The View From Where I Sit.....

So today I decided it was "time" for a little blogging. My little village of bloggers has been strangely silent as of late. I am confident that this is because of the incessant busy-ness that can dominate in the summer months. I also know that wherever you all are, and whatever it is that you're doing, you're probably having a wonderful time making memories with your respective families. And I look forward to all the reports when life settles down a bit.

We have had storms. Glorious, magnificent, earth-drenching thunderstorms. Like good, old-fashioned Florida squalls that smell divine. One evening, while the children were tucked away upstairs playing, I sneaked out onto the front porch for just a second to deeply inhale of it. Just a second alone.......but alas, Mommies are never alone! Sure enough, Lauren caught me in the act, and was aghast and very indignant that I would be out in a storm. (her daddy has lectured her about staying away from windows, etc., during lightning storms.) She insisted that I come in. I was chastised. "Mommy, maybe sometimes parents should take their children's advice, and come INSIDE during storms!"

During one such storm last week, our computer cable was struck by lightning, despite being plugged in to a surge protector. So, apparently the USB thingy was destroyed, and I can't get online. One reason why I haven't blogged much lately. Today I am using the church computer.

We have begun a new sort of "tradition" around here that is developing into something really special. At the beginning of each month I mark a date for each one of the three older children to have a "date with Daddy" and a "date with Mommy." This means twice each month they are each getting some one-on-one time with each parent These dates are not anything earth-shattering or expensive. Usually involve a carry-out lunch to the park (or, Sophie had her Daddy take her to the local scrapbook store to do a 'craft'; all her idea and very cute!). Anyway, I can't believe how much this practice has affected attitudes and behaviors for the better. While this is intended for just some quality fun, it is also a great opportunity to have good talks about personal concerns and questions. And to share values. When you have a family of six, it's not always easy, but vitally important. We have been glad that the effort has paid off so well.

I'm one of those weirdos who has deprived my children of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. By that, I simply mean that when my kids ask me if those characters are real, I tell them the truth. Not because I'm a stick in the mud or have some conviction against either one; only because I have a hard time keeping up the charade to make my kids believe in something that's only gonna let them down a few years later. For any of you parents who pull off a convincing Santa ruse, more power to you!!! I said all that to say that I have indulged my kids belief in ONE single solitary fairy tale: the Tooth Fairy. Don't know why, exactly. Just don't see the harm in it. And when they ask if there's really a tooth fairy, in good conscience I say of course there is. (I am the Tooth Fairy, after all.) So now you think I'm nuts. It's okay. You've probably suspected for a long time anyway. :) A few days ago, Cameron got a little cut on his finger. It's been bugging him like crazy. Today, we're driving down the road and he pipes up from the back seat, "Mommy, is there a Finger Fairy?". "WHAT in the world are you talking about, boy?!?" He wanted to know if his finger-tip fell off would she take it and get him a new one. Are you all sufficiently concerned for the welfare of my children now??! **I feel I should clarify that I am a lover of and a believer in fairy tales. We read them and enjoy them for exactly what they are. My kids have my genes are well-rounded in their dramatic and imaginative capabilities. This disclaimer is compliments of Marty's chiding~I think she has me pictured as the mother on the original Miracle on 34th Street!!**

Reagan has been enjoying his first servings of cereal, and eats from his spoon like a little pro. He's five months now and a big 'ole boy. So I started him on solids a little sooner than the others. He's also been getting his exercise in his new Exersaucer that his Jam bought him. I have great pics of these momentous events, but they're on my own aforementioned computer that is wounded. I wonder if Reagan will have a more difficult time in life when everywhere he goes and everything he does won't draw a crowd to celebrate it. Around here, his every move is "oohed and ahhhed" over by his brother and sisters. They think he is really something great. And he loves them dearly in return. Lights up like a Christmas tree (oh, yes..I DO allow one of those!) whenever they come around.

So that is a little of the view from where I sit. Hope you've found something enjoyable in it!

Blessings on you all this week.