In Search of Brad

Friday is supposed to be craft day, but due to lack of time, preparation, or creativity on my part, Friday often comes and goes with no craft. So imagine my excitement this past Thursday night when I found an activity that not only looked fun yet manageable for a 3- and almost-5-year-old, but was related to the science lesson (frogs) we'd had on Wednesday. There were only two required supplies: cardstock (which I had) and brass fasteners. You know, the kind with two prongs on the back. You probably used them in elementary school to fasten the hour and minute hands to a paper clock. Even though it was 10:30 at night, I wanted to get those fasteners now so that, come morning, there would be no reason not to make our frog lifecycle wheels.

At this hour, Target, my first choice, was closed. That left Wegmans (my other favorite store, closing in 30 minutes) and Wal-Mart (but surely I'd find them at Wegmans). For the past two or more years, I've managed to stay out of Wal-Mart (except for two very brief visits, with only one resulting in a purchase). I'm not religious about it, but I really haven't had much need to go there. Until 10:50 p.m. Thursday, after I'd failed to find the fasteners at Wegmans.

I made my way to the office supplies section at said Mart, and scoured the three aisles of paper, erasers, and thumbtacks--to no avail. An associate suggested the fabric and craft section. I hunted hopefully; their craft section is not too shabby. But after another 20 minutes, I left Wal-Mart with some construction paper for future projects, deodorant, Sesame Street placemats, and no fasteners.

I stopped by Harris Teeter on the way home. No fasteners.

The next morning, Google told me I'd find them at Staples, which is not far, but further than I wanted to drive. I called Home Depot and described the fasteners to the lady on the phone. My initial description did not register, so I elaborated. "I have no idea what you're talking about," was her response. "Well, is there someone else who can help me?" I was placed on hold. I tried again with the second associate who exclaimed "I know exactly what you're talking about!" I was placed on hold again. When she returned, she had not found them, but suggested A.C. Moore. Duh! I had forgotten all about that place! Once at A.C. Moore, I made what was now my fifth inquiry about brass fasteners (and learned that they are also called brads). The associate asked whether I wanted plain ones or fancy ones. "Plain." "We only have fancy ones." Well, OK, show me to the fancy ones! They were scrapbooking brads and fancy indeed. They came in different sizes and colors. I selected a package of the plainest fancy brads and finally had the critical pieces to what would be the greatest Friday project ever! (Shown below in the "tadpole" position.)

It was completely worth it.

Let the Music Play!

I'm still figuring out what sports we'll do this winter, but in the meantime I am teaching the crew to play piano and violin. As with all of my decisions, I debated this for a while. I took less than 1 year of piano in elementary school (I quit right before the recital, which I don't remember telling my parents.), but figured I could at least introduce them to the basics. So about 5 weeks ago we bought an electronic keyboard and I've been teaching mostly Pretlow from the Bastien lesson books. (If Zoe and Victoria are interested, I let them play a bit or do some worksheets.) We are practicing 3-4 times per week and most of the time I don't scream that much. I'm actually very impressed at how well Pretlow has progressed. When he is not working from the book, he likes to play a little song that he's made up. It's very cute.

I had more reservations about teaching them violin. I played for 10 years, from third grade to my senior year of high school. But with the violin, much more than with the piano (IMO), there are so many details as far as position and form than can really affect the quality of the sound. If I teach them all my bad habits, another teacher will have to un-teach them later. But when my mom brought over my violin a few weeks ago, the kids were enthralled. "Can I play?! Can I play?!!" What's better than children who are eager to learn? It seemed best to seize the opportunity and at least let them try.

Since my violin is too big for them, I've rented a 1/4 size violin from the local music store (isn't it adorable??). I also bought two beginning violin books. Zoe has taken to it the most. She loves to play pizzicato (plucking the strings) and in our last lesson, she was able to hold the bow very straight while playing on the E string. As with the piano, I let Victoria play a note or two if she's interested.

We'll see how things go in the coming months. If anyone shows a great deal of interest and aptitude, we should probably invest in private lessons. Hopefully their new teacher(s) will not ask in dismay, "who on earth taught you how to play?!?!"

The Next Tiger, Venus, and Serena?

Recently I've had conversations with a few friends about the pressure (some external, some self-induced) to have our children in extracurricular activities. We've done dance, toddler gymnastics, t-ball, ice skating, and soccer in the past. Our family is not especially athletic or sports-enthusiastic (besides the Olympics), but I see the value of sports for fitness, teamwork, discipline, etc. Yet, with all the other things I want to accomplish with the kids (and things I don't want to accomplish like dishes and laundry), it would be very challenging to shuttle one child to and from activities, let alone three. We barely make it to church each Sunday. Activity fees can also be very expensive, not to mention uniforms and equipment.

We are currently on hiatus from extra-curriculars, but for next season I will consider signing up for one activity per child. Would it be awful to do two activities per season, while one child takes a break? (Who takes the break first?) The 2008-2009 county activity guide is out, so I'll peruse, consider, debate, agonize, and get back to you.

My Prince

Friday is Book Character Dress-Up Day at Pretlow's school. My son wants to be a prince, so I've been searching for a story in which that role is not secondary to a princess. I also wanted one that doesn't involve death (at least not too much). This is harder than you might think. My search finally ended at Prince Caspian from the Chronicles of Narnia series, except that I needed an age-appropriate version that Pretlow could read by Friday. I know that he is a good reader, but since we are pressed for time (wait until the last minute? Never!), I didn't want this particular assignment to be too challenging (and therefore, stressful for both of us). I picked up The Rescue of Prince Caspian (The Return to Narnia) from Barnes and Noble (for free! but that's another story), which the website says is for ages 4 to 7. So it'll be an easy read, but we'll have a prince for Friday.

Today was also my conference with Pretlow's teacher. Her glowing report included praise of Pretlow's reading ability. So when we went to the library today, I checked out The Magician's Nephew, the first book in the Chronicles series. If Pretlow likes Prince Caspian, he can give the more challenging book a try. It will be his first chapter book. My little scholar is growing up!

The Sleeping Tree

Hhmmm. We certainly had an interesting time at the Greater Reston Arts Center yesterday. The "Explore More" program gives children the opportunity to create their own artwork as they are inspired by the museum's latest exhibition. The children each get a bucket containing art supplies such as markers, crayons, glue, and modeling clay. The current exhibition is The Sleeping Tree, "a twenty-two foot dead dogwood tree inside the gallery where it stretches across the room as though asleep." Our supply buckets therefore also included leaves, twigs, and pinecones with which to create our masterpieces. Like I said, it was interesting. The girls seemed to have a lovely time, and Zoe really enjoyed talking to everyone. One of the nice ladies gave her a box in which to safely carry our sculpture to the car. Zoe is very proud of it.

Touchdown!

Last night we watched Uncle Kofi coach his South County High School Freshman Stallions. They continued their undefeated streak and scored 49 points to their opponents' 8. There were lots opportunities to learn about addition, multiplication, and fractions. And thanks to Miss Vicki (Uncle Kofi's girlfriend), we learned what a first down is (thanks Vicki!). We also learned that it's not just Mommy who has a hard time with that camera of ours.


Are you dizzy?!?

Bug Update

It's been a day and a half and we're not getting very many diners at Chez Bug. There was a beetle in the fruit can yesterday, and we also observed two slugs (I think?) on the outside of the can. But for the most part, our bug neighbors don't seem interested. It has gotten much cooler, so that might be keeping them away. Maybe we should add wine to the menu?