Book Quote

I finally talked Miss M into reading Jane Eyre.  I love that book.  I love the classic orphan tale mixed with some gothic mystery with themes of home and redemption and rebirth.  But after her great sadness over Beth's death in Little Women Miss M is still not quite sure she trusts me (it has only been 2 years!).

It turns out she is really enjoying it.  Miss M has also enjoyed finding the quotes throughout the book from my 3x5s.  What?  You don't keep 3x5 note cards tucked into books scribbled all over with quotes and page numbers from the book?  Well you should.  Not every book gets one.  Some books, like Jane Eyre, get more than one.  My very favorite quote and now also Miss M's motto:

"She soon forgot her little freaks and became obedient and teachable."

...or at least willing to read her mother's book selections!

A Visit From The Ghost of Children Future

Moose just got back from making the Cricket Run. He also got dog food and some people food. The crickets are for dear Eduardo. But he also got himself some deodorant.  The scent is called swagger.  What the heck does a swagger smell like?  We don't know.  But we know what it looks like because he is walking around like he rode a rough horse on his Cricket Run.  And he keeps saying "swagger" in a voice that sounds a little like Joe from The Family Guy.  

At least you only had to read about it.  We are living it.  It is like he is channelling The Cap'n (my cousin's husband, find him at Cricket and Pip on my blog list).  

Miss M, in a tone and timing that can only be described as Junior High, says to him: "Oh.  Dad.  Why are you doing that?"

Is that tone and timing a hormonally triggered thing?  Like the pituitary gland says to her body, "OK, here we go.  Longer limbs.  Round things out a bit.  A mild sprinkling of pimples.  And the ability to feel deeply embarrassed by your parents.  That'll do for now.  See you in 6 months."

baby girl

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I came across this picture of Miss M while searching for a baby photo to send in for the yearbook.

I love the expression on her face in this picture: open and inviting, with a healthy dose of smirk. 

It is pretty close to the look on her face when she was born.  This might be TMI for some, so just stop if you need to.  Look at the cute photo and go on with your day.  But Miss M was born with her eyes open and she spent the next several hours very quietly watching everything with those huge eyes.  How funny that she was already so much of who she would become in those early moments.     

And this is the giant creature she has grown into.  She had positioned herself on this park bench to subtly blend into the background.  Because she is always looking at things she is the kind of kid who recognized her clothes matched the bench and sidewalk.  And she did it with a smirk.  

I love how she thinks: about the world, about others, and about herself.  She makes me smirk!