October 24, 2008 by Jen.

(Corniness warning to readers: you must sing this poem to the tune of “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music. Go ahead. You know you want to.)

Crisp Fuji apples with carmel to dip in
Bonfires in backyards while watching the leaves spin
Woodsmoke that lingers on clothing and clings
These are a few of my fav’rite fall things

Bright, sunny mornings, upcoming Thanksgiving
Stars on my iPod, my soundtrack for living
Sipping hot cider or chai while I read
These are a few of my fav’rite fall things

When the kids gripe, when I’m lonely, when I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my fav’rite fall things, and then I don’t feel . . . so bad!

Robert Frost’s poems bring fall inspiration
Wearing wool sweaters and hiking creation
Playing more soccer while pine needles sing
These are a few of my fav’rite fall things

When the kids gripe, when I’m lonely, when I’m feeling sad
I simply remember my fav’rite fall things, and then I don’t feel . . . so bad!

Posted in Random | 8 Comments »

October 24, 2008 by Jen.

Evan and Jenny joined us on Sabbath for a lovely hike to Black Rock. The leaves and weather were perfect!

Posted in Fun, News | 2 Comments »

October 24, 2008 by Jen.

Highlights of the day included Arlington Cemetery, including the Eternal Flame at the JFK gravesite, the Tidal Basin, Lincoln Memorial, WWII Memorial, walking along the mall and watching people and birds, eating at a lovely Italian bistro in Georgetown, and trying to find parking to go to the Smithsonian. Megan hasn’t been to DC in years, so the day was well worth it. However, once again, we have more “sister” pictures that reveal how much we do not look alike, just like a certain other recent visitation weekend. Craziness.

Posted in Fun, News | 1 Comment »

October 13, 2008 by Jen.

I took my juniors and seniors out for some apples, caramel, and fall poetry today. The weather is gorgeous, the leaves are turning, and it was a lovely morning.

Posted in Fun | No Comments »

October 13, 2008 by Jen.

This Sabbath I woke up at 4:45 a.m. and loaded the bus at 5:45 a.m. for the annual Eastern Shore drama and music tour. We got back home at about 5:00 p.m. Everything went fairly smoothly, but that is one long day. Sunrise over the Bay Bridge is beautiful though!

Posted in News | 1 Comment »

October 9, 2008 by Jen.

Wow, my face is covered in freckles!

We’re rockin’ it, old school!

Posted in Fun, News | 5 Comments »

October 9, 2008 by Jen.

This one looks like a Harry Potter staircase!

Posted in Fun | 1 Comment »

October 9, 2008 by Jen.

Yes, I’m re-reading my favorite book series: Anne of Green Gables. As I discovered the last time around, L.M. Montgomery (via Anne), has some very interesting and important and sometimes rather profound things to say about life. I’ve decided to make a post with some of my favorite quotes from the story as I read, and then you all can enjoy what Anne has to say as well.

“It’s easier to be cheerful and bear up under affliction on a sunshiny day.”

“Isn’t it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive–it’s such an interesting world. It wouldn’t be half so interesting if we knew all about everything.”

“Why must people kneel down to pray? If I really wanted to pray . . . I’d go out into a great big field all alone or into the deep, deep woods, and I’d look up into the sky–up–up–up–into that lovely blue sky that looks as if there was no end to its blueness. And then I’d just feel a prayer.”

“It’s lovely to be going home and know it’s home.”

“Her advice is much like pepper, I think . . . excellent in small quantities but rather scorching in her doses.”

“It does people good to have to do things they don’t like . . . in moderation.”

“That’s the worst of growing up, and I’m beginning to realize it. The things you wanted so much when you were a child don’t seem half so wonderful to you when you get them.”

Posted in Profound | 1 Comment »