My daughter, Lily (7 11/12), started making paper airplanes while we were sitting this morning watching the USA Women’s soccer team win the Gold medal.  We were all amazed at how well her planes were flying.  She told us that her daddy had taught her how to make them.

While struggling to get his to fly, Lenny(12) lamented that he had forgotten how to make them.

When I suggested that he have his sister, Lily, show him how to do it, he just smiled and said, “That would be TOO humiliating!!!”  Well at least he’s honest!!!

Well the children and I are back in Vermont visiting my parents.  Last night we went out to dinner and on the car ride home, I asked my mom to be sure that Peter (3 1/2) didn’t fall asleep, as I was driving. 

So she diligently kept him awake by asking him questions.  She started with the usual fare, “How old are you?”, “How many dogs do you have?”, “What are your dog’s names?”, etc. 

Running out of questions, my mother asked Peter, “What is Mommy’s name?”  He seemed confused by the question.  Didn’t everyone call her “Mommy”???  So she rephrased the question: “What does everyone call Mommy?”  To this he responded without hesitation: “Boss!!!”  Boy, did that give us all a major belly laugh!!!  Out of the mouth of babes…  

Yesterday morning we were all set to leave from our Vermont paradise at Lake Dunmore.  We had kissed my parents good-bye, packed ALL OUR STUFF into my husband’s Expedition, complete with two carriers (one on top and one on the hitch), and stuffed two adults, four children, and five dogs into their assigned places.  And wouldn’t you know it - THE BATTERY DIED!!!  Well thank you Jesus for jumper cables and my father’s van battery.  We were on our way (although reluctantly) in a little over ten minutes.  Our trip home went very smoothly and while it was hard to leave Vermont, I must admit that it’s good to be home!!!

Yes, I know that he will kill me when he’s older if he ever finds out I blogged this picture.  But isn’t it adorable??? 

I just read a wonderful post over at “Here in the Bonny Glenn” by Melissa Wiley about homeschooling and the concerns of well-intentioned nay-sayers.  It is incredibly accurate and funny!!! I encourage you to take a meander over there to enjoy Melissa’s insight and wit!!!

HT: Michele at The Family-Centered Life

Everyone has been saying what a warm winter we had.  Well with the price of heating oil, we have kept the thermostat set to 63 degrees during the day and 60 degrees at night.  When Hope teaches a sewing class at home, we turn it up to 65 degrees (and we all feel like we’re on a tropical vacation!!!).  So from where I sit, it was a cold winter and I can’t wait until the real spring weather makes its appearance to stay!!!  If I sound bitter, I’m really not.  I am just finding that my resolve is wearing thin and I’m truly ready for warmer (if not greener) pastures!!!

Today Peter(3) requested that I put a video on for him.  I told him it was fine and to ask his brother to put it in for him.  He walked into the other room and bellowed, “Lenny, put in Lumpy” (his name for “The Heffalump Movie”).  I told Peter that he needed to ask nicely with a “please”.  So this time he began sweetly asking Lenny to put in the video.  I thought that I had succeeded in softening my little tryant’s attitude until at the end of his sweet plea he added, “NNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWW!!!”

Today we had our second family cleaning Saturday.  Things really went very smoothly but I got a bit short-tempered towards the end.  No one was moving fast enough for me - I’m sure you know the feeling.  Well that’s when it happened - Lily(7) accidently knocked into Peter(3) and guess where he landed… in the bucket of dirty mop water.  He just sat there stunned.  When he finally stood up, he had the most incredulous look on his face, as if to say, “How did this happen to me???”   Well that was definitely the laugh that I needed to lighten up a tense moment…

My oldest daughter (15), took the dog breed quiz that I took recently.  Her results were pretty accurate:

Hope, you’re a German Shepherd!

No bones, about it, you’re a loyal, hard-working German Shepherd. Dedicated and always low-maintenance, people flock to you — they know they can count on you to get any job done, and done well. That focus and attention to detail spans from your personal to your professional life, too. Although you can be a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to the projects you tackle, you still manage to keep cool and laid-back in social situations. You get a kick out of the little things and thrive when you’re constantly busy and on-the-go. Easygoing and unpretentious, you don’t need constant pampering and reassurance. A genuine, carefree pup, you’re a true-blue friend, employee, and partner. Woof!

No bones about it, you’re a dedicated, trustworthy St. Bernard. Loyal and good-hearted, you’re as reliable as they come. Your naturally protective personality is reflected in the way you treat people close to you. Sheltering your nearest and dearest from harm (or bad news, for that matter) is high on your priority list. That attitude earns you lots of gold stars, not to mention respect. People admire your strong morals — and how well you stick to them! Focused, steadfast, and determined, you always aim to please. It’s a breed like yours that makes the world a better place — woof!

IMHO, this really hit me dead-on!!!  Of course, they don’t list any negative qualities which makes it easier to swallow!!!

Take the quiz here.

HT: The Unlikely Homesteader