The Joys of a Younger Sibling
There are always pros and cons to the various positions of birth order. For example, we long ago decided that the front passenger seat, a very desired location, is always reserved for the oldest child. No questions asked.
I've always read that younger kids benefit from the parents' exhaustion after years of discipline, which gives the children at the bottom of the line-up more freedom. Sounds correct to me, but that also means the parents are wiser to the tricks:
This morning, one of our kids told me they felt sick and asked for the thermometer. The first reading, taken in the bathroom, was 108°! The child exclaimed, "This thermometer isn't working!" I requested a second attempt. Once again from the bathroom, the result lowered to 103.5° This time I insisted that the temperature be taken in my presence. Now it lowered again, to 98.3° A fourth attempt, to find some semblance of consistency, revealed 98.4°
Years ago, our eldest child Paul had pulled the "hot water in the bathroom" trick. I've learned a few things.
Animal Welfare
When cold weather arrives and you live in a 1903 house, the mice find their way inside. Early this morning, I saw a flash out of the corner of my eye, from the dog's food bowl into the pantry.
At breakfast, after I told everyone about my observation, David replied, "No one can accuse us of abusing our mice. Instead, we feed them."
Happy Thanksgiving
A day late, but I'm not about to wish you a "Happy Black Friday"!
From Ukrainian culture, our children highly value the hosting of guests. They worked like troopers yesterday to clean house, chop tons of food, set the table, and entertain our guests. I'm proud of them. We had a wonderful day with family and friends, although we missed Paul and Rachel. Paul spent Thanksgiving dinner with a friend in Tacoma, WA, while Rachel visited with her boyfriend's family in Fredericksburg, TX.
"I Have Found Vincent"
Douglas Coupland, the artist, chose
Daniel Baker, from Christchurch, England
For more information, see the website: iamvincent.com
Rite of Passage
Sarah received her first college acceptance, from Concordia University Chicago. Things have changed, for instead of an official letter in the mail, she accepted a phone call from her admissions counselor. I gave her two big hugs.
LATE Freeze
In my twenty years living in Chicago, I can't remember when the first freeze was this late in the season. Today is the midpoint of November, and my tomato plants are still bearing fruit. Our first freeze is scheduled for this Saturday, so there are several more days for the tomatoes to ripen before I bring them inside.
Positives
I promised myself to keep posting, to remind myself of the positive side of parenting. It's hard when I get so busy, however, with the challenges of parenting. Sorry for the absence.
'Tis the Season
Saw my first Christmas commercial on TV today. At least it was after Halloween.
Positive News from Chicago
What a breath of fresh air to celebrate the Cubs' championship! My favorite image is the photo from the Tribune the morning after the Cubs' win:
