Good Things

New Discoveries:

Shannon, Henry, Hope and I all spent a few hours on Saturday at the Sandpoint Waldorf School here in town. They held a special pre-K discovery day and it was extraordinary. Their methodology was so peaceful, whole child and intentional...we played, we sang, we did movement exercises, we painted, ate carrot/spelt muffins, watched a puppet show, played outside. A big part of their philosophy is letting children explore their surroundings and bring their imagination to play -- so rather than have a "boat" in the classroom, they have a wooden structure that rocks and when a child gets in it, you can ask her, "So, what are you doing?" And she might say, "I am riding in a car" or "I am rocking in a boat" or "This is where me and my mommy are hiding while the birds sing." The child defines the moment for herself in this way...really interesting! They are also very intentional about transitions -- moving as they describe like the breath, in and then out. They mark transitions for the kids with song and verse and "prayer" of a sort (though seemingly completely non-denominational). The whole experience left me full and curious about how to bring more creativity and exploration into our home.

We also took our first family hike through the woods after work last night. Though it was snowing again this moring, we'd had lovely sun melt away most of the ground snow, leaving a path for our journey. Henry was most fascinated by the multitude of animal poop -- so many different creatures leaving their mark. He would call out, "Momma Diana, Momma Shannon, more poopies!!!" and we would come running. Hope was content watching us all from above in the backpack.

We anticpate spring with a fervor, yet are settling into the possibility of more snow on its way. April is very busy for us -- Chris, Chapel and Watson will visit this weekend; our dear from Julie will come from NYC for a few days; we are hosting our friend Stacey's birthday party at the house; a Passover seder in town; a visit with Deb Armstrong and Adelyn; hoping to get some running in so that we will survive the Bloomsday race the first weekend in May. With hope, the sun will come and we can also begin the ready the garden and begin the growing season.

Good things...all good things.

Guess Again!

Name the kid...can you say strong gene pool?

Considering Love

Question from Henry this morning: "Momma Diana, what is love?"

Would love to hear some of your answers...

For those interested...

News of the Jaw Pain Unfolds...

Diagnosis: MRI shows Internal Joint Derangement without Reduction

The superior head of the lateral pterygoid muscle may pull the articular disk out of place when abnormal jaw mechanics place unusual stress on the joint. Abnormal jaw mechanics can be due to congenital or acquired asymmetries or to the sequelae of trauma or arthritis. If the disk remains anterior, the derangement is said to be without reduction. Restricted jaw opening (locked jaw) and pain in the ear and around the temporomandibular joint result. If at some point in the joint's excursion the disk returns to the head of the condyle, it is said to be with reduction. Derangement with reduction occurs in about 1/3 of the population at some point. All types of derangement can cause capsulitis (or synovitis), which is inflammation of the tissues surrounding the joint (eg, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, synovium).

Mouth splint: awkward piece of acrylic that costs over $1200 which will somehow make things better (at least in 30% of cases)

Insurance Debacle: Blue Cross has specifically crafted the language of their terms so that NOTHING related to the TMJ (syndrome or joint itself) will be covered...Jesus...I have already racked up close to $4000 on this "derangement." The mysteries of the insurance companies...

Hope in Action

Lil' Hope is taking to her feet! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xis-YkhFNaU

Pretty funny -- watch until the end...

International Women's Day

In honor of his foremothers, Henry celebrates in style!