Pledge to the Earth

At Addison's new school, they had a simple outdoor peace celebration on Wednesday. We started off with the Pledge to the Earth by Aline Wolf. Thought you would enjoy.

"I pledge allegiance to the Earth
And to all life that it nourishes--
All growing things,
All species of animals
And all races of people.

I promise to protect all life on our planet,
To live in harmony with nature
And to share our resources justly,
So that all people can live with dignity,
In good health and in peace."

Just imagine hearing 200 little voices saying this :-)

Jess

"Make New Friends But Keep the Old, One is Silver and the Other Gold"

Well, I was reminded of one of my favorite Girls Scouts songs this morning as I was snuggling with Addison, and she started in with her "do I have to go to school?" morning question/comment. She seems very happy when we pick her up, is talking about things she has learned, and we see a new level of independence in her-- all of this is good stuff. The not fun part is she tears up as she is being dropped off. It's not complaining tears but the stoic, I don't want to do this tears--- the hardest kind!

When you think about it, it really does take bravery. She doesn't know anyone there and it's this whole new way of doing things after being at Lynnie's for three years, where there is a whole culture to play and how you expect the world to be. The other day Addie explained the sandbox at school doesn't have gems hidden in it! Geez, people, get with the program! :-)

This morning Addie explained the reason she doesn't like school is that she doesn't want to make new friends because she wants to keep her old friends. This felt like we were getting to the core of what's going on in her newly-four head. We had a nice little chat. I hope it helps.

I think this is all part of learning, stretching, growing and expanding, but it's not always fun for kiddo, mommy, or daddy. However, it is super fun to have her explain that her teacher is nice because "she knows what kids are capable of" and that the rain makes things grow and this is connected to why she has snot in her nose :-) and "Buenos Noches" means good night in Spanish and the girl she was playing with has curly hair like her but it's a different kind of hair.

XOXO
Jessie

Irene update #1

The winds are pretty strong but doing well so far. We had a major limb come down that blocked our entire street and knocked down part of our fence but the city has already been on it! Street cleared with fire truck assistance.

We have girls sleeping in hallway and we are right near them on floor.

Power has gone off five times but so far coming back on. Heard sme transformer electrical fires which were reall loud and a bit scary but all is well so far.

We R good. Had yummy healthy meal and watching Lost :-)

I love Lynnie

Whew. Already cried four times in 24 hours. What am I going to be like when my children get married. Geez.

Anyway, Addison had her graduation from LDC (Lynnie's Day Care) today :-)

She starts at Montessori International Children's House (MICH) on Monday. JC and I attended the parent meeting at the school last night. It's so crazy to me that we are at this point. She is still our baby.

Addie's graduation poster (including some of the pictures in this blog) from Lynnie read:

Off you go
to Montessori
Head held high
in all your glory

All those thoughts
to figure out
Now unfold without a doubt

All love and caring
from the start,
You're bound to touch
so many hearts.

Just know that we
will miss you so,
But moving on
means you shall grow.

Love you Addison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I started crying tonight when I had a chance to read what Lynnie had written and Addie was huggin' me asking why my eyes were red. The first thing that came to mind to say was because... "I love Lynnie." That was the true answer. I love who she is and has been to my children. I love that her care of our children allows me to do work that supports our family and provides me such meaning. I also love that I feel like while at Lynnie's, Addie and Sam are having experiences I could not provide them.

The other part of the true answer was because... "you are my baby and I can't believe it it time for you to leave Lynnie's mulch, and swingseat, and backporch, and your Lynnie family. And because you are my baby and I want you to grow and do what you are supposed to do, and I also want to hold you forever."

Love you forever and always,
Mama

Hand! Walk!

Samantha is in the middle of the totally fun "langauge explosion". She is saying all sorts of fun things.

The sweetest is "Mama, Hand! walk!" She wants you to take her hand and to walk together to show you something.

My second favorite is something that resembles only to a mama and a dada "I can get it" She's ready, but not, to put on her shoes, help with making food, etc.

She is the sweetest little person who gives the best hugs and loves loves loves her sister.

And before I forget, I must mention the child LOVES chinese cold sesame noodles. It is the most rewarding thing to watch :-)

The Earth's Rotation

cute story relayed by Lynnie (our childcare provider)...

"lunch today Anna says...right now in CHINA it is nightime! Our conversation went on for a pretty long time as i was trying to fit in that the earth was rotating in a way they could understand...so it was really cute as one decides that while we are eating breakfast does that mean that CHINA is eating dinner?! (no but maybe the Chinese are!) They had many more examples then wanted to know if it was nightime in EVERY other country...well that led to  many more of my simpliest of explanations then Addie yells EXCUSE ME EXCUSE ME! So, as she now had the floor she says, Lynnie, I think I need to tell you something...right now in CHINA, I think the moon is out!!!  I LOVE IT!!!!"

 

I love Lynnie.

Jess

Farmer's Creed

Dad found this Farmers Creed when we were in Illinois cleaning out Grandma's farm house, getting it ready for cousins Dave and Mary to move in with their little girls, Gretchen and Sally (named after Grandma Snell). It was an emotional weekend but we all pulled together as a family. I was able to fit a few things in the suitcase that are special reminders of Grandma, including a blue apron (which Addison put on and said was so soft that she wanted to sleep in it :-) and a stiched table covering, sitting in front of me now as I type. It was neat that everyone has sentimental items and furniture that will help bring the Snell family and farm into each of our homes. It was also wonderful that everyone was so giving and there were no agruments over anything. Grandma would have loved this.

 

THE PRAIRIE FARMER’S CREED

I believe in red clover, I believe in cow peas, I believe in soy beans, and above all, I believe in alfalfa, the queen of forage plants.

I believe in a permanent agriculture, a soil that will grow richer rather than poorer from year to year.

I believe in 100-bushel corn and in 50-bushel wheat, and I shall not be satisfied with anything less.

I believe that the only good weed is a dead weed, and that a clean farm is as important as a clean conscience.

I believe in the farm boy and in the farm girl, the farmer's best crops, the future's best hope.

I believe in the farm woman and will do all in my power to make her life easier and happier.

I believe in the country school that prepares for country life and a country church that teaches its people to love deeply and live honorably.

I believe in community spirit, a pride in home and neighbors, and I will do my part to make my community the best in the State.

I believe in better roads. I will use the soil drag conscientiously whenever opportunity offers, and I will not “soldier” when working out my road tax.

I believe in happiness, I believe in the power of a smile, and I will use mine on every possible occasion.

I believe in the farmer, I believe in farm life, I believe in the inspiration of the open country.

I am proud to be a farmer, and I will try earnestly to be worthy of the name.

(From A Prairie Farmer Book on LaSalle County Illinois, 1916; no attribution, but identical in parts to a Farmer’s Creed by Frank I. Mann published ~ 1915 in a book entitled “Kentucky Arbor and Bird Day 1914-1915.” Frank I. Mann was the founder of the farm magazine “The Prairie Farmer.”)

Little girls, little girls, everywhere I turn

JC didn't technically write this for our blog. It was in an email exchange with friends, but I had to capture it cuz he's the best girl dad ever.

...I am so deep into bows, princesses, care bears, pink, dresses, Tinker-bell, and the like I barely recognize my manliness anymore. The only thing close to a male in my house is Austin, a castrated bulldog.  I sometimes find myself humming a song from Annie (a movie I had not seen as of a year ago and now I have seen 100+ times) that goes "little girls, little girls, Everywhere I turn I see them." But, I'm loving it...

He forgot to metion that he's also deep into Addie loving stink bugs, bike riding, raking leaves, and trips together to the hardware store. Not that I put any thought into this gender role stuff :-)

Great Visit to Great Grandma, Great Aunt Denise and Great Uncle Paul

Samantha and I finally got to make a special visit to Buffalo. Snow storms and sickness kept getting in our way. It felt so good to finally be there and to have this time with Samantha, like I did with Addie when she was around the same age.

 Great Grandma Maitre and Samantha at 15 months

Great Grandma was delighted to see us and Samantha had a blast being pushed around in Grandma's wheel chair. Samantha was a celebrity at the nursing home, with the residents so full of joy to see a baby, especially the surprise of seeing her instead of an older friend in on wheels :-)

We had super yummy pizza and wings and enjoyed a nice evening with Grandma and the whole Gilden family except missing cousing Jason. Sam had a blast playing with Uncle Paul and Aunt Denise. She was a bit afraid of doggie Kramer, so we'll have to save those snuggles for our next visit. Sam is still cautious about things she is not familiar with or that seem unpredictable to her but she warmed up very quickly to Aunt Denise and Uncle Paul and gave nice kisses to Great Grandma.

Sam's language started exploding when we were on this trip. I think it  was partially the novelty and excitement of everything.
Jess



The City Dog and the Country Frog

Hi friends, family and self:

I hope to be better again about journaling through the blog and sharing pictures, but work has picked up speed (which is overall a great thing)! I do have to share a sweet moment from this morning.

Last night we read a book Aunt Judy sent the girls for Christmas. It's called the City Dog and the Country Frog and it follows the friendship of a frog and a dog that comes to the countryside from the city, once each season. In spring and summer, they have a marvelous time frolicking about but as winter comes along, the frog is not there waiting for its faithful friend. Then, spring comes and the City Dog makes friends with a country CHIPMUNK :-) ...

Anyway, it had me in tears remembering times at my grandma's farm in Illinois and missing my grandmother, and it was a nice way to touch on these topics with Addie. She loved the story. She wanted to know where the frog was and in my attempt to not avoid an important topic, I said it seemed the frog has passed away.

This morning she asked again and before I could answer she explained that she thought the frog was under the snow hanging out. She then went on to explain that the reason Great Grandma Snell passed away was because she was old (not little) and that the frog couldn't have passed away because it wasn't big yet. At which point, I said, I think you're right. I think the frog is just hiding and will be back soon!

XOXO
Me

Language Explosion

Wow-- Samantha is all of a sudden trying to say a ton of words. And in case you  haven't met her yet, she does NOT do things unless SHE wants to :-) We have a snuggly, stubborn, and silly girls on our hands. I have no idea how we ended up with two girls with strong personality?!

Addison is having a blast teaching her how to stay things. When in the right mood, Samantha can say Ketchup, ribbit and socks remarkably well. If not in the mood, she will grunt over and over for something that you give in :-)

Her first words, a while ago, were mama, daddy, and Ada (for Addison). Among the first were also juiccceee and Bookssssss. She loves books!

Here is a cute video of her with her books (in our new reading nook) and practicing words. This is right around 15 months.

Enjoying Baltimore Harbor during Mom and Dad's February 2011 visit

Addie looking out at Baltimore Harbor. She's being careful that the birds don't bite her finger :-) We had a fun day with Nana and Papa at the Science Center.

Sam LOVES her baths. Addie and Sam are big enough now that I can be around putting up laundry and other exciting things like that :-) and can listen to them in the background. They have a great time playing.

Neat thing is that we realized mom and dad came this exact weekend in February 2010. Here is a video of Sam from that visit. A lot happens in a year! Although some things remain the same, like the fabulous meal and conversation we enjoyed on double date with mom and dad at O'Leary's seafood restaurant.