" Don't worry Dad, all it takes is working at it. If I can do it, you can too. Watch your diet, get enuf sleep and exercise."

There's no generation gap here. Father and son- about to work out together.

interesting site-captivefldschildren.org
Check out the video of Helping Hands- really cute

Tim called this afternoon! He is at the airport in Baghdad and will be leaving tomorrow or the next day. He is just waiting there for his flight out. I was in Kroger's when I got the call so I forgot all about the shopping. Who needs milk????? It is such happy news. He is going to call again from Kuwait. Keep him in your prayers.

Tim is supposed to be back any day now- at least to his base in Georgia. Farewell Iraq! Forever!

He won't be here in Texas yet for a bit. I'm holding all his belongings ransom so he has to come this way. I have hidden his car in a patch of giant nettles and banana trees- surrounded by well-fed Texas fire ants. I know he loves us but I imagine he might want a little space and peace and quiet too. Things can be pretty hectic around here. I have them scattered all around the house so he will have to come and ask me! I'm unavoidable.

Tis' true. I attended a homeschool conference once. The main guest speaker made a comparison. He asked if anyone knew the difference between a Pit Bull Terrier and a home school mom...........


Lipstick.

Her First Steps

Being as it's a special day- Nadia's birthday- I was just thinking of all my wonderful times with her and the joys of raising such a wonderful child. There are so many things about her that I love.

When Violet was here, I was nervous about how bold she was around big animals. She chased the poor deer in the Petting Zoo at the County fair. As soon as Nadia learned to walk, she was off and running too. Watching Violet's bouncing curls brought back so many memories of another similiar bouncy head I had trouble keeping up with.

When she was 5, we were visiting a family near Honfleur in France. They had a small farm and a few horses. I can remember standing in their fields and admiring the sights when I looked back and I saw Nadia galloping away on a pony. My heart stopped. She'd never riden a pony before. One of our friend's kids had put her on their pony and she just took off galloping. I knew she loved horses but....

A few years earlier, I had taken the kids to the horse races in Deauville. We lived in that area of France for 3 years. It was so to see the sulkies and at that time you could get real close to the horses as they passed by on their way to the track. I was keeping an especially close eye on them, I thought, and then Nadia disappeared. She was only knee high to these trotters so I was frantic. I pushed my buggy with baby Maya around, asking everyone if they had see a small girl. Then I heard this announcement about a small girl that was up with the Announcer. I rushed up there and she was happily eating an ice cream, sitting in the best seat of the house and enjoying a great view of all the horses. She was entertaining everyone with her laughter and enthusiasm, totally engrossed in the race.

Going back further still, she became a celebrity in a small way, at about 4 months. A magazine reporterwas doing an article on Parent/child relationships and saw me standing on a market square in Stockholm. I had Nadia strapped to me in a Japanese front carrier and we were just enjoying the sun and warmth, smiling at each other. She took photos of us and we were featured in her article as a good illustration. I used that same red carrier for all 7 of my kids by the way. Those were the days before Baby Bjorn.

She always loved dancing and music. It seemed like she would be twirling away and in her own little world. We listened to classical music a lot back then. One problem. She kept bumping into everything. She just never seemed to look where she was going.

She just always seemed to want to see everything and do everything at the same time.

Nadia was a tremendous help as an older sister. She may look at this differently however. How different Teresa's life is. However, I wouldn't trade all those times for anything. I could go on and on. Those days were so full with fun, experiences and overflowing with joy. Thanks Nadia, for just being you. Hmmmm....maybe I will add a PS to this...a few books perhaps!

Anyway, Happy Birthday Nadia. May this day be special and the best one yet!
Love,
Mom

Having Violet for 2 weeks was a dream come true. We spent a lot of time doing the things I have been planning for a while and a few added in. We missed the zoo but we explored the creeks,parks and wildlife in the area here. She loves to walk, run and loves to smell flowers (and pick a few). We were on a walk in the woods once and she ran ahead to catch a butterfly and fell and skinned her knee. She wouldn't stop crying until Teresa applied some of her folk medicine techniques. Teresa carefully placed a wild grape leaf on the scrape and Violet was again happy and cried no more. It fell of a bit later and we had to get a new leaf. She loved my cooking...my blueberries, sweet potatoes and especially my walnuts. I was surprised to have her go bonkers over my deviled eggs. She ate 4! She seemed to love healthy foods.

She wasn't content to just watch others get a haircut. She had to have her own! Just a bit of a tail came off. Lolli comes over every Wednesday to trim up anyone she can coax into the barber chair. Violet insisted!

We brought home sand from the creek beach and made a small sand box. It was quite an attraction for all.

Grandma Joy brought a wagon on her visit and Violet learned the techniques of wagon travel. Wellington just didn't cooperate. She wanted him to pull the wagon like a good sled dog. He actually turned around and showed his distain by peeing on the wheel.

Well. all good things must come to an end. After 2 weeks of fun, I could hardly keep my eyes open. Violet had a few late nights and I had a lot of exercise keeping up with her. Mommie came home from Italy. We have a beautiful reunion at the airport. Wow! Grandma's are nice but mommies are the BEST. Her smiles and laughter were so incredible. She just bubbles!

Until next time....I will miss those special days. We all will. She brought such joy into our home. I commend everyone who has a part in raising her. She is such a spontaneous, sweet, happy,loving and well mannered child. When little Allen fell in the park, she rushed over to help him up- twice! She was so free with her hugs and smiles and there was always a twinkle in her eye. She will be a wonderful older sister.

Thanks Nadia and Justin....

Here are a few pics of Violet's week here. She made a sand castle by Spring creek. We are having an activity filled week. Texas isn't Italy but it's still a lot of fun- especially with Teresa as a friend and guide.

admired the fine craftsmanship of this pioneer bench in Jesse Jones park.

had thoughts of breaking the law and picking Texas's state flower-

walked in then warm sand.... and learned a bit about fire ants at the same time.

marveled at the geode at the X-ploration station... just had to touch it!

Midnight's summer dreaming....

figuring out torsion waves....

enjoying a last snack with Drake before he leaves to live with his dad in Africa. We gave him a gift.....sunblock! He's so fair.

passing thru the bubble chamber and listening to fish and whale sounds...

She really did enjoy the X-ploration station- especially the scary stuff and the hissing cockroaches. The guides were fun and kept the kids attention. There was so much to see and do and of course- to keep Grandma busy too. What can I say about Violet- she is a wonderful child- delightful in every way.

To end the day- we all ate at Joe's............

A day at Montgomery County Fair- Violet's enjoying the country life to the full.... she made sure every animal had a hig and a kiss before she moved on. She's a brave soul.

The kids with the last pups.

A day at the races. The deer couldn't get away from her fast enough. Nadia warned me how V loves to run.