Kid Moments

Just a few of those quotes from younger siblings that make me shake with mirth...

Kai using the Socratic Method on Liam to solve the mystery of the broken toy:
Kai: Liam, the Socratic Method always works. I will find out who broke my torch.
Liam: Kai, I have no idea what that means, but I didn't break your toy.

Ioan: Mom, Lorli's being a fuzzy crubbit! (fuss budget)

Lorli tries so hard to keep up with older sibling vocabulary, ending up looking twice as cute for her mistakes...
Several people have commented with, "My point exactly," at the dinner table so far. Dad hands Lorli a chocolate and Liam mentions, "See, dad. I knew she would like it." Lorli glances up and nonchalantly comments, "My pony zackly."

Miscellaneous

So first of all, I changed the background once again. Last night's background looked lovely on its own - this cozy black and white photo of a snowy tree - until I added the text color. Everything went from cheery to dismal in the blink of an eye. Ugh. Anyways, this new design is ever so much happier, so I'm keeping it for a while. Hope you like it.

Secondly, I found another Peanuts comic that I had to post. I know just how Charlie Brown feels... story of my life. Happy Monday ;)

To Enjoy Time

Humans have this habit of wishing away time and taking instruction for granted. I say this knowing that I'm just as guilty as anyone else in such areas. The past few weeks have revealed this deficiency in me. I've never been so acutely aware of this until recently. I remember my mom drilling this statement into me all the time when I was younger, "Don't wish today away. Enjoy it - you'll never have this moment back again." I'm finding this doesn't just apply to work vs. play or waiting vs. doing - it applies to teaching moments and belief as well. We all go through times of growing and moments of instability. Strangely, our phases of stability are never fully (or properly) appreciated until we are thrust into turmoil and upheaval. Our strength is tested to its furthest limit and the duration required seems unbearable. You almost reach a breaking point. It's at these times when you cannot, must not give in. I'm finding that these times make me even more thankful for what I have, those influences which have molded my life. I'm discovering to a greater extent each day what is truly necessary in life and the importance of not wishing it away.

Music & Peanuts

I found yet another fabulous comic from Schulz's Peanuts. From the looks of their faces, it appears to be an older version. As a fellow musician, I got a laugh out of Schroeder's and Charlie Brown's conversation. Enjoy :)

http://rilm.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/peanuts.jpg?w=500&h=388

A Memory in Creative Writing

Thought it would be fun to share this bit of writing I've been polishing. It's one of my favorite childhood memories from a winter in Oregon. Kai is the 'small brother' in the paragraphs. Feel free to comment or critique. I'd appreciate both or either. :)

A Path through the Silvery Woods of Winter

A girl and her small brother depart the warm, cheery glow of their home to venture out into the silvery chill of a winter night. Not a sound may be heard except for the soft crunch of their boots sinking into the snowy whiteness. The moon smiles down upon the tracks behind them - as if these were cherished memories - while their dark silhouettes dance merrily in the soft radiance ahead of them. Many of the trees conceal themselves in the darkness, attempting to cloak their rimy skeletons from passing viewers' eyes. Some trees, however, bedecked in numerous tiny lights, remind the young travelers of long silvery-white fingers littered with webs of fallen stars twinkling in the velvety black night.

While the silvery-white lights remind the children of the joy and excitement awaiting them, the velvety darkness urges them on across the snow. Surely, it is no easy feat for these young ones to trudge through winter’s ivory blanket; the faint grey clouds escaping their mouths at each breath give evidence of their efforts. However, the girl and her brother are well protected from the surrounding chill in their soft, downy jackets and little woolen mittens. Now that they have found another pool of light their thoughts are intent upon their destination.

This pool of light is soon enhanced by another brighter light ahead. Even in that darkness, the children's eyes widen with excitement. Coming to the edge of a little hill, the two travelers gaze down at the highly anticipated scene below them. Trees frame the tiny clearing with their frosty bark, giving way to a gentle slope that opens onto a broad field. During the spring and summer, this field is the gathering place of frolicking foals and vigilant mares, spending their afternoons grazing on the tender grasses and leafy clover. In autumn, the wild and lonely coyote paces the golden-brown fields meditating on the wily, secretive thoughts of his kind. Winter comes and strips the field of her raiment, leaving her desolate and bare. The grey winter sky, pregnant with the gift of first snowfall, takes pity on the bleak range and covers it with a sparkling, crystalline bounty. This is what bids the human eye welcome, and this is how the children now behold it.

            This glittering blanket of snow is not the only welcoming scene to the young beholders; festive crowds have adorned the fence-posts and pines with miniature lights, which seem to wink at the children with thousands of twinkling eyes. Large crimson and emerald globes admire their round figures in the surrounding light as they hang from their designated branches. The spicy smell of cinnamon and the rich scent of chocolate mingle and waft through the wintry air to the children’s tingling noses, beckoning them to join in the merrymaking below. Carolers raise their joyous voices in a chorus of songs that seem to ascend into the inky sky above them and mingle with the stars, creating their own ethereal celebration.

The mirthful mingling of this gathering provides all the necessary allurement for the girl and her small brother. They have eagerly awaited this event, journeying through the frozen wood to participate tonight. Paying no further heed to frost that playfully nips at their rosy noses, they bound away toward the festivities.

Too much (or not enough) Conscience?

Is it ever right to go against your conscience? If so when, and under what measures? Which scripture verses back either stance? Finally, do Christians put too much or too little emphasis on following their consciences?

These verses spoke to me and comforted me this week. Much to think about and pray earnestly over. Hebrews 2:17-18

Moving

After chatting with some people at church today, it dawned on me just how different individual worlds are, even within the same room. They mentioned having lived in one spot for all their lives... wow. Often I wonder what that's like. They claim it gets tiresome - seeing familiar faces at every turn and knowing what everyone's like. They'd prefer to get a taste of moving to all of the 'exotic' places we've lived. As they speak, I'm taking it all in rather wistfully. Strange how we'd like to switch places for a day. From my perspective, there are advantages to both sides. On the one hand, moving frequently allows you to live in some incredible, eye-opening places. You have a chance to see life how the locals do - an opportunity that tourists don't have. On the other hand, you are more likely to lose friends and friendships after so many moves. The majority of the time, others don't leave their house often... maybe never. They had their friends before you came, and when you leave those people will remain for them. You seal off that acquaintance's face almost as though it were a time capsule. You expect it to remain that way always. But when you finally have a chance to catch up again, you realize how quickly time ran ahead of you. That's the hardest part - the part 'stay putters' don't realize. Moving does strengthen you, however. You become resilient, independent... you rely on family a lot more, too. You notice friends you never knew you had: your siblings. They understand you, they know you through and through, and the best part you learn- they're struggling with the same problems you are.
It's like a meal: sometimes we don't want the 4-course dinner. All of the new tastes, swallowing, and digesting make us sick. Stick to the simple dinner with only one main nutrient. In the long run, which nourishes you more? Which makes you stronger? Only time will tell.

Last minute Impressions of the Weekend

Just taking a few moments to reflect on today - this morning was certainly hectic and busy. I had to drive the Suburban, which is a frightening prospect for a shorty. I have a difficult time clearing my view from any angle and I can't get the seat to a satisfactory height. Since I can't get a pilot's license at the moment, I just pretend I'm flying on the highway. At least I made it through the "flight" alive... haha.
The weather was gorgeous today: chilly winds and a perfectly pristine sky. I thrive on sunshine, and we definitely got our fill today. It reminded me of Klamath - lovely memories. I had lunch with Omi and Opa, which was an added blessing. Thankfully, I was able to finish nearly all of next week's reading assignments as well. Now I have a Sunday off for once. As I close for this weekend, I'm certain of something: Life is good. Have a wonderful Sunday, folks. :)

One of my favorite sunset photos... I took it in Solomons, MD.

Huzzah for the First Post

How exciting to write the first post! I can't believe I actually created one of these things... I never thought I would. Thanks to a certain friend (you know who you are) who inspired me to start one after I followed yours. Yours is amazing, by the way. I check it every week, just so you know. ;^)
I close this first post thanking those of you who are kind and bother to check it. Maybe this will inspire you all to start your own. Maybe not... time will tell.

Latin calls!

Valete, Poka, Bis spaeter, and Farvel!