31-February 3. Our own Royals feilded 3 teams to participate.The teams positioned themselves well for the NationalHomeschool Basketball Tournament in Oklahoma City in March.
Boys Varsity placed 5th out of 19 teams, coming in 1st in the Silver Bracket. The boys had a good showing in their first ever State Championship, winning 5 out of 6 games. They had a disappointing 1point loss in their first game that prevented them from competing inthe Gold bracket.
Girls Varisty placed 4th in State. This was also their first try atState. They had two early wins, and two hardfought losses. They lost to the eventual Champions, FEAST of San Antonio, by 2 points.
JV girls showed themselves to be competitive with the best in Statewith a strong 3rd place.
For more information on the State Tournament:
http://www.hsaa.org/THSSBC%20Brackets.htm
For more information about the Royals:http://royalsathletics.org/
The State Basketball Championship was held in Dallas from January 31-February 3. Our own Royals feilded 3 teams to participate.The teams positioned themselves well for the NationalHomeschool Basketball Tournament in Oklahoma City in March.
Boys Varsity placed 5th out of 19 teams, coming in 1st in the Silver Bracket. The boys had a good showing in their first ever State Championship, winning 5 out of 6 games. They had a disappointing 1point loss in their first game that prevented them from competing inthe Gold bracket.
Girls Varisty placed 4th in State. This was also their first try atState. They had two early wins, and two hardfought losses. They lost to the eventual Champions, FEAST of San Antonio, by 2 points.
JV girls showed themselves to be competitive with the best in Statewith a strong 3rd place.
For more information on the State Tournament:
http://www.hsaa.org/THSSBC%20Brackets.htm
For more information about the Royals:http://royalsathletics.org/
2.07.2008
one yes
Yesterday morning as I sat down with my piping hot cup of tea, settling in for my morning reading, I heard pitter patter upstairs. I love that little time in the morning to myself, so I really didn't want it to be true.
"Roo?"
" Morning, mommy. Will you come play with me?"
Did I mention that I love that little time in the morning? to the point of selfishness most times. "Yes," I replied despite myself.
We didn't do anything important. He dressed in his bear costume and he wanted me to be a wild cat. We played for a short time before I needed to make breakfast and start the day, but what a major difference for Roo. I do beleive he felt love and appreciated all the day through. He was fun, considerate, thoughtful. And he was so easy to redirect...even just a quick look or smile by me could get him on the right track.
Just one little yes. Who gets your yes today?
kanga
"Roo?"
" Morning, mommy. Will you come play with me?"
Did I mention that I love that little time in the morning? to the point of selfishness most times. "Yes," I replied despite myself.
We didn't do anything important. He dressed in his bear costume and he wanted me to be a wild cat. We played for a short time before I needed to make breakfast and start the day, but what a major difference for Roo. I do beleive he felt love and appreciated all the day through. He was fun, considerate, thoughtful. And he was so easy to redirect...even just a quick look or smile by me could get him on the right track.
Just one little yes. Who gets your yes today?
kanga
2.06.2008
Ash Wednesday
In the spirit of being simple, no long blog today. I did want to share a wonderful blog though, http://thesefortydays.blogspot.com/ It should help the lenten journey!
kanga
kanga
2.05.2008
Super Bowl trumps Jane Austen
I don't know why, but the guys in our house thought that this football game was more important that the latest PBS movie about Jane Austen...!
We watched out taped episode of Jane Austen Regrets yesterday. I imagine that this portrayal of Jane is close to real life. It isn't as glamorous, or have the intense experiences, but her life is much more intriguing to me than her stories. There is pain and pleasure, joy and sorrow, waves of plain days and interesting ones too throughout her life. Her relationships formed and developed her as a person and this, in turn formed and developed her writing subject too.
Jane is winsome, yet deeply yearning. She is like all of us, I suppose.
We watched out taped episode of Jane Austen Regrets yesterday. I imagine that this portrayal of Jane is close to real life. It isn't as glamorous, or have the intense experiences, but her life is much more intriguing to me than her stories. There is pain and pleasure, joy and sorrow, waves of plain days and interesting ones too throughout her life. Her relationships formed and developed her as a person and this, in turn formed and developed her writing subject too.
Jane is winsome, yet deeply yearning. She is like all of us, I suppose.
2.03.2008
Vice and Virtue
, which is NOT a long-lost Jane Austen novel!
In the spirit of cleansing, the theme for our family this Lent is cleaning out the vice and practicing the opposing virtue. (and the CCC says that every vice is in opposition to virtue...many quotes and ideas below directly from the CCC) However, it's not that simple. There are 4 capital virtues and 3 theological virtues. They don't correlate very easily, so I tried a different angle. "The gifts of the Holy Spirit complete and perfect the virtues" and there are 7 gifts, but these also don't correlate perfectly. And, "the fruits of the Holy Spirit are perfections that the HS forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory." But there are 12 and these really don't match the vices in harmony either.*sigh* I ask myself, "why didn't we just go with giving up TV?"*deep breath*
I think we've got it though!
The Plan:
Each week we will focus on turning away from a vice and practicing a virtue. (even if "techinically" it is not categorized "virtue) When one of us practices a good or resists a bad then we place a rose petal on our Crown of Thorns. Yes, we have a very sharp crown (C. Robin cut himself 3 times with it today!) No, not real rose petals. We'll cut some out of construction paper. The more rose petals, the softer we make the Crown for Jesus.
This week: practice fortitude, root out sloth.
Week 2: practice justice and kindness, root out envy
Week 3: practice temperance, root out gluttony (this is not limited to food, but taking more than we need in anything)
Week 4: practice generosity, root out avarice (greed)
Week 5: practice purity and self-control, root out lust
Week 6: practice prudence and patience, root out wrath
Week 7: practice humility, root out pride (we thought this would be the best week to unite ourselves to Christ's amazing humility when God-who-became-man-for-our-sake humbled himself to the point of death, death on a cross.....this should make any minor humiliations I have to suffer seem miniscule in comparison!)
I will also be letting go of sweets......oh no! (this is the little something I love so much!) I need to limit of a couple of distractions, one of which is my email and computer time. Other people in my house have to limit time with their electronic of choice. Please pray for us!
Are you doing anything special?
Let me know, I can pray for you too! (this isn't easy!)
kanga
In the spirit of cleansing, the theme for our family this Lent is cleaning out the vice and practicing the opposing virtue. (and the CCC says that every vice is in opposition to virtue...many quotes and ideas below directly from the CCC) However, it's not that simple. There are 4 capital virtues and 3 theological virtues. They don't correlate very easily, so I tried a different angle. "The gifts of the Holy Spirit complete and perfect the virtues" and there are 7 gifts, but these also don't correlate perfectly. And, "the fruits of the Holy Spirit are perfections that the HS forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory." But there are 12 and these really don't match the vices in harmony either.*sigh* I ask myself, "why didn't we just go with giving up TV?"*deep breath*
I think we've got it though!
The Plan:
Each week we will focus on turning away from a vice and practicing a virtue. (even if "techinically" it is not categorized "virtue) When one of us practices a good or resists a bad then we place a rose petal on our Crown of Thorns. Yes, we have a very sharp crown (C. Robin cut himself 3 times with it today!) No, not real rose petals. We'll cut some out of construction paper. The more rose petals, the softer we make the Crown for Jesus.
This week: practice fortitude, root out sloth.
Week 2: practice justice and kindness, root out envy
Week 3: practice temperance, root out gluttony (this is not limited to food, but taking more than we need in anything)
Week 4: practice generosity, root out avarice (greed)
Week 5: practice purity and self-control, root out lust
Week 6: practice prudence and patience, root out wrath
Week 7: practice humility, root out pride (we thought this would be the best week to unite ourselves to Christ's amazing humility when God-who-became-man-for-our-sake humbled himself to the point of death, death on a cross.....this should make any minor humiliations I have to suffer seem miniscule in comparison!)
I will also be letting go of sweets......oh no! (this is the little something I love so much!) I need to limit of a couple of distractions, one of which is my email and computer time. Other people in my house have to limit time with their electronic of choice. Please pray for us!
Are you doing anything special?
Let me know, I can pray for you too! (this isn't easy!)
kanga
1.30.2008
Looking forward to Lent
I might be crazy, but I truly look forward to Lent. It is a time to deny our own selfishness and unite ourselves to Christ, expecially his time in the desert before Palm Sunday when he triumphantly enters Jeruselem. When we start the discussions about Lent, the kids usually ask, "what are we giving up this year?" And of course we are going to give up something (help me, I really like this something!) But I want to approach this more comprehensively, as an emptying of self , as a curbing selfish desires, and as a humble servant. Since Lent starts so early this year (next week!) , I want to be thinking about the following this weekend. I read this and think it a great bit to ponder:
"Clean Monday”, the first full day of the Great Fast, is traditionally a day when people prepare to go to Confession in order to cleanse the body, soul and spirit of sin. In many places and cultures, it is the custom during the First Week of Lent to clean the house, to rid our dwellings of possessions that clutter our lives, and to find things to share with the poor. The month of February gets its name from the Latin word “februum,” which means to make clean! The “theme” of Clean Monday is found in the Prophecy of Isaiah, which is read on that day during Sixth Hour: "Wash yourselves and you shall be clean; put away from my eyes the wicked ways of your souls; cease to do evil; learn to do good. Seek justice, correct oppression, care for the fatherless, and plead for the widow. Come then, and let us reason together, says the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white as snow; and though they be red like crimson, I will make them white as wool" (1.16-18).
We are off to Dallas for the State BB Tournament, and one of the great things about travelling in a car is that there is plenty of time to talk! Hopefully we will have much of our Lent figured out by thetim e we get back home.
kanga
"Clean Monday”, the first full day of the Great Fast, is traditionally a day when people prepare to go to Confession in order to cleanse the body, soul and spirit of sin. In many places and cultures, it is the custom during the First Week of Lent to clean the house, to rid our dwellings of possessions that clutter our lives, and to find things to share with the poor. The month of February gets its name from the Latin word “februum,” which means to make clean! The “theme” of Clean Monday is found in the Prophecy of Isaiah, which is read on that day during Sixth Hour: "Wash yourselves and you shall be clean; put away from my eyes the wicked ways of your souls; cease to do evil; learn to do good. Seek justice, correct oppression, care for the fatherless, and plead for the widow. Come then, and let us reason together, says the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white as snow; and though they be red like crimson, I will make them white as wool" (1.16-18).
We are off to Dallas for the State BB Tournament, and one of the great things about travelling in a car is that there is plenty of time to talk! Hopefully we will have much of our Lent figured out by thetim e we get back home.
kanga
1.28.2008
Mansfield Park
I guess it all comes from trying to condense a huge book into 1 1/2 hours. Though I liked the movie, I was dissatisfied as I watched. The development of these deep and complex relationships was so quick and surface level. Unless you've already read the book, it was too shallow and leaves too much unsaid. If you've read the book, then I guess it's a good reminder of the different scenes and characters...and a reminder of what the story really is. But if you did read the book, did Fanny really look like that? Did you think the realtionships were sufficiently explored? (I know that it can only be done in a representative way in film, but still! ) To be fair, all Jane Austen works have redeeming characters, and I especially liked Edmund.
So, this wasn't my favorite Jane Austen book-to-film. I am still dreaming of Catherine! I want to live that life...not the aristocratic one...the one of her childhood. A simple life in the country with tons of kids, laughing and running free in the outdoors, surrounded by family and good friends, and able to walk everywhere in town! Does it exist now? Oh, and the gorgeous dresses, but for sure that doesn't exist!
Can't wait until the next Masterpiece Theatre!
So, this wasn't my favorite Jane Austen book-to-film. I am still dreaming of Catherine! I want to live that life...not the aristocratic one...the one of her childhood. A simple life in the country with tons of kids, laughing and running free in the outdoors, surrounded by family and good friends, and able to walk everywhere in town! Does it exist now? Oh, and the gorgeous dresses, but for sure that doesn't exist!
Can't wait until the next Masterpiece Theatre!
1.26.2008
flu
Something might be wrong with me, but when my kids are sick I love them a little bit more.
So, Tigger was the first one to get it. He didn't really let us know that he was sick, but after practice and a game (16 points, no less) he was wiped out. Then he let on that he isn't feeling well (fever, bones ache, tired, etc). Pooh was just bedridden and HOT! Roo woke up early yesterday with what I originally thought was a bit of a temperature...'til I took it...103! Yikes. We went to the Dr. (thanks to my sis A-L who was wise and emphatic that I take the kids in)
'Twas almost impossible to get an appointment. Roo got in first and a positive flu diagnosis was made. Tigger's doc was double-booked all day, so was every other doc in the office. The nurse found one in another office (last double booking in Austin, I think!?) These 3 are now on Tamiflu, which should help shorten the sickness and reduce the symptoms. Piglet has, what I think is, a general cold.
Ah, but the part about loving them just a bit more. They are quiet (rare in the hundred acre wood!), thoughtful (when not asleep =)), snuggly (well, maybe not Tigger), and warm. Maybe I am understating the warm part, and maybe it wouldn't be so nice in the summer....but I haven't been cold in days! But seriously, I do love my lil sickies. They aren't complainers and how many more chances do I have to mother them? I don't know, so I'm making the most of it!
kanga
So, Tigger was the first one to get it. He didn't really let us know that he was sick, but after practice and a game (16 points, no less) he was wiped out. Then he let on that he isn't feeling well (fever, bones ache, tired, etc). Pooh was just bedridden and HOT! Roo woke up early yesterday with what I originally thought was a bit of a temperature...'til I took it...103! Yikes. We went to the Dr. (thanks to my sis A-L who was wise and emphatic that I take the kids in)
'Twas almost impossible to get an appointment. Roo got in first and a positive flu diagnosis was made. Tigger's doc was double-booked all day, so was every other doc in the office. The nurse found one in another office (last double booking in Austin, I think!?) These 3 are now on Tamiflu, which should help shorten the sickness and reduce the symptoms. Piglet has, what I think is, a general cold.
Ah, but the part about loving them just a bit more. They are quiet (rare in the hundred acre wood!), thoughtful (when not asleep =)), snuggly (well, maybe not Tigger), and warm. Maybe I am understating the warm part, and maybe it wouldn't be so nice in the summer....but I haven't been cold in days! But seriously, I do love my lil sickies. They aren't complainers and how many more chances do I have to mother them? I don't know, so I'm making the most of it!
kanga
1.25.2008
Basketball, January18 -19
The Varsity Girls defeated HCYA-Blue of Houston 47-26 to win their second straight Victoria Homeschool Invitational Tournament.
[SATCH] (Conroe) 60-32 Royals win!
Cobra Athletics (Victoria) 74-25 Royals win!
[HCYA] (Houston) 47-26 Royals win Tournament!
Pooh #3 is starting point guard and Piglet #10 is awesome sub-extrodinaire! Piglet's best game of the tournament was against Victoria, when she scored 7 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 rebound. Not bad for a 13 year old playing High Schoolers! Pooh had a great tournament also, even if most of what she doesn't show up in the "stats". Last year was a fun stats year for her, but this year she helps them win, helps the younger players grow, and bonds the team. She is team glue, and the games were all pretty even. This tournament, she averaged about 8 points, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3+ rebounds, and add a couple of blocks. I think she is really relishing her last year of High School Basketball with another 1st place in a Tourney.
The Royals varsity boys claim third place of the Victoria Homeschool Invitational by defeating CHSA 63-60.
Cobra Athletics (Victoria) 86-22 Royals win!
[HCYA] (Houston) 42-45 Tough loss.
[CHSA] (Houston) 63-60 Royals win!
Not too shabby without their head coach. And these teams that they are playing are legit, like the Houston teams normally plays 5A public schools and play them competitively. Tigger is starting point guard for the boys team. He really helped them win the 3rd place with 23 points (12 if 16 from the free throw line, 80% from the field),3 assists, 4 steals, and 6 rebounds. Yes, it's true...he wanted a win, especially after the stinging 2nd game loss. The above picture is Tigger in dribble mode. He was taking a lot of abuse from the other team. Oh well, years of soccer taught him to love contact (ahem, fouls, that is =)).
In addition, the boys claimed the tournament's coveted Christian Character Award for the first time.
This is the worst of the pictures but the guy driving the lane for a runner is Tigger. And it worked! Many points off that manuver.
Check out the website http://royalsathletics.org/ Pooh is the #3 on the top of the home page =)
[SATCH] (Conroe) 60-32 Royals win!
Cobra Athletics (Victoria) 74-25 Royals win!
[HCYA] (Houston) 47-26 Royals win Tournament!
Pooh #3 is starting point guard and Piglet #10 is awesome sub-extrodinaire! Piglet's best game of the tournament was against Victoria, when she scored 7 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 rebound. Not bad for a 13 year old playing High Schoolers! Pooh had a great tournament also, even if most of what she doesn't show up in the "stats". Last year was a fun stats year for her, but this year she helps them win, helps the younger players grow, and bonds the team. She is team glue, and the games were all pretty even. This tournament, she averaged about 8 points, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3+ rebounds, and add a couple of blocks. I think she is really relishing her last year of High School Basketball with another 1st place in a Tourney.
The Royals varsity boys claim third place of the Victoria Homeschool Invitational by defeating CHSA 63-60.
Cobra Athletics (Victoria) 86-22 Royals win!
[HCYA] (Houston) 42-45 Tough loss.
[CHSA] (Houston) 63-60 Royals win!
Not too shabby without their head coach. And these teams that they are playing are legit, like the Houston teams normally plays 5A public schools and play them competitively. Tigger is starting point guard for the boys team. He really helped them win the 3rd place with 23 points (12 if 16 from the free throw line, 80% from the field),3 assists, 4 steals, and 6 rebounds. Yes, it's true...he wanted a win, especially after the stinging 2nd game loss. The above picture is Tigger in dribble mode. He was taking a lot of abuse from the other team. Oh well, years of soccer taught him to love contact (ahem, fouls, that is =)).
In addition, the boys claimed the tournament's coveted Christian Character Award for the first time.
This is the worst of the pictures but the guy driving the lane for a runner is Tigger. And it worked! Many points off that manuver.Check out the website http://royalsathletics.org/ Pooh is the #3 on the top of the home page =)
1.21.2008
Northhanger Abbey
We had our Sunday night at the Masterpiece Theater..at home of course! Northhanger Abbey was very well done. Though the book can be confusing, the movie was not. The story is interwoven with Catherine's many imaginations, encouraged by her novel reading so many of these imaginations are wild. The movie made this flow seamlessly.
Catherine is probably my favorite Jane Austen character. She is young, inexperienced, naive in many ways. As she begins to leave her childhood, the story begins. I want to jump in and guide her. The world is a hard place! Sometimes people will take advantage of you! Ack! Don't do that! Or, yes trust this person! But she manages herself fine (don't want to ruin the story for you!) , even if she must painfully evaluate herself. She even matures and moves beyond her childish ways.
And...aaahhh...a happy ending!
Catherine is probably my favorite Jane Austen character. She is young, inexperienced, naive in many ways. As she begins to leave her childhood, the story begins. I want to jump in and guide her. The world is a hard place! Sometimes people will take advantage of you! Ack! Don't do that! Or, yes trust this person! But she manages herself fine (don't want to ruin the story for you!) , even if she must painfully evaluate herself. She even matures and moves beyond her childish ways.
And...aaahhh...a happy ending!
1.18.2008
where's the date?
Does anyone know where the date on my blog has gone? It used to be above the title, but disappeared. I changed some settings so it shows on the bottom, but I'd still it rather be at the top. Let me know if you have any pointers?
1.16.2008
lost luggage
As if 12 hours in airports or airplanes wasn't enough, American Airlines also lost a suitcase. It contained all of my, C. Robin's, and Roo's clothes for the week and a half that we were to be in Utah for Christmas. I was in a state of denial, continually thinking that they would find it and soon we would have our things.
C. Robin finally convinced me to go shopping, at least to have more than one outfit. We bought bare minimum (2 outfits for 10 days...thankfully we were at mom's so we could do wash!) I was sad, especially when I realized that there were certain things that are irreplacable... a wool sweater C. Robin gave me when we were dating, Roo's advent calendar, a Royal's T-shirt last year's version, etc....sigh... I consoled myself that all these material things pass away and I shouldn't be attached. I did cry, though, when I realized that the stockings that I cross-stitched for each member of the family was in the bag. Luckily I was mistaken! but what a fright.
We are home and I am satisfied that the airline will never find the luggage. I must go shopping to replace some things that I need. 'Tis been almost a month. Did I mention I'm not a big shopper? But Roo does need more than shorts and sport pants.
And then ****riiing, riiing*****We get a phone call, and unbelievably they have found our bag!
Apparently it had a piece of tape on the back that had C. Robin's first name...only...on it, and the employee remembered that someone with this first name had lost a bag.
Can you believe it? They found it!!!! Woo hooooooo!
-kanga
C. Robin finally convinced me to go shopping, at least to have more than one outfit. We bought bare minimum (2 outfits for 10 days...thankfully we were at mom's so we could do wash!) I was sad, especially when I realized that there were certain things that are irreplacable... a wool sweater C. Robin gave me when we were dating, Roo's advent calendar, a Royal's T-shirt last year's version, etc....sigh... I consoled myself that all these material things pass away and I shouldn't be attached. I did cry, though, when I realized that the stockings that I cross-stitched for each member of the family was in the bag. Luckily I was mistaken! but what a fright.
We are home and I am satisfied that the airline will never find the luggage. I must go shopping to replace some things that I need. 'Tis been almost a month. Did I mention I'm not a big shopper? But Roo does need more than shorts and sport pants.
And then ****riiing, riiing*****We get a phone call, and unbelievably they have found our bag!
Apparently it had a piece of tape on the back that had C. Robin's first name...only...on it, and the employee remembered that someone with this first name had lost a bag.
Can you believe it? They found it!!!! Woo hooooooo!
-kanga
1.14.2008
novena for life
Novena of Reparation for Roe vs. Wade, January 14-22 (from www.preistsforlife.com)
The Catholic bishops of the United States have designated January 22 as a special day of prayer and penance in reparation for the massive killing that has resulted from the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision (handed down January 22, 1973) which permitted abortion throughout pregnancy. Therefore, we at Priests for Life, invite you to prepare spiritually for that day by joining a Novena that starts on Monday, January 14 and concludes on the 22nd. We invite you to say the prayer below each of those days.
Prayer of Reparation
God and Father of Life, You have created every human person,
And have opened the way for each to have eternal life. We live in the shadow of death.Tens of millions of your children have been killed Thanks to the Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion. Father, have mercy on us.Heal our land And accept our offering of prayer and penance. In your love for us, Turn back the scourge of abortion. May each of us exult in hearts full of hope And hands full of mercy And work together to build a culture of life.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen
The Catholic bishops of the United States have designated January 22 as a special day of prayer and penance in reparation for the massive killing that has resulted from the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision (handed down January 22, 1973) which permitted abortion throughout pregnancy. Therefore, we at Priests for Life, invite you to prepare spiritually for that day by joining a Novena that starts on Monday, January 14 and concludes on the 22nd. We invite you to say the prayer below each of those days.
Prayer of Reparation
God and Father of Life, You have created every human person,
And have opened the way for each to have eternal life. We live in the shadow of death.Tens of millions of your children have been killed Thanks to the Roe vs. Wade decision legalizing abortion. Father, have mercy on us.Heal our land And accept our offering of prayer and penance. In your love for us, Turn back the scourge of abortion. May each of us exult in hearts full of hope And hands full of mercy And work together to build a culture of life.
We pray through Christ our Lord. Amen
1.13.2008
pooh's birthday
18 years ago, today, at 3 in the morning, a beautiful baby girl was born.
She changed my life. She expanded my heart. She made me understand what it is to give of yourself until it hurts....and still love. Love until my heart wants to burst.
We didn't understand what having a baby would do to our lives, our marriage, our souls. We just knew that we loved each other and wanted to expand that love. And, boy! does a child do that!
Some memories......
newborn: she was skinny, red, and dark haired. she came 5 weeks early.
toddler: she pudged up, and had curly blond locks.
preschooler: she had a interminable smile, very happy!
ballerina:she wore a pink leotard and had loooong legs.
first ski trip: she fell and I made her ski the whole way down (20 min !) when I checked her at the bottom, her goggles were busted and so was her cheek....but she got down.
recent ski trip: she can ski.....fast and fun....any run!
homeschooling: nature walks, reading aloud, history on the trampoline, a feild trip to Germany :-), watching her learn and grow in maturity, having talks anytime.
big sis: 'it was the best of time, it was the worst of time' just kidding! Pooh is a good first child who loves to help her younger sibs....usually appreciated.
teenage: so glad to have skipped the daughter/mother divide that often happens when girls are teenagers. To watch her mature into the young lady that she is now, and to have this open loving relationship is a blessing beyond words.
This post will have to be edited and embellished later. I am boohoo-ing so hard that the tears are interfering with my eyesight and the headache with my thinking.
She is too complex to express.
I love you, Pooh!
your mommy forever,
kanga
She changed my life. She expanded my heart. She made me understand what it is to give of yourself until it hurts....and still love. Love until my heart wants to burst.
We didn't understand what having a baby would do to our lives, our marriage, our souls. We just knew that we loved each other and wanted to expand that love. And, boy! does a child do that!
Some memories......
newborn: she was skinny, red, and dark haired. she came 5 weeks early.
toddler: she pudged up, and had curly blond locks.
preschooler: she had a interminable smile, very happy!
ballerina:she wore a pink leotard and had loooong legs.
first ski trip: she fell and I made her ski the whole way down (20 min !) when I checked her at the bottom, her goggles were busted and so was her cheek....but she got down.
recent ski trip: she can ski.....fast and fun....any run!
homeschooling: nature walks, reading aloud, history on the trampoline, a feild trip to Germany :-), watching her learn and grow in maturity, having talks anytime.
big sis: 'it was the best of time, it was the worst of time' just kidding! Pooh is a good first child who loves to help her younger sibs....usually appreciated.
teenage: so glad to have skipped the daughter/mother divide that often happens when girls are teenagers. To watch her mature into the young lady that she is now, and to have this open loving relationship is a blessing beyond words.
This post will have to be edited and embellished later. I am boohoo-ing so hard that the tears are interfering with my eyesight and the headache with my thinking.
She is too complex to express.
I love you, Pooh!
your mommy forever,
kanga
1.11.2008
travelling-jones
Tigger has spent the better part of this week researching the best way to travel to Utah. He, and the other roos, are very taken by the idea of visiting the grandparents again. The G-parents are NOT discouraging this AT ALL. In fact, they are explaining all the fun things that can be done in Utah in the summer. Sigh. I want to go too, but have I told you how much I hate being in the car.
C. Robin thinks it's pretty cool to have modern kids, teenagers even...gasp, that want to go visit family.
Me too!
-kanga
C. Robin thinks it's pretty cool to have modern kids, teenagers even...gasp, that want to go visit family.
Me too!
-kanga
1.09.2008
what's in your ear?
Wanting to check out what the wind has done to our backyard and get my youngest out for some sunshine, Roo and I went on the trampoline this afternoon. He made up several different games: 'shock' because of the static electricity...ouch!, 'running contest' was one of us running about the edge and the other rolling to touch/ tag the other, and then his favorite, the 'why' game in which he asks an inordinate number of questions that have an equal chance of his already knowing the answer but all start with the word "why".
In an effort to dodge the 'why' game, I peered into his left ear and gasped. "oh my, you have a monkey in your ear" This elicited squeals of delight from little Roo. We decided that the remedy must be jumping together 27 times. 1,2,3,4.......26,27. Roo then wanted to know, "What's in my other ear?" Which there was a Banana Boat, and we had to jump 32 times to get that one out.
Then he was onto my ears. You can't believe there was an elephant (61 times), and elephant boats (21 jumps), and even a whole elephant family (100 jumps, which to Roo must've seemed like 1 million!).
The wonderful thing about an almost 5 year old is that he can do the same thing and continue to be amused...ad infinitum! The sad thing about moms is that they have to make dinner.....but at least we had some fun in the sun.
Roo thinks we need to go out tomorrow again because he thinks there is lots more in his ears!
-kanga
In an effort to dodge the 'why' game, I peered into his left ear and gasped. "oh my, you have a monkey in your ear" This elicited squeals of delight from little Roo. We decided that the remedy must be jumping together 27 times. 1,2,3,4.......26,27. Roo then wanted to know, "What's in my other ear?" Which there was a Banana Boat, and we had to jump 32 times to get that one out.
Then he was onto my ears. You can't believe there was an elephant (61 times), and elephant boats (21 jumps), and even a whole elephant family (100 jumps, which to Roo must've seemed like 1 million!).
The wonderful thing about an almost 5 year old is that he can do the same thing and continue to be amused...ad infinitum! The sad thing about moms is that they have to make dinner.....but at least we had some fun in the sun.
Roo thinks we need to go out tomorrow again because he thinks there is lots more in his ears!
-kanga
1.08.2008
Masterpeice Theater 2008
Thanks to Kanga's friend, Cynthia, we have plenty of Jane Austen! She sent the PBS schedule for Masterpeice Theatre. Thank You!!
For your benefit too:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/austen/index.html
I originally posted the whole schedule here, but changed my mind. You definitely should explore the pbs site. There are some terrific resources there. I am so excited! I think we have our literature course for the Spring...and I spent no $$. The information at pbs is a treasure, especially for us Jane Austen-ophiles.
I can't wait to get started!
-kanga
For your benefit too:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/austen/index.html
I originally posted the whole schedule here, but changed my mind. You definitely should explore the pbs site. There are some terrific resources there. I am so excited! I think we have our literature course for the Spring...and I spent no $$. The information at pbs is a treasure, especially for us Jane Austen-ophiles.
I can't wait to get started!
-kanga
1.05.2008
saturday in the 70's
It's true. Today was in the 70's here. After being in Utah where it was snowing almost each day and in the teens temperature-wise, it feels downright balmy!
We had an out door BB game: C. Robin and I vs. Tigger and Piglet. It was so fun, even if they pulled out the win. OK, they didn't exactly 'pull it out' ( they were never in danger!), but age and effort (parents) couldn't trump athletic ability and skill. Still too fun, and Roo was happy 'cause his cousins, J and A, came also.
I was happy 'cause I got to see my lil cutie neice, Love, (she is so delicate and perfect, but she burps like the best :-) ) 
We had an out door BB game: C. Robin and I vs. Tigger and Piglet. It was so fun, even if they pulled out the win. OK, they didn't exactly 'pull it out' ( they were never in danger!), but age and effort (parents) couldn't trump athletic ability and skill. Still too fun, and Roo was happy 'cause his cousins, J and A, came also.
I was happy 'cause I got to see my lil cutie neice, Love, (she is so delicate and perfect, but she burps like the best :-) ) In the afternoon, we cleaned and washed all the cars. And now we are tired, so eating pizza and watching BB on TV.
I love Saturdays with my family!
-kanga
I love Saturdays with my family!
-kanga
1.04.2008
Maria Goretti, movie
Yes, it's true. What are we doing with are free time this week: being lazy, enjoying each other, and watching another movies.
Maria Goretti was given to Piglet for Christmas. I had been warned that there are a couple of frightening scenes for young'uns....and it's true. We just shooed Roo out a couple of times. Even though this brought about inevitable questions, I can predigest the information and he doesn't have to observe. That being said, I think that even those scenes were tastely depicted, though ugly enough, even I being 'most squeamish' could watch.
From the description "This film tells the inspiring and tragic story of the beloved saint of modern youth who died defending her purity at the hands of a knife-weilding attacker."
There is way more to the story. Maria is inspiring: cheerful, hopeful, faithful.....and forgiving. I love the parallel between malaria and hatred, with hatred being worse as Maria's father teaches her. And, she learns well because before she dies while in immense pain from her wounds she forgives her attacker and hopes that he is with her in heaven.
Oh, to have such pure and noble intentions! Maria Goretti, pray for us!
-kanga
Maria Goretti was given to Piglet for Christmas. I had been warned that there are a couple of frightening scenes for young'uns....and it's true. We just shooed Roo out a couple of times. Even though this brought about inevitable questions, I can predigest the information and he doesn't have to observe. That being said, I think that even those scenes were tastely depicted, though ugly enough, even I being 'most squeamish' could watch.
From the description "This film tells the inspiring and tragic story of the beloved saint of modern youth who died defending her purity at the hands of a knife-weilding attacker."
There is way more to the story. Maria is inspiring: cheerful, hopeful, faithful.....and forgiving. I love the parallel between malaria and hatred, with hatred being worse as Maria's father teaches her. And, she learns well because before she dies while in immense pain from her wounds she forgives her attacker and hopes that he is with her in heaven.
Oh, to have such pure and noble intentions! Maria Goretti, pray for us!
-kanga
Elizabeth Ann Seton
Today is the Memorial of Elizabeth Ann Seton.
"Elizabeth Ann Seton is a saint. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is an American. All of us say this with special joy, and with the intention of honoring the land and the nation from which she sprang forth as the first flower in the calendar of the saints. Elizabeth Ann Seton was wholly American! Rejoice for your glorious daughter. Be proud of her. And know how to preserve her fruitful heritage."
~ Pope Paul VI
Nearly 200 years ago, Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton founded the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph's, the first new community for religious women to be established in the United States. She also began Saint Joseph's Academy and Free School, the first free Catholic School for girls staffed by Sisters in the United States. Her enduring legacy now includes six religious communities with more than 5,000 members, hundreds of schools, social service centers, and hospitals throughout America and around the world. Her works led to her Canonization on Sunday, September 14, 1975, in Saint Peter's Square, by Pope Paul VI. The first citizen born in the United States to be Canonized, her remains are entombed here in the Basilica that bears her name.
The remarkable life of Elizabeth Ann Seton spans the full spectrum of human experience. She was a New York socialite, a devoted wife, a dedicated volunteer in charitable organizations, the mother of five children, a convert to Roman Catholicism, an educator, social minister, and catechist, and a spiritual leader and formator — a tireless servant of God.
from http://www.setonshrine.org/bio/bio.htm if you want to read more about her.
enjoy! -kanga
"Elizabeth Ann Seton is a saint. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is an American. All of us say this with special joy, and with the intention of honoring the land and the nation from which she sprang forth as the first flower in the calendar of the saints. Elizabeth Ann Seton was wholly American! Rejoice for your glorious daughter. Be proud of her. And know how to preserve her fruitful heritage."
~ Pope Paul VI
Nearly 200 years ago, Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton founded the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph's, the first new community for religious women to be established in the United States. She also began Saint Joseph's Academy and Free School, the first free Catholic School for girls staffed by Sisters in the United States. Her enduring legacy now includes six religious communities with more than 5,000 members, hundreds of schools, social service centers, and hospitals throughout America and around the world. Her works led to her Canonization on Sunday, September 14, 1975, in Saint Peter's Square, by Pope Paul VI. The first citizen born in the United States to be Canonized, her remains are entombed here in the Basilica that bears her name.
The remarkable life of Elizabeth Ann Seton spans the full spectrum of human experience. She was a New York socialite, a devoted wife, a dedicated volunteer in charitable organizations, the mother of five children, a convert to Roman Catholicism, an educator, social minister, and catechist, and a spiritual leader and formator — a tireless servant of God.
from http://www.setonshrine.org/bio/bio.htm if you want to read more about her.
enjoy! -kanga
1.03.2008
Emma
No, we are not getting any school done this week! I answer to C. Robin's question.
We watched Emma. At first I could not get over comparing it to Pride and Prejudice, and wasn't liking it much. After settling in, though, I think the characters in some way show many truths. Emma is immature and meddling, but she does accept criticism and grows in maturity and compassion by the end. The other character are likable, real, and I wanted good things for them! In the end, everyone married the ones I chose....so of course, it all ended well. I recommend this one too!
-kanga
We watched Emma. At first I could not get over comparing it to Pride and Prejudice, and wasn't liking it much. After settling in, though, I think the characters in some way show many truths. Emma is immature and meddling, but she does accept criticism and grows in maturity and compassion by the end. The other character are likable, real, and I wanted good things for them! In the end, everyone married the ones I chose....so of course, it all ended well. I recommend this one too!
-kanga
Less is More
Prior to Christmas this year, C. Robin and I convinced the kids that no Christmas presents were necessary for anyone other than Roo. At first they thought we were kidding, then they were perplexed, then they thought we were crazy...or cheap, and finally they were reconciled to the idea.
We just didn't want the before Christmas "I need to dream up something I ~need~ and then go about begging for it" from our beloved offspring. We were also hoping for an outward thinking about presents too. Well, it worked! Pre-Christmas was relaxed and pleasant.
Roo had written a letter to Santy asking for Hot Wheels. (hot weels as he wrote!). So one of his elves (named kanga) found a basic track, and a super-cool-wonder-dragon track and had both sent to Grandma's house. Kanga also informed grandparents that cars would be good too! Well, the package came, but the super-cool-wonder-dragon track was damaged. Very badly damaged and we hadn't checked until late Christmas Eve. oops.
On Christmas morn, however, Roo couldn't have been happier. And, he was so impressed that Santy had taken the time to set up the track! He played with the simple track and cars for hours. He still is even now. So the super-cool-wonder-dragon track is headed back with no replacement necessary. Less is More.
Pooh received a camera; she has wanted one for many moons. Tigger got a palm pilot and a watch, which he is tinkering with too much! The best moment was Piglet when she realized that she was opening an ipod nano. She was in suspended animation....too cute!
Less is truly More.
-kanga
We just didn't want the before Christmas "I need to dream up something I ~need~ and then go about begging for it" from our beloved offspring. We were also hoping for an outward thinking about presents too. Well, it worked! Pre-Christmas was relaxed and pleasant.
Roo had written a letter to Santy asking for Hot Wheels. (hot weels as he wrote!). So one of his elves (named kanga) found a basic track, and a super-cool-wonder-dragon track and had both sent to Grandma's house. Kanga also informed grandparents that cars would be good too! Well, the package came, but the super-cool-wonder-dragon track was damaged. Very badly damaged and we hadn't checked until late Christmas Eve. oops.
On Christmas morn, however, Roo couldn't have been happier. And, he was so impressed that Santy had taken the time to set up the track! He played with the simple track and cars for hours. He still is even now. So the super-cool-wonder-dragon track is headed back with no replacement necessary. Less is More.
Pooh received a camera; she has wanted one for many moons. Tigger got a palm pilot and a watch, which he is tinkering with too much! The best moment was Piglet when she realized that she was opening an ipod nano. She was in suspended animation....too cute!
Less is truly More.
-kanga
1.02.2008
Vitus
We just watched 'Vitus', which my bro recommended and lent to us. It was so good! Makes me want to fly an airplane ~o~
Thanks, Mike!
-kanga
Thanks, Mike!
-kanga
1.01.2008
Litany of Humility
Litany of Humility
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart,
Hear my prayer…
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected ... Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I ... Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may, increase and I may decrease ... Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside ... Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ... Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything... Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should… Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Amen +
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart,
Hear my prayer…
From the desire of being esteemed, Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being loved... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being honored ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being praised ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the desire of being approved ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being humiliated ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being despised... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being calumniated ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged ... Deliver me, Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected ... Deliver me, Jesus.
That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I ... Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That, in the opinion of the world, others may, increase and I may decrease ... Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside ... Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed ... Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything... Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should… Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
Amen +
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