Piapie

The Trumpet of the Swan

We recently finished reading The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White.  After the usual bedtime stories and hugs and kisses, we'd turn out the light and by the glow of Edwin (the ladybug night light) I'd read a chapter from the book.  Funky B listened intently, absorbing the plot while MonkE rolled around in her bunk like a puppy making it's bed, finally settling in sideways (?!?!?).  A rather nice way to end the day.

I have been pleasantly impressed with how much of the story Funky B remembers and understands from the previous nights.  I have also been touched with how the story has filtered into her art and her play.  

Last week we were out enjoying the sunshine, running around, and watching the ducks and geese.  Eventually both girls settled in beside me and we all became somewhat mesmerized by the waterfowl.  A particularly large flock of Canada Geese flew overhead.  Sun warmed our faces.  A breeze knocked loose the last few yellow leaves off a tree.  Funky B leaned in and whispered that we should pretend the geese were Trumpet Swans and that we were like Sam Beaver, quietly watching the cygnets hatch.  She rested her head on my shoulder, wrapped her hand in mine, and said, "It's magical, isn't it Mama?"

Yes, my dear.  You are.

What's Important

Excerpted from E.B. White's book Stuart Little:

"Kings are old-fashioned," said Harry.

"Well, all right then, let's talk about the Chairman of the World.  The world gets into a lot of trouble because it has no chairman.  I would like to be the Chairman of the World myself."

"You're too small," said Mary Bendix.

"Oh, fish feathers!" said Stuart.  "Size has nothing to do with it.  It's temperament and ability that count.  The Chairman has to have ability and he must know what's important.  How many of you know what's important?"

Up went all the hands....

According to Funky B the following things are important:

1) Don't leave the water running when you brush your teeth.

2) Don't be mean to other people.

3) Drink lots of water on hot days.

4) Cover your face when you sneeze.

5) Be nice to your little sister.

Battle Not Picked

I've been thinking lots of about battles this week.  It might be on account of our weekend hike at Manassas National Battlefield Park which is where the first battle of the Civil War occurred (growing up I knew it as the Battle of Bull Run; there's a North/South thing going on here).  And it might be that Papi Chulo is out of town on business all week.  I find that when I am solo parenting I have to pick the right battles with my girls.    There's only so much whining, so many meltdowns, so many grumpy faces that I want to deal with when I know that my next break isn't for several days.  So some things I let slide.   I take it easy on other things, I let us all indulge.

Such was the scenario on Monday when we went to library.  After our weekly storyhour ended, I let the girls pick out books for our weekly library swap.   I pulled a few from the shelves, Funky B picked some, Miss E had a stack in her hands.  Or so I thought.  It was only when we got in line to checkout that I realized that they had been stashing books in the stroller.  I quickly assessed the situation: it was 5:15 PM which meant that they were getting hungry, Miss E's pants were stinky, two families were in line behind us,....  It didn't take long to realize that attempting to limit the number of books we were to check out was not going to be worth the meltdowns that were guaranteed to happen.  And so we checked out 36 books.

 

Yep.  Thirty six books, people.  The crazy thing is that in three days we read all of them at least once.   Can I just say that I love libraries?

5 Books....

Yesterday  I spoke with MGM (my mother-in-law) and she inquired about my "5 book/5 knitting projects" plan.  For those who are not in the know, when we packed up our things to move cross country for one year I chose 5 books to read and 5 knitting projects to complete before our return.  I also packed two photo albums that need to be filled (with specific photos) and several binders that are designated to be stuffed with recipes, craft ideas, household tips, and bits of inspiration that I have ripped out of magazines. 

OK, I'll admit it.  Nearly 90% of them were ripped out of Martha Stewart Living.   There, it's been said. 

Anyways...those were the projects I had laid out for myself to complete during our tenure on the East Coast.  Thus far I've read two of the books and knit one sweater.  A second sweater is underway as is an album.  The rest?  All untouched.

I've decided that today is probably THE day of the year to set one's goals.  So here I am, putting it out there so that you all can hold me accountable when next summer comes and I have to start packing up our things for the return trip.  Five books (not counting the ones I've read for book club), 5 knitting projects (not counting the new projects I bought yarn for this month), two albums (does not include our regular family album), and too many binders.   I'll keep you posted on my progress and any diversions that come my way, like just about sewing project because, well, those are all just bonus!

Oh! and I really want to swim a mile straight, no stops, flip turns at end of each length.

Here's hoping that 2010 is full of inspiring, fulfilling, productive, creative, and joyful moments for all of you.  Thanks for joining me these past few months.  Cheers, Piapie

Library Stash

Yesterday morning the girls and I walked over to the brand new library in our neighborhood.  We filled up a book bag, checked out our books, paid Mama's late fees, braved the windy walk home, and then hunkered down on the bed to read stories for over an  hour.   It was pretty much a perfect way to spend a winter morning.  

Then, when it was time for me to start making lunch the girls sat there for another 30 minutes reading to themselves.  Now that was awesome! 

By the way, I've finally changed my header!  It will now include random Funky B quotes on a rotating basis.  If Miss E ever decides to start talking,  I'll profile her too.