{lemondade}

although I hate it when the boys are sick, it does bring some nice things along - lots of cuddling and the grounding of mommy. In between the tears, and kleenex, and general "i don't feel derry goods" - it has meant that for the first time in a very, very long time...I have been able to stay home all day long. No where to go. I am up to my eyeballs in editing and firm work - but, I've had downtime with the boys (particulary Evan) to take care of him. So, the good can definitely accompany the bad.

{making a list, checking it 14 times}

I am dying laughing. Noah is in the kitchen writing a collaberation letter to Santa. Every few words, he yells out for spelling assistance. Evan is dictating. His thoughts of toys on his list are coming at a blinding speed. No way for Noah to keep up with this dictation rate. It is a very stressful event for Noah, Evan is just joyful about his never-ending list, and I am just laughing. Such a mean mama!

{happies}

the first fire in our fireplace!!!!! Okay, I'll be honest, it's a little smoky right now.....but, it will get better. What's a few open windows in November?

and, let's hope it's not 86 degrees tomorrow. :)

{share: i LOVE this}

here is a share for the day.....i love this idea!!!!

Santa Letters

Can you imagine getting this when you were 4 or 7? And, the best part is that it includes the "real story." Her dedicated website is not yet up, but she does go ahead and post her email link.

Hmmm......will definitely have to get in on this one. And, it helps support a family with adoption expenses. A double sweet!

{vows}

First of all, little E is still sick. :( So, the fact I had a wedding out of town yesterday just compounded my guilt by not being able to stay home with him. But, he was in the good hands (and arms, I understand) of his Mimi Mouse. Let's just say....lots and lots of snuggling.

Before I forgot, I wanted to remind myself of something that was said during the ceremony yesterday. To set the stage, it was a massively bittersweet day. The groom's father had passed away unexpectedly one month ago. You can imagine. When the groom lit a candle in his father's honor - I lost it as did every other person in the church. Every moment was hard to be fully happy, because it was so obvious that such a strong part of this family was missing. A true role model of marriage to this new couple. The ceremony itself took on more of a personal note than any I have ever attended before. At one point, the minister was discussing "life" and all of the ups and downs, tragedies, losses, happiness, mountains, etc, etc, they will face as a couple. Then he made one simple but, profound statement....

"There will be many moments when it will not be the vows you keep, but the vows that keep you."

Isn't that so true? I LOVE that.

{my little man is sick}

He was fine yesterday, so he went to school. An advanced apology in case he has spread his wealth. But, when he woke up this morning - there was no dispute. He sounds very croupy and has a "very, very,very" sore throat - in his words. He's just sad. So, I am trying to breathe and not panic at my mound of things to do and just focus on him today as much as I possibly can. I have a scary feeling, this is just the beginning of a downward spiral.

{add}

Can you tell, i've had a bit too much computer time of late. What is this....my 26th post for today. I can barely stomach to look at another medical record and my eyes are crossing with editing. I can't tell if the photos are blurry, or if I'm blurry. Not a good thing. Let's see (pardon the pun), I need to add that to the list that already includes an eye appointment for Noah that I'm late on, a 4-year-old well check up on Evan....hmmm.....wasn't he four in August? Yep, late on that too. What's another one to add in. Let's not even approach Scott's md list.

okay, i'm drifting again.....but, i thought i would post my reading list. another reflection of my self-diagnosis of ad(h)d. i'm pretty much reading them at the same time....well, not at exactly the same time, but, in spurts and slivers, here and there and basically everywhere.

The Shack. (just started)
Sacred Influence.
The Love Dare.
Grace Based Parenting.
Creative Correction.
In an Instant.
My Bible.

Okay, that is my list. I read those in flashes usually while waiting for something or someone...in line, MD appt, in car, etc, etc, etc. Spurts only.

Here is what I'm reading with Noah and/or both boys...in addition to our nightly reading assignments from school. It is not as bad as it looks. Who am I kidding?

The Tale of Despereaux. Okay, I have two copies. The one I've been reading from that has pages that looked tattered and torn. I love that it looks old. And, me and my absent mind ordered and received another one in a different format from the Book Fair. Well, I suppose they each have a copy now. Or, maybe I'll keep the tattered and torn one for myself.
The Wonder Clock.
A Wrinkle in Time. We suspended that one. Too much for this age.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret (it won the Caldecott Award this year)
Different devotions and too many Scholastic Books to mention.

Alot can be accomplished when your PSP has to be sent to Mr. Sony for repair. Hmmm..... would getting lost in the mail be a bad thing?