For those of you who have been around here a while, you know that I don't like to fly. I know that it's a control issue with me. I do it when I HAVE to...but not always without a little (OK a lot) angst.
When tragedies happen like we saw in Kentucky this weekend, I again remind myself just WHY I don't like to fly. I know. I know. I know. Flying is one of the safest ways to travel. Millions of people fly everyday without incident.
I have been drawn to this story. Maybe because it happened in a place that I love. Maybe because I am sick. Who knows??? Anyway, today I read more of the Lexington news coverage. The newspaper has profiles of most of the victims. I read each and every one.
It's heartbreaking to think about the family that was celebrating the marriage of a young couple on Saturday and now are planning their funerals. They weren't the only young couple on that plane. There was a couple that was heading to their wedding. There was a young couple that were headed out to another adventure as they sought to see the U.S.
There were people heading to cruises, dream vacations, anniversary celebrations, and business trips among the 49. Each one had a story.
As I read today, something struck me. It wasn't that "You'll-never-catch-ME-on-a-plane-again." thought that I sometimes get. It was, instead, the realization that these were people who were living life to the fullest. They were enjoying the world and each other. They were Mothers, Fathers, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents. Over and over again reporters wrote of lives lived with passion.
I was sad, yes. I was also reminded that NO ONE knows the day or the hour that we will be called home. I don't think God "did this"...as I have heard this week. I hate it when people say, "When God's ready for you, you're going, no matter what." I can't buy that. I can't picture God up there with a big "stick" saying, "OK, it's time for this plane to get on the wrong runway because I'm ready for these 49 people to come home." Nope. Not the God that I serve. He's too loving for that. He knew it was going to happen, yes. I don't think for a minute that HE caused it.
Instead, I think it was a horrible situation that is the result of several negative things coming together all at once. I DO believe that God was there. He IS there. He is the one that offers peace and comfort to those left behind. He was there to welcome His servants home...perhaps to say, "Well done good and faithful servant. I'm so proud of the way you lived your life with passion."
I realized something about my life here...I don't want to be gripped by fear....but gripped by grace. I don't want to be anxious...but passionate. I don't want to settle for mediocrity...but excellence. I know each of these people made a difference in the lives of those they knew. What more could any of us want?
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
A Big Ol' Ah-Hah!
I went to the doctor yesterday. I was supposed to have a birthmark removed from my face. Now, I have had this thing since I was little. It doesn't really bother me. My dermatologist just suggested that I go ahead and get it taken off because now I'm in my 40's. (I won't even go there.)Because of its proximity to my eye, I had to go to a plastic surgeon. I'd never met him before. I was told that they would evaluate and do the surgery on the same day.
At 2:00, I walked into the exam room. At 2:10, this KID walked into the room. OK he was the doctor, but he looked like he could be my son. He took a look at it and told me, "If it were my eye, I wouldn't do it." He gave me a couple of reasons. Told me it was OK. I thanked him and left. No charge.
One month ago, I had to get a new dermatologist because mine moved. The PA in the office saw me on my first visit. She is a YOUNG lady who acted more like a high school cheerleader than a medical professional.
About that same time, I was watching our local news when they got a new sports person. He, too, looks like a BABY!!!
Last night, this was obviously on my mind as all of these incidents were merging in my mind. I was at the PTA meeting at my school and this BOY walked into the room. He looked dissheveled and truly like he didn't belong there. My assistant principal thought perhaps it was a neighborhood kid there to start trouble. My principal walked up to him. Imagine our surprise when he announced that he was a reporter with our local paper there to cover our meeting!
I was stunned.
On the way home, I realized something. I don't FEEL older, but I must be getting OLDER. I'm crossing a line of sorts where the new work force are actually kids that I may have taught in my first years of teaching. I may have changed their diapers as a baby sitter before I started teaching.
As I watched people much older than me in the doctor's office yesterday, I wanted to ask them HOW they get used to it. How do you get used to the fact that the "professional" could be your child...or worse, your grandchild? And how do you get your mind to trust them to do their jobs?
And the question that is most heavy on my mind....
WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?
At 2:00, I walked into the exam room. At 2:10, this KID walked into the room. OK he was the doctor, but he looked like he could be my son. He took a look at it and told me, "If it were my eye, I wouldn't do it." He gave me a couple of reasons. Told me it was OK. I thanked him and left. No charge.
One month ago, I had to get a new dermatologist because mine moved. The PA in the office saw me on my first visit. She is a YOUNG lady who acted more like a high school cheerleader than a medical professional.
About that same time, I was watching our local news when they got a new sports person. He, too, looks like a BABY!!!
Last night, this was obviously on my mind as all of these incidents were merging in my mind. I was at the PTA meeting at my school and this BOY walked into the room. He looked dissheveled and truly like he didn't belong there. My assistant principal thought perhaps it was a neighborhood kid there to start trouble. My principal walked up to him. Imagine our surprise when he announced that he was a reporter with our local paper there to cover our meeting!
I was stunned.
On the way home, I realized something. I don't FEEL older, but I must be getting OLDER. I'm crossing a line of sorts where the new work force are actually kids that I may have taught in my first years of teaching. I may have changed their diapers as a baby sitter before I started teaching.
As I watched people much older than me in the doctor's office yesterday, I wanted to ask them HOW they get used to it. How do you get used to the fact that the "professional" could be your child...or worse, your grandchild? And how do you get your mind to trust them to do their jobs?
And the question that is most heavy on my mind....
WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?
Monday, August 28, 2006
Step into my corner of the world...via photos
I tried to do photos the other day and blogger wasn't cooperating. So, I decided to add a few here to share with family and friends. While life is busy around here, we DO stop and have fun once in a while....here's the proof:
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There's MUSIC (see last week's post), FOOD, FAMILY and just plain old FUN!!
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Did I Ever Tell You About....
How I spent my weekly allowance?
When I was young, we lived in a neighborhood that was quiet. It was one of those places that you could walk or ride your bike around and no one was going to worry that you'd be taken. There were many many kids in our neighborhood. At the edge of it was a small "mall". Back then the mall had a few stores and just meant there was an indoor corridor. The "anchor store" at this little tiny mall was Zayer's. Now for those of you who have never heard of Zayer's, it was the precursor to Walmart and Target...kind of the KMart calliber.
Every Saturday, I'd get a dollar from my Mom. We'd hop on our bikes and ride up to Zayer's. The front wall was lined with 45 records. Again, for those of you too young to remember, this did not mean that there were 45 (as in the count) records but records that played at 45 RPM's (rotations per minute) on a record player. They cost 49 cents. Every Saturday, my friends and I would buy a 45 and bring it home and play it again and again and again on a small (non-stereo) record player. I remember buying The Lion Sleeps Tonight, The Locomotion, Everything I Own (by Bread), Little Willy, Seasons in the Sun, and Crocodile Rock.
After we had our records, my friends and I would practice singing and dancing to them and plan neighborhood variety shows. It was great fun. Those were certainly simpler times....that make me smile even now!
Have a GREAT week!!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Sometimes I Miss
Yesterday, DS 3 (really, it was him) was reading my blog and noticed that I referred to him in my last post as DS 12. He, like Lynn, had to laugh at the prospect of me having 12 sons. Thanks to Flip-Flop, however, she helped me know WHY ON EARTH I would put 12 when referring to 3. He IS 12 years old...and I am "sure" that is what I was thinking when I typed that.
Upon further review of this blog, my DSs 2 and 3 and DS 2's girlfriend noted that I also made an error when talking about second grade homework earlier this week. I referenced DS 2 as doing that homwork when it was REALY DS 4 that I was talking about. NO ONE has helped me clarify why I would have referenced my brainy 17 yo. son as figuring out how many pizzas to bring to the second grade party with limited information.
I do miss sometimes. I just wanted to clarify for all of them that I DO know who's who....
And, whether you're my DS 1, 2, 3, or 4....I love you enough to write about you...so there! ;-)
Upon further review of this blog, my DSs 2 and 3 and DS 2's girlfriend noted that I also made an error when talking about second grade homework earlier this week. I referenced DS 2 as doing that homwork when it was REALY DS 4 that I was talking about. NO ONE has helped me clarify why I would have referenced my brainy 17 yo. son as figuring out how many pizzas to bring to the second grade party with limited information.
I do miss sometimes. I just wanted to clarify for all of them that I DO know who's who....
And, whether you're my DS 1, 2, 3, or 4....I love you enough to write about you...so there! ;-)
Friday, August 25, 2006
In the Mind of a Child....
Overheard in my car tonight:DS 4 (7 yrs. old) sees several birds out and about. He says, "Mom, I think it would be so neat to be a bird...you could fly anywhere you want...and you could go to the bathroom anywhere you want...."
DS 3 replied, "That is just totally wrong, A!"
Even though it might be wrong...he's right. I suppose there may be a bit "more" freedom in being a bird.
Ahhhhhh...another proud Mama moment from my crazy world!
The Never-Ending "To-Do" List
I never was a list person. I make them, and I lose them. I have been known to make a list to take to the grocery store...get there and leave it in my car. It's just not my thing.
I am starting to realize though, that I DO have a "TO-DO" list. It's just not on a paper, a PDA, or a white-board. It just sits there and festers in the back of my mind while I tick off items that I finish. It's how I operate. Lately, I am not liking this, though.
You see my "list" is keeping me from doing things I WANT to do as well as some things I NEED to do. And when I don't finish something on my list (at least something I think has high priority), then I tend to beat myself up over it. You may know the tapes that play in my head over unfinished tasks: "I should have..." "I could have..." "I messed up..." and so on...and so on...and so on.
This IS NOT HEALTHY!!! It's wrong! Generally things that don't get done aren't life-changing. They're not critical. But I know they are a reflection of me. It's hard to let others see those types of imperfections, isn't it? We so long to be seen as "WOW-she's-(or he's)-got-it-all-together-girls-(or guys)" don't we??
I was so upset (believe it or not) because I couldn't even get a minute yesterday to do my Thursday Thirteen (OK I started it and lost it mid-way) because of other things on my list. (OK, I know blogging is NOT the top priority on my list...but it's a release for me.) Lately, I have been going full steam ahead from sun-up to well into the night. I'd say I've been burning candles at both ends and the middle.
Those of you who know me, know this is nothing new for me. It happens. So, what am I going to do about it? I don't know. I'm going to prioritize. Empty the plate some. Delegate. And try to relax.
And hopefully, I'll be back to normal blogging next week!
I am starting to realize though, that I DO have a "TO-DO" list. It's just not on a paper, a PDA, or a white-board. It just sits there and festers in the back of my mind while I tick off items that I finish. It's how I operate. Lately, I am not liking this, though.
You see my "list" is keeping me from doing things I WANT to do as well as some things I NEED to do. And when I don't finish something on my list (at least something I think has high priority), then I tend to beat myself up over it. You may know the tapes that play in my head over unfinished tasks: "I should have..." "I could have..." "I messed up..." and so on...and so on...and so on.
This IS NOT HEALTHY!!! It's wrong! Generally things that don't get done aren't life-changing. They're not critical. But I know they are a reflection of me. It's hard to let others see those types of imperfections, isn't it? We so long to be seen as "WOW-she's-(or he's)-got-it-all-together-girls-(or guys)" don't we??
I was so upset (believe it or not) because I couldn't even get a minute yesterday to do my Thursday Thirteen (OK I started it and lost it mid-way) because of other things on my list. (OK, I know blogging is NOT the top priority on my list...but it's a release for me.) Lately, I have been going full steam ahead from sun-up to well into the night. I'd say I've been burning candles at both ends and the middle.
Those of you who know me, know this is nothing new for me. It happens. So, what am I going to do about it? I don't know. I'm going to prioritize. Empty the plate some. Delegate. And try to relax.
And hopefully, I'll be back to normal blogging next week!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Food for Thought...
I didn't write these words. I received them in an email from my friend, Debra. They are definitely powerful. I love it when I read something and it makes me go "huh?" and "yeah!" all at once!! This is an important lesson that we all could use as a reminder sometimes. Enjoy!!
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?"asked the father.
The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at
night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!
One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.
They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.
On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"It was great, Dad."
"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.
"Oh yeah," said the son.
"So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?"asked the father.
The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at
night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.
We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.
We buy our food, but they grow theirs.
We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them."
The boy's father was speechless.
Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."
Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.
Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Second grade for the fifth time....
Whatever grade my boys are in, I remind them that I have already done that grade. Now that the youngest is in school, I remind him frequently that this is not my first time around the block! I even taught second grade at one time!!
I really try to help my kids do their homework without interfering. I am a teacher, however and I can't always take the hat off when I get home. So, here I am, doing second grade AGAIN!!
DS 4 brought home a page for estimating tonight. In reality, estimating wasn't so much a part of our curriculum when I was growing up. It was all accuracy based. But, now they want you to estimate. I am of the belief that you estimate by rounding up to the next five or ten (whichever is closer) to an actual number. For example, I would say that a typical classroom has 20 - 25 students in it. DS 2's class has more than 20, so we rounded UP to 25. You get the idea, right???
So, the paper says: "The second-grade class is having a party. The children are getting ready for it. Help them make reasonable estimates." (I am pretty sure the key word here is 'REASONABLE")
Question 1: Lani is bringing napkins for the whole class. About how many napkins should he bring?
(After I got over the fact that Lani is a "he" and not a "she"---I talked to DS 2 about his thinking. He said "About 20". Now in some classes this would be an acceptable estimate because they have LESS than 20 kids...but in DS 2's class this would be unreasonable because you wouldn't have enough napkins.)
Question 2: Kata is bringing glitter markers. Each child will get two. How many will she need?
Question 3: Noah is bringing juice for everyone. About how many juice boxes will he need to bring?
Question 4: Leela is giving a sheet of stickers to each classmate. There are five sheets of stickers in a pack. About how many packs of stickers will she need?
Questioni 5. The teacher splits the class into two teams for a game. About how many children will be on each team?
Question 6: The teacher orders pizza for everyone. Each pizza has 8 slices. About how many pizzas will she order?
Question 7: The teacher fills a goldfish bowl with marbles. There is a contest to guess how many marbles there are. What might the winning guess be? (HUH!?!?! How am I supposed to explain THIS to a second grader who is concrete??)
Question 8: Everyone is having a good time. About how many hours might the party last? (If they are party animals...it could go awhile.)
Am I the only one who thinks there is a piece of information missing here????? It seems to me that the paper should at least indicate a number range for the second-grade classes in this school...otherwise, HOW do you get the estimate in the "REASONABLE" ball park?
So much for my Mother hat...my Teacher hat is on and it's tight!!
I have already emailed the teacher to tell her what I think is reasonable in this instance. (I'm sure that they HATE having other teacher's kids sometimes.) She's a GREAT person, so I am not worried about it. In fact, I am not sure what I am worried about, so upon further reflection....
Maybe reality is that I need her to think that I know exactly what I am doing and that I wear the parent hat well....
Maybe I don't want DS 2 to suffer a poor score due to his Mother's illogical thinking....
Maybe I need him (and her) to know for sure that I am competent at second grade curriculum....
Whatever my underlying reasons, I only hope that the party we "planned" is a huge success and that we are somewhere in the right ballpark....
That's reasonable, isn't it???
I really try to help my kids do their homework without interfering. I am a teacher, however and I can't always take the hat off when I get home. So, here I am, doing second grade AGAIN!!
DS 4 brought home a page for estimating tonight. In reality, estimating wasn't so much a part of our curriculum when I was growing up. It was all accuracy based. But, now they want you to estimate. I am of the belief that you estimate by rounding up to the next five or ten (whichever is closer) to an actual number. For example, I would say that a typical classroom has 20 - 25 students in it. DS 2's class has more than 20, so we rounded UP to 25. You get the idea, right???
So, the paper says: "The second-grade class is having a party. The children are getting ready for it. Help them make reasonable estimates." (I am pretty sure the key word here is 'REASONABLE")
Question 1: Lani is bringing napkins for the whole class. About how many napkins should he bring?
(After I got over the fact that Lani is a "he" and not a "she"---I talked to DS 2 about his thinking. He said "About 20". Now in some classes this would be an acceptable estimate because they have LESS than 20 kids...but in DS 2's class this would be unreasonable because you wouldn't have enough napkins.)
Question 2: Kata is bringing glitter markers. Each child will get two. How many will she need?
Question 3: Noah is bringing juice for everyone. About how many juice boxes will he need to bring?
Question 4: Leela is giving a sheet of stickers to each classmate. There are five sheets of stickers in a pack. About how many packs of stickers will she need?
Questioni 5. The teacher splits the class into two teams for a game. About how many children will be on each team?
Question 6: The teacher orders pizza for everyone. Each pizza has 8 slices. About how many pizzas will she order?
Question 7: The teacher fills a goldfish bowl with marbles. There is a contest to guess how many marbles there are. What might the winning guess be? (HUH!?!?! How am I supposed to explain THIS to a second grader who is concrete??)
Question 8: Everyone is having a good time. About how many hours might the party last? (If they are party animals...it could go awhile.)
Am I the only one who thinks there is a piece of information missing here????? It seems to me that the paper should at least indicate a number range for the second-grade classes in this school...otherwise, HOW do you get the estimate in the "REASONABLE" ball park?
So much for my Mother hat...my Teacher hat is on and it's tight!!
I have already emailed the teacher to tell her what I think is reasonable in this instance. (I'm sure that they HATE having other teacher's kids sometimes.) She's a GREAT person, so I am not worried about it. In fact, I am not sure what I am worried about, so upon further reflection....
Maybe reality is that I need her to think that I know exactly what I am doing and that I wear the parent hat well....
Maybe I don't want DS 2 to suffer a poor score due to his Mother's illogical thinking....
Maybe I need him (and her) to know for sure that I am competent at second grade curriculum....
Whatever my underlying reasons, I only hope that the party we "planned" is a huge success and that we are somewhere in the right ballpark....
That's reasonable, isn't it???
Saturday, August 19, 2006
All I Ever Want to Hear is....
MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC!
Some of you may remember this song as a blast from your past. It came to mind this afternoon, and here's why:
If you've read my blog for any length of time, then you know that my two older boys are musicians. They played in a neighborhood band for a while and now both play in the youth worship bands at church. DS 1 plays bass guitar and occasionally acoustic guitar. He is also teaching and training the Middle School youth band at chuch.
Both DSs 1 and 2 play in another worship band for our Middle School youth. DS 2 plays drums.
DS 1 has also shown a desire to get into recording and writing music and chose to get a recording studio so he could do this at home.
Last weekend, in a conversation with another youth at church, DS 3 decided he'd take bass lessons with his older brother so he could play in the middle school band as well.
He and DH researched a simple "learner" bass and ordered it Sunday night.
The son I haven't mentioned yet, DS 4, also LOVES to strum his Father's guitars and actually shows some promise to jumping in line with the rest of the males in our family. He is picking up chords and really has great strumming patterns sometimes. He even sang a song that he "wrote" for DS 1 the other night, and DS 1 said, "WOW! I might need to record that!" And he wasn't kidding. DH ordered DS 4 a smaller guitar for him to practice and learn the instrument.
Thursday and Friday, the new bass, the recording studio, and the guitar arrived. Suffice it to say that my living room looks like a tornado hit it (again)! But, I'm not sorry.
DH, DS 3 and DS 4 have been in the living room for the last hour working on music.
I always dreamed of living in a home where music was important. Ours didn't really start out that way, but has sort of snowballed into one. I'm glad. It gives them a purpose, a focus, and an "outlet". All of them want to play in one of the church worship bands and that is a blessing beyond what I ever dreamed.
So, tonight, as I step over bubble wrap remnants (hey, if I pop it in rhythm, do you think they'll let me join in?), and cardboard boxes...and as I listen to the sound of music fill my home...I'll smile and whisper a prayer of "Thanks" for an answer to a simple prayer!
Friday, August 18, 2006
Art Appreciation
I must preface what I am about to write with some information about me. I dropped out of Great Works of Art in college twice! I couldn't memorize all those paintings and quite frankly, I didn't WANT to interpret what some painter might have been thinking when he (or she) created his or her piece.
Tonight, we have been discussing something to do. I suggested the dollar movie. DH wasn't too thrilled with the offerings. Then, he went to get a phone call (where he still is).
So DS 4 (7 yr. old) came in my room while I looked on the Internet to see what is going on in our town tonight. We live in an Arts Community, so there are often free concerts on the weekends. I found something called an art walk downtown. (Honestly, it's not the art that is tempting me, it's the free live jazz music that will be playing down there as people stroll the art work.
Now, I may have dropped out of Great Works of Art, but I do, occasionally like looking at artwork. I realize the hard work and creativity that goes into each piece whether it's something I would choose to own or not.
So, I showed DS 4 the link to the event and he said, "We could buy The Scream." He made this funny face with his mouth open wide and his hands on his cheeks as he said this.
I said, "What's the scream?" He tells me, "It's a famous painting, Mom. I like it and I'd like to buy it."
So, I googled it and here's what I found:
This is a painting by Edvard Munsch in 1893 in Norway. It's listed under a site about "Anxiety Paintings".
As I dug a bit more to find out just WHY my 7 year old knows about an Anxiety Painting, he tells me they learned about it in school when they were learning to show emotion in their artwork.
OK, so maybe I didn't do so well in Great Works of Art....I suspect HE MIGHT! I think I'm off to an art walk....
Tonight, we have been discussing something to do. I suggested the dollar movie. DH wasn't too thrilled with the offerings. Then, he went to get a phone call (where he still is).
So DS 4 (7 yr. old) came in my room while I looked on the Internet to see what is going on in our town tonight. We live in an Arts Community, so there are often free concerts on the weekends. I found something called an art walk downtown. (Honestly, it's not the art that is tempting me, it's the free live jazz music that will be playing down there as people stroll the art work.
Now, I may have dropped out of Great Works of Art, but I do, occasionally like looking at artwork. I realize the hard work and creativity that goes into each piece whether it's something I would choose to own or not.
So, I showed DS 4 the link to the event and he said, "We could buy The Scream." He made this funny face with his mouth open wide and his hands on his cheeks as he said this.
I said, "What's the scream?" He tells me, "It's a famous painting, Mom. I like it and I'd like to buy it."
So, I googled it and here's what I found:
This is a painting by Edvard Munsch in 1893 in Norway. It's listed under a site about "Anxiety Paintings".
As I dug a bit more to find out just WHY my 7 year old knows about an Anxiety Painting, he tells me they learned about it in school when they were learning to show emotion in their artwork.
OK, so maybe I didn't do so well in Great Works of Art....I suspect HE MIGHT! I think I'm off to an art walk....
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Thursday Thirteen #29
We moved to my husband's hometown 8 years ago from my hometown. To be quite honest, I was a bit leary when I found out that dh was being appointed to live there. It meant leaving my family and moving to a place where (other than my in-laws) I basically knew no one. Now, I wouldn't trade it for the world...here's why:
1. We have met great people here.
2. My kids have had a chance to bond with their "other" grandparents in ways that might not have happened otherwise.
3. The schools have been wonderful. It's good to know that your kids are getting a quality education.
4. The crime is low. We feel safe a majority of the time.
5. We love our church...and are so glad that our boys are so active there.
6. I received this great Coupon Deal there!!
7. My kids "get" to go eat in Grandma's Kitchen on a regular basis. I don't think I've truly blogged about this yet...suffice it to say, they get a menu of available items and basically get to "shop" for their favorite foods while there. Watch for the "whole" story" to come to a blog near you.
8. I love, love, love my job!!!!!!!
9. I have made friends that I know will be life-long (rather than seasonal). I am able to take part in my first small accountability group where I feel totally at ease just "being me" (not always easy for a pastor's wife).
10. The weather's pretty nice (most of the time).
11. There are GREAT restaurants here. See last Thursday's blog.
12. It's near the beach (not that I go that often)...but walking with dh on the beach the other night reminded me that I need to take advantage of this peaceful calming activity more often.
13. Did I mention the "coupon" and all the added benefits of it????? :-)
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Tuesday, August 15, 2006
A Long Time Coming....
Nineteen years ago....
And today....
(OK really 11 months ago...but we don't look all that different)
And we're still in love!!
Need I say more?Happy Anniversary, Hon....I LOVE YOU!!
Monday, August 14, 2006
Monday Memory
Did I ever tell you about the time(s)....
We'd go to the lake? Every year when I was about 5 - 7 years old, we would go out to the "Lake" for extended visits with friends. I don't know what lake it was. I know it was (is) somewhere in Florida (near the Tampa Bay Area). But, if I wanted to find it today, I couldn't. I also remember that it seemed to take us forever to get out there and now it's only about a 25 - 30 minute drive from my childhood home.
The Thompson's owned the property. We would go out there with three or four other families and all their children. I think there were about 10 - 15 kids and 8 - 10 adults. es. The Moms (all stay at home) would take us out during the week and then the Dads would join us on the weekends after work.
The property housed a trailer. I can't remember if it was double wide or not, but I know we crammed in there for sleeping purposMost of our days at the lake were spent swimming and fishing, though.
We used to build sand castles called "dribble castles". We would dribble wet sand on our masterpieces for hours until we had a work of art.
We fished for bream using bread or hotdogs for bait. We scooped up minnows into cups and determined we would take them home to put into our own aquariums (I don't think this ever happened).
We swam and swam. There was a floating dock and a rope swing near the shore. We would play "King of the Mountain" on the floating dock. Everyone would stand on the dock and try to not get knocked off. The last person standing was the King of the Mountain.
One of the Dad's, Mike, who was a prankster loved to go "get" a creature from the bottom of the lake and bring "her" up to scare us. He would go to the bottom, cover his entire head with seaweed and grass from the bottom then come up and talk in a funny voice. I think I was scared of this at first, but soon came to LOVE "her" visits!
I remember eating my first pimento cheese sandwich there and okra (not necessarily at the same meal). I didn't really like either of them. I also remember waiting VERY impatiently after every meal the "required" 15 minutes so we wouldn't get an "upset stomach" from swimming. I don't think I have ever made my children do this, but we sure had to. It was painstaking and long.
I don't know why we don't have any pictures from these visits. There were so many of them, and to my knowledge, none are recorded in photos. I can still see it though. I can picture the shore where we played. I can almost smell the fresh water. I can hear the laughter and giggles of children playing for hours upon end (with no TV or game system)and adults who were genuine friends and enjoyed just sitting and gabbing with each other.
In the words of an old song...."Those were the days my friends, we thought they'd never end..."
We'd go to the lake? Every year when I was about 5 - 7 years old, we would go out to the "Lake" for extended visits with friends. I don't know what lake it was. I know it was (is) somewhere in Florida (near the Tampa Bay Area). But, if I wanted to find it today, I couldn't. I also remember that it seemed to take us forever to get out there and now it's only about a 25 - 30 minute drive from my childhood home.
The Thompson's owned the property. We would go out there with three or four other families and all their children. I think there were about 10 - 15 kids and 8 - 10 adults. es. The Moms (all stay at home) would take us out during the week and then the Dads would join us on the weekends after work.
The property housed a trailer. I can't remember if it was double wide or not, but I know we crammed in there for sleeping purposMost of our days at the lake were spent swimming and fishing, though.
We used to build sand castles called "dribble castles". We would dribble wet sand on our masterpieces for hours until we had a work of art.
We fished for bream using bread or hotdogs for bait. We scooped up minnows into cups and determined we would take them home to put into our own aquariums (I don't think this ever happened).
We swam and swam. There was a floating dock and a rope swing near the shore. We would play "King of the Mountain" on the floating dock. Everyone would stand on the dock and try to not get knocked off. The last person standing was the King of the Mountain.
One of the Dad's, Mike, who was a prankster loved to go "get" a creature from the bottom of the lake and bring "her" up to scare us. He would go to the bottom, cover his entire head with seaweed and grass from the bottom then come up and talk in a funny voice. I think I was scared of this at first, but soon came to LOVE "her" visits!
I remember eating my first pimento cheese sandwich there and okra (not necessarily at the same meal). I didn't really like either of them. I also remember waiting VERY impatiently after every meal the "required" 15 minutes so we wouldn't get an "upset stomach" from swimming. I don't think I have ever made my children do this, but we sure had to. It was painstaking and long.
I don't know why we don't have any pictures from these visits. There were so many of them, and to my knowledge, none are recorded in photos. I can still see it though. I can picture the shore where we played. I can almost smell the fresh water. I can hear the laughter and giggles of children playing for hours upon end (with no TV or game system)and adults who were genuine friends and enjoyed just sitting and gabbing with each other.
In the words of an old song...."Those were the days my friends, we thought they'd never end..."
Sunday, August 13, 2006
A Lesson In Traffic
DH quite frequently talks about traffic (and our behavior in it) in church. He reminds people that when we are driving on the interstate and people are flying past us and driving unsafe, it's not really right to wish they "get stopped by a cop" or think unkind thoughts about them. He reminds us that there may be a reason the person is driving in this manner. We should, instead, stop and pray they don't get hurt, they don't hurt anyone else in their hurry, and that nothing is wrong.
OK, I'll admit I don't quite have this one under my belt. There are times I grit my teeth and hope the cops are just ahead with their radar guns out. I have learned to go the speed limit. I have learned to be a bit more patient in most road situations, but crazy drivers make me....well....CRAZY! I especially get bugged when they are driving too slow! I mean if the speed limit is 70, you should NOT be doing the "minimum 45" that is printed on the highway signs.
Last night, I realized that DH is right, there may be a reason that someone is driving the way they are. While visiting our extended family yesterday for birthday celebrations, we found that my tire had a nail in it and was flat. My Dad inflated it, but it was down again before we went home. So, they changed the tire and put the donut tire on it. You aren't supposed to travel over 50 with those things on.
For the entire 60 mile ride home, I drove 50 (in the right lane). Cars and trucks would speed up on my bumper like they thought I needed a push! I would watch them hurry over to the lane beside me just before they hit us. I could only imagine what some might have been saying in their cars.
I realized that the next time I get cranky about someone going too slow, that there may, in fact, be a perfectly good reason for it. There I was, with four kids in my car....thinking mostly about making sure we safely arrived home....and not really worried about being at the top speed allowed on the road.
And here I thought (at my age) that I had the driving thing down!!!
OK, I'll admit I don't quite have this one under my belt. There are times I grit my teeth and hope the cops are just ahead with their radar guns out. I have learned to go the speed limit. I have learned to be a bit more patient in most road situations, but crazy drivers make me....well....CRAZY! I especially get bugged when they are driving too slow! I mean if the speed limit is 70, you should NOT be doing the "minimum 45" that is printed on the highway signs.
Last night, I realized that DH is right, there may be a reason that someone is driving the way they are. While visiting our extended family yesterday for birthday celebrations, we found that my tire had a nail in it and was flat. My Dad inflated it, but it was down again before we went home. So, they changed the tire and put the donut tire on it. You aren't supposed to travel over 50 with those things on.
For the entire 60 mile ride home, I drove 50 (in the right lane). Cars and trucks would speed up on my bumper like they thought I needed a push! I would watch them hurry over to the lane beside me just before they hit us. I could only imagine what some might have been saying in their cars.
I realized that the next time I get cranky about someone going too slow, that there may, in fact, be a perfectly good reason for it. There I was, with four kids in my car....thinking mostly about making sure we safely arrived home....and not really worried about being at the top speed allowed on the road.
And here I thought (at my age) that I had the driving thing down!!!
Friday, August 11, 2006
It's in his veins...I mean Inferior Veina Cava....
Last night, I went to the mall with DSs 2, 3, and 4. They needed some more school supplies and DS 2 needed to "school shop" for clothes still. As we walked in the parking lot, DSs 2 and 3 started to laugh and say, "Should I show her?" "Nahhh"
I, of course, said, "Show me what?" "What happened to you?" DS 2 proceeded to lift his shirt and THIS is what I saw. I said, "WHAT happened?"
DS 2 proceeded to tell me that he "thought" it would wash off, but it didn't. Then, the story started to unfold.
He was at his girlfriend's house on Wednesday night. She is taking Anatomy this semester. He just finished this course last year, and loved it. He was showing her where all the "insides" were located.
I suppose it's because he comes from a long line of educators on both sides. He knows better than to just "tell" her where things are located. He also knows that a paper diagram just isn't quite the same. Most people learn best through active participation. He gave her a marker and had her diagram and label each part!
When dh saw it later this evening, he said, "That better be all you diagramed!" DS 2 assured us it was and that C's Mom also took pictures.
I never took Anatomy and so I wasn't aware of the Inferior Veina Cava that is labeled near the heart. Actually, I couldn't remember the name and had to Google it to put it here. Maybe if I would have diagramed, I would have known it better!?!?!
So, there it is, my (and now your) anatomy lesson for today. How PROUD I am!!!!!
:-)
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Thursday Thirteen #28
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As an "on-the-go" family, we eat out a lot more than we should. Here are my favorite places to eat that are reasonably priced. 1…. Moe's is quickly becoming a place we enjoy...especially for $5 Mondays when any burrito with chips and salsa and a drink is $5! 2. Panera Bread Co. is one of MY favorites. Now that there is one by the church, it is quickly becoming one of the family favorites. (I DO miss the Chicken Olivata sandwich though!) 3. Applebees is great! I love the Santa Fe Chicken Salad. And most recently, they added a Pecan-crusted Chicken Salad that is delightful! 4. Buffalo Wild Wings is becoming a place that we like to go to play trivia and other games while we eat. It's kind of fun and the kids like it. Plus, you can't beat 50cent chicken legs, can you? 5. Subway is a great place where my entire family can find food they love (and that is healthy for them). We like the 2 footlongs for $8.99 deal...this feeds us lunch AND dinner! OK, maybe it feeds ME lunch and dinner...and the kids at that meal alone. 6. Chick-fil-a is a good place to go when you are in a hurry and want to eat more healthy. I'm glad they put one by my house! 7. The Food Court at the Mall is also a great place to appease everyone. We all eat at different places there. My favorite? The Gyro place! 8. DQ Grill&Chill is a place we go sometimes from work. It's quick and, of course, offers both regular food to eat and yummy desserts! We also like that there is table service. 9. McDonald's, unfortunately, is a place we end up in a pinch. I DO like their grilled Chicken sandwiches AND their Asian Chicken Salad. I wouldn't say this is one of my favorites...but it certainly HAS to be on the list. (It IS my favorite place to get Diet Coke, though.) 10. Sweet Tomatoes is definitely one of MY favorites! We don't eat there all that often, but I love to go there when I am at our school district office for a meeting. The kids love it, too! 11. Cheeburger Cheeburger (no, that's not a typo!) is a fun place to go too. The kids like it (and have all had their picture added to the wall for eating large sandwiches (how proud I am). I LOVE thier grilled portobello mushroom sandwich. We eat there when I am at district meetings as well. 12. Olive Garden MUST make this list! My kids LOVE IT when they offer the never ending pasta bowl. I love soup, salad and breadsticks (as does dh and DS 1). I also LOVE their portobello ravioli! 13. Fazoli's and Cracker Barrel have to share a spot on this list. Fazoli's is not in our area, but when we travel to Ohio...we have them ALL scoped out! And, Cracker Barrel is a place we all love, but we generally don't eat there unless we are traveling. Links to other Thursday Thirteens! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Overheard at my house.....
Here's a conversation that I overheard at my house tonight:
DS 3 - A (DS 4), come here.
DS 4 runs to that room to answer his brother: Yes.
DS 3 - Can you bring me my Math book? It's on my dresser.
DS 4 - No. Get it yourself.
DS 3, without missing a beat, says: I want to see if you can actually carry it.
DS 4 RUNS to the other room to prove he is up to the task!!
After watching/listening to this, I only have one question.....
Does anyone want to go whitewash a fence???????
DS 3 - A (DS 4), come here.
DS 4 runs to that room to answer his brother: Yes.
DS 3 - Can you bring me my Math book? It's on my dresser.
DS 4 - No. Get it yourself.
DS 3, without missing a beat, says: I want to see if you can actually carry it.
DS 4 RUNS to the other room to prove he is up to the task!!
After watching/listening to this, I only have one question.....
Does anyone want to go whitewash a fence???????
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
It's Ironic, Isn't It?
Our school, like many in America, is a melting pot. We have about 1/3 African American students, 1/3 Hispanic Students, and 1/3 White students. We do have some "other" ethnicities, but they are bundled in with these three groups much of the time. In addition to our ethnic diversity, we have about 72% low income families. The other 28% of our students range from lower middle class to upper middle class income. It's a GREAT place!!
Every summer, my principal and I sit down and create the classes for the entire school. We look at test scores. We look at personalities of kids and teachers. We look at the student's history and family situation. Each student (850+) is carefully placed with a teacher. In addition to the "regular" classes, we have what we call Advanced Work classes. Students are selected for these classes based on their test scores and other data. The only students "guaranteed" a spot in these classes are those that are identified gifted.
As you might expect, when a student who had previously been in advanced work classes doesn't make it into the next year's class, it can be frustrating for the parent. Yet, in an effort to be fair and make sure students are appropriately placed, there are no "favorites" and there is no "grandfathering". Every child (except the identified gifted) goes back in the mix and is ranked to select this class for the coming year.
Every year, at the beginning of school, I find myself fielding the "why didn't my son or daughter make it?" questions. Usually we are able to tell the concerned parent that things often shift in the first couple of weeks and if space opens up (and their child is next on the list) the child will be placed in that class. This year has been different.
The parents who are expressing concern have a child that struggled in advanced work the entire year last year. The child was even almost marked "below level" on the report card due to class performance. The child struggled in class and performed at an average level on our standardized test. Other scores indicate this is where the child is functioning. The child is average.
The parents didn't question me, they went straight to the principal, who explained just how carefully students are placed in class. They seemed fine and pleased that such thought goes into classroom selection. Additionally, they were told if they didn't agree with the placement in two weeks, the placement could be reconsidered (with the exception of Advanced Work).
One day later, upon seeing the classroom demographics, and making it clear that they didn't like the fact there were non-English speaking kids in the class, the parents withdrew the student from our school completely.
The irony of it all? Both parents were not born in America. One parent was born in an extremely oppressed country. English is not their first language either.
Certainly, every parent has the right (and responsibility) to make educational decisions for their child. It's our job to try and do what's best for them. Yet, I am wondering how unrealistic expectations AND intolerance can be healthy for this or any child.
It makes me very sad...very, very sad!
Every summer, my principal and I sit down and create the classes for the entire school. We look at test scores. We look at personalities of kids and teachers. We look at the student's history and family situation. Each student (850+) is carefully placed with a teacher. In addition to the "regular" classes, we have what we call Advanced Work classes. Students are selected for these classes based on their test scores and other data. The only students "guaranteed" a spot in these classes are those that are identified gifted.
As you might expect, when a student who had previously been in advanced work classes doesn't make it into the next year's class, it can be frustrating for the parent. Yet, in an effort to be fair and make sure students are appropriately placed, there are no "favorites" and there is no "grandfathering". Every child (except the identified gifted) goes back in the mix and is ranked to select this class for the coming year.
Every year, at the beginning of school, I find myself fielding the "why didn't my son or daughter make it?" questions. Usually we are able to tell the concerned parent that things often shift in the first couple of weeks and if space opens up (and their child is next on the list) the child will be placed in that class. This year has been different.
The parents who are expressing concern have a child that struggled in advanced work the entire year last year. The child was even almost marked "below level" on the report card due to class performance. The child struggled in class and performed at an average level on our standardized test. Other scores indicate this is where the child is functioning. The child is average.
The parents didn't question me, they went straight to the principal, who explained just how carefully students are placed in class. They seemed fine and pleased that such thought goes into classroom selection. Additionally, they were told if they didn't agree with the placement in two weeks, the placement could be reconsidered (with the exception of Advanced Work).
One day later, upon seeing the classroom demographics, and making it clear that they didn't like the fact there were non-English speaking kids in the class, the parents withdrew the student from our school completely.
The irony of it all? Both parents were not born in America. One parent was born in an extremely oppressed country. English is not their first language either.
Certainly, every parent has the right (and responsibility) to make educational decisions for their child. It's our job to try and do what's best for them. Yet, I am wondering how unrealistic expectations AND intolerance can be healthy for this or any child.
It makes me very sad...very, very sad!
Monday, August 07, 2006
It took 42 years....but
For the first time in my life, I will spend my birthday in school with kids.
I remember when I was a child, I hated having a summer birthday. I grew up before teachers wised up and celebrated summer birthdays during the school year (which, in my opinion, still isn't quite the same). I was always envious of those kids who got to bring cupcakes into the classroom for their big celebration.
Today's the first day of school for students. I'm not bringing cupcakes. But today I "get" to spend the day in school with my "friends".
It's funny because it doesn't seem quite as fun today as it might have 30 or so years ago! In fact, I was thinking the other day, "WHY do we go back to school so early????" Then I remembered my growing up wish and thought, "You can't have it both ways!"
Hmmm....I guess I AM going to "have my cake and eat it too"! Have a great week!!
I remember when I was a child, I hated having a summer birthday. I grew up before teachers wised up and celebrated summer birthdays during the school year (which, in my opinion, still isn't quite the same). I was always envious of those kids who got to bring cupcakes into the classroom for their big celebration.
Today's the first day of school for students. I'm not bringing cupcakes. But today I "get" to spend the day in school with my "friends".
It's funny because it doesn't seem quite as fun today as it might have 30 or so years ago! In fact, I was thinking the other day, "WHY do we go back to school so early????" Then I remembered my growing up wish and thought, "You can't have it both ways!"
Hmmm....I guess I AM going to "have my cake and eat it too"! Have a great week!!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
More photos of DS 3's Day....
Now that blogger is cooperating, here is DS 3 waiting for his birthday lobster feast!! I think he had the bib on about 30 minutes before the lobster was to be finished!!
Here he is ready to dig in....
But wait, we forgot the birthday candles!!! Since we'll have cake next weekend, we improvised with DS 3's brainy idea.....
Hey, when you like lobster as well as, or even better, than cake, it works!!!Happy 12th Birthday, Son,
WE LOVE YOU!!
DS 3's Day in Photos
He started the day with Dunkin Donuts which he was kind enough to share with his brothers.He also received a
dozen balloons...
HE received several gifts that were in "TWELVES" in some way shape or form. This included boxers, socks, pencils for school, a ruler, a CD with 12 songs, body wash with 12 oz. in it, a snack pack with 12 packs, 12 ping pong balls, etc.
Then, this evening, the lobster pot arrived. This picture shows our birthday boy, DS 3, with his live Maine lobster just before we started the pot.Here's the head chef (dh) along with a couple of cheerleaders, DSs 2 and 4.
Then, the pot had to simmer. It had clams, mussels, potatoes, onions, and corn on the cob....we waited 50 minutes!!!
{Note: I have tried to continue the story in photos and blogger is not cooperating. I shall leave it here at the cooking stage and add more when I can.}
It's a TWELVE day for DS 3!
Last year, when DS 3 turned 11, I posted information about the day he was born here. A full year has passed and we are again celebrating his life.
Today he is twelve. We've declared it "Twelve Day" around here and he is receiving things all day in lots of 12. So far, we have delivered a dozen doughnuts and balloons to start the day. There are many many more "12's" in store for him today. I can't list them here in case he reads my blog.
Tonight, we will celebrate with a lobster pot and feast from our local seafood restaurant. To say this son "loves" lobster is an understatement. He salivates over it. He dreams of it. He begs for it. Usually, we take him out for lobster....but we wanted to do something different....so, tonight we will have it here.
When I asked DS 3 what he would like to do on his birthday, he said, "I really want to stay at home and just relax." So we are doing that today, too. Next Saturday, we will celebrate several birthdays with extended family in Tampa.
It's hard to believe another year has come and gone. It's even harder to believe that this son is knocking on the door of the teen years. We are so proud of him. He is a blessing to our family in so many ways. Happy Birthday, Son 3....Enjoy this "Twelve Day"! We love you!!
Today he is twelve. We've declared it "Twelve Day" around here and he is receiving things all day in lots of 12. So far, we have delivered a dozen doughnuts and balloons to start the day. There are many many more "12's" in store for him today. I can't list them here in case he reads my blog.
Tonight, we will celebrate with a lobster pot and feast from our local seafood restaurant. To say this son "loves" lobster is an understatement. He salivates over it. He dreams of it. He begs for it. Usually, we take him out for lobster....but we wanted to do something different....so, tonight we will have it here.
When I asked DS 3 what he would like to do on his birthday, he said, "I really want to stay at home and just relax." So we are doing that today, too. Next Saturday, we will celebrate several birthdays with extended family in Tampa.
It's hard to believe another year has come and gone. It's even harder to believe that this son is knocking on the door of the teen years. We are so proud of him. He is a blessing to our family in so many ways. Happy Birthday, Son 3....Enjoy this "Twelve Day"! We love you!!
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Thursday Thirteen #27
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2. Markers (88 cents at Target...I LOVE that!) 3. Notebook paper (wide lined and college ruled) 4. Scissors (Fiskars only) 5. Glue Sticks (Elmers)---I miss PASTE! 6. Index Cards 7. Paper Clips 8. Staples 9. Spiral Notebooks 10. Rubber Bands and Paper Clips 11. Post-its (I LOVE THOSE THINGS!!) 12. Highlighters (No neon yellow...they give me a headache) 13. School boxes Links to other Thursday Thirteens!NO MR. LINKY today because no time...leave your link in comments and I'll visit later I PROMISE!! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
There's Nothing FISHY Here...It's Just Brotherly Love!
Yesterday, I charged DS 2 with watching his youngest brother for me while I went to work. He agreed to make it kind of a special and fun day for him.
In the morning I called to see what was up and DS 3 answered. He told me everyone was gone and he didn't know where they went.
Later, I called DS 2 on his cell phone and found out that he and DS 4 had gone to pick up his schedule at the high school. I can only imagine this 7 yr. old boy going onto the high school campus with his big brother. He must have been beside himself!!
DS 2 continued to tell me the plan for the day. He and DS 3 were going to take their little brother fishing out to the beach. They borrowed salt water poles. Then they were going to go hit a bucket of balls at the driving range.
In the middle of the day, they stopped at their Grandparents and had some peach and blueberry pie! Thank goodness for Grandma's Kitchen and all the yummy stuff that is created there!!
When I got home last night, I was surprised to find out that DS 2 and 4 were going BACK out to fish some more. They left just after 6:30 and didn't get home until almost 11:00! They caught two fish. One they had to throw back and the other, they brought home. It was a small red snapper.
Now, I HAD to go to bed because today is my first "official" day back at work...so I had to get up early. I went to sleep to the sound and smells (yuck) of fish cleaning and cooking so they could "taste" the "fruit" of all their labor.
I woke up at midnight and checked on them and all was cleaned and put away. I am sure that DS 4 went to bed with visions of fishing poles dancing in his head. I am so thankful that they spent this special time together...
I can almost hear them in 20 or so years: DS 4 will say, "M, do you remember when you took me fishing at the beach and we caught that fish? And, do you remember that we came right home and cleaned and cooked it?"
And I am sure they will both smile as they look back! Have a GREAT day!!
In the morning I called to see what was up and DS 3 answered. He told me everyone was gone and he didn't know where they went.
Later, I called DS 2 on his cell phone and found out that he and DS 4 had gone to pick up his schedule at the high school. I can only imagine this 7 yr. old boy going onto the high school campus with his big brother. He must have been beside himself!!
DS 2 continued to tell me the plan for the day. He and DS 3 were going to take their little brother fishing out to the beach. They borrowed salt water poles. Then they were going to go hit a bucket of balls at the driving range.
In the middle of the day, they stopped at their Grandparents and had some peach and blueberry pie! Thank goodness for Grandma's Kitchen and all the yummy stuff that is created there!!
When I got home last night, I was surprised to find out that DS 2 and 4 were going BACK out to fish some more. They left just after 6:30 and didn't get home until almost 11:00! They caught two fish. One they had to throw back and the other, they brought home. It was a small red snapper.
Now, I HAD to go to bed because today is my first "official" day back at work...so I had to get up early. I went to sleep to the sound and smells (yuck) of fish cleaning and cooking so they could "taste" the "fruit" of all their labor.
I woke up at midnight and checked on them and all was cleaned and put away. I am sure that DS 4 went to bed with visions of fishing poles dancing in his head. I am so thankful that they spent this special time together...
I can almost hear them in 20 or so years: DS 4 will say, "M, do you remember when you took me fishing at the beach and we caught that fish? And, do you remember that we came right home and cleaned and cooked it?"
And I am sure they will both smile as they look back! Have a GREAT day!!
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