I’m so excited about the new school year beginning.

I love knowing that teachers are flocking to School House, stocking up on supplies, reviewing their lesson plans, readying their rooms in anticipation for the year they are about to begin with their new students.

I love the idea of kids all sun-kissed and vacationed-up, dressed in their new clothes with their pointy #2 pencils in their starch-stiff backpacks, ready to get back to the grind they so fervently left in the dust at the start of summer.

I can almost hear the sigh of relief from the Moms and Dads as the pressure comes off to produce magical summer memories while keeping their Kids’ minds well oiled during the “off season”.

And of course, my favorite; the dedicated HomeSchool Families…all with freshly cleaned and organized homes, new curriculum books stacked high, carefully managing their blossoming schedules of activities outside the home, nervous and eager to embark on the next year of academic and life lessons with their children.  

It’s an exciting time of year.

And with all of this come the signs of fall, right around the corner. The crisp smells, evening bond-fires, draining swimming pools…The way the days are so much quieter without the kids playing on the streets. I’ll look forward to the silence as much as I welcome the joyful squealing sounds at the start of summer.

I kind of thought that this year would be the year that we would really start something “school-like” with Zeek. Having no Jaymee and Zeek approaching three years old, I assumed we would implement more of a short daily learning schedule. I thought I would love to get started on preschool themed weeks and lists of skills we could master and check off as we go.

But that is not how I have been feeling at all.

I feel like taking it easy with him.

I feel like he is only three, and only three once.

I feel like all of the things I have been reading lately have encouraged the same relaxed idea of allowing a little one to learn hands-on through real life experiences and not text, paper and pencils, strict schedules or check lists.

So, I’m am following this instinct and guidance.

We are still increasing our socializing plan to the next level as we’d intended for the fall (more on that later).

Other than that, rather than starting a pre-school regime in our home, I am just going to take the next six months or so to dive into EVERYTHING hands-on with Zeek.

I want to look back at this time and remember slowing way down, taking all the time we need to see things through his eyes, and letting him see, hear, touch, smell, and experience everything we can find -of course, within reason of sound judgment. =)

I will try my best to document what I can for him, here. Hopefully, there will be more of Zeek’s own photography to share as well! =)

We have one week of our summer schedule left, and then we're off to begin our new just-as-fun start. 

Enjoy the time and then,

Happy Back to School! 

Love, Lora

I love to use Zeek’s naptime for some "me" time each day. I get done what I need to around the house when he first goes down, and then I use the last hour or so to eat and watch something off the DVR.

For some odd reason, ever since the first welcomed thought of fall came to mind I haven’t been able to shake a certain nerdy television drama series from my head.

No, it’s nothing normal like Desperate House Wives or Brother’s and Sisters…I could completely understand if it was a show that I will be watching fresh on television this coming season.

The series that I’m craving happens to be so nerdy that I can’t even get it at a movie rental place, my friends.

And in my desperation to have it, along with the first season of Lipstick Jungle (which I also can’t find anywhere else), I have finally folded and sign up for the Blockbuster mailing rentals.

Again.

On my movie queue and soon to file into my mailbox one after the next are the disks of the only season of Lipstick Jungle, and... {drum roll}

every season of BEVERLY HILLS 90210!!!

There, I said it.

I can just hear the theme music now.

I may have to draw the curtains! =)

Zeek and I have been working on filling his ceiling with a Diego Jungle, in place of the ceiling farm we created together in the first year of his life.

Part of this project was based on an incentive for

Zeek to fall asleep in his room all by himself “like a big boy”.

He is very aware that he is about to turn three, and we have used this to our advantage wherever we could.

In this case, “three year olds” are not rocked to sleep in their rocking chairs, but read to while laying in bed. They are also big enough to be allowed to fall asleep in their beds without their parents in the room.

About a week ago, I began to prepare Zeek for this transition.

I explained to him that he and I would snuggle in his rocking chair for prayers before bedtimes. Then he would crawl into bed and I would read one chapter of his current novel, tuck him in and leave the room to do Mama things in the house.

I promised him that each time he would fall asleep on his own I would reward him by drawing his choice of Diego characters for him to color and have put up for his new ceiling jungle.

The first time he fell asleep on his own was for a nap. It took him about 20 minutes after I left the room, but with the excitement of starting his new ceiling jungle he worked it out.

I was so proud when I went into his quiet room and found him fast asleep.

(i have no idea what was up with the pillows he put up around him...?) =) 

Of course, when he woke he chose to make Alecia first. She’s his favorite.

That night he was all the more comfortable with attempting another alone bedtime having the beautiful Alecia smiling down at him from his ceiling. =)  

The next morning he chose Diego.

I know that he wants to make baby jaguar next, and at his current success rate I'd better get drawing! =)

So far, so good.

We’re very proud of him.

And the Mama, who had otherwise hoped to rock her little boy to sleep until he was seven (teen).

Oh, I’m so over it! =P

Happy Friday.

Love, Lora

Zeek has been asking me if we can make waffles for… ooh, about three weeks now.  

I have been telling him that we could look for a waffle maker at rummage sales, second hand stores, etc…

I’m kind of doing this new fun little thing where I use something we have instead of going out to by new things in packages (novel, I know) and then we’re putting the money we would have spent away for our RV remodel next year. But I think the whole thing kind of got the best of me.

This morning when Zeek asked me again if we could make waffles, it dawned on me that holding off on the waffle maker really isn’t fair.

It doesn’t even fall under the category of the new savings challenge.

 WE DON’T HAVE A WAFFLE MAKER. =)

Well, we didn’t that is. Until Zeek and I went out this morning and bought one.

He was so happy that he wanted to carry it through Kohl’s himself. I don’t know if he’s been happier about a new toy even.

He fell asleep on the ride home and woke immediately upon arrival insisting that he make waffles before any kind of nap took place. I agreed, of course.

Well, little did I know what a job it was to make homemade waffles. 

There are not only all kinds of ingredients, but also some pretty specific rules about separating eggs and whipping whites to peek, adding things warm, others cold, not MIXING but slowly stirring as to not turn the flour into gluten, no metal, rubber spatula recommended in folding in the final ingredients… and if you try this at home yourself, DO NOT over fill the waffle iron whatever you do! I learned that one the hard way. =(

Zeek loved measuring and whipping, gently stirring, and pouring, no matter how long it took.

And after 20 minutes of batter making and 20 minutes of clean up from the first overstuffed waffle  attempt, just when I was about to throw the waffle maker out onto the front lawn and run to the store for a lifetime supply of frozen preservative packed egos, the results were in and we have officially become homemade waffle addicts.

 HEAVEN!
(I feel like I’m writing that a lot lately)

There are hundreds of waffle recipes to be made. This is an awesome site I discovered with most all of them available. We made “The Best Waffles Ever”. No really. They were.

I’m looking at some of these, like the ham and cheese waffle… and I’m thinking pizza, tacos…what if I come up with something that turns out like a nice crispy crust even?

There shall be no end to the waffle making madness!
Poor Greg.

Zeek and I feasted on waffle until we were stuffed to the gills, and then I followed the instructions to get underway our start of frozen homemade waffles with the plenty of leftovers.

Because you know how they always say:

 Only wild wacky women with weird ways and wide wallets waste wonderful waffles!

I just love that. I may even have to make a kitchen plague. =)

Here’s something else homemade that I think some of you ladies might love to consider whipping up for yourselves. It's super easy.

I saw the idea here, at this fabulous treat-of-a Mama’s photo spot almost a year ago, and I knew I needed one for all the jewelry I wear that was inconveniently stuffed in boxes all over the place.

There is a picture with direction at Leslie’s spot.

I bought the frame for $5 at St. Vinnie’s. Removed the photo and backing. Cut a piece of mdf to fit in its place, used upholstering tacks to wrap a piece of my chosen fabric to the board and tacked it in place from the back of the frame. Then I used the wire, nails, and eye screws to make places for my precious jewels.

Super easy, super functional, and it even looks like art in my bathroom.

I’m thinking of creating some more of these and offering them on Etsy.

Keepin’ it cheep and simple. Usin’ what I got! =)  

Lots of love, Lora

Zeek is doing that thing that toddlers do when they become interested in what it would have been like if they had ever been a baby...because you know how they were NEVER a baby, NO!

Well, he has been asking me to swaddle him. And I have.

He tells me, "just put the baby down on the couch and watch a Mommy show"...
"don't talk to the baby, Mama"..."
I think the baby wants a cuddle"...
"you should go away from the baby now"...

And I do as he says, all in good fun.

He even asks me to bring him a baby bottle with warm milk!

And I do.

I love to watch him makebelieve. Especially when he says "ga-ga-goo-goo". =)

In the evenings, this little baby roll changes into an all star wrestler with Daddy.

Greg has been teaching Zeek special wrestling moves and their names. They have even named some of the moves that Zeek has made up on his own. It's quite entertaining.

It's better Greg than me, that's for sure. Even so, with all this rough-housing, I took a kick to the face this morning, and I was put in a head lock yesterday afternoon! All by Zeek of course.

Here are a couple of other cute things we wrote down that went on yesterday:

Greg: did you know that it’s Mommy’s and Daddy’s anniversary today?

Me: This is the day that Daddy and I got married a long time ago.

Zeek: Aww! I wanted to come!

Greg and I smiled at each other.

Me: We’re kind of proud you weren't there.

=)

Although, you certainly do make this family complete!

Greg dropped off flowers at home during lunch for our anniversary. Zeek was sleeping.

When he woke up and saw them he said,

“aww. You bought some new flowers?!”

I explained to him that Daddy brought them for our anniversary while he was napping.

I reminded him that his Daddy and I were married eight years ago, today.

He said,

“I wanted to be there!”

I laughed and told him that we’re very happy he is here now.

He said,

“YOU can come to MY wedding when I marry myself.”

______________________________________________________________

Thank you Nanna and Pappa for taking Zeek with Michael to the Zoo and for dinner yesterday. I don't think I've been alone in my house for more than an hour since Zeek was born. I hardly knew what to do with myself.
Feel free to do it again. ANYTIME! =)

Love, Lora

That’s a lot of eights!

I’ve written this post eight times this morning, too. ;)

Every time, it ends up being something that belongs to us and not out on the internet.

So, I’m starting out again, simple this time. I hope.

Happy anniversary, Greg.

I love you like crazy.

THANK YOU for putting God first (I know how hard that can be when you love me so much.) =)

Thank you for loving me like Christ loves His Church.

Thank you for making me yours and giving me you completely.

I am a better me because of your unconditional love and constant support and encouragement.

I love you forever,

Your Wife

Zeek: Mom, those are litterers!

Me: LITTERERS!?

Zeek: Litterers, of the NIGHT!

He learned about littering from Greg while we watched the beginning of a(nother) kid’s movie that really wasn’t appropriate.

After we’d watched a fight scene on the beach and some scary events for the child in the show, Greg jokingly used the moment when a pirate threw a candy wrapper on the ground to put his foot down; 

“enough is enough! We will not stand for a show that promotes littering!”

And that was all Zeek needed. Now, litterers are at the root of all evil.
Yeah! =)

I set Zeek up at the computer with his new game. I put the disk in and told him to just wait until it came up then let me know so I could start it up for him.

He said,

“don’t worry, I can install it myself. Like my Dad.”

Jay and Zeek were playing in the basement. They came running up to Julie and I, out of breath and filled with excitement.

Zeek said,

“I killed a huge creature on the stairs! it was standing there looking out of its eyes and opening its mouth! And I squashed it!”

They told us the whole story, then assured us it was all pretend and headed back down for more adventures.

(Yes, that is Jaymee, playing with Zeek at his video game 

in her new ADORABLE big girl short hair!)

Zeek was in the shower by himself while I was doing my hair. I had the privilege of hearing him sing this song:

"They wear the food, they ship the food

They wear the food, they ship the food

One two buckle my shoe

One two count some more!"

Zeek just came in the house huffing and puffing and announced,

“I’m saying damn it a lot out there, because I’m just trying to chase Nemo without kicking him and it’s not workin’”.

wow. I guess we'll be having a talk about that! =(

“I am the cleaner upper and I’m not happy! Happy means you’re not sad and mad.”

Zeek and I were visiting our neighbors and perusing their rummage sales today during our annual block sale.

Zeek enjoyed playing with all the toys and kids available at each one, and much to my delight we bought VERY little. Only a couple of nickle and dime sand box toys that he wanted. (He brought his own money from Daddy.)

This was one of our amusing conversations on the way from one sale to the next:

Zeek: (pointing) Let's go to their rummage sale.

Me: Honey, they don't have a rummage sale today.

Zeek: yeah, because they lost theirs, right Mom?

Me: Yup. It's probably in their house somewhere.

For the many of you who are talking FALL, back to school, summer's end, etc... hold up a second!!! I need like, two more minutes here. I love the coming season as well an any homeschooling stay home Mama, but we have a moment left and I'm milkin' it for all it's worth. Our winter was much to long to cut the summer short! =)

Soon enough.

Love, Lora

oh, here's another fun site for you, and if you do one, I want to see.

Face Your Manga

Here's my cute girly:

The last few weeks have been sprinkled with introductions to one neat thing after another. I have been compiling a list of some of these awesome products, websites and blogs, ideas, and inspirations to share with you here.

Zeek knows we never throw away food.
He loves the daily duty of bringing food to the birds out front...

I love this picture. He had just finished breaking up the bread hubs and throwing it out on the lawn. He didn't know I was behind the door talking pics and watching, and he put his arms out like this for a little while. I know he was not, but it looked so much like he was blessing the bread. It made me think of our pator/neighbor/friend Bill and brother Eric. =)

Zeek also loves filling Jacket's house with fruits, veggies, pulled weeds, peels, cores, and greens...

I've never known of a more spoiled bunny.

Inspiring Websites:

~        I met Jamie about eight years ago. We worked together and quickly became very good friends. She was an intricate part of God’s plan to make Himself known to me, and though she moved out of state years ago, we have kept in contact and maintained our bond just the same.

Jamie recently started her own blog, A Day in the Life, which of course I immediately added to my Blogroll. The thing is, it ROCKS! She’s such a good writer, photographer, and witness. I know a number of you Mama’s will enjoy frequenting this spot. Check it out! =)

~        Greg and I plan to purchase our travel trailer/camper/rv (whatever you want to call it) next spring. Though our original plan was to replace the gas guzzling V8, 350hp, Aurora with a big enough truck to tow a huge camper, we have decided otherwise in our final search for the travel trailer that will best suit our family.

In learning that there are light weight travel trailers made for the purpose of pulling more with less, we decided to replace the Aurora with an economy car and instead use the Jeep, which is the upgraded off road version called the Renegade (towing twice the capacity of a regular Liberty) to tow a light weight TT. We don’t lose space, however they are generally a little more expensive because of the way they are made.

We have chosen the one we want, and have been looking and tossing around the idea of buying a relatively new used one for less. Knowing that we will be performing the usual “home beautification” remodel on whatever we buy, new or used, we are leaning toward spending less and finding one used.

I have no idea how I stumbled across this amazing family’s site, but it is a HUGE inspiration to us, showing how awesome an RV renovation can be…painting walls, hanging art, replacing materials, adding personal homey touches, etc…

Their story is pretty fabulous as well. CHECK THEM OUT! And their photo blog.

~       I was introduced to this website via shuttersister.com while I was at Pam’s house last week. This is a Mother of six children who was diagnosed with breast cancer, created a blog to share her story, and recently passed away.

      I know it sounds horrible. But her story, and her family (who have continued her blog) are such a testimony and inspiration. Reading her has caused me to live better; making way for freedom and doing what is best for me and my family in areas that I have otherwise wimped out on or been afraid of.

      Enter with tissues and an open heart ready to learn and love. In honor of Andrea, the Punk Rock Mommy. Your incredible life has changed mine forever.

Tasties & Product:

~       Okay, remedies for all those tears:

My all time favorite chocolate flavor (nearly impossible to find) is raspberry. What do I LOVE in my ice coffee, on my ice cream, on top of my brownies, cake frosting, etc…CARAMEL! Mmmmm.

Well, Dove has done the most unusual thing in combining all three. Raspberry dark chocolate shells, stuffed with the creamiest tastiest caramel in the universe.

Two words…HEA VEN!        

~        M&M premiums…mocha. Never mind a morning cup of coffee. Or, if you’re an ADDict, just add these to your routine. Mmmmm.  I know a couple of chocolate lovers dear to my heart who will be receiving packages in the mail. =)

~        So my fabulous sista’ Bethany sits me down in her kitchen during one of our many family gatherings and offers me an ice filled glass of sun tea. Sun tea: we’ve all done it. Big deal right? …right about until the moment the taste hit my lip! WHAT is THIS? I asked her. She credited someone (her sister? In cali.?) and then revealed the secret:

steeped along with a couple of bags of regular old lipton sun tea is a peach flavored hot tea bag. Oh my.

So far I’ve experimented with Rasperry and Jazmine. But still the best in my opinion is what sits on my top shelf in the fridge right now, the peach version.

As if I haven’t thanked her enough, THANK YOU AGAIN, Bethany. Even Zeek likes it! =)

~        On Tuesdays Zeek and I have gone to his story time every week all summer long. It’s been very important to Greg and I that he begins spending some structured scheduled time in “classes” with other kids (we just call it classes because we can, and Zeek is thrilled to have them since his big sister Jay is starting school in a couple of weeks). 

      Well for some strange reason we decided to take a bike ride to a park near us instead. I took books and a blanket and journal and Bible and snacks and juice… you know the drill.

While we were there we met a woman and two of her kids, Madison, (which was so exciting to Zeek because he was disappointed not to meet a Madison while we were in Madison City a couple weeks ago), and Max, who just turned two. Madison is five, in pink, and of course, Zeek was in love. It was just like having a little Jaymee. They played for hours on their own while their Mom, Amy, and I walked into what we both suspect might be a very special relationship.

It was Amy who introduced us to these little treats:

They’re called rocsocs, and they are just what we needed! Light weight (paper light), completely breathable =sockless, NO ties, easy on and off, adorable, inexpensive (on sale at Fleet Farm right now for $11 something) , water shoe/tennis shoe.

We picked up a couple for Zeek last night (above pic.), and the cutest pink pair for Jaymee. Zeek is so excited that he and Jay have the same exact shoes that Max and Madison have. I’m stoked to have a shoe that fits all of our criteria for summer footwear. AMEN!

~        And at last, the package that came in the mail yesterday for me. My new favorite logo:

Is that great, or what!? 

Amber,
Of course, this made me think of you too when I saw it. I was going to surprise you with them, but I realize that you’ll probably think to buy them yourself now. I have a matching pair waiting for you when you get here. =)

If any of you have anything/s that you think we should all know about, be reading, buying, eating…do share. I love a little show&tell. =)

Love

This weekend we took Zeek to Joe's for the first time. Auntie Kim, Cousin Michael, Nanna and EVEN Pappa joined us as well.

I know how special it was for Greg to be at Joe's with his own son. This is a place that Greg grew up going to with his Grandma Ruth, and each time that he and I have been there he has reminisced about his memories there, the burgers, the .10 video game machines... (no they aren't still .10 today).

We had a good time there. The burgers rocked, as always. The boys played video games and won candy in the grab machine.

I made sure to get photos of Zeek getting money to play like Greg did when he was a kid.

He spent it about as fast as his Daddy can too. =)

After Joe's, Kim and Michael went to Bay Shore with Greg, Zeek and me. The kids played very well. They colored together very well. THEY EVEN SAT (very well bribed) for the first good photo we've had of the two of them together in over a year and a half!
 

Nanna says AMEN to that!

I say it's about time, squirrelly little fellows. =) 

Pam's wonderful sister Lisa asked a long time ago when she first started blogging, "won't we run out of titles after awhile?", to which I just laughed. Silly girl!

And here I am using the ever so deep, "some stuff".

I hope this only has to do with my serious lack of inspiration for the moment.

I'll start with some stored up Zeek goods:

When I walked into Zeek's room on... (oh I don't know what day it was) one day, this is what I found:

I said, "Zeek! Would you please come and put your bed back together ON your bed for me?!"

Zeek responded with urgency, "MOM! shhhh! my kids are sleeping in there!"

I looked a little closer and sure enough...

there were all his kids lined up, napping.
And to think, I almost woke them!

When I plugged Zeek into his car seat the other day I thought it was a great time to take advantage of the opportunity to kiss and snuggle all over his face while he was strapped in.

He was giggling and pushing me away until I finally had my fill and quit.

Then he smiled, took a deep breath, and while he was pulling himself together, nodded at the front seat and said,

“go start the car...you big ol’ nut.”

He’s been using “whatever” as a dismissal for a while now.

Long enough for it to have gone from cute to sassy and be put to an end for most purposes.

Zeek: what’s your deal, mom?

Me: what do you mean, “what’s my deal?”

Zeek: like, what...is your deal?

______________________________________

We spent the day with Greg who took another Friday off of work (finally a year where he might actually use his vacation days). =)

We went to the zoo, out to lunch, and then picked up a new toy at Best Buy on the way home. We spent the afternoon getting it all set up and learning how to use it. Well, Zeek and I  did the learning.

Now, the anticipation has only heightened as we near the release date of Spore!

I'm sure we'll be fighting over who uses the new computer for that. ;)   

When technological advancements have become such a part of our decor that I'm actually excited to add the ascetics of another monitor to the main room, it's time to pretty much give in. 

We text each other when we're in the same room, we're considering an electronic Christmas greeting rather than Christmas cards this year, and we've booked a "nanny" well in advance for our Spore gaming marathon...what can I say? The techiness grows on ya after awhile.

We have no huge plans for the rest of the weekend. And it's about time. We'll be hanging out at home. Swimming, grilling, watching movies, and taking timed-turns, like children, with our new toy.