The Challenge: "Where I'm From"

Four year old me, performing a selection from "My Turn On Earth."

I had a lot of fun this morning with Cocoa's Wordfull Wednesday challenge over at Chocolate on My Cranium. Give it a try! I'd love to read yours, too!

Where I'm From

I am from fierce winds,

from cold, crisp air that sucked my breath away.

I am from tall weeds swaying in dusty earth.

(The bitter of milkweed

clinging to my fingertips.)

I am from the rose bush

the Grand Tree

who still stands waiting for my childish grasp.

I'm from peaches and boxed chocolate,

from Vicki and Ron.

I'm from the sing-alongs

and the told-you-sos,

From “Carry On!” and “Uncle Bud.”

I'm from “How Great Thou Art”

sung in crowds around a fire

and tales of those who paved the way.

I'm from mountain peaks and kudzu trails,

hot grits and orange rolls.

From the sweet milk Granny poured

on her cornflakes,

the thimble perched on Grandma's busy hand.

I miss the laughter of aunts

over dishes and quilts,

softball and soccer,

cousins and tents.

I am from those moments--

a dozen sweet orange buds now bursting

in their turn on the Family Tree.

This and That

Lovely Morganne

Today is just a random update of some things we've had going on these last few weeks.

MONDAY, I finally got an ultrasound! I wish they'd given me some pictures to share, but they didn't. I'm happy to report that everything looks good, and I got a great view of our sweet little Peanut #12. What a relief and blessing. :)

Roses for everyone!

Valentine's Day!

The kids and Russell have been making the holidays special for the family. We've started new traditions without realizing it! Again this year, Daddy got a rose for each person-- and gave Mama a dozen all her own. It made us all feel very loved.

Daddy also again decided to treat everyone to home-grilled steaks and a yummy dinner, complete with mini cheesecakes. The girls dipped strawberries in chocolate to put on the top of each cheesecake. (Daddy even remembered to get some sugar-free chocolate for me, too! True love!)

Mini cheesecake topped with a chocolate-dipped strawberry

Homeschool Masked Ball

Brennan (16), friend Mark, and Lliam (15)

The Big Four had a great time at a Regency-themed masked ball with the homeschooled teens group. (The small masks were worn only briefly during the Regency dance they learned.) I pulled out the Shakespeare costumes, and had fun dressing everyone up. Morganne did Bonny's hair, and I did Morganne's.

The dresses are Georgian, not Regency, but they still look beautiful!

The dance didn't last as long as the kids hoped, but they saw MOST of their friends there! I am so grateful for wonderful parents who create such beautiful opportunities for our youth!



General Cuteness

All the kids keep us busy and moving, moving, moving! How can we resist such cute chaos?

All smiles! (Avalon, MacKenna, Grayse)

Dierdre is a good "Buddy" to her little "Buddy."

Sweet Eryn loves her blanket and her fingers

Gavin at family scripture study

Last Month...


There are a few important events that happened in January I never recorded, so here's a brief glimpse:

Ronan and Herbie!!!

 Ronan was so excited about the Pinewood Derby! He didn't win any races or awards, (Though I feel he should have won some kind of prize for making such a cute car!) but he was happy as a clam just to have his Very. Own. Car!

I love my Mama and Daddy!

And GRANNA AND PA CAME for a visit! We had loads of fun, and it seemed to end all too soon. :-(

Here are some more fun pictures with Funny Granna and Silly Pa:

Typical!

The Guys

Granna with The Guys

Granna and Girls

Me with my cute parents

Welcome March, 2012!!!