Mom Me ! is Back in School

I always knew it would happen, however, the circumstances I could not predict. So here I am with assignments and readings and in subjects that I do not care about. I must first secure my Arizona certification which requires 15 hours of AZ Constitution and 15 hours of US Constitution followed by 45 hours of SEI classes.....to remain in the Gifted Ed program, I must complete 90 hours of Gifted Ed courses and I am hoping to start a 62 credit doctorate in Ed Leadership in May.

This leaves little time for anything else.
So....when you all ask what is new?......nothing. I teach, read study and move ahead to support my beautiful family.
At least I can do some of this sitting by the pool! (With my kids who are doing the same!)
Who would've thunk!?!

A Letter to my Body........

Dear Body,
Your once svelt young frame is now middle aged; middle aged and fretted with issues. Never mind that your abdomen still looks like you've just recently given birth to your wonderful five year old. (I still refer to him as "the baby" because somehow, that makes me feel better about the handful of extra skin that was stretched a few times too many to ever return to it's original size. Think of a balloon that has been blown up and deflated over and over again!) Apparently, internal organs too herniate and eventually need to be surgically returned to their original location. Now, let's add, the dry skin, tongue and bloating that occur when one is kept on high doses of thyroid medication and the fact that this necessity also increases the risk of osteoporosis dramatically. (Calcium supplements and lattes help.) Oh, and the forty year old eyes - not that mine were ever great to begin with, but yes, they too go with age. The only perk here is that I am nearsighted, so there is a chance that my eyes will actually improve with age. Rumor has it that by the time I am eighty, I may not even need glasses at all!!)

Still, I've grown to love you, Body. You see, at forty-one, I'm not trying to impress anyone. I can accept the fact that I did, in fact, give birth to four beautiful children and that is a miraculous feat in itself. I can also take pride in the fact that I get out of bed each morning before the sun is up and perform household duties with ease. I CAN still touch my toes - and even see them! (Better now as I have those forty-something eyes) Body, you've given me the strength to move two houses with the kids in tow and you have also traded in your pasta addiction for a salad craving with the warm weather. You've graciously changed my taste buds so that I no longer desire sweets, but rather protein as a snack or dessert. And while I may not be the prettiest Barbie Doll in a bathing suit, I do alright for myself.

Thank you, Body, for taking me this far. I know it hasn't been easy!!! (And sometimes, you politely let me know with a pull or twinge or all out back ache that give permission to rest.) You've taught me to accept who I am and worry less about things I can't control. (like gravity) You've undeniably stood by me and reminded me of when I go wrong. Body, you have been both friend and enemy, but you have always been true.

And while I don't have a date for the "Pinnacle Peak Prom," I am sure that if I looked for one, I would.
So, I miss the $50 a head prom and the silent auction and I'lll stay home with you - and my four reasons for being there. Quite frankly, I'm alright with that. (but not with explaining to my kids that I DON'T have a date for the PROM!)

Not too bad for 41!

The Mother's "Office"

It amazes me how my kids "need" me so much at the least opportune times - namely when I am in the bathroom. They could be deeply engrossed in a game, a television show or homework; as soon as I leave the main family area to answer a call from nature, I am instantly the most popular person in the house.
"Mommy, can you edit my homework??!?" as the paper slides beneath the door to be followed by my marking pen strategically tossed to that it hits my foot and I don't miss it. (Can I wipe first and wash my hands, if only out of respect for your teacher - whom I happen to eat lunch with in the teacher's room everyday?!)
"Mommy, can I have some milk?" How often do I serve beverages from this location, I must ask?!?!?!?! (Nevermind that they are all capable of pouring their own milk.)
"Mommy, do you want to hear what happened in school today?!" Yes, I asked four other times and was told I would hear later when something better wasn't going on. Apparently, when I am on the toilet, it is "later."
Or my favorite, the love notes and pictures that slide beneath the door just to let me know I am loved in my absence, kinda like a little postcard sent that says, "Having a great time. Wish you were here!" How I am tempted to send that very postcard back under the little slot beneath the door.
Even if I boldly announce where I am going and excuse myself from the room - sometimes even elaborating on exactly WHAT I am going to do when I am there, I am inevitably needed.

I am reminded of a day long ago when Puddin' was about two and a half and dad had returned from work to retire to his "office" for a few moments of peace before the onslaught of parenthood hit. She strategically placed her head on the floor next to the little crack in the door and happily announced, "Daddy, I see your shoes!"

I guess some things never change!

By 4:00, we were just about done with Easter '08

All by 10 a.m. Happy Easter!

Holidays PISS me off.....

I see it on the faces of my kids and I hear it in their voices when they talk on the phone, Holidays simply shouldn't be like this. We planned the menu and decorated for the festivities, all of the elements are there except one - and from that one, not even a card. Tonight was particularly hard for I have little explanation for the detachment and, what little explanation I DO have lasts until the next phone call.
Boy, am I glad I'm ME!
Our plan tomorrow is a simple one - a barbecue by the pool, 4 big canvases and a set of acrylics, Easter baskets, of course, and a calm, pleasant ending to a wonderful vacation. It's a perfect Easter Sunday - no pressure, no fanfare, no traffic, no worries - a bathing suit a hose and a grill. Could anything sound better?!?!
I was so grateful with the smiles that enveloped my kids faces at bedtime for I wasn't sure if I would see them.
We're gonna be okay!
(P.S. At the request of my kids, we spend holidays at home, like in the old days. They wanted their table back!)

When Jesus said, "Turn the Other Cheek....."

he didn't mean for it to be slapped as well!!!!!!!!
Happy Easter!

Letter By a Florida Teacher.....

A teacher speaks:

This is a subject close to my heart. Do you know that we have adult students at the school where I teach who are not US citizens and who get the PELL grant, which is a federal grant (no pay back required) plus other federal grants to go to school?

One student from the Dominican Republic told me that she didn't want me to find a job for her after she finished my program, because she was getting housing from our housing department and she was getting PELL grant which paid for her total tuition and books, plus money left over.

She was looking into WAIT which gives students a CREDIT CARD for gas to come to school, and into CARIBE which is a special program (check it out - I did) for immigrants and it pays for child care and all sorts of needs while they go to school or training. The one student I just mentioned told me she was
not going to be a U.S. citizen because she plans to return to the Dominican Republic someday and that she "loves HER country."

I asked her if she felt guilty taking what the U.S. is giving her and then not even bothering to become a citizen and she told me that it doesn't bother her, because that is what the money is there for!

I asked the CARIBE administration about their program and if you ARE a U.S. citizen, you don't qualify for their program. And all the while, I am working a full day, my son-in-law works more than 60 hours a week, and everyone in my family works and pays for our education.

Something is wrong here. I am sorry but after hearing they want to sing the National Anthem in Spanish - enough is enough.

Never did they sing it in Italian, Polish, Irish (Celtic), German or any other language because of immigration. It was written by Francis Scott Key and should be sung word for word the way it was written. The news broadcasts even gave the translation -- not even close. Sorry if this offends anyone
but this is MY COUNTRY!

IF IT IS YOUR COUNTRY SPEAK UP -- please pass this along.

I am not against immigration -- just come through like everyone else. Get a sponsor; have a place to lay your head; have a job; pay your taxes, live by the rules AND LEARN THE LANGUAGE as all other immigrants have in the past -- and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Everyone Has an Opinion.....

Friends and family are wonderful. I appreciate the idle chatter, the laughs, the loving advice, guidance and never ending comfort in knowing they are there. What I do find amazing are those that realize that you are not always seeing a solution or an opinion.....sometimes you just want someone to LISTEN.
Let's face it, everyone sees the world differently and our experiences in life shape our opinions on just about everything. What one person sees as foolish, another praises you for. What is one person's idea of a good time, is different for the others. And, when it comes to raising children, style, choice of recreation and ideas of quality time, well, you will rarely find more than two people that agree. It is these differences that make the world interesting and it is these differences that round out the experience of life.

I appreciate each and everyone of the people that touch my life; those who keep a pristine home, those who don't, those who choose television over a good book, those who don't, those who relish their social lives, those who don't, those who love fast food as much as I do, those who would never touch the stuff and those who simply LISTEN!

Is it just me or.......

.....does everyone have that sacred spot in their home where they throw everything when the doorbell rings?!?!

With four kids, I often find myself cleaning up only to turn around to see that the hurricane called childhood is right behind me undoing the hard work I was so proud of moments before. Laundry is folded, and sometimes put away only to realize that there is more waiting. Dishes are washed and placed lovingly in the cabinets only to turn and face a pile in the sink that was empty moments before.

I've dubbed this phenomenon "Controlled Chaos." It's a state I've learned to live in with humor.

I remember the days when I would mop the kitchen floor and it would actually stay clean - or, better yet, get down on my hands and knees and scrub it. There was a time when my dining room table was set with beautiful silver and antique plates as an accessory to my decor. Once, I worked diligently throughout the week to have every item in it's place so that the weekends were mine to enjoy. My college roommate will remember the days when I would actually clean the apartment in the buff (when she wasn't home!) so that I could proudly boast that EVERY PIECE OF CLOTHING WAS CLEAN at the same time.

Confession: I gave the Christmas tree away this year because my 6 year old informed me that it was February and it was still in our living room - undecorated, mind you, but standing. I love paper plates because they go directly in the garbage after use. The laundry is clean, but getting it put away is a weekly chore that haunts me. I would rather read a book in my "free time" than scrub a floor, clean a toilet or vacuum. I love to cook, but hate the clean up and my grill is my best friend. A board game or a deck of cards can pretty much happily distract me and I am an absolute expert at procrastination! I don't go out much so I CAN get to it later, right?!

.....and the more blogs I read and the more mom's I speak to, the more I realize that I am NORMAL!!!!!! What a revelation!!!!!

Yeah!!! THE RAT DIED!!!!!!

....oops, was that my out loud voice?!?!?!?

CUTE cousin Scott vs, the Oakland A's: A Day with Cousins Long Overdue!!!! -Took these pix for you, Uncle Lou!

Thank you Marsh, Joyce and Scott. We Loved seeing you all....and your wonderful cousins!!!!
And thank you for the balls and the cards. We shall build our shrine!!!!!! Ode to Scott!!!! :)

Life is Sometimes....Awesome!!!!!!!!

We're on VACATION!!!!! Today, vacation meant a trip to Home Depot to get the long overdue thingamagig that changes light bulbs too high to reach. Much to my grand surprise, the darn thing worked!!!!!! We are no longer in the dim light of half working filiment. Cool. What a worthwhile invention.


Chapter two, I deposited money in the bank and found that I actually HAD SOME!!!! Good news as we are all home this week!

Chapter three: I called my cousin who lives part time in AZ. His son is pitching in Phoenix tomorrow against the Oakland A's so, with rain in the forecast, at least we are meeting up at noon at the Will Call window. So cool!!!! Just a piece of family and a hug and laughter means so much! Marsh was always Dad's favorite.

Add to the picture that my daughter asked for the laundry detergent today because she was "throwing in a load" and we all had fun taking in a movie with popcorn...Life CAN be Beautiful!!!!!

P.S.
By the way... HATE the court thing but am oh so happy they preside!!!!!! Sometimes what is right DOES prevail!

I've Been Tagged! Rip Van Winkle Mom....YEAR 2028. My, How Time Flies!

Samantha is 31 and happily married to David - a political science graduate from Northern Pacific completing his MBA at Harvard. I am the proud grandmother of 5 month old John who is quite brilliant. After completing her undergrad at ASU, she headed off to Cornell for veterinary medicine and her practice is thriving. Happily she took on two associates which affords her the time now to parent my adorable grandchild!- whom I eat up and GIVE BACK!!!! It is truly wonderful! They all live outside Cambridge and I have happily relocated to New Hampshire - the log cabin I dreamed of in retirement when I was young. I'm close to the kids and enjoying the rural countryside just a short drive from Boston proper.

Caroline, at 28, is still in grad school. She found herself, lost herself, and found herself again and is now studying culinary arts at Johnson and Whales in Providence, Rhode Island. She always did love to cook. She juggles her boyfriends and her studies just the same and keeps me up at night with phone calls and wonderings. At 28, she wants it all done yesterday and her latest flame seems to be patient and understanding. They've been together for almost a year and seem happy. I'm so proud of the person she has become and the drive to achieve. She has finally found her passion!

At 26, Paige is finishing her masters in education. She has always loved school and is a born teacher. Paige loves children and is a natural in the classroom. As a master teacher myself, I am enamored by her talent. Perhaps her struggles as a student gave her greater understanding and patience for those young minds. She is persuing her masters degree in Special Education at Columbia with hoped of opening a Charter School for learning disabled youth, focused on the classics and the arts. She just moved out with her grad school friends and is happily on her own in Manhatan. Oh my......my puddin' let loose in NYC!

Matthew is 24. He recently completed a 5 year undergrad/masters at USC in Biology and Engingeering. He just finished a year abroad traveling and is looking forward to a trek to South America to build homes for those less fortunate.. My world traveler hopes to attend med school in the future and has a cute little friend named Maddy. He's still his Mama's boy, though and calls often - as do they all.

Mom, now 61 is running a neuropsych practice and en route to soon retirement. Loving my grandson and looking forward to more, I am blessed with a close knit family who keep me in the loop more than I care to be. We all get together when we can and talk often and I am happy to say, I HAVE NO MORE TEENAGERS!!!! I no longer dye the gray hair and still love reading and writing. My novel is almost done!!!!! I can't believe we made it this far!!!!!

From my friend, Mindy!

I'm Invisible

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not; no one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. The invisible Mom.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going, she's going, she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a hair clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic ic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatnes s of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made grea t sacrifices and exp ected no credit. The passion of the ir building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifi ce to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving , 'My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the b eauty that has been added to the w orld by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Great Job, MOM!

When it's 80 degrees and Sunny...Does Anything Beat a BBQ?!

Let's just say, that after yesterday's pool fiasco, we stuck close to home today. Maybe, just maybe, they will forget our faces and we can enter the public eye again!
As my gas grill poorly survived the moves, we happily own an old fashioned charcoal number- the Weber Kettle that I look forward to when heading home to Maria's where the BBQ's are always the BEST IN TOWN! Quite honestly, the food IS better and, while the clean-up is not, the price was right too. ....And, I have learned to light charcoal again! (Not to mention that my daughter was extremely impressed that I could assemble a grill AND cook on it all by myself!)
The smell alone takes me back to childhood, girlscouts, beach parties and tailgate parties. I am instantly happy. Not so for my kids who don't have those wholesome early experiences, but soon, they too will. They were a bit put off, at first, by the smell of burning coal. Ah, to be young!
Delicious hamburgers, chicken sausage, baked beans, a steak for later in the week and char-grilled veggies - - corn, eggplant and portobella mushrooms, a Ceasar salad and yes, blogging world, they DID EAT THEM!!!! Even the most finicky were thrilled with the adventure.
Add a cool hose and puppy shampoo, a spruced up backyard and a burger for the pups......
......what a great way to spend a Sunday!
(and no accidents!!!!!)
Enjoy your week!

Blogging thought.....

We all turn off everyone else's music. Listen at HOME!

Sunday Funday

and.. east coast friends.....it's THREE hours now!!!!!!
23

Okay.....Ummmmm.......

So. we went to the pool today. Finally, we arrived after 2:30....puppies, laundry (again) schoolwork...see the blog for morning details. Finally, I met the sun. The kids were swimming, I correcting papers and reading the 5th grade class novel.... a beautiful day.
Until........
Oops....an unexpected accident. And what a mess it was!!!!
Down the leg and trekking through the swim club.
Into the showers...Mom mopping the trail behind...
Oh, so embarrassed!!!!!!
Poor pooch was just as embarrassed - more, I think.
Bless those showers and mom's ready change of clothes,,,,,
So we went

for dinner and played Truth or Dare.
We laughed and forgot all about the poop disaster.
Mom was made a public fool. (0h, how fun is that!)
And we all realized that S___ does happen!!

By 8:00 this morning we.....

did the dishes.....folded the laundry (we're almost caught up!).....became Cinderella......made an omlette (which, of course, was too slimy to eat).....found and tried on Grandma's wedding dress....finished a science project......decided on Belle.....tortured the dog......finished a reading project and pleadingly asked mom,
"ARE WE GOING TO DO ANYTHING TODAY????????"

I am 71% Addicted to Coffee

Calling All Creative Minds......

I was lucky enough to grow up with a mother that archived everything. When I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING: every card she ever received, every letter, every picture, every ticket, trinket and memory. She carefully and lovingly placed these items into scrapbooks long before scrapbooking was all the rage.

Mom has been gone for 27 years and my kids just found boxes of these heirlooms in my garage. I'm not sure where many of the things came from or their significance nor do I recognize many of the people in the photos. I have no living family to ask. To throw these efforts away seems wrong so I putting out a call for help.

Any creative ideas out there?
Please add your link and ideas below.
Thanks in advance for your help!

Thought

When a man's knowledge is deep, he speaks well of an enemy. Instead of seeking revenge, he extends unexpected generosity. He turns insult into humor, ... and astonishes his adversary who finds no reason not to trust him.
Baltasar Gracian

Projects, projects..........projects!

3 out of four have major projects due this week. Reports, posters, 3D replicas.....I have more wood, nails research and paint than I ever dreamed surrounding my home. We've hammered, spray painted, googled, painted, read, performed, re researched, repainted, hit Michael's 2X, ............end the list PLEASE!!!!! Ann Frank, Dr. Seuss, the layers of the earth, stars.............
Oh my, I AM smarter than a 5th grader!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Dear Cousin, Ilene

A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."

Ummmmmm

When you are forced into places you never thought you'd see and things you never wished to know......
I'm terribly sad tonight.
For my kids,,,,
For myself,,,,,
Mostly, for him.

Dr. Suess

Love this man. Every March, he stretches me to be an even better reading teacher than the year before. Today was just that day. The wonderful world of OOBLECK!!!!!! I presented this wonderful recipe to my kids today. Is it a solid? A liquid? What is it?!?!
For all you parents out there -the recipe is cheap and easy - a box of corn starch to a cup and a half of water. Add food coloring for interest. Easy clean up and oh so fun.
Bartholmew and the Oobleck is the story to accompany the journey. For older kids - a science investigation - for younger a tactile reality. I passed it around all day and kept a little for myself because it is so FUN!.
I love The Dr.

Community Service

Every quarter, the middle school requires the students to perform 6 hours of community service. t\The beauiful thing is that my dear, loved students call and ask if they can offer it to me. I asked one tonight what one would like to do. "Babysit," was the reply. Oh my....6 hours of free babysitting - and I still have three calls left to return!!!!!!! Life can be beautiful!!!!!!

It's the little things that seem so big,,,,,

Okay, for some of you this may not be a big deal. Since moving into our rental home, I have been diligently navigating one appliance breakdown after another - and almost one nervous breakdown to accompany each appliance malfunction and cost for repair. My clothes dryer has been a particular challenge. Perhaps it is a fault with the dryer itself, but more than likely, it is a willful boycott of the many loads of laundry it is forced to tumble. Once again this week, I found myself with the laundry mountain growing and the temptation was there to throw it all away and start anew to avoid the massive duties awaiting the appliance repair.
And then there was that "ah ha" moment. In my garage was a brand new Maytag Neptune set; the only two things I took with me when forced from my dream home following my oh so terrible divorce. They were there awaiting the glorious day I would again own my own home. My high capacity, energy efficient washer and dryer were too important to leave behind and something I waited for during the entire tenure of my marriage as we had a rule that appliances had to be completely malfunctioning to be worthy of replacement. I cooked on a cook top that only had one burner that worked, washed dishes in a dishwasher that left film on the plates and dealt with less than adequate laundering until each and every one of those items became completely disabled.
Once this revelation took hold, I was almost giddy with excitement. I called a moving company and they graciously fit us in within two hours. My excitement was contagious!

So contagious, in fact, that my two oldest daughters (ages 11 and 9) decided that they wanted laundry lessons and the responsibility of taking care of their own clothes. Ummmmm.....really?!?!?!

To say this was one of the best days I've had in a long time is not an exaggeration!!!! It really is the "little things!"

Difference

The main difference between my kids and me is that they have trouble putting aside their daydreams and wonderings long enough to do what needs to be done, whereas I have trouble putting aside what needs to be done long enough to daydream and wonder. It occurs to me, though, that sometimes the daydreaming and wondering is what needs to be done.

I suspect the key to finding more time to enjoy my children is the same as the key to living frugally. It's not in making one big change, but lots of small ones. It's walking outside to look at their garden, in between starting dinner and starting laundry. It's playing a quick game of Quarto instead of giving my e-mail a quick check. It's getting one of my kids to help me with a task instead of sending them to play while I do it. Mostly, I think, it's pulling mind away from the week before me and forcing my attention on the person before me.

I spend more time than I'm willing to admit wishing various things were different, that I could be less busy than I am. But just as saving pennies takes care of the dollars, perhaps saving those small moments will take care of the big picture.

At least it would make a difference.