Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Baby It's Cold Outside...



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]A Danish Christmas tree illuminated with burni...[/caption]


Okay, well maybe it is not cold today...right at this moment...but, I've looked at the weather forecast for the rest of the week. (I am a weather geek--that is what I do) It's going to be cold. Like in the 30's cold. Like very windy, cold. Like wearing thick sweaters and cozy socks cold. My kind of cold!(She says as she dances around the house in her turquoise socks and red sweater humming the song "Baby It's Cold Outside".)

I want to decorate for Christmas tonight. I sort of started yesterday...just a little bit. Tonight I want the full, decorating blow out. I love to decorate for Christmas. Really. Love. It.

There is only one problem. I have to go up to the attic and drag down boxes. Lots and lots of boxes. I will enlist my family to help in this little adventure. I am hoping that none of our rodent visitors found their way into our Christmas decor. I also hope the trapped birdie we had in the attic did not leave any "presents" on our holiday finery. It would ruin my mood....cause there is nothing like cleaning bird poop off the decorations that says, "Merry Christmas!".

I would like to watch White Christmas or It's A Wonderful Life while decorating. I might be forced to give in and watch a newer movie. We could watch The Christmas Story. That was made in the 80's even though the movie itself was supposed to take place decades earlier. All my children were born in the 90's, so they'd still think an 80's movie is vintage.

 

Monday, November 29, 2010

Country Life?



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]Green Acres[/caption]




Song Lyrics & Words--Green Acres


Green acres is the place to be.
Farm livin' is the life for me.
Land spreadin' out so far and wide.
Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside.

New York is where I'd rather stay.
I get allergic smelling hay.
I just adore a penthouse view.
Dah-ling I love you but give me Park Avenue.

...The chores.
...The stores.
...Fresh air.
...Times Square

You are my wife.
Good bye, city life.
Green Acres we are there.

Today I am having  "Green Acres" moments....

1. DREAM: My deck that I had high hopes for....in my mind I saw the relaxing hammock, a nice cushioned sitting area for my husband and me, to sip our morning coffee, flower baskets hanging off the deck railing. Sigh......

REALITY: The two dogs have taken over the deck. They have flung their dog food all over the place. I trip on dog bowls and boots. The cats lay on the lawn chairs and occasionally puke on the deck when they feel the need. There is mud and dirt tracked all over and forget the flowers, the poor things would never last.

2. DREAM: Acres in the country, wide open spaces.

REALITY: No trees, no windbreaks. Gale force winds that threaten to blow one to Kansas if not careful.

3. DREAM: No street lights so I can see the stars.

REALITY: NO STREET LIGHTS---pitch black darkness, almost tripping and breaking my neck on the way to the barn. I need a flashlight that WORKS.

4. DREAM: Getting back to nature.

REALITY: Lots of wild animals. With hooves, and claws, and teeth. Most of these animals are nocturnal. This means that while I am out wandering around in the dark (see #3) I might run into unknown animal.  Also, many, many deer.....that like to cross the road at night when one is driving 50 m.p.h.

5. DREAM: Picturesque farms dotting the countryside.

REALITY: The farms really are beautiful. Sometimes one has to overlook the smell of manure and fertilizer. That is just the way it is:)

 

Dreams and reality might be a little different....but, I'm still glad we chose to live here. Rural Ohio is beautiful.

 



Saturday, November 27, 2010

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright...



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]Hallmark Channel Logo[/caption]


I'm watching a holiday movie on the Hallmark Channel. My husband teases me because I become a Christmas movie addict from now until Christmas. Can't help it. I love the holiday movies! I don't care if they are silly, or sappy, or whatever. I could watch them 24 hrs. a day. (and sometimes I do!)

I plan on watching all the classics. Plus I have a couple of old, black and white movies I want to watch (ordered from Amazon)....that I've never seen before. Two I want to see are, The Shop Around The Corner (1940) and It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947).

1. I love the movies where it snows on Christmas .

2. I enjoy small town warmth and friendliness as well as Christmas in the city.

3. I enjoy listening to Bing croon White Christmas.

4. It's nice when George finally understands how blessed he really is.

5. A movie with a holiday romance in Connecticut makes me smile.

6. Who doesn't like a Red Ryder BB gun and a leg lamp?

7. I love Cary Grant as an angel.

8. The classic Christmas cartoons I grew up with, make me nostalgic. (Charlie Brown, Frosty, Rudolph, The Grinch, Kris Kringle)

9. I believe miracles really CAN happen on 34th street.

10. Ghosts that visit in the middle of the night and change a life. "God Bless Us Everyone!"

So, grab a warm blanket, pour yourself a mug of hot chocolate, pop some popcorn and take some time to enjoy some of the fun of the holiday season, by spending some time watching the classics.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Survival Of The Fittest



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by markhillary via Flickr"]Christmas shoppers in the Bullring[/caption]


I'm glad to be able to relate to all my blog readers that I am not dead. I did indeed survive Black Friday from 12 a.m to 7:45 a.m. It was quite a new experience for a newbie Black Friday (BF to those seasoned veterans) shopper like myself. I got good and caffeinated for the excursion ahead. I didn't get sleepy...not even once. It was exhilarating! Walmart, Big Lots, Goody's, and JcPenney. Me and the posse' got some serious door buster sale items. The free stuff was fun too. We got a free ornament at JcPenney. Very cute. Walmart was handing out doughnuts, and five hour energy drinks around 3 in the morning. Cool. All this caffeine never killed anybody. Maybe a twitch or the shakes, but that eventually calmed down, not that that happened to me, you understand.

1. At my Walmart people were in cluster groups. Some things went on sale at midnight. Others not until 5am. People were in packs waiting for the goods. If I were a psychologist I could have done some serious research. It was kind of like reality TV up close and personal.

2. I wasn't there to get anything in particular so I could stand back and watch without putting myself in harms way.

3. Most people I came in contact with were nice. Got into a nice conversation with a lady at bed linens.

4. Bought some nice Christmas gifts. For good deals I might add.

5. Nice Walmart ladies were roaming around the store at 3am, handing out the 5 hr. energy drinks that I mentioned earlier. Nothing like people being hyped up on caffeine AND in a shopping frenzy.

6. We were the first ones....sitting in the JCPenney parking lot at 3 in the morning. They opened at 4am. People began pulling into the parking lot and as it got closer to 4....we all huddled in the freezing cold wind, at the door. They don't call it "door buster" sales for nothing. Just sayin'.

7. Back to Walmart to pick up the stuff that didn't go on sale until 5. Snatched up a couple of deals. Good stuff.

8. Stopped by McDonald's at a little after 5 for some nourishment. And coffee. Woo hoo! Had my second wind. Me and 3 trillion other people.

9. Back out to Big Lots for some Christmas lights and wrapping paper. It was very crowded, but people were nice. Two ladies were snatching up all the child chairs. You know the kind that mirror adult chairs, but are child size. I don't know what one person wants with all those chairs....maybe she has a lot of little people at her house?

10. Finished up at Goody's. Seriously, love this store. And it smelled really good in there.....not that smell had anything to do with the good deals. But, it certainly didn't hurt. It made for pleasant shopping.

Had been awake for 27 hours straight. Came home, sat down in a chair, and promptly fell asleep.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

I'm Goin' In!!!



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]A picture of a New Balance shoe[/caption]


I have been talked in to participating in Black Friday. Me and my posse' are hitting the stores at midnight.We're roaming the streets until the early morning hours. 'Cause that's how we roll.

1. Why I allowed myself to be talked into this...just proves that my mind is going.

2. I'm wearing my running shoes in case of any stampeding going on.

3. I hope I don't get beaten down by some big mama hyped up on caffeine.

4. I'm a little nervous.

5. People get crazy over a good sale. If I'm in the way of someone getting a big flat screen TV...I could get shanked at the Wal-mart and left to meet my Maker laying on the floor at Wally World, forced to listen to canned Christmas music as my life ebbs away.

6. Why am I being so dark and morbid?

7. I'll tell you why.

8. I'll be out in the middle of the night...in the dark and cold....with 90 bazillion other people, strung out on over doses of turkey and mashed potatoes.

9. Hyped up on caffeine.

10. It's a deadly combination.

If for some reason I don't blog tomorrow...you'll know why. I'm either sound asleep after my night life of shopping 'til I drop....or well, I'm dead. Run over by a mob of crazy Christmas shopping mamas-on-a-mission.

Thanksgiving Facts About Me



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]A domestic turkey.[/caption]


The odd. The unusual. And the downright scary.

1. My husband does the turkey. I am creeped out by the cold turkey skin. And if there are any pin feathers that happen to still be stuck on it....gag.

2. A bare naked turkey in the crock pot, oven roasting pan, or deep fryer....whatever. It looks creepy to me.

3. I don't like to know what the meat looked like "before".

4. That is the reason I could never own a beef cow. I would name it. I would pet it.  It would be my friend. It would make it difficult to eat. And I like hamburgers so....that just wouldn't do.

5. I really like pumpkin pie, or really any kind of pumpkin dessert. I like to buy pumpkin in a can. Too bad it doesn't grow like that in the garden:)

6. I also like green bean casserole, creamy corn, sweet potatoes, dressing, and apple pie....with vanilla ice cream.

7. I like too many of the Thanksgiving foods. It's a curse.

8. This isn't looking good.

9. I will have to do A LOT of T-tapping to make up for today. I wonder how much sweating I'll be forced to do to make up for the gluttony?

10. Of course, it takes 15 million hours in the kitchen for MAYBE 20 minutes of eating. That stinks. I think the cooking and baking should be an Olympic sport. Sort of like a relay race.

11. Then just when one is in a turkey induced coma.....

12. There is Black Friday.

13. Insanity.

14. I usually don't go anywhere near stores on this day.

15. But Brittany wants me to go with her this year.

16. God, help me.

17. I could be killed in a stampede.

18. I could end up on the 6'oclock news.  Black Friday death. It sounds like a plague, doesn't it?

19. In the meantime I will be thankful. Because I have a lot to be thankful for.

20. Counting my blessings.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thanksgiving



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="293" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]Logo of Kellogg's Kellogg's[/caption]


T-Today is a new chapter

H-Happiness is right in front of me.

A-Attitude is what makes it or breaks it

N-Near and Dear are my family

K-Kellogg's Cornflakes because I need them to make my yummy, hash brown casserole

S-Savior that makes all else possible

G-Growing and Learning new things every day

I-Independence in the country I live in and as an individual

V-Visiting Family and Friends

I- Influence on the next generation

N-Night time sky filled with breath taking stars

G- Gobs of food and a full stomach

Plenty to be thankful for. Some stuff that even seems weird. All of us have things to be thankful for, it's all a matter of perspective. Gratitude is all in how you look at it....or look for it.

Wishing you and those you love a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Monday, November 22, 2010

An Attitude Of Gratitude

There's nothing like a beautiful sunrise to st...

How many times do I gripe? Feel sorry for myself? Complain? Say, "why me"?

The truth is I have plenty to be thankful for. My human nature tends to focus on the bad or annoying and take the good for granted.

If we are honest, aren't most of us that way?

Today I have made a pact with myself. I will only look for the good today. No, I am not neglecting anything. I am not trying to be Polly Sunshine, or ignore the necessary. I'm doing nothing but making a choice.

1. I'm thankful for my vision. I saw the most beautiful sunrise this morning. Breathtaking, actually. God, as master artist, paints the morning canvas with hues that can never be duplicated with the human hand. It is a sight to behold. And for that I am thankful.

2. So thankful for my hearing. I woke to the sound of rushing wind going by my window. I cannot see the wind, but I sure can hear it. The sound reminds me of a roaring river. I hear the morning noises of my family, the coffee maker humming and sputtering, and the cat meowing. And for that I am thankful.

3. I'm thankful for food. As I was getting the coffee creamer out of the fridge this morning, I looked at the inside of my refrigerator. Really looked. It is packed to the max with food and trimmings for Thanksgiving. To be able to afford to feed my family...It humbles me. I know there are many who do not have what I have. I've been uncomfortable before, and hungry...but, never starving. When my husband went through nearly a year and a half of unemployment I knew what it was to have our family "eat cheap". It wasn't always great, but we didn't go hungry. So, to have a full refrigerator makes me feel thankful.

4. I'm thankful that my husband now has a job. One that he is really good at. One that provides for our family. When one has walked through the valley of unemployment and been faced with the scary possibilities of losing everything....to have a job, makes me thankful.

5. I'm thankful for a healthy family. Sure, we all get croupy, or deal with sniffles, or stomach aches or occasion...but, we are healthy for the most part. Nothing serious. Having known the feeling of standing over the grave of a loved one, it makes me appreciate health all the more.

The truth is all these things that I just said I was thankful for...I could lose tomorrow. I could be in an accident, I could get a scary diagnosis, my family members could be hurt, and my husband could lose his job. These things happen. I am not immuned to the problems of this world.

If that were to happen I know that I still have the greatest gift of all. That is my relationship with Jesus Christ. His love knows no end.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?.....No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:35,37-39

There is a deep peace, that passes human understanding, when those verses really sink in...and for that I am thankful.

 

Thursday, November 18, 2010

A Foggy Freak Out



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="210" caption="Cover via Amazon"]Cover of "The Mist (Two-Disc Collector's ...[/caption]


Have any of you seen the Stephen King movie, The Mist?

I am a fan of Stephen King. Even though I think he is a bit "off". If you know what I mean. Like one can't write scary, suspenseful, creepy, stories without being a little cracked oneself. I like him anyway. Demented or not.

So anyway, back to The Mist.

It is foggy and thick as pea soup outside. I keep thinking that some sort of giant, spider monster is going to appear in front of the llama field at any moment. Of course I don't believe in huge, man eating spiders that emerge from the fog. Of course not. That would be silly.

My daughter had to go over to the barn to let Jazz out into the field. Jazz is out there somewhere. Poor horse. In the mist. Hopefully, not eaten by a mutant arachnid. Just sayin'.

I was relieved to see my daughter as she emerged from the mist. She was not running, so I assumed nothing scary was chasing her.

I'm straining to see ANY of my beloved llamas....I can't see past our front yard. Maybe they were breakfast for huge spiders. This makes me sad.

Isn't it weird what fog does to people? Or maybe it's just me. Maybe I am the only one freaked out by fog. I don't like not being able to see "what's out there".

I refuse to go outside. I think they can smell fear.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Decision Points



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="197" caption="Cover of Decision Points"]Cover of "Decision Points"[/caption]


I am in the process of reading President Bush's new book, Decision Points.

Now some, reading my blog, might not like George W. Bush. That is fine. You are entitled to your opinion, and I am entitled to mine. If you can't stand to hear about him then I suggest you not read my blog today. It would just upset you. And I love my readers, and I don't wish for anyone to be angry, so I'm giving you fair warning.

With that said.....now on to my blog.

1. I am enjoying watching Bush's interviews.

2. It is nice to see the president as a real person.Who laughs. Who tears up. Who tells a joke. Things we couldn't really see while he was in office.

3. He is an opinionated guy. I like that.There is nothing wishy washy about him. Love him or hate him. He is who he is.

4. I think he has a big heart.

5. As president he had to make decisions that weren't always popular. And he had to live with those decisions.

6. That is just part of being the president.

7. I wouldn't want the job..."the buck stops here" is hard to handle at times, I'm sure.

8. He can tell a good story. I've laughed through parts of the book.

9. He does love God. His family. This country. The military. And Texas!

10. He isn't perfect. There are some policies that I disagreed with on, while he was in office...but, I genuinely like the man.

I guess that is it for now. If you get the opportunity you should read his book. I think you'll like it.

 

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

I'm Not Bald Yet



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by arjin j via Flickr"]Math problem M.2 (Grade 8) Thailand # Solution2[/caption]


I was planning on doing a wonderful blog on President Bush's new book, Decision Points. I was thinking informative. Captivating. Maybe some humor thrown in for good measure. Yep. It was all planned...in my mind.

Then life happened.

This is how my day actually went:

1. Overslept.

2. Almost tripped going to the bathroom.

3. The bathroom vent bird fluttered and carried on and scared me a little bit. (I'm thinking that a gang of small birds are finding their way into my family's attic. Either that or we've got bats in the belfry--and if you think for one red hot New York minute that I'm checking THAT out, well you've got another thing comin'. Because I know that bats are just little vampires in disguise.)

4. I was grinding my own coffee beans and managed to spill half of it on the counter while attempting to get it in the coffee pot. Okay. Trying this again.

5. I went grocery shopping and as I'm walking out of the store, loaded down with massive amounts of food and junk...it begins to rain and the wind blows and I'm shoveling stuff into the van, and did I mention it was raining and I didn't have my jacket on, and it was cold too. So, yeah. Bummer for me.

6. On the way home I listened to Rush Limbaugh. ( I know you either love him or hate him. I love him. Don't say anything nasty to me. To each their own, people.)

7. So as I'm listening I'm getting riled up....what is the deal with the TSA guys at the airport doing pat downs on people's crotches? I mean really, people. Is this what it's coming down to? Is everyone going to be molested at the airport now? Whether you are an 80 year old grandpa, or a 10 year old school girl? For the love of pete! I might have to blog about this subject later, after I've calmed down a bit.

8. I tried to feed the cats without the dogs eating their food. The dogs are crazy. But, I'm crazier.

9. I helped my son with his algebra assignment tonight. After an hour of mathematical torture we were both getting a bit slap happy.

10. This is when I started singing to him in the kitchen...a song I made up about algebra. It made absolutely no sense. And I'm okay with that.

It was either laugh or pull my hair out....and I kinda like my hair, so I laughed.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Stress

To all my blog friends,
Stressful situations. Lots on my mind. Nothing terrible, mind you. Just stuff. Life is like that, isn't it? It's always something. I will try to blog later this evening...definitely by tomorrow. I promise.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Saying Thank You



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by US Army Africa via Flickr"]VETERANS DAY CEREMONY 2009 - US ARMY AFRICA - ...[/caption]


Today, being Veteran's Day, is an appropriate time to discuss the words, "Thank You".  I have many family and friends that have served in some branch of the armed forces. Really, the words themselves seem so empty, for all that the men and women in uniform have sacrificed for me. And don't be mistaken, it is a sacrifice.....Some people would say, "but he chose to sign up!", or "no one asked her to do that, she decided to do that herself!". Okay. So we don't have the draft right now. Does that make the sacrifice any less? NO. The only difference is, that today's young men and women CHOOSE to sacrifice.

Think about that. I mean it. Really, ponder that. Men and women choose to sign up for however many years, to serve their country. It takes some real guts to stand up and say, "I'm going to go through grueling training, I'm going to be stationed wherever I'm assigned, and I'm going to attempt to keep peace. If necessary, I will fight with dignity and honor. Above all else I am loyal to God and country.

People back home may never understand what a soldier goes through. The ache of leaving family for months or years on end. The courage that overcomes the fear when faced with imminent danger. Doing what needs to be done. And doing it with pride and skill.

THANK YOU

1. Thank you for your willingness to serve.

2. Thank you for being brave.

3. Thank you for putting up with dirt and sand, and not being able to shower.

4. Thank you for withstanding the heat, and the cold.

5. Thank you for loving our country.

6. Thank you for standing in the gap, as our protector.

7. Thank you for sacrificing your time away from family.

8. Thank you for upholding the greater good.

9. Thank you for caring.

10. I thank you....because without you....life would not be what it is for us today in this country.

Whether you served in one of the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, The Gulf, Afghanistan, Iraq.... whether you stormed the beaches of Normandy, trudged through the jungles of Vietnam, or endured the heat and sand of the Middle East.....and all the places in between. I thank you. The officers, and the grunts, the nurses and doctors, the MP, the snipers, the radio operators, the helicopter pilots, and the tank driver. The ones who cook and clean, and fix vehicles, and set up tents. The chaplains, and the guy on guard duty. All of you. I appreciate ALL OF YOU.

Thank you to the men and women who have come home as wounded warriors. That sacrificed an arm, or a leg, or their hearing or sight for us....for me. And thank you to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.....their very lives. You are not forgotten.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Wandering Into The Unknown



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]Older refrigerator model, with freezer compartment[/caption]


I put it off as long as I possibly could. I didn't want to go there. But I had to do it.

A MOM'S JOB IS NEVER DONE...AND THE JOB CAN GET PRETTY GROSS!

Cleaning Out The Refrigerator 101

1. I've noticed for the past couple of weeks that leftovers have been piling up in the refrigerator.

2. Leftovers that certain people swore up and down that they planned on eating. Uh, huh.

3. Now said leftovers are either moldy, or rock hard and could be used as a weapon.

4. I found detox tea that I had made, well, I can't tell you when I made it. Um....nasty stuff after sitting in the fridge since before time began.

5. In my defense the tea had been shoved to the back of the fridge. Out of sight, out of mind.

6. This never happens to my sweet tea. It is gone in no time, and I have to make more. I'm so pathetic. Sugar, yes. Detox, no. Don't tell anyone.

7. Slices of pizza and old Subway subs do some really funky stuff if left to their own devices.

8. Cheese dip turns to glue.

9. Glue that sticks to you if you happen to get some on you. Not that, that happened to me.

10. The gag reflex is a marvelous thing.

11. How come mom's end up with this job? And most of the stuff "leftover" in there...wasn't even mine!

12. It was a little like Christmas.

13. A little "gift" all wrapped up in aluminum foil.

14. What will the surprise be?

15. Oh, wow. A piece of my son's birthday cake...too bad his birthday was on October 13th!!!

16. No. I am not THAT desperate for chocolate.

17. Thank goodness.

18. After ridding the fridge of all the nasty evidence of my family's slothfulness...

19. I wiped it all down with Clorox wipes. I love those things. Just sayin'.

20. Now, all is well with the world again. And the refrigerator is practically empty. Sigh. Time to start over.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Being A Mom And All That Jazz



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]A mother holds up her child.[/caption]


Unless you are a mom,  you might not get this blog,'cause there are some things that only a mom would understand.

To all my mom friends...

1.....Things like walking across the kitchen floor with bare feet, only to discover that you've stepped in something sticky. Not really knowing what it is. And not wanting to know. It's easier not to look.

2. ....Telling the kids to quit arguing in the back seat, or you WILL come back there!!! Even if it entails crawling over the seat and possibly getting strangled by the seat belt. A moms gotta do what a moms gotta do.

3. Understand that anytime you are on the phone a child will need your attention. Said child will do anything to get your attention, WHILE you are trying to have a conversation with the lady that works at the doctor's office. You worry that she might have heard you yell, as you were hanging up the phone, "For the love of all that is good, GET THE UNDERWEAR OFF YOUR HEAD!"

4. "AM I THE ONLY ONE IN THIS HOUSE THAT KNOWS HOW TO CLEAN A DISH?"

5. Trying to appear calm, cool, and collected while your teenage son is driving. Praying that there are no cops around, also hoping that you don't die in a fiery crash, burned to a crisp. Trying to look on the bright side...if that happens at least there will be no newspaper pictures of you.

6. Arm pit noises, burps, and flatulence are not as hysterical as some children seem to think. Hoping against all odds that they have not done any of these things while at other people's houses. If so, you don't want to know about it.

7. Trusting that everyone will graduate before they are 30---wondering why in the world I thought it was a good idea to home educate? 'Cause now the ball falls directly in my court. Ugh.

8. Asking the Lord to already work on their future spouses hearts. "Oh God. Puh-leeze prepare my sons/daughter future spouse for them. I want them each to be blessed with a good marriage. Drop her/him right in their lap if need be. No, seriously God. I mean that. It would be a lot easier that way. Just sayin'."

9. As a mom, I have to squirrel certain food away--if I ever want to see it again. Nothing lasts in a house with three teenagers. I've got rations laid up in the bedroom armoire.

10. Lay down at night and fall dead asleep from sheer exhaustion. Unless someone is up when they aren't supposed to be, then I'm up like a shot because I have ears like a bat.

11. Reminding my children that I have a hot line straight to God. If they ever lie, cheat, steal, hurt someone, do ANYTHING they know they shouldn't...God will TELL ME. I will find out. And I will deal with it.

12. Any child with even an inkling of self preservation, should have a healthy fear of their mother. End of discussion.

13. If you make me cry, you've really done it. How can you hurt me this way? I thought my greatest pain was when I birthed you from my loins! I was wrong. You've crushed me. I don't think I'll ever be the same. ARE YOU FEELING GUILTY YET???

14. "No. I will not really bury you in the backyard. That is just an expression, sweetheart."

15. I expect you to do your laundry. You smell ripe. It wouldn't hurt you to slap on some deodorant either. It's because I love you that I tell you these things.

16. I love you too. I'm glad I'm your mom....Yes, really.

17. It's your turn to clean the toilet in the hall bath. I don't get paid enough (at all) to clean that. Y'alls bathroom looks worse than a truck stop.

18. That is the sweetest thing you've ever done. I love you so much. Come here and get a hug.

19. When did you get so tall? I am still your mother even if I'm standing on a stool to look at you eye to eye.

20. I've got the best kids and I wouldn't exchange them for anything in the world. Well...except for some chocolate. And that's only if its the really, really good stuff. No. Of course, I'm just kidding. You're much better than chocolate. No, I'm not lying for cryin' out loud.

Keep On, Keepin' On, Mamas!!!

What Inspires You?

In the 80's, the group Chicago, sang "You're The Inspiration". Artists are inspired to create great masterpieces. Writers are inspired by relationships that give them the ability to put pen to paper. Singers can bring tears to our eyes through inspired words. Speakers can bring us to our feet. Parents are inspired to be good examples for their children. Soldiers are inspired, in the midst of fear for their own life, by love of country. Nature inspires us all.  So what inspires you?

1. The dictionary describes the inspired as: outstanding or brilliant in a way or to a degree suggestive of divine inspiration

2. The men that wrote the Bible...they were divinely inspired by God, Himself, to write the words that have survived centuries. God speaking to man, through His inspired Word.

3. The wounded warriors who come home and fight everyday, through surgery and therapy to get their lives back. Each day is a struggle, but they don't give up.

4. The single parents who get up every day, acutely aware that they are their child's rock. They face each morning with resolve, that they will do the very best that they can. That they will make it.

5. The dog who saves his owners from imminent death, by barking and pulling on them until they get up and escape their house that is on fire.

6. The father who ran marathons and participated in a triathlon for his disabled son. He was his son's hands and feet. Crossing the finish line with his son, inspired everyone watching.

7. We are inspired by great literature, or the paintings of Michelangelo or Rembrandt.

8. Mozart or Bach can move us in ways few other things can.

9. The chronically ill patient who makes the decision to not just survive, but to live. Even if he/she ends up losing the battle, they inspire us by their dignity in the face of death.

10. So what inspires you? What makes you strive to be a better person? To overcome a trial? To jump a hurdle? To press on to the finish line?

 

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Take It Off!

 

[caption id="attachment_2638" align="alignnone" width="247" caption="Love This Hair Style"][/caption]

 

I'm wanting to take it off. Just be done with it. Who needs it anyway? That's right. I'm talking about my hair. I'm ready for a new look. Something different, daring, and fun. I've grown my hair out long enough. First of all my hair takes FOREVER to grow...and by the time I get it long enough, it starts to get dry and frizzy and I can't stand it. So, I'm taking the plunge.

I've been a fan of Meg Ryan for years. Her medium length, choppy bobs are a favorite. The picture above is one of my absolute favorite of her hair styles. I'm thinking that I will try for this look. I realize that I will not look as cute as she does (I wish!) but, hey it could still work for me. The hair is still long enough to pull back if I feel like it, yet still looks cute if I wear it down straight. Yep. This is the one.

Now, that I'm T-tapping on a near daily basis, eating better, and making sure to take my multi-vitamins/supplements...I feel like I should put some "zip" back into my look. And for those of you out there, that doubt me, a woman in her early 40's can still have "zip". Get back with me in a few more months and I'll prove it!

1. Getting a good hair cut, might not be life changing...but, it can feel like it!

2. Hair is a big deal.

3. That is why women are grumpy if they are having a bad hair day.

4. A woman's hair is her crowning glory.

5. A good stylist is worth every penny.

6. Even if a hair cut is not exactly what you wanted, or even down right bad, hair DOES grow back. Lesson learned.

7. A secret...I've cut my own hair before. Not often. But, I have done it.

8. I let my husband cut my hair before, too. He actually did a pretty good job.

9. I love being a blond.

10. Mousse and hair spray can be a girls best friend. As can barrettes and hair clips. Just sayin'.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

With A Thankful Heart



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]Proclamation for a General Thanksgiving by Gov...[/caption]


As we are heading into the Thanksgiving season, I am taking time to think on those things that I am thankful for. In the midst of life's urgent moments, frustrations, and chaos, it is good to slow down and remind oneself to take pause and say thank you. Each of us has much to be grateful for...

1. My very real relationship with Jesus Christ. It is because of this relationship that all other things make sense.

2. God's Patience with me. For all the times I mess up, and yet He loves me.

3. My heavenly Father's faithfulness. I can always count on Him.

4. God's blessings. He has blessed me in ways that I do not deserve.

5. Family...that loves me. People that love me through thick and thin. Through the smiles and the tears.

6. New friends. Old friends.

7. For Saturdays

8. Full Moon

9. Getting to sleep in.

10. Rainy days with a good book.

11. That bad days usually don't last.

12. Beautiful Fall leaves.

13. Being ABLE to exercise. For hands and feet and legs and arms that work.

14. Hot chocolate.

15. Quiet times.

16. For my blogging buddies. Getting to see their lives through their eyes. For making me laugh out loud:)

17. Warm clothes.

18. A husband that loves me. That reminds me that he is here ALWAYS.

19. For being a mom.

20. For healthy, funny, nerve wracking, nutty, confusing children.

21. A family that loves me. When I'm mother of the year, or a pain in the neck.

22. A mother who loves me.

23. In-laws that accept me, and love me.

24. Good memories.

25. My health.

26. That all sadness usually passes.

27. I am even thankful for the hard times, the sad times, the painful times....because, it is in light of these times that everything else seems so much sweeter.

28. Church

29. Connections

30. Being able to help special needs individuals.

31. Love

32. Feeling useful.

33. My computer.

34. Sunrises/Sunsets

35. Seasons of the year

36. Seasons of life

37. Prayer

38. Pets

39. Classic movies

40. My country.

41. The privilege of voting.

42. Freedom.

43. Flavored coffee in a favorite mug.

44. Forgiveness.

45. Having yet another day to be thankful.

Friday, November 5, 2010

What I Want To Be When I Grow Up



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="299" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]Film poster for Erin Brockovich (film) - Copyr...[/caption]


What I want to be when I grow up.....hmmm......

I ask my children about their interests. What do they want to be when they grow up? I get all sorts of answers. Each of my kiddos is soooo very different. Youth minister, IT specialist, chef, car designer, missionary, vet, attorney, own a ranch, live in the city, live in the country, live in Australia, or Ireland or Seattle. So....who knows? All of my children are intelligent and capable. Whatever they set their mind to do, they will do it. I have no doubt.

When I was growing up I decided at around 16 years of age, that I wanted to be a special education teacher. ( if you want to know more detailed information on that, you need to research my past blog entries) I volunteered for the Special Olympics, worked at group homes for developmentally disabled adults, worked camps each summer for special needs individuals, did an independent study during my senior year in high school at a spec. ed preschool, taught Sunday School for disabled people/was a peer buddy, and then graduated from college with a degree in special education and taught for 17 years. Now I do special education consulting for families. It is a passion of mine, if you hadn't already guessed.

Maybe some day, God will direct me/help me to become the "Erin Brockovich" of special education. Fighting for those who have no voice. I know people personally who are having to argue with  the system on a daily basis to get even the smallest of help for their disabled child. It frustrates me to no end. I do not understand how drug addicts, alcoholics, even sexual predators can get help...and yet, children who can't walk, are mostly non-verbal, need help even doing the most basic of self help skills can get nothing. I'm not talking "hand outs", I'm merely asking why not give them a break? I'm tired of hearing the system tell the parents, "You make too much money for us to help you." (What?!! A middle class salary is hardly going to cut it, when therapies can run a hundred dollars an hour, or equipment can run into the thousands! And this doesn't even take into account the fact that families may have other children that they are also providing for!) So, should we convey to these parents that their children don't matter? Or "Sorry, but the school system has a tight budget this year, we're spread really thin." (Excuse me, but who cares? You, Mr. School Administrator get federal money for special ed. services. Ever heard of IDEIA? (Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act) What do you mean that using a communication device is not necessary? Let's see, a machine that will talk for the child, or him not being able to communicate at all? Is this REALLY a choice?

Like most other businesses...the business of special education or special services for disabled adults is just that A BUSINESS. Somewhere along the way the "powers that be" have lost their heart for those who are less fortunate. Those who cry, but don't shed tears. Those who know what they want to say, but can't speak. Those who run in their mind, yet have legs that won't cooperate.

Some might say that I am overly excited about this issue. That I am blowing things out of proportion. That things will "work themselves out".  Um....when? Who is going to work it out? May I quote you on that? Right now it is a bureaucratic pit of red tape. In the meantime, little is changing. Little is getting done. Time is ticking. Early intervention is going by the wayside. My fear is that health care will not be for those who are the weakest among us. Some of the elite don't believe the lives of the disabled are worthy of treatment, after all, how are they going to improve society? How will they contribute? What can they DO??? Therapies, equipment or supplements are not deemed "necessary". Not necessary for whom? It is heart breaking. And frustrating.

And yet.....my desire is to make a difference. To be a voice. I speak out whenever I get the opportunity. I help where I can.

 

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Living The Life



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Image by aranarth via Flickr"]Our computers[/caption]


As many of you know I am a former, public school, special education teacher. (mouthful, huh?) I loved my job because I loved my students--and their parents. (most of the time) Four years ago I resigned from my teaching career of 17 years to come home. I, with my husband, home educate our own three kiddos. It's not just a job. It's an adventure. I'm not talking an adventure, like back backing through Europe. I'm thinking more like living in the trenches in Cambodia. Just teasing. No, really I am. Seriously, people. It's not Cambodia on most days. Well, unless it is a day that everyone wakes in a bad mood and Dad and I haven't had our coffee yet. Then we're talkin' serious guerilla warfare. Just sayin'.  All in all our kiddos are intelligent, well rounded, and they drive us nuts. On occasion. But, would they be teens if they didn't? It's part of the circle of life. I just secretly smile, because I know that one day they will get theirs. God will bless them with children in their spittin' image. And I will laugh on the inside....because as a grandparent I will spoil my grandkids absolutely rotten (as is my grandparental right) and I will send them back home TO THEIR PARENTS. And I will sleep like a baby:)

TEN REASONS I LOVE HOME SCHOOLING:

1. I know what my children are studying. This is important to me...because I've been on "the other side of the fence", and I know some of the off the wall stuff that is taught in schools, under the guise of character training, or student enlightenment.

2. We can work at odd hours if the need arises.

3. We are not chained to calendars or clocks.

4. My children are readers. They read on a myriad number of subjects, not just assigned textbooks. I learn many things from my own children because of things they've seen or read.

5. The kids interact with people of all ages, from toddlers to the elderly. This opens the world up to new relationships.

6. The kids learn to figure things out on their own. They are excellent problem solvers.

7.  They understand that all of life is a learning experience. It doesn't end after graduation.

8. We can work in our pajamas if we so choose.

9. The kids are still kids. We all have our ups and downs. No one is perfect. They do know that they are loved. They are not scared to go to school.

10. It's really cool that I, as the teacher, can smooch on the "principal" during lunch break, and I won't get in trouble. Yep. There are definitely some perks to this lifestyle:)

Helen Keller had it right when she said, "Life is an adventure...or nothing at all."

 

 

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

What Is The Point?



[caption id="" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Image via Wikipedia"]Dust bunny[/caption]


What is the point of dusting? Seriously. It just comes back two seconds after I finish dusting. It's insidious like that. As I sit here, and the early morning sun is streaming through the kitchen windows, I notice that the counter top has a film of dust on it. For cryin' out loud. I wiped the whole thing down last evening. Last night my son announced that we had dust webs around the living room light that hangs from the ceiling. Sure enough he was telling the truth. Where is the stinkin' broom?! I got those down. In my defense, a lot of the dust you can't see, unless the light hits it just right. Maybe I should only put the lowest wattage of light bulbs in the house...so we all can just live in the shadows. Dust wouldn't matter so much then. Right?

TEN REASONS I HATE DUST:

1. Feather dusters are a joke. It just swishes the dust around. Who thought of those anyway?

2. Dusting never is done because there is gunk in the air that settles on everything. Gunk you can't really see until it lands on your living room table. Or counters. Or lights. Or window sills. Or........

3. Early morning light is the worst for showing up dust. Maybe I will wear dark sunglasses INSIDE during the early morning hours. It will help me not notice the dust.

4. Furniture polish just smears dust around, but it usually smells lemon-y, so I guess it is okay. My dust at least smells good.

5. I try not to think about the teeny tiny dust mites that are in all this dust. It grosses me out. And causes me to itch. It's all in my head, but still... Notice I said IN my head, not ON my head. Okay. I'm really freaking myself out.

6. Thank goodness I don't have dust allergies, because if that were the case I'd have to give up dusting altogether...for health reasons of course. Wait a minute. How can I get a dust allergy? I have one of those machines that is supposed to suck all the dust/allergens out of the air. I don't have it plugged in right now. I guess I should.

7.I live in a house where we made the decision to have a colored concrete floor. The floor is different and unusual. I like that. I do not like that there is nothing for the dust to cling to...thus, creating dust bunnies the size of tumbleweeds. I am forever trying to catch those little nuisances before they morph into a dust monster that will devour us all. Don't laugh. My family might end up on the front page of the Enquirer as the family that was EATEN BY A MONSTER DUST BUNNY. That would be sad. And embarrassing.

8. I love my dust buster, 'cause I love to bust some dust. I love the machine more than the dust. But, whatever.

9. I also love my vaccum. If one has to clean she can at least have machines with powerful motors. My vacuum has a big head light and sounds like a 747 getting ready to take off. I LOVE it. The cat, not so much.

10. I guess I should quit wasting time and get busy dusting. AGAIN.