It has come to my attention that we have been much too busy this summer. We have been busy doing inside things like (constant) cleaning, packing, and building. And so, it wasn't until last night, that quite by accident, we came home from frenetic erranding just at dusk, which is exactly the right time for fireflies. And although the fireflies have been around for quite awhile, you just don't see them while you are in the house, picking up a precious, treasured gum wrapper (or something of that ilk) for the fifteenth time.
Before we pulled into our driveway, six little mouths were championing the cause of the their empty stomachs. At least one little person almost completely wasted away from famine. But when the car doors were opened, the magic fireflies distracted all but one from their horrible fate. They spilled out of the car into the dusk, screaming and laughing, and caught several fireflies (at least one of which is now illuminating the inside of the house at random intervals.) I had to entice them inside to eat the barely warm, but still scrumptious, Colonel's specialty.
Again tonight they were outside as soon as dusk hit, chasing lightning bugs and other benign creatures of the night. Two toads were captured in the lightning bug house. They looked as if they were finding their captivity quite tasty. The only firefly I could see was a partial one on the outside of Mr. Pipi's mouth. (The larger toad was apparently named for his action on retrieval.) That is the beauty of summer. Its the time when life reaches out and pulls you in, to let you know that the thing that you've been working for, hoping for, dreaming for? It's here and it's all around you, and it's time to go catch some lightning bugs.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Aunts
My children are abundantly blessed with Aunts. Sixteen all together, I think. (and let's not even get into the great-aunts!) Last week, when Alan and I had to go out of town, two Aunts came to take care of the children. Now, these are not old-fashioned spinster-type ladies who have nothing better to do. They both took off work and flew out, shared fun times with the kids, (and left my house immaculate, by the way.) So, of course I am grateful that they came out to help . . . but there is something I am more grateful for.
Someday soon, my five girls will be growing up. And I recognize that there are important things that they will not always want to talk to their mother about. (I would have been mortified to tell my mother about my first kiss!) I'm not saying I'm not available--I would love it if my children were to tell me every detail of their lives (after all, we've held small celebrations for toilet bowl deposits, for crying out loud) but still sometimes a kid just needs an adult to talk to that's not her mom . . .
When my girls need someone to talk to and counsel with, they have all of these wonderful aunts. Aunts whom they love and trust (and already miss). And whom I love and trust. Those type of relationships are pure gold. So Rosemary and Emily, thank you for saving my bacon this last week. But I'm afraid that this is only the beginning. And I have a feeling that maybe, just maybe, you're good with that.
Someday soon, my five girls will be growing up. And I recognize that there are important things that they will not always want to talk to their mother about. (I would have been mortified to tell my mother about my first kiss!) I'm not saying I'm not available--I would love it if my children were to tell me every detail of their lives (after all, we've held small celebrations for toilet bowl deposits, for crying out loud) but still sometimes a kid just needs an adult to talk to that's not her mom . . .
When my girls need someone to talk to and counsel with, they have all of these wonderful aunts. Aunts whom they love and trust (and already miss). And whom I love and trust. Those type of relationships are pure gold. So Rosemary and Emily, thank you for saving my bacon this last week. But I'm afraid that this is only the beginning. And I have a feeling that maybe, just maybe, you're good with that.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Books, Books, Books
At playgroup today, the conversation turned to books. Somehow, we went from the Periodic Table of Elements to Cheaper by the Dozen to a book about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Here's a little more information on some of those books for anyone interested.
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9-The Nolan family's dreams of prosperity in a new country are shattered when baby Joseph fails the medical exam at Ellis Island and must be taken back to Cork by his father. Though Da promises a quick return, Ma is miserable. Frustrated by her dependence on the unwilling hospitality of prosperous relatives, she gladly accepts money from her brother-in-law for herself and her three daughters to return home. Having few opportunities in Ireland, 16-year-old Rose rebels and she and 12-year-old Maureen are allowed to remain in New York to seek work and schooling. Rose finds them a room with a kindly Jewish family, and the landlord's labor unionist daughter, Gussie, gets her a position at the Triangle Waist Company. The teen feels especially happy one morning, wearing a dress in a new color called "ashes of roses" in anticipation of a nickelodeon outing with friends after work. Within hours, her clothing choice takes on a macabre appropriateness as she, Gussie, and Maureen, who also works there, fight for their lives in a fire still recalled as one of the worst industrial disasters in U.S. history. Fast-paced, populated by distinctive characters, and anchored in Auch's convincing sense of time and place, this title is a good choice for readers who like historical fiction.
Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
This was excellent--a window into real lives and real tragedy at the beginning of the nineteen hundreds.
Classic Story of the raising of 12 children, by 2 siblings who came from a family of 12. The authors dedicated the book to their parents. "To DAD who only reared twelve children and to MOTHER who reared twelve only children.
This is one of my favorite all time books. It's absolutely hilarious, and yet really touching. Family vacations--morse code--phonographs--first dates--skipping grades--my fine little Irishman--the glorious car with it's loud horn "Ah-ooga!" Excellent. In fact, I wonder which bookshelf it's on. I think I'll read it again.
Other books not discussed, but that come to mind: for young adult fans of historical fiction (or those young adults who need a little push toward good history), anything by Ann Rinaldi. Her work is always well-researched, interesting, and pretty fair. I particularly liked A Break with Charity: A Story About the Salem Witch Trials. It's about a group of girls as accusations of witchcraft ran rampant in Salem. Modern-day explanations of the events in Salem involve rust on the rye (which was one of their primary grains.) The rust was a hallucinogen that acted somewhat like LSD, which explained A LOT about some of the very disturbing events of the time. (Of course, anything about witches and Puritans leads to The Witch of Blackbird Pond, another great read from my youth.)
At this moment in time, we are packing our books. Nineteen bookcases, filled with wonderful books that I (and the children) had forgotten about. As you can imagine, the packing part is almost impossible. Instead, I sit on the floor in front of piles of books (with at least three children), reading snippets, and thinking, "I can't pack this one! We need it!" despite the fact that said book has not been noticed or missed for the last year. There are worse trials.
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9-The Nolan family's dreams of prosperity in a new country are shattered when baby Joseph fails the medical exam at Ellis Island and must be taken back to Cork by his father. Though Da promises a quick return, Ma is miserable. Frustrated by her dependence on the unwilling hospitality of prosperous relatives, she gladly accepts money from her brother-in-law for herself and her three daughters to return home. Having few opportunities in Ireland, 16-year-old Rose rebels and she and 12-year-old Maureen are allowed to remain in New York to seek work and schooling. Rose finds them a room with a kindly Jewish family, and the landlord's labor unionist daughter, Gussie, gets her a position at the Triangle Waist Company. The teen feels especially happy one morning, wearing a dress in a new color called "ashes of roses" in anticipation of a nickelodeon outing with friends after work. Within hours, her clothing choice takes on a macabre appropriateness as she, Gussie, and Maureen, who also works there, fight for their lives in a fire still recalled as one of the worst industrial disasters in U.S. history. Fast-paced, populated by distinctive characters, and anchored in Auch's convincing sense of time and place, this title is a good choice for readers who like historical fiction.
Starr E. Smith, Fairfax County Public Library, VA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
This was excellent--a window into real lives and real tragedy at the beginning of the nineteen hundreds.
Classic Story of the raising of 12 children, by 2 siblings who came from a family of 12. The authors dedicated the book to their parents. "To DAD who only reared twelve children and to MOTHER who reared twelve only children.
This is one of my favorite all time books. It's absolutely hilarious, and yet really touching. Family vacations--morse code--phonographs--first dates--skipping grades--my fine little Irishman--the glorious car with it's loud horn "Ah-ooga!" Excellent. In fact, I wonder which bookshelf it's on. I think I'll read it again.
Other books not discussed, but that come to mind: for young adult fans of historical fiction (or those young adults who need a little push toward good history), anything by Ann Rinaldi. Her work is always well-researched, interesting, and pretty fair. I particularly liked A Break with Charity: A Story About the Salem Witch Trials. It's about a group of girls as accusations of witchcraft ran rampant in Salem. Modern-day explanations of the events in Salem involve rust on the rye (which was one of their primary grains.) The rust was a hallucinogen that acted somewhat like LSD, which explained A LOT about some of the very disturbing events of the time. (Of course, anything about witches and Puritans leads to The Witch of Blackbird Pond, another great read from my youth.)
At this moment in time, we are packing our books. Nineteen bookcases, filled with wonderful books that I (and the children) had forgotten about. As you can imagine, the packing part is almost impossible. Instead, I sit on the floor in front of piles of books (with at least three children), reading snippets, and thinking, "I can't pack this one! We need it!" despite the fact that said book has not been noticed or missed for the last year. There are worse trials.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Random Thoughts on a Few of My Children
Brigham's two favorite phrases are active: "What's that for?" and "What's that do?" He's been as involved as possible in helping Dad build the new kitchen. Occasionally, one sees him with two hammers and a screwdriver. And he knows what they're for. And what they do.
Mirielle has a unique way of moving. She sort of drifts effortlessly from place to place. Her white hair is like dandelion fluff, barely anchored to our particular idea of time and space by her tiny, graceful body. There is a simple joy in just watching her comings and goings. It's quite possible that she slips in and out of our dimension; or that she is some sort of faery changeling. What is certain is that her being is a great gift.
Occasionally, when I am somewhere in Vilate's orbit--holding her, or near her while she sits in her swing, I sense someone looking a me. And sure enough, her big blue eyes are fixed on me, drinking me in, just hoping, hoping! that I, her one and only mother, will look at her. And when I do--oh, the joy, the rapture! Her eyes fill with light and something for which "smile" is an understatement possesses her whole body. She is all that is good and wonderful and right, and in those few moments, I become a better mother and a better person.
Mirielle has a unique way of moving. She sort of drifts effortlessly from place to place. Her white hair is like dandelion fluff, barely anchored to our particular idea of time and space by her tiny, graceful body. There is a simple joy in just watching her comings and goings. It's quite possible that she slips in and out of our dimension; or that she is some sort of faery changeling. What is certain is that her being is a great gift.
Occasionally, when I am somewhere in Vilate's orbit--holding her, or near her while she sits in her swing, I sense someone looking a me. And sure enough, her big blue eyes are fixed on me, drinking me in, just hoping, hoping! that I, her one and only mother, will look at her. And when I do--oh, the joy, the rapture! Her eyes fill with light and something for which "smile" is an understatement possesses her whole body. She is all that is good and wonderful and right, and in those few moments, I become a better mother and a better person.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A response to Mona Charen
Mona Charen (whom I generally like) wrote an article for National Review about marriage (do read it.) She said that we are having the wrong marriage debate: focusing on the case against gay marriage instead of the huge problem with unmarried pregnancy. Here's her closing argument:
Young women, especially poorly educated ones, have gotten the idea that marriage is all about them — about their romantic hopes. In fact, while marriage often does deliver on the promise of happiness for adults, it is only secondarily about adult happiness. It is primarily about safety and security for children. The old stigma against illegitimacy was harsh and led to its own kind of suffering. But it prevented narcissistic young people from impairing the lives of their children on a grand scale.
While I agree with what she had to say, in comparing the two issues surrounding marriage, she misses that they both have the same root cause: a definition of marriage rooted in adult happiness. If marriage is primarily about adult happiness, or a vision of romantic love, we end up with all of the problems we have today: high rates of divorce, high rates of illegitimacy, and confusion as to the nature of parties involved in marriage. In fact, if marriage were primarily about adult happiness, Henry VIII wouldn't have needed an executioner on retainer to sever the heads of his inconvenient wives and their near relations.
Romantic love is a Good Thing. It does not make, however, a stable foundation for marriage. Because in marriage come things like varicose veins and childbirth and toothpaste in the sink, which are not romantic and not particularly happy. Marriage, in its highest sense, is a covenant between a man, a woman, and God. God is essential because He's the only one who's likely to fully keep the covenant: the other two parties will strive in different degrees, but because of our very human nature, we fall short of perfectly keeping the covenant. In its most elemental sense, marriage is a contract between two people and society. A marriage system built on adult happiness asks, "What can society do for me? Where are my benefits?" A marriage system built on the interdependency of generations asks instead, "What can I do for my society? How can I contribute?" And that, as someone once said, makes all the difference.
Young women, especially poorly educated ones, have gotten the idea that marriage is all about them — about their romantic hopes. In fact, while marriage often does deliver on the promise of happiness for adults, it is only secondarily about adult happiness. It is primarily about safety and security for children. The old stigma against illegitimacy was harsh and led to its own kind of suffering. But it prevented narcissistic young people from impairing the lives of their children on a grand scale.
While I agree with what she had to say, in comparing the two issues surrounding marriage, she misses that they both have the same root cause: a definition of marriage rooted in adult happiness. If marriage is primarily about adult happiness, or a vision of romantic love, we end up with all of the problems we have today: high rates of divorce, high rates of illegitimacy, and confusion as to the nature of parties involved in marriage. In fact, if marriage were primarily about adult happiness, Henry VIII wouldn't have needed an executioner on retainer to sever the heads of his inconvenient wives and their near relations.
Romantic love is a Good Thing. It does not make, however, a stable foundation for marriage. Because in marriage come things like varicose veins and childbirth and toothpaste in the sink, which are not romantic and not particularly happy. Marriage, in its highest sense, is a covenant between a man, a woman, and God. God is essential because He's the only one who's likely to fully keep the covenant: the other two parties will strive in different degrees, but because of our very human nature, we fall short of perfectly keeping the covenant. In its most elemental sense, marriage is a contract between two people and society. A marriage system built on adult happiness asks, "What can society do for me? Where are my benefits?" A marriage system built on the interdependency of generations asks instead, "What can I do for my society? How can I contribute?" And that, as someone once said, makes all the difference.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Extreme sports
People do a lot of things to get an adrenaline rush. Back in my day, skateboarding on a half-pipe was at the very edge. Now, extreme sports are going places no sport has gone before. Behold, extreme ironing.
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