Just in Time for Valentine's

I'm not known for my green thumb. I've had a potted bulb of some sort that I've been watering for years, but I've long forgotten what kind of flower it's supposed to grow, since I've never actually seen a blossom. It does shoot out a couple of lovely green leaves on occasion.

When we moved to our new house a little over two years ago, I placed the mystery bulb along with a pale, spindly spider plant along the wide sill of a window in the guest bathroom. I secretly hoped that mist from the shower might make up for any forgetfulness on my part in hydrating the poor things.

Imagine my surprise today when I pulled up the blinds that had been lowered for a good month or more, and discovered this lily.

Mystery solved!

Dinner last night: sour cream enchiladas, refried beans, corn

Farewell, Old Friend

I was ambushed at the grocery story. Blindsided and beaten up.

Heading down the coffee aisle, I caught a glimpse from the corner of my eye of the opposite side of the row: tiny jars of pureed apricot baby food. Wham! I was tackled by a physical pang of intense emotion that literally stopped me in my tracks.

I will never have a baby again. My child-bearing days are over.

Intellectually I know that my body would not handle another pregnancy very well—certainly, my psyche could not survive another bout of sleep deprivation. After bringing twins home, I did not sleep longer than 3 or 4 hours at a stretch for one entire year. I no longer possess the energy or the will to birth, breastfeed, potty train, and discipline another little human. I'm mother to four wonderful children who bring me joy, challenge, and exhaustion each and every day.

But my heart aches to hold a newborn baby. My husband says that's what grandchildren are for. I'm sure he's right.

On top of it all, I was cleaning out the minivan and found the diaper bag. It's been squished in the cargo space, under the double stroller, for so long I don't even remember the last time I used it. I stuck it back there "just in case." You never know when you might need a nasal bulb, or a tiny washcloth, or the little bottle of baby oil. Well, I haven't needed any of those things. So it's time to toss it. It's been through the wringer anyway. Torn, stained, crushed. No hope of recycling it. It was a gift at my baby shower and came with a little pad that I could unfold when I was caught somewhere without a diaper changing table. Like an airplane. Or most gas stations. Or many restaurants. 

While I'm at it, I might as well clean out the cupboard that holds all the old bottles and pacifiers. Then there's that box of baby rattles and teethers and mobiles. And the totes of infant clothing.

On second thought, maybe I should hang on to them. In case of grandchildren.

Dinner last night: Polish sausages, spinach

Friday's Five: Geri

Welcome to Friday's Five, my weekly feature in which I ask a fabulous blogger five questions.

I'm visiting today with Geri from saddlepotatoes. If my photos of snow and moose send you running far, far away from Alaska, then Geri's pictures of dogs and horses and the beautiful lake near her home will lure you back. She writes with warmth and gentle humor about raising miniature horses, showing her purebred Corgi, homeschooling her children, and leading an altogether interesting life in one of the most scenic spots on earth.

1. What are your children's ages, and do they have any favorite music CDs at the moment?

Lex is 22, Chena is 11, and Penelope is 10. Lex loves Rascal Flatts (ha ha, finally brought him over to the country side!), Chena loves Toby Mac, and Penelope likes Steven Curtis Chapman. The girls like a little bit of everything, like me.

2. Tell us a little about what your kids have learned by raising animals.

Well, I'd say they have learned to be unselfish . . . because there are many times when our ten pets need care, and it's not convenient . . . but they need us. And they come first. I always tell the girls that the animals are counting on us, and they trust us to care for them, and we will not let them down. The girls have learned responsibility, and they have also learned a LOT about vet care, nutrition for the horses, rabbits, cats, dogs, etc. Right now the girls have started teaching our Corgi how to run agility, and they do weekly classes which they really get enthused about.

3. Occasionally, I'll find myself in a discussion about elementary education with someone who insists that homeschooled children are missing out on the "socialization" that a traditional school setting provides. What's your opinion?

Well, that is somewhat a myth. (I used to teach school, and homeschooling was generally frowned upon because it takes federal dollars out of the school.) It's a rare homeschool home that is "isolated" at all. All of the homeschool homes I know are very involved in the community, field trips, etc. And to be honest, some of that "socialization" they are missing I am more than happy to miss out on! Instead of trying to "fit in" to a classroom situation, I am keeping the girls deeply rooted in their own family, so their sense of self comes from the people who love them most .  . . and that gives them the confidence to take on the rest of their world. It's definitely working in our home, but I cannot speak for every situation.

4. What one piece of advice would you give to someone who's thinking about starting a blog?

I would say don't start one unless you plan to keep it updated fairly regularly . . . because I love to visit a blog where I know it will be updated, and I can follow the plot more easily! Also, to let your blog be a reflection of who you are, be honest, and have fun with it.

5. What did you have for dinner last night?

We had spaghetti, garlic bread, and salad at a church dinner.

Thank you, Geri! I think it's wonderful that your girls are growing up around animals and are learning so much from having to care for them—what an interesting and special childhood you are providing them. And you make an excellent point about a homeschooled child's sense of self coming from those who love him or her the most. 

See everyone back here next week when we get to know another great blogger!

Friday's Five: Lana (The Kids Did What?!)

Friday's Five: Lisa (Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy)

Friday's Five: Helene (I'm Living Proof that God has a Sense of Humor)