Dreaming What Ifs...

Things You Don't Want to Hear....

when the older two kids are playing with the youngest.

"I've got him, now run and get the tape."

Waiting

 

 

Sorrow and Joy

I just don't have the energy to write an amazing tribute or explain all the happenings around here this week in some witty repose.  But there are going ons that I need to share.

My Father-in-law, Al, passed away Friday evening.  The kids and I were there and we helped give grandpa a send-off, toasting his life with sacramental wine and witnessing the Priest give Final Rites.   Everyone was sad, but we turned the evening into a positive one celebrating his life.  He was 89 years old and just missed his 60th wedding anniversary (in November).   My children will always remember their first alcohol was at their grandfather's deathbed.  (I wonder how the shrinks will work that?)

On Saturday, in the hubbub of confusion and family, the Caboose tumbled down the last 3 steps of the stairs.  He cried for quite a while.  Over the next two days, I kept wondering why he was whimpering in pain every time someone picked him up.

Tuesday, the doctor confirmed my suspicions.  He broke his clavicle.  So, now I watch on pins and needles every stumble and fall he takes.  We are being gentle with him for the next two weeks while his collar bone heals.  (can you say "guilty schmuck"?  That is how I feel, wishing I knew sooner and could have helped his pain!)

And even through the sorrow, we've had some joy. 

Jammin' FINALLY passed Level 3 in swimming.  This is HUGE!  He has been so afraid of the water and it took 2 years of being at this level.  TWO YEARS.  We celebrated with dinner at Ruby Tuesdays.  (The Caboose celebrated by throwing french fries across the table.  That kid has an arm - even with a broken clavicle).

Finally, this household bought a brand new computer.  (insert angels singing here).  I never knew how fast could be so glorious.

So - what have YOU been up to?

 

Learning To Read

Buttercup is reading.  Well, she is learning to read.  She's doing a pretty good job.  She's almost finished with Fox in Socks. 

When Jammin' learned to read he had an easier time.  I'm not trying to compare kids, but his little mind would look at a word once and remember.  Buttercup has to see the word a few times and still sounds it out.

I had forgotten how frustrating the English language is to read.  Let's just say I'm glad I grew up speaking English and didn't have to learn it as a foreign language.

Here are our problems:

these words sound the same:

so, go, no,      and...... to?

these words sound the same:

how, now, cow, and....... grow

Our poor kids - just when they figure out a certain scheme, the English language flips it around and changes the sound.

Well, Buttercup is getting there, as we all did before her.