Tuesday, December 20, 2005
All About Nothing
A bit of time has passed since I've written a thing. The problem? Well, the more days that go by, the more difficult it is to write. I figure people are out there waiting for something terribly insightful, motivating, thoughtful, inspiring...and the more time that passes, the more pressure I feel to perform. The complete irony of the situation? I doubt anyone reads my blog at all, lol. So why do I feel any kind of pressure? Afterall, this is my own little world. I can say or write just about anything that comes to mind. Even if it is all about nothing.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Cold
The weather was bitter
And frightfully cold.
I wanted to stay
In my warm, snug abode.
The bus stop awaiting
We did have to run,
But wearing a coat
just isn't much fun.
"In my locker
it just doesn't fit,
I don't care if I'm cold
not one little bit.
If I take a coat
I'll be late for my classes,
It will slow me down
Like thick, brown molasses."
So off we went
no jackets at all
It's not like it's winter,
We're still into Fall.
And frightfully cold.
I wanted to stay
In my warm, snug abode.
The bus stop awaiting
We did have to run,
But wearing a coat
just isn't much fun.
"In my locker
it just doesn't fit,
I don't care if I'm cold
not one little bit.
If I take a coat
I'll be late for my classes,
It will slow me down
Like thick, brown molasses."
So off we went
no jackets at all
It's not like it's winter,
We're still into Fall.
Pet Peeve
I sometimes wonder what other parents are thinking, or if they think about anyone but themselves.
The weather has turned chilly. Walking in to church yesterday, I couldn't help but notice the way others were dressed. I'm never surprised to see teenagers without jackets. But what amazes me is how many little children I see without them. One couple came out with their 3 little ones. Their oldest looked to be about 5. He was walking ahead of his parents, hurrying to their car. He had on short sleeves and pants. The two younger boys were dressed about the same but were probably 3 and 1, and were being carried by the parents. Both parents had on nice, long-sleeve clothing, and both were wearing winter jackets.
It wouldn't be so bad if they were just making a quick run to their car-but we go to a large church. You have to cross the street just to get to the parking lot. Then you often have quite a long walk to get out of the wind and cold to arrive at your nice warm car.
Or what about the parents who are warmly dressed, wearing coats, who walk outside with their baby girl. She is dressed adorably in a short-sleeve frilly dress, no shoes, socks or booties, no jacket, not even a blanket. Is it because they are warm, they figure their baby is too? And what about a hat for that bald head to keep out some of that bitter, cold wind?
I recognize that some parents are out to teach their children to make their own choices. I applaud them for this. That is an important thing for them to learn. I have tried to teach my children how to make good choices, instead of the old adage, "just do what I say." Yes, they need to be obedient, but if they never learn to make choices, life becomes very difficult when choices are thrown at them.
But at what age do you allow them to go out without a jacket when the temperature is below freezing? Will a 5 year old, who is busy playing inside his nice warm home really choose to put on a stuffy, hot jacket? What about the 3 and 1 year old? Did they have a choice? I know that nobody asked that baby if she wanted a blanket to wrap around her.
I guess it breaks my heart to see little children improperly dressed in cold weather.
I dropped 2 of my girls off at the bus stop just a few minutes ago. Before we left, I mentioned that it was going to be cold and windy today, with a high of almost 40 degrees. I expressed that if it was me, I would wear a jacket/coat. (Our home was nice and toasty, as I had turned up the heat last night.) My younger daughter obliged my thoughts by grabbing a coat. Her sister had a light jacket. She hates trying to stuff a big coat into her locker. She says it is difficult to get her books out each hour.
When we arrived at the bus stop, my younger daughter leaves her coat in the car. Her parting words were, "I don't need that." I looked up at the temperature. It was 24 degrees. C'est la vie.
The weather has turned chilly. Walking in to church yesterday, I couldn't help but notice the way others were dressed. I'm never surprised to see teenagers without jackets. But what amazes me is how many little children I see without them. One couple came out with their 3 little ones. Their oldest looked to be about 5. He was walking ahead of his parents, hurrying to their car. He had on short sleeves and pants. The two younger boys were dressed about the same but were probably 3 and 1, and were being carried by the parents. Both parents had on nice, long-sleeve clothing, and both were wearing winter jackets.
It wouldn't be so bad if they were just making a quick run to their car-but we go to a large church. You have to cross the street just to get to the parking lot. Then you often have quite a long walk to get out of the wind and cold to arrive at your nice warm car.
Or what about the parents who are warmly dressed, wearing coats, who walk outside with their baby girl. She is dressed adorably in a short-sleeve frilly dress, no shoes, socks or booties, no jacket, not even a blanket. Is it because they are warm, they figure their baby is too? And what about a hat for that bald head to keep out some of that bitter, cold wind?
I recognize that some parents are out to teach their children to make their own choices. I applaud them for this. That is an important thing for them to learn. I have tried to teach my children how to make good choices, instead of the old adage, "just do what I say." Yes, they need to be obedient, but if they never learn to make choices, life becomes very difficult when choices are thrown at them.
But at what age do you allow them to go out without a jacket when the temperature is below freezing? Will a 5 year old, who is busy playing inside his nice warm home really choose to put on a stuffy, hot jacket? What about the 3 and 1 year old? Did they have a choice? I know that nobody asked that baby if she wanted a blanket to wrap around her.
I guess it breaks my heart to see little children improperly dressed in cold weather.
I dropped 2 of my girls off at the bus stop just a few minutes ago. Before we left, I mentioned that it was going to be cold and windy today, with a high of almost 40 degrees. I expressed that if it was me, I would wear a jacket/coat. (Our home was nice and toasty, as I had turned up the heat last night.) My younger daughter obliged my thoughts by grabbing a coat. Her sister had a light jacket. She hates trying to stuff a big coat into her locker. She says it is difficult to get her books out each hour.
When we arrived at the bus stop, my younger daughter leaves her coat in the car. Her parting words were, "I don't need that." I looked up at the temperature. It was 24 degrees. C'est la vie.
Friday, November 18, 2005
EGGS
Fried
hard-boiled
poached
over-easy
deviled
scrambled
soft-boiled
pickled
sunny-side up.
Peek-a-boo eggs
egg salad
served on toast
in an omelette
turned into quiche.
Isn't the egg a wonderful food?
Where would we be without it?
There would be no meringue for pie,
Battered and Fried would be no more,
What about cookies, cakes and the like?
Life just would not be the same, without
the glorious egg.
hard-boiled
poached
over-easy
deviled
scrambled
soft-boiled
pickled
sunny-side up.
Peek-a-boo eggs
egg salad
served on toast
in an omelette
turned into quiche.
Isn't the egg a wonderful food?
Where would we be without it?
There would be no meringue for pie,
Battered and Fried would be no more,
What about cookies, cakes and the like?
Life just would not be the same, without
the glorious egg.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
ELECTRICITY
Many of you know that I lay stuff out the night before in order for mornings to go smoothly. I am not naturally a morning person, so much easier to take care of things the night before.
Somehow last night I forgot to set my alarm. I woke up, looked at the clock and realized I would normally be in the snooze mode. I could have laid there for 3 more minutes, but since my alarm would not be going off, I figured I'd better just get up.
I went downstairs to see if the girls were awake. It felt unusually warm. I checked the thermostat and noticed someone had turned it up-too high. I got closer so I could accurately see to turn it back down. Just as I touched the dial, everything went dark. Hmmm...I think the electricity went out.
I stumbled down the hall, skipping my usual routine of turning on SB's light. Yep! The electricity was most definately out. I roused the girls out of bed assuring them that yes, it was time to get up even though the clocks looked like they were asleep. Back upstairs I went to make lunches.
Ok, now what am I going to make for lunches? I had planned to make them hot lunches and had two thermos' sitting on the counter. So much for planning. Smugly, I thought, "well, I'll get my coffee first, then figure it out," glad that I have the timer set to brew 15 minutes before I get up. But the coffee pot was empty. What? How is this possible? Oh no! The one time I forget to put water in...the morning I don't get a second chance. And why had I thought this would be a good mornng for making eggs for breakfast? What are they going to eat now? Let's see, Hilary likes cold cereal, SB hates it. Sb comes in the room and I offer her cold cereal. Oh wait, she reminds me, she'll just have a slice of that banana bread I made. Darn! I put that in the freezer last night.
I'm proud of my girls. They managed to do their hair and put their makeup on by candlelight-a feat I would have struggled with doing. After dropping them off at the bus stop, I drive to Starbucks for a Vanilla Latte. But wait, why not get just a black coffee? It will be quicker, cheaper, and I can go home and add anything to it I want. Yes, I go for a black, Venti coffee.
When I pull into the driveway, I notice the kitchen light is on. Nice. The electricity was off for just that 1/2 hour it takes to get my kids ready and off to school. Oh well, my coffee pot is already set for tomorrow morning.
Somehow last night I forgot to set my alarm. I woke up, looked at the clock and realized I would normally be in the snooze mode. I could have laid there for 3 more minutes, but since my alarm would not be going off, I figured I'd better just get up.
I went downstairs to see if the girls were awake. It felt unusually warm. I checked the thermostat and noticed someone had turned it up-too high. I got closer so I could accurately see to turn it back down. Just as I touched the dial, everything went dark. Hmmm...I think the electricity went out.
I stumbled down the hall, skipping my usual routine of turning on SB's light. Yep! The electricity was most definately out. I roused the girls out of bed assuring them that yes, it was time to get up even though the clocks looked like they were asleep. Back upstairs I went to make lunches.
Ok, now what am I going to make for lunches? I had planned to make them hot lunches and had two thermos' sitting on the counter. So much for planning. Smugly, I thought, "well, I'll get my coffee first, then figure it out," glad that I have the timer set to brew 15 minutes before I get up. But the coffee pot was empty. What? How is this possible? Oh no! The one time I forget to put water in...the morning I don't get a second chance. And why had I thought this would be a good mornng for making eggs for breakfast? What are they going to eat now? Let's see, Hilary likes cold cereal, SB hates it. Sb comes in the room and I offer her cold cereal. Oh wait, she reminds me, she'll just have a slice of that banana bread I made. Darn! I put that in the freezer last night.
I'm proud of my girls. They managed to do their hair and put their makeup on by candlelight-a feat I would have struggled with doing. After dropping them off at the bus stop, I drive to Starbucks for a Vanilla Latte. But wait, why not get just a black coffee? It will be quicker, cheaper, and I can go home and add anything to it I want. Yes, I go for a black, Venti coffee.
When I pull into the driveway, I notice the kitchen light is on. Nice. The electricity was off for just that 1/2 hour it takes to get my kids ready and off to school. Oh well, my coffee pot is already set for tomorrow morning.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Friday, November 04, 2005
Overwhelmed
Sitting in church yesterday, I was overwhelmed once again at God's plan of salvation. Meditating on how much was accomplished at the cross, how much he gave and provided for us, and how we can have a relationship with the Father because of this gift.
But while sitting there amazed at this incredible gift, another thought crept into my head. What if Ethan is never able to grasp this simple truth? Will he ever understand how much the Father loves him? Although we are born into sin, God sent Jesus to pay the penalty for that sin so a relationship with the Father can be restored, we can be forgiven. What if Ethan goes through life never knowing?
Tears began to flow. This just cannot be...but what if? And then, it was as if I could see the Father reach down with a smile across His loving face. He cradled a little child in his arms and began singing to him. It was a love song as the Father gently rocked.
I know that when a baby dies they are swept away to heaven. (Even those yet to be born.) I believe that we are not held accountable until the age of accountability. I do not know what that magical age is, because all of my children seemed to comprehend the simple truth before they were 6.
It's possible that Ethan may never reach this age of accountability no matter what age he becomes. But the Father in heaven will still take him up as a little child and hold him. At that time, Ethan will know. He will understand how very much he is loved.
"But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 19:14) 10/31/05
But while sitting there amazed at this incredible gift, another thought crept into my head. What if Ethan is never able to grasp this simple truth? Will he ever understand how much the Father loves him? Although we are born into sin, God sent Jesus to pay the penalty for that sin so a relationship with the Father can be restored, we can be forgiven. What if Ethan goes through life never knowing?
Tears began to flow. This just cannot be...but what if? And then, it was as if I could see the Father reach down with a smile across His loving face. He cradled a little child in his arms and began singing to him. It was a love song as the Father gently rocked.
I know that when a baby dies they are swept away to heaven. (Even those yet to be born.) I believe that we are not held accountable until the age of accountability. I do not know what that magical age is, because all of my children seemed to comprehend the simple truth before they were 6.
It's possible that Ethan may never reach this age of accountability no matter what age he becomes. But the Father in heaven will still take him up as a little child and hold him. At that time, Ethan will know. He will understand how very much he is loved.
"But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 19:14) 10/31/05
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
My Little Magician
My daughter El works at the mall. On Halloween, each store in the mall hands out candy to trick or treaters. Christina asked if I would dress Ethan up and take him to the mall. She had class. So I dressed up our little magician, who by-the-way, is definately some sort of magician the way he can wiggle out of his clothes and get his diaper off.
Hilary and her friend also dressed up.
Sadly, Ethan missed getting candy from his aunt. He fell asleep on the way to the mall, and that was the end of his evening.
Hilary and her friend also dressed up.
Sadly, Ethan missed getting candy from his aunt. He fell asleep on the way to the mall, and that was the end of his evening.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Taking Tests
My girls go to a very academically challenging school. They are really big into tests. My youngest, Hilary, is in her second year at this school. She works so very hard to be successful. She is diligent to study for tests.
Recently Hilary has been complaining that she has a hard time seeing the board at school. Seeing as how everyone else in the family wears glasses, we figured it was about time to get her an eye exam.
The eye doctor was surprised that she was having a hard time seeing the board. He said she could get glasses, but didn't really need them. We went ahead and got them. I was still surprised, though, when she came home complaining that she still was having trouble reading the board.
I took her back to have her eyes re-checked. I took 2 of my daughters on the same day, and they took them to 2 different rooms. Somehow, I didn't end up going in with Hilary. Afterwards, she brought me her new presription for glasses. Apparently, when it was time for her to take the "eye test," she automatically wanted to do well. Her solution was to squint until she could make out the letters. Unfortunately, it did not accurately give a picture of her struggle in seeing the board at school.
Thankfully, the second "eye exam" she did not try so hard to be successful and see perfectly. She admitted her inadquacies in being able to make out what letters she could see. Imagine her amazement when she received her glasses with the new prescription. She could hardly get over how "sharp" things looked. Don't you wish all kids tried so hard on tests and exams???
Recently Hilary has been complaining that she has a hard time seeing the board at school. Seeing as how everyone else in the family wears glasses, we figured it was about time to get her an eye exam.
The eye doctor was surprised that she was having a hard time seeing the board. He said she could get glasses, but didn't really need them. We went ahead and got them. I was still surprised, though, when she came home complaining that she still was having trouble reading the board.
I took her back to have her eyes re-checked. I took 2 of my daughters on the same day, and they took them to 2 different rooms. Somehow, I didn't end up going in with Hilary. Afterwards, she brought me her new presription for glasses. Apparently, when it was time for her to take the "eye test," she automatically wanted to do well. Her solution was to squint until she could make out the letters. Unfortunately, it did not accurately give a picture of her struggle in seeing the board at school.
Thankfully, the second "eye exam" she did not try so hard to be successful and see perfectly. She admitted her inadquacies in being able to make out what letters she could see. Imagine her amazement when she received her glasses with the new prescription. She could hardly get over how "sharp" things looked. Don't you wish all kids tried so hard on tests and exams???
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
FALL
As I see and hear the sights and sounds of Autumn, I remembered something I wrote a while back. After yesterday's snow and my posting, this will sound contradictory.
I have never been fond of Fall. I supposed it was from growing up in Phoenix where there aren't any seasons. But I don't think so. We have seasons in our lives, and for me change is hard sometimes. I like to be comfortable. I love the warm, carefree summers. I love the new life of Spring. I love wearing turtlenecks and sweaters in the winter snow, but I am not fond of the change that Fall brings.
As I see the leaves turning beautiful, brilliant colors
Everything looks so alive
But what is really happening is
They are dying.
The nights too cold to sustain them.
Shortened days and not enough sunlight
To maintain their green color.
So although beautiful,
Death is at their doorstep.
The bright red, gold, yellow, and orange
Are not symbols of life,
But of change.
Soon they will be nothing
Dry, dead cracklings beneath our feet.
Crushed and gone, totally lifeless.
The time has come to prune, to go deeper
To strenthen the roots to stand strong through the storms of winter.
(Coming from Arizona, this was all so new to me.)
The season of Winter is coming
Summer is over.
Where is the harvest? I must have missed it.
Where is the harvest? I can't see the harvest when I'm not in the fields.
Have I missed the harvest season
With nothing stored up for winter?
Fall is gathering time before EVERYTHING is dead.
I haven't much time left. Fall is upon me, and I didn't even see the signs.
Why plant and water if I won't prune and harvest?
Utter foolishness. And there is no harvest if you did not plant in the spring.
I have never been fond of Fall. I supposed it was from growing up in Phoenix where there aren't any seasons. But I don't think so. We have seasons in our lives, and for me change is hard sometimes. I like to be comfortable. I love the warm, carefree summers. I love the new life of Spring. I love wearing turtlenecks and sweaters in the winter snow, but I am not fond of the change that Fall brings.
As I see the leaves turning beautiful, brilliant colors
Everything looks so alive
But what is really happening is
They are dying.
The nights too cold to sustain them.
Shortened days and not enough sunlight
To maintain their green color.
So although beautiful,
Death is at their doorstep.
The bright red, gold, yellow, and orange
Are not symbols of life,
But of change.
Soon they will be nothing
Dry, dead cracklings beneath our feet.
Crushed and gone, totally lifeless.
The time has come to prune, to go deeper
To strenthen the roots to stand strong through the storms of winter.
(Coming from Arizona, this was all so new to me.)
The season of Winter is coming
Summer is over.
Where is the harvest? I must have missed it.
Where is the harvest? I can't see the harvest when I'm not in the fields.
Have I missed the harvest season
With nothing stored up for winter?
Fall is gathering time before EVERYTHING is dead.
I haven't much time left. Fall is upon me, and I didn't even see the signs.
Why plant and water if I won't prune and harvest?
Utter foolishness. And there is no harvest if you did not plant in the spring.
Monday, October 10, 2005
On Saturday, Michael and I went for an 8 mile bike ride. It was nice, but a little hot on the ride back. It's a good thing we turned back when we did, as it was uphill home and 82 degrees.
This morning we woke up to snow. That is what I love about Colorado. I love change. Variety is the spice of life, right? So Saturday we were enjoying the Indian Summer biking in the beautiful outdoors. The leaves were in an array of golden, red, yellow and other autumn colors.
Today I have a pot of soup on the stove, fresh bread baking in the oven, and the fireplace aflame. Outside the temperature is a brisk 34 degrees, with snow steadily falling. What could be better than this?
This morning we woke up to snow. That is what I love about Colorado. I love change. Variety is the spice of life, right? So Saturday we were enjoying the Indian Summer biking in the beautiful outdoors. The leaves were in an array of golden, red, yellow and other autumn colors.
Today I have a pot of soup on the stove, fresh bread baking in the oven, and the fireplace aflame. Outside the temperature is a brisk 34 degrees, with snow steadily falling. What could be better than this?
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Humbled
I had 2 packages to mail. It was a quarter to 5 and I knew I had better get going. One was to my son at college, the other to my neice who is in the hospital. I wanted these out today. So off I went.
While driving through the neighborhood, I saw a firetruck returning to the station. Shortly afterwards, I noticed flashing lights behind me. Gosh, I better get to the side of the road so this officer can get by me. I quickly pulled over next to the fire station.
Imagine my surprise, as I glanced in my rearview mirror, and saw the officer had pulled up right behind me. Was I getting pulled over??? Oh my goodness! I have been driving for 27+ years and have never gotten a ticket. It's amazing how your mind races in just a few short moments. I have been telling my teenage kids about how I've never gotten a ticket, bragging I suppose. Hmmm...pride goes before a fall. The next thought was, gosh, maybe if I am nice and smile he will be merciful to me. I look in the mirror again, he isn't out of his vehicle yet.
Maybe he just happened to be in a hurry to get to the fire station. Maybe I'm not really being pulled over. How long should I wait before driving off? Oh wait, the door is opening. It's a female officer...I'm sunk! (What kind of attitude is that????)
I pull out my driver's license and unroll my window. The officer asks me if I know why I'm being pulled over. "Uhhh...no, I really don't."
"Well, you didn't make a complete stop at that stop sign back there."
Gosh, how many times have I told my kids how important it is to make complete stops at the stop signs. We have 3 of them in a row to get out of our neighborhood. I don't know how often I see cars blow right through them, hardly slowing down. I am always careful to completely stop.
"I am usually more careful, and honestly, I was in a hurry to get to the post office."
"Can I see your registration?"
I opened the glove box and grabbed the first piece of paper and handed it over.
"This is your proof of insurance, try the other one."
Fumbling again, I pull the other sheet out.
"I'll try to make this quick for you," and she began walking back to her vehicle with my license and registration.
I hang my head in shame as cars are passing. These are my neighbors. How many of them know me and are going to ask me about it later? How embarrassing to be one street away from your home and be facing the humiliation of breaking the law.
The officer hands me my paperwork and her business card. "I'll just give you a warning, but make sure you make a complete stop next time."
I drove away humbled and thankful.
While driving through the neighborhood, I saw a firetruck returning to the station. Shortly afterwards, I noticed flashing lights behind me. Gosh, I better get to the side of the road so this officer can get by me. I quickly pulled over next to the fire station.
Imagine my surprise, as I glanced in my rearview mirror, and saw the officer had pulled up right behind me. Was I getting pulled over??? Oh my goodness! I have been driving for 27+ years and have never gotten a ticket. It's amazing how your mind races in just a few short moments. I have been telling my teenage kids about how I've never gotten a ticket, bragging I suppose. Hmmm...pride goes before a fall. The next thought was, gosh, maybe if I am nice and smile he will be merciful to me. I look in the mirror again, he isn't out of his vehicle yet.
Maybe he just happened to be in a hurry to get to the fire station. Maybe I'm not really being pulled over. How long should I wait before driving off? Oh wait, the door is opening. It's a female officer...I'm sunk! (What kind of attitude is that????)
I pull out my driver's license and unroll my window. The officer asks me if I know why I'm being pulled over. "Uhhh...no, I really don't."
"Well, you didn't make a complete stop at that stop sign back there."
Gosh, how many times have I told my kids how important it is to make complete stops at the stop signs. We have 3 of them in a row to get out of our neighborhood. I don't know how often I see cars blow right through them, hardly slowing down. I am always careful to completely stop.
"I am usually more careful, and honestly, I was in a hurry to get to the post office."
"Can I see your registration?"
I opened the glove box and grabbed the first piece of paper and handed it over.
"This is your proof of insurance, try the other one."
Fumbling again, I pull the other sheet out.
"I'll try to make this quick for you," and she began walking back to her vehicle with my license and registration.
I hang my head in shame as cars are passing. These are my neighbors. How many of them know me and are going to ask me about it later? How embarrassing to be one street away from your home and be facing the humiliation of breaking the law.
The officer hands me my paperwork and her business card. "I'll just give you a warning, but make sure you make a complete stop next time."
I drove away humbled and thankful.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Technology
Isn't technology something to watch? Last night before going to bed, I decided to check my email. I also logged onto AIM to see who was online. (For those who are not sure what aim is-is there anyone who isn't? It stands for AOL instant messenger. It allows you to chat online.) I laughed when I saw my son, who is away at college, his sister, who just moved with my grandson an hour away, and my 18 year old daughter. She was just downstairs, but I couldn't resist IM'ing them to comment that over half our family was online. If truth be told, the youngest 2 siblings would have been online also, but because they have to get up early, they were in bed. Michael, my husband was also online, but for some reason, he doesn't like "talking" via instant message.
I was pretty proud of myself for having 3 chat boxes open at one time, and being able to carry on 3 different conversations. For those that don't know, I do not multi-task well. Then my oldest invited us all to a chatroom where we proceeded to carry on our conversations together.
Wow! It was just like sitting around the dinner table, well, almost. Chatter back and forth, humor bordering on sarcasm, confusion as to what these two are talking about, inquiries as to why everyone new but me (from the younger of the 3), and just back-and-forth bantering. My oldest was sharing pics of Ethan, via her cell phone camera. He had her portable phone tucked in his pants, pretending it was his pocket cell phone. But he didn't have pockets in his pajamas.
I finally told them I really needed to go to bed, expressed how much fun it had been, but how I felt a bit bad that the whole family hadn't been there. El replies that her youngest sister is there, just a silent partner listening. Grrrr....I thought she was in bed. Oh well. I miss having my two oldest living here and the whole family together every night. But, when dinnertime rolls around tomorrow, I only have to call downstairs to 3 cell phones to tell them dinner is ready. Or maybe I will just get online and message them all at once as a means of ringing the dinner bell. The dinner bell...now that brings up an array of memories of times when communication wasn't so high tech. I'll save those for another day.
I was pretty proud of myself for having 3 chat boxes open at one time, and being able to carry on 3 different conversations. For those that don't know, I do not multi-task well. Then my oldest invited us all to a chatroom where we proceeded to carry on our conversations together.
Wow! It was just like sitting around the dinner table, well, almost. Chatter back and forth, humor bordering on sarcasm, confusion as to what these two are talking about, inquiries as to why everyone new but me (from the younger of the 3), and just back-and-forth bantering. My oldest was sharing pics of Ethan, via her cell phone camera. He had her portable phone tucked in his pants, pretending it was his pocket cell phone. But he didn't have pockets in his pajamas.
I finally told them I really needed to go to bed, expressed how much fun it had been, but how I felt a bit bad that the whole family hadn't been there. El replies that her youngest sister is there, just a silent partner listening. Grrrr....I thought she was in bed. Oh well. I miss having my two oldest living here and the whole family together every night. But, when dinnertime rolls around tomorrow, I only have to call downstairs to 3 cell phones to tell them dinner is ready. Or maybe I will just get online and message them all at once as a means of ringing the dinner bell. The dinner bell...now that brings up an array of memories of times when communication wasn't so high tech. I'll save those for another day.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
One of those mornings
Do you ever have one of those mornings where you know right away things aren't going the way you planned? Last night I nearly got in bed before realizing I hadn't laid out the lunches, nor set the coffee maker. Now if I was to get up and the coffee wasn't made, that alone could start the morning off awry. As tired as I was, I was diligent and cut up the brownies and wrapped them individually. I filled baggies with pretzels, made chicken salad, and filled the water bottles and put them in the freezer. Oh, and set the coffee maker. Whew! I was ready for the morning, especially since HH asked me to french braid her hair in the morning.
It was still dark when I walked out to the kitchen this morning. The coffee smelled wonderful, but when I looked, I saw why it was so fragrant. There was coffee everywhere. The pretzels and brownies were floating in brown, speckled liquid. The lunch boxes were soaking in a mocha color. Coffee grounds not only covered the countertop, but were on the stove. Hmmm...in my flurry to get everything together the night before, I must have forgotten to put a filter in the coffee maker. This fancy coffee maker that grinds the coffee fresh each morning, then drips it into the insulated carafe does not like it when you forget the filter. And to let you know, spews coffee and grounds out of every crack and crevice to protest.
It was still dark when I walked out to the kitchen this morning. The coffee smelled wonderful, but when I looked, I saw why it was so fragrant. There was coffee everywhere. The pretzels and brownies were floating in brown, speckled liquid. The lunch boxes were soaking in a mocha color. Coffee grounds not only covered the countertop, but were on the stove. Hmmm...in my flurry to get everything together the night before, I must have forgotten to put a filter in the coffee maker. This fancy coffee maker that grinds the coffee fresh each morning, then drips it into the insulated carafe does not like it when you forget the filter. And to let you know, spews coffee and grounds out of every crack and crevice to protest.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Homecoming
Sb just left for the Homecoming dance. She looked beautiful as always. Here are some pictures:
This is HH, Sb, and El
This is HH, Sb, and El
Thursday, September 15, 2005
UPDATE
Ben's mother phoned tonight. She sounded very stressed and concerned. I think because she does not want her son dating, at least not yet. Sb doesn't see this as a date, and neither do I. Afterall, neither one of them has their drivers license, so his parents will have to drive them.
I think I was able to alleviate some of the mother's stress by telling her Sb only wanted to go as friends. We talked for a bit. She asked if I had other children, had we done this before, etc. She told me she had one other son and he only went to dances his junior and senior year. There was a lot of sighing as we spoke, but by the end I think we both felt better. This will be interesting to meet the parents on Saturday.
I think I was able to alleviate some of the mother's stress by telling her Sb only wanted to go as friends. We talked for a bit. She asked if I had other children, had we done this before, etc. She told me she had one other son and he only went to dances his junior and senior year. There was a lot of sighing as we spoke, but by the end I think we both felt better. This will be interesting to meet the parents on Saturday.
Unchosen
Sb came home from school today with a new twist to the homecoming dance she is going to. Ben told her that when he informed his parents that he had asked her to the dance, they told him they didn't want him going. What? How can they say that after he already HAS asked?
I told her that was ok, that she could go back to her original plan and go with her girlfriends. She said he went ahead and bought her ticket and gave it to her. So what does this mean? Did he feel guilty, so bought her the ticket so she could still go, or is he going behind his parents back and going anyway? Of course Sb didn't have any answers.
Honestly, I felt like he should honor his parents request, and Sb could live with that too. It would not be the end of the world for her. Sigh. That was short-lived enthusiasm.
I told her that was ok, that she could go back to her original plan and go with her girlfriends. She said he went ahead and bought her ticket and gave it to her. So what does this mean? Did he feel guilty, so bought her the ticket so she could still go, or is he going behind his parents back and going anyway? Of course Sb didn't have any answers.
Honestly, I felt like he should honor his parents request, and Sb could live with that too. It would not be the end of the world for her. Sigh. That was short-lived enthusiasm.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Chosen
"Mom, I have a story to tell you." I am used to hearing this phrase from one of my daughters. They have gotten to where they just look for something to happen during their day so they will have a story to tell. Once everyone is sitting at the table, whoever is the lucky one to have had some sort of encounter or story to tell has the attention of every member present. Apparently, they all love being center stage in this house.
All eyes were fixed on the storyteller, while forkfuls of food passed their lips. The tale began. "After stage crew, I was waiting outside for Liz. Ben comes up and starts talking. He tells me he has a question to ask. He then says, 'would you mind going to homecoming with me?' I told him I would." (Okay, not everyone has honed their story-telling skills.)
"Why didn't you tell him you WOULD mind," I joked. "It's a good thing we bought you a dress yesterday," I added.
"So is he good-looking?" Sb's younger sister asks her. That is the all-important litmus test in her mind.
"Well, he's my friend. He's in the play. He's a nerd." Sb says this, all the while with a twinkle in her eye and a slight grin as if she's trying hard not to smile.
"Well if he's a nerd, then he's good-looking, just like me." Everyone laughs. That's such a dad thing. Yeah, he's a good-looking nerd.
Sb had planned to go to homecoming with some girlfriends. She isn't much into boys, although she does notice them once-in-awhile. I thought it would be nice to have a new dress to wear, new shoes too. But I think there is also something about being chosen. Something happens inside when a young man goes out of his way to ask you if you would mind accompanying him to an event. An event that you have a new dress, new shoes, earrings and necklace to match, hair done up nice-something a bit magical about it when you've been chosen too. She's looking forward to the dance, planning everything out,even if it is only a few days away.
All eyes were fixed on the storyteller, while forkfuls of food passed their lips. The tale began. "After stage crew, I was waiting outside for Liz. Ben comes up and starts talking. He tells me he has a question to ask. He then says, 'would you mind going to homecoming with me?' I told him I would." (Okay, not everyone has honed their story-telling skills.)
"Why didn't you tell him you WOULD mind," I joked. "It's a good thing we bought you a dress yesterday," I added.
"So is he good-looking?" Sb's younger sister asks her. That is the all-important litmus test in her mind.
"Well, he's my friend. He's in the play. He's a nerd." Sb says this, all the while with a twinkle in her eye and a slight grin as if she's trying hard not to smile.
"Well if he's a nerd, then he's good-looking, just like me." Everyone laughs. That's such a dad thing. Yeah, he's a good-looking nerd.
Sb had planned to go to homecoming with some girlfriends. She isn't much into boys, although she does notice them once-in-awhile. I thought it would be nice to have a new dress to wear, new shoes too. But I think there is also something about being chosen. Something happens inside when a young man goes out of his way to ask you if you would mind accompanying him to an event. An event that you have a new dress, new shoes, earrings and necklace to match, hair done up nice-something a bit magical about it when you've been chosen too. She's looking forward to the dance, planning everything out,even if it is only a few days away.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Rough Day
After an emotional day yesterday, a friend sent me this story. I felt I needed to post it here. Ethan is our Holland.
Welcome to Holland
Emily Perl Kingsley
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a
disability- to try to help people who have not shared this unique experience
to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this...
When you're going to have a baby it's like planning a fabulous vacation
trip--to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful
plans. The Coliseum, Michelangelo's David, the gondolas of Venice. You may
learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack
your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The
stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?!" you say. What do you mean, Holland? I signed up for
Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to
Italy." But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland
and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you
to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guidebooks. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower paced that Italy, less flashy
than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your
breath, you look around, and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills,
Holland has tulips, Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy going to and from Italy, and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say. "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
The pain of that will never ever, ever go away because the loss of that
dream is a very significant loss.
But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to
Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely
things about Holland.
Welcome to Holland
Emily Perl Kingsley
I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a
disability- to try to help people who have not shared this unique experience
to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this...
When you're going to have a baby it's like planning a fabulous vacation
trip--to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful
plans. The Coliseum, Michelangelo's David, the gondolas of Venice. You may
learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack
your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The
stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland."
"Holland?!?!" you say. What do you mean, Holland? I signed up for
Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to
Italy." But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland
and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you
to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guidebooks. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.
It's just a different place. It's slower paced that Italy, less flashy
than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your
breath, you look around, and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills,
Holland has tulips, Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy going to and from Italy, and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say. "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned."
The pain of that will never ever, ever go away because the loss of that
dream is a very significant loss.
But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to
Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely
things about Holland.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
A Lot of Changes
The beginning of a new school year nearly always throws me in a tizzy. It was especially difficult this year. You would think being a grandma shouldn't have the same affect on you as the little ones start school.
I got my girls started in school. Boy, does getting them to the bus at 6:40a.m. seem early. It will be worse later on, though, when it is still dark. I think I make lunches half-asleep. I wonder what exactly I pack in those lunches???
Thursday through Monday I had Ethan. The first 2 days were extremely difficult, as he had a stiff neck and was not a happy camper. By Saturday, he was back to his old self. Somehow I managed to remember his medicine every morning and every night. I got him to take a nap (and yes, even with gas prices so high, I took him for a little drive to help enhance his ability to fall asleep.) And I got him in bed at nearly the same time every night. By Tuesday morning, I was starting to feel awfully attached to this little boy. But Tuesday, was his first day at "school."
At 3, Ethan started preschool for kids with special needs. He gets 3 hours a day, 4 days a week. We have been pretty excited, as he will have therapists there helping him each day. He can't help but make a lot of progress, right? His first day went great. His teacher said he was much higher functioning than they anticpated. The second day went well also.
But me? Today, I have been a basket case. I started crying for no reason. I was sad that I hadn't been able to be there for his first day. Sad I didn't get to meet his new teacher who will be so much a new part of his life right now. So this afternoon, I called to hear how his third day went. I needed to know things were still going great.
I wish that is what my daughter had been able to tell me. Unfortunately, he was not having a good day. He woke up very unhappy and destructive. She realized she forgot to give him his meds. last night. From there it went from bad to worse. And his teacher said after school, that he did not have a good day. He was pinching some of the other kids.
Hmmm...this is tough, I don't know if I'm going to be able to make it through a year of Ethan being so far away and not being able to do anything about it.
I got my girls started in school. Boy, does getting them to the bus at 6:40a.m. seem early. It will be worse later on, though, when it is still dark. I think I make lunches half-asleep. I wonder what exactly I pack in those lunches???
Thursday through Monday I had Ethan. The first 2 days were extremely difficult, as he had a stiff neck and was not a happy camper. By Saturday, he was back to his old self. Somehow I managed to remember his medicine every morning and every night. I got him to take a nap (and yes, even with gas prices so high, I took him for a little drive to help enhance his ability to fall asleep.) And I got him in bed at nearly the same time every night. By Tuesday morning, I was starting to feel awfully attached to this little boy. But Tuesday, was his first day at "school."
At 3, Ethan started preschool for kids with special needs. He gets 3 hours a day, 4 days a week. We have been pretty excited, as he will have therapists there helping him each day. He can't help but make a lot of progress, right? His first day went great. His teacher said he was much higher functioning than they anticpated. The second day went well also.
But me? Today, I have been a basket case. I started crying for no reason. I was sad that I hadn't been able to be there for his first day. Sad I didn't get to meet his new teacher who will be so much a new part of his life right now. So this afternoon, I called to hear how his third day went. I needed to know things were still going great.
I wish that is what my daughter had been able to tell me. Unfortunately, he was not having a good day. He woke up very unhappy and destructive. She realized she forgot to give him his meds. last night. From there it went from bad to worse. And his teacher said after school, that he did not have a good day. He was pinching some of the other kids.
Hmmm...this is tough, I don't know if I'm going to be able to make it through a year of Ethan being so far away and not being able to do anything about it.
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