A Father's Day

"Mom, what is Father's Day?" Five year old Jacob asked.

"Oh you know, it is a day to honor fathers, the same as mother's day. Remember the nice card you made me? We bought grandma flowers and a book and spent the day with her. Then we went to dinner at that nice salad place. On Father's Day we'll have a cookout at Grandpa's house. Your grandpa loves cookouts."

"Isn't there a kids' day where we get presents and cards and get to do what we want?"

"Every day is kids day," Jenny answered, as she tossled his blond curls. "Now go brush your teeth or I'm going to be late for work." She smiled as she watched her little boy flex his superman muscles, then run to brush his superhero teeth.

As they drove towards Jacob's daycare center, Jenny was thinking about taking off early so she could take her car in for an oil change. She really needed to keep her car in good running condition.

"Mom, why don't I have a dad?" Jacob's question caught her off guard. While she desperately tried to come up with a reasonable answer, he continued. "I was supposed to bring a picture of my dad to school today. But I don't have a picture because I don't have a dad. I told Miss Sarah that but she just said, don't be silly. Everyone has a dad, even if he doesn't live with you.' Mom, do I have a dad that doesn't live with me? Or is it just you and me?"

Jenny's eyes began to sting as they filled with tears. She had a busy day ahead of her. She needed to concentrate on the traffic around her. She wanted to forget her past. She did not want her little boy to be sad. She didn't want him to be embarrassed at not having a dad. Fumbling for a tissue with one hand in her purse, she glanced in her rearview mirror. Jacob's brown eyes looked up at hers as he waited for a response.

STUCK

I HOPE TO BE BACK LATER TO POST, BUT FIRST I HAVE TO CLEAN THE JUICE FROM MY KEYBOARD THAT IS CAUSING MY SHIFT KEY TO STICK. DID YOU NOTICE?

Short Update

Sarabeth is laughing now. She was officially hired yesterday and starts work tomorrow. Christina and Ethan are fine. The man that lives next door was allegedly threatening violence, so the police stepped in and took control of the situation. This afternoon they are driving up so Ethan will see the new toy I bought him. (It's my privilege as Gramma to have new things for him everytime he comes to visit.)

Lastly, we celebrated Grandpa's 84th birthday yesterday. He received his first digital camera. I'm thinking it is time for him to start a blog of his own to keep everyone up-to-date on life in Colorado. Afterall, who better to capture the essence of moving to a new state and community?

Happy Birthday to my dear dad-in-law. It's been so great having you live so close-I understand my husband so much better and why he does the things he does. (At least where he learned them from.)

Phone Call

Another Phone Call You Don't Want To Get

A few minutes ago, I received a phone call from my daughter's apartment manager. After identifying herself she asked,

"Does your daughter have a cell phone number? The police are here and there is an incident. She needs to vacate the apartment immediately."

Why don't I have these numbers memorized??? With cell phones and the latest technology there just doesn't seem to be a reason to remember phone numbers, especially multiple numbers for one person.

But I am thankful for several things:

1. That in spite of the obstacles, Christina started a 4 week-long class this past Monday. So she wasn't at home.

2. Ethan's CNA who is scheduled to care for him had an emergency trip out of town. So she wan't there either.

3. Christina chose not to have a substitute CNA care for Ethan today. Instead, he went to his former caregiver's home. Ethan did not have to be escorted out of the apartment by the police surrounded by strangers in a scary situation.

4. That God knows what each day holds, and makes provision for us.

Nervous

Sarabeth went for her very first job interview ever. I was impressed with how well she did. She was comfortable enough to joke with the interviewer. If you've known Sarabeth for any length of time, you would be very impressed too. For those who don't know, she was affectionately known as the velcro baby. (Never wanting to leave my side and disliked strangers-that included everyone but me. )

During the interview Sarabeth was given a list of requirements. She found them a bit amusing. "Do you really have to tell some people that it is necessary to wear deodorant?" She queried, wanting to laugh out loud.

She came home gleeful, with her second interview this past Monday. It was more of a formality, at least we hope. Prior to her going to this second interview, we'd been talking about what her new job would be like. Her dad mentioned that it is not a far drive and she could easily make it in 15 minutes. Apparently she took that to heart and left for the interview 20 minutes til, but ran into traffic. She ended up 5 minutes late.

She was asked a few questions by a stoic man and given paperwork to be drug tested. One of the questions he asked was, "Are you normally a late person?"

Her response was "no." She isn't. She arrived a half an hour early for her first interview. His next question was, "have you ever had a detention?" I know she was nervous. She is also a stickler for following rules-honesty being one of them. Her response was "yes." His eyebrow raised as he looked up.

"And what did you receive a detention for?"

"Tardies."

Afterwards she wanted to scream. She thought she looked like she'd been dishonest. The truth is, she DID receive a detention for having 3 tardies. It was in the EIGHTH grade. Her school is strict about tardies. But for the past 3 years she has completed 6 classes per day, 5 days a week, without ever getting 3 tardies again. Of course, the stoic man did not know this. All he heard was she'd had a detention for her tardiness, even though she said she was an on time person. And he knew she was 5 minutes late for their appointment.

Someday she will laugh about this.

National Child's Day

National Child's Day

Last year on June 1st, President George W. Bush gave a proclamation 8026: "I, do hereby proclaim June 4th as National Child's Day. I call upon citizens to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also urge all the people of the United States to take an active role in helping nurture the minds and character of our nation's children."

Even if you missed this, like I did, I think we should make up for it. Let's celebrate all month. It doesn't matter if your child is a day old or 50. Celebrate each one of them. Can you think of a better occasion to have chocolate..., err... a party?

Questions

The Woman tagged me a few weeks ago with this meme. She was given 5 random questions and to play along she assigned 5 new questions. (She chose HARD questions, lol.) At the end I will pick 5 new questions and anyone that wants to play along can use those questions.

1. Do you have a signature scent? Something that when someone gets a whiff they think of you?

No, but I would love to have one. Any ideas?

2. Have you ever told a lie that severed a friendship? Romance?

If I did, I certainly can't recall.
3. You are granted a day to help mankind. You can be either a cup, a shovel, or a tire pump. Which one will you choose and why?

Definately a cup. I could offer a cold cup of water to a dying man, or quench the thirst of a hard-working one. I could brighten someone's day as the hot coffee warms her heart and hands. I could be a delicious cup of milk offered to a child to dunk his cookies. Helping mankind? Well, I don't know.

4. Are you ticklish? If so, does anyone else know?

Yes. My sister and I used to tickle each others feet at night to see who would laugh first.
5. Congratulations! You have just won one million dollars! Only one catch. You're not allowed to spend the money on the house, husband or the kids (including grandkids!). How will you spend the money?
Does that mean I have to spend it on myself or that I can give it all away? I'd be very generous with my church and parachurch organizations. I'd adopt as many kids as I could and provide the money for others to do the same. I'd send others out on missions to help children and others.
Now it's your turn:
1. If you could spend a day "just having fun" what would you do?

2. If you wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?

3. What is your favorite meal, dessert included?

4. Regrets? If you could change something from your past what would it be?

5. If you could drive any car in the world, what would you choose and what color?

Quiet

Ah, I sit her sipping hot coffee, the house is oh-so-quiet. I enjoy quiet time to collect my thoughts and sanity, to pray and read my bible. But today it seems too quiet.

Yesterday was the last day of school for my girls, so we are officially in summer mode. On Wednesday I was celebrating that I had only 2 more early morning lunch-makings for this year. Then I realized that Friday was a half-day and it was only 1 day left. (Did I really yell "Woohoo" and dance around the kitchen?)

I called Christina to see if she and Ethan were coming up this weekend. I was disappointed that they weren't. To celebrate the end of school, I wanted to take the 4 girls to get pedicures. I thought it would be fun. They didn't feel up to it.

So here I sit on Saturday morning alone. My oldest 2 have graduated from college and will not be coming home for the summer-will probably never move back. At the moment, my 3rd and 5th are housesitting. My 4th left early this morning to take the SAT test. It is too quiet.

Friday morning I was sitting at my computer. Michael walked in, gave me a hug, and said, "this is so sad."

"What?" (I'm thinking he realized that it won't be long before our kids are all grown up.)

"This is the last morning I'll see you up so early."

I was looking forward to sleeping in this summer. Is this what I have to look forward to when my kids are all grown? Quiet and more quiet? I better decide what I'm going to do when I grow up. It's a good thing parents and grandparents have a way of becoming needy as they get older. Otherwise I don't know what I'd do with myself.

Graduation Day

To the gentleman (who really wasn't) sitting behind us on Graduation Day, I wanted to tell you a few things.

When we took our seats, we didn't see you sitting there behind us. You must have come in later. But surely you noticed my young grandson sitting with us. He was there before we arrived, as was the little boy in front of us. If you thought it might be a problem, why didn't you sit somewhere else? Since you didn't I can only surmise that you were either neglectful in choosing your seat, or you thought you were a member of the noise patrol.

I too am very sensitive to noise and other distractions. I find it especially difficult during church with people moving around whispering and the occasional crying child. My solution is to sit in the 1st or second pew. When I sit up front I don't miss a thing and distractions are rare.

I'm pretty confident that when you saw the movement of my grandson, that you assumed he was an undisciplined, ill-behaved child. He is tall for his age and often mistaken for a boy of 6 or 7. He will be 5 this summer. Ethan (that's my grandson,) was very patient through the ceremony. He sat in my lap for most of the first hour and a half. Yes, he squirmed a bit, but he was mostly quiet. He was very well behaved.

I'll admit, right before the graduates walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, he did get down from my lap. He interacted with each of my children, smiling and grinning at each one. Occasionally a little giggle escaped. I think it was those giggles that you found so annoying.

Maybe you couldn't tell that Ethan is a special needs child. He doesn't talk yet and his only form of communication is gestures and noise. His giggles are music to our ears, it says he is happy.

Was this graduation not a happy time for you? Were you not there,as we were, to celebrate the joyous occasion of seeing our loved ones receive a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry? These graduates are ready to begin pastoring churches. They've spent many years preparing to be ministers of the gospel. The Gospel.

I wonder what Jesus would have thought as you so loudly hissed a shuuuush. I do believe the entire sanctuary heard you. I recall another time when some men were rather annoyed with little children in their midst. A wise man said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Jesus. I believe He is the author of the Gospel.

And just in case you didn't know: the pastor of the very church we were celebrating in was also sitting behind us. In your same pew. He is a wise man. He once said the sweetest sound ever heard in church are the sounds of a happy, young child. I do hope our recent graduates remember the wise words of Jesus and not some angry man from their graduation.

Can You Guess

Can you guess what my family is doing? (Yes, they are in my kitchen throwing something. Sorry it is such poor quality. It was taken with my phone, as I couldn't find the video camera.)

Congrats

Congratulations Christina

My lovely daughter graduated on Sunday with her Bachelor of Arts in Ministry. We are so proud of her hard work and diligence. One day I just might be announcing we have a Pastor in the family! (Of course, we already do.) Congratulations Christina, you are amazing!

Yes, my kids are goofs.

My Brother

Greg

Can you all stand one more video? Several years ago I heard this song and immediately thought of my brother. He was a tough little boy but has become a wonderful father to 2 little girls and a step-son. Oh the stories I could tell you about growing up with him. (Hmmm...that gives me some ideas for blogging!) Anyway, here it is-and if my brother didn't have dial-up, he could see it too. He will have to wait for the DVD I will send him.



A side note: Greg didn't get married until he was 42 years old. He wed his high school sweetheart and has 2 beautiful girls with her and I am their godmother~

80

Happy 80th Birthday

Life At 80

Life At 80

(No, I'm not 80)

When I turn 80, I'm going to sleep in or take naps whenever I want. When I wake up, I'll lounge in my silk pajamas.

I'll sip coffee that someone else has made and soak in the beauty of the morning.

At 80, I'll do my hair once a week, and look lovely wearing silver locks.

By the time I reach 80, I will have learned to appreciate the little things in life. I'll be surrounded by kids, grandkids and great grandkids to enjoy and love.

By my 80th birthday I'll be kind and wise. I will have learned when to speak and when to listen and I will do them both well.

I will celebrate every chance I get. I'll attend Happy Hour with friends and laugh a lot. I'll keep my sense of humor. I'll be friendly and generous to those around me-maybe to the point that some might think I'm a crazy old lady.

At 80, it won't matter how good my health is, I will choose to be joyous. I'll work on puzzles, take walks-maybe in the pool, and look for the good in every situation. I'll forgive others and not be bitter.

I will laugh and cry. I'll read good books and keep my mind sharp. I'll keep my weight even, but will find a way to enjoy dessert every day. I might have chocolate cake before dinner.

And at 80, I'll probably still love Mexican Food and have it served for my 80th birthday. And if I do these things, I will be just like my mother-in-law. Her birthday is today.

Happy 80th Birthday!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Time Travel Tuesday

Time Travel Tuesday

I was visiting Barb of A Chelsea Morning. She is participating in Time Travel Tuesday. It sounded like fun, so thought I'd join her.

For today's TTT, we are supposed to post our very first blog entry and tell how we got started blogging. So here it is:

So, my cardiologist wants me to "do the Zone Diet." According to him, it is a good, heart healthy diet and my whole family can benefit. I won't have to eat differently or prepare separate meals for myself. Sounds too good to be true. But I was willing to give it a try. If I am not successful, he wants me on meds. I haven't told him yet, that I won't take them even if this diet doesn't accomplish what he wants it to.

I went to Barnes and Noble to purchase two books he recommended. It sounded like it was a workable. We could live a normal life on it. Well, the first week life was too stressful to try it; A high school graduation, graduation party the next day...so the diet would have to wait a week.

Anyway, you don't want to hear about my procrastinations to start this new, incredible diet. So last night I began cooking one of these wonderful all-in-one dish meals. Sounded way too easy.

I am used to cooking for at least 7 people every night. Everyone living in this household is a teen, young adult, or full-fledged adult with the exception of one almost 3 year old. With teens and young adults come spontaneous invitations to dinner. So we often have extras, which translates into 7 to 10 people. I've learned to stretch meals by adding fresh fruit, bread, etc.

This is the meal I decided to create: Chicken Zucchini Italiano

Mmmmm...fresh basil, onions, chicken, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, garlic...sounded delicious! It quickly became quite a chore, though. I did not have a pan big enough to cook all of the ingredients...I don't think my stove is big enough, and I did not have a serving dish big enough.

I cut up the chicken just fine. Then came the mushrooms, zucchini and onions. The orginal recipe called for:

4 cups zucchini
3/4 cup onion
2 cups mushrooms
2 tsp garlic

That is for 1 serving. So am I supposed to mulitiply that times 7??????? For those like me who don't like math, that means:

28 cups of zucchini
5 1/4 cups of onion
14 cups of mushrooms
1/3 cup garlic

You've got to be kidding! I figured I'd make less...but then was it ok to serve bread as a filler if that wasn't enough??? Of course there were other ingredients too. By the time I finished chopping and dicing and preparing small batches at a time, I was in tears.

The good news is, everyone pretty much liked it. The bad news is it was a lot to clean up, I didn't have the patience to prepare that much, and I was overwhelmed at the sheer volume of veggies. I don't have that much room in my 'fridge to store this much for daily consumption. I would have to shop every other day to cook like this.

So, do I call my cardiologist and tell him I can't follow the diet because it is too much work? Or tell him that I don't care if my family eats "non nourishing food" and gourges on bread and the likes and I will just prepare separate meals for myself?

For tonight's dinner? The doorbell just rang. It's pizza.

I'm trying to recall just how I started blogging. I have always kept a hand-written journal, so enjoy writing my thoughts. I believe I was on a message board when someone shared they were blogging. I had no idea what it was, so perused hers. She had a list of links to others and I became hooked. The rest is history.
(Update: I'm not very good at Meme's. This was not my first post, but my 3rd or 4th. Here is my first post.)

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day! I'm still working on my Mother's Day post but my kids made this CD for me. Thought I'd share it.

Sights & Sounds Saturday

Sights & Sounds Saturday
(Things seen or heard around Colorado)

Conversation that took place on my porch last night.

"Ooooh, this girl at school found a dead snake. She was carrying it around on a stick after school. It was so disgusting."

"Well, at least it wasn't a dead squirrel with bubonic plague."

"Why would a dead squirrel have poop on its leg?"

Laughter

"A squirrel with BUBONIC PLAGUE!"

"Poop on its leg?"

"Haven't you heard about the squirrels and rabbits that have tested positive for bubonic plague in town?"

"I don't know what you are talking about. I keep hearing poop on its leg."

Sigh. And the poop part from a girl in high school.

Laundry

I think the laundry must have a mind of its own. How else does one explain the disappearing socks? I wish the rest of the dirty clothes would follow the socks. Instead of coming up missing, they multiply. I kid you not. The longer clothes remains in the hamper, the fuller it beomes. You throw a load in to wash, but the pile never gets smaller. Well, except for those socks. What's with the socks anyway? If this keeps up, I'm going along with the socks to sock heaven. (If I could just figure out where that is.)

Hey Heth, From Under The Laundry Pile, if you ever crawl out and find sock heaven-let me know!

Congratulations

Just a quick CONGRATULATIONS to Elisabeth for making the Cheerleading Squad for college! Go Red, Blue, & White!!!