'Twas the night before a party and all through the house,
A child was hurling allover my spouse.
The sheets were changed several times with care,
In hopes that the next set would soon be spared.
The child was nestled surounded by trash cans
While visions of panic stomped out tomorrow's plans.
And Hubby in his daze and I in my sleep deprivation,
Knew we had to be at the party out of obligation.
When down the hall, there arose such a splatter,
We jumped from our bed to see what was the matter.
Away down the hall, we flew like a flash,
Tore off the sheets and threw out the trash.
And you can guess the rest..
After 5.5 years, Princess Daughter hurled. We knew it would be bad - and it was, especially when you're dealing with it between 1 and 3 AM, but finally the house was at rest at 3:30.
Yes, we were up for a bit that night, but part of that state of awakeness was due to concern about what was to be done later that day. About 12 hours from that time, I was scheduled to set-up and manage Princess Daughter's school party, and a certain hubby was scheduled to arrive dressed as a certain saint. What were we to do if she was still sick and we both had to be at the school?
Fortunately, as children do, she bounced back quickly (more quickly than I did having lost key REM cycles) and by mid-morning, she was running laps around the family room. We all made it to the party. It was a big hit with the kids, particularly the visit from one jolly old elf whom I laughed when I saw inspite of myself.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
And the Winner Is...The Brown-haired Man Who Likes Chili
Hubby got up extra early so he could be at the polls when they opened this morning. When he returned before heading off to work, Princess daughter asked where he'd been. He told her he'd gone to vote for president of the United States, to which she asked "Did you vote for the man who likes chili or the man who likes tacos?"
Barely stifling his laughter, he said "The choices were John McCain, the man with white hair, and Barak Obama, the man with brown hair." "I know," she said, "Did you vote for the white-haired man who likes tacos or the brown-haired man who likes chili?" We later learned that this is the way her teacher explained the election process to the students - that both are good, but some people like chili and some people like tacos.
And now we're all going to find out how much we like chili.
Barely stifling his laughter, he said "The choices were John McCain, the man with white hair, and Barak Obama, the man with brown hair." "I know," she said, "Did you vote for the white-haired man who likes tacos or the brown-haired man who likes chili?" We later learned that this is the way her teacher explained the election process to the students - that both are good, but some people like chili and some people like tacos.
And now we're all going to find out how much we like chili.
Monday, November 3, 2008
You Can Lead a Voter to the Polls...
I helped at the mock election at Princess daughter's school today. It was fairly sophisticated - they had laptops set up with cardboard boxes placed around them to recreate the feeling of voter booths. I was there to help with the 1st-, 3rd- and 6th-graders, which was eye-opening and quite amusing.
When the 1st-graders came in, the 3rd-grade helpers had to be reminded to read to the voter the ENTIRE list of candidates, not just say "do you want to vote for XXX?" One 12-year-old was extremely disappointed that her vote wouldn't count in the real election. When asked if she needed help, another voter said "I just know I vote Republican all the way down."
Since children often speak what is going in their minds, several enlightened me as to their decision-making process: "I like that name," or "I like the name of the party - reform - that's a good thing," or "I think he's pretty cute," or "I've heard of him," or "I like his signs." Hopefully, adults will take a more informed approach to their decision-making, but you never know...
Perhaps the most interesting part of the election is the two county proposition questions. I had done advance voting, so I was familiar with the language, but even as an adult, had to read them a couple of times to make sure I was voting for what I intended. (Which raises another issue as a communicator - why can't they write these things so the average person can understand???) So I spent a good part of the time with students explaining these two questions, which presents the challenge to not insert my own bias - try it some time, it's a good exercise.
In summary, the first proposition asked if voters were okay with judges continuing to be appointed by a commission or if they wanted to have more say in the process by voting for the judges. The second proposed a sales tax increase that would raise the sales tax in our county to 8% to help fund $15 million for medical research at three local universities.
On that second proposition, one astute 6-th-grader said "Wow, that's a hard decision. I mean, I don't want things to cost more, but it's important to do research and find cures to things." No one could have summed up better the election process - it's all about trade-offs. No decisions are easy, no outcomes are simple, nothing is straightforward. The best we can do is choose the issue that most centrally speaks to us and our values and vote from there. Happy voting on November 4th!
When the 1st-graders came in, the 3rd-grade helpers had to be reminded to read to the voter the ENTIRE list of candidates, not just say "do you want to vote for XXX?" One 12-year-old was extremely disappointed that her vote wouldn't count in the real election. When asked if she needed help, another voter said "I just know I vote Republican all the way down."
Since children often speak what is going in their minds, several enlightened me as to their decision-making process: "I like that name," or "I like the name of the party - reform - that's a good thing," or "I think he's pretty cute," or "I've heard of him," or "I like his signs." Hopefully, adults will take a more informed approach to their decision-making, but you never know...
Perhaps the most interesting part of the election is the two county proposition questions. I had done advance voting, so I was familiar with the language, but even as an adult, had to read them a couple of times to make sure I was voting for what I intended. (Which raises another issue as a communicator - why can't they write these things so the average person can understand???) So I spent a good part of the time with students explaining these two questions, which presents the challenge to not insert my own bias - try it some time, it's a good exercise.
In summary, the first proposition asked if voters were okay with judges continuing to be appointed by a commission or if they wanted to have more say in the process by voting for the judges. The second proposed a sales tax increase that would raise the sales tax in our county to 8% to help fund $15 million for medical research at three local universities.
On that second proposition, one astute 6-th-grader said "Wow, that's a hard decision. I mean, I don't want things to cost more, but it's important to do research and find cures to things." No one could have summed up better the election process - it's all about trade-offs. No decisions are easy, no outcomes are simple, nothing is straightforward. The best we can do is choose the issue that most centrally speaks to us and our values and vote from there. Happy voting on November 4th!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
The Day After Halloween
Many of you may have already read this - it was written the day after Halloween 2007. My predictions are coming true, but she still held my hand this year. :-)
Day after Halloween
Leaves of gold and orange bathe in the warm sunshine, reflecting God’s goodness. Ever notice how every season has a beauty? Just when you think “this is my favorite,” another color, another hue enters your line of sight, and that season moves to first.
As I crunch in the leaves the day after the night dedicated to candy, I notice remnants of the night before…a red feather off a costume. Was she a diva with a boa frivolously thrown across her shoulder? A cackling witch with feathers peaking from her pointed hat? Or was she a roaring 20s girl with far too much make-up for her age – “Can I ple-e-e-ase wear lipstick, too?”
Next year it will be different. "Can I please go with my friends? We’re dressing as rock stars and boys are coming, too." Next year you will have to hide in the shadows, no holding hands. She won’t sing about Halloween at the top of her lungs as she runs down the street. She’ll want to go to every house, two blocks won’t be enough. Next year when she declares “trick or treat” at the opening of a door, there will be no “twicks” and no “tweats.” She won’t show you every sweet she gets. She’ll barely know you’re there.
Then on the ground lay Superman’s sweatband, a miniature version for a mighty superhero. Did he struggle over which man he wanted to be? Did he look at his muscles, hold in his stomach and stick out his chest? "I want to be strong like daddy!" Did he run through the house with his cape out behind him and jump from his bunkbed, sure he could fly? Next year it won’t be like that. No superheros, no good guys, no conquering evil. Next year is gruesome and gross, disgusting and scary. Next year he’ll go and you pray he’s okay. Next year he’ll hang with some dudes, you’ll wonder what’s a costume and what’s just clothes.
You’ll try to hold on, try to grasp those fleeting moments of childhood. You take photos and laugh. You know you won’t forget how they look tonight, how they sound, what they say. But as you tightly grip, they go on and you’re left with a sweatband in your hand…a red feather floating to the ground…
Day after Halloween
Leaves of gold and orange bathe in the warm sunshine, reflecting God’s goodness. Ever notice how every season has a beauty? Just when you think “this is my favorite,” another color, another hue enters your line of sight, and that season moves to first.
As I crunch in the leaves the day after the night dedicated to candy, I notice remnants of the night before…a red feather off a costume. Was she a diva with a boa frivolously thrown across her shoulder? A cackling witch with feathers peaking from her pointed hat? Or was she a roaring 20s girl with far too much make-up for her age – “Can I ple-e-e-ase wear lipstick, too?”
Next year it will be different. "Can I please go with my friends? We’re dressing as rock stars and boys are coming, too." Next year you will have to hide in the shadows, no holding hands. She won’t sing about Halloween at the top of her lungs as she runs down the street. She’ll want to go to every house, two blocks won’t be enough. Next year when she declares “trick or treat” at the opening of a door, there will be no “twicks” and no “tweats.” She won’t show you every sweet she gets. She’ll barely know you’re there.
Then on the ground lay Superman’s sweatband, a miniature version for a mighty superhero. Did he struggle over which man he wanted to be? Did he look at his muscles, hold in his stomach and stick out his chest? "I want to be strong like daddy!" Did he run through the house with his cape out behind him and jump from his bunkbed, sure he could fly? Next year it won’t be like that. No superheros, no good guys, no conquering evil. Next year is gruesome and gross, disgusting and scary. Next year he’ll go and you pray he’s okay. Next year he’ll hang with some dudes, you’ll wonder what’s a costume and what’s just clothes.
You’ll try to hold on, try to grasp those fleeting moments of childhood. You take photos and laugh. You know you won’t forget how they look tonight, how they sound, what they say. But as you tightly grip, they go on and you’re left with a sweatband in your hand…a red feather floating to the ground…
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Pumpkins, pumpkins, we like pumpkins
Last Saturday, Princess daughter and I set out with a girlfriend and her daughters on a pumpkin patch excursion. Beautiful fall day, leaves beginning to turn, we headed to the country.
Our first stop was at a very crowded cider mill, which translated, means "all children must jump in a germ-laden bouncy house and climb through the inflatable obstacle course for several dollars per person or you will be tortured by whining all the way home." You're only young once...
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The mill's idea of a pumpkin patch was a bunch of store-bought pumpkins piled on haybales that you picked up, stood in line FOREVER to weigh, and paid too much for. After waiting in line for lunch and munching to the twangs of banjos and dulcimers, we decided we'd try a REAL pumpkin patch we saw back down the road a fur piece (remember, we're in the country).
Once we pulled off pavement onto gravel, we knew we were about to hit pumpkin jackpot! Ten minutes later, we spied the real pumpkin patch. Most pumpkins were about $6 each and there were plenty to pick from - in the field - still on the vine (of course, during the romantic idea of all this countrified living, we forgot about the prickly vine part and hadn't brought gloves.)
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The girls started out strong - intent on finding the perfect pumpkin.
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But then, at some point, I looked around, and my girlfriend and I were the only ones in our group actually looking for pumpkins. The three shortest members of our entourage were sitting in the middle of the dirt road having a tea party.
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Our first stop was at a very crowded cider mill, which translated, means "all children must jump in a germ-laden bouncy house and climb through the inflatable obstacle course for several dollars per person or you will be tortured by whining all the way home." You're only young once...
.jpg)
The mill's idea of a pumpkin patch was a bunch of store-bought pumpkins piled on haybales that you picked up, stood in line FOREVER to weigh, and paid too much for. After waiting in line for lunch and munching to the twangs of banjos and dulcimers, we decided we'd try a REAL pumpkin patch we saw back down the road a fur piece (remember, we're in the country).
Once we pulled off pavement onto gravel, we knew we were about to hit pumpkin jackpot! Ten minutes later, we spied the real pumpkin patch. Most pumpkins were about $6 each and there were plenty to pick from - in the field - still on the vine (of course, during the romantic idea of all this countrified living, we forgot about the prickly vine part and hadn't brought gloves.)
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The girls started out strong - intent on finding the perfect pumpkin.
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But then, at some point, I looked around, and my girlfriend and I were the only ones in our group actually looking for pumpkins. The three shortest members of our entourage were sitting in the middle of the dirt road having a tea party.
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Could we BE any older?
Recent comments from Princess daughter indicate that she thinks we're old. And she's probably right. By the time she's in high school, we will be several generations removed from the technology she lives and breathes every day.
"I don't want to walk to school this morning," she said recently. "We won't -it's raining," I replied. "But dad had to walk to school when it rained. Oh yeah," she suddenly thought, "they probably didn't have cars back then."
"I know a new song," she announced proudly at the end of one school day. "There's Sunday and there's Monday; there's Tuesday and there's Wednesday..." she began to the tune of The Addams Family TV show. "There's - what's next, mommy?" As I easily continued on-tune with "There's Thursday and there's Friday, and then there's Saturday. Da-da-da-dum. Snap. Snap. Da-da-da-dum. Snap. Snap." "Hey - how do you know that song!?" she yelled. "Well, the tune is from an old black and white TV show that daddy and I used to watch when we were growing up." "Black and white? What's that?" she asked.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Growin' up girl
It's happening. She's growing up. Princess daughter warms my heart most days now. We've had some great conversations lately as we've read the Americal Girl Kit books and discussed what a "Depression" is (hmmm...), what it means to be poor, the importance/unimportance of money, and taking personal responsibility for actions and decisions.
And the values we've been talking about and "enforcing" - and reinforcing - over the years show glimmers of paying off. Princess daughter was chosen for "Hot Seat" the other day. That's where everyone in the room says one positive thing about the person chosen for the "hot seat." Princess daughter was very upset that only three children said something about her personality. "Most of them said something about my clothes or my hair. Who cares about that?! I want to hear about my personality!" She exclaimed. Wow! I had to do a quick check and make sure she was still five.
For many reasons, last summer we moved from a more urban area to a more suburban neighborhood. This move meant Princess daughter could attend public school, which meant classes with more population diversity. I am heartened to see her hug children of various ethnic backgrounds and races without a second thought that they don't look like her ("no one looks the same!" I've heard her say). She talks about the beauty of her friends' skin ("it's like they have a beautiful suntan all the time!" she exclaims in wonder). And she tells me about playing soccer with the boy in her class with special needs because "he can't throw very well, but he is a great kicker, and everyone else likes to throw."
She's not perfect, she's human. But the next time someone says "grow up! Stop acting like a child!" I'll wonder if that's so bad.
And the values we've been talking about and "enforcing" - and reinforcing - over the years show glimmers of paying off. Princess daughter was chosen for "Hot Seat" the other day. That's where everyone in the room says one positive thing about the person chosen for the "hot seat." Princess daughter was very upset that only three children said something about her personality. "Most of them said something about my clothes or my hair. Who cares about that?! I want to hear about my personality!" She exclaimed. Wow! I had to do a quick check and make sure she was still five.
For many reasons, last summer we moved from a more urban area to a more suburban neighborhood. This move meant Princess daughter could attend public school, which meant classes with more population diversity. I am heartened to see her hug children of various ethnic backgrounds and races without a second thought that they don't look like her ("no one looks the same!" I've heard her say). She talks about the beauty of her friends' skin ("it's like they have a beautiful suntan all the time!" she exclaims in wonder). And she tells me about playing soccer with the boy in her class with special needs because "he can't throw very well, but he is a great kicker, and everyone else likes to throw."
She's not perfect, she's human. But the next time someone says "grow up! Stop acting like a child!" I'll wonder if that's so bad.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Talkin' to myself
I'm in a women's Bible study that is doing an interesting study about what we say to ourselves, how damaging (or encouraging) that can be, and the scriptural things with which we should replace those thoughts.
I have never studied self-talk, or even thought about, how damaging it can be. As the author puts it, it can even determine your "destiny," so to speak.
The book we're using is "Self Talk, Soul Talk" by Jennifer Rothschild. We're just getting started, but already, it has opened the door for great group discussion and great personal reflection. Jennifer has been blind since she was 15. We all struggle with negative self-talk, but I would think a physical challenge such as losing your sight would magnify the amount and level of negativity one might heap on herself. So Jennifer's insights are particularly compelling in light of knowing her challenge.
I suspect a lot of women could benefit from the lessons to be learned in this book.
I have never studied self-talk, or even thought about, how damaging it can be. As the author puts it, it can even determine your "destiny," so to speak.
The book we're using is "Self Talk, Soul Talk" by Jennifer Rothschild. We're just getting started, but already, it has opened the door for great group discussion and great personal reflection. Jennifer has been blind since she was 15. We all struggle with negative self-talk, but I would think a physical challenge such as losing your sight would magnify the amount and level of negativity one might heap on herself. So Jennifer's insights are particularly compelling in light of knowing her challenge.
I suspect a lot of women could benefit from the lessons to be learned in this book.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
54 hours and counting
So "30 Rock" stole the Emmys from my show. Oh well, everyone deserves ONE year of recognition.
Thursday is the start of season 5 of The Office and I couldn't be more excited. I've already planned Princess daughter's bedtime (7:40 PM Eastern time so I don't miss the "9/8 Central" start time - they always say that part so fast, you can never too be careful).
You can spot the other Office junkies, too - they're the ones eating jello, nodding their noggins like bobbleheads, donating to the "end rabies" walks, counting their Shrutebucks - all in anticipation of the new season. Writers, you better not mess it up like last year!
(Spoiler alert) I've already heard a few items planned for this season - the Office staff losing weight, confessions of ethical misconduct in the office, Meredith experiencing a natural disaster, Pam meeting Jim's look-alike brothers, an engagement.
Once again, Thursday is the night for smart, funny TV. Yay, summer's over!
Thursday is the start of season 5 of The Office and I couldn't be more excited. I've already planned Princess daughter's bedtime (7:40 PM Eastern time so I don't miss the "9/8 Central" start time - they always say that part so fast, you can never too be careful).
You can spot the other Office junkies, too - they're the ones eating jello, nodding their noggins like bobbleheads, donating to the "end rabies" walks, counting their Shrutebucks - all in anticipation of the new season. Writers, you better not mess it up like last year!
(Spoiler alert) I've already heard a few items planned for this season - the Office staff losing weight, confessions of ethical misconduct in the office, Meredith experiencing a natural disaster, Pam meeting Jim's look-alike brothers, an engagement.
Once again, Thursday is the night for smart, funny TV. Yay, summer's over!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
She's Really Six
Drawing by Princess daughterWe found out about Princess daughter on the one-year anniversary of September 11. In our family, it has become a little light of hope on that saddest of anniversaries - that even as evil takes lives, God is in control, healing, restoring and giving life.
We've been talking with Princess daughter a lot lately about that time before she entered the world, while she was still in my tummy. Those six years ago are starting to get fuzzy for me, which is one reason I'm glad I kept a journal during my pregnancy. At times, I go back and look at it. It is amazing to see how the things I recorded about her activity, particularly in late pregnancy, completely fit what we now know to be her personality.
Take the chocolate cake incident, when I ate a BIG piece of homemade chocolate cake before a doctor's appointment. When they hooked up the baby heart monitor to check on her, she was doing somersaults. They were so worried about her level of activity, they sent me to the hospital to be monitored for awhile. To this day, the kid can hear me whisper "chocolate cake" across a concert hall filled with musicians playing Beethoven's Fifth.
And don't forget about the party girl persona. While on bedrest, I had several visits from relatives and girlfriends. At most of these occasions, there seemed to be a lot of laughter, which got this kid kicking and jumping and hiccuping! Everyday she is full of laughter and silliness, and is always on the lookout for a good party.
You're one kid who is full of life. Happy 6th birthday, Olivia.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
You Can't Make Me!
There are moments in every parent's life that make you just a little proud - that put a smile in your heart, not just on your face. Those are the moments that help you to forget about all those other moments... We experienced one of the former moments on a recent Saturday morning when Princess daughter joined us in bed.
As she was laying between us, she started singing praises to God. They weren't songs we had ever heard before, we weren't even sure (theologically) that the words went together, but there was no doubt they were from her heart. "That's beautiful," I said. "I know," she replied. "I like to make up songs and send them up to God, to show Him how much I love Him." "O my soul-l-l-l-l." "You're my king!" she belted out.
There are many things we make our children do: eat their peas before they can have ice cream, put their shoes on to go outside, blow their nose in a tissue rather than a shirtsleeve. But when they are young, we don't always expect them to do the right things because they want to, because it is their idea, because it is in their heart.
I shouldn't be surprised this desire has been put in her heart - or anyone else's. After all, that's what we were made for.
"Our LORD and Ruler, your name is wonderful everywhere on earth! You let your glory be seen in the heavens above. With praises from children and from tiny infants, you have built a fortress. It makes your enemies silent, and all who turn against you are left speechless." Psalm 8:1-2
Friday, August 22, 2008
An Eclipse, Leap Year and Halley's Comet All Wrapped Into One!
Hubby and I are doing something unheard of. We are spending the day together...without Princess daughter...guilt-free. The stars must have collided -- hubby's employer is giving them the Friday before Labor Day off and I don't work on Fridays. However, Princess daughter will be at school. That means we have seven hours together to do whatever we want!
Furthermore, Princess daughter's gymnastics center is having a parents-night-out party, so there's another four hours of date-time. Wow - we might even get tired of each other! Before Princess daughter, this kind of day would have been no big deal, but those who have children -- particularly young children -- know that when a day like this lands in your lap, you feel like you've won the lottery!
I don't know what we plan to do, but it will be nice to share a conversation or two without being interrupted. It will be fun to have a laugh at interesting people who share our world without having to censor. And most of all, no spelling out words allowed!
Of course, we would not wish this to be a permanent state of life - we were fortunate to enjoy 14 years of coupleness before Princess daughter - but it is nice to look forward to some adult time just for us. I feel a little giddy.
Furthermore, Princess daughter's gymnastics center is having a parents-night-out party, so there's another four hours of date-time. Wow - we might even get tired of each other! Before Princess daughter, this kind of day would have been no big deal, but those who have children -- particularly young children -- know that when a day like this lands in your lap, you feel like you've won the lottery!
I don't know what we plan to do, but it will be nice to share a conversation or two without being interrupted. It will be fun to have a laugh at interesting people who share our world without having to censor. And most of all, no spelling out words allowed!
Of course, we would not wish this to be a permanent state of life - we were fortunate to enjoy 14 years of coupleness before Princess daughter - but it is nice to look forward to some adult time just for us. I feel a little giddy.
Monday, August 18, 2008
"Kindergarteners, Lead the Way!"
(The real quote is "Rangers, Lead The Way!" stated by Colonel Francis W. Dawson on the occasion of the Normandy Invasion in 1944.)
It's just that Monday morning's events felt a little like an invasion. The school had already had a practice invasion last Thursday when the big kids had their first day of school. But they'd been there before. Today was the kindergarteners' first day, the real invasion into a whole new world, a whole new life.
I noticed there were many ways to handle this stressful event. Cheeks were stained with tears - on both parents and children. Some parents coaxed and cooed and sweet-talked. Others gave a quick hug, said their well wishes and were off. Others stayed and stayed and stayed...
I have to admit, it was not easy. Princess daughter has been going to parent-day-out and preschool programs since she was six months old, but there was a sense that this is the beginning of her moving further from us, the center of her orbit.
Just when it seemed like the invasion might not be successful, the capable and experienced teachers took things into their own hands, the students began to look like they belonged there, and we parents felt like the invaders. As we filed out of the classroom, we were torn between our reassurance that our little ones were adjusting just fine and the realization that the classroom would now be the center of their world, at least for seven hours a day. We hoped they would be glad to see us at 3:10. They were.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Reading is Rundamental
Princess daughter passed a big milestone last weekend. She celebrated having "read" 60 books this summer with an ice cream cake from Dairy Queen. We invited neighbor friends to make it a little more fun, and frankly, so 60 pieces of ice cream cake weren't calling hubby and my names from the freezer every day.
So she didn't actually read all of them, but she showed word recognition, even read a few sentences, in each of them. And she did sit down, pay attention to each page as we read to her and answer questions about the story following each book. That's quite a feat because, if you know Princess daughter, you know she doesn't sit with a book.
Ever since she could walk, she has had this habit of "running and reading" for which my husband coined the phrase "reading is rundamental" (which is why he's employed at an ad agency, I guess). Basically, as she runs full-speed across the room, she tells the story (as she sees it) on each page. Then she stops at one end of her lap, turns the page, and goes back from where she came "reading" the next page. The medium doesn't matter - I've seen her do this with magazines, brochures with interesting photos, sales flyers, even an underwear catologue.
It's an odd behavior, but one that gives her plenty of exercise, so my chief complaint is the pattern she's digging into the carpet and the wear-and-tear on the chairs at either end that receive the full-force brunt of the reading. She's even become aware of this activity by name, and requests time to do it each day. I think she also uses it as a way to process the day's events, as I often hear threads of conversations, recollection of events or regurtitation of scoldings (that one's always fun to hear thrown back in your face!). So I learn alot, too. Just not sure how this behavior will play out in the classroom once school starts...
So she didn't actually read all of them, but she showed word recognition, even read a few sentences, in each of them. And she did sit down, pay attention to each page as we read to her and answer questions about the story following each book. That's quite a feat because, if you know Princess daughter, you know she doesn't sit with a book.
Ever since she could walk, she has had this habit of "running and reading" for which my husband coined the phrase "reading is rundamental" (which is why he's employed at an ad agency, I guess). Basically, as she runs full-speed across the room, she tells the story (as she sees it) on each page. Then she stops at one end of her lap, turns the page, and goes back from where she came "reading" the next page. The medium doesn't matter - I've seen her do this with magazines, brochures with interesting photos, sales flyers, even an underwear catologue.
It's an odd behavior, but one that gives her plenty of exercise, so my chief complaint is the pattern she's digging into the carpet and the wear-and-tear on the chairs at either end that receive the full-force brunt of the reading. She's even become aware of this activity by name, and requests time to do it each day. I think she also uses it as a way to process the day's events, as I often hear threads of conversations, recollection of events or regurtitation of scoldings (that one's always fun to hear thrown back in your face!). So I learn alot, too. Just not sure how this behavior will play out in the classroom once school starts...
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
My Brave MIL
There are many reasons to admire someone. We often choose those heroes who risk their life to protect or serve or maintain all the qualities of life we hold dear. But there also is another kind of bravery I admire - someone who chooses to make deliberate changes in his/her life based on what he/she believes is the next step in this great journey on earth.
My mother-in-law is in the midst of such a journey. She has chosen to move from her home of more than 35 years, leave its sale in the hands of God at His time of choosing, and live in a new state, city, house. Granted, she'll be a few doors from her daughter, son-in-law and two of her grandbabies, but this is a BIG change.
She has retired from her job, has sold, traded or trashed a houseful of belongings, and is starting anew. We are excited for her - it must feel like an adventure in so many ways - but we also know it is hard to leave familiar surroundings.
"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power." Chicken Soup guy Alan Cohen
My mother-in-law is in the midst of such a journey. She has chosen to move from her home of more than 35 years, leave its sale in the hands of God at His time of choosing, and live in a new state, city, house. Granted, she'll be a few doors from her daughter, son-in-law and two of her grandbabies, but this is a BIG change.
She has retired from her job, has sold, traded or trashed a houseful of belongings, and is starting anew. We are excited for her - it must feel like an adventure in so many ways - but we also know it is hard to leave familiar surroundings.
"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power." Chicken Soup guy Alan Cohen
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Who Are We Kitting?
If you haven't seen the new Kit Kitteredge movie, you either don't have a little girl at home or are extremely cynical, or both. But as an adult, you're missing out. I've seen the movie twice, first at my request; the second time, at Princess daughter's request. It proves Hollywood can make a decent family movie that is interesting for both parents and kids and doesn't easily offend (unless, possibly, you're a hobo).
The movie is a little scary. Not in a "Friday the 13th" kind of way, but in how close its message hits home to what our country is experiencing economically right now. The uncle's line about so many people losing their homes because they bought big fancy houses they couldn't afford is almost prophetic. The mother's comment that we're all just a few bad breaks away from being in the poorhouse is a sobering thought. And the idea that the dad could lose his job because car purchases became a luxury made me squirm. After all, hubby makes a living pushing product at an ad agency. And some of his biggest clients aren't in the business of things that one might put in the "must have" category right now.
The movie is a good reminder that when the economy is rough, except for the over-the-top wealthy, most of us are in the middle of a line of dominoes. Even if we work hard, make all the right financial decisions, and have balanced spending habits (okay, nobody really does ALL of those...) things can still go sour.
The movie also is a good reminder that despite the pitfalls - good and bad - that money can get us into, the most important things in life aren't things. They're people.
The movie is a little scary. Not in a "Friday the 13th" kind of way, but in how close its message hits home to what our country is experiencing economically right now. The uncle's line about so many people losing their homes because they bought big fancy houses they couldn't afford is almost prophetic. The mother's comment that we're all just a few bad breaks away from being in the poorhouse is a sobering thought. And the idea that the dad could lose his job because car purchases became a luxury made me squirm. After all, hubby makes a living pushing product at an ad agency. And some of his biggest clients aren't in the business of things that one might put in the "must have" category right now.
The movie is a good reminder that when the economy is rough, except for the over-the-top wealthy, most of us are in the middle of a line of dominoes. Even if we work hard, make all the right financial decisions, and have balanced spending habits (okay, nobody really does ALL of those...) things can still go sour.
The movie also is a good reminder that despite the pitfalls - good and bad - that money can get us into, the most important things in life aren't things. They're people.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Blowing off Summer
Well it's August and summertime in the Midwest. We act surprised when the thermometer hits above 95 and humidity starts to build. (Of course, in January, we're baffled when the thermometer goes the other direction.) Which makes me wonder about the whole topic of weather and how much it occupies our daily life.
For one thing, it sets my whole wardrobe tone. Back in the spring, I donned capris the first day it looked safe enough for ankles to avoid frostbite. Those around me may have wished I made use of one of the many spray-tan products on the market, but I didn't care - it was capri weather! It's just like the thrill I get on that first really "fallish" day when the skies are perfectly blue, the clouds few, and the temps in the 60s. Sweater weather!
While Princess daughter and I were running errands one hot summer day, she said "I wish we could blow off summer." "What do you mean?" I asked, thinking it was somehow like blowing off school or work. "Like, when I blow on my soup, it cools off. I wish we could do that with summer." And she proceeded to blow and blow and blow. And just for a moment, it seemed to me it might have dropped a degree or two... :-)
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Personally, I HAVE to know what the weather is going to be. One of my top-five bookmarks is the local weather. Each quarter I DVR the extended seasonal forecast on the most accurate local news station (in my humble opionion - and theirs too). And I don't think it's just me who is nosy about this unpredictable subject...I don't think...
For one thing, it sets my whole wardrobe tone. Back in the spring, I donned capris the first day it looked safe enough for ankles to avoid frostbite. Those around me may have wished I made use of one of the many spray-tan products on the market, but I didn't care - it was capri weather! It's just like the thrill I get on that first really "fallish" day when the skies are perfectly blue, the clouds few, and the temps in the 60s. Sweater weather!
While Princess daughter and I were running errands one hot summer day, she said "I wish we could blow off summer." "What do you mean?" I asked, thinking it was somehow like blowing off school or work. "Like, when I blow on my soup, it cools off. I wish we could do that with summer." And she proceeded to blow and blow and blow. And just for a moment, it seemed to me it might have dropped a degree or two... :-)
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Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Ode to Midnight
I have a dog
He's finally made my blog.
This dog is so great, I'd even say grand
Why, he's the best dog in this whole land.
This dog is my boy and he is my bud
But I made right sure that he couldn't stud.
This dog is stubborn; he likes his way
I mean, how hard is it to understand "stay?!"
Got this dog as a pup, rescued him, too,
You'd think he'd show just a little more gratitude.
This dog is sweet and loves everyone
What more could you ask from a surrogate son?
This dog is quite lazy and he likes to sleep,
But there's no other dog that I'd rather keep.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Steven Curtis Chapman
Those who have followed the horrible tragedy in the family of Christian rocker Steven Curtis Chapman may also have heard the new version of his song "Yours" recently released for radio. I heard the song on KLOVE the other day, and having purchased the CD in the fall, thought the last verse didn't sound familiar. Wow, was it powerful.
Following the loss of his child, Maria, when she was hit in the family's driveway by a car driven by her brother, Steven added this last verse as a living testimony to what his family experienced following Maria's death. It's an amazing affirmation of faith and God's faithfulness. Just listen to it and see if it doesn't encourage and inspire.
I'm looking forward to the Chapman family appearing on Larry King Live Aug 7 to talk about this family tragedy and what's happened since. I also heard they are on ABC's GMA August 6.
Following the loss of his child, Maria, when she was hit in the family's driveway by a car driven by her brother, Steven added this last verse as a living testimony to what his family experienced following Maria's death. It's an amazing affirmation of faith and God's faithfulness. Just listen to it and see if it doesn't encourage and inspire.
I'm looking forward to the Chapman family appearing on Larry King Live Aug 7 to talk about this family tragedy and what's happened since. I also heard they are on ABC's GMA August 6.
Here Comes the Bride?
Princess daughter is getting married. At least, in her mind, she is. She's actually a flower girl in a wedding in December and we're hoping she doesn't decide it actually is her wedding and take over the whole affair.
We went to try on potential flower girl dresses recently, and you would have thought it was Style Week in Milan the way she strutted her stuff. Funny thing was, she knew exactly what to do! When the real bride handed her the basket that would contain the flower petals, Princess daughter put the basket over her right arm, reached in with her left, and gracefully tossed imaginary petals as if she had been doing it all her life. "See, this is how I throw the petals - so lovely and beautiful" she explained to us novices. After all, what did I know about flower-girling? It's been more than 19 years since my wedding and I didn't trust any little kids not to upstage me.
Actually, the little boy Princess daughter has wanted to marry since she was three has now been relegated to her "ring boy" with another potential groom taking his place. Sorry Ben - we always liked you!
We went to try on potential flower girl dresses recently, and you would have thought it was Style Week in Milan the way she strutted her stuff. Funny thing was, she knew exactly what to do! When the real bride handed her the basket that would contain the flower petals, Princess daughter put the basket over her right arm, reached in with her left, and gracefully tossed imaginary petals as if she had been doing it all her life. "See, this is how I throw the petals - so lovely and beautiful" she explained to us novices. After all, what did I know about flower-girling? It's been more than 19 years since my wedding and I didn't trust any little kids not to upstage me.
Actually, the little boy Princess daughter has wanted to marry since she was three has now been relegated to her "ring boy" with another potential groom taking his place. Sorry Ben - we always liked you!
The Gift That Keeps On Giving
I've been reading a couple of books lately about raising gifted kids cause I thinked I might have one. At the risk of sounding snobby (who doesn't think their kid is gifted?) I needed to understand a little more about my Princess daughter. (And after looking into OCD, ADD, ADHD and all the other child-related acronym diagnoses, I liked this one best.) Although she assured me she would still be my normal daughter even though she's decided she now likes Hannah Montana, I think there might be something more. After all, the girl understood the concept of zero at 2 years of age and was doing multiplication at 4. Of course, this gene came from hubby. How could it not from a man whose favorite TV show is "Numb3rs" and whose web site is all about HP scientific calculators?
I needed to know why she was doing some of the things she does, how best to parent a child with those tendancies, and how to advocate for her in the public school system. Mostly, I am learning a lot about my job as a parent. (Wow - if I had known it was this demanding...)
And mostly, it is confirming that my most important job is down on my knees, praying on her behalf to her Creator. No doubt there will continue to be struggles and tears (and that's just from me), but our Father who knows and loves us best is in control, and that gives me peace that everything that is supposed to happen in her life will.
These yet-to-be-invented words she's come up with surely signify her high level of brain power...
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If you think your child is in the same boat, the books I've been reading are:
"You Know Your Child Is Gifted When" by Judy Galbraith
"Parenting Gifted Kids" by James R. Delisle
"The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Children" by Sally Yahnke Walker
I needed to know why she was doing some of the things she does, how best to parent a child with those tendancies, and how to advocate for her in the public school system. Mostly, I am learning a lot about my job as a parent. (Wow - if I had known it was this demanding...)
And mostly, it is confirming that my most important job is down on my knees, praying on her behalf to her Creator. No doubt there will continue to be struggles and tears (and that's just from me), but our Father who knows and loves us best is in control, and that gives me peace that everything that is supposed to happen in her life will.
These yet-to-be-invented words she's come up with surely signify her high level of brain power...******
If you think your child is in the same boat, the books I've been reading are:
"You Know Your Child Is Gifted When" by Judy Galbraith
"Parenting Gifted Kids" by James R. Delisle
"The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Children" by Sally Yahnke Walker
Sunday, August 3, 2008
You Say You Want a Revelation?
Third Day's Revelation just came out. It's great (of course). If you know them, then it's probably on your list to download, purchase, whatever. If you don't know them, it's a great intro to Christian rock and what it can do in your life. Hubby and I saw them in concert this spring - what a fun time of worship!
Spirit West Coast is this weekend - a Shout Out to Alan & Ginger & gang. Thanks for all you do to reach hearts for Jesus through this ministry. You deserve that cruise for all your hard work! Looking forward to a September visit...
Spirit West Coast is this weekend - a Shout Out to Alan & Ginger & gang. Thanks for all you do to reach hearts for Jesus through this ministry. You deserve that cruise for all your hard work! Looking forward to a September visit...
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Too Much Time on My Hands
Dare I even type that statement? This spring, I changed jobs for a better work-family balance. I’m really enjoying being volunteer coordinator for a museum – it’s close-by, has a flexible schedule, helps me get to know people in the community, provides some mental stimulation and a little money. This summer it allowed me to be home with the Princess daughter a lot, but now she’s starting kindergarten and will be gone five days a week for seven hours each day, and I only work about 16 hours.
I’ve not had this kind of time since I became an adult. I’ve worked full-time since college, and once Princess daughter came, I started part-time, but she took the other part-time. Now life is changing and I’m looking forward to having some time; I’m just not sure I should be allowed to have it. I’m afraid if I don’t use it well, God will take it away.
Like Maria Shriver the other day on Oprah, I’m having to rediscover myself at almost 41 years of age. I’ve defined myself for so long by my career and since that has less importance these days, it forces me to ask what I want to be when I grow up. Oh sure, the messy closets, piles of laundry and stacks of unread books call my name, but once those things are done, they’re done. I’ll be volunteering in the Princess’ classroom, reading more books, actually sticking to an exercise routine, taking time for lunch with friends, and enjoying regular devotional times. No doubt school/community/church opportunities will come up. It’s just overwhelming, exciting and scary all at the same time to contemplate what lies ahead. I’m asking God not to take that time away, but to help me count my days and make every day matter for Him.
I’ve not had this kind of time since I became an adult. I’ve worked full-time since college, and once Princess daughter came, I started part-time, but she took the other part-time. Now life is changing and I’m looking forward to having some time; I’m just not sure I should be allowed to have it. I’m afraid if I don’t use it well, God will take it away.
Like Maria Shriver the other day on Oprah, I’m having to rediscover myself at almost 41 years of age. I’ve defined myself for so long by my career and since that has less importance these days, it forces me to ask what I want to be when I grow up. Oh sure, the messy closets, piles of laundry and stacks of unread books call my name, but once those things are done, they’re done. I’ll be volunteering in the Princess’ classroom, reading more books, actually sticking to an exercise routine, taking time for lunch with friends, and enjoying regular devotional times. No doubt school/community/church opportunities will come up. It’s just overwhelming, exciting and scary all at the same time to contemplate what lies ahead. I’m asking God not to take that time away, but to help me count my days and make every day matter for Him.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sink Your Teeth Into It
Princess daughter lost her third tooth last weekend. At this rate, she'll have all her permanent teeth by first grade! She was eating corn on the cob and her cousin remarked how some people's teeth look like corn because they're yellow. I noticed Princess daughter feeling around in her mouth with her tongue. She suddenly exclaimed "I've lost my tooth!" Sure enough, evidence of the tooth-loosening efforts showed clearly on the corncob and the tooth was laying on her plate.
The tooth fairy panicked a little as she realized it was Saturday night and was not prepared for this event (it usually happens on major holidays like Christmas - the first one - and Valentine's - the second one). So she ramsacked the emergency gift closet with hubby. Hubby tooth fairy suggested the Hello Kitty jewelry set (thank you $1 Spot at Target). Problem solved. (I hope Princess doesn't read this - all innocence will be lost.) She LOVED the jewelry and even wore it to church the next day. (We don't do $ in our family yet as there is no understanding or appreciation of it - the first tooth was worth an IHOP giftcard, which emitted from Princess daughter a very sad face and lament, "All I got was this cwedit card." (Hubby's blog recounts this story, as well.)
I also had tooth excitement this week as I got my first filling since my teens (I think they used playdough or clay back then.) Never a fun experience, but a good life lesson for Princess daughter.
The tooth fairy panicked a little as she realized it was Saturday night and was not prepared for this event (it usually happens on major holidays like Christmas - the first one - and Valentine's - the second one). So she ramsacked the emergency gift closet with hubby. Hubby tooth fairy suggested the Hello Kitty jewelry set (thank you $1 Spot at Target). Problem solved. (I hope Princess doesn't read this - all innocence will be lost.) She LOVED the jewelry and even wore it to church the next day. (We don't do $ in our family yet as there is no understanding or appreciation of it - the first tooth was worth an IHOP giftcard, which emitted from Princess daughter a very sad face and lament, "All I got was this cwedit card." (Hubby's blog recounts this story, as well.)
I also had tooth excitement this week as I got my first filling since my teens (I think they used playdough or clay back then.) Never a fun experience, but a good life lesson for Princess daughter.
Supply This!
School supply lists are funny things. While some items have obvious uses – scissors for killing the booger-eating kid next to you, markers for drawing puppets on your knuckles – the purpose of other items is more ambiguous.
Take my Princess daughter's list for kindergarten. Unless they’re making a ton of yarn scarecrows or a Wendy’s wig, I’m not sure why they need a whole skein of red or light brown yarn. (And skein – that’s a word you use everyday.)
Has obsession with cleanliness overtaken the school supply list? It used to be fun stuff like compasses and erasers and highlighters, now it’s hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes. Yippee kids – have fun learning how to eliminate the world of germs!
And I can’t figure out why I need to send boxes of zipper plastic bags. It’s not looking good – it has all the signs of “We’re making tons of stuff that will need to be contained in plastic bags and it’s all coming home to you, parents.”
ToysRUs had Crayola writing implements buy-one-get-two-free so I justified spending the gas money to save money on additional boxes of all things Crayola. Maybe not something Suze Orman or Mad Money guy Jim Cramer would recommend, but it was fun.
Take my Princess daughter's list for kindergarten. Unless they’re making a ton of yarn scarecrows or a Wendy’s wig, I’m not sure why they need a whole skein of red or light brown yarn. (And skein – that’s a word you use everyday.)
Has obsession with cleanliness overtaken the school supply list? It used to be fun stuff like compasses and erasers and highlighters, now it’s hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes. Yippee kids – have fun learning how to eliminate the world of germs!
And I can’t figure out why I need to send boxes of zipper plastic bags. It’s not looking good – it has all the signs of “We’re making tons of stuff that will need to be contained in plastic bags and it’s all coming home to you, parents.”
ToysRUs had Crayola writing implements buy-one-get-two-free so I justified spending the gas money to save money on additional boxes of all things Crayola. Maybe not something Suze Orman or Mad Money guy Jim Cramer would recommend, but it was fun.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
My Other Addiction
My other addiction (what’s with this girl?) is swimming. I’ve always loved propelling myself through the water, ever since I was a little girl. I don’t look nearly as cute in a swimsuit now, but many of my favorite memories growing up involve being in the water.
One of the greatest blessings of our move last year was to a subdivision where we are three houses from the pool. We are there every day, sometimes twice a day. I love to go in the morning on days when the Princess daughter is at summer camp, and before I head to work. No one is there, it’s quiet, and I do my laps. They will never set or break an Olympic record, but I love that feeling of using my muscles to go back and forth across the pool for 30 minutes. I like to think it does a body good.
My little Princess is quite the swimmer. I often wonder if that activity will be part of her future. Her lung capacity is amazing and she’s incredibly strong. Hubby provides us endless amounts of laughter at the pool. How can one person thrash and kick as much as he does, and go nowhere?
We are all so sad when the sun sets earlier, the mornings and evenings get a little chillier, and the sign on the pool fence says “Closed.” We know it will be many months before we find ourselves gliding through that water again.
One of the greatest blessings of our move last year was to a subdivision where we are three houses from the pool. We are there every day, sometimes twice a day. I love to go in the morning on days when the Princess daughter is at summer camp, and before I head to work. No one is there, it’s quiet, and I do my laps. They will never set or break an Olympic record, but I love that feeling of using my muscles to go back and forth across the pool for 30 minutes. I like to think it does a body good.
My little Princess is quite the swimmer. I often wonder if that activity will be part of her future. Her lung capacity is amazing and she’s incredibly strong. Hubby provides us endless amounts of laughter at the pool. How can one person thrash and kick as much as he does, and go nowhere?
We are all so sad when the sun sets earlier, the mornings and evenings get a little chillier, and the sign on the pool fence says “Closed.” We know it will be many months before we find ourselves gliding through that water again.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
“My name is Susan and I am an Office-aholic”
Hubby says I have an addiction. It’s started to show. Other people are seeing the effects. And it has taken over my life (or at least my evenings after a certain Princess goes to bed).
Since the end of June, I have watched every episode of all four seasons of the American version of “The Office” at least once, some twice. I spent several beads and conch shells renting Seasons 2 and 3, only to find out that disc 4 of Season 3 was nowhere to be found in the metropolitan area (sorry to add to the shrinking ozone by driving allover to find it, but I told you, I have an addiction). Apparently, there are others who share the same addiction but feed theirs through unethical means of ownership like keeping videos until they’re charged for them. (Sure, Red Box is great, but where is “The Office” in that little crimson kiosk?)
I went fairly haywire when I discovered “Casino Night” had disappeared from the DVRed episodes I was beginning to collect. What – we erase “Casino Night” and keep “Shrek the Halls” Christmas special?
I have already planned a watch party for the one-hour Season 5 premiere of “The Office” on September 25. I’ve invited some mildly addicted friends and am anticipating the laughs… Greg Daniels, don’t let me down. (Office Trivia game)
Since the end of June, I have watched every episode of all four seasons of the American version of “The Office” at least once, some twice. I spent several beads and conch shells renting Seasons 2 and 3, only to find out that disc 4 of Season 3 was nowhere to be found in the metropolitan area (sorry to add to the shrinking ozone by driving allover to find it, but I told you, I have an addiction). Apparently, there are others who share the same addiction but feed theirs through unethical means of ownership like keeping videos until they’re charged for them. (Sure, Red Box is great, but where is “The Office” in that little crimson kiosk?)
I went fairly haywire when I discovered “Casino Night” had disappeared from the DVRed episodes I was beginning to collect. What – we erase “Casino Night” and keep “Shrek the Halls” Christmas special?
I have already planned a watch party for the one-hour Season 5 premiere of “The Office” on September 25. I’ve invited some mildly addicted friends and am anticipating the laughs… Greg Daniels, don’t let me down. (Office Trivia game)
Monday, July 28, 2008
Three Weeks and Counting
We’re three weeks from Princess daughter's first day of kindergarten. Heard this song in “Mamma Mia” the other night; could completely relate. The lyrics to the ABBA song "Slipping Through My Fingers" follow:
Schoolbag in hand, she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile
I watch her go with a surge of that well-known sadness
And I have to sit down for a while
The feeling that I’m losing her forever
And without really entering her world
I’m glad whenever I can share her laughter
That funny little girl
Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see what’s in her mind
Each time I think I’m close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Sleep in our eyes, her and me at the breakfast table
Barely awake, I let precious time go by
Then when she’s gone there’s that odd melancholy feeling
And a sense of guilt I can’t deny
What happened to the wonderful adventures
The places I had planned for us to go
Well, some of that we did but most we didn’t
And why I just don’t know
Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see what’s in her mind
Each time I think I’m close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture
And save it from the funny tricks of time
Slipping through my fingers...
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Schoolbag in hand she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile...
Schoolbag in hand, she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile
I watch her go with a surge of that well-known sadness
And I have to sit down for a while
The feeling that I’m losing her forever
And without really entering her world
I’m glad whenever I can share her laughter
That funny little girl
Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see what’s in her mind
Each time I think I’m close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Sleep in our eyes, her and me at the breakfast table
Barely awake, I let precious time go by
Then when she’s gone there’s that odd melancholy feeling
And a sense of guilt I can’t deny
What happened to the wonderful adventures
The places I had planned for us to go
Well, some of that we did but most we didn’t
And why I just don’t know
Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see what’s in her mind
Each time I think I’m close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Sometimes I wish that I could freeze the picture
And save it from the funny tricks of time
Slipping through my fingers...
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Schoolbag in hand she leaves home in the early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent-minded smile...
Friday, July 25, 2008
Age is in the Eye of the Beholder
I went to see the new movie “Mamma Mia” the other day. Yes, there is a high cheese factor, and the singing is not that great, but Pierce Brosnan takes his shirt off. (Those over 40 are now imagining something they shouldn’t; those under 40 are grossing out.) I’m in the former group, which is why I say “I’m old.” While a much younger woman might be drooling over the 20-year-old hottie about to marry the young starlet of the movie, I barely noticed him. I found myself noticing the three men who were potential candidates for her daddy dearest. Strike one for oldness reality.
The neighbors that asked me to go – which I greatly appreciated, gave me a chance to get to know these women – have grown children. I’m guessing they’re in their late 40s or possible early 50s. And they saw me as one of their peers. Strike two for oldness reality.
I knew all the songs – remembered most of them from the first time they came out. Strike three!
The neighbors that asked me to go – which I greatly appreciated, gave me a chance to get to know these women – have grown children. I’m guessing they’re in their late 40s or possible early 50s. And they saw me as one of their peers. Strike two for oldness reality.
I knew all the songs – remembered most of them from the first time they came out. Strike three!
Crazy cuzins
The Princess daughter couldn’t sleep last night. We haven’t experienced this level of anticipation excitement since the jolly old elf made his appearance last winter. Cousins are coming today.
There are all kinds of plans – real or imagined – for these cousins. Of course, they will only be here 48 hours, but surely you can attend a professional baseball game, go swimming three or four times at several different pools, do every craft in the craftbook, buy every item in the Webkinz store, watch every show on Noggin, and play in the backyard in that amount of time. That’s, of course, if you don’t sleep. Which, apparently, is the anticipated outlook.
I remember waiting on the curb ALL day for my cousins to drive up. How long can it take to drive from Tennessee to New Jersey, anyway? Two of my fondest memories are the two summers I spent with cousins. And the antics of my curly red-headed cousin has provided hours of hilarious stories at family get-togethers over the past 30 years.
It reminds me of a cousin who has shared the experience of a miracle child; who makes me laugh; who inspires me with reminders of God’s character and promises; whom I never have enough time with when we visit the ivy house.
"Sometimes I wish we could go back to our childhood days. Yet here we are, both of us grown, with busy lives and out on our own. Things change, but you'll always be my cousin, my friend, and loved by me."
There are all kinds of plans – real or imagined – for these cousins. Of course, they will only be here 48 hours, but surely you can attend a professional baseball game, go swimming three or four times at several different pools, do every craft in the craftbook, buy every item in the Webkinz store, watch every show on Noggin, and play in the backyard in that amount of time. That’s, of course, if you don’t sleep. Which, apparently, is the anticipated outlook.
I remember waiting on the curb ALL day for my cousins to drive up. How long can it take to drive from Tennessee to New Jersey, anyway? Two of my fondest memories are the two summers I spent with cousins. And the antics of my curly red-headed cousin has provided hours of hilarious stories at family get-togethers over the past 30 years.
It reminds me of a cousin who has shared the experience of a miracle child; who makes me laugh; who inspires me with reminders of God’s character and promises; whom I never have enough time with when we visit the ivy house.
"Sometimes I wish we could go back to our childhood days. Yet here we are, both of us grown, with busy lives and out on our own. Things change, but you'll always be my cousin, my friend, and loved by me."
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