vacation

 This week while away in Flagstaff I have been asking myself......what is the definition of vacation?  In the dictionary it says "an extended period of recreation, especially one spent away from home or in traveling."  When I was a kid - vacation meant fun - camping, visiting cool places, or once in while on a very special occasion it included an amusement park or beach.  My perspective on vacation has changed a bit as a parent.....while vacation might include the above, I would argue that we have tended to "add" some unrealistic expectations to the long awaited "vacations".  

1)  That it will be "restful".  Don't get me wrong - vacation is not the daily grind of life at home with cooking, cleaning, going to work, phone ringing, etc.  However - when you go on "vacation" with 4 kids - there are not long periods of down time!  It seems there are more trips to the bathroom, very dirty clothes, extra hungry kids, and I am still waiting to sip my coffee on the porch in peace early one morning!  

2) Everyone gets along.  Hmmm - you know you can always hope siblings will magically decide - "let's set aside our differences and agree to get along."

3) There will be no "schedule" - free to do as you wish.  People seem to always look forward to not having a schedule to follow - but I have found that without some sort of guideline or plan a lot of time is wasted and miscommunications happen.  It seems those who don't like schedules at home don't like them on vacation - and those ahmmm like me who like schedules at home tend to be "stressed" without them on vacation!

4) Free from work.  Um I am guessing that unless you REALLY go all out and eat out and have someone else take care of your kids and do laundry.....vacations are a lot of work.  I am usually a massive ball of stress the week leading up to when we leave and the day or day before we leave my kids know to say as little as possible to me and stay OUT of the WAY!  Momma is one stressed momma then.  Once we get going I am usually feeling better - but the work is just beginning.  Being away from home does not change the fact that decisions need to be made, stomachs need to be filled economically, laundry has to be done, and things have to constantly be gathered and kept track of.  

Ahhh! Vacation!  It has such a nice ring to it!  It is a short word describing "recreation from home."  I would probably change it to a longer description......"vacation - a time away from home sometimes causing short intense periods of stress, often interrupted by spurts of fun and fellowship, followed by periods of intense needs from children and mounds of laundry and things to catch up on when you get home!"

Silver City, NM

I am so behind on my blogging ...... got back from one short trip last Sunday and now we are leaving for another week gone today so figured I'd better get these up!  We took a short weekend to Silver City, NM so Merl could speak at a New Mexico Athletic Trainer's meeting.  Some friends from his UNM days live there and it was so fun to reconnect with them after 17 years and meet their sweet family. 

The kids had a great time.  They were thrilled to stay in a hotel for the first time (they don't realize our timeshare vacations are similar).  They were going on and on to their grandma about how the TV got 99 channels and could NOT believe we were allowed to have food in our room!  They wanted to watch TV and play in the hot tub every minute we were there.  They were great sports with the sleeping arrangements.  When we walked into the room expecting to see 2 queen beds we were surprised to find one king!   We had brought 2 sleeping bags prepared for 2 on the floor already and thankfully got a rollaway from the hotel.  That left Jonathan in between Merl and I kicking me in the back all night.  (So romantic!)

We went hiking at a place called the Catwalk - it was 2.2 miles round trip.  Everyone walked the whole way like troopers!  The following pictures are all from that day.  

The hike wound through these canyons and would not have been passable except for the scaffolding built along the way.....

Lots of bridges!

and stairs!

Jonathan did not want to be still even for a photo!

Our little mountain goat #2 - insisted on climbing, walking, running, the whole way.

Look at this double decker sandwhich!

camping, plan B

Well this weekend the kids and Merl had a big plan for camping.  This has become a yearly tradition:  Merl takes some combination of kids camping for a day or 2 and I get a break.  He took kids 1-3 this time - leaving Friday evening and heading toward the Rim.  I had just picked up my new computer before they left and planned on spending the weekend tinkering.......however I received a call before they walked out the door that the work to be done on it hadn't happened and I had to drive it back to the store!  Aaarggh!  So I spent the evening doing that and then was just getting Jonathan to bed and getting ready to settle in and read around 8pm when Merl called to say they were on their way home - too wet and rainy to find a good spot to land.  Yikes!  So they got home after 9pm and fell into bed.  I never got to my book.....

The next morning they all got up and decided to try someplace local - so they loaded up and drove toward the Superstitions and Canyon lake.  I never heard from them so assumed they were settled and I began sorting and cleaning all day long while Jonathan bopped around.  I enjoyed an evening of In and Out Burger and then finally picking up and then setting up my new computer.  I had originally planned on wrapping Jonathan in some duct tape and setting him on the couch for the evening - but decided against it and resorted to about 2 hours of Baby Einstein videos on Merl's laptop while I fiddled with  the computer, wireless network and printers!  

The next morning after church while enjoying breakfast with my parents my phone rang.  "Where are you?" says Ryan on the other end of the phone. (I hadn't expected them back until late afternoon). "I'm at the Wildflower - where are you?"  "We are home - we've been here 2 hours!  When are you coming home?" "I'll be there as soon as I get my coffee......" Vacation over!  I had a nice break - the house looked great for about 30 minutes, I ate out and hardly dirtied a dish, and got to miss my kids for a day - which only happens about once a year!

THE GREAT PICTURES BY THE WAY WERE TAKEN BY MERL (THE FIRST 2) AND THEN PRIMARILY MADISON!

playdough therapy

Our "school" morning got off to a rough start......we are ready to be done for the summer!  Anyway - I decided we needed a break and so we made 3 batches of playdough.  I use my mom's classic recipe.  I love the feel of the warm playdough while you are kneading it immediately after taking it off the stove.  I also love the salty smell.....it brings back childhood memories.  It is the best recipe I know of - it always comes out perfect, not too dry, not too wet:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup salt

2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 cup water

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

food coloring of choice

Mix together dry ingredients; add to liquid in a large saucepan.  Stir in food coloring.  Cook over medium heat until dough sticks to side and forms a ball.  Knead and cool.  Put in a ziplock bag!

Ahhh, relief!

Jonathan would point at the crane and say "Whooaaa!"

This is the kids' favorite "spy spot"

Looks like someone else would like to perch up there

Almost there

Ray - our "cool" air conditioner guy that has kept us cool for the last 12 years!

Yesterday we had to take a break from school so the kids could watch the new air conditioner be installed.  After a few years of leaks on the old one and saving our money we decided it was time to get rid of the old and bring in the new BEFORE it died on us!  I just can't stand spending money - I am sorry - even when necessary.  Oh well - not so easy come but easy go!  We choose to live here in the middle of this insane desert and claim to like it!  Last night I believe our bedroom was cooler than it has ever been in May since we lived in this house - I think by July I won't mind having coughed up the cash - well I'll still mind but maybe not as much.

mother's day #10

Madison and me 10 years ago in our backyard......

10 years later...... 4 kids, 1 dog......in our same backyard

Breakfast in bed/gifts/flowers!

Today was my 10th Mother's day - my how the years fly by......and how things change!  I would have to say that each mother's day only gets better!  Today I enjoyed much pampering and many blessings.  At 5:45 am this morning when we woke up Merl said to me "Do me a favor and stay in here and don't come out."  OK......just bring me my bible and my coffee......I could hear the pitter pat of little feet up and down the halls while I did my bible study and drank my WONDERFUL Ethiopian coffee bestowed upon me by my dear friend Amy (from her trip to Africa to fetch their new baby).  After a while I decided I'd better get up and take a shower (in case a camera might be involved).  While I was getting dressed I could hear Ryan whispering an alarm:  "She's coming out any second!"  Finally the door burst open and in they all came with the above pictured items (including Sunday morning cartoons not pictured)!  They sort of wanted me to eat it in bed, but after being cooped up in there for an hour already I sort of wanted OUT....so they agreed I could eat at the table.  

As I sat down oooing over the crepes with fresh strawberries in front of me, Merl all of a sudden said, "They don't taste near as good as they look." (Me)....  "Oh.....couldn't you find the flour or butter or something?"  (Merl) "I used the flour on the counter."  (Me) "Which kind?"(there are 2 on the counter, whole wheat  and whole wheat pastry)  (Merl)  "There are more than one kind of flour?  I just wanted all-purpose white!" (Me starting to go into an explanation of the difference between the 3, but then deciding not a wise choice) "I am sure they will taste fine!" ......which they did!

Then I could not believe it when they presented me with 3 of my most favorite things!...flowers, goodies from Bath and Body Works, and a Starbucks gift card!  This man has learned way more than a thing or 2 in our 16 years of marriage!  Well actually maybe I shouldn't give him ALL the credit - the kids are pretty good at this too.

Next we had a really great mother's day service at church......but it was extra special because the pastor had asked Madison and Ryan to read Proverbs 31:10-31.  They stood in front of the whole congregation and alternated reading the verses - and did a fine job!  I am surprised however they did not make any side comments which would have been well justified - I was most concerned when they got to v.15 "she gets up while it is still dark....."hmmmm  well not quite always this mom....or v.21...."when it snows, she has no fear for her household" ....ahhh no snow here - and besides this mom is not known for having no fear.....or the verses which speak of making coverings for the bed or linen garments....I am far from a seamstress!  Well anyway - as this passage says - it is a high calling to be a mother - one we aspire to work on all of our days.  Our pastor was right:  What makes me a priceless wife and mother?  The righteousness of Jesus Christ alone.

After church we spent the afternoon at my parent's house with my aunt and uncle and grandparents......more loafing and not cooking or doing dishes!  Although my mom cooked the dinner - so I think I owe her one.  On the way home the kids started to wail from the back seat....."What's for dinner?"  (Me)  "I thought it was my day off!  I wasn't planning any dinner!"   (Them) "What?  You aren't going to feed us dinner?" Then Merl pipes up - well do you want In and Out or pizza?  In and Out or pizza?  That is a no brainer!  So I got to cap my wonderful day off with a cheeseburger and fries!!!!!  As I am recounting this I am wondering if maybe I have not already arrived in heaven - because I just know I am going to drink coffee and eat cheeseburgers and fries everyday there.......

So this evening as I was tucking Allie into bed I said....."I think this is one of the best mother's days I've had yet!"  (Allie) "What did you like about it?"  I went on to list everything and then at the end said, "In fact - I am thinking we should have Mother's Day every month!"  Allie gave that a little thought and then said, "Yes, we could have Mother's Day every month and a Kid's day too!"  (Me)  "What would we do on Kid's day?"  (Allie) "Well, go to the park all day and read books, and have presents!"  Not a bad idea......

" A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.  

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Proverbs 31:10-31

classy ladies

Today Madison and I hosted her "Ladies in Training Classic Literature Club".  It was their last meeting of the school year.  Eight families participate so it was our 8th meeting and here are 10 girls in the club!  The girls read 8 classic books during the course of the year and each monthly meeting is centered around that month's book.  The meeting time is spent discussing literary terms pertaining to the book, general discussion about the book, a homemaking skill, a "tea time", and parlor games.  

Since this month's book was Sarah, Plain and Tall, we had a fun discussion about historical fiction, themes, symbols, and the Newbery Medal.  The skill we learned about was letter writing - so the girls make cards and stationary.  We served stew, fresh bread, and homemade lemonade that Madison made from fresh lemons.  For dessert we enjoyed vanilla ice cream with strawberries.  

Madison is amazing.  All morning she worked to help clean and get ready.  She completely set the table, polished the silver to set on it (we used silver belonging to both her great grandmothers), arranged the centerpiece, and made the lemonade.  She also coordinated and cut out the paper, stickers, and other supplies for the card making.  Madison is a joyful and gracious host I think, making all her guests feel special and welcome with special touches like something to take home and place cards at their spot.  

Ryan dressed in nice black pants and a white shirt and served the girls while they at the table and discussed their book.  He very patiently brought them lemonade refills, stew seconds, and served their dessert.  I was proud of him - I didn't get a picture of him though - he was so handsome!  Allison was very torn between staying for the party and going to be with one of my dear friends whom she loves very much.  Allie chose Mrs. Mouer and was not disappointed since she got to go the park, bookstore, and get a free cookie at AJ's!  Jonathan was given absolutely no choice just like every other 4th kid in a family and cheerfully said "bye!" as I strapped him in the car seat to go. 

As you can see from the group photo Aslan enjoyed himself.  He joined in the book discussion and card making but was excused to the backyard during dinner.  He helped clean the butter dish after the girls left the table.  What a helpful dog!

So - now it is late and I must go to bed.  Now I can think of something besides genre, characters, tips for letter writing - menus, etc.  On to the laundry piled in my laundry room and whatever else was ignored this past week!