Although the chilly wind took a little out of the otherwise gorgeous day, it was sunny enough for yard sales to abound. Rellie was coughing his little head off this morning so I gave him some medicine and Papa took him back to mom since I knew we'd be visiting the babies today and yard-saling. It's always exciting to see what my $40 will buy when I yard-sale. After I hit a few yard sales this morning and scored some great deals on clothes, ties, and a tub of dress up clothes (which also had a Care Bears costume in it) all for $5.00 I decided to see if Anne and Maddi wanted to go yard-saling because I knew Jas was reffing. She said they did, so I headed in to town. I stopped at Jeremy's on the way to drop off the ladder because he was working with Greg on their new house doing some last minute repairs. As soon as Tucker heard I was going yard-saling he was chaning out of the PJs and in to yard-saling clothes (a.k.a. he got dressed). He is almost as bad as me about yard sales. And, he is one of Maddi's favorite cousins.
Maddi was so excited to see Tucker and to go yard-saling. We hit a Tucker gold mine on the first yard sale. They had Transformers (the metal ones) AND a DS game he didn't have. Tucker even dickered with the teenager on the sale. It was hilarious. He ended up with the ziploc bag of Transformers and the DS game for $4.00. Oh, and as he reminded me, that was not his best deal. At another yard sale he got a Hot Wheels car (for his brother) for free. When he looked at the lady and said "How much is just this?" She smiled and said, "How about Free." I thought he was going to split his cheeks from smiling. He told her thank you and understood fully the value of his purchase.
Maddi scored some values as well. She found a Tinkerbell purse that immediately became attached to her arm and a couple fake watches that for a quarter she just had to have (one was Hello Kitty) to go with the purse. She was quite cute all decked out with her 75 cents worth of merchandise. What was the funniest was that she was very specific and picky about what she did and did not want and she looked through the various mounds and tubs of toys and items today. Anne and I found great deals on kids clothes and other baby items as well. Plus one yard sale had bags of items she uses for making her bows.
On the way home I hit one last yard sale (you usually get the best deals at closing times when the larger items become very cheap as the owners realize they may be stuck with them and have to keep storing them). I got a pink bike (Mongoose) with training wheels on it for $3 and another one that was also small, but for a boy for $2.00. Two bikes for $5.00. That was awesome. Mostly though I just enjoyed the little adventure that yard-saling always is for me. I know I'm a yard-sale nerd, but I enjoy it. I like that I can take my time and that I can get great deals and no one is complaining or rushing me. It's just a fun, relaxing thing I enjoy doing and it saves our family a lot of money. The clothes and shoes we picked up today were well over $20 in value and will be well-used and appreciated. I think of it as recycling too.
When I got home our neighbor was out in his yard and came to thank me for some food. His brother passed away suddenly last week and it has been such a trying time for his family. They are such nice neighbors. Both the boys/men are divorced and live at home with their mom who is quite the little French lady (she really is French). They had the funeral today in their back yard and he shared the experience with me and I could see that he was much more at peace now. It is such a hard thing and my thoughts and prayers have been with him and his family this week. Life is full of all these people called "neighbors" who can enrich and touch our lives if we will just take that chance to offer our friendship to them. Love thy neighbor is a wise commandment. Over the years we have been very blessed by those who lived next to us. We often joke that it's important to meet the neighbors before you buy a house. It's actually really good advice. They are often put into your life for a reason, but sometimes we never get to know that reason if we don't follow the commandment to love our neighbor. I know there are creeps out there and we do have to be careful (especially when we have small children), but the creepers are the minority and are usually easy to identify. Plus you always have prayer to guide you in life.
As Saturday draws to a close already I'm feeling like the weekends are becoming shorter and the weeks longer. I am so ready for summer. I think of summer and wonder what it will bring. I also think of next school year and wonder what it will bring. Will I still teach? Will we have a new house? What will our newest grandbaby look like? If I still teach, what will my next students be like? I am looking forward to the reunion and feel that I will find some answers there. One thing I do know is that I'm blessed with great children and grandchildren who all know and love the Lord and who bless my life by being a part of it every day.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Grandma's Cookbook
So I've been typing up the recipes from Grandma Tucker's cookbook. Imagine my joy when I came into the computer room and found that my computer had automatically shut down for updates. Apparently I hadn't saved all the ones I typed last night. Nice.
Still, with each recipe a decipher (most of them are written in her handwriting) I think about Grandma and my mind wanders back to the many years I had with her. Living on the farm. Spending summers there when I wasn't living there. And many of my memories are in the kitchen. It was the main part of the house. The main gathering room. There wasn't a computer room. There was a t.v. but we rarely watched it. Our main time was spent outside tending the farm, playing in the yard, or hanging out in the kitchen. She was always fixing something or canning something or playing cards.
Her recipes tell a story. For example, every time I read "sifted flour" I flash back to the flour sifter and watching her actually sift it into the bowl. I also think of the cloth flour sacks (which later became towels) and the big white, round tin that she stored the flour in. And how about that Kraut Cake?! Yep, actual recipe. Or there's the sacchrien pickles, canned beets, or homemade hand cream using "Sister Katherine's" recipe. The nuns shared their recipes with Grandma. There are lots of homemade cakes (which I intend to try making) and some baked squash recipes that I remember eating. I am just getting started so I have many memories to review, but I never dreamt that typing up the cookbook would be such a walk down memory lane. I think I'll share some of the recipes on here as well, so here's the first one:
Spicy Oatmeal Cake
1 ¼ C. Boiling Water
1 C. Rolled oats
1 ½ C. Brown Sugar, firmly packed
½ butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs beaten
1 ½ C. flour
1 tsp. each of Soda and Cinnamon
½ tsp each of salt and nutmeg
Pour boiling water on oats. Cover and set aside.
Gradually add sugar to butter creaming well.
Beat in Vanilla and eggs.
Add oat mixture and stir well. Sift together remaining ingredients.
Stir until well blended.
Pour batter into 9x2 greased pan and bake 25 or 30 minutes until test done in 350 Degree oven.
Frost in pan with LAL Daisy Frosting
¼ C. butter
½ C. Milk
½ C. brown Sugar firmly packed
1 C. Coconut
½ C. Chopped walnuts
Heat butter and milk until heated. Stir in rest of ingredients
Pour over hot cake.
Place under broiler until brown
This recipe was obviously used a lot because there were a lot of smudges and food drippings on it.
Still, with each recipe a decipher (most of them are written in her handwriting) I think about Grandma and my mind wanders back to the many years I had with her. Living on the farm. Spending summers there when I wasn't living there. And many of my memories are in the kitchen. It was the main part of the house. The main gathering room. There wasn't a computer room. There was a t.v. but we rarely watched it. Our main time was spent outside tending the farm, playing in the yard, or hanging out in the kitchen. She was always fixing something or canning something or playing cards.
Her recipes tell a story. For example, every time I read "sifted flour" I flash back to the flour sifter and watching her actually sift it into the bowl. I also think of the cloth flour sacks (which later became towels) and the big white, round tin that she stored the flour in. And how about that Kraut Cake?! Yep, actual recipe. Or there's the sacchrien pickles, canned beets, or homemade hand cream using "Sister Katherine's" recipe. The nuns shared their recipes with Grandma. There are lots of homemade cakes (which I intend to try making) and some baked squash recipes that I remember eating. I am just getting started so I have many memories to review, but I never dreamt that typing up the cookbook would be such a walk down memory lane. I think I'll share some of the recipes on here as well, so here's the first one:
Spicy Oatmeal Cake
1 ¼ C. Boiling Water
1 C. Rolled oats
1 ½ C. Brown Sugar, firmly packed
½ butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs beaten
1 ½ C. flour
1 tsp. each of Soda and Cinnamon
½ tsp each of salt and nutmeg
Pour boiling water on oats. Cover and set aside.
Gradually add sugar to butter creaming well.
Beat in Vanilla and eggs.
Add oat mixture and stir well. Sift together remaining ingredients.
Stir until well blended.
Pour batter into 9x2 greased pan and bake 25 or 30 minutes until test done in 350 Degree oven.
Frost in pan with LAL Daisy Frosting
¼ C. butter
½ C. Milk
½ C. brown Sugar firmly packed
1 C. Coconut
½ C. Chopped walnuts
Heat butter and milk until heated. Stir in rest of ingredients
Pour over hot cake.
Place under broiler until brown
This recipe was obviously used a lot because there were a lot of smudges and food drippings on it.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Empty Nesters Easter
It was a beautfiul Easter. The weather was mild, but not too cold or too hot. We went for a six mile bike ride and I could smell the lilacs blooming. Made me think of Grandma Tucker. When I suggested a bike ride I had envisioned riding over to the new track where I want to start going to walk/run to get ready for the Race for the Cure I'm doing in two weeks, but the husband says he needs to drop off a key to someone so I thought, no problem, we'll just bike it over. Six miles later!!! I felt like one of the contestants on Biggest Loser and imagined Jillian yelling in my ear as I was biking up the last part of the bunny hill and debating whether I was going to make it or have to get off and walk. I made it because the athlete in me was not going to get off. Luckily the rest of the ride was pretty easy. When we were on the home stretch I must have been lacking oxygen to the brain because my dyslexia kicked in and I yelled, "I can feel the hair in my wind." Luckily, no one heard me. When we got back I didn't even have rubber legs, so it musn't have been that hard at all.
We had a very peaceful and relaxing day. It was good just to spend time with each other and to reflect on the important things in life. Of course that includes Christ and the example he brought forth through his mortal ministry upon this earth. Some people ask me what I'll do if I get to the other side and find out it isn't what I think it's going to be. Well then, I've wasted my life TRYING to be more Christlike and compassionate. Gee, that's terrible. And I've lived a life of hope and gratitude instead of pessimistic disappointment and emptiness. I have witnessed too many miracles in my life to ignore the existence of a higher power. Just look around outside or try to understand the human brain and it's hard to deny the existence of a higher power. We've called upon that higher power many times as a family and I've seen it work many times. This Easter day as we celebrate that knowledge, I give thanks again to God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I also give thanks for the eternal nature of families and the precious gift of this life we are living.
Speaking of that.... Savannah (Nan) had her baby today-- an Easter Baby! :)
Happy Easter.
We had a very peaceful and relaxing day. It was good just to spend time with each other and to reflect on the important things in life. Of course that includes Christ and the example he brought forth through his mortal ministry upon this earth. Some people ask me what I'll do if I get to the other side and find out it isn't what I think it's going to be. Well then, I've wasted my life TRYING to be more Christlike and compassionate. Gee, that's terrible. And I've lived a life of hope and gratitude instead of pessimistic disappointment and emptiness. I have witnessed too many miracles in my life to ignore the existence of a higher power. Just look around outside or try to understand the human brain and it's hard to deny the existence of a higher power. We've called upon that higher power many times as a family and I've seen it work many times. This Easter day as we celebrate that knowledge, I give thanks again to God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I also give thanks for the eternal nature of families and the precious gift of this life we are living.
Speaking of that.... Savannah (Nan) had her baby today-- an Easter Baby! :)
Happy Easter.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
The final curtain
Well, the final curtain fell and as is generally the case, the second performance was more polished than the first. We still have a crappy sound system that never seems to come through, but other than that, it went pretty smoothly tonight. We ran out of chairs to set up so we had a packed house again and really appreciated all the community support.
The kids did a great job and there weren't too many bloopers this time. Zucco crashed his cardboard car (a box that said "this is a car") at the end of the race and fell over in it and had to be helped up (kinda like watching a tellatubby) so that was pretty funny, but most of it was just the normal funny stuff plus the singing and dancing.
It's always bittersweet when it's over. Relief and sadness at the same time. They are already talking about next year and wanting to do Robin Hood or Peter Pan or Wizard of Oz. I don't want to think about it right now.
So those were my happy thoughts today. My sad thoughts were with Jackie and her mom who had an aneurysm in her brain yesterday. They operated this morning and only gave her a 30% chance of making it. Sent out messages to get the prayers going for the surgery. She made it through, but they might have to go in again. We will all keep her in our prayers, as well as her family. We love you Jackie!
Had to call the kids to get the prayer train going because they're all up in the mountains at Pine for Easter. We're usually up there with all of them too, but had the play today. Seems very weird and quiet without all of them. I will be happy when they're home. I know they have fun up there though. It will make for a quiet Easter with just the husband and I. Might have to go see mom and dad.
The kids did a great job and there weren't too many bloopers this time. Zucco crashed his cardboard car (a box that said "this is a car") at the end of the race and fell over in it and had to be helped up (kinda like watching a tellatubby) so that was pretty funny, but most of it was just the normal funny stuff plus the singing and dancing.
It's always bittersweet when it's over. Relief and sadness at the same time. They are already talking about next year and wanting to do Robin Hood or Peter Pan or Wizard of Oz. I don't want to think about it right now.
So those were my happy thoughts today. My sad thoughts were with Jackie and her mom who had an aneurysm in her brain yesterday. They operated this morning and only gave her a 30% chance of making it. Sent out messages to get the prayers going for the surgery. She made it through, but they might have to go in again. We will all keep her in our prayers, as well as her family. We love you Jackie!
Had to call the kids to get the prayer train going because they're all up in the mountains at Pine for Easter. We're usually up there with all of them too, but had the play today. Seems very weird and quiet without all of them. I will be happy when they're home. I know they have fun up there though. It will make for a quiet Easter with just the husband and I. Might have to go see mom and dad.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Opening Night
Well, opening night is always full of unforgettable bloopers and tonight was no exception. Overall, on a scale of 1-5 I'd give us a 3. Given the 16 set changes on a 9' stage without a right wing and a staircase as the left wing-- they didn't do too bad. The dropped poor Kinicke as they were carrying him off stage (just half of him), but he survived. Sandy's cheerleading skirt came undone (so she didn't jump) and 2 of the swing dancers didn't wear leggins under their dance dresses-- just the normal underclothes and we had some unfortunate flashing that needs to be fixed before Saturday. The sound system wasn't great either, but we can work on that. Danny needs to be louder and has a lot to remember, but I have confidence he'll be better the next show now that the nerves have survived opening nights. Sandy has a great voice and the pink ladies were awesome. Everyone said great things despite the bloopers and sound problems. We all survived and they always seem to do better the second time around. I'm relieved and happy for the kids.
I am also thankful to my daughter for bringing me flowers for opening night (she is thoughtful like that) and brownies (which the cast loved). Plus she took tickets for me with her two kids on her lap. Then there's the husband. I couldn't have done it without him. He helped with a lot of things and always supports my little side jobs.
After the show we stopped by Jeremy and Stacy's new house (well- the inspection passed so it should be their house soon) and it's HUGE! While some people are complaining about the horrible housing market, I am excited to see that some families who couldn't afford much, can now afford a house. In this case, a really nice house. 3500 Square feet for an unbelievable amount. With five kids, they will be in house heaven. Right now, they are in 1400 feet and tripping on each other. I am so happy for them.
And now, I'm going to watch American Idol and go to bed and sleep soundly because opening night is over.
I am also thankful to my daughter for bringing me flowers for opening night (she is thoughtful like that) and brownies (which the cast loved). Plus she took tickets for me with her two kids on her lap. Then there's the husband. I couldn't have done it without him. He helped with a lot of things and always supports my little side jobs.
After the show we stopped by Jeremy and Stacy's new house (well- the inspection passed so it should be their house soon) and it's HUGE! While some people are complaining about the horrible housing market, I am excited to see that some families who couldn't afford much, can now afford a house. In this case, a really nice house. 3500 Square feet for an unbelievable amount. With five kids, they will be in house heaven. Right now, they are in 1400 feet and tripping on each other. I am so happy for them.
And now, I'm going to watch American Idol and go to bed and sleep soundly because opening night is over.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Partly cloudy with chances of sunshine
Hooray for Tuesdays.... the day that proves we survived Monday! I was so cold last night I heard the heater kick on quite a bit and my windows were frosted this morning. However, I was determined not to let it get me down today. By the time the sun got all the way up in the sky, it actually got warm outside and it felt like "real" spring weather. This did wonders for everybody's spirits. I was also pleased to see my kids back early this morning to "practice" some more for the play.
Apparently they were as disappointed as I was last night. With my new attitude and their new found knowledge that they will be facing their peers tomorrow (ready or not) we all forged forward in a much more focused pace. There's now only one scene that I am not comfortable with and I have ideas for fixing that tomorrow.
I know I should be more stressed given the number of set changes and how dress rehearsal went last night, but I had a talk with some of the seniors and it made me remember that it's not just about putting on a good show; it's about creating high school moments and memories that will stay with them forever. I know Kali will never forget being the jitterbugging cat and no one will forget Mr. Leonard in tights. So... the show must go on and sink or swim I know there will be some lifelong memories created tomorrow.
I'm going to bed early since I didn't sleep much last night. At my age it's not polite to tell me to break a leg, so just pray for me and more importantly for the kids who are performing tomorrow. I just want them to do their best-- whatever that is. And now I must go spray paint a wig for Frenchie's pink hair. If you come to the performance, just focus on Sandy-- she's awesome-- and ignore the noises behind the curtain. Hey, maybe I'll do Wizard of Oz next year......
Apparently they were as disappointed as I was last night. With my new attitude and their new found knowledge that they will be facing their peers tomorrow (ready or not) we all forged forward in a much more focused pace. There's now only one scene that I am not comfortable with and I have ideas for fixing that tomorrow.
I know I should be more stressed given the number of set changes and how dress rehearsal went last night, but I had a talk with some of the seniors and it made me remember that it's not just about putting on a good show; it's about creating high school moments and memories that will stay with them forever. I know Kali will never forget being the jitterbugging cat and no one will forget Mr. Leonard in tights. So... the show must go on and sink or swim I know there will be some lifelong memories created tomorrow.
I'm going to bed early since I didn't sleep much last night. At my age it's not polite to tell me to break a leg, so just pray for me and more importantly for the kids who are performing tomorrow. I just want them to do their best-- whatever that is. And now I must go spray paint a wig for Frenchie's pink hair. If you come to the performance, just focus on Sandy-- she's awesome-- and ignore the noises behind the curtain. Hey, maybe I'll do Wizard of Oz next year......
Monday, April 18, 2011
When Pooh Hits the Fan.....
I got up and got dressed and my pants were too tight. Bad way to start my day. I slept very little thinking about dress rehearsal and 17 set changes on a 9' stage and no right wing. I flashed back to last year and Kali doing her dance in the cat costume and our three teachers ending the show as KISS. How do I top that? I'm afraid I don't.
Like any coach, I am going over the game tape in my head.... again and again. What to change. What to focus on in the next practice. How to win next time (because tonight was not a "W"). I don't know what I was thinking trying to pull off something so complicated with only 5 full cast rehearsals and the rest just 15-20 minute morning and lunch groups by scenes. I just have to suck it up and make the most of tomorrow and Wednesday day and hope the kids care enough to buckle down and do their parts (which they've had since February). They all have so much going on I think they just kept thinking "I'll work on it tomorrow." Well, tomorrow is the day before opening night. My Pink Ladies are awesome and Sandy is awesome. I'm hoping we pull it together and I'm praying REALLY HARD!
As if starting off with tight pants wasn't bad enough, I discovered (as I was driving to school) that when I closed my left eye-- everything was blurry. Somehow I had lost my right contact. Then I forgot two props for the rehearsal (just little things like a toothbrush and pie tin-- which my daughter brought-- thank you Mandy). Then we had the "what was I thinking" dress rehearsal.
Then I come home and read facebook posts that make my head hurt worse. Then I remembered.... it's Monday! That explains it. I'm going to bed and ending this less than wonderful day but I am still grateful that I am alive and well to experience it and I know that I need to humble myself and pray for direction in how to handle the adversity I know I will face tomorrow as I stress and face challenges. Being angry will not solve anything. Tearing others down (even if they don't do their job) will not help. I need to do some team building tomorrow-- not tearing down. And I need to bring sunshine-- not rain.
Stay tuned.
Like any coach, I am going over the game tape in my head.... again and again. What to change. What to focus on in the next practice. How to win next time (because tonight was not a "W"). I don't know what I was thinking trying to pull off something so complicated with only 5 full cast rehearsals and the rest just 15-20 minute morning and lunch groups by scenes. I just have to suck it up and make the most of tomorrow and Wednesday day and hope the kids care enough to buckle down and do their parts (which they've had since February). They all have so much going on I think they just kept thinking "I'll work on it tomorrow." Well, tomorrow is the day before opening night. My Pink Ladies are awesome and Sandy is awesome. I'm hoping we pull it together and I'm praying REALLY HARD!
As if starting off with tight pants wasn't bad enough, I discovered (as I was driving to school) that when I closed my left eye-- everything was blurry. Somehow I had lost my right contact. Then I forgot two props for the rehearsal (just little things like a toothbrush and pie tin-- which my daughter brought-- thank you Mandy). Then we had the "what was I thinking" dress rehearsal.
Then I come home and read facebook posts that make my head hurt worse. Then I remembered.... it's Monday! That explains it. I'm going to bed and ending this less than wonderful day but I am still grateful that I am alive and well to experience it and I know that I need to humble myself and pray for direction in how to handle the adversity I know I will face tomorrow as I stress and face challenges. Being angry will not solve anything. Tearing others down (even if they don't do their job) will not help. I need to do some team building tomorrow-- not tearing down. And I need to bring sunshine-- not rain.
Stay tuned.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Jaws-- an epic
The midlife continues.... I have been having the strangest flashbacks lately. Had another tonight. We picked up the grandkids to go to the movies (I do NOT recommend Gnomey and Juliet-- killed some brain cells there) and ended up having to take Daisha back home because she shut her finger in the car door and pinched it pretty good-- did the indent with broken skin thing. It also started to swell and she had a temporary meltdown. Thought it might be broken at first, but decided it wasn't after further inspection. She's such a toothpick it wouldn't take much. Broke my heart.
So anyway while I was sitting in the theater waiting for the movie to start I had a flashback to sitting up in the balcony part of the old theater in Glenns Ferry where we went to high school and watching "Jaws" for the first time. It was the scariest movie I had ever seen. It was so intense. I remember everyone in the theater screaming. Kids today would probably just laugh or make fun of the weak sauce special effects, but I remember being in awe. You see, I wasn't desensitized. I didn't watch that stuff day in and day out. I watched "Little House on the Praire" and "The Waltons" (goodnight Mary Ellen) and sometimes "All in the Family" (which was considered a little risque). Of course there was the "Bionic Man" (and woman-- later) but you can see why "Jaws" was such a step for me.
Tucker came home with us to spend the night with Rellie. They were playing with the lego blocks when my brother called from Iraq. I miss him but this time has gone so much faster than the last time-- I am thankful. I pray for his continued safety and the safety of all American troops. I am also thankful (not on the same level obviously) for warm lemon honey water to calm my porcupine throat. Have to get better so we can go yard-saling in the morning!
So anyway while I was sitting in the theater waiting for the movie to start I had a flashback to sitting up in the balcony part of the old theater in Glenns Ferry where we went to high school and watching "Jaws" for the first time. It was the scariest movie I had ever seen. It was so intense. I remember everyone in the theater screaming. Kids today would probably just laugh or make fun of the weak sauce special effects, but I remember being in awe. You see, I wasn't desensitized. I didn't watch that stuff day in and day out. I watched "Little House on the Praire" and "The Waltons" (goodnight Mary Ellen) and sometimes "All in the Family" (which was considered a little risque). Of course there was the "Bionic Man" (and woman-- later) but you can see why "Jaws" was such a step for me.
Tucker came home with us to spend the night with Rellie. They were playing with the lego blocks when my brother called from Iraq. I miss him but this time has gone so much faster than the last time-- I am thankful. I pray for his continued safety and the safety of all American troops. I am also thankful (not on the same level obviously) for warm lemon honey water to calm my porcupine throat. Have to get better so we can go yard-saling in the morning!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Mid-Life
You know it's the middle of your life when you feel like the years ahead are not as plentiful as the years behind. You start wondering if some of your dreams are unattainable and if you will have the physical ability to still do some of the things you had once considered. You wonder if someone would still hire you at this age if you switched careers (to go to law school or not to go to law school-- that is the question). And, you are constantly taking inventory of your body. Is this normal? When did that happen? Why do I need a paramedic after a simple spider stretch!
You also think about simple joy and happiness. The word "tired" is common and while you still have pep, energy, and fight you can rally on-call-- you need a recovery period after you use it! You want things to be quieter-- or at least I do-- and less complicated, but mostly you want to find joy in your simple hobbies and the things that consume your time. If those simple things are neglected or discouraged it begins to feel like you're just putting on foot in front of the other.
So.... self assessment AGAIN! I seem to do that a lot lately and that is one of the mid-life flags. I'm not assessing myself as much as I'm assessing my accomplishments, my blessings, my future dreams and goals, and the quality of my daily life.
Health and happiness are definitely connected.I can always do better with that so that I can continue to experience new adventures and enjoy the simple activities of life, children, and grandchildren. I also need to express daily gratitude. Ingratitude is unbecoming and self damaging as we become pessimistic instead of optimistic.
So I'm experiencing mid-life on my blog. Great.....
You also think about simple joy and happiness. The word "tired" is common and while you still have pep, energy, and fight you can rally on-call-- you need a recovery period after you use it! You want things to be quieter-- or at least I do-- and less complicated, but mostly you want to find joy in your simple hobbies and the things that consume your time. If those simple things are neglected or discouraged it begins to feel like you're just putting on foot in front of the other.
So.... self assessment AGAIN! I seem to do that a lot lately and that is one of the mid-life flags. I'm not assessing myself as much as I'm assessing my accomplishments, my blessings, my future dreams and goals, and the quality of my daily life.
Health and happiness are definitely connected.I can always do better with that so that I can continue to experience new adventures and enjoy the simple activities of life, children, and grandchildren. I also need to express daily gratitude. Ingratitude is unbecoming and self damaging as we become pessimistic instead of optimistic.
So I'm experiencing mid-life on my blog. Great.....
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Busy weekend
Well there was enough sunshine to do some yard-saling and found some good deals. Whoop-whoop! Greg's mom and her husband were down for the baby blessing so they went yard-saling with us. Started the day with breakfast at Sunrise Cafe first though and that's always a good way to start your Saturday (not cooking) :D. Got to see Rellie and Fathead too and if they keep growing, she will have to enroll them in school. Good thing she's a coupon queen so she can afford to feed them!
Today was a church marathon. Went to our church first, then went to the son's church for Baby Bradley's blessing. After church we went to Jeremy's for a BBQ. Bradley slept through most of the family buzz (one of the advantages of having four brothers and sisters), and the cousins played. Rellie and Kayson were sick today, so they missed out on the cousin gathering, but there was a housefull without them! Jilly and Maddi wore the matching dresses we got them and were absolutely adorable. I didn't get a picture of Daisha before she changed out of her cute dress, but she was adorable as well. She also helped Maddi jump on the trampoline for the first time. Gigglefest! I love my kids and I love the gospel. I don't think or believe God is real and Christ lived upon this earth as an example to all of us.... I know it. I have witnessed many miracles in my own life and have felt the spirit in my life many times. I have felt God's hand upon this earth and see his work all around me. I am blessed to have the family I do and I know we are a forever family.
Today was a church marathon. Went to our church first, then went to the son's church for Baby Bradley's blessing. After church we went to Jeremy's for a BBQ. Bradley slept through most of the family buzz (one of the advantages of having four brothers and sisters), and the cousins played. Rellie and Kayson were sick today, so they missed out on the cousin gathering, but there was a housefull without them! Jilly and Maddi wore the matching dresses we got them and were absolutely adorable. I didn't get a picture of Daisha before she changed out of her cute dress, but she was adorable as well. She also helped Maddi jump on the trampoline for the first time. Gigglefest! I love my kids and I love the gospel. I don't think or believe God is real and Christ lived upon this earth as an example to all of us.... I know it. I have witnessed many miracles in my own life and have felt the spirit in my life many times. I have felt God's hand upon this earth and see his work all around me. I am blessed to have the family I do and I know we are a forever family.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Dumbing down America
We are becoming an overweight, underachieving society because we choose to sit in front of a computer, or television, or video game and have instant everything. You can shop, talk, debate, create,, pay your bills, and be entertained without ever leaving your computer chair. The lack of physical work, human interaction, and social responsibility is a dangerous path that we are heading down. It develops more of a “me” society and less of a “we” society. It desensitizes and dehumanizes. We see images instead of real people. We use user names in editorials and blogs instead of our real names. We lack moderation and balance.
Technology is a wonderful tool, but so is nuclear energy. We cannot become a gluttonous or slothful society or we and our future generations will pay for it. The value of physical work, human (face to face) interaction, and socially responsible behavior and tact can’t be lost if America is to retain the pride and leadership qualities it has possessed in the past. Diluted or misguided values= a diluted and misguided society. Education is no different.
Schools faced with budget cuts are not hiring back retiring teachers. For example, a retiring history teacher I know has had his history classes replaced by on-line classes. Why not make all schools—every class-- on –line. Kids can just stay home all day and sit in front of their computer. They can become even more faceless and more desensitized. The public wants accountability for quality education though, so that would mean those on-line companies would be responsible for ISAT test scores (they currently aren’t) and they would be candidates for AYP jail. Oh, and forget school sports teams—join any team. Who needs small town America? If it’s really about saving money—cut public schools. Pull the plug—Go 100% on-line. Who needs high school proms, homecoming floats, school drama, or sports? Who needs face to face interaction? Just give them a computer. Problem solved.
Technology is a wonderful tool, but so is nuclear energy. We cannot become a gluttonous or slothful society or we and our future generations will pay for it. The value of physical work, human (face to face) interaction, and socially responsible behavior and tact can’t be lost if America is to retain the pride and leadership qualities it has possessed in the past. Diluted or misguided values= a diluted and misguided society. Education is no different.
Schools faced with budget cuts are not hiring back retiring teachers. For example, a retiring history teacher I know has had his history classes replaced by on-line classes. Why not make all schools—every class-- on –line. Kids can just stay home all day and sit in front of their computer. They can become even more faceless and more desensitized. The public wants accountability for quality education though, so that would mean those on-line companies would be responsible for ISAT test scores (they currently aren’t) and they would be candidates for AYP jail. Oh, and forget school sports teams—join any team. Who needs small town America? If it’s really about saving money—cut public schools. Pull the plug—Go 100% on-line. Who needs high school proms, homecoming floats, school drama, or sports? Who needs face to face interaction? Just give them a computer. Problem solved.
Rainy Days and Mondays
So far we've only had one good day of sunshine this week. I hope that changes. Plus, even with "low" levels of radiation in the air that "we shouldn't be concerned with" it makes me leery of the rain even more. This is the same government who's telling us that cutting spending to education is helping it because we're getting laptops (and paying for it by taking money FROM our school budgets so we have less money). In the meantime, I'll be avoiding milk and drinking my water that's bottled (not purified water however-- that means it had a problem in the first place). I keep reading comments like, "it's the same radiation you'd get in a flight to Ohio" and I think, "What? We get radiated when we're flying?! Have we been told this before?" Or they compare it to the radiation we get when having a cat scan. I'm thinking, "Gee, I have to have one of those every 5 years." Between MRIs, X-rays, and Cat Scans,-- it's no wonder I was at the doctor yesterday having my 4th "bad" mole removed. I'm sure my early suntanning years are the main reason, but now I'm thinking I'm just going to say "no" when these test-happy doctors want to radiate me!
The nurse who assisted with my surgery yesterday was.... interesting. I swear, if something odd can happen anywhere, I have the odd-magnet/target on my forehead. As she was prepping me she told me I didn't need to change into a gown because they could just roll up my shirt. Hmmmm. I questioned this, but she insisted I didn't need to. When the doctor came in and they both started looking for the site to deaden they were pointing to my lower back at a mole there. Luckily, he has a great memory and was questioning her. Yikes! I said, "Um, it's on my upper right shoulder blade guys." He sternly told her to get the chart and that that's what he thought too. He was a little grumpy with her during the surgery and while they were sewing things up. He's usually quite a conversationalist and gives me step-by-step reports so the surgery seemed longer than normal this time. Having it right on my shoulder blade makes things a little tricky. Plus, he said he needed to go deeper. It felt like it. Still, whatever it takes.... He's been able to get all of every one of them so far, so I trust him. Haven't had one come back yet.
As I was leaving they "reminded me" not to lift for two weeks and avoid reaching forward too quickly. Oh, and no getting it wet for two more days. I said okay and headed home to get the stuff for drama practice. The husband loaded up the BBQ grill and it was nice to BBQ for the kids before we practiced. They are all involved in so many things. Many of them come straight from a sports practice. It wasn't a "great" practice as far as the singing goes, but we did work out blocking on a couple of our shakier scenes and they all swore they'd work on their parts this weekend. We shall see. Next week is the hard one with so many of them gone and no night practices the week before we open. Pray for us. Mandy brought Rellie and Kayson over to the BBQ and to watch the practice. That was fun. They liked watching and eating with mem and papa.
It's only Thursday..... it's been a long week. One of those weeks when every day seems like Monday. Some good news though, our son and his wife found a house and put an offer in. They are just waiting to hear back now. We are excited for them. My shoulder is very sore this morning and this is too much typing already. Not good. Gotta go to school though-- too much going on. Hope it doesn't rain again today....
The nurse who assisted with my surgery yesterday was.... interesting. I swear, if something odd can happen anywhere, I have the odd-magnet/target on my forehead. As she was prepping me she told me I didn't need to change into a gown because they could just roll up my shirt. Hmmmm. I questioned this, but she insisted I didn't need to. When the doctor came in and they both started looking for the site to deaden they were pointing to my lower back at a mole there. Luckily, he has a great memory and was questioning her. Yikes! I said, "Um, it's on my upper right shoulder blade guys." He sternly told her to get the chart and that that's what he thought too. He was a little grumpy with her during the surgery and while they were sewing things up. He's usually quite a conversationalist and gives me step-by-step reports so the surgery seemed longer than normal this time. Having it right on my shoulder blade makes things a little tricky. Plus, he said he needed to go deeper. It felt like it. Still, whatever it takes.... He's been able to get all of every one of them so far, so I trust him. Haven't had one come back yet.
As I was leaving they "reminded me" not to lift for two weeks and avoid reaching forward too quickly. Oh, and no getting it wet for two more days. I said okay and headed home to get the stuff for drama practice. The husband loaded up the BBQ grill and it was nice to BBQ for the kids before we practiced. They are all involved in so many things. Many of them come straight from a sports practice. It wasn't a "great" practice as far as the singing goes, but we did work out blocking on a couple of our shakier scenes and they all swore they'd work on their parts this weekend. We shall see. Next week is the hard one with so many of them gone and no night practices the week before we open. Pray for us. Mandy brought Rellie and Kayson over to the BBQ and to watch the practice. That was fun. They liked watching and eating with mem and papa.
It's only Thursday..... it's been a long week. One of those weeks when every day seems like Monday. Some good news though, our son and his wife found a house and put an offer in. They are just waiting to hear back now. We are excited for them. My shoulder is very sore this morning and this is too much typing already. Not good. Gotta go to school though-- too much going on. Hope it doesn't rain again today....
Sunday, April 3, 2011
a walk down memory lane
The three little monkeys (grandkids) slept quite well last night and we all awoke to wonderful sunshine. It could have been a little warmer, but it was better than yesterday. This meant that we all got the outside bug today. We drug out the tub of outside toys and they gravitated toward the dumptrucks and tractors. These went nicely with the mini-mounds of dirt in our backyard (thanks to a gopher). The gopher has been exterminated, but the mounds have not. Is there anything more exciting than playing in dirt or water as a kid?
We also went for a Sunday drive and stopped at the portapotty at Papa's school because Daisha couldn't wait until we got back home. We saw some nice houses that have potential on our house-hunting list, but of course we'll have to wait till school's out to officially start making visits with George (our realtor). It was a nice day for a drive though.
When we got back Jas and Anne came over adding baby Maddi to the kid mix and we decided to do some Sand Art. Boy that brought back some memories! Then we watched Conference and as usual were reminded of a lot of very simplistic, but necessary points about the gospel of Jesus Christ: be kinder; take care of those in need; try to be and not just "do". Russ and Mandy showed up too so we had a full house and that always excites Rellie. He loves his cousins and hates leaving them.
I remember how much I loved my cousins and their visits as well. When I lived with Gma and Gpa we constantly had visiting cousins and Gma's house was the holiday house where everyone went to gather for the holidays. Tonight I went to Carol (my cousin) and Tom's house to plan our family reunion for this summer and what a trip down memory lane that was. We reminisced about so many things and all agreed that we need to stop being such strangers. For a family that used to be so close, we have all grown apart and into our own little worlds. I am looking forward to rekindling those family bonds and spending more time with my family now that I live so close to them. It also affirmed to me that this is where I need to be right now in my life. I also need to be in bed right now, so I'm off.
We also went for a Sunday drive and stopped at the portapotty at Papa's school because Daisha couldn't wait until we got back home. We saw some nice houses that have potential on our house-hunting list, but of course we'll have to wait till school's out to officially start making visits with George (our realtor). It was a nice day for a drive though.
When we got back Jas and Anne came over adding baby Maddi to the kid mix and we decided to do some Sand Art. Boy that brought back some memories! Then we watched Conference and as usual were reminded of a lot of very simplistic, but necessary points about the gospel of Jesus Christ: be kinder; take care of those in need; try to be and not just "do". Russ and Mandy showed up too so we had a full house and that always excites Rellie. He loves his cousins and hates leaving them.
I remember how much I loved my cousins and their visits as well. When I lived with Gma and Gpa we constantly had visiting cousins and Gma's house was the holiday house where everyone went to gather for the holidays. Tonight I went to Carol (my cousin) and Tom's house to plan our family reunion for this summer and what a trip down memory lane that was. We reminisced about so many things and all agreed that we need to stop being such strangers. For a family that used to be so close, we have all grown apart and into our own little worlds. I am looking forward to rekindling those family bonds and spending more time with my family now that I live so close to them. It also affirmed to me that this is where I need to be right now in my life. I also need to be in bed right now, so I'm off.
color my life...... burgandy
So we went yard-saling yesterday... until the Wizard of Oz weather hit. Okay, I plowed through it and kept yard-saling. Call me dedicated. Amongst our driving journey I noticed all the green grass and fields everywhere. Even in the rain, it was a thing of beauty. I love green. I may change it to my favorite color. This made me think about color choices in my life, so I said to the husband, "What were our wedding colors?" I could see the sweat building on his forehead as he stalled. Then finally he said, "Baby blue." Right...... I would choose a guy color! I asked him why he thought it was that color and (wait.... it gets better) he said, "Because your bridesmaids dresses were baby blue." I guess I attended a different wedding. I said, "Hon, they were burgundy." Oh yea..... everything came back to him then. In his defense, I had a baby blue dress that I wore to prom and he wore a matching baby blue tux. C'mon... don't laugh... it was the '70's. That was very cool then.
So we got to see all of our children and grandchildren in our traveling yesterday. That is the joy of living so close to the best thing (other than marrying each other) that we have ever done or will ever do in our life. Some of the children were lucky enough to see us more than once because we're forgetful like that. We decided to have a "boys night" too so the three little boys came over to stay, but Bry Bry cracked at the last minute and decided to go home with mom and dad, so Daisha got to fill in by default. Tucker's fan club (Rellie) was so excited to see Tucker that it has taken over night to keep him from not walking on his heels. He loves his cousin.
I found tap shoes for Daisha and she was trying them out on our wood floors. Her dad announced that the shoes had to stay at my house. I'm signing her up for dance lessons this summer, so dad might have to get used to it (or hope he has all carpet at their new house):D. Daisha, the seven-year-old, informed me that she could only do dance classes if it didn't interfere with her basketball. That's my girl! Got some other great deals yard-saling too like one of those "listen to the heartbeat" monitors for Jas and Anne. $29.99 on T.V. or $1.00 at the yard sale.
The best part of the day, besides seeing the kids and grandkids, was just driving around and seeing that summer really is coming. That also means we will be looking for a new house with some land so we can have some critters and my bucket list barn. Finally...... :D
So we got to see all of our children and grandchildren in our traveling yesterday. That is the joy of living so close to the best thing (other than marrying each other) that we have ever done or will ever do in our life. Some of the children were lucky enough to see us more than once because we're forgetful like that. We decided to have a "boys night" too so the three little boys came over to stay, but Bry Bry cracked at the last minute and decided to go home with mom and dad, so Daisha got to fill in by default. Tucker's fan club (Rellie) was so excited to see Tucker that it has taken over night to keep him from not walking on his heels. He loves his cousin.
I found tap shoes for Daisha and she was trying them out on our wood floors. Her dad announced that the shoes had to stay at my house. I'm signing her up for dance lessons this summer, so dad might have to get used to it (or hope he has all carpet at their new house):D. Daisha, the seven-year-old, informed me that she could only do dance classes if it didn't interfere with her basketball. That's my girl! Got some other great deals yard-saling too like one of those "listen to the heartbeat" monitors for Jas and Anne. $29.99 on T.V. or $1.00 at the yard sale.
The best part of the day, besides seeing the kids and grandkids, was just driving around and seeing that summer really is coming. That also means we will be looking for a new house with some land so we can have some critters and my bucket list barn. Finally...... :D
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