Amos

So titled, because that was the subject of the conference we had all day Saturday at church. It was really good, and I feel like I could explain the entire history and completed prophesy of the book. I put together a list of projects and activities to keep the little kids occupied downstairs (there were 2 teen sitters), and then a packet of coloring pages and puzzles and stickers and wax strings for the older kids sitting upstairs. That occupied my evenings for 2 days. And then the drama of the elections, and trying to explain without crying or disrespecting the title of president the implications to my kids. Today we listened to Les Mis again (it seemed apropos) and this time Henri was really in to it and "got" the whole story line and we had a great discussion about grace and redemption and how we are to treat everyone, even those society would deem past the pale. "Be kind" has become a mantra around here. Hoping it internalizes soon.

David's birthday was yesterday and he came over for supper and cake. Life hack: if in the middle of making meat loaf you realize the container of bread crumbs only has 2 teaspoons left in it, crushed parmesan goldfish crackers make a delicious substitute. I am not a cake baker, but I attempted a vanilla one and it was edible (though I do make a fantastic carrot cake that's never failed.....). The kids enjoyed a chance to lick the beaters.

Today Henri had off from school, so of course both of them were up at 5:15. I picked up our neighbor from daycare at 4 and she hung out with us till her dad got out of work, a big treat for the kids.

Oh! Also of note, we finished listening to the unabridged Peter Pan. A lot went over their heads of course, but I don't think I'd ever read the whole thing before. A true delight. I'm sad that it's done, but we started "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and so far it's been a lot of fun as well. It will be a grand day when the kids can read well enough to trade off reading aloud in the evenings, but for now books on CD (especially the ones read in a British accent) are serving us well. Does anyone have any suggestions or favorites? We've also listened to "Igraine the Brave" (which was hilarious), "A Mouse and His Motorcycle", a few Treehouse Club stories (meh), and a series on the life and music of different composers (wildly popular with Henri for some obscure reason).

Not much on the camera, but here's what I have:

Hudson started gymnastics at the Y. I don't want to gush since it was just the first class, but I was really impressed with the teacher and the set up. He loved it and learned to do a wall assisted hand stand. It looked do-able, so I practiced once the kids were in bed until I could do one too. Now to master an unassisted one!

One of the projects I had for the little kids; making foxes out of maple leaves (this was Henri's, she tested the craft for me to make sure it was doable)

I slacked on making our thankful tree this year, so I made a quick banner instead. 

When you have extra time on Sunday you get to be more creative with hair. 

Steve held a spot in line for us so I didn't arrive at the polls until 0645. Line was already doubled and then out the door. 

The kids ate their breakfast in line

After 3 years of fighting with the town (and arguing with the same pompous election official for those 3 years) I was finally on the voter list. 

Tofu in a creamy tomato sauce. All vegan, all from scratch, takes 20ish minutes to make (except I let the tofu marinate while we went for a walk) and tastes like paneer tikki masala, restaurant quality. The leftovers were even better. If you're reading this, Steve, I'm very serious about the need for that cookbook to be under the tree on the 25th.....

David's cake. 

I decided to practice what I preach and went for a yearly physical, the first in, oh.....6 years? I really like the office I go to, I was in and out in 15 minutes, flu shot included. And the gowns are real cloth and completely cover you which is a nice touch.

An unscheduled weekend lies ahead, so I anticipate taking advantage of this great weather with some hiking. Or park play. Or raking (again). :)