A Busy Day

Ellie has been industrious today, carefully making out a "schedule" for herself tomorrow. She asks us how to spell things, and then carefully writes them on her schedule. So far it includes:

• Preschool
• Hopscotch
• Big Polly Pockets
• Project
• Going for a walk and picking flowers

I'm not sure how we're going to pick flowers. I did convince her to let us do that when it was the right season, so she agreed to put it on her schedule for fall or summer.

Dance Class

Ellie just had her first dance class tonight. She had a great time and was a good listener. The parents have to stay and watch, and I connected with another mom right away. Ellie liked her little girl too. I'm excited about this class as an opportunity to meet people. Plus, there's not much cuter than watching 12 little girls in leotards hop around. I'll take some pictures next week.

Wow. Dance costumes are expensive. I thought that for a cheap little community ed class we might avoid that, or at least have a cheap costume, but the costume is $40! This is one expensive scrapbook page. Oops - did I say that? I meant that it's important for Ellie to have the opportunity to develop grace, flexibility, and social skills in a structured class setting.

My Romantic Husband

Isaac surprised me by writing 14 haikus for me and placing them around the house for me to find. Some of them are sweet and loving, and some are really funny. I'll occasionally post some for you to enjoy as well. Here's one:

Wind blows, house settles
My wide awake, sharp-eared wife
It might be a mouse.

Pictures from my Cousin

Although my paltry 2 pictures of Breezy were woefully inadequate, my cousin stepped in to save the day (and the scrapbook). Thanks,Maija.

Spousal Betting

Isaac and I treated ourselves to Blockbuster online (a DVD service) a couple of months ago so that we could start watching episodes of "24." We love it. We were completely addicted to "24" and went through all 6 seasons happily, betting on numbers of Jack kills and torture scenes and fun stuff like that. (I won all 4 seasons that we bet on.)

We just started "Lost" last night. We've only watched 2 episodes, so we don't really know enough to bet yet. So if any of you have seen it and can suggest betting categories that won't give away the plot, we're open!

The Super Bowl is traditionally another big bet of the year. This year we're both pretty convinced the Patriots will win again, so we're going to have to bet on point spread and total points scored instead. Super Bowl has a big prize, though: planning a date. I love to win that one!

Plus, March Madness is coming up fairly soon. We found another couple at church who enjoys betting on it as much as we do, so it was fun to see another married couple as competitive as we are! This is potentially a big year for Isaac. I won the first 4 years; he's won the last 3. If he can win this one, we'll be tied. (I NEED this!) And I just found out that I can research beforehand - I always thought that researching was illegal, so I bet with no knowledge. This year I will dominate!

Breezy Pictures

Believe it or not, I only took out my camera once at Breezy. I guess I was more into relaxing than taking pictures. Neither of the pictures turned out well, but you get the idea. Ellie dragged my dad (a remarkably willing participant) into the kids' pool and fed him pretend food on water plates, giggling the whole time. She wore her new pink goggles so the water from the fountain wouldn't get in her eyes. In the background you can see the bottom of the water slide.

We're Back!

Ellie and I came back from Breezy Point last night; Isaac returned on Tuesday. We really missed him! I was very ready to get back to him, so we came back a day earlier than planned.

Vacation was nice, as always. We swam every day, but other than that we didn't do much. Ellie went down the waterslide all by herself, which was a HUGE deal for her. I was very proud. Unfortunately, she didn't get that much bravery until after Isaac had left, so he only got to see her go down the slide on my lap.

It's nice to be back. Suddenly, there's all kind of catching-up stuff and regular stuff to do (write my preschool curriculum for this week, polish up Sunday's teaching today, go grocery shopping, get ready for the potluck tomorrow, do laundry, check blogs and reply to e-mail, do some work for my dad, visit Isaac's grandparents, clean the bathroom, etc.) Wait. Is it nice to be back?

Vacation Soon!

On Saturday my family leaves for Breezy Point in Brainerd. My parents own a time share up there, and we've been there the third week of January each year since I was two. This is actually the ninth year Isaac has come with us, and Ellie's fourth! We got to know the other time-share owners for our week, and several had little girls my age, so it's always been neat to catch up with them each year and find out how they're doing.

We have a two bedroom cabin with a fireplace. My parents insist that they don't enjoy sleeping in a king-sized bed, so they give Isaac and I the enormous master bedroom (with mirrored walls!) and its own bathroom. Ellie gets a sleeping bag on the floor this year, her first that we haven't brought up a Pack and Play. There are three swimming pools in close walking distance, including one with a water slide. There is also a gym, an exercise room, Ping-Pong tables, a craft room, ice skating and ice fishing, and all kinds of activities and good stuff. I'm really excited to play Bingo with Ellie this year!

Bingo is one of my good memories of Breezy. The whole group of us would play it every year. My dad hates it, and a running joke is making fun of the excitement of Bingo. The prize historically was six-packs of pop, and for an 8-year-old, that was enormous!

My parents used to play bridge with another couple and take turns watching all us kids in the pool. One year, I logged 29 hours in the water. (That was my record - I'm still kind of proud of it.) We'll probably swim once or twice every day, and after adding in showers after each swim, by the end of the week I'll despise the feel of water on my skin.

My aunt and uncle, Sandy and Ted, also have a place up there this year. My cousin Maija will be visiting them with her husband and two kids from Sunday to Wednesday. Isaac will be there with us from Saturday until Tuesday. We usually play poker together (Arlie cleans us out!) and Ellie adores playing with Sydney and Jordan.

Sydney is 4 now, and Jordan is 6. They're really creative, imaginative kids who love to play pretend. They're also much braver than Ellie, in everything from climbing to ice skating to swimming to sledding. So basically they're good influences on her and I love it when she gets to hang out with them! I always hope the imaginations and bravery will rub off.

Oh, look at this - I did have a lot to say after all. What a surprise.

Not Much to Say

I feel like we just went through a period where I had a TON to say and blog. Now maybe things are dying down in anticipation of vacation next week. So in the meantime, here's a cute picture of Ellie. Doesn't she look grown-up in her big-girl pigtails and brown twirly skirt? I would totally wear this outfit (compliments of her auntie Evelyn).

Ice Skating Attempt

My parents told me that they had me on ice skates at the age of two, so when I found Ellie's size skates at a thrift store, I picked them up. I took her skating at the park last night, and I was disappointed.

She did fine, stumbling/walking along holding my hand and pushing a chair. But she didn't seem to want to put much effort into it, preferring to skate between my legs with me supporting all her weight (that is back-breaking, by the way). Falls didn't bother her, so that was good.

Anyway, we skated for about 30 min, and I let her spend that time almost however she wanted (she likes crawling on the ice and sitting in the chair while I skate). But walking home, she told me she didn't like ice skating and didn't want to go again. I was remarkably disappointed and a little angry, to be honest. I don't know if I was mad because I wanted that to be something we could share together (Isaac doesn't enjoy it either), or because I spent the money on skates, or because it was a lot of work to get both of us bundled up and support her weight on skates so long.

I know she may change her mind, and she's young, and she can like whatever she wants, so now I'm trying to rationalize my way to a better attitude.

Kitty Cat Mouse Killer, Part II

Max adapted very well to our house. The first day he avoided Ellie and only came out when she wasn't around, but now he'll hang out upstairs even when she's playing. He caught one mouse, brought it to us to show us, and then dropped it while we were praising him. To our knowledge, he never re-caught it. We did see a bloody trail, though, so we're giving him a mouse-point anyway.

I can smell cat in our house, which doesn't thrill me. (Admittedly, I have a super-sensitive nose, so I'll be interested to hear what other people say.) I don't understand why, since I never notice a smell at Jen's house or on her.

But it is awfully nice to sit around with a warm cat on my lap. I could get used to that.

My Kid Can Button!

I don't know what age kids are supposed to learn to button, so maybe this isn't as incredible as I think. But while I was on the phone today, Ellie taught herself to button her bathrobe! I'm really proud of her.

Pictures from New Year's Eve

For some reason, Isaac wasn't as excited to take pictures with all his friends as I was.

Literal Children

I put a new work out on the shelves at preschool since we're talking about "Mm is for Me" this week. I set out paint samples of every shade of skin tone and a magnifying glass so that kids can find their shade of skin. This is great for teaching color recognition, visual discrimination, that God made all of us different in a beautiful range of colors, and that really, none of us are "white."

Anyway, one little boy diligently looked through all the shades today. Excitedly, he called me over: "Mrs. VanLoon! Mrs. VanLoon! I found mine!" I went over to see, and it looked absolutely nothing like his skin shade. Very observant and literal, however, he had found the one with the first letter of his name on it. Maybe I should clarify my directions!

Also, I saw one of my students on Sunday at Sunday School. He ran up to me looking very confused. "Mrs. BanLoon!" (That's what he calls me. It's better than Balloon.) "What are you doing here? You belong in my preschool!"

Kitty Cat Mouse Killer

We're getting a temporary cat! I am really excited about this, and also very nervous. I have never had a pet (save for my parents' little dog before I can really remember much, and fish, and two years of rats). I have also not been around pets much, have never picked up a full-grown cat or dog, and am kind of scared of animals. I also don't think I clean my house enough to clean up after a pet.

With all my apprehensions aside, our mouse issue demands a cat. So my good friend Jen Cromer stepped in, and has been gently but persuasively offering to lend us her mouse-catching cat. She's had to offer quite often to get me to overcome my fears, and I'm so thankful for her persistence, because I really do want and need this.

Sweet Jen even went so far as to offer to bring the cat over, spend time with him to get him used to our house, and come take care of him every day on her lunch break! She really has a servant's heart. I don't need her to clean the litter box (I can do that since I don't have to touch the cat to do it!), but I did take her up on her offer to bring the cat over and teach me how to take care of him.

The more I think of this, the more excited I get. Maybe I'll sleep soundly without hearing mice again! Maybe I'll even discover I like having a cat! Who knows?

Good Mommy

You know how we tend to pick out certain things and let them define our thoughts about them? For example, some people really feel good about their clean house if they have clean floors, or no clutter, or all the laundry put away. Some people really feel good about their relationship with God if they've done a Bible study that day, or spent an extra long time in prayer.

I feel like a good mommy when I really play with Ellie. Yesterday, I played Polly Pockets for an hour, as well as three board games. For some reason, that defines being a good mommy for me. I gloss over the time I spend doing errands with her, or cooking, or reading to her (even though I know that's important) and feel that really playing encapsulates it. Maybe that's because I get less enjoyment personally from playing than I do from cooking or reading!

My sister-in-law Ana should understand this. For Ana, it's not really family time unless we play a game together. We can sit and talk for hours, but unless we take out a game, it doesn't really count!

Sad Saturday and Hopeful Sunday

After a disappointing Friday, Isaac and I were eager to enjoy Saturday and put it behind us. He worked in the morning as usual, and we were going to drive separately and meet his extended family for lunch in Maple Grove. I started a relaxing morning home with Ellie, but I fell down the basement stairs and landed hard on my back and elbow. It was hard enough and scary enough that I was pretty shaken up (at first, I didn't expect to be able to stand up). Ellie tried to comfort me by taking my face in her hands and singing "Dragons live forever, but not so little boys" from "Puff the Magic Dragon."

Anyway, like I said, I was pretty shaken up and got teary whenever I thought about it for the next hour or so. But I survived, and Ellie and I went to the restaurant, expecting Isaac to be late and join us later. At the restaurant, Isaac called to say that he'd been in a car accident. He had pulled out at a blind intersection and someone had come around the curve going too fast to stop. He was okay, but wasn't sure about the car. That was too much for me, and I started to cry, and I HATE crying in front of people. So I pulled myself together in the bathroom, and my father-in-law explained to everyone about the water leak the day before as an excuse, which was kind.

Isaac called back to say that he thought the car only needed body work to make the door open again and to stop the loud scraping in the wheel well. He got towed to the place near our house and walked home (thanks for buying us an AAA membership for Christmas, Dad!). I expected that he would be really discouraged and grumpy, so Ellie and I left early to be with him and meet him at home.

Isaac surprised me by having a really good attitude about everything and being much more upbeat and unworried than I was. His faith encouraged me, and we were able to be joyful together. Here's the rundown on where we stand today:

• Water Leak: Isaac has done a bunch of work in the upstairs bathroom and is waiting for tile grout or something to dry before he can finish. My clothes are back in my closet and he'll get to my closet eventually.
• Mice in the House: I was able to sleep last night with the covers tucked tightly around me. We caught one mouse, but I'm pretty sure there are more.
• Stairway Fall: My back and elbow are sore and bruised, but I'm fine.
• Car Accident: We have the car back already, and the place didn't charge us (go, Tires Plus!). We have to go to a body shop to get some work done so that Isaac can open his driver's side door. He'll get an estimate tomorrow and decide whether to get it done or stick it out since the car is starting to fail.

I'm so glad God is faithful. It makes life so much easier to trust Him to take care of us: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. And all these things will be added onto you."

Good News?

Does anybody have some good, encouraging news for us? I could really use some (see previous two posts).

My Disappointing Night

My friends the mice are back, despite our having closed up everything that could possibly be a hole, put cloves of garlic all over the basement (supposedly that works), and had preventative traps up for weeks. For some reason, they've discovered our bedroom. Why? I don't know. I have a deathly fear of crumbs in our bedroom attracting mice, so we have never eaten in there.

Anyway, last night (after Isaac's disappointing day; see previous post) I was woken up by sounds near the wastebasket next to Isaac's side of the bed. Lovely. The night before I had been woken up to sounds under our bedroom dresser and stuck it out, getting very ittle sleep. So I decided to try to sleep with Ellie until a better solution had been found. I thought that would be kindest to Isaac and allow him the most sleep (a nervous, sharp-eared wife is no fun to sleep with).

I joined Ellie. No sooner had I been in her very uncomfortable bed for five minutes than I heard a mouse in her room too. Not okay. Her room is way darker than ours, and there was no way I was going to cross her dark floor unable to see where Mr. Mouse was. So I called for Isaac, knowing I wouldn't wake Ellie up. Unfortunately, I didn't wake Isaac up either, even though I was across the hall yelling, "Isaac! I need you! Come get me!" (Not confidence-inspiring, when I'm already nervous). So I had to turn on Ellie's bedside lamp and run for it (I don't know why I didn't think of that first - give me a break at 2am).

We ended up with me back in our bed. Isaac tucked the covers in all the way around the bed at my behest, and I put in very uncomfortable earplugs so that I could pretend there were no mice. At one point during the night, Isaac must have heard loud enough noises that made him sit up and look around again. At another point, Ellie semi-woke up screaming that she'd had an accident (she hadn't; her underwear were dry, but after 10 minutes of crying Isaac changed her anyway).

This morning Isaac told me that he felt like he'd been up every hour. He had. And I'm sure he'd want me to point out that my "disappointing night" was unfortunately his, as well.

Isaac's Disappointing Day

Water appeared in the basement two days ago, so yesterday Isaac tracked down the water to fix whatever it was. The project turned out to take him all day long as he traced the leak from the basement up through the wall between the kitchen and our bedroom all the way up to the renter's bathroom upstairs.

He ended up having to take out the ceiling in my closet. (My closet is actually where the stairs to upstairs used to be. A previous owner took them out, made the space into a closet, and put up a ceiling.) On the positive side, Isaac found something like 30 unused cubic feet at the top of my closet between the false ceiling and the upstairs floor. On the negative side, he found the leak while he was up in that crawlspace and the renter turned on her shower. He got wet. He took it very well.

Isaac spent quite a while working in the renter's bathroom last night. There is still quite a bit of work to be done. Here are pictures of him up in the crawl space of my closet, some of the damage, and of the space created by removing the ceiling.

Preschool Update

I realized I hadn't blogged about how preschool was going. We finished the first semester on a high note of good parent-teacher conferences. It was a really nice chance to connect with some of the parents.

This week we started our second (longer) semester. I am currently full, and not accepting any new students. I have a waiting list on Wednesdays. I have balanced out the two classes by switching some of the kids, and now even my more challenging kids are improving. We added four new kids this week, and it's a little crazy and bustling but under control, so that's good.

Today, we had several neat moments. At one point during worktime, I looked around and all the kids were busy and engaged and I was able to sit down and do some one-on-one work with several different children. At art we let them loose with scissors and glue, and it was fascinating to see what resulted - even the ones with very little scissoring skill were intent and worked carefully for a long time. And in the playground, one child was sad. Two children went up to him without being asked and said, "I'll be your friend. Come play with me." So that was cool.

Cute Kid Stories of the Week

From the same little girl at preschool who told me "H" is for "Healthcare" and "I" is for "Iowa:" "L" is for "Legolas"

Ellie, after a long monologue: "I have to cool my mouth down!" (panting)

Ellie, after learning Psalm 139:13, 14: "Mama, did God knit you together in Grandma's room?" (womb)

Ellie and I went to the store for Isaac's grandparents before we visited them, and I seized the teaching moment to say that we were bringing them food just how Jesus commanded in Matthew, "Whatever you do for the least of these brothers of mine, you do for Me." Ellie got excited and added, "And when they die, Jesus will bring them food in heaven!" Not the point I had been trying to make.

New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve, we left Ellie with my parents and went to a cocktail party at Dan and Randi Gallop's house. It was so much fun to dress up! I'll post pictures as soon as Jen Norman sends them to me! The food was incredible - Randi had so many appetizers that I never even hit the dessert table. It was about as perfect as a night could be.

Scrapbooking Retreat!

I am getting ridiculously excited to go on a scrapbooking retreat with my friends in February. We rented a cabin in Wisconsin for the weekend. It has a huge crafting room with a large table for each of us. We can take out our stuff and spread out and scrap all weekend long! I don't usually spend a lot of money on scrapbooking stuff, but I'm so excited that I'm having to hold myself back.

Whenever I've had a free moment (not very often with the holidays), I've been preparing for the weekend. So far, it looks like I have about 25 spreads to catch up on! My friend Rachel took this picture of Ellie. How much fun will it be to scrapbook?