My Commando

Tyler spent his Halloween between EV Free Church and his youth group at First Baptist. He has quite the haul of candy! Next year he wants to dress up as a girl :-}

Not really sure about this one!!

Whatever, he had a great day :-)

Trick or Treat

Look at my special Trick or Treaters! I was so surprised to see them when I opened the door. Liam wanted to go outside in the backyard and play with everybody because the last time he was here we had 75 guests for Lizzie and Trey's wedding!

This visit just made my day :-)

Christmas Faire

This Saturday, the English Tea Inn here in town opens its doors for their annual Christmas Faire. You wouldn't believe the beautiful items they have for sale. It is a delight for all the senses. It smells wonderful, beautiful music is playing and everywhere you look there are exquisite things to purchase (priced very reasonably). The best part of this whole thing is Carol is coming up for a visit and we are going shopping together! I can't wait :-)

Family Dinner

Tonight was a special night. We had Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Irene and Uncle David over for dinner. We had such a good time eating, visiting and sharing stories. It was the kind of evening that you just want to last forever, but know in your heart, is only meant to last for a very short time. Take the time to cook a special meal, set a table for guests and then sit back and enjoy their company. You won't regret it :-)

Goodnight Moon

So, all is well tonight. We are all tucked in with sweet thoughts for "sweet dreams" Goodnight Moon"...

Goodnight to all the elements in your world...computers, email, shopping, deadlines, children,

Take time to say goodnight to You. Goodnight Mommy. Goodnight to the old lady whispering "Hush" ( Oh My, Am I the Old Lady?")

Shhh....Goodnight :-)

Ahh...knitting

I am enamored with knitting. From the very beginnings, lambs, sheep, shearing, carding etc.

I can't really tell you why. I am also enamored with quilting, candle making, homeschooling, family worship, and "grandma's feather bed". Call me quaint, old fashioned, or out of touch. I don't care. I just want all of you to come over for a visit and stay awhile. I should have been born on a farm...

christmas...early

The seasons are becoming blurred. We went to Kmart today and there was an extremely tacky Christmas display (complete with a tripping hazard of concrete pavers)

Right across the aisle were some really tacky Halloween decorations and costumes (all over the floor).

I was actually looking for some "tasteful" Thanksgiving tabletop items for a dinner party I am giving. No such luck! It seems I am destined to wow my guests with some strange type of snowman or a weird mummy who takes off his head!

No way am I giving into this! I will go to Hallmark to see if I can raise the level of creativity. If not...I will just have to visit my pantry and cupboards to see what I can pull together for a seasonal delight.

A Good Time Had By All

This picture is not for the faint of heart!! It seems the theme of the day was foam dart guns, water guns, foam airplanes...anything that flies through the air and makes puppy run and chase all over the place!!

The kids had turkey sandwiches, garlic bread sticks, chips and salsa and bags of candy (to go; I'm no dummy)

Oh, did I mention cupcakes with mile high icing and ice cream?

It was a good day--one to remember for all time.

Just as Far...

This T-shirt depicts a symbol of just how far our sins are cast when we bring them to God. He casts them as far as the east is from the west. In other words...they just never touch! This is an awesome truth to behold for us (as adults) but just as awesome for little children.

I have a precious child in our after-school program who let his tongue get before him and he uttered something he quickly regretted. He was sure he should "go to bed" as soon as he arrived home. With eyes full of tears he could hardly bear up to the "bad words" he had uttered.

I reminded him that God removes our sins as far as the East is from the West when we are truly sorry. He has the most beautiful blue eyes that are even more so when full of tears.

He was ready to write a note "full of good words" by the time he left. I dried my tears and thanked God for a child that truly understands the meaning of forgiveness.

Oh Happy Day

Today is a good day, a very happy day. Today is Tyler's 12th birthday! We all remember the day Tyler was born like it was just yesterday.

Ty, you are a great kid! We all love you so much. Happy Birthday!!!

Serious Knitting

I am about to join the ranks of the "serious knitters" in that I will try to knit something with a shape. Up to this point, I have knit scarves, purses, blankets etc. You know what I mean, start knitting and keep going, without any changes in the pattern or number of stitches.

Those of you who have knit socks in their sleep are laughing in fits by this time, but this knitter is very nervous!

Is it selfish to ask for "knitting grace" as I go about this task? It reminds me of my first time behind the wheel of our Chevy Impala..."hands in the right position on the steering wheel, just a little bit of gas..."

Oh well, the worst thing that can happen is I will have to rip out a "few" stitches.

I guess you all know what you are getting for Christmas this year :-)

Oh My, That's Hot!

I made tacos and rice tonight after work. All was going well until I decided to chop up all the ingredients for guacamole to go with dinner. We picked up an easy kit in the produce department of Trader Joe's this weekend. I was chopping, dicing and squeezing all ingredients into the bowl and trying to ignore my burning, watery eyes.

We sat down to a yummy dinner but then my eyes started watering more and my lips started burning. The pepper that comes in the kit should have been labeled "TNT"! Man, was that thing HOT! I even took the time to discard all the seeds and membranes :-(

So...next time you have sinus congestion, call me. I have the perfect remedy to get your sinuses draining in no time! Of course, you will need Tums to soothe your heartburn but, let's not be picky here!

Mother Goose

At times I feel like "Mother Goose" in my role of after school program director. Truth be told, that is the role I am happy to take on.

These kids are 1) hungry

2) restless

3) wanting to be home

What we do is eat, play, do homework and play some more. I read to the youngest (while the oldest hang aroung the edeges listening), help them with their homework and generally keep them from getting in each other's way.

From youngest to oldest they love stories, playdough, making books and games they have made up on the spur of the moment. We have a cabinet full of games but what they gravitate to is pipe cleaners, play dough, beads for stringing, markers etc.

Kids really haven't changed that much over the years. Give them the raw materials for play and they will do just that.

Shopping Malls

Just look at this picture. When I was a little girl my Nana would want to take us to Stonestown for lunch and shopping. We would change out of our play clothes and dress in our "to town" clothes. When we arrived at Stonestown we would eat lunch at the "Big E", the Emporium. Then we would walk around the mall ( all outdoor, one level) and shop along with our Nana. I remember the smells (real leather, real perfume, real stationery) and the sight of everyone dressed up for shopping.

We went to the mall today and boy, were we out of place. I realize we live in the country, but we are not unaccustomed to shopping! The things that made us feel out of our element were the clothing (or lack of), and the general disrespect for other people (pushing, shoving, swearing...) At one kiosk a group of vendors were using dental floss on customer's faces. I wasn't sure if it was some sort of torture or what. My thirteen year old granddaughter had to tell me it was a waxing treatment. Hello Beverly Hillbillies, I think I am one of your relatives!

Kiah

We went to visit with Chris, Carol and the kids today. We went to the mall ( a whole other story) and then had lunch at Fresh Choice. Carol is really doing much better although the doctors still haven't come up with a diagnosis yet :-(

It is so hard to believe that Kiah is only 20 months old when we look at her and watch her play football with Jordan and Tyler. She was so sad to see her company go bye-bye.

Tyler

Tyler loves school! He just completed a tree project (picture at left) and he has an upcoming fundraiser (picture at right). His grades are great, he is happy and he loves school. His school is having a fundraiser for playground equipment. They are selling Sees candy. If you want to feed your chocolate craving, just let us know!

"Here With Us"

Click on the song "Here With Us" at the bottom of my blog.

Several very loved ladies I know are in their first or second trimester of pregnancy. One...well, she lost her precious ones just this last week. It is a mystery this thing called life.

I remember seeing my ultrasound pictures for the first time and marveling at this wonder. I also remember the first movements (gas?) the cravings (bologna, mayonnaise and peanut butter on sourdough) and the impulse to clean everything within a 100 mile radius! Good times :-)

All in all, in was a great time. And look at the results! We have nine (count 'em) beautiful grandchildren from our five children. Not to mention all the little ones who call us Uncle Al and Aunt Nancy.

It's still a mystery to me...

"Teething"

O.K. all you moms with teething children...

Take a look at this baby "teething."

She looks so innocent, just chewing on the insole of Daddy's shoe. Just hours before, Bella was chewing on the cedar chest, the dining room chairs, any one's shoes, etc.

This behavior is not only destructive but it is definitely, "not cute". I realize she needs to chew but, hey--we need furniture to sit on!!

This is the equivalent of taking your baby's "lovey, ninga, paci..." away from them.

Lord help me...I have a toddler with four legs!!!

After School Program

One important part of my job is the after school program called ASTEP- "After School Enrichment Training Program"
The kids are great. They have a snack, play time, homework time and a downtime that helps them to transition to going home.
Once a week I have a craft or a "hands on project" to direct their energy into something positive. All you have to do is provide kids with raw materials and let their imaginations soar!

So...Do you have the raw materials to let our kids create? Do you have the time to donate for these kids to let go and imagine?

O.K. I know you have a material stash-- wallpaper samples, glue, sequins, pipe cleaners...
Come on, help us!

Please consider helping-- plant a garden, paint a canvas, create a clay masterpiece...

Our Children are waiting :-)

Science Project

Tyler has a science project due this week. It is all about trees and their leaves. So...we took this picture of Ty in front of our great maple tree that is just beginning to show the signs of fall. (true to the Silva genes...it will only display fall colors when it feels like it).

The trees in our yard are reluctant to go into fall.

The leaves are mainly green, with just a tinge of yellow. Just like my children. O.K. It is time to leave the nest, but I will hang on to the comfortable as long as I can.

You know what? That's o.k. Just leave (drop) when you are ready. To everything there is a season.

Live out your potential...

Cold Hard Cash

The week before Lizzie's wedding I was very busy each day running errands, picking up last minute items and just generally tying up loose ends. Around that same time I lost our checkbook. We searched the house, high and low, to no avail.

This morning, as I was getting the blue ice out of the freezer to pack Ty's lunch I found the checkbook in the freezer!

Don't ask *~*

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle...

I am halfway through a great book titled "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver.

If you have read "The Bean Trees" or "The Poisonwood Bible", you will already know that Ms. Kingsolver has a rich vocabulary that draws you right into her story.

This book is no different. Have you ever stopped to consider how far your spinach has traveled to reach your plate? Are your tomatoes in season or have they traveled the globe to mesh with your salad tonight?

This is not comfortable reading--but if you are reading this blog you are already accustomed to the "uncomfortable". Take the time to look into where your food comes from. If possible, could you support a local grower of your favorite menu items? I have found really tasty, organic salad greens at our local farmers market. The strawberries, nectarines and green peppers are unsurpassed in flavor. Our local bakery has organic sourdough breads, coupled with local basil had our recent wedding guests happily fed. Bottom line...where does your food come from? If it has traveled more than 100 miles to reach your plate, you are paying too much in terms of nutrition AND profit to your local growing community. Many farmers are growing corn and soybeans not for nutrition but for FUEL. Wouldn't you rather feed families with wholesome, nutritious, food than fill a gas tank?

Think....

Colors

Tonight after a delicious dinner made for us by a sweet friend, we decided to take rambuncious Bella for a walk (who are we kidding, she walks us!) The trees in our neighborhood are just plain showing off today. We saw the reds of the Japanese Maple, the yellow-gold of the oaks and the garnet of some beautiful vine I don't even know the name of.

We have many a tree on our property. We have two old oaks, a beautiful maple, three fruitless mulberry, a peach tree...

We don't even mind having to rake up the leaves and put them in the recycle bin. Tyler said mid-raking, "don't you just love the smell out here?"

I'll have to admit, I didn't even mind raking up pile after pile of leaves :-) I'm sure it will get old after awhile, but by that time the beauty will be just a memory. By that time we will be making Thanksgiving plans and preparing for Christmas. S L O W down, you move too fast; got to make the morning last. Extra points to those who can name the singers of that song!

Three on Three

Tyler played in the Kelseyville 3 0n 3 tournament yesterday and he had a great time! Here he is with his team and another shot from the sidelines. Did they win? No, but Ty said he had fun anyway and can't wait to play again next year :-)

Hospital Stay

As many of you already know I have spent the past two days in the hospital having a heart work-up. I was treated ever-so-kindly by all nurses and their staff. The whole hospital only wants the best for their "guests". Even when they have to refuse food you know it for your own good. Well, after all is said and done, I was released tonight with a diagnosis of "supra ventricular tachycardia" Bottom line, my heart beats to it's own rhythm. If you know me well, you will agree.

I have many medications to take and guidelines to follow. I guess I will just continue to follow the same beat I'm familiar with.

Glass Jars

Here I go again asking you for things. Get used to it! When you work with children, there are always needs :-)

I am on a hunt for glass jars for a craft project; Fall Luminaries. I don't need them until next Friday, 10/19. Please, if you have a stash, can you share some? If you know anyone with glass jars, can you ask them to donate some? The boys especially like craft time. I will be on the "lookout" for craft projects that the children can feel really good about making. Kids know the difference between junk crafts and those that are visually appealing and useful. Also, on that note, if you would like to come and do a craft project, music lesson, read a story, etc...you are welcome!

The Long Winter

One of my favorite books in "The Little House " series is "The Long Winter". In this book Laura and her family work together to survive the long winter. Laura and her daddy twist wheat to provide fuel. Almonzo (Laura's future hubby) comes to take Laura for a buggy ride. The whole story is rich in family working together to combat adversity and the ever touching story of young romance.

Take the time to strip away the trappings of modern society. Get back to the "stuff of life". The simple family gathering over Sunday dinner; a trip to the pumpkin patch that involves many age groups; a visit to your local convalescent home, etc.

Engage in life in a greater way. Expand your boundaries and horizons. Do you have a talent?? Share it! Do you need to learn something?? There are many people who can teach you. Connect...let me know how you have progressed on this path. I am excited to hear of your progress!

Tasha Tudor

One of my favorite illustrators is Tasha Tudor. She has the uncanny ability to translate real life into a fairy tale picture. I have often wondered what my life would look like if translated into a children's book, or what music would be chosen as the soundtrack. I would hope for watercolor illustrations and quiet, contemplative music as the background. In this new millenium, boys and girls alike would be interested in sports, needlearts, reading, botany...

This new generation can raise thoughtful, respectful, intellectual children. Let us feed them premium nutrition-- scripture, literature, home arts, horticulture, science, etc...

OUCH!!

Just look at this sweet picture of a bee and a mouse. Don't believe it for a second. Today, while giving all the children their after-school snack, I was stung several times by an angry bee. With each sting, I uttered a loud "ouch!"

I told Al when I got home tonight that I am thankful this happened to me today. If any of my little ones get stung I will know exactly how they feel. I know warmth feels better than cold and it really is o.k. to cry. I also know that little children are great comforters. There was such a hurrying and scurrying for cold cloths and bandaids :-)

As for the bee? He led a good life, until...

Welcome

Jenny sent my birthday present via Phyllis today. It was so nice to visit with Phyllis and catch up on "grandma news" with her! This plaque is the perfect addition to our home. You are always welcome in our home. I want to hear what your kids are doing, what book you are reading, what you made for dinner...

Stop by for a visit...You are WELCOME

Who is Against Me??

Tyler's class just finished reading a story about Nathan Hale. We all remember the story or at least the famous line "I regret that I have but one life..."

Take time to listen to the song that plays on my blog by Fernando Ortega; "Lord of Eternity". One of the lines says:

"You are my defender

Who is against me?

No one can trouble or harm me, if you are my strength"

Nathan Hale went to death unafraid. He had written letters to his family proclaiming his love and loyalty to them and his country.

This is the stuff of good literature.

Happy Birthday Emily

Friday was my sweet friend Emily's birthday so some of us got together tonight to celebrate. We met at Bigg's Diner and even though it took awhile for us to get our dinner, the delay gave us all time to catch up. The kids sang songs they have learned at preschool, the babies entertained us with their smiles and Melissa kept us all happy with her beautiful laugh! The best part was just being together to celebrate Emily's special day. Happy Birthday Em!

The Pleasure of Your Company

Bella likes for us to wait outside for her while she "potties". As you all know, she is a very insecure doggie. Tonight I was waiting for her when the little dog from next door wandered into the yard. Bella stopped "mid-potty" and came running to me! I'm such a softie when it comes to babies, little children, big children, doggies, friends...

You all know where to run if you need some comfort!

CHOCOLATE!!!

I came across dark chocolate peppermint frappacino today while waiting for my prescription to be filled. All of a sudden, I pictured a roaring fire (don't have) snow falling (don't have) and a cup of peppermint hot chocolate (thankfully, have!). Don't you just love this time of year? It is only October 5th and already I am transported to the Winter months. That's o.k. This is sooo comforting :-)

Sleep, sleep, s l e e p...

I don't know how many of you remember the old Sominex commericial promising sleep, sleep, sleep. I have an ailment which doesn't allow me a good night's sleep. It gives me time to plan, dream, worry, obsess...anything but sleep. So I read about a "natural" sleep aid, Calms Forte, that promises a good night's sleep without side effects. If I wasn't sooo sleepy, I would drive right on over to Bruno's where I know they sell homeopathic remedies and buy some. Maybe tomorrow when I'm more "rested". As for tonight, I'll stay up and solve the world's problems. Prayer requests anyone???

craft materials

As many of you know, I have recently taken a job at Tyler's school. I am a yard duty aide, teacher's aide and after school program coordinator. What I really need is craft materials so the kids can just let go and create. I'm not so much looking for organized crafts (I will do those from time to time) but the raw materials that will allow them to create. There is nothing like a pile of great resources to get the creative juices flowing! These kids have had a long day and just need to unwind. If you can donate craft materials, that would be great!! Even if it is scraps of material, one bottle of glue, glitter, etc; the kids would greatly appreciate it! Pass this on to everyone you know :-)

The Reading Room

We rented a movie from Netflix this past week titled "The Reading Room". A man makes a promise to his wife that he will open a reading room when she dies. This is a room where anyone can come and read or learn to read. He faces opposition from the neighborhood in a big way. I won't tell you anymore. If you can request this movie from Netflix, Blockbuster, etc. please do. I hope you won't be disappointed :-)