Confession: I *hate* waking up in the morning. Another confession: For years I have been relying on my husband to wake me. He does a smash-up job, but finds it uphill work. Some time ago he told me of a Sleep Rhythm alarm clock, which monitors you through the night via wristband, and wakes you […]
Learning to rise (or shine–never both) Read More »
A sleepy Saturday afternoon Regan is running a fever and feeling sick, but his morning Tylenol seemed to help He lies sleeping on the couch I sit in the living room, typing about taking things for granted He wakes to ask for a drink, and I bring it to him gladly He is tired, but
What happened on Saturday Read More »
Confession: There are too many things in life I take for granted. Today I’m so thankful for water… the only way to stay sane in soul-withering humidity. Cool showers two or three times a day. Cold drinks. A big lake 45 min away, and a stream to splash in here. Ice. Thank you, Jesus!
Learning to notice Read More »
Please welcome the two newest arrivals to the Zook homestead. Woo-hoo! Our new bunny, Mr. Cinnamon– …gift of Whitney, Guy, Chrissy, Jake, and especially Darien. Thank you, guys! and… Little Sal, our week-old baby goat. We bought her for $25 from a local farm. When Sal is full-grown and freshens, she should produce at
Confession: Every Sunday noon I cook the same food for my family—pancakes and eggs. You are horrified. You had no idea that it was possible to serve less than a roast, potatoes, carrots, a green salad, five or six sides, fresh rolls, dessert and coffee for Sunday dinner and remain within the fold. Right? Or
Saturday! Hip, hip, hooray! For the Zooks, this means Dad mows the lawn, Mom makes pizza, and (best of all) two boys get allowance. To reward our sons for their chores during the week—assuming cheerful cooperation—we adopted an idea we found in a book about Meadville, In a Valley Surrounded by Hills. Aarick and Regan
Learning about money Read More »
Confession: I like picking my own plate. Do you know what bread days are? You have them, same as me. Days of laundry, days of tidying the house. Days of waking up to a normal breakfast. Days of wondering what to cook for supper. Days of the children playing, quiet projects humming, time to feed
Confession: Some days the trivial is infuriating, and some days it brings the most satisfaction. Or humor. Or sheer joy. *** Did you know that it is possible for a woman to trim three heads of hair and 80 nails in approximately one hour? *** My little magnolia tree—the five-inch infant that got hit with
Enchanting trivia (or not…) Read More »
Confession: I feel like I spend about 90% of my time and energy on a treadmill entitled Trying to Keep Up with This Household. I’m not trying to whine (horrors) or brag (horrors), but seek some input. Here is what was on my plate today: Clean-up from an excursion to Lake Erie last night—think soggy, sandy