some rambles about my bubble of a world

*Charley's Pinewood Derby car won the trophy for "most patriotic car".  Kinda cool!

"It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began. For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers, and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law - for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well. Our journey is not complete until no citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote. Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity; until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country. Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for, and cherished, and always safe from harm."

~  United States President Barack Obama, in his second inaugural address, January 21, 2013

Sometimes, I fear I focus too much on the world in the bubble of our family, home, community....and only occasionally become aware of our state, region, country, world.  And sometimes I feel ignorant or like a failure to not know more about the bigger issues, but then I remind myself that focusing on raising three littles that will join our society and hopefully make wise choices, promote peace, and innovation...that it is my small part that will ripple out into the bigger picture.  

Yesterday, the boys and I paused before our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cartoon indulgence and watched a bit of the inauguration festivities.  I tried to get the boys understand the moment they were witnessing - but to a child, it is hard to sometimes grasp, because even I sometimes have a hard time. 

The world is a big place.

Whether you agreed with the outcome of the 2013 elections, our country if an amazing place and hopefully, we will see more great in the next four years.  

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Henry's car came in second place in the little sibling race! 

Also very cool!  

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Another session of ECFE classes have started.  Miss Syd loves going to class on Fridays.  

It is one of my favorite parts of the week too.  Last week we talked about the amazing fact that MN is one of the few states to offer such resources to families.  I am so glad I became aware of them and took advantage of the opportunity to get to know a vast array of other moms from all walks of life, with different mothering strengths and weaknesses, and kids at various stages and ages.  Such a gift.  

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Kindergarten is on our minds lately. 

It weighs so heavily on my head and heart. 

Making the right choice for our Henry. 

Our district offers only full day. 

A neighboring district only offers half day. 

Another offers both.  

I wish I could look ahead and see what decision is the one most fitting for our boy.  

I know he will do great with any of them.

We live in an area where every school is strong. 

There are pros and cons to each and every option.

We know friends who are doing or have done all options. 

We will keep ourselves open to all the possibilities until we feel confident in one particular opportunity.  And Ed will continue to keep reminding me to sleep and not cry over this decision.  

There is no wrong choice.  

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Our girl turns two tomorrow.

It will be a simple day for her. 

We'll make it special with homemade ice cream instead of cake. 

She'll open a gift that her mama is super excited about.

And later this week we'll celebrate a little more with my mom and sister and her crew.  

Two.  breathe.

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Did you know if you have a pan with a lot of stuff burned onto it and it is looking like you won't be able to get it cleaned...you can take a little dishwasher detergent (we have cascade in the green box - the powder, from our old dishwasher) and put a little in the pan with some water and let it soak.  It will loosen it and make it super easy to clean.  A friend had a pan that had terrible food burned into it and she tried it and it worked. 

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It is another REALLY cold day.  And when I mean really cold.  I mean the high is below zero.  Throw in some wind and it is basically too dangerous to take Syd anywhere.  Cars won't start.  Layers are needed inside, even with the heat.  It is hard on the kiddos when they can't get a little run around time outside.  So today, we will try a few other ways to burn a little energy, in our little bubble of a home. 

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What are you conquering today? 

What's on your to do list?

I showered and put on my cozy black pants.  

I am dressed to get down and dirty with some cleaning, organizing, or baking.  

Just not sure which it will be.  

Inspire me with your task list!  

PLEASE!