Tredway Lit 101 12.29.07
I'm cataloguing a box of books. Many are books for kids, picked up from various used book sales while I was earning my middle school education degree in St. Louis. The goal, as far as an English teacher is concerned, is to get your students reading. So I bought classics and contemporary works alike; mysteries, fantasies, biographies, plays, poetry, you name it. Whether these books find a home in my own classroom someday or in another project even sooner (neighborhood tutoring program perhaps?), I can't wait to share them.
I've come across many old books I've read. What's this, um, fabulous tale? Special Girl by Dorothy Francis? Glad I read this long before getting diagnosed with diabetes at 16 because Vonnie, the heroine, keeps her diabetes a secret and nearly loses her first crush. Gasp! The back cover reads:
THERE WAS SOMETHING SPECIAL BETWEEN THEM, Pete Karmer told Vonnie Morrison. And that made moving to a new town easier. She would make a new beginning... new friends. This time, she promised herself, she would be outgoing and friendly. But Vonnie's determination to hide a part of her life caused misunderstandings, and worse yet, threatened to break up her first real romance.
Groan...
And then I found some of my absolute favorite books as a younger girl: The Grandma's Attic series by Arleta Richardson. I almost pulled them to re-read as an adult and then thought better of it after realizing how many books I want to finish first. Did anyone else love Richardson's stories?
I came across a Nancy Drew, claimed as MINE. (Note the freckles included in the smiley face.)
I found a book oh-so earnestly given to Jeremy by two LDS proselytizers, phone number covered for protection from crazed blog readers.
And finally I realized how much I love used books. This one, a book of Gerard Manley Hopkins poems, was given to Ann, from Rosemary, with love for Christmas in 1962. Now it's mine, snuggled in "Cat 48 Box" (my identifying label for basement storage), a little less loved but no less treasured.
I love books.
Tomato, Tomahto 12.28.07
While watching the first episode of Planet Earth with David Attenborough narrating:
Me: Wow. So. Did you hear about that tiger out in California who mauled... [goes on and on about the tiger and the killing and the two injured zoo visitors.]
Jeremy: Rebecca, it's taiga. Not tiger.
Me: Oh. [Thinking: Darn that British narrator!]
To Infinity, and Beyond! 12.26.07
Livia and Strawberry at the U
"That the boy from the university! I know him!"
This was Liv's observation upon seeing Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story this morning. Livia and I have been going to UNL for a few months now so that she can take part in a study on three year olds and spatial memory. One of the "games" she plays incorporates Buzz Lightyear in an attempt to make the study more fun for preschoolers. In the interest of full disclosure, Liv gets rewarded for being a lab rat and I get rewarded for hauling her in to be a lab rat. It's been a really interesting experience--both the study and intermingling with university students. Truly, it's a lesson in hilarity to walk hand-in-hand with an excited three year old through the throngs of tres cool 18-22 year olds. Liv almost always yells something that turns my cheeks pink.
After our last visit we ran into a man I presume was a psychology professor. He listened to Livia's exclamations about her reward (a baby boy she promptly named Strawberry) and then thanked her for being data. Heh.
December 25 12.25.07
Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!
December 23 12.23.07
Jeremy brought home two fabulous-looking gifts yesterday. Clearly, this one is mine... and I'm dying to open it up. I teasingly told Jeremy I was going to use a flashlight to peek through the basket weave. He didn't look too thrilled about that idea.
Is the DPP challenging anyone else this year? For the last week I've moaned and groaned about forgetting my camera all day long--and then needing to find a decent shot by late evening. One cool thing is that the DPP is definitely pushing me to be creative. Creative Butt-Kicking Photo Project. Yup, I'm sure the CBKPP will be back next year.
December 22 12.22.07
Happy 36th anniversary to Mom and Dad!
December 20 12.20.07
Nebraska morning.
December 19 12.19.07
Nebraska Sunset
December 18 12.18.07
My second mom (aka Karen or Mom T) makes beautiful floral arrangements. Every time she delivers one, I feel like I've won a little lottery.
December 17 12.17.07
The height of DPP hesitation.
I took pictures of three items today: my partially-eaten bowl of tomato soup, a partially-consumed White Russian, and my computer screen (which had partially uploaded my photo of the day).
December 17 - creativity = today's DPP.
Me as a Mom
I've been having these days recently (or has it been every day for the last six months?) where I feel like either I'm a really terrible mother or my child is horrifically naughty. It's gotten to the point where I look around and wonder if other women are feeling as frazzled and harried as I am, or if this is all a big cosmic joke to make me join the nuthouse at a young age. I'm not a person who likes labels (which is probably why I don't identify myself as a "diabetic" very often), but I'm finding a bit of relief in considering my child strong-willed. There are great aspects to being strong-willed and I look forward to seeing my daughter as someone who knows her own mind and doesn't easily submit to others' opinions of her. Yet, I'm thoroughly exhausted by her will these days.
A few things bring great relief to me right now. One, physical breaks from mothering. A consistent quiet time each afternoon helps a lot. Liv has largely disposed of her afternoon nap, but the hour she stays in her room allows me time for refreshment. Preschool twice a week is a tremendous blessing, while Jeremy and my mom are lifesavers and preserve my sanity by letting me go out for coffee or time with girlfriends. Two, good parenting literature. I gave up on reading parenting books a while ago, and now I'm back in the game. Since I like Dr. Kevin Leman's breezy writing style and Christian worldview, I'm reading Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours. I have a few recommended books which I'll write about in the future... if I like them, that is. Finally, the third thing that is keeping me sane is conversations with those who have gone before me. Last Wednesday night God put me in the perfect small circle of women who have many years of parenting strong-willed little buggers. I delight in knowing that one of those daughters has turned into a magnificent adult and friend. She gives me hope!
Sometimes I feel shocked by the intense highs and lows of mothering. The highs--the warm cuddles and funny conversations and brilliant observations and adorable looks--are equalled in measure by the lows--the persistent disobedience, the urine on the carseat while potty-training, the tantrums and fake tears. Another mom commiserated on how "poured out" you feel by the end of the day. Consistently caring for another person, no matter what their age, is a huge task that requires personal sacrifice. God is slowly molding me into a better woman. As Jeremy and I raise Livia, we are being trained and taught as well. I take great comfort from the One who is always patient, always loving, and always caring for me:
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young. [Is 40:11]
December 16 12.16.07
Today was Christmas with my mother-in-law's side of the family. To ease hosting stress on Grandma and Grandpa, the celebration was moved to a larger location. Yes, we did play Bingo--and I won a round. I want to join Jeremy's grandma sometime when the real ladies play Bingo. I hear they're a tough crowd!
I wish the photos of Livia and a large Nativity set (the size of kid's outdoor playhouse) came out decently enough to share. Liv was fascinated with it and spend much of our lunch spreading hay on the sheep or hugging the shepherd within reach.
I was enjoying a delicious bowl of clam chowder when Livia walked over and told me, "Mary asked if I could come in the barn. No or yes?"
I said, "Tell Mary your Mommy said no." Mary asked... ha! Liv sounds a bit like a little Rebecca with that trick.
December 12 12.12.07
I got the recipe for Apple Cranberry Bread from Sarah years ago and it's one of the first dishes that has become a seasonal tradition for me. I borrowed a few mini-loaf pans (so cute!) and learned that little loaves bake much faster than big loaves (imagine that). And yes, you are still looking at the Prairie Box even though tonight it resembles Needs More Butter.
Apple Cranberry Bread
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 T. canola or vegetable oil
1-1/2 cups flour
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups chopped, peeled tart apples
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and oil. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; add to egg mixture just until combined. (Note: Batter will be very thick!) Stir in the apples, cranberries and walnuts.
Transfer to an 8-in. x 4-in. x 2 in. loaf pan coated with non-stick spray. Bake at 35o degrees for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center of the loaf comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Yield: 1 loaf
Season of Light
"Why are there Christmas lights?"
Livia's been demanding an answer to this question. Demanding. It's like the presence of Christmas lights on houses is offending her somehow, and it's time for answers for such an offense! She's asked the question several times now and I usually end up talking about darkness and light. Livia understands darkness, it's a word she uses to describe the Kingdom of the Night exhibit at the Henry Doorly Zoo. (Unlike me, she's fascinated with that exhibit.)
December is the darkest month of the year; the days will begin to lengthen again once we reach the Winter Solstice. In this month of darkness, we string lights outside our houses and on our Christmas trees, we light candles in windows and relax in the flickering warmth. We long for light. This longing finds eternal contentment in the Light of the world, the Savior whose coming we celebrate during this season. The desire for beautiful strings of lights during a dark season is a reflection of this greater longing for light in a dark world. The news has been full of darkness recently... I'm thankful for a Savior who brings light to the hearts of men, and who will one day fully redeem the darkness.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that had been made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it....He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:1-5, 10-13
December 11 12.11.07
It's hard to venture out today with one's camera and not take photos of the ice.
December 10 12.10.07
Cowboy baby or Baby Cowboy?
December 9: Nebraska City Weekend 12.09.07
December 8 12.08.07
I am quite possibly the pickiest peppermint afficionado that exists. I love Bob's peppermint candy canes, but other brands sometimes taste a bit off (which is why I ended up with a gigantic box of 48 candy canes, they were Bob's). Bob's sugar sticks, sold at Cracker Barrels, are quite possibly the most divine candy on the face of the planet. I am a complete snob about peppermint ice cream--it has to meet certain specifications to receive my stamp of approval. Blue Bunny? Two thumbs down, way down. Edy's? Two thumbs up. And Renae's homemade ice cream? The best I've ever tried. Though I love the chocolate/peppermint combo, I do not enjoy most peppermint beverages (Starbucks dark chocolate peppermint frappucino, I'm looking at you). Picky, picky, picky. In order to not sound too Scrooge-y, I'll leave you with this. I adore this recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Kisses. Mm-mmmm.
30!
As a kid, I always wanted it to snow on my birthday. I imagined a sledding birthday party would be the coolest thing ever. Today I got my wish.
It started snowing when I woke up at 7:00am, and the snow has continued since then. It's beautiful outside, white and flakey and very cold. And though I haven't been sledding yet this morning, I did enjoy coffee and egg casserole and cinnamon rolls with five delightful women. Life is good on December 6th. After all my moaning and groaning, 30 doesn't feel so bad!
December 5 12.05.07
"We going to putt paint today?"
My child adores crafts. One morning while we were snuggling in my bed, the first phrase out of her mouth was, "Let's paint today." I could have composed a list as long as my arm of tasks I'd choose to do before painting with a three year old, but sometimes a mom's just got to bite the bullet and get out the brushes. Liv and I have been working on these snowflake ornaments for days now. "Putt" paint was the final step. Sometimes I wonder if I have the next Jackson Pollock on my hands.
Terrible Act
I'm just as shocked at this news as the rest of the country is. It's surreal to imagine such violence at a mall I've been in many times. What a tragedy.
December 4 12.04.07
I can post this picture now because Livia's back to her normal self this evening. This morning she informed me that she was going to throw up and I didn't believe her. (Note to self: Next time, believe her.) My poor punkin was hit by a virus almost all day and I was almost shocked by how Sick Liv varied so greatly from Everyday Liv. Sick Liv decided to lie down on the living room rug and didn't move from that position for hours. Sick Liv also slept soundly while all sorts of action happened around her. It was sad. I'm glad Everyday Liv is back.
December 3 12.03.07
King of Cocoas.
Warm and sweet.
A must-have
when the furnace breaks.
I may not have heat.
But I'll always have cocoa.
December 2 12.02.07
The eagle has landed. The Israelites have entered the Promised Land. Zion Church has a new location. Okay, okay. So the eagle and wandering Hebrews comments are an exaggeration, but we are indeed thrilled to have a new structure to call "home." It was delightful to walk through new (new-to-us rather) hallways and rooms this morning and see familiar items like framed pictures and coffee tables from the remnants at 9th & D. I have a new Flickr set with my other shots from this morning's dedication service. We praise God for His provision for us!
December 1 12.01.07
Sometime between midnight and 8:00am, the rain fell... and froze... and created glistening statues of nature's smallest beauties. My sister-in-law Kristin is right--there is something very poetic about this type of storm. From the crunch of frozen grass blades beneath my shoes to the canceled parades and miscellaneous Saturday morning plans, the frozen rain was indeed a force of nature.
Hurray, the December Photo Project is underway! Check out all the bloggers participating (see sidebar to right) and support them with your comments of encouragement. This year we also have a Flickr pool, if you feel like contributing that way. If you are participating, and haven't received a pool invite, leave me a comment below.
