The Final Frontier

Going where no man has gone before...because no man can fit in these laundry baskets.

We've been going to space a lot these days. Rainy days at home. Sometimes insanity, sometimes inspired, but rarely ever boring. Although if I talk to a non-parent, it often sounds that way.

Non-parent: "What's new?"

Mommy-thought: Never ask a mommy what's new.

What mommy actually says: "Not much. We've just been having fun staying at home. You?"

Non-parent: Soliloquy on life.

Mommy-thought: Well, I've succeeded in sounding and feeling very boring and have just realized that I am totally disconnected with the world at large and with my own semi-intelligent brain...I think it's still there. It has to be, right, or I wouldn't be having this thought.

Rhianwen's completed her first fill-the-jar-with-marbles-because-you-didn't-need-to-change-pants-today campaign. One marble per day. It took much longer than expected, but the prize was worth it in the end. Her first ever Ariel doll (first ever Barbie-type of doll). Not sure if I should be excited about the purchase or disturbed, but she's here to stay. So best foot forward, or flipper. Ok. I know you're in agony over the humor.

Mommy-thought: Finally!

Rhianwen-thought: I can let her swim in the bathtub! Someday I will have a purple streak in my hair too!

We finally got some wet snow and got to build a huge snowman who proceeded to fall over in about 2 hours once everything started melting. Wally and I also had a fabulous snowball fight. My arm is still sore. Mommy-thought: "I'm so out of shape. Sigh." I did learn that if I stay very still, Wally is sure to miss. For some reason, he can hit moving targets much better.

Valentine's Day. Daddy's, you are sure to melt your wife's heart if you give flowers to your daughter. More touching than anything you can do for your wife, although, that is also very much appreciated.

Her first Valentine's flowers.

It may seem strange to celebrate Valentine's Day as a family. It seemed strange to Wally. But I explain it by saying that Valentine's Day is showing love to someone in a special way. We all can do with a little practice in showing our love even if it isn't romantic. Even Rhianwen and Alden made cards for each other and daddy. The balloons were a big hit. Alden couldn't take his eyes off of his long enough to see what else was in his bucket until he heard Rhianwen say: "It's coffee! No, it's a ball!" Mommy: "No, it's chocolate." Alden: "Choci?!" Oh yes. That boy does enjoy the fine things in life. Doctors not being one of them. Alden had his 18 month well visit and yelled the entire time the doctor was doing anything to him. He's still long and lean and perfectly healthy. However, our kind receptionist rewarded all that screaming with an old-school ring-pop. It really is so much more comforting than a sticker.

Our verse this week was I Peter 3:11 "Let him turn away from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it." We're choosing our verses from Wise Words for Moms (a pamphlet by Ginger Plowman who wrote Don't Make Me Count to Three). The girl in the picture can turn. Rhianwen chose the zany colors and kind of lost interest in coloring the entire thing. So it looks a little bland, but I really can't get over how much a visual representation of our verse fosters discussion with Rhianwen. I've really enjoyed how it's helped her ask questions, think for herself, and remember! It even helps us work out our own faith and keeps it in our heads.

A bed on a carousel, according to Rhianwen. Alden kept getting up and saying, "Moaning!" (Morning). She insisted that she wanted to sleep on the floor for nap today. I said definitely not, but couldn't help picturing a sleepover with a bunch of silly giggly girls in sleeping bags plotting to put shaving cream all over whoever goes to sleep first. Fun days ahead.