Sleeping in the summer

It's hot here! We thought we could sweat it upstairs this summer, but, alas, we have all relocated due to the heat. The kids are set up in the basement, sleeping together on our futon. It's really really cool down there. In fact, I was chilly!

MP and I get to return to our old bedroom on the main floor [currently called the "guest room"].

As we made the futon and got C and L situated in the basement, it was clear they are very excited about this relocation. We do not own a baby monitor anymore, so we were discussing what they will do if they wake up in the night (because we won't be able to hear them call for us). L suggested that he talk to C if he needs anything because, "she's really a good helper." Then C chimed in and really warmed my heart. She said, "Yeah, if you need me and I am sleeping, just wake me up. And, if you forget that, just wake me up."

I am looking forward to a good night's sleep in a cool bedroom--with a regular ceiling!!! Our bedroom in the upstairs is built into the eaves and it's a pain to remember to duck to avoid hitting one's head.

I am glad summer temperatures are finally here. We worked outside today and then beat the heat by enjoying the shade of our huge maple tree. C and L played in the wading pool and sprinkler a lot. MP swept the roof and cleaned out the gutters. MS sat around eating bon bons and giving directions.

C and Kate go WAAAAYYYY Back

When C was two some dear friends gave her this doll. She named her "Kate" and began mothering her. We have hundreds of pictures of Kate by now.

**our clematis was spectacular again this year**

I am so glad I managed to take pictures in front of the clematis again. My other photos from previous years are not digital, so..........I could scan them, I suppose. But who has the time to do that??!!

OOPS! Upside Down

I have to find a way to edit this...more later!

3 and 6 Years Old

Our House

Here is a picture from this morning. L is watering the plants. Like many kids, L loves to play with the hose and spray things. It's an ongoing battle to redirect his "water play" away from people and toward a good target like a thirsty plant or lawn.

Black irises

Our house! The flowers have been so pretty this year. It takes a couple of years for the perennials to get established--this year our border in the front is like a fence it is so dense.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR C! Here she is on the last day of school [June 13th] with her doll Kate and her brother L.

Now that we are one week into summer vacation, C has made it clear that she misses school. First she started misbehaving, and after a few days of grumpiness and no cooperation on her part, she started to cry and told me she wanted to go to school. I tried to explain to her that if one went to school for 18 years without a break, it would get old. And, I tried to explain to her that on beautiful summer days many people want to be outdoors, not inside all day long. She had a good cry in my arms and felt much better.

Giraffe

, originally uploaded by schott.pond.

C sat down with this picture from a book and her paints and the next thing I knew she had created this giraffe.

Standing on the bridge while the rushing river sprays us.

"I want to be an author when I grow up"

Without being prompted, C informed MP this morning that she wants to be an author when she grows up. Could a librarian ask for anything more?? MP said C was serious with a furrowed brow as she made this announcement.

I love it!!! We have not had extensive conversations about the future [her future] at all. She is six years old, after all...but the culture seeps in, and she must now know that one has a *plan* for the future.

Or, she just really really wants to write and create...

L poses with a real bat and ball

Conversation from March 29th, 2008

Here's a conversation I overheard between C, L, and our 11 year old babysitter/mother's helper A (I typed it up as they spoke while painting at the table):

[By way of back story, Tootie is L's imaginary friend. He appeared last fall after C started Kindergarten. His first appearances seemed to be when L would ask us, "Do you know Tootie from my class?" I think he was trying to have something comparable to all of C's new classmates and people she spoke about at school...lately Tootie appears at the table during meals or during play.]

So, here's what I just heard:

C: Are you talking to Tootie? [she says this to L]
L: yes.
C: Oh. Are you yelling at him?
L: Yes, I am yelling because he is in trouble again. Tootie is standing up and lying right in the street.
C: Standing up and lying down??
L: Well, just lying right down in the street and the cars just zoom right over him.
A: Who's Tootie?
L: My friend.
C: He made him up.
A: Where is he?
L: Right here. He lives in my finger. I have houses in there.


They all chat a few moments, then L says:

L: Tootie cracked his head open.
A: Do you think that's funny? Noooo. [she answers her own question]
L: The car just went right over him. Uh! uh! Tootie get out of my hand!!!! [ yells L, making struggling noises and grunts.]
C: Do some magic to get him out.
L: Ohhhh! I got him! [grunting with glee].

I guess the exorcism is over for now!!!!!!

My Piece...my peace?

So, I am finally blogging. A word I have not liked since I first heard it--"blog"--so blah. Then, I got it, web log...blog. Ahhhh, I get it now!

I actually "got it" long ago, but have not been moved to blog until recently when the events in my household have gotten so blog-worthy it's time to do it.

I blog.

More later.

Note: Why Peace and Serenity, you ask? Well, long ago...years ago...a wonderful woman whose story is for another time gave me a sand dollar and told me it represents peace and serenity. I loved that for many reasons. So, when the site asked for a name and Mark suggested "Blom" for blogging mom...I opted for Peace and Serenity instead. That's my piece for now.