7

Today my baby turned 7. My adorable, funny, silly, smart, thoughtful baby. He is even more amazing today than he was seven years ago. I remember like it was yesterday the day he was born. He was such a cute baby with his blue eyes and barely there blond hair. We knew he was a boy so there was no surprise there, but the fact that I could be so amazed by this little person was. After all, I had just had a baby 19 months earlier. And that was amazing. But even though I had been through it before, I was once again awed by the miracle of life. And this tiny baby boy was proof again of God's gifts.

That day I had absolutely no idea just who he was. I knew he was different from his brother. I knew that before he was even born. But in the past seven years I have gotten to know this person who makes me laugh like no one else can. This person who amazes me with his thoughtful questions. This person who can drive me crazy with the silliness that is also one of my favorite things about him. This person who loves bugs and watermelon and jigsaw puzzles. And who loves to laugh and make others laugh. Who makes sound effects when he plays video games and sings when he's in the bathroom. And who would hate it if he knew that I just told you that he sings in bathroom. Adam is amazing and wonderful. He reminds me everyday to enjoy the moment and that if it's not fun either make it fun or don't do it.

And best of all, he has taught me to chase butterflies.

Show and Tell Finale

*a shiny rock that A. got from the haircut lady
*two brand new sparkly pencils that L. found in her backpack just in time for show and tell
*a pot containing 8 cacti that are "real and if you break them you will have to pay $8.00"
*1 green monkey, 1 Spongebob book, 1 Spiderman mask, 6 Neopets and stories for each
*a Magna Doodle (kind of like an etch-a-sketch only with a pencil to draw with) that can be used to draw pictures of me with a mohawk
*a stuffed goose and a baseball poster that J. won for our book fair coloring contest
*a chapter book with lots of pictures and stickers and a bracelet
*a stuffed dog and 2 posters from the book fair
*a story about how C. can ride her bike without training wheels and how her sister taught her how and helped her. And apparently it's hilarious that she crashed with her training wheels but doesn't crash without them!
*a jack-in-the-box named Jack Jack in the Box H. (Jack is his first name, Jack in the Box is his middle name and H. is his last name--the same as L.'s because he lives with him--and Clowny is his nickname.)

This is officially my last Friday and so my last show and tell report. It's been fun this year to see what the kids consider special enough to show their friends. Or at least to see what they have in the bottom of their backpacks that they pull out when they forget show and tell day. The best part though, is what they "tell." Five year olds can be very...umm...creative.

And I think that workplaces should institute show and tell day. We would all be able to get to know each other a little better. Or at least get to see what we have in our desk drawers if we forget something from home! :)

To The Nines

I had a doctor's appointment today and he happily announced that this baby would probably be my biggest one yet. Nine pounds he guessed. Not that I care how big she is, I'm have a c-section after all. But I don't really feel that big and have only gained 15 pounds since the beginning. And the way I figure it, if the baby weighs 9 pounds and then there's 4 pounds of other baby stuff, I will only have to lose 2 pounds later. Sounds good to me. Bring on the 9 pound baby!

A Few Reasons (for Ada)

(in no particular order)

*me
*Aidan
*Adam
*Mom and Dad
*Josh and Adam
*Arrty (yes, even him)
*your niece (I'm totally not cool, so she's going to need you for lots of advice and shopping trips.)
*days at the beach
*naps
*pie and ice cream
*friends
*Mexican food
*4th of Julys
*singing
*hot chocolate
*garage sales
*concerts
*road trips
*sunshine
*s'mores
*fresh flowers
*story telling
*Christmases
*new hair cuts
*unexpected cards in the mail
*childhood memories
*prayer
*good books
*soft pjs
*a clean house
*spirit filled praise songs
*chick flicks
*family dinner
*the Lord's love

Showered With Blessings

First let me say that I have been extremely blessed lately. Yes, there are things that could be better. But all in all, I see the Lord at work in my life everyday through circumstances and the people I love. I was feeling especially blessed yesterday and am tearing up just thinking about the goodness in my life. Here's one of the reasons why.


Yesterday was my baby shower. And it was the best ever. My sister and mom did such a great job organizing everything and had the cutest pink decorations including streamers and balloons and made the yummiest punch complete with frozen teethers to keep it cold. My friend Kathy decorated the cake with beautiful butterflies to stick with the nursery theme. And Katrina organized the games which included diaper tossing, name ideas, and the all time favorite of mommies-to-be, the belly measurement guessing game. (Carrie's 12 inch guess has made us friends forever!)


And I was completely overwhelmed by all the ladies who were there. Over 40 ladies attended including church family and relatives. It was such an amazing outpouring of love and support. And the presents!!! Oh my goodness. Two tables were overflowing with gifts wrapped in ribbons and bows. And once I started opening them there was a huge explosion of pink. I received so many great things for the baby and the nursery. I now have pretty much everything I need to bring this baby home. And she will never be naked or cold because of all the clothes and blankets from all those who love our family. And Mom and Ada gave me a brand new glider rocker for the nursery full of lots of other baby necessities. I already tried it out and it's absolutely perfect. I almost fell asleep sitting there looking at the room where my new daughter will sleep and grow and be loved. I am just so very grateful for everything and for everyone who has been so good to me. In addition to all the great gifts at the shower, we have already been given a crib, stroller, car seat, swing, play pen, and tons of clothes from people in our lives who no longer need them.


And what I couldn't help but think on the drive home yesterday in my van filled to overflowing with baby stuff, was that I am so blessed. God knows what I need before I do and he provides every time. He wanted me to have this baby. He told me to have this baby. And he hasn't failed to provide in every way possible since she became a reality. I fought his will. I was afraid to have another child. But he has shown me once again that his way is best. His will is perfect. And following that will is the only way to live. And I have fallen in love with his will in the form of the baby growing inside me. Who will, by the way, be the best dressed in town.

What's In A Name?

I am being asked at least once a day if we have a baby name chosen yet. The short answer is no, but the longer answer is this:

When I was pregnant with Josh, I read every baby name book I could get my hands on from cover to cover and made two lists--one with boy names and one with girl names, since we didn't know which he was. Then I gave it to Arrty to confirm or veto each name. Then from there we chose our top two first and middle names on each list and wrote them on a post-it to take to the hospital with us. But then when he was born, we looked at him and looked at the names and they just didn't fit. So we had to rethink the whole thing. Sometime that night or the next morning, Arrty said, "Whatever happened to Joshua?" I answered, "Nothing happened to it." It happened to be third on our list. So we thought about it and decided the day after he was born (not a week or two later like I'm sure will be brought up by certain people in my life) that he was Joshua. And it has turned out to be the perfect name for him even though he prefers Josh these days.

So when I was pregnant with Adam we decided to go in with a list and an open mind concerning names. We did know that he was a boy, so that narrowed down my baby name book reading and list making. Adam was on the top of our name list and happened to fit him when he was born so it didn't take long to decide about that one. And once again it was the right choice. He is Adam through and through.

And this time it's the same. I have gone over and over the name books and written down the names that I like. The field is a little narrower this time because we want a name that starts with "A" or "J" like the rest of the family. (I hate it when Max, Mike, Michelle, and Milly have a baby brother named Ted.) And it will have some kind of biblical meaning like Joshua and Adam. (I hate it when Matthew, Mark, Luke and John have a baby sister Savannah.) And frankly there aren't many "A" or "J" girl's names in the Bible. (Jezebel is out, by the way. And Abby with our last name sounds like a Beatles Album.) So we are having to be creative and use our naming freedom on the middle name. As of today, we have two favorites which both fit our criteria and will go to the hospital with us. Then when we see her little face and look into her little eyes we will know who she is. Until then she is "the baby."

So do we have a baby name chosen yet? No. And kind of.

Rock Of Ages

First let me say that 80's rock rocks. Just hearing some of those songs makes me feel young(er) and brings back so many memories. Now let me say that there are three kinds of rock concert attendees. There are those front row chicks (and dudes) who stand for the whole thing and scream and wave their arms and hope to catch thrown guitar picks or get splattered with sweat from the lead singer. Then there are those who sit in the balcony and come to hear the music and experience the event but don't necessarily want to go home with any rock star sweat stains. Then there are the few who want to be in the front row but either can't afford it or didn't buy tickets soon enough and end up sitting in the balcony acting like they're in the front row. I found out last night that I am in the middle group. My husband and I went to see Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon and STYX. We really had a lot of fun and sang along with everybody else and clapped and even screamed a few times. But a front row chick I am not. I watched them from my perch high above and had to smile at their youth and exuberance. And tried to remember if I was ever like that.

The music was great. I absolutely loved hearing all of those songs that I have heard and sang along to 1,000 times being performed live. There's just something about live music that can't be compared to any other musical experience. And those guys in their 50s or maybe even 60s still put on quite a show. It was really fun. But also made me feel just a little old. Here are some of the thoughts I had while watching the show.

Does it really have to be so loud? They could turn it down just a little and it would still be good.
This isn't going to cause my unborn child to have hearing loss is it?
I wonder how the band's hearing is these days.
Just how old are these guys if they started the band in 1971--the year before I was born?
It's a little creepy that shirtless 50-something year old guys are flirting with the 20-something year old front row chicks. Wait, just how old are those front row chicks anyway?
I now know the perfect job for the kids in my class who can't sit still and are constantly making noise--rock star.
How far back in her closet did that woman have to dig to find that outfit from her senior year?
How much Aquanet hairspray did it take to do that to her hair?
I hope that's just her 80's rock concert hair and not her 2008 everyday hair.
How many beers is this guy down the row from me going to drink tonight? I hope he has a designated driver.
I didn't know that I knew so many STYX songs.
Should I go to the bathroom now to beat the crowds during intermission?
I can't believe I just saw "drunk girl" from Saturday Night Live in the bathroom. She should be glad that she stopped hugging strangers before she got to me. I'm not much of a hugger of drunk strangers.
$3.00 for a bottle of Diet Coke. Totally worth it.
I am surprised by the age range of people here--probably 7 years to 70 years.
I didn't know that Def Leppard did that "Hey Kids, Rock and Roll" song.
You would never know that their drummer only has one arm.
I wonder if the boys are in bed yet?
What am I going to do about that problem at school?
I have to remember to make lemon bars tomorrow night for our school auction.
Oh, yeah, back to Def Leppard.
I wonder if they like lemon bars.

Just kidding about that last one, but after 3 1/2 hours of ear blasting 80's rock, I do admit that my mind wandered just a little. But at the end of the night, I was glad we went. We both had a great time and have a once in a lifetime memory. And now when the cd changer goes to "Come Sail Away" or "Armageddon It" or "Can't Fight This Feeling" we can look at each other and smile and remember the night we saw Def Leppard and STYX and REO Speedwagon live. From the balcony.

Warning: Staples Are Sharp

We made it exactly 6 years and 11 months before having to take Adam to the doctor for anything more than a ear infection or check-up. But this morning that all changed.

Every morning before school, the teachers get together to pray. So this leaves the boys alone in my classroom for 10-15 minutes. Well, I guess this morning when I was in prayer, Adam was in the hall reading stories that his class had written that had been displayed on the wall. One fell off while he was reading it, so being the responsible boy that he is, he got my stapler out of my desk and went to put it back up. Somehow, he ended up with a staple in his thumb instead of the wall. And not just sticking in a little so that I could pull it out. But completely in, both sides, just like he meant to do it. He tried to pull it out. I tried to pull it out. It wouldn't budge. So I made arrangements for my class and we headed for the doctor.

The thing about Adam is that he won't cry in front of people. With me he'll let it out, but he hates for others to see him cry. So before we could leave the school, some of the kids saw his thumb and even the older boys were impressed with his injury. And he wasn't even crying, which made him that much cooler. When we got in the car, he did cry a little but not nearly as much as I would have if I had a staple in my thumb like that.

We reached the doctor's office in just a few minutes and within a few more minutes we were in the little room where they apparently remove staples from little fingers. Our family doctor is so great. He has seen the boys since they were born and knows our family very well. He looked at Adam's thumb and explained to him exactly what he was going to do. He had to numb the thumb before pulling the staple out which involved a needle. He told Adam to close his eyes and that he didn't have to watch. Which he did for a second, then he had to look. And it didn't bother him at all. From then on, he watched the whole thing. The doctor was very impressed with how brave he was. And so was I. I was glad because if he would have fallen apart, I probably would have, too. We were all very glad that we had gone in to see the doctor once we saw how deep the staple was. It was completely into his poor little thumb just like if I was putting up a poster or something. Ouch. So, 45 minutes and $179 later, we were done and headed to the pharmacy for antibiotics. And Adam had a bandaged finger, a little jar with his staple in it and a beanie baby to show for it.

So all in all, it turned out okay. And I guess 6 years and 11 months without any major injuries isn't bad for a danger boy like Adam.

Show and Tell

*an acoustic guitar complete with planet stickers ("because they are boy stickers")
*a Webkinz horse (Miss Horsey) and bunny "named Slider because he loves sliding" and Miss Horsey is Slider's mom (I guess that can happen in Webkinz** world.)
*a Spiderwick book from a Honey Nut Cheerios box
*a talking, singing, light up Little Mermaid doll who "has two pairs of lipstick on--red and pink" and "sparkles in her hair"
*a Sleeping Beauty princess doll with a horse drawn carriage (purple, of course)
*a whistle that sounds like a train, a "T" book (everything starts with "t"), and a mini checkers game
*a roll of Smarties candy that K. just picked from the treasure box, and a Barbie cell phone on which K. just dialed 911 and asked for the police to come because apparently her classmates are "driving [her] crazy!" (I know the feeling!)
*another guitar--electric this time with all kinds of buttons that make different kinds of music

**Webkinz is a stuffed animal that comes with a secret code which allows the owner to go online and play games with that animal. It's actually pretty cool. My boys love it because it combines two of their favorite things--stuffed animals and computer games.

Today

Today...I am 33 weeks pregnant and have eaten 33 Oreos. (Just kidding. It hasn't been quite that many.)

Today... I learned that just the mere mention of Lucky Charms has the exact same effect on kindergarteners that actually eating the sugary, marshmallowed cereal does.

Today...marks 2 years since my car accident. Two years ago my life was turned upside down when the car I was driving turned upside down (3 times).

Today...I finally settled with the insurance company about my accident. Finally.

Today...I was reminded by a 5 year old that it's okay to say things like, "Yesterday I got 3 new Star Wars action figures--Obi Wan, Luke, and Han," and, "Today I have soccer practice," and, "Tomorrow I'm bringing my guitar for show and tell," when you pray. It's okay to talk to God like he's our friend because he is.

Today...I discussed with my 7th graders the theory of evolution...from a Christian perspective. I love that God is a part of everything we do in our school and that I can freely share my beliefs with my students.

Today...I am glad that tomorrow is Friday.

Good Day Sunshine

The sunshine over the weekend was so great...while it lasted. But it at least reminded me that it's possible to have sun instead of snow and I know it will return. Saturday we spent the day visiting with family and playing and sitting in the yard in the sun. We have just enough snow melted to have a border of grass around our yard just wide enough for patio chairs. The rest of the yard is still covered with about a foot of snow. I even told Arrty that it was a good thing that God sent me a sunny day. He knew that I really needed it to lift me up.

Then Sunday we went to church, had Chinese food for lunch and went for a drive around the lake. We were heading toward Sanders Beach, when the boys realized that we were close to The Stickman's house. They were so excited to stop and see him again. We knew he was out because just up the block we saw a couple walking with their dog and they had brand new Stickman walking sticks. The Stickman was as welcoming as always and reminded the boys of the treasures they could take home with them. It didn't take the boys long to choose their five rocks. They love the rocks! And Josh quickly chose his stick mostly because he liked the stones that were on it. But Adam was a little more selective. He picked up and studied many before finally choosing one that had wonderful bug markings and interesting stones on it. And Arrty even left with a new stick that he is looking forward to using on our next walk. Meanwhile, Josh found a 3 inch piece of stick and a piece of sandpaper and started working to sand down the end. By the time we left, both boys had raw sticks and all the supplies they needed to become "stickboys." They even got a mini-lesson on the steps they need to take to finish their sticks. It took some coaxing to get them to leave. I think they would have stayed all day sitting in the sun and working on their new projects. Once we got back on the road, I had to make a new rule. No carving or sanding in the car. But as soon as we got home, they started on their sticks again and are making good progress on their very own woody works of art.

So, thanks once again, Stickman, for the great visit and stories, and especially for making my boys' day by sharing your supplies and love of sticks with them. And for the memories that they will have forever. We'll be by this summer to get a stick with pink stones for their new baby sister. :)

Errgh!

No show and tell report today because the parents of my students are DRIVING ME CRAZY!! (Not you, Kathy. You know I love you.) And frankly, I don't really care what their kids brought for show and tell. They'll be lucky if I even teach their children anything today. They don't read the notes I send home and then complain because I don't let them know what's going on. They don't do the 10 minutes of homework twice a week that I send home and then complain when their children aren't learning fast enough. They don't participate in class projects and then I have to make up where they leave holes. Their kids get into things they're not supposed to and then they blame me (or the other teachers) because we obviously don't watch them well enough. They don't send lunches with their kids and then complain that we don't keep calling cell phone numbers until we find someone who will actually answer. And then they complain that when they didn't call back about their kid's lunch all I gave them was cheese and crackers, string cheese, canned peaches, a granola bar, and fruit snacks from MY OWN LUNCH. (You're welcome, by the way.) So even though the kid's will do show and tell today, I'm not going to pay attention. I'm rebelling for that 30 minutes in protest of parents who don't do what they should and expect, nay demand, that I make up for it. Errgh!!!

(Okay, I admit that only a few parents are like this. Most are great and truly appreciate what I do for their children. Those I love. And I really don't take it out on my students when their parents frustrate me. We learned 3 new special sounds today and practiced counting nickels, adding, and handwriting. And I love all of my students, even if their parents are....not so lovable.)

Sprung

One of the boys in my class is a child who many would say "marches to the beat of a different drum." He's just a little different. I can sometimes see in his eyes that he isn't at that moment in my classroom, but in another world altogether. He is very bright and enthusiastic about learning, though, and always raises his hand to answer questions. But he gets very agitated if he doesn't get to give his answer. And often says that he "never" gets to answer even though I usually try to include everyone sometime in each lesson.

Today in chapel, this question was asked, "What are some ways we can spend our time?" Some of the answers were playing baseball, reading the Bible, skateboarding, playing computer or video games, swimming, and praising God. This child was raising his hand and as more answers were given, he began waving his hand and making little noises trying to get called on. He was quite frantic by the end of the question time and kept his hand raised even after we moved on to the Bible verse. Actually, the principal had to finally tell him to put his hand down, which brought on the tears since he didn't get to give his answer. So on the way back to class, I asked him what his answer was. The answer, that he was so determined to share with the whole school about how he would spend his time was, "Spring is almost gonna sprung."

And all I could do was smile and think, "I hope so."

Schooled

This week on Huckleberries Online, there was a debate about homeschooling. Which was very timely for me because we are seriously considering homeschooling the boys next year. All of my concerns were brought up by the variety of commenters. I'm not concerned about my teaching qualifications since I am a certified teacher and have taught in my own classrooms on and off for the last eleven years. I have even taught my own kids when they were in kindergarten. So I think I can handle the curriculum and scheduling. But what about what other people will say? Should I let that stop me from doing what we all want? My kids are smart, social, "normal" kids and won't all of a sudden start hiding behind me when we go out in public or lose all ability to speak. And they get lots of other socializing with church and family and friends. They get above average grades now in first and second grade. I'm not going to let that slide. We will actually have school everyday and they will learn what they're supposed to. So if they will turn out to be well educated, well spoken, and well rounded, does it matter that some people think it's a little weird?

I have had homeschooled students in my classes at school before, and I am the first to admit that some come in way behind academically and socially. But most come in above average in both areas. I will totally agree that it all depends on the parents and whether or not they are actually homeschooling or just handing the kids a workbook and hoping for the best (or not really caring if they do it or not).

So I guess my dilemmas is this. Is it right for our family no matter what people say? At this point I'm thinking, "Yes." The boys love the idea and it's something that we have wanted to do for a few years now. I just have to get past the point of what people may think about us. But I know that all they'd have to do is talk to my kids for a minute and they'd realize that maybe, just maybe, homeschooling is okay after all.

Snow Shmow

I was going to write complaints about the foot of new snow in my front yard, but have decided to instead embrace it and put up my Christmas tree and pretend that it's Christmas break instead of Spring break. Or maybe I'll just stay indoors all day and ignore it.

Or maybe I'll just write about something else altogether. Like the mean lady who took my blood on Thursday when I went in for an appointment with the hematologist. About six weeks ago, my doctor discovered that I was anemic (low iron and red blood count). He sent me to a specialist to make sure everything was okay. Well, after a week of anxiety and 2 1/2 hours in the cancer center, he told me to take more iron and come back in a month for another check. Well, Thursday was my follow up. There is a lab just across the hall from the doctor's office so I went in at 3:15 for the blood work before my 3:30 appointment. The last time I went, the guy who took my blood was super nice. He made small talk about the weather and noticed that I was a little nervous so was especially gentle. (I don't like the whole thing at all--the needle, the blood, the pain.) But Thursday, I knew I was in trouble as soon as the lady called my name. She never made eye contact and seemed a little irritated that it took me 3 seconds to get my 7 1/2 month pregnant body out of the chair and headed in her direction. She led me to her station and said nothing but, "Which arm? Make a fist." She didn't even warn me before she poked the needle into my arm like everyone else always has. And I'm pretty sure that she put the needle in especially far. Then when she told me to release my fist, I apparently didn't release enough because she reached down and flicked my fingers open more. Once she got the two tubes she needed, she said, "Okay. Have a nice day," and walked away leaving me sitting at her station a little stunned and positive that she didn't really want me to have a nice day.

Maybe she was having a bad day. Maybe she missed lunch. Maybe she's just mean and likes to cause pain to really nice, pregnant, kindergarten teachers. Whatever it was, I just hope she has the day off when I go in for my next appointment.

Ramblings

I just checked my calendar, and yes, it is in fact MARCH 27th and not January 27th. I will say this once and then leave it. I am so sick of snow. We still have a ton in the front yard and 4 foot piles along the driveway. I'm just so glad that all the new stuff melts before the end of the day. And that it's not on the road.

Today is parent/teacher conference day. I only have a few of my students that make this time challenging. It's always hard to tell parents that their child should repeat kindergarten. And I'm sure it's hard to hear. But honestly, now's the time to hold them back. The younger the better. They end up getting a much stronger foundation in the long run, are better prepared for the rest of their education, and aren't so affected by the social aspects that are present later on.

I got a phone call a few days ago from the hospital to set up a pre-admission appointment for the baby's delivery. The nurse laughed when I exclaimed, "Already?!?!" She must hear that a lot.

I officially start spring break tomorrow at 11:00 after my last conference. Woo hoo! I will be spending it converting the computer/playroom to a nursery and doing fun things with my family (Chuck E. Cheese, Triple Play, movies, bowling).

The people who work at McDonald's on Hanley Ave. are so nice. The morning lady that takes the money always calls me "sweetie" and speaks to the boys when we stop for breakfast. Even the teenagers that I deal with in the drive through are super polite and friendly. Either they are very well trained or just an extraordinarily nice bunch of people. Or maybe it's because they know that my french fry cravings pay half their salary.

Easter Sweets

Yesterday afternoon, the boys and I colored Easter eggs. It has become a tradition and until they tell me they no longer want to, we will do it every year. (I hope they never outgrow these kinds of things.) They like things simple, like me, so they just colored the eggs and left them. No stickers or anything. But this morning Adam came across the stickers and decided to distribute them. He gave his dad the "DAD" sticker and he gave me the "MOM" sticker and who knows where the others ended up. But he brought one and stuck it on the big polyester belly of my maternity pants. It was a picture of flowers that said, "Happy Easter, Sister." How sweet is that? I left it for as long as I could but it eventually lost its stickiness and so I took it off and saved it for my Easter scrapbook page.

Sweetness. Just one more reason I'm glad I'm a mommy.

Today

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.
Henry Van Dyke (1852–1933)
Fisherman's Luck (1899)

Today...A kindergartener declared herself 20 feet tall after measuring herself in what she considers feet.

Today...is the first day of spring and I had to drive through a blizzard to get to school.

Today...my youngest son discovered that he can no longer reach around me to give me a hug. At least he blamed it on the baby.

Today...I planned my 4th quarter lesson plans. Time flies.

Today...I made it through the day without eating fries (so far).

Today...I did not make it through the day without eating Oreos.

Today's quote...Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that’s the stuff life is made of. Benjamin Franklin (1706-90)

Today...I am blessed.

Famous Last Words

THOMAS HOBBES
‘I am about to take my last voyage, a great leap in the dark.’

LOUIS XIV
‘Why are you weeping? Did you imagine that I was immortal?’

ANNE BOLEYN (upon the scaffold)
‘It [my neck] is very small, very small.’

THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH
‘We are all going to Heaven, and Vandyke is of the company.’

PHINEAS BARNUM
‘How were the receipts today in Madison Square Garden?’

EDITH CAVELL
‘I realise that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.’

JOHN LE MESURIER
‘It’s all been rather lovely.’

ISADORA DUNCAN
‘Goodbye, my friends, I go on to glory.’

Dream A Little Dream

Saturday night I dreamt that I was pregnant with 13 babies. 13!! And the funny part was, I wasn't upset. I was only concerned that I wouldn't be able to carry them full term. And that I was going to have to come up with 13 names. I was slightly annoyed at my husband, though. His favorite number is 13 and I thought he did it on purpose.

I woke up rather relieved to know that there's only one in there. Thank goodness. One at a time I can handle. A litter is a whole different story!