Digging in Closets

I have closet issues!  Big time!  If you have followed my blog for anytime at all, then you might remember this February 2007 post where I revealed my bedroom closet.  If you're not a "link clicker", let me save you and just show the evidence of my closet frenzy THAT day: 

I threw EVERYTHING out of my bedroom closet.  It looked like the picture on the left.  I spent two full days and a heap of money on organizers to get  it to look like THIS:  


 Then in October of that same year, I wrote this post about my linen closet.  My linen closet (which holds much more than linens) looked like this picture on the left.  Do you see a pattern here?  I am starting to wish they had "messy closets" anonymous!  Anyway, I learned this VERY COOL sheet folding technique while I visited my blogging friends in Savannah.  And I put it to work on my closet and created this:

And then.  Two years went by.  Two years!  It was January 2009 and it was 3:31AM.  And my closet CRASHED!  Yes, I do mean crashed.  Here's THAT evidence photo.  I didn't do an "after" photo of that event.  It took me a little longer to get it all fixed up after that.  And honestly,after the crash  it never really went back to the way it was in 2007.

When I was younger, I had a friend, Carol.  She knew that if anything ever happened to me, that she was to go in and clean under my bed and my closets before my Mother got there!  Since I've been in this town, I've half-joking told one or two friends the same thing. 

I TOLD you have closet issues! 

Fast forward to last night.  DH and I met with LG's case manager.  She has to do a complete home study to deem us ready for adoption and an appropriate placement for LG.  Now, the interview process is long and quite personal on many levels.  They talk to you together as a couple and alone.  They pry.  They dig.

As we were rapping up our 90-minute interview last night I asked her, "Is there a time you need to inspect the house further for this paperwork?"   She hesitated and said, "Yeah...at least one time I need to walk the entire house and look in the closets to make sure you don't have any skeletons in there."  I'm telling ya' my heart SANK!  I could let her pry into our personal lives all night long, but the closet comment gave me hives! 

I'm no fool.  I know that my closets are not going to be a deal-breaker for an adoption.  I mean I've been in some pretty filthy homes that were deemed "acceptable" by child welfare.  Still, though, I'm feeling the urge to purge once again.  Before I do, let me just start by saying,

"Hello, I'm Susan I've fallen off the wagon and I've got messy closets!"

Sunday Seven

Sunday Seven is a meme that I participated in a while back.  It's a time to think back on the past week and write seven things for which you are thankful...or seven of anything.  It was pretty wide open.  I admit, I kind of miss all the memes that were floating around the blogosphere for so long.  It was an easy way to link up and find other bloggers that you didn't know about before.  Yet I am just as guilty for stopping as the next blogger.  This one, though, is a good one that I intend to use occasionally.  So...without any further explanation, here's my Sunday Seven for this week:

1.  Had some great interactions at work this week!  I have to say that it's been hard for me to change leaders. I have worked for a lot of people (12 principals in my career).  And I've gotten along well with all.  I think it's just making changes after being "settled" for so long that has been a bit hard.  Anyway, I had some positive interactions and conversations both with my new boss and with some of my wonderful colleagues.  These conversations help me know that kids are still at the center of all we do.  And that's a GREAT thing!

2.  I am so thankful for my sweet friends!  I love it that I can call on them whenever I need to talk stuff out.  I am blessed by this and I don't take it for granted.  I am also thankful for new friends.  I love it that I feel like doors are opening for new conversations and new relationships.  It's special to "Make New Friends and Keep the Old..."

3.  I love working with my kiddos at school.  They constantly teach me about teaching and learning and laughing and living!  I honestly think I work in one of the best professions on the planet!

4.  LG got a new caseworker this week.  This is frustrating because we really ARE at the "end" of the very long adoption process for her.  Unfortunately, social workers come and go and it impacts kids.  I am thankful for a new caseworker who seems with it.  Although the process is now going to take a bit longer, I believe LG's been in pretty good hands all along.

5.  Seeing glimpses of maturity in DS 4 makes me smile!  He's in those often tumultuous middle school years. I love those moments of "hope" that God gives you when they are in these years that help you know that they will come out on the other side as productive citizens and young men.

6.  Last week at church the pastor preached on keeping God in the "right seat" of our lives.  We tend to move him to another spot or replace him with other people, things, events, or ideas.  This week, I cannot tell you how many times I've said, "Help me remember YOUR chair, Lord..."  and "I won't give your chair to anyone...you are center."  It makes a difference.

7.  I'm thankful for a somewhat lazy Saturday this week.  It's been a long time since I've just been able to relax and not really be on someone's time schedule.  I watched two movies with the kids and just generally vegged on Saturday.  It was a GIFT that I do not take for granted.

So, there you have it a somewhat random Sunday Seven.  I love recounting my blessings and thinking of the points of light that glimmer in each and every setting of my life.  Happy Sunday!

When Sunday Seeps into Monday...

I started a "Sunday Seven" yesterday as a quick update on life in my world.  But, I never went back to it.  It's not that I didn't have the time.  I did.  I just didn't make that my priority.  Then, when fatigue hit early last night, I just let it hit and suddenly found myself planted squarely in Monday without a blogpost!

Since there are no numbers that go with "Monday"...except maybe "Monday Million"---which we all know isn't going to happen---I decided to do my Sunday Seven on a Monday.  Is that OK?  Of course it is cause it's my blog.  And that's the good thing about blogging.  It's a little like Outback Steakhouse:  "No rules.  Just right."
So here's my seven...

1.  My brother, Greg, spent last week in the hospital with acute pancreatitis.  His is diet induced and he knows he's got to change it drastically.  I am thankful that he is OK and home now.  And I'm thankful that he can make the changes and step firmly on the road to better health.

2.  Last week was our first official week of school.  It rained for the first few days of parent pick-up.  That is NOT FUN!  Heck, it rained for the first few days period.  Anyway, we muddled through the puddles and made it through the week without incident.

3.  Saturday was a great day.  Our church, in keeping with its outward focus, threw a "Breakfast for Belize". A local restaurant owner kindly made breakfast burritos for $10 and the proceeds go to support our orphanage in Belize.  I LOVED watching my DS 3 serve the tables.  Here he is practicing.

4.  After the breakfast, I went up to Tampa to see DS 2 and his GF.  We made a trip to IKEA!  It's one of my favorite places and we had a BALL shopping for his apartment.  He is sharing one of those apartments that has four locking bedrooms with a common area.  His roommate is not the neatest person, so he spends a lot of time in his little room.  We measured and searched for storage solutions.  And I think we succeeded.  The only thing I FORGOT was to bring the CAMERA!

5.  DS 2, A, and I took my Mom out for supper Saturday night.  It was a lovely evening that was filled with good food, conversation and laughter.

6.  Church energized me yesterday!  I love our church.  It's so focused on reaching out to others both locally and globally.

7.  After church I ran errands.  Alone.  I liked that.  It felt good to just be out and stroll through stores and the mall by myself.

So, there ya have it.  My weekend in the Sunday Seven format.

Thank God it's Friday!  I love my job, but getting back into the swing of things is just plain difficult!  I am simply an eight hour girl.  I am just downright cranky when I don't get a full night's sleep.  I think it's also been a different kind of week because I am learning to navigate our new leadership at school.  That is not a bad thing, it's just different.  It's kind of like those first years of marriage when you're really on your toes trying not to cause rough waters, you know?  It can be draining.

My brother is in the hospital with acute pancreatitis.  This is not the first time he's been admitted with it.  He is diabetic and has some other health issues that have caused this to flare up.  Primarily they think it can be controlled with diet and medication.  But, if you've ever tried to completely shift your diet from whatever is your norm, it can be very tough!  I am still requesting prayers for him.

Guess what I am doing tomorrow???  First of all, I am going to go to the Breakfast for Belize for our church. One local business owner is going to be making Mexican breakfast burritos for $10.  All proceeds are going to support our church's children's home in Belize.  It should be a great time.

But then...after breakfast is done...I am heading up to Tampa to see DS 2 and his GF.  We are making a trip to IKEA!!  I LOVE IT!  And the fact that DS's GF has never been makes it even more fun.  I can't wait.

OK, I have got to get ready for work on this fine Friday.  I hope you all have a wonderful day and an even better weekend!

Random Dozen

It's been a while since I've participated in Linda's Random Dozen...but it was out for a bit and I was out for a bit and it came back and I sort of came back.  So we haven't crossed paths for a while.  Today, though, it's been rainy here in Florida again and I really didn't want to fuss about it, so I thought I'd grab the questions and answer them.  So it's a little late.  That's nothing new for me.  It's still Wednesday, and I think the idea is to post answers on Wednesdays.  And it's EARLY for anyone who lives out west, so let me quit babbling and get to the good stuff....

1. What is your favorite Mexican dish?  Without a doubt, my favorite Mexican dish is a good burrito sans the beans.  I HATE BEANS!  They're mushy and make me choke.  Some Mexicans might argue that it's not Mexican without the beans, but for me it's the best.  

2. When you were a kid, did you get started on your homework right away after school, or did you procrastinate?  I have to be honest, I really didn't GET homework much in elementary school.  In fact, I remember a few projects, but not really having nightly homework.  By 6th grade, though, we had it and I procrastinated or forgot it entirely!  It was definitely not my forte' and probably cost me a few grades.  

3. What is your favorite store for home furnishings?  The Pottery Barn, hands down.  Not that I can afford what I see there.  I just love looking through the magazine, wishing and then planning to achieve the look for less.  

4. When you were young, did you like school lunches? Yes I did.  I loved Beefaroni day and the rolls the most.  They don't even really make anything from scratch anymore.  It's all processed.  YUCK!

5. Is religion a crutch?  Hmmm...this is a loaded question.  I'm not even going to ask how we went from Mexican dishes, to school lunches, to religion being a crutch!  ;-)  I'd say for some it is.  I don't think it's so for everyone, though.

6. In your region, what is the "big" (most popular in the community or state) high school sport? Football, hands down.  

7. Do you consider yourself rich?  Yes, though it's so much more than monetary for me.  I am richly blessed with family, house, home, and everything I need.  My DH used to say that most Americans should take a trip to a third world country to realize just how RICH most of us really ARE!

8. Which of these would you have the best chance for success in administering:
A) CPR  (my answer)
B) Heimlich Maneuver
C) Changing a flat tire

9. Which dance would you prefer to learn & why: 
A) Salsa
B) Hip Hop
C) Waltz--because it's everything I'm not...graceful and smooth and rhythmic!
D) Swing

10. What's the worst news you've ever delivered to someone?  I remember telling my kids that their Grandfather had died.  That is definitely the worst.  

11. Name something you learned in college that had nothing to do with classes or academics. How to room with someone else and get along.  

12. New variation on an old question: If there's a song in your head that just won't get out, what is your favorite (or most repeated) line in that song?  I don't get this...generally it's the chorus that I am singing.  Today, though, I found myself humming line one of a song we sang at church on Sunday.  I hummed it over and over and over.  I hope that I answered that the way it was intended...I'll have to come visit and see what others did.  



Happy Wednesday!

A Little Thinking and a LOT of Catch-up...

Since it's Sunday, I'm going to use my Sunday Seven (plus) to do some thinking and some catch up today:

1.  I found this quote while doing some study the other day:

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live. The law tells me how crooked I am. Grace comes along and straightens me out.” -Dwight Lyman Moody (1837-1899)

It struck me as such a powerful thought that God's grace continually helps improve who I am.  It also covers me in those times when I am SO crooked.  I love that thought!

2.  I let it come and go and I really shouldn't have!  DH and I have been married for 23 years as of last Sunday evening.  Sunday morning someone congratulated us and said, "23 years of married bliss."  I thought about that.  It's been 23 years, though not always blissful.  Sometimes marriage is just hard work and commitment.  Other times bliss abounds and you know that the hard work and commitment are so worth it.  I think THIS is what defines us and our marriage.  God is good and I am so glad to be married to this wonderful man!

3.  Teachers returned to duty last Monday.  This meant a week of learning about our new Principal and hearing how things were going to run this year under her leadership.  It will be different.  I know she made a HUGE effort to balance the week with a little fun, a little dose of her expectations, and celebration for who we are as a school staff.  It was busy, but good.  Her theme this year is "Cruisin' to Success" and everything is being built around the metaphor of cruising.  There is no question that it will be a year of learning to navigate my role on the ship.  And that's OK with me.

4.  Students returned on Friday for our Open House and "Meet Your Teacher".  Our church has formed a really neat partnership with the school and has done several servant events for the families there.  Each year, we have donated school supplies to be distributed to children without them.  This year, the new Principal gave us permission to actually set up a location and distribute them during this event.  We had 11 adults and 9 youth there distributing school supplies!

5.  This event is definitely worth two bullets in my list!  I have to say that watching it was absolutely amazing! I would check kids off a list and then a volunteer would get that student and help them choose one of 350 backpacks donated by the Rotary Club.  Then they would take their school supply list and let them go select five more things for the backpack!  I loved hearing the connections people made with the kids.  I loved watching parent's faces as they realized that the list would be met without financial strain.  It was an amazing outpouring of love!

6.  I went school supply shopping for my own kiddos this week.  I am so thankful that we have the resources to assure that our kids go to school lacking nothing.  I don't take it for granted.  I remember days when it would have been much more difficult for us and thus, for them.

7.  We had a lovely trip to see my family yesterday.  I love just visiting, sharing food, and laughing with them. Though I had a terrible headache all day long, it was a highlight of my weekend.  I am blessed that we are so close.  And I love the fact that we can just BE together with no other agenda.

7+.  And an extra blessing I received this week...was a lovely gift from Edie over at Rich Gifts.  She sent me a beautifully crafted initial "S" to hang on a wall.  (I will take a pic of it and post...my camera is dead and I can't get any pics off of it right now.)  Anyway, Edie surprised me with a note a few months back and said that she had created this piece for an Etsy shop she was going to start.  God took her in another direction and she was wondering what to do with it.  Then she said she thought of me and wondered if it had been meant for me all along.  Edie, it is absolutely GORGEOUS and I was BLESSED beyond belief that you thought of me. And actually when you did, it was a very rough time where I was struggling with WHO I am and whether God was always listening to me.  It is going to serve as a reminder that  he DOES know my name and is always there.

So, there you have it...some thoughts...and a catch-up all here on a Sunday morning.  Doing the Sunday Seven reminds me just how richly blessed I am!

I have always wanted to be the person that takes the less-traveled road...I can honestly say this poem has stayed with me since my high school days when I realized just what a difference making the less popular choice could make.  I hope this is a lesson that I am passing along to my children and living by example every day.  

The Road Not Taken 

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference

...Robert Frost

It's True...

Last night I posted this as my Facebook status:

"I can see the hoop.  I just don't feel like jumping right now."

Yesterday I realized just how MANY hoops I jump through daily.  Heck we ALL do it. There is nothing inherently special about my life or my hoops that make it all that different than the next person's.  And most of the time what is required are just "fact-of-life" type jumps that we do because we know it's the right thing.

I have to say that I am facing some hoops that I know I have no choice but to go through.  I know that I have to jump and complete each task that the individual hoop requires.  But there's one problem.  I don't feel like jumping.  I've even made a running start a couple of times only to come up empty and unable to press on through.

I need a little motivation, chutzpah, and strength and I'll be fine.  But for now, I think I'll just stand for a few more moments and refuse to jump!

A Blast from the Past

Several years ago I used to do a "Sunday Seven"pretty regularly.  It could be "Seven" of anything...blessings, things you did that week, or any other list you could come up with.  Today, I think I'll do a Sunday Seven since it's been a while.  It will be the "Sunday Seven: Summer Edition"

1.  Today I am especially thankful for a/c!  Ours broke last night and we woke up to it being 81 degrees in the house.  I grew up in FL without it and I don't know how.  I am thankful for this sweet little luxury--especially on hot sticky days like today.

2.  I am thankful for my ability to read.  I enjoy just laying on the couch and losing myself in a book.  I don't get to do it as often as I'd like during the school year...but can usually make up for it in the summer.

3.  I love how I am learning to look for the little bites out of what seems like a HUGE elephant!  It's a time in my life when I have to "eat an elephant"...or tackle a big task.  I know that I don't face any task alone and that God cares deeply about everything that crosses my path.  I am thankful that I can find the little joys and celebrate the little victories and accomplishments.  Even though sometimes I feel like I'm still at the beginning, I KNOW the elephant IS getting smaller!

4.  I have the BEST family ever!  My kids bring me SO MUCH JOY!  I love watching them go through the ages and stages of life and knowing they are growing into productive citizens.  This week we celebrated birthdays and I've been able to interact with each of the boys and LG in some very special moments.  It reminds me that the greatest blessing in my life is being a parent and having such wonderful kids.

5.  Rain is a good thing.  Today has been rather rainy.  I don't really like the "grayness" of the day...but I know that rain is important for all of us.  And, even though it's gray, I also know that these days when I'm sort of forced to stay inside and just "be" are not always bad.

6.  Facebook is something for which I grow more thankful every single day.  I know it's a little thing, but yesterday was my birthday.  I was absolutely blown away by the people who took the time to write two little words on my page: "happy birthday"!  I heard from people that I haven't heard from in years...I heard from blogging friends and family.  I heard from people I see almost every single day.  But I was BLESSED beyond what I can express.  Never doubt that a simple action can make a difference in someone's life.  It did mine yesterday.

7.  I love my church!  We have been a part of this church since DH left full time pastoring.  It was a hard transition for us.  And the church we joined was in its infancy.  But it's such a BLESSING to us.  I am challenged to grow there.  I see my kids growing there.  I have made friends there.  And for that I am eternally grateful!

And there you have it folks!  Hope this Sunday Seven finds you well!

Don't Fence Me In...

Today I am meeting with our new Principal. We have met briefly, but haven't really sat and talked yet. I had some things I wanted to prepare for that meeting, so yesterday I took the time to really dig in and get those things in order at work.

Most of the time, "normal" people park in the parking lot. On Summer days, and times when there are no kids on campus, some of us who work in portable classrooms pull our cars right around to our doors. Knowing that I also wanted to fill my car with boxes to pack up my kitchen in prep for the re-do, I pulled my car behind the cafeteria and through the field around to my classroom. That was around 10:00am.

Because I wanted to stay somewhat incognito, I didn't tell anyone I was there. I worked all day. It was quiet and peaceful and I really got a lot done. I looked up at the clock at one point and realized that it was 4:00. I called the office to let the AP know I was there and ask what time the building actually closed. She told me 5 or 6. So I started to wrap up. At 4:50 I packed the car and left.

When I arrived at the back side of the cafeteria, the gate that I had to drive through was LOCKED! I didn't totally panic because I could see cars still. I called the front office on my cell phone. No answer. Mild heart palpitations. I called my AP's cell phone. No answer. BIGGER heartbeats. Surely she didn't leave early. I called my FIL to pick up LG at Dance Camp because I was "locked up". It gave him a good chuckle!

Suddenly my phone rang. The AP said, "I'm sorry, I was on the phone." I told her my predicament and asked her if she would call the custodians to open the gate. First she laughed. Hard. Then she called them.

Now the head custodian LOVED coming out and seeing my locked in face! She laughed and said, "Girl, you supposed to be on vacation!" She's right. She unlocked the gate. I promised to let her know that my car was around there next time. And we exchanged cell phone numbers as she scolded me for coming to work on my time off amid some "Serves you right" talk.

I know. I know.

I love the summer. I love having days off. I also love having the freedom to go to school if I want to and work a bit. It's that freedom to come and go as you want that feels so good. Well...that is, unless you find that you're fenced in! Then it makes you stop and do a double take. And for a brief moment you wonder if you should be there at all.

The answer, for me, is "yes". I love that place. I love what I do. I love the people I work with. And I love preparing for a new year at a slow easy pace that summer brings...unless it's 5:00 and the fence is closed!

OK Everybody, FALL IN!

This afternoon we got word that LG is one step closer to being ours forever. We were waiting for one more paper to be signed before we can begin our process with a great deal of certainty. Today it happened. I had her out and said, "I think Dad needs to take us out to celebrate tonight. And I think it needs to be a nice dinner where we can get dressed up." It didn't take her long to chime in and agree. (This picture is not from tonight, but I thought you'd be able to see the big brown eyes that were about to ask a Daddy for something.)

When we arrived home, she quickly announced to DH that she and I had something to ask him. He knew it was trouble from that moment! She asked me to start. So I said, "LG and I think we need to celebrate the fact that she's so close to being able to be adopted into our family." She continued, "And so we need to go out to a FANCY dinner. And you have to take us!"

He said, "Who's idea was this?" And she said, "Well....Mom thought of it and I just fell in it!"

HUH!?!? She "fell in it"???? I laughed so hard! That girl cracks me up.

Then he said, "Well, where do YOU think we should go that's fancy?" She said, "Golden Corral". Let me tell ya' the Golden Corral is NOT fancy...but where LG has spent most of her life, it IS a fancy restaurant. So we chuckled a bit and said we wanted to up the ante a bit (ok a LOT). So then she tells DH that she wants something "Da Ru Ma-ish". Let me explain. This is the name of one of our Japanese steakhouses where we spent Valentine's Day dinner. I just thought it was funny that she added the "ish" to her description.

Anyway, DH settled on The Melting Pot, which we LOVE! LG had no idea what to expect but loved each course and the whole experience!

Let me tell you...

DH suggested it and she "fell in it"...that's for certain!

Some things I'm learning with the onset of "Pink"...

LG has been with us now for 9 months. Interesting that she's been here the same amount of time that it would have taken for us to actually HAVE a baby (not that I want to do that!). Much like the days when DH and I were preparing for our firstborn, we have learned. Some lessons have been "system based" as we deal with the child welfare system. Some lessons have been "upbringing based" as we have noted the differences between her family practices and ours. And other lessons have been "pink vs. blue" based as we've ventured into the world of little girls when we've previously raised four young men.

Here are some of the "pink lessons" I've learned over the past few months:

LG is more "hair focused" than the boys ever were. The boys "might" look at it one time before they are out the door. LG looks at it in the morning, styles it how she THINKS she wants to wear it. And it's highly likely that it'll take on one or more transformations before we're out the door! It's almost a sure thing that it will never look the same in the afternoon as it did when she first went outside in the morning.

Girls giggle. A lot. Boys laugh, they belch, and they make various other noises with their bodies. Girls are simply giggly. I love their sweet little giggles.

My boys tended to go from one activity to another in the blink of an eye. They could plow through "things to do" faster than racehorses. Girls linger. At least mine does.

Boys get "caught" acting out and pretending. When they do, they can often be found pulling their heads into their shell a la the tortoise. Girls perform. They love an audience and thrive on the applause and kudos that is sure to follow their dance, song, or play.

Girls play in their Mother's make-up and products. I remember the boys doing this once in a great while and we'd laugh hard. LG is in my stuff almost regularly. It's not uncommon for me to see evidence that she's been exploring again after she's been in the bathroom.

They are aware when their bodies make little changes. LG is not afraid to ask about them either. We've already had some talks with LG that we didn't have to have with the boys.

Little girls LOVE their Daddies! Yesterday I came home and found LG sleeping in DH's lap. She's no small little thing, but there she was curled up with him on the couch. In some ways it appears lumbering and over-sized for him. But in so many ways, it's a perfect fit!

Girls know how to saunter through a store. LG takes it all in and enjoys the moments wandering the aisles. The boys go with a goal in mind...get in/get what you need/get out.

I am well aware that girls don't always fit every stereotype and some may be different than my LG, but it's been fun to learn the "pink lessons". I'm sure it's only the tip of the iceberg for what's in store.

DH and I figured out that by the time she is ready to leave our nest, we will have been raising kids for 35 years! 35 years! I'm thankful for each and every season that this child-rearing journey has brought upon us. From blue to pink and everything in between--it's a joy to parent five terrific kids and to learn the lessons they teach us every day!

A Weekend View...

What a weekend it's been!

Saturday morning we received word that DS 2 went to the ER in the early hours of Saturday for stomach pains. By 8am we got the call that he was going to go in for surgery to remove his appendix. So, DS 3 and I hopped in the car and headed to Gainesville to be with him.

When we arrived, he was in recovery and moved out to a room not long after that. His main concern was not that he just had his appendix removed. It wasn't that he was less than 24 hours back from Nicaragua. It was that he might miss the USA World Cup Game at 2:30 that afternoon! And trust me, every doctor nurse and other hospital employee heard it.

Anyway, we sat in the hospital with him until he was released around 5:30pm and got him set up at home with clear liquids. Then DS 3 and I made the trek home.

Yesterday was quite lazy for me. I am trying so hard to finish a book that I am reading so that I can put it behind me! I've been reading it off and on since February. I know, I know that just isn't right! There are only 300 pages in it! I just haven't had good reading time to really push and finish it.

DS 1 came home last night for a bit. I love having them home when they are here.

A new week is upon us and it is relatively "plan-free"--which I enjoy once in a while.

Happy Monday everyone!

As Another Week Closes...

What an interesting week we've had!

After driving back from our trip to the beach last Saturday, it was pretty much back to the daily "summer grind".

LG began Dance Camp. One of our goals is to help her find ways to move and avoid being sedentary. She LOVES the stage and performance, so this seemed like a logical choice. It has been so positive for her. The week culminates in a mini-show that all the campers put on for their parents. There is no question that she loves performing and all that goes with it. So, I'd say it was a great match!

DS 3 and I drove to Miami last night to pick up my DS 2 and his GF and a crew that has been on the mission field in Nicaragua. They had plenty of room for either bodies or luggage, but not both. So, DS 3 and I carried the luggage home and they carried all the youth home.

For us, this is a 3 and 1/2 hour trip to that airport. DS 3 drove and did a great job. I told him I did not want him driving in Miami, but he did fine all the way to the airport.

When we arrived at the airport, I realized that we also needed to figure in the customs process. UGH! It wasn't long before we saw ONE youth come out and he basically said, "(Your son) had to get the full search. So they are back there." This youth was meeting his Aunt at the airport and that's why he came out.

So we waited. DS 3 and I had a great time making up stories about each person who came through the customs hall. We decided what country each one had been visiting and their business there. It was profiling at it's finest! But made for some good laughs between the two of us.

DS 2 and crew came out not long after we saw Youth 1. They were tired and worn and the kids were demanding Chick-Fil-A of all places. Thank goodness for GPS! We found one and took them to supper.

One other experience made my week interesting. I went to volunteer in my friend Debra's summer school class of 7 preK Autistic children. These kids range where they are on the Autism spectrum, but honestly most are significantly non-verbal and others are quite physical.

I was only in there an hour while another teacher modeled a lesson, an aide helped all the kids bathroom and/or change diapers, and Debra, a teen volunteer and I helped kids sit in their chairs as they learned to reply with a yes/no to a question. Then I helped them walk to lunch. It took all I had just to hold two kids hands and get them to lunch!

I have to say it was a very humbling experience! These children are precious. They are time intensive and needy in a different sort of way. It is evident that most, if not all, would benefit from a 1:1 aide. That simply isn't going to happen.

It was an important reminder why I don't have my Exceptional Student Education certification. It's simply not my calling. And it's also a reminder just how special each person who has the will, passion, and stamina to work with them is a special gift for that child.

That's it from my neck of the woods!

Remember February...

I think I am going to post this little picture on my bathroom mirror. I need it as a reminder of where I've been.

Without going into all the details...cause they are not all that relevant...I want to say that February was a living nightmare for me. Actually it started around the end of December, escalated through March and April and didn't begin to really subside until May and June.

Like any trial, stuff tries to rear it's ugly head long after the "thick of it" is over. You think "Oh my gosh, here we go again." Or, "I knew it wasn't really over." But the truth is, we often just need to think back to the midst of the trial. For when we can gain that perspective, it makes the little episodes in the here and now a bit more bearable.

I realized this week that it doesn't matter what the trial is, or was, the perspective is everything. For example, years ago when raising toddlers, it might have said, "Remember Sleepless Nights". When they were preschoolers it might have said, "Remember potty training".

Right now my sign would say "Remember February". It's that reminder to look back once-in-a-while to where I've been. It helps me appreciate the beauty and blessing that is in the here and now.

And that kind of perspective is a good thing!

Random Dozen

Linda over at 2nd Cup of Coffee hosts this weekly meme. It's a great way to get to know other bloggers and a bit about yourself too! If you play, let me know.

1. Please share one memory of your high school graduation. Pics would be great!
I am sitting here wishing that I had a picture to scan! They are all at my Mom's I think. I remember my entire family being here for it. I know that I had 648 people in my graduating class. I remember the party afterwards at our house. It was great fun as we celebrated the event.

2. What is one "emergency use" item you keep in your vehicle at all times? Only because my FIL gave it to me...it's a multi-use tool that is designed to break your window and cut the seatbelt if your car is submerged in water.

3. In your region, do you celebrate graduation open houses? Addendum: (If so,) how many open houses/bridal showers/weddings are on your upcoming events calendar? Yes, we DO celebrate open houses. It's weird because ours have been quiet for a few years. I have some I would LOVE to be at in Ohio for cousins and family members. We're going in July and will see them then. I love doing the open houses and am excited to host one for DS 3 in two years.

4. Tell me one truth you believe about motherhood. It's the toughest job you'll ever love.

5. What was the last thing you broke? My toe in Toronto. Hmmm...now I'm wondering if this is like "I broke my favorite dish" vs. "I broke this body part." Oh well...the last thing I remember breaking is that toe...

6. On average, how many pieces of junk mail do you receive daily? About 6 -8. This is NOT true for email where I receive HUNDREDS and they get socked away in a junk mail file...thank goodness.

7. Do you like to shop by catalog? Yes, but I don't really ORDER by catalog. I tend to "shop" and "browse" but never really follow through.

8. Is lawn maintenance at your house a "his job," a "her job" or "his/her job" or "that's why we have teenagers" job? It's the neighbor's job. He does it for a living and we pay gladly for the service! I tend to do the beds though.

9. Which room would you like to redecorate in your home? It might be better if this question asked, "Which room do you NOT want to redecorate in your home?" BUT I am so excited because DH has started the ball rolling to redo our kitchen. That's going to be a great start!

10. Do you read a newspaper regularly, or do you read most of your news on line?
I read the local newspaper online regularly.

11. Do you believe everything happens for a reason? I can't stand it when people say, "everything happens for a reason." Sometimes the reason, in my opinion, is because we live in an imperfect world. BUT I DO believe that all things can work toward the good...and that there are often lessons to be learned in everything: good and bad.

12. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? I am thinking if I had to pick one of these things it would be to "do things right". In fact, I probably fixate on it a bit much!

Random Dozen

1. What was the last thing about which you procrastinated? Well, there is NO question that BLOGGING has to be at the top of my procrastination list.

2. How long does it take you to fall asleep, and do you sleep through the night? Most nights, about 20 - 30 minutes to fall asleep. As for sleeping through the night, it depends. Sometimes I sleep solid through the night. Most nights, though, I'm up at least once if not more. If DH is gone, I'm up every hour!

3. Which decade would you choose to exemplify your favorite fashion styles? I really don't know for sure. I like the full flowing skirts of the 50's. I also like the pedal pushers people wore then.

4. What is your personal best dish to feed a crowd? This is an interesting question. I make pretty good enchiladas and can make them for a lot of people. I also make a fiesta chicken in the crock pot that is pretty good and makes a lot.

5. Are you an impulse shopper? What was the last thing you bought on impulse?
Sometimes I am. See my previous post about shopping at the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale...here's a picture of what I picked up on impulse. I did "sift" and whittle, though!

6. What is one wish you have for your own funeral? That it is celebratory in nature.

7. If it's true that joy is in found in the simple things in life, what does your joy look like today? It's definitely in simple moments. Last night, all five of my kids and my husband were at home. We just sat and watched TV together and it was comfy. I love those moments.

8. What is your favorite type of bread? Anything fresh and hot!

9. What trait do you fear developing the most? (Laziness, greediness, grumpiness, etc.) I have to work on selfishness on a regular basis. I fear that it could grow if I don't keep it in check.

10. What trait would you like most to develop? Hmmm...I wish I were more corageous. I found a great list of traits at this site.

11. Which room in your house best reflects your personality? Why? Wow, probably my family room. It's laid back...like I'd LIKE to be...and filled with pillows and blankets to just relax. I dream of having a home where people can kick their shoes off and relax...so while it doesn't necessarily mean that I'M relaxed...it's what I strive for and wish for others who visit.

12. How do you maintain balance in your life regarding, work, family, church, other organizations and activities, and blogging? Can I just say my first instinct was to say two words: "I don't!" Things get out of balance for me. Seriously. I work hard to balance and some days I succeed...most days though I'm on a serious growth curve!

A Nudge...

There he sat, one leg folded across the other, computer balancing in his lap. He whispered, "Mom," as he turned the computer gently around to reveal the screen to me. And there, blazing across his screen, is my blog. He tapped it gently several times. No words needed. Message received. It is my DS 3's way of nudging his Mother back to the world of blogging.

All it takes is a tapping finger and those dark brown eyes looking at me in request. I'm glad for him. In our family, he is often the voice of reason. The methodical amidst the chaos. And in so many ways, this 15 yo can ground you when you think things are flying out of control.

There are no excuses for why my blogging is not more regular. I've been busy! But that is nothing new.

For the last week, I have been in my FAVORITE city of all....CHICAGO! It was our annual Reading Association Convention. I am blessed most years to be able to attend with some of my favorite colleagues. This year was no different. We work during the day...attending sessions...meeting authors...browing what's "new" in the world of Reading instruction. And, at night, we get to relax and enjoy each other's company.

While in Chicago, my FAVORITE flowers were in full bloom...TULIPS...

I am not going to lie and say this trip wasn't without disappointment, however. My FAVORITE store in Chicago was the Marshall Fields on State St. When we arrived there, I found out that it had been purchased by Macy's a few years back. At least they still sell Frango Mints there...which are decadent little mints that were sold in Marshall Fields. And for the most part, the inside still looks the same.
The other "change" that has taken place in my favorite city since my last trip is the movement of the American Girl Store. This is the first time I've been to the city when I actually HAVE an "American Girl" at home! Before I just admired it and had fun looking at all the dolls and accessories, but I was excited to be there thinking about LG. It used to be in an old brick building with a basement. I thought it had "character"...now it's in the Watertower Place Mall...which is a very cool mall...but not the same, in my opinion.

I have to say, though, once we visited, I could see just how much more space this new store has. You're not so cramped anymore walking through it. So, all in all, I'd say it was a good change.

Chicago is STILL one of my favorite places to visit. It's full of life, things to do, places to go, and people to see.

On our way home, we did another thing I've always wanted to do...we visited the Vera Bradley Outlet Sale. This is an annual event that takes place in Vera Bradley's hometown of Ft. Wayne Indiana. I could explain it, but the pictures do a better job...here ya go:

When you walk into the huge convention center, here is what you see:

There are literally HUNDREDS of tables with Vera laid out on them. People receive this huge pink garbage bag to hold their choices. Then...they sit on the floor and sort their choices...like I am modeling here:

I will tell you, I shopped more on the floor than I did walking around! As workers would go by with armloads of new product, you'd say, "Can I see that?" And they would leave it for you to decide if you wanted or not! I made several texts to colleagues, friends, and family to see what they all wanted...so rest assured I'm shopping for about 6 people here!

Anyway, once you make up your mind...you get in THIS line to pay:

Never fear, though, people are sorting and dumping all the way through THIS line too! You might just see the one bag or item that you searched the entire hall for...laying on the side of the payment line. There is ONE more chance to change your mind at the register where they have boxes ready for this purpose. Then they lay your items on the counter like this....

After you have heart failure, remind yourself just how MUCH you are saving and how many people you are helping out, you check out and return to your car... tired, but happy at the bargains you've found and the fun you've had with great friends! (Note: We shopped this sale for FOUR hours!)

Sooo..that kind of fills you in on my last week or so. It was busy...fun...and refreshing. I'm ready for the end of another school year and looking forward to an exciting summer.

Random Dozen

1. Ever had any run-ins with the "library police?" Oh I am SURE it happened in college although I don't really remember a specific time.

2. Do you have a special organizational plan and place for wrapping paper, gift bags, etc., or do you just purchase whatever you need as you give gifts? Yes and yes. I have a great organizer for it where I have everything I need to wrap gifts, but most of the time I'm too busy to go to my great organizer and I find myself picking up exactly what I need and wrapping "on the go".

3. Have you ever been in (first-hand witness) a natural disaster? Hurricane Charley devestated our church building in 2005. I have to say that I really wish I had taken pictures. It was the largest natural disaster I've ever seen and it was also the largest outpouring of kindness and love I've ever seen. Amazing!

4. What's your favorite Barry Manilow song? It's not one of his more popular, but I LOVE "I Made it Through the Rain". In fact,I think I just might upload it to my iPod now that it's back on my mind today!






5. What's the best costume you've ever worn? This is an odd question, but this one is my favorite:

This is my friend Debra and I on our morning TV news show. The character's name is "Reada, Reada, Pumpkin Reader" and she helped the boys and girls get to know good reading strategies. It's not a GREAT costume...just one I enjoyed.

6. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus? Definitely the thesaurus. It's faster.

7. What's your favorite breakfast food? Pancakes.

8. Have you ever purchased anything from an infomercial? Yep, knives and the magic bullet. My DS 2 used to have all the infomercials memorized. It was quite an obsession for him for a while. :-)

9. Have you ever crawled through a window? Wow, I don't know. I am sure I have I just don't remember when or why. I remember my Mom crawling through the window of our current house when it was being built. She went through and opened it up for us and ripped her pants on the way in! It was a good laugh and a happy memory!

10. Do you believe in love at first sight? Since I said to myself the day I met my DH, "I'm going to marry him." Yes.

11. How many pairs of jeans do you own? About four. I wear about two though!

12. If someone were going to bake a cake to honor/represent you, what would it be? (Think creatively, like Duff and Crew on "Ace of Cakes.") Since I have no schema for "Ace of Cakes" and am not sure what this question is asking...I have to say it'd be my Grandma's Chocolate Cake...which is moist and rich. It requires no icing. Am I supposed to somehow connect that to a representation of me? It's been too long since I've played random dozen or let my mind go to the creative side, so I'm going to have put this answer on hold.

Clean up at the salon...

I visited the salon today. This guy has cut my hair four times now. I like him. He's an artist. He has vision and likes to play with the hair and "create it". Today, while in the chair, he told me this story:

A new lady came in to the salon today to have him do her hair. She met him and then asked point blank, "Are you a Christian?" He said he answered "yes I am." She replied, "Good because I only give my business to Christians." Then he told me, "I would have said yes no matter what because I wanted her business." But he said, "I am a Christian of course."

Our conversation continued about how bold this woman's question was. Personally, and please don't misunderstand me here, I think it was inappropriate. While she got the answer she was looking for...it is evident from a little time in his chair (and his response to me regarding her question) that he is not likely an evangelical. I am not sure the last time he set foot in a church. Yet I suspect that these are the characteristics she was looking for.

I have to say I think this woman has it all wrong. When I consider exactly what Jesus would do and who would cut HIS hair were he looking in our city today....I suspect church attendance would not be his criteria. Nope. He'd probably be looking for the most "broken" sin-filled hair dresser in the city. (NOT that mine is...but you get my point, right?) I don't think his first question would be "Don't you want to know ME?" I am SURE it would be "Let me get to know YOU. Where you are. With nothing but grace and love."

Let me also say that I think she probably did little to further the kingdom today either. Her question became salon fodder. If it made an impact, it is a negative "who-does-she-think-she-is" one. And that breaks my heart!

One thing is for sure: there was a lot more to sweep up besides hair in that salon today.