Syllogism

Bryan and Topher enjoy snuggling and watching animal videos. Last night they watched this one. Topher loved it so much that when I came in to announce bedtime, they played it for me.

As we watched and listened to the adorable sounds the porcupine made as he ate his tiny pumpkins, Topher watched with a fascinated expression. Then he said, "That por-kee-pine is eating a pumpkin. Pumpkins are tasty! We eat pumpkins. (pause) We are por-kee-pines."

Write What You Know

As I was tucking Phoebe in last night she turned to me and the following conversation took place.

Phoebe: Mom, I'm eleven now. Wow! I'm eleven. (pause) Does that mean I'm old enough to write romance?

Me: (steady laughter for longer than was necessary) No.

Then we talked about Little Women and Jo's decision to write what she knows. I told Phoebe maybe she could write romance stories after she's allowed to date, so watch for a series of romances from Phoebe sometime in late 2026.

Don't Go Breakin' My

A few days ago, after a terrible night of being more awake than asleep, we were all chatting over breakfast when Topher interrupted to get our attention.

Topher: Guys! Guys! Cooper, Phoebe, Sophie, you are ALL CHEATING!

Phoebe: Topher, what does cheating mean?

Topher: It means you are all not following the rules!

Phoebe: (amused) Topher, what rules are we breaking?

Topher: (with great passion) You are breaking my HEART!

All Dressed Up

We unpacked the costumes.

Chip or Dale

"Hello! Can you come inside?!" -Topher, standing inside the closed kitchen door, looking at a chipmunk that was sitting on the deck. 

When the chipmunk finally scurried away, Topher threw himself to the floor and cried angrily, saying, "I was gonna give it a hug!"

Creative Technology

Cooper has a very full school schedule this year, including an elective called Art in the Digital Age. One of his assignments this week was to create a piece of art. He decided to use his Wacom tablet that he got for his birthday earlier this year to draw something digitally.

He drew this slightly abstract phoenix. I think it's beautiful.

The Original Shoe

I played in the backyard with these two this morning, then we took a walk. When we got home we sat on the edge of the deck for a cold treat. Between getting back from the walk and eating the popsicle, Topher took off his shoes. When he headed outside the second time, this conversation took place.

Me: Oh wait Buddy, you don't have shoes on.

Topher: Oh, it's okay, I'll use my feet as shoes.

Robot Boy

It's always fun when your creative biggest sister uses the abundant supply of recycling to turn you into a robot.

The Ivories

About a month and a half ago a friend in my ward texted to ask if we were interested in a free piano. I responded with lots of exclamations points that YES we were indeed interested. Another family in our ward was looking for a new home for their piano, so I reached out to her. I told her that our kids had been practicing piano on a keyboard and had asked if we were ever going to have a real piano. She was happy we wanted it and was willing to hold on to it for a few more weeks until we were in the new house.

Well, it took longer than a few weeks. The continuously damp basement and construction zone second floor delayed our piano acquisition plans, which had included using one of the three U-Haul trucks we rented to transport the piano from their house to ours. On Labor Day a couple from our ward stopped by with a pot of flowers and a sidewalk visit. As they were leaving they asked if they could help in any way and reminded us that they have a trailer. I screwed up my courage and told them about the piano.

Tonight they, plus three more members of our ward, all wearing masks, brought the piano to our house.

The family that gave it to us warned us in advance that it would need to be tuned, and they were definitely correct. It's kind of tinny but manageable until you hit the G below middle C, then it's rather earsplitting. But tuning a piano is something that we can make happen.

A house and an actual piano are two things that I've wanted for a long, long time. I'm so happy to have them both. Neither are in great condition, but that's okay, I'm still thankful.

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Good news: the boys' room is painted, except for the trim. These pictures are somewhat misleading since they give the impression that the boys did most of the painting. The person that did most of the painting took the pictures and is writing this post.

Not so good news: I finally cleaned the master bathroom, which led to the master bathroom shower being used, which then led to the discovery that the drain pipe from said shower leaks. This is the ceiling of the downstairs hall closet.

I am much happier about the first bit of news than I am about the second.