Hershey Park!

Tilt-a-Whirl, Whack-a-Mole, Teddy Bear prizes, Wild Mouse, Bumper Cars, Rollercoasters and Log Flumes...

We went to Hershey Park last Wednesday, taking along Alex and Meg for the kids... it was one of the hottest days ever, but they had a blast! Hershey Park just added "the Boardwalk" which is supposed to be one of the largest water parks ever built (though The Beach is better in Cincinnati). We got to the water park side only 15 minutes before they closed it because of a thunderstorm. It poured, then the sun came back out. It remained muggy and hot and sticky--just the excuse we needed to buy Dippin Dots and Slushies!! I remember going to Kings Island when I was little and thinking it was the greatest place on earth. It's fun to relive that feeling with my own kids! What is more American than a great Amusement Park in the summer?!

Summer Weekend

photo by Lisolette

Wishing you a happy weekend! I've been trying to notice the little things on my many walks with the dog. This photo captures the essence of summer. We watched "Bridge to Taribithia" last night with the kids. They loved the imagination of the children in the story!

First knit baby hat

I thought I would post a project I did last year for some good friends. About the time I had picked up my knitting again, they were blessed with a beautiful baby boy and I had always wanted to try a baby hat on round needles. After my second attempt (the first was way too big!) I managed to create this, adding the "S" for Seamus at the end. I really had no idea how to finish the top... I barely understood the directions, so I haven't been brave enough to try it again. I was more tickled by the personalized tag I made with his name and picture on it! (I'm more of a graphic designer than a knitter). It was made with cashmere/cotton yarns and was incredibly soft. By the time I actually finished it, he had probably about grown out of it, so maybe they tucked it away in a keepsake box or something.

I've decided to turn this blog back into what it's supposed to be: my studio blog. Occasionally I will post other inspirations or my kids, but I am going to try to focus more on my work....which is why I started this in the first place-- to feel some accountability to keep creating new work. So stay tuned...

xoxo Beth

Inspiration

Here are some fabric swatches and a couple photos that I'm getting some ideas from. I am leaning towards yellow on the walls with white trim. It seems bright and cheerful, and my favorite colors together are red, yellow and green...with maybe a spot of bright blue here and there; and brown and creamy tan. Our house is darker inside so no dark colors on the wall for me! I know Martha Stewart ushered in lots of bright, bold color on the walls during the last decade (I have some of those books still!) but I think I prefer softer, tranquil spaces. There's enough excitement in everything else... I need to see something peaceful! So this is my project for the summer... decorating! I'm not sure I like any swatches enough to order fabric...sigh. I already have a handful of swatches for curtains but I can't make up my mind. I guess I just need to jump in!

Garden Vegetable Frittata

My favorite summertime cookbook is Sara Foster's The Foster's Market Cookbook: Favorite Recipes for Morning, Noon, and Night. It is full of recipes using fresh vegetables and fruits of the season. Sara Foster owns two restaurants in North Carolina that serve this market-type fare.

I wanted to make something light for supper last evening and I've been known to do breakfast foods at supper... this frittata fit the bill and was delicious! I thought I'd share the recipe with you!:

Garden Vegetable Frittata SERVES 4 TO 6

Great for make-ahead brunch, tailgate lunches, and picnics of any kind, frittatas can be made in advance and served at room temperature.

1 Tb Olive Oil

1 Tb unsalted butter

3 red potatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick

1 red onion, thinly sliced

1 zucchini, cut into 1/4 inch rounds

1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced

1 cup firmly packed spinach, washed, drained, and stems removed

10 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup (4 oz) grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese (or your favorite)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/4 cup cream cheese

1 Tb fresh rosemary

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. Heat heat the olive oil and butter in a 12-inch, ovenproof, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and onion and cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until light brown and crispy.

3. Add the zucchini and red bell pepper and stir and cook 3 to 4 minutes more, until the zucchini is lightly cooked but still crunchy. Add the spinach and stir and cook about 1 minute longer, until the spinach wilts.

4. Whisk together the eggs, Gruyere, salt, and pepper in a bowl and pour over the vegetables. Remove the skillet from the heat and gently shake the skillet to distribute the eggs evenly through the mixture. Divide the cream cheese into 1/4-inch pieces and distribute evenly on top of the egg mixture. Sprinkle with rosemary.

5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, uncovered, just until the eggs set. Remove from the oven, cut into wedges, and serve immediately, or let cool and serve at room temperature. Frittata can be made up to 2 hours in advance.

variations: Like omelets, frittatas can be flavored with an almost unlimited list of ingredients, from herbs to cheeses to smoked meats and more. Check the refrigerator for leftovers, see what's fresh in the garden, and then decide what to add to your frittata.

***I served mine with toasted rolls and a salad made with butter leaf lettuce, oranges and raspberry vinagrette.

New Stuff

drawing by Erinn Wenrich

photos by Katie Hutchison

I just wanted to make notice of two new blogs I found. Both are architects: the happy living blog written by Erinn Wenrich. She lives in Downington (not too far from here) and is moving to West Chester soon. We've actually exchanged emails and she is quite nice. The second is Katie Hutchison Studio --her website. She lives in New England (Massachusetts, I think) and has developed her own online magazine of architectural design. Check out her portfolio and some of the houses she renovated (lots of photos!). I love the East Coast and it is inspiring.

Both blogs/sites are listed there on the right in my "inspiring links" column.


One more note: Look on the right hand bar... I have video now! If you click on the first box and then scroll to the top of the screen, you can watch a mini clip of PBS's series "Craft in America".

Summertime

We are off to the pool in a little bit... seems that's one of the few cool things to do in the summertime with kids. I saw this photo of Norman Rockwell's painting yesterday and was remembering how much I loved his illustrations as a child. I would marvel at the intense realism and how he managed to create such a story inside each one. I would pull out National Geographic magazines and try to copy the photos of people, as realistically as I could. I think that's why I got so good at doing people in my drawing. In college art history courses, illustration was frowned upon as not being as important as fine art painting. Maybe because it is meant to be reproduced in mass quantities or because it's purpose was to clearly communicate the story. Regardless, I actually enjoy illustration a bit more than fine art (shhhh). I was already working towards my degree at U.C. when I realized that illustration was my true love, but that would have required taking classes or even moving to the Cincinnati Art Academy. For some weird reason I thought that was not possible and I didn't pursue it. I loved Art Ed because I got to try all different kinds of mediums and I do love to teach. But even more so, I love to illustrate. It's been a long time since I did any illustration work and I'm thinking I should revisit it here in the fall. I don't expect to be a Norman Rockwell, but I do hope to have as much fun as he did!

[Stay tuned for "Beth's Guide to Children's Art Books". I just got that idea and I want to post my list of good ones to use this summer for your kids!]

Happy Birthday Becky!!!

This is a very special day-- my best friend Becky is celebrating her 40th birthday!!! I have been celebrating this day since 1978! It was earlier that year when a young girl came knocking on my door after we just moved to Junedale Dr. and asked if I could play. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship (to quote Humphrey Bogart)! If it weren't for Becky, my transition into Greenhills wouldn't have gone so smoothly--actually my whole growing up! She was always there to listen to everything. Her family felt like my family: they invited me to go with them to great places all the time--Kings Island, conventions, relatives houses and their family farm in Indiana! Becky was a great student and academically excelled throughout school. Her hard work always inspired me to do my best...maybe a little healthy competition, but I loved being in the same classes. I also loved talking about boys and clothes and music (remember the Go-Go's??!) She was my link to other parts of the world. She participated in the foreign exchange program, and through her we met girls from Guatemala, Sweden and Italy. She got to go to these places too and she told us all about them. I think she broadened my view of what was "out there". I wanted to post some old pictures of us, but they are still packed away from our move (Be glad, Becky!). Becky also practiced her faith and was committed. I remember inviting her to my Youth Group and being disappointed when her mom said no. I understand why now and I admire her parents judgement and guidance. Her family was a big influence on my understanding of what the Catholic faith was about. They respected me and were very committed to family and their own faith. When we were in high school, I'll never forget the day that the office called into music, I think, and told Becky to come down there. Her father had had a heart attack. I was so sad and shocked for her. He recovered but I think that made us all grow up a little quicker, realizing that life is something we should cherish daily. Becky put up with a lot of my silliness and stupidity: mostly involving boyfriends. I regret not spending more time with her in high school. We were on drill team together and in classes, but we tended to do our own thing on the weekends. I hope my kids learn NOT to put boys before their best friends! Becky was accepted into Vanderbilt University in engineering...she was on her way, and that was a really difficult year for me. Most of my friends left home for college and we all tended to lose touch except for the occasional holiday when everyone would be home. I was so happy for her when she met David and I knew at their wedding that she had found her happiness with him. Speed ahead to Elliot's birth... I remember visiting and thinking how wonderful motherhood would be when I saw Elliot and how cute he was! We were both going through the whole decision of working or staying home with our babies. Both of us decided to dedicate our time to raising our children with them at home. I think that was a lot harder for Becky because she is so bright and knew what she wanted to do with her career and was doing it. The funny thing was that she was in Pennsylvania first...now I am and she's in Tennessee. (Maybe I'll follow you down there some day :) I posted this wonderful picture of her family on Adam's First Communion Day, because I know David and the boys mean everything to her. This Christmas she was part of an excellent choral group, bringing joy to others through her talent in singing. Becky and David have really been a big inspiration to us in their giving to others. They are always helping to raise money for research to fight different illness/diseases and we've been able to help too, through them. When David fell during the bike marathon and was hurt badly, we felt their pain and worries and prayed hard for his recovery. Email has allowed us to be close even when we are thousands of miles apart. Becky doesn't just feel like my longest best friend, she is like family to me! I love her a lot and I hope that she has a fabulous 40th year (she hasn't changed a bit from high school!!!!). Now we need to actually get together in the same place so we can catch up in person! She is the reason we put the "best" in best friend! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY!!!!!!!!!!

Ahhhhhh RED!

Red poppies are one of my favorite flowers and Lisolette took this photo of a field in Denmark (I'm telling you, there's a lot of red in Denmark!). I just planted zinnia and sunflower seeds. I'm hoping they actually grow... it's a little late, but Craig just finished the little flower bed for me. There was one summer when I constantly had fresh sunflowers in our kitchen and they just made me happy every time I looked at them! Back before we had kids, Craig and I went to Newport, Rhode Island for our anniversary. We visited Hammersmith Farm where Jacqui O. grew up. There was a huge flower garden with overflowing zinnias planted. In almost every room of the house were bright and colorful freshly cut zinnias in pretty vases. I decided I would do the same! Zinnias always remind me of my mother's gardens growing up too. They are definately my flower...part of "home" to me.

Martha, Martha, Martha

As you probably know, Martha has created a whole line of craft products [Martha Stewart Crafts] . While I was excited about this development... she is very good at everything she does... there is a part of me that thinks, "Am I too lazy to actually create these things myself?!" Not that all things are put together, but it does tend to take the creativity and uniqueness out of the equation. So we will chalk it up to being a springboard for our own ideas.

I am still mourning the cancellation of her MS Kids magazine, though. That was the best magazine I'd ever seen!

Soccer tourney

There's Nathaniel... in the goalie box! This was taken two weekends ago when he had his tournament games. They didn't win any of their three games that hot day...and I missed the last two because I was sick, but he learned a lot this year and that is a good thing. Right now he is sick with a cold/fever and I've had lots of mothering time with him. I was thinking the other day that I hope when he is a daddy someday, he remembers being taken care of and does the same with his children. He is so thoughtful-- always thanking me for anything I do, as if I am not his mother! Maybe when he hits his teenage years, he will be more self-focused and forget to be thankful... I hope not but I will enjoy it now while it lasts. Caroline got to spend the whole day yesterday in D.C. with her friends for a birthday outing...the zoo, the Smithsonian monuments and the National Cathedral (which I have yet to see!) and she loved it. That gave me time to care for Nathaniel, so it all worked out for the best. Did I say that I love being a mom? :)

Supernanny!

I was reminded of Jo Frost, the Supernanny on ABC, when I read French Toast Girl's blog about her daughter. She was reading "The Strong-Willed Child" and you can sense the frustration it takes to raise a high-energy son or daughter. I wish I had watched Jo Frost when the kids were tiny because she has a wonderful way of simply laying out the rules and calmly and assertively enforcing them, without smacks on the bottom and mom pulling her hair out. It causes a much calmer child. That doesn't mean every kid is the same, but there is hope... it just takes more energy with some than others. I couldn't help thinking about Cesar Millan too (the Dog Whisperer) and his belief that you should get a dog that matches your energy level, otherwise you won't be an effective dog owner. I wish I had known that too... I just have to walk Ellie more, but that's good for me!! We choose our dogs, but not our kids, and children are usually all different. I was very fortunate to have two mild-energy kids who are sensitive and through constant attention to rules and following through on them, with lots of love, they are pretty easy kids now. I am also very fortunate to have been able to stay home with them. It would have been nice to take lots of vacations, even go on dates, or pursue my career more, but looking back, it was worth the sacrifice to be there. As a teacher, I saw lots of "behaviourly challenged" kids and sometimes they were just really bright, creative kids with lots of energy... putting them in a desk all day just didn't work. I would have more success with them in art because we would do things that involved moving around and using their hands a lot. One boy I remember in particular (drove everyone crazy and was on ADD medicine back when it was newer) just became calm and focused when we did an architecture lesson and he constructed the largest cardboard model of the whole class. He was so proud of himself! I hope now (he's probably in his late 20's) that he did pursue something like that in his career. I hope.
Coming off of Father's Day, I give every parent a huge hug for undertaking such a big job of teaching discipline and the ways of life to each of your children. They come before anything else!

[Some of you might have seen that a teenage boy, the best friend of the victim and his family, turned himself in this weekend, here in Lancaster. We have been living in fear of who committed the murders. Yesterday a bunch of friends were reflecting at the pool--fathers, mothers, teachers-- and we realized that all but one of the horrible murders locally in the last several years were committed by teenagers. This, again, is a wake-up call to parents. Please make your child your priority!!!]

Ode to Fathers

By Joseph Sinasac 6/12/2007
The Catholic Register (www.catholicregister.org)


It’s customary for some segments of society to view Father’s Day and Mother’s Day, not to mention Valentine’s Day, as marketing occasions for greeting cards, florists and golf retailers. Cynicism should be set aside, however, as these special days mark important aspects of human relationships that deserve special recognition in this Age of the Individual.
Of the three occasions mentioned above, Father’s Day gets the shortest shrift. Fathers themselves, traditionally inclined to demur to anyone making a fuss over them, contribute to the low key celebrations. And, unfortunately, the very notion of fatherhood has been debased by modern society.
Fatherhood, like motherhood, is defined by relationship. One can only be a father in relation to someone else, that is a son or daughter. Fatherhood is about being both present at and a part of the creation of another human being. For men, it is about as close to playing God as they are going to get in their brief lives. Anyone who has ever been through the birthing room experience as their wives brought forth their child knows the exhilaration, exaltation and sheer joy that arises, even in circumstances that, for the mother in particular, are painful and exhausting.
Fatherhood, too, is about becoming an adult. As St. Paul says, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up my childish ways” (1 Cor. 13:11). Responsibility is thrust upon a man abruptly, sometimes ruthlessly, and the man must grow up very quickly if he is to be a true father to the child.
Modern society, for the most part, teaches a very different lesson to young men. It offers the siren song of perpetual childhood, of playing Peter Pan forever, without responsibility, without the need to be gift for someone else. Our entertainment industries idolize men who treat women as sex objects or babysitters (countless Wendies patiently taking care of their bratty Peters). And it teaches women that they don’t need a life-long partner to share in family life; modern technology has shoved the father aside, allowing women to “manufacture” a child through science.
Our biblical tradition offers another vision of male adulthood: of men strong and true, though not plaster saints by any means. There’s Joseph, the silent caretaker of the child Jesus and His mother Mary; Peter, the sometimes bumbling but courageous servant; Paul, the articulate and cerebral interpreter of Jesus’ mission of salvation to the world; and many others. Our communion of saints presents hundreds of other men – full of flaws and rough edges – who nevertheless responded to God’s call to holiness and became models of true manhood.
On June 17, let’s give fathers their due, even if it is a just a hug. They don’t ask for much, but they are needed more than ever.
- - -
Joseph Sinasac is the publisher and editor of The Catholic Register.

forgiveness...

No one would argue that this is probably one of the most important acts in life that make living with others possible! Recently someone said they thought that I should forgive someone else... they didn't say if they even knew me or what it was exactly pertaining to, so I wasn't sure how to answer that one! I love to talk about forgiveness because it has been a theme for my life. I was giving it a lot of thought this morning and I even looked up forgiveness in scripture and writings on reconciliation... this all was focused on asking forgiveness from God, of course. But it didn't address what happens after you forgive someone else. "Forgive and forget" is a catch phrase everyone knows. Craig loves that one. He always says I can't forget...whether it's good or bad, I just don't forget things, but that doesn't mean I didn't forgive them! I just have an exceptional long term memory...short term is just like Dorey from "Finding Nemo"!! My response to Craig has always been that I couldn't have such great relationships with my parents and others if I hadn't forgave them. I think going through my parents divorce was so huge to me... I have always valued family above most things from the time I was very little... and I had to go through a lot to learn to forgive the things that happened to me and to my loved ones during that time in order to have a close relationship with both parents and my stepparents. That was more important to me than to hold a grudge. Everyone learns one way or another to forgive those they love...but some people don't go through situations to be tested in more extreme ways. That has been my "cross"... forgiving a lot of hurt and moving on. It brought me closer to Christ, as it should. Craig and I are celebrating our fifteenth wedding anniversary this fall and I have to say that it should be celebrated! We have gone through a lot together and managed, through a lot of forgiveness, to be very close and I know we love each other more now than we ever did. We are both difficult to live with ;) so it takes a lot of understanding to make a strong marriage. He is really good at forgiving and forgetting, almost to a fault! People can take advantage of that. I remember a long time ago I used to listen to Dr. Laura on the radio and she said that people shouldn't forgive others like we were taught in Sunday School. I really had to think about that one-- it didn't seem right at all. What she was trying to say was really that you should forgive others transgressions against you, learn from it and move on... don't keep dwelling in the same situation without there being any change. It is about wisdom: someone who causes harm should be recognized as having done such. If they ask your forgiveness, then I think you should give it. If they keep doing the same thing, then it is probably wise not to put yourself in that same position again. After breaking up with my boyfriend, I went to a counselor. She said I was a doormat. I didn't like that either but I realized that unless someone else wants to change and treat you differently, then you just can't expect that. Another point is when you make a mistake and ask for forgiveness, and you truly mean it (we all make mistakes!) and the other person holds that over you. I have someone in my life right now who just waits for me to say something that they can construe into something offensive. So I just avoid them because I don't want to cause harm in any way and don't want to be in that situation. (Maybe that's who wrote me about forgiveness??) Anyways... when my kids were little and they got into little fights, I would make them say "I'm sorry" in a way that showed they really meant it, looking into the other's eyes. Then the other would have to say "I forgive you." And they would have to hug. Craig probably thought I was a little crazy, but it always resolved the situation and they have always been best friends. Just recently something happened and Craig actually made them write letters of apology to each other. I read them afterwards and it touched my heart by how much love was expressed in their true sorrow over hurting one another. I apologize to my kids when I make a mistake with them and I know it means a lot to them. Right now Craig's relatives are all fighting again. It is heart-breaking because there's no sense to it. They have been fighting most of the time I've known Craig and now it has come to paranoia and accusations. Craig continually distances himself from family because of it. It is sad, especially that our kids won't know their relatives on his side. Growing up, nothing was better to me than spending time with my relatives: I adored my aunts, uncles, cousins and my grandparents. They were my favorite people in the whole world besides my immediate family. We moved a lot when I was little so I saw that friends could come and go, but my family was always there. Now I have friends that I've known longer than family, so they "feel" like family to me! If you know me, then you know Craig and I have gone through an extremely tough year or two previous to now and a lot of it resulted from greed by people who were supposed to be friends and some family. We moved on, forgave, and made decisions about our life that are based on the values of family and our faith, not on acquiring wealth or trying to convert the world to our way of thinking. I seek to be understood, but have realized even that seems at times like a fruitless effort. I am also wiser, seeing who and what to become involved with, and where to turn my energy. My blog has been a good outlet for my point of view on things. That doesn't mean that everyone will understand me or that you will agree with me...that's okay but this is who I am. And I love getting to know new friends all the time. Another thing I used to tell the kids when they were in preschool but we still talk about now is that people who are hurting inside will hurt others... it's not necessarily a problem you have but a problem they have. I have known lots of hurting people so it is easy to forgive things they've said and done that hurt me because I know it comes from something else. Life is good and I love my friends and family... I hope you feel the same way!

Another favorite...

We all grew up with Bill Cosby-- from The Electric Company, Fat Albert and those funny records of his comedy acts (Noah.... etc.) to the hilarious Cosby Show! I watched one of those reruns the other day and I had forgotten how great a story teller he is! I remember buying Dad his book on Fatherhood for Father's Day a long time ago. He just has a great way of showing real life and how funny yet universal raising children is! I can't think of any other entertainer who has created so many shows about family that were positive and educational programs, all filled with funny stories... my stomach always feels sore after seeing him in anything from laughing so hard! And the one chant from his album that I tend to repeat almost every time I eat a certain dessert: "Dad is Great! Feeds us chocolate cake!!" will probably stick in my head forever ;)
Next time you're looking for a fun family show, just turn on an old Cosby Show program. They are one of the best out there! (and a fun visit back to the 1980's!!)

Ode to Mister Rogers

I'm just blogging this because it makes ME feel better... yes...I admit it. I watched him two days ago when I could barely breathe and was half delirious. He was swimming laps with some young swimmer and I couldn't help but think how much I need to exercise. This was even a newer episode when his hair was all light gray, so you know he was older! Mister Rogers has a way of slowing the world down to really see it as it is. He finds the beauty and meaning in everything he does. It makes me slow down too and I feel like I'm listening to my grandpa talk to me...with love and understanding. When I teach, I always strive to be like Fred, even though I'm a far cry from him. I don't think children learn much when they don't make a personal connection with you...at least that's what he's said in his writings. He delights in the lessons he gives and his puppets in the Land of Make Believe. And in the piano music that softly plays behind every scene. This is definately "home" for me.... it's my definition of peace. And it doesn't hurt that he likes handknit red sweaters and boat shoes!

Yeah, I got to talk to Jane!

Okay...I'm STILL sick...time to look into a doctor I guess. But I did get to talk to Jane on the phone...she called me while they were on their way down to DC. I won't get to see them this time, but we will try to get out to see her sooner than later at their home. I miss everybody there so much.

Jan Brett

Who doesn't like Jan Brett and her wonderful children's books? I found her website and it is loaded with printable activities to do with the kids: coloring pages, school printables for young to older, cards, downloadable calendars, readers theater, how to draw instructions, recipes that go along with Jan Brett's books... even a Father's Day Card! This is a goldmine for moms and dads, teachers, homeschoolers and even librarians!

On the homefront: I'm still sick.

sick...

I'm sick...and I ruined our plans with Jane and her family. Why am I blogging? Well this is the first time I felt good enough to get out of bed and check my emails. I think the reason I got sick was that I was too tired and had no immunity. Of course coming off of a year where we moved twice (that was after we moved the year before that) and I homeschooled, worked and kept the household going...all without help from any family or even a babysitter. I earned the right to be totally exhausted. Once it was about all over (school ended Friday) then I slowed down a little bit and sure enough...I got sick...very sick...the kind of sick where you feel like your head is exploding. Having spent two whole days in bed, watching "Legally Blonde" twice because TNT was playing it, and thinking about the fact that no one knows I'm sick because the only people I consistently talk to are Mom and Dad...Mom knows because I called her and Dad is at the lake. I also realized that I email quite frequently about things going on here because I am very busy but I want to keep in touch. So I'm thankful that Mom and Dad and Glenda keep in touch...even Jim sends emails frequently. And my cousin Terrill... granted she's chasing Natalie around a lot, but she still manages to give me updates which I LOVE to read! Jane sends pictures from Florida, so I do get to see Lauren and Anna sometimes. I'm glad I have friends...even friends I haven't seen in almost 10 years that keep in touch regularly and I see how their kids are growing and what they're doing. I do love that. You can always tell a good parent by how they delight in how their kids are growing and learning...they pay attention to it and celebrate it. And I like to celebrate with them!
Luckily Craig has brought me water and tissues, and even ran out to get me food tonight because I was finally hungry and we have no food in the house because I was supposed to go to the grocery yesterday. We figure that everyone knows we're first-borns and don't need a lot of help...we're used to being self-reliant and responsible. Good thing we have each other. Otherwise I could be dead and I don't think anyone would notice until I hadn't sent an email in a month!

Aw, Paris!

My cousin Terrill, her husband Alex and daughter Natalie went on a wonderful trip to Paris and Frankfurt...lucky ducks... and she just sent me some wonderful photos from their trip! (Hope you don't mind Terrill :) I think Natalie looks like a little Eloise and she just makes me want to write and illustrate a book about her!!! (Terrill is an English major and writes wonderfully...maybe she should write it..wink, wink)

I think this is the Louvre... my kids were fascinated by the artist's painting of the original. Alex and Natalie are observing...

Natalie and her best friend sit on a wall above the city... I wonder what they are talking about??

The Hissong-Hofmann Lancaster Vacation

What a great three days!!! My kids enjoyed having extra "siblings" around... 5 more to be exact! And I enjoyed not having to talk to Caroline over the phone or email, but in person! It was a joy to see all the kids....Claire is just walking around and looking as adorable as ever. And every one of them I could just adopt. They are great kids. We love seeing Scott too and he and Craig got to catch up as we went driving in two minivans all over town...

We did some Lancaster sight-seeing on Monday and Tuesday: Monday we visited the Amish Village (you MUST do the Amish in Lancaster) where we picked up "Chow Chow" and Shoofly Pie, plus other goodies to nibble on.
The kids crowded into a buggy... we see these going down our street almost weekly!

Okay, so we did the Amish... now we don't have to do that again! On to more fun...

The Hofmann guys brought their inline skates and board-- Scott found out that our Central Park had built a new skate park that was pretty big! We also ended up at Overlook's skate park which Sebastian liked more. I was just nervous the whole time that someone was going to break a limb!!!

We went downtown to Central Market, the oldest indoor farmers market in the United States. Lots of yummy food down there!!! We learned about Springerle cookies, the traditional German cookies usually made at Christmas time with the wooden forms and picked up some fresh raspberries (Isabel is now known as "rapsberry girl" by me...she practically ate the whole carton by herself!) and tea leaves (and candy...ugh!). There was a tv film crew there, blocking one of the entrances. We found out that that silly reality show "Biggest Loser" was going to be filming the contestants running through Lancaster. That is just cruel: running them by the market and all that good food...and just being in Pennsylvania Dutch Country with all that fattening food!!

Then, as luck would have it, the Heritage Museum was having a demonstration on printing with the old letterpresses (I was in heaven!!!). I guess they only do demos in the museum on market days (Tues., Fri. and Saturdays)...

This gentleman, a former graphic design professor at Millersville University, spent about an hour explaining the history of printing to us and how to use the presses, and answered our numerous questions! We learned where the terms "upper case" and "lower case" come from and "hot off the presses", among others! He ended up inviting me to join their .918 club (just guess what that stands for?!). Caroline thinks I should go...we'll see!

Nathaniel makes a print! Caroline has one of these in a smaller version at home...lucky duck.

Then we were off later to Sight and Sound Theater to see "In The Beginning", the story of Creation. The kids loved it...lots of animals: robotic and real (even some Alpacas :) The grown-ups were entertained but wishing it was more like "Lion King" level of creativity. But still a lot of fun...we had front row seats... almost on stage WITH the actors!!!

The Hofmann family: Scott, Caroline, Julianna, Sebastian, Tobias, Isabel and Claire!

The Hissong family: Craig, Beth, Caroline and Nathaniel.

We ended up the evening with dinner at home and dessert. The Sumoskis came over and we made a campfire. Then the adults stayed up late, reminiscing about times past...we had some good times together before, but I appreciate these times even more. Nothing can replace great friends and wonderful families. I'm really lucky I have both in my life!

The Hofmanns left this morning for Philadelphia to see Scott's brother and we started back in on our last week at school... the house feeling a little more empty and a lot more quiet. And we'll go to sleep dreaming of more fun times ahead!