Trans Siberian Orchestra

The day was rainy and dreary, the air was cool and crisp. The traffic getting there was horrific. But the feeling that I got when they turned the lights down and started playing was that of shear pleasure. My whole body had goosebumps. If you've never heard of Trans Siberian Orchestra (from here on out known as TSO) you are missing out! TSO is one of the most amazing concerts I have ever seen. The lights, the music, the atmosphere, it was amazing. I sat and listened, reflecting on the season, and realized just how wonderful it is. It, being the season of Christmas. How we run along and gather our presents for friends and family, imposing deadlines on ourselves that no one could or even should try to meet. The season is about more than just giving. We all say that giving in better than receiving however I sure am enjoying the gift that Jesus gave to me. I enjoy that gift every day. Without even thinking of it. Maybe this should be more an Easter post than a Christmas one, I believe that the day Christ was born was just as important. Can you imagine how Mary felt, knowing her son was so special.
I hope that you had a blessed Christmas and a healthy new year!!

We must be rich!!

Let me first just say, I don't know where she gets these things. Little sister has moved only once in her life and was only three so her memory of it is not very strong. However she has decided that if/when we move again she has a couple of items she'd like to add to the 'want list'.
A) A house with stairs. This translated means a two story. We had a two story when she was a baby and where we moved there were mostly single story ranch style houses.

B) A house with a pop-up toaster! Really.

When our house flooded two years back (mostly the kitchen) we had a pop-up toaster. A toaster where you put the toast in and after a while it 'pops' back up. I didn't realize this had such meaning to my daughter until she put it on her list. I had replaced the one that we lost with a toaster oven thinking it would be nice to toast more than bread.

This has become a topic of discussion with our circle of friends and when little sister went on a playdate she noticed that family had a pop-up toaster. She had mentioned to the friends mom that she must be RICH!! Not everyone has a pop-up toaster!

This year for Christmas (we opened some gifts early due to traveling during holidays) we got a pop-up toaster! We must be rich!

Christmas meme, thank you Sarah for sending it.


1. Egg nog or hot chocolate?
Hot chocolate, I never learned how to drink egg nog!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Now-a-days Santa gifts are just under the tree, not wrapped. As far as when I was growing up I really couldn't say. We had 6 kids in our family, so when Christmas morning came I was always so excited to see all the presents under the tree. It didn't occur to me that ALL those gifts were for 6 kids, I just knew we must have been good to get ALL those presents!!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
I have done both. One year I thought how nice the house would look with all white lights, and it did. Then the following year I went back to colored. I've done the icicle lights, the mini lights, the big bulb lights....I'll try anything once. The Christmas tree has colored and clear lights but my favy are the bubble lights! We had those on the tree when I was growing up and it was always so exciting to sit and watch the bubbles inside the lights.

4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Not so much, we never (that I remember anyway) had it as a kid.....never knew much about it.

5. When do you put your decorations up?
Usually the first week in December in part because I am so excited about the season and also if I don't do it then it may not get done!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
I have always liked a little bit of everything. I would have my plate full but with a tiny scoop of everything. I think my favorite was always my mother's mashed potatoes.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child:
I always loved going to Grandma Reinhard's house. For some reason I always called it Grandma Reinhard's house. Aunt Kay was always there, Grandpa was always there and usually Uncle Bill/Aunt Carol and/or Aunt Nancy/Uncle Tom were there as well, but it was always referred to as Grandma Reinhard's house. I loved it because of the smell of the house, I can't explain it, it just always smelled good. And there house was always clean. Now I'm not talking just comet clean or recently vacuumed clean. Their house had nice furniture, perfectly decorated tree, if you needed something, it was right where it should be. A place for everything and everthing in its place. There was no clutter and coming from a house with 6 very active kids and a two parents there was always clutter in our house! Never any really really nice things, they wouldn't stay nice for long with that many young ones around. Also, I loved going there because I got to sit with Grandpa. He was a "grinch" kinda guy to most people. Not many kind words to say to others but he was always nice to me. I'd get to sit next to him and just sit. We'd talk, or rather I'd ask annoying questions and he would answer, but I loved him (God rest his soul) and I know he loved me. **sniff, sniff** I didn't realize just how much I miss him until I get the chance to openly talk about him. Not many family members have the same memories as I do.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
When I was 7 years old. My brother was just about two years old and there were 5 of us kids around the house. I walked into my parents bedroom (which I had done several times, their room was never off limits) and sat on the bed. Just recently learning how to read I started reading the paper that was left on the bed. I was reading it aloud and I started at the top, by the time I got to Susan: tea cup set, doll baby...my mother turned around and grabbed the paper out of my hand and said something about if I breathed a word of this to younger brother that she would give all my presents to cousin Elizabeth (whose parents didn't have much for Christmas). I realized pretty quick that since what I got for Christmas was what was on the list that Santa must be mom & dad. Sad story come to think of it.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Usually the kids can't stand it anymore and want to open just one on Christmas eve. Otherwise we open them all Christmas morning.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
Colored and clear lights, tinsel and ornaments, lots and lots of ornaments!

11. Snow? Love it or dread it?
I LOVE IT! Although I can say that because the chances are pretty slim we'll ever have any in this neck of the woods. I do love it and miss in terribly but it gets old after February and it is not the really pretty snow, it is the snow that has been plowed and mixed with salt, yucky snow.

12. Can you ice skate?
Not so much, you prolly don't want to see me try either.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I remember as a child getting a Cabbage patch doll with a pink sweater outfit. It was my favorite!! As an adult, a gold watch my hubby got me. I had NO clue he was getting it for me, which is surprising because I usually find out these things.

14. What's the most exciting thing about the holidays for you?
Seeing my children drift off to sleep, we usually let them fall asleep in front of the tree Christmas eve. And of course seeing their faces when they open the gifts!!

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
not sure the name of them, mom makes them every year. They are chocolate cookies with white powdered sugar on the tops...Krinkles, maybe?

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Making Christmas cut out's with my kids. We usually make the cookies and ice them and of course eat several of them as well. Also, taking the girls to see Santa. Little sister has decided that the Santa at our mall is the real one; all the other santas must just be the helpers.

17. What tops your tree?
A litghted Angel

18. Which do you prefer - giving or receiving?
That sounds like a loaded question to me. I of course love giving (if I really want to get that someone something but if I have to get it b/c that is what is expected, not so much) but who doesn't get all excited when a gift is given to them?!

19. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Silent night, by Kenny G. I also like all the traditional ones too!

20. Candy canes?
yes but only now and then.

Birthday Meme!!

Birthday Meme

1) Go to Wikipedia.
2) In the search box, type your birth month and day but not the year.
3) List three events that happened on your birthday.
4) List two important birthdays and one death.
5) One holiday or observance (if any).

My birthday is March 27th.

Events:
1513 - (not 1512 as often cited) - Explorer Juan Ponce de León sights North America (specifically Florida) for the first time, mistaking it for another island.

1994 - One of the biggest tornado outbreaks in recent memory hits the Southeastern United States. One tornado slams into a church in Piedmont, Alabama during Palm Sunday services killing 20 and injuring 90


Births:
972 - King Robert I of France (d. 1031)

1969 - Mariah Carey, American singer

1988 - Brenda Song, American actress

Deaths:
1191 - Pope Clement III

2003 - Paul Zindel, American writer (b. 1936)

Holidays and observances:
Feast day of Rupert of Salzburg in the Roman Catholic Church

Interesting pieces of information, thanks Sarah for sending it to me.

I couldn't imagine myself anything but...

You Belong in Fall

Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times...You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall bringsWhether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

What Season Are You?

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Literate Good Citizen
Fad Reader
Book Snob
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Create Your Own Quiz

That I can't...

My mother's wedding is today. She has been waiting for a long time for this. Longer than just the time it took for the annulment to go come through. She has been longing for the companionship that she didn't get for many many years when still married to my father. She finally found the love and friendship she'd hoped for all her life.
When she got the news that the annulment came through I'm sure she was more than thrilled. I was thrilled for her. I wished I could have been there to give her a hug and share in the joy. But I couldn't. I live 922.83 miles away.
I chose to live here. I chose to move my family 922.83 miles away from the family that they loved. From the friends that they made. From the home that they had become familiar with. 922.83 miles away from SNOW! I miss the snow. I chose to move away, and I have to live with those choices. I want to come to the wedding, I want to share in the joy, I want to visit with my family who I miss terribly. But I can't. The timing couldn't be worse. We were just there visiting a couple months before the news of the annulment.
What most people don't understand is that we are not made of money. We moved here because of my husband's job. He did get a boost in pay as would anyone would to move that far and for the position. He did not however get an endless income. We have to save each year to come home. And some years past have gone up twice in one year. I don't mind so much that we do all the traveling. I don't mind so much that it is not convenient for anyone else to make the trip. I do understand that we all have our own lives and have to do what is best for our own families. We could have some very nice things, we could take some really nice trips. But we choose to use the money to go home.
Had we not been visiting just a couple months prior, I'd be at my mother's wedding now. I think of all the children, I want to be there most.
I'm not sad that I moved. I'm not sad that my mother is getting remarried. I am sad that as much as I want to, the fact is right now that I can't...

Thank you , God...

Thank you God for my beautiful family which includes my dear husband, my beautiful girls, and my two angels in Heaven.

My family who knew me first, my mother and her new husband. My dad who I don't get the chance to visit often but he is always on my prayer list). My Brothers and sisters and their spouses and children which I am especially thankful for. My siblings brought new friends to me (by way of spouses) who I may have never known otherwise.

My extended family, which my dear husband brought into my life, thank you God!

Of course Grandma-in-Florida for whom we are grateful to have in our lives.
For all out-of-state relatives, you have to really make the effort to keep in touch and I appreciate that more now than ever.

All my new friends, who I appreciate more now that I am away from my family.

And of course for the dog. This may sound strange but my dog is 11 years old and going strong. Those of you close enough to me know that my son died 11 years ago in November, therefore know how important a companion he is to me.

And to anyone and everyone who has touched my life in a way I most likely will never forget but may not post at this moment.

Thank you God for giving me life, I will do my best to make you proud!

I forgot!

I can't believe it. It is all she talked about for weeks. I even signed the permission slip. Then, I forgot. I was busily starting my day, washing dishes, vacuuming, and this morning I decided to give the dog a much needed bath. Although I don't think he'd admit it to anyone who can speak dog, I think he actually enjoyed it. I came back to the living room, started folding laundry and looked up at the clock.....when I saw the time 10:50 it hit me! Oldest daughters Parent Lunch at the school. I forgot. : ( They had to have it at 10:30 so that it wouldn't interrupt regular lunch schedules)

I normally don't forget these kinds of things, I am a stay at home mom (for the most part) so I really have no other plans that could get in the way of time with my kids, especially when invited by the school to have lunch with my kids. I just got caught up with chores. CHORES. Why did I get caught up with chores of all things?? I have vowed to never again be so obsessed with chores that I miss one of the kids events at school. I felt terrible!

When I realized what I had done I immediately went to the school hoping that maybe they were still eating. Meanwhile I got a phone call on my cell phone from one of the other moms asking where I was. They know I am the type of mom that always comes to these things. I told them I was on the way but they were just finishing. I had just enough time to hug my daughter and tell her how sorry I was that I missed it. She was ok with it, she was a little sad that I wasn't there but she said, "that's ok, mommy." I was more upset about the whole situation than she was. I told her I'd make it up to her, when actually there was nothing I could do. The other moms sat with her so that she wasn't alone but I SHOULD have been there.

That was the only thing I HAD to do today and I forgot.

Perpetual Adoration

The churches around here have started Perpetual Adoration. They have always had Eucharistic Adoration in the chapel on Sunday afternoons. I've wondered why they only reserved one hour, one day to this. I guess not everyone is doing it yet. I was pleased when I heard that three of the churches have gotten together for Perpetual Adoration. I was one of the first to sign up!! I didn't know just how much I would like it until I tried. Lucky for me they have mass afterwards and I attend Adoration then mass.......who knew!

The calm I get when I first walk in the room (if I can just get the danged digital lock to work and not have to interrupt someone else to open the door for me). I sit and pray, sometimes I talk to God, I know he is listening. I can just see the Angels looking down rejoicing that finally I took the hint and started doing more with my faith.

Everyone is so friendly, even when no words are spoken. There are about 6 of us in there (at least on Wednesday mornings) and I LOVE it. I feel like I get to talk to God, all by myself. As if we were sitting on the sofa of His living room, having coffee.....just hanging out.

Afterwards everyone says, "good morning, how are you today?" They all sound like they are genuinely interested in how you are. And after mass the chatter begins, the little ol' lady at the end talks to the lady putting the books away, the lector comes over and chats with her friends. Someone even came to me and said, "I've never seen you here before, welcome." We had a nice conversation. (The Perpetual Adoration is in the church down the road, not the one where my children attend school, otherwise everyone would know me!)

I am pleased to have "found" this hour and find myself wishing it were longer. Thank you God for opening this window of opportunity to me.

Have a great day!

The 11 year ache

Today is my son's 11th birthday in Heaven. He was born on this day 11 years ago and died one short breath later. A lot of you may know of this due to my dear friends' tribute, In Honor of Lucas at snoring scholar. It has been 11 years since I held my son, only after he had already gone to be with Jesus in Heaven. He was delivered by emergency c-section and only when I came to (they had to put the frantic mother under heavy anesthetic instead of just a local) did I get the chance to say goodbye. Maybe one day I'll have the courage to sit and write about my experience, one day when I have the time/energy to just let it all out.
I find that it is not only on his birthday that I get emotional but any day. It may be that I am picking up the kids from school and looking over at 5th grade and thinking I should be picking my son up from there. It may be that I am talking among friends dealing with boy problems that I should have similar experience. It may be that I am driving down the road minding my own business and hear a song on the radio and burst into tears. It's not just his birthday that I miss him, it is everyday.
I am not a basket case.....I have two beautiful girls that I am truly blessed to have. I also have another son in Heaven, for the same reasons. Dr's can't give a straight answer only that there were multiple problems. Some suggested a spinal disease, some a muscular one, still others listed things that I won't even try to pronounce! It just surfaces on his birthday, almost like I am allowed to grieve on this day.
It has been a good day, I did what I do everyday. I wake up, remind myself that this isn't a dream and realize what good God has brought into my life, including my two sons. I never understood why they say you should thank God, even for the "bad" things that happen in life. I still don't understand fully but I do thank God, for all things in my life, good and (what I think are) bad.
With God all things are possible.

The wizard....

I'm sure we've all seen the movie The Wizard of Oz, or at least heard of it. I was recently reading a book called, Finding Noel and in it was an analogy that was worth sharing.

"You know the part when Dorothy and her friends go to see the Wizard? This big, ominous head talks to them and they're all terrified. Then her dog..."
"Toto," I said.
"Right. Toto pulls back the curtain and there's a little man behind it pulling levers and throwing switches. And he says into his microphone, 'Ignore the man behind the curtain.' I think that being a parent is like being the man behind the curtain. We pretend that we know what we're doing--that we're omnipotent and all-knowing--when the truth is we're just back behind the curtain throwing levers and swithces, doing the best we can."


That sounds about right. Just as soon as I think I know what I am doing, I find out something new. We just have to do the best we can with what we have available at the time.

Lizards

Ok, I was born and raised in the North and the only lizards around are usually kept in cages. That is where they belong. That is where I can look at them and feel safe that they won't, oh I don't know, ATTACK me!!! Now, logically I know lizards won't attack, they want to be away from you more than you away from them. But now that I live in the south, I have become accustomed to having these creepy crawly's all around, that is until they make their way into my house!!
I came home from mass this morning to find my *scaredy* cat looking up at the picture window behind the television. Oh, he must want me to raise the blinds so that he can look out the window, I thought. So, I open the blinds and out jumps a lizard! I jumped and the cat went running. I should have let the cat take care of it had I known it was there. So, it's just me and the lizard.....I tried to explain to it I wanted it out of my house. He can climb all around the outside of my house, just not inside. Well, the lizard found it necessary to 'blend in' to everything it touched making it monumentally more difficult to find, let alone to get out the house.
I spent a good 45 minutes trying to catch the little booger in a trash can but to no luck. Finally I decided to let it go. I opened the window (the one without a screen) which is taking a big risk because the squirrels that run the fence line by the window might get in. Went about my business cleaning up after the crazy day yesterday. I went to pick up a pillow that fell onto the floor and there was the lizard, on the tv. I again jumped and this time the lizard froze in fear. If I didn't have such a problem with them I may have picked it up by its' tail and tossed it out the window but a couple years ago my (at the time) 4 year old picked one up and the tail fell off and the lizard went running, hopping actually.
So, it is me against the lizard. I can't get anything done, I only think of what if this lizard shows up while I am sleeping tonight or if it decides to jump in my dinner!!?? AARRGG!! I give up. I put the trash can by the television and went about my day, praying that the lizard might *want* to go in the trash can. Well, my plan worked only after about another hour though. I gingerly took the trash can outside and bid him farewell. Thank you God for lizards but thank you more for making them live outdoors, I don't know if I could ever live with one in my house.

What is a Layme?

Oldest daughter was having troubles getting to sleep so I checked on her *again* and she looked puzzled. I went through bedtime routine *again* and asked what was bothering her. She asked very simply, "Mom, what does layme mean?" I was trying hard to think of where she heard a word like that or maybe similar to that and maybe got the name of the word or context wrong. I asked her to tell me the word in a sentence and I'll try to help you. Her response:
"you know, Now I layme down to sleep."
Bless her heart, she's been saying that prayer most of her little life! I showed her the words of the prayer and she then understood. We have always said it, repeated it, rarely needing to look at the words.
A good lesson learned for me because how often do we repeat the words at mass, how often do we say the rosary and just say the words....I hope I always remember to KNOW the meaning as I am reciting the words. : )
Have a blessed Saints day!

There is hope!!

Along with my long list of things to do in my head, as I am walking around the house doing other things, is to change the toilet paper roll in the bathroom. I'll get to it, after I change the towels, get a bar of soap out of the closet, drag the hampers to the laundry room....it may take a while before I get to it but I will.
Well, oldest daughter (almost 9) was busy cleaning her room and went into the bathroom. I didn't pay much attention to this until after she left when I thought I had better change that toilet paper! She had already changed it!! She had gotten it out of the hall closet, took off the old cardboard, and refilled it......with the new piece flipped over the top (how does she know I like it that way?!)

There is hope for my daughters!!! The men may never learn how to accomplish this small task but I am confident that the ladies of the house will always have toilet paper ready!!!

Brand Name or Generic

I think we have all been faced with the decision at least once in our lives, should I save 10 cents and buy the generic or pay more for what is supposed to be better quality? I struggle with this every time I go to the grocery. I want to save money (who doesn't?) but is it going to taste the same as what I expect? Is the product not going to meet my expectations and sit on the shelf therefore I have actually saved nothing, I have wasted the product altogether.
Most products are similar enough if not the same however on the flip side I have bought a package of frozen vegetables, Green Giant I believe, and found a stem in it. I expect better quality than that if I am going to pay the extra money. If that had been the generic I would have thought well you get what you pay for.
And while I am on the subject, do I buy in bulk? I live in a small house, enough living space for me and my family but I don't have the storage space for 100 rolls of toilet paper! I try to only go to the grocery twice a month with the exception of that 'on the way home from work' run for milk. I would like to say that I have a menu planned and always know what is for dinner each night however I haven't been able to pull that off. It would be GREAT!! I love when I do remember to think about dinner in advance and come home from work to a warm crock pot full of spaghetti! Yum!
I don't mind going to the grocery (as long as I have a list....I've got to have the list) and I don't mind cooking dinner, it is trying to be creative and think of what to have for dinner that I am stuck on. My family is not too picky, they eat what I put out for them. Any suggestions? What do you do for your family? Are you the menu type? Do you just order out/in? I do hear the occasional complaint when I fix something with spinach....but that's another story. : )

The definition of COLD

I woke up this morning to 56 degrees and thought, maybe I should grab a sweater?! I went back later of course to get a jacket and one for the kids as well. It was COLD.
Now, when I was growing up it wasn't cold at 56 degrees.....that was a heat wave! And that was our morning temp!! Do you know what cold smells like? I ask some of my southern friends and they are clueless.....but those of us from the north know that smell when you walk out your door and it hits your nose the chilling cold.....snow fresh on the ground. I miss that. Sometimes I get in my car and turn on the a/c really high until I am cold and think of those times. It's not the same but as crazy as I am....it's fun. : )
I know that it will be in the 70's by late afternoon so I'm not too concerned but it is snowing in some places!!! I miss the snow, I miss the seasons, I miss my family and friends, however it makes the hurt less when there are so many things to do while still warm out in October!
We'll be going to the park this weekend, just as we did so many times over the summer, to feed the ducks, take a nature walk, or just sit by the water.
I hope wherever you are you take advantage of the weather there and have fun.....if it is snowing in your area.......throw some snowballs for me!! : )

The Fair Daze

There seems to be not much more fun than at the fair. In my days we had a school fair which consisted of a few booths and lots to eat, time together with friends and a chance for parents to socialize. The fair at my childrens school is not unlike the county fair. Rides, food, games, booths, and of course cotton candy! It truly seemed like a county fair but with mostly school friends. We were there the entire weekend and bless their hearts the kids rode EVERY ride (except of course the ones that spin you upside down--that mom won't let them ride) about 100 times.....thank goodness for those overly priced wrist bands they sell. Otherwise we would have broke the bank! And of course the kiddy land prizes that you can cash in your tickets for. I could very easily go to the dollar store and purchase most of the things and for the others spend less than $20 at Wal-Mart.
But nothing gives more joy to a mother than to see her child having fun. It is a chance to spend time together and relax, not worry about a thing. Lucky for us our children's friends have cool parents with whom we are friends with. Funny how that works out. I had a few friends growing up that I have stayed in touch with over the years but nothing like the friends I have now. We all have kids about the same age and similar interests. We range in jobs from firefighters, nurses, secretaries, business owners, managers, and stay at home moms/dads. We all have a good time, when there are drinks available, we drink....when there is music, we dance.....and when the kids want to play.....they have plenty of things to do and people to play with.
I feel truly blessed to have friends who aren't afraid to be themselves....it is no longer a competition (like in high school....thank God those years are past) I love them for who they are (faults and all) and they love us for who we are (faults and all)!

One lone duck

We were enjoying the afternoon at the park yesterday and of course the kids had to stop and feed the ducks. This duck was one that seemed to dance to the beat of a different drum. Either that or was in a hurry to join the rest of them in for a feast of bread!!!
I thought it was a nice picture and wanted to share. Nature pictures are my favorite; to get a snapshot of "life in motion" and some of the wondorous things we take for granted.

What is this?!

Is it a sea creature washed up from the water? Is it a dragon stuck in the dirt? Maybe an alien!?!? These are some of the questions my kids had of this strange finding in our back yard.

What do you think?! We called in the expert (daddy) and it was determined that through extensive obervation that it was in fact.......a mushroom!! Daddy mowed the lawn the other day and apparently knocked off its' top!! The red tip is the mushroom trying to repair itself. Interesting! You just never know what you might find in your own backyard. : )

Snail mail....what's that?

Little sister had a birthday recently and when asked what she would like for her birthday she thought for a moment and said, "just surprise me, mommy!". What a sweetheart! She was THRILLED when she came home from school and found two packages waiting for her!! It could have been just a box of shredded paper for all she cared.....the thought of someone taking the time to send something. But it was not just shredded paper.....they were books!!!!!! I have never known anyone to love to receive books than my children! They look at them as if they are holding a bar of gold!! The simple pleasures in life.
You probably experience something similar when you check your e-mail.....how nice it is to get an email from a friend that actually says something and not just a fwd. One step back is the mail....you know, snail mail.....that old fashioned way of communication?! And of course the telephone.....seems like sometimes we use our convenient cell phones only to talk with people we see everyday! And oh the days of dropping by and saying hi! Such a warm feeling when I get something in the mail.....someone cares. : )

Pray, mommy!

This morning 'little sister' comes in our bed and snuggles for a bit........after just a few minutes she crawls out of bed......walks to the my side of the bed and whispers, "Mommy, time to get up!" I of course let her know that just because she is up doesn't mean I have to be up!! : ) So, she tells me, "mommy, before you wake up make sure you say a prayer!!" Totally oblivious to the fact that I am already awake!!! But I thank her and go about my prayers.
So sweet!!

Fall is in the air

Living in the south has its benefits but it also has what I call its downfalls. Like for instance, Seasons. I truly miss seasons.....knowing it is fall because the leaves start to change color, waking up to frost on the ground, the smell of.....well I guess it is just the smell of fall.

I know it is fall only because the great big tree in the yard starts dropping its acorns and as I drive down the driveway I crunch them with my car. It was finally below 70 degrees last night....yes you heard correctly 70 degrees has been the low around here. High's are still in the upper 80's......I look forward to waking up in the morning only to open the back door and get the first glimpse of "cool" weather. Maybe it is the country life I miss.....hearing the rooster crow from a mile away, letting the dog out and not let him back in until an hour later when he is done "exploring" the entire farm. And yes I even miss, in the winter, having to go out and warm up the car before we can go anywhere. It is those little things that may seem like a hassle at the time but looking back those are the things I miss.

Around here the weather is so mild that the leaves don't change color.....let me rephrase....they go brown. They are green one day and brown the next, or so it seems. No beautiful oranges, reds, greens, and even sometimes purple. And I used to LOVE to rake leaves....they were so beautiful that I didn't mind the chore. Here, the leaves fall and a rake just don't cut it. You have to "blow" the ones on the driveway to the lawn and when you mow you "bag" them up. It really is a chore now.

I will say that winter months aren't half bad.....I had to scrape my window a couple times but only had to use the rubber side of the scraper. : ) Sitting on the back patio enjoying my hammock and listening to the world around me is quite nice around Thanksgiving! Much to be thankful for.

I guess if you have lived here your whole life you dont' know any different, but I am glad that I know and long for the days when I can go back. The sad part is I don't often get to visit at this wonderful time of the year because it is school time.

One day, maybe I'll have the chance to own a few acres and my children will have a chance to experience some of the things I did as a child. Until then I am thankful to have a roof (not blue anymore) over my head and a place to call home.

Church Etiquette

While in mass this morning I was a bit disturbed.....I was always told (mostly by Fr. Kevin) that mass is over when the final blessing is given and after the priest exits. Now, mass was a bit longer this morning with some extra blessings given and the priest was new (temp). I enjoy hearing how priests from other churches say mass.....it gives extra meaning sometimes to the (what seems like mundane ) mass.
After about 58 minutes the couple in front of me started getting restless and we had just finished the Our Father. They were whispering among each other and looking very bothered that the mass had gone over their limit of 1 hour to Jesus. I was especially bothered by their behavior during the Consecration. This is MY time to be with Jesus and I couldn't ignore this. Imagine how hurt Jesus was. Apparently they had better places to be?! Is that possible?!
They left immediately after Communion. How rude. Thanks for the gift but we really must be going!? We don't have any more time for you....we were just here for the free gift?

And to top it off a couple was leaving mass (at the appropriate time) and commented to me (to them a total stranger) how rude the woman behind them was. Her 2 yr old daughter was misbehaving durning mass and they were totally offended. What they didn't know is that the woman and child they were referring to was a good friend of mine. I told them that God was happy that child was here.....fussing and all!! They were surprised by that comment and said the mother should have left.
If you know me at all you know that I will avoid confrontation at ALL costs but this one I wanted to approach head on. I stepped up (really without even knowing what I was goin to say) and told her that maybe she should pray for that mother and her daughter and thank God she goes to church and brings her kids.....this is something a lot of parents would skip to avoid their child having a meltdown in the middle of mass. The man said oh, we do.....Please, God make her move.......! Huh?! That is not what I meant. Maybe we need to pray for that couple as well so that maybe they will realize that mass is for everyone.....not just the well behaved.
To top it all off the mass we attended was the "children's mass"! Led by the children and for the children. God, I pray that you give that couple strength to know that God loves them and the misbehaving child.....all the same!

God bless, have a great day!

I like these mimi's, it makes me sit down and think of who I am and who I want to be. Thanks.
I have no one to tag with these.....I just randomly write my thoughts and hope that God knows what is in my heart. ; )

3 Things That Scare Me
The untimely death of my children/husband/self

That someone might find out just how not "with it" I am
<>

of not doing the right thing or not know what to do at all

3 People That Make Me Laugh
My daughters' laughs...not just a giggle but the honest to goodness belly laugh

Our pastor Fr. Bob.....he always has a way of maing you chuckle

Me.....hey, if you can't laugh at yourself??!!?!?


3 Things I Hate
when I am talking on the phone and the person on the other end is obviously not listening

child abuse, animal cruelty

the idea of mostest.....those who can't be happy for you....when you "brag" about something they always have to do one better (or worse)......I don't hate the people I just hate the idea

3 Things I Don’t Understand
why it is only when you have given up all hope of finding something.....buy another.....and ultimately find the original.

why my life has turned out the way it did.....nothing like I planned....everything I had hoped for

unconditional love of siblings........all that I put them through as a child and as a young and foolish adult. They are not like your parents and have to love you...


3 Things On My Floor
several totes of pictures....ready for a moments notice evacuation......hey it is hurricane season...

chutes and ladders game my kids are playing with

the girls' tent.....which they are in....playing the game.......

3 Things I’m Doing Right Now

finally taking the time to do something I want....computer time!!

listening to some amazing country songs...inspirational really

laundry.....when am I not!?!


3 Things I Want to Do Someday
Visit with my husband his birthplace.....Hawaii

live long enough to enjoy my great (great, great God willing) grandchildren

have all my photos in albums.....


3 Things I Can Do
organize

listen to music for hours on end

make friends....not easliy but have found in recent months that I CAN.

3 Ways to Describe My Personality

Giving......deep strenghts <>......determined

3 Things I Cannot Do
make homemade chocolate chip cookies without 'testing' the dough

keep my car clean for more than a week

not cry at sad songs....or even some happy ones.......

3 Things I Think You Should Listen To

Christmas music in July...you should really try it....

your children....not just hear them....listen to them...

classical music

3 Things I Think You Should Never Listen To

The devil and anything that makes you doubt God

anything with too much foul language....can't be that great

when people put you down, or try to make you doubt yourself

3 Absolute Favorite Foods
my mom's chocolate chip cookies

stromboli

milk....is that a food??


3 Things I’d Like to Learn More about
how to play the piano or guitar

shade gardens...ok who am I kidding.....all flower gardens

the Catholic faith



3 Beverages I Drink Regularly
Iced tea
water
milk


3 Shows I Watch
Grey's Anatomy

Arthur -- those of you with young children will know this

Fox news


3 Bloggers I Tag:
I wish I had someone to tag......: (

My first tag.......WHoohoo!! Thanks Sarah.

Go here, to the random quotes generator, and look through the random quotes until you find FIVE that you think:(a) reflect who you are
and/or(b) what you believe.
I'm still learning the ins and outs of this blogging business so I'll start by listing my quotes....


Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers.
Charles W. Eliot, The Happy Life, 1896US educator (1834 - 1926)


Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.
John Lennon, "Beautiful Boy"English singer & songwriter (1940 - 1980)

Our children change us... whether they live or not.
Lois McMaster Bujold,

GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.
LAUGHING AT YOURSELF IS THERAPEUTIC.

Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. -Dale Carnegie

Wow, I thought at first how am I going to come with 5 but now I am thinking gee.....only 5!!

Y'all have a wonderful day!!!

Time is just like a thief, it's stolen so much from us.....this is a quote from a famous country song. I heard this the other day and it really hit home. Time just seems to fly by while I am doing my everyday things and I rarely give a second thought to my daily chores. I am in and out of the car with my errands to the post office, bank, grocery and the thing is I MAKE time for these things. Why don't I MAKE time for God? I say my prayers when I think of it or when I am in a near accident and think PLEASE GOD HELP ME. As often as I do the little things I should do more for God. I am loving this reatreat and am hopeful that my attitiude will change toward when I have time. Jesus didn't think twice when he gave his life for us, I think I owe it to him to do more for him. The girls' school moto is All For Jesus, I like that. They teach that everything they do should be for Jesus. Think twice about how you act or rather re-act to a situation.....what would Jesus do.....what would Jesus want you to do?

: ) Life is good.....God is good.
Thank you Jesus for all the gifts in my life.

As I log on and get all excited to check this morning's blog's I am interrupted with, "mom, she's making faces at me!" and other annoying yet somewhat humorous (only b/c I remember doing things like this to my sister) chatter coming from the bedroom. I have to chuckle as the both come running to my side with each of their own unique explanation as to why they are fighting...again! Keep in mind it was 6:30am when all of this started. Thank you God for the teachers at the girls' school......give them guidance and paitence.

My next attempt is closer to lunch time after having finished several loads of the endless laundry that somehow piles up through the week. Again interrupted but this time by my husband who calls to ask me to a "lunch date". How can I turn this down?! I so enjoy our lunch dates, I feel like we are dating again but this time I have no pressure or stress related with dating.....just a nice lunch....how is your day....loveyoubye sort of date.

I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the demands put upon me by myself, family, and society in general. I feel like I need to "do the right thing" by staying at home with my kids and on the other hand I have become greedy and feel the need to work outside of the home to better provide for my children (and myself and husband of course). Not that my kids are even home anymore, they are both in school all day now. I work the aftercare program so I am with them for a few hours and make a few dollars too. Sometimes just doesn't seem like enough.

I see other families who look like they are doing well and come to find out they are in the midst of a separation or financial dispair....maybe they just play the part of "happy family" better than others. I want to BE the happy family.....not just play the part. Any suggestions from other moms struggling with the same is most appreciated.

So much to write and so much else I need to be doing. Have a wonderful day and remember.....only you can prevent forest fires!!!! : ) You gotta love Smokey the Bear!!

Ahh, the first day of school. I tried hard to remember back that far but never was there a time I felt so comfortable and confident than it seems my children are. My oldest daughter is in third grade and little sister is next and in first grade. I am glad that they didn't carry on as if they were attached to their mother at the hip......you laugh....there are some like that. My girls have always showed enthusiasm and at the same time a bit of nervousness. They are so eager to learn and jump at the chance to make new friends.
Those things that bring back memories for me are the smell of 'never been used' crayons. That is something I think we can all relate to. And having a new backpack/lunchbox, although now-a-days they are called lunch kits/lunch sacks. My daughters correct me every time I ask about their lunchboxes. They are not boxes, they are similar to a book bag but with extra reinforcements so as to not smoosh the sammich!! I am surprised any of us made it through school what with the metal lunchboxes with sharp edges, and scissors...sharp ones not the blunt tip, and the lack of a cellphone. I am amazed at the amount of 3rd graders who have cell phones. Where are on earth are these kids going/doing that they need a cellphone!! I had to beg for days to be able to use the phone at home.....you know....the one with the cord....attached tot he wall so that everyone in the room could hear the conversation. Good thing we didn't have anything earth-shattering to report or else the entire family would hear about it!
I sure miss "the good ole days" however am glad to have the opportunity to raise my daughters and I think with a strong backbone and some common sense; in addition to the education they receive at home and in school my children will turn out to be just fine. ; )

We think of all we have accomplished and what we did or did not get done in a day.....instead just think of how many peoples lives you touched today without even knowing.