This Simple Life

Prayer

2008-08-25T06:25:00.000-05:00

Lord, make me a steward of your earth.
Let me sow crops where there is hunger,
Purify waters where they are undrinkable,
Restore seas where they are spoiled,
Cleanse air where it is fouled,
Replenish life where it is forsaken, And, overcome thirst for possessions which leave me
weakened and unquenched.

Divine Creator, grant that I may not seek to
build where your creation justly pushes me away,
live where harmony can not be sustained,
destroy that which is blessed, or
take beyond my humble needs.

For, all of Sister Mother Earth and Brother Sky are built with God’s hands,
entrusted to all of God’s children, even to those yet born, and
for all of divine creation.

When we live holy as God intends, we discover
life where there is void,
joy where there is suffering
balance where there is chaos
blessings where there is offense, and
immeasurable prosperity for all,
forever, until the end of time. Amen

Dan Grotewohl
D.O.V.E. Initiative

Adventure Race

2008-06-22T23:20:00.004-05:00

Aaron is back in the game, and he is bringing our friends and children along with him.

We enjoyed an Adventure Race in KC this weekend.

They biked...

They ran....

They got VERY muddy...

and Abby flashed gang symbols....WHAT? REALLY? WHERE DID SHE LEARN THAT?

We were welcomed home with THIS (thanks to our biggest fans, who are going to compete with us next year!)

Spring Performances

2008-06-22T23:04:00.004-05:00

We had a lovely May with the kids showing what they have learned this semester. Abby cried when she finished her piece, because she thought she would play they entire recital.

Andy's first time to Camp Mennoscah

2008-06-22T22:56:00.004-05:00

Oh, the labor pains still come back periodically.....he had a wonderful time, admitted to feeling homesick and got help, and I breathed through the weekend.

Colorado Fever

2008-06-22T22:40:00.003-05:00

Our family had a wonderful time going to Colorado. We stopped by the Bixel Cabin in Westcliffe and showed the kids around, checking in on Horn Peak and the Macey. Then we continued on to Creede, where our friends have a very cool cabin. It was "wilderness heaven." Lovely time. Thank you to friends and relations who are willing to house us in the mountains. We fell in love with it all!

something to think about...

2008-05-25T21:36:00.002-05:00

"To find a life we can live with, to do more than earn a living and spend it, we must above all discover the good that is within us which is love, a good manifest as compassionate love for one another and as resolute determination to meet the full range of our human obligations. No one else can find that for us, because it is in the seeking that we find it. Only by rising above our fear and our pain do we recognize who we are."

Catherine M. Wallace

The perfect Mother's Day (except for missing my mother)

2008-05-11T21:36:00.008-05:00

Sleeping in until 10:00 A.M. with Andy.
(really, this has not happened for more than a decade)

Breakfast scramble with strong coffee, accompanied by lavendar and poetry. Homeade gifts.

Practicing with all three kids....cheerfully!

An amazing picnic of salads, fried rice, and fruit.

The best Mother's Day present ever....including a terrific game of kickball on the prairie.

A glorious concert of Bach, Mozart, and Fasch.

Aaron's russian pancakes with local rhubard, sour cream, and brown sugar.

Checking in on the garden.

Cuddling with the kids.

Now, to bed with Sleepytime tea and Northern Exposure. Tonight Adam and Eve are getting married.

Thank you, Aaron, Lydia, Andy, and Abby. It was more than I could have wished for...

Newton Storm Strikers

2008-05-11T21:30:00.002-05:00

We had Andy's last soccer game this weekend. Aaron has been coaching these 8 boys all year long, and it has been so much fun to cheer for them and celebrate with them. Aaron is a phenomenal coach, and has made a huge difference in these boys game as well as making a connection with each of them. The best part is the end when the whole team gives all the spectators a high five....no matter what the outcome!

The Graduate

2008-05-11T21:27:00.002-05:00

We have been a family with a preschooler for 8 years, and tonight said goodbye....I wept at this first graduation of many!

Inch by Inch

2008-05-08T21:31:00.002-05:00

I am not often inspired by public education these days, but today was different. And the timing was perfect. Just when we thought we were really losing Andy in the world of irritibility, anger, frustration, and sensory-sensitivity, his wonderful teacher invited us in for the "parent appreciation program."

He sang "inch by inch," he recited love poems to us, he THANKED US, he danced the chicken dance with his Dad, he wrote stories about us, drew pictures of us, and he laughed and laughed.

Thank you, Mrs. Dietz. Thank you for showing us this part of his life.

Bookbinders

2008-05-08T21:23:00.002-05:00

Inspired by Mothering Magazine and "100 Books for Girls to Grow on," Lydia and I started a mother-daughter bookclub. We are called the Bookbinders, and we have thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I am hoping we start a group blog soon to share some of the books we have been reading and the activities and discussions we have enjoyed. Our most recent book, chosen by Lydia was "From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler." It was one of my favorites in the fourth grade. We decided to take the group to the Wichita Art Museum for our meeting, and had a wonderful time. Lydia and I read to each other and on our own, and we have enjoyed quality conversations about all kinds of important issues related to the books we have read.....for all you Moms and Daughters out there, I really reccommend it!

Our new pet

2008-05-08T21:20:00.001-05:00

On one of our excursions home, after finding ladybugs, counting iris, and chasing robins, we found our new pet. His name is "Turdy." He has been to preschool twice and is well loved by all the neighborhood children.

Abby turns 5

2008-05-08T21:12:00.009-05:00

It is hard for me to believe, but our baby turned five this month....she is growing and changing and learning so much. She is a joy to us all....always bringing a good perspective...and lots of laughter.

On the evening of her birthday, I was putting her to bed and she asked me,

"Mommy, tell me what will happen next for my whole life."

10 things I love about Lydia

2008-04-08T18:56:00.004-05:00

1. She is observant.

2. She is loving.

3. She is curious.

4. She is fashionable.

5. She loves the outdoors.

6. She is innovative.

7. She is friendly.

8. She is goofy.

9. She is creative.

10. She is content.

Happy Birthday, sweet child of mine.

Afterschool musings

2008-03-11T15:30:00.003-05:00

One of the joys in my life is walking to meet the kids afterschool. There have been numerous times I have wanted to take a picture, but not caught the beauty adequately. There is a hub of school-aged kids in our neighborhood who walk together....kids I may not have otherwise known, but we are connected through this ritual.
The sun is usually shining, there is laughter,
talking,
running,
skipping,
biking,
rollar skating,
scootering,
dogs,
shouting,
and fun.

We stop to notice flowers or rocks or other things along the way.

Today Hector came running past me and shouted,"Wahooooooooo, I'm freeeeeeeeeeee from the cold!"

And then the kids started talking about the weather, which turned to tornados, when the conversation went like this....

Casey: Did you know that snake spirits protect you from tornado spirits?
Abby: My mother does not like snakes!
Casey: You can find the snake spirits in the Sand Creek
Hector: I like spirits
Casey: You believe in spirits?
Andy: What kind of spirits?
Hector: Yeah, like the holy spirit
Casey: THAT'S MY FAVORITE ONE!

There are any number of kids hanging out at our house afterschool....something I learned from my Mother. I always try to keep a good supply of popcorn and popcicles ready.

I am blessed to have these neighborhood children in my life. And grateful that my kids have the opportunity for exploration and laughter in their afterschool time.

Oh, how I love my boy!

2008-02-26T15:12:00.009-06:00

Eight years ago today Andy entered our lives. We were so proud of the ways we birthed him, we felt strong, and we celebrated!

He has always been a beautiful child, especially in the days with the long soft curls. I can still smell them.

He is strong, He is creative. He is sensitive. He is passionate. He loves the outdoors. He has my Mother's eyes.

And the reason he is "Andy" is because he shares this birthday with our dear "Big Andy," who we love very much, and has always been a mentor to our "little Andy."

I wish him the best in all of his life endeavors!

This morning, when I was holding him close in bed, I asked him, "Andy, will you ALWAYS be my dear sweet, strong, loving boy?" And he answered in true eight-year-old fashion with a loud "DUH!"

Plenty

2008-02-18T08:19:00.002-06:00

It is hard these days to meet all the needs of a family of five, a dog, three (yes, I am embarrassed to say.....) cars, and a house with limited resources. This can drain on me mentally and emotionally. This morning I decided to try and find my "attitude of gratitude."

So I found, we have plenty of......

shampoo
black turtle beans
berries
toilet paper
warm coats
legos
instruments
socks
fresh chickens from Buhler
friends
lavender laundry detergent
books
paper

Now somehow I feel more blessed and less deprived than before......try it, this feels good!

Last night......

2008-02-15T07:59:00.002-06:00

I was doing all of this AT THE SAME TIME

cooking dinner
calling out finger numbers for Andy to play Perpetual Motion on his mandolin
listening to his recorded lesson to find his next mandolin song, Soldier Boy
telling Abby how to spell "Ardy"
giving instructions to Lydia on how to grease up her recorder joints
making sure the dog had nothing in her mouth
setting the table

It must have sounded like this....

"AA112222-no, the cork grease in the black case-D is like a line down with the ends curved together-22AA111133112222I think this is the right song-remember, shake your hand like flicking water-JOSIE-NO, MINE!-yes, Lydia, A is two fingers-EE2233EE11223333-(soup is boiling now)-yes, a Y like your Y-like the beginning now, AA112222, 11223333- (are we already out of spoons?)-Oh, Abby, your Ukelele is on the wall-Dchord?1onE,2onG, all second fret-Andy, let's finish perpetual motion first, then Old McDonald-2233EE223311EEEE-nice work, everybody."

Normally, this would stress me out, but thanks to the miracle of fish oil, I am almost proud that I got through it alive! Man, I have mastered multitasking! Aaron came home shortly after that, and intervened, taking some of the pressure off!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-12T21:48:00.002-06:00

Click on the title to hear (I think)...then download the file....

A window into my caucus experience

2008-02-08T08:07:00.000-06:00

Read this, if you want a sense of what it was like. We had a great time, and it was probably the most inspiring political event that I have ever participated in.

http://www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=5346

(written by my former student, Jonathan Nathan)

what I love about my job....

2008-02-07T10:02:00.000-06:00

the view from my classroom window at the very tip-top of the ad building

church bells accompanying my walk to work

sharp pencils

the feel of a warm, crisp, freshly-copied syllabus

really good coffee, any time I want it

kindness, friendship, support, and determination from our administrative assistant

reading...so much...and trying to understand

helping college students find direction

knowing my ancestors walked the same paths to teach here

three ring binders

friendly colleagues

more church bells at noon

books, and books, and books, and books

sharing this space with Aaron

the "quiet library"

reading the Kansan for free

being home for the kids when they need me

what do you love about your job?

A Night Away

2008-02-05T21:50:00.000-06:00

Escape

Perspective

Comfort

Creativity

Indulgence

Slow, sunshine days

2008-01-30T16:53:00.000-06:00

Abby and I are together every Friday all day. I am trying to hold these days precious, knowing that they are numbered. She balances playing with me and on her own. She laid in the sunshine playing with legos and drawing for a long time, not even noticing my attempts to record the moment.

Oh, how I will miss these days, and already wish there were more.........

Barack

2008-01-30T16:37:00.000-06:00

We loaded the girls up in the car and braved the cold lines to get in to see Barack Obama. It was an adventure. We were initially disappointed to get in the "overflow" room, but he surprised us and came in to greet us.

I was VERY impressed and excited about him, and while we were there, he received the "enthusiastic endorsement" of our own Govenor Sebelius, who rocks! The croud was diverse and extremely overwhelmingly supportive. It made me proud to live in Kansas!

Next week I am going to participate in my first Caucus (in support of Obama). If you are reading this locally, come join me Tuesday at 6.

Work

2008-01-30T16:31:00.000-06:00

Aaron is handling his "daily grind" quite well, and working to improve home-work boundaries. I had to take this picture for the record. Andy and Josie are equally excited to greet him on his walk home from work.

I am grateful that he walks to work.
I am grateful that it is still light.
I am grateful for a safe neighborhood where my kids can walk, bike, scooter, skate, and heelie to meet him.

More on MLK

2008-01-30T16:22:00.001-06:00

Part of the fun of the day was going to Abby's preschool to sing for the "protest."

Our prayer on MLK Day

2008-01-22T08:23:00.001-06:00

(read by Andy)

"Monday make me good and kind,
to all creatures that I find.
Help me love God's whole creation.
Make my life a celebration."

Family Dinners

2008-01-14T20:49:00.000-06:00

I know they are important.

I know the decrease the likelihood of substance abuse, early sexual experiences, and other delinquencies. I know they create better communication and let my children understand they are a valued part of our family.....

....but it is so much work!

I try to cook healthy, complete meals (like my mother taught me to do).
I try to set a calm and beautiful atmosphere (like my Grossmama taught me to do).....

....but it is so much work.

I find that every night during our silent prayer, I ask for kindness, generosity,

and please, oh please,

just one person talking at a time,
no grotesque body noises,
give me something that resembles manners,
please, no spitting
and maybe even 5 minutes where everyone stays in their seats?

oh, it is so much work!

Knitting

2008-01-14T20:42:00.000-06:00

Lydia, Andy, and Abby are all learning to knit. It has been a slow process, but fun. For some reason this winter interest is heightened. Last Sunday in church we were all knitting. Andy has been the first to finish a project. He wanted to knit a "boy pouch" to carry things in. Last night, he finished it!

Now for the Harry Potter scarf.

Happy Birthday, dear Jess and Emilie

2008-01-14T20:32:00.000-06:00

Lydia hosted a wonderful birthday party for her doll. She planned party crafts (doll jewelry) and activities (cake decorating). These were the kinds of things my sister Wendy always facilitated in our house. I missed you, Wendy, but we still pulled it off!

Supper swap

2008-01-14T20:27:00.000-06:00

I have been experimenting with a supper swap/food coop with several friends. We have gone quite a few rounds and I have always enjoyed having homeade dinner options available to me in my freezer. This time around I got hearty bean soup, ground nut stew, Afghani eggplant spagetti, Mexican corn chowder, enchiladas, lentils with ham and rosemary, and chicken divan.

It was such a pleasure to cook for all of you! Thanks for your contributions to my family's health!

Merry Christmas, 2007

2007-12-27T16:53:00.001-06:00

We had a lovely Christmas, with most of the family coming to us in Kansas.....we loved hosting them, creating new traditions, and sharing laughter, music, love, and good food!

(We also missed Katie's family, celebrating in Uraguay)

Flickr Slideshow

2007-12-19T22:53:00.001-06:00

I know they are a little fuzzy, but I love the joy in this picture.

They are growing up so fast!

Advent tree

2007-12-19T22:49:00.000-06:00

My friend Vanessa and her husband Arlyn designed and created this wire tree as part of a a display in our church. I asked them if I could borrow it over the Christmas season, and have turned it into our advent tree. Each day in December the kids and I add a new snowflake. It has been fun to watch it "bloom." I so much appreciate an advent ritual that requires me to add, to build, to create more....

Thanks Vanessa!

Christmas program at Shalom

2007-12-19T22:44:00.000-06:00

It was a beautiful evening. My favorite part was the huge intergenerational, eclectic orchestra who accompanied several hymns and the grand finale of "Go tell it on the mountain." I feel so privileged to be a part of this talented and loving community.

and of course my choir was fabulous!

My little elf

2007-12-19T22:42:00.001-06:00

Andy did a wonderful job in his school program, despite his Mother's concern for the explicitly Christian themes in the very public elementary school....when will we learn?

We can't have Christmas until.....

2007-12-19T22:40:00.000-06:00

we build the first snowman!

(according to Lydia)

A good day

2007-12-15T22:19:00.000-06:00

No pictures today, but I wanted to record some of the memories....

sleeping in with all kids....cuddling until 9!
Aaron's baked oatmeal with blueberries and pecans
sledding for hours in the fresh snow
holding Josie on my lap in the sled
shoveling the walk
family work time (in the basement)
cuddling with Andy by the tree
chicken fettucine (for Lydia)
watching Lydia dance
watching Andy fiddle
sharing the stage with them
singing Silent night from the catwalk
dumping balloons down on the audience

what a good day it has been!

The light shines in the darkness

2007-12-09T22:30:00.000-06:00

Tonight we lit candles, prayed, and sang, making a human advent wreath. We all (including the dog) walked toward the center to become the Christ light together.

May the peace of that light spread to all of you.

A sad girl, by Abby

2007-12-09T22:25:00.000-06:00

a student who grieves the loss of a child
a friend who misses her mother
the loss of hope
the war growing
death and disease
emptiness
love lost

it is time for Christmas to come

Happy Birthday Aaron

2007-12-09T22:20:00.000-06:00

Aaron celebrated by making another traditional Mexican feast. We enjoyed spending the evening with friends-the biggest party we have had here yet!

What I love about Thanksgiving...

2007-12-09T22:07:00.000-06:00

walks in the cold, crisp air
listening to aunts and uncles tell stories by the fire
amazing, endless food
soccer and capture the flag
cousins-by blood, marriage, or association
sleeping in
leftover wedding Mimosas
the best pickles in the world
no television
pie-all kinds
laughter
love
love
love

No more shag...

2007-11-15T19:28:00.000-06:00

Andy decided today to transition from his 70s shag to an almost 80s cut.

First letter to Santa

2007-11-15T19:27:00.001-06:00

Squirrel food

2007-11-15T19:25:00.000-06:00

Both of Abby's preschools have sent home squirrel food. New Creation had the kids create glue sculptures for the squirrels, and Abby was thrilled when IT WORKED! She has been scouting the squirrels in our front yard and catching them in the act all week long.

Bedtime cozies

2007-11-15T19:13:00.000-06:00

gentle brother

moments of peace

stories of kindness

grateful for the love.

Not the creative type...

2007-11-15T19:08:00.001-06:00

Oh, how I admire all of you bloggers out there that are creating homeade wonders and activities for your children. I must admit, this has never been my forte. In fact, according to my personal dna assessment, I am creatively/aesthetically challenged.

However, I recently ordered myself a coat from Lands End, and the inside of the box was a cool Holiday coloring page for kids. Now, this I can handle! I ripped open the box, pulled out the glitter glue, crayons, and markers and the kids went to work.

Thank you, Lucy

2007-11-15T19:03:00.000-06:00

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, when the house is empty all day long, Josie gets to go have playdates with her friend and mentor, Lucy Zook Siemens. When I pick her up, she is ecstatic after a full day of play. She crawls into her bed and falls asleep immediately.

Thank you, Ms. Lucy and the Zook Siemens family for your generosity!

Sick

2007-11-12T14:07:00.000-06:00

I am so very sick and miserable. There is not much I enjoy about being sick, but there are a few comforts that I want to remember, and that have brought me relief while I lie in my bed.

echinacea tea with honey
Grossmama's garden soup with beef broth
a warm feather comforter
Bert's Bees lip balm
treasures my kids bring to me to cheer me up
Mama's homemade socks
the sound (and smell) of someone cooking dinner
green bean soup from the Breadbasket
someone holding my head or my feet
listening to Talk of the Nation
a steamy bath or shower
extra soft (the expensive kind) kleenex
extra strength Tylenol
a quiet house
slipping in and out of sleep
special snacks brought to my door
staying connected via my computer (because talking on the phone seems to hurt)
lavender oil
flexible work
children who can take care of other children for a moment
toast with honey, cut into triangles
a good dose of pity
a kiss on the cheek

While I haven't received all of the things on this list, just thinking about it makes me feel a little better.

A Poem by Lydia

2007-11-11T17:50:00.000-06:00

Lydia
musical, loves the outdoors, likes to help out
animals, likes to read and write
sister to Abby and Andy
lover of Michigan, outdoors, and camp
who feels happy when my room is clean
who needs more free time on the weekends
who fears rollar coasters, snakes, spiders, and
heights
who would like to see all the people real from High School Musical
Chappell Deckert

My friend Josie

2007-11-10T18:51:00.000-06:00

I spend A LOT of time in the kitchen, and she is always with me. When she was a little puppy, she always slept across my feet. Today, she still squeezes in between my legs and the cupboards, and she will cuddle up against my feet. It is quite cozy, now that it is cooler.

To do this weekend....Sat night update

2007-11-10T18:48:00.000-06:00

I am feeling quite sick, so moved slower than expected and had a longer than usual gathering with friends in the morning. So here is an update on my progress....

-connect with Lydia
Aaron did this-rake some leaves
-start some Christmas baking
Done, thanks to Alco-find slim pants for Lydia
-clean the bathroom
-grade a big stack of papers
Yes, a few phone calls-work on the church Christmas program
Making a dent on this project-lots of laundry
Done-celebrate birthdays
Done-practice the fiddle
Done-grocery planning
Done-try to exercise Andy and the dog
Well, I took one-take at least three carloads to Et Cetera
-re-read Unconditional Parenting
Done-blog about something
Coming later this evening-watch "Shut up and sing"
-call my mentee

To do this weekend....

2007-11-09T20:01:00.000-06:00

Thought I would record what is on my mind to accomplish this weekend.

-connect with Lydia
-rake some leaves
-start some Christmas baking
-find slim pants for Lydia
-clean the bathroom
-grade a big stack of papers
-work on the church Christmas program
-lots of laundry
-celebrate birthdays
-practice the fiddle
-grocery planning
-try to exercise Andy and the dog
-take at least three carloads to Et Cetera
-re-read Unconditional Parenting
-blog about something
-watch "Shut up and sing"
-call my mentee

Wish me luck!

A weekend away

2007-11-09T19:51:00.000-06:00

Aaron went with his former modmates on a camping/fishing trip in Western Kansas. He was to be gone all weekend. So, to entertain myself and the kids, I decided to go stay with my only Kansas relatives in Lawrence. It was my first time staying at their new, beautiful home, and I had such a wonderful time!

It was a gift to be in a home where there were so many things that reminded me of home......where I was fed, loved, and accepted for who I really am.

The kids enjoyed each other, and we took in the sights of the KU homecoming parade.

Thanks, Ben, Marike, Felix, and Calvin for a lovely weekend. I look forward to many more!

Halloween

2007-11-01T19:30:00.001-05:00

We had a wonderful Halloween, blessed with several of our good friends coming over for soup and zwibach before trick or treating. We walked all over the neighborhood and hit the candy jackpot at the college.

Lydia was a spy early in the evening, and then morphed into a rainforest scientist...

Andy and his friends were jedi knights...

And then there was the green witch...

Abby's pets

2007-11-01T19:20:00.000-05:00

Abby has had a few important pets this Fall. The first was a caterpiller named Fuzzy. She loved him, and made him a beautiful home in a mason jar, all with home decoration (art on the wall). When he died, she initiated a funeral for him. I walked outside to hear her say, "He was a fuzzy little fella."

Later, at the wedding she collected caterpillers in a cup and came up with too many to handle.....

Dia de los Muertos

2007-11-01T19:17:00.000-05:00

In honor of dia de los muertos, we brought out this picture and lit a candle, celebrating Barbara's life. She would have been 59 on October 31.

We miss her presence in our lives.

Trip to Dallas

2007-11-01T19:02:00.000-05:00

We spent the weekend with Aaron's family at a wedding in Dallas. We stayed in a luxurious bed and breakfast, with a jacuzzi tub and cushy bathrobes.....

Aaron is an only child, but these cousins were his "siblings." In fact, the bride introduced him as her "third brother" to her new husband. The love, the belonging, the joy was remarkable.

The ceremony was beautiful...all outdoors in the courtyard of the bed and breakfast.

We laughed, we danced, we played, we drank wine and enjoyed wonderful food, we listened to older cousins share stories of those past. It was perfect!

Thank you, Leroy and Janette, and the cousins for embracing Aaron, for such a fun-filled and memorable weekend. We love you!

...and on the way home I got to stop here...

Happy Birthday, Wendy

2007-10-26T11:55:00.000-05:00

Oh, how I love my big sister.

Today she is 38 years old.

When I was younger, she always did my hair. Sometimes because I wanted it done a certain way and sometimes just to keep her occupied in the car. When I was even younger (3? 4?) she took my friends and me on fairy hunts in magical places all over town. She wrote musicals for us and hosted doll fairs.

For many years, she sang me to sleep at night with her guitar. This happened so frequently that when she moved away to college I could not sleep, so she made me a tape to play of her singing to me.

When we woke up in the night and were scared, we all went to Wendy's bed, which was the warmest bed in the house.

She has taught me how to be a feminist, how to parent, how to sing, how to be real.

Thank you, sweet sister for all these lovely memories. I continue to be blessed by your presence in my life!

Happy Halloween (2007)

2007-10-26T11:51:00.001-05:00

Loving those pumpkins!

We had a lovely day together, including our first bike ride with everyone riding their OWN bike.

Lydia (October, 2007)

2007-10-26T11:45:00.001-05:00

Lydia is growing up so fast. She is doing wonderful work in school, and trying very hard to manage all the emotions that come with being nine. She is also working to self-regulate a bit, when it comes to exercise, diet, sleep, and self-care. In so many ways I admire her.

Lydia has started flute lessons, and when she practices, she enjoys it....

She is also busy writing stories and making up inventions. Her ability to create ideas and images astounds me. She has created a whole town of characters. This is her wipe-board work on "invenchuns" that I wanted to preserve before she erased. Hope you can see it.

Steering the ship into port.....

2007-10-24T21:53:00.000-05:00

I have been working in mediation again. This time it is with folks who are getting a divorce, and it is my job to help them create a "Parenting Plan" in order for them to somehow share time with their children. I find when I get into these cases there are layers and layers of issues.....for some the divorce is fresh and there is tension and grief related to the lost marriage. For others, there is resentment about how time was spent with the kids pre-divorce. Then there are issues of money, communication, insurance, pets, chores, discipline issues, new significant-others, hard-to-wrangle teenagers who would just rather be immancipated, time with Grandparents, holidays, relocation, funds, and so much more.

I thought I would enjoy doing this again, and it became evident to me this week. I have been working with a particularly challenging case, which I doubted could ever be solved through mediation. I tried everything. I concentrated on staying solution-focused and positive. I consulted with others. I thought about it at night. Still, it did not seem like they would ever be able to find a common solution.

To my surprise.....

today they signed a very thorough and detailed agreement on how they will both continue to be loving and present parents in their childrens' lives. I was so moved.

My colleague congratulated me for "steering this difficult ship into port." It felt just like that. Relief. Calm after the storm. Satisfaction.

Andy (October, 2007)

2007-10-24T21:45:00.001-05:00

Andy is thriving in so many ways. This is a picture of him with his buddy Angus practicing violin together....check out that bow arm!

All God's Critters....

2007-10-24T21:32:00.000-05:00

I love my choir.
I have little Clara, who conducts (mirroring me) while she sings.
I have sweet Kaden, who sings loudly and proudly despite a significant speech impediment.
I have silly Lydia, whose sweet voice supports the others.
I have Andy, whose body struggles to maintain choir-appropriate behavior, but whose voice is tender and sensitive.
I have Jen, who is enthusiastic.
I have Lu, who sings with her eyes and her face.
I have Daniel and Noah, who are fine as long as there is no attention drawen towards them.
And so many others.....

Tonight we chanted "Did you feed my cow?" "YES MA'AM!"

And then they tackled their hymn with unbelievable speed and accuracy. I am so proud!

This is what they sang....

"My soul is filled with joy, as I sing to God my savior
You have looked upon your servant, you have visited your people
And holy is your name, through all generations
Everlasting is your mercy to the people you have chosen
And holy is thy name."

Next up...All God's Critters, and then some Christmas Music.

What a blessing they all are to me. Soon I will post a picture!

Celebrating Fall...

2007-10-23T21:04:00.001-05:00

Every year I enjoy the smell of Fall.....smoldering pumpkins, crunchy leaves, cool, crisp mornings, and freshly made soup and bread. We usually try to go to Walter's Pumpkin patch with friends. This year we enjoyed the play structures, the corn maze (which was enthusiastically conquered by Aaron the Adventure Racer), the swings, the pick-your-own fields of pumpkins, and the train.

Grading is like housework....

2007-10-23T13:53:00.000-05:00

Ever do something called a forced analogy? It is a strategy used to help students study, and I am doing it myself today, thinking about how grading is like housework...

...it is easier done with friends
...music and special snacks/treats increase efficiency
...sometimes you just have to sit down, avoid blogging, and get through it piece by piece!

Off to meet my stack of reflection papers, exams, and homework assignments...

From my friend Lu Ann

2007-10-23T13:48:00.001-05:00

THE PEACE OF WILD THINGS

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children's lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

— Wendell Berry

Remember how small Josie was?

2007-10-23T13:41:00.000-05:00

Josephina Luna Chappell Deckert, daughter of Bert and Darma, grandaughter of Cosmo, affectionately known as "Josie."

Adoption day: March 23, 2007

Flickr Slideshow

I hope I never forget....

2007-10-23T13:40:00.000-05:00

My daughter, who cares enough about beauty to decorate my canned goods......

Jen CD

Winfield, 2007

2007-10-23T13:39:00.001-05:00

Flickr Slideshow

Andy plays soccer (September, 2007)

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School starts (August, 2007)

2007-10-23T13:32:00.000-05:00

Abby has smoothly transitioned to her child care/preschool arrangements. She is having the most fun with Kristin on Mondays and Wednesdays....her is a picture of her at work with her friend Daisy Epp Buller.

Lydia off to 4th grade....a new adventure!

Andy going to 2nd grade.....

Abby riding along on the tag-along....

This is the whole crew who bike together. I hope I always live in a community where the kids can bike to school.....it is so important!

From my Mom

2007-10-23T12:53:00.001-05:00

O Living God,
when I am tired and cross and despairing,
distracted by many thoughts,
eaten up by multiple demands,
and hungry for your peace;
help me to offer again
the five loaves and fishes
that you have given to me,
and so discover again
the miracle of strength
that comes in sharing everything
when we have nothing.