Warillever Madness

1. I have been finding it a whole lot easier to stay off of the computer since we had three foster children move in with us a couple of weeks ago. Three children three and under -- a baby, a toddler, and a preschooler.
   
2. Yes, that means that we have five small children in the house. Wanna do the math on what it's like when the Cousins are here? I'll give you a hint -- when Agent 002 is at school, there are six children four and under in the house...
   
3. We went to a birthday party today, and I didn't realize until the host was counting out goody bags that exactly half of the children in attendance had arrived at the party in my van. Heh. My husband and I always dreamed of having a family large enough that we culd have multiple boxes of cereal open without worrying that one would go stale before we could finish eating it.
4. Despite the cacophony, this has been a lot of fun. The kids are getting along famously, and it has been a tremendous period of maturation for the Agents. Agent 004 has been doting on the baby, and Agent 002 finally has a gearhead to pal aroundwith in the preschool boy.
   
5. As much as part of me wishes that the kids could stay forever, I am pleased that the situation should be temporary. They have started visiting their home several times per week, and it appears that they will be able to return for good soon.
6. Mr warillever has continued to read the Chronicles of Narnia to the children at bedtime. They are currently reading The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, but The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is still their favorite.
   
   Me? I have been reading all of our favorite board books.
   
7. Life is good, but I need some sleep. So I am going to slack on my 7th "Quick Take."
   

7 Quick Takes

1. Last Thursday we still had a small snowbank in the shady part of the yard; as of today all of the fruit trees are in bloom! It hit 90 degrees on Tuesday, but the past three days in the high 60s have been WONDERFUL.
   
   
2. With all of this good weather the garden has been taking off. I planted lettuce, spinach, beets, chard, turnips outdoors, and started tomato, eggplant, melon, summer squash and herbs indoors. I also transplanted a few blackberry cuttings and bought four blueberry bushes. Once I pick up my apple trees, we will have a true backyard farm.
   
   I'd show you a picture, but my camera is broken.
   
   
3. No camera means no pictures of the girls' first swim lesson. It is Agent 004's first group activity ever, and she did wonderfully.
   
   
4. So my worries that she would not be ready for kindy in the fall? Groundless. She is very excited about school
   
   
5. ...but she is even more excited about her new glasses. We found out at her regular checkup that our baby is near-sighted. That explains why she always grabs the book from me to study the picture! Maybe I'll post a picture (if I ever get the camera working).
   
   
6. I have been keeping myself busy with my book club (with whom I am plodding through Theology of the Body) and a slow-pitch softball team. I don't like being out of the house so often, but once games start, I'll bring the kids along to softball. Would y'all think less of me if I admitted that my body aches from a few practices?
   
   
7. No art gallery photo today :(
   
   I will, however, leave you with some snapshots from a birthday party.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   A truck and princess party for the birthday buddies F and 002.
   

7 Quick Pics

7 Quick Takes, in pictures.

A Week of Posts

There are several ways to tackle a 7 Quick Takes Post -- today I will do a quick summary of the posts that I didn't get the chance to write over the course of the week.

1. Even if it weren't for my Lenten discipline of staying off of the computer when the children are awake, I would not have been online very much this week. For the first time in the children's memories, March has felt springlike in New Hampshire. We have spent every possible moment outdoors enjoying the tropical temperatures. For those of you south of Boston, anything above 40 degrees qualifies as "tropical" in our minds. For comparison's sake, here is a picture from last March and a picture from yesterday:














2. Of course, there is a reason we call this "mud season."
   
   Any volunteers to help me keep up laundry over the next few weeks?
   
   
   


3. We have also been very busy learning about saints this week with two important feast days. In addition to cooking a boiled dinner for the extended family, we learned about Saint Patrick, shamrocks, and the trinity on Tuesday. We colored this shamrock and talked about how the shamrock can be used as an analogy for God in three persons. We also sang a cute "3 in 1" song sung to the tune of "Frère Jacques." On Thursday we reread a few nativity stories from the children's Bible and colored this image of the Holy Family in honor of St. Joseph's feast day.
   
   
   


4. I never got around to posting this week's Unplugged project or last week's art gallery picture. Here are both:


We marbelized paper by dripping colored oil onto water, then floating the paper on top. Amazing effect, but very messy project. We used syringes instead of droppers, and my fine-motor delayed child had a very difficult time. That child, however, is the one who has asked to repeat the project, so you may see more oil-slicked art in our future.




5. I never posted books for the week either, probably because I was reading too much! Over the past week I have read The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Nourishing Traditions, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life, and started in on Against Medical Advice: One Family's Struggle with an Agonizing Medical Mystery. I probably owe y'all a good book post soon.




6. In place of "Works for me Wedensday," here is my tip of the week: To make rolls, mix up your favorite bread recipe, then divide into small balls after the first rise. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes, then form into miniature boules. That's it! When I make rolls for salmon burgers I use Easiest French Bread, and put some kosher salt and rosemary sprigs on top of each roll. (Yes, yes, I read Nourishing Traditions and I am still using processed flour and farm-raised fish. I am trying to eat naturally, really I am!)
   
   
7. And finally.... This week's art gallery:

7 Quick Takes

1. We had an amazing weekend skiing with mr warillever's family last weekend. I promise that I will post some pictures as soon as I can.


2. On a related note, I had not realized how quickly Uncle Ichabod's deployment to Afghanistan is approaching. Make sure to pray for him (and all of our soldiers) as well as for peace.


3. Reading everyone's posts about snow made me somewhat giddy. Given that we haven't seen bare ground since the first week of December, we sometimes take snow for granted. Y'all reminded me how blessed we are to have this amazing play material fall from the sky.


4. As I mentioned earlier (although maybe only on Twitter), I have lots of great books out from the library right now which have kept me offline. I am simultaneously reading Catholic Matters, Nourishing Traditions, Animal, Vegetable, Mineral, and Orphan Train Rider. Lots of fodder for thought, and maybe future posts.


5. I have a love/hate relationship with my crockpot. Love how convenient it makes stew prep, but hate how the cooking aroma makes me hungry all day. I am salivating as I type!


6. The kids are itching to be released from "Quiet time," so I am cheating a bit on posting a #6. I hope you'll forgive me.


7. Our art gallery:

7 Quick Takes

1. I spent a few moments feeling "behind" on my posting this week before I remembered that this blog is not supposed to be a release, not a stressor. The funny thing is that it wasn't even a particularly stressful week -- no major injuries, traumas, or tragedies. Well, there was a black eye, a split lip, and several broken toys, but nothing outside of the norm.



2. It was the book post that got me backed up. It takes longer to summarize and link to a picture book than it does to read one! I am (sort of) glad that I did such an intensive book post this week, because it made me more conscious of our reading. Not that I need to worry with Agent 004 in the house -- she loves books! Cousin P is starting to request read-alouds, but his selections are limited to songs-in-a-book (like Baby Beluga) and books about trucks (like Tractor Mac Builds a Barn). It's a start, right?




3. On the topic of prolific reading, I just finished reading my 16th book of the year. Two years ago, my new year's resolution was to read 25 all year! I should slow down, not because it is directly interfering with anything, but because I have been staying up way too late. I am having way too much fun, though. I have just one more book to go in the Stephanie Plum series, then I will start in on my growing backlog. I have Nourishing Traditions on order through interlibrary loan, but if that doesn't come in on time I think that I will read Square Foot Gardening again.
   
   
4. I made it out to the bunny slope last weekend with mr warillever and the Agents. We didn't spring for lift tickets (the beginner's area is free at our local mountain), so Agent 002 was under-challenged. He and I spent a lot of time waiting at the bottom for Papa and little sister to make it down. We started in on the silliest rendition of If You're Happy and You Know It. Have you ever tried to spin around on skis? How about touch your toes? These are the moments I hope he will remember for the rest of his life. And hopefully not the grumpy Mama that he sees more often.
   
   
   
5. Speaking of bonding time....
   
   Agent 002 had school on Presidents' Day, but mr warillever did not go to work. Instead of working on the 412 projects on his to-do list, mr warillever brought his little girl out on a "date." They went to the preschool show at the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium followed by lunch and a romp at McDonald's indoor playground. Father-daughter time is precious, and I am very glad that they got the opportunity.
   
   
6. We are now officially eligible to provide foster care. I am anxious to have another child or two in our home, but am saddened to realize that that this will only happen if a child is facing a horrible situation. I pray daily that our home is not needed, but that if we are called to provide a home for a child that we can do so with strength and grace.
7. 
   
8. The art gallery:

7 Quick Takes

1. Agent 002 is bringing in heart-shaped gelatin jigglers for his class Valentine's Day party. Aren't they cute? I kind of feel bad for loading them up with dyes and artificial sugars, but it is only an occasional treat. Ruth tells me that I can make with juice. I'll have to to try that some time.



2. Thursday was a banner day. All three small children took a nap, at the same time. I could have done ANYTHING. Well, anything quiet and within range of the baby monitor. Did I read a book? Paint my nails? Watch a film?
   
   Nope. I cleaned the junk drawers. Wanna see? Of course, this is what my counter looked like when I was done. Done being determined by when the baby started screaming, of course.
   


3. Oh. All that free time? Negated when one of the kids decided to curl up on my bed. I realized that she had moved (the eyes-on-the-back-of-my-head sensor was working well), but didn't make the mental leap to realize that a not-quite-continent child probably shouldn't sleep on top of my down quilt. That misktake cost me three loads of laundry.


4. Inspired by Nina's journey to 1000 books, I have been keeping track of all of the books I read aloud. Amazing really -- 19 titles for 22 reads over two days. And of course, that does not include their Bedtime Book or any that they leaf through by themselves.
   
5. Mr warillever is reading Where the Red Fern Grows to the Agents. It was one of my favorites as a child. It is the most advanced book that they have ever been read, but it is going well so far. Agent 004 gives me updates every day. She tells me that in last night's section Old Dan and Little Ann killed a coon and got stuck in a tree. Not bad comprehension skills for a four year old.
   
6. Uncle Ichabod, Aunt P and Uncle M will be coming up our way for a ski weekend at the end of the month. We will join them for two days. It will be my first time on the slopes this winter. Although I have gotten the chance to cross-country ski form our back door, alpine skiing just doesn't happen all that often due to cost and Agent 004's youth. It will be fun to see how much Agent 002's skills have improved with the lessons he has been taking.
   
7. And of course, I will end with a snapshot of our ever-changing art display.
   

For more "Quick Takes" go to Conversion Diary. My this meme is growing!

7 Quick Takes

1. Despite the lingering virus, it has been a wonderful week full of cuddles, picture books, and snowflakes. That and Veggie Tales videos. Not a bad way to spend a cold week with colds.
   
2. I love blogging. The primary goal is to keep a record of our children's growth and our family's adventures. It is only recently that I have realized that I also depend on the blog as a connection to the outside world. I have never made friends easily; staying home has made it even harder in many ways. I cherish the connection with other SAHMoms that I have built over the internet.


3. With that in mind, I am resolved to write more consistently. As much as the artificiality bothers me, I have instituted an editorial calendar to keep myself on track. Expect a post like this very Friday, Unplugged and Montessori posts on Monday, a book post on Tuesdays, a preschool "how-to" on Wednesdays, and a snippet from our lives on Thursday.


4. You ever wonder what Google thinks of you? Type your name, plus the word "is" into the Google search box. See what pops up for popular search terms. Here are my results.
   
   **** is:
• a guy
• male
• a trap
• pregant on neighbours
• still with hef

My name is not very common, so it shouldn't surprise me that so many people wonder about the gender. But the pregnancy thing? Very weird.


5. I try to use one new recipe every week. This week I am making my own pierogies using this recipe. Other than the carb overload, doesn't it sound delish?


6. Naptime is coming to an end, and - alas - blogging must too. I leave with our now ritual art gallery snapshot.


7. The Art Gallery:
   

Quick Takes Friday is hosted by Conversion Diary.

Friday Snapshot in 7 Quick Takes

Last Friday I wrote a snapshot of our week instead of a 7 Quick Takes post. Since I'm not capable of doing both each week, I will try to combine them. Why not?

1. Agent 002 had his first alpine ski lesson this week. He loved it! Although he skiied with us last year, this was his first formal lesson. Mr warillever is a chaperone for the program, and he said that it was great to see 002 enjoying an activity with his peers so much. After the lesson they continued to ski until 8pm.


2. I made my new recipe for the week on ski day. Something warm, nourishing, and able to served in two seatings -- Morrocan Lentil Soup with Kesra (Morrocan bread). Delicious! Agent 004 and I tried to make it a real Morrocan meal by eating at a low table and using the bread to soak soup.


3. The books we are reading


• Favorite Picture Books this week:
• Usborne First Experiences The New Baby
• Angelina's Birthday
• One Teddy Bear is Enough!
• Am I Big or Little?


• Bedtime Book Club Selection
• The Call Of The Wild


• Mama's Downstairs Books
• This Is the Faith (Chapter 7 - Sin)
• 2 books related to private research project


• Mama's Bedtime Reading
• The Story of Edgar Sawtelle (within 100 pages of completion)


• Book Group
• Man and Woman He Created Them: A Theology Of The Body (51:1)


4. I heart Twitter.


5. You can follow me @warillever and hear about important things like what we are having for dinner and how much I despise laundry. Look over on my right sidebar if you want to know what I am doing, but don't want the temptation of joining.


6. Resolution update: I haven't beaten mr warillever at anything yet, but I am eating breakfast and packing nutritious lunches for my "men." Yesterday's breakfast was a brownie and a banana, but it was breakfast.
   
7. Art Gallery Snapshot

7 Quick Takes (Vol. II)

1. The cousins have already headed off to their Memère's house for Thanksgiving, so Agent 004 and I had the day to ourselves. She insisted that we go to the indoor play area in the "big city." I willingly obliged, and we had a wonderful time together, lavish expenditures and all. It really is nice to get some one-on-one time with the kids sometimes.
   
   
2. As I type, father and son are getting their own bonding time in front of a movie. I love that they get to be guys together, too.
   
   
3. Our English Muffin experiment went well. Given that it was y first time through, I very cautiously followed the recipe. Next time through I will try a whole wheat dough.
   
   
4. I would share some pictures of the muffins, but my camera and computer aren't talking to each other again. A couple of old biddies set in their ways.... The computer is eight years old now -- that is what, 105 in people years? And a six-year-old digital camera is the human equivalent of 240, right?
   
   
5. NaPraMoGo is going well. I haven't been following the prompts everyday, but I have been praying. Once you form the habit, it becomes second nature to pray in the down times that are a natural part of parenting and child care. Some of my prayers may be pleas for intercession, but they are prayers nonetheless...
   
   
6. The weather has been freezing this week, but no snow yet. My mother-in-law 300 miles to the south had to brush the snow off of her car on Wednesday. I don't want to rush things, but snow is so much more fun than 14 degrees and green grass... We found some used skis for the kids already, so we are ready to play!
   
   
7. I have already received one quinoa recipe, but I'd love some more. And anyone know how to use spelt? Can I just substitute it for whole wheat flour in a yeast recipe?
   

I am sticking with 7 Quick Takes too, Jennifer.