Author: Angela

I write so my family will always have letters from home.

Auntie Kathy visits

My Aunt Kate (aka “Auntie Kathy”) stopped by for a visit yesterday. I didn’t take a picture, but this is what she looked like a few years ago. She is holding me. I didn’t crop the picture so you could enjoy that warm seventies feeling. You have to be my age or older to appreciate that warm glow that is associated with cash registers which weren’t computerized, shag carpet, and everything enrobed in earth tones. I’m not mocking. I truly, truly, love that warmth.

Kate and Mike came down for the funeral of her mission president who lived in Gilbert. They took several hours to drive way down to our place. It was a good visit and I was able to get all the news. Kate and Mike are about to become grandparents, which feels a little surreal since it doesn’t seem that long ago that we were neighbors and we’d get together to watch our babies play.

I love my aunt Kate. Someday I will post some crazy pictures of us from the 80’s. We have had some good times. I smile when I think of the adventure of her car overheating in San Francisco as we drove down Lombard Street or when we drove around all summer singing Kokomo at the top of our voices.

She’s still very fun and so nice to take the time to come and see us. Next time you come, Kate: Sonoran Hot Dogs are on the menu!

Ready for pink blossoms

These crape myrtle buds are just about ready to burst open in the backyard. Our choice of a crape myrtle tree is based in our love of Austin lore, as we had three of these lovelies when we lived there.

Today we celebrated the last P.E. class and the end of a golf session. We ate a celebratory lunch at the park and played water games and sipped Capri Suns.

Daniel’s golf instructor

 

Slowly, the traces of activities are being swept away… a ballet recital and two baseball games remain. Summer awaits with all its possibilities.

We gave out balloons

I got this idea from a charter school in Tucson. Each semester they hand out a balloon to each honor student and the kids just love it. Last Friday at our homeschool club activity we handed out balloons to the children. Each parent came forward and gave an introduction for each child, explaining what the child had accomplished during the school year. Each child was presented a certificate and a helium balloon. It was a special day and met a need for public recognition that home educated children rarely receive.

I gave Mark a certificate for being an early reader. His balloon (not pictured) is red, of course.

Paige’s Foreign Language

German  seemed the perfect choice for Paige when we discussed languages because our neighbor and mother of her best friend is from Germany. Paige has used Rosetta Stone but also receives tutoring from our neighbor, Heike twice a week. Heike’s daughter and another home school friend also take lessons. The girls are 14-15 years old and they have enjoyed a great year of German lessons together. They use the textbook, Deutsch Aktuell.

On Friday, the three girls did some presentations for their families. They each made a relief map of Germany and presented them in German. Next, they shared presentations about German composers. Paige chose C.P.E. Bach and then performed the piece, Solfeggietto on the piano. The other girls played pieces by Beethoven and J.S. Bach. It felt very Jane Austen having the young ladies play the piano for the company.

Here is Paige with Mark putting the finishing touches on her map of Germany.

And here are the girls giving their group presentation:

Once the presentations were complete, we ate an authentic German meal which involved a lot of cream and all other good things. What a lovely evening.

5th Birthday

“Prepare to be amazed…,” said Mark to one of his friends this week. Yes, friends. Prepare to be amazed by this high-powered achiever and sweetheart. He’s not going to let his status as youngest brother dictate for himself any portion of anonymity. He’s a determined little guy who savors a good ride on a swing and has consumed more peanut butter than I have in my lifetime.

We love you, Mark!

 

 

More History stuff…

… because I’ve been sick and I need some validation for what we do.

The boys went on an adventure in the mountains this weekend. I stayed home in bed, as sick as could be. It was so quiet. I read Confessions by Saint Augustine and watched Cranford. Paige went off with a friend. It was the second time in two weeks that I found myself alone, but unable to do anything interesting. And by interesting, I mean prepare for Mark’s birthday and make homemade poppy accoutrements. I splurged and bought a Martha Stewart magazine last week and now I MUST HAVE POPPIES in my life.

I’m all better now and I’m getting ready for my last home school club meeting on Friday. I’m stepping down as leader and I’m trying to go out with a bang. I need more time to focus on my own kids and I need more unstructured time.