Pinewood Castle

Wordless Wednesday

And Now We Are Six

Pied Piper - Paid in Full

Thanks to family-friendly Front Porch Musical Theater, we enjoyed having four Pinewood Castle kids in one show!

A Hamelin village girl -

A Hamelin village boy -

Miss Finney the banker -

The Pied Piper -

(costume credit: the talented Mrs. R!)

Every show with Front Porch is better than the last in terms of talent, sound, sets, and venue. Thank you Tim and Linda Lindeen and to all our family and friends who came out to to see the show!

bath night

Poetry - The Cow

Three stanzas! Such a brain builder . . .

 

 

The Cow

The friendly cow all red and white,
I love with all my heart:
She gives me cream with all her might,
To eat with apple-tart.

She wanders lowing here and there,
And yet she cannot stray,
All in the pleasant open air,
The pleasant light of day;

And blown by all the winds that pass
And wet with all the showers,
She walks among the meadow grass
And eats the meadow flowers.

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Snow Day

Our snow total yesterday measured 9 inches. Not a huge amount, but enough to give Minnesota school kids a rare snow day.

And yes, snow days are rare in Minnesota. Two hour delays are more typical. MnDOT has over 800 plows that work through the night so roads are cleared fairly quickly unless it's too cold for the chemicals to melt ice. Yesterday it was "warm" enough that the roads were clear by afternoon and activities were still on.

Well, most kids. I'm one of those stringent moms who think a snow day is a perfect time to get school done!

But I am relaxed enough to let them stay out longer than usual to help dad shovel.

My kids do go outside almost every day after lunch when the sun is high, for 30 - 90 minutes, depending on the day. With real woolen long johns, Smart Wool socks, and Lands' End outerwear they can stay out until their fingers or cheeks start to freeze.

The poor public school kids, though. A girl interviewed on the evening news last night was so appreciative to have time to play outside. She said she hardly ever goes outside because she is usually inside doing homework.

So I just had to tell my kids about that, to help them appreciate the perks of homeschooling. I guess I consider playing outside an integral part of their education!

How about you? Did you get snow too?

 

Jumping Higher than the Box

Standardized testing in February comes at the perfect time. You feel blah with cold, cloudy days. You might be halfway through the curriculum and outside activities you began, and the second half feels a bit like a prison sentence. I find this the perfect excuse to take a mid-winter break from school and take the week off.

{Do you know what "a week off" means for a homeschooler? Let me tell you . . . last week at least one member of our family visited the doctor, dentist, dermatologist, and the orthodontist. The kitties went to the veterinarian for booster shots. We also went to the U of M Bell Museum of Natural History, CTC's Pinocchio, the Sky Zone, Stations of the Cross, The Works, and a harp recital.}

Anyway . . . testing. If you homeschool (or have your kids in school), you know that nagging doubt about the progress they may or may not be making. Homeschoolers are prone to wondering if our children would be better off in school. We wonder if our children would thrive by developing close relationships with peers, learning from passionate teachers, and taking advantage of extra-curriculars: drama, band, Lego robotics club, sports, debate, chess club. Our children would have so many choices!

You know your home with little kids running around is detrimental to the educational atmosphere and daily rhythm you are striving to create. You wonder how your kids could possibly be learning anything with the constant interruptions. Worst of all, you worry about what damage is being done every time your kids see you lose your patience or struggle to keep your head above seasonal depression. They notice when you sneak into the pantry to raid your stash of dark chocolate and pretend not to notice if you imbibe in a glass of wine at the end of the day as you cook dinner.

Come February, that standardized testing appointment stares back at you from your the pages of your planner. You panic a bit, because you know the kids aren't "ready". One child does not start decimals until next week in Teaching Textbooks, and you haven't yet reviewed the ti/ci/si sounds in phonics and spelling in Logic of English. You know there will be questions to which they don't know the answer and you wonder how it will affect their confidence. You ease the pressure by telling them it's not really a test to see how well they are doing, but how well mommy is doing teaching them.

Nevertheless, your kids are excited to hear "Mr. Peabody" ring the doorbell. The first child gets settled at the table and the test begins. You station yourself nearby and eavesdrop, wondering why in the world your child does not know what a normal body temperature is (did they not have any fevers this year, or were they too delirious to pay attention to their temperature?), that the molecular structure of water is H2O, why you feel cooler in light colored clothing, or who painted the Mona Lisa. Then you think of all the things your kids do know, and are not on the test, but you still chastise yourself for neglecting these various and vital bits of information.

Each child has a turn with the tester, displaying their own strengths and weaknesses. Scores are tallied, payment is made, and that "grain of salt" conversation takes place between you and Mr. Peabody. The kids reemerge, eager to see their scores. Do you let them?

Well, I let them, but a few hours later I wished I had not. What do these annual scores really mean to me, to them, to their educational future, to their everlasting soul? I suddenly find I have a lot of interpreting to do. What do grade levels mean? Percentiles? Why does our educational system draw lines, form the lines into boxes, and try to make everyone fit in that box?

In Minnesota we homeschoolers are required by law to administer a standardized test, but are not required to report the score. What you do with the scores is up to you. The scores can signal gaps, learning disabilities, or just different educational priorities. What makes a certain set of information "standard", and do you teach to this standard? Isn't that why we homeschool, so we don't have to teach to the test?

Educational standards may have drawbacks, but I don't believe they are evil or unnecessary. I want my children to know what their normal body temperature is and who painted the Mona Lisa. Standard information can serve the purpose of being something to aim for, but should not be the only thing you aim for. I don't really have a problem with standards, I just have a problem with institutional regulations of requiring a particular set of information to be mastered at a particular age.

To me, standards are the base of a trampoline - the black mat on which to stand. But what are the springs? Springs may be found in outside activities or more home-based projects, in hands-on learning or reading books, in computer-based presentations or traditional texts, in child-led learning or scope & sequence planning. Whatever works for you and your child. I think we all agree that standards are the mat, but kids thrive with springs that enable them to jump from that base.

Fortunately/unfortunately my kids have always scored well on the Peabody test; at grade level, or even up to six grades above grade level in some areas. They see their scores and think, "Whooo-hooo! We can take two (+) years off from school!" I see their scores and feel justified to ask for a raise and a bonus. Measurable results beg for measurable rewards.

So, how did we celebrate? I found a half price deal and took them to the Sky Zone for the first time ever. I ordered myself an Emma Bridgewater mug and Susan Branch's new book. We felt entitled to celebrate. We jumped higher than the box.

But - (and I am tempted to end this post right here and delete the whole second half) - what comes from comparing? Is comparison is the death of contentment? Or does comparison help you strive for excellence? Does success make students and teachers complacent, or inspire them to continue?

I think it can do both. What you do with the scores is up to you. You can let test scores make you feel discouraged or encouraged. You can let them shape your curriculum and fill gaps, or disregard them completely. You can take them as a sign your kids need some extra help, or lighten up the schedule so they have more time to enjoy being a kid. 

Compulsory, government designed and mandated education might be something relatively new, but schools are not. The Catholic Church has a long tradition of education and formal schooling, and I tend to trust she has good reasons for this. In fact, skimming over a lengthy entry on education at New Advent, this passage caught my attention:

Considering the nature of the child-mind, the whole curriculum of the school is best presented when it is organized and unified, not fragmented and disconnected.

Organized and unified! I will have to read this article more carefully! I have heard countless talks and conversations about child-led learning and the ability of kids to piece together, over time, a smattering of information presented out-of-order. Sounds tempting.

Now that we have completed the annual testing, my thoughts turn towards our 8th year of homeschooling. Have we been too stringent? Too loose? How can we be more organized and unified with children who will be age 3 - 13? How can I re-vamp our schedule, prune away redundancies, design a rhythm that is less rushed, and continue to find the "springs" in our homeschooling journey?

I have to continue to explore options that work for me, to find my springs. What I am realizing is that the spark of enthusiasm has to come from me - I have to stay motivated to learn and experience joy in the journey. I have to be more than a list maker and box checker. We need to have more fun together. I want to get my kids back together for the mother of all subjects: history. And six of us need more exercise. But more on that later . . .

While it's too early to decide on all the details of our fall curriculum, it's not too early to start thinking about our choices, because each year we homeschool I get stretched further than I ever thought possible and I have to make room for growth. Homeschooling continually stretches me, every step of the way, each passing year, in every area.

So, the insight I have to share with you this week is this: don't just jump into the box, or even out of the box - jump higher than the box!

If I Have Not Love

All that is pink and red is not love . . . unless it's Valentine's Day!











(My gift from him? Downton Season 3. Which I promptly unwrapped and went upstairs to watch since he was working from home and I wasn't feeling well.)

At the End of the Day

Do you do this too? Pick up little choking hazards off the floor throughout the day, empty your pockets at night, and attempt to return all the miniature items to their designated places?

It's one of the many ways we moms tie up the loose ends of one day before another one begins. We go through emails, reply if needed, add events to the family calendar, make out grocery and to-do lists, and prepare for the next day. Sometimes, how we end the day is as important as how we begin it.

But there are other loose ends, less tangible. Angy words spoken, praise unexpressed, hugs and cuddles we were too busy to give. In the winter months we like to have prayer and reading time in the big parental bed so we can cuddle close and tie up the emotional loose ends of the day. Apologize for flipping out over little things, praise them for jobs well done, or little sacrifices noticed. Tell them how precious they are and how glad I am to be their mom. Hug and squeeze them and appreciate who they are right now and the person God is forming them to be. 

Little Pear is a perfect first read-aloud chapter book for many little ones. As I began the first chapter last night with my five year old, this passage jumped out at me:

Little Pear was a mischievous child. His sisters said he was naughty. His father said he was naughty and would cry, "Ay-ah! What a bad boy you are!" But his mother said, "He is very little; when he gets bigger he will be good; you wait and see. It doesn't matter if he is naughty now, sometimes!" And they all loved Little Pear very much.

Young children (and older ones too) will be naughty, or just forgetful and even neglectful. They will lack self-control and make poor choices. They will break things and you will have to spend hundreds of dollars replacing and repairing them. But they are not out to get you. Don't let it break your heart now - rise above it, keep a level head and raise them with love. We must try not to break their hearts with our frustration and disappointment, and {God willing} they will not break our hearts when they grow up.

This is a difficult time of year with cold and snow and gray skies day after day. Try to keep the atmosphere of your home sunny with your disposition, music, and flexibility. Most of all - keep tying up your loose ends at the end of the day - the tangible and intangible - and when your children get bigger they will be good.

In the meantime, love them very much.

Don't Blink

My #1 kitchen helper sliced all the portabella mushrooms for Friday's dinner of Mushroom Shrimp Risotto. She was happy as a clam until she looked with dismay at my work slicing the onions - she had wanted to peel the paper off first (such a choleric). I was almost too distracted by my pride and amazement with her desire to help to notice that she pronounced it correctly: "onion" instead of "yun-yon".

My baby's growing up (sniff, sniff).

In a matter of months, or weeks, we will no longer hear her signature words:

    step-o-stool

    choking haz-rits

    pop-thistles

The days of her famous Dowager-Countess style one-liners are numbered too, I suppose:

    "How can you know?"

    "What? Why aren't we late?"

    "Are you going to die, or not?"

I will be keeping my eyes and ears wide open - how I will miss this stage.

Thankful this Thursday

For all those posts in blogosphere reminding moms what the warning signs of burnout and winter blues are and how to cope. This is harder than it seems, because the more you just want to get on top of things the more anxiety you have about being behind. Behind schedule for the day, the week, the year, in life . . . It's getting better, and oddly enough it's through more time together instead of time alone. Time alone helps too, especially if it's a Sunday night and Downton Abbey is on.

Gratitude is always the best antidote - so here is a long overdue list of what I am thankful for:

a mild deep freeze - yes, in Minnesota it could be worse, much worse

blazing fires to take the edge off the cold, and the heating bill

thermotropic kittens drunk on the heat

young musicians who don't mind practicing - I don't even pay them or give them M&Ms

4th grade boy personal spelling lists

completed home school projects (that aren't workbook pages!)

"curtsy helpers"

horizontal afternoon light

feathered friends

growing kitties

play kitchens + five year olds

another round of alphabet path, about 70% less than we what did several years ago, and at a much slower pace

read alouds I've been meaning to get to for ever-so-long, and taking time to follow rabbit trails

in January it's so nice, eating chicken soup with rice

candlelight, dear candlelight, a balm to my soul at the end of the day

 

for moms who get it - because sometimes (ok - a lot of times) just being present to our kids all day long is exhausting, even if we're not rushing around doing things

and for you, whether you comment in person or here below, I appreciate you being here to share my joys, my weariness, or whatever life is bringing on - even if my combox is not bursting with activity I know so many of you do visit and are thankful for bloggers who take the time to share

 

 

first photos

I feel like I have just purchased a Stradivarius after only finishing Suzuki Violin Book 1.

I also feel like someone, once tone-deaf, suddenly able to carry a tune with a decent singing voice.

 

I am both intimidated and refreshed by the sudden ability to shoot close-ups, portraits, moving children and kittens, and faces in candlelight.

Even though it's a struggle for me to learn anything after coming down with adult-onset ADD, I am pretty elated with our new camera. Remembering anything involving numbers is a particular challenge for me: aperture, shutter speed, ISO, mm, which of our four lenses to use. Good thing National Camera Exchange offers free classes. In the meantime I am totally experimenting with the little I have gleaned along the way.

The rest of these photos to re-cap our week (most of them anyway) are off the smart phone. {I am still resisting Pinterest and Instagram.} We were out & about more than usual this week, enjoying the full twelve days of Christmas.

While I am not sure what unschoolers actually do, I am pretty sure we need to unschool this week. To me this means making a rough schedule that includes kids cleaning while I resume exercise and shower, breakfast together by 8 am, together time (devotions, Lingua Angelica, Logic of English, thank you notes, art, start looking up our European destinations), finish gifts for pen-pals (they are still coming, really!) outside time, lunch by noon, music practicing (sessions in which I am a conscientious Suzuki practice parent and sit down to listen and help), Teaching Textbooks math, reading time, invite some friends over, afternoon activities, a few doctor appointments, dinner on time, bedtime on time. Time to re-adjust for the new year!

Full enough days, especially with a recital on the agenda this week. My two girls were nominated by their teachers to perform on the Suzuki department recital! Would you like to come? It's free! They would be overjoyed to share the joy of music with you. MacPhail, Antonello Hall, Friday at 6 pm.

Next week maybe we can get back to the full curriculum - if we all stay healthy. There is an alarming number of flu cases, pneumonia, etc. in our corner of the metro. Our current immune building arsenal consists of Emergen-C and colloidal silver.

As for today, my goals are to begin a food journal, set my weekday alarm for 6:00 am, celebrate Epiphany with some star folding, and get a roasted chicken dinner an scones on the table by five o'clock so we can clean up in time to "do the Downton". Will you be watching?

We at Pinewood Castle wish our readers the best as we all get back to normal life after celebrating the HolyDays!

Egyptian Play

Performed in our very own basement theater. Written and directed by Princess L. with ample help from her siblings.

Back to School: Kindergarten

Here's the plan, anyway. We'll see how this actually works, superimposed over the big kids' school routine!

Mornings with Mom:

• Calendar Time
• Blessings Every Day
• Circle Time
• Classic Bible Stories
  
• Poetry - MODG
• Alphabet Path (my version based on Elizabeth's)
  
• Gnomes & Gnumbers, then move into either Horizons K or Math U See
• Handwriting Without Tears
• Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons

 

During Big Kid Read Aloud time:

•  weaving on a peg loom, knitting, sewing letters on burlap, sewing wool felt animals
  

• The Family Treasure Coloring Book

• Flower Fairies Alphabet Coloring Book

• Writing the ABC's on Little Hearts

 Quiet Time: Sparkle Stories

Afternoon Read Aloud On the Sofa:

Mondays

• * Catholic Treasure Box

 

Tuesdays

• * Right Choices

• * Jesus and I by Aloysius J. Heeg, S.J.

 

Thursdays

• Listen and color to 24 Songs for Catholic Children
  

• * The Berenstain Bears' Big Book of Science and Nature

• * Christian Liberty Nature Reader - K
  

 

Fridays

• Lucy Micklethwait I Spy art books

• Come Look with Me art books

 * read by an older sibling

P.E.: Beginning Ballet class on Thursdays

More Birthday Memories

When the Little Princess turned five.

A princess clothespin doll, made by her sister.

Sorry for the blur. I really need to brush up on some photography skills.

 

Hand-me-down doll from her other sister, from The Basement Store.

 

Lots of new Lala Loopsy garnered with a gift card to The Real Store. Thank you Aunt Charlotte!

And a lovely centerpiece!

Thankful Thursday - Springtime Goodbye

The spring of 2012 was kind to us Minnestoans. The usual forecast includes a few gorgeous days tucked in the midst of rain, cold wind, and even an occasional snowstorm.This year has been splendid.

Summer is now at our doorstep. The leaves, once miniature decorations on the tree branches, are now expanded to capacity. The flower garden is weeded and supplemented with annuals. The square foot vegetable gardens are bursting with promise.

Before the crisp and refreshing weather morphs into hot & muggy, I simply must take the time to remember the glories of spring:

:: The noisy crimson cardinals announcing their territory from the tippy-tip-top of our neighborhood pines.

::The force of rebirth - tulips pushing mulch out of the way.

:: Deer repellent.

::The absolutely intoxicating hum of the nectar hungry bess coupled with the fluttering wings of the painted ladies.

::Itsy bitsy baby tree leaves.

:: Dandelion Princesses.

:: Magical bleeding hearts.

:: Lemony daffodils.

:: The fragrance of lilacs - before a late frost stunted their growth.

::That my children are starting to understand for themselves that there's more to the universe than we can see with our eyes alone. An evening at an observatory gave them the opportunity to view planets and their moons. A recent investment in a microscope from the home school store has them marveling at the intricacy of God's creation.

 

And for the family happenings independent of Mother Nature:

:: That my mother and sister travel this far north once or twice a year to visit. These are precious times together.

:: For the five hours spent in the ER comforting my son who had a high fever + awful headache + neck pain, and for all the lab tests that indicated he just had a virus. Any one of those symptoms individually would not cause me to worry, but I am so thankful that the combination of all three was just a virus, nothing more, and I rather enjoyed nursing him back to health.

:: For ER meds that relieved my misery during an acute gall bladder attack several weeks ago and for the rapidly approaching date of Monday June 4th - surgery to remove this failing body part and hopefully the constant dull ache that goes with it.

:: For a busy but fulfilling end to the school year and the recitals, concerts, performances, and travels that culminated another year of study. I love these upper elementary school years. It's like the Country Bunny, when her baby bunnies were older, "Now it's time to have some fun!"

Catching up with these events will be a formidable job in the coming weeks!

(Sunshine performed a selection from The Newsies for theater dance class.)

:: For your overwhelming support and encouragement to continue blogging - however frequent tor infrequently I get around to it. Clearly, you understand the shifting priorities we mother face!

I have taken all of your comments to heart and have pondered your reassuring words.Thank you for helping me realize that there is a place for bloggers of all levels of commitment. Some of my favorite bloggers post something short and sweet every day, others share very long, but infrequent posts - and I love them all equally!

The bottom line (for me) with any sort of discontent or envy or "I wanna do thaaaat!" feeling is to prioritize. If it's a high priority and God helps you with the time, money, and energy to accomplish it, go for it. Otherwise, don't waste your time feeling jealous just because you are not willing to put forth the effort to have what someone else worked for.

A dear reader lovingly reminded me that this blog is a gift, not an obligation, even though I sometimes enslave myself into thinking it so. Most of all it is a gift to my husband and children (since I gave up printing photos for albums long ago and have never even started scrapbooking) and it's a great place to regain sanity by reflecting, appreciating, and sharing the highs and lows of life. Your readership and support is an unexpected, but very much appreciated bonus!

Remember: Comparison is the death of contentment!

AMDG,

Tracy

 

 

Five

 

Please, everybody, look at me!
Today I'm five years old, you see!
And after this, I won't be four,
Not ever, ever, any more!

I won't be three or two or one,
For that was when I'd first begun.
Now I'll be five awhile,
And then I'll soon be something else again.

 

My Baby Turned Twelve!

We are celebrating with very special visitors, Grandma and Aunt Terri from Oklahoma. Our action-packed weekend includes a piano recital, last violin group concerts, and a field trip to a one-room schoolhouse.

Thankful Thursday

Thankful for . . .

A sweet four year old girl in the house. Only a four year old girl would stand outside the shower waiting to tell you she dreamt she was a pink princess with a pink flower in her hair. Precious.

The rare mornings I wake to the sound of Classical MPR at 6 am instead of crying at 5 am.

Day 5 of weaning my Little Prince. This is redefining our relationship. It's very bittersweet not knowing if I will ever nurse a baby again, or if my kids will ever see me nurse one of their little siblings again. After 8-9 total years of nursing, this is a significant milestone.

Being invited to a very creative and fun Sibling Shower.

Miracles!

The Crawley sisters who finally graced the halls of Downton Abbey with some musical talent. What a magical scene that was when Matthew walked in unexpetedly!

A clean and organized bill desk basket with pretty file folders and notebooks. (Files: Correspondence, Upcoming Events, VIP Catalogs, Grocery.Coupons, Photos, Vacation Ideas, Current Year Home-school Receipts, Health Info, Neighborhood Directory, Violin Receipts, Recipes to Try.)

Joe's clean and better organized basement shop.

Eating our Way through the USA with my 4th grader.

Having a 6th grader who actually wants to take charge of making home-made pizza every Friday. "It's easy!" she claims.

And an almond flour pizza crust that tastes much better than the cauliflower one I last tried.

Finally figuring out once and for all that milk, excess sugar, and wheat make me feel really bad.

Three weeks in a row of very productive home-schooling.

A break next week for testing and field trips.

Plans finish the school year by the end of August even with one week off at Easter, one week around Memorial Day, two weeks in June, two in July, and two in August.

Wool socks.

We are finally getting some snow here and there. We may even get enough cover to justify getting out the snow books (like the ones on my January Bookshelf sidebar). Last year at this time we had received 60" of snow - this year only 12".

A helpful toddler.

Mr. Rogers free with Amazon Prime.

The neighbor boy (who owns the BB gun that shot out the glass in our back door) came over with his father to apologize and take full responsibility of replacing and paying for the replacement glass.

And lastly - the Big Sister who teaches her baby brother how to play piano!

Thankful Thursday

I really need to reflect on what I am thankful for lately. Sometimes with modern day social media it is all too easy to do one of two things: complain or brag. Even if you just mean to share, what you say online can easily come across as complaining or bragging. The effort to avoid doing either one is an art I am far from mastering.

Honestly, I really feel like complaining this week. I am tired. I feel like every day I have to run a marathon and I always come in last place. Good thing I can pass the baton when my husband comes home and he gladly helps out with some of the driving, dishes, and getting the littles to bed.

Sometimes we bloggers tend to put our best feet forward and make our very normal lives seem more special and perfect than they really are, at least it can seem that way to others. Some readers get intimidated, others know better! In reality, blogging is most often an effort to reflect on what is good about life, to live intentionally, and especially to find and claim the joy in what we do.

So how about a happy balance this time? Here's a touch of realism from Pinewood Castle this week:

Thankful ~ that my wonderful husband has caught up to me and is now in the over 40 club.

 

He was treated to some gourmet wine & cheese, a Camping Guide to the North Shore and another paper creation from Sunshine. Recognize the setting?

Not Thankful ~ for the twitch in my eye this week. The Little Prince wakes up crying at 5:30 pretty much every.single.morning. And he is getting his molars and waking up in the night several days a week. We are getting too old for this. And he hates his Hanna hat. I love his Hanna hat.

Not thankful - that he has discovered the joys of coloring my desktop with highlighters.

Thankful ~ that we found the Little Princess hiding under our bed one morning at 6:30. I went into the girls' room, saw that her bed was empty, and we hunted for a terrifying fifteen minutes. All the time I tried not to think about the possibilty that a weirdo blog reader had abducted her.

Thankful ~ that a biopsy lab test turned out normal.

Not Thankful ~ that I have been getting headaches every night and day that I eat one of those melt-in-your-mouth birthday chocolates.

Not Thankful ~ that I succumbed to a coffee sample at Costco at 4:00 one Saturday afternoon and slept a whole two hours from midnight to 2 am.

Thankful ~ that I picked up the phone on my nightstand that sleepless night, surfed around, and found a link to the Wheat Belly book and blog. A week and a half later I have lost five pounds. This is motivating. I need some motivation to get serious about losing weight after going 19 months without any.

Thankful ~ that some dear readers have clicked book links here and the Amazon credit that came my way almost covered the cost of the Wheat Belly book that is on it's way.

Not Thankful ~ that there has been a big shake up at with the choir boys organization, the two top directors have been fired, and the future of this organization is in question. My faith is rattled, but hopefully the addage of "when one door closes another one opens" will ring true in this case.

Still not thankful - that the girls are in different ballet classes with different pick-up times. But - very thankful for the opportunity to see them in action during the academy's Parent Observation Week.

Thankful ~ that the girls had a wonderful experience playing their first recital at MacPhail. Sunshine played Paganini with flair and Dancer rendered Dvorak's Humoresque with feeling.

Thankful ~ for our wonderful new violin teacher. She is so positive and has such confidence in the girls.

Thankful ~ that Grandma & Grandpa were able to come down to hear the recital and brought us our first ever snow blower, courtesy of his late paternal grandpa. It must be at laeast twently years old but as long as it still runs we are glad to have it.

Thankful ~ that we did not get an October snowfall like the east coast. It's been known to happen in Minnesota.

Thankful ~ that Aunt Charlotte finally made good on her birthday gift to the Karate Kid: indoor rock climbing.

Thankful ~ that Karate Kid's speech therapy through the public school is off to a good start.

Thankful - for the new shower head my husband picked up at Costco. Hello water pressure!

Thankful ~ that my husband, with one child on each hip, takes the little ones down for breakfast every morning so I can enjoy some Introvert Time before facing the day.

Thankful ~ that the girls and I are going on a little musical get-away this weekend!

Fortunately the Thankfuls outnumber the Not Thankfuls. Now maybe if I can catch up on some sleep this weekend the bumps in life will not seem so very difficult!