Both little guys found the apple crates very enter- taining. It hardly seemed to matter whether they were in different boxes or the same one, it was fun just the same. Maybe I should plant a couple of those in my backyard... Nah, they wouldn't be near as much fun if they were readily accessible. Besides, I'm sure they're full of slivers.
I'm afraid, in so many ways, that I have failed my parents. The past year has brought to light just how far I fall short of being all that I should be in Christ. I am not who I had hoped to be, and I am not even who I thought I was. I've not counted the task before me the privilege that it really is, nor have I been able to completely shake the nagging, negative attitudes that creep in almost daily. I have found myself in need, in need of His strength and daily help.
K is for Kleenex, you know, those super soft tissues with which we wipe our noses. Kids can go through a whole lot of Kleenex with their constant colds and runny noses. It might be wise to keep a box within reach when caring for little ones, especially during allergy season. KERCHOO!
Grandmas also use a bunch of Kleenex. They hide them in their pockets and up their sleeves and take them out whenever the urge to blow becomes irresistible. Kleenex are a must if Grandma is on oxygen, The air hose will irritate her nasal passages and cause her nose to run which may prove embarrassing if she is caught without.
There is something heart- warming about hearing my own boy called "Daddy" and watching him interact with the little guys. I should have had the camera out sooner, but I was busy holding my granddaughter and watching her sleep.
Dear Jim,
I've never been good at birthday parties. I somehow always manage to wait too long to pull them off in style, but each birthday brings with it a special longing for the child whose day it is, and a pile of memories to take me back in time. So, even though you are far away for this milestone birthday, you are in my thoughts today.
Now that I am about finished with home schooling, I'm doing some research on unschooling. I like it. I am tired of making my kids learn useless things they hate and passing up what they love in order to do it. Hannah knows grammar and can write, likes to read, does math, and enjoys American history. She tests very high on her California Achievement Tests. At sixteen we are finally at the point where I can legally stop reporting her to the school district. Although we aren't quite ready to toss the books, we are ready to put a bit more effort into pursuing the things she really loves, and I am ready to chase after some of those dreams I have put off for so long.
The List I wrote three years ago and put on the shelf is ready to be taken down, dusted off, and delved into. Our weekend excursion is not the only inspiration. That unschooling book has me doing some thinking for myself too. First on my list is to work on writing a manuscript for a picture book. I have some rough ideas, a ready audience to test my stories on, and a young daughter who also likes to write. Maybe we can actually keep each other inspired. 
We were also inspired in the area of music. Hannah has long saved for a digital piano. While she still has the time and desire to play and learn to play well, I think it's time to begin the search in earnest. Wouldn't you know it? Judy also has an interest in music, and has a piano tucked away in her apartment bedroom. It should come as no surprise since she is a composer/librettist. She is also the childhood friend whose parents had two pianos in their living room, one of which was a player. (That's the kind I want...) Have I ever mentioned how much I love that piano at the NY State Fair? (Check here.)
We said goodbye to Danny at the apartment and took the train with Judy until she had to get off for work. We all got off, said our goodbyes, and Hannah and I got on the next train headed for South Ferry, the very end of the line.
Once off the train and back in the sunshine, we gazed over the water at Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, and various ferries shuttling passengers between here and there. We averted a young man peddling fruit snacks, declined overpriced bottled water, and snapped photos. I followed Hannah through Battery Park trying to take in the sights and capture some photos. She walked fast hoping I would stop the continuous documentation, but I continued.
Construction continues at Ground Zero which was blocked off by barricades. Only prepaid ticket-holder are granted access to the memorial at this time. We witnessed work on the new One World Trade Center, bought some better priced bottles of water, and made our way north. After a short discussion, we decided not to stop at Alice's Tea Cup on West 73rd Street on the way home, and bought two bagels from a vender before boarding the subway back to the Bronx.
It was a fun and adventurous weekend. We returned home inspired, invigorated, and ready to walk multiple city blocks in short periods of time. Today we went out to the shopping center and actually brisk-walked from Joann Fabrics on one side of the parking lot to Target on the other side without feeling like we should move the van. Now all we are missing is multiple sets of stairs and steep sloping hills to climb. 
J is for Journey. This past weekend my daughter and I went on a journey together. We packed our bags, filled the gas tank, and headed off for New York City. It was a long drive, but with sunny skies and good company, the hours passed quickly.
I found the home of my friend Judy with the help of my navigator daughter and spent the weekend getting re- acquainted with one of my childhood friends. We hadn't seen each other in over thirty years!
(Yes, Sherri, we did check out the Ramble, and even with a map one could probably get lost, if not for helpful New Yorkers who actually know which way to go...)
We passed Alice's Tea Cup on the way to find Beard Papa's where we purchased and devoured the world's best cream puffs. After an afternoon of walking and eating only apples, we were near to starving. That cold vanilla filling was wonderful!. Sadly, we did not return to Alice's for tea. I guess that will have to be saved for another trip...
After another jaunt down Broadway and a ride on the bus, we found our way to Lincoln Center. We sat in the grass across from Julliard where "August Rush" once went to school. (You did see that movie, didn't you?) Thanks to an old subway map, we took the wrong train from Lincoln Center, got to the Mexican restaurant later than anticipated, and missed out on a loosely planned evening activity. Every cab after dinner was full, so we gave up on seeing the show, headed for Times Square to take in the sights, and then back to the A Train for a ride home to the Bronx.
Though I was in the midst of raising five boys I had never been given such a clear picture into the world of boys. I found myself able to relax a bit more when they pulled those crazy boy stunts and worry a bit less when they tore their knees open on trees and pavement. I hadn't given up on worrying altogether, but my understanding was forever altered.
