One Week Later

Last Friday we celebrated my parents' 50th wedding anniversary.

I flew into town on Wednesday evening. Friday morning we met at Greg's home and began working feverishly. Greg cleaned and moved furniture. His wife, my sisters, and I decorated & cooked. As we worked, I couldn't help but notice how each one of us gave of our gifts and talents. The creativity & organization was truly amazing. I caught a glimpse of how God gifts His people and by working together we can do awesome things. Everything flowed smoothly and a great time was had by all.

Thank-you Mom & Dad for being the best parents ever. We've gleaned much from your guidance & wisdom in knowing when to speak truth to us and when to step back and give us room to learn from our mistakes.

Your love and generosity extends not only to family, but so many others.

Your faith and commitment have stood strong and set a firm foundation for your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren & future generations.

Your spirit of adventure gives us the courage to journey into deeper waters.

Happy 50th Anniversary Mom & Dad!

I'd share the video I we gave to mom & dad, but it's 12 minutes long. Instead, here are a few photos from it:


November 8, 1958-Mom & Dad's Wedding
(Yes, they were teenagers, 18 & 19)


Mom & Dad 2007

And just for fun, I submit the following:


1975-Me & Dad, My Confirmation



Homecoming 1976, My date, Me, my brother Greg and his wife Kathleen



1976 Mom & I with their first grandbaby, Michael (& yes, those were my silver teeth years)



1978 Me, Dad, and the first grandchild, Michael (and the fancy van conversion dad bought as he neared his 40th birthday)


1989 Me holding Elisabeth, my mom holding Sarabeth the day we had her dedicated, Christina & Christopher


Mom, my sisters Carolyn & Laurie, Me Can you guess the year by the hair and big glasses? (Since I have curly hair, I wasn't sporting the perm look and didn't need glasses, lol.)

Do you hate going to the dentist?

I often hear people complain how much they hate going to the dentist. When asked why, their answer usually suprises me. I expect to hear a horror story of a mad, tooth-yanking dentist with wild eyes and a crazed look. Usually I hear, "I don't like someone having their hands in my mouth," or "I hate it when he scrapes the plaque off my teeth."

Normally I don't mind going to the dentist. Running my tongue over perfectly polished teeth gives me a thrill. But at my most recent dental visit, I fought off tears throughout. Several times the doctor's assistant patted my shoulder in her attempt to comfort me. The funny thing is, I LIKE this dentist.

I don't have a harrowing story to recollect for you, at least not outside of my own imagination.

After this particular visit, I climbed into my car. I told myself "this isn't a big deal, why the tears and emotion?" I found the answer in an old familiar sadness, perched atop my heart. I recognized the message it was transmitting: Forever Changed, never the same. It was as if I'd just received the permanent stamp marked "defective."

Even my beloved dentist had said more than once during this visit, "I wish I had a magic wand to wave, that would take you back to before you had this dental work done. But I don't." I had so hoped he could work a miracle, & change what another dentist had done. But his words told me know he didn't possess that kind of power.

What brought about this wish to go back to before? A crown. Plain and simple, only it wasn't. I suppose I was naive about the true definition of "crown." It actually sounds a bit glorified. I imagined a crowning bit of gold atop my tooth, raising it to the status of royalty. A crowned king. The dentist never explained that to crown my tooth he would attack it with mighty power tools. He would grind it down to a mere nub, cover it up with an imposter tooth causing excruciating, unending pain. Then he would declare it call it a king, er, crown. And that is what he did.

My life isn't the same. I don't like the change. I want my old tooth back. The one that emerged 44 years ago. I've experienced this before.

I remember having the same painful desires from November, 1971. I woke up that cold morning, hoping it had all been a dream. The night before, my siblings and I had created a slick ice slide. Outside our back door stood a long ramp leading to the back yard. Originally built to accomodate a wheelchair, it became a form of amusement to the four of us. We were fascinated to find that a glass of water, when spilled at the top, would freeze before reaching the bottom. We tried larger cups of water. To our amazement, no matter how much water we poured, it froze fast to the cement. We began using buckets. Before long, we had our very own tilted ice rink.

Two at a time, we raced to the bottom of the ramp. This continued until we were shivering cold. My competitive brother challenged me to one final race. Just wanting to go indoors and get warm, I reluctantly agreed.

"On your mark. Get set. Go!"

Down we went. Realizing he was about to lose, Greg swung his arms forward. Using me as a spring board, he shoved ahead to win. My feet slipped beneath me and I fell face forward, leaving my 2 front teeth broken off & stuck in the ice.

An emergency trip to the dentist left me with 2 new teeth. Nobody called them crowns, and they weren't made of gold. When I looked in the mirror the next morning all I saw were shiny silver teeth.


I wanted my old teeth back. The ones I'd had before. I wore sadness. Life would never the be the same. Marked with "forever changed/defective," my smile was stamped shiny and metallic. Forever was 10 long years.

My teeth now sport white fronts, but the silver backs remind me that they are unnatural. The pain of my crowned tooth speaks the same. I want my old tooth back.

I've joined the group that hates going to the dentist.

I'm Back

I didn't think I could do it. I went an entire week without so much as logging on to the computer. It wasn't necessarily by choice. Did you know most airlines now charge $15/each way to check a bag? This coupled with the fact that I don't own a laptop, I managed to do avoid staring at a computer screen for days. My eyes are rested, as are my fingers. I think my elbow feels better too. But gosh, do I feel out of touch. I didn't realize how much time I spend on here.

The last week of October, I did it. It must be contagious. I began playing Christmas music. The very next day, across the street, the neighbors lights showed up. No, they weren't for Halloween. These are most certainly for Christmas. When I arrived home this week, Christmas lights twinkled next door also. It is beginning to look and sound like Christmas. (I wonder if it is too late to decorate for Thanksgiving.)

I had a wonderful time while I was gone, but it is good to be home.

Decision Day

The day has finally arrived. Never have I heard such venomous arguments between people of opposing political sides. Friends, family members, co-workers spewing angry, degrading remarks at one another, because of their particular party persuation. What a show we have put on for the rest of the world in the "United" States of America.

The phrase "United we stand, divided we fall resounds in my ears." Patrick Henry used the phrase in his last public speech, given in March 1799, in which he denounced The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions. Clasping his hands and waving his body back and forth, Henry declaimed, “Let us trust God, and our better judgment to set us right hereafter. United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs.” At the end of his oration, Henry fell into the arms of bystanders and was carried almost lifeless into a nearby tavern. Two months afterward he was dead.*

The Kentucky & Virginia Resolutions were written to keep more control at the State Level in order to oppose Federal Laws. Power. Control. Who is in charge of making decisions for the people?

Doesn't seem like much has changed, but I did find the little tidbit of Patrick Henry's demise interesting.

*From Wikipedia

Wordless Wednesday

In case you missed these:

A few more photos:

A New Week

Ah, a brand new week. Normally I don't like Mondays, but today is different. I looked at my calendar and what did I see?

No costumes to create.
No school parties to plan.
No cupcakes to bake, no decorations to make.
Nothing. I have nothing to do.

Honestly, I never thought I'd see this day come. I couldn't imagine it in my wildest (or calmest) dreams. But it is here.

I was warned by older ladies that children grow up in the blink of an eye. It isn't that I didn't believe them. But back then, I didn't have time to blink. It was one of those things that would have to wait. Somewhere along the way, my eyes grew weary & closed. The blink happened.

This week, I will watch moms rush about with their little ones. I will smile. I won't bother to tell them to stop and enjoy the moment. One day down the road, their eyes will momentarily shut. They will glance at the calendar, but it will look different. It will be empty. A smile will spread across their face. Together we will relax and enjoy the memories.

Speaking of Dancing

Christina uploaded a video. I laughed so hard when I saw it. (It's only a minute and 24 seconds.) I asked her why Ethan didn't dance at the wedding. Her response: "He had pockets." Oh yeah, I forgot about the pockets.

Anyone Care To Dance?

In some Christian circles, dancing is controversial. The school associated with my church does not allow the high school to have dances. Kids from over 150 different churches attend. To avoid divisions, they chose to opt out of dance activites. The funny thing is, the church has no problem with dancing during worship services. I know, some reading here might be horrified to think of me moving my feet and (gasp!) dancing during church. But we do. Why not? King David danced before the Lord. His bride mocked him and found herself barren the remainder of her life.

Here are some dancing photos from the wedding:















(I have no idea...)

Thoughts

I'm not sure why. I guess it takes time to digest a big event. Months of planning, preparing, anticipating and then it is over. Every night, before falling asleep, memories of the wedding/rehearsal/reception/brunch, etc. play in my head. When I awaken, it is the same. It has a hold on me, like a favorite book or movie.

I look forward to the return of the newlyweds. There was no time to spend with them after the big event. I want to hear their thoughts, feelings, and such. What moments were most memorable? Moments of joy, stress, tenderness...I want to know how it went for them. Without a doubt, they are reliving every part of their celebration.

At the rehearsal, Michael made a toast to the couple. I wish I'd had a video camera. After reminding Christopher of the longevity of marriages in their family history (we are at 25 years, Lauren's parents 33, my parents are getting ready to celebrate their 50th, Michael's parents their 59th,) he went on to give Christopher a few words of advice. I hope I get this right.

He said to tell his new wife he loves her at least once each day.
Tell her often how beautiful she is.
And lastly, if she sends him to the store, he should get very specific instructions so as not to bring home the wrong thing. (I think I might have forgotten something, but that was the gist of it. Maybe he will comment or someone else whose memory is better.)

Did I post a pic of my girls yet? If not, here they are:
Elisabeth, Hilary, Sarabeth, Christina, & Ethan in the front.

Sadness To Joy

When we arrived at the church, the wedding coordinator gave the girls wrist corsages to wear. She pinned on my corsage, but couldn't find Michael's boutoniere. After searching several times, she began to get worried. The bride & groom had their flowers, as did the groomsmen and bridesmaids. But the father of the groom's boutoniere was missing.

The coordinator opened the remaining corsages and checked the names on each of those. It was then I noticed my mom's corsage. Teary-eyed, I told the woman that my mom and dad could not make it to the wedding. My mom had only gotten out of the hospital on Monday and was unable to make the Thursday flight. I suggested she give my dad's boutoniere to Michael, which she did.
I turned my attention to Ethan. He'd driven over with us. Christina hadn't arrived yet. Looking like a gentleman in his little black suit, I saw Ethan tug on his lapel. He turned, looked quizzically at his grandpa, then peered down at his jacket.

"Ethan wants to wear a flower," one of the girls remarked. About this time, Christina showed up. The coordinator gave her a wrist corsage. Ethan took her hand and pulled. She turned to greet him. He held his jacket lapel out to her. The tears were falling too easily at this point. How could I tell this little boy he didn't have a flower to wear, even though the rest of the men did? His eyes searched the faces of everyone, as if pleading for someone to notice he didn't match.

There sat my mom's unworn corsage. Quickly, it was pinned to his suit. A smile spread across his face. He wore it proudly. We didn't find out until Saturday, that my mom was back in the hospital.

Ethan & The Wedding

We were unsure how Ethan would handle the wedding. He is easily overwhelmed when subjected to large groups of people. Over 300 people were invited to the event.

At the rehearsal, Ethan seemed fascinated by the church. The cathedral ceiling and stained glass windows were new to him.

Christina & Sarabeth were scheduled to light the candles at the beginning of the ceremony. Ethan quickly clasped their hands, ready to go.

Thinking he wasn't up to the task, his grandpa coaxed him to the back of the foyer.

But just as soon as the girls began walking down the aisle, Ethan broke out in huge sobs and shrieks. He did not want him mom going anywhere without him.

The day of the wedding, Christina dressed Ethan in his new suit. When he realized he and his grandpa matched, he was delighted.

At some point he found his pants pocket. His hand remained there the rest of the night.


At the wedding, and at the reception. He eventually realized he had 2 pockets. We never saw his hands again. I picked him up and danced with him. It was a little awkward since he kept both hands securely tucked.

Ethan did amazingly well, even with the crowds of people. During the ceremony, holding hands with his mom and Sarabeth, he marched down the aisle and up the steps to light the candles. I stood in the back with Christopher, waiting to be escorted to my seat. Christopher, filled with emotion, said, "Ah, I'm so glad Ethan went with them." At that moment, Ethan turned towards the audience, wide-eyed with wonderment. Christopher turned away, as tears filled his eyes. "Mom, I don't know how I'm going to get through this." A moment later, both of us teary-eyed walked the aisle together. I took my seat, and the groom stood waiting for his bride.

Wedding Week 1

What a whirlwind of week long wedding events! The happy honeymooners have set sail, cruising in the Caribbean.

Memories were made. Families were merged. The wedding was wonderful.

Love Stories

Mary over at Owlhaven declared October as Love Story month. She is in the midst of sharing her story, as are others like Jenni at One Thing. As I mention this, I am watching an October Love Story unfold. Christopher and Lauren's wedding is THIS FRIDAY! To say this week is busy is a complete understatement. I hope to share more soon, but I may be absent a lot.

In the meantime, I was looking back to when I posted how Michael and I met. Funny, it was at this time of year in 2006 that I shared. October must mysteriously fill the air with feelings of love and marriage. Here are the links to our story:

Toast & Water

First Date

Maybe one of these days I'll finish, and catch up to the time just prior to the toast and water.

Quick Update

My mom might be going home today! The doctor didn't place any stents and believes he can treat her with medication. All of the other tests have come back normal. The only one left is an EEG scheduled for this morning and if all is well, after 9 days confined to the hospital, she will go home.

Mom is typically a vivacious, innovative, very involved, busy person. She works, volunteers, and amidst her creative arts, doesn't have time for boredom. Mom lives life to the fullest. It's been difficult to see her feeling so badly she could hardly do anything the past 2 months.

After the wedding, I just might make another trip to Arizona to spend time with my parents.

I Hate Waiting

I'm sitting here on pins & needles. I hate waiting. My mom is having an angiogram done at this moment. She is 1000 miles away. Mom has been in the hospital for a week now. She has battled "this thing" for nearly 2 months. (Although it might have begun back in May.)

I might have told you that the doctors at another hospital have seen her 6 or 7 times, sending her home with high blood pressure. They diagnosed her as having panic attacks. I didn't believe that for one minute. Something was wrong.

Her own doctors were not treating this serious. They played this shuffle game, passing her back and forth from doctor to doctor as if whatever was going on was not their specialty. That was one of the reasons I went to see her last month. Only I didn't actually ever talk to her primary doctor. She had too many emergencies and passed my mom off to the PA.

This new hospital has been wonderful, running ever test imaginable, but coming up with "normal" on virtually everything. They moved her out of the cardiac unit telling her she didn't have a heart problem. On sort of a whim, her internist ordered a stress test. The cardiologist tried to talk her out of it, saying he didn't think it was necessary.

Last night, the cardiologist came in and told her there was a blockage and he wanted to go in and do an angiogram/possible a stent or whatever was necessary. He was shocked at the stress test. He said every heart test that had been performed on her was perfectly normal. It makes sense now that the other hospital diagnosed her with having anxiety attacks. I've heard that women sometimes present with these type of symptoms when they are having heart problems. They usually have a fatal heart attack because they aren't diagnosed properly.

Ugh! Did I mention how much I hate waiting??? The procedure was supposed to take 1 hour. It has been an hour and a half. Can't someone at least phone and say, "she isn't out yet, we don't know what is taking so long," rather than just leave me, waiting?

Thank-you to all of you who have prayed.

Oh, and the wedding is a week from today. My mom and dad won't make it. I'm so sad.

I've Lost Something

I must be losing my mind, or something. I wrote a post yesterday. It published. Today I see nothing but an empty spot. The funny thing is, the post went something like this:

Have you ever set a timer, heard it go off, & then wondered what in the world it was for?

So if you run across something that looks like a missing piece of a puzzle, send it to me. It must be part of my mind.

Trains & Boy Things

Thomas the Train was at the train museum this weekend. I didn't get a single photo of Thomas, but here are a few I took.

Ethan was excited about the firetruck, but nervous about being put in front of one.

The bus ride from the parking lot might have been his favorite part.


(No, I'm not advertising for Coors.) But look at that Colorado sky!

Grandpa & Ethan on the train.

Ethan & Christina

Can Someone Explain This???

My mother-in-law went to the hospital last night around 1 a.m. Her blood pressure was 190/125. Sometime during her ambulance drive, her blood pressure dropped back to normal, as did her heart rate. The ER doctor admitted her in order to run tests to see WHY her blood pressure spiked like that.


My own mother has had the paramedics take her to the hospital on 2 different occasions with her blood pressure over 200. Dad's also taken her to the ER with her blood pressure sky high (while on several blood pressure medications.) Each time they've sent her home without ever getting her blood pressure lower than 170/85. Nor have they ever admitted her to try to see why this is happening. What is wrong with this picture???

I'll stop my rant here, as I could go on all day.

So does anyone else negotiate with onesself besides me? I play the game, "I'm not going to do 'A' until I've done '1,2,3." This translates to: I will not post on my blog until I've checked 3 things off of my to-do list. It is a means of motivating myself to accomplish the tasks I don't really want to finish. As you've no doubt surmised by my lack of posts, it isn't working. My to-do list is getting longer, not shorter.

I have missed being here! Today I tried a new tactic. I put "posting on blog" at the top of my to-do list. I'm so happy. I now have 1 item crossed off of the list. I feel better already.

Today Is Your Day

Sometimes it just isn't your day. Surely it was yours today, as it certainly wasn't mine. Let's see how my day went:


I was making Hilary's lunch and realized the turkey didn't smell so appetizing. She really likes turkey and Monday is my grocery shopping day. (Who am I kidding? I go every day. Ugh!) Hope she wasn't too disappointed. (She phoned on the way to school. The gas light was on. She hasn't driven that car since Thursday. Who drove it last????)


I decided to take a photograph of the dress I bought over the weekend. I am still looking for the perfect dress to wear to the wedding. I told the bride I'd send her a picture. After putting on the dress & thinking it was a little snug, I promptly dropped the camera and broke it.


I noticed one of the stones in my wedding ring was loose. It needed to be cleaned and inspected this month anyway, in order to keep the extended warranty valid. Wanting to have the ring back in time for the wedding, I went to the Jewelers to have it fixed. To my dismay, the jewelry shop is going out of business. You can't be serious?! But they were. They wouldn't even clean it. I can ship my ring off to a company who will honor the warranty. But what guarantee do I have that it will arrive and that I will get it back????


At the mall, I noticed this cute stuffed monkey. Elisabeth thought it would be fun to dress up for Halloween as the (wo)man in the yellow hat, but she needed a Curious George to go with the outfit. I pulled my phone out to take a picture. If she loved it, I'd buy it. Only my phone said I didn't have enough memory left to take a picture. Then it went haywire and all of my photos and songs disappeared. I tried hooking it up to my computer when I arrived home. The computer kept telling me to insert a disc. I wanted to scream.


I half expected to see my car with a big dent or something. Did I mention one of my daughter-in-laws' clients was arrested over the weekend for murdering a smoke shop owner?


One of the reasons I am not coping well is I have a rib out-of-place. It is very painful. Last Thursday the chiropractor taped it for support. For 2 days, sleeping and moving was blissful. After the tape came off, things began slipping fast. So I went back to the chiropractor I went. After therapy and such, he adjusted my ribs. "There," he proclaimed, "how does that feel? It should feel much better." And it would have, had he not been on the wrong side of my rib cage.
He wasn't on his game today either.

At the grocery store I knocked 2 containers of yogurt out of the refrigerator case. Those little foil lids split open splattering the gooey white substance everywhere, including my shoes. I wanted to cry.

Michael was sitting at the computer as I told him of my woes. Something fell to the ground. It was his mouse, and the little scrolly ball rolled down the driveway. My off day is apparently contagious.

Quick, move away from this page before you are infected too. This has to be somebody's day, so let it be yours.

This & That

Have I mentioned the incredible man I'm married to? Yesterday he went golfing. I dropped him off and picked him up. While I drive around in a cute, fun, fast little car, he doesn't have one at all (most of the time.) Last year we foolishly thought we'd only have 1 kid living at home. We have 3. That means 4 vehicles & 5 drivers. Someone doesn't have a car. But what a guy to let his girls all drive while he goes without! (Truthfully, I think he enjoys being driven around in a cute car, by his lovely wife.)

Thanks for the comments, concerns, & prayers for my mom and nephew. Geoff had his ear sewn back on, his face stitched up, his fractured cheek is healing nicely, which only leaves his gimp shoulder to be fixed.

My mom is not doing a lot better. She has been waiting over 2 weeks to see a specialist. Are we sure we don't have socialized medicine??? I wish I lived in town with her. I'd have insisted they get her in sooner. Even if it took me going to their office every single day asking, I would do it. They'd get tired of seeing me. I would be like the widow who wearied the unjust judge by her continual requests for his help. (Luke 18:1-8)

The wedding is fast approaching and I hope very much my mom and dad will be here. I'm afraid it will be a whirlwind of activities but I truly want to enjoy every minute of it. (I'll let you know if I'm able to do that.)

I'm getting tired of seeing unfinished posts in my draft box. Maybe I will get to those soon. Oh my word! Is it really almost Fall???

Bridal Shower

Lauren, Christina, Sarabeth, Elisabeth

Homecoming

David & Hilary

Did I mention Christopher was here for the weekend?

Christina, Sarabeth, Hilary, David, Christopher, Elisabeth

Ethan didn't want to be in the picture, but I snuck him in as he rode by.

The Parents (after a long day.)

Nights In Rodanthe

Michael and I have a date night coming up. I was perusing Mile High Mama's when I noticed a drawing for tickets to the premiere of Nights in Rodanthe. I'd seen the previews, commenting to my hubby how much I'd like to see it. So I entered the contest. I won! Today I not only received tickets to the premier but a copy of Nicholas Sparks book. How awesome is that? I can't remember when Michael and I last went to a movie together. I'll let you know what I think on September 24th! If you're wondering what moms in the Mile High City are like, you might want to check out Mile High Mama's.

I Am Alive

I didn't mean to leave you all hanging from my last post. I have 5 posts sitting in my drafts box yet uncompleted. I hope to finish them at some point.

My Monday Menu should be up at Recipes4Me

I almost have my kitchen completed. Michael finished hanging the cabinet doors yesterday. I tried to get a photo yesterday but it was cloudy and rainy. Having a darker color doesn't show the beauty in poor lighting. But I love them and my new floor. I'm just not sure why or how home projects grow as soon as we are in the midst of them. Is it just me or does this happen to everyone???

I'll post better photos later, but this give you an idea. Here is a better pic of the color on the doors:
I spent most of last week painting Hilary's room. She wanted pink of some sort. We went with Flaming Flamingo, or something close to that. That project grew too. Remember this room? It isn't finished yet either. But here is a preview, and yes, I will get the blinds up in the windows. I ran into a problem with that too.
Doesn't flaming flamingo describe it well? I'm off to scrub the pink off my arms, legs, fingernails, etc.

Things Happen

Sigh. Can I just sigh big sighs over and over???

My trip to Arizona was mostly because I hadn't been there in 20 months. On top of that, my mom has been having some medical issues. I am not happy with the care that she has received from the medical professionals. They seem rather incompetent.

I questioned whether or not I should be returning home. (I had so hoped my home projects would be finished. You know, the ones started a month ago.) But nope. Not done. My sister phoned the day after I returned to let me know I'd made a good choice. Mom was doing great. Two hours later, she called to say the paramedics were taking mom to the hospital as soon as she was stable. Both sisters and my brother were there.

One sister had to leave to pick up kids from school. The other got a call that her son had an accident. He was in the ER 2 1/2 hours away. The plastic surgeon would be there shortly. Could she make it by then? (This is the sister that reassured me I did well going home, but maybe it was because I was staying at her home.) Maybe she really just didn't like me using her hand towels the way I did, lol.

I have a LOT to say about the upcoming election, but will save it for another post.

(Note to self: After filling the crockpot in the morning, always check to make sure it is turned on. Hours later after working on a project that feels like it will never be finished, a completed meal will be a nice change from a slow cooker that is cold with food sitting uncooked.)

Houseguest

What is the saying about fish & houseguests? After 3 days...something about the stench.

Last Wednesday, as I contemplated taking a road trip alone to the desert heat of Arizona, I received a call. My sister thought it silly for me to drive. She works for an airline. Michael thought I was nuts too. He figured out the cost of gas for my trip, added it to the extra 2 days travel time to drive and shook his head in amazement at my stubborness. People. I really LIKE driving my car.

My sister was convincing. Her phone call was placed at 11:00a.m. I was at the airport by 4:30p.m. While waiting to board the plane, I quickly phoned my other sister to inquire about her guest room. I can't remember the last time I stayed at Carolyn's home. Not only do my sisters, brother & parents live in Phoenix, but my son does too. (He happens to be living in the grandparent's spare bedroom.) A spare bedroom. Imagine that! With 5 children, an extra bedroom exists only in my dreams. (Ok, now that 2 kids live elsewhere, I do have a spare bedroom. It is decorated with Spiderman & Transformers, reserved for Ethan.)

Carolyn graciously extended her hospitality. The next morning, after enjoying a good cup of coffee and catching up with my sister, I hopped in the shower. I completely forgot about the linen closet in the hallway. I pulled back the shower curtain. Hmm...this would not do. In case you can't see, there is a hook hanging very nicely. That is where my towel should be hanging. I am clueless when it comes to guest bathrooms.

Considering the very real possibility of having to drip dry, I scanned the horizon for any other option. Besides a single roll of toilet paper, I found a solution:

I really should have tried harder to lose weight before making this trip. How does one explain to her hostess the puddles of water and the wrung out, wrinkled, soaking wet hand towel?

I hope my sister lets me stay again. I really don't like being compared to fish. Fish like water.

Swimming Anyone?

I'm having Ethan withdrawals. (And would you look at that sky!?)

Democratic National Convention

The DNC is in Denver. I am not. I escaped the madness.

Fwd: To Whom It May Concern

Are you a person who loves to forward emails of anecdotal stories, political statements, feel-good poems, and the like? Can you enjoy the sentiment of a story without regards to whether or not it is accurate?

If that is the case, you are welcome to forward these to me. But I am not one of the aforementioned people. If a story is inaccurate or contains erroneous information, I will reply to your email with proper corrections. (Have you noticed the screen name I use for posting?) If the language or joke is crude or vulgar, I will inform you of its offensive nature. Or if I disagree with the intent of the email, I most likely will address that also.

If you do not appreciate correction, are offended by my response, and merely want to enjoy the feelings of satisfaction the forwarded email brings to you, then please do not send me forwarded emails. It will save me the time spent researching and writing a response & your hurt feelings will be spared.

Sincerely,
Truth

Happy Birthday Lauren!

Lauren, in just 52 days, you will officially be joining the family. I'm so excited to welcome you as my one and only daughter-in-law. Love you, and have a very happy birthday!!!

Monday Menu

(This is posted to Recipes4me also)
Every Monday Mylinda posts her menu. I'm finally joining her! It originates from I'm An Organizing Junkie

Saturday:
Chicken Taco Soup, Salad with Tomatoes & Avocado

Sunday:
Ham w/Scalloped Potatoes, Fresh Fruit, Bread Sticks

Monday:
Chicken Pasta w/Spinach & Sundried Tomatoes, French Bread

Tuesday:
Easy Chicken Stir-Fry, Rice, Pot Stickers

Wednesday:
Shredded Beef Tacos, Lettuce, Tomato, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Chips & Salsa, Refried Beans

Thursday: Honey Glazed Chicken, Potato Wedges, Salad, Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar

Saturday:
Grilled Pork, Grilled Pineapple Slices, Refried Beans, Corn on the Cob

The House Where I Dwell (Part 1)

My house is in a diastrous state. One of the bedrooms looks like this:


I've been waiting to update pics of my "new" kitchen. But it isn't finished. Here is a bit of an update:



I'm using my kitchen again, but there are no drawers. The cabinets are doorless, leaving their insides exposed. But the worst part isn't in these photos. It is the stuff that is all around me. The contents emptied from the bedroom and kitchen are stacked about the other rooms. Add to that the normal, everyday clutter and it is a wreck. I can't take it much longer. I want to run screaming from here.

It's funny. We moved into this new-to-us home nearly 16 years ago. At the time it was gently used, but lovely. Each wall was perfectly papered. But over time, the reality of paneled walls began exposing their true nature. Cracks, flaws, and weak areas began to appear.

This old house was built back in 1962. Hmm...same year as this here body of mine. It creaks and groans about the same as the wooden floors in my house. Nevertheless, this is my home. I live here. What I can't figure out is how did so much junk get in here?

Lingerie Again?

Kellan has me as a guest blogger at On The Flipside today. I'm honored. In order to preserve some dignity for my son, and in case you all missed his comment, I'm including it here.

Christopher said...
Verbatim:
mom:"ok this is a little bit awkward but I just got the invite to Lauren's lingerie shower. Any requests?"

Son:"mom what the! I want you to go, and i want you to get her something, but I most certainly am not going to talk about my likes and dislikes of lingerie with you."

She didn't just ask preference, she asked for requests. Silly mom.

The funny thing is, when I spoke with Lauren, she had no problem talking lingerie with her future mother-in-law.

Anyway, Kellan asks the question "Do you think men care about what lingerie women wear or is it really only the woman that cares?" Go check it out and let her know what your opinion is. I'm surprised by the responses I've read so far.

I'm not a clever title creator

Last night after dinner:

Me: Hilary, wouldn't you like to buy your lunch tomorrow, for the first day of schoool?

Michael: Why don't you buy your lunch every day? If you did, your mom wouldn't have to get up so early.


Hilary: But then who would make my breakfast?

Laughter.

Michael: I can't believe we just had this conversation.

Morning came way too early today, but later than expected. I awoke to Hilary's gentle nudge, "mom, what can I have for breakfast?" My alarm hadn't gone off. I'd been so careful to set it. The power has gone off 3 times in the past week. While the alarm was set correctly, the clock wasn't. Sigh. Not the best way to start a new school year. Since I'd only been up 15 minutes by the time she left for school, I was tempted to sneak back in bed. Mommy guilt wouldn't let me.

Is it me or was summer vacation way too short?

Cheated

I feel cheated. Most summers I enjoy doing laundry. Short sleeves & sleeveless shirts, shorts instead of pants...the clothes are smaller, so less of them to wash. During winter, it is difficult to jam the many layers of clothing into the same amount of wash loads. Hoodies and sweat pants are the items I detest the most. I wait for summer to arrive when thick, heavy clothing disappears from the laundry baskets. The hampers overflow in the cold months. Summers allow them to air out. Come Fall, they are fresh and ready to be stuffed again. Except this summer.

For some reason, the people in this house can not agree on the perfect temperature. While one sweats in the sweltering 73 degrees, another wraps herself in a blanket-while wearing the dreaded hoodie. I've also had to wash the throw blankets several times this summer. Normally I put them away at the end of spring. What's with all of the clothes and blankets? We've had record heat here, people! Why are we wearing sweats and hoodies???? Oh yeah, I forgot. We installed air conditioning last year. A blessing & a curse?

Do You Understand?

I understand why you yelled. Really, I do. You were afraid. The person, to whom you screamed, lives with that fear every day. Your words cut deeply into her heart. I forgive you. I hope she can too.

Right before that incident, she & I were talking. My friend is hurting. She really wanted to sit down, have a cup of coffee, and talk. She is alone. She spends her days fighting the battle that caused such a strong reaction from you. It's this battle that creates a greater need for friendship & companionship. But this is also what scares others away, isolating her all the more.

I hurt for my friend, my daughter, my child. I wish you hadn't added to her pain. Or her fear.

Apologize. Pour her a cup of coffee. Listen to what she has to say.

Thunk Thursday

Posted outside one of the rollercoasters at the amusement park.

I can ride, no recent surgrys here.

Lingerie

An invitation arrived in the mail. A Lingerie Shower.

The intention of a bridal shower is to aid the newlywed couple as they establish their own home The lingerie concept enables the bride to ditch her old, tattered, worn-out undergarments for pretty, new ones. Afterall, the new hubby will soon be privy to every hidden article of clothing his lovely bride could previously hide.

Or do young ladies today not keep tattered underwear and desire more, um, exotic under clothes and night wear? Years ago, we had two choices in underwear: briefs or bikini cut. That's it. With such variety, I figured I should ask what the preference might be. Surely there could be no embarrassment. The invitation already listed a bra & panty size. But wait, maybe the groom should get an opinion. I sent a text message to my son, Christopher.

"I know this is awkward, but I'm going shopping for Lauren's Lingerie Shower. Do you have any preference?" I waited for his reply.

"Mom. There is no way I'm going to discuss lingerie preferences with you."

I laughed and laughed. I suppose this is not unlike the shocking realization that your parents have had sex at least once in their lives.

Kitchen In A Bubble

My kitchen in its transformation stage:







After Day 2, I wished I'd gotten more things out of my cupboards. After Day , I wanted in my refrigerator. Today, I'm disappointed that I won't have my kitchen back until next week. Sigh. It will be a long weekend.