You fly, I'll buy!

A week or so ago a couple of girlfriends called to make a date.......with the kids. They requested their company on Saturday the 27th for a movie and a day of fun. Naturally they were thrilled and I was thinking they would have a great time. The very next thought that entered my head was "a free afternoon, free, no kids, alone with honey, yay!" Needless to say it turned into a very long wait, for ME! The Friday morning before the date Lynn IM's me to see if everything was still a go for Saturday. My response was YEEEEES! My thought was "barring the second coming there is nothing that will interfere with the plan." It was a go.


I rid myself of my two gems at about 1030a and raced home. We went and had a very relaxing lunch, talking, laughing and completely enjoying each others company. We sat there like a married couple and not parents, it was fabulous. We declined dessert and "flew" home...lol! Home alone, ALL alone my goodness it was almost in comprehendible. No closed doors or interruptions, no rushing for fear of the interruption, nothing but silence and us. It was just like pre-children and it was beyond words!!

Once we emerged from the bunker (our house and another blog all together) we did some more running around. Riding along I look over at him while he is driving and think "there he is, the man I fell in love with." He is charming, witty and lots of fun. I even called Salena to tell her "now I remember why I married him." Arriving home near dark the kids weren't far behind. They all pull in the driveway screaming and laughing like loons. They both had a bag loaded with goodies and Michael had chocolate ice cream smeared on his face like war paint. Everyone was talking a mile a minute and on top of each other to tell the tale of the day, we finally did get it sorted out.

I commented that they now once a month had a job. Now, realizing that my children just spent an entire day where the word "no" was not uttered, it turned out to be a pricey afternoon. I told them that it would be my treat if they escorted them on another occasion. I'm not sure they took the job but I will be placing a follow up call.

An amazing time was had by all. Honey and I were new people and ready to be Mom and Dad again. It's incredible what a little time alone can do.


"X-rated movies are all alike... the only thing they leave to the imagination is the plot. "

-Unknown

Mina's Morsel

Pulling out of the bank drive-thru yesterday morning I look in the rear view mirror to find Mina with a somewhat of a scowl. I wasn't sure what was the cause of such a face, so I ask. She shakes her foot and begins wiggling her fingers in the air (like a spider) and asks "Mommy, do you ever get those things around your feet?" I truly had not the first idea what she was talking about. She says "you know, when you get bees in your shoes." I'm thinking bees! Ah, yes the bees in the shoes, her foot had fallen asleep. I laughed out loud and proceeded to tell her that the bees was her foot sleeping (now that really cleared things up, a sleeping foot, hm!) She was satisfied with the explanation (I didn't say understood it but was satisfied) and asked if my feet ever slept. I told her yes of course, when they are very tired they too sleep.

Easter in August

Now typically I try to have the kids look like they are going to church, when that is in fact where they are going. Nicely groomed and dressed in clothes that are set aside for that purpose. This morning after everyone was fed and teeth were brushed, they dressed. This is what they ended up in. NOW you see why I dressed them the last thing? Heaven forbid anything splashed or splattered on Little Bo Peep or her Suitor, it would have been a catastrophe.

I had to check the calendar to be sure that it wasn't Easter. No, it's really the end of August but I had to take some pictures anyway.

Sunday Funnies

A blonde was swerving all over the road and driving very badly, so she got pulled over by a cop.
The cop walked up to her window and asked, "Miss, why are you driving so recklessly?"
The blonde said, "I'm sorry sir, but wherever I go, there's always a tree in front of me and I can't seem to get away from it!"
The cop looked at her and said, "Lady, that's your air freshener!"

No longer in passing

Earlier this week I received an email from classmates saying that I have a message. Naturally my curiosity is peaked and I quickly click on the icon. I mean really, who is the world could possibly be writing? It's been 22 years, count them 1983 to present....man oh man! I opened the email and knew immediately who it was, I even recalled who she was dating at the time. She asked a few questions, made mention of our brothers and then asked me if I remembered them at all. Well, SURE I remember. Our brothers were great friends in high school, worked together, took trips and even roomed together in college. I remember, but how correctly? That is the question.

Of course our brothers friendship really had nothing to do with us. Friends? I don' t know. We knew of each other in passing. In school, probably ended up at some of the same parties and we think even a concert was attended together. So we did have some sort of a relationship, I'm just not sure what. I have to admit that getting an email from someone that you're not sure you knew when you knew them was different, in the fun and exciting sense of course. I felt a bit strange but after reading the note that was perfectly friendly, curious and maybe a tad nervous, I couldn't wait to respond. Feeling nervous myself I set out typing.

Where we spent four years getting to know ourselves and each other.

I typed and typed and typed, please just ask Colleen. I though for sure she would come back and say "oops, wrong person, please disregard previous email, I think I was looking for someone else." But she didn't. I answered questions the best that I could recall from back then and was happy to fill in the gaps. Ranging all from family, to children, careers, marriage and where we live. It's amazing to talk to someone that you haven't seen in YEARS and do so as though there was no time lapse at all. Being high school teenage girls getting to know each other is completely different than two women, with families of their own learning about one another. We have an extraordinary ease in our conversation together (via email) and have more in common now then we could have ever had then. Stay at home Mom's, two children each, living outside of Florida, share a similar sense of humor, amazing husbands and our most important common thread is our faith. It seems as we've grown older our faith has become priority and something that is active in our lives.

It's been a great week getting reacquainted or maybe even acquainted for the first time with someone that I never really knew. This time I plan to pay closer attention and not allow it to become something that is "just in passing."

"I only had a high school education and believe me, I had to cheat to get that"

-Sparky Anderson

Mina's Morsel

Having lunch as we speak and my sweet Mina girl places her order. A half of a ham and cheese sandwich with a glass of Sunny-D. Because she is the side condiment queen she requested some pickles and green olives to accompany her sandwich. Happily I fill her order and before I finish she sneaks a olive from the plate. Popping it in her mouth and looking at me with question in her eyes she asks "Mommy, are these the olives with the bones in them?" I giggled and told her no, that those were the black olives that had the PITS!

I just have to squeeze her little face.

Sleeping Single

It's tragic!! That is all I can say about it. I do recall however, not alway feeling that way. There was a time that I completely enjoyed having the entire bed to myself. In the center with ALL the pillows and as much room as the bed allowed, mine all mine.

Remembering now when I first began sleeping with honey (no details, I must maintain my PG/PG13 rating) my thought was "holy cow, how am I ever going to get any sleep with him in the bed?" It was horrendous! Hot and crowded with tossing and turning, I thought I'd die before seeing the sun again. Needless to say I was exhausted the next day and NOT from anything fun. (this particular time anyway) As I'm driving to work I begin thinking "crap, if this whole thing pans out I'll never get another wink of sleep for the rest of my life." My head spun for the rest of the day with that thought.

Weeks later we discussed that very first "sleep over" night, what a great laugh. It turned out that he was thinking the very same thing. Whew, it wasn't just me. Things got better.

Now fifteen years later, two kids and a couple of dogs I hate being without him. Regardless of the size of the bed (it could be a cot) it's terribly empty without him. Our feet over lapped at the foot of the bed, feeling his leg brush up against mine, having his warmth near me, sharing our covers and just the sound of his breathing as he sleeps. All these things make me shutter at the thought of him not being here.

This morning he left the house at 330a. After seeing him off and checking on the kids I stagger back to bed. On my side and on my pillows just like he was there, but he wasn't. His side was still slightly warm from his sleep but growing colder by the minute. I threw my leg over to soak up the last bit of him being there. Unable to recapture my own slumber I laid there actually recalling the first "sleep over." How did I ever think I would be unable to sleep with him? My thoughts are exactly the opposite now.

Getting up for school and readying the kids with honey already gone was a very empty feeling as well. Not sharing the counter space or the spoon for stirring our coffee, chatting about our plans for the day and everyone getting a big Daddy kiss goodbye was greatly missed. How does that happen and when? It's remarkable how our lives become so entwined that regardless of the task, when done without the company of the one we love most the feeling is the same, vacant!


Marriage is not a ritual or an end.It is a long, intricate, intimate dance together and nothing matters more than your own sense of balance and your choice of partner.

-Amy Bloom

That hair, what WAS she thinking?

Yes, I'm fully aware that as of late I have gained enormous issues with hair. I also realize that the very same question is no doubt reeling through minds of the general public regarding my hair. Considering my head has not seen a sharp edge in many, many months and my hair is growing wildly, without the first hint of direction. (I am still very unclear as to why this is.) Just the same their thoughts are justified.

Nevertheless, let me say this. As I stroll up the sidewalk of the local library with my daughter, I look up. OMM, I'm aghast at what I see. There is a woman that is sporting the Hiroshima. Yes, that's right, that's the one, the most infamous mushroom cloud in history was on her head. This relatively slender woman with a giraffe like neck had this less than flattering 'shroom cut. My question is why? I mean really, what was she thinking as she sat in the chair of the stylist and placed her order? "I'd like the look of history please."

( imagine the above with light blue pleated shorts and white tank)

As I follow this nuclear cloud inside the building of the written word I take notice of her daughter. (you see where this is going?) This little what I'm sure they think is an angel looked to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 18 months old. Being maybe near cute, I look closer and notice again yes the hair. Ok, not much better than Moms. Yellow blonde, insanely thin and every unit of measure on a rule in it's length. My first thought was the scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz, minus the hat. She was however, donning a cock-eyed pony tail that consisted of 7 maybe 8 strands of hair. Mom having the fashion sense she does when it comes to the styling of the doo strategically places it in the front of her head. Again, I must ask why?

The kid I understand has an excuse, her hair hasn't fully come in yet. But for Mom I recommend maybe one of those programs that you download a picture of yourself and try different styles before going forward with the real thing.

Hair style is the final tip-off whether or not a woman really knows herself.

~Hubert de Givenchy, Vogue, July 1985

Ms. Lola the King Pin

Spending time in a retirement/assisted living facility today was interesting to say the least. Myself along with three other ladies decided to go "visiting" and the plan was hatched. We were to meet near a local supermarket at 9:45a and ride together. Four woman pumped with coffee on their way to an old age home, scary almost. Two of us were Chatty-Cathys, talking about everything from blogging to school issues to the care of the elderly. One was sitting quietly amused at the banter while the driver escorted us, all the while in secret anxiety about what we would find on our arrival.

We have arrived!

Piling out of the van with laughter and questions, "Who's got the plant?" "I have the card, does it fit in the plant stick?" "I have the magazines, I wonder if she will read them." "What room number is Ms. Lola in AND do we have to sign in?" (We sound like the picture of organization don't we?) We in fact did not have to sign in and we located her room number on the wall directory, so off we paraded down the hall. We were all pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the facility. It was about a 2.5 stars in a hotel rating. With it's well decorated walls, matching furniture and carpet, it sparkled. Not only from it's cleanliness but from it's warmth and character as well as it's smiling staff.

Knock, knock, knock!

Ms. Lola lets us all in, thankfully. I think I myself may have hesitated a smidge. The little apartment was beautiful, small but very nice. It was filled with things from her home. Furniture, pictures, candy dish (I sat next to it), plants and linens. After there were hugs and kisses all around we sat and visited. She was thrilled to have us and was just chatting away about all the wonderful things to do there. I chime in to tell her that I brought her some magazines I thought she might like to read. No good. Her sight is limited. (I must stay better informed about the health of my elderly friends.) I was completely convinced as I watched her buzz around that apartment in her scooter, almost knocking over her dining buffet that was packed with pictures and flowers. The very next move she almost beheaded my friend with a quick and very sudden spin in her chair, it had a huge head rest.

There were several items in Ms. Lolas home that needed to be sold and were. She was very attached to them but seemed to get a handle on the fact that they just had to go. There was a price however. Once on a roll there seemed to be little problem watching it leave. We borrowed the phrase "show me the money" and you can have just about whatever you want.

Ms. Lola

She tells us that they play cards. Wow, sounds like fun I say, do you play? NO! The sight thing remember. (Ah, yes as I go back into the candy dish.) Christy suggests that she purchase a WAY oversized deck, this will allow her to participate. She stated that she really enjoyed playing bingo and if there were a game ever started there she would play. So now with her newly found way to make money (selling her belongings) together with cards and bingo I suggested that she would be financially just fine. It was also said that on our return we would bring with us a pair of extra large dice and a small conveyor belt so they would be able to shoot some craps.

By this time Ms. Lola along with the rest of us were laughing uncontrollably. I told her that I was certain that she would be on the evening news. "Breaking News" Ms. Lola, the king pin in a gambling ring here in an local retirement home was now in custody. She is being held on a 1 million bond. We told her that we would take up a love offering at church to help with her legal fees should it ever come to that.

Wiping the tears of laughter from her face she just beamed at the four of us sitting there in her little room. She told us "laughing like that makes my heart feel good" and doesn't it for us all. Our visit was short but lots of fun. I know what it did for me I can only imagine what it did for Ms. Lola.

As we left her sweet little place she just kept saying, "please lets all do this again sometime!" As for me I plan to make a trip there at least a couple of times a month. I don't believe I'll have any trouble finding someone to accompany me and I must NOT forget the dice!!


"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in then true beauty is revealed only if there as a light from within."

-Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Night fliers!

It's 7a at the breakfast table. Mina sits in her chair dazed and glassy eyed staring at her bowl of Crunch Berries. I encourage her to get started because we will have be going soon to take Michael to school. "OK Mommy, I will" she says rubbing her eyes. Taking for granted she is going to do what she says I leave the kitchen for a moment, only to return and find her STILL rubbing her eyes. I asked "what in the world are you doing?" Her reply was "picking the bugs out of my eyes." I laughed and asked her "what bugs?" "Not regular bugs Mom, the ones that get in yours eyes at night."





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Beverly, Mark, Kimberly and Vicki Andersen

May 2005

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The Mad Blogger, Jr

Hill Billy Boy having coffee

"When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure."

-Peter Marshall

Twins

We received the invite and we're going to the party. The birthday party of twin 6 year old girls, which means there will be twice the fun. We all know what we are wearing, the time and location, but what do we bring and the better question is how many? We have never been to a party for twins before but common sense tells me to bring two of everything. My theory is when in doubt call Mom and that is exactly what I did.

Strolling through the local "has everything" store I call my friend, Mom to the twins. HELP! She finds the whole ordeal quite funny. Being a down to earth kinda Mom she sweetly says "I don't know, get a game. We don't have a lot of them and they can share it." Whew! Great, the search is over. I'm still thinking that they should both have a little something to open. Just as that thought travels through my head she says "ya know, maybe it would be better for them to have something each to open." Ah, I was right! I mean they are 6 and sisters. Please who wants to share a birthday gift especially with a sibling? I have two and know just what it's like to have to MAKE them share but a special days gift, no way.

Birthday girls with Mom!

So we got the game and each a little something.....Problem solved.

The party was great. Imagine you are in a huge room filled with those bouncy houses that are at amusement parks. That is where we were. Shoes off and it's OFF! I must admit I had a wonderful time just watching them all run, jump, climb and slide. With soda, cake, ice cream, goody bags and for the guests of honor presents, what in this world could be better? The girls were classmates of Michaels last year. That being the case other children that were in attendance were also. It was a reunion too. Having the kids play together again while we Mothers chatted about our summer and who is doing what this year, what fun.

What at refreshing change from the master of childrens parties....."Chuck E. Cheese"

"Little girls are the nicest things that happen to people."

-Allan Beck

Sunday Funnies

A woman went to her priest with a problem. "Father, I have two female parrots, and the only know how to say one thing. All they ever say is, 'Hi, we're prostitutes. Wanna have some fun?"

"That's terrible!" exclaimed the priest. "But I think I can help. Bring your two female parrots over to my house, and I will put them with my two male parrots whom I taught to pray and read the Bible. My parrots will teach your parrots to stop saying that terrible phrase, and your female parrots will learn to praise and worship."
The next day, the woman brought her female parrots to the priest's house. His two male parrots were holding rosary beads and quietly praying in their cage. The woman put her two female parrots in the cage with the male parrots. The females said, "Hi, we're prostitutes. Wanna have some fun?"

One male parrot looked over at the other male parrot and exclaimed "Put those beads away, our prayers have been answered!"


To be or not to be is not a question of compromise. Either you be or you don't be.

-Golda Meir

Caught!

What can I say? My honey is NOT only the great white hunter but fisher too!

"I have nothing to declare except my genius."

- Oscar Wilde

Assume

One of the definitions of this word Mr. Webster says is - 4. to take for granted; suppose. We're all guilty of this horrible deed. We half listen to what we are told or just glance at the words on the page, assuming we know. When in fact, half the time that couldn't be further from the truth.

That happen to me today. I read something and just took for granted I knew what was being said, and who it was being said about. How foolish. I was wrong on both accounts. Not only was I terribly wrong, I hurt my best friends feelings in the process.....UGH! We all know what is said when people assume things. An ass is made out of you and me. Or as it applies to me, an ass in made out of just ME!

Salena I apologize for my lack of clarity on the subject, for not being more certain of what was being said. However, I am even more sorry for my lack of faith in knowing what kind of a friend you are.


"Friendship is one mind in two bodies."

- Mencius

Going places

My two kids that is. For the past couple of evening the kids and I have traveled the country, and in the comfort of our own living room. See their personal mail supplier, yes Salena sent them a "UGE" laminated, colorful wall map of the United States. That now coupled with the moving box full of postcards they really get to see what each state looks like. Better then that they can imagine they are in all the places that Miss Salena has visited.

Mina asked the very day the map hit the wall, "Mommy were is Miss Salena?" I pointed and said "right there." My finger was on Las Vegas, Nevada. She gets closer to the map and asks me to move my finger, her nose just inches away. She studies the spot like a scientist looking though a microscope then says "really, how come I don't see the truck?" OMM! Needless to say I laughed, explained and we went on.

This map and geography lessons have been all consuming for the both of them. The other night we began placing little blue sticker dots on all the places they have received postcards from. Each taking turns they get a card. We read what state and they both go searching the map. It's like a game. It's green, on the right, near the top - twenty questions come to mind. Once they locate the state I find the city and the owner of the card puts the dot in the appropriate area. It's GREAT!

This morning Mina's first question was "could we pleeeeze do the map thing." I only let her do a couple because we couldn't really do it without Michael. That one! He's not even in the car this afternoon at the school and he says "I want to go home and do the MAP." Can you believe that? What is it with these two? I'm very excited that they are so excited, my word they are going to melt the plastic right off the map.

We are all caught up with our travels with the exception of Canada. That I've been keeping a secret until we are ready to dot it. If I don't I will be cutting my wrists with "Mommy, can we do them now?" "Now, can we?" "Are we ready NOW to do it?" You see what I mean?

Well, we all look forward to more postcards. Ready and waiting with dotted fingers.


Be careful of your thoughts; they may becomes words at any moments.

- Ira Gassen

I want their eyes

Now that school is back in session naturally we see people that we haven't seen all summer. I myself have run into several. The thing that I've heard most from these delightful people is "Oh you look great, how much weight have you lost." Or "Wow, you so thin and in great shape."

OK! Not only have I not rid myself of any extra weight over the summer, I've put BACK what I shed at the beginning. My jeans are telling me that I am 100% correct in that statement. I really have no idea what these people see when looking at me. I DO know though that I want their eyes.

There are NO words

It was enough just to sit there without words.

-Louise Erdrick

Top bunk

"Mommy, tell me again WHY can't I sleep on the top bunk?"

The world is round, and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning.

-Ivy Baker Priest

Sunday Funnies

Tiger Woods was traveling through rural Kentucky in his new Mercedes. He stopped at a small gas station and asked the mechanic if he could get his oil changed.
"Why sure," the mechanic said, not seeming to recognize the golf star.
About thirty minutes later the oil change is complete. As Tiger started to back the car out, the mechanic noticed some buttons on the dashboard and asked Tiger what they were for.
Tiger looked down at the tees on his dash and says, "Those are what I set my balls on."
The old man replied, "Boy oh Boy, those Germans think of everything, don't they!"

After all,tomorrow is another day.

- Margaret Mitchell

"Good Will" hunting!

In the society of today I know it's most fashionable to shop in the finest department stores, boutiques and other local hot spots for the latest rags. Name brand. That's the only way to go. If it doesn't have some body's name needled across the pocket, waist band, behind or other highly visible location you may as well just leave it on the rack. Ridiculous, that's what it is ridiculous!

Parents race right out to buy up all the latest. To do what? To be able to drape their kids in what is considered high fashion. PLEASE! It swells my brain beyond belief. Why do these parents do this? First the age group of children that I am referring to are elementary. These kids DO NOT care! I could send Michael to school in a hefty bad and there wouldn't be a word said. Believe me. As long as he had his Pop Tart for breakfast and maybe a spiderman pencil in his pack back.....nothing more required. They do it so THEY look good. So THEY are viewed as upper crust or elite. Ugh! It just tells me that their children probably have the higher mentality.

Please don't anyone speak of it (in public anyway) that they shop at consignment stores, thrift shops or God forbid Good Will. Oops, my big secret is out....lol! I refuse - do you hear me REFUSE to spend good money (not that all money isn't good) on clothing that will be worn for one season at most. If I feed my runts really well they may even have a growth spurt, there goes the season. Having one of each (child that is) also adds more to consider when purchasing. Mina is not going to take to kindly to a "boy shirt." So now there is only one child that will be donning these fashions.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with these wears I bought. Michael was with me on this extravagant outing and he LOVED every single thing I showed him. Why? He loved them because he was looking at shirts that were cool and really for the most part he could careless. Not one shirt was faded, torn, stretched....nothing. The whopping price tag on the most pricey item was $3.49! I will say no more.

Well, one more thing. Don't be so "keep up with the Jones'" and try your local less trendy shops. If you're nervous someone may spot you once inside get yourself a pair of Jackie O's and a big hat. I promise they will have a variety of each, in stock. Oh, and don't worry I'll never tell!

For me I will continue to be "Good Will" hunting.

Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.

- Eleanor Roosevelt

"I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth......."

When is it OK to lie? Or is it ever? Sugar coat the unpleasantness or just out with it? And does tone matter? These are some questions that I ponder.

Personally I don't think it is ever good to lie. This does NOT mean by any stretch that I don't on occasion tell a untruth or lie to ease a situation. To spare a feeling or save a face or two. These are probably the most common causes of not telling the whole truth. Does it make it right? No! It's just easier to justify.

I imagine it depends on the person and situation on whether to sweeten the blow a little are just let them have it. I by nature don't take joy in hurting people but have been known to use my tongue as a lethal weapon. It's not a good thing but I some how feel like it's more honest. I'm angry and NOW you know it. Some say that "you can say anything you like as long as you say it in a pleasant tone of voice." OR "It's not what you said it's how you said it." Both of those hold true in some instants. The words that are said are the same ones that fall on the ear of your subject. So as much as those common little phrases may have some truth to them I still believe that the words are the things that do the damage. So regardless of the tone it STILL hurts!

A friend told me that "a hurtful word is a hurtful word." I agree! It really wouldn't matter if it was belted out in song to me or shouted from the top of their lungs in a drunken brawl. Mean is mean!

The next time you think you are doing someone a favor by talking "sweetly mean" think again. You may just be telling them they are not sharp enough to know you just verbally beat them. Now you have two for one!


Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.

- Corrie Ten Boom

Silver Streak

In the past I've been a bit of a gold finger when it came to jewelry. Not that I donned it Mr. "T" style but it was my preference. As of late my periodic table has been changing more to the silver side of things. Why the precious metal swing?

Do you remember the symbol for gold and silver?

For my birthday last year a good friend gave me a thin box link chain with a simple silver cross. I just love it. It suits me perfectly and I never take it off. Then Salena who has loved silver since the stone ages (probably shopped with Wilma Flintstone in Bedrock) left a pair of silver hoop earrings at my house. They were too big for Mina although she didn't think so. So I put them in and decided that I like them. NOW they are mine. Next, for my birthday this year my cousin Beth sent me a "salvation" bracelet that is silver with the beautiful stones in it. It's gorgeous!! Definitely one of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry I've ever received. So really this silver thing has evolved.

Several weeks ago I purchased for myself a ring and bracelet, well two of each really. I'm quiet happy with my find and will be on the look out for anything else that may be interesting.

So the next time you hear the song...

Silver and gold, silver and gold
Ev'ryone wishes for silver and gold....

At least now you know what I will be wishing for!


Time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations.

-Mary Catheron Bateson

First Times...

It seems as though there have been a lot of these lately. I guess that's to be expected with the kids getting older and doing more on their own. "No, Mommy I can do it" is a big phrase around here and I am more than happy to oblige. Seeing them become independent is a wonderful thing. It's like watching little buds at the end of a stem bloom into these beautiful vibrant and for me breathtaking flowers. Sure it's heart wrenching at times but it's all part of growing up...even for me!

My little Mina has experienced several firsts just this summer. From making her very grilled cheese for lunch (minus the grilling part of course) to swimming in the deep end without a life jacket. The absolute independence of this little girl just floors me daily. She is so very capable of so many things that it is easy to forget that she is just 4. Then she comes to snuggle in my lap smelling all fresh from her bath with her Chee-Chee and blanket and I think to myself "there she is, my baby."



Mina not only slept in her bed without the bed rail last night for the first time (promising me that she wouldn't fall out) she had her very first day of school. Everyone was up bright and early. Getting ready was a breeze for her but I had a little trouble. Has she stood on the stool in the bathroom with me brushing her hair I looked at her in the mirror looking back at me and I was overwhelmed. My eyes filled with tears along with pride. At that very moment I couldn't believe that I was going to put my little girl in the car, bring her to the school and leave her there. She noticed my upset and asked "Mommy, why are you sad?" I told her because she was getting all grown up. The sweetheart that she is throws her arms around my waist and says "don't be sad Mommy, I'm going for a while but I will be back later." Gosh, I love her!

Mina was so worried that she would be late. All through breakfast she said "Mommy, are we going to be late. Don't we have to hurry?" The excitement was more then she could stand. She tossed down her cereal, checked her back pack to be sure I was on the ball and had everything in it then on the back it went and out the door.

On arriving at the school Mina informs me that I can go in with her but could NOT walk with her down the hall. I agreed and stayed to mandatory five paces behind. I watched her stroll on her way and while doing so she would glance over her shoulder to be sure that I wasn't gaining on her.....lol! (little weasel) I didn't realize the embarrassment that I would cause her should I have accompanied her in the hall. See, I'm learning everyday!

Her day was a flying success and she couldn't wait to tell ALL!

Happiness is in a great measure the result or our own dispositions and actions.

-Hannah Webster Foster

Who did it??

I'm driving down the road with a car load of people. Myself with my two kids along with some others. The radio is blaring, the kids are laughing and the adults are trying to have a conversation....not easy, FUN but not easy! Then there it is, the smell. I didn't hear it as I'm sure nobody else did either. Just like I smell it and I'm very sure everyone else in the car does too.

"That SMELL!"

It's one of those things that everyone knows is there but nobody dares talk about. I'm sitting wondering who will be the first to speak of the fog that is now throughout the car. I want to ask my kids if either of them opened their "gopher hole." My only worry is that if they tell me no then that means there is another guilty party. Asking my two would not be necessary though they are the first to announce that all should be expecting a not so pleasant odor. If they don't speak it they are in the back laughing their fool heads off about it.

It's funny that it never occurs to me that the other passengers may think it's me.....lol! I am however wondering if it is them.

We continue to our final destination and nothing is said and by the time we arrive it's even forgotten. While it's happening and don't lie it's happen to you too it's like I'm suddenly in the car with a bunch of total strangers. I find it very funny!

Do the best you can at every task, no matter how unimportant it may seem at the time.

- Sandra Day O'Connor

Sporting the "Six Pack"

Oh yeah and NOT the coveted abdominal six either. More like a six pack of diet coke or the occasional six of wine coolers and it's off to the pool. I have to say I have never been a rock hard gal nor did I strive to be. I'm not a cow either. My last visit to the weigh station I believe I tipped the scale to only single digits above what I weighed when I conceived my first child Michael. He is now 6. Not to bad, huh? Then Tyler came along and she is now 4. I'm a Mother of two who is 40 and holding steady so I'm not complaining.

This is NOT me!

(not that there was any question)

While bobbing around on a tube in the pool last week I was noticing that the scale reading in not the only thing I need to be concerned about. I'm soft! Not marshmallow soft maybe Brie cheese soft either way I'm definitely not has tone as I should be.

"The floating flesh rings foundation"

The kids were splashing and swimming around enjoying themselves. All the while trying to climb aboard the "floating flesh" ring. Grabbing, clawing, giggling and finally reaching the top. I was making some audible observations about myself, "man my legs, my belly!" At the VERY same time both kids chime in. Michael with "your belly in jelly" and Mina with "your legs are shot!" Isn't that a kick in the head? LOL!!! I started to laugh out loud and they too joined in. At the end of our chuckle the kids asked "Mommy, what was so funny?" I cracked up again and said "oh, nothing." What sweet little innocent things they are....they didn't even realize they were telling their Mother that she is terribly out of shape. What I wanted to tell them was that "it's ALL their fault." But then that isn't true either. I mean just how long did I think I would be able to say "oh, it's just baby fat?" My baby is NOW four, (4), FOUR! The truth is that I just don't exercise like I should.

I suppose I should start a vigorous regimen of body toning but I don't really see that happen either. Than again you never know I may surprise you.

No matter what accomplishments you make, somebody helped you.

- Althea Gibson

Sleepless in Seattle.......

....I'm "blogless" where I am! Be back tomorrow.


Life its what we make it, always has been, always will be.

-Grandma Moses

"Mail Caaaall!"

How much fun is it to get mail? Come on be honest! We all love going to the mailbox to find something in there with our name on it. Something really important like a card or letter, package or box of some kind. NOT the ones that are asking us for money in return....the dreaded bills!

Well, it's no different for kids. My two have become like the little "mail police" watching and waiting for that white car with the light on top to stop by and give them something. I swear they sense that it's coming! I hear "Mommy, look!" from Michael only to look up and see nothing. Then just seconds later the mailman is in sight...how does he do that?


They have become so aware of the mail system thanks to my best friend EVER Salena. She is just amazing with all the fun and cool things she finds to send them. I mean it's several times a week that there are goodies to be found in that box at the end of the driveway. The gypsy that she is has visited I believe all of the drivable United States and then some. And yes Michael and Mina have lots of things from all over. She is great in that she remembers us and the kids more specifically. Although I don't know how she could forget, I speak to her at least 3 times a day....LOL! The kids look so forward to her visit here and ask endlessly "when is Miss Salena coming back?" I know it's partly because she NEVER arrives empty handed (but come on they are kids) and partly because she is so much fun while she is here. They have to tell her about everything that has happen while she was gone and she is gracious enough to sit and listen. I am grateful for her and all she does especially her obvious love of my two little ones!

Yes, there are even things sent for Mommy and Daddy!

Just a tip: The more you get excited about things in general the more your kids will become not only interested but excited themselves. Even if it is as simple as going to get the mail!



The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.

-Harper Lee

10.0

OK....so Mommy is the only judge!

Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency.

-Maya Angelou