Four is great

Now that he is four, Matthew is all grown up. Just ask him. Apparently, not only can four year olds play soccer (which he has been waiting for) they can also carry heavy objects by themselves. They also don't have to hold your hand when crossing the street. Or sit in a car seat. As a parent you are pretty much useless once your child hits four.

The day after his fourth birthday we pulled out the scriptures to read. Generally, when it is Matthew's turn to read I point to the words say them and then he repeats them. But on this day, when I started to read, he put up his hand and said, "I don't need help."

And then he sat there and stared at the words for a while. Finally he looked up at me and said, "Well, maybe a little help."

Good to know I still have some value, even if he is four.

Thanksgiving Things

There are certain things that are forever tied into holidays. They become a part of the celebration and excitement of the day. For me Candy Corn will forever be associated with Thanksgiving.

Growing up, there would be candy corn at your place setting on the Thanksgiving table. Before the blessing and subsequent feasting, we would go around and name a blessing for each of the candies. If there was a small group it was 7 and if it was a large group only 3.

And then there is the song. How can a family that has it's own birthday song, not have a Thanksgiving song? I realized that my boys didn't know this song and I felt as if I had betrayed my heritage. But never fear, that will be rectified this year. And for all those future generations that follow me, here is part of your legacy.

Cartloads of Pumpkins as yellow as gold

Onions in silvery strings

Shining red apples

And clusters of grapes

Nuts and a host of good things

Chickens

And turkeys

And fat little pigs

All this is what Thanksgiving brings

I just have one questions for my dearly departed great great ancestor who made this song a tradition. Since when are pumpkins yellow? This has puzzled me since I was little.

I am grateful for all of you my friends. You have enriched my life and made me a better person. Happy Thanksgiving.

Wordless Wednesday

Springfield Children's Choir

Nicholas and Holden are singing with the Springfield Children's Choir. They LOVE it. They come home from rehearsal all excited and practicing their new songs. These are pictures from their first performance. The Choir sang at a fundraiser.

Check out the handsome boy three from the right.

The choir went over to the fundraiser on a bus. Is their a cuter face in the universe?

There is my Holden.

One of the things the boys really like is that a lot of their friends sing with them. In this group are Bronson, Gavin, Aalyia, and Roci.

The wise decision

A few months back, Joe and I had to decide whether or not to keep our leased Toyota Camry. After some thought and a realistic look at our budget, we decided not to keep it. We turned it in and got a small Geo Prism that doesn't have a payment. It was the wisest thing we've done in a long time. Not only do we not have a car payment, but our car insurance went way down as well. I really should be so proud of us and happy with this decision.

I've always seen myself as someone not really concerned about what others think. That's why I've been surprised at how people's reaction has effected me. We've heard everything from, "So, this is what you drive now?" or "Is this your car?" I really liked having a nice car.

And in the automotive world this is a step down. The Camry drove so smooth and quiet. There was a lot more room in the back seat for the boys. And it was just so pretty. (Do I sound like a commercial?)

The more time goes by and I am removed from my beloved Camry, I become more and more content with the wisdom that we have shown. But, if your in the market for a new car, check out the Camrys.

Wordless Wednesday

One of Joe's Paintings

Wordless Wednesday

Closet Introvert

Recently I've had a few experiences that have led me to decide that I need to make a public declaration. Are you ready?

I am painfully shy and insecure.

Perhaps you don't believe me. You feel that you have seen me be outgoing and perhaps even gregarious. The truth is I feel that I have to be that way. I much rather sit in a corner and hope no one notices me. For some reason I feel it is my duty to make others comfortable. (I never said I didn't have a warped sense of reality.) So I force myself to talk to others.

Perhaps you have felt that I have shunned you. Nope. I am not a shunner. The only thing that you experienced was my own insecurities being made manifest. Sometimes my own insecurities become so overwhelming I can not force myself to reach out and I just retreat into my comfortable spaces.

So I apologize for any offense that may have been felt. It was not intentional. Most likely I love you and would cry if I knew I had hurt your feelings.

Thoughtful Thursday

I didn't have to teach institute this week due to the celebration of Joe's birth. In recognition of all the wonderful ways that Joe has made the world a better place, I have decided to quote Joseph Michael Metzger.

"Damn."

Wordless Wednesday

One Year Older And Wiser Too?

Joe celebrated number 37 today. He loves his birthday and we love to share it with him.

The boys and I made our traditional birthday sign.

We went out for Chinese food and Sushi.

Then we came home, opened presents, blew out candles, and had cake. (The flourless chocolate cakes he likes so much.)

He got a ticket to see a band he likes, (Medeski, Martin, & Wood) a Mark Gordon (the bassist from Phish) CD, and some money (which he loves).

But the celebration of Joe's birth, did not begin today. On Saturday his mom and dad came from Schenectady bringing food, fun, and beautiful cake.

Nicholas, Holden, Matthew and I believe the world is a better place because Joe was born. We love Him.