Random Dozen #2

1. Which is worse: a long, boring meeting or standing in a return/exchange line after Christmas? For me, the long boring meeting is USUALLY the worst. BUT, I've stood in some exchange lines with some extremely impatient people and that makes me crazier. At least in a long boring meeting I can go to a "happy place" and be off task without too much distraction.

2. Except for maybe Rosie O'Donnell or Ann Coulter, nobody likes confrontation, yet we all have to deal with it. When you feel cornered and defensive, do you "bite back" or become passive aggressive? Out of those two responses, I tend to bite back. This is not a trait I'm proud of...but it's the truth. Passive aggressive? Not usually. That is one behavior that I CANNOT STAND. I will tell you that sometimes I just get plain passive and "cower" into a corner. I feel like I need to put a clipart here that says "Beware, she bites!"

3. Do you know anything about your genealogical background? (What country, culture, ties to prominent historical figures, or other stuff.) My Dad and Grandma have done a wonderful job tracing some of our family tree. We are Irish decent on his side. My Mom's side is Pennsylvania Dutch.

4. What is the quickest way a person can endear him/herself to you? By being compassionate. I like seeing people care about others--especially when they go out of their way to do it. It warms my soul.

5. Cake, pie, cookies, or ice cream? (Note there is no "all of the above" option. You must choose one. Feel free to elaborate on flavor or memories tied to this dessert.) If you'd like, you can share a recipe, but you certainly don't have to. Cake! My Grandma makes a KILLER chocolate cake that doesn't even need the icing it's so good!!

6. Females: Do you regularly change your handbag to coordinate with your outfit? Nope!

7. Are you task-oriented or relationship-oriented? I used to be so much more relationship-oriented, but now I'm afraid that I'm often more task oriented. Sometimes this comes at the expense of people and that's NOT GOOD!

8. IHOP, Bob Evans or Cracker Barrel? 100% of the time it would be Cracker Barrel for me!! Love that place.

9. Have you ever left a movie in progress in a theater? Why? Not that I recall.

10. What is one area of life in which you would like to develop more discipline or organization? Exercise plan. It's one thing that I find the hardest to "fit in".

11. Was middle school fun or painful? A little of both. I had a great time and loved being with all my friends. I do remember some hard lessons learned there, however.

12. What is your favorite Fall beverage? Um, Warm Apple Cider (from REAL fresh apples)---not something we can really get here in FL. I also have enjoyed some hot spiced wine a few times...and would like to know how to make that.

Today He's Twenty

My blog readers and I have celebrated FIVE of his birthdays right here on my blog. My DS 2 is 20 today.

When he turned 16, I wrote: "I remember being 16. I was not nearly as focused or ready to enter my "next stages" as he is. He is already thinking about what he wants to do when he "grows up". And his dreams and goals are good."

On his 17th birthday I shared: "DS 2 has always been someone who (as my Dad says) "Goes for the Gusto"! As one of his favorite middle school teachers told me last year, "He's a complete package!" He is a joy in our lives! I suspect with this type of determination that he will be successful in whatever he chooses to do."

By his 18th birthday, we had a relapse of sorts. Some of you might remember the "Duck Debacle"! Here's a snippet of the conversation we had around that time---DS 2: Mom, I've got a question for you. Me: OK DS 2: Uh, what would you say if my friends bought me a duck for my birthday? Me: HUH? Like a LIVE duck? DS 2: Yeah, I've always wanted a duck. And I asked them to get me one for my birthday. And now they're looking for one. And I want to name it "Llama". Me: Ducks are DIRTY. They are not meant to be kept in a house. Call your Uncle Greg and ask him about the ducks HE had as a child. DS 2: OK, I will. {Note: He called but Uncle Greg wasn't home.} Me: Still it's not a good idea. I would NOT be happy.{End conversation...}

Some of you might remember the evidence photo of that memorable experience:

Last year, I shared this photo:

I also shared the threat reminder that DS 4 gave when he found out I was sappy about another one of my guys getting older: "When he heard I was a bit sappy about my DS 2 turning 19, DS 4 said to me today: "Don't worry Mom! I'm not going anywhere. I told you I was planning to go to college online. I'll live at home forever." (Note: I may need serious therapy cause I'm starting to believe it.)

DS 2 said he's having a bit of a hard time turning 20. I did too, believe it or not. It was at that moment in my life that I realized that I was really "growing up"--no more "dumb teenage" decisions. I wish I could really tell him my "dumb decisions" stopped on that pivotal day in my life. They didn't. BUT I knew that it was a time of transition for me. And he knows the same.

By the way, DH seemed a bit left out cause he never knew I had a "hard time" turning 20. I reminded him he didn't KNOW me when I turned 20. He reminded me that he hasn't had trouble turning any age and that we already had a son turn 20 and I hadn't told them about it. I reminded him that THAT son was pretty much like his father.

Now we've come to this moment. Last night DS 2 told me: "For the first 20 years other people are pretty much making decisions for you. Now, I have to make decisions for myself to determine where I'll go and what I'll do for the future or I pretty much won't have one." Exactly!

I am confident, though, that he is on the right path. It was just a few weeks ago that his Twitter made me even more sure of it. He wrote: "Be still and know that I am God!" Thank you God!"

To that, DS 2, I say a hearty "Amen!" Don't you worry about a thing...you'll be fine as you head into your next 20 years. Your Mother on the other hand, is a bit of a sap! But, I'm a sap who loves you dearly through every twist and turn your life has taken and every one that's up ahead of you. Yes, you can "Be still and know that HE is God" whether you're 2, 12, 20 or 200!

Happy Birthday! I love you!

Random Dozen: A Meme from Me!

Melli played this last week. I thought, "Oh that's cool, she's found another blogging meme/subject." Then when I read it, I found out it was from Linda's over at 2nd Cup of Coffee who I have been reading for a while. And I have to admit that I was then thinking, "Huh?? When did she start that? And how did Melli find it before me? (Cause I didn't think Melli and Linda even "knew" each other.) Then I reminded myself that I have been a supreme slacker blogger this past few months and really what did it matter anyway?

Today, though, I decided to jump in and play. So here you go:

1. What is something that you have changed your mind about either recently or over a number of years? Hmm...this one is a bit difficult right out of the chute! Oh wait, I know...I USED to think that TV's do NOT belong on walls and I am now thinking about putting ours up there. My DH and my kids are beside themselves that my mind has shifted on this!

2. Choose either subject, but does your a) church b) job feel more like a dental chair experience or an easy chair (recliner) experience? I have to say that I have been in both "a" and "b" when they felt like a dental chair. But, for me, right now they are an easy chair. I love what I do for my job and totally feel called to it. I love our church and feel it is really doing what it's supposed to in the community. Ahhh...time to recline!

3. Kisses or hugs? I actually typed "huts," which might have been a more interesting question. I'll take "huts" for 200 Alex! No, I like hugs... A LOT!

4. What do you think is the biggest threat to families today? BUSY BUSY schedules that rob together time.

5. A day after you grocery shop, you open a perishable item that is horribly spoiled. Do you take your receipt back to the store to be reimbursed or just throw it away and forget about it? I have to be honest, I have done BOTH. I have taken stuff back when I'm in the mood...we live right down the street from the store, so it's not a huge deal. On the other hand, there are times, I just throw it away cause I don't want the hassle.

6. What personality trait (feel free to address good or bad or both) do you notice yourself adopting from your parents? Um, my control freakness...sorry Dad! My worry....sorry Mom! My determination, love of people, and family focus....thanks Dad AND Mom!!

7. How many slices of bread do you leave in the bottom of the bag when you throw it away? Two? Three? Just the heel? None? (I really want to know if you eat the heel.) I have to be honest, I usually don't eat the heel...but I have been known to turn it upside down on DS 4's lunchbox sandwich to use it! I use it when it's in a casserole broken apart. Generally there's two pieces left, the heel and the wimpy one that gets bent beside the heel.

8. What mispronunciation or usage error really irritates you? I can't stand the their, they're and there OR the your and you're mistakes that I see all the time in status updates on Facebook! Makes me CRAZY!

9. In honor of the uniqueness of today's date, what does the numeral 9 mean to you? (Any special life moments attached to the 9th? Are you the 9th kid in your family? Can you count by 9s really fast? etc.) Absolutely NOTHING! It is simply one less than ten to me. I can think of nothing special about the 9th of anything.

10. Does the general color palette in your closet match the colors you chose to decorate your home with? Interesting, a few years ago, I'd have answered "no"...but today I have to say "yes" sort of.

11. When you're hanging out with friends in the kitchen, do you automatically ask to help, or do you sit there and chat until the host asks if you'd like to help? I'm not implying that the 2nd choice stems from rudeness or laziness, just not a first-response like it is for some people. I ask to help, but I'll be honest, when people are in MY kitchen, I'd rather them just visit with me...unless it's my friend Sandy bailing me out of my cooking "issues"!

12. Let's end on a pleasant note: What do you enjoy about September the most? The anticipation of putting out my fall decor even while it remains 100 degrees outside! My DS 2 was born in Sept. The fact that school is now really underway....All these things make me enjoy this month!

Things I've Come to Realize

Saw this at my friend, Elizabeth's Blog. I liked reading it and thought I'd give it a try.

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note completing the 36 "I’ve come to realize." At the end, choose the friends you want to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you or I knew you way back when and am interested in what life has taught you!! (Note from Susan: I'm not tagging anyone, if you'd like to play, let me know.)

1. I've come to realize that my chest-size...is a stupid "I've come to realize" to begin this meme!
2. I've come to realize that my job...is one of the best jobs on the planet and I am 100% blessed to be working in my area of passion.
3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving....I'm more tense than usual.
4. I've come to realize that I need....very little to be happy and content.
5. I've come to realize that I have lost...the green-eyed monster that used to invade my thoughts so often!
6. I've come to realize that I hate it when...I set a goal and then sabotage it right away all by myself.
7. I've come to realize that if I'm drunk...then something is REALLY wrong since I don't drink like that.
8. I've come to realize that money...is something I like to give away.
9. I've come to realize that certain people...are quite passive agressive and I can't stand that!
10. I've come to realize that I'll always...wonder about my boys when they are away from my home.
11. I've come to realize that my sibling(s)...are so very special to me!
12. I've come to realize that my mom....gave up a lot for us while raising us.
13. I've come to realize that my cell phone...should be with me more often than it is now.
14. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning/afternoon...I had bigger plans and I only accomplished a portion of ONE of them.
15. I've come to realize that last night/this morning before I went to sleep...I barely remember putting my head on the pillow!
16. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking...this is going to be a somewhat "short week" since I'm leaving Thursday for a conference!
17. I've come to realize that my dad...is quite a thinker and a dilligent worker.
18. I've come to realize that when I get on Facebook...I feel connected to people that I haven't been connected with in YEARS and I love that.
19. I've come to realize that today...is a gift to me.
20. I've come to realize that tonight...will be here before I know it cause time marches quickly these days.
21. I've come to realize that tomorrow...is a new day doing exactly what I love...teaching and learning.
22. I've come to realize that I really want to...travel more and take more risks.
23. I've come to realize that the person who is most likely to repost this is...someone who's actually read this far! ;-)
24. I've come to realize that life...is too short and should be enjoyed.
25. I've come to realize that this weekend..will be SO FUN as I spend time with great friends from work!!
26. I've realized the best music to listen to when I am upset...is something soft and soothing that I can sing to.
27. I've come to realize that my friends...are such a BLESSING to me!
28. I've come to realize that this year...is almost over and I can't believe it!29. I've come to realize that my ex...is non-existant since I'm with my one-and-only.
30. I've come to realize that maybe I should...try to overcome a few fears.
31. I've come to realize that I love...my life and my town and wouldn't trade them for a thing.
32. I've come to realize that I don't understand...aging and how it can ravage some and not others.
33. I've come to realize my past...has allowed me to help people who are younger than me as I've been able to share experiences and life lessons with them.
34. I've come to realize that parties...are FUN ways to connect with friends.
35. I've come to realize that I'm totally terrified...of not knowing what the future holds sometimes.
36. I've come to realize that my life...is more rich and full than I could have ever dreamed!

Book Review: Shelter Me

(Note: For those of you who choose to read Christian fiction, this book is a secular fiction book.)

I picked "shelter me" by Juliette Fay up while browsing for some light "end-of-summer" reading a few weeks ago. I think the cover is what first attracted me. It just screamed "warmth" and "read me" right at me! When I read the back cover blurb, I was further attracted by these words:
Four months after her husband's death, Janie LaMarche remains undone by grief and anger. Her mourning is disrupted, however, by the unexpected arrival of a builder with a contract to add a porch onto her house. Stunned, Janie realizes the porch was meant to be a surprise from her husband—now his last gift to her. ... As the porch takes shape, Janie discovers that the unknowable terrain of the future is best navigated with the help of others—even those we least expect to call on, much less learn to love.

The entire story is woven around this porch being built right in the middle of Janie's struggle to put her life back together. It is a beautiful story with raw emotion woven throughout. Janie seems to go through the steps that most grieving people do. She is at times angry and other times completely down. But she continues to try to make her way back to some sense of normalcy for herself and her children.

Little does she know that the porch, and the porch builder, are going to be so pivotal to her restoration. She also receives help from some other unlikely places: her priest befriends her and helps her start to get in touch with her response to her circumstances, her busy-body Aunt Jude forces her to come work in a homeless shelter/soup kitchen and Janie finds herself receiving when she's giving to these needy people, and the person that drove the car that hit her husband also contributes to Janie's road to healing.

At one point, she ends up alone with Tug (the porch builder) and she's quite miffed that her family was part of the plot to send them out alone after Thanksgiving dinner. I love the way the author describes the moment they leave the family gathering:

Out on Route 27, Tug inhaled and heaved a great sigh. The sound of his relief pulled her out of herself and away from stewing about the humiliation she'd suffered. Or might have suffered. Maybe. "Anger is so easy," she realized. "It's being scared that's hard." And if she were to heave her own great big sigh of relief, she knew it would be fear she exhaled, not rage.

Another picture I love is when Janie finds herself talking with Malcolm, a homeless man from the shelter. He is withdrawn and despondent one day and Janie goes to speak with him. She finds out that he has lost his sister. Here's a snippet of their exchange:

"Oh Malcolm," said Janie. "I am so sorry."
He handed her the cigarette and she took another puff. "Yeah," he said, "All's I keep thinking is, 'Now what?' Isn't that stupidest thing? I can't figure out what to do next. Like there is something, but I just don't know what."

Janie nodded. She stared out across the parking lot. He smelled like booze and pee and smoke and the most incredibly rancid body odor. But she didn't even care. "Now what?" she thought. "What other question is there?"

Janie's character is real and raw. The author captures this emotion again and again throughout the story. Janie is also forced to deal with the concept of forgiveness. While journaling one night she notes:

The more I think about it....the more I'm not even sure I really know what forgiveness is. Is it some big cosmic do-over? Like no harm, no foul? But there was harm--big hairy, serious harm. Robby doesn't get a do-over, and neither do I or the kids. Things are broken now that can't be fixed. How come the other guy gets a Get Out of Jail Free card?

As I said, this book primarily shows a very human response to a horrible tragedy. While there are snippets of faith throughout the book, it's not central. Janie has quite the language sometimes. The love story also gets somewhat graphic at points--but no more so than a PG-13 movie might. I kind of like that.

Of course, the faith side of me is saddened that this element is mostly missing from Janie's life. Hers is more an obligatory attendance at her family's Catholic church. But that's real life for so many people.

I like the fact that Fay is able to tell a story that is warm and inviting and emotion-packed without going too far or too explicity for my reading enjoyment. I appreciate the way she seems to use the character to figure out her own thoughts and beliefs on love, justice, mercy, and forgiveness. I found the book enjoyable and one I'd pass along.

Labor Day's Looming...

The weekend has arrived. It's a good thing to get this weekend so close to the beginning of school. It used to be that we kind of eased our way into the new school year, but now we hit the ground running. It has been non-stop and the break will be welcome!

DH flew DS 2 and my FIL to another city today where DS 2's friend S lives. She's wanted to ride in DH's plane for a while. So, FIL and DH took S up in the plane while DS 2 waited on the ground for them. DS 2 stayed down there so that he can play in an Ultimate Frisbee tournament tomorrow.

DH came home from the flight and took DS 4 and his friend, T to the Rays baseball game.

DS 3 left to go hang out with some friends in the neighborhood.

DS 1 is coming home tonight, but is stopping in to see some friends first.

Soooo...what does that mean? That means that I'm sitting here having a QUIET evening. Now you'd think I'd take the opportunity to turn on a "chick flick". Or maybe read a "chick lit". But no. I'm sitting here watching football. Sometimes I think something's really wrong with me!

I don't know how much longer I'll watch the game. I may take advantage of this time to finish the book I'm reading...or I may turn on that chick flick I've been wanting to see...or I may keep watching the muted football game. No matter what I decide to do, one thing's for sure...it'll be MY CHOICE. Once in a while that's a good thing.

The rest of the weekend holds a meeting tomorrow, church on Sunday, family picnic Sunday afternoon, and Monday REST.

I guess Labor Day's not really looming...the weekend is here. Now I just need to make the most of it. Happy Friday everyone!

Thursday Thoughts

DH is home after an 18-day work trip. We're glad he's here.

I read this quote today and I thought it was what I needed:

"Don't waste your life in doubts and fears: spend yourself on the work before you, well assured that the right performance of this hour's duties will be the best preparation for the hours or ages that follow it." Ralph Waldo Emerson

I wonder how much of my life HAS been wasted while I've sat in doubt or coward in fear? It's true that step by step and inch by inch we have to move forward and do the "right thing" in the moment. I would add, though, when we mess up--that's when we have to accept the grace that is extended to us.

Why whine when we're blessed?

I have to tell you, I can be a whiner sometimes. I try not to do it. I try to keep my chin up and not complain. But occasionally the whine slips through my filter and right out into the open.

If you read my last post, then you know that I've been a little stressed at work. I know that ultimately my moving is the "right thing"...but it DOES NOT make it easy. And it doesn't mean that I am not a bit emotional over the whole thing. It would be easy to get stuck in the muck and the mire, but I am making the choice to make the best of it and muddle through my emotions to take the next step in location.

I have to say, though, in the last 24 hours I have been the recipient of MORE blessings than I can count. Right in the midst of my whining!

It started with the food delivery and box top pile. Last night, I came home later than usual. My wonderful in-laws had dropped off "Grandma's Kitchen" for us...complete with new foods to taste-test. On the fridge was a note telling us what had been delivered. The thing that really got me was the P.S. from my MIL. She saw a mountain of General Mills Box Tops on my counter that needed to be cut. The P.S. asked if I wanted her to do that for me. I gotta' tell you this simple offer made me cry on the spot! Even though it seemed like a small "mountain"...I had been trying to finish the task admist everything else for a couple of days.

Today, my sweet DS 2 offered to come help me move stuff to my new room. Now please understand that this is the same son who helped move from my old office to my "new old" office just a few months ago. He got his grandfather, my FIL, to come with him. Right when they arrived, it started raining and it did not stop for the rest of the afternoon. Yet, those two did NOT stop! Thanks to them there is only a small bit left to do tomorrow and then I can concentrate on getting stuff put away and organized.

At home I had been preparing to host a Tastefully Simple party for my neighbor who is a consultant. I'd been promising her for months that I would do this. I had several people RSVP and ready to come this evening. DS 3 totally made sure things were ready to "Mom's specifications" around the house before I came home.

At five o'clock, I got a call from my neighbor (the consultant) who told me that she'd been running a fever and was getting worse. She had already had the food ready to go with the help of her family. My party was at 6:30. She said she was going to send it over and let us enjoy it.

I immediately called my friend Sandy who loves to cook. She said not to worry she'd be here to help. And she was....we just faked our way right through the party and had a blast sampling and tasting the stuff. My friends are simply the best as they didn't care either way...they are so flexible and helpful and just all around super people.

After they left, I sat with my boys and once again reflected on all my blessings. I think I'll count them tonight as my head hits the pillow...as I sing "You'll fall asleep counting your blessings!"

Night!

I think I can...I think I can...I think I can...

If you know any teachers, or you are one yourself, then you know that sometimes we accumulate "stuff". This is especially true for elementary teachers who are always looking for concrete ways to make a lesson meaningful for kids. I am no different. I have more than 3000 books in my classroom library alone. I also have many many other resource materials for kids and teachers.

This summer I moved it all to a new portable. My "old one" was being taken away by the district to be used in other places. So, DSs 2 and 3 helped me move over the course of two days. I spent several days this summer fixing it up and preparing it for both kids I would teach and teachers I would train. My boss even commented the first week of school how nice it looked.

Last week we found out that we are gaining two teaching units. One of them is at the grade level that is surrounding my current "home away from home". I do not teach in the regular classroom, I do a lot of support work. There really is no other "logical" place for the new teacher to go.

So, here I move again!

I am undoing what has been freshly done. I'd like to tell you that my attitude has been positive and willing the entire time. And, certainly for the most part I know that you do what it takes to make the entire thing work. I'm still sad, though.

Today I will be schlepping stuff once again. This time without boxes--because I had already disposed of them all.

Hence the title of this post. I need that kind of step-by-step "eating the elephant" thinking right now. It's how I plan to get through the next few days and accomplish the task set before me. The thing is, I know that the task is much bigger than moving stuff. I know that it's also about being an example with my attitude, my talk and my actions.

I think I can...I think I can...I think I can....

I know...

I know Trace Adkins sings, "You're gonna' miss this". I love that song, really I do. But you know what? I am NOT going to miss the morning cry of "I don't feeeeel goooooodddd!" everytime someone wakes up and doesn't want to go to school.

I really MUST get my son to understand "The Boy Who Cried Wolf".

Nope. I won't miss it AT ALL!

Roller Coaster Thinking

I swear sometimes my "thought-life" has more twists and turns than the world's best roller coaster! I ponder. A lot. It's not all doom and gloom...but simply me thinking about life, my family, my job, my faith, my decisions and circumstances.

This week I have been thinking. I don't know what about exactly...lots of stuff.

Although it's not all bad, my thoughts can go from the highest peak down the largest drop in just seconds. For sometimes my thinking turns to worry. I don't know if I'd call it anxiety. But some days it's close.

Yet, when I look at the ride that is my life--the twists and turns that would paralell most normal women my age--again and again I can see God's hand there to guide and protect me.

I need to remember when I'm plunging down the hill that, like any good roller coaster, the ride can change at a moment's notice. And, that the person at the control is not ME! For it's HIS hand...HIS word....HIS love that will guide me safely into the loading dock each and every time. And it's HIM who will be with me when I jump in for the next ride and the next and the next.

I also need to remember that it's not the individual twist, turn, climb, or drop that makes the ride good. It's the culmination of all of those things. If I "lose my stomach" on the drop, I can catch it again on the climb.

So, like any good roller coaster rider, I'm putting my hands up in surrender to each and every twist and turn. And with joy, I will shout and be thankful for the entire ride!

Kids say the cutest things!

School started back on Monday. I love this time of year! It's the time when we get to usher new "little people" into their "home away from home" for the next few years. Kindergarteners are often wide-eyed and eager. Would that we could all get a spark of that once-in-a-while.

This morning, I was walking through the halls to do my "rounds"...making sure everyone was where they needed to go. This darling little girl with pigtails and beads all over her head was "late". So, I told her to come with me to get a late slip in the office.

She said, "Is we going to play games?" I said, "No, we're just going to go tell the office you're here and then you get to go to class to play." She said, "OK."

I asked her name and she replied, "T____ B____." Because her name sounded familiar to me, I said, "Do you have a sister?" She asked, "A bigger one?" I said, "Yes." She replied, "Yeah." I said, "What's your sister's name?"

She hesitated. She stopped. She put her finger on her head like she was thinking hard.

I was thinking, "Good night, SURELY she knows her sister's name!?!?!" She finally said, "I can't remember her name, but she sits next to me every Sunday in church!"

I finally figured it out...she doesn't have a "sister" as in a human relative, but in her church they call all the ladies, "Sister so-and-so". I have to say it gave me a chuckle!

After we got her late slip, she said, "Are we all done?" I said, "Yes, we're done." She said, "Whew! I thought I was going to get a SHOT!"

I really wanted to reply, "No way, Sister!"

Bunny Blog

He came to us in January of DS 4's preK year. The teacher had been talking to us about getting a class pet. DH and I talked about it and decided that we'd do our "parent support" duty and donate the pet and supplies. The teacher said she'd like a bunny.

One Saturday morning, I took my four-year-old DS 4 to purchase the pet. He proudly brought this little furry rabbit to school on Monday. By Monday afternoon the teacher called and let us know that the preK director had informed her that they are NOT allowed to have "permanent pets" in the classroom. We were told the bunny could visit, but could not stay.

So, we brought the bunny home.

That was SEVEN years ago! The bunny is STILL here.

I am no animal hater. I love them. I even had a bunny as a classroom pet when I taught Kindergarten one year. But they are messy. Really messy! Their cages smell when not cleaned regularly. Heck they smell when they ARE cleaned regularly! To say I was not thrilled about bringing this little furry critter home is an understatement. A HUGE understatement!

DS 4 is definitely an animal LOVER to the nth degree! Even as a young toddler, he would sit for hours in the babysitter's house helping care for young kittens, an abandoned baby squirrel, and a pet monkey. He loves them. He was thrilled that the bunny was going to be HIS to love, and hold, and care for....everyday. (I'm sure you know the drill.)

As a side note: I have a friend at work who's MIL gave her son a bunny---without consulting the parent. I'm sure there's a whole lot to be interpreted there. Anyway, she brought a book to school about bunnies and told me that their lifespan is about 10 years.

Fast forward to last week. DS 4 came to my DH and me and said, "Button's not eating or drinking. We need to get him to a vet." I have to say that taking these critters to the vet is not always my first thought. I mean they are little cage animals. They are not supposed to have huge lifespans. And, quite honestly, I think 7 bunny years is a pretty good run. (Please, if you are a PETA person just save the tongue lashing...) I mean somebody's gotta be at the lower end of the lifespan average, right!?!

My wonderful FIL and MIL are helping out with DS 4 this week. I urged my son to wait until the weekday for a vet visit cause I don't want this little visit to cost any more than it has to. He wasn't happy at all. And, yes, secretly I was wishing it just "might" be Button's time to go. By Sunday night I knew it wasn't. I also knew that I had to do my best to get this pet...this "family member"....to the vet for my DS 4's sake.

So, my FIL and DS 4 made the trip on Monday. When my FIL called me the night before and asked me just how much money I wanted to pay to extend the bunny's life, I laughed. Extend it? No, I just want him to be without pain and happy for however many hours days he has left on this earth. And I wanted my DS 4 to be told by the vet that the life cycle is natural for all God's creatures. When you come right down to it, THAT'S what I wanted to pay the vet to do. Give the LIFE lesson!

FIL and DS 4 returned Monday evening with meds for the bunny. The vet isn't quite sure what's "wrong" with him. In fact, he may be just fine, as he perked back up quite a bit during the day on Monday and in . And it only cost us $57 for the visit and the meds. The pill we are able to give him. It's the sawdust looking stuff that is more difficult. Still, we'll give it our best...even if my teeth are gritted while we're doing it!

DS 4 is happy that his pet is going to make it. The bunny is satisfied and happy by all outward appearances.

The Mother? She needs a little work! Especially if this bunny is going to be around another three years!

An Update

If you've read this blog for any time at all, then you know that cooking is NOT my favorite thing to do. I have never hidden it. DH is really the cook in our house. He likes it. When he started traveling a few years back, the temptation was there to just order in or eat out more often.

Honestly, I know exactly why my Mother (who worked full time before the microwave could thaw stuff quickly) would often say, "Let's go get something to eat." It was easier. I suppose the fact that my brother and I were both rather picky eaters also made this easier on her.

Still, I've been working on cooking when DH is away. I have been scouring new recipes and looking to widen our eating horizons a bit. Recently we have eaten Asian BBQ Pork w/smoked gouda sandwiches, Citrus Soy Scallops with lo-mein and sugar snap peas, and Watercress Chicken Salad with a honey-mustard glaze. It's been fun seeing the boys' faces as they wonder "what are we making tonight?" And, all in all, they have been really good sports about it.

School started back yesterday for teachers. I LOVE this time of year. I have to say that it really annoys me when teachers say they "dread going back" and treat it like a drudgery. Other than the plethora of meetings, I really love everything about it.

Tonight, our bosses are taking us to the beach for a back to school party. It should be fun.

That's pretty much it for me...oh yeah, there IS a little "bunny update" that I need to give...but I think that's an entire blogpost. I'll save it for later. There you go, have I hooked you to keep checking back?

Happy Tuesday!

Another Time and Another Place

It's 7:58am on my clock. I've been up for about 30 minutes. Although I know where I am and what time it is, my head is in another time and another place.

Twenty-two years apart from this time and place.

It was 22 years ago today that my DH and I said "I do." It was 22 years ago that we vowed to love each other forever and always. It was 22 years ago that my life changed forever.

I was thinking earlier this year, that DH and I have been together now longer than I lived without him if you count our friendship/dating years. That's a weird tipping point in life, in my opinion.

Many people thought we would not make it and should not get married. The counselor that did our premarital told us politely: "I've never seen two more opposite people want to get married. It won't always be easy for you." And he was right.

You know, though, I wonder what marriage is "easy" all the time. Not one that I know. It's work. It's a commitment. It's a choice.

And it's worth it!

After 22 years I can honestly say I know we did the right thing. We balance each other. We have each learned to live with those things that are so polar opposite. We have grown together. We have accomplished much together. It has been a blessing beyond what I could have ever imagined.

While I'm reflecting and thinking back today...I'm looking forward to the NEXT 22 years with this man that I know God planned for me!

Happy Anniversary, hon, I LOVE YOU!

Wordless Wednesday: Summer's Almost Done

Book Review: Best Friends Forever

( Important Note: I know that many of you solely read Christian fiction. If that is the case for you, this book may not be appropriate for you to read.)

I wanted a "new read" when I was at the store last week. I don't know why.

I have PLENTY on my night stand to keep me busy for a while, but nothing there was calling my name. So, while browsing the book aisles at Target, this book jumped out at me. I don't know if it was the crisp clean cover. The fact that it's about a subject that I care about deeply. Or maybe it was some other hidden force that put the book in my hands.

Still, I'm glad it ended up in my cart and moved its way to the top of my "to be read" pile!

The book tells the story of Addie Downs and Valerie Adler. They were best friends from the time Valerie moved across the street from the Downs at the age of nine. As it is with life, however, they are swept apart as they age.

On the eve of their fifteen year class reunion, things change.

Valerie, a successful weather reporter from the local news station, shows up on Addie's doorstep. Valerie announces to Addie (who did not attend the class reunion), "Something horrible has happened and you're the only one who can help."

And the adventure begins. The book is a modern day fairy tale complete with a "Thelma and Louise" flavor! It is funny. It is raw at times. It deals with such real-life themes as: betrayal, loyalty, family history, and small-town life.

If it were a movie, it would definitely be PG-13. There are, at times, mature themes and situations in the pages. Typical high school issues like bullying, jealousy, cliques, and popularity are addressed. But so is date rape. I found it a fun read, though, as it primarily draws the rediscovery of a very special friendship that has never really died.

On a side note: I went to author Jennifer Weiner's website and LOVED her FAQ's as well as her hints for people who want to be writers. (Again, no faith-base here. Just raw real glimpses into a very cut-throat world.) It made me laugh out loud as I read it. In fact, I thought to myself: "I'd like to meet this woman." Lo and behold at the bottom of her very long list of FAQ's she responds to this very question in this way:

I haven’t written a novel, and I don’t have an idea
for one, but you seem really cool, so maybe we could get together and have coffee! I am not really cool. I am not cool at all. In person, I am incredibly boring. My conversational topics are almost entirely limited to reality television, and how I don’t like old people. I rarely manage to look even a tenth as good as I do in my author photo. My table manners are iffy. Many days I don’t even comb my hair, and when I’m not writing I’m usually pushing a stroller and have applesauce smeared somewhere on my person, so in the interests of not having you be disappointed by the real deal, I am going to respectfully decline. But thanks! And please come to one of my readings, where nine times out of ten my hair is combed

Tuesday Tid-bits

So I am starting to settle in to my new room at school. Moving is not a bad thing. It DOES make you go through your stuff and really get rid of things. However, every box I unpack I think about the fact that I'm moving into an "older portable" and our district is currently demolishing "older portables". So, in my opinion, the writing is on the wall and I could very well be doing this at the end of this year as well!

Still, room set up is one of my favorite things to do! It is looking more cozy and ready for kids/adults every day.

While I was at the Air Force Museum in Ohio with my boys, I spent quite a bit of time reading the walls of the "Aviation Hall of Fame." (I'm sure I got the 'wall-reading' gene from my Dad--he loves reading the walls of historical places.) This museum is literally covered with a timeline of aviators from the beginning of flight to present day. Each aviator's plaque includes a story. I was amused at so many of these and took photos of the more "memorable" ones.

DS 3 and I talked about it and he said, "Next time you don't know what to put on your blog, you can use one of those."

So, here's installment #s 1 and 2 in some aviator stories:

I chose this first one because it's funny and I can SO PICTURE IT happening in my own world! If you cannot read his story in the picture, I'll rewrite below...

"Lawrence was a chip off the old block, a real-life Tom Swift just like his father. As a youngster, he and his brother Elmer Jr.turn the house into an airplane facotry, building part of an aircraft in the attic while the rest of the family is on vacation. To remove the aircraft from teh house the boys rip out a bay window in their parents' bedroom and float safely to the yard below."

At least MY DS 3 only wants to build an aircraft in our garage AND we don't have a second story!

Now on to an inspirational story:

"Born in Norway, Balchen, a naturalized citizen in 1931, never forgot his roots. During World War II, Balchen evacuated refugees from Sweden and ferried food and equipment to the underground resistance in Norway and Denmark. When Balchen was first approached concerning the feasibility of the mission he simply stated "Ve can do it." General Carl "Tooey" Spaatz snapped, "Dammit. Every time I ask if you can do something, you say 'Ve do it". I'm going to call you "Ve Do It" because no matter what we tell you, you say you can do it...and so far you've carried it out."

I'd say that's a pretty darn good legacy!

Book Review: Scrapping Plans

This is the third book in the Sisters, Ink series by Rebecca Seitz. Seitz writes about four sisters who enjoy scrapbooking together. I won the first book back in March 2008. I was immediately drawn to the Sinclair sisters on many levels. Their Daddy is a preacher who lost his wife to cancer. They live in a small town in Tennessee (one of my favorite places). They are all adopted to the Sinclairs and are from four different ethnic backgrounds...yet they are bound to each other as only siblings can be.

Each of the first three books has centered around one of the sisters. In book one, Tandy deals with her past as she is forced to reconnect with Clay Kelner (her high school sweetheart). The second book centers around Kendra who also deals with the past and betrayal in very real and powerful ways.

This book, Scrapping Plans, centers around Joy, the youngest and quietest of the Sinclair sisters. She is a perfectionist by all accounts. A woman who strives for and achieves Martha Stewart status in so many ways. However, Joy, who was adopted from China, has one burning desire: to be a mother.

This is the story of the very real struggle of infertility for a young couple. Joy feels overshadowed in many ways as the family plans for Kendra's wedding and deals with their father's new romance with Zelda. As with so many women, the struggle, does present itself in other ways. The sisters, as always, come together and support their sister--often through "scrapping nights" in their Mother's old scrapbooking studio (which sounds like a DREAM to me).

As with the other two books, there is a "faith thread" throughout the story. I love that it is not overbearing and so heavy that these ladies don't appear "real". The books are good little "escape reads" targeted toward women.

I'll be honest, though, I know people who struggled with infertility for YEARS. So, if that's a woman's struggle, I am not sure this is the book for her as it almost seems to resolve too easily. I can see where someone in those shoes might resent that. Seitz does remind the reader that most people DO struggle for years before (and even IF) they have a viable pregnancy.

Still, I enjoy this family! My understanding is that book 4 in this series will be published this month. I'll be watching for it!

Update from My World

My gosh, I went and posted about 1000 posts and committed to the next thousand, then dropped off the face of the earth! Well, sort of.

I've been on vacation and finishing out the last days of summer. Really, though, that's only an excuse, cause summer or vacation have never kept me from blogging before. Sooo....here's my little catch up:

DSs 3 and 4 and I left with my Dad, Stepmom, Brother and his family on Thursday, July 23rd to drive to Ohio to see our family. We had an amazing weekend of family picnics, reunions, and such. Here's a picture of the whole gang:While this only represents a small portion of this side of the family, it was a great event with lots of fun for all. DSs 3, 4, and I took a side trip over to Indiana to visit my friend Suzi and her family. We had a great time enjoying their sweet small town! While there, we enjoyed the county fair and the weather. Wow, the weather! It was so nice to be able to actually BREATHE the cool evening air...minus humidity.

We returned a week ago and had a somewhat busy week.

DS 3 turned 15 on Wednesday. Now, he's part of the reason I needed to blog. He reminds me when I'm "falling behind". But yesterday he said, "You have never missed one of our birthdays." OUCH!

While we were in Ohio, we took a trip to one of his favorite places: Wright-Patterson Airforce Base to see the National Air Museum. He studied his driver's manual all the way to Ohio and all the way home. In fact, I didn't realize how many things I didn't know about the road signs and rules. Wednesday morning, we added one more student driver to the roadways here in FL. He's doing GREAT.

As he grows older, it's so evident that he's a rock. He is stable and consistent. He is someone that everyone in our family goes to for his reliability. If I want to know something about what someone else is doing in our little family, I can often ask DS 3 and he knows. He is keenly observant and often keeps us all in motion, or at least keeps track of our motion. I'm so thankful for the young man he is becoming. He is a blessing to be sure. I'm excited to see him continue his journey through the teen years and into his young adult life.

In other news, DS 1 will leave for school this week. He really doesn't want us to go help him move. Instead, it will be his brother (DS 2) and his friends. I guess when you've been to boot camp already, and it's not your "freshman year"....it's not "cool" to have your family help out for this event. He and I made a trip to Ikea to get him set up, however. I know he's excited to get going on this new chapter of his life.

Hard to believe but school starts for me next week. I am glad. I have always said that I am a better working Mother. It's true. I like everyone to have places to be and things to do. Including me! I'm looking forward to another school year.

So, that pretty much sums up our last few weeks. I do have a book review to post...stay tuned for that.