Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things SUSAN has done since her last blog...




1. Drove to Lebanon Indiana

2. Set up for a presentation

3. Went to Office Depot (on someone else's money) and spent $838 in 30 minutes for the presentation!!

4. Delivered two inservice workshops for teachers.

5. Sat through two excellent inservice sessions....and ONE HORRIBLE one!!!!!!!!

6. Went bowling and reminded myself that I simply am NOT a bowler!!

7. Went to an urgent care clinic due to a rash on my leg...only to find out that they want me to use over the counter medicine.

8. Took four boys (ages 11 - 14) to the mall in Indianapolis alone!! (I shopped while they played at the arcade...pretty good deal.)

9. Visited with my dear friend Suzi.

10. Learned about small town politics in a visit with some educators...it's really not much different than anytime you get a group of people together. There's always someone who is in it for themselves and spreads ugliness in an organization.

11. Finished reading the book, "Tales of Desperaux" by Kate DiCamillo.

12. Learned what the word "perfidy" means...it's woven throughout her book...you'll have to look it up like I did.

13. Once again packed up my stuff and will drive (as soon as I finish this) back to Ohio to reclaim DS 4 and return Lynn's DS 1 to her....although he and DS 3 have been wonderful and really would like to forgo the switch!! ;-)





Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Burned popcorn!?!?!

Tonight I switched kids with my cousin Lynn, the "saint". She took my DS 4 and I took her DS that is the same age as my DS 3. We are going over to Indy to do some training and DS 4 is going to stay with her for a few days. I say she's now a saint...because I think she got the shorter end of the stick.

Anyway, I am sitting here in our hotel room with the two preteen boys (who really giggle a lot) and preparing for my workshops...and answering email...when the fire alarm went off! It was LOUD!! The boys and I picked up my purse and the laptop and proceeded down the three flights of stairs to the ground floor. Other people just stood in their doorways wondering if it was "for real". Maybe it's the teacher in me, but I figure I'd rather find out if a fire alarm is for real once I know I am at the ground floor and out of the building safely.

Right as we reached the outside...the alarm went off and we went back in the door. A family was making their way down the stairs just behind us and the mother (who looked a bit frazzled) said, "It was us." The front desk guy showed up about this time and the complete confession was made. She said, "Sir, it was us. We burned a bag of popcorn." In the meantime we went back to our room.

Almost immediately as we reached the top of the stairs, we heard the firetruck. The boys went back downstairs.

Now, I can smell the remnants of burned popcorn....UGH! As I once again relax in my room....I must admit one thought crossed my mind...THANK GOD IT WASN'T MY KIDS WHO BURNED IT!!!!

Country Roads Take Me Home

And our trip in the midwest continues....

This week we have been staying in the town where I was born. It's a small town (compared to my own) and has many of the "flavors" that I spoke of in my Thursday Thirteen yesterday. I love driving around and looking at all the pretty homes and farms. I usually stay on the roads with which I am familiar, though.

For some reason, this trip, I have spent more time driving unfamiliar country roads than I normally do when we visit. DS 4 keeps saying, "This looks familiar!" It's only because there are cornfields, wheatfields, silos, and barns everywhere you look when you are driving in this area of the country. I am usually pretty good with directions...but I have no bearings in this area. One field leads into another and the sun really is no help either unless it's dawn or dusk. At least at home, I can say, "I know the beach is *that way*" and then I can tell where north, south, east, and west are. (Hey, maybe there is an advantage to living on the coast!)

As I drive the country roads, I am constantly reminded just how important it is to pay attention to the signs. Sometimes the roads are well-marked and other times the signs sort of creep up on you. Last Wednesday, I found myself going eight miles in the wrong direction because I followed my own instinct vs. thinking out what was logical and "right" and following the directions I had been given.

It's really no different than our lives, is it? We have to stay aware of the signs that God gives us and trust that He will lead us in the right direction...even when it doesn't feel right. And we have to rest assured that despite twists and turns and potholes and such that the "country roads WILL lead us home."

Thirteen ReasonsSUSAN could live outside of Florida...and ONE reason she can't... As some of you may know, I have been traveling this week in the midwest. I don't necessarily want to move to the midwest, BUT I have always dreamed of living somewhere other than Florida that is more "country-like". Here's why.... 1. Seasons...we really don't get change of seasons. I LOVE the different colors that each season brings in places north of my state. My favorite season is FALL!!!!!!! 2. Soft grass...I LOVE walking barefoot in the soft grass. We simply don't have that in Florida. The softest grass we have is "golf course grass" and it's more like astroturf in many ways. I love the tickle-your-toes and smells-so-fresh grass that is found in other places. 3. The house styles...I love the wrap-around porches. The siding that makes them look so quaint and inviting. And I enjoy the rocking chairs and porch swings that invite family and friends to come and "sit a spell". 4. The landscape...Where I live, it's flat and "palmetto-y". I love hills, mountains, and open spaces. 5. The stars...when you are away from the city, the display of stars is fantastic and refreshing. 6. The "safety" factor...now I know that "bad things" happen everywhere. But I know that small town's often have less crime than other places. When dh and I lived in KY, the worst thing that happened in the small town near our home was the tool shed had been robbed and some tools had been taken. That was the worst thing in TWO years!! 7. People wave at you whether they know you or not. Where I live, there is a lot of hustle bustle. And people don't generally wave at all....it's like everyone walks around with blinders on. 8. The slower pace....enough said. 9. The familial feel...and the smell...there's a smell that is in the grass, the flowers, and landscape that simply isn't found in Florida. 10. The quiet...peaceful feeling that often accompanies smaller towns 11. The history...often smaller towns in other states have preserved their past in its structures, town squares, etc. 12. More house for your money....enough said! And ONE big reason I can't move to a house in the mountains....or any other country place outside of Florida. 13. Family....Our immediate families live in Florida. I can't imagine living away from any of them. It's important. I learned this lesson when dh and I lived away in our early marriage. The experiences and memories you can make and pass on to your kids is priceless... Who knows? Maybe I'll be able to become a seasonal resident somday!!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Tales from the Road....

Today we went through Lexington, Kentucky. Dh and I lived there for a while when we were first married. DS 1 was born there. We visited our old "hometown" and the seminary town, Wilmore. They both have grown some...but they retain their small town flavor.

On our way out of Wilmore (where the seminary is) we noticed a sign on the side of the road by a horse farm. It said, "Birthplace of Barbaro". Barbaro was the Kentucky Derby winner this year who was injured a couple of weeks ago. Attached to the sign was a "Get Well Soon" balloon. Horses are BIG BUISNESS in Kentucky. DH and I were in some stables that were more luxurious than some of the homes I have been in....they are simply amazing.

Now we are in Ohio and will start seeing family tomorrow. I think DS 3 is a bit tired of being couped up in the car with DS 4 for two days. He was a bit testy tonight. I am now typing this at the pool while DS 4 swims off some of his energy and we give his older brother a quiet break in the hotel room to watch a little TV.

The boys both noted when we arrived in my birthplace in Ohio..."this is so familiar. It's almost like coming home." Yeah, except if this were home, we wouldn't live in the Fairfield Inn!!! At any rate, I am glad that they like coming to visit and enjoy this place.

Hopefully we'll have some fun while we are here and they will add to their memory bank!!

Monday Memory

I have been traveling with DSs 3 and 4 today. We are on our way to Ohio. Tonight we stopped in Knoxville, TN. I have told you before that I am a music fanatic. I love most of it and really have to carefully plan music to bring on the trip. Believe it or not, some of the music that I like to bring is nostalgic in that it is the very same "stuff" that I had to travel with as a child...before I truly appreciated it.

Today, while traveling up I-75, I was going back in my mind. I was wondering exactly how many times I have made that journey. I think I can safely say dozens. I have done it with my Mom and brother, Dad and family, DH and I alone, DH and kids, and Some configuration of my own children and me. I have done it at least four times in the last 12 months.

And while I know flying is faster....I LOVE certain "touchpoints" on this journey. The music is one. Some of the "music from my past" that I have listened to today included:

* Jim Croce (I just realized today that the song "You Don't Mess Around with Jim" says, "You don't spit into the wind..." and not "You don't speed into the wind.") Not bad for listening to it for 30+ years!!

* The Statler Brothers (I know some of you are blown away by this). I love the songs "Countin Flowers on the Wall" and "Susan When She Tried". Today I realized just how "obsolete" some of their songs are as they recount "heroes" from the first half of last century...and talk about fads and trends that I have only "heard" about and for which I have no schema of my own.

* George Jones and Tammy Wynette...I just got this one. It's one of those that we "had" to listen to when we traveled. I thought I'd enjoy memory lane a bit more...but found myself forwarding this one quite a bit.

* Peter Paul and Mary...now we didn't listen to this in the car (that I am aware of) when I was a child....but my kids have grown up on this CD and I love listening to it and singing along in the car...I even shared with DS 3 today that Puff the Magic Dragon used to make me very sad because at the end he "slips into his cave"....

* Journey....another one that would have NEVER played on our trips...but I LOVE it anyway. My favorite?? "Lights" and "Open Arms."

* Cher...her greatest hits. We didn't really listen to this on our roadtrips...but I do remember getting to our destinations and singing her songs with my cousins.

* Songs from the Loft (Amy Grant)...this is one that DH and I listened to in the car and enjoyed with the boys when they were younger. It's always a joy to bring it back out.

I am sure there are some I forgot...afterall we drove more than 600 miles today.

On the menu tomorrow...

* Ray Stevens...gotta love "The Streak" and "Mississippi Squirrel Revival".

* Donny Osmond...again my addition to the family trip music...he sings broadway and we love it.

* Love Songs and Inspiration....one of my favorites as it makes me sappy and think about DH.

Well...that gives you a bit of an uppdate on the Here and Now and the There and Then....

It Happens Every Year at this Time...

It's June. In our denomination, that means it's time for our annual conference. This is a time when all the clergy and lay leaders from churches all over the state come together. It usually lasts three to four days. They talk about issues and trends. They celebrate new ordinations and other things. It seems in the past three to five years, however, there is a new "tradition" at annual conference...and it's NOT FUN.

Every year they begin with a clergy only session. This is the time when they bring up more clergy-related things and I think make decisions on leaves and such. The session goes on for about half the morning. It seems like every year for the past several, I have received a call from dh with "the news." The news, each year, more and more frequently is someone else who has resigned "under charges." And for the past several years, we have personally known the clergy person (or persons) that has been forced to resign.

I don't get it. Yes, they are vulnerable. Yes, they are fallible. But, it seems to be running rampant in our denomination...for that matter, I think it's running rampant in Christianity period. The charges can be anything from misappropriation of funds all the way to adultery. I am afraid that the latter seems to be prevalent these days. It breaks my heart. Unfortunately, I also think "these names represent those who have been caught." It seems the lines of morality are blurred in our society even for those who should "know better."

Certainly, my heart breaks for fallen clergy....but it also aches for the spouse who doesn't understand...the congregation who may be led astray...and anyone else who loves to look at Christians and cry out "hypocrisy!" And I don't want to sound like ALL clergy are out there playing with money that isn't theirs OR worse a spouse that isn't theirs...I just know that the stumbling blocks are there and they are real. I fear in our denomination that there is no real restoration process. It seems resigned clergy just fall into the abyss somewhere and it's sad.

Here I sit, reading the appointments for our conference...it's sort of my way of catching up on the whereabouts of those with whom we have served...and realizing the growing number of names that we won't see there anymore...the growing number of God's children who may be out there wandering in their own wilderness.

And I am reminded that each of us sometimes spends time in a wilderness of sorts. We find ourselves wandering and perhaps running away from God. Yet, I know that even during those times of misjudgement, poor choices, and out and out sin...that God beckons us back to Him for restoration and reconciliation. I think He wants us to reach out to the fallen and nurse them back to health. I pray that somehow these men and women realize that and that they receive a new measure of AMAZING GRACE that is available to all of us regardless of past performance. And may we all be on the lookout for the opportunity to reach out to the lost and hurting.

The Girls are Back in Town....and so are the ELEPHANTS!?!

Two of my nieces came to spend the weekend with us. They are ages 4 and 2 and SO FULL OF LIFE!!! Yesterday we went to the waterpark. This is a great place that is at our local YMCA. It is a playground in water. We had a great time. No one got burned as we were greased up in Sunscreen.

On the way home, we passed a cow pasture and there was a HUGE bull in the corner. Youngest niece squealed and pointed, "Look! It's an ELEPHANT!"

They are so much fun. They love hanging out with the boys.

We are getting ready to go out again today. Who knows what we might see out there....

Lions, and Tigers and Bears, OH MY!!

My Absenteeism....and Confession

Sorry for being gone the last few days. I worked Tuesday and Wednesday and really wasn't in the mood to blog either of those two days. By way of confession, though, I must admit that I have spent quite a bit of time on You Tube as well. (Warning: not everything on there is "clean" so you have to monitor your searches.)

As I told you, my favorite part of the American Idol finale last week was when Clay came out and surprised that guest. I found the video of it on another blog and put it on my own blog. I have been a fan of his since he was on season 2. I think he has a phenomenal voice. He's not the only one that I have enjoyed from previous seasons. I loved George Huff, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard, and more. I started investigating You Tube and found out that you can find video clips from concerts and interviews from just about any "star" you'd like to see. I was mesmerized. I rarely go to concerts...but found that I could almost attend an entire concert of any one of these people via these video vignettes. AMAZING!!

DS 1 reminded me that artists don't like those videos going out on the net because they are not getting compensated. I understand copyright. I understand royalties (a bit from book sales). I also think, however, that this is a venue that "could" help an artist. In some ways, it keeps them before their fans. As a result of my time there, I want to go out and buy Carrie's album, George Huff's album, Clay's album (when it's available) and the AI 5 album. I even checked out tickets to the American Idol Summer Tour---they are in Tampa the night before my birthday!

I don't know why I was drawn to watch so many videos. I think it's because I absolutely LOVE music! I always have. It is in my blood. My cousin, Lynn blogged about her old 45's yesterday. Many of them I had and/or loved as well. Imagine what a different world it is for the kids of today to be able to "see" their favorite artists sing at the click of a mouse! We were just excited to stare at "Tiger Beat" pinups. It is definitely a new world...and I've been trolling around it for a few days.

So, there you have it, my confession. I did keep checking up on my blog---almost as if it were going to generate its own post!! I just haven't made the time to post (until now). I must say, I miss being on here. I miss checking my blogroll. I missed Thursday Thirteen!! But, now I am back...here in my own reality. Another thing sruck me this morning...multi-tasking is part of our daily lives. I didn't have to trade blogging for listening to (or even viewing) music. I can listen to the music while I post here. Shoot, I can even shrink the two windows and post and watch at the same time!!

For now, I am off to the music store...some new music would be good for my upcoming trip to Ohio. Until next time...

Memorial Day

Until the last year or so, I never knew that people wore poppies on Memorial Day and I never heard (or read) the poem, In Flander's Fields. I understand that many people had to memorize the poem during their school years a few decades ago. It is a beautiful poem that sums up the day. I have decided to share it here:

In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
- John McCrae

I looked up the meaning of this poem and found two great sites to visit. This one explains Memorial Day.

This one explains the story behind the poem.

This week, our local radio station granted wish #8 of a 20 wish program they are sponsoring. It was timely as the wish was for a 20 year old widow who's husband was killed in Iraq. She is pregnant (due in July) with their first child. He was killed the day before his 24th birthday. Here is the story of his funeral. Finally, here are the pictures of her receiving the wish made by her Mother and an Aunt. If you go to this page, click "Wish #8" to view the pictures. The community is pouring out love to her by giving her a baby shower. They furnished a nursery already and have donated literally thousands of items for this young woman. It was a sobering reminder that this war is real and can be very hurtful.

No matter what you are doing today, may we all stop to remember the sacrifices that have been made in the past. And may we also remember those that are being made even as we celebrate with picnics and parties over here.

Happy Memorial Day!!

My Favorite Part of the AI Finale....

I just found this online and thought I'd share. I thought this was GREAT. There is no way that contestant knew that Clay was going to come "help him" get through that song!! His reaction is priceless...as was, for that matter, Clay's new look.

Summertime and the livin' is.....

BUSY!

Some people think that summertime is marked by lazy, hazy, days. Porgy and Bess thought that the livin' was "easy" in Summer. Yes, it slows down some here. But it is also BUSY!

This Summer I will....
Visit my family in Ohio and a dear friend in Indiana
Conduct five full day workshops for teachers (although not consecutive days)
Get to see my Arizona SIL and her children at the end of June
Take the kids scalloping
Work at my school to prepare for next year
Attend a leadership academy training at the end of June
Hand over the Children's Church reigns to a new leader (Praise God!)
Watch my nieces and nephew for a day or two
Workout at the YMCA
Take the kids to the waterpark at the YMCA
Write 45 teacher's guides for this publishing season
Finish the publishing process on a new "teacher book"
Write a new professional book for 3rd - 5th grade educators
Go on a scrapbooking overnight with a friend

Yep, we're going to be BUSY!!! But, we're going to have FUN too!!

Summer????? Bring it on!! :-)

A Reminder....

I didn't need anything to remind me just how special it is being a Mom this week. I have had plenty to keep this at the forefront of my thoughts. But I got a reminder anyway....

Last night, I watched a dear friend in pain over some choices her child is making. I sat with her and tried to help her process what was happening. I tried to think about what I would do in her situation...I can honestly say I don't know the answer. She is a single mother doing the best she can to raise this child in a loving Christian home. And her child doesn't see it. I don't think she needed "answers" from me...more a listening ear.

Of course our children all go through times when they think we are the WORST parents in the world. I try to tell my boys that contrary to what they (or their friends) might believe, parents do NOT sit around and ask themselves: "So, how can I make this one miserable this week?" We are all doing the best we can. Sometimes we do well and sometimes we don't.

I guess the reminder I got through my friend's pain is just how blessed I am that my children are making good choices right now. It also helped me whisper a prayer of thanks for my dh who helps me do the parenting in our family. I know being single can make it much more difficult. It's tiring and can make you grow weary.

My friend is kind of at the opposite end of the parenting continuum from where I am this week....I've been on the "UPside" of the experience and she is not. And truly if she didn't love her child it wouldn't hurt her so much and be so painful.

I was reminded how deep the love the parents that I know have for their children. And I was reminded that sometimes parents just need to wrap themselves in the arms of the ultimate parent, God, and let Him hold us as we walk the journey of parenting our children.

Happy Birthday DS 1!!

Thirteen Things about Susan's DS 1 on his 18th Birthday

1. I went into labor right after a visit to the OB's office and hearing the news that it would probably be another week or so...

2. I think it was the Mushroom Burger at Ruby Tuesday's that "did it"! We called EVERYONE from our hospital bed just 20 minutes after he was born...it was a VERY special day!!

3. He has had stitches at least once, has been bruised and bumped, but has never broken anything.

4. I was his Kindergarten Teacher...which I loved.

5. He graduated from High School last week after spending a semester in college classes and finishing a nursing program.

6. He was part of an awesome (and loud) concert last night for the Middle School Youth Group.

7. He surprised me with an incredible bass solo on the last song...and I was equally surprised to see him fling the guitar around his neck a few times and dance up a storm on stage.

8. We call him his Dad's "Younger Twin"...although he has also developed much of his own unique personality as well.

9. He is a gifted speaker.

10. He loves music of all kinds. I love that he is open to listen to anything and accepts it for the art that it is.

11. He is going on his first mission trip this summer to Belize.

12. He is fun-loving and funny at times. I appreciate his humor and enjoy just spending time talking to him and listening to him and his dreams.

13. He is VERY special to his family...and especially to his Mother. I love to see the twinkle in his eye...his general willingness to try new things...and his drive! I know he is making a difference in the world...and I am extremely PROUD of him!!

Happy Birthday, Son! I love you!!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Monday, Monday!

It's Monday and I am not going to do a weekend window since you've been peeking in my window all weekend anyway!!

I thought I'd do a Monday Memory....

Since Graduation has been on our minds this weekend, I thought I'd tell about my own high school graduation.

I graduated in 1982. I was a member of a class of 648 students (actually, I was #123 of the 648). The day I graduated, I got a name plate necklace. These were really popular at the time. The necklace had my name written in gold script on it. I also got my first pair of diamond earrings from my Dad. We graduated in the Sun Dome at USF...so the place was packed. There were no limits on the number of people who could attend with you. I know in addition to my immediate family, both my Grandparents, and one or two Aunts and Uncles were there.

I don't remember speeches. I don't remember the details of the ceremony. We came back to my house, where more family and friends gathered for an open house celebration at our house. I received many special gifts that prepared me to leave for college in August. More than the gifts, though, was that feeling of love and support that was woven throughout the day.

I know we cannot relive our lives through our children, but it was my prayer all weekend that DS 1 would feel the same at his graduation: supported and loved. I think the mission was accomplished.

Graduation and Grandparents

Graduation was a wonderful event!! My aunt noted yesterday, that many people graduate and don't have all their grandparents there. She's right. Yesterday, DS 1 had all of his grandparents present to celebrate the day with him. They are all with him in the picture above. (The serious picture that they took had eyes closed...so I had to get it with Gram and Grandma C doing their "non-serious photo".) At any rate, I know these pictures will be treasures for a long time to come.

And here is DS 1's GREAT Grandma with him. She really wanted to make the trip from Ohio to be here for and with him. It was very special for all of us to have her here.

Here is a picture of Daniel with his Great Aunt Sandy.

Just before the ceremony, DH leaned over to me and said, "I wonder if Nanny ever thought about this day?" Nanny was his grandmother. We KNOW she dreamed of having great grandchildren. DS 1 was the only great grandchild that she ever met and held. I have a GREAT picture of her holding him when he was only weeks old. So, yes, I am sure she was enjoying the ceremony from a different vantage point along with all the other great grandparents, great aunts and uncles, that have passed on.

Whether they are here or gone, they have left an important legacy that reminds us how special each moment is. Things like Graduation Ceremonies remind us to celebrate the moment while also remembering the past. They also remind us that there is a future. Somehow, family and friends leave fingerprints (or maybe it's lifeprints) in all three places: the past, the present and the future.

I am so thankful that we have the blessing of family and friends to share in these moments with us! We are proud of you, D!!

Blueberry Granitas

I had some requests to explain the blueberries, so here is the recipe:

2 cups of blueberries

1/2 cup of sugar (or the equivalent of splenda)

The juice of 1 lime

1/2 tsp. of grated lime rind

Puree all of that together.

Pour into an 11X17 pan

Add 3 cups of diet lemon/lime soda (Sprite)

Stir together.

Freeze for 8 hours

When you are ready to have some, thaw for five minutes. Cut into chunks and crush in the blender. You can garnish with a mint sprig (not something my teens needed).

Now, the blender didn't cooperate (as I shared in my TT yesterday). I put a bit more Sprite in (after I cleaned the blueberries off the walls and my glasses) and it worked great. Kind of like a fancy Slushie.

It was really very refreshing. Enjoy!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things SUSAN did on her day of Hookie (yesterday) 1. Shopped for graduation plates, cups, and napkins at TWO Targets 2. Sorted and organized more cropping stuff so that I can get it put away 3. Made the Blueberry Granita from Southern Living Magazine 4. Spewed frozen blueberry stuff all over the kitchen when I tried to stir it but didn't wait until the blades slowed enough. 5. Went on a blueberry stain hunt to clean the kitchen (man that thing can shoot) 6. Took DS 4 to my in-laws so I could get my haircut 7. Went to the consignment shop (see yesterday's second post for that adventure) 8. Got my haircut 9. Read part of the Real Simple Magazine and a Cottage Living Magazine 10. Drove through Mickey-D's with DS 4 for dinner (he later gave me a foot massage for taking him there...We might go there more often!) 11. Watched Deal or No Deal while I sorted more pictures 12. Watched American Idol (I'm so sad for Elliot!!) 13. Listened to DS 1's tape where he talked to Middle School Youth tonight about having a passionate relationship with Christ (and I CRIED again!!!!!!) After listening to his tape, DS 1 and I had a wonderful talk. Did I get everything done I wanted to? Nope...But, in some ways, it was a perfect day. Links to other Thursday Thirteens!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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From Wordless to Speechless....

OK, Wordless Wednesday is over for me (even though it's only 6:31pm EST). I am now speechless!

I went to get my haircut this evening. I had a 5:00 appointment. I arrived about 20 minutes early and so I decided to go browse the quaint little consignment shop next door.

I've been there before. It is run by a lady who is probably in her 60's. She has a couple of people that work with her. She takes some VERY nice designer clothes....so occasionally it's a place you can find a treasure. It doesn't smell like some consignment shops. It is kept very tidy and really is kind of fun to visit.

I noticed the sign on the door said they closed at 5:00. It was 20 till. So, I thought I'd look for ten minutes or so then leave. The owner greeted me when I came in the door, but she was shutting her computer down. I don't know what she would have done if I found something. One helper was in the back room sorting clothes and straightening up there. The other helper was straightening display shelves in the second room of the store.

I browsed one side of the room. She straightened the other side then she walked out and back in very quickly (about 2 minutes). As I made my way around to the side where she just finished straightening, I saw the owner come in and stare mortified at the carpet. She said emphatically, "WHAT is THAT!?!?!" The other lady said, "It looks like BEACH SAND." (I should note here that this store is less than one mile from some of the whitest sandy beaches in North America.)

Hearing the commotion, the other back-room lady came to stare at the white stuff on the floor. I didn't pay too much attention as they all speculated about HOW the sand got there. Suddenly, as if they had been cued, they turned to me and the owner said, "Have YOU been at the BEACH!?!?" Translation: "How DARE you track white sand INTO my store 20 minutes before I am ready to close!" I said, "No." I wanted to say, "How could you make it clear through ONE room into a second room before getting sand on the carpet?" But it was not my place to join the consignment detectives.

I felt strange stares as these women checked out my feet to be sure I wasn't lying about where I had been. I was taken back to a time when I was a teen and felt as if it was my own mother questioning my where-abouts!

As I made my way to the front room to get OUT of the store...they surmised that MAYBE it came off the bucket of cleaning supplies that the one lady had when she was straightening up the room. But the owner kept saying, "NO that is BEACH SAND."

As I reached for the door to make my exit, I heard her say rather loudly, "Well, at least the cleaning crew is coming in the morning and they will vaccuum before we open!"

I REALLY had to resist the urge to stick my head back in the door, "Not only did I NOT bring the sand in...I didn't EVEN walk on that part of the floor." There is one thing I have learned in the last forty years....Come to think of it, it was probably my mother who taught me, "If you can't say something nice, don't say it at all." While I do not always carry out this rule successfully, today I did.

Now, I want to go to the BEACH!!

Wordless Wednesday ---They DO Grow Up!!

It's Raining, It's Pouring!

It's been raining all day. We really needed it...there have been wildfires and horrible conditions in Florida due to the dryness. So I am thankful.

But rain does something to people...little people and big people. The little people at school today have been wired beyond belief. They are antsy. They are fidgety. (Of course, it may have just as much to do with this being the last week of school.)

The big people? Suffice it to say that some around my school have been quite CRANKY today!! They are on edge. They are snappy with their responses....

Come to think of it....that may ALSO be due to the fact that it is the last week of school!?!?!

I think I'm going to go home and do what I LOVE to do on a rainy day....curl up with a good book and try to forget all the cranky edgy antsy people I have been around today!!!!!

;-)

Monday Memory

Since my weekend was pretty much already posted on my blog, I decided to share a memory of sorts. I found this Evolution of Dance on another blog. I figure since I lived through most of these dance crazes, I would pass it along. It truly is funny.

And just so I can be true to the whole Monday Memory thing....

Did I ever tell you about the recitals we used to do when I was a kid? We would all bring old costumes from ballet and tap classes...choose music...and put on shows for hours! The music we chose was usually found on our parents' old LPs (those are vinyl records for those of you who don't remember them). I remember dancing to "Hang on Sloopy" and "Leader of the Pack" and "Bye Bye Blackbird" probably HUNDREDS of times. I also remember "I Got You Babe" and "Dark Lady" by Sonny and Cher (well Dark Lady was only by Cher).

Personally, I think it was more fun than video games and computers.

It's Mother's Day...

I am the absolute WORST at remembering these days! They sneak up and surprise me. I don't like that about myself. I know that all the women in my life who I should send a card and a gift know this about me. Thankfully, they dish out grace when it comes to me regularly! I thought I would pay tribute to each one today in my blog:

To My Mother:
You have always been there for me. I don't think you'll ever know exactly how much that means to me. I know there have been some hard times, but I also know that you are a rock who clings to THE ROCK! Your life and the testimony that it presents is the reason that I am able to confidently claim my faith today. You have instilled in me the values with which I am now raising my own children. They (the kids) remind me regularly (when parenting is hard) just what an awesome job you did (and do). Your support and always "being there" for us is such a gift. I can say without a doubt that this is not the "normal" parenting that took place among my friends as a child and a teen and even as an adult. Actually, it amazes me when I really think about it. Of course, I miss being closer to you...but am thankful that we are still not far apart! Thanks, Mom! I love you!!

To My Step-Mother:
It's hard to believe how much time has passed since you walked into our lives. I know that there have been times when it must have been hard to be "another mother figure" in our lives. But you have done a beautiful job of it. I appreciate the many ways that you go out of your way to make sure that family and extended family have time together. You have always been there and helped us know that we are an important part of your life as well. Thank YOU for the many ways that you care and love us. We (and ESPECIALLY I) want to let you know that we love and appreciate you.

To My Mother-in-Law:
Thank you for your love and generosity over the past 20 years! I listen to other people tell about their mother-in-law relationships in negative ways...and I am SO THANKFUL that I can say with confidence, "Not MINE!" Your giving and loving spirit is such a picture of the love of Jesus. It doesn't go unnoticed OR unappreciated. I'll admit that I wondered how it would be when we all lived together in the same town. Now, I almost can't imagine NOT living in the same town! You are a blessing to all of us! Thank you for raising your son to be a wonderful and Godly husband! May God continue to bless you abundantly! We love you!

To My Grandmother:
You are such a gift to us! I love the fact that even though you have moved further away, we can still communicate on computer. I love to look back on all the things we have done together. I appreciate all the memories that you have given to me (and our family). I know that family is so important to you and I think I have carried some of that into my own family. It is a blessing to have a Grandparent who wants to know and be a such a part of her grandchildrens and great grandchildrens (and even the great great grandchildrens) lives! I love you, Grandma!!

Happy Mother's Day to each of you....YOU ARE LOVED!!!

When You're Weepy Already....

DON'T read Nicholas Sparks' books...unless you want to be MORE weepy!! This weekend I finished these two:

A Walk to Remember

Nights in Rodanthe

It's worse than watching a sad movie for me! I don't want to turn the page because I know that my tears are coming...then I do and they come...and I'm a mess!!

Both great books! I think I am going to wait until after graduation to start any new ones!!

Junk!

Today has been "clean-up" and "clear-out" day at my house. With DS 1's graduation next week, I want to not be making the last minute CRUNCH for cleaning up...so we have been decluttering.

Now, I suppose that you have to have a picture of the task that was before us. I don't have a snapshot--I couldn't bear that online for the world to see. I'm going to give you a word-glimpse....

As you may remember, just before the holidays, the boys formed this neighborhood band. Their stuff now has a "place" in what used to be my dining room...I was TIRED of walking over cords and trying not to trip over guitars on my way to my room. There are cords, cases, stands, amps, and one large drum set in my dining room.

My garage....was definitely drowning!! Bikes galore! You cannot live in a house with four boys and not have bikes, sports stuff, etc. start to take over your garage. In addition to that though...Christmas was still kind of strewn about my garage.

Three years ago I got a BEAUTIFUL 10 ft. artificial tree at Home Depot..the only catch was there was NO BOX. Last year, ds 2 and I wrapped it in plastic as best as we could and tucked it into a corner of the garage...this year, we simply pulled the top two feet off and put it out there. We didn't wrap. We couldn't push into the corner as some other stuff had moved into its space.

There was a refrigerator that no longer worked, a dryer that broke earlier this year, and other "stuff" that had been carefully placed in the garage to be "out of sight and out of mind". I have been warning everyone for two days that it was time to "set our sights" on the junk and take a trip to the dump.

This morning I was glad to see that DSs 1 and 2 rounded up their friends and were ready to load up the refrigerator and dryer for a trip to the dump. As they drove off, we continued working on throwing out, giving away and sorting stuff. Soon, they returned with the van still FULL of the junk they were to dump. The old dump has been closed for two years!!

Thankfully, dh found another dump and we were able to get rid of it for $11.51.

I took one trip to Goodwill with a van full. And now...I am sitting here and looking at all the stuff that now has to be moved around and put away inside.

We made progress....junk is disappearing. That feels good!

I'm a bit weepy!

No one ever warned me about the emotional rollercoaster that you go on when your first child is ready to turn 18 and graduate from High School. The fact that both of these events are happening within five days of each other does not make it any easier!!

Everything…everything makes me think about him and these last 18 years! This morning on my way to work I heard a newer Christian song on the radio by Mark Harris that made me cry like a baby!

Find Your Wings
It's only for a moment
that you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
for all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
you're walking in the truth

And if I've never told you
I want you to know that
as I watch you grow
I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams
and that faith gives you the courage
to dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings
so let my love give you roots
and help you find your wings

May passion be the wind that moves
you through your days
and may convictions keep you strong
guide you on your way

May there be many moments
that make your life so sweet
but more than memories

I pray that God will fill your heart with dreams
and that faith gives you the courage
to dare to do great things

I'm here for you whatever this life brings
so let my love give you roots
and help you find your wings
It's not living if you don't reach for the sky

I'll have tears as you take off
But I'll cheer you as you fly
I will give you roots and help you find your wings

And listening to that song made me think about the song that we played at the Baptism of DSs 1 and 2 by Sandy Patty:

Before you had a name or opened up your eyes
Or anyone could recognize your face.
You were being formed so delicate in size
Secluded in God's safe and hidden place.

With your little tiny hands and little tiny feet
And little eyes that shimmer like a pearl
He breathed in you a song and to make it all complete
He brought the masterpiece into the world.

You are a masterpiece
A new creation He has formed
And you're as soft and fresh as a snowy winter morn.
And I'm so glad that God has given you to me
Little Lamb of God, you are a masterpiece.
And now you're growing up your life's a miracle
Everytime I look at you I stand in awe
Because I see in you a reflection of me
And you'll always be my little lamb from God

And as your life goes on each day
How I pray that you will see
Just how much your life has meant to me.

And I'm so proud of you
What else is there to say?
Just be the masterpiece He created you to be.

DS 1, my dream has always been that you would find your wings and go for your dreams and recognize that you ARE a Masterpiece!! I know you are going to do great things. And forgive your Mother if she is a little sappy during these few weeks! I love you!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about WHY Susan's Thursday Thirteen was NOT UP until after 5:00PM on Thursday!! 1. I didn't plan it until this morning. Usually, I think about it throughout the week. This week, I simply waited and didn't really "plan". 2. When I logged in at 6:40am to do it, the computer was locking up and not being cooperative! 3. By the time I thought it WOULD cooperate, I decided that I needed to leave for work. 4. I was going to do it when I got to work...but ended up getting caught by three colleagues before school and couldn't get to my computer. 5. I was going to do it just after the bell rang and then remembered that I needed some paperwork for a 9:00 meeting. 6. The 9:00 meeting went straight to 12:00! 7. At 12:00 I had to leave to go to ANOTHER meeting at our school board building. 8. When I arrived at that meeting, people had to catch me up on all that I missed in the morning session. 9. When they took a break, I thought "I'll do it QUICKLY...but NO... someone else had to learn how to make a Powerpoint presentation in a brief amount of time. 10. By the time I left that meeting, it was 3:30. I was frustrated. 11. My car was displaying the "You're running on the edge of dangerous because your gas is so low" button. So I had to go get gas. 12. I also had to go to the bank. When I came home, I had to talk to DS 1 and DS 3 a bit and get the "scoop" on the rest of our family. 13. I got a phone call from a friend...that was well worth the time...and NOW here I am...finally finishing my TT for this week!! (Maybe next week will be more creative! ;-) Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Wordless Wednesday

Chicago Tulips

My Weekend Window

We returned home Friday night and I went immediately to relieve ds 2 and his girlfriend from carnival duty at my school with ds 4. It was just downright HOT! After being in mild temps all week long...the humidity was NOT a welcome change. We had a good time at the carnival.

On Saturday, ds 4 and I ran some errands. It was nice to just spend some time with him. I was able to share Chicago gifts with all the boys...they seemed to enjoy them. I got my pictures developed. I'll have to use one of them for Wordless Wednesday.

Yesterday we went to church. The message was powerful. Dh talked about the importance of looking forward and staying focused vs. getting distracted and looking to the past. I know so many people who dwell on the past and blame it for who they are. And I must admit that I thought about how many people I'd like to give the CD to...I suppose though that I should remove the log from my own eye first!!

I wrote out Ds 1's graduation invitation. I get the "I'm a dork" award for this...because I addressed the INSIDE envelopes for half of them. So I had to RE-DO several of them. If you get an invitation and it only has one envelope, then you'll know that this happened to one of yours.

Here I am on Monday evening...trying to get back into the full swing of things. Going back to work today was good, but FULL of stuff that needed to get done.

Now, my Moe's burrito is here...so I am signing out.

Heading Home from Chicago

Today we head home.

I have learned some things this week.

Almost every time I go to a Reading Association conference, I get the priviledge of eating in some very fancy restaurants. Various publishers love to "wine and dine" their customers. This week was no different in some ways. During these trips, I usually learn about a food or delicacy about which I had no prior knowledge.

This week, in a French restaurant, I learned about foie gras. Everyone at our table (except the Floridians) were surprised to see this pate on the menu since it is being outlawed in Chicago. The menu even had a note that "May might be the last month you can get foie gras in Chicago." I usually don't want to appear dumb....so I listen and wait for an explanation. Finally someone asked, "Do you know what it is?" I admitted my lack of knowledge.

It seems that foie gras is a fatty goose liver. It is (supposedly) very sweet and light tasting. BUT...they have to force feed the goose almost four pounds of grains daily for 28 days. They are kept in small dark cages to prevent them from "losing weight" and movement. After this, they are slaughtered for their liver (and down).

Now, I am NO PETA activist...but this absolutely does NOT seem right! Apparently, this "delicacy" has been outlawed in California (but not until 2012) and here in Chicago this year. I know that there are many "interesting" foods around the world....I just couldn't bear the thought of trying this one. Thankfully no one at the table ordered it.

I have learned that if someone at a restaurant or apartment building needs a cab, there is often a yellow light (think police car light) that sits on the side of the building as a signal.

I have learned that every street in downtown Chicago is videotaped 24/7.

I have learned that 80% of the downtown Chicago police force is dressed in plain clothes.

Of course, I also learned about teaching and learning and reading instruction. THAT post could go on MUCH longer....and might in the near future.

For now, I am going to close and get ready to head to the Sunshine State and my delightful family!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things about Susan's done or seen this week in CHICAGO

1. Ate at both French and Italian restaurants (and didn't have to pay the bill)!

2. Rode in a horse drawn carriage through the city at night.

3. Spent time in the Women's Bathroom on the 96th floor of the John Hancock Building...OK I think it's one of the BEST views in the place!!!

4. Nearly received whiplash during at least two harrowing cab rides! Can you say fast and brakes together???

5. Met many children's book authors. Had several books signed to share back at school.

6. Saw the Fountain that was featured in the opening song to the Married with Children TV show...think Al Bundy...."Love and marriage, Love and marriage, Goes together like a horse and carriage."

7. Drove past Soldier Field...saw Navy Pier....and drove down the shores of Lake Michigan.

8. Watched several peoplel walking their dogs about 10:30 in their PJ's!!

9. Saw the Blue Man Group and the 45th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

10. Ate Chicago deep dish pizza...and a Chicago style hot dog.

11. Enjoyed the TULIPS...my FAVORITE flower! They are calling downtown a "Tulip Festival" right now.

12. Visited with and reconnected with several professional friends from around the globe.

13. Met six people with whom I work regularly, but have never seen face to face. Until this trip, we had only sent manuscripts and materials back and forth via Internet and email.

Letters, Books, and Words, OH MY!

If you have never been to an International Reading Association Conference, then you simply cannot imagine the extent of the event! The exhibit hall is a HUGE room with over 1000 exhibitors. There are letters, books, words, and TEACHERS everywhere---20,000 to be precise!

It was funny because last night we went to dinner with Suzi's friend, Beth, who is a Chiropractor and not in education. She lives in the area and drove us around. As we looked on each and every corner, she would say, "Are those teachers?" They are hard to miss. There is a "look" to most teachers. They carry totebags (I have collected four so far during this conference) full of STUFF and are definitely keeping Chiropractors and Orthopedic surgeons everywhere in business. In fact, maybe Beth was "sniffing business" as she eyed the crazy crowd.

It's a time that is full of learning about the subject we are passionate about. It's a time to learn from colleagues. It's a time to hear what the foremost experts in the field are currently finding in their research. It's a time to find out what is happening in the world of reading.

I feel like I am lapping up all the learning I can...especially since I missed the last two years. I don't always find staff development that challenges me in my area. This is my time to "get challenged". It's a time for me to dig into my own thinking and refuel and refine my practice. It's like a feeding frenzy in so many ways.

Today, my hope in reading education has been renewed. You see, I think we have covered education in the "research-based" blanket...and in many ways it has zapped the fun and creativity right out of our classrooms!! Yet, there's room for teachers to be who they are. There's room for them to recapture that zeal that brought them to the classroom in the first place. I am on a mission now....I want to help awaken the "true teacher" that has been hiding inside so many of my colleagues for so long. I want to help them trust themselves to be responsive and highly-effective teachers. I want to help them see that they DO make a difference each and every day. I want them to get EXCITED about letters, books, and words.....so they can pass that along to the students they teach.

My Weekend Window

This weekend has been GREAT! I gave you a glimpse of it in my last entry, but I want to fill you in on the rest of the weekend.

The flight here was totally anxiety free for me....HOORAY!!

Friday night we ate at Giordano's and had Chicago's famous deep dish pizza. The wait was over an hour...but it was well worth it.

Saturday, we shopped on the Magnificent Mile and saw the Spelling Bee show. Both very fun things to do.

Yesterday, we did MORE shopping...went to Marshall Field's on State Street and got our FREE Frango Mints...a special for visitors of Chicago. My friend, Suzi arrived and we went to see the Blue Man Group. Oh my goodness were they GREAT! It was quite a show that was filled with fun surprises throughout.

Last night, we ate at Ed Debevic's. This was a first for me. It is a 50's style diner where the wait staff is quite loud and obnoxious. If you don't know your order, they'll yell, "Come on, I don't have all day!" As my friend, Suzi put it, they get to say all the things that waiters and waitresses everywhere would like to at one time or another. Anyway, they also dance on the tables and are genuinely entertaining. It also was GREAT fun!!

Well...I am off to sessions this morning....Now the learning has to start.

Tripping Jesus....

OK, now I am sure THAT title makes you go, "HUH?"

As I said, we are in the Windy City of Chicago this week for the Reading Association Annual Conference. Today was pretty much an "on your own" day as the conference sessions don't start until tomorrow. We are staying right on the Magnificent Mile...so there was plenty to keep us busy....but to stay out of trouble (and debt), we decided to go to a show this afternoon: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee was the winner.

The theater is a quaint little theater near the water tower. We sat down (in the very last row) and put our shopping bags next to the emergency exit door beside our chairs. Before the show started, one of the ladies in our group said, "I hope there's no emergency." We made sure the bags were mostly out of the way, but were certain that we could move them fast enough should the need arise.

The show is a hysterical little musical that chronicles the annual spelling bee competition. It features several "misfit" type characters vying for the top prize. (As an aside, one of the characters was played by James Earl Jones II...who has a PHENOMENAL voice.)

About an hour into the show a few of the contestants are out and the over-achieving Asian girl stands up to spell some long words and she cries out, "Oh, dear Jesus...."

Suddenly, through the emergency exit door in a white robe, complete with light-up heart, and smoke runs Jesus! Imagine our surprise as the door opened...there was no time to move the bags (like we thought there would be if necessary). Nope...he simply jumped right over them and into the crowded theater. Actually, I am quite surprised he didn't trip and roll right down the stairs!

The song was great as the girl and Jesus share a conversation about winning and losing and Him loving us anyway.

And almost as quickly as he came in...he ran BACK out through the Emergency Door.

I laughed. I thought how often I DO put things in between me and Jesus. And I thought about the fact that he simply leaps right over them to get to where He needs to be....

It was a gentle, but strong reminder that:

I am so thankful that HE doesn't get tripped up over MY junk....and that He loves me whether I win or lose.

Headed to the Windy City

I am off to Chicago for a week. This is SO exciting to me because I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this city! We are staying on the Magnificent Mile and going to have a great time learning new things about Reading all at the same time.

Of course, if you have been reading my blog for a while, you may remember that flying is NOT my favorite thing. I am feeling less anxious as I have given more of MY control issues over to the Lord...but I have moments of weakness. If you can, will you please pray that the trip goes well and that I am able to continue to exercise my faith?

I'll blog from there...I already found a GREAT window for Monday!!

Happy Friday everyone!!

Thirteen Things SUSAN can see from her computer at work 1. Mini-refrigerator 2. A "Lorax" (think Dr. Seuss) hat 3. A microwave 4. Mountains of books 5. Calculator 6. Hand Sanitizer 7. Three Hole Punch 8. Pictures of my family including all of my nieces and nephews 9. My walkie talkie 10. A file cabinet 11. My printer 12. Pens and Pencils 13. And the forever important pile of STICKY NOTES!! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Epcot Fun....and Wordless Wednesday!

Do you Dream?

After I finished the Nicholas Sparks book this weekend, I went to his website. It was very interesting and included "tips" for writing a fiction novel.

Now, I have been a "writer" since I was very young. I wrote stories and poems all through my teenage years. I suppose this means that a spark of desire to write and publish has been hidden somewhere all along.

Many of you know that I have written three professional education books for teachers and numerous teacher's guides for a national publisher. That has been very rewarding. I love sharing my learning with others and hearing what they think and learn as well.

I think, though, that all this fiction reading I have been doing lately has excavated this urge to write. For the past two nights I have dreamed about the literary elements that I was going to include in my novel. Strange, right? I dreamed of hooks, settings, problems, and solutions.

The first night I dreamed ONLY hooks...and I kept telling myself, "You need to write this down so you don't lose it." Well...sleep was more important and it seems that any good ideas I had that night have vanished into my dreamland.

Last night, I dreamed about all the other elements and book promotions. I woke up feeling like I have been working all night. It's tiring and strange all at once.

I suppose that this is partially due to the fact that I haven't read fiction for some time. My life is filled with informational text. Professional books have filled my bookstand for years. I decided last year to reignite my love for story and fiction--fitting it in when I can. Exercising has been helpful for this as I can read a good chunk of a novel on the treadmill and ellipticle machines! I have read more novels in the past year than I suppose I have in the 9 or 10 previous years put together!

I don't know what this is all about.

I DO know this, though...I sure wish I could DAYDREAM instead!!

My Weekend Window

OK I have tried three times this morning to put a NEW window picture in here, but blogger is not cooperating. So no window this week...only the story.


I went home Friday and found out that our new TV has arrived. The large screen that we got around Christmas started smoking a few weeks ago...so warranty upheld and they sent us an even larger TV for the trouble. Not a bad deal except it didn't work at first. Come to think of it, the lady at Phillips just told dh, "Sure we can send you a larger model...." She never indicated that it would WORK! DH was working on that when I arrived home...and I must say...I think it was grating on his nerves a bit.

In the midst of that, he was finalizing the deal for ds 2's new car. This has been a LONG process and I am sure that ds 2 really doesn't believe he is going to have one....and if the dealer was any more persnickety over "little stuff" on Friday, he might not have that one. I think that all worked out though and the car should be here this week.

And on top of both of these things, one of the laptops is not going to be able to be repaired. Dh was not happy about this either.

We rode down to church (35 miles) and it was a pretty quiet drive...dh must have been contemplating all the TV, Computer and CAR stuff he had just gone through.

We had a fun time at the fish fry, though. The fish fry was sponsored by the Youth in an effort to raise funds for their upcoming mission trip to Belize! DSs 1 and 2 are going, so they were down there working. We had a nice evening visiting with friends down there. And the food wasn't bad either!

Saturday was CROPPING day!!! I cropped for EIGHT hours and finished an entire year's scrapbook (minus journaling). I went with my friend Sandy and we had a wonderful relaxing afternoon.

Sunday we had church. I was up for Children's church (which I have been coordinating for almost 3 years). I have been praying for someone to take it over and making appeals for help. Sunday, help arrived! I am SO excited because as I transition her into Children's Church Coordinator, I'll be able to do more in Women's Ministry (which is where my heart is right now).

Last night, I wrapped up some teacher's guides that I needed to get written.

And today, I'm back at work for the five day grind. I truly am thankful that we have the weekends to rest, rejuvinate, and rejoice...it gets me ready for the week ahead.

Next weekend...I'll be in Chicago...I can't wait to share THAT weekend window with you! ;-)

I just finished...

Three Weeks with My Brother by Nicholas Sparks and Micah Sparks. What an AMAZING and challenging story!! I found myself thinking about my own "growing up" years and my relationships with my brothers and my parents. While I could certainly connect with much of Sparks' experiences, some were totally foreign to me. What wasn't foreign, however, is that deep sense of family. The interconnectedness of those with whom you shared your childhood. Those memories will forever be a part of who I am as an adult. In many ways it's the people, the experiences, and the memories that define who we become....

I am thankful I read this book. Now, I just have one question:

Greg or Dan would you like to take a three week trip around the world together???? :-)

National Scrapbook Day!!

It's National Scrapbook Day and I am leaving in a few minutes for an EIGHT HOUR crop!!! I am SOOOOO excited!!

Someone asked me yesterday, "How can you do that for eight hours?" I thought for a minute and responded....

"No kids, no phone, no distractions....
WITH friends, food, and fellowship.....

I could do just about anything for eight hours in those conditions!"

Plus that, it makes me a better wife and mother when I get back home.

See you all tomorrow!!

A HUGE Thank you!!!!

I owe Susie over at A Little Luxury a BIG thank you for my new look! She is a great person to work with and made the switchover totally painless for me! Susie, you are AMAZING! If you are looking for a new look for your own site...go visit her....it's worth it!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen ConveniencesSUSANhas now that she didn't have as a child.... 1. Air Conditioning 2. The "Switch the radio with your thumb" control on my steering wheel 3. My Cell Phone 4. A Computer 5. A video camera 6. Digital camera 7. A walk-in closet 8. A "walk-around" phone 9. A remote control 10. A bread maker 11. A microwave 12. Many malls to choose from (not just one) 13. Target and Walmart And I MUST add a number 14....drumroll.....a GREAT place on the web to share my thoughts! (Thanks Susie, for making it even BETTER!!!!!) Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Ouch...those are my TOES!!!

I have been reading a lot lately. I have shared a couple of the books that I have read here on my blog...

My latest book (which I just started) is by Nicholas Sparks and his brother, Micah. It is titled "Three Weeks With My Brother" and recounts a journey the two brothers made around the world in recent years. Nicholas starts out by sharing glimpses of their childhood entwined with their preparations for this three week trip. By page 30, he notes "Everything about the trip felt wrong,"

He continues to explain how he thinks of life in terms of a stream, rapids, and waterfall. He talks about those times when we simply "float along" and "one day just floats into another." He continues to describe the rapids where things get more challenging...deadlines, life events, work events...you struggle to stay afloat. He concludes that you ride the rapids with the thoughts of you "have to", "need to", and "have no other choice". You go, go, go. And in the distance you hear the roar of the waterfall.....if you don't steer to safety, the waterfall will "get you".

Sparks says this is an example of life out of balance.

Ouch! I read it on the treadmill...but I could definitely hear the pressure of Sparks stepping on my toes!

At school, I teach my kids that good readers "make personal connections" to what they read. Streams...yep...been there. I remember well those times when the ebb and flow of my life seemed to just gently roll along. The rapids...yep...I've found myself deep in them with really no clear way out. And that waterfall....hearing it in the distance is sometimes scary.

Thankfully, this year, God has been showing me how to navigate the waters. He is the man who can calm the stormy sea. I just have to remember that HE is the captain of MY ship!!

Personal connection? It sure is. I know exactly how Sparks feels...I just wonder if HIS toes also feel the same way?

Why????

Why is it that when somebody says something negative....especially a negative opinion.....that people will walk around and say, "EVERYBODY'S mad!" OR "EVERYBODY is ticked off!" When reality is it's only one or a small number of people.

But if someone shares some good news or positive aspect...it hardly ever gets spread around????????????????

I hate sweeping generalizations!!!!! It's not a fair assessment of anything.

I can't say anymore just that it GETS MY GOAT!

My Weekend Window

It's time for MY Weekend Window....

Friday I got my hair done. It feels so good to have it in a style that I like again AND can work with!!!!

Friday night we went to my Dad and Stepmother's to color eggs. It was fun to see my nieces and nephew. They had a great time egg coloring...I am always amazed at how fast it goes.

Saturday I got my nails done. Again, something that made me feel better and pampered a bit. Mom and I went shopping at the Outlet Mall. It was packed...I finally got the boys Easter stuff. I found an Easter outfit as did Mom. We had a nice time just talking and walking around the mall.

DS 4 wasn't through with his egg coloring "traditions" so we did it at OUR house on Saturday night. He had a great time mixing colors and planning what to do with his dozen eggs.

We woke up Sunday and he hunted for eggs. DSs 3 and 4 and I pretty much entertained each other until church time.

Sunday was busy for the older guys and dh. They were at church for FOUR services starting with Sunrise. I know this simply can wear you out. They rested yesterday afternoon then we all went mini-golfing and out to eat last night. Golfing was fun (but expensive). Dh noted after we ate that it cost us less to eat than to play mini-golf. I think we had a nice time though.

Somebody at church said, "You guys don't do anything for Easter???" I guess one of the boys told her that. I just didn't know how to explain what it's like being in ministry...and especially Holy Week. Dh was explaining it to the boys last night. He said that 2/3 of the Pastors in America take time off after Easter because it is draining. So "doing" something that requires more energy and preparation on that most busy day isn't the best idea for the clergy family. And besides....we DO something...we DO the most important thing....we go to church and celebrate the resurrection. After that, it's all gravy....know what I mean?

So, now after a great weekend....I am back to the daily grind....work. See you soon!

This says it all....

I've Been Tagged...again!

Mary has tagged me! I love these games...so here I go

1. I HATE loud noises. I cannot be in the same room with latex balloons (for fear they will pop), cannot watch 4th of July fireworks without my ears plugged and cannot be too near when my son is playing the drum kit. It hurts my ears.

2. I love the mountains and dream of living in a house with a wrap around front porch someday. I am starting to realize that it may not happen this side of heaven...but I am SURE that this will be part of the design of my mansion in heaven.

3. I sleep with one leg under the sheet and one leg outside the sheet. It seems to balance out the temperature. DH thought that was weird when we were first married...now he's used to it. (It may have something to do with growing up and having no air conditioning...I don't know.)

4. I fret about things sometimes...but I try not to let other people know. I have to remind myself that I am NOT IN CONTROL and I don't need to be....it's a hard habit to break.

5. I was raised in church and am so glad that I can say I never strayed far. My testimony is one of those that is kind of "ho-hum"...but I'll keep it that way! I have my Mom to thank for that.

6. I am a music "junkie"....I LOVE all kinds of music! And I know the words to a ton of songs from Christian, to Country, to Pop, to Oldies but Goodies, to Kiddie Music, to Broadway...to....well you get the idea.


Here's who I tag:

Dan
Lynn
Heather
Amy
Kt
Kris

Here are the rules of this tag:

1.Go write weird facts/things/etc. about yourself in my comment box and on your blog, then tag six more people!

2. Then leave a comment that says "You are tagged" in their comments telling them to read your blog.

ENJOY!

It's Easter and There's Not an Egg in this Town!

I went out today and shopped for Easter. I know it's a bit late. It just crept up on me this year. With the boys getting older...and knowing that they really don't DO candy....I didn't plan ahead. Truth is, I thought maybe it would come and go and I wouldn't have to do the egg, candy, basket thing. Now before you think I am the worst Easter Bunny ever, know that I always get them a small gift....it was just going to be sans the other Eastery stuff this year.

The only reason I even considered doing "anything" more than my little gift is this:

In a conversation this week with DS 4, I realized that HE seems to think we have some traditions that I wasn't fulfilling. He said, "We ALWAYS hunt eggs at Grandma C's!" Now, we may have hunted eggs there twice in his lifetime....so I guess when it has been done 2/7 years, it "could" be considered tradtion. And we weren't planning to go there this year.

In a subsequent conversation, he proceeded to tell me something else that we "always" do and I thought, "OK time to get your Easter hat on and prepare a nice memory for that boy."

So, last night, we went to Grandma and Grandpa's to color eggs and fill his memory basket. He was happy with that. He had a great time visiting and playing with his cousins and helping create some beautiful eggs over there.

Today, I went shopping with my Mom. I decided I wasn't going to do much candy because they rarely eat what I get. But I decided that I would fill plastic eggs and let DSs 3 and 4 hunt for them in the morning (since everyone else will be at Sunrise Service). There was only one slight problem...there wasn't a plastic egg to be found within twenty miles of my house!!!!!!!!

One year, dh found so many plastic eggs at the "after-Easter" sales that he bought 3500 for the church's egg hunt the next year!! This year, NO ONE will be landing that kind of deal. There simply were no eggs. We searched all the "regular" stores for them. I finally decided they don't "need" eggs anyway and left. I couldn't believe it though. It's Easter. Could it really be that they didn't buy enough eggs for last minute shoppers like me? There wasn't even Easter GRASS (which I don't like anyway). I was actually quite amazed.

In a last minute effort, I stopped at CVS by my house (less than a mile) and low and behold there were five packs of plastic eggs on the shelf. I almost tackled a lady in front of me who was also reaching for egg bags. Luckily she took two and I took two...and we left one for some other poor soul who needed them last minute. I praised the lady at the counter of CVS for making one more child smile on Easter morning and left with my prize.

Now, I just have one slight problem....I didn't buy anything small enough to go in them!! I wonder if he'd mind hunting for empty eggs?????? Seriously, I'm going to raid the coin jar and call it done.

I know the eggs and the bunnies and the baskets are NOT what Easter is all about....but I was taken back to my childhood a bit this week as DS 4 shared his expectations and memories. I loved getting them as a child as does he. I loved the WHOLE event...from the baskets...to the eggs....to bunnies...to PEEPS....to dressing up and especially going to church.

Tonight, he reminded me that it's a total package for him too when he said, "it will be fun going to church tomorrow to celebrate Jesus rising from the dead."

Thank goodness we didn't skip this opportunity to make memories and enjoy this wonderful holiday together!! And thank goodness we found those eggs!!

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen ThingsSUSAN remembers about EASTER With Easter coming around the corner, I thought it'd be fun sharing some of my memories of this holiday from my early childhood until now. 1. Chewing the ear off the chocolate bunny 2. Peeps 3. Picking out a dress 4. Attending my first Sunrise Service in a Sundress and FREEZING!! 5. Easter baskets at Grandma and Grandpa's 6. Hunting for eggs in the house and finding the last one a little (ahem) late 7. Bonnets 8. Singing "Here Comes Peter Cottontail..." 9. Bringing extra chairs into church for all the seasonal attendees 10. Being excited that at least they were in church twice a year! 11. Picking out Easter outfits for the boys when they were younger 12. Mom sewing matching outfits for DS 1 and 2 when they were 1 and 2 13. Finding easter grass around the house long after the holiday is over!! Of course, I know that Resurrection is the MOST important thing about Easter!!!!!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

A Word About my Wordless Wednesday

OK...I am thinking that "Wordless" is not the best thing to describe me! The picture below is J. He is a struggling reader who has been retained twice before the third grade (another blog for another day). After reading Dr. Seuss's The Foot Book for half the year....he worked his way through this book Flossie and the Fox by Patricia McKissack. It took him two full days...but HE DID IT! He embodies EVERY reason that I stay in Education. He's worth it!!

Wordless Wednesday

OK, here's my first Wordless Wednesday.....

Wikipedia Fun

I found this over at Cozy Reader's blog who found it over at Susie's blog and I thought it would be fun.

If you decide to play, go to Wikipedia and type in your birthday (excluding the year) into the search bar. List three neat facts, two births and one death in your journal, including the year.

Facts

1782 - George Washington orders the creation of the Badge of Military Merit to honor soldiers wounded in battle. It is later renamed to the more poetic Purple Heart.

1942 - World War II: Battle of Guadalcanal begins - U.S. Marines initiate the first American offensive of the war with a landing on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.

1981 -The Washington Star ceases all operations after 128 years of publicatio

Births

1942 Garrison Keillor, American Writer and Radio Host

1975 Charlize Theron, South African Actress

Deaths

2005 Peter Jennings Canadian Born Newsanchor