Happy Easter!

The Libby series...too many pics, but I had so much fun.

LOVE.

I knew there had to be something to make out of those paint cards! This Easter I found it.

Superhero capes from Dad's old T-shirt.

James wanted his dad to make him a leaf blower like the ones that the landscaping guys wear. Jer used the recycling to make this one.

Recent Developments

There you have it folks. Libby can sit! Today was her first day at it, and she is a bit tipsy, but her brothers sure were proud of her.

When Libby's hair is sweaty, her dad makes silly horns out of it.

James got these cool connector straws for his birthday. Check out the fort the boys made out of them.

Comfort Objects

This week James's attachment lies with his toy chain saw, (real) screwdriver, and his metal helmet (mixing bowl). He carries them everywhere, and sleeps with them at night. Yes, I'm letting my child sleep with a screwdriver. I've realized that when it comes to a battle of wills, James is infinitely stronger than myself. That metal bowl made quite a startling racket when it fell of his bed at 2AM, but I'm the only one it woke.

One more James story. Lately, he's been experimenting with not telling the truth.

Mom: James did you finish your sandwich?

James: Yes...but don't look!

Mom: Did you clean up your toys?

James: Yes...but don't look!

Where Children Sleep

Below is a link to a photographic book called "Where Children Sleep" by James Mollison. It features children from around the world in a variety of circumstances. It is heartbreaking, but at the same time thought provoking. It has me thinking about what "things" are most neccessary for me to provide my children, and also how I might teach them about the desparity in the world between those who have and those who have not. I promise something light hearted for my next post. http://issuu.com/chrisboot/docs/where_children_sleep_by_james_mollison

An Architect's Pilgrimage?

A week ago we took a weekend excursion to the Woodlawn Mansion, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House. It was commissioned in 1939 to be an affordable house for the "average" American family. It was 1200 sq ft, and housed a husband, wife, and two young kids. It was striking how much the American lifestyle has changed since then. The house was really awesome, and a neat experience for our kids. It made me feel really excited to have Jer try to design our own home, and to have him try to tackle some of the design problems facing our generation. "The house of moderate cost is not only America’s major architectural problem but the problem most difficult for her major architects." -Frank Lloyd Wright, 1936

Jer seems amused by the stories of Wright's difficult personality. He thinks maybe he should start to insist upon being referred to by his full name too.

As we were leaving a couple pulled up to check out the house. Jer looked them over. "They're architects. I can just tell from their sour expressions, and general vibe of displeasure with the world."

Next we have a house with a very different aim in mind.

This is the Woodlawn manor. It was a gift from George Washington to his granddaughter. The house and grounds were very lovely, and Luca was very excited by thinking that George Washington himself probably walked many times up and down the same steps that he was climbing.

Then Sunday we went to Gettysburg. One of my best friends performed in a faculty recital at Gettysburg College. It was amazing to me that anyone who wanted could go and listen to a beautiful soprano who had trained for decades, includinng a PhD from Eastman, and the whole fabulous experience was free. Jer and I joked about how people will pay sixty bucks to listen to some celebrity who is probably lip singing or so auto tuned that isn't even their own voice anymore. Then there is someone like Susan, with this refined lovely talent willing to share her gift with the rest of us for nothing more than our quiet attention and appluase. I loved hearing her. I'm so grateful that her beautiful voice has been there throughout my life providing an amazing soundtrack as we went along.

Oh yeah, and we stopped by the battlefield. Because I can't go to Gettysburg without going there for at least a brief stop. My dad came along to watch a couple of the kiddos during the show. James insisted on going with us to the recital.

That was an extremely adventerous weekend for our family of home-bodies!