Category Archives: Volunteering

Homeschool “Daze”

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The boys and I went to Homeschool Days in Williamsburg, VA, from 9/14-9/18. We carpooled with some CC pals, who we’ll call the Y Posse.

Miss Kristy (not of J-crew fame) drove us there, all around, and back. And her kids, Logan (age 8) and Landon (age 4), were the 3 Amigos’ partners in crime. Having no daddies made this a particularly challenging trip, but I think we mamas pulled it off pretty well … and live to tell about it!

After a jam-packed day of history (and lots of walking) in Colonial Williamsburg, the 3 Amigos & I strike our final pose of the day in front of the Governor’s Palace.

The trip was a nice opportunity for me to get to know Kristy a lot better, and of course, and served as great bonding experience for all our boys. Plus, we ran into and got to hang out with many other CC families during our field-trip fun!

We stayed at the amazing Great Wolf Lodge, whose centerpiece is its indoor water park. Gabriel, the “dare devil,” jumped right in, mastering the intro solo (no raft) slides immediately and the intermediate (solo or group on a raft) slides soon thereafter. If he could’ve ridden the mack daddy of slides, the Howlin’ Tornado (whose height requirement is 48″), he surely would’ve done so. That child is a thrill-seeker for sure!

Gabe’s confidence did get the best of him one time, though. Interestingly, kids as little as 44″ can ride some of the medium slides by themselves. And I’m telling you, those are some pretty intense slides.

Gabriel tests out the stocks in Williamsburg. Now there’s some punishment Colonial-style!

So, G-Man climbed the steep stairs and stood line without me, while I waited at the bottom with camera in hand. Well, he made his way down alright, but did so sans raft. Turns out, he almost instantly fell off, and descended down the high slide on his butt and scared half to death.

Wide-eyed and a tad frantic, Gabriel landed in the deep pool at the bottom and began swimming his heart out. Despite his frightened state, Gabe’s frenzied doggy-paddling was actually keeping him afloat and moving him to the pool’s edge quite effectively. Still, I was just about to jump in and assist, when a lifeguard spotted him and pulled him to safety.

Turns out that Houston is not a dare devil. In fact, he has now taken the place of cautious child (formerly Zeke) and has morphed into our most chary amigo. Houston wouldn’t even consider doing the medium slides till well after Zeke was riding them with me, and Gabe had taken a few solo adventures.

Armored up & ready to go, Houston prepares to defend James Fort during our visit to Jamestown Settlement.

But the important thing is that Houston eventually got over his angst, anger, and frustration, and manned up to do the Howlin’ Tornado … and did so the first time without Logan, who was mistakenly deemed too short to ride.

So, Houston and I rocked it out, while poor Logan walked down feeling defeated. Luckily, we realized and remedied the error in Logan’s measurement, and he and Houston were Tornado-riding fiends from there on out, freeing me up to ride with some CC mamas and daddies.

I must point out, too, that Zeke’s reserved, but growing bravery is amazing to witness. From the guy who just this summer tried his hand at swinging by himself and bike riding without training wheels, to now the kid who will take on my scary challenges, Zeke’s becoming quite the thrill-seeker … but at his own pace, of course.

Zeke peers into the potty of the Public Gaol in Williamsburg. Hmmm … just how could 18th-century prisoners make that work?!

After hearing all about our water-park excitement, Stephen wants to take the whole family back to Great Wolf Lodge some time. Once the twins are 48″ and can ride the Tornado, and we find a good Groupon deal (’cause that place is crazy expensive without a deep discount), we are so there!

Obviously, our main focus of this trip was history. On Monday, we visited Jamestown Settlement, where we got to check out re-creations of the Powhatan Indian Village and James Fort, and board a replica of the Susan Constant. Plus, we lucked out and got to do our tour with the J-Crew, their friends, and another cool CC family.

On Tuesday, we visited Colonial Williamsburg, where we toured the George Wythe House (my fave thing of the day), the Public Gaol, and the Magazine and Guardhouse; and got to check out Galt Apothecary, the Gunsmith, the Foundry and Silversmith, and saw many other cool things on our walkabout the historic city.

Houston hangs out w/ George Washington during our trip to the Yorktown Victory Center. (That’s his good buddy, Logan, in the background.)

We opted not to go inside the Governor’s Palace or the Capitol simply because the tours were quite long, and Kristy and I didn’t think the kids (especially an increasingly bad-attitude Houston) would be all that interested at that point in our long day.

But we were treated to a dramatic reading of the entire Declaration of Independence in front of the colonial courthouse. It was satisfying to see so many Americans in the crowd enlivened about individual rights, private property, and secession from a tyrannical government!

On Wednesday, we hit Yorktown Victory Center. We spent most of our time at the Continental Army encampment, where we got to see a real cannon and musket demo, and learn about wartime medical treatment in colonial times. We also saw archaeological relics from one of Cornwallis’ merchant ships, the Betsy, which the twins thoroughly enjoyed.

After getting our school year into full gear, I quickly realized that I had to get something off of my plate, and sadly, that something was the Pregnancy Care Center. As y’all know, I was slated to be the lead facilitator of the abortion-recovery Bible study (something I have wanted to do for a long time), but after discussion with Stephen and much prayer, I knew it was my volunteering that had to give.

Gabriel & Zeke make friends @ Yorktown’s re-created 1780s working farm, which grows cotton, tobacco, and other crops.

I do know in my heart that ARBS is something God wants me to do … eventually. My calling at present is to homeschool my kids, and I didn’t want my educational mission (or perhaps even our relationships) to suffer under the weight of a totally stressed-out mama and her unbearable schedule.

Plus, I knew that anxiety would probably spill over into my marriage, and Lord knows, I already struggle enough at being a godly wife, so that wasn’t something I even wanted to stir up in our home. I know God will equip me for life’s challenges, but He also gives me the common sense to know when I’ve bitten off more than I can chew.

On 9/26, Stephen took the boys to a high school football game. They didn’t make it through the whole game because Zeke had a tummy ache, but word is they still had a good time, and have all since gotten the football bug. In fact, we’re giving Gabe and Zeke a nice peewee football next week for their 6th birthday.

Zeke & Gabriel explore the upper deck of the (replica) Susan Constant, the largest of three English ships that voyaged to America in 1606-1607, resulting in the founding of Jamestown in the new Colony of Virginia.

Stephen was a pretty miffed by the price of the game ($24!), as well as the announcer pimping a sales-tax increase for public schools, which is going to be on the ballot in November. Peculiar that no matter how high are our property taxes and the fact that NC has an “Education Lottery,” the government-school mafia is never shy about their incessant desire of other people’s money “for the children.”

I didn’t go to the game because Miss Christie had a girls-only party. We ate finger food, drank a little wine, and watched Moms’ Night Out. It’s a wonderful family movie, which was actually made by homeschoolers.

I guess you could call it a Christian movie, but the acting and the film work, were very well done — kind of a rarity in many movies of faith. Most movies in that genre have a quality storyline, but simply have bad acting and shoddy direction. Seriously, this film was a real pleasure for Christians and non-Christians alike.

Speaking of movies, the kids recently watched The House On Haunted Hill with Stephen. The 1959 Vincent Price cult classic definitely gave them a scare! Good thing Daddy didn’t let them watch Poltergeist like he had jokingly suggested. One day, Stephen … one day.

Gabriel & I check out the “earthen kitchen” (really a mound of Dakota fire holes) during our time @ the Continental Army encampment in Yorktown.

Houston had been on a real rhetorical kick lately. Here are a few of his doozies:

  • I saw Houston rough-housing with his bros, putting them in hold positions and giving them harsh commands. After voicing my concern, Houston said, “It’s okay, Mommy. We’re playing a game called the government.”
  • “What game are you playing?” Zeke asked his bros after witnessing their unique shenanigans. “It’s like a documentary,” explained Houston with great confidence. Yep, we love ourselves some nonfictional TV.
  • Houston was encouraging Gabriel and Zeke, saying how equally creative was everyone’s Legos constructions, and how sharing them would be a lot of fun. Then he looked at me, and said in a clarifying tone, “But not in a communist way.” So glad the apple doesn’t fall too far from the liberty tree!

At Great Wolf Lodge, Houston gets a hug from Rachel the Raccoon & Landon after the boys’ first-ever try @ bowling, which was expensive & over way too fast, but @ least made for some good memories!

The kids bought Minecraft with their piggy-bank money back in August. They’re pretty obsessed with it, which was annoying at first. But now that they’re earning “diamonds” at a much greater rate (due to improved behavior), the reward system is paying off. I get better manners and obedience on a daily basis, and they get their half-hour Minecraft fix usually every couple of days. Perfect leverage for me, and perfect pay off for them.

Health update: I’m still going to the physical therapist every two weeks, but he and I are both thinking that I’m about 90% of the way to full functionality and mobility. It has been a long, tough road, but I’m so thankful that my aches and pains are finally letting up, and I’m getting my normal body back. Thanks to Stephen, too, for paying the bills!

The twins are still doing speech therapy once a week. Both of their therapists said they had “break-through” sessions yesterday, and agreed that they are on their way to vastly improved speech, enunciation, and articulation. Way to go, Gabriel and Zeke!

Jammin’ July

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We celebrated Houston’s 7th birthday at the sprayground this year. Cool fun on a hot day + free facility + tons of families from church, CC, and beyond = one splash-tacular event! I just can’t believe my firstborn is so doggone old. Where, oh where, do the years go?

Asher, Houston & Jax quite gleefully attack a kid with the fish blaster. Don’t worry … he got ’em back good. Such is life @ the spray ground!

For Independence Day, Daddy treated the family to a Grasshoppers game. I must say, this was the most enjoyable baseball game to date. Not only were our seats great and the weather perfect, but the home team won and the kids lasted the entire game without complaint.

Moreover, the combo of their maturity and interest in the sport kept them pretty riveted through every inning and until the bitter end. I think Stephen, who’s a big baseball fan, really appreciated this evolution in his boys. So, Daddy got a nice treat, too!

The kids and I attended a three-day CC practicum earlier this month. This was our third time participating in the annual summer conference aimed at equipping home educators and providing their students interesting and fun academic camps.

Zeke recently got so angry at his bunkmates for keeping him up that he just plopped down in the hallway & fell asleep. Seriously. Houston, as most big bros are apt to do, took great pleasure in mocking his little bro.

Past years’ themes have been Latin and Math, but this summer’s practicum topic was something extremely near and dear to my heart. The conference tagline said it all: “Rhetoric has founded nations, has excited revolutions, and negotiated peace. It has ushered in great awakenings and lulled babies to sleep.”

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” — Colossians 4:6

Not only did I love the focus of rhetoric’s importance and power, but I got in lots of bonding with Miss Christie, which is sometimes a real challenge with six kids hangin’ around. I also got to get better acquainted with my pal, Holly, a newbie homeschool mom who goes to Mercy Hill, but will be attending a different CC community this fall.

A happy clan relaxes in our comfy seats along first baseline @ the Grasshoppers game on Independence Day. Great baseball & amazing fireworks … what’s not to love?!

On 7/12, Clan Dillingham made it to the 59th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, reportedly the largest single gathering of Scottish clans in the world. We ate meat pies and Scotch eggs; danced to beautiful Celtic music; and got mini-tutorials from collectors of real Scottish weaponry.

We also had big fun doing a little ancestral digging, like finding the clan related to my maiden name, Quate. Apparently, my ancestors weren’t Vikings, as previously thought. Rather, these “watchmen” battled the Norse invaders, and hail from Aberdeenshire in Scotland’s East Highlands.

After taking a shuttle back to the van and then driving back to Granny’s, Stephen and I got to return to the games (sans kids!) to catch a concert by celtic-rock group, Seven Nations. The closing event to our grand day was made even sweeter due to the huge moon rising over Grandfather during the show. Nice.

Gabriel, my persistent adventurist, was the only one of the 3 Amigos willing to endure the long line in order to ride Penny the pony @ the Mercy Hill Block Party. It didn’t hurt that his church crush was waiting in line, too, but still.

Some significant news: I’ve been asked to be the lead facilitator of the abortion-recovery Bible study (ARBS) at the pregnancy care center! The outgoing facilitator decided to step away after years of serving in that role, and I suppose I was the natural replacement.

Reassuringly, both she and the center’s client services director have strong faith that I can actually do this thing: speaking only when necessary; listening without fail; letting the Holy Spirit do His work; sharing the Gospel; and always remembering it’s not about me, it’s about the client and her healing.

Whoa, those are some intense goals, but I do have the confidence that the Lord will provide … as long as I get out of the way (read: lighten up and believe that He will indeed equip me for the job). And with anything, the more experience you have with work, the easier it gets.

Houston finds Houston @ the Highland Games! Big bro locates his namesake family in Clan Donald, which consists of many septs in the West Highlands and islands of Scotland.

What’s intriguing is that I had been thinking I should look into other volunteer opportunities simply because the last ARBS class kind of fizzled out. See, the client was either canceling or a no-show, and every chance I had to co-lead the class never panned out, even though I had been shadowing since February. I was frustrated.

But it’s funny how just when you’re thinking, “Oh well, maybe this wasn’t meant to be after all,” God throws that something back right in your lap. Plus, what I’m realizing about volunteering at a nonprofit is that appointments don’t always unfold as neatly or on schedule as you’d like them to.

Anyhoo, things get rolling with my new gig in late August, so I’ll keep ya posted. And please keep me, the center’s volunteers, facilitators, and peer advocates, and the many clients in your prayers. Thanks!

The dudes proudly display their St. Andrew’s Cross flags while chillin’ in MacRae Meadows. If Highland warriors painted their faces blue before battle, why not the 3 Amigos?!

We began sponsoring a child through Compassion International this summer. His name is José, he’s age 6, and he lives in eastern Peru. Our financial support allows the staff of Jesús es mi Esperanza Student Center to provide José with Bible studies, health checkups, nutritious food, tutoring, and sports, among other services.

Also through the center, his parents receive health education and income-generating training. We like that Compassion doesn’t just throw money at the poor, but that they offer resources and opportunities to people, so that they may be able “rise above their circumstances and become all God has created them to be.”

We are encouraged to write letters to José, which are then translated, and also share art and photos with him. We can do this via mail or an online account, so we can get to know the actual child and him us. We aren’t just sponsors, and he’s just not a number: we’re humans interacting with one another and growing in the Lord.

The boys pose (however unwillingly, eh hem, Houston) with a kind Braveheart-esque man from Clan MacNeil.

The twins started speech therapy in late June. Both have been assessed as having mild issues, like having trouble pronouncing Rs, Ls, SHs, CHs, and a few other sounds that are typically challenging for many kids their age.

Both Gabriel and Zeke’s therapists are confident the won’t need really longterm rehab, which will hopefully be wrapping up this fall. In fact, I can already see an improvement.

Speaking of that, I am finally feeling results with my chronic muscle and tendon issues. I stopped going to the chiropractor and am now only seeing my talented physical therapist. Slowly, but surely, I am going to get my pre-pregnancy/pre-childbirth/pre-bedrest/pre-c-section body back!

Zeke & Gabriel were almost as excited to experience their first-ever ride on a school bus, which was the “shuttle,” as they were to attend the games … that is, till they saw the Scottish marching band, guys wearing kilts, massive men doing the caber toss, border collies herding sheep, etc.

I took Houston to the ophthalmologist, an appointment he has every two years specifically to keep his Horner’s eye in check. Everything looks fine with both his eyes, thank God! But as it turns out, he’s eventually going to be near-sighted like me.

The doc said that at the next appointment in 2016, Houston will most likely need prescription glasses. The specs will be used on an as-needed basis at first, but more permanent glasses or contact use will eventually be the case.

Houston’s a little bummed about it, but I have two years to impress upon him how NOT a big deal this is. Moreover, he’s so incredibly blessed that his eyesight is normal and his ptosis not severe that sweating something as small as this would really be an exercise in futility.

Once I rigged up their old teepee in Liberty Loop, the 3 Amigos decided to landscape the “fort” area so feverishly that they broke a mallet hammering downed trees. It’s a nice place to escape schoolwork or chores, relax in nature, or just play with lil’ buds (their name for stuffed animals).

Some randoms worth mentioning:

  • The boys’ aquatic skills continue to improve. For instance, while swimming at Miss Christina’s house, Houston and Gabriel (inspired by her kids, John Hunter and Gray) jumped off the diving board into the 12-feet water. It was bold stuff for sure!
  • Houston finally got to go to Build-A-Bear. So, now the twins’ bears, Cheebo and Cheebi, have a new pal, John Bearemy.
  • I took the dudes to Barnes & Noble to pick up their one free book each for completing the store’s summer-reading program. Way to go, bookworms!
  • Jackson got to pick any friend to have for a sleepover, and out of all his buddies, guess who he chose? Gabe! That child was beyond excited when he heard the news and, as usual, had a blast with the J-Crew.

Houston & Zeke lounge with lil’ buds galore! (Zeke holds his dirty feet outside, since big bro insists on keep the teepee as dirt-free as possible. Houston’s so much like his me it’s scary!)

  • Zeke’s new BFF from Mercy Hill Kids Week, Josh, invited us over for his backyard birthday party. Turns out that not only does this nice family attend our church, but they will also be part of our CC community this school year. Small world, indeed.
  • The dudes and I went to a CC potluck at the former director’s home last week. Even though the get-together was to bid a longtime family farewell, the party was a nice opportunity to get to talk with some incredible moms — something I can always use.

I am so ready to get rolling with CC! In year’s past, this is about the time when I would start getting anxious about the impending school year. But I think all the homeschool veterans were right when they said it’s about the third year when you really start getting into your groove … finally!

Blessed busyness

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“Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime & too sleepy to worry at night.” ― Unknown

That pretty much sums up my life since the last post. Here are some of things that have been keeping the clan busily blessed lately.

An excited Houston poses with brothers in front Pilot Mountain, one of the grand views from Mountain Top Youth Camp, where Houston recently spent five days & four nights.

“Old age is no place for sissies.” ― Bette Davis

The brunt of our packed schedule has to do with my going to a chiropractor. This has been a treatment I’ve wanted to try ever since my attempts at physical therapy back in 2012 didn’t bring about the desired results. Sure, I’m not Methuselah old, but it does seem as though my body has aged well beyond its years.

If you recall, I have a bum left hip, a labor-and-delivery injury which has only become exacerbated since Houston’s birth way back in ’07. And because the left side of my body is now shorter than the right, the pain and lacking mobility has just spread in and around that area.

Then earlier this year, I experienced two short episodes of frozen shoulder in my right shoulder, so the manifestations of the original impairment even go beyond my left side, interestingly. This sudden pain was so intense the first time that I nearly fainted … totally freaked out Stephen.

With eye on the ball, & lucky socks & “sliding pants” on, Houston swings his heart out @ his final baseball game for the A’s!

Then a couple months ago, a new, not-so-fun pain seized both sides of my entire lower back. This wasn’t the normal tight, sore, rigid discomfort I was used to; rather, it felt more internal and much more disabling.

In fact, the pain kept me from sleeping in the near-comatose state to which I’m accustomed. I munched on ibuprofen and used a heat pad at night till the mystery pain abated a couple days later.

So, once CC wrapped up in April, I immediately began visiting a chiropractor twice a week for the first three weeks, currently once a week until late June, and then eventually once every 4-6 weeks. Needless to say, this can get fairly complicated when you stay home with three boys.

Luckily, Dr. Darcy doesn’t mind if clients bring their kids to her office. So I’ve been juggling my visits between this option and lunchtime appointments on the one day a week when Stephen works from home (so that I can arrive on time at the pregnancy care center for my volunteer work).

Zeke starts into his trademark home-plate dive. Go, Z!

Now that things are slowing down a bit with Darcy, I’m also going to a PT for dry needling. Sounds scary, I know, but it’s simply the insertion of a thin filament needle (the same kind used in acupuncture) into the “trigger point” of muscle to reduce tension and pain, as well as facilitate and accelerate rehabilitation.

Sure, my calendar is crazy, but the care I’m receiving is such a blessing. Plus, my diagnosis is that my varied physical problems are simply side effects of the original injury. So, treating the source will (eventually) aid in healing all the related maladies. Thank you, Lord!

“The education of a man is never completed until he dies.” ― Robert E. Lee

Just because CC’s done doesn’t mean that we’re still not schooling. In classic Dillingham style, we’re still playing catch up a bit. Only a few more lessons left to fully complete the twins’ kindergarten and Houston’s first-grade curriculums.

Good buddies Gabriel & Jackson chill beside Badin Lake during our camping adventure in the Uwharrie Mountains in late April. Such sweet, big-hearted boys!

But we’re also trying to get ahead, as well. In fact, Miss Christie and I are co-teaching a spelling program. We get together on Mondays for one of us to lead the new lesson, and then our kids do the twice-a-day daily practice at home over the course of the week.

This particular spelling method is pretty time consuming, so I’m pleased that we’ll be getting some of this under our belts this summer. As usual, my crew started out painfully slow (myself included) and a bit hesitantly, but we’ve now gotten into the swing of things.

But more importantly, it’s working. I even heard the 3 Amigos playing a spelling-bee game at bedtime the other night and nailing the words! Imagine the pride felt when a young child masters the spelling of Arkansas or Connecticut or Illinois. Very cool indeed.

Gabriel, Piper & Zeke take a break from pelting huge rocks into Badin Lake … must bust some funky Jagger moves!

“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. Yet that will be the beginning.” ― Louis L’Amour

The boys finished up baseball a couple weeks ago. The schedule was quite hectic, with two practices and two games every week, but it was well worth the effort.

The 3 Amigos’ skills improved drastically over the course of season. Daddy says Houston got better all-around, but especially at catching consistently. The twins progressed in their throwing abilities, and Zeke improved at stopping grounders and Gabriel at hitting. The season might be over, but the b-ball seed has been firmly planted.

So thanks, Daddy, for taking the boys to every practice and game; for coaching them at home; and for watching MLB games with them to impart knowledge about pop-fly balls, fouls, how to read a strike count, the myriad of ways to get out, and other “inside baseball” stuff!

Despite the chilly water & reported sightings of water moccasins, Daddy, Gabriel & Houston take advantage of Mr. Logan’s kickin’ kayak during our weekend in the Uwharrie Mountains.

The kids also recently finished up Awana, their weekly Bible study which began last August. Gabriel and Zeke memorized about 65 verses of Scripture over the course of the program, and Houston learned 75-plus!

I love that I have my Wednesday evenings back … that is, for a while. Awana was (and is) such an incredible blessing that I will be certain to carve out time on my calendar for the next round. Nothing is more important than the boys continuing to build a solid foundation for knowing Christ.

“To serve is beautiful, but only if it is done with joy & a whole heart & a free mind.” ― Pearl S. Buck

Another thing that is easy to commit to, but sometimes difficult to execute, is my volunteerism at the pregnancy care center. It’s truly a hassle for Stephen to work remotely once a week, so that I can be on-time for the abortion-recovery Bible study. But he does it willingly and lovingly, and I am grateful for that.

Houston proudly displays his hard-earned Awana ribbon w/ his leader, Mr. Jeff, & best friend, Asher. Way to go, big bro!

Twice now I was supposed to be the lead facilitator of the class, and the client was a no-show. I know the study is about her growth, her relationship with God, and her ultimate forgiveness and peace. But honestly, that does bum me out a little.

That’s life, though. I know it will all play out in God’s good time. And when I am fortunate enough to eventually be the facilitator of this incredible Bible study, I know, too, that He will equip me for the task. Jesus keeps me strong and focused, and for that I am so thankful.

“Fun is good.” ― Dr. Seuss

Of course, loving and learning isn’t all about practices, classes, and school. We’ve also had a healthy dose of get-dirty, skinned-knee, gapped-tooth fun lately.

  • Mountain Top Youth Camp: Houston just returned from his first-ever camp experience. The first thing he said when I picked him up was, “I want to live here, Mommy.” ‘Nuff said.
  • Biking with the big boys: Back in mid-April, Houston finally mastered the art of biking sans training wheels. And surprise, surprise, Gabriel quickly followed suit by riding without his training wheels, in the grass last weekend and then on pavement yesterday!
  • Just a swangin’: Zeke, who is always more cautious than his twin, just decided to embrace swinging by himself. And until Zeke decides he is good and darn ready to take the next step with his biking skills, he’ll be content as can be with training wheels. Easy does it, Z.

Zeke’s newfound love of independent swinging also includes jaw-dropping dismounts. Way to go, 3 Amigos, w/ all your new physical skills!

  • Badin Lake: We camped with the J-Crew the last weekend of April. Other than a brief rain during tent set-up, the weather was perfect, there were no bugs, the kids were well-behaved and made lots of campground friends, and the adults got to enjoy some kid-free chill time around the fire.
  • Nearby outings: We’ve recently been to the park with Miss Jessie; to the Science Center with the boys’ CC pals, Grey and John Hunter; to the park with Houston’s CC class and their siblings; and to the home of Alex and Olivia, who are neighbors and CC friends, so that I could make an appointment. Thanks, Rissa!
  • More time with the J-Crew: To pay Miss Christie back for our kid-less trek to see Tom Woods, Stephen and I hosted Asher, Jackson, and Piper for a sleepover last weekend. It actually went amazingly well … other than the boys waking up at 4:30 a.m. Uggh.
  • Lost teeth: Gabriel lost his first tooth on 4/19, and has since lost another. Zeke has a few loose ones, but no visit from the tooth fairy yet.
  • Mother’s Day: Stephen and the kids treated me to a homemade breakfast and subsequent kitchen cleaned-up. Then they took me out to dinner for a feast of Korean cuisine.

Houston & a few dudes from his cabin crew (Parker, Isaiah & Schaffer) devour the last of the pop tarts before leaving MTYC.

Funny Mother’s Day story … I sent Zeke to the bathroom at the restaurant all by himself. First time ever, but I figured it was a small establishment, and we were virtually the only patrons there.

Turns out, the restaurant shares a far-away bathroom with many other businesses in the shopping center. Luckily, Zeke had the smarts to turn around at some point on his journey of long hallways, confusing intersections, and dead-ends, and come back to ask for help. Poor baby.

Funny related story … a couple weeks ago, I was dreaming that somebody was beating a drum. Or knocking on a door. “Hey, maybe I’m not dreaming and there’s someone at my front door,” I thought sleepily.

Turns out, that Zeke, who is always the first to rise, locked himself out of the house in the early morning. It was a nice day, so he said he just quietly sat out front for a few minutes.

Zeke & Gabriel don their achievement ribbons at Awana awards night. Great job, boys!

But once he realized no one was coming to open the door, he didn’t cry or scream or freak out. He just steadily rapped on the door till I awoke. That child might not be a dare devil, but thank God he has some common sense!

Random funny conversation … “When I get to heaven, I want to play chess with Jesus,” Zeke announced. “I bet Jesus will win,” Gabriel quickly responded. “No doubt,” Houston said.

Stephen asked the dudes, how do you say “hello” in Spanish? “Hoo-day!” Zeke answered confidently. Hmmm, we might need to work on the Español a bit more, ya think?! In the meantime, hoo-day is now working well as our replacement for butt and all of its derivatives, as they have been banned due to obnoxious excess and pointless overuse.