Mad Math Skillz

We often snuggle in bed in the morning, just me and the girls. N is off to work at the buttcrack of down, actually earlier.

The other day Boo says, “Mama, what’s 24 and 24?”
I say “48”
What’s 24 less, then?
24.
Oh, ok, then what’s 12 less?
36.
Oh, then we haven’t seen Papa in 36 hours.

I was impressed. Of course, I had no idea where she was going with that line of questioning. Later that same day we had her parent-teacher conference. We are chatting about how “delightful and well-rounded” she is when she comes up and says “Mama, what’s 4 and 4 and 4?” And I walk her through 4+4, and then 4 more. The teacher turns to me and says, “I don’t think you should have any concerns about her.” Nice timing, kid! Make a Mama proud.

Books books books books

Book group was lovely last night, as always. N was very surprised that everyone left at midnight. Pretty early for us. Perhaps the pregnant mom and the two nursing mothers were tired from all that creating and nurturing life? And the rest of us just frazzled from pre-holiday mayhem?

Having a fire going certainly made it cozy. In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we have another fire blazing now. What a crappy life I lead, blogging all toasty with my tea and fire. Nea is clunking around in my shoes. Boo is spinning around. N is making lunch.

Next month’s selection is The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes.

Is there a marine biologist in the house?

I think it would be pretty festive, just with a string or two of lights wrapped around the eel, but they do it differently in Japan. (video starts after short commercial)

Chihuly at the Garfield Park Conservatory

Our only definite plan over the holidays is another visit to the Garfield Park Conservatory. I read in the Trib that another Dale Chihuly piece is on permanent display there now. The first time his work was exhibited there was probably my favorite art experience. See it here.




Or, if you are anti-art but pro-chocolate, check out the conservatory's Chocolate Fest. The next one will near Valentine's Day, as is traditional. The date doesn't seem to be posted on their site yet.

(Photo of Boo in 2005 at the conservatory.)

With the money we'll save on diapers ...

If there’s anything cuter than Nea, turning her back to you, and dramatically patting her butt three times with the flat of her hand to sign the need for a new diaper, I don’t know what it is. Regardless, serious potty training commences Dec. 21st, when her two weeks of vacation kick in. Stay tuned for the hilarity that is sure to ensue.

To date, the Heifer total from this site is $21.90. Not bad, I think. That’s enough for a flock of chicks, ducks, or geese. Enough to change a family's life.

Strange Humor

Everyone has a unique sense of humor, don’t you think? You can have a “dry” sense of humor, or a “dark” sense of humor. Or none. But I’ve never heard of a person having a “standard” sense of humor. Here are some examples of what is funny to me.

Setting: In line at a large salad bar.
Music playing over sound system: If you can’t be with the one you love, honey, love the one you’re with … (video)

Bluestem, to husband: Listen, Sweetie, they are playing our song!

And one that truly has an appreciative audience of one.

Friend: What causes apraxia?
Bluestem: Bad parenting.

Knee-deep in Christmasworld

Having trouble getting into the holiday spirit? Try this!

Having trouble finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list? Try this!

We just cut down our own Christmas tree, which we had never done before. I highly recommend Ide Trees in Downers Grove. I do not necessarily recommend undertaking this festive family fun in the rain, though. And Christmas trees give me an itchy rash. What a scrooge I am.

To-do list for Xmas

• Decorate tree.
• Finish forcing the kids to make Christmas cards.
• Give up and use back-up cards.
• Order photo for Christmas cards.
• Mail Christmas cards with photo and letter.
• Make gingerbread house.
• Finish shopping.
• Wrap presents.
• Mail presents, as applicable.
• Bake cookies.

Have I forgotten anything?