Category Archives: Travel

Joy to the world!

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Yep, I’m gonna keep the joy alive and kicking around here, from chugging good coffee to loving on my beautiful family to celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmastime.

The wonderment of the season

Last night, the 3 Amigos watched in awe as Santa delivered each one of them a personalized video message. Thanks for turning us onto the Portable North Pole, Granny!

After doing a pretty good job @ being mannerly during “The Nutcracker,” the boys (L to R: Zeke, Houston, Landon, Gabriel & Logan) let loose & release a little post-ballet energy in front of the Gen. Greene monument.

Stephen created the videos, which explain that they’re on Santa’s nice list, yet each should still try a bit harder. Santa said:

    • Houston is “generous,” but needs to “be nicer to his brothers;”
    • Gabriel is “full of energy,” but needs to “work on his table manners;”
    • and Zeke is “quite a character,” but needs to “work on not having temper tantrums.”

Amazing how St. Nick knows such particulars about each boy’s personality and areas of behavior improvement. If you have a child who still believes in Mr. Claus, you should definitely check it out.

It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas when its mighty Founder was a child Himself. — Charles Dickens

Houston, who despite his best friend Asher’s adamant disbelief in the jolly old elf, still regards Santa’s existence as not only possible, but very true indeed. The funny thing is that he has questioned some of the logistical aspects of the mythical Father Christmas.

For example, “Mommy, do reindeer really know how to fly?” asked Houston. “Sure. If Santa can make it around the world in one night, he has to have a fast sled,” I answered with confidence.

The dudes also sent their letters to Santa a few weeks back, when naughtiness was reigning supreme at the time. (Admittedly, I chose this time to have each boy fess up to some of his misdeeds and to hopefully work through some of the issues.) Here’s what they wrote:

Dear Santa, I would probably not earn that many presents, but maybe one or two. I’ll try to be better till Christmas and after. — Houston

Dear Santa, I’ve been very naughty and I will try to be good and try to be nicer to the cats and Mommy “because she gives us everything we need” (Houston helped him out with that part). I hope Zeke doesn’t throw Woody anymore. — Gabriel

Dear Santa, I’ve been naughty “because I’m always thirsty” (we opted to edit out this excuse), but I will try to use my brain more and just do what Mommy says. I deserve a little bit. — Zeke

More Christmas cheer

Since I was quite restrained in our spending on gifts this year and did 99% of the shopping early and online, we had the opportunity to slow down a bit and soak in the season and all the fun that it offers.

Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money. — Author Unknown

On 12/1, we kicked things off by attending the annual Holiday Parade downtown with Christie, Logan and crew. It was our first year to claim sidewalk near the start, instead of at the tail end of the route, and the kids scored tons of candy from the spunky and spirited paraders.

On 12/6, the boys and I went to see “The Nutcracker” with our CC pals “Miss Kristy with a K” and her sons, Logan (not to be confused with the other Miss Christie’s husband) and Landon.

Gabriel, Houston & Zeke stand @ the elevators inside the Jefferson Standard Building, the historic downtown structure in which Daddy now works.

Because it was a shortened student version, the local ballet company offered the kids some narrative explanation and let them see the crew do set change during intermission. The 3 Amigos were already familiar with the Tchaikovsky music, the story and its characters, and seemed to appreciate their first ballet, especially Houston.

On 12/15, the boys and I attended Miss Christie’s “Polar Express” Party. All the kids were admitted entrance into the gathering if they met the pajamas requirement and could also present their boarding passes (the invitation).

When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things — not the great occasions — give off the greatest glow of happiness.
— Bob Hope

An admitted Pinterest fanatic, Christie went all out, with cookie decorating crafts, edible chocolate and peppermint trains, festive games and one-of-a-kind handprint ornaments homemade for each child in attendance. Of course, watching the namesake movie while feasting on popcorn was a big hit, too.

On 12/17, the dudes and I we went caroling (in the rain) with Christie and and the kids. Because we went during the day, we hit the homes of two seniors in her hood, and the weather couldn’t dampen our spirits nor could it diminish our singing and energetic instrumentation.

“Big Hashy” (a.k.a. Houston & Asher) get festive & freaky @ the 36th Annual Greensboro Holiday Parade.

Then we came back to our stomping grounds and sung for Miss Shawn and the boys’ newest neighborhood pal, Cameron. Our setlist was You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and Jingle Bells.

While drying off and warming up at our casa, the kids devoured the gingerbread house the 3 Amigos had made with Miss Jessie a couple days prior, and (sort of) watched A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.
— Author Unknown

On 12/19, Miss Shawn invited us over for cookies and playtime with Dixie. It was nice to get together with our awesome neighbors, who we don’t see near often enough these days.

That afternoon, we headed downtown to attend Daddy’s work party. The boys loved the the parking deck, elevated crosswalks, elevator rides, visit to Daddy’s cubicle and his tour of the historic building in which he now works almost as much as they enjoyed the endless supplies chicken strips and strawberries.

Gabriel & Mommy keep the seasonal spirit alive well into @ the lengthy holiday parade, while Zeke crashes quite comfortably as the festivities rage on.

Another hit was the kid-friendly room, featuring choice live performances of The Nutcracker, holiday movies, made-on-the-spot theater-quality popcorn and tons of fellow youthful travelers on this stimulating ride we call Christmas.

Not a basketball star yet

On 12/1, Gabriel had his first basketball game, which fizzled before the scheduled end time. Gabe kept running off the court to see the photos I was snapping, one kid was crying ’cause he didn’t want the ball, while another was sobbing crying ’cause he didn’t want to share the ball … it was too comical.

Gabriel did much better at his second game on 12/8. Only he and one other Wildcat played the entire game. I was so proud. And Daddy and bros reported that he also gave a worthy effort the following weekend at his third game. Way to man up, Gabe!

I took Gabriel to buy a youth basketball (with his own piggybank money) after the 12/8 game. And since then, Stephen I have since souped up the boys’ old toddler hoop, attaching it onto the back deck at the six-feet regulation level used in his league.

Gabriel concentrates (as best as a 4-year-old is able) on making a free-throw shot during one of his recent basketball games. Go Wildcats!

While I spent some one-on-one time with Gabe on the 8th, Daddy took Houston and Zeke downtown to the city historical museum. Then we all met up post-basketball for a massive Mexican feast, which included guacamole galore for the 3 Amigos. Happy campers, for sure!

Other merry outings

On 12/9, the boys and I went rollerskating with a huge group of our CC friends. I knew it would be difficult for the kids, being their first time skating and all, but it was way more demanding on both them and me than I had imagined.

I had rented skates, too, so every time they pulled on me, I nearly toppled over. Just standing up was almost as an impossibility for the dudes in the beginning. But through diligence, each one made it around the rink twice, before giving up on skating and opting for video gaming with friends instead.

Zeke, Gabriel & other merry passengers on the Polar Express proudly admit to devouring Miss Christie’s chocolate, licorice & peppermint train cake. All aboard!

Of course, we’ve gotten together with Christie and the kids a few times beyond the already-mentined outings. One was a record-setting six-hour playdate that included good times at her house, my lunchtime lesson/discussion on “The Pilgrim’s failed socialist experiment” and then more romping at the park.

On 12/14, we attended our final Moms Club playgroup. The kids and I hadn’t been to one since the summer, so we decided to go and bid the group farewell and a Merry Christmas.

Moms Club was a life-saver for me two years ago, when the 3 Amigos were very young and I sometimes felt trapped around the homestead. We made some good friends over the course of our membership and surely plan on keeping in touch with those fine folks. Thanks, Moms Club!

Stephen and I had a nice date night that evening. It was a dinner-and-a-movie affair, featuring Thai food and then the spectacular flick Life of Pi, which was the first regular-release film (i.e. not a kids dollar movie) I’ve attended since seeing Apocalypto while pregnant with Houston.

Here’s handsome-boy Houston in one of the phenomenal photos Miss Christie took of the family back in November.

Then the dudes spent this past weekend up in the mountains with Granny and Grumps. The creek house had no power for two out of the three days, but Granny survived (barely) and the kids had a great time roughin’ it, playing in the snow and listening to the wind howl “like a ghost.”

Sickness & health

In the midst of all this merriment, we have battled and conquered a couple illnesses.

First, the dreaded stomach bug, which raged through the entire family, starting with Zeke puking all over my side of the bed during the first Saturday night of the month. (I blame it on the kids literally hanging out on the dirty downtown streets for 2 1/2 hours during the parade earlier that day.)

Whatever the cause, that violent virus eventually made its way to every member of the family, but took each of us only a couple days to get over, thankfully. Pray you don’t this brutal illness anytime soon. Yikes.

Cutie-pies Zeke & Gabriel also “work it” during Miss Christie’s fall photo shoot.

About mid-month, Houston and Zeke developed a nasty cold/cough. Zeke got over his fairly quickly, but Houston actually lost his voice the night of Christie’s party and still has a lingering intermittent cough, but I’m confident he’s at the tail-end of it. Nothing major.

Semi-schooling

Not much to report on the homeschooling front, since we’ve been on official CC break since Thanksgiving. We’ve been doing what I like to call semi-schooling, which has been a relaxed break from the grind, but is still productive.

So, I will leave you with two humorous videos: 7 Lies About Homeschooling and Miss Jessie’s popcorn experiment video, which she had to do for one of her education classes. Enjoy.

Till next time, Clan Dillingham wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Daddy’s back in the saddle

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As some of you know, Stephen has been contracting and working out of town every Monday through Thursday for the past 11 months. It was a well-paying gig that grew his resume substantially, but as you can imagine, it was very difficult on the entire family.

Well, as of yesterday, Stephen is back to working a job where he leaves in the morning and comes back home to his adoring family every night. The new position is a solid job with a reputable company. Plus, Daddy gets to work downtown in a big building, which is another major perk for the boys.

Daddy & the dudes enjoy our 4th annual mountaintop outing to Sugar Plum Farm for post-Thanksgiving fun & for getting this year’s Christmas tree, which Gabe lovingly named “Mountainy.”

Honestly, this career move seemed to fall into Stephen’s lap right out of the blue. We totally give this one up to God and praise Him for opening up yet another door. Amazing that just when you least expect it, He does that for us.

So, thank you, Lord, for putting Daddy back in the saddle where he is needed most. And thanks, Stephen, for listening to God’s call and not questioning His infinite wisdom.

Time off for “the last radicals”

Back in October, National Review published a poignant article, describing homeschooling as “the one radically social movement of any real significance” in America. Just as all good radicals should do, “homeschoolers drive the establishment bats.” It’s an interesting story and a pretty short read, so check it out if you can.

Our clan of radicals is already enjoying the official CC Christmas break. The last meeting was on 11/20 and our next community isn’t until January.

Our clan gathers for a surprisingly successful photo opp during our jaunt to the choose-and-cut tree farm on 11/23.

Yep, that’s a whopping seven weeks off from mandatory studies. I’m taking advantage of the hiatus to catch up to speed on any weak areas, solidify all the strong areas, and continue to do memory-work drills, math and phonics.

I’m also using the extra time to foster the twins’ growing interest in all the subject matter Houston has been learning this fall. Gabriel and Zeke have already picked us so much of the material and knowledge by pure osmosis. Children’s brains are truly remarkable.

On a related note, check out Tim Hawkins: A Homeschool Family. He’s a family-friendly, Christian comedian and homeschool dad who is actually quite funny — yeah, I was surprised, too — but the short video is sure to make you laugh. Let me know what you think.

Move it or lose it

Of course, our days are not filled solely with academics. Gabriel had his first basketball practice on 11/17. Overall, he did well. But there was a brief period in the middle when Gabe hurt another player by accident.

Mommy & the boys enjoy a close-up view from the pond @ Sugar Plum to watch the crazy ducks fight over food.

The kid immediately forgave him, but our sensitive boy felt compelled to stress and cry a bit over the incident. Eventually, Gabe regained his composure and the little guys were best buds by the end of practice. The blossoming of this insti-friendship was adorable to witness.

Zeke, who opted not to play ball, handled Gabe’s practice with surprising grace. I hope that his and Houston’s show of maturity continues at the Wildcats first game tomorrow. My guess is the event is sure to offer up a healthy does of madcap entertainment, both on and off the court.

In an effort to get this old body moving a bit more, Stephen and I took the boys to a family karate class on Wednesday. Unfortunately, it was canceled, but we plan to try it out again next week.

My hope is that it will be it an hour and a half of fun exercise for the whole clan in a disciplined environment, especially since I haven’t even done my pitiful once-a-week trip to the Y since homeschooling began. Plus, karate’s just a cool skill to know and the class is cost-effective as far as martial arts go.

Music’s in the air

I’m also taking advantage of the CC hiatus to focus more on engaging the kids in hands-on music. Houston loves his tin whistle, which is part of CC’s introduction to musical foundations. Surprisingly, we don’t practice it that much, so we will definitely be doing more of that over the holidays.

Doesn’t this look like it could be the album cover for a popular boys’ band? Perhaps “The Dillinghams Do Folk” or “The 3 Amigos: Return To Roots.” I’d buy it!

I also color-coded our piano in three different keys so the boys could teach themselves Jingle Bells. This consists of stickers in different colors on each of the fives notes of the Christmas classic. My “code” is actually working because Houston almost knows the ditty and the twins aren’t far behind.

The boys and I plan on going caroling again, but we’re urging Christie and company to take part in the zaniness with us this year. Not certain of our set list yet, but with tin whistles, recorders, lots of different percussive shakers, a guitar and a drum at our disposal, and vocals galore, it’s sure to be cacophony of merriment!

Sweet baby Aurora’s baptism

On 11/18, the family attended Rorie’s baptism in Winston-Salem. She’s the adorable 6-month-old daughter of our dear friends, Greg and Meredith (also known as Uncle Greg and Auntie Merdy).

Rebecca & Auntie Merdy strike a pose w/ beautiful Rorie @ her baptism on 11/18.

The Moravian church requires sponsors for a child’s baptism (similar to godparents) and Stephen and I, along with our pals Beth and Alan, were asked to fill this role. Wow, what an honor! The ceremony was lovely and the luncheon that followed was a great opportunity to catch up with our busy buddies.

Thanksgiving over yonder

We spent four days up in the mountains at Granny’s for Thanksgiving. It was a small affair, but that gave us all more time to spend with Granny and an increasingly and amazingly recovering Grumps.

The day after Turkey Day, we made our annual pilgrimage to Sugar Plum Farm. Well, I suppose fourth time’s the charm for us ’cause this year’s outing was spectacular from beginning to end (unlike year’s past, if you recall).

The dudes got to see Santa while waiting in line to ride up the mountain. Dutifully, Zeke asked for cowboy boots, Houston a camera (a Canon, no less) and Gabe a 100-piece puzzle of the solar system. Luckily, Santa has already scored said items, minus the Canon label.

The kids torment … uh, I mean, love on Stanley, who has in recent months become quite the prized pet. Gabriel (middle) is especially thrilled by feline contact & enjoys helping Mommy @ the vet.

The steep hayride to the choose-and-cut trees went off without a hitch, so we tooled around on the mountaintop for a while before heading back down, including some extreme vertical rolling on the boys’ part.

The stimulating hiking, tree picking, massive presence of dogs, campfire/marshmallow feast and duck pond all helped keep the dudes’ interest at the farm, making for a day of wonderment for the 3 Amigos and a worthwhile venture (finally!) for Mommy and Daddy.

Once we dropped off our grungy kids back at the the creek house (thanks a million, Granny!), Stephen and I treated ourselves to an impromptu date night in town. You can’t go wrong with organic hippie pizza, handcrafted beer made by Dry County Brewing Company and good conversation with your best friend.

First the bad news, then the good

Our beloved Woolly died back earlier this month. We gave him a proper backyard burial and said a prayer, which prompted a few tears on my part. I know you think I’m nuts, but that adorable critter had become part of the family.

Woolly maneuvers the expanses of the kitchen table as Houston, Zeke & Gabriel maintain a tight perimeter for our beloved furry caterpillar.

Luckily, the kids found another woolly worm on Liberty Loop a couple days ago. He’s small, but cute and spritely. And yes, I’m already attached to that fuzzy little bugger.

One more piece of good news: my guy Dan Forest was finally declared the victor in the NC lieutenant governor’s race. This is indeed a positive thing for the Tar Heel State.

Now if we could just get the UN and other busy-body bureaucrats to stop trying to tell the world how to parent, and the intelligentsia and no-doubtedly the class-warfare chieftains in Washington out of wanting our retirement savings, things would be even brighter.

Oh well, these days, I’ll take what I can get.

Blessings abound

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Yesterday, Stephen and I celebrated our 12-year wedding anniversary. Our day consisted of going to church and Costco with the kids … ooh, how romantic. Seriously, it’s not that we ever questioned making it this long, but it’s stunning how God has been with us from the beginning.

“We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19

It’s so evident to us now how He has protected our marriage throughout, both during our wandering atheist years and since. It’s not that I think God preordained our relationship or anything like that. Our strength simply stems from His great love.

Worn out from months of battling TTTS, but still hanging in there, Stephen and I bond with our newborn NICU babies in October 2008. (Seen here is Zeke at one week old.)

We’re not “soul mates,” which is Plato’s version of couples who are supposedly destined to meet and become one. Rather, I like the following expression:

“A ‘sole mate’ is someone who walks with us as together we apply biblical love.” — Gary Thomas, author

And God’s abundant love, of course, spills over into all aspects our lives, most notably, having kids. He not only blessed us with three remarkable boys, but He also lights our way on this rocky road called parenthood, and offers up grace and helps us get back on track when we trip up.

“The days are long, but the years are short.” — Gretchen Rubin, author

Two of those blessings — Gabriel and Zeke — turn 4 tomorrow. Can you believe it? I remember the struggles and worries Stephen and I had during our battle with TTTS. Yet, it was only our faith in God and the shared love He has fostered in us that got us through that turbulent time.

Another flashback: I can’t believe those two little alien-looking creatures are so big and healthy now, and turning 4 on October 16!

Same can be said for Zeke’s CCAM removal, as well as getting Houston’s Horner’s Syndrome diagnosed and all figured out: God is able to place strength inside of us when we think it impossible, dare I say, inhuman.

And it’s not just the awesome outcomes of answered prayers or the commitment of a husband and wife, God has a way of also giving us a confidence that would surely be lacking without Him. I find this especially true these days with homeschooling.

Speaking of homeschooling, we’ve gotten into a pretty good routine and have become more efficient to boot. Christie says she heard that it takes about six weeks to really get into the swing of things, and I think the boys and I are proof of that.

Kindred spirits: “Big Hashy” get wet & wild @ the Keeley Park sprayground in late August.

Christie and I have created a casual homeschool co-op in which one of us does CC memory work with Asher and Houston, while the other one tends to the younger siblings. We’ve done it a couple times at a nearby park, but I’m unsure as to how effective it really is.

However, it does provide a change of pace, a good reason to get out of the house and enjoy the nice weather, and a good opportunity for our two crews to get together.

Saturday night, our CC director, Jen (a salt-of-the-earth native Wisconsinite), hosted a family potluck. It was amazing to watch all the kids — no matter their ages — play together and sincerely enjoy each other’s company.

“Hey, I’m Zeke,” announced my brazen boy as he waltzed into a room of tweens and teens. He plopped down and the typically angst-ridden age group welcomed Zeke into their conversation.

Big-hearted Gabriel loves on sweet Piper, who is ever the trooper for taking it in stride when hanging out with her two bros & the 3 Amigos.

Likewise, some older kids were wrestling on the trampoline when Gabriel, Zeke and Houston got on. So, the big boys tempered their rough moves, making it more user-friendly for the littler ones. The tweens even encouraged the dudes to stay on and participate in their ultimate-fighting showdown, coaching them throughout the fun.

And the 3 Amigos also played sand volleyball ball with kids and parents of all ages. (Bare in mind that Stephen and I didn’t encourage the boys to do any of this; they just ventured off on their own and were received with open arms by these wonderful CC families.)

On 10/1, Stephen and I attended Right Night, a local radio event which was hosted by my favorite syndicated talk-radio personality, Jason Lewis. Honestly, he’s the only talking head I listen to anymore, which is why Stephen says I’m a JL groupie.

Stephen and I pose w/ Jason Lewis — the best talk-show host in the biz! — @ Rush Radio’s Right Night on October 1.

The station was giving away his latest book, Power Divided Is Power Checked: The Argument For States’ Right, and Stephen won the last copy. I, of course, dutifully had my book in tow, and we were able to get both signed by America’s Mr. Right himself.

We also met our Winston-Salem counterparts that night. Jimmy, like Stephen, works in software and has made great strides with self-sufficiency, although his loftier prepper dreams still remain unfulfilled. Both men say they aren’t giving up yet.

His wife Rebecca, like me, has the same name (duh!) and is a homeschooling mom. They, like us, are Christians, (little L) libertarians, and huge fans of Jason Lewis. Who da thunk there were any kindred spirits out there for two radicals like us?!

Houston & Jackson watch as Zeke bursts forth from the fountain bubble @ the sprayground.

Then again, our newest pals Christie and Logan are on our wave length. Meeting them seemed kind of like a fluke, but perhaps there are more live-and-let-live types out there, just waiting to be befriended.

You know you’re “soul sisters” with a woman when she finds humor and comfort in Parenting: Illustrated With Crappy Pictures. It’s the best mommy-centric site ever … thanks for the reading suggestion, Christie!

On a sad final note, baby Morgan, who I wrote about in the last blog, passed away on 9/30. Thank you so much for your prayers and please have continued prayer for her loved-ones. Rest in peace in heaven, sweet girl.