Reading & Writing

Sometimes I'm asked "What have you been reading lately?" .... by Aunt Ginny, for instance.  I usually have a brief panic attack, because I hate to admit that a) I haven't been reading a book at all (although I do really do read magazines and like to read on-line), or b) if I have been reading a book, it's probably a literary abomination - almost always as a romance novel.

BUT the good news is that early this new year, we've been reading a book delivered by Santa - the D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths. Before bedtime, you're discovering (and I'm re-discovering) the stories of Titans, the Cyclopes, and the creation of the mighty gods.  It's a real soap opera.  I have decided that close relationships with Gaea "Mother Earth" were pretty dicey as she frequently plotted against her own family.  Gaea had her son Cronus chase away his father Uranus "Lord of the Universe".  (.... how you do pronounce Uranus???)  Then she had her newborn grandson Zeus hidden away from his father Cronus; Zeus grew up and overthrew Cronus (after his cousin Metis tricked Cronus into eating a magic herb which caused him vomit up Zeus's brothers & sisters that he had swallowed as tiny babies).

Well, in other recent reading-related developments:

• Brock has been reading the Guinness World Records 2012.  He also loves Pokémon story books & pokedex guides that list numerous Pokémons.  I have learned that each one goes through 3 stages of evolution; for example one of the fire-type Pokémons begins as Charmander, progresses to Charmeleon, and finally matures to Charizard.
  
  
• As to Sasha, I'm not aware that he's been reading books for recreational purposes lately....  He does like fishing magazines.  But do know that he's been reading his Spanish text book; as examples "Hola, Clarita.  Como estas?"  and "Diego, adonde vas?  Voy a la tienda de discos." 

And in the writing department:

• Brock's least favorite homework assignment is writing 10 sentences for each set of new spelling words.  The sentences he writes can be quite interesting though, such as "I know how to work a flamethrower."
  
  
• Sasha, in your case, I've just asked you to supply a 9th grade writing sample and you declined.  But, in 7th grade you wrote this absolutely beautiful poem:

             Imagine

Murky lake water clouding beneath my feet

Giant mountains leading to the heavens

Loud splashing from an old bullfrog

Earsplitting gunshots from a hunter so near

Fragrant flowers dancing in the wind

Burnt marshmallows fill my stomach

Red hot hotdogs fit in a bun

Tasty smores as hot as a wildfire

Rough and hot stick that my marshmallow burned upon

Dirty mud all around me

Extremely relaxed and at home

Reading was probably my single favorite activity as a kid.  I hope you too will learn to love reading - the genre doesn't matter.  And reading will help develop your writing skills - which will be important as you continue through school and later in your chosen jobs.  Here's a recording of Jimmy Durante (a famous comedian and actor, who you can read about here JimmyDurante) singing a funny song "The Day I Read a Book".  His voice might sound familiar, since he was the narrator for the Christmas special Frosty the Snowman.

On Turning 47

Some people don't like to admit how old they are.  I'm not one of them, although sometimes it has been fun to keep you two guessing.  I especially liked it when you boys were quite young, and sure I couldn't be more than 19.

Just for today, since it's my birthday - I'm going to write a little about how I feel now that I'm in my late 40's.....

Not long ago, Steve asked me how I would describe myself as a girl.  I thought briefly, and my response was that I was shy, overweight, and very smart.  I have gained a lot of confidence since then, so now I don't think of myself as being shy (but the other 2 probably still apply).  Fast forward 30+ years, and I would say that now I realize I have shortcomings but feel comfortable with the entire person I have become.  With the years, I have also gained at least some wisdom....  believe I have good judgment and usually make good decisions.  And am especially happy that I feel confident about doing the "right" thing when faced with challenges.  When I solve problems I try very hard to follow my conscience, considering the best interests of everyone involved - most especially the two of you.

Here is a song I like a lot and makes me think of all the rewards that come along with gaining life experience.  This is Martina McBride performing "This One's For The Girls" (it may sound kind of familiar, since it's also the ring tone on my cell phone).  Sasha and Brock, I want you to have a great time as kids and don't feel rushed to grow up.  But there is lots to look forward to as you get older.

15 Years Ago Today.....

Sasha, you are 15 years old today!!!  It hardly seems possible, but you are growing so fast.  Literally, as in the past few months you have been growing UP and are now @ 3 inches taller than me.  And in many others ways as you mature through your teenage years.

Hope you enjoy these memories of 15 years ago....

• Christmas, 1996 had been very nice, though I was not especially interested in it.  I was already on leave from work, and remember going to Boscov's to look for after-Christmas bargains on Dec. 26th.  I was very large by that time, and though I hate to admit it was probably at the waddling stage.
• Grandma, Aunt Pam, Dad and I went out to dinner on Dec. 28th.  I was sure labor was imminent and as evening approached I remember saying something like, "If we're going to go, we better hurry up and leave".  At the restaurant, my water broke....  it was pretty alarming and on the messy side (luckily we were toting a towel around in the car, so Dad went out and got it).  Think Dad asked whether he could order desert - can you imagine what my answer was?
• We went home, got the rest of my things together as I was mostly packed to go to the hospital, and Dad took a picture of me with my stomach out to HERE.  Dad drove us to Nesbitt Hospital (then the "baby" hospital), and I got settled for the night as absolutely Nothing else seemed to be happening.  He went home to get some sleep.
• Early in the morning @ 6 a.m., the hospital people decided I needed some help to start the delivery.  So I got a medication called pitocin to induce contractions.  Dad arrived about this time, and brought me flowers.  The nurse thought the flowers were just lovely, but to his disappointment I was in no mood for flowers as I was excited, anxious, and focused on having my first baby.  By this time, after 9 months, I could not wait to meet you.
• You arrived @ 11:30 am. weighing 7 lbs. 11 1/2 ozs., after a very difficult time.....  thankfully, Dr. Ferraro (who is still one of my doctors) was determined to get us through.  You were born "blue" as you hadn't gotten enough oxygen at the end of delivery.  The nurse cleaned you up a bit and put you under the baby heat lamp to stay warm.  Dad went over and held your hand, while you stared up at him.  After a bit, you were swaddled i.e, wrapped up nice-n-tight in a blanket, and I got to hold you for the first time.  I remember you looking at me with firm concentration as if to say "Do I know you?"

• Aunt Pam came over after church (at that time, she was music director at Central United Methodist in Wilkes-Barre), while we were still in the delivery room.  She was thrilled to hold you.
• After a bit, the nurse took you off to the newborn room while I rested.  Once you had started fusing because you were hungry, you were brought back to my room in a "newborn push-cart" complete with all kinds of supplies.  So then you got to experiment with eating - you were only semi-adept at nursing.  But you figured it out enough, and were happy to be cuddled.  Don't know if I ever told you this, but the tip of your right ear was folded down and I was focused on straightening it as much as possible.  Meanwhile, Dad and I had to figure out how to change your diaper.....  Later in the day, you had lots of company including Grandma and Grandnana.  There are quite a few pictures I can show you, including your newborn picture taken in the hospital - I carry it in my wallet.
• Dad went home to make phone calls to family and friends about our good news.  As you know, your first name was our favorite "boy" name (and historical too); your middle name is for Dad's great uncle.  The next day, we got a demonstration on how to give you a bath and how to clean out your nose with a nasal aspirator (I called it the "squiggy" ).  You didn't like either process.  You got more visitors, including Aunt Di, Aunt Julie, Meagan, and Nicky as well as Uncle George and Aunt Rebecca.  It became clear that you needed to eat @ every 2 hours - yikes!! 
• On Dec. 30th, we brought you home - New Year's Eve!  I remember bringing you all snug in your baby/car seat into Grandma's TV room.  We stayed for a bit, then spent your first night at our house.  Well, I was pretty tired - but incredibly happy too.  Then it was on to 1997!  You were a sweet, alert and very social baby.

So, early today you are spending time at Lake Jean with Aunt Julie & Mark (hope you get to fish, though perhaps not too long given winter temps.).  Then Robby and I will meet you to go bowling with Kyra and Lucy.  Should be lots o' fun! 

Remember, you are loved by all of us.  Am looking forward to seeing you in a few hours, and wish you a Wonderful, Happy Birthday!!!

Christmas Eve

Sasha and Brock.....  It's Christmas Eve!  I love the anticipation and the cozy feeling of being home - baking holiday treats, looking at the Christmas tree, and spending time with the people I love.

Here are two Christmas videos I hope you enjoy.

First, "Sleigh Ride" - great percussion!



This song was written in the early 1800's in Austria.  I love choral music - and think boys' choirs are hauntingly beautiful.  So second, "Silent Night" in traditional German sung by the St. Thomas Boys Choir from Leipzig, Germany.

Christmas Is Coming.....

Did you ever hear this nursery rhyme?

"Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat!  Please do put a penny in the old man's hat.  If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do.  If you haven't got a ha'penny, then God Bless You!!"

As a quick aside, I might have told you that once Grandad went goose hunting.  He was successful so we had roast goose for Christmas dinner (or perhaps Thanksgsiving, I'm not sure....). Well, it was all dark meat, tough, greasy and a great disappointment.  One good thing - wild geese are much smaller than domestic turkey, so there were no leftovers!!  Sasha, you might consider duck hunting instead - although try to avoid what these local hunters experienced:  Susquehanna River Rescue

So, Christmas is 8 days away.... although our Sharpe Street snowman count has been permanently set at "98 Days Till Christmas" thanks to Brock.  I woke up with the Christmas Is Coming rhyme in my head, and decided that we need seasonal inspiration.  So to make the holiday even more wonderful and fun, some Christmas jokes for you:


What's a good holiday tip?

• Never catch snowflakes with your tongue until all the birds have gone south for the winter.

What do you get if you cross mistletoe and a duck? 

• A Christmas Quacker.

What did the ghost say to Santa Claus?

• I'll have a boo Christmas without you....

Which elf was the best singer? 

• ELFis Presley.

Best of all (connected to themes in the last two jokes), Steve introduced me to this delightful rendition of "Blue Christmas" by Porky Pig.  Enjoy!!

"Carroll Boys" - The First Month

Well, this journal is now about 1 month old.  It went very quickly for me, how about you?  I do enjoy thinking about what I'm going to write, doing a little research, and sitting at the keyboard creating each post.  A few thoughts to share with you, Sasha and Brock:

Being Thankful:  I was driving home from Newark yesterday thinking about how good life can be.  It is so easy to take things for granted, especially as well-to-do Americans.  Remember, most people around the world can only dream about the life style we have.  Since we have access to computers and the Internet, it's possible for us to play games on-line, communicate easily, find information quickly, and for me to write to you boys via "Carroll Boys".  Some other things that I'm especially thankful for:

• The two of you.  As a young girl, I didn't know what I wanted be when I grew up except that I wanted to be a Mom.  I intentionally planned and tried to direct my career so that I could work part-time when I had children......  and luckily, that wish has become a reality.  It makes me very happy to have time with you, help each other out (homework, school projects, household jobs) and be together for "fun" time like your sports & other activities, holidays and vacations.
• Being healthy.  It means I can be physically active with you, work to provide what we need, and fully enjoy being just being alive.
• Family and friends.  There are many special people in our lives - people who help us in difficult times, who make us laugh, who make us happy.

My "Blogger Support" Network:  To my knowledge, only the three of us and Steve know about this blog.  I am very grateful for Steve's interest, willingness to answer questions, and his help with the technical stuff (although even I have to admit it's not complicated!).  And you will notice that "Carroll Boys" borrows heavily from the format of "NCFE"....  Thank you, Steve!  Brock, I really appreciate your interest in checking out new posts and revisiting YouTube videos from older ones.

More Favorite Songs:  Brock has mentioned two of his favorite songs "Nightrain" (although for some reason I keep thinking it should be "Soul Train") and "What I've Done".  And I know Sasha is a huge Guns N' Roses fan.  So, in keeping with tradition of the past month - here they are:



Unfortunately, embedding is disabled for this "What I've Done" video by Linkin Park.  But you can link to it on YouTube here:

     What I've Done

Winter Has Arrived

I was born in Allentown and I'm sure we had snowy winters - but I don't remember that....  Because when I was 3 years old Grandad became a missionary and we left Pennsylvania.  Grammie, Grandad, Aunt Julie and I lived briefly in Mexico and then moved to the Dominican Republic (in the Caribbean where it is hot) from 1968-1971.  I will write more about this later.  Then we ended up in Philadelphia when I was 7 years old.  So my winters really  started in the early 1970's.  What are some of those memories?

• The Lucia Fest at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes) Church where Grandad was the minister.  My first year, I was the second candle girl (I'm sure I was adorable!!).  Unlike both you boys, I was not a tomte.  As an aside, you might be interested in more information about troublesome tomte.
• Christmas including Aunt Julie's birthday, which meant going to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day church services and of course presents!!!!!
• New Year's Day including my birthday and of course more presents!!!!!  New Year's Day also meant going to the Mummers Parade.  I just learned that Swedish settlers in the Philadelphia area contributed to the Mummers tradition.
• Very Long walks back and forth from school. .... pretty awful on bitter, windy days.
• Occasional major snow storms (school closings!), and shoveling out church walkways afterwards.  Occasional ice storms and dangerous slippery sidewalks afterwards.  Dirty snow lingering too long on city streets.
• Warmer weather arriving in late March, with purple crocuses peaking through the ground and Easter around the corner.

Brock has said that winter is his favorite season of the year as he loves, loves, loves to go sledding.  He has even threatened to move away to Russia.  Sasha is equally enthusiastic about sledding, but favors living at a lake/creek side location with readily available fishing.  As I get older, I am finding it harder to appreciate the cold, ice & snow but will stay as cheerful as I can.  I do think winter scenery is lovely, as in this lake picture my friend Susan took from her back porch early Thursday morning:

Well, in keeping with the upcoming Christmas season and on the theme of staying warm and well-fed, here's a song I'm sure you will enjoy: