Leaping Lizards!

This post was supposed to go up Sunday night but time is like a vapor (or something like that) and I was falling asleep so I missed my publishing deadline. Good thing the staff editor is "out of office". So take a step back in time with me...

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Today (Sunday) was one of those fall days that happens only a few times each year. The temperature was in the mid 70's all afternoon with blue sky and bright sunshine. It reminded me of that day a fews ago on November 4th when we had a spontaneous birthday party for Kaitlin so she could have an outdoor birthday for once in her life. It was perfect...

The day started off great also. I was a little worried about getting everything up in running in the am but God was gracious and I awoke early and got a good start on the day before any of the kids were up. I tell you I had things running like clockwork. Breakfast, get dressed, get in the car and go to church. Unfortunately my clock must of had a Daylight Saving Time hang-over and we still ended up 4 minutes late to church. At least I had a great excuse to fall back on.

Pastor Jonathon preached a great sermon on Achan and hidden sin. For his visual he brought in a cardboard box that contained something unknown. He dropped a few hints during the sermon about what was in the box but we were all quite surprised when he pulled out of the box a cage containing Katie's tarantula. Sin doesn't look to bad on the outside but it is dangerous and can greatly affect those around you.

After service we did a little visiting and found our way to CalTort. Not having Kathleen there completely threw us off our ordering routine and it seemed to take us nearly half an hour to figure out who was sharing what with whom. And the new cashiers were just no help either. Morgan where are you?

We came straight home after lunch and I sent the little ones in for a quick 1 hour nap so they could enjoy the bulk of the sunny afternoon. After Sam was tucked in bed he came running out saying one of his lizards had gotten out of the cage. KK went to check things out. She was thinking like me that one of the lizards was just hidden in the cage and Sam didn't see him. A few moments later I heard her yell "Pa" and I knew what I had been dreading since we first became lizard owners had come to pass; a lizard had escaped.

Miss Sally was on the window ledge in Sam's room also apparently enjoying the fall sunshine. It took a while for me to formula a plan since these lizards are not hand trained like our birds are. I put out a hopeful "who is good handling these guys?" wishing that KK would volunteer to capture our escapee. I am not a big fan of bugs, or insects or critters of any sort that are smaller than say a parakeet so I was really hoping to not have to do this. KK however gave a feeble "I only clean their cages and just put a cup over them so I don't really handle them" answer and I knew it was up to me. I grabbed various Tupperware items with lids and then we put clothes under the doors to seal off Sam's room. Of course with the choas every other child had to enter the room and the doors were opened many times. After a few misses we finally got the Tupperware over top of Miss Sally and then slid a piece of paper under her. We then dumped her back in the cage where she resumed her normally scheduled Sunday afternoon.

The Escapee (look closely)

The capture

After that little bit of fun we then got everyone back in bed for a quick snooze. One hour later we went out and enjoyed the weather.

Ellie steals the football!

Aedan perfects his riding without training wheels

It was a great fall afternoon and evening. We wrapped it up by getting some chinese for dinner.

Followed by a mean game of air hockey.

What a great day.

Ciao.

Chili's Art

Step aside Reuben!

We taking sandwiches seriously around here. To me a nice deli style sandwich is a gourmet meal up there with anything made by Julia Child. In Salem, VA (near Roanoke) there is a restaurant with nearly 100 different types of sandwiches on the menu. It takes me forever to figure out what to order.

Where am I going with all this? Well, one night back in January when we were reading the book of Genesis together as family we can across the list of Jacob's sons; the twelve tribes of Israel. Suddenly I wondered out loud why only Reuben had a sandwich named after him? I mean imagine what a Zebulun or a Naphtali sandwich could be like? We explored the ideas that night and decided to make it happen. But when? Creating a new sandwich to honor one of the sons of Jacob is not something to be taken lightly. When it was decided that Kathleen was going to Italy to visit Diann I saw an opportunity. With full control over the kitchen I would oversee the design, construction and implementation of the "Naphtali". Last night was THE night.

Via something that only be called inspiration (or maybe an empty stomach) we came up with the ingredient list below.

- 3 slices rye bread with seeds (you can lightly toast or not)

- Salsalito roasted turkey breast (Boar's Head)

- Genoa salami (sliced thin)

- Corned beef (sliced thin from the deli)

- Alpine Swiss cheese

- Fresh Lettuce

- Thinly sliced tomato

- Hellman's real mayonnaise

- Pitted, sliced kalamata olives (or sigonella if you are Ben)

- Delicatesin sour kraut (not the stuff in a can)

- Banana peppers rings

Why these ingredients you ask? The rye bread, corned beef, sour kraut and swiss cheese honor the 1st sandwich of the 12 tribes - Reuben. The inspiration for the other ingredients came from various sources. The Salsalito turkey breast with it's Italian name is in honor of my dear wife who is away from us in Italy at the moment. The Genoa Salami is just so good it should be on every sandwich. The kalamata olives were a last minute thought. We owe that to Ben Rickert. His sin of throwing away all those olives from my wife's great cooking just needed redeeming! See Art's Chili previous post.

Here's how you stack it all up:

Spread mayo on one side of all three slice of bread. Place a piece of lettuce on one slice. Add 2 thick slices of Swiss cheese. Roll up four slices of turkey and place on top the Swiss cheese. Next roll three slices of Genoa salami and continue to build. Just to get some nutrition we then add a few tomato slices. Top the bottom half of the sandwich with the sliced olives the mild banana pepper rings. Insert the second slice of bread mayonnaise side down. The top section is like a Reuben so stack up the corned beef bread and sour kraut. Last comes the lid. You need to pin down the four corners with sandwich tooth picks. Cut into quarters and enjoy!

We tried some with toasted bread and some untoasted bread just to see which way we liked better. On our test run the toast was a little burnt (yes, we burn water too with our head chef away) so it was a little too crispy for some. We were split as too which way was the best but all agreed it was a fabulous sandwich.

Her are some pictures from our first go at last night.

The building process

The masterpiece!

Don't be scared of it Aedan!

Taste Test

Ciao.

Chili's Art

Errand Day

Today was Errand Day. If I didn't know any better I would have thought that Kathleen went to Italy just to escape Errand Day. In order to keep her week as free as possible she does the majority of her errands on one day; usually that day is Thursday.

First stop was the barbershop (called the hair dresser for the fairer sex). We arrived for the appointment 15 minutes earlier. An amazing feat that I still cannot comprehend. Of course all the credit goes to "the girls" for getting everything lined up so all I had to do was drive the bus.

While at the hair dressers Kathleen and myself were trading a few emails trying to set up a good time for a live phone chat between the two continents. We finally agreed on a general time for the call.

After leaving the hair dresser it was four "quick" stops and on to our favorite fast food on the East Coast: Chick-Fil-A.

One of those four quick stops before lunch was a dash into Target to get a new phone for the house. Our old phone was probably about 7 years old and has seen better days. Between a battery life of about 30 minutes and the damage from numerous drops it was time to replace it. I end up with one of those new digital DECT 6.0 phone with a speaker phone in the handset. This would allow Kathleen to speak with everyone at once and avoid having to repeat the same thing to all 8 of us. Sound logic if I do say so myself. I know this from experience when I have to go out of town on business and call back home.

After lunch we returned home for naps and work and school. When Kathleen called I was still charging the new phone so imagine what went through her mind when I told her to "call back in 5 minutes" without explanation. Of course the reason was I needed to disconnect the old phone and connect the new phone. Fortunately I got things configured so when she did call back we all enjoyed a good chat with Mama all at the same time. It was kind of like a dinner conversation. Even Uncle Frank popped in and got in a few words.

Following our nice phone chat we had dinner and then baths. Sorry Kathleen but the schedule you left for us is becoming more just general guidelines. I can't imagine what things will be like in a few more days. Will we even remember there was a schedule? Let us pray!

After baths we went downstairs to light the woodstove. The temperature dropped this evening and the winds have picked up nicely. While the stove was catching up I caught up the children on the happenings over at Arts's Chili. They loved the pictures of baby Gabriel. And the pictures of Mama out and about in the Italian markets. We talked about the chicken but didn't really get a chance to research it as Pa is worn out tonight. I did spend a few minutes with Than helping him with his model car that needed repair. And then I spent a few more minutes drawing and coloring with Aedan. Seemed like he needed something since Emma and Than now have special projects to do with Pa.

After that came prayers and hugs and bed. The boys all slept in Sam's room tonight.

And that was day 4 of the adventure. Looking forward to tomorrow but first a good night's rest. Too bad those cold feet aren't here tonight.

Ciao.

Chili's Art

On the road again

Today was Wednesday which means there is a 90% chance I am on the road for business travel. And today was not an exception to the rule. About 7.5 hours of what we call "windshield time" to do about 5 hours worth of business at 4 different customers. "Windshield" time is a great time to collect your thoughts, pray (with your eyes open of course) and read a book. Thankfully my "reading" is done via CD. Since I see my car more than my wife on travel days I decided to post a picture of it. OK it's not actually my car but it looks identical and I know the boys will love to see a car picture. Once after a long road trip I tried to compliment Kathleen by saying something about her looking better after me spending 8 hours in my car. Needless to say it didn't come out the way I thought it would. And do you know what? Kathleen knew what I meant and took it as a compliment. That's how lucky I am! And how much I miss her now... And miss those cold feet...

Fortunately I left with complete confidence as the girls were in charge. They really, really are special kids (hopefully they won't get swelled heads by me saying it everyday). PopPop and Nana (Mrs PopPop) spent the afternoon and evening with the kids. I heard rumors of cookies and candy but surprisingly enough saw no evidence. The bulk of the daily life will have to posted by KK and Nana as they experienced it. And as I assigned it to them I'm sure they will be posting soon.

What I did experience first hand and can tell you about is that everyone was watching a Shirley Temple movie when I got home. I joined them for the ending and then we watched a Get Smart episode. Then I hustled the boys upstairs to get ready for bed. After prayers on their floor I corrected a great injustice by reading them the latest edition of Art's Chili. They were excited about the photos and the following snip it of conversion ensued in response to Mama's question:

>>>

Pa: Why do you think the toilet tank is near the ceiling?

Than: to save room

Aedan: I have no idea

Sam: I have no idea

Pa: Hint. Similar to mechanical ("advantage!" interjected by Than)

Than: the water goes down faster

Aedan and Sam together: I have no idea

Pa then demonstrates by dropping a plastic clothes hanger on each boys out stretched hand from a height of 2 inches and then 2 feet.

Sam: Neither one hurts

>>>>

The joy of homeschooling...

After the boys went to bed I helped Emma glue the doors together on her doll house while I ate dinner the girls set aside for me. I considered it a personal victory get anything done considering the late hour. Rome wasn't built in a day and this doll house has nearly as many parts as a small coliseum.

Ciao.

Chili's Art

PS. Hope I never, ever thought I would be blogging about our life to the world (or at least 9 people). But my wife had never been away for two weeks before and asked me to keep her up to date on the many happenings.

Back to the new "normal"

Day 2 of the adventure and things are beginning to return to "normal"; whatever that is. No sense of dread of what may or may not happen; only the "calmness" of everyday life.

Everyday life that was running behind schedule as the day got off to a later than normal start. I'd like to blame that on my previously mentioned late night trip to SuperWalmart with KK but even that wasn't too bad. It was the dragging of feet over the blog post that I feel kept me up too late. Whatever the reason breakfast was on a compressed schedule but KK and Nana did a great job of getting things running. We were delighted to find an email from Kathleen/Chili/Mama awaiting us this am. This was read to the delight of all. It was followed of course by another hand written letter of encouragement from Mama to the little peppers. Breakfast was eaten hardily by all and soon KK launched into Circle Time with the kids.

After Circle Time the kids scattered to complete the unfinished morning chores before heading outside to play in the leaves. One last day of warmth before the forecasted rain from Tropical Storm Ida.

We all reassemble back in the kitchen on time for lunch. I sprang a surprise on the children as I brought home a whole order of cheese fries from Outback last night. Cheese fries from Outback are a source of no little joy in our house. I even called an audible on main course when I picked Veggie burgers for everyone also while at SuperWalmart. Ellie consumed the veggie burger with almost as much gusto as she did the cheese fries!

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During lunch there was a public reading of the world famous Art's Chili blog. Crowd control had to be called in to keep the poor reader from being trampled as the kids all swarmed to see the photos.

After lunch it was naps and work and school. Mostly that is. With all the buzz about I.M. I had to forbid Brianna from her school work until she completed her blog post I had advertised. I just couldn't let my good name be ruined as a false advertiser.

Side note: Brianna completely set up my entire blog. All I do is type the story. And for those of you wondering what happened to the youngest two cats on the side bar (that's you Di) all I will say is see the above note.

After naps and work and school (I think we should rotate who does what some day) Sam and Ellie and I had to run a quick errand to the Post Office to get stamps to mail my folks anniversary card. Can you actually believe I not only remembered my folks anniversary but also took time to get a card and to actually mail it. What is up with me lately?

Dinner was wonderful Borscht prepared and frozen by Kathleen. Following dinner we all had a small bowl of Edy's Lite Cookie Dough ice cream. Another spoil of my trip to SuperWalmart. The kids were completely amazed that I actually shared. Sometimes I even surprise myself...

After Dinner it was stories and play in Sam's room. And after Ellie went to bed we all retreated to the basement for a competitive game of air hockey. Too much fun for words but I will say Brianna was the referee for a while and she has a real whistle in her mouth in the picture below.

Next to be herded to bed were the boys. This gave me a few moment to work on Emma's doll house with her. We set up a few things and got our bearing on what needs to be done next. Hopefully tomorrow's picture will show some progress.

Thats about all that happened around here today my bride. It seemed a fairly slow day until I listed it all out. Tomorrow is my marathon day of travel through Southern Va so Pop Pop and Nana (Mrs Pop Pop and not Nana; ask Kathleen about the names some day) are coming over to help. God Bless them.

Ciao.

Chili's Art

Life with Father

OK this is all new to me but I'll give it my best shot. You see my wonderful wife Kathleen has gone to Italy to visit with her sister, brother-in- law and brand new nephew Gabriel. I am home with our seven great kids for two weeks and I'm short on vacation (thanks to our three week summer vacation and our annual "take the week off between Christmas and New Years" plans). Kathleen has encouraged me to use this blog so she can keep up with events here. For those of you that are just visiting feel free to tag along also; if you can keep up that is. (sound of crickets chirping...) So I set forth on this "adventure" with a digital camera, two laptops (one flamingo pink), seven kids, two birds, a cat and two jobs (one of which pays in cash and the other in memories and hugs).

Background. This beautiful lady shown below is my fabulous bride. She is the reason our household runs with any semblance of order. For those of you that saw the home tour on Kathleen's blog and got the 0.5 second glance of my office desk can see that organization is not my strong point. Fortunately Kathleen is exceptionally good at organizing and planning. Without her planning and the kindness of "the girls" this wouldn't be as "easy" as it is.

I hate suspense so I'll start by saying Kathleen has safely arrived in Catania, Italy. Thanks to all of you that kept her in your prayers. Our Father in heaven does hear and respond to the prayers of His children as Kathleen arrived without the migraine she usually gets when she goes without sleep. Kathleen had a Sunday night flight so we said goodbye to the children and left for the airport. We made it through ticketing and baggage check quick quickly and were able to spend nearly 30 precious minutes holding each other on a bench outside security. At last we had to say goodbye and I watched her as she moved down the escalator and out of sight. I can still see those beautiful smiles as she looked back over her shoulder and smiled my way...

Upon my arrival home I went in to check on the little ones who were already tucked in bed for the night. I checked on Sam first and noticed a piece of paper on top of his face. I went to pull it away when I noticed it was a picture of Kathleen and myself. Kaitlin had printed one out for each of the kids and they all took them to bed with them. I couldn't help but be moved by Sam keeping his picture so close to him. It wasn't until I went to say good night to Nathaniel that I learned Sam was asleep by the time Kaitlin had printed out the pictures and Than had placed the picture Sam's face. It was still cute though...

In the morning I received the message I had been praying all night for; a text from my bride telling me she had arrived safely in London and made the transfer between Heathrow and Gatwick successfully. She was in a French Cafe at the airport having tea said her message. Borrowing an idea from Hope I quickly brewed a pot a coffee that we could have together. I then did one better and we did our Bible study together but thousands of miles apart. One by one the kids rolled into the kitchen and before long we had a quorum to begin breakfast. Brianna read aloud a note from Mama's note to the children and Sam scrambled to find the bag of goodies. The children all tore open their sacks and enjoy a sweet snack after breakfast. The remainder of the morning was circle time, outdoor fun (the weather was overcast but warm), pepper picking and playing and a little wood carrying.

Mama and Pa having coffee

Ellie with her Treat

We returned to the kitchen for lunch and I found an IM (Imitation Mama) in my chair. For more information on IM you'll have to check out Nana's blog as that is her story. During lunch I set my laptop on the table and everyone got to watch a Webex of some new products my company is developing. Notice I said watch and not listen; no use even attempting the sound over a lunch time roar. I did this because Aedan was feeling a little down this AM and I told him that we could do my conference call together.

After lunch came nap, chores and school for "the girls" and work for myself. I knocked off a little early to help the boys finish stockpiling wood outside the back door. Rain is in the forecast and I thought the exercise would do us all some good. We also did a little tidying up outside. We returned inside to find IM again in the kitchen but this time with a cookbook open. I wonder what she was cooking?

Then came clean up Bible study class for Kaitlin and myself. Brianna had everyone at the dinner table when we left so all was under control. Kaitlin and myself stopped by Starbucks for some much needed caffeine and a cookie. Their cookies have no high fructose corn syrup after all. Class went quite well and Brother Yates finished his lectures on Acts and reminded us of the test next week. Plenty of time to study...

After class Kaitlin and I ran to Home Depot to get a tarp to cover the new wood before the rain. Unfortunately Home Depot now closes at 9 pm so we ended up going to dinner at Outback and then a trip to SuperWalmart. Who says her Pa can't show her a good time.

That has been day one of this adventure. Hopefully tomorrow will be even better. I miss my wife but am glad to know she is in God's protective hands.

Ciao!

Chili's Art

Emma and Ellie outside