Putting It Into Gear

The first part of this gorgeous day was definitely in the slower low gears with some downstairs cleaning, a bit of school, bill-paying and loads of lovely laundry. A surprise pizza delivery by a friend fueled the afternoon but then my gear slammed into reverse on the bike path as I realized that outdoor running is significantly more exhausting than running through my house. I had to backtrack my "Couch to 5k" progress about three weeks when I pound the pavement outside rather than in. But even though it may be in reverse, I'm still in gear. And finally, the time has come to teach Jubal how to shift gears, as he received his driver's permit today. I believe that puts parenthood into fifth gear for Jim and me. Yikes!

Eggs-cellent Birthing Plan

After a science lesson, which contained a discussion of the various degrees to which birds care for their eggs, this was Nolan's thought:
"You know, I'm really glad that God designed humans to have babies instead of laying eggs. Knowing you Mom, you would have lost one of us..... 'Where's Nolan? I thought I put him next to my keys?' "


The fact that later on in the day, I spent 15 minutes searching for the car keys, makes me think he's right. Hurray for live birth!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Finding Your Place In History

While discussing the Feudal System and general life in Medieval Times with the kids during History today, it became so clear that Nolan is a man born out of his time. Here are some excerpts from one of our books that brought me to this conclusion:

(regarding sons of a castle lord) "Reading and writing were thought of no importance; in fact, it was usually considered a waste of time to learn such things."
(regarding the preparation for a knighting ceremony) "To get ready for this ceremony, first, he bathed. This may not seem worth mentioning, but in those days one very rarely took a bath, sometimes not for years."
(regarding table manners) "There were no forks nor spoons nor plates nor saucers nor napkins. Everyone ate with his fingers and licked them or wiped them on his clothes."

Nolan would not have just survived in this era, he would have thrived!

Sweet

Could there be a better pair than dark chocolate and espresso beans?


A week ago we took a tour of Wilbur's Chocolate Factory in Freeport. Our guide was the founder and owner of this thriving local business.






He and his wife began making their own chocolates over twenty years ago with one piece of machinery in his basement. They now ship all over the state and country as well as providing most of the chocolate and candy that you find up the street at L.L. Bean.


I highly recommend combining education and chocolate into a field trip.






Nolan came home with a small bag of the chocolate covered espresso beans. ...mmmmm. He's shared some with me and made them last a lot longer than I would have. I'll be getting my own bag to bring as a treat on the AT hike. That's a bit of added weight that I'll be glad to carry.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Back To Setting An Alarm

Even when you stay home, vacations seem to fly by. February break was no exception.
A bit of bowling with the family and Riley Foreman brought in the weekend for us.



Then Monday, Jubal and I joined Aaron LaPointe, Nate Fisher and half the Hodgdon clan for a hiking supply run to Cabela's, Bean's and NorthFace. This was profitable.





Then, because I was out of my normal routine, I forgot about Jubal's driver's ed class at 6. Jubal remembered at 7. This was not profitable.
Tuesday's class was not forgotten.
The middle of the week brought kid-swapping with the Pendletons. Even after all these years, I'm quite sure that Caleb doesn't know what to think of me...
The end of vacation saw the older boys off to Blueberry Mountain for Snow Camp with the WWBC Youth Group. Jubal's first attempt at skiing ended halfway down the hill but thankfully with no lasting injuries.


Back home, the excitement was slightly less. The peak was probably Tell's attempt to wear three pair of pants simultaneously because he didn't want to decide which ones to wear. So, while sporting one pair on his legs, one pair on his arms and the third on his head, he told me very confidently, "I call myself Pantsman."


And now, as I set my alarm for 6am, our vacation officially concludes.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Just Do It

This past weekend was Winter Blitz at Camp Good News. My excellent junior counselor, Emily Boyd reminded me during our snowshoe excursion through the woods that she was my camper at the very first Winter Blitz ever. I think this means I am increasing in age.


One of the highlights of the weekend for the kids (and Dad) is sledding down Jug Hill. Atira and her good friend Kayla Raymond quite enjoyed their many runs down the curved road, which this year was so bumpy that it resembled the Moguls at the Olympics.


I, however, do not share their enthusiasm for speeding over snow. Each year I make one run down the hill with my stomach in knots just to say I did it. I conquered my fear for the year.
After returning home on Sunday, the knots remained while I watched the Patriot's AFC Championship game against Baltimore. What an unbelievable end to the game! On to the Superbowl! We celebrated the victory and then Nolan's 13th birthday with a cake decorated by Tell and Mom.


With the week in full swing I have been consistent with my C25K program, although since all the snow and slush I have moved my workout from the outdoors to the virtual Wii world. It's not my preference but....whatever it takes to just do it!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Slip Slidin' Away

It happens at least once every winter.....I can't make it up the driveway because of the ice and snow. Arriving home after Jubal's drop off (which had a two hour weather delay) I encountered my still unplowed driveway. I made the attempt and failed, getting the van stuck a third of the way up.





Nolan and I had quite a slippery adventure shoveling the snow off the road so the sand could be applied when Jim arrived to rescue me. With a layer of snow over the ice, both of us were slip-sliding all over the place.



Nolan ended up with a face full of snow a couple times. Am I a bad mother for laughing heartily?



Our neighbor plowman showed up while I was digging out the wheels of my van. He said he had tried to plow the hill earlier this morning. He made it halfway and then proceeded to slide backwards all the way down. I believe it! All was well once again when the sand-bearing knight arrived with a truck and a tow rope. My hero.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone