Gray Beauty

Yesterday's ice on the Dogwood.


The clouds were low yesterday
and the house felt all tucked in.

This would have been perfect had
we no where to go.

However, our two short trips out
of the house made us appreciate its
warmth and comfort all the more.

Of course that squishy walk across
the back yards to Georgia's would
have been more wisely accomplished
by way of the road. My shoes are
a mess and I nearly went down on the
way over.

But turkey and mashed potatoes were
calling...We are very spoiled...
we know!

Then an evening tucked in by the fire
watching a great movie called
Head of the Class.

Georgia has been after us to watch this since
she first saw it a couple of months ago.

It is a Hallmark Production about a man with
Turrets Syndrome who wants nothing more than to
be a teacher. Sounds simple enough...it is very
well done and moved all of us.

Sometimes gray days are good days.
Yesterday was one of those.


♥♥Becky K.♥♥

A Contented Evening...

This slowing down goal is working.

Last evening the boys had a friend
here and Chelsea was off with two friends
at another home.

I made a new dinner of breaded boneless
chicken breast in enchilada sauce topped
with Swiss Cheese. Just experimenting!

I served it over noodles...however, I would
have preferred rice...because I love rice.
The family prefers noodles. Anyway...it
wasn't too big of a hit with the teen boys.
Jonathan ate it up...but the other two sampled
it and then moved on to the ham and cheese
sandwiches I had offered as a default option.

Anyway, after dinner Warren helped me clean up
the kitchen and we had no place to go.
We weren't needed anywhere! The other
parents had arranged to meet at our house for
the kid exchange. Often we will meet at a local
shopping center...and often it will be a three car
deal with kids trading car seats like crazy!

So, it was awesome to have time to putter around
the kitchen with my favorite guy. But it didn't
stop there. We sat down in the living room.
Together!
I know, I am shocked too.
Loving this slowing down thing!
Before we knew it parents had shown up with,
or to pick up, kids.
They joined us in the living room.

We had a lovely conversation about life
and politics. You know I loved that!

After they left, Warren looked at me
and said, "That was fun!"
I heartily agreed.

Maybe you can teach an old dog new
tricks. I am going to continue to
work on slowing down. Enjoying the
kitchen, and cleaning the dust from
my hanging light in the dining room...
Did that while we were clearing the
table and chatting.

Now, if I could just get to those
nasty cobwebs in the corner....

Sl...ow...ing...do...wn....

How about you?

♥♥Becky K.♥♥

A very good Evening...

Last evening our Countywide Homeschool Organization Presented a Workshop for parents and teens. Our speakers were Steve and Ethan Demme who travel extensively and speak on relationships in the family. It turns out that the Demme's live in the Lancaster Area and were very much looking forward to offering their speaking gifts to the local homeschool community. You can read about the content of their talk at Homeschooling at Hospitality Lane.

They were excellent. I had warned Jonathan and Mikey to be on their best behavior since Warren and I are currently the Presidents of the Board of the sponsoring organization. Our term is nearly over and we want to go out on a good note...not slouching, mad faced boys attitudes, etc.
As soon as I said it I flashed back to my time growing up as the Preacher's Kid. There were just certain things expected that not everyone else had to live by...I did not like that and here I was doing it to our boys. Sigh...

I don't think I would have needed to give that admonition. From the moment Steve Demme took the podium he had the attention of everyone in the room. He was good! I could not resist taking a peek out of the corner of my eye at the boys when certain things were said...they were right there...
getting it!

After the talk we headed to McDonalds where the fun continued. The Grandmas were with us and I think sometimes they just have to shake their heads at the conversations we have and the fun we can have together.
I KNOW they cannot get over how many double cheeseburgers the boys can eat!
It was a blast. Grandma Ruth told a couple of stories from her
younger years that had Mikey wishing he had been there to hang out with
"Young" Grandma! Too funny!

When we got home the kids did not want the fun to end.
We hung out and chatted for a little while and finally were all
headed to bed just before midnight.
Chelsea commented that it was a fun night.
Yeahhhh....this from the same kids who did not
understand why they had to go to a workshop!
Very good!

Being a family is a good thing.
It makes the hard times worth while!

To find the Demmes you can go to their web site at
www.thefamilythatstaystogether.org .