The Wad of Gum In My Hair and Other Weekly Wonders {7QT}

Happy Friday, beautiful people!!  Here they are, my 7 Quick Takes for the week!

1.  Tropical Trident is the (Hair) Bomb

Let's just start by getting the sticky stuff out of the way, shall we?? This week wasn't one I'd like to revisit, but it's over, and I'm hoping that the weekend will medicate my melancholy mood. Before I put the past behind me, let me just share one of the (many) Jack-n-Coke moments of the week...  

While sitting at the desk painfully paying bills, dear sweet Charlie climbed up on my lap and smothered me with one of those slobbery neck hugs that I love so much.  After hopping down, he turns to me and says, "Where my gum go?" My first thought was that it was now thoroughly wrapped up in carpet threads somewhere, or clinging to his clothes, so I begin to hunt everywhere for the lost wad of chaw.  It was nowhere to be found.  BUT THEN....

Hours later, while pulling my hair up into a ponytail I feel a lump of something sticky.  No, no, no, no, no, nooooooo!!! All the denial in the world couldn't make that chunk of tropical flavored Trident disappear.  That's what I get for desperately trying to pacify a toddler's chompers during an English lesson on pronouns.  I knew peanut butter would get it out, but GAG.  I couldn't do it.  Then, I read online that the salt and oil in the peanut butter is what dissolves the gum.  A little conditioner and some table salt did the trick.  Whew! No need for scissors!

2.  Call Me Camera Happy 

Tuesday was one of those beautiful days where the sun was soft, the breeze light and everything about autumn seemed perfect.  Such a lovely setting was just the spark of motivation I needed to get the kids' pictures taken for the family Christmas card.  In just a few minutes, everyone was dressed and perched in a pose.  With my camera ready and a bucket of bribes at my side, I went for it. To my surprise, things went relatively smooth! And, after about 3 minutes of snapping group pics, they actually asked me to take individual shots.  I was sooooo surprised and totally delighted that they wanted to keep the photo happy moment going! My favorite family pictures are usually the un-posed ones, but once in a while, it's nice to have a calm, focused shot that doesn't have random limbs or flying objects in the background.

Benedict 12

Andrew 11

George 9

Henry 6

Charlie 2.5 

3.  A Thought-Provoking Read

A very wise couple, whom Steve and I just recently met, sent us a link to an article that I has had me thinking about and re-evaluating certain aspects of parenthood lately.  The article, posted on Joshua Harris' blog, is titled Homeschool Blindspots, but it's not really just for homeschoolers. It's for all parents, particularly those who are trying really, really hard (perhaps too hard) to do everything right. I hope you'll make time to read it - then let me know what you think.

4.  A Homeschool Book I (Admittedly) Love

When I bought this book to enrich Andrew's history curriculum this year, I knew that his interest in it would be questionable, because he HATES to craft.  But, I decided to give it a go, and he really enjoys it.  With 3 different grades to manage, finding activities that are effective and efficient are a challenge. This activity fits the bill.  While Andrew cuts and assembles the historical figures, I read the accompanying biography card to him.  Then, he researches and selects a quote from the figure, and we hang both up on the classroom wall. George Washington's bubble says: It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the bible. 

 5.  Our Election Baby's Birthday

{George receiving Henry's gift - because one can never have too many flashlights!}

On Sunday we celebrated our son, George's, 9th birthday.  We fondly refer to him as our election baby, because I labored with him through the night of the 2004 presidential election. Watching your kids grow up is always bitter sweet.  To me, they will always be my babies!!

6.  I'm Hosting Thanksgiving!

              

Rosemary & Chipotle Spiced Nuts and Ranch Pretzels call for beer!

This year, with my mom's recent health news, I've decided to rally the sibling troops together to give her a break and host Thanksgiving here at our house. We're crazy excited to have everyone (except my dear sister, Sara) here for the holiday.  My goal is to have everything be fabulous but not fussy. So far, I have a list of snacks and bar tending adventures covered (I like to prioritize). Do you have any advice for me? A favorite recipe to share? Please feel free to comment! 

 7.  Running in Awe of Autumn

{The grass along the highway where I ran on Sunday glistened in the afternoon sun!}

I run year round, and really do love to savor the changing of the seasons each time I hit the road. But there's something really special about fall.  It's the season I rarely run with headphones. The sounds of the leaves rustling on the trees, the rich red and deep brown hues stretched across the landscape are the last breath of an earth's reeling in a moment of glory before the deep sleep of winter. Such spiritual sights capture my attention and draw me into greater gratitude for all of the blessings in my life, it moves me to praise, to pray, to soak in every last step.  Isn't it wonderful how God's grandeur can do that??

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!!