August 30, 2008
Aloha
There's nothing like a Luau party on a lovely summer day! Thanks to their great leaders in Primary, the girls had a morning full of fun. Here's a little glimpse. Aloha!
August 28, 2008
Rock Star (Psalms 12:3)
I have problems. A few months ago, when I went to the dentist after not going for (ahem) about three years, (I know, bad, huh?) he told me that I was an immaculate tooth brusher, and he couldn't believe the chart that told him it had been 35 months since I had last come in for a cleaning. I am embarrassed to admit that I was super proud of myself. "I am a *rock star* tooth brusher," I thought.
Then he told me that I needed to get my wisdom teeth out because they were going to cause me some serious problems. He said, "You're going to hate me when you do it because it will be BAD, but you need it done. So, do it now." Well, that sort of put a damper on the visit. Maybe I wasn't as good at teeth care as I thought. But, I still thought I was pretty cool, even if my teeth I couldn't see were being naughty.
Fast forward to now. Let me tell you what the oral surgeon said today when I went to see him for my re-check on my surgery. He said that he felt so bad sending me home last week because he knew it would be a terrible recovery. He said two of the teeth he had to break into teeny-tiny pieces to get them out and away from the nerves, and that it was just awful. He said for a teenager it would have been bad but he was real worried about me. And then he said, "You are one tough cookie. I thought you would be so much worse than you are now. And, you have done an excellent job at keeping everything clean. Well done, I am impressed!"
It's pathetically sad how proud I was at his statement. Now, I didn't tell him that I wanted to roll over and die a couple of days ago. That wouldn't have been impressive. I just smiled meekly and said, "Well, there were a couple of rough days."
He said, "I'm sure there were. But I see that we've given you a rainbow of colors to decorate your face. Maybe that helped cheer you up a bit?" with a nice little wink.
"Oh, yes," I said, "It's been very nice. Too bad you didn't see it yesterday, I think there was even some green in there. It's faded quite a bit in the last twenty-four hours, you missed the best of it."
To which he replied, "I'm just glad it isn't worse. You really have done so well. What a tough girl you are."
And even though I left the office with considerably less money, and a handful of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pills, I was feeling pretty proud of myself. Downright high-and-mighty at my tooth care and recovery talent, actually. We have a lip sync/talent show at our church tomorrow and I'm considering putting my teeth and healing wounds on display. I totally rock.
I think maybe it's my head that might need some of those anti-inflammatory drugs.
Or, I need to develop more talents. Or get a new life. Or more friends. Or something. I'm pathetic.
Then he told me that I needed to get my wisdom teeth out because they were going to cause me some serious problems. He said, "You're going to hate me when you do it because it will be BAD, but you need it done. So, do it now." Well, that sort of put a damper on the visit. Maybe I wasn't as good at teeth care as I thought. But, I still thought I was pretty cool, even if my teeth I couldn't see were being naughty.
Fast forward to now. Let me tell you what the oral surgeon said today when I went to see him for my re-check on my surgery. He said that he felt so bad sending me home last week because he knew it would be a terrible recovery. He said two of the teeth he had to break into teeny-tiny pieces to get them out and away from the nerves, and that it was just awful. He said for a teenager it would have been bad but he was real worried about me. And then he said, "You are one tough cookie. I thought you would be so much worse than you are now. And, you have done an excellent job at keeping everything clean. Well done, I am impressed!"
It's pathetically sad how proud I was at his statement. Now, I didn't tell him that I wanted to roll over and die a couple of days ago. That wouldn't have been impressive. I just smiled meekly and said, "Well, there were a couple of rough days."
He said, "I'm sure there were. But I see that we've given you a rainbow of colors to decorate your face. Maybe that helped cheer you up a bit?" with a nice little wink.
"Oh, yes," I said, "It's been very nice. Too bad you didn't see it yesterday, I think there was even some green in there. It's faded quite a bit in the last twenty-four hours, you missed the best of it."
To which he replied, "I'm just glad it isn't worse. You really have done so well. What a tough girl you are."
And even though I left the office with considerably less money, and a handful of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pills, I was feeling pretty proud of myself. Downright high-and-mighty at my tooth care and recovery talent, actually. We have a lip sync/talent show at our church tomorrow and I'm considering putting my teeth and healing wounds on display. I totally rock.
I think maybe it's my head that might need some of those anti-inflammatory drugs.
Or, I need to develop more talents. Or get a new life. Or more friends. Or something. I'm pathetic.
August 27, 2008
I Wonder as I Wander
Truth be told, I have only wandered out of the house for about one hour in the past week since I got my wisdom teeth out. But, I'll tell you, lying around recuperating from bone-breaking surgery and unpleasant drug side effects has given me plenty of time to wonder.
For instance, why am I the only one in the house that knows how to change the toilet paper roll? And why do I always realize it's empty from my glorious perch atop the toilet bowl? Now, that's a comfortable position to reach under the cupboard and change it from. Doesn't anyone realize when they go that they've used the last squares?
Why is it that when the girls have ALL of their clothes picked out the night before a school morning that mysteriously in the night the clean socks have all disappeared? Where do they go? Why do we need to look for socks every morning when they were "just right here" the night before?
Also, I wonder how it is possible that five people can dirty nearly every cup in the day. Even though I made these cute little coasters that have their names on them that they are supposed to put their water cups on. Did they all forget how to read their names? Or perhaps they all need new glasses? Hmmm, it's a puzzlement.
And one last thing, with over sixty channels, how is it possible that there is nothing good on TV in the afternoons?
For instance, why am I the only one in the house that knows how to change the toilet paper roll? And why do I always realize it's empty from my glorious perch atop the toilet bowl? Now, that's a comfortable position to reach under the cupboard and change it from. Doesn't anyone realize when they go that they've used the last squares?
Why is it that when the girls have ALL of their clothes picked out the night before a school morning that mysteriously in the night the clean socks have all disappeared? Where do they go? Why do we need to look for socks every morning when they were "just right here" the night before?
Also, I wonder how it is possible that five people can dirty nearly every cup in the day. Even though I made these cute little coasters that have their names on them that they are supposed to put their water cups on. Did they all forget how to read their names? Or perhaps they all need new glasses? Hmmm, it's a puzzlement.
And one last thing, with over sixty channels, how is it possible that there is nothing good on TV in the afternoons?
August 25, 2008
The Deeper Meaning of Feathers
I'm waxing a bit nostalgic today. I'm not really sure why. It could have been that I woke to the smell of Spaghettios warming for the girls' lunches. I had a roommate that loved this dish for breakfast, much to the chagrin of others living in the house. It was usually Spaghettios or Bean Burritos, both of which are not my favorite smells, particularly in the morning.
Or, I could be thinking back on my childhood because today I had a lunch which I have not had for years. A can of Campbell's Cream of Chicken soup, made with milk and served with soggy Saltine crackers. You see, my husband thinks this soup is only for casseroles. So, I don't think I have had this soup since I was married. And let me tell you, I wasn't missing much.
But I think the real reason I am nostalgic today is my recent read. The Time it Takes to Fall is a coming-of-age story set in Florida, that coincides with the time of the Challenger space shuttle tragedy. While I felt the novel was fair (2.5 of 5 stars), it did have a way of making me think on my remembrance of the day the world watched the Challenger explode. Here is my story:
For some reason, on January 28, 1986, I stayed home because I was not feeling well. I was probably allergic to Middle School. :) My mom went on a quick errand, and left me to watch my little brother, who was about two at the time.
I'm not sure if I remembered the Challenger would be launching that day (I probably did, because everyone was talking about the teacher going) or if I was just looking for something to watch on TV and stumbled upon it, but I remember sitting in the Family Room of our house glued to the TV. I'd seen launches before, and felt the nervousness that usually accompanied my viewing. What could go wrong? Will they cancel the launch? Will everyone be alright? Just as the astronauts came out to board the shuttle, my brother wandered up the stairs. I was captivated by the astronauts. I forgot my brother, and stayed where I was.
As I watched the astronauts get on the shuttle and wave to the crowd, I marveled at how calm they looked. Unaffected by the awesomeness of the history they were about to take part in, they smiled and chatted. Even the teacher, Christa McAuliffe, was relaxed and comfortable. Their coolness and confidence lulled me into forgetting how dangerous and risky their mission was.
The take-off was like others I had seen. Loud, bright, and quick. I had just stood up to check on baby brother when the plume of smoke split in two and the announcer stopped talking mid-sentence. Then, it seemed, time stood still. Everyone seemed confused and the nervousness I had forgotten moments ago returned. What had happened? Had something gone wrong?
I vividly remember backing up to sit on the couch, as the television replayed the explosion from different angles. I couldn't believe it. It seemed surreal. I sat on the couch with my mouth hanging open, thinking of the families of the astronauts and the poor students of the "Teacher in Space" watching their loved ones' space mission go up in flames.
It must have been several minutes that I sat taking in the craziness of the moment. Some were speculating that the astronauts could be alive, others were sure they weren't. I knew they couldn't be. It was all too horrible. And then, I came back to reality, and remembered my little brother. He was being too quiet. Way too quiet for a curious, active, two-year-old boy.
I walked up the stairs and was met by a cloudy white hallway. Little bits of something white were floating all around. This was surreal. It was like the particles of the Challenger had somehow come into our house. I was bewildered and felt like I was in a dream.
I turned the corner and saw the reason for the mess. Baby brother had somehow broken open a down pillow and spread the contents in his room and hallway. It was everywhere! All over the carpet, in the air, even stuck to the walls were minuscule bits of feather. I didn't know how to start cleaning up this mess. I settled on a broom and dustpan and started to eliminate the big piles. I'm not even sure what I did to get little brother out of the way. Put him in his high chair? In his crib? The next thing I remember was cleaning for what seemed like hours, while thinking about the astronauts on the Challenger and their families. NASA had a big mess to clean up, and it was much worse than the one I dealt with. It didn't occur to me to yell at my brother for making this mess; his life was a new, precious one. And, even though his fun caused me a lot of time and stress just then, he was there, and that was enough. We were lucky.
I swept, I vacuumed, I picked at bits. And when mom got home, she did the same. I don't remember if she got mad at my inattentiveness. I do remember more and more solemn vacuuming and cleaning after additional feathers had settled. Looking back, it seems to me that as we cleaned, mom and I were both thinking of the fragility of life and the awesomeness of it all.
You know, for weeks we tried to get all of that feather down cleaned from the cracks and corners of the room and hallway. Little bits of it turned up everywhere. About three years later, we sold the house and there were still remnants of that pillow in the corners of the hallway, almost hidden between the carpet and the baseboards. And, it seems that anyone that witnessed the Challenger launching that cold January day, will find some remnant of it hidden in the cracks of their memories. For me, feathers and space shuttles can't be thought of without the other.
What about you? Do you remember that day?
Or, I could be thinking back on my childhood because today I had a lunch which I have not had for years. A can of Campbell's Cream of Chicken soup, made with milk and served with soggy Saltine crackers. You see, my husband thinks this soup is only for casseroles. So, I don't think I have had this soup since I was married. And let me tell you, I wasn't missing much.
But I think the real reason I am nostalgic today is my recent read. The Time it Takes to Fall is a coming-of-age story set in Florida, that coincides with the time of the Challenger space shuttle tragedy. While I felt the novel was fair (2.5 of 5 stars), it did have a way of making me think on my remembrance of the day the world watched the Challenger explode. Here is my story:
For some reason, on January 28, 1986, I stayed home because I was not feeling well. I was probably allergic to Middle School. :) My mom went on a quick errand, and left me to watch my little brother, who was about two at the time.
I'm not sure if I remembered the Challenger would be launching that day (I probably did, because everyone was talking about the teacher going) or if I was just looking for something to watch on TV and stumbled upon it, but I remember sitting in the Family Room of our house glued to the TV. I'd seen launches before, and felt the nervousness that usually accompanied my viewing. What could go wrong? Will they cancel the launch? Will everyone be alright? Just as the astronauts came out to board the shuttle, my brother wandered up the stairs. I was captivated by the astronauts. I forgot my brother, and stayed where I was.
As I watched the astronauts get on the shuttle and wave to the crowd, I marveled at how calm they looked. Unaffected by the awesomeness of the history they were about to take part in, they smiled and chatted. Even the teacher, Christa McAuliffe, was relaxed and comfortable. Their coolness and confidence lulled me into forgetting how dangerous and risky their mission was.
The take-off was like others I had seen. Loud, bright, and quick. I had just stood up to check on baby brother when the plume of smoke split in two and the announcer stopped talking mid-sentence. Then, it seemed, time stood still. Everyone seemed confused and the nervousness I had forgotten moments ago returned. What had happened? Had something gone wrong?
I vividly remember backing up to sit on the couch, as the television replayed the explosion from different angles. I couldn't believe it. It seemed surreal. I sat on the couch with my mouth hanging open, thinking of the families of the astronauts and the poor students of the "Teacher in Space" watching their loved ones' space mission go up in flames.
It must have been several minutes that I sat taking in the craziness of the moment. Some were speculating that the astronauts could be alive, others were sure they weren't. I knew they couldn't be. It was all too horrible. And then, I came back to reality, and remembered my little brother. He was being too quiet. Way too quiet for a curious, active, two-year-old boy.
I walked up the stairs and was met by a cloudy white hallway. Little bits of something white were floating all around. This was surreal. It was like the particles of the Challenger had somehow come into our house. I was bewildered and felt like I was in a dream.
I turned the corner and saw the reason for the mess. Baby brother had somehow broken open a down pillow and spread the contents in his room and hallway. It was everywhere! All over the carpet, in the air, even stuck to the walls were minuscule bits of feather. I didn't know how to start cleaning up this mess. I settled on a broom and dustpan and started to eliminate the big piles. I'm not even sure what I did to get little brother out of the way. Put him in his high chair? In his crib? The next thing I remember was cleaning for what seemed like hours, while thinking about the astronauts on the Challenger and their families. NASA had a big mess to clean up, and it was much worse than the one I dealt with. It didn't occur to me to yell at my brother for making this mess; his life was a new, precious one. And, even though his fun caused me a lot of time and stress just then, he was there, and that was enough. We were lucky.
I swept, I vacuumed, I picked at bits. And when mom got home, she did the same. I don't remember if she got mad at my inattentiveness. I do remember more and more solemn vacuuming and cleaning after additional feathers had settled. Looking back, it seems to me that as we cleaned, mom and I were both thinking of the fragility of life and the awesomeness of it all.
You know, for weeks we tried to get all of that feather down cleaned from the cracks and corners of the room and hallway. Little bits of it turned up everywhere. About three years later, we sold the house and there were still remnants of that pillow in the corners of the hallway, almost hidden between the carpet and the baseboards. And, it seems that anyone that witnessed the Challenger launching that cold January day, will find some remnant of it hidden in the cracks of their memories. For me, feathers and space shuttles can't be thought of without the other.
What about you? Do you remember that day?
August 24, 2008
Oh Dear
Because I have cheeks the size of chipmunks, can barely eat anything, am totally doped up on painkillers, and can't really think too straight, I would like to leave you with a link today, instead of a real post.
My cousin just started a blog called Diapers and Divinity. I recently read a post of hers that made me laugh right out loud (which was an achievement, since I was feeling quite miserable.) It is called "Mom, you're not going to like this...". And really, how can a conversation with your child turn out well if it starts like that? Oh dear. So, go, enjoy her story, and browse around her new blog for a while. I promise, you'll be glad you did.
My cousin just started a blog called Diapers and Divinity. I recently read a post of hers that made me laugh right out loud (which was an achievement, since I was feeling quite miserable.) It is called "Mom, you're not going to like this...". And really, how can a conversation with your child turn out well if it starts like that? Oh dear. So, go, enjoy her story, and browse around her new blog for a while. I promise, you'll be glad you did.
August 20, 2008
Wisdom Lost
Tomorrow morning, I am going in to have my impacted wisdom teeth removed. I was a little worried that I would be losing any wisdom I had when they were removed. But, apparently, I never had any wisdom in the first place, since they never tried to erupt. According to the all-knowing internet, wisdom teeth are called wisdom teeth for a reason.
- "They are generally thought to be called wisdom teeth because they appear so late—much later than the other teeth, at an age where people are presumably wiser than as a child, when the other teeth erupt."
August 18, 2008
Cake Wrecks
I have just wasted 15 hilarious minutes at this blog: cakewrecks.blogspot.com. There is a bit of adult content, so make sure your kids are not reading over your shoulder. But, talk about cake wrecks. Just too funny. My favorite this week: the ("Olympic Rings") one. Um, duh!
August 15, 2008
Likeness
This morning, the King told Snow White, "You know, you look a little like your Uncle R."
She looked at me sideways, not really sure how to take that. Does any girl really want to look like her bearded uncle?
"He means," I tried to explain, "that you have some of the same features as your uncle. You actually look a bit like my mom's side of the family. You sort of look like Grandma D."
"I do? When?" she inquired of Dad.
"I don't know," he thought, "maybe when you're asleep."
"But, Grandma D snores when she's asleep!"
She looked at me sideways, not really sure how to take that. Does any girl really want to look like her bearded uncle?
"He means," I tried to explain, "that you have some of the same features as your uncle. You actually look a bit like my mom's side of the family. You sort of look like Grandma D."
"I do? When?" she inquired of Dad.
"I don't know," he thought, "maybe when you're asleep."
"But, Grandma D snores when she's asleep!"
August 14, 2008
Quiet
The girls had a great first day of school, despite the fact that it was still dark!!! when Cinderella got on the bus. (Did you notice that in the pictures?!) That's right, the bus picks her up at 6:30 in the morning! Crazy. I'm trying to remember to be thankful that she is picked up at the end of our driveway rather than having to walk to a bus stop, but the fact is, that makes it take longer to pick everyone up and we're one of the first stops on the route. I am much more bothered with the whole time thing than she is. She was up and ready and has a great attitude--If only I didn't have the experience of five previous years to know this will go away in the next couple of weeks. Sigh.
Cinderella survived the first day of middle school. She loved it. She had no problems with her locker and didn't get trampled during passing period (her greatest fears). She even liked all of her teachers. Especially her math teacher, which is good. I'm predicting math will be her trickier subject, and if she loves her teacher, she's more likely to overcome her shyness and ask for help.
Sleeping Beauty and Snow White also loved their new school. It is 1/4 the size of their old school, so after just a day they say they know where everything is. As predicted, Snow White was tickled by her new teacher's dry humor. When Cinderella was in Mrs. S's class two years ago, I would visit and Mrs. S's personality often reminded me of Snow White's humor. I think they'll get along great.
Sleeping Beauty is in heaven with 12 girls and 8 boys in her class. Last year there were only 8 girls and 16 boys, and the year before that 7 girls and 16 boys. She's excited that she will be able to sit by a girl every once in awhile, and especially excited that she can sit by her sister. So far, both girls deemed the work in class "fun" and "easy". And I'm sure the first day's assignments will reflect what is coming. ;)
As for me? I do miss the girls( I know, shocking, when you take into account three days ago), but am delighted to have some quiet time to myself. Mostly, I have had a fabulous time watching Olympics and folding laundry. Oh, and lying on the couch reading and wasting time. I figure I only have a few days a year to indulge myself, so I do. Pretty soon, I'll start subbing, volunteering in the girls' classroom, and all the other normal things I should be doing. But for now, I'm enjoying the quiet. Heavenly.
Cinderella survived the first day of middle school. She loved it. She had no problems with her locker and didn't get trampled during passing period (her greatest fears). She even liked all of her teachers. Especially her math teacher, which is good. I'm predicting math will be her trickier subject, and if she loves her teacher, she's more likely to overcome her shyness and ask for help.
Sleeping Beauty and Snow White also loved their new school. It is 1/4 the size of their old school, so after just a day they say they know where everything is. As predicted, Snow White was tickled by her new teacher's dry humor. When Cinderella was in Mrs. S's class two years ago, I would visit and Mrs. S's personality often reminded me of Snow White's humor. I think they'll get along great.
Sleeping Beauty is in heaven with 12 girls and 8 boys in her class. Last year there were only 8 girls and 16 boys, and the year before that 7 girls and 16 boys. She's excited that she will be able to sit by a girl every once in awhile, and especially excited that she can sit by her sister. So far, both girls deemed the work in class "fun" and "easy". And I'm sure the first day's assignments will reflect what is coming. ;)
As for me? I do miss the girls( I know, shocking, when you take into account three days ago), but am delighted to have some quiet time to myself. Mostly, I have had a fabulous time watching Olympics and folding laundry. Oh, and lying on the couch reading and wasting time. I figure I only have a few days a year to indulge myself, so I do. Pretty soon, I'll start subbing, volunteering in the girls' classroom, and all the other normal things I should be doing. But for now, I'm enjoying the quiet. Heavenly.
August 13, 2008
August 12, 2008
One of Those Days
I always have such mixed feelings at back-to-school time, but yesterday, I wanted them all to go back to school NOW! It was one of those days. You know the ones. The days when you feel like you'd like to run off and join the circus, or at least sell most of your children to one.
It started off quite harmless. The girls even let me sleep in and got their own breakfast. But then, I explained to them that they needed to clean their rooms and take a shower. I might as well have told them they were going to have to scrub a garbage truck and go swimming with sharks. It was an all-out fit festival around here. One was slamming doors and making brilliant statements like 'That is the stupidest idea ever' and 'Well, I'm not doing that idiotic plan.' One was screaming 'That's not fair! I showered yesterday. I didn't make the mess!' And the third? She was in a puddle on the floor sobbing uncontrollably.
Being the fair mother that I am, I told them that none of them needed to torture themselves by following my plan. That is, unless they wanted to eat dinner and go to the school open house. Then the plan was a requirement. That didn't go over too well.
There followed several hours of crying, screaming, sobbing, and stomping, peppered with actual cleaning and dressing. To say they wasted time complaining is a gross understatement. The actual time spent working was about 30 minutes, yet it took them half of the day to accomplish the unfair tasks. I'm such a slave driver. If only I had stopped there.
My second faux pas was to insist they wear actual clean clothing to the school open house. Being the unsound and totally ridiculous person that I am, I reasoned that being showered and wearing clean clothes was the best way to appear to meet your teacher and fellow classmates. Apparently I've got it all wrong. Especially since I didn't realize that stained cut-offs were the only pants the twins have that match.
You see, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White are in the same class this year, and wanted to match exactly the first time they met their classmates. I really should have known this since they have worn the same thing to school since...ummm...NEVER!!! So now it's my fault I haven't bought them matching shirts and pants. (Except for one shirt that is "really stupid and ugly.") i.e.:
(Yes, those are hideous. I can't believe I didn't notice before.)
Anyway, so there were more tears and puddles of unruly children on the floor for the hour before we left to the school. They finally settled on similar shirts of different color but I was in no way relieved from my position as the most stupid, shortsighted member of the family. Because, after all, they did not really match and it was all my fault.
And then I did one more terrible, horrible, no good, very bad thing: made Cinderella go to piano lessons. She says she only went because she has exactly six dollars in her wallet, and I told her that for every book that wasn't with her in the car and at her lesson she would owe me two dollars. Three books=$6. She wanted to keep her money. So, she "miraculously" found the books and got in the van, murmuring the whole way about how terrible I was and unfair her life was. Poor thing. If only she could have NO extra opportunities for personal development.
So, that's pretty much how mean and horrible I was to my children yesterday. But don't worry, they were more mean and horrible back, so I've apparently earned what I deserve. And while I haven't run off to join the circus yet, if the school district decides to not start school tomorrow, then you can definitely find me at the next Big Top coming to your town. I'll be the one with gray hair and bags under my eyes.
It started off quite harmless. The girls even let me sleep in and got their own breakfast. But then, I explained to them that they needed to clean their rooms and take a shower. I might as well have told them they were going to have to scrub a garbage truck and go swimming with sharks. It was an all-out fit festival around here. One was slamming doors and making brilliant statements like 'That is the stupidest idea ever' and 'Well, I'm not doing that idiotic plan.' One was screaming 'That's not fair! I showered yesterday. I didn't make the mess!' And the third? She was in a puddle on the floor sobbing uncontrollably.
Being the fair mother that I am, I told them that none of them needed to torture themselves by following my plan. That is, unless they wanted to eat dinner and go to the school open house. Then the plan was a requirement. That didn't go over too well.
There followed several hours of crying, screaming, sobbing, and stomping, peppered with actual cleaning and dressing. To say they wasted time complaining is a gross understatement. The actual time spent working was about 30 minutes, yet it took them half of the day to accomplish the unfair tasks. I'm such a slave driver. If only I had stopped there.
My second faux pas was to insist they wear actual clean clothing to the school open house. Being the unsound and totally ridiculous person that I am, I reasoned that being showered and wearing clean clothes was the best way to appear to meet your teacher and fellow classmates. Apparently I've got it all wrong. Especially since I didn't realize that stained cut-offs were the only pants the twins have that match.
You see, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White are in the same class this year, and wanted to match exactly the first time they met their classmates. I really should have known this since they have worn the same thing to school since...ummm...NEVER!!! So now it's my fault I haven't bought them matching shirts and pants. (Except for one shirt that is "really stupid and ugly.") i.e.:
(Yes, those are hideous. I can't believe I didn't notice before.)Anyway, so there were more tears and puddles of unruly children on the floor for the hour before we left to the school. They finally settled on similar shirts of different color but I was in no way relieved from my position as the most stupid, shortsighted member of the family. Because, after all, they did not really match and it was all my fault.
And then I did one more terrible, horrible, no good, very bad thing: made Cinderella go to piano lessons. She says she only went because she has exactly six dollars in her wallet, and I told her that for every book that wasn't with her in the car and at her lesson she would owe me two dollars. Three books=$6. She wanted to keep her money. So, she "miraculously" found the books and got in the van, murmuring the whole way about how terrible I was and unfair her life was. Poor thing. If only she could have NO extra opportunities for personal development.So, that's pretty much how mean and horrible I was to my children yesterday. But don't worry, they were more mean and horrible back, so I've apparently earned what I deserve. And while I haven't run off to join the circus yet, if the school district decides to not start school tomorrow, then you can definitely find me at the next Big Top coming to your town. I'll be the one with gray hair and bags under my eyes.
August 9, 2008
Amazing
I love the Olympics!! I have since I was a kid. Ever since I watched Mary Lou Retton nail her landings in 1984, I have been a committed fan. I love all the events. It is awe-inspiring to witness athletes at their best competing with the top competitors in their sports. I'd like to say I always root for USA, but the truth is, if there is an underdog, I usually want them to win. Then, USA can place next. This year, I'm looking forward to watching hours and hours, since we have cable now. So, if you want me to do anything for you in the next couple of weeks, you better hope I can do it with one eye and ear on the Olympic Games.And, speaking of awe-inspiring: did you see those Opening Ceremonies last night? I was astounded at the ability of all of these performers to stay in synch. Wow.
(pictures from the internet)
What a ceremony! It was amazing. I'd hate to be in the shoes of the next host country (Great Britain, I believe.) It was a hard act to follow.
I, for one, am looking to be entertained and inspired for the next two weeks by the great Olympians. Are you looking forward to it also? May the best athlete win! (And Go USA!!!)
August 8, 2008
Lactose Intolerant
I think the girls might be allergic to milk. All of them. It's really weird. I don't think it is bad for any of them; we're talking mild cases. None of them have stomach aches or get sick at all. It's just that every day after they eat breakfast, the milk causes them to be completely incapable of finding the fridge. The milk is always left on the table or counter. Maybe it's time to visit the doctor.
August 7, 2008
Little Bridge
When we went to get our shakes yesterday, we stopped at a registered historical bridges in our county. It dates back to before the turn of the century, but was spruced up a bit in 1999. The girls marveled at how something this "ancient" could still be standing, let alone be strong enough to drive a car over. We assured them that it indeed was. I would be lying, though, if I told you my palms weren't sweating as we made our way over the wooden bridge. I mean, really, this thing was made for covered wagons!! It was frightening. It was really neat, though--and made me want to watch Little House on the Prairie. (Pretty much the best show ever made.) 
August 6, 2008
Yum
To celebrate a new school year that will be here before we know it, and to end the summer with a bang, we headed to the "world-renowned" ice cream place 20 miles up the road. They boast 100 different shakes, and 100 different sundaes, as well as your usual greasy spoon items on their menu.
After dining on fried onions, French fries, tater tots, hot dogs and yummy sandwiches, we hunkered down to read through our dessert options. It took us at least 20 minutes to decide. But, boy, was it worth it!
Did you notice how Cinderella's shake has a delicious scoop of hand-dipped ice cream on top? Well, she is definitely her mother's daughter. Come on, why would you even consider the shakes on the menu that didn't have that perfect topping? I certainly didn't.
After dining on fried onions, French fries, tater tots, hot dogs and yummy sandwiches, we hunkered down to read through our dessert options. It took us at least 20 minutes to decide. But, boy, was it worth it!
Did you notice how Cinderella's shake has a delicious scoop of hand-dipped ice cream on top? Well, she is definitely her mother's daughter. Come on, why would you even consider the shakes on the menu that didn't have that perfect topping? I certainly didn't.
August 4, 2008
Labeled
Somehow, at back-to-school time, my hidden sense of organization unearths itself. Really. So much so, that even Amy may be proud of me. I am methodical about my purchasing and labeling of supplies. I like the highest quality at the best price . I print out labels with special fonts for each girl. I put all the labels on the exact same part of the marker. I mean, almost crazy stuff. I love it.
Which is why I am thrilled with the contest I have entered at 5MinutesforMom. As part of their Back to School giveaways, they are giving away a DYMO personal label maker. I'm sure I'll win, I mean how many entries could there be? (Okay, hundreds, but you never know!) And just to prove I'm not stingy, I've included a link to their site so you can enter too.But I hope you don't win, I mean, good luck! :)
Which is why I am thrilled with the contest I have entered at 5MinutesforMom. As part of their Back to School giveaways, they are giving away a DYMO personal label maker. I'm sure I'll win, I mean how many entries could there be? (Okay, hundreds, but you never know!) And just to prove I'm not stingy, I've included a link to their site so you can enter too.
August 3, 2008
O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A, Okay!
The local theater was having a FREE showing of Oklahoma last night. Being the wonderful parents that we are, we decided to expose our children to some culture. And we're cheap. And it was free. So, we loaded up the car with blankets and chairs, invited a friend, and headed to the outdoor theater.
On the way there, friend Princess M, told us about the last time she saw Oklahoma.
"We went to see this play last month in Montana or somewhere. I was bored out of my mind, but (little brother) C loved it. He kept singing the songs and everything."
"Oh," I said, "You didn't like it much?"
"Well, not really at all. But this one will prob'ly be better."
"Oh, yes, I'm sure it will." Because it's free. And local volunteers will perform. And we live in a small town. Yeah, I'm sure it will be better.
We found a small patch on the grass, spread out our blankets, set up our chairs, and settled in to be entertained. We got through the first song. It was lovely. Then the second song began. "Surrey" must sound a lot like "curry" or something, because all of a sudden, the girls were starving. Because it had been about 30 minutes since they ate last. But, I was prepared. I passed out popcorn and graham snacks to all. They munched and listened, and looked like they were enjoying things.
About ten minutes later, they were full, and they were bored.
"I'm bored. Can we go run around?"
"No! Listen to the song. She's singing about, well, about not saying no." So listen to that good example, girls. Hmmm.
"Mom, I'm thirsty."
"Sshhh! Listen to him singing. About, umm, old Jud is dead. It's kind of a joke. Just listen." Because, you know, every girl should learn a song about trying to convince someone to commit suicide. Yeah, okay.
"Mom, can we just go get a drink or something?"
"No, here's some water bottles. Just watch the, well, they're supposed to be dancing. And it's a dream she's having."
"They're dancing? It's a dream? Why?" Apparently there are not a lot of people in town this summer that can dance and sing and act.
"Shhh. Because she's asleep and she's dreaming about Jud getting her but then he's fighting with Curly. See?" And don't miss the part where he stabs him and he falls to his dramatic over-acted death. Make sure you are really paying attention then.
And then it was intermission. "Girls, if you are really bored, we can just go home."
Sleeping Beauty is ready to go. "Okay, let's go. Do we have to drop Princess M off at her house?"
"Yes, it's 9:00."
"Oh, well, never mind. I want to stay."
"Me too" chorused Cinderella, Snow White, and Princess M.
They ran off to play on the grass, and catch fireflies.
The girls liked the second half more. At least when they weren't fighting over who got to hold the sole firefly we came back to our seats with. Not that he was lighting up anymore or anything. I think he was mostly dead.
On the way back to our car, I asked the girls what their favorite part of the play was.
"Well," said Sleeping Beauty, "I liked running around in the grass and catching fireflies."
"Me too!" everyone else agreed.
"Oh," said Cinderella, remembering why we actually came to this grassy field, "and Oklahoma was okay. "
On the way there, friend Princess M, told us about the last time she saw Oklahoma.
"We went to see this play last month in Montana or somewhere. I was bored out of my mind, but (little brother) C loved it. He kept singing the songs and everything."
"Oh," I said, "You didn't like it much?"
"Well, not really at all. But this one will prob'ly be better."
"Oh, yes, I'm sure it will." Because it's free. And local volunteers will perform. And we live in a small town. Yeah, I'm sure it will be better.
We found a small patch on the grass, spread out our blankets, set up our chairs, and settled in to be entertained. We got through the first song. It was lovely. Then the second song began. "Surrey" must sound a lot like "curry" or something, because all of a sudden, the girls were starving. Because it had been about 30 minutes since they ate last. But, I was prepared. I passed out popcorn and graham snacks to all. They munched and listened, and looked like they were enjoying things.
About ten minutes later, they were full, and they were bored.
"I'm bored. Can we go run around?"
"No! Listen to the song. She's singing about, well, about not saying no." So listen to that good example, girls. Hmmm.
"Mom, I'm thirsty."
"Sshhh! Listen to him singing. About, umm, old Jud is dead. It's kind of a joke. Just listen." Because, you know, every girl should learn a song about trying to convince someone to commit suicide. Yeah, okay.
"Mom, can we just go get a drink or something?"
"No, here's some water bottles. Just watch the, well, they're supposed to be dancing. And it's a dream she's having."
"They're dancing? It's a dream? Why?" Apparently there are not a lot of people in town this summer that can dance and sing and act.
"Shhh. Because she's asleep and she's dreaming about Jud getting her but then he's fighting with Curly. See?" And don't miss the part where he stabs him and he falls to his dramatic over-acted death. Make sure you are really paying attention then.
And then it was intermission. "Girls, if you are really bored, we can just go home."
Sleeping Beauty is ready to go. "Okay, let's go. Do we have to drop Princess M off at her house?"
"Yes, it's 9:00."
"Oh, well, never mind. I want to stay."
"Me too" chorused Cinderella, Snow White, and Princess M.
They ran off to play on the grass, and catch fireflies.
The girls liked the second half more. At least when they weren't fighting over who got to hold the sole firefly we came back to our seats with. Not that he was lighting up anymore or anything. I think he was mostly dead.
On the way back to our car, I asked the girls what their favorite part of the play was.
"Well," said Sleeping Beauty, "I liked running around in the grass and catching fireflies."
"Me too!" everyone else agreed.
"Oh," said Cinderella, remembering why we actually came to this grassy field, "and Oklahoma was okay. "
August 1, 2008
Gifted
This week, Cinderella went with a friend to the beach to celebrate her friend, E's, birthday. I took Cinderella and her friend, R, to the mall to shop for E's gift. They were so cute and funny discussing the options. They wanted something that would help E "make it through middle school", deeming themselves true experts on the matter. They discussed fashion and hair, make up and earrings. In the end, they decided on a Webkinz and a gift card to the bookstore, because E loves to read. Not sure how that will go over in middle school, but who am I to argue with the experts?
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