The BIG 4 OH!

Hey, so I just turned 40!
I may not be as FABULOUS as these "gals", but, maybe that is a good thing!


I can't think of any more clever things to say, so I will just reiterate what I have written before!


Just a quick note to thank you all today,
for the wonderful 40th Birthday Partay!

I appreciate you all turning out on a cold, cold night,
Did you see my crows feet? Oh, what a fright!

Too much fun is all I can say,
And I do not have the least of a headache today.

Some tried to hurt me with one too many shots,
But I am telling you people, it affects me not!












I thought I’d share pictures with Angie and Sue…
Two cute 39 year olds I’ve known from my youth.

I thought I looked just as cute as they did,
But by the end of the night I was tired and faded.














Pictured l. to r. Susan, Me, Angie ~FABULOUS!

Those two youngsters just got more FABULOUS and such!
I’ve got to get my butt down to the MAC counter, Beyotch!

All Inclusive, Baby!

I really have not a thing to write.

But, I just love writing that down! All-Inclusive, Baby! That rocks!!!

I can not wait to celebrate KGees birthday on Feb. 15 at the Steakhouse and make an absolute HOG of myself and then, one week later, shimmy this butt into a swimsuit and get on a plane to the Bahamas, Baby!

That's right, I am considering wearing my suit on the plane. Gals? Are you with me? We could just put them on in the privacy of our own homes early in the morning when it is too dark to see anything and then, by the time the sun is a shining on the plane, most of the group will be too drunk to notice the sags and bags.

Then, we touchdown in the Bahamas and are rettay to get on da beach! There won't be the awkward moment of us all checking in and being in our regular clothes and then saying, "Meet you on the beach in half hour...I say half hour 'cuz I know that 'the Gross one' will be having a quicky with the 'hairy-in-one-spot guy'!" Also, I know (from the Vegas experience) that my husband will be wanting to do that, too!

Anyway, I digress. Let's see....yes, there won't be the awkward moment of being fully clothed and then, all of a sudden, not. And then everyone would have to assess your assess and how they look in the harsh bright sunlight. Everyone would have already been exposed to it on the plane and the judgement would already be long gone. The fun could begin!

All-Inclusive, BABY!

Finally...

Thank you, PYi, for giving me a little assignment to complete and that will take up some space on this so-called blog!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I am a gift bag gal for the most part, but many of the presents under the tree are wrapped...for effect.

2. Real tree or artificial? We had both real and artificial growing up. Though I prefer Real and someday I will have one. We have an artificial tree and it is a hand-me-down (the second one) from my mother-in-law.


3. When do you put up the tree? My husband ALWAYS puts it up the Friday after Thanksgiving. That is not always when I get it decorated, but he has it up, without fail, the day after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually New Year's Day. But, if we still have a family Christmas party to host, it will stay up until the weekend after New Year's.

5. Do you like eggnog? I can honestly say I've never had eggnog. Just the thought of egg in the name makes me a little queazy. (Patti, I did not have to come up with an original answer here as you took the words right out of my mouth.) I am not sure I have even tried it!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I would have to say it was probably my Drowsy doll. I loved that doll so much! Even after I put her through the dryer and her hair got all matted!

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, I do. I have several, in fact. Jesus is the reason for the season after all.

8. Hardest person to buy for? I always have a hard time figuring out what to get for both Family's grab bags. Now, though, we are resigned to buying something that we really want and would use and that way we can just take it back if the person that receives it does not like it. (Nice, Christmas Spirit, huh?)


9. Easiest person to buy for? My oldest son is pretty easy to please.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I always get the crap gift in group exchanges. I always leave wishing I got the gift I gave....


11. Mail or email Christmas cards? I used to never get cards out. Now, I have been quite good at sending them out via Snail Mail ~ the only way really to send Christmas Cards! Though, mine is usually, just a photo with a quick sentiment and that's it.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? I really like Rudolph and Frosty ~ though I guess those are more like TV specials. I guess the movie that I like best is Miracle on 34th Street.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I typically get out on the Friday after Thanksgiving. I am not an early bird, but typically get some pretty good late afternoon specials.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I am pretty sure that I have never re-gifted, but I am absolutely 100% positive I have received recycled gifts. As a matter of fact, I got back a gift I had given once! True story!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I love fudge! I don't seem to get it much these days. My grandmother used to always make it. Maybe I will attempt to make it this year!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? I like colored, but ours has White. I really don't prefer one over the other. But, white, is my answer.

17. Favorite Christmas song? I love Silent Night, Oh Holy Night, and, Patti, I love The Little Drummer Boy. Maybe you need to hear Josh Gobin sing it on Noel. Beautiful!

18. Stay at Home or Travel? We are, most recently, always at our own home on Christmas Morning. We go to my parents' house the weekend before or after (whichever is closer). That is a tradition my mother started as she was always annoyed that she had to pack up her children and run all over the place to Grandparents' homes on Christmas Day...she is a Saint! We have my in-laws over on Christmas Day night to celebrate and then usually have about 3 other "Christmas" parties throughout the next week or two. It gets a little annoying....

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? I am a mother....so, of course not! I can barely keep my own kids' names straight!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A White Bow...though I am rooting for a star one of these days!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning? We wait 'til Santa has a chance to get here and then open the ones under the tree on Christmas Morning with Santa's gift.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? HOLIDAY Parties. It is Christmas time, folks. I am celebrating Christmas. I've said it before...Jesus is the reason for the season!

23. What I love most about Christmas? I just love the whole reason for it all. I know that I often get as caught up in the commercialization of the whole thing as the next person, but I do really think it is the best time of the year. I am often caught up in emotion for one reason or another. My kids can always see it coming and always catch me before it happens. "Don't cry, Mommy!" But, I always do! It's usually while reading different stories of Christmas or praying for those less fortunate or preaching to my children about how fortunate they are...I always lose it! But, that is a good thing.

Merry Christmas to you all and to all a good night!!!

I Wannabe the Doughboy!

Again, I wish I could take credit for this little story, but I can't. All I can take credit for is finding it and passing it along to all of you. It does reflect my sentiments, however, so that is something. I "borrowed" it from: http://www.joyfulheart.com/thanksgiving/overflowing.htm

Normal complaining comes all too easily to my lips.


So when I read Colossians 2:6-7 it hits home. The phrase, "overflowing with thankfulness," begins to repeat itself over and over in my mind.


"Overflowing" -- "abounding," some translations say -- brings the mental picture of the Thanksgiving cornucopia spilling out an abundant harvest blessing. Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." What is in my heart? Complaining? Selfishness? Pride? -- or Thanksgiving?


Thanksgiving is the mark of a Christian, because thanksgiving points out and up while my complaining points only back to me and feeds my pride and dissatisfaction. Thanksgiving towards God and man fits the Great Commandment like a glove, to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. What better vehicle than thankfulness to express love?


The Pillsbury Doughboy® has that endearing quality that when you poke him he doesn't flare up but automatically responds with a friendly, perky, "Oh!" I want to be like him. Not so plump, mind you, but that full of friendliness. When someone pokes me I want my first instinct to be thankfulness rather than anger. I want people to find thankfulness oozing out of me. I want thanksgiving to mark my conversation and manner. I want to abound with it, be full of it. I want to overflow with thankfulness.


How about you?


Colossians 2:6-7 reads: "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness" (NIV)

It's me again...I know it is a little preachy, but I am feeling preachy these days and it all makes a lot of sense. I have a lot to be thankful for and I waste alot of time complaining when I should be thanking God for all the blessings in my life. I am going to try to be a better person. To be more like the "Swiss Miss" and not be so confrontational. I am going to be a happier mommy and give my kids more joy and less worries. They are good kids ~ great kids ~ and I am going to make sure they know that and enjoy it! My husband works hard and carries a lot on his shoulders ~ he is a great husband and father and does not need to hear me complaining about useless things. He is going to hear more thankfulness and cheerfulness from me nowadays! He deserves it.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Snarky

Be very careful when you forward something to me. I may take it too seriously and you may get caught in the tangled web that I weave. Truth be told, I was just bored and thought that I would be "snarky" and respond and then things got a little funny.... It all started with the forward "flavor of the month" about The Golden Compass. I had gotten that email forwarded about 10-15 times and this time, some gal (that I do not know) responded and then it spiraled from there. Read and enjoy....

By the way, nothing has been edited with the exception of real person's email addresses and last names.

Sent: Monday, November 05, 2007 7:29 PM
Subject: Fwd: FW: The Golden Compass

In case you have not heard about this movie... There will be a new children's movie out in December called "The Golden Compass" starring Nicole Kidman. The movie has been described as "atheism for kids" and is based on the first book of a trilogy entitled "His Dark Materials" that was written by Phillip Pullman. Pullman is a militant atheist and secular humanist who despises C. S. Lewis and the "Chronicles of Narnia". His motivation for writing this trilogy was specifically to counteract Lewis' symbolisms of Christ that are portrayed in the Narnia series. Clearly, Pullman's main objective is to bash Christianity and promote atheism. Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that "my books are about killing God." He has even stated that he wants to "kill God in the minds of children". It has been said of Pullman that he is "the writer the atheists would be praying for, if atheists prayed." While "The Golden Compass" movie itself may seem mild and innocent, the books are a much different story. In the trilogy, a young streetwise girl becomes enmeshed in an epic struggle to ultimately defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God. Another character, an ex-nun, describes Christianity as "a very powerful and convincing mistake." In the final book, characters representing Adam and Eve eventually kill God, who at times is called YAHWEH. Each book in the trilogy gets progressively worse regarding Pullman's hatred of Jesus Christ. "The Golden Compass" is set to premier on December 7, during the Christmas season, and will probably be heavily advertised. Promoters hope that unsuspecting parents will take their children to see the movie, that they will enjoy the movie, and that the children will want the books for Christmas. Please consider a boycott of the movie and the books. Also, pass this information along to everyone you know. This will help to educate parents, so that they will know the agenda of the movie.

To: Margaret

Subject: FW: The Golden Compass
Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2007 08:08:48 -0600

From: Jenni
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 7:14 PM
RE: The Golden Compass

The movie's director has taken out all references to atheism, so please, take your kids to see the movie. . . they would enjoy it. It's fantasy people. Censorship sucks!

Jen M.

From: Margaret
To: Jenni, Shelley
Subject: RE: FW: The Golden Compass
Date: Fri, 9 Nov 2007 14:57:05 -0600

Censorship does not suck as much as the liberals suck the life and fun and celebration out of many of our Christian holidays. I don't need to watch yet another preachy preachy, holier than thou (pardon the religious references) hollywood movie that (underhandedly or right on the surface, whichever way they decide will make them the most money) slams my beliefs!

Nothing personal against Jenni as I do not know her. And, sorry if this offends your friend, Shelley, but I had to get on my soapbox for this one!

Margaret

From: Jenni
To: Margaret

Subject: RE: The Golden Compass

Date: Sat, 10 Nov 2007 23:47:32 +0000

As the philosopher Sun Tzu said, "know your enemy." Keep the lines of communication open with your children; when you forbid them to read a book or see a movie based on your organized religion's beliefs, you cannot expect them to be honest and open with you, or come to you to ask for guidance. This is when a child rebels and the consequences could be devastating. You don't offend me because we have differing opinions, nor do I dislike you-I don't even know you. That's what makes America beautiful, we can follow any religion we want, we can say whatever we want as long as we don't cause direct harm. Yes, some groups have taken things too far. That's why we need to decide for ourselves what is right and what is wrong and try to live our lives the best we can, as individuals. People blindly following what a forwarded email sent by someone they don't know, that's ignorance and that offends me. Decide for yourself, that's all I'm saying. By the way, all this controversy will probably help the movie make millions of dollars more than it would have, had groups not decided to protest it! Funny how that works.

Have a good night,

Jenni

From: Margaret

To: Jenni

Subject: RE: The Golden Compass

Date: Sun, 11 Nov 2007 12:16:38 -0600

As a parent, I will most certainly censor what my children watch and read and search on the internet. I am their mother and their protector of what I feel is right and wrong (that is what a good parent does). When they are adults, they can decide those things for themselves. With my guidance and love, they will, like I did, not rebel, but embrace my belief system and pass it along to their children. Have a Mery Christmas!

Margaret

From: Jenni
To: Margaret
Subject: RE: The Golden Compass
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:15:03 +0000

As a Catholic, I too hope you have a Merry Christmas! And, I too am a good parent. I wasn't trying to be snarky, or insult you, just communicating. Now I'm done and sincerely wish you all the best.

Jenni

And so it ends...finally. Though, you do not know how desperately I wanted to be the one with the last word. But, I decided to let her have it, instead. I guess that is just the type of person I am...a giver!

Made in the USA: Spoiled brats

Okay, this is really what I started this blog for in the first place ~ to spout off ~ but then I decided to just use it to ponder and, hopefully, entertain. But, I could not overlook sharing this one with you all.

This was written a year ago, but very timely with Thanksgiving just around the corner and all that we are being bombarded with as the approach of the election year looms upon us....

God Bless America...no matter how screwed up the people that live here tend to be. At least we are living free. In my opinion, a little too "free" at times...or at least some of the freedoms (like that of free speech) are taken way for granted and almost to an extreme. It often sickens me! But, I digress....

From Craig R. Smith, Worldnet Daily.
Made in the USA: Spoiled brats
Posted: November 20, 20061:00 a.m. Eastern

The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The same magazine that employs Michael (Qurans in the toilets at Gitmo) Isikoff. Here I promised myself this week I would be nice and I start off in this way. Oh what a mean man I am.

The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I starting thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''

Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all involved. Whether you are rich or poor they treat your wounds and even, if necessary, send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home, you may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of having a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes; an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells. Just ask why they are going to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book and do a TV special about how he didn't kill his wife but if he did � insane!

Stop buying the negative venom you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

I close with one of my favorite quotes from B.C. Forbes in 1953:

''What have Americans to be thankful for? More than any other people on the
earth, we enjoy complete religious freedom, political freedom, social freedom.
Our liberties are sacredly safeguarded by the Constitution of the United States,
'the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and
purpose of man.' Yes, we Americans of today have been bequeathed a noble
heritage. Let us pray that we may hand it down unsullied to our children and
theirs.''

I suggest this Thanksgiving we sit back and count our blessings for all we have. If we don't, what we have will be taken away. Then we will have to explain to future generations why we squandered such blessing and abundance. If we are not careful this generation will be known as the ''greediest and most ungrateful generation.'' A far cry from the proud Americans of the ''greatest generation'' who left us an untarnished legacy.

NO More Excuses!

Okay, gal scouts, here it is. I can not believe it has been over two weeks since I last blogged! My how time flies when you are inching closer to 40! I have been so much better with getting my excercise in, but so much worse with what I have been eating. Though last week, I only got 3 sessions in; this week, I will work towards five, but I make no promises.

I just came from signing my life away to Aspen Athletic Clubs beginning December 1. Where I will have no excuses. I can go, drop the kids off in the play area, work out, sauna, shower and then pick up the kiddies for an afternoon of running errands without the guilt of thinking I wish I would have excercised today or when am I going to excercise... I have no excuses now!

The kids are looking forward to being able to play like wild animals and my hope is that they will come home exhausted. I am actually excited about this! Though it is not going to help me get to where I need to be by the big 4 OH! Hopefully, it will get me not so entirely embarrased about being in a swimsuit in February in the Bahamas Baby!

I am going to HIT IT! And, hopefully, enjoy it.

Sorry, nothing to laugh at here today. I am dead serious! I have got to get this buddha body into "keeping up with the kids shape". I am so exhausted half the time and I need to get re-energized! I am going to be 50 soon (well, not for ten years, but time does fly)and my kids are going to be 12, 14 and 16. I will need major energy to handle that time of their lives.

Oh, Lord, hear me now and be there then!

Old Dog...

Okay, I did it (almost). I did excercise 4 times last week, but did not get 40 minutes in each time. I am down 30 minutes...guess I will have to try to squeeze that in sometime this week....

It was not fun, but it is done. That is my motto for excercising. I simply do not like doing it! But I am always happy when I have done it!

The results are not very good, because, with my increase in activity, I also increased my food intake. I don't know what is wrong with me. And it is not like it is the healthy food I am eating...it is pure junk!

Maybe this week I will get it right and find that perfect balance between excercise and eating right. I know that most everything that goes in my mouth is unhealthy for me, yet I can't seem to get the healthy stuff past my taste buds!

I digress...this goal of 40 by 40 is about getting the excercise time in. I will focus on that and then move on to the healthy eating. Maybe by the time I am Fifty, I will have gotten that one right.

You can't expect this old dog to learn new tricks overnight, can you?!

Blob Blog

Okay, One day down too many more to go. I did it. Got on the treadmill and worked it for a full forty minutes. It was killer. I am so out of shape...it is not even funny. But, I did it and that counts for something. I must keep doing it, though, to really make it count for something. I will do it this time!

I must, I must, I must decrease my guts!

Okay, I am a loser and have absolutely nothing else to write. Gotta get my sweaty butt in the shower and go get the kiddies. When am I going to get the house clean, the groceries purchased and the laundry done? Where does the time go?

Where did the forty years go? Crazy! Just crazy! Seems like only yesterday we were slacking off in the halls of GHS and, now, here I am a nearly forty year-old wife and mother with my own kids off to school.

FlabbyLess by 40!

Okay, I am so sick of the whining and the unkept promises that I am just so.....well, sick of it! I have 1 day less than 10 weeks until I turn 40! I want to be at my all time best by the time I hit that milestone and I have been saying that for years and here it is down to the wire and I have done little to get there. So, I am hereby committing to the Southside Slogan -- 40 by 40.

Mine is to say that I will excercise 40 times for 40 minutes by the time I get to 40...that is 4 times a week for 40 minutes for the 10 weeks I have 'til I get there! And, hopefully, by doing so, I will have reached my ultimate goal of being Forty and Fabulous (or, at the very least, more fabulous than I am currently). And, also, I hope to be flabby less by then as well and 7.5 pounds lighter!

Here it is -- out in cyberspace for anyone to see. I am committed this time. I am going to do it and will be trying to check in at least 4 times/week ~ after each 40 minute exercise session. If I do not reach my goals daily and/or weekly, I am counting on any of you who care at all to chastise me and make me feel so bad that I get back off my butt and back on the horse.

I am going for it. Kim Cattrell, I will not be, but, hopefully, a better, happier and healthier me!!!!

T R R ~F C C Makes me the best person I can be!

My son and his classmates, friends and neighbors keep singing this little tune:

T R R
F C C
Makes me the best person I can be!

It is not that I am against the 6 Pillars of Character, but it is the fact that we needed to come up with something to replace prayer in school and the character that was built by children believing in something greater than themselves.

All these things are fine and good and I am constantly "preaching" them to my children. I have fallen a victim to the catchy little tune myself. But I also add my own "prayers" and thoughts and emotions, so that it is not all provided to him at school ~ a place that he really doesn't care so much about.

The Bible, 1 John 3:18
Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

Trustworthiness:
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country

Respect:
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Responsibility:
Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices

Fairness:
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly

Caring:
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship:
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment

If we can't talk about our faith in school anymore (unless, of course, it is the Muslim faith ~ sorry, Lord, I had to sneak in a slam somewhere ~ I am not perfect), then we will have to use the Pillars of Character...things could be worse, I guess.

My Middle Man

Man in the Middle

Middle child in you I see that single star reaching for the dream that eludes your touch, and slips through iridescent fingers while you fly through the universe searching.

Middle child the cosmos springs you free and you tug the strings of life and jump rainbows in your sleep, while visions of splendor play Hopscotch in your mind, and on your lonely heart.

Moonstruck dreamer who dreams the dream of life,who beckons the gods’ of the universe to come play among the stars, while dancing around the star lit fire to tell the Tale.

The Ancient Tale of the Invisible Child. Middle child in you I see a dreamer.

(Written By "Mary" from some Internet Poetry website.)

I just picked up S from school. The teacher said, "He is so opposite of J~ It is so funny!" I think that is a compliment to S, not that J is bad, he is just different and much more spirited, which makes for longer conferences with the teachers. Though, as I have thought about this...S deserves to have just as much time devoted to his sweetness and good listening skills as J gets for his sense of humor and talkativeness.

I have noticed that as the Jan Brady of my bunch, S is often overlooked because he is so mellow and well-behaved. J is the first and is involved in all the activities first and gets all of our extra time and energy. And SM is our last ~ our baby ~ and, therefore needs way too much of our attention. S is "mellow" because he is forced to be.

I promise not to make him a "stereotype" and will do all that I can to be sure that he gets the attention he deserves. One thing is certain. He definitely gets the attention from the "ladies".

All the teachers love him. All the neighbor girls love him. All of the girls at school love him. We went to a church other than our regular church once this summer and sat behind Mary, an older woman, from Sam's drop-in daycare...she spent the better part of the church service backwards in her pew with her chin cupped in her hands staring at him in dreamland. Her father told her to turn around and she said, "But Daddy I just can't control myself...look at him! He is soooo cute."

My "middle child" is so sweet and shy. He is such a doll...was the cutest baby of them all. Still the girls can't get enough. They just can't control themselves and I can see why.

First Day of Pre-School

Love Me If You Can...

For lack of time to really write down what I would like to (kids are screaming in the shower and have to be dried, lotioned, dressed, brushed, read to and bedded down....) I am just going to put down the words of Toby Keith's latest song...says so much with so few words:

Sometimes I think that war is necessary. Every night I pray for peace on Earth. I hand out my dollars to the homeless. But believe that every able soul should work. My father gave me my shotgun that I'll hand down to my son, try to teach him everything it means.

I'm a man of my convictions. Call me wrong, call me right. But I bring my better angels to every fight. You may not like where I'm going, but you sure know where I stand. Hate me if you want to, love me if you can.

I stand by my right to speak freely. But I worry 'bout what kids learn from TV. And before all of this debatin' turns to angry words and hate, sometimes we should just agree to disagree. And I believe that Jesus looks down here and sees us, and if you ask him he would say...

I'm a man of my convictions. Call me wrong, call me right. But I bring my better angels to every fight. You may not like where I'm going, but you sure know where I stand. Hate me if you want to, love me if you can.

That's all I got tonight folks!

Oh...and Sally Field would have been censored on ANY network for taking the Lord's name in vain!

MarGEE OUT!

Vicious Cycle!

I get absolutely nothing accomplished on Mondays. Always, there are good intentions, but rarely, does anything really get accomplished.

I did get a couple of loads of laundry done, but, really, does that count? It is just a constant in our lives and is never really anything to be accomplished, just something to get out of the way.

So, there it is...out of the way.

Honestly, it is not really out of the way, either. It is cleaned and, most of it, is folded, but there it sits. Quite RIGHT IN THE WAY. On our bed. So, the next logical move would be to get it out of the way by putting it away. (I should be doing that right now ~ but I am not.) So, later this evening, it will likely get moved to the handy dandy bench at the foot of our bed with some of the laundry that I completed last week.

Oh, crud! That bench is overflowing with last week's laundry and so is the rocking chair. Guess I will have to shove some of the crap over on my window "seat" to make room to put the neatly folded piles of clean laundry. Soon enough, they will no longer be folded neatly, as I will be rummaging through the piles to find what it is that I will be wearing the next day or two. And the rest of the pile will likely get knocked onto the floor when the kids rush to the window to see the bus pulling up with their big brother.

I will complain...but I know that I am the one to blame.

I will want a place to sit to re-fold things, but the damn laundry is still on my bench, and in my rocking chair, some on the floor and the bed is now overflowing with yet another full load of laundry freshly pulled from the dryer....

Girl, just get off your butt and put that stinking laundry away!

It is a vicious cycle...a vicious wash cycle.

One Nation Under God

Got this from a mass email, but it is worth putting out there....

One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children.

The teacher asked a little boy:
Tommy do you see the tree outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.
TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.
TEACHER: Did you see God up there?
TOMMY: No.
TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see God because he isn't there. Possibly he just doesn't exist.

A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions.
The teacher agreed and the little girl asked the boy:
Tommy, do you see the tree outside?
TOMMY: Yes.
LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside?
TOMMY: Yessssss!
LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?
TOMMY: Yessssss!
LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher?
TOMMY: Yes
LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?
TOMMY: No
LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she possibly may not even have one!

FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT ~ II CORINTHIANS 5:7

A Reminder to Myself...

My oldest child is a wonderful person, he is funny, he is smart, he is sensitive and caring. He is spirited. He is a terrific individual with a mind of his own and a great imagination.

First grade has started and, all of a sudden, he is disruptive (getting up out of his chair without asking), innattentive (dreaming or thinking of something else that is more interesting), blurting out (excited about an answer he has come up with and wants to be the first to share that idea), pushing and shoving (defending himself on the playground), running in the halls (trying to catch up with the rest of his classmates).... SHEESH!

HOW DARE HE?!

What has happended to our kids' childhood? Our independent spirits? Our dreamers? Our silly hearts? It seems like children are classified as "good students" if they fall in line and follow the crowd and not be heard. They are considered "behaviorial problems" if they do not instantly become a drone.

This is a huge concern to me. I want my child to be successful in school and not find it to be a daily struggle. As notes have come home to me this year and as I have discussed them with my son, I listen as his heart breaks ~ I watch as his spirit cracks ~ I can feel his confidence crumble.

He cries to me, "It is so hard, mommy. I am trying to be good. I am trying so hard!" And then he tells me how ashamed he is and that he wishes he could be better. I tell him that I know he is trying and that I know he can do better...then I feel ashamed of myself.

I can't stop crying about it. I can't stop worrying about it. As a mother, my heart is breaking; my spirit is cracking; my confidence is crumbling.... I feel the pressure (unspoken but insinuated in many ways) to medicate my child into a zombie, so that he can be seen in school, but not heard.

NO MORE!

I understand the need for a teacher with a classroom of 20 first grade students to have some sort of order, some peace and some quiet.

But this is MY CHILD, my 6 year old child, and I want him to be himself. I don't want to drug him into being another version of himself. I want him to be his true self. The wonderful little boy that I gave birth to...that adorable little boy whose first words were Mamma and Dadda ~ the two people that love him and trust in him no matter what. The little guy that used to say, "What's that? A Cow?" The smart and honest boy who says things like, "I'm telling you the truth mommy. It's true that I have lied in the past, but I am telling you the truth now!" (When we were on the way to a Dr. appointment and I was telling a Grandma that Jack was telling me that he was feeling better....) Or when I was asking him a bunch of questions trying to get an answer to a question I didn't want to ask, he stops me and says, "Uh, Mom, I know you are enjoying this little game of twenty questions, but I am really tired and just want to go to sleep."

I don't want my child to just be seen. I want him to be heard. He has such wonderful things to say.

Tonight I told him that he is better and he has no need to be ashamed. I will continue to tell him that. And I know that I will be a better mom for it with nothing to be ashamed of!

Love your child because he is your child. He is unlike any other and, for that, he should be loved for who he is, not for what he is expected to be.

~ Margaret Jaworski

Don't Cry Over Spilled Milk

...but, by all means, throw an absolute fit over a carton of eggs and juice spilled all over the floor. In fact, have a complete psycho meltdown on your poor 2 year-old daughter!!!

Then, while you are cleaning up the mess, realize that you really shouldn't "cry over spilled milk". It was no biggie and I am guilty (again) of overreacting! But, now I am over it and I don't think my daughter is any worse for the wear. I guess time will tell...like tonight when she is having nightmares about her mother!

MarGee OUT!

Live Each Day to the Fullest

I am in tears right now as I just visited my nieces' CaringBridge site which lead me to other sites of children with similar mitochondrial disorders and am ever so grateful for the health of my children.

To witness some amazing families and the strength they have (much, much more than I).
You should visit their sites and add them to your prayers.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurenandlindsey
http://www.caringbridge.org/sd/alec/
www.caringbridge.org/visit/autumngail

GOD'S LENT CHILD
I'll lend you for a little while, child of mine. God said.
For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he’s dead.
It may be six or seven years, or forty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you and should his stay be brief,
You’ll always have his memories as a solace in your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below I want this child to learn.

I’ve looked this whole world over in my search for teachers true.
And from the folk that crowd Life’s lane I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love and not think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take this lent child back again?

I fancy that I heard them say “Dear God, thy will be done.
For all the joys this child will bring the risk of grief we’ll run.
We will shelter him with tenderness, we’ll love him while we may.
And for all the happiness we’ve ever known, we’ll ever grateful stay.
But should the angels call him much sooner than we’d planned.
We will brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.”
~Anonymous

Don't forget to lower your flags to half-mast on Friday, August 31st in recognition of Sgt. 1st Class Scott Carney, 37, of Ankeny, who was killed Aug. 24 during a convoy operation. A soldier from Ohio also died in the accident. Carney was assigned to the National Guard's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division in Boone. He will be laid to rest on Friday afternoon at St. Theresa's Catholic Church in Des Moines.

A Mom's Life...

Well I don't think that was as difficult as I had expected. Not a lot has happened since the "Grand Opening" of my blog. I need to get a more exciting life if I am going to keep this up!

My oldest son finished his first couple of days of "all day" school and is currently on day number three, which is day number one of his first full week - which is the "real" test. So far he has told me that it is "fun". Which I am happy about. Will see how today goes. He is such a little smarty pants. The other day, as I was trying to get some answers about how school really was by asking sneaky questions, he told me, "Uh, Mommy, I know you like this little game of 20 questions, but I am really not in the mood right now." I was busted ~ and totally cracked up!

My second child was off to the Oral Surgeon today to get his front tooth pulled. He was an absolute trooper. The Hygienist said, "He is the best patient I ever had." We were not surprised. He is such a mellow little fellow.

Number three is our girl. Man is she a handful. Already see the differences b/w girls and boys with her and she is only 2! She loves shoes and loves drama! She is the DRAMA QUEEN! Oh, boy!

I made some brownies today and the buzzer is calling me, so I am out!

"The story of a mother's life: Trapped between a scream
and a hug."


-- Author:- Cathy Guisewite

Hi Everyone,

Well, I am finally doing it. Starting my own blog. I have absolutely no idea what in the world I am doing.... I just decided today that, since I love to talk and email and always am interested in what I have to say, that maybe their are others that may be interested as well. Or not.

Well, I do know a few "Gal Scouts" that will tune in on a regular basis, if, for no other reason, to make fun of me! I can't wait to hear their reviews. The good 'ole Greenfield Girls! HI LADIES!!! I know you will all quickly follow in my footsteps. That's cool.

I thought you would all enjoy the photo of me from AZ! My wrinkles are showing, but it was the best photo I could find on my computer! Melissa, you are on my right and Bun is on my left. I didn't think you would want to be associated, so I cut you out. Once you all agree, I can add your photos to my site! I am sure the world will want to see you all.

I will eventually be going off on a few things I am sure. (Like the psychos that think the United States imploded the World Trade Center on 911! What a bunch of freaks-- Rosie, Charlie Sheen, and so many others.) I could go on...but I am trying to keep this light.

Thank you for "tuning in".

I've gotta go put a Human Torch costume on Sammy....

You're entitled to your opinion. I frankly don't really care what you have
to say. It has very little impact on my life. --Sean Hannity