Reiteration

Been thinkin' 'bout this

this:

Questionnaire
(a poem by Wendell Berry)

1. How much poison are you willing
to eat for the success of the free
market and global trade? Please
name your preferred poisons.

2. For the sake of goodness, how much
evil are you willing to do?
Fill in the following blanks
with the names of your favorite
evils and acts of hatred.

3. What sacrifices are you prepared
to make for culture and civilization?
Please list the monuments, shrines,
and works of art you would
most willingly destroy.

4. In the name of patriotism and
the flag, how much of our beloved
land are you willing to desecrate?
List in the following spaces
the mountains, rivers, towns, farms
you could most readily do without.

5. State briefly the ideas, ideals, or hopes,
the energy sources, the kinds of security,
for which you would kill a child.
Name, please, the children whom
you would be willing to kill.

(from Leavings)

and this

It is time to move forward.

Funny Man

Here's a clip from the video Miss Morgan put together for the kids' preschool graduation. Hope she doesn't mind that I stole it and posted it here, I just couldn't resist. Asher kills me! Watch to the end--you won't regret it.

Frances

I have no response to that.

More Than Numbers

Over 30 US servicemen have lost their lives in Afghanistan this month, and it's only the 17th.

Into the Woods

Getting There

Haven't showered in a few days and my clothes are still packed, but you can bet I've already busted out the Kelty pack and trudged through the woods to the quiet creek near our house. Flat rock plus shallow rushing water equals the finest slip-n-slide around.

My dearest friend Heather and her boys are here for a couple of days, so tonight after dinner we slapped some sandals on the kids and headed out to our favorite sunny spot. Reminds me so much of my summers spent on the slippery slopes of Calf Creek falls.

With today's 110 degree heat advisory and an impending thunderstorm it was a little like hiking through a bowl of soup, but that muddy Georgia water never felt so good.

Fable

While I was running errands my brother-in-law called for some new baby advice. While we talked I noticed a woman staring at me- no really, she was mesmerized. I thought perhaps it was the subject matter (breast milk) but when I hung up she walked over to me and sighed "You have the most beautiful voice."

Which was nice.

But after a brief conversation she scolded my children and told me Jensie was asking for a spanking.

Which was not.

And the moral of this story is...sometimes people suck, but you can't always tell right away.

Penny Packard

and her proud Papa.

(That hair! I know).
Congratulations Seth and Em. We love you and your pretty baby.

So Close I Can Almost Taste It

We'll be together again in
15 days!

How in the World...

does time pass so quickly?
did I forget to post these pictures?
did Asher get so big?

Yes.

Thanks for a great year Miss Morgan. You are loved, missed, and deeply appreciated.

What You Missed on Facebook

(or more accurately, What I Didn't Post of Facebook.)

Erin Bigler made it safe and sound!

It is possible to take three small kids on a 2,000 mile road trip without a DVD player. Audio books and Frosties all the way!

Erin Bigler loves the sticky South.

When packing, using towels and linens as padding is a good idea. At least until you reach your destination and realize you'll have to unpack EVERY box you've got before you find a single fitted sheet.

Our house is full of fleas. FLEAS!

Frankie has potty trained herself. And I mean really. No treats, step stools, plastic seats, stickers, bribes, nothin'. C'est fini.

Erin Bigler stood outside to listen to the crickets.

Today while we were out running errands Frankie asked if she could go and play with Carter and Callen because they're her "cousins AND friends." Asher told her "We can go as soon as we're invited." Then Jensie shook her head and explained "Asher, we can see them anytime. They're our family." If nothing else, our time in Utah was worth that lesson alone.

Nate told Asher he could paint his room pink. No, Nate's not that progressive. Asher wanted a pink bike. Nate thought if the boy had to have something pink it'd still be best to "keep it inside." After an hour or so at Lowe's Asher chose a color called "Satin Sheets." It's as bad as it sounds.

Erin Bigler paints. (Again!)

I miss Natalie oh so much. In the past two days, as I've cooked, cleaned, erranded (yeah, I made that up), unpacked and painted with three cooped-up whiny kids I've wondered again and again Where's a little sister when you need her?

Die suckers. Die!

Erin Bigler thinks more friends should hang out when chores are being done. Seriously, I don't want you to do my laundry, I just want you to talk to me while I run a load or two.

Mike and Gen showed up with pizza and a lot of energy. It was just what the whole family needed tonight. Thanks guys. It's good to be home.

What I Missed on Facebook

Nate dedicating this song to me:

My mind was full of gooey love thoughts when I spotted his post, which is, of course, exactly how it should be. I'd been savoring these words (from ee cummings' "i carry your heart with me"):

it's you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

I tell ya, we are M.F.E.O.

Mountain Air

Disco Inferno

Jensie did a great job at her dance recital last night with Center Stage. That girl can do a mean "robot"--took me down to Funky Town, most def.

Saturday Morning

Timp

The kids had a blast roughin' it with Papaw. They explored Timpanogos cave, roasted mallows, and even braved the glacial waters of Tibble Fork Resevoir--yes that's snow in the background! Their favorite part? S'mores (but you already knew that).

My dad told me that when the Ranger leading their tour through the cave asked, "Are there any questions before we enter the cave?", Asher raised his hand and said "I like to read about Spider-Man all the time, 'cause I'm a weird boy."

Camping

My dad took the "big" kids for a three day camp out, Winter Weather Advisory and all. They'll be back tomorrow night. Can't wait to hear/tell you all about it!