Thoughtfulness and Thankfulness

I've thought a lot lately about what to blog.  There are a lot of ideas sputtering around in my head, but nothing that seems to be worth expanding on.  Some ideas seem to lead to nothing, no point, no moral of the story, no purpose.  Other's seem to be a little personal for publishing on the World Wide Web.  And some are going to require a bit of energy and actual writing, rather than just typing away!  So, we'll see what comes of all the thoughts floundering in my brain...maybe nothing, maybe something.  Stay tuned to find out! 

In the meantime, here are a few little tid bits for you to consider.  I just finished reading Run For Your Life, by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge.  I've always been a little annoyed when illustrations don't match the words in a book.  This goes way back to childhood.  My mother can attest to many readings of Wacky Wednesday (Dr. Seuss) where we couldn't turn the page until I found every little thing that was out of place on that page.  But, I digress.  The first comment I have regarding the great page turner I just read it the cover makes one think that a woman will, at some point, be running for her life.  I hope I'm not giving too much away in saying that that isn't really the case.  (shrug)  Whatever!  It was still a good book and I'm excited to read the next in the series!

One more thing from the book...there's a poem mentioned that I had never heard of, but googled and read after learning of it.  It's by Anne Bradstreet, and called In Reference to Her Children.  It's lovely.  Please enjoy it for a moment today. 

Now, on to thankfulness. 

Mama Loves Papa is a blog my lil' sis sent my way.  She's good like that.  I enjoy the blog greatly.  And I'm excited to be part of something she's got going on throughout November.  So excited, in fact, that I'm getting started a few hours early! 

Tonight, on the way home from trick or treating I asked everyone to join me in saying what they're thankful for.  Here's our list:

Scott - "I'm thankful that there wasn't a cop there to see me run that light that turned red...definitely Kyrsten green."  (Kyrsten is a friend of ours whose husband, Andy, once told us that yellow lights should be called "Kyrsten green.")

Gracie - "I'm thankful for my Barbie dolls."

Jace - "I'm thankful for the guy who invented Legos."

Tyler- "Llello"

Mama - "Yellow?"

Tyler - "No.  Me play my Lo's."

Mama - "You're thankful for your Lego's too?"

Tyler - "Yup!"

Mama - No one asked me in the van.  I didn't push it.  Instead I thought about all the things I'm thankful for, and there are many.  I decided that for today I'm most thankful for my husband.  Scott is an incredible gift for so many reasons, his ability to let things go and love me despite my flaws are just the tip of the ice berg!  I love him and am thankful he picked me for his wife!

What are you thankful for and thoughtful about today?  Enjoy it all...and share if you'd like. 

Friday Fill-In #19

1.  What’s the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you? 

This is a great question.  I've done some thinking and I'm not really certain.  I'm sure there's something, but what comes to mind is when after Tyler was born and I was just plain beat.  Every time I ran to the store with all three kids, half asleep, wanting to get in and out and back home again I felt like I'd lose my mind before accomplishing any of what needed to be done.  I remember a few different instances where a simple kind smile (rather than annoyed look) helped me feel less alone.  And once a woman told me my kids were lovely, when I thought they were being ridiculous, and that I should enjoy the time with them as much as I could because they really do grow quickly.
2.  If you are having a hard time going to sleep, what do you do to help yourself?

I first try to calm myself and relax each part of my, starting with my toes and moving up.  If that doesn't work then I try to organize my thoughts in my head, sending off little prayers in the process usually.  If that doesn't work then I usually get up and write to do lists for the next day.  If all else fails and I'm not getting sleep then I usually play facebook games, read, or do something else that's mindless.

3.  Name something that makes you wish you were a kid again.

seemingly endless energy

4.  What is something you never believed until you experienced it?

Two things come to mind immediately.  Neither is something I really "didn't believe" but rather things that blew my mind anyway, with how true they are. 
1 - Time with your children goes much too quickly.  I remember when I called Grandma Kral to let her know I'd had Jace (our first baby) she said she could still remember when Uncle Jerry (their first) was born...some 50 years earlier!  Jace is seven now and I can still easily remember so much about his infancy, along with many other tidbits of the last few, very quick, years.
2 - Love grows.  When Scott and I got married I was so in love.  He's an incredible catch in so many ways, and I'm thrilled he picked me as his wife.  I had no idea how much stronger that love would become year after year.  With the addition of each child, life's curve balls, and countless little moments...our marriage, and the love that connects us, is bigger, stronger...more.  It's incredible.  And it makes me excited to see where we're at in another ten years!

5.  What can’t you say “no” to?

Lately I've been trying to say "no" less often to the kids.  Somehow I'm hoping that results in more cooperation!  Other than that, it all depends on the day...sometimes my will power is stronger than other times!  I love, love, LOVE Kataluma Chai and give in to that a few times a month.  Ice cream would be another temptress.  And, apparently, the Halloween candy on top of the fridge is too hard to resist!

So, there you have it for this week.  Head over to Wife of a Sailor and read what other milspouses have to say...or add your own answers!

Getting Real and Then Backing Off

I try not to get involved in politics or other hot button issues.  I know what I believe, but I don't enjoy debating it with others.  I don't like to ruffle feathers.  I don't want to be challenged by those who don't agree with me and are mean about it.  For those reasons I usually sit back and post only about fun things and parenting issues.  Not as much pressure in my mind.

Today, though, I read an article a dear friend of mine posted on facebook.  My heart sank at first and I found myself in disbelief.  Then I became rather angry and in wonder as well.  I posted a little something on my facebook page in rebuttal to the article, but also felt like I wanted to address it further.

If you haven't taken that link yet, the article was to draw attention to a school board member in Arkansas who posted very inflammatory comments on his facebook page towards gays.  And that's putting it succinctly and mildly. 

Both on facebook and in real life I know, and am friends with, a variety of people.  I dare say most every corner of life comes close to being represented in my sphere of family and friends.  Democrats, Republicans, Independents, non-voters too.  Christians, Pagans, Jews.  And, yes, straight and gay. 

I'm proud that somehow I'm blessed to know all these people.  I'm thrilled that I can learn from, have fun with, and share life with any number of cultures.  And I just don't get why it's so hard for others to even imagine it. 

I don't understand.

There's that age old saying, "Why can't we all just get along?"  And I really want an answer.  What's so hard?  Why can't we get along?  Why can't my Jewish sister-in-law decorate a Christmas tree with both Christian and Jewish symbols?  Why can't my gay friend be the pianist at my Catholic wedding?  Why can't my public school teacher friends be excited for and helpful with my homeschooling journey?  Oh...we can.

We can.

We are.

We do.

And I don't think we're really all that special.  I mean, my sphere of friends is incredible.  But we're just human too.  Why is it that we can live and love and be and thrive...together, and some ignorant guy in Arkansas can't figure out how to bite his tongue.  I'm not even wondering why he feels the way he does or how to change it...just why can't people keep their mouths shut and give a little respect? 

OK.
I'm going to do that backing off now.  If you don't know me well and you're reading this it might appear that I'm not incensed, but I am.  In fact, my head is almost steaming because I'm so blown away by this stupidity.  But I don't want to write anything that might alienate.  That's never my intention.  Growth doesn't happen very well if people are pushed away.

So, here's what I was planning on blogging about today...Many years ago I acquired a fun book called 14,000 things to be happy about, by Barbara Ann Kipfer.  I don't remember if I bought it or it was given to me, but every so often I pick it up and read a few things.  It's basically 612 pages of things to be happy about.  Fascinating. 

After I picked it up this morning I thought I'd open it and copy a page for you to all be happy about.  So, here's page 386.

meat platters
Gothic novels
ice-cream store posters
Chantilly whipped cream
drawing hopscotch lines
Cracker Jacks
small tidal pools in which you can sea bright green moss and species of marine life
palm-fringed beach
the snappy bustle of pelicans and donkeys
tearoom lunch
Shaker crafts
silvery milkweed pods opening
toast under the broiler
the whack of a bat against a baseball
alacrity = cheerful willingness, liveliness
plastic ponchos in rainbow colors
clippity-clop, jingle-jingle sounds
shadow boxes in kitchens
pictures leaving stickies on the walls
giant turner/fork/tongs
heading north
the first day of biking
the haven you escape to for hours: sitting curled there, dreaming, reading, building yourself a life, a world
a boy who follows in his mother's footsteps 

"Why Can't You Be More Like Her?"

I'm pretty sure that anyone who is a parent feels inadequate to be one, at least at times.  (If I'm alone in this...don't tell me.  Please!)  For me, my eldest doesn't help my insecurities. 

Sometimes he tries to encourage me and leaves me feeling less than encouraged, but laughing.  The first time I cut his hair at home with the trimmers was a perfect example of this.  I got all done and turned him to face the mirror. 

"How'd I do?" I asked. 
"Don't worry, Mama.  You'll get better," was his answer. 

Other times he doesn't even try to encourage me.  I have no idea why (other than the fact that I really can't park the car well) but he frequently comments on my driving ability.  He once saw a guy back over a curb and remarked, "Wow!  He's even worse than Mama!"  Like that's so unbelievable!  Geesh!

Today, he neither tried to put me down or gave me a left handed compliment.  He simply made an observation.  We were in the van playing cards while Tyler slept in the back seat and Gracie was at her gymnastics lesson.  The van next to us had another homeschooling family in it, friends of ours.  Jace's friend was sitting in the passenger seat of their van working on some worksheets.  His mother sat in the driver's seat doing something of her own, but occasionally helping him out.  At one point, Jace asked, "Why can't you be more like her?"

I asked how he meant and he said that I never help him with his work.  I decided that since neither of us was running into another room away from this conversation I'd let it ride...it was kind of nice to have the freedom to play a few turns before answering him.  When I did I pointed out that I do help him when he needs it, but that Gracie needs a lot more one-on-one attention at her age.  "Yeah, but you never tell me the answers."  Golly...well, that's totally unfair of me!

I assured him that his friend was also NOT being given the answers, but only help.  And we took a few more turns.  "But, you could do more with me.  I don't get to spend much time with you."

Can I tell you how much I just wanted to grab him up in my arms and hold him close forever?  How thankful I was that he just kept playing his cards and didn't see the tears well up in my eyes?  I wouldn't want to embarrass him and ruin the moment. 

I took a deep breath and smiled to myself.  After I played my turn I asked him if he'd like to do more with just me. 

"Uh...yeah."  Read that as, "Duh, Mama."

So, we're going to do more together.  I'm not sure when or how, yet.  But we will.  How can I resist?  And why would I want to?  I can't and I don't.  As much as that little boy drives me nuts...I love him.  I do. 

Friday Fill-In #18

(Edited)

1.  Are you a night owl or an early bird?


I used to be a night owl, but I then birthed children who like to rise early!  So, now I go to bed by 10 o'clock most nights.

2.  What makes you jealous?

I honestly don't know when the last time I was jealous was.  That makes me happy, though...jealousy isn't the best feeling to have!

3.  Have you started Christmas/holiday shopping yet? When will you finish? (There’s only 63 days left!)

I have started.  I don't know when I'm going to finish up...hopefully in the next 63 days!

4.  What would you have a personal chef make you tonight?

I'd love steak, rare, some fresh veggies and maybe a little brownies sundae with homemade ice cream for dessert.  He or she can leave some champagne on ice and chocolate covered berries in the fridge for later...

5.  Where was your first kiss?

a bathroom in the new addition at school, 7th grade!  I thought this should be edited to add that the new addition was not open yet.  The bathrooms were not yet in use.  And, like my lil sis pointed out, I did kiss someone on the playground in elementary school but I can't remember who...there are a few options!  The tires were a crazy place!  I do, however, remember the first kiss in 7th grade and who it was with...so I'm sticking with that one!   

 
 
Head on over and check out other's answers...and leave your own!

Noticing the Differences

In case this is your first visit here to my little blog home...we have three mostly wonderful kids. 



Halloween 2008


Jace
Our first born is definitely our most serious.  He loves learning, reading, watching TV, and being outside.  This summer he and Scott have done a lot of hiking.  Jace has a great sense of humor.  I feel like it's pretty sophisticated, but it might just be that my sense of humor isn't! 

Jace's current interests are karate, inventions, and learning cursive.  We just started cursive writing today, although he's been asking for weeks.  You've never seen a kid more excited!  He practiced the letters of his name, separately and together, for almost half an hour! 

Gracie

A bundle of unbridled energy!  She just has to jump, skip, laugh loudly, and (whenever possible) have her feet above her head!  She loves gymnastics, fashion, hair, jewelry, and all things girly!  She likes practicing writing and works hard to color in the lines...with every color she can find!

Every chance we get, Gracie likes to go places with me, without her brothers.  It doesn't matter where we go or what we do...she likes our "girl time!"  Gracie is reading more and more and enjoys homeschooling a great deal.  

Tyler

Our little guy is quite the monkey.  He's missing the tail and not covered in fur, but otherwise...totally monkey!  He likes to climb over anything.  Scott and I think it's more about the most direct route than climbing, but over the couch he goes!  He's mischievous like any little brother should be.  As a mother I probably shouldn't laugh, but it's quite funny when he goes up to Gracie and says, "Ha! Ha!" just to get her going!  

Tyler likes include vehicles.  That's pretty much it!  He likes trains, planes, cars, trucks, 4-wheelers, garbage trucks, firetrucks, police cars, motorcycles, construction vehicles...I'm sure I missed something, there are so many ways to get from here to there.  He also enjoys helping in the kitchen and cuddling with Mama! 

That's it...the kids in a nutshell.  It fascinates me to watch them grow and see where their interests are taking them.  There are certainly some things I don't enjoy...the apparent need to pick at each other, yelling or crying when someone touches someone else's toys, general obnoxiousness!  Mostly, though, they're quite fun. 

Staying home with them, and now teaching them, there are so many subtle things I've noticed about how they're unique.  It's a special gift, I think. 

The observation that prompted this whole post happened during math today.  Last week Jace was doing a review lesson that involved coloring half of an object.  He quickly shaded in half of everything with the side of his pencil.  Gracie's lesson today included the same task.  She got out her box of crayons and picked the colors she wanted for each item.  On the donut she colored the cake, frosting, and sprinkle halves each a different color.  She colored half the watermelon complete with red stripes on green background.  It hit me how different she and Jace are sometimes!  I can't wait to see how Tyler colors his lessons when he's learning fractions in a few years.

Back on The Juice...But Trying to Kick It!

Mt. Dew.  It's not good for you.  I'm pretty sure there's nothing in that bottle that my body likes, aside from the taste.  I really do like the way it tastes!  And lately, I've been using the caffeine boost like I did in my pre-primal days.  When I drink it my stomach churns a little.  After all, my diet is pretty sugar free.  But it keeps my eyes open when they need to be. 

(sigh)

Today I didn't drink any.  I also didn't shower, put on real clothes, or leave the house (except to take some recycling out).  But I didn't drink any Mt. Dew.  I did, however, try some tea.  About an hour after I drank it I fell asleep on the couch watching TV with the kids.  Later I noticed that the tea I drank was caffeine free...that's not helpful! 

Another problem I have with caffeine is that I'm tired so I drink it, then I come down off that high and I'm even more tired.   It's a nasty little cycle. 

(sigh)

So, I'm using my blog as a confessional to get this all off my chest and as a sounding board to work out my feelings about this drug of choice.  In the end, I'll probably still drink it from time to time.  (And maybe one or two of you will let me know that it's OK to be weak sometimes.)  But, I'm trying very hard not to get back on the juice in the same way I used to...many moons ago it ran through my veins. 

So, thanks for hearing me out and letting me publicly work through my vices. 

And now I'm going to bed...night everyone!