First Day of School 2012

Monday was our return to lessons for the year... 

Our students:  Ryan (9th grade), Trevor (5th grade), and Grace (7th grade) 

We started our day with a brisk walk at a favorite park.  I am delighted to report that attitudes were bright as the morning sun shining in their eyes!  Perhaps we are in a season of reaping fruit?  All the many, many years of leading them towards this day when they'd return to their school books with happy hearts. (Oh, the many, many tears shed!)  This is my reward!  And a call to younger mothers to not give up. Keep training  your children.  Keep doing the hard work of being diligent.  One day you will have eager learners who will bless you and bring joy to your heart! 

Afternoons

Afternoons have ALWAYS been very difficult for me to get into a solid routine.  I am a morning person.  I am full of energy (after my coffee).  I can get so much done in the hours between 6 and 8AM.  So, why is it that between 2 and 5 PM, after lessons, I am dragging and struggling to finish strong?  Oh, I do some light chores, like folding laundry, or making muffins, but I am willing myself to keep going, and more likely than not, I am folding clothes while watching a favorite show via Netflix, like Hoarders. There should be some relaxation time, as I've been going for 8 hours at that point.  But there needs to be balance,too. I have tried and failed so many times to structure my afternoons.  I have prayed for the strength of character that I need to keep my focus during these hours. 

Here is my proposed plan: 
(Of course this is only on days we are home between 2 and 6)

2PM Go to Flylady's page and do the day's mission.  This doesn't take much time and it is fun since I know I will be challenging myself to get this done.  (Involve kids) 

**This is also a good time to deal with the leaves, if needed. We try to keep on top of the leaves instead of waiting for them all to drop.  Ryan can do most on his own, but I usually push mow for half the time, getting areas hard for the rider.

2:30PM  Fold laundry and PUT it away!!!  (Involve kids)

3-4PM My rest time. Kids should have room time, too)

4PM  Return phone calls, check email, etc.,

4:30PM start before dinner routine, cycle dishes and laundry, set table, chop vegetables, do any prep work.  Make any items that we need for the week like muffins, hummus, or bread.  (with Grace)

5PM  Start Dinner, be ready to eat by 5:30, most nights.

I'll let you know how it goes.
Jenn

How To Be Happy

For the most part, I consider myself a happy person with many blessings.  I decided to write a little about how I achieve this state of being as a record perhaps for my children one day. 

1. Wake up every morning with a grateful heart.  Spend time in the Word of God.  Ask Him to help you navigate through your day in a way that pleases Him.  
2. Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes a day.  Even if you are not training for an Olympic sport, you will reap many benefits from this simple step.  You can be proud of yourself for one thing.  You will have more energy.  You will sleep better. 
3. Eat less, avoid sugar, regular or diet soda, and refined foods.  Be moderate.  
4. Purpose to work hard for the glory of God whatever you do.  No grumbling.  Look for ways to bless others.
5. Be the first to say you are sorry.  
6. Look people in the eyes when speaking to them.  Smile!  
7. Go to bed at a decent hour.  Get up early enough to do #1 &#2 on this list.  Get up before your children.  
8. Do not spend money you do not have, EVER!!!  
9. Save for a rainy day, even if this means you have to say no to yourself now.  
10. Spend time marveling God's creation whenever you are able.  

**Bonus:  if you want to grow old gracefully, never stop moving,  reading / learning, and don't watch a lot of TV !  (From personal observation of my elders) 

I Have No Complaints

"One wise mother insisted that her children write out all their complaints in 200 words or more. She received few. This is a good exercise for all of us. Make your list and go over it in your prayer time with God."
~Elisabeth Elliot

"Do everything without complaining or arguing." Philippians 2:14

My Family Needs All of Me

This is a note to myself.  It's a hard post to post.  I thought perhaps sharing my thoughts might stir some to action as well, however not all need to make any changes. Just those of us who find computers more than just machines! 

Often, I am drawn to the wonderful world that is available to me via my fingertips.  I find valuable friendships.  (I love my online friends!) I find knowledge, which I ponder.  I find encouragement, which I treasure.  And I get a chance to express myself right from the comfort of my very own kitchen.  What more could I ask for?

Actually, more self control comes to mind!  It is so easy to allow the good things to take over.  My family needs all of my mind, not just fragments.  These are the years that count. 

The following list comprises my personal computer use guidelines.  These are set by myself in order to control my time spent away from my home duties.  Because let's face it, when I am reading blogs, I am not available to my family.

I am sad to say that my love of learning can take me away from the very ones I am trying to serve better by learning more!  Therefore, I have decided a little prudent reminder is in order.

• Strive not to be on the computer when my family is not actively engaged in other activities. 
• Set regular times to check email, Twitter, my cbox  and stick to these.  (After morning chores, during lunch break, a few times before bed.  No peeking in between!)  
• Do not read blogs via my phone during school time, even if there is time while a child is working independently.  I need to be available, not distracted. 
• Limit online time in general when my husband is home.   

I saw this very neat disclosure, recently.  I want it to be true of my blog.

Habits, Part Two

Thank you for your responses to my first post about habits. I knew that I was probably not alone in all of this. I have decided to be proactive and not get down on myself.

There has already been much said about habits.  Experts seem to agree that forming new habits takes time, as much or more than 30 days.  I am generally pleased with the progress we have made in changing our habits over the years, although I do get impatient and discouraged (perhaps overwhelmed is a better term) at times.  If we were not disciplined at all, I doubt we'd be done with 180 days of school before the end of May. And feedback I get from family and friends seem to suggest that I am doing a good job with my kids. 

That said, however, I crave more progress!  I've decided to make this our summer theme, putting off the old and putting on the new. I am going to challenge my children to think about their habits.  And then to take on the work of rooting the bad ones out for good.  One at a time.  One month at a time.

For me, that means I am going to piggy back new habits onto more firmly established ones.  For example, I am in the firm habit of getting up early, reading my Bible and praying.  I would like to add exercise to that routine.  (Oh dread! Did I just say that?)

I do need to be very careful not to add the top fifty habits I'd like to acquire all at once.  I am tempted to launch into a totally new routine.  I think building on my already good habits is the key for me.  One at a time.  One month at a time.  That will be my motto. This will probably take the next 25 years, if the Lord allows.  (lol)

I will continue to strive to maintain the good, solid habits we have and then endeavor to add on to those new ones until they too are part of our lives.

Summer break just seems like a great time to work on these things. Want to join me? What habits would you like to "put on?"
~Jenn

Ephesians 4:21-23 (ESV)

...assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,

Romans 6:6 (ESV)
We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

Habits

Good morning friends. I pray you had a lovely weekend, too. I've been thinking about habits lately.

"In early childhood, you lay the foundation of poverty or riches, in the habits you give your children."

Mrs. Lydia Child, The American Frugal Housewife


"Therefore, the first rule, and the most important of all, in education is, that a mother govern her own feelings, and keep her heart and conscience pure."

Mrs. Lydia Child, The Mother's Book

Oh, how I feel the weight of these statements as I wrestle with my own feelings and keeping my conscience pure.  What are the habits that I have given my own precious children?  Are they worthy ones?  No, not all of them.  Rooting them out at this age is proving to be as difficult as rooting them out of my own heart.  Habits can be a constant struggle, when you are trying to change them, especially at my age.  Fortunately, I do have a compassionate Savior.  He sympathizes with my weaknesses.  Only through Him can I overcome and hope to be the mother my children need.  I feel trapped by my habits.  I must not allow them to be my ruin!

1 Corinthians 10:13 (New American Standard Bible)

 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Beautiful Girlhood

Grace and I are reading, Beautiful Girlhood, revised by Karen Andreola.  I bought this book a couple years ago in preparation for the day when my Grace would be entering young womanhood.  It is hard to believe that we are nearly there.  I wanted to fill her mind with beautiful thoughts as she makes this difficult journey to womanhood.  We are just in chapter 9 and already I am so glad we are reading this book together.

"The great foe of these years is selfishness, and the girl who comes to the most perfect womanhood learns soon to fight selfishness with all her might."  page 27

Oh how I wish I had thought about these things when I was a young girl of almost twelve, like Grace.  It would have saved me many heartaches, for sure.  Unfortunately, I did not meet my Savior for many more years ( I was 20) and so I was left to my selfish ways for too many years.  Years that the Lord has redeemed to be sure, thankfully!

It is my prayer that my daughter can avoid the discipline issues that I struggle with.  Is it not what all mothers want, to spare their children pain?  Sometimes pain is the best teacher, though, and I must step back and let her learn.  

So, Grace and I will read this lovely book together and pray that she can be a girl who is wise and learns to fight selfishness with all her might for the glory of God!

Goals for the Week

I’m finding a need to be a bit SMART {specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time sensitive} with my plans and goals for this week! So here is the plan…

Home Management

• Do dishes every night before bed
• Sweep kitchen floor every morning
• Do 10 minute pick up every afternoon and as needed
• Clean bathrooms daily (train/ teach kids again)
• Mop floors as needed (kids help)
• Purge!  Purge!  Purge! 

 Relationships

• Write one letter to a shut-in this week.
• Hug my kids every day. 
• Look for opportunities to serve my husband (go above and beyond)
• Lunch with visiting grandma

Reading

• Read one chapter a day for pure enjoyment.

Health

• Take at least 3 walks or bike rides this week.  Does not matter how fast or far, just do it! 
• Limit sugar, keep eating those fruits, whole grains and veggies
• Find more healthy snack ideas that will appeal to the kids
• Take time to chop veggies, make salads, bake healthy bread (In other words, don't be lazy in this area!)
  

General

• Do not turn on the computer until morning chores are done, not even for a quick check of spam on cbox
• Buy some Easter treats  
• Plan our little kitchen garden

I will let you all know how I do later in the week.  What are some of your goals for this week? 

In Which We Study Prudence

If only a fairy could wave her wand...

What is prudence?  

prudence

PRU'DENCE, n. [L. prudentia.] Wisdom applied to practice.

Prudence implies caution in deliberating and consulting on the most suitable means to accomplish valuable purposes, and the exercise of sagacity in discerning and selecting them. Prudence differs from wisdom in this, that prudence implies more caution and reserve than wisdom, or is exercised more in foreseeing and avoiding evil, than in devising and executing that which is good. It is sometimes mere caution or circumspection.

Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, season and method of doing or not doing.

from Noah Webster's 1828 Dictionary   (I just love that dictionary!)

This month begins our study of prudence.  We just finished our formal study of wisdom, not that we will ever arrive. Now we attempt to put wisdom into action.  Much harder to do than it should be.

The specific area we are looking at is taking care of ourselves. This includes eating well, exercising, keeping clean, getting enough sleep, and other good habits.

One of my goals in this area is to increase our daily physical activity.  We might go for a walk or a bike ride.  We may go to a park and explore.  We will have to overcome my natural tendency to be at rest! 


I have already purged our pantry of white floury junk.  Now, I want to find healthy treats to bake.  (Is there such a thing?) The whole grain oatmeal raisin cookies that I made had too much fat and sugar to really be called healthy.  Maybe we should make some gingersnaps and angel food cake?

We also have one child who has  an aversion to keeping clean and tidy.  I know this is just an age thing.  When I was this same age, I was the same way.  However, it is an area that needs improvement.

And Mr. Teen needs to learn that going to bed at a decent hour is imperative to his well being the next day. 

My sincere hope is that my children will take these lessons to heat  before it is too late for them.  Sometimes I really wonder if I am reaching their hearts with anything!  If only there was a magic wand to wave and all would be prudent, including myself.  Lots of prayer is needed, for certain.


Here are some of the verses we will be studying.  

"The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
   but the simple go on and suffer for it."  Proverbs 22:3

"The wise in heart shall be called prudent."  Proverbs 16:21

"The simple believeth every word:  but the prudent man looketh well to to his going."  Proverbs 14:15

"He that regardeth reproof is prudent."  Proverbs 15:5

My Happy Little Homemaker

First time ironing.

My sweet Grace has been very interested lately in all things domestic.  I've been teaching her how to iron.  She is a pro at napkins and her own clothes.  She is begging her daddy to let her do his shirts, but so far he is not ready for that.  I can see in the future though that she will be a very good help to him in that area. 

"Don't take my picture now, Mom!"

She loves to bake.  She made cookies to share with some of her leaders in Sunday school and in the preschool where she faithfully serves each Sunday morning before her own class. 

Like a real restaurant.

She insists on setting the table using real cloth, candles, and even place cards. 

My little girl is growing up.  She is working hard at learning how to be a wife and mother.  And if that is not what the Lord would call her to be, she will be ready to  bless others with her femininity wherever she goes.

Am I Choosing a Dirty Home?

What are my goals for my home?  What should they look like?  Certainly, they are not to have an impeccably clean home.  No chance of that with 3 kids here all day, every day.  It's taken a long time to relax my high ideals.  But, I still struggle with them.

I suppose my goal for my home is to be at a level of cleanliness that does not embarrass me if someone drops by.  If my house goes past this level of clean, I start to feel a sense of foreboding and even dread.  This happens quite often.  During the school year, I do not have energy to devote to my ideal house cleaning routine.  It is listed on one of the tabs above.  It mocks me.  It laughs at me. Maybe I should delete it.  (hee, hee).

I know that this is a topic near and dear to most home educating mothers.  Like I said, it took me a very long time to stop fighting the desire for perfection.  I remember asking my husband once about his desires for our home.  I have to love his simple, happy-go-lucky attitude.  He said the only things that matter to him was for me to have dinner ready when he got home, to have the trash cans, dishes, and laundry under control.  I'd have to say that is a pretty easy man to please.  You better know that I try to keep these three things under control.  I also know that he doesn't like the family room sectional to be in a mess.  It happens a lot.  The kids pile blankets on it while watching a movie.  They drag their things in and they pile up, too.  It is the first thing he sees when he comes home.  I try to keep the kids accountable for this area, but sometimes we slip.  Like right now.

Besides those things, daily I try to keep the bathrooms sanitary.  I sweep up the entry way and wipe it down when I can see the sweeping did not do the job.  Twice a week or so, I make sure the carpet in the living areas is swept.  My oldest son does that job.  The other two help me as requested.  And they pick up their things.  They are the two that seem to get out and leave around the most stuff.  I just feel better when things are tidy.  Sometimes I even dust!  (ha, ha)

My standards of clean would not impress my dear, expert cleaner grandmother, but my husband seems happy, so everything else I do is just gravy!  I suppose that is the whole point to this little essay.  I like to make my husband happy.  I really do.  And I am blessed to have a husband who doesn't put heavy burdens of high expectations on me in this area.  Thank you, Lord!

~Jenn

The Christmas Classic

Our kids are blessed to participate each week in a Christian martial arts program that meets at our church.  Twice a year, we all go down to the main dojo and enjoy a little competition with the other academies from around our area.

The Christmas Classic Tournament is a big draw with free food, competitions and general  mayhem.  Two of my three darlings qualified to participate this time, with this being Ryan's first time to qualify.  His age group of boys is very competitive and it is not an easy thing to qualify.  Grace is only one of three girls in her Judo class, so not so hard to qualify.  But winning is another thing.  She had to put up some effort.  She won the gold medal for the second time in the past two tournaments.  Although Ryan did not win, we are proud of him for making it there and perhaps he will advance next time.  His next goal is to be a Jr. Leader.  Trevor did not mind not qualifying.  He was into his friends, the hotdogs, cookies, and soda.  *sigh*

What I love most about the Gospel Martial Arts Ministry is that we all come together for a time of prayer and Bible teaching, the respect they instill in the competitions for others, and the servant leaders who take the time to teach the kids every week, year after year.  Like I said, we are blessed to have this opportunity.

All three, ready to go!

 Our first time competitor!

 Grace's gold medal.  

A little sympathy hug makes it all better!  

Cooperation is a Beautiful Thing

The view from my front door one morning this week. 

This has been just a lovely week.  The simple, ordinary things have filled most of my time.  From those things I draw great contentment. 

One of my goals this week was to work a little harder at keeping the house tidy each afternoon as a team.  It is easy to fall into the habit of letting things go, especially when no one is coming over and we are busy with school!  I've mentioned before how my afternoons seem to hit a wall and my drive to be diligent becomes nonexistent.  Well, not this week.  I was not going to live that way anymore.  Each afternoon, I assigned myself and the kids a chore.  One small chore to do that would make a difference with us all cooperating.  After our chores were done, we were free until it was time to make dinner.  Honestly, the chores did not take us all that long, either. 

On Monday, we all attacked the clutter that had collected over the weekend.  I also cleaned the kitchen and attempted to begin my assault on Mt. Washmore.  Oh, that mountain of dirty clothes was horrendous!  My oldest son vacuumed the living areas. The other two worked on their rooms, which had fallen into a state of untidiness that was unexceptable.   

Tuesday, I cleaned the bathrooms and my helpers did my bidding.  Plus, Mt. Washmore took a huge hit.  I was home all day making sure the loads were washed, dried, hung or folded.  My Mr.Wonderful, put the clothes away for us.  (Thanks, Darling!) 

Wednesday, I put my efforts upstairs in the Master, sweeping, dusting, putting away.  The kids were completely distracted by the first snow.  I worked hard keeping their in-and-out mess managed .  Boots, gloves, hats, snow pants, jackets, and water littered the entry way each time one would come inside! 

Thursday, found us with nothing but laundry to attack.  How did I get full laundry bins again?  Although this was not a chore attacked with dread, it did keep me busy in between lessons. Everything was either hung or folded by the end of the afternoon.  It did not get put away.  That will happen today. 

Two observations I made this week.  One is that I am most energetic in the mornings.  I can get more done in the hours before school than after.  Perhaps I need to focus more of my time on the house in the mornings and less on the computer.  (Ouch!)  Second, we really need to have a time or two each day that we stop and tidy up.  I think right after lessons are done and then right before bed would be great.  This did not happen each day this week.  I will be working on remembering this coming week.  I know it sounds simple and very obvious, but,  most times we get in a hurry to move on before we take time to pick up.  It's a bad habit.  Bad habits can be broken. 

Cooperating is essential.  We can get more done together and I am less frustrated when we are all working  in the same area or at the same time.  Now, I just need to keep this up for a few more weeks and make it a habit.  This is where I will be tested.  Follow through is difficult.  I am worn down in the afternoons.  The kids are distracted.  It is easier to give up.  But the easy way is not working, so it is time to do something different. 

~Jenn

Diligence

The character quality we are studying this week is diligence.  Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary defines diligence as the steady application in business of any kind; constant effort to accomplish what is undertaken.  The Bible verse we are memorizing this week is from Ecclesiastes 9 verse 10.

 "Whatever you do, do well.

For when you go to the grave,

 there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom."

Diligence as a homemaker has always been a goal of mine, not that I succeed even half the time.  I usually make a good start each day, getting up near 6 o'clock.  Then I hit the afternoon "wall" around 3 PM.  Lessons are done.  I've been diligent with the laundry and dishes.  I know what I am making for dinner.  I am over being diligent.  I want a break.  There is nothing wrong with wanting a break, until the break eats away at time we could be putting effort into the house or even just going outside to enjoy the sunny day.  We are warned that life is short.  Wasting one moment seems reckless. It is up to the individual to determine what that means.  Wasting time to one, might be resting to another.  We are clearly told that there is a time for work and a time to rest as well.    My purpose of this post is not to make anyone feel guilty, including myself.  It is a matter to consider though.  And my conscience says that my afternoon rests are and have been a little indulgent.  I am going to make an effort to change this.  You have my permission to ask how it is going.  :-) 

Jenn



Getting Out There

"Surrender your cares to the cool breeze, and let the white noise of everyday life give way to the call of birds."
May 2010 Southern Living pg. 15


This morning, the kids and I took a walk at a local park. In my quest to get myself moving more, I decided to start our day with a walk instead of waiting until after our lessons were done. I had fears that we'd be interrupted in our studies if we started with a walk first. We were actually surprised by what happened. We had the park to ourselves and the birds were much more active than in the afternoon, which was our usual time to visit this park. I had so much fun identifying all the birds that I forgot that I was exercising. Kind of felt like tricking myself! I think we've stumbled onto a new way to motivate ourselves to get out there and moving! Hooray for us!

Hitting a Wall

When you are not getting the results you want, do you...
A) Give up.
B) Pout and whine.
C) Keep going. 

I am at a crossroads of sorts.  I've been faithfully training Monday through Friday on my Wii Fit since way before Thanksgiving.  I have reaped benefits.  I have more energy.  I know my body is better for it.  But, is that enough to keep me motivated? 

I am not seeing my weight change at all.  I go up and back down and up again.  Am I eating right?  Well, not to the letter, but I am making small changes and sacrifies.  I expected a miracle, I guess.  I hoped that if I would exercise, then the weight would go down without too much work on the diet side.  Sounds like I want my cake and eat it too!  (hee, hee) 

The deal is that I can't afford to give up yet again.  There is a tiny voice inside my head saying to keep going.  Keep going I must. 

Some Notes on Suffering

Just thinking about the idea makes me uneasy.  Suffering.  I admit that one of my favorite idols is comfort and ease.  However, if you've been on the road of sanctification long enough, you are going to run into the concept in a very personal way. 

I am reading an awesome book, Peacemaking Women:  Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict by Tara Klena Barthel and Judy Dabler.  In their book, they take a look at suffering in chapter two. 

Suffering tempts us to doubt the goodness of God.  I can remember struggling with this when I watched a good friend of mine die a few years ago.  She left a husband and 2 kids.  They were homeschoolers.  My small view of God caused conflict in my heart that has taken these years to resolve. 

The fact is, we live in a fallen world.  But, God  can use our suffering for His good, for our good.  Maturing in Christ requires our being willing to suffer.  2 Timothy 3:12 says,"Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Jesus Christ will suffer persecution."  Through our trials, we become more like Jesus, if we submit our wills. 

Elisabeth Elliot puts a good light on this topic when she said,"Nothing can reach us, from any source in earth or hell, no matter how evil, which God cannot turn to his own redemptive purpose.  Let us be glad that the way is not a game of chance, a mere roll of the dice which determines our fortune or calamity - it is a way appointed, and it is appointed for God's eternal glory and our final good." 

Back on the Right Track

Almost a year ago now, we got the family a Wii for Christmas. A week later, my Christmas dream was fulfilled by my MIL, as she got me the Wii Balance Board and Wii Fit. Faithfully, I mastered the games and really enjoyed them. Then we moved, which sent me into a fog and I gave up on my Wii Fit. And worst of all, I gained 20# back that I worked so hard to loose going to Weight Watchers the previous summer. (It is amazingly effortless for me to gain weight!)

Anyway, that is the past and I am finally motivated to go on now. Mostly, the motivation came watching my Grandma fall two weeks ago on Thanksgiving, when she broke her ankle and had to have surgery. Long ago she gave up her mobility. I resolved that I was not going to do the same thing.

My new plan is to get on my Wii Fit Monday through Friday right after my husband leaves for work and do 15 to 20 minutes. Doesn't seem like a lot to ask, but it takes half an hour with the body testing and everything.

I've noticed some good changes in this short two weeks. I am feeling stronger. I am feeling muscles ache, too. My weight is down 5 pounds. My mental state is more positive.

Yesterday was the first day that I really did not feel like doing my program. I sat for 30 minutes on the couch arguing with myself. I didn't want to get on and be weighed because the night before I attended a Christmas party and I ate cheesecake. I did not want to see the numbers. Imagine my surprise when I saw that the numbers went down! Yippee! And again today the numbers were down. I am now really hoping that I can get through the next 2 weeks without gaining those 5 pounds back.

Oh this time of year is so hard! I usually bake like crazy in December. I am just not going to do it. Will the earth stop on its axis? (hee,hee.) Nope. My family will probably complain, so I do think I will try to make one small batch for each of them, their favorites, but I will do this right before Christmas and we will limit ourselves to eating them just on Christmas Eve and day. Lord give me strength!

My resolve will need to remain strong. I have two Christmas parties to attend this weekend. The weekends are always hardest on me. I do so well during the week and then the weekends come and I eat. I think I am going to do my Wii Fit this weekend and see if that helps. It can't hurt!

So, how about you? Do you struggle with any of these issues? What are you doing to get through the next two weeks?

The Antique Mall

We pass miles of old dishes just like Grandma's.  Bits of history are mixed with retro.  Toys from my childhood are hidden in unexpected nooks.  Then my 11 year old finds what his heart has been desiring, a manual typewriter.  My heart sings.  Yes, he gets it that not everything worthy comes from a box store.  "Mom, I like old things."  Me too.  Me too.  This Christmas is going to be really special.  Old dolls made new.  An old typewriter gets a new writer.  Trains from a hobby store.  Just enough and nothing that would date itself to this age.