this weekend i...

...watched General Conference and, for the first time in years, I didn't fall asleep once during any of the sessions. But even so, Sunday morning was the only session I heard in its uninterrupted entirety, thanks to Blake for taking Garrett with him to watch at the chapel, and to Caleb for napping. Also, I was absolutely thrilled to hear a temple announced in Indianapolis, Indiana. We're already making tentative plans to go back once it's completed.

...made and devoured pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.

...watched the Ragamuffin Parade go down our street.

I learned during my most recent reading of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn that this ragamuffin business has a long history in Brooklyn. Every autumn (usually at Thanksgiving time), as far back as at least the early 20th century, children would dress up in costumes or as ragamuffins and walk the streets begging pennies and treats from the shopkeepers who depended on children for sales. This is also probably one reason why stores here so heavily participate in trick-or-treating at Halloween.

...worked on freezer-paper-stenciling and fabric painting the boys' Halloween costumes. Can you guess who'll be this year?


...became even more convinced that Caleb says "dad" and "mama" in reference to Blake and I. He might also say "more," but that one is still open for debate. I also enjoyed watching him understand and follow simple instructions. He can now sit down, go get his blanket, and put dirty clothes in the hamper when asked.

...wore new pants, purchased earlier last week at Target, that are actually long enough. Do you know how hard it is to find pants in long sizes for affordable prices? I was so pleasantly surprised that Target actually carried a few pairs that fit me.

...listened to Garrett "read" me Freight Train.

...for the first time in years we all slept in until 8:00 on a Sunday morning. When they finally woke up, the boys joined us in our bed, which was fun for about five minutes until they both began jumping and flopping dangerously around.

...did a lot of thinking, based on your kind comments (which, thank you for those, by the way), about Garrett's school situation. I agree that the ideal place a 3-year-old can receive an education is at home, but there are things relating to his language development that, despite my own schooling, I cannot give him, which is why I enrolled him in this school. (As I understand the system, once a child turns 3, speech therapy can no longer be given at home, as was the case with Early Intervention.) I really do believe -- because I have seen it happening already -- that Garrett can benefit from this experience. That said, however, I also realize that there are certain issues that need to be dealt with. I'm not going to do anything so rash as withdraw him from the class no questions asked (or answered). The school, which I really am so far impressed with, in spite of this particular experience, has an open door policy, and I plan to observe Garrett in class on occasion to get my own view of how he's doing. I am also in communication with his teachers and am ready to work with them to help Garrett. If things improve, as I'm hopeful they will, I'll keep him in the class. If they don't, I'll take the appropriate steps to make sure a better situation, whatever it might be, is secured.