Grasshopper Days

Grasshopper Days

For today, December 19, 2011

Outside my window...  still dark.

I am thinking...  what a whirlwind of a week we've just had!  All good, but kind of crazy.  Pics coming soon.

I am thankful for...  the kids' Christmas program last night.  Fun.  Low-key.  No stress.  All the kids, from preschool to high school, do their part.  And how cute are the little toddlers in their white angel outfits, with tinsel in their hair?  Or little curly shepherds' beards?  And hearing Luke 2 read by boys and girls in a motley collection of bathrobes?  Now that's what I call a good Christmas program :D

I am praying for...  peace and joy :D

I am wearing...  jeans, white mock-T, black and white and red snowflake sweater.

I am creating...  hmmm, working towards the peace and joy!

I am going...  to get Wyatt going on some school work, and to make cookies with the other two.  Yes, we are on break, but somebody has let himself get behind in science and history.  And yes, I know we're homeschoolers and flexible and all that, but I don't want procrastination to take root and flourish.

I am reading...  still finishing The Sign of the Beaver, and also reading Christmas books every night, as is our tradition.  We have a lot of Christmas traditions.  If you're interested, I've put links to them under the tab, above.

I am remembering...  Christmas 2008, when we had a LOT of snow.  So much snow we couldn't drive up Grandpa and Grandma's driveway, and hiked up, pulling presents on plastic toboggans, as Grandpa shuttled us up on a borrowed ATV.  The boys keep hoping for a repeat!

From the learning rooms...  just Wyatt, plugging away.

From the kitchen...  a few more cookies, and (probably) meatballs for dinner.

Around the house...  happy, happy, happy Christmas things.

Something I want to remember for later...  we had a crowd here on Saturday.  A fun crowd.  My dad's side of the family.  I put a Sharpie out by the (plastic) cold-drink cups so everyone could write their name on theirs.  (Yes, we do that.)  Grandma asked Gunnar to get her some juice, and he labeled her cup, "best grandma ever".  Yep.

On my mind...  am I missing anything???  Because it seems like maybe I can relax.

Noticing that...  my boys... I love them... but they talk All. The.  Time.

Pondering these words...  

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace,

good will toward men.

One of my favorite things...  feeling ready.

A few plans for the rest of the week...  ironically, a few appointments for the boys.  Check ups, etc.

Here is a picture I am sharing...  

The elves, heading out on a Cookie Mission.

Simple Woman 12-13-10

Simple Woman

For Today, December 13, 2010

Outside my window...  fog.  Which probably means a clear sky above it, and - possibly - the first glimpse of that long-lost shiny yellow orb.

I am thinking...  less than two weeks until Christmas (!) and what is left to do...

I am thankful for...  Kerry has some work (!), the absolutely joyful funeral/memorial service yesterday, and our local police... strange happenings in the neighborhood last night.

I am praying for...  a bloggy friend's son's surgery tomorrow, work to continue to come in,

and the boys (in general).

I am wearing...  not-leaving-the-house sweats.

I am creating...  still some Christmas secrets, but less, as I realize I really don't like sewing with a deadline.  Hmmm, creative options?

I am going...  still hoping to get Christmas cards out early this week... might be a pipe dream.  Couple more Christmas gifts to find, and lots of cookie-making :D

I am reading...  between books (myself), reading Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze to the boys.

I am hoping...  to get over this cold!  (Feeling better, but not all the way better...)

I am hearing...  the furnace, the washer, the dryer, and clickety tappity.

I am remembering...  people we hope to have over.  Christmas is a time of hospitality.

From the learning rooms...  converting metric/standard measurements, French Indochina, sit/set, rise/raise, lie/lay, identifying prime numbers, bene/bon (root words), simple machines (physics), and the last emperor of China.

From the kitchen...  thawing some pork for dinner, made molasses cookies last night, and the cupboards are full to over-flowing from recent Costco run.

Around the house...  Christmas everywhere :D  The last big thing was the boys' tree, with all their own ornaments on it.  But I think the wreath is still sitting on a chair in the dining room.  Nobody uses the front door!

On my mind...  prioritizing...

Noticing that...  we are almost, almost, to the shortest day of the year.  *sigh*

One of my favorite things...  coming home from the funeral yesterday to find the boys, full of testosterone and bluster, and armed with random items from the garage, ready to defend themselves from the unknown.  (Kerry was home with them, by the way.)

A few plans for the rest of the week...  I have grand hopes (delusions?) of having a full and productive school week.  This may not happen.  And it will be my fault if it doesn't ;D  We'd like to have another family or two over for dinner and/or evening.  Saturday we get together with my dad's side of the family - lots of food and fun, no gifts.  Then Sunday evening is the kids' Christmas program at church.  I know I've mentioned before how much I appreciate how low-key it is.  (They rehearsed the first time, yesterday.)  I have a shepherd (Gunnar), a wise man (Tate), and HerodtheKing (Wyatt).

Here is a picture I am sharing...

 Last year's program.

All my boys are visible, if you know where to look.

Gunnar is easy to find... he's glowing.

Simple Woman #39

Simple Woman

FOR TODAY    December 7, 2009

Outside my window...  cold, clear sunny day.  The bare branches are tossing in the wind.

I am thinking...   17 days before Christmas.  So, of all the things I'd like to get done, which are most important?

I am thankful for...   we had a fun but BUSY weekend.  (PTO day - project day, church, Tuba Christmas, and two Messiah performances.)  As much as I liked all the parts of it, I'm glad it's past.

I am praying for...  right Christmas priorities.

I am wearing... jeans, dark green sweatshirt, a turtle neck that is printed with swirly strings of Christmas lights, wool socks.

I am creating...  a baby gift for little Jack Steven, born on Tuesday :0)

I am going...  staying HOME tonight - no more rehearsals :0)

I am reading... almost done with the Little House series I'm reading aloud to the boys.  We're into These Happy Golden Years, which is the last one I'm going to read to them (of the series.)  I'm still amazed (and happy) at how much they're enjoying these.  I confess that I do skim over some of the lengthy descriptions of their dresses that she includes in these latter books, but other than that, the boys are a rapt audience.  But I haven't been reading for myself much lately.  *sigh*

I am hoping...  not to cram too much into our Advent season, to fully enjoy it with my family in a relaxed way... as relaxed as three boys ever get ;-)

I am hearing...  the wind.  I love how it makes different noises going through the different trees.

I am remembering...  wishing and praying, as a child, that it would snow on Christmas.

From the learning rooms...  line plots and bar graphs, writing a narrative paragraph, starting through Janice vanCleave's chemistry experiments, memory verses for the Christmas program, the Turkish siege of Vienna, and Turkish Delight.

From the kitchen...  pork roast in the crock pot.

Around the house...  candles, Christmas lights, decorations, the advent wreath, Christmas stockings,

On my mind... thinking that after we finish the Little House books I should read the boys my great-grandmother's book.  She was born shortly after their - Laura and Mary's - time (later in the 1800's) and grew up in Kansas and Oklahoma before moving to the PNW as a young wife.

Pondering these words...  
"Mom, clear is a color you can see through."  - Gunnar


One of my favorite things...  Christmas carols

A few plans for the rest of the week...  making/buying Christmas presents (which I wanted to have done by Thanksgiving... *sigh*)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing... 

My brother - a fan of all things Disney - is giving us a 'tour' of a scale model he's making of Disneyland.

This is just the beginning...

Grasshopper Days

Grasshopper Days

For today, Monday, December 8, 2014

Outside my window...  wind blowing through the trees.  It's interesting how different it sounds now that all the leaves are off.

Hearing...  Gunnar finishing in the shower.

Pondering...  what Christmas shopping is left to do... secrets :D

Praying...  for our daily days, for Wyatt to balance work/sleep/use-of-time, for Tate to continue to do well at school, and for Gunnar and me to get through our homeschool work when there are so many distractions right now!  Like Christmas shopping this morning :D

Thankful...  we got through a busy weekend of two Messiah performances as well as Tuba Christmas, and then started getting ready for the children's Christmas program at church.  So thankful that is a VERY low key event, although with preschoolers to "wrangle", it might be a bit of a circus for me!

Wearing...  jeans, white T, blue sweater, slippers.  After a week or so of really chilly days (down in the teens) it's in the 60's today - go figure!

Going...  to work hard at science and history with Gunnar.

Looking forward to...  taking the boys to the Nutcracker this Friday!  The Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle does a very unique version - sets and costumes by Maurice Sendak (think Where the Wild Things Are) and it's lots of fun.  This is the last year they'll be doing it - at least, doing it that way - and we wanted the boys to experience it.

In the kitchen...  had the first taste of Tate's venison last night, and it was good :D  Although, it was pretty heavily seasoned for taco salad, so we'll have a truer taste-test later.

In the learning rooms...  the boys put up a Christmas tree in the school room - so cheery!  But it's a real effort right now to concentrate on school with all the Christmas thoughts swirling in my mind.

Around the house...  we got our tree up this weekend and it's a bit of a Charlie Brown tree.  I prefer to go out to the tree farm and cut our own but this year... we just had to expedite.  We're having the youth group here for a Christmas party on Wednesday and I wanted it done before then!

The Mother Load...  a little more Christmas shopping/planning (stockings???) and I haven't made a single cookie yet.  Kerry and I need to have a "calendar summit" and make sure we're tracking together for the rest of the month.  We like to have a neighborhood open-house-potluck kind of thing - better get that organized!

Noticing that...  how can my boys possibly wear shoes THAT BIG???

Something to remember for later...  Gunnar is such a chatter-box!  Mostly I enjoy it but there are moments I just look at him and say, "TOO.  MANY.  WORDS."

Something fun to share...  nope!  Can't tell my Christmas secrets :D

A favorite quote... 

  How long does a goldsmith keep gold in the fire?

Until He can see His face in it.

One of my favorite things...  Lindor milk chocolate and sea salt truffles.  *Happy sigh*

A few plans for the rest of the week... NOT going to rehearsal tonight :D  Gunnar has a violin lesson tomorrow and he babysits, so Tuesday is our (happily) disrupted day.  The youth group is coming here on Wednesday.  Friday is Nutcracker.  And Saturday is Christmas with lots of my dad's side of the family.  Big potluck.  No gifts.  Easy and fun.

A peek into my world...  

Actually, NOT my world, but I want to do this!

Advent... Day 7

Ahhh... a relaxing day, after all the activity of yesterday :0)

Church, this morning, really "hit the spot", as Gunnar would say. Our pastor is focusing on the names of Jesus, this advent, and today spoke on our Redeemer. Just as the Israelites were redeemed from slavery in Egypt, we are redeemed from slavery to sin. He brought out the comfort offered in Isaiah 40:1-2. Relief.

We missed church last Sunday, due to our trip to the coast, and the Sunday School classes are preparing for the children's Christmas Program. At our previous (and much larger) church, the Christmas program was a Big Production, which usually involved auditions for major roles, weeks of rehearsals, and (often) learning newer unfamiliar music. Participation was optional, and Wyatt and Tate usually opted out.

What a change, this year :0) There are shepherds, angels, and wisemen. The story is right out of Luke 2. And my boys are enthusiastic about being involved... and they're singing TEN SONGS!

Gunnar has already learned his verses, "And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)... (later) ...And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.." And - I can hardly believe it - Wyatt and Tate are jealous, because he has his own speaking part, and they don't.

Wyatt learned a couple of weeks ago that he would be a shepherd, and volunteered for a speaking part. He was quite disgruntled when Tate announced that his class are also going to be shepherds, and apparently all the shepherds only have one line: "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." Picture Wyatt rolling his eyes and saying, "Yeah, all twenty-five hundred of us." Just a bit of an exaggeration. It's a small church :0)

So I'm trying to console Wyatt, because I know he's disappointed not to be unique, and Tate, because he would like to be a Wise Man (more like a wise-guy!) instead of a shepherd, but inside I'm thrilled because these boys want to be involved and engaged, rather than just being spectators. Because they are becoming part of the church, not just an audience at a show.


Home all afternoon. Kerry and the boys put up the outdoor Christmas lights. Years ago I bought several boxes of blue icicle lights on sale, and had forgotten them. Since it's wet and drippy here, (read "slippery"), and Kerry didn't want to get out the big ladder or go up on the roof, he opted NOT to hang the lights from the eaves, where you would expect to find icicles, but instead strung them up in a horizontal line around the middle of the house, between the first and second floor.

I appreciate the effort, I really do, but I can't help thinking that our house looks like those hippos in tutus, from Fantasia.

Gunnar, thrilled that his turn has come around again, pulled out "An Amish Christmas", by Richard Ammon. Very sweet :0)

In spite of the competition over who gets to light the Advent candles, the devotion went well. Tate launched right into our carol for the evening, "Joy to the World", with such gusto that I hated to stop him. But being unable to match, identify, or join him in the key in which he was singing, I tried to tactfully suggest that maybe we'd better begin again, all together. Whew.

Christmas Confession

Every year I think I'm going to do Christmas better.  

I'll get my shopping done earlier.
I'll make more gifts.
I'll send out a Thanksgiving letter instead of a Christmas card.
I'll decorate with what I love and purge what I don't.
I'll have more people over.

And there will be peace, and joy, and cookies for everyone, right?

But in the real world, we have a weekend SAREX campout (seriously, who plans this in cold, dark northern latitudes in December?), choir practice, CAP squadron meetings, youth-group, a PTO day (hallelujah!), Tuba Christmas, Messiah performances, 20 or so relatives to lunch, the kids' Christmas program at the Chapel, and one boy with new glasses, and homeschool, and laundry, and a living room full of boys playing Risk.

And Christmas is four days away and they've eaten every Christmas cookie I've made.  And I'm still trying to get Christmas cards addressed, wrap the last few presents, and find the best picture of the boys to give the in-laws, out of the five thousand or so (no kidding) I took on vacation.

So it's not exactly sleep in heavenly peace around here.

But neither was the first Christmas, was it?

A crisis pregnancy.  An unplanned road trip.  And how far is it from Nazareth to Bethlehem?  About a hundred miles?  Really?  Nine months pregnant and riding a donkey for a hundred miles?  With no place to stay?  No comfort.  No guest towels.  No room service.  No privacy.  A baby, born in a barn.  No epidural.  No crib.  No Pampers.  And unexpected company!  Shepherds, foreigners (at least they brought gifts!), angels.  No, not exactly sleep in heavenly peace.

But it is Joy to the World.

We rejoice.  We celebrate.  We sing.  And we light candles and drip wax on our fingers. 

And we stumble imperfectly through it all, because...

For to us a child is born,

to us a Son is given,

and the government will be

on His shoulders.

And He will be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

the Prince of Peace.

So...

Lift up your heads,

O ye gates,

and be lifted up,

ye everlasting doors;

and the King of Glory

shall come in.

Amen.

 

Simple Woman 12-20-10

Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today, December 20, 2010

Outside my window...  a dusting of snow!  Not enough to play in, much to the boys' disappointment, but enough to look pretty.

I am thinking...  we are finally on Christmas break.  The kids' Christmas program last night made it seem official, somehow :D

I am thankful for...  Grampa Grasshopper, outside in this cold weather, working on forms to pour concrete steps up to Kerry's office.  (Remember the hole Kerry had made last summer?  Yah.  We're looking forward to NOT having an obstacle course in and out of the garage...)  Also, Kerry has some work - yay!  And Christmas is only five days away.  Woo-hoo!

I am praying for...  attitudes.

I am creating...  just a couple more little secrets.

I am going...  to stay home, do a little sewing, a little baking... ho hum.

I am hoping...  well, the boys are hoping for a white Christmas.

I am hearing...  Grampa Grasshopper sawing and hammering, the washer and the dryer both going, and the boys doing something with Legos.

I am remembering...  warm summer days at the lake.

From the learning rooms...  silence.  We are taking a break :D  The boys have done some cleaning chores this morning and now get free time.

From the kitchen...  hmm, what to make for dinner?  Maybe some sweet and sour chicken.

Around the house...  I haven't posted pics of our Christmassy house, because it looks a lot like last year.  It always does.  Lots of lights.  Lots of candles.  And a REAL tree :D

On my mind...  just a couple things I want to make.  Oh how I love finding easy tutorials online!

Noticing that...  though I've been preparing the boys for months to be content with a "smaller" Christmas this year, there are a lot of presents under the tree...

Pondering these words...

 

Do not be afraid!

I bring you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David

a Savior has been born to you;

He is Christ the Lord!

One of my favorite things...  the way angels preface every message with, Don't panic!

Because, clearly, they realize that their 'visitee' is about to.

A few plans for the rest of the week...  hoping to have some friends over, if we can get ahold of them.  Looking forward to Christmas Eve here, and then the candle-light Christmas Eve service at church.  Christmas morning here, and then up to my parents', just 10 minutes away.

Here is a picture I am sharing...

Christmas elves, heading out around the neighborhood :D

Grasshopper Days

Grasshopper Days

For today, Monday, December 15, 2014.

Outside my window...  still dark and quiet, clear and cold again.  Tate has already left for the bus.

Hearing...  Yo Yo Ma and Friends, Songs of Joy and Peace.  How many ways can they play Dona Nobis Pacem?  (I like them all.)

Pondering...  did a little sewing project yesterday, and maybe you'll understand this and maybe you won't.  Had to make a little (one inch wide) tube, several inches long, and invert it.  And there has got to be a better way!  Because that was twenty minutes of feeling like I was trying to turn a belly button inside out.  Good grief.

Praying...  next week is Christmas!  I think I'm ready... need to double-check my lists ;/D  And so much fun between now and then  :D

Thankful...  Kerry continues to have work (woo-hoo!), Wyatt is working like a one-armed paper hanger, and I've done most of my shopping online - for the win ;D

Wearing...  my Grubs - Gunnar and I will go walking as soon as the sun comes up.

Creating...  fun, cute project I can't show yet.

Going...  gotta crank out the schoolwork with Gunnar.  We both want to finish the week early and Tuesday is our crazy disrupted day.  Gunnar has his violin lesson, his babysitting job, and - of course - there's CAP.

Looking forward to...  taking a couple weeks off school - not that it's miserable, but you know... everybody likes a break :D

In the kitchen...  hmm, my freezers are stuffed full, but what to have for dinner?  Probably something with venison - Tate's deer came back from the butcher and I bet we have over 40 pounds of meat :D

In the learning rooms...  Gunnar is writing a research paper on Giant Otters, we're coming down the homestretch on his Pre-Algebra, and I need to help Tate review for a Biology exam.  Also - not really school, but... Tate wants me to help him study for his written test to get his Learner's Permit - driving!!!

Around the house...  beautiful Nativities, candles, lights, and the Christmas tree :D

The Mother Load...  still some wrapping to do but there are a couple more things still coming.  What little Christmas baking I've done has been eaten and the boys are BEGGING for Christmas cookies and dipped pretzels.  Also, must make several pounds of meatballs for our Christmas party and Wyatt's (work) potluck.  And the house needs some cleaning-love.

Noticing that...  I almost had my office tidy, and then... I needed to wrap something, and sew something, and... well, you know.

Something to remember for later...  Naomi loves all her boys (especially Gunnar ;D ) but when she wants a story read?  She goes to...

Tate.  Grandma gave her one Christmas gift early - her own copy of Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Something fun to share...  had a really fun time Friday night in Seattle seeing The Nutcracker.

A favorite quote for today...  I've said it before, and I'll say it again...  (NO, that's not the quote!)...

When I do stuff,

Stuff gets done.

Ready, set, go.

One of my favorite things...  having a good time with my family :D

A few plans for the rest of the week...  get as much done today as possible, because...
* Monday - homeschool, help set up for tomorrow's event
* Tuesday - homeschool, violin lesson (Gunnar), babysit (Gunnar), CAP annual "Dining Out" - which is a banquet and awards ceremony.
* Wednesday and Thursday - homeschool, get stuff done (!)
* Friday - dinner at friends'
* Saturday - neighborhood party here
* Sunday - church, kids' Christmas program
Whew!

A peek into my world... 

Wyatt, Kerry, Tate, me, Aunty Tami, and Gunnar at The Nutcracker

We may be in the second balcony, but we're front row!  So much fun :D

Advent... Day 20

Ya gotta love it... more snow.

It's so "Christmassy", the kids' Christmas program may end up being canceled.

*sigh*

I spent nearly all day doing something that really didn't put me in a Christmas mood... balancing the checkbook. Most of my friends think I'm really organized and on top of things.

True confession? I'm not going to tell you how long it's been since I got caught up on this, but I will say that say it took hours. Several hours. Larry Burkett would be very displeased with me. Ugh.

The boys were happy to be in and out of the house... more sledding of course. This isn't related to Christmas at all, but if you want a good winter read aloud, pick up a copy of "Snow Treasure". Adventure, sledding, treasure, N@zis... and, supposedly, based on a true story. (Written by a journalist, in 1942, during WWII.)

Our Christmas book tonight, "The Light of Christmas", I have to confess, is not one of my favorites, and it's hard to say why. Well, maybe it's not that hard... The book is moralistic, but without Christ. It has a "Christian" message, along the lines of the good Samaritan, or "what you've done to the least of them, you've done to Me", but no Jesus.

Kind of funny, because I enjoy silly books, like "Worried Arthur" (the tale of an anxious little penguin, who does not want Santa to miss his house), which has absolutely nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas. But "The Light of Christmas" is trying too hard to say something profound, while somehow completely missing the point.

Well, maybe I'm being too hard on it. Talked with the boys about the good Samaritan, and moved on to devotions, and the encounter with Anna, in the temple.

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Grasshopper Days

Grasshopper Days

For today, Monday, December 1, 2014
  
Outside my window...  brrrr.  See yesterday's photos.  Actually, it's about ten degrees warmer - mid 20's instead of mid teens, so, you know, practically balmy.  *eyes roll*

Hearing...  Gunnar in the shower, the furnace blowing (thank the Lord for central heating :D), but no wind today- yay :D

Pondering...  you know what tonight is?  And I don't mean Monday Night Football.  The last Messiah rehearsal.  And there was much rejoicing.  Love doing it, then love when it's done.

Praying...  Wyatt is having a very challenging week.  It's finals week at college AND things are heating up at UPS.  He had to be at work at 2am this morning, and I assume that will continue.  Also praying for NO snow (the boys don't like when I say that) while we have some special events to be driving to - like Messiah concerts later this week.  And next week we're taking the boys to Seattle to see the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker.  It's really special - all the sets and costumes were designed by Maurice Sendak (think Where the Wild Things Are).  And it's the last year they're doing it (after maybe 32 seasons?  Is that right?)  Anyway, I'm really looking forward to it!  Gunnar said, "Oh Mom, wouldn't it be fun if it snowed that day?"

Child of mine.  Are you MAD???  NO, that would NOT be fun to drive to Seattle in the snow on a Friday, thank-you-very-much.  It can snow AFTER THAT.

So *ahem* in case you're wondering...  The photo above is from another year.  We have no snow at this point.  Nor do we have that large fir tree in the right of the photo.  I really need to update my "winter" photo.  Because, you know, the fate of the world is hanging on it.  Or not.

Where was I...

Thankful...  Kerry has been working steadily.  Hallelujah.  Also, since the chapel kids will be prepping for their Christmas program I have no Sunday school prep for the next three weeks.  Not that it's a terribly onerous task, (I enjoy it!) but it's a good time of year to have a break :D

Wearing...  my grubs.  I like that.  It sounds kind of official, like scrubs, which would make the things I'm wearing sort of a uniform, rather than just old clothes.  My grubs.  Because Gunnar and I will go for a walk in awhile and I'll get all sweaty.  Then there will be a shower, followed by acceptable-for-being-seen-in-public clothing.  Which will undoubtedly involve lots of layers, like denim, and a sweater.  Because BRRRR.

Creating...  nothing I can show just yet.

Going...  for a walk with Gunnar soon.  The sun is up so I keep hoping it will warm up a bit.  Maybe?

Looking forward to...  no more Monday evening rehearsals.  I do enjoy them, but it will be good not to have to go out.  It's not like I'm phobic about it or anything, but there's something about leaving home in the evening when it's already dark... it just feels wrong.  I'm a home-body.

In the kitchen...  we had Thanksgiving Dinner: The Sequel last night, and now I'm down to just a bit of leftover turkey.  Don't think I'm complaining.  This household LOVES turkey.  Maybe turkey taquitos tonight?  Or turkey pot pie?

In the learning rooms...  I'm going to make Tate and Gunnar each a master list of schoolwork-to-be-completed before Christmas break.  I think they'll both want to work ahead and get done early.  Tate is highly self-motivated and often finishes early.  Gunnar is usually more of a do-today's-work-today kind of guy.  But around the holidays?  He wants to get school out of the way and move on to Christmas!

Around the house..  we're about half decorated.  The boys helped me clean and move furniture and we have a nice empty spot waiting for a Christmas tree.  The question is when we'll get out to GET it.  Maybe soon, with this nice clear weather - much more fun than tromping in the mud and bringing a dripping wet tree into the house!

The Mother Load...  if you're done with your Christmas shopping, just don't tell me, okay?  I'm hoping to do most of the rest of mine online or in my craft room ;D  I need to finish decorating (decide what to use and what to store or get rid of).  Tate wants help studying for his (written) driver's permit test.  I promised Wyatt I'd make biscuits and gravy for him to have before work in the morning.  And laundry, and cleaning, and tidying, and....  *sigh*

AND CHRISTMAS CARDS.  Oh boy.

Something fun to share...  first the not-so-fun part: my everyday pair of Danskos finally fell apart.  (Shed a quiet tear with me for my blue Danskos, all right?  Moving on...)  If you don't know Danskos, they're kind of spendy.  But oh-so-good for your feet and pretty long-lasting.  I think I've been wearing that pair for about five years.  So (here's the fun part) I talked with Kerry and ordered a new pair.  But which to choose?  I was leaning toward these:

because... classic, classy, go-with-lots-of-things.  But also, not on sale.  Boo-hoo.

And then I saw these:

and HELLO FUN NEW SHOES!  I don't think they're actually quite that bright in real life, but if they are? GREAT!  And on sale!  (Still spendy, but about thirty bucks cheaper than the others.)  And should arrive tomorrow :D  So my Christmas is coming early.

A favorite quote for today... 

O ye heights of heaven adore Him

Angel hosts His praises sing

Powers, dominions, bow before Him

And extol our God and King

Let no tongue on earth be silent

Every voice in concert ring

Evermore and evermore.

One of my favorite things...  Christmas lights :D

A few plans for the rest of the day...  see Mother Load, above.

A peek into my day... 

Gunnar and I will be on the lookout, on our walk today!

Wednesday Brain Dump and Random Bits

*Sigh*

It's 7:42am and I already feel overwhelmed.  Hence, a Brain Dump is in order.  You know why I call it a Brain Dump?  Because structuring paragraphs is just too much effort, but a numbered list?  That I can manage.

1.  The calm before the storm.  That's what one of the boys said at breakfast, because today (and today only! - in best infomercial voice) the only place I have to go is to pick up Wyatt at the HS at 10:40.  Tomorrow the flurry hits.  And it's a flurry full of good things, but I still feel like I need to brace myself for the storm.

2.  My email.  I've not displayed my 'real' email on the blog because it has my last name in it.  When the kids were smaller I was a lot more concerned about our privacy, though anyone really determined could probably figure out who and where we are.  With the bazillions of blogs out there, I'm probably too paranoid.  I mean, it's not like we're in the witness protection program or anything.

But, to maintain the illusion of privacy, I opened a new email address under the oh-so-catchy name herdinggrasshoppers.  (Now where have I heard that before???)  You can email me at
herdinggrasshoppers @ yahoo . com     without the spaces.

The catch is, I'm not used to checking that on a regular basis.  I'm trying to get into the habit, but if you email me and I don't respond, you might leave me a comment (which I won't publish), prodding me to check the email.

Or I might just be swamped with daily life, and slow to devote time to email.

Because this post will eventually get buried, I put a new tab up above with the email address in it.

3.  Christmas linkys.  And speaking of tabs... if you're interested in some of the things the Grasshopper family likes to do around Christmas, I've linked to several posts under the Christmas tab, up above.

4.  Advent fail.  It's only December 5th and we're already falling behind.  Hoping to have a big round-up of catching up this evening, as I think we'll all be home (sound the trumpets and rejoice!)  I think the boys are keeping up on their candy strips, but we're a day behind in devotions, and haven't read a Christmas book since Saturday.  Oh, the humanity.

We're trying a new set of advent devotions this year - I downloaded a freebie from Ann Voskamp.  Has anyone else used these?  There are things I'm liking (hanging the ornaments each night, to jog our memories later) and things I'm not.  For one thing, her poetic language is a distraction to me and my grammatically trained boys.  I find myself editing as I read.  Also, there aren't any questions.  I like devotions with questions that draw the others in.  This feels more monologue-y.  I've added in a Christmas carol each night as well.  I want the boys to know the traditional carols :D  Nobody will ever confuse us with the von Trapp family, but I love hearing the boys sing... even tone-deaf ;D

5.  The Mother Load..... is assuming epic proportions.  I am devoting a full-size notebook page for each of the next eight days.  Know why?

Today - get as much schoolwork done as possible, because we are all HOME!
Thursday - Wyatt goes to HS and we homeschool until 10:30, then we head to Seattle to see King Tut.  On our way home we pick up my five-month-old niece, who is staying with us for the weekend.
Friday - watch Naomi, make treats to take to concert, deliver Naomi to her grandparents for the evening, and then first performance of Messiah
Saturday - pack up baby and boys and go to the shopping maul for Tuba Christmas, grab a quick lunch, and then back to neighboring town for second performance of Messiah
Sunday - get family to church, where we are responsible for the treats (oh yeah, make treats ahead of time)
Monday - breathe in and out, get schoolwork done...
Tuesday - CAP "Dining Out" - the annual, formal banquet with the cadets and senior members.  A Really Big Deal.
Wednesday - host the church youthgroup for dinner and activities (must come up with some fun, Christmas-themed games, like Christmas Carol Pictionary, etc. and with food for 10-12 growing teenage bodies.)

See what I mean?  It's all good.  But it's all a lot.

Maybe not to some of you.  Some of you bustle along at a much more vigorous pace than I do!  But we'll get through it :D

I keep casting longing glances at the verse in the sidebar...  My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest... and wondering if I'll see that, this side of heaven.  Wish me luck!

Let Him Hear

He who has ears to hear, let him hear...

That verse from Matthew has been on my mind, lately, for obvious reasons.  And today was our big day...

activation!

A little deja vu?  But this time we had Kerry with us, too :D

Tate was scheduled for a post-op, first.  This doc took a look down in his ear and at the incision to make sure everything was healing well.

We were able to watch on the screen as he removed a couple of stitches that hadn't quite dissolved.

I wasn't kidding when I said the surgeon - Dr. Horn - looks young!  We have complete confidence in him - he did a fabulous job and is personable as well :D

We had the all-clear to proceed to activation.  Tate met his new audiologist - Kerri. (Kerry with a "y" is dad.  Kerri with an "i" is the Audie.)  He'll have two - one for his HA and one for his CI.  And we'll be seeing a lot of her in the next few weeks.  She did a great job of showing and explaining what she was doing.  I like her already :D

If you're expecting something dramatic, I hate to disappoint you.  But we were not at all disappointed with today's results :D  All sixteen electrodes appear to be working!  (One wasn't, right during surgery.)  So here's what happened today...

She activated the electrodes in groups of four (going from low frequency to high frequency, I think).  Tate heard and responded to sound everywhere we hoped.  He's pointing on a chart to how comfortable the sound is for him.  The goal was to set Program 1 at a comfortable level for him.  Program 2 and Program 3 are progressively stronger.

The idea is that he'll work his way up, between appointments.  Kerri compared it to being in a totally dark room and having someone walk in and turn on a light.  At first you blink and squint, but then your eyes adjust and you can turn on a brighter light.  Then when you're comfortable with that, you increase it again, until finally you're in the daylight.  (Program 3 is NOT full "daylight"!  That's later...)  The idea is for Tate to gradually increase the volume on Program 1 and then cycle up as he is comfortable.  She predicted that as he got used to each program it would seem to fade until he wasn't really hearing it.

Does that make sense?  You experienced folks, am I explaining this right?

We'll see her again in two days and everything will get adjusted.  

It's a lot of technology to manage!  Felt kind of like drinking from a fire hydrant ;D  And since the learning curve is steep, we just brought home the Harmony processor today.  Thursday she'll bring us up to speed on the Neptune.  But for now...

feels like Christmas!

We haven't fiddled with any of the accessories to add color, but here he is, all hooked up :D

Kerri was right about him adjusting to the programs.   I think he was already on Program 2 before we hit the freeway.  But I should back up a little...

The million dollar question was, "What do you hear?"  When he turns his HA off and just listens with the CI he can definitely hear sound, but right now it is indistinguishable.  He had a hard time describing it, but compared it to a sound from The Hunt for Red October.  I think he meant the sound Jonesy heard when he knew the Russian sub wasn't a whale but couldn't identify it yet - sort of a mechanical harmonic sound.

Sure, it would have been exciting if he could immediately recognize voices, but we knew ahead of time that wasn't likely.  He hasn't been hearing out of this ear for six years.  If your arm was in a cast for six years you wouldn't expect it to "work" the moment you got the cast off, would you?  I'm thrilled he's hearing SOUND.  We start weekly therapy tomorrow to work on turning the sound into something recognizable and useful.

Kerri, the audiologist, said something really encouraging.  First, she asked Tate - when he turned his HA back on and listened with both ears - did the sounds in the CI seem louder, quieter, or the same.  He said they seemed quieter.  She nodded, and told Tate that right now his right ear (with the HA) is "teaching" his left ear how to hear.  But it won't be long before his left ear is hearing things his right ear can't hear, and his left ear is supporting his right ear.

In fact, she set the CI programs (for now) so they're NOT picking up sounds he's not hearing with the HA.  That would just confuse him.  But that will change.  :D

You know that verse I mentioned earlier?

He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

I think it applies even better in the amplified version.  Goes like this:

He who has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him consider and perceive and comprehend by hearing.

Well, that sums up the process right there, doesn't it?  He needs to practice listening, consider what he's hearing, perceive the different sounds, and then comprehend!  We are so excited!

From Children's, we headed home, with a detour for lunch and a quick visit to Cabela's - Tate's equivalent of the Viking Valhalla.  By the time we got home and picked up the other boys, who spent the day with my folks, it was about time for CAP. 

I had talked with Tate while we were with Kerri about how loud and echo-y it is at CAP.  The squadron meets in the armory, which is basically a big concrete box.  Horrible acoustics, and there is a lot of yelling (not angry, just a military thing).  Kerry (dad) suggested Tate just leave the CI home, but Kerri (audie) said to wear it, just feel free to turn it down.  Even if it's really quiet, it's still stimulating the nerves.  Tate had toyed with bumping up to Program 3 (he's ambitious) but went back down to 2 for CAP.  Good plan :D

Meanwhile, I was ready to head for bed!  How can spending so much time sitting in a vehicle and sitting in appointments be tiring?  (Must be one of the mysteries of life.)  But my day wasn't done...

Kerry decided to go out to a movie with his brother, leaving me to transport the boys to/from CAP.  And my sister called to tell Gunnar that the b'day present she ordered for him had come, so we ended up spending most of the evening with her.  And - bless her heart - she fed us dinner and home-made ice cream :D

Then, when we picked up Wyatt and Tate, a bunch of the cadets had decided to go to DQ for ice cream and they really wanted to go...  all righty.  So we finally got home after 10pm, which is why you had to wait so long to find out how today went.

And now...  off to bed.

Therapy tomorrow, and back to Seattle the next day. 

Grasshopper Days

Grasshopper Days

For today, Thursday, December 19, 2013.

Outside my window...  cold again!  Well below freezing with snow in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow!  (Cue the boys, giddy with excitement!)

Hearing...  the furnace blowing, thank the Lord ;D

Pondering...  not so much posting lately, as we've been busy... busy with good things :D  Like Wyatt being inducted into the National Honor Society.  I'd say he's made a successful transition back to being a (PT) public school student. ;D

Praying...  fervently about a job Kerry has applied for (!), for my friend Joanna - recovering from malaria and cellulitis.  I'm tellin' ya, missionaries are tough :D, and for a joyful family Christmas... LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY!

Thankful...  I'm not frantically running around shopping, there are still a few cookies that boys haven't eaten (and time to make more), and for these...

... just look at them!  All duded up for the CAP Social / Awards Ceremony.  More about that later.  I'm SO proud of all of them ;D

Wearing...  blue jeans, warm socks, a white t-shirt, a long-sleeve shirt, a blue and green sweater, and warm shoes (in the house! oh no!)  Have to run out again soon...

Creating...  surprises ;D

Going...  back out, to pick up my dad (needs a ride while his truck is being worked on).  We've had to divide and conquer the errands today - Tate had a quick doctor's appointment early this morning, we ran a couple of errands, Kerry picked up Wyatt from school, and then I'll go out after my dad.

And I'll be wrapping gifts and addressing cards and listening to Christmas music.  And having cocoa :D

Looking forward to...  well, Christmas of course!

In the kitchen...  leftover stew and leftover chili... good individually, better mixed together.

In the learning rooms...  wrapping up the last loose ends and taking a nice break :D

Around the house...  well, come on in, and I'll show you... in another post.  Soon.

The Mother Load...  I'd told the kids "no stockings" this year, and then sold something and have a little chunk of money I'd like to spend on them... if I have time to get out WITHOUT them!  I'd like to make a few more cookies.  And if anyone is available, maybe have a neighborhood open house / social.  And finish the Christmas cards, and take cookies to some of our older neighbors, and get the boys to the Salvation Army on Saturday (CAP helps distribute Christmas gifts), and - just maybe - tidy up my office?  Nah...

Noticing that...  these boys I have are such fine young men.  *sigh*  Just little things, like Tate jumping ahead of me to hold the door at the doctor's office.

Something to remember for later...  over-baked ham, anyone?

Something fun to share...  they may be smart, but you can still fool them.  Like pretending to shop for another, when they one you're buying for is right with you, looking longingly at what you're buying ;D

A Bible verse...  still singing the Messiah in my head... Isaiah 40:5

And the glory of the Lord

shall be revealed,

and all flesh

shall see it together,

for the mouth of the Lord

has spoken.

A few plans for the rest of the week...  one more very short day of school for Wyatt, possibly friends over on Saturday, the kids' program at church on Sunday evening (ALL the kids, right up through high school, are participating), and then... CHRISTMAS :D

A peek into my world... one more!

Because Shepherds in Bathrobes and Angels with Tinsel Are Adorable

We had our annual Wiser Lake Chapel Kids' Christmas Program.

It was awesome.

It's awesome because ALL the kids participate.

The little ones are adorable in their tinsel and bathrobes,

the middle kids get speaking roles (note the "scientists" in the center back),

and the older kids are readers.

And just in case you were wondering,

the two on the right, in the grass skirts?

Adam and Eve.

And what's even more awesome is that -

being in charge of the littles (preschool/kindy-ish) -

I spent my whole evening trying to get them to walk

in a line

on and off the stage

a total of SIX TIMES.

And they're not even all homeschoolers,

but still,

walk in a line?

When we all want to hurry?

Because we're all Very Excited?!?!

But it's awesome,

because it's the chapel.

There's no pressure to be perfect.

Heck, I had one little angel that had only been to one "rehearsal",

and another little angel that just showed up that night and wanted to be in the program.

Why not?

And the whole thing was hilarious.

In a good way.

Because working with preschoolers and kindergarteners

(and some a little older) is awesome.

I mean, when else do you get to say things like:

Yes, you need to keep your shoes on.

Yes, really, you need to keep your shoes on.

Put it back on.

Stop picking.

Yes, you, get your finger out of your nose.

Thank you.

Please don't chew on the tinsel.

Give her halo back.

I know you want the longer angel robe,

but her robe isn't actually longer than yours -

she's shorter than you.

When you're singing the songs and you don't know the words,

stop staring up at the lyrics projected on the rear wall.

You can't read yet.

Watch Mrs. T, and do the motions she's doing,

and just sing the words you know!

They did it :D

They forgot how to walk in a line.

Their shepherd head-dress-things slid down over their eyes.

They left a trail of tinsel wherever they went.

They managed NOT to tip over the rickety, wobbly old manger.

They "sang" the songs and did the motions.

And it was lovely.

But I think my favorite year of all was

THIS year ;D