Wednesday, July 28, 2010

on the kitchen table

Time has been well spent lately with Those Who Live in this House. We have been together in a haphazard kind of way, well, with the exception of the boss who is working a gazillion hours as usual (insert a little sorrowful, bitter, I-want-you-home-but-I-understand-your-job-is-demanding kind of sigh).

Sometimes we schedule fun stuff that costs money…like Beezus and Ramona (we liked it and Henry ate a large popcorn nearly by himself). But mostly the best time spent is around the table doing whatnot and talking all at once usually about nothing. Having all the kids around is a nice treat. The older ones have busy schedules which often adds a high energy of rush rush rush and stress stress stress. I am speaking for myself, I need to stay on course always. Maybe I am strict, I don’t know, but I do know sitting back and watching the teenagers keep wacky schedules with little sleep makes me much more stressed than it does them.

011012

My oldest likes to make collages. She cuts pictures from everything –even books (gasp). She buys books and magazines at estate sales and cuts them to pieces. It made me hyperventilate until I saw the collages she makes. I love seeing what she is working on. I will bribe her to let me share something she has made.

013Sam drinks from this huge cowboy boot. When Ken was away Sam was among the first to get swine flu—when it was all over the news and everybody was freaking out. I was insane with worry and kept giving him his boot of liquids. While he was drinking from it we were watching Drew Barrymore in an interview and she said she went to Oklahoma to a bar where they served beer in big glass cowboy boots and how it was so funny. Sam laughed and it was then I knew he would be okay. (Jemm is this a blessing?)

015Today I poured choc raisins and crackers into the snack bowl. I left for a few minutes and returned to find one raisin left. They are so nice to leave me one, eh?

014027

Abba was on the record player. Sam and I were coloring with Sharpies, why are Sharpies fun to color with? He colored a shoebox and I drew a ship. PS the smell of Sharpies gives me a headache.

020018 019

026

Have you read this? This is the first time I have read Philippa Gregory though she has been recommended several times. Why did I wait so long? I am in love with this book. How is it that being a mistress to the King sounds so romantic when really it must have been horrible?

PS Would you be his mistress if or when he is King?:

charles

11 comments:

Leila said...

No, I would not.

Ewww.

Pansy.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Your boat is beautiful! I have been looking for a simple design to embroidery on a dishtowel...I think you could draw one! I'll add this book to my list...I've seen it but wasn't sure it was one I would like. But if you like it....I know I would, too! ♥ I'll pass on the last question! lol Enjoy your sweet family! ♥

Emily said...

Hahahahaha! Yes, that is totally a blessing. I can't believe we made it through winter without catching it here. (knock on wood)

My book club read that book about 4 years ago, I think. I didn't read it though. Really, it's good? I have heard great things about that book and hear the movie is a pure you know what. I don't know if can into the whole kings and queens thing. Do you normally like that genre or is it new for you? I may have to try it.....

Shann said...

Bleck! No way Jose! :)

P.S. I would love to see what your daughter is making with all those photos!

i cant decide said...

Oh, man, you made me laugh so hard with that last question and picture! Yuckie!

I want to come live at your house. I love the rhythm of your summer days. I like to use the fine tip sharpies, have you tried them?

Andi said...

Okay. That was a fun post...

Unknown said...

ummm. Where did those boys get their looks? Obviously from their mother. But perhaps he's very charming in person! I just bought that book at a garage sale to add to my 'to read' list. I so often wonder why I waited so long to read something! You are quite the artist! Love your ship.

Leslie said...

I love this post.. it's full of life and family and happiness.
I didn't know about your family having a first hand experience with the swine flu, I bet that was scary.
Happy Thursday.

oh.. and Camilla I am not. yucky. : )

Juniper said...

Ha ha your ending really made me laugh!
Great photo to go with it!
Nice post, I so agree with that feeling of calm simple happiness when the kids and I are all round the kitchen table drawing or doing play dough... especially when there is music playing ..goes into the nice moments section of my life.
Can't wait to see some of your daughters collages! Sounds like she has a bit of your creative talent!

We drink beer from boots as well (in Wisconsin -with its German roots) .

I did read this book and found myself happily swept away-easy page turner! I read it while living in the UK (my good friend who was making the costumes for the film) had passed it on to me.

LB's Sewing Sanity said...

This post made me miss you even more than I already do. We also love sitting at the kitchen table chatting endlessly!

ps. remember the wooden ironing board you gave us when you were in Turkey - Marc and I have been using it, in it's down position on the bed to play rummy 500...it's just perfect! sunshine & fireflies

humangal said...

hmm, i would have to be deeply on love with him. GOSH.
well, i plan to watch Ramona and Beezus with my two sisters. it looks so intersting. plus, my littler sis loves Selena (and I do too!)
Well, i've been looking for a book so I just might give it a read.
awesome! i love making collages and i even posted the last on i made (i was so proud). i was watching SportsCenter and decided to make a quick fashion collage and i must say, it came out better than i expected (after heavy editing).

http://truefully.blogspot.com/
comment, follow, and please enjoy. if not, click away. just click away.