Leslie: No Apples are sugar, but good sugar
A: Candy has a lot of sugar, right?
L: Yes
A: (after a long pause) In church, you can call people sugar.
L: Who calls you sugar in church?
A: My teachers
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
funny Andrew
Andrew continues to be at such a great age for funny sayings:
*Last week he had really bad chapped lips and upper lip, due to allergies and a drippy nose. He told his Bible Study teachers that "Daddy put gasoline on my lips" to help them feel better. Hmmm...I wonder if he is just a genius who knows that Vaseline has petroleum in it, same as gasoline.
*Yesterday, he awoke from his nap in a real funk. As he sat on the couch sobbing for no apparent reason, I asked him what was the matter. Between sobs, he said, "My allergies are giving me fits!" I wonder who he heard that from.
*Each week at bible study they say the Pledge of Allegiance. I had the pleasure of seeing it last week because I picked him up early. They got to the end and the teacher asked: "What does indivisible mean?" In a loud voice, Andrew piped up, "Not able to be divided!" Sounds like he's been listening!
*A few weeks ago, he asked me at breakfast: "Mom, is Jesus really a rock?"
L - Well, not really a rock. Strong like a rock, though.
A - Because he healed people.
*Last week he had really bad chapped lips and upper lip, due to allergies and a drippy nose. He told his Bible Study teachers that "Daddy put gasoline on my lips" to help them feel better. Hmmm...I wonder if he is just a genius who knows that Vaseline has petroleum in it, same as gasoline.
*Yesterday, he awoke from his nap in a real funk. As he sat on the couch sobbing for no apparent reason, I asked him what was the matter. Between sobs, he said, "My allergies are giving me fits!" I wonder who he heard that from.
*Each week at bible study they say the Pledge of Allegiance. I had the pleasure of seeing it last week because I picked him up early. They got to the end and the teacher asked: "What does indivisible mean?" In a loud voice, Andrew piped up, "Not able to be divided!" Sounds like he's been listening!
*A few weeks ago, he asked me at breakfast: "Mom, is Jesus really a rock?"
L - Well, not really a rock. Strong like a rock, though.
A - Because he healed people.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Zoo Atlanta
A highlight of spring break was going to a mini "Nana Camp" in Atlanta. The kids and I spent one night with Nana and had a blast visiting the zoo, playing in the park, eating Popsicles (a staple at Nana's), and generally having a great time.
Upon arrival at the zoo, our first stop was to see the pandas. Looks like he has the right idea - taking a morning nap.
Proof that I went to the zoo.
The petting zoo is always a hit. This was a rare moment of the three of them together, petting the same animal. At other times, they ran in three different directions.
The large tortoises were on Scott's "must see" list.
Amanda particularly enjoyed the flamingos.
I loved the elephant show. Do you know that elephants only have four teeth? They are each the size of a brick.
Upon arrival at the zoo, our first stop was to see the pandas. Looks like he has the right idea - taking a morning nap.
Proof that I went to the zoo.
The petting zoo is always a hit. This was a rare moment of the three of them together, petting the same animal. At other times, they ran in three different directions.
The large tortoises were on Scott's "must see" list.
Amanda particularly enjoyed the flamingos.
I loved the elephant show. Do you know that elephants only have four teeth? They are each the size of a brick.
Crafts!
If I haven't been blogging this month, where have I been? I'm excited that I finally took some time to work on some crafty projects that have been on my list for months. Here are the results:
Sometime after Christmas, I decided that our dolls needed some cloth diapers. After several attempts with newspaper, I made some templates that seem to work with our dolls and some of our friends. Aren't these cute! The best part about these is that they are completely made with leftover fabric. I only had to purchase velcro (which, by the way, is tricky to sew).
My other big project this week was making felt bean bag letters for birthday presents. I just love my little neighbor grandson, Eli...he has such a simple name!
Here are all the girl letters I made. I have some friends with really long names!
The kids were occupied with their own craft projects. Andrew has been wanting to mix colors for a while, so we put out all of our paints and he mixed away. He says his new favorite color is Violet - a bluish-purple color.
Even Amanda tried her hand at painting. She did really well until she tried to eat the paintbrush!
Sometime after Christmas, I decided that our dolls needed some cloth diapers. After several attempts with newspaper, I made some templates that seem to work with our dolls and some of our friends. Aren't these cute! The best part about these is that they are completely made with leftover fabric. I only had to purchase velcro (which, by the way, is tricky to sew).
My other big project this week was making felt bean bag letters for birthday presents. I just love my little neighbor grandson, Eli...he has such a simple name!
Here are all the girl letters I made. I have some friends with really long names!
The kids were occupied with their own craft projects. Andrew has been wanting to mix colors for a while, so we put out all of our paints and he mixed away. He says his new favorite color is Violet - a bluish-purple color.
Even Amanda tried her hand at painting. She did really well until she tried to eat the paintbrush!
Earth Day!
We are teaching our kids at an early age that Earth Day is every day, not just April 22. Besides recycling every scrap of paper in our house, we save all plastics, compost all foods and have fluorescent bulbs throughout the house.
We even let our kids advertise their love of our Earth in what they wear. We hope you had a great Earth Day and remember that we can do things EVERY day to take care of our planet home.
(P.S. - Amanda's shirt says "save some for me")
Aren't the azaleas pretty! I love April in Georgia when all the azaleas are blooming. We've also spotted the blackberry plants blooming along the side of the road. Derrick and I are making mental notes of where these are located. We've been known to scour the hills along the Walmart parking lot for good blackberries. Of course, none of them make it home, but the kids have a great time picking and eating them.
See the pacifier tether? I made it especially for my little dog lover. I couldn't resist the idea of her having her very own, personalized tether for her "ut-oh" (her name for the paci.) I've been doing much more crafting than blogging recently, but look for a post later today that shows all my hard work!
We even let our kids advertise their love of our Earth in what they wear. We hope you had a great Earth Day and remember that we can do things EVERY day to take care of our planet home.
(P.S. - Amanda's shirt says "save some for me")
Aren't the azaleas pretty! I love April in Georgia when all the azaleas are blooming. We've also spotted the blackberry plants blooming along the side of the road. Derrick and I are making mental notes of where these are located. We've been known to scour the hills along the Walmart parking lot for good blackberries. Of course, none of them make it home, but the kids have a great time picking and eating them.
See the pacifier tether? I made it especially for my little dog lover. I couldn't resist the idea of her having her very own, personalized tether for her "ut-oh" (her name for the paci.) I've been doing much more crafting than blogging recently, but look for a post later today that shows all my hard work!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Easter Morning
The tomb was sealed, but was Jesus there?
He is not there! Jesus is risen!
We had a great Easter morning. After checking to see if Jesus was in the tomb, we also checked the Resurrection Cookies in the oven to discover they too were hollow (and they sure did taste good!)
My family was even ready for church early, so we had time for a quick family photo.
He is not there! Jesus is risen!
We had a great Easter morning. After checking to see if Jesus was in the tomb, we also checked the Resurrection Cookies in the oven to discover they too were hollow (and they sure did taste good!)
My family was even ready for church early, so we had time for a quick family photo.
Easter Egg Hunt 2010
We love the tradition of attending our church's annual Easter Egg Hunt. It is a great time of fellowship with friends and meeting new people.
As I upload these pictures, it looks more like an Amanda post than a family post. I apologize, but she is at the cutest age and is certainly wearing the cutest outfit. Plus, the boys were so fast that I barely had time to get any pictures before their hunt was over. As a matter of fact, I missed Andrew all together and staged the picture I have of him.
As I upload these pictures, it looks more like an Amanda post than a family post. I apologize, but she is at the cutest age and is certainly wearing the cutest outfit. Plus, the boys were so fast that I barely had time to get any pictures before their hunt was over. As a matter of fact, I missed Andrew all together and staged the picture I have of him.
Easter - Part 1
Easter sneaks up on me every year, since it almost always coincides with March birthdays. I run out of time to do all of the activities that I plan. Thus, I have had an Egg Dying packet sitting on top of my refrigerator for at least two years. I always have grand ideas to dye eggs, but have never taken the plunge, so to speak.
This year was the year to do so! And, boy did we have fun. Andrew loved that the eggs turned colors and had no problems dunking the eggs into multiple colors.
Here you can see that Andrew's hands are almost as pretty as the eggs!
Amanda enjoyed watching us (she probably would have loved to help, but I just couldn't handle that this year).
Scott was really into it and dyed long after the other two lost focus. As a matter of fact, I saved the dye in jars and hope to boil more eggs this week to try again.
Aren't they beautiful! I learned something else from this adventure - Scott LOVES hard boiled eggs. They are such a simple addition to breakfast and he ate at least three before school last week. Yeah! I have something else to add to my super-fast-breakfast list!
This year was the year to do so! And, boy did we have fun. Andrew loved that the eggs turned colors and had no problems dunking the eggs into multiple colors.
Here you can see that Andrew's hands are almost as pretty as the eggs!
Amanda enjoyed watching us (she probably would have loved to help, but I just couldn't handle that this year).
Scott was really into it and dyed long after the other two lost focus. As a matter of fact, I saved the dye in jars and hope to boil more eggs this week to try again.
Aren't they beautiful! I learned something else from this adventure - Scott LOVES hard boiled eggs. They are such a simple addition to breakfast and he ate at least three before school last week. Yeah! I have something else to add to my super-fast-breakfast list!
More Birthday Pictures
Just to continue Scott's birthday celebration, we had his choice for dinner on Sunday (his actual birthday) - Low Country Boil. Basically this consists of his favorite foods: Sausage, Shrimp, and corn, plus potatoes and onions boiled together with some spices. It was yummy, although not as good as when we make it at the beach with fresh shrimp and serve it with the taste of sea salt in the air.
His big present from us was a rock polisher. As I write, it is churning away downstairs, filled with some rocks that Derrick and Scott have collected for this purpose. I look forward to seeing them shiny and smooth.
We rounded out Scott's birthday celebration with cupcakes at his school. He asked for my coconut cupcakes with lime icing. The kids in his class are used to Publix cupcakes, so we got mixed reviews on the icing. But, Scott, Andrew and I thought they were delicious.
One tradition that I love in Scott's class is that they all had the opportunity to say something they like about the birthday child. This is actually one of our family traditions as well, but it was wonderful to see such a positive tradition in the classroom. We are truly blessed with a great teacher this year.
His big present from us was a rock polisher. As I write, it is churning away downstairs, filled with some rocks that Derrick and Scott have collected for this purpose. I look forward to seeing them shiny and smooth.
We rounded out Scott's birthday celebration with cupcakes at his school. He asked for my coconut cupcakes with lime icing. The kids in his class are used to Publix cupcakes, so we got mixed reviews on the icing. But, Scott, Andrew and I thought they were delicious.
One tradition that I love in Scott's class is that they all had the opportunity to say something they like about the birthday child. This is actually one of our family traditions as well, but it was wonderful to see such a positive tradition in the classroom. We are truly blessed with a great teacher this year.
Scott's Party
Scott's Science Party was a huge hit. We had a beautiful Saturday, so we were able to have the entire party outside. The kids had a great time and Scott loved it. Here are some pictures:
The entire group, all wearing their goggles. Scott is wearing the lab coat.
Our first task was a scavenger hunt. We divided everyone into two teams and sent them into the yard with a list of 10 items. Some were easy (i.e. yellow flower, leaf, y-shaped stick) and some were more difficult (a bug, a spider). It was a great ice breaker for the kids, since many did not know each other.
We then moved to our first experiment - the exploding lunch bag. We got most of our ideas from ScienceBob's website, so I won't explain them here. I will say, though, that the kids discovered that this experiment was more fun when they popped the bag just before it exploded. The splash went much further.
Our second experiment was to make a simple duck call with a straw and scissors. Did you know that if you cut the angle just right, you can make a really annoying musical instrument? I know all of the parents were really excited to get that in the goody bag.
Callie trying out her straw instrument.
Our third experiment was to make slime or Gak with Borax and glue. In this picture, the little boy on the right, McCance, has just the right consistency.
We were getting hungry, so we decided to make icecream in Ziplock bags. Did you know that, if you don't use salt, the ice cream won't freeze? It took time and patience for this one, and I saw many parents kneeding bags. Next time I may provide towels or gloves to keep little hands warm.
But, boy was it worth it! I really can't think of much better than cream, sugar and vanilla...well, maybe if there was some chocolate syrup on top.
We really should have ended with the ice cream (and cake) because the kids lost their focus after their bellies were full. But, I had one more planned, so we went ahead with it anyway - the fantastic foamy fountain. If you have a minute, I recommend checking it out on the Science Bob website. I wish we had some of the more powerful hydrogen peroxide, but it was still really cool with the 6% that we had.
Andrew especially loved playing in the foam.
Overall it was a great party. I hope I'll have the chance to do it again with Andrew or Amanda...or even one of your kids! I had as much fun as the kids, if not more.
The entire group, all wearing their goggles. Scott is wearing the lab coat.
Our first task was a scavenger hunt. We divided everyone into two teams and sent them into the yard with a list of 10 items. Some were easy (i.e. yellow flower, leaf, y-shaped stick) and some were more difficult (a bug, a spider). It was a great ice breaker for the kids, since many did not know each other.
We then moved to our first experiment - the exploding lunch bag. We got most of our ideas from ScienceBob's website, so I won't explain them here. I will say, though, that the kids discovered that this experiment was more fun when they popped the bag just before it exploded. The splash went much further.
Our second experiment was to make a simple duck call with a straw and scissors. Did you know that if you cut the angle just right, you can make a really annoying musical instrument? I know all of the parents were really excited to get that in the goody bag.
Callie trying out her straw instrument.
Our third experiment was to make slime or Gak with Borax and glue. In this picture, the little boy on the right, McCance, has just the right consistency.
We were getting hungry, so we decided to make icecream in Ziplock bags. Did you know that, if you don't use salt, the ice cream won't freeze? It took time and patience for this one, and I saw many parents kneeding bags. Next time I may provide towels or gloves to keep little hands warm.
But, boy was it worth it! I really can't think of much better than cream, sugar and vanilla...well, maybe if there was some chocolate syrup on top.
We really should have ended with the ice cream (and cake) because the kids lost their focus after their bellies were full. But, I had one more planned, so we went ahead with it anyway - the fantastic foamy fountain. If you have a minute, I recommend checking it out on the Science Bob website. I wish we had some of the more powerful hydrogen peroxide, but it was still really cool with the 6% that we had.
Andrew especially loved playing in the foam.
Overall it was a great party. I hope I'll have the chance to do it again with Andrew or Amanda...or even one of your kids! I had as much fun as the kids, if not more.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
In Memory...
My grandmother passed away on March 19, 2010. She was 91. We had a memorial service for her last Friday. It was beautiful, mostly because it brought back so many memories of healthy Gramma. She was a sweet, wonderful woman.
I was honored to be able to put together a eulogy for the service. It was such a great experience to remember my grandmother as she was before the Alzheimer's. I've posted a copy of my notes at the bottom of this post. For now, here are some pictures from the day:
The three kids in their Easter outfits. Amanda is wearing a dress that my Mom made for me when I was a baby.
Perhaps these capture their personalities better:
Amanda was so silly. She thought it was hilarious to lie down for the picture.
I love this picture of her smile and the smocking on her dress. She was really in a good mood and the lighting in the chapel was great.
My cousin Katie is a Senior at Florida State, majoring in voice performance. She has a gorgeous voice and I was delighted to hear her sing two songs.
The whole family....
Thank you all for coming to help us celebrate the life of my grandmother. It is truly a blessing to see all this love surrounding us.
This has been a long road we have travelled these past 10 years. Alzheimer’s is such a cruel disease and it has been awful to watch Gramma’s memory fade.
I have a friend who has recently been on a similar journey with her grandmother. She told me that after her grandmother passed, the true healings and blessings came when the memories of her healthy grandmother came back into the foreground.
Sometimes the present is so real that we let the memories of the past fade or get lost in the midst of making medical decisions. But, I don’t want that to happen.
Let’s begin to remember Christine Biddle as she was when we all met her. In that light, I want to highlight ways that I will remember Gramma. I met Gramma, of course, when I was born. She has always been present in my life, especially since she moved to Atlanta when I was one. She shared birthdays, Christmases and dinner every Sunday night at our house. She was such a big influence on my life, and I am blessed because of it.
One of the most tangible ways that I will remember Gramma is that she loved to knit. We all have Afghans that she lovingly put together for us. One of mine sits on the couch in the winter and it is nice to be able to snuggle under it with my kids and share memories.
Another memory is that she did not cook. As I mentioned, Sunday dinner was at our house, not hers. She made corn pudding every time she had a pot luck at church and canned peas were a vegetable staple in her house. To this day, I cannot open a can of peas without thinking of her. The smell takes me right back to her kitchen.
My strongest memory of Gramma is her amazing gift to make the most beautiful music on the piano. It was a gift that she had from childhood. She could play just about anything, with or without music. She filled our home with music. Every birthday celebration, she was proud to sit at the piano and accompany us in Happy Birthday. It even sounded beautiful on our antique, out of tune piano, with our not so antique, out of tune voices. (Unless, of course, Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Bob & Katie were with us.)
I’m sure you all have your own remembrances of Gramma, or Christine or Chris, as many of you called her. By naming my Mom “Nancy Christine,” she began a legacy of Christines in our family. I am Leslie Christine. Growing up, I was always proud to be “Little C” and a part of the “Three Christines.”
When I was about 10, we realized that there were some very strong traits that run through the family lines. We called them “Christine traits.” Most traits were strong in all three generations. All Christines love to be where the action is, Gramma most especially. These were Bump, Bump, Bump. But occasionally a trait skipped one of us. As I mentioned earlier, Gramma wasn’t much of a cook, but my Mom and I both love to cook. That’s a Skip, Bump, Bump trait. If a trait was really strong in one particular generation, it would be a double or triple bump – i.e. Gramma’s smile that would light up a room.
Gramma’s legacy runs strong through the Christine line. And it continues in the next generation with my niece Callie Christine and my daughter Amanda Christine. I already see “bumps” in their personalities and love to look for Gramma reflected in them.
I have another friend who, in her condolences to me this week, said, “Grandmothers are so special. Mine continues to influence my daily life.” This woman is at least 10 years older than me, so I was impressed at the longevity in her family. She paused a moment and said, “She’s been gone for 10 years.” So let’s together remember the first 80 years of Gramma’s life. As in the case of my friend, these memories will continue to impact and influence me for many years to come.
I was honored to be able to put together a eulogy for the service. It was such a great experience to remember my grandmother as she was before the Alzheimer's. I've posted a copy of my notes at the bottom of this post. For now, here are some pictures from the day:
The three kids in their Easter outfits. Amanda is wearing a dress that my Mom made for me when I was a baby.
Perhaps these capture their personalities better:
Amanda was so silly. She thought it was hilarious to lie down for the picture.
I love this picture of her smile and the smocking on her dress. She was really in a good mood and the lighting in the chapel was great.
My cousin Katie is a Senior at Florida State, majoring in voice performance. She has a gorgeous voice and I was delighted to hear her sing two songs.
The whole family....
Thank you all for coming to help us celebrate the life of my grandmother. It is truly a blessing to see all this love surrounding us.
This has been a long road we have travelled these past 10 years. Alzheimer’s is such a cruel disease and it has been awful to watch Gramma’s memory fade.
I have a friend who has recently been on a similar journey with her grandmother. She told me that after her grandmother passed, the true healings and blessings came when the memories of her healthy grandmother came back into the foreground.
Sometimes the present is so real that we let the memories of the past fade or get lost in the midst of making medical decisions. But, I don’t want that to happen.
Let’s begin to remember Christine Biddle as she was when we all met her. In that light, I want to highlight ways that I will remember Gramma. I met Gramma, of course, when I was born. She has always been present in my life, especially since she moved to Atlanta when I was one. She shared birthdays, Christmases and dinner every Sunday night at our house. She was such a big influence on my life, and I am blessed because of it.
One of the most tangible ways that I will remember Gramma is that she loved to knit. We all have Afghans that she lovingly put together for us. One of mine sits on the couch in the winter and it is nice to be able to snuggle under it with my kids and share memories.
Another memory is that she did not cook. As I mentioned, Sunday dinner was at our house, not hers. She made corn pudding every time she had a pot luck at church and canned peas were a vegetable staple in her house. To this day, I cannot open a can of peas without thinking of her. The smell takes me right back to her kitchen.
My strongest memory of Gramma is her amazing gift to make the most beautiful music on the piano. It was a gift that she had from childhood. She could play just about anything, with or without music. She filled our home with music. Every birthday celebration, she was proud to sit at the piano and accompany us in Happy Birthday. It even sounded beautiful on our antique, out of tune piano, with our not so antique, out of tune voices. (Unless, of course, Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Bob & Katie were with us.)
I’m sure you all have your own remembrances of Gramma, or Christine or Chris, as many of you called her. By naming my Mom “Nancy Christine,” she began a legacy of Christines in our family. I am Leslie Christine. Growing up, I was always proud to be “Little C” and a part of the “Three Christines.”
When I was about 10, we realized that there were some very strong traits that run through the family lines. We called them “Christine traits.” Most traits were strong in all three generations. All Christines love to be where the action is, Gramma most especially. These were Bump, Bump, Bump. But occasionally a trait skipped one of us. As I mentioned earlier, Gramma wasn’t much of a cook, but my Mom and I both love to cook. That’s a Skip, Bump, Bump trait. If a trait was really strong in one particular generation, it would be a double or triple bump – i.e. Gramma’s smile that would light up a room.
Gramma’s legacy runs strong through the Christine line. And it continues in the next generation with my niece Callie Christine and my daughter Amanda Christine. I already see “bumps” in their personalities and love to look for Gramma reflected in them.
I have another friend who, in her condolences to me this week, said, “Grandmothers are so special. Mine continues to influence my daily life.” This woman is at least 10 years older than me, so I was impressed at the longevity in her family. She paused a moment and said, “She’s been gone for 10 years.” So let’s together remember the first 80 years of Gramma’s life. As in the case of my friend, these memories will continue to impact and influence me for many years to come.
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