Summer Reading

Summer is reading time for me.  So is winter, cozied with a blanket on the couch.  Spring, too, and fall.  Summer, though, bring to mind quilts on the lawn under the shade of the apple tree; lying on the deck swing with my latest novel; late evenings reading by the moonlight because we daren't turn on the porch light for fear of mosquitoes.  Yes, summer is a time for reading. 

I have to share what I've been reading lately.  I just finished The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.  Fantastic.  Brilliant.  It's narrated by a fifteen-year-old autistic boy (at least, I think he's autistic.  It doesn't actually say so in the book, but if you put 2 and 2 together...).  The story is about how he finds a murdered dog and goes about the neighbourhood trying to find the culprit.  The fantastic part is that he writes the novel in the same style his mind works, which I must say, is absolutely astounding.  I laughed, I cried, it moved me, Bob (name that movie). 

Next, I've read a couple novels by Margaret Atwood.  How is it that in almost 3 decades of living, I haven't ever read Margaret Atwood?  She's Canadian for goodness' sake!  And, IMHO, a literary genius!  Granted, I've only read 2 of her books, but so far I love her.  I'm reading Alias Grace right now.  If you love historical fiction - or non-fiction, for that matter - give it a try.  The Robber Bride was great, too.

Phillippa Gregory is a hot name if you like history, too.  The Other Boleyn Girl, anyone? 

What are you reading lately? 

More Current, Younger

I got my hair done this week.  It had been a long time since I'd made an appointment for anything non-health related.  My idea of getting a hair-do is to stop in at whatever hair salon looks the least busy on my way home from getting groceries. 

This time I went to Victor's Blue Rose Salon.  The ad said 25% off for the month of July, which sounded right up my alley.  I'd also heard that he was a stylist, rather than a hair dresser (dresser?  Is that politically correct nowadays?) and I definetly needed that!

His shop is in his house for now.  I admit, I walked in there and immediately had doubts.  It was a bit, um, relaxed.  But I had a sitter, I'd made it all the way there without incident, and I was not going to throw that away.  Worse comes to worse, I'd buy a nice hat. 

I am so glad I stayed.  He washed my hair with some sort of rosemary mint conditioner and it was heavenly.  Is it possible for your scalp to feel refreshed?  Yes, yes it is.  Victor even offered me a glass of red wine while I waited for my treatment to soak in.  Not wanting to embarrass myself, I politely declined.

I told him I had 4 kids, and that I needed something quick, easy, and cool.  I also requested not to look like a frumpy old lady. 

Anyhow, this is the end result.  Victor said it was more current, and younger.  My goodness, I can't believe I'm actually at the age where I'm intentionally trying to look younger than my 29 years. 

Growing a Man

When our children are little, and the days are filled with diapers and tantrums and dimples and booboos, it's so easy to forget that someday they will be men and women.  Someday they will have homes to care for, families to feed, wives & husbands to love and respect, and children of their own to grow.  I'm thankful to have a man like Richard who takes the time to teach Graedon what it means to be the provider, protector and leader of our family.  Piling wood with a 3 year old takes a lot more time and patience, but it made an impact on our son.

That night, I sat on Graedon's bed and listened to his prayers.  He prayed his usual, "Bless Mommy & Daddy & Maddie & Eva & baby Gen & Tigger..." and added "...and thank you for doing wood with Daddy."  That half hour of splitting wood in the field with Rich was a big deal for him.

Graedon loves to tell me about how things will be when he's a "big man".  He wants to be like his daddy.  He wants to "go work with Daddy at Daddy's work" and "drive the car" and "mow the grass on the lawn mower". 

Thank you for being such a good influence on Graedon, Rich.  Someday he will be a man, like you, and I will know we did well.

Facebook Fast

Ah, Facebook.  You started as a fun way to keep in touch with friends, and as a way for far-away family to watch the kids grow.  Who knew you'd be such a time-waste?  Of course, for those Facebook users with self-control, this isn't a problem.  For me, Facebook is a bit too easy access.  The kids need my full attention, and how can I offer that to them when Susie is making tacos for lunch, and Johnny is going on vacay @ the beach? 

I've quit Facebook before, but it didn't last.  Come to find out that all you need to do is log in, and ta-da!  You're back on.  Too easy.  So I came up with a solution.

Richard changed my password and replaced it with a top-secret one.  I can no longer log in without his help and approval.  So far I've been on Facebook a lot less, and frankly, it's been a blessing.  I'm getting more done around the house, I'm not feeling the pressure to "like" everything and anything, and the kids aren't having to compete with the computer for my attention. 

I have big plans for the immediate future now that I have all this time on my hands:  clean the oven.  re-organize the pantry.  wash out the fridge.  Ah!  Yes!  Take that Facebook!

9 Years

Rich & I just had our 9 year anniversary a couple weeks ago.  We're big into gifts (haha), so he gave me the stomach flu.  Thanks, Rich.

Actually, the whole family got the sick bug.  Luckily I only had a couple days of feeling "off".  Poor Graedy & Gen had it the worse.  I was quite concerned with Gen because babies can get dehydrated so quickly.  Graedon lazed around the house for a few days, and now he is back to himself...only more so.  I think he used the down time to store up extra energy and hatch some new adventure plans. 

All this to say:  my plans to celebrate our anniversary with a stylin' weekend away vanished down the tube.  So did the fancy restaurant supper.  So did renting a movie, since we were both passed out by 8 pm. 

What to do?  What to do?  

How would you celebrate a 9 year anniversary?  Any suggestions for fun places to visit as a couple (with baby Gen in tow)? 

VBS Fashion

Graedon dressed himself for VBS this morning.  Tie-dye, wrong foot flip flops and a clip-on tie.  Very snazzy!

My Little Weeder

I was weeding the garden this morning.  I looked behind me and there was Graedon...weeding out my row of onions!! 

Me:  Graedon!  No!  Those are onions.  Don't pull them out!

Graedon:  Mo-o-o-m!  I don't like onions!

Perfectly logical, no?