Welcome Home

Since I am actually not teaching, attending workshops, or having to review new curriculum or text books, I have been looking at houses. We have only lived here almost 2 years, but the house does not yet feel ours. For example, 2 bedrooms still have the depressing gray paint that the previous owners must have gotten a deal on because 2/3 of the house was painted that shade. I vow to rid the last 2 rooms of that shade this summer. However, my immediate attention has turned to our mini-front porch. It isn't large enough to put a swing or chair. But I realized that my little entry area is not so inviting. Now I have gifts of singing and teaching but not decorating. I KNOW that many of you do and thought, why not ask for help. So far I know I want to paint the front door - perhaps a lovely shade of purple (my favorite color) or red. I'd like to have some plants and maybe a new light, new house numbers. What else? Here's a few pictures to help your imagination.
First close and then further away.

Whatcha Readin'?

Summer is my favorite time to read. Even as a child and teen I would voraciously devour at least a book a week. Since my job is changing and I have NO idea what I will be doing, I feel motivated to submerge myself in various subgroups of fiction and nonfiction. I just might sit on the couch all day and partake decadently in a Harry Potter novel as I did in the days before children. Below is a list of books I might get to read all the way through ( oh yes, I have started many a book in the last 2.5 years only to have it become covered in dust and the bookmark removed so that I have to start all the way over again.)
Also, if you have suggestions, I would LOVE to hear them. And now, in no particular order, my summer reading list-ish:
Harry Potter # 5, 6 & 7 (YEAH RIGHT! If I get through 5 I'll be happy!)
Confessions of a Slacker Mom
Scream-Free Parenting
How to Have A Mary Heart in a Martha World
God is Closer Than You Think
The Secret Lives of Girls
Hoot
The Freedom Writers

I will probably add and subtract as I receive responses or change my mind. What's on your list or coffee table?

Don't call us, we WON'T call you.

I am officially the WORST daughter. My dad called to tell me so tonight. He doesn't EVER call. I guess you could look it up in the dictionary and see my picture or something. And to some degree it is true. I have been WAY overloaded at work and neglecting e-mails, children , spouse, and housework for at least the last 3 weeks. The end of the school year is just like that. So I do claim responsibility for part of my actions. But I do believe it takes two to tango and my mom was sending me snarky/provoking e-mails and I was trying to politely say nothing. The result is that we are not talking. And see here comes why I am the worst, I felt a little sad when he told me not to call, but mostly I felt


relief.


Relief that I don't have to act like nothing is wrong when there is something HUGELY wrong. Relief that I won't have to endure 12 hours of travel with an active toddler and 7 month old for a few days of pretending to know one another and enjoy each other's company.
Relief that I won't have to go through the family actions of calling or e-mailing without the family value of unconditional love.
Unfortunately when they do call, I know that it means something is REALLY wrong, like maybe my Grandma died, or my dad had a heartattack.
I feel like this might be a good thing. You see the only way I feel like I can preserve myself and the few shards of self-esteem or dignity I have left is to put up my shield to deflect the negativity, hurt, crazy, and superficiality. It's almost freeing.
I'm not sure how to proceed so that my children will know their Grandpa and Nana without the interference of this huge chasm between their parents and grandparents. You see, my husband is quite upset that my dad told me not to call or write. He feels that I shouldn't talk to them until I get an apology. And knowing my parents, I'm sure they are waiting for me to apologize first.
All I ask is that you pray we'll get a peaceful resolution and wisdom for me to know what to say and do. Of course, I've been praying for that for years.

What's in a Name?

Asked Shakespeare. Well, I felt like the name of the blog didn't really fit any longer. Then when someone on a bulletin board I frequent commented on the low number of posts by listing the few other names and then "Heather at night" it made me think of a talk show. But, I liked it well enough to change the name here. I do usually post at night anyway, so it is fitting. Now all I need is some catchy theme music!

BIG boy

Grant had his 6 month check up Friday(almost a month late thanks to the busy-ness at the end of the school year) and here are his stats:
Height = 27 inches.
Weight = 19.9 pounds.
OMG No wonder my arms are getting tight and tired! And because I can't resist him, here is a recent pic. of that sweet boy.

A budding photographer

Ahh, summer. So Greg was dancing with Grayson and I wanted to get a picture. After I got the picture Grayson went looking for her camera and wanted to take some pictures. Of course we couldn't find it, so I let her use mine (with great delight I might add!) Below is the first (of I'm sure many to come) photo exhibit. I personally like the one of me at the end. What's your favorite?
This is part of the lazy boy chair. Next we have the computer chair (I'm sure you're starting to see her theme....)
Then she branches out to the foot stool I like to rest my feet on under the computer. She also got a little bit of her finger.
Then she moves further out and gets one of the whole room ( no judgments on Sun. about the cleanliness please....)
And then me.....








A little out of focus perhaps and missing a head, but still me. LOL
Happy Father's Day everyone.