The Rellim Family Blogspot

Winner! (and loser)

2012-01-29T07:36:00.002-06:00

Mike and Quinn entered a Wii Mario Cart competition at our local video store yesterday. For the meager entry fee of one non-perishable food item, they were allowed one time trial each. At the end of the day, the boys learned that Quinn had the best time of all the participants and was awarded a $20 gift card from the store. He had bested his father, who was the second-place finisher. A $10 gift card was his prize.

We couldn't help but remind Mike of the line from Talladega Nights, when Will Ferrell's father teaches him, "Boy, if ya ain't first - yer last!"

Almost

2012-01-28T13:02:00.002-06:00

Quinn is almost 14. He is almost as tall as me. He weighs almost as much as me. And I was thinking how grown-up he looked when he held the door open for me at the bank and walked to the teller to inquire about getting cash for a bunch of change.

Then he took his PIGGY bank out from under his hoodie to empty into the change counter, followed by his MICKEY MOUSE wallet where he stashed the cash.

Good Idea!

2012-01-25T17:59:00.000-06:00

Good News!

2012-01-20T13:57:00.001-06:00

Based on our current investment returns, we have enough money to live for eight months after retirement.

Creative Passive-Aggression

2012-01-18T21:35:00.003-06:00

Last month, my daughter's science teacher wrongly accused her of cheating and gave her a zero on the assignment. Yesterday, my daughter volunteered to answer almost every question in the class, using great detail - and a British accent.

Wash Day

2012-01-16T18:52:00.000-06:00

Before I Knew

2012-01-16T11:35:00.002-06:00

MLK are my given initials, and when I was younger, I thought this day was especially for me. But that's before I learned of Martin Luther King, Jr. I wonder what he'd think about the Occupy movement today?

Can Someone Make This For Me?!

2012-01-14T17:29:00.002-06:00

Interesting Read

2012-01-14T17:26:00.002-06:00

If you have a couple hours, you might like to curl up with this book. There are so many books about heaven, but this one is a unique perspective.

And Many More!

2012-01-12T09:19:00.001-06:00

To my husband:

Happy birthday! Keep shakin' your groove thang!

Miraculous Stats!

2012-01-11T20:23:00.004-06:00

I read this on a FB post while doing some light internet stalking.

Tim Tebow is no longer allowed to wear "John 3:16" on his eye black in the NFL. However, in the game Sunday against Pittsburgh, there were a lot of coincidental statistics! He threw for 316 yards, averaged 31.6 yards per completion, the TV ratings peaked at 31.6 when he threw the final TD pass, and the Steelers only interception was on a 3rd and 16.

How do you Measure a Life?

2012-01-07T19:42:00.001-06:00

Cal Thomas had a beautiful op ed today in the newspaper. You can check it out here.

Dad's Advice

2012-01-07T19:24:00.002-06:00

I called my dad today to inquire about his 2000 Camry LE and whether it might be for sale. Rachel will be 16 next month and I'm simply exploring possibilities. Dad told me it might be for sale, but he's not selling it to us. "Wanna know why?" he asked. "Because you don't need another car!"

I felt like I was 16 all over again. I didn't get a car then either. And I don't think my dad would make a very good salesman with that sort of attitude.

Addiction

2012-01-05T18:34:00.003-06:00

Quinn's health class is studying addictive behaviors and has required each student to think of something to which he might be addicted. Quinn brought home a certificate that we both had to sign, pledging that for four weeks, he would not make unnecessary purchases. I suggested that he is more addicted to playing video games than spending money. He replied, "Duh! But then I'd have to stop playing video games!"

Addiction. The first step is admitting you need help. We aren't there yet.

Don't Mess

2012-01-03T20:02:00.002-06:00

What weighs 148 pounds and stands five feet, five and 3/4 inches tall?
Quinn in a gorilla shirt.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T18:42:00.002-06:00

I'm having difficulty distinguishing the fine line between boredom and hunger. I guess it's time to get back to work!

Haircut Term

2012-01-01T18:35:00.003-06:00

Quinn went to the barber for a haircut and told us, "The guy gave me a hangover this time!" I needed more information to understand, so he clarified by saying, "You know - a muffin top!" Still wondering, I assessed his new do and realized he was describing his new style that was a little bit longer on top than on the sides.

Classic Quinnism.

New Word

2012-01-01T18:34:00.001-06:00

My friend's little girl told me her new shirt was a "handy-down" from her big sister.

No Such Thing

2011-12-29T16:32:00.002-06:00

I learned today that there is no such thing as a free computer. I purchased a CAT 5 ethernet extension, an ethernet hub, a mouse and a computer desk in preparation for my free computer. Then my free computer did not respond when I pressed the power button.

I just took my free computer to local computer geeks, who have agreed to determine the problem - for $45.

Fancy Duds

2011-12-26T21:45:00.002-06:00

Christmas Eve with Reggenoh cousins.
Merry Christmas, everyone!

Mrs. Other Neighbor

2011-12-16T16:41:00.004-06:00

Mrs. Other Neighbor just called. It's Friday evening. She asked if we were missing a bicycle. I had no idea, so I asked Quinn, "Hey, Quinn, are we missing a bicycle?"

He said, "Yeah. We've been missing Dad's bike since about Saturday. I couldn't find it after I got done delivering Christmas treats around the neighborhood."

I told him to go pick it up at Mrs. Other Neighbor's house. It's been there since last Saturday.

The boy may never get to borrow the car. Ever.

Karma

2011-12-16T13:49:00.002-06:00

I received a phone call from Quinn's principal this week. It seems he was involved in a minor altercation whereupon he was punched in the balls by another student in the locker room. "Yes," my son admitted, "I did punch the other kid in the balls a couple weeks ago, but there's no way it hurt this much!"

Both boys served before-school detentions the next day.

Illinois

2011-12-11T18:03:00.000-06:00

Our unfortunate claim to fame.

My Early Christmas Present?

2011-12-10T18:53:00.004-06:00

A new washing machine. Speed Queen. Six months same as cash. I guess it will be my birthday present too.

Christmas Concert

2011-12-07T20:15:00.005-06:00

Rachel is wearing her new concert gown, purchased in large part by the fruit sales made by her little brother for the music boosters.

Academic Excellence

2011-12-06T20:18:00.001-06:00

Rachel just "earned" 20 extra credit points in her Spanish II class by bringing in ten canned food items for the local food pantry.

New Appetizer

2011-12-02T19:12:00.003-06:00

I heard about this on the Food Network tonight -
Bacon Wrapped Matzo Balls. Seriously.

Planning Ahead

2011-12-02T18:58:00.002-06:00

My mom had minor surgery today (all went well.). I heard that in preparation for her recovery, she and one of my sisters went through the refrigerator and eliminated everything that my dad could possibly feed her in the next few days that could have gone bad.

$11.00

2011-11-30T19:28:00.002-06:00

I found eleven dollars in a pair of black slacks that I hadn't worn since last spring. I quickly gave it to Little Caesar's for a yummy dinner.

Not Similar

2011-11-26T16:40:00.002-06:00

To occupy means to seize possession of and maintain control over by force. Sounds like a military maneuver – and certainly not a peaceful one. How anyone can compare the TEA Party demonstrations to the Occupy movement is idiotic. The main point of both movements is the growing distrust of the federal government. The manner in which the sentiments are expressed are completely different.

Sweet Boy

2011-11-20T21:31:00.002-06:00

Quinn insisted on attending the latest movie with me from the Twilight Saga. In this movie, the main human character, Bella, marries and has a baby with her vampire husband, Edward.

Today, Quinn wondered aloud if the actress who portrayed Bella really had to get pregnant for the movie and if she really had to let Edward bite her and get that big needle of venom thrust into her heart. I kindly reminded him that actors are acting and that she was in no pain during the filming of the bloody birth scene. (I was already regretting taking him to the movie because of some questionable honeymoon scenes.)

Then Rachel added some levity to the situation by saying, "And she didn't really have to turn into a vampire either."

$100

2011-11-16T17:44:00.003-06:00

Mr. Rellim gave me a $100 dollar bill today and asked, "Do you have a way to break it for me?" I assured him that I could.

After a trip to the grocery store, I do have some smaller bills. But hopefully he won't mind that they only add up to about $40 bucks.

From the Backseat

2011-11-12T08:58:00.003-06:00

My nephew, Owen (8 yrs old) came to visit yesterday and I drove him and Quinn around over Quinn's lunch break so they could have a "roaming picnic" while eating McDonald's drive-through. Owen is a good reader and he entertained himself - and especially me - by reading signs in town. As we drove by the college dive Planet Wiener, Owen noticed that the giant hotdog on the sign had rings around it like one of the planets in our solar system. The following conversation ensued . . .

Owen: Look! Planet Wiener! There's a giant hotdog coming out of Uranus!
Quinn: That's not Uranus. That's Saturn. Uranus doesn't have rings around it, only rocks.
Owen: Well, I think it is a wiener and it is Uranus! Why did they make the wiener poke through Uranus? It looks funny.

It was all I could do to keep driving.

Fire Alarm Funnies

2011-11-10T16:56:00.004-06:00

The fire alarm went off today in response to smoke from a faculty room microwave mishap. I happened to be in a group of Kindergarten students while they made their way safely and quickly out the back door. I was carrying a preschooler and had wrapped her up in my coat since the weather was cold (42 degrees) and windy.

Between kids' chattering teeth, I heard these comments:
"I hope no one is eating my peanut butter sandwich! (left behind in the cafeteria)"
"Why is everyone going to recess now?"
"Can I play hopscotch?"
"I'm so cold I'm going to melt!"

New Roof

2011-11-09T19:57:00.003-06:00

Mrs. Neighbor is getting a new roof. I asked her why she was replacing her roof (I knew that it had been replaced only about five years ago by the previous owner.).

This was her response:

"We are replacing the roof because [insert long glance toward the Rellim home.] it is so ugly. We don't need to live in an ugly home. Whoever gets this home after us will certainly be walking into a gem."

I just said, "Oh," turned and walked away toward my ugly little ranch.

Occupy Reality

2011-11-07T19:13:00.003-06:00

I'm sorry life hasn't given you a bowl of cherries. Try making some lemonade. If you have all this time on your hands, why don't you donate it to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen or children's charity?

Why I Need Reading Glasses

2011-11-05T08:47:00.003-06:00

-and possibly a memory boost, because I feel like I may have already blogged about this but can't find the post.

A few weeks ago a coworker asked me to send an email to our tech office requesting that they delete voice mail on her extension. As a consultant, she does not have need for the voice mail at the school and also does not have access to the tech office (weird). I glanced at her phone to get the extension number and sent the email. Unfortunately for the employee at x2867, the consultant's extension was actually x2857.

I'm amazed at the number of situations where reading is required.

Just Three Things

2011-11-04T15:29:00.000-06:00

I propose a Saturday Night Live skit in which a cashier gets to know his customer based on three items in her purchase. Here were my three items at CVS: mega-bag of Hershey's chocolate bars, pantyliners and ibuprofen. Tell me about what three items you might have in your cart today.

Autism Speaks

2011-11-02T20:12:00.003-06:00

During a brief moment of silence while teaching a phonological awareness lesson to a Kindergarten class today, a young student heard his name spoken from the room next door. He sat up straight, gasped, then said, "I hear myself!"

Red Ribbon Week

2011-10-25T18:51:00.002-05:00

I wore my "crazy" socks today for Red Ribbon Week. It is supposed to be a statement about "socking it" to drugs.

Too bad Crazy Sock Day is tomorrow. Today was Wear Red Day.

I wore orange.

Kudos to Kristin

2011-10-21T12:19:00.003-05:00

Rachel's friend Kristin took many pictures last weekend. Here are some of my favorites.

Thanks, Dick.

2011-10-18T18:47:00.003-05:00

You know we've been watching the Dick Van Dyke show, right?

Quinn just announced that if he had a time machine he would go back in time to the days when the man came home from work to a perfectly-cleaned home, kissed his wife, then ate homemade dinner that she made for him. "You know - before women had all these 'equal rights.'"

So Far, So Good

2011-10-17T21:27:00.002-05:00

Although Quinn has not yet attempted his revenge on his father, I do know that Mr. Rellim did not sleep well last night. I know this because he bolted straight up in bed when the wind picked up and caused our bedroom door to creak and move slightly back and forth.

My guess is that Quinn's revenge will involve rubber snakes. Mr. Rellim hates snakes. I've seen the man jump and scream and destroy things in his path to gain distance between himself and snakes. This actually happened once while we were in a very small boat surrounded by crocodiles. Legit.

Let the Games Begin

2011-10-15T19:51:00.003-05:00

As if accidentally poisoning my son with peanut-dust-laced m&m cookies was not enough trauma for one day, Mr. Rellim decided to scare him by hiding in the dark behind the garage. Quinn was scared - then angry. Then, while Quinn stood in the bathroom, preparing to enter the shower, Mr. Rellim scared him again by thrusting his hand through the bathroom window.

I insisted that he apologize. Quinn said, "He should be way more afraid of what I'm going to do to him."

Our Newest Family Pastime

2011-10-14T15:18:00.005-05:00

We just finished watching the entire first season of the Dick Van Dyke Show. After Quinn's initial roar of disapproval due to the black and white, he was heard to giggle the most.

One of our favorite was the episode "Where Did I Come From?" You can watch it here for free!

Cell Phones

2011-10-14T15:10:00.002-05:00

The high school here just ditched their "NO CELL PHONES" policy. Now the students have permission to use their phones during passing times and at lunch. My hunch is that the kids abuse that privilege too. Here is a funny little something I found on the subject:

My Cousin's Wedding

2011-10-10T15:31:00.005-05:00

One picture is Rachel with her new baby cousin, Evelyn and surrounded by my parents. The other picture is us with a little cow - my nephew Owen.
Funny stuff.

Speech and Hearing

2011-10-10T15:27:00.003-05:00

I took Quinn and his friend to the local grocery store to pick up some ice cream. While in the check out line, the woman ahead of us dropped her change. Quinn leaned over to his friend and said, "Pick up the money for the ma'am." A few seconds later, Quinn's friend attempted a stage whisper, "That's not a man! It's a woman!"

Homecoming

2011-10-09T19:58:00.001-05:00

Do You Suppose?

2011-10-06T15:37:00.002-05:00

Andy

2011-10-05T07:11:00.003-05:00

Andy was the younger brother of Mr. Rellim's best buddy. Here is a picture of Andy's two young kids waving to him during planting time last spring. I imagine he's reaping a harvest in heaven today. Rest in peace, friend.

Way Worth the Read

2011-09-25T19:26:00.003-05:00

My Lucky Life in and out of Show Business.

The Future

2011-09-25T19:24:00.001-05:00

Quinn told us that when he grows up he's going to live in a small town with a great view - and near a volcano.

Mammals

2011-09-23T13:10:00.002-05:00

An intelligent third grade student of mine is learning about mammals. He told me that all mammals drink milk from their mothers. He then proceeded to stare me up and down, asking, "I get it with cows, but with people - WHERE does it come from?!"

I momentarily lost my courage and replied, "Well, I guess that's a question for your mom. She would know."

Sure-Fire Way to Make it Rain

2011-09-14T19:43:00.003-05:00

Set up your sprinkler to give your garden a drink. Leave it on during dinner. Have a church meeting. Forget to turn off the sprinkler. Go to bed late. Wake up to loud thunder at 3:00 am wondering if there's anything you've forgotten to do.

Editing

2011-09-08T16:54:00.003-05:00

Yes, the blog is occasionally edited as some members of the family do not appreciate every detail of her Homecoming plans broadcast to the world. But, just wondering - how many offers did you receive in one week to attend a school dance? And how many times did your answer change, necessitating some un-asking and re-asking? I suppose I'm recording events now so that I won't forget any details. I just get confused so easily.

Rejoice in the Everyday

2011-08-30T21:44:00.002-05:00

Quinn came running out of the bathroom naked, soaking wet, shower still running, to proudly proclaim, "I caught a fly with my hands!!"

And my friend thought her teenage boy was going a little loopy.

Vocabulary Enhancement

2011-08-26T18:06:00.003-05:00

There are a lot of words my son apparently has not really learned. Today, when the school nurse joked about being able to cut out his appendix, if necessary, Quinn gave a shocked look and quickly grabbed his privates. I guess he only heard the "dix" part. (And why does he know that word?!)

Later, he asked me why the doctor was touching the back of his throat in order to touch his tonsils. "Why did she have to gag me with that stick?! Aren't tonsils on my teeth?"

And this summer when asked to wear denim as a part of his VBS attire, he just ignored the instruction because he figured it was "some sort of girl thing."

74/?

2011-08-26T06:18:00.002-05:00

Seventy-four over nothing.

That's what my blood pressure was this morning before working out. The trainer dude just stared at me. I said, "That's a new record," and walked away.

Maybe I'll eat a good breakfast.

As If

2011-08-25T16:15:00.002-05:00

As if a bum shoulder wasn't enough to help her opponents get a ball past her . . . Rachel now has a jammed thumb. We may have to buy an injury-proof bubble for her to wear while playing soccer.

I Really Like Him

2011-08-21T21:47:00.004-05:00

Former Senator Rick Santorum. I know it's a long shot, but he does have an impressive list of accomplishments as PA Representative and then Senator. This is an 11-minute interview, but worth it.

I read this book of his a few years ago and predicted that he might be a Presidential candidate someday. This is the day and I wish him good luck!

Teenagers are Idiots!

2011-08-21T21:15:00.002-05:00

(But they have a lot of fun.)

If you see Rachel, ask how her shoulder is feeling after the golf cart rollover accident.

First Day Report

2011-08-17T17:59:00.003-05:00

Quinn told us the first day of school was "stupid."

Rachel shared with us the "Get to Know You" questionnaire that she had filled out for her honors English class. She wrote that her weaknesses include "staying organized and remembering important information." She wrote that her strengths include "having an opinion about everything."

That's my girl.

Stolen! Briefly.

2011-08-16T17:44:00.003-05:00

Rachel called to tell me that she and her friend had their bicycles stolen while they were at the university campus. My first thought was that she might have simply misplaced them (She is an absent-minded professor.). But, "NO!" she said, "We actually saw the people riding away with them!"

A few minutes later, campus police had tracked down the perpetrators. It was almost too easy since the women were also pulling a little tykes wagon full of children.

True story.

I wonder if the ladies had said, "C'mon, kiddos! Let's go get us some bikes to ride!"

I wonder if the wagon was theirs.

I wonder if the kids were theirs.

El Fin

2011-08-14T13:07:00.002-05:00

The last day of summer vacation for me here. I knew it was coming. I've received three letters from school administrators, emails, even a pre-recorded phone message. Yet still I wonder when I'll have time in my life for a job.

Perhaps I'll take a bit less time reading the morning paper. I will have to start folding clothes and watching the news at the same time. Time to dust off the crock pot & change my "Summer To Do List" to "Christmas Vacation To Do List."

But I have a Christmas Vacation (nevermind what the public school calls it now) and that makes all the difference!

Salty

2011-08-12T15:58:00.002-05:00

I'm doing something salty this afternoon instead of just treading water with my life. Rachel joined me at the TEA Party booth at a local fair. The second person to approach the booth started cussing and accusing us of starving babies. Oh my!

Chandelier Dress

2011-08-12T12:32:00.004-05:00

So ugly, it's charming, right? Rachel does not agree. So if my sister doesn't like it, I guess I'll dress up as a chandelier for Halloween. Any predictions?

Thoughts on the Debate

2011-08-12T10:09:00.003-05:00

Romney: Slick. Charming, but I don't think he's showing us all his cards. Romneycare.

Pawlenty: Whiny.

Cain: Good ideas but limited knowledge of politics. Somewhat unfairly targeted with religious-based questions.

Gingrich: Strong knowledge of history & politics, but too abrasive.

Bachmann: Forced to defend herself. Tactfully answered outrageous question about submission to her husband.

Paul: Get the US outta world affairs!

Santorum: Like him, like him, like him as strong social conservative, proven ability to achieve welfare reform, take action against nations who threaten us. But, his absolute honesty actually hurts him with others who do not agree because he doesn't even pretend to pretend to agree (re: abortion, gay marriage, etc).

Your thoughts?

New Skirt

2011-08-09T08:12:00.002-05:00

I was wearing my cute new skirt yesterday while back-to-school shopping with Rachel and my mom. Suddenly, things seemed more breezy than before. That's when I noticed the side zipper on the skirt was split from top to bottom and beyond repair. My solution to the wardrobe malfunction? I borrowed a stapler from a clerk at the store we were in and "closed the gap." It only took three staples. Who needs a needle and thread?

Evelyn

2011-08-04T22:08:00.004-05:00

Some recent pictures of our niece who is five months old. Anyone got a good caption for the one with the dog? "Gracie is such a stinker!" "Learning Experience" Any others?

County Fair

2011-07-31T21:30:00.005-05:00

Quinn showed two rabbits today (Albus - senior buck, and Bambi - senior doe). He scored an "A" rating, but did not place in the top two. Since he won the Showmanship award last year, he was not eligible to participate today, but we thought he did great. Rachel and her friends also approved.

Getting Ready

2011-07-30T10:30:00.002-05:00

Quinn and Mike are in County Fair mode. Here Albus is getting his nails clipped for the show tomorrow.

Take it from a Founder

2011-07-30T08:02:00.001-05:00

“(W)ith respect to future debt; would it not be wise and just for that nation to declare in the constitution they are forming that neither the legislature, nor the nation itself can validly contract more debt, than they may pay within their own age.”

— Thomas Jefferson, in a letter to James Madison (1789)

Thrifty

2011-07-29T08:41:00.002-05:00

At a favorite resale shop on Wednesday, I spent $12.62. I saved $122.00. I saved $122.00 off the resale prices, mind you. Anyone need a personal shopper? Cuz I'm on a roll . . .

54

2011-07-28T21:13:00.002-05:00

Quinn saw an allergist on Tuesday. He endured 54 "skin pric ks" dipped in various pollens or food allergens. Guess how many he did not react to? Four. Guess how many times he said mean words? More than four.

The allergist called him an IGG FACTORY. Quinn said, "I'll take that as a compliment."

Spiders

2011-07-21T17:39:00.005-05:00

Interesting spider sights. The sculpture garden design is obvious, but did anyone point out that Michelle Obama's inauguration gown is covered with white, glittery spiders too? We were surprised to see them while viewing her dress at the Smithsonian. She said it was designed to "convey hope." And how about the election night dress that resembled the markings of a black-widow spider. Is this coincidence? Someone needs to investigate.

A Morning at the Beach

2011-07-20T09:35:00.008-05:00

While Rachel slept in the hotel, Mike and Quinn enjoyed an early morning at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Highlights included throwing rocks at seagulls and cursing Neptune. I told you it was a male bonding adventure, right? I just tagged along to take pictures and shout directions. Oh yeah - and Quinn has obviously graduated from sand castle building. His sand art now includes sand boob. BTW, the water was cold, as Mike is exclaiming.

A Day at the Beach

2011-07-20T06:06:00.004-05:00

Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware. Who knew (besides the Wheeler fam)? After an early afternoon pop-up thunderstorm cleared the locals, we had the entire beach practically to ourselves. Not very many shells to be had, but the kids enjoyed riding the waves and digging for sand crabs. We saw a few dolphins too. These are only a few of the many great photos.

Always Following the Rules

2011-07-18T20:53:00.003-05:00

Looking again for the car. Today we found a spot to park for FREE. Yesterday, we parked under the Reagan Building for $12, but wandered around in the basement for a while before a security guard helped us find our way. I suppose they didn't like us in the basement of a closed, empty building at 9:45 pm. The security guard who let us into the building to begin with probably got a demerit.

Changing of the Guard

2011-07-18T20:52:00.001-05:00

Touching ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Nevermind the sweating buckets to get there.

Me and W

2011-07-18T20:50:00.000-05:00

At the Museum of American History

Rachel's Favs

2011-07-18T20:47:00.003-05:00

Rachel enjoyed the National Museum of Art and the Sculpture Garden, where she found a shady spot to text (some more).

Actually . . .

2011-07-17T23:05:00.002-05:00

Actually, the Washington Monument is that big. I chickened out when it was time to take the elevator to the top. The kids told me I was wimpy, but I did get to meet a couple from Holland and listen to the stories of their travels.

And BTW - guess who was on the walking tour with us in the morning? None other than the Deputy Chief of Staff for Senator Michele Bachmann! We hit it off and she even offered her business card to me. I might have to give her a call sometime and see if she needs any help with anything in Illinois.

Monuments and Memorials

2011-07-17T22:57:00.004-05:00

The Washington Monument ain't so big. The Lincoln Memorial is impressive. The new World War II Memorial is beautiful.

Hikes and Bikes

2011-07-17T22:50:00.005-05:00

We wish the bike tour guide had not begun his welcome with this statement: "I'm really smart and I know lots of stuff and I live here and I've grown up here and I went to college here, so if I don't know an answer to your question, I will lie to you without remorse." Realize, I'm paraphrasing, but I couldn't help but question everything he told us the entire three hour tour. In hindsight, I wish we would have just rented the bikes per hour when we first came to town instead of waiting until the evening for the tour.

Center of the Universe

2011-07-17T22:44:00.003-05:00

Here we are at the beginning of the day, looking fresh and happy. Our tour guide told us that this stone marks the site originally planned for the Washington Monument. Supposedly, it is the place from which measurements are taken - such as how far the earth is to the moon. That means for a few moments, our family was at the center of the universe.

Quickie

2011-07-16T20:11:00.002-05:00

We made it to DC a few hours ahead of time, so we decided to head into the city for a quick "browsing tour" this evening. Tomorrow will be the long day. Rachel thought the Senate Building looked sort of like the Slytherin symbol.

It's Big

2011-07-16T20:08:00.005-05:00

Did you know the Supreme Court Building was quite this immense? Can you see my kids standing in front of it?

Confusing

2011-07-16T20:02:00.001-05:00

I'd say the most confusing and possibly dangerous part of our trip so far happened when we were at a rest stop in West Virginia. Quinn shouted to his sister, "Get out of my way, you REDNECK!"

So many people turned to see if they were blocking my son's path.

I Should Listen More

2011-07-13T13:07:00.002-05:00

Quinn has been telling us for months that he is allergic to eggs. We told him that he definitely is not allergic to eggs - he eats them all the time for breakfast.

At his school physical, Quinn requested blood testing for the suspected allergen. I sort of rolled my eyes at the physician, but sighed an exasperated consent.

Guess what? The boy has a new high-end food allergy - eggs. We add that to the list of peanut, tree nuts, beans, peas, soy . . . and will be consulting with a new allergist in a couple weeks.

On the upside of the physical, he grew three-and-a-half inches and gained 20 pounds since last year.

VBS Lessons

2011-07-13T13:00:00.002-05:00

I'm teaching the large group Bible story lessons at our church's Vacation Bible School. I really enjoy the kids - especially when they say things like this:

"So . . . Jesus was a sack of fries?" (sacrifice!)

"But when did the dinosaurs come?"

"God gave us the 10 Commandments, but the biggest rule in our house is DON'T FREAK OUT THE CAT."

When questions arose regarding the Commandment against adultery I said, "It's like this - once you're married, you get who you get and you don't throw a fit."

Framed

2011-06-27T09:51:00.003-05:00

Sometimes Silence is not Golden

2011-06-23T12:21:00.001-05:00

"Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act."

— Dietrich Bonhoeffer, theologian

Busy

2011-06-22T15:15:00.002-05:00

The title of this book pretty much sums up my June. Try to figure out your teenage daughter. That will take you a while.

Freedom

2011-06-13T11:29:00.003-05:00

Freedom is coming! Freedom from the deafening hum of the cicadas, that is. We believe the females are laying their eggs and soon the nymphs will hatch and fall from the tree branches (hopefully not in my hair!), to burrow underground and start the 13-year cycle again.

It's nice to have the windows open today!

Living the Interruptions

2011-06-09T14:19:00.003-05:00

Sunday's sermon was talking to me. Life is about serving others - even when I think I having some "me" time. Jesus served others his entire life on earth. His walk was interrupted by the woman in the crowd who touched his cloak. He stopped to find her and heal her. Men lowered a paralytic friend through the roof of a home where Jesus was preaching. Jesus welcomed the interruption to heal the man's legs. The blind man sitting on the side of the road . . . the low wine supply at the wedding in Cana. . . .

It's a good thing no one asked me about getting some more wine. I would have said, "What?! Didn't you know how many people were coming to this party? You should have planned ahead! You should have been prepared!"

So, today I'm being more intentional about paying attention to others and cheerfully welcoming what I would typically label "distractions." So I guess if you want to stop in to visit unexpectedly, today would be a good day.

For Real

2011-06-08T08:18:00.005-05:00

I'm not sure that I will remember in thirteen years that I'll want to get the heck out of dodge during the month of June. These pictures will help me to remember. I now have an inkling of how the Egyptians may have felt during the locust plague.

Birds and Bees

2011-06-05T22:21:00.002-05:00

And cicadas, of course. Quinn told me that he and Rachel saw a cicada yesterday that had two heads - one on each end of its body. He stated that it must have been a freak of nature. I let him in on a secret: Those cicadas were mating. Gross!

Lauren Graduated

2011-06-04T12:54:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Lauren on her high school graduation. All the Rellim cousins were there to witness the ceremony.

Cicada plague continues

2011-06-04T12:48:00.004-05:00

We tried to take a walk this morning before the cicadas awoke. I don't think the things are sleeping now. Even at 6:30 am before temperatures rose, the bugs were dive-bombing us. I'm sure I woke some neighbors with my shrieks.

Notice the gross amounts of discarded exoskeletons at the base of this tree. The dead carcasses are mixed in and give a putrid smell of wet dog.

I admit I was intrigued by them during the first couple days, but now they are the enemy.