Riding Bicycles and Being Free
I purposely did not write yesterday so I could gather more significant events to write about. Actually, I ws just plain busy. My day started out great: kids all were ready for church on time, so for the first time in a long time, we weren't tardy to Sunday School. The service was really nice and peaceful. Jim sang a solo and I played three songs. I have always been curious about a few things in regard to church and ettiquite while in church. I want to know if it's ok for me to laugh when my kids do something funny during services...not like an out and out belly laugh, but a chuckle. Has that happened to any of you? Yesterday, while in church, right in the middle of a pretty serious part I looked over at Megan. She and Robby didn't get home the night before until 3:30 am.....(her dad had a talk with her about that) and she didn't have the energy or time to shower before church, so her hair was super curly, residual from "Annie" . I looked at her and she was dozing, ever time her head would fall and jerk a little, her hair would bounce back a second or two after her head did. It was really funny. Well, just when I laughed/ actually chuckled, the pastor caught me. I felt like I was eight years old again and was getting busted for singing my version of "Glory, Glory, Halelluya"...that's another story.
After church we went to a pancake feed at Holy Name Catholic Church that was sponsored by the Boy Scout troop in which Robby, Andrew, and Nathaniel belong. I was so happy to "not" have to cook. I am amazed at the amount of time and energy that goes into being a Boy Scout. When I was younger I was a "Juniorette" and had a great amount of fun. I don't think I was in this group very long, but did enjoy the time that I spent with the other girls. My mom's cousin, Mary Huber, was our leader and she always had crafts for us to make. I think the juniorettes were the Catholic Church's version of the "Girl Scout" I really don't remember.
After taking a long nap I ventured outside to watch Anabelle ride her bike, with no help. She is very proud of this accomplishment. As I stood there, taking pictures, I thought..."this is it, this is the last child that we will teach to ride a bike. This is our last child to accomplish this great milestone. And,,,I have to tell you, it made me sad. After all these years, she's the last one. Dave is all grown and is doing his own thing, Meg is getting ready to start on her own, Robby is in high school, Andrew not far behind, and my Nathaniel is in the 5th grade. Where does all the time go? Seeing Anabelle on her bike brought back a lot of memories. Memories of my kids, but also memories of my childhood. I remember the day that my dad brought me a bicycle to my Nana's house and how he took the training wheels off. I remember that fear of falling and the jumpy feeling in my chest each time I started to tip. I also remember my dad being there to catch me incase I fell. When I watched Anabelle, I thought, "She's so much braver than I was." She chased Bob and me off and kept telling us, "I can do it by myself" I don't need help, but thankyou". I wish she needed our help a little bit more.
I think I started readlly thinking about the kids growing up when I saw a couple at the pancake feed. The Foley's, they have older children that are our children's ages and we have participated in a lot of sports, theatre, etc, with them, and they have a new baby. Their next youngest is in junior high, obviously a Big suprise. He is now about 6 months old. I watched them with the baby and thought.....Boy am I glad that's not me! That was the first time that I really felt that way and meant it! In the past I had wanted to hold friend's babies or Bob would ask if I wanted another baby. I can honestly say..."I am so glad that God gave us what He did". Seeing Anabelle ride her bike and knowing that she is the last, was actually a good thing. I have to remember to cherish and savour thhose "first/last" moments of her life. And I think it's ok to chuckle in church every now and then. I think God was probably laughing, too, when witnessing Meg's bobble hair. Isn't this what a part of being free is all about? Well, have a great today!
Love you!
Mary
Monday, April 10, 2006
Saturday, April 08, 2006
It's Tomorrow, and Annie Was Right!
Last night's performance of "Annie" was incredible! Wow! The kids did a great job! I wish you all could have been here to see it. Robby had a hilarious moment where he ran out onto the stage, no one else was on stage, and yelled at the top of his lungs,"Run, Mom is gonna Kill Us! AAahhhhh!" The entire audience roared. Rob also had some major scenes as a paper boy and back up singing. He tells me that the choir teacher is having him sing solos...this is good. He actually loves to sing. Meg had the opening scene and I am really amazed that a person her size could be so loud!... and...convincing as the mean orphan, Pepper. She is really having a great time. I think her ability to portray a toughy comes from being the eldest child at home with three brothers behind her. Anabelle was completely mesmerized by the whole "Annie" experience. She cannot wait to get on stage like her older siblings. I really think it's genetic...Probably from Bob's side of the family. I know that the music comes from both sides, but acting??? Tonight is the last performance and I couldn't get a ticket. DD MIller holds 1,200 and each night has been a total and complete sellout; hopefully some of the procedes will stay in the theatre department.
There's so much to do as a high school junior and Megan is so very busy. We are so proud of the responsible young adult that she is becoming. She, as many of you know, is now looking into colleges and would like to go to a private school that emphasizes th arts. She doesn't have her heart set on any one college but has been looking into an arts college in Savannah, one in Minnesota, two in Canada, and a few down South. Well, that's all for now, I have to run to the grocery store and I hear Bob having a talk with Nathaniel about burning bugs with a magnifier...he is not encouraging him....he's telling him to knock it off...those poor bugs.
Have a great weekend.. I love you!
And yes...The sun came out today!
Last night's performance of "Annie" was incredible! Wow! The kids did a great job! I wish you all could have been here to see it. Robby had a hilarious moment where he ran out onto the stage, no one else was on stage, and yelled at the top of his lungs,"Run, Mom is gonna Kill Us! AAahhhhh!" The entire audience roared. Rob also had some major scenes as a paper boy and back up singing. He tells me that the choir teacher is having him sing solos...this is good. He actually loves to sing. Meg had the opening scene and I am really amazed that a person her size could be so loud!... and...convincing as the mean orphan, Pepper. She is really having a great time. I think her ability to portray a toughy comes from being the eldest child at home with three brothers behind her. Anabelle was completely mesmerized by the whole "Annie" experience. She cannot wait to get on stage like her older siblings. I really think it's genetic...Probably from Bob's side of the family. I know that the music comes from both sides, but acting??? Tonight is the last performance and I couldn't get a ticket. DD MIller holds 1,200 and each night has been a total and complete sellout; hopefully some of the procedes will stay in the theatre department.
There's so much to do as a high school junior and Megan is so very busy. We are so proud of the responsible young adult that she is becoming. She, as many of you know, is now looking into colleges and would like to go to a private school that emphasizes th arts. She doesn't have her heart set on any one college but has been looking into an arts college in Savannah, one in Minnesota, two in Canada, and a few down South. Well, that's all for now, I have to run to the grocery store and I hear Bob having a talk with Nathaniel about burning bugs with a magnifier...he is not encouraging him....he's telling him to knock it off...those poor bugs.
Have a great weekend.. I love you!
And yes...The sun came out today!
Friday, April 07, 2006
Computeritis & Jules Vern
There's an irony to this disease that seems to have plagued my family the last few years. Computers are suposed to free us up; shorten our lists; and help us to become more efficient in our lives. Why is it that we spend so much more time on them typing in our lists to our calendars on yahoo, aol, and msn than we ever would have just jotting down that appointment on a wall calendar? Can we take our computers everywhere with us and have access to that information? This really isn't a good point for my family...four of us have laptops....but, in theory, it works. I mean, how cumbersome would it be to have to turn on the computer, log in, and manuver around to their right site...and what if there is no wireless signal? We are out of luck.
I was mentioning to a gal that I really need to get off my computer more and spend more time reading, doing my devotions, and just "being", and she agreed. It is an addiction. You can't just type in that appointment. There are a bazillion other interesting hooks out there trying to grab our attention. It's worse than that huge menancing octopus from Jules Vern's, 20,000 Leagues. For those of you have never read this novel, it's NOT about baseball, football, or any other ball. One member of my family has desicribed the inet as a "never ending vortex containing multitudes of successive black holes collapsing upon one another".. I bet you can guess which child described the inet in this manner.
So, in my attempt to be less distracted by the computer, I am going to post once in the morning before I check my emails, and then I will stay off the computer all day until all school work is completed by everyone.
I live with the fear that the computer will replace human interaction and am certain that to a degree, it already has. Just take our local high school as an example;
The high school here has given each and every student a laptop to use and take home for the year. They have done this for three years now....and....guess what? Academics have fallen dramatically, test scores have plumeted, drug use is up, and there are 48 girls pregnant up there....all in a small school of about 800-900 students. Something is WRONG here. Bob and I sat down last night with a great friend, Fred Deutsch (Stephanie's dad) who is running for a spot on the school board and spoke at length about the problems I have mentioned. He has been told by the administration that the current ninth grade class is by far the worse that they have ever seen. Test scores of these students are the lowest in the state, so their solution is to isolate the ninth graders into their own wing of the high school and bring in a separate adminstrator and actually have an academy within the school specifically for the incoming freshmen. Sounds like a good plan. But will this solve the problems. I think not. Fred also told us that he met with a teacher up at the high school to talk about the concerns of the teachers and he was told that whenever Frad's name is brought up that there is fear of him getting on the board because he is "a man of faith". I really wish whoever made this statement would look at the very problems that public schools are facing. It isn't the laptops that are causing the problems...it's a lack of faith. Dugh! Even I get that! Surely they see the connection. Maybe they have bought into the bag of lies about keeping God out of the schools...we've tried that for years and it only gets worse. So.. if you are sending your kiddos off this morning, please say an extra prayer for them. If you have no children, please say a prayer for those of us who do.
Well, that's all for now. This octopus isn't getting me!
There's an irony to this disease that seems to have plagued my family the last few years. Computers are suposed to free us up; shorten our lists; and help us to become more efficient in our lives. Why is it that we spend so much more time on them typing in our lists to our calendars on yahoo, aol, and msn than we ever would have just jotting down that appointment on a wall calendar? Can we take our computers everywhere with us and have access to that information? This really isn't a good point for my family...four of us have laptops....but, in theory, it works. I mean, how cumbersome would it be to have to turn on the computer, log in, and manuver around to their right site...and what if there is no wireless signal? We are out of luck.
I was mentioning to a gal that I really need to get off my computer more and spend more time reading, doing my devotions, and just "being", and she agreed. It is an addiction. You can't just type in that appointment. There are a bazillion other interesting hooks out there trying to grab our attention. It's worse than that huge menancing octopus from Jules Vern's, 20,000 Leagues. For those of you have never read this novel, it's NOT about baseball, football, or any other ball. One member of my family has desicribed the inet as a "never ending vortex containing multitudes of successive black holes collapsing upon one another".. I bet you can guess which child described the inet in this manner.
So, in my attempt to be less distracted by the computer, I am going to post once in the morning before I check my emails, and then I will stay off the computer all day until all school work is completed by everyone.
I live with the fear that the computer will replace human interaction and am certain that to a degree, it already has. Just take our local high school as an example;
The high school here has given each and every student a laptop to use and take home for the year. They have done this for three years now....and....guess what? Academics have fallen dramatically, test scores have plumeted, drug use is up, and there are 48 girls pregnant up there....all in a small school of about 800-900 students. Something is WRONG here. Bob and I sat down last night with a great friend, Fred Deutsch (Stephanie's dad) who is running for a spot on the school board and spoke at length about the problems I have mentioned. He has been told by the administration that the current ninth grade class is by far the worse that they have ever seen. Test scores of these students are the lowest in the state, so their solution is to isolate the ninth graders into their own wing of the high school and bring in a separate adminstrator and actually have an academy within the school specifically for the incoming freshmen. Sounds like a good plan. But will this solve the problems. I think not. Fred also told us that he met with a teacher up at the high school to talk about the concerns of the teachers and he was told that whenever Frad's name is brought up that there is fear of him getting on the board because he is "a man of faith". I really wish whoever made this statement would look at the very problems that public schools are facing. It isn't the laptops that are causing the problems...it's a lack of faith. Dugh! Even I get that! Surely they see the connection. Maybe they have bought into the bag of lies about keeping God out of the schools...we've tried that for years and it only gets worse. So.. if you are sending your kiddos off this morning, please say an extra prayer for them. If you have no children, please say a prayer for those of us who do.
Well, that's all for now. This octopus isn't getting me!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Flowers in Mosaic
When I woke this morning it was to the sound of thunder and a rumbling of the house. The weather outside has been gloomy and rainy all day, but I have tried to bring a little fun into my day. We all need a little colour each day to remind us of the rainbows at the end of the storm. I have been dragging my feet all day and haven't really felt fully awake. I think I need a nap.
I took the kids over to our church because I set up a "craft" day for the home school kids in our area. It was fun. I taught mosaic with scrapbooking paper scraps, Chris taught beads, Kay taught the kids how to make miniature bird feeders and Regina taught the kids how to decoupage. They had fun and were able to make some great gifts for Mother's Day.
Robby and Megan are busy getting ready for opening night tonight. It is supposed to be a sold out performance. DDMiller holds 1,000 people, so that's a lot of tickets that were pre sold. We are going tomorrow night. I know that they'll do a great job. Well, I have to run....I do think I'll go take a nap. That's all for now. I posted a new layout in my gallery so....please take a peek.
MFPC
When I woke this morning it was to the sound of thunder and a rumbling of the house. The weather outside has been gloomy and rainy all day, but I have tried to bring a little fun into my day. We all need a little colour each day to remind us of the rainbows at the end of the storm. I have been dragging my feet all day and haven't really felt fully awake. I think I need a nap.
I took the kids over to our church because I set up a "craft" day for the home school kids in our area. It was fun. I taught mosaic with scrapbooking paper scraps, Chris taught beads, Kay taught the kids how to make miniature bird feeders and Regina taught the kids how to decoupage. They had fun and were able to make some great gifts for Mother's Day.
Robby and Megan are busy getting ready for opening night tonight. It is supposed to be a sold out performance. DDMiller holds 1,000 people, so that's a lot of tickets that were pre sold. We are going tomorrow night. I know that they'll do a great job. Well, I have to run....I do think I'll go take a nap. That's all for now. I posted a new layout in my gallery so....please take a peek.
MFPC
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Upsidedown Umbrellas
Raindrops and Roses and Whiskers on Kittens....what does this have to do with Upsidedown Umbrellas? Absolutely nothing. That's the beauty of a free mind. I can post odd things to see if you are all really reading this.
Yesterday turned out to be an incredible day; the kids all cooperated and did all their school work without complaining or trying to get out of it. Nathaniel had a big math test and Megan completed her synopsis of To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. I was quite impressed with her observations of Boo, Jem, and Scout. If you haven't read this classic I would like to recommend that you do.
I came across another gal's blog site, Linda, and was quite impressed with her openess to share her faith. I really admire someone who can do this and still be herself. I have only been posting on this blog for a few days, but have made some changes, additions, and just fun stuff for you to see and maybe use. I have also figured out how to change the settings so that you can post comments.
I put some links in to enable you to go to other areas of my blog and added a few catagories of choices in the links section. For those of you who are not aware, I also take part in another site as a team member of "SwapsNmore", where I help manage the site, post challenges, offer swap themes, etc. This is a scrapbooking site that encourages people to scrap and trade with other scrappers from different geographical locations. We have some members of the site from as far away as New Zealand. Currently we have about 300 members and are very busy encouraging people to record their lives in an artful, meaningful way.
Please check it out and tell me what you think. If you are a scrapper, you'll be hooked. It's so addictive, but tons of fun. I love seeing what other scrappers create.
Raindrops and Roses and Whiskers on Kittens....what does this have to do with Upsidedown Umbrellas? Absolutely nothing. That's the beauty of a free mind. I can post odd things to see if you are all really reading this.
Yesterday turned out to be an incredible day; the kids all cooperated and did all their school work without complaining or trying to get out of it. Nathaniel had a big math test and Megan completed her synopsis of To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. I was quite impressed with her observations of Boo, Jem, and Scout. If you haven't read this classic I would like to recommend that you do.
I came across another gal's blog site, Linda, and was quite impressed with her openess to share her faith. I really admire someone who can do this and still be herself. I have only been posting on this blog for a few days, but have made some changes, additions, and just fun stuff for you to see and maybe use. I have also figured out how to change the settings so that you can post comments.
I put some links in to enable you to go to other areas of my blog and added a few catagories of choices in the links section. For those of you who are not aware, I also take part in another site as a team member of "SwapsNmore", where I help manage the site, post challenges, offer swap themes, etc. This is a scrapbooking site that encourages people to scrap and trade with other scrappers from different geographical locations. We have some members of the site from as far away as New Zealand. Currently we have about 300 members and are very busy encouraging people to record their lives in an artful, meaningful way.
Please check it out and tell me what you think. If you are a scrapper, you'll be hooked. It's so addictive, but tons of fun. I love seeing what other scrappers create.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Have I lost my Time?
Some days I feel like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, worried about being late for an important date. Tardiness is one of my biggest pet peeves. I tend to live by a code of behavior regarding tardiness that dictates this montra: To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, to be late is inexcusable. Dean Immel, my high school band director used to say that just about every day when someone would try to sneak in to class tardy. It was a large class with about 100 + students. We had an incredible music program...but that was before the implementation of budget cuts to non-sports programs in the public school system...I am digressing....I've only had two sips of my steaming hot coffee. Give me a few gulps and I'll be normal once again. Which brings me to this question: What is normal?
Oooppss I slipped again-back to topic here.
I found myself faced with a situation that has been happening all too often lately. I had overlapped, by accident or default, two engagements that I needed to attend last night. One started at 7:00 and the other at 7:30. I had committed to doing makeup and costuming for another play being done at our community theatre. I love doing costumes and makeup. This is something that gives me a lot of pleasure and time to do something that is just for me. Yes, I am helping others, especially men, put makeup on...this is obviously something that they are not used to doing. I had committed to Town Players two full months ago. Last week I received an invite in the mail from our pastor's wife for the kick off of the "Ladies" group. I really don't want to be involved with this, not because I don't love fellowship, but because I have been involved with every little thing that our church does simply out of obligation. The irony of this whole situation is this...the topic for the "Ladies" study is "Lifestyles of the Stressed and Frantic". We as women over commit outselves and don't know when to say that dreaded two lettered word "No". So, in the feeble attempt to placate everyone, I said "yes, I'll be there". I went, chatted a little, had a cup of coffee, and left. Why did I feel bad? Was it because church things are supposed to be good for you? Or, was it because once again, I felt manipulated to participate in something just because it was church related and someone invited me? If I can remember the mantra about being late, why can't I say No to overextension of my time? Are these people that I truly enjoy being around? Some yes and some, No. Why do I feel put in an awkward position having to be around these ladies? There are some very nice, wonderful ladies at our church and then there are the "others". I don't know if it's out of obligation because Bob is a Deacon at our church, or if it's that I am afraid that these ladies will think less of me if I don't "Do it all". If you have some words of wisdom, I am all ears, but I fear that this is a struggle by which all of us busy moms are plagued. So, Please say a short , or long, prayer for me that I find my voice and am able to say "No" to the things that really occupy too much of my time. I don't think I am losing my time, I think I am losing my voice. That's all for this morning. Have a beautiful day and don't forget it's ok to say No.
Some days I feel like the rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, worried about being late for an important date. Tardiness is one of my biggest pet peeves. I tend to live by a code of behavior regarding tardiness that dictates this montra: To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, to be late is inexcusable. Dean Immel, my high school band director used to say that just about every day when someone would try to sneak in to class tardy. It was a large class with about 100 + students. We had an incredible music program...but that was before the implementation of budget cuts to non-sports programs in the public school system...I am digressing....I've only had two sips of my steaming hot coffee. Give me a few gulps and I'll be normal once again. Which brings me to this question: What is normal?
Oooppss I slipped again-back to topic here.
I found myself faced with a situation that has been happening all too often lately. I had overlapped, by accident or default, two engagements that I needed to attend last night. One started at 7:00 and the other at 7:30. I had committed to doing makeup and costuming for another play being done at our community theatre. I love doing costumes and makeup. This is something that gives me a lot of pleasure and time to do something that is just for me. Yes, I am helping others, especially men, put makeup on...this is obviously something that they are not used to doing. I had committed to Town Players two full months ago. Last week I received an invite in the mail from our pastor's wife for the kick off of the "Ladies" group. I really don't want to be involved with this, not because I don't love fellowship, but because I have been involved with every little thing that our church does simply out of obligation. The irony of this whole situation is this...the topic for the "Ladies" study is "Lifestyles of the Stressed and Frantic". We as women over commit outselves and don't know when to say that dreaded two lettered word "No". So, in the feeble attempt to placate everyone, I said "yes, I'll be there". I went, chatted a little, had a cup of coffee, and left. Why did I feel bad? Was it because church things are supposed to be good for you? Or, was it because once again, I felt manipulated to participate in something just because it was church related and someone invited me? If I can remember the mantra about being late, why can't I say No to overextension of my time? Are these people that I truly enjoy being around? Some yes and some, No. Why do I feel put in an awkward position having to be around these ladies? There are some very nice, wonderful ladies at our church and then there are the "others". I don't know if it's out of obligation because Bob is a Deacon at our church, or if it's that I am afraid that these ladies will think less of me if I don't "Do it all". If you have some words of wisdom, I am all ears, but I fear that this is a struggle by which all of us busy moms are plagued. So, Please say a short , or long, prayer for me that I find my voice and am able to say "No" to the things that really occupy too much of my time. I don't think I am losing my time, I think I am losing my voice. That's all for this morning. Have a beautiful day and don't forget it's ok to say No.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Wipe Your Feet
Ok, I am beginning to sound like my mom........Thank Goodness! I used to think that her constant reminder for us to wipe our feet, or take our dish to the kitchen, or clear the table, was her way of getting out of doing the housework...that was until I was old enough to have to clean up after the fact that having three brothers really meant that there were three men living in our house that were oblivious to their surroundings. My mom kept a pretty clean house. I remember her telling us that we had to hurry and clean because the "insurance" man was coming to give them a quote. I didn't catch on until much later, when I realized that in all my at growing up years I never once saw their "insurance" man. It was mom's way of getting us to really clean our rooms without having to nag at us yet another time. I tried using the "insurance man" routine, but my kids are smarter than I was. They know that the insurance man doesn't make housecalls. So instead, I tell them that I am thinking of taking a long weekend away....by myself because I am so sick of looking at their messes that they just step over. That doesn't work either. They start asking where and when are we all going. They know that I can't leave them on the drop of a hat. hmmmm... I am going to have to think of something here.
This past weekend, as many know, Bob took the boys all camping. They were gone three days. In that three day time, Meg, Anabelle, and I, cleaned the house pretty darned good. I even scrubbed the floors on my hands and kness. .I felt good after I was finished because I was able to get all the foot prints, dropspots and grime off the floors. It wasn't like it was really bad, I just knew that all these little imperfections and marks were there and they needed to be obliterated from my kitchen. It was so nice to have quiet in the house and no one insisting on a full five course hot meal every day. Bob doesn't request this... it's just something that I have done for years. My mom always served full meals and it's just a part of who I am... Sooo, guess what? I took Anabelle to McDonald's on Friday night, got pizza for Saturday, and we had leftovers for Sunday...and I dropped 3 lbs. I don't know if that is good or bad? hmmm...
I thought I would start this entry by calling it Wipe Your Feet....and found that as I write these things all the little life lessons that my mom, and to an extent, Nana, taught me have really made me who I am. Hearing myself sound like my mom is actually a good thing. You read jokes about starting to sound like one's mother and I think...Well, Praise God I finally have some sense. Have I arrived at my final complete person/mom stage? Not by a long shot. I have so far to go....I still need to master the "insurance man" method. So mom, if you read this today, know that I love you and I thank you for all the little and not so little things that you said over the years, so I could sound like you.
I know that I told my mom this, but I haven't repeated this event ever to anyone other than her and Bob, who was involved in this instance. When Bob and I were first married and we had our first "big" fight, he looked at me and yelled, "You Sound Just Like Your Mom". I turned, stopped completely in my tracks....those of you who know me know that I am NEVER left without something to comeback with and am never completely "stopped", I looked at him, smiled sweetly and said, "Why, Thank you". He's never said it since. Sometimes I wish that he would, because if he did, I would know that I have accomplished something great.
So...for those of you who are reading this...remember..."Wipe your feet because the insurance man is coming."
Ok, I am beginning to sound like my mom........Thank Goodness! I used to think that her constant reminder for us to wipe our feet, or take our dish to the kitchen, or clear the table, was her way of getting out of doing the housework...that was until I was old enough to have to clean up after the fact that having three brothers really meant that there were three men living in our house that were oblivious to their surroundings. My mom kept a pretty clean house. I remember her telling us that we had to hurry and clean because the "insurance" man was coming to give them a quote. I didn't catch on until much later, when I realized that in all my at growing up years I never once saw their "insurance" man. It was mom's way of getting us to really clean our rooms without having to nag at us yet another time. I tried using the "insurance man" routine, but my kids are smarter than I was. They know that the insurance man doesn't make housecalls. So instead, I tell them that I am thinking of taking a long weekend away....by myself because I am so sick of looking at their messes that they just step over. That doesn't work either. They start asking where and when are we all going. They know that I can't leave them on the drop of a hat. hmmmm... I am going to have to think of something here.
This past weekend, as many know, Bob took the boys all camping. They were gone three days. In that three day time, Meg, Anabelle, and I, cleaned the house pretty darned good. I even scrubbed the floors on my hands and kness. .I felt good after I was finished because I was able to get all the foot prints, dropspots and grime off the floors. It wasn't like it was really bad, I just knew that all these little imperfections and marks were there and they needed to be obliterated from my kitchen. It was so nice to have quiet in the house and no one insisting on a full five course hot meal every day. Bob doesn't request this... it's just something that I have done for years. My mom always served full meals and it's just a part of who I am... Sooo, guess what? I took Anabelle to McDonald's on Friday night, got pizza for Saturday, and we had leftovers for Sunday...and I dropped 3 lbs. I don't know if that is good or bad? hmmm...
I thought I would start this entry by calling it Wipe Your Feet....and found that as I write these things all the little life lessons that my mom, and to an extent, Nana, taught me have really made me who I am. Hearing myself sound like my mom is actually a good thing. You read jokes about starting to sound like one's mother and I think...Well, Praise God I finally have some sense. Have I arrived at my final complete person/mom stage? Not by a long shot. I have so far to go....I still need to master the "insurance man" method. So mom, if you read this today, know that I love you and I thank you for all the little and not so little things that you said over the years, so I could sound like you.
I know that I told my mom this, but I haven't repeated this event ever to anyone other than her and Bob, who was involved in this instance. When Bob and I were first married and we had our first "big" fight, he looked at me and yelled, "You Sound Just Like Your Mom". I turned, stopped completely in my tracks....those of you who know me know that I am NEVER left without something to comeback with and am never completely "stopped", I looked at him, smiled sweetly and said, "Why, Thank you". He's never said it since. Sometimes I wish that he would, because if he did, I would know that I have accomplished something great.
So...for those of you who are reading this...remember..."Wipe your feet because the insurance man is coming."
Saturday, April 01, 2006
There's No Place Like Home
There is a crispness in the air and a cool mist that reminds me of a few things. There is also a bit of fog that is hanging about in a feable attempt to maintain it's blanket over the yard and there is a silence in the early part of the day that cannot be replicated any other place or time than this where we are right now; this very moment.
I awoke to a sneaking suspiscion that my day would start out busy and hectict once again; not unlike all my other days. Before I raise my head, though, I listen to the silence and relish those precious moments and I close my eyes to soak in every millisecond of peace. As my feet hit the carpet, I come to the stinking realization that the smallest munchkin of the Chapman clan drank way too much last night and my feather bed now needs a vacation at the local cleaner's. Not the way I wanted to start my day. I head downstairs after I strip the mattress bare, to bring in the boys' papers from their route. I have been elected to deliver their papers for them while they are away for the weekend. Anabelle is busy cleaning up and is so upset that she soiled my bed. I can't be angry, that emotion doesn't even enter into this senario. I just smile at her and remind her that it does no good to cry over spilt milk...this doesn't make her feel any better. She is such a sweet spirit and is so in tune with others. She is at that stage where she wants so desperately to be "bigger", but still wants to cuddle and be cooed over just a little bit. I love this phase of her life. Meggie decides to help me deliver the papers and we head out; the three of us Chapman girls, to bring the exciting news from all parts of the world to the peaceful inhabitants of a three block radius of our home. And to think, this is all done before 6:30 am. I can now see why the boys have no problem getting up early to deliver...this little corner of the world is so serene and peaceful. There are no cars driving around, polluting the air, or making paper delivery a hazzardous job. We are so very fortunate and blessed to live in a country where we can walk without fear of persecution or torment. God has blessed us incredibly.
As we finish delivering the paper I look back over the yard and see that the fog is lifting a bit and the air seems to stir. The world is waking.
There is a crispness in the air and a cool mist that reminds me of a few things. There is also a bit of fog that is hanging about in a feable attempt to maintain it's blanket over the yard and there is a silence in the early part of the day that cannot be replicated any other place or time than this where we are right now; this very moment.
I awoke to a sneaking suspiscion that my day would start out busy and hectict once again; not unlike all my other days. Before I raise my head, though, I listen to the silence and relish those precious moments and I close my eyes to soak in every millisecond of peace. As my feet hit the carpet, I come to the stinking realization that the smallest munchkin of the Chapman clan drank way too much last night and my feather bed now needs a vacation at the local cleaner's. Not the way I wanted to start my day. I head downstairs after I strip the mattress bare, to bring in the boys' papers from their route. I have been elected to deliver their papers for them while they are away for the weekend. Anabelle is busy cleaning up and is so upset that she soiled my bed. I can't be angry, that emotion doesn't even enter into this senario. I just smile at her and remind her that it does no good to cry over spilt milk...this doesn't make her feel any better. She is such a sweet spirit and is so in tune with others. She is at that stage where she wants so desperately to be "bigger", but still wants to cuddle and be cooed over just a little bit. I love this phase of her life. Meggie decides to help me deliver the papers and we head out; the three of us Chapman girls, to bring the exciting news from all parts of the world to the peaceful inhabitants of a three block radius of our home. And to think, this is all done before 6:30 am. I can now see why the boys have no problem getting up early to deliver...this little corner of the world is so serene and peaceful. There are no cars driving around, polluting the air, or making paper delivery a hazzardous job. We are so very fortunate and blessed to live in a country where we can walk without fear of persecution or torment. God has blessed us incredibly.
As we finish delivering the paper I look back over the yard and see that the fog is lifting a bit and the air seems to stir. The world is waking.
Friday, March 31, 2006
My daughter's best friend/sister, Stephanie wrote this on her blog and I thought it was just about the most intelligent, insightful, and so real, that I thought that you may all enjoy reading and seeing the thoughts of a 17 year old. This is proof that not all teens only worry about what color to dye their hair, or which pants make their bums look smaller. There are some intelligent wonderful teens out there. Read on.
"It's a shame FDR couldn't have lived a few days longer to see Hilter slay himself. Or maybe it's a shame that Hitler didn't resort to his death knell earlier. Or perhaps those halfwitted boobs should have just let young Adolph into art school and we could have found ourselves studying repulsively strange artwork instead of photographs that scream genocide. Hindsight's a funny thing.Decisions become more difficult each day. I cannot seem to understand the significance of old and new, nor the difference between inverse and reciprical. But it rained today, and I liked it. Remember when we went out in the rain to take pictures? We were young and innocent, hearts unblemished. Do you remember the blueberry candle? Or the lemonade stands on the gravel road? Remember...?I'm going to trust that experience is equivalent to wisdom. To forbid for my own good, comprehensible. But to forbid and leave the sparrow in the forest, susceptible to vulture and the like, is not my nature. But I'm going to trust experience, wisdom. I'm slowly learning to abide and respect, abide and surrender.Who honestly uses this darned website anyways? Besides you, Mary. Thanks for the invitiation.And thanks for you hospitality, and lunches, and wise words. And thanks for your daughter. I hope my grammatical errors don't irritate you. You English guru, you.Bailey is summoning. Good evening.
posted by Stephanie Rose "
"It's a shame FDR couldn't have lived a few days longer to see Hilter slay himself. Or maybe it's a shame that Hitler didn't resort to his death knell earlier. Or perhaps those halfwitted boobs should have just let young Adolph into art school and we could have found ourselves studying repulsively strange artwork instead of photographs that scream genocide. Hindsight's a funny thing.Decisions become more difficult each day. I cannot seem to understand the significance of old and new, nor the difference between inverse and reciprical. But it rained today, and I liked it. Remember when we went out in the rain to take pictures? We were young and innocent, hearts unblemished. Do you remember the blueberry candle? Or the lemonade stands on the gravel road? Remember...?I'm going to trust that experience is equivalent to wisdom. To forbid for my own good, comprehensible. But to forbid and leave the sparrow in the forest, susceptible to vulture and the like, is not my nature. But I'm going to trust experience, wisdom. I'm slowly learning to abide and respect, abide and surrender.Who honestly uses this darned website anyways? Besides you, Mary. Thanks for the invitiation.And thanks for you hospitality, and lunches, and wise words. And thanks for your daughter. I hope my grammatical errors don't irritate you. You English guru, you.Bailey is summoning. Good evening.
posted by Stephanie Rose "
Rainy Friday!
Woke up to the sound of rain hitting the window panes of my bedroom and it sounded so peaceful. Ran downstairs to check my email because of the submissions I did, like they would email ME! I have to change some things I have on the TwoPeas website. Bob took Nathaniel last night to get all his boy scout camping stuff. I have no idea what all he got, but it's in a pile in the dining room right now. The guys are all leaving this afternoon. Bob is taking a half day...imagine that. Mr. Never- Takes-a-day-for-anything, but hey,.....this IS Boy Scout CAMPING!!! He loves to do things like this with the kids.
Meg has invited the cast from Annie over this evening, so I guess, I have to behave like a normal person. That's gonna be boring! Being in various productions has been good for the kids. They all love to act, especially Meg. I don't know why I even wrote that, it's been her passion since she could walk practically. I remember the afternoon, when she was three and a half, and she saw MaryKate and Ashley Olson on Full House. She watched them intently and looked up at me and said, "Mom, why are they on tv? I can do that." Then....it all began; all the dramas that Bob and I had to sit through as she made her brothers be everything from a ballerina to Bond James....not to be confused with James Bond...she was really original at that stage in her life. We got out some movies of the kids the other day and found a whole stack of cassettes/movies, that Meg had made with the kids. It's funny, we thought that she only hooked her siblings in., but NO.....You're gonna love this, she hooked our neighbor into acting in a few of the movies....she even has Brian, Stephanie, Maddie, and a whole slew of unsuspecting victims. I wish I could put a few of the movies on this blog, so you can all see Meg at her creative best.
Now that I mentioned Brian....that brings to mind the one event that is on Meg's mind....well, besides "Annie", and that's PROM..... she has her dress, purse, jewelry, and has even ordered her shoes....last night she asked me to meet Brian over at the florist to pick out flowers soooo, I sat and waited and Meg finally took a break from rehersal and told me that Brian was there with her watching, and she just wanted me to pick out anything that I liked. She is very matter of fact about things. She doesn't hem and haw... if she likes something she doesn't mull it over for days on end.
When we found her dress we had only been looking for a few hours down in SF. She tried on a few of the dresses that she thought might be a possibility, then we found her a Jessica McClintock all black vintage looking satin floor length that fits her perfectly. The problem with the other dresses was that they were too big and she couldn't find any that fit her the way she wanted them to. The best part of the dress is this....because it's all black, she can use it for other occassions as well.
Off of Meg...and on to Anabelle....she did the nicest thing yesterday...she made me lunch....lol a PBJ.... I hate sandwiches, but I ate it with a smile on my face...it was the sweetest thing she has done in a few days.
I feel like I am jumping from one subject to another....went to co-op last night and it was ok... Ten members showed up so we should have a decent order if all the regular case orderers order. If there is an Organic Buying Club that operates in your area...you really should look into joining. Great organic products at a fraction of what you will pay retail. Mailing out some scrap items, page kits, for some gals back east later today.
Well, I guess I should get dressed and get my day officially started....Already had one cup of java.... the aroma of coffee is calling my name from the kitchen.
Love you!
Woke up to the sound of rain hitting the window panes of my bedroom and it sounded so peaceful. Ran downstairs to check my email because of the submissions I did, like they would email ME! I have to change some things I have on the TwoPeas website. Bob took Nathaniel last night to get all his boy scout camping stuff. I have no idea what all he got, but it's in a pile in the dining room right now. The guys are all leaving this afternoon. Bob is taking a half day...imagine that. Mr. Never- Takes-a-day-for-anything, but hey,.....this IS Boy Scout CAMPING!!! He loves to do things like this with the kids.
Meg has invited the cast from Annie over this evening, so I guess, I have to behave like a normal person. That's gonna be boring! Being in various productions has been good for the kids. They all love to act, especially Meg. I don't know why I even wrote that, it's been her passion since she could walk practically. I remember the afternoon, when she was three and a half, and she saw MaryKate and Ashley Olson on Full House. She watched them intently and looked up at me and said, "Mom, why are they on tv? I can do that." Then....it all began; all the dramas that Bob and I had to sit through as she made her brothers be everything from a ballerina to Bond James....not to be confused with James Bond...she was really original at that stage in her life. We got out some movies of the kids the other day and found a whole stack of cassettes/movies, that Meg had made with the kids. It's funny, we thought that she only hooked her siblings in., but NO.....You're gonna love this, she hooked our neighbor into acting in a few of the movies....she even has Brian, Stephanie, Maddie, and a whole slew of unsuspecting victims. I wish I could put a few of the movies on this blog, so you can all see Meg at her creative best.
Now that I mentioned Brian....that brings to mind the one event that is on Meg's mind....well, besides "Annie", and that's PROM..... she has her dress, purse, jewelry, and has even ordered her shoes....last night she asked me to meet Brian over at the florist to pick out flowers soooo, I sat and waited and Meg finally took a break from rehersal and told me that Brian was there with her watching, and she just wanted me to pick out anything that I liked. She is very matter of fact about things. She doesn't hem and haw... if she likes something she doesn't mull it over for days on end.
When we found her dress we had only been looking for a few hours down in SF. She tried on a few of the dresses that she thought might be a possibility, then we found her a Jessica McClintock all black vintage looking satin floor length that fits her perfectly. The problem with the other dresses was that they were too big and she couldn't find any that fit her the way she wanted them to. The best part of the dress is this....because it's all black, she can use it for other occassions as well.
Off of Meg...and on to Anabelle....she did the nicest thing yesterday...she made me lunch....lol a PBJ.... I hate sandwiches, but I ate it with a smile on my face...it was the sweetest thing she has done in a few days.
I feel like I am jumping from one subject to another....went to co-op last night and it was ok... Ten members showed up so we should have a decent order if all the regular case orderers order. If there is an Organic Buying Club that operates in your area...you really should look into joining. Great organic products at a fraction of what you will pay retail. Mailing out some scrap items, page kits, for some gals back east later today.
Well, I guess I should get dressed and get my day officially started....Already had one cup of java.... the aroma of coffee is calling my name from the kitchen.
Love you!
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Another Day of Possibilities:
Woke up a little early today, feeling a lot better and more rested. As I sit here on the computer with coffee in had, I am listening to the waking up of my family. Bob is taking care of Barney's needs (dog food, being his prime goal in a doggy dog life), Meg is upstairs getting ready for classes and Robby is in the shower. Andrew, Nathaniel, and Anabelle are still sawing logs.. Their world of dreamland will come to an abrubt end when I go up to wake them in a few minutes.
Yesterday was pretty productive. I submitted five layouts to three different magazines. I am not going to give up. Today will be a busy one for me. After Home Schooling is finished, Chris is coming over for some help with her grandmother's album...She's going to be 100 and Chris is making her a life album. After that, Meg, Brian, and Brian's Mom want me to meet them at the florest to help them pick flowers for prom, I have a co-op meeting tonight, that I really don't want to go to, but being the corrdinator, I really should be there. I will bring some hot tea and cough drops with me.
As far as scrapping for tne day, I will do a few layouts when Chris is working on her stuff. I would much rather her come to my house than me go there. I end up leaving the kids' home alone and I really don't like doing that. Well, Hope you all have a wonderful day. Weather wise, here, it's raining and I know that several of you are experiencing the same type of weather, or wish you had rain.. oh well.
that's all for now
Mary
Woke up a little early today, feeling a lot better and more rested. As I sit here on the computer with coffee in had, I am listening to the waking up of my family. Bob is taking care of Barney's needs (dog food, being his prime goal in a doggy dog life), Meg is upstairs getting ready for classes and Robby is in the shower. Andrew, Nathaniel, and Anabelle are still sawing logs.. Their world of dreamland will come to an abrubt end when I go up to wake them in a few minutes.
Yesterday was pretty productive. I submitted five layouts to three different magazines. I am not going to give up. Today will be a busy one for me. After Home Schooling is finished, Chris is coming over for some help with her grandmother's album...She's going to be 100 and Chris is making her a life album. After that, Meg, Brian, and Brian's Mom want me to meet them at the florest to help them pick flowers for prom, I have a co-op meeting tonight, that I really don't want to go to, but being the corrdinator, I really should be there. I will bring some hot tea and cough drops with me.
As far as scrapping for tne day, I will do a few layouts when Chris is working on her stuff. I would much rather her come to my house than me go there. I end up leaving the kids' home alone and I really don't like doing that. Well, Hope you all have a wonderful day. Weather wise, here, it's raining and I know that several of you are experiencing the same type of weather, or wish you had rain.. oh well.
that's all for now
Mary
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Life is funny sometimes. I spent a good part of the day scrapping and actually finished three (3) layouts. I hope I continue to scrap at this pace...actually,,,it's not the pace that I need to worry about, it's getting it "right" for me. Scrapping is an artform. I am an artist...sounds strange, but if you really look at it...it's true..aren't we all artists of some sort? Scrapped with Shelly earlier after the kids' all finished their school work. I am inviting a few gals over to scrap this Saturday. Bob and all three boys are going camping this weekend so I will be all alone with the girls..we should have a fun weekend.
Meggie is judging interp down in Brookings on Saturday, so she'll be home a little later than usual. I hope she keeps going in the direction that she has been. She is becoming such an intependent responsible young lady.
Well, that's all for now. I am going to try to post more layouts here.
Meggie is judging interp down in Brookings on Saturday, so she'll be home a little later than usual. I hope she keeps going in the direction that she has been. She is becoming such an intependent responsible young lady.
Well, that's all for now. I am going to try to post more layouts here.
It' a Crazy Life
Some days seem a little more peaceful than others. Today is an overcast day with a little hint of spring peeking out of the clouds. I sit here with my hot cup of coffee and think that "life is good". Kids are all up and going about their day. Meg and Rob are up at the high school while Nathaniel and Andrew are argueing over a game of cards.
Andrew and Anabelle are still under the weather so I have them doing quiet work today....mainly reading while they stay warm.
Yesterday the calls started for Scrapbook Trends and I didn't get an email. This is not that discouraging, I have only submitted a few items. The gals on the pub board are saying that it takes about 10 submissions to get 1 or 2 calls. I will keep working at this. I have started looking at other scrappers' blogs to get a feel for what the magazines are looking for. I want to get published and I guess I will just have to keep submitting.
That's all for now. I am going over to Shelly's a little later to scrap. going to work on "Naming Nathaniel" and "Censored".
BBL
Some days seem a little more peaceful than others. Today is an overcast day with a little hint of spring peeking out of the clouds. I sit here with my hot cup of coffee and think that "life is good". Kids are all up and going about their day. Meg and Rob are up at the high school while Nathaniel and Andrew are argueing over a game of cards.
Andrew and Anabelle are still under the weather so I have them doing quiet work today....mainly reading while they stay warm.
Yesterday the calls started for Scrapbook Trends and I didn't get an email. This is not that discouraging, I have only submitted a few items. The gals on the pub board are saying that it takes about 10 submissions to get 1 or 2 calls. I will keep working at this. I have started looking at other scrappers' blogs to get a feel for what the magazines are looking for. I want to get published and I guess I will just have to keep submitting.
That's all for now. I am going over to Shelly's a little later to scrap. going to work on "Naming Nathaniel" and "Censored".
BBL
Monday, March 27, 2006
Another Busy day. Made enchiladas for dinner with curry saffron rice. Hope it turns out ok. Kids have always loved it, so it should be good.
Kids are still sick, I need to get them to be earlier than they have been getting there.
Not much for me today, just feeling a little on the tired side. Can't wait to get into my warm bed with feather comforter.
ttfn,
manana
mary
Kids are still sick, I need to get them to be earlier than they have been getting there.
Not much for me today, just feeling a little on the tired side. Can't wait to get into my warm bed with feather comforter.
ttfn,
manana
mary
Friday, March 24, 2006
Hi there,
Been another crazy day. Kids are DRIVING me insane....actually, they are all reading in their bedrooms because I sent them ALL to their rooms...
Spent some time with Megan looking at colleges online. She is looking at Colleges of Arts and Design. She is interested in a couple here in the states and a few in Canada and Europe. They all have pretty good financial aid packs. The Savannah College of Arts and Design is one of them and it looks very interesting.
Been another crazy day. Kids are DRIVING me insane....actually, they are all reading in their bedrooms because I sent them ALL to their rooms...
Spent some time with Megan looking at colleges online. She is looking at Colleges of Arts and Design. She is interested in a couple here in the states and a few in Canada and Europe. They all have pretty good financial aid packs. The Savannah College of Arts and Design is one of them and it looks very interesting.
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