Jan 1, 2015
2015...the year of the "Strong Mother"
I'm not going to apologize or rehash the past two years...I'm just going to begin again. I'm looking at a clean white page in front of me. There is nothing more refreshing than a clean white page to write on don't you think? That is probably why I have about 54 journals where I write on the first page and then stop. I digress...
It is January 1, 2015. I like the number 2015 because it seems strong. I have always made numbers into characters - that is how I learned my multiplication tables; I gave them feelings. (3 is a feisty fellow and always causes trouble; 5 is a mom; 1 is a baby; 8 is a great uncle who likes to have fun wherever he goes; 9 is a grumpy grandfather who causes tension) I know I'm a little unstable. I suppose that is why I always failed my times table tests that were being timed by the clock..."I'm sorry Mrs. Lisa but I had to tell the story of how 3 and 5 met to figure out the answer."
Where was I? Oh, 2015 is a strong number - it has a 5. The year of the mother but it is 15 which makes her stronger - the year of the grown up mother. That would be me maybe. This is getting deep.
I just turned 39. 2 of my least favorite numbers 3 and 9. Don't roll your eyes! I'm not sad about turning 40...my whole life I have wanted to be older. I have an older sister. I always seem to have older friends (you know how older women like to make fun of their 'younger' aged friends...) So, I always wanted to be 13, 16, 21, finally 30...well now it's 40. I'm not saying I WANT to be 40 just that I'm ready for it. I'm ready to say to the world, "I have the emotional scars, the wrinkle lines, the gray hairs that won't accept Loreal 9 Light Natural Blonde." But this post isn't about me having one last year as a 30 year old.
My children are respectfully 13, 11, and 6. 6 is the only good solid number in the bunch. To say the past year has been a little crazy would be an understatement. (starting a second job, having my middle child's teeth knocked out, having my husband go through a stroke and lose partial eye sight, renovating a foreclosed house that no one else wanted but I knew would be my forever dream home) I'm pumped that it's a new "white page" to not 'start over' but rather 'begin a new chapter.'
In a nutshell having kids these ages means you have a lot of emotions running wild in your house. 13? He knows everything. I mean EVERYTHING. And the funny thing is even when he thinks there is a possibility that he might be wrong he is still the most confident person I know and will GO DOWN still believing he is right and everyone around him is a complete moron. An 11 year old??? Well, let's just say there is crying one minute, stare downs the next (he should really go into politics)and then every now and then a quick hug or a thought is released to give you a glimpse of what his vast mind is thinking. Can you tell I still haven't figured this child out? And then there is a 6 year old...girl...not much has changed since she was 4, honestly. Still a show stopper, center of attention, constant talker, obsessed over having a boyfriend one day when I breakdown and let her date her fellow kindergarten classmates (never), and still a little streakier. My conversations with Sister Girl when boys come to the house (which is a lot) "You are not allowed to run around in front of them naked!" She can make you crack up but usually because she has just said some absolute ridiculous off colored, inappropriate statement. That would be Sister Girl. She's a Wild One.
(I have to add though...Sister Girl is in Kindergarten now and in true Callender fashion she has followed suite and somehow tricked her teacher into believing that she is a perfect little angel who never talks, never falls below the third ring of the rainbow, and would never, never step OVER the imaginary line you have drawn in the sand!) MY CHILDREN AMAZE ME...THEY MUST BE MAGICIANS!
Why after two years am I sitting in front of a white page filling it up with little black letters? I have spent the past two years trying to figure out who Sarah Weeks Callender is again. The Sarah I was before a baby on my hip, a diaper bag on my shoulder, play dates filling my calendar, and hoards of girlfriends to talk on the phone with all day because we were all at home during nap time cleaning our house or catching a breath while our preschoolers watched the latest cartoon.
Now I am working mom. Professional mom. I drive my three kids to school either in my business casual outfit for the day or on the rare occasion I can get my life together I have my yoga pants on to go work out. I have breakfast in the van with my cup of coffee to go because I never have time to enjoy either before running out the door and yelling at the kids to hurry up and don't forget your backpacks! I drop my 7th grader off at the door and try not to embarrass him, while threatening two younger children to not roll down their windows and yell out the van at their big brother who is already turning scarlet because his peers are actually seeing that he has a family...because none of them do you know...they all live alone and are secretly grown up and drive to school and make money on the side of being in middle school.
I park my van in the front of the elementary school because that is what the parents who really care about their kids do...I actually walk (or follow) my 5th grader in and yell at him as he runs away from me that I love him and hope he has a wonderful day! I try to hold my fashion-esta kindergartener's hand as she asks me if she looks ok and scans the parking lot for paparazzi to jump out and take her picture while she imagines the sidewalk is her red carpet to the school. "Oh stop, stop mom...there is Cindy Lou Who...HELLO Cindy Lou Who...oh, oh, wait mom, there is Marco Pollo, let's walk with him....oh, mom....hurry there is Sandy...I want to walk in with her...." MERCY! My heart has beat a thousand times before we make it up the steps and I manage to tell her goodbye and send her on her way to begin her social career at school for the day.
And then it's just me....I turn around and walk back to my van and it's just me. I have no kids hanging on me. I have no one crying or screaming at me. I have me. So what do I do?
This is where two years ago I decided what I would do. I got a job. My old boss at the preschool I worked at didn't like me saying this on Facebook too much. I'm not saying working at preschool wasn't a job for me. It was just that...it was a job. I took my kids to preschool with me and I taught (with my whole heart and all my energy - until those little boogers sucked every ounce of it out of me) but then I picked my own preschooler up and packed up my classroom and left the building to continue on being a stay at home mom. Now I had a different kind of job. For me at least I had a career...I put my big girl panties on, interviewed multiple times and was given a budget and 'vacation days' and 'sick days' and told I had to clock in and clock out. I got a job.
It was a dream job honestly. Nonprofit...check. Writing...check. Christian organization...check. A few blocks from my kids' school...check. Work with other mothers...check. Work from home when I needed to...check. I couldn't have asked for anything more if I had dreamed it up!
But...instead of planning play dates at the park on a sunny day I was planning my day around what grants were due a month from now and who I needed to meet with to get their budget before my deadline. Instead of working out three days a week and taking 2 hours to leisurely go to class, walk the track with friends in order to catch up on the latest school drama, get my heart rate up for 60 minutes while trying not to get in trouble with the older women behind us because we CAN'T STOP TALKING no matter how many burpees and supermans he makes us do, then stand around the parking lot and talk about how much we have to do that day (grocery shop, clean the house, meet a friend for lunch, volunteer at school)...I now am lucky to go running with a friend for 30 minutes before the school dismissal bell rings at the end of the day.
Now let me stop and be realistic for a moment...I only work three days a week in the office from 8-2. I have two days at home...I do get to go to class on occasion when the stars line up and I plan everything else in my day down to the last minute before my head hits the pillow at 11:00pm. But do I meet up with friends every week for lunch dates and leisure coffee chats? No. Do I hang out at the park and feel the sun tan my pale skin while visiting with other women? No...I went and got a second job. As if one job wasn't enough for me to juggle.
But the second job completely fell into my lap. I even pushed it off a few times! And it kept coming back! So I accepted it. I make up my work schedule. I track when I work (as in "I just worked for 45 mts from the car line on my smart phone...check). I even create what I am going to do each week...and it is only 10 hours a week! I keep pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming. But on the other side of things I am crying because yes, now I have a total of 30 hours a week I am 'working' for someone with a responsibility that goes beyond taking care of my 3 kids and feeding my family and keeping my house clean. Now I am making a van payment, helping to remodel a new house we bought that completely needed a full makeover, and putting clothes on a constantly growing 13 and 11 year old boy while making sure my 6 year old has matching boots for her outfits! Now I have choices to make...work out and visit with friends so that I can at least maintain one or two relationships I use to have but then stay up until 10:00pm to get my 'hours' in or go home like a good employee and work at my computer while the kids are officially on someone else's watch and not socialize or shop or exercise.
Choices. Priorities. Consequences. Those are three words that would describe my life now as a grown up.
It's just me. In the mini-van when I drop the three peeps off. It's just me and no one else telling me what they want to do. I have to make a choice. I have to set my priorities based on what I know I have to get done that week. I have to face the consequences of each of those choices. I have to juggle the burps in the road like never before..now they aren't burps (aka: when the nurse calls from school and says little Sister isn't feeling so good today) they are more like road blocks, show stoppers, dynamite in my path that blows up everything on my adult to-do list.
This white page is full now. My house is alive again. My free time is over. I should have been working instead of 'writing' but oh, it felt so good to just write about me and not the latest need for a grant! After two years to just sit down and write my thoughts...it felt so good.
Happy 2015 to me. The year of the strong mother. (The Chinese people really should consult me on their calendar...doesn't that sound better than the year of the monkey?) The year to continue making my choices, to continue figuring out who I am as I near 40, to continue making priorities for our family that guarantee success and peace and love and wisdom for everyone involved. To 2015! Cheers.
Sep 14, 2012
Back in the saddle again
It's been awhile to say the least...but I'm back.
I've got a fifth grade Casanova who has picked up a British accent this week and renamed himself Prince Edward. I have a third grader who I'm still trying to figure out as his teacher told me today, "he is the sweetest and most polite boy!". I had to bring blood to my tongues surface to keep from saying, "I'm sorry do you know who my son is?"
And then there is Sister Girl...about to turn four and trying to break the world record for saying the most words in a minute without taking a breath!
The words I uttered in July are echoing in my head, "I'm bored and ready to get busy with the school year routine!". What!?!
Now it's mid-September and I'm ruled by the clock, color coded schedules, and work requirements. But I would be lying if I didn't say I enjoy it a little bit...just a little bit. ;)
Piano, guitar, scouts, gymnastics, karate, preschool, church, my volunteer night at a wonderful ministry, homework, meal planning and that crazy dog of mine (that I almost got rid of but not quite). Yes we are slightly busy but my aren't we a well rounded family? ;)
My family is slightly crazy and maybe just a little dramatic- well the females at least would make up that department- so why not start writing about it again.
I will end this post with a conversation from Sister Girl: we were listening to the radio in the van and while she was listening to the songs she began, "did they just say boyfriend? You told me I can't have a boyfriend but jaden calls me his girlfriend and I say no I'm not Jaden! (a moments pause) did they just say skip? I love to skip...I skip in the parking lot a lot and you laughed at me one day when I was skipping! (slight pause) did they just say sexy? That is a bad word mommy and we shouldn't say that should we?
And it went on and on until I thought my head was going to explode!
Welcome to a four year old daughter I suppose?
Now soccer is almost over and I'm about to drive through get pizza and finish off our Friday night before I start another day with three kids, a dog and a husband!
Mar 9, 2012
love advice at 7:00am!
This morning I was thankful that I had started a "relationship" with my oldest son, Eli, years ago. The kind of relationship where we can talk about things and he trusts me.
He came to me after breakfast around 7:00 this morning as Sister Girl was sitting naked at the counter playing on the ipad instead of eating, the dog was jumping up on the counter trying to eat the food that Sister Girl wasn't interested in and Ian was running around the kitchen complaining that he didn't have any blue jeans clean. I was just trying to take the first sip of my coffee and wishing I had an I.V. hooked up to myself with a caffeine drip.
"Mom, XXXXX sent me an e-mail," was all he said as he handed his I-pod touch to me with a funny look on his face. I stopped everything and shut out the chaos as I focused intently on my soon to be eleven year old son.
It read..."Eli, you can't tell anyone but will you be my boyfriend," was what the sweet girl had written. (Sweet but in my opinion too forward)
Oh my...Don't panic...Deep breaths, Sarah...Don't get too dramatic!!!
And that is when it all came flooding back into my memory. I have been having conversations with Eli for years about girls and friends and God's idea of healthy relationships. He has had many friends take on the "boyfriend or girlfriend" title but he has never fallen into that game - thankfully.
Only a few months ago did he even acknowledge out loud that this particular girl was "pretty" and when I asked if there was more to her than that he added "very nice." They have emailed back and forth since both getting the latest technology for Christmas but the extent of the messages, which he knew I read every day/week, was "hello" or "Hi." Very exciting reading let me tell you!
So when I looked down at my preteen son (wait really is he even preteen for crying out loud? He's in 4th grade!!!)and saw that he was seriously awaiting some motherly advice as to how to reply to this girl I put my game face on and replied...
"Eli, we have talked about how you are really young to have "girlfriends" so I think you should just tell her you really like her but you would rather just be good friends."
He settled on "let's just be friends." Short and sweet - I guess I couldn't have expected more from my extremely shy boy. He did come back and ask if he could tell her she was very pretty - maybe to soften the blow? But I told him that was probably not necessary.
So, I'm honored that he chose me to come to and ask how to handle the situation. I'm freaked out at how forward little girls are at the age of 10. I'm proud of my son for caring about another person's feelings and not wanting to hurt them but also knowing that moving into a "relationship" - no matter how innocent it may appear- is not really appropriate at his age.
If you are wondering...I have told Eli that the point of getting in a relationship is to truly get to know someone and then if you like them enough it will grow into a love relationship which God intended for us to have with one person. The person we would then marry and live the rest of our lives with.
Trust me, even hearing myself say these words sounds foreign because God knows Himself that I came out of my mother's womb wanting a boyfriend! And I truly believe that it led to many years of heartache and pain that I still have to deal with. So if I can teach my son a different road to take and save him the heartache than that is my plan. He will make his own choices and more than likely he will have girlfriends along the path of finding a wife but I pray and I will make a point of teaching him that relationships are serious business. Your heart is a very sacred and special thing that God has given each of us and it is to be guarded well.
But as for now maybe word will spread that Eli is not the "boyfriend" type and he can remain the friend of all...for now at least.
He came to me after breakfast around 7:00 this morning as Sister Girl was sitting naked at the counter playing on the ipad instead of eating, the dog was jumping up on the counter trying to eat the food that Sister Girl wasn't interested in and Ian was running around the kitchen complaining that he didn't have any blue jeans clean. I was just trying to take the first sip of my coffee and wishing I had an I.V. hooked up to myself with a caffeine drip.
"Mom, XXXXX sent me an e-mail," was all he said as he handed his I-pod touch to me with a funny look on his face. I stopped everything and shut out the chaos as I focused intently on my soon to be eleven year old son.
It read..."Eli, you can't tell anyone but will you be my boyfriend," was what the sweet girl had written. (Sweet but in my opinion too forward)
Oh my...Don't panic...Deep breaths, Sarah...Don't get too dramatic!!!
And that is when it all came flooding back into my memory. I have been having conversations with Eli for years about girls and friends and God's idea of healthy relationships. He has had many friends take on the "boyfriend or girlfriend" title but he has never fallen into that game - thankfully.
Only a few months ago did he even acknowledge out loud that this particular girl was "pretty" and when I asked if there was more to her than that he added "very nice." They have emailed back and forth since both getting the latest technology for Christmas but the extent of the messages, which he knew I read every day/week, was "hello" or "Hi." Very exciting reading let me tell you!
So when I looked down at my preteen son (wait really is he even preteen for crying out loud? He's in 4th grade!!!)and saw that he was seriously awaiting some motherly advice as to how to reply to this girl I put my game face on and replied...
"Eli, we have talked about how you are really young to have "girlfriends" so I think you should just tell her you really like her but you would rather just be good friends."
He settled on "let's just be friends." Short and sweet - I guess I couldn't have expected more from my extremely shy boy. He did come back and ask if he could tell her she was very pretty - maybe to soften the blow? But I told him that was probably not necessary.
So, I'm honored that he chose me to come to and ask how to handle the situation. I'm freaked out at how forward little girls are at the age of 10. I'm proud of my son for caring about another person's feelings and not wanting to hurt them but also knowing that moving into a "relationship" - no matter how innocent it may appear- is not really appropriate at his age.
If you are wondering...I have told Eli that the point of getting in a relationship is to truly get to know someone and then if you like them enough it will grow into a love relationship which God intended for us to have with one person. The person we would then marry and live the rest of our lives with.
Trust me, even hearing myself say these words sounds foreign because God knows Himself that I came out of my mother's womb wanting a boyfriend! And I truly believe that it led to many years of heartache and pain that I still have to deal with. So if I can teach my son a different road to take and save him the heartache than that is my plan. He will make his own choices and more than likely he will have girlfriends along the path of finding a wife but I pray and I will make a point of teaching him that relationships are serious business. Your heart is a very sacred and special thing that God has given each of us and it is to be guarded well.
But as for now maybe word will spread that Eli is not the "boyfriend" type and he can remain the friend of all...for now at least.
Feb 27, 2012
technology...it's making us happier right?
We live in the age of technology right? It is supposed to make life easier, make us more social, more efficient...more happy too, right?
I don't think so.
I heard a statistic on the radio, "They have found that if you have ____ number of "friends" on facebook you are more likely to be depressed." Guess...700, 1,000?
No...just 300 friends. If you have a facebook account and you aren't either of my parents than you probably have more than 300 friends - it's not that hard. And I can see why the statistic has some weight to it. They stated the reasons being that you are constantly viewing what others are doing in their lives - usually positive and wonderful things that they want everyone to know about. Very few people post horrible or boring activities (well a lot of my facebook friends seem to) but there are a ton of "my husband just bought me a dozen roses," "Date night," "I just bought a new car," "Had the best girls night out with my favorite friends." I guess reading that everyday from 300 people would make a person a little blue.
But it's not just facebook that has got me thinking. It's texting. The new form of carrying on a friendship.
Now a-days when you see someone (I mean actually see the person in real life in front of you) they will often start in with, "did you read what I posted on facebook? or if not they will start the conversation out with asking you about something you posted concerning your crazy dog or sick kid last week. But lets say you don't see the person - because honestly how many of us actually SEE any of our friends that often? Then you do what everyone in the country does...you text them.
Texting is the new way to communicate. Letter writing? I'm sorry what is that? Does anyone even buy stamps anymore? Then there is e-mailing - that is usually resorted to for "catching up" or "letting someone know what you really think about them at the moment" but for staying in touch with friends on a daily/weekly basis...it comes down to texting.
No one calls anymore. You have a thought pop in your head about someone...text them.
You got a quick question...text them.
You want to let a friend know you miss them...text them - God forbid you actually dial their number and push send to make an actual voice connection and let them HEAR that you miss them - no, you write in shorthand, "tnking abt u. Need to get 2gather soon - call me!" and push send message. And it goes back and forth a few times until a child needs you or the stop light turns green or the doctor calls you back to the room. And life continues.
I confess there have been times in my life where I had a quite moment (literally a moment) and I picked up my phone and texted multiple friends telling them I missed them, wondering how they were, reminding them we should make time to talk. Then waited excitedly for the bing of my phone to show that someone out there was taking the time to write a quick note back in agreement. What a pitiful social life.
My theory is that people will soon forget how to have conversations. We will begin to talk in shorthand and not know how to make eye contact. We will just resort to sitting around a dinner table and texting each other. It's quicker right and then everyone can say what they want without having to wait too long for anyone else to talk. Get to the point...not too many details...
It's sad. It can be lonely I humbly admit. I miss long conversations with girlfriends on the phone or more importantly sitting around a table at McDonalds and talking while the kids ran around the playground. We are growing up I guess...life is getting too busy...and besides we always have technology to stay in touch.
I don't think so.
I heard a statistic on the radio, "They have found that if you have ____ number of "friends" on facebook you are more likely to be depressed." Guess...700, 1,000?
No...just 300 friends. If you have a facebook account and you aren't either of my parents than you probably have more than 300 friends - it's not that hard. And I can see why the statistic has some weight to it. They stated the reasons being that you are constantly viewing what others are doing in their lives - usually positive and wonderful things that they want everyone to know about. Very few people post horrible or boring activities (well a lot of my facebook friends seem to) but there are a ton of "my husband just bought me a dozen roses," "Date night," "I just bought a new car," "Had the best girls night out with my favorite friends." I guess reading that everyday from 300 people would make a person a little blue.
But it's not just facebook that has got me thinking. It's texting. The new form of carrying on a friendship.
Now a-days when you see someone (I mean actually see the person in real life in front of you) they will often start in with, "did you read what I posted on facebook? or if not they will start the conversation out with asking you about something you posted concerning your crazy dog or sick kid last week. But lets say you don't see the person - because honestly how many of us actually SEE any of our friends that often? Then you do what everyone in the country does...you text them.
Texting is the new way to communicate. Letter writing? I'm sorry what is that? Does anyone even buy stamps anymore? Then there is e-mailing - that is usually resorted to for "catching up" or "letting someone know what you really think about them at the moment" but for staying in touch with friends on a daily/weekly basis...it comes down to texting.
No one calls anymore. You have a thought pop in your head about someone...text them.
You got a quick question...text them.
You want to let a friend know you miss them...text them - God forbid you actually dial their number and push send to make an actual voice connection and let them HEAR that you miss them - no, you write in shorthand, "tnking abt u. Need to get 2gather soon - call me!" and push send message. And it goes back and forth a few times until a child needs you or the stop light turns green or the doctor calls you back to the room. And life continues.
I confess there have been times in my life where I had a quite moment (literally a moment) and I picked up my phone and texted multiple friends telling them I missed them, wondering how they were, reminding them we should make time to talk. Then waited excitedly for the bing of my phone to show that someone out there was taking the time to write a quick note back in agreement. What a pitiful social life.
My theory is that people will soon forget how to have conversations. We will begin to talk in shorthand and not know how to make eye contact. We will just resort to sitting around a dinner table and texting each other. It's quicker right and then everyone can say what they want without having to wait too long for anyone else to talk. Get to the point...not too many details...
It's sad. It can be lonely I humbly admit. I miss long conversations with girlfriends on the phone or more importantly sitting around a table at McDonalds and talking while the kids ran around the playground. We are growing up I guess...life is getting too busy...and besides we always have technology to stay in touch.
Feb 13, 2012
Pinterest Addiction
Pinterest is my new addiction. Yes, I found this idea for Valentines cards on it and for less than $1.50 I made Elizabeth's class cards (with just her and the giant heart)!
Since coming down from my high of taking statistics - well that was a low but completing it and getting an A was a high- I have found myself this semester twiddling my fingers. DON'T ROLL YOUR EYES!
Yes, I still have things to do like teach preschool, taxi cab boys around town after school, play princess with Sister Girl, be our housecleaner and cook and most importantly cheer lead my husband on while he trudges through his diseration!
But I have lost the "important" feeling I had last semester - and so I'm twiddling my fingers. I can't help it that I have my mother's genes in me. We don't know how to sit still! Seriously...
So, I have discovered Pinterest. I waited until I received my final grade in December before logging on. I knew I wouldn't have enough will power to withstand the pull of craftiness from fellow peers. I'm glad I did so.
Since entering the world of Pinterest I have spent an entire month (every night for hours on end including all day Saturdays) to paint and glue bead board onto my kitchen cabnets. See picture below...
Let me say I couldn't have done it without the help of my husband, his saw and his caulking skills. I LOVE my kitchen now!!!!
I have also made a picture frame weekly schedule, a weekly menu to hang on the wall, learned to fix my hair in new and crazy ways, baked home made crescent rolls for the first time along with other new receipes, completed preschool crafts with my 3 year olds that are adorable, among many other things!
I have a list of projects now to keep me occupied at night. From organizing my cabnets, making book holders for each child's bed, modgepoding scrapbook paper on my electric outlet covers, fixing my hair in cute little twists and braids, sewing Sister Girl the latest dress (well I would need to know how to operate my sewing maching to do that one), cook 1,000 meals, and about 500,000 preschool craft ideas I don't think I will be twiddling my fingers for a long time.
Not to say I want to fill my time reorganzing my life forever but at least until I can register for A & P sometime in the future I hope it will keep my brain busy!
Long live Pinterest!
Feb 8, 2012
Blessed or Victim?
Something about Wal-mart brings out the worst in sister girl and me.
I recently was at a Mothers of Preschoolers' meeting where there was a panel of married couples - seasoned ones I might add. They were giving us advice on our marriages and well everything else they felt led to tell us about.
This one woman started the show by saying, "After reading most of your questions I see a common theme here...you mothers look at yourselves as victims! Well let me tell you that you are not victims - you are BLESSED to have these children!" She went on to give some wonderful advice and charges to us moms (who were covered in grape juice, baby spit and had bags under our eyes)to buck up...get the dads more involved...and keep charging on!
I felt empowered from her speech until I went back to Wal-mart with Sister Girl today. Then my balloon popped and well I was back to being a victim!
About two or three months ago I took Elizabeth to the toy section of Wal-mart in search of a prize Barbee. The reward for successful potty training had been long anticipated. I of course made the mistake of all mistakes (and this is my third child....I'm losing it folks) - I told her "to pick out a Barbee" amongst the row of hundreds of Barbee's and hundreds of price differences. I had in mind that she would of course pick one of the few I was so cleverly pointing out to her under $10 but that isn't how Sister Girl's mind works. NO, she quickly fell in love with the most expensive doll on the aisle.
Long story short...we left Wal-mart by way of me carrying her out the store by the walk of shame - football hold - screaming "I WANT THAT DOLL!" It was the most horrific experience of my life...MY LIFE I tell you!!!!!! We still talk about that experience at Wal-mart where "you acted so terrible screaming through the store and momma was sooo mad at you!" Oh, she hasn't forgotten that day!
We have since been to Wal-mart and Kroger and Target without any fiasco's but I knew she was just saving up for me. And today was the day.
I was thinking about what a blessing my children were...all three of them...as they were in tow after school pick up. I only had to pick up some pictures - in and out - nothing to it. But then I got side tracked by the Valentine cards.
"Do you boys want to pick out some cards now?" I so sweetly asked them - MISTAKE #1.
Then after the lingering around the red heart pillows was too much for her, Sister Girl pleaded with me to get out of the buggy. She SWORE she would stay right by me and just LOOK! - MISTAKE #2.
It wasn't long before those red heart pillows got boring and she was ready to move on to bigger, redder and shinier objects in Wal-mart! And so the stand-off began.
Just imagine the next three minutes with me squatted down muttering expletives under my breath while smiling an evil "step mother/witch like smile" at the sweet little girl with the big bow tip toeing backwards away from me. With every inch I took closer to her she would get her arms up and feet ready to start a mile dash through the store.
For some reason the following threats don't work in a store...
"If you don't get back over here now I'm going to get you!"
"Young lady I will count to three and you had better walk back to me!"
"You are going to regret it if you run away from me!"
Then you start to get a little crazy (the teenage redneck girls laughing behind your back don't make the situation any better...nor does your eight year old son, oblivious to you crawling on the wal-mart floor trying to sneak up to your 3 year old daughter and catch her pant legs before she flees, who persistently asks you which valentines girls would like better!)and words come out like this...
"When I get you girl you will wish you had stayed in that cart!"
"I'm gonna take you into that bathroom and make you wish you hadn't stepped foot past those glitter heart pillows!"
All in the name of discipline and love mind you...and all knowing that I wouldn't dare lay a hand on my sweet child - in public - I JUST WANT HER BACK IN THE CART!
Well needless to say I entertained quite a few spectators and mortified her 10 year old brother. I won the stare down, lured her back to the cart where I pulled my mother's trick of taking all my frustration out through my hands with her famous "squeeze the legs (or arms or chin) maneuver" and placed a very pouty Sister Girl on my hip where I could manhandle her all the way to the photos and out the door!
So...blessed or victim? I'll have to think about that one...
Side Note:
I KNOW I am blessed beyond words - and I KNOW I'm no victim of my children - but I also KNOW that Wal-mart, Sister Girl and me don't make for a feel good parenting experience!
I recently was at a Mothers of Preschoolers' meeting where there was a panel of married couples - seasoned ones I might add. They were giving us advice on our marriages and well everything else they felt led to tell us about.
This one woman started the show by saying, "After reading most of your questions I see a common theme here...you mothers look at yourselves as victims! Well let me tell you that you are not victims - you are BLESSED to have these children!" She went on to give some wonderful advice and charges to us moms (who were covered in grape juice, baby spit and had bags under our eyes)to buck up...get the dads more involved...and keep charging on!
I felt empowered from her speech until I went back to Wal-mart with Sister Girl today. Then my balloon popped and well I was back to being a victim!
About two or three months ago I took Elizabeth to the toy section of Wal-mart in search of a prize Barbee. The reward for successful potty training had been long anticipated. I of course made the mistake of all mistakes (and this is my third child....I'm losing it folks) - I told her "to pick out a Barbee" amongst the row of hundreds of Barbee's and hundreds of price differences. I had in mind that she would of course pick one of the few I was so cleverly pointing out to her under $10 but that isn't how Sister Girl's mind works. NO, she quickly fell in love with the most expensive doll on the aisle.
Long story short...we left Wal-mart by way of me carrying her out the store by the walk of shame - football hold - screaming "I WANT THAT DOLL!" It was the most horrific experience of my life...MY LIFE I tell you!!!!!! We still talk about that experience at Wal-mart where "you acted so terrible screaming through the store and momma was sooo mad at you!" Oh, she hasn't forgotten that day!
We have since been to Wal-mart and Kroger and Target without any fiasco's but I knew she was just saving up for me. And today was the day.
I was thinking about what a blessing my children were...all three of them...as they were in tow after school pick up. I only had to pick up some pictures - in and out - nothing to it. But then I got side tracked by the Valentine cards.
"Do you boys want to pick out some cards now?" I so sweetly asked them - MISTAKE #1.
Then after the lingering around the red heart pillows was too much for her, Sister Girl pleaded with me to get out of the buggy. She SWORE she would stay right by me and just LOOK! - MISTAKE #2.
It wasn't long before those red heart pillows got boring and she was ready to move on to bigger, redder and shinier objects in Wal-mart! And so the stand-off began.
Just imagine the next three minutes with me squatted down muttering expletives under my breath while smiling an evil "step mother/witch like smile" at the sweet little girl with the big bow tip toeing backwards away from me. With every inch I took closer to her she would get her arms up and feet ready to start a mile dash through the store.
For some reason the following threats don't work in a store...
"If you don't get back over here now I'm going to get you!"
"Young lady I will count to three and you had better walk back to me!"
"You are going to regret it if you run away from me!"
Then you start to get a little crazy (the teenage redneck girls laughing behind your back don't make the situation any better...nor does your eight year old son, oblivious to you crawling on the wal-mart floor trying to sneak up to your 3 year old daughter and catch her pant legs before she flees, who persistently asks you which valentines girls would like better!)and words come out like this...
"When I get you girl you will wish you had stayed in that cart!"
"I'm gonna take you into that bathroom and make you wish you hadn't stepped foot past those glitter heart pillows!"
All in the name of discipline and love mind you...and all knowing that I wouldn't dare lay a hand on my sweet child - in public - I JUST WANT HER BACK IN THE CART!
Well needless to say I entertained quite a few spectators and mortified her 10 year old brother. I won the stare down, lured her back to the cart where I pulled my mother's trick of taking all my frustration out through my hands with her famous "squeeze the legs (or arms or chin) maneuver" and placed a very pouty Sister Girl on my hip where I could manhandle her all the way to the photos and out the door!
So...blessed or victim? I'll have to think about that one...
Side Note:
I KNOW I am blessed beyond words - and I KNOW I'm no victim of my children - but I also KNOW that Wal-mart, Sister Girl and me don't make for a feel good parenting experience!
Jan 7, 2012
"Oh, to turn back time."
I grew up with them. Nate grew up with them. It's part of being American for crying out loud. We held out as long as we could. The silent thought between both of us was, "our kids are too much work as it is!" Then Elizabeth turned three and the boys kept begging. So we gave in...oh, if I could turn back time!
I put out feelers and got more advice on "finding the right dog" than I cared for. Asking dog lovers for opinions on their furry friends is like asking Democrats and Republicans why their side is better for America.
In true Sarah fashion I jumped at the first free puppy I could find that of course reminded me of my favorite delicacy - chocolate. A friend of a friend...only three hours drive...and the puppy was said to be the 'calmest of the bunch.' Oh, if I could turn back time!
I would compare getting a puppy with birthing a toddler at the terrible twos, so you fall in love at first sight(when they are all shy and reserved) and then 24 hours later their little personalities come right out (as they feel so welcome in your quiet and orderly home)and you begin to think twice about the whole situation.
Now I KNOW we are in the puppy stages! I KNOW! I KNOW! I KNOW! But.....
I never expected our puppy to be a flesh eating piranha. I never expected our puppy to attack my children and rip their pants apart instead of chase the ball being thrown. I never expected our puppy to get some weird parasite (CALLED THE MANGE) and chew all of her hair off!
But...we live and learn...well, rather we cave in to our children's pleadings and empty promises (I PROMISE I will clean up the dog's poop mom! And I PROMISE to play with the puppy everyday without being asked mom!) and then we learn (when people look at you with a twitch in their eye and say with gritted teeth, "Of course a dog is something you have to do for your children at some point...you will love it..." we should pick up on those nonverbal cues better).
Yes, Bella (that is the attack dog's name) has her super sweet moments - usually when no small children are present. Yes, my chocolate lab/Aussie mix has great potential (for a shark impressionist). And yes, my fuzzy, long eared, no tail canine can fetch a ball and then quickly turn on you to fetch your pants, rip them off at the cuff and run away leaving you naked before you can say "heel".
Though it was the boys who begged and pleaded for a dog it is Sister Girl who has taken to her the most. I think the small, fuzzy, ball of cuteness had something to do with it at first - or the fact that someone in the house was now smaller than her and she could boss (or so you thought) it around. Of course within a matter of weeks the puppy is now able to stand up and hug Elizabeth around the neck (then knock her off her feet and try to chew her face off). This doesn't phase my tough girl one bit - after letting out some screams of terror she quickly scolds Bella and tries again to force a tutu around the puppy's head.
The boys too are coming around. Eli is getting quicker at running up the slide out of reach of Bella's fangs but also getting bolder at saying 'no' at a more audible command than before. Ian has taken to teaching her to sit and stay for treats (and I wondered why our puppy was growing at an astronomical rate).
We did break down and spend a preschool's day wages on the dog whisperer to come to our house (we were at a low point)so she could show us how to be the Alpha Male - too bad Nate and I are competing for this position so as not to be eaten on a daily basis. But the bell on the back door has worked (Bella rings this to let us know she needs to go out and relieve herself) and well...yeah, that bell works real well. Oh, to turn back time.
I'm sure I will have many adventures with Bella now as she has somehow made her way into our hearts and become our 4th child (yes, waking us up at the crack of dawn and begging to be played with; making us schedule our activities to come home and relieve her from her kennel; and begging friends and neighbors to 'babysit' her when we go out of town for the day).
At least I can say I am now giving my children a complete American childhood, right? Oh, to turn back time...
Nov 16, 2011
I had three years before life returned to normal...
Three years ago in October I told myself these very words, "Sarah (I like to call myself by name - it feels more personal)you have three years to get through this and after that your life will return to what you know as normal!"
Yep...three years of starting over with the baby thing. Leaky boobs, sleepless nights, building arm muscles from toting a baby carrier then a toddler. Three years of rocking, soothing, feeding another person at the table, not talking to your friends at restaurants, buckling car seats, bathing, buying diapers. Three years of self-sacrifice! You can do this!
And I have!
Sister Girl is now 3! And I am patting myself on the back and taking a sigh of relief. It has been quite fun, challenging, exciting, dramatic and scary!
But now life is calming down. I have officially changed my last poopy diaper (from a child I birthed that is); no more feeding children (although you will still find me on occasion shoving food down Elizabeth's mouth); I can sit at a restaurant with friends and have a conversation (even if there will be an inch of chips crushed under our feet and a few staring customers); I can have wonderful conversations with all three of my children now (including "my left ear hurts!" - always a joy to know).
So to celebrate this milestone in the Callender household we allowed Sister Girl a real Princess birthday party. And thanks to my mom who swooped in on a work related trip to Nashville I had motivation to decorate over the top and plenty of extra party favors (you gotta love grandparents!).
And this is what happened...
Short and sweet - packed full of "preschool" games (Pin the crown on the Princess, Prince - Prince - Princess (duck, duck, goose), Pass the Glass slipper, and hide and go seek the missing royal items). All the little princesses had a wonderful time and Elizabeth only screamed at one child when she tried to take her present away after opening it.
Happy Birthday to my sweet Sister Girl! It has been quite a ride the last 3 years and I look forward to many more...
Yep...three years of starting over with the baby thing. Leaky boobs, sleepless nights, building arm muscles from toting a baby carrier then a toddler. Three years of rocking, soothing, feeding another person at the table, not talking to your friends at restaurants, buckling car seats, bathing, buying diapers. Three years of self-sacrifice! You can do this!
And I have!
Sister Girl is now 3! And I am patting myself on the back and taking a sigh of relief. It has been quite fun, challenging, exciting, dramatic and scary!
But now life is calming down. I have officially changed my last poopy diaper (from a child I birthed that is); no more feeding children (although you will still find me on occasion shoving food down Elizabeth's mouth); I can sit at a restaurant with friends and have a conversation (even if there will be an inch of chips crushed under our feet and a few staring customers); I can have wonderful conversations with all three of my children now (including "my left ear hurts!" - always a joy to know).
So to celebrate this milestone in the Callender household we allowed Sister Girl a real Princess birthday party. And thanks to my mom who swooped in on a work related trip to Nashville I had motivation to decorate over the top and plenty of extra party favors (you gotta love grandparents!).
And this is what happened...
Short and sweet - packed full of "preschool" games (Pin the crown on the Princess, Prince - Prince - Princess (duck, duck, goose), Pass the Glass slipper, and hide and go seek the missing royal items). All the little princesses had a wonderful time and Elizabeth only screamed at one child when she tried to take her present away after opening it.
Happy Birthday to my sweet Sister Girl! It has been quite a ride the last 3 years and I look forward to many more...
Nov 9, 2011
The countdown begins
December is fast approaching...and no that doesn't mean a countdown to Christmas (although delightful as it is) but rather a countdown to when I'm over the hill...over the bump rather...(okay, all those friends of mine who are older just go ahead and roll your eyes now)the bump of 35.
Yes, I'm one of those women who contrary to popular belief couldn't wait to be older. I have always longed for the next big birthday whether it was 10 (2 digits), 13 (teenager), 16 (could drive), 18 (well, yes I could go to Century 21- the night club in the middle of the cotton fields of West Tn.- good times, good times) and then I'm sorry to say 21 for obvious reasons. Then I graduated college and got married and not long after had a baby so I couldn't wait to be 30 so I was no longer considered "young". Once 30 came and went I looked forward to turning 35 b/c then I wasn't lumped with the "young 30 year olds" but rather could be in the mature and wise category (quit laughing at me)!
But now all that is over...I'm at the top of this tall roller coaster that I have been trying to reach for so long and I see the clouds and I see miles and miles of land stretched out before me but wait...I...have...to...start...falling...down...the hill! (oh my goodness this sounds so dramatic - y'all know I'm chuckling to myself as I write this).
What will happen as I race down this roller coaster?
And then I realized I will just have to climb yet another steep hill- full of more adventures. I now have 3 kids who can use the bathroom by themselves, eat by themselves, almost brush their teeth and hair by themselves-yes, my 8 year old still needs assistance =). I am for the first time planning for my future and what I want to do with my life beyond mothering. I am facing this next birthday and the next five years as a time I will truly be in the running for a new me.
When will I reach the top of this next big hill on the roller coaster? 40! You got it! But hopefully as I'm dramatically crying over starting a new decade in life I will be finishing college with a new degree and the beginning of a new career - I will have a son in high school learning to drive and God forbid dating...I will have another one in Jr. High and my sweet sister girl will be settled into elementary school.
We had our first night of a college host family with two young men from Nate's department who came over. I cooked everything I could find in my freezer and threw in a homemade apple pie and gallon of milk and nervously waited for them to arrive with my rug rats running around the house and finishing up homework.
Of course they were the cutest young men - looked like both of them stepped out of a GQ magazine but boy were they young. When I asked what year they graduated from high school the more talkative one said "last year!" all proud of himself and the other boldly stated "2008...I'm an old man" - oh dear me...I'm so old I thought as I chuckled out loud.
They called me ma'am and complimented my cooking while they talked about air planes with Nate and played video games with the boys (and sister girl somehow ended up shirtless and dancing around the living room...blowing kisses to them when they walked out the door - I better keep my eye on that one). I realized that yep, I'm older now. I'm now where I so longed to be for so many years of my life.
I am mature (although I admit there is always more maturing one can go through) - I am slowly gaining wisdom - I am experienced in the ups and downs of life - I am at a place where I can sit back and love on my family but have enough life under my belt to partner with Nate and love on some strangers who might just need a little extra attention in their own lives.
And even though I'm called Ma'am, I have about 43 wrinkles around my eyes when I smile real big, I don't get carded when I buy a bottle of wine and I'm staring down 40...I guess I kind of like it.
Yes, I'm one of those women who contrary to popular belief couldn't wait to be older. I have always longed for the next big birthday whether it was 10 (2 digits), 13 (teenager), 16 (could drive), 18 (well, yes I could go to Century 21- the night club in the middle of the cotton fields of West Tn.- good times, good times) and then I'm sorry to say 21 for obvious reasons. Then I graduated college and got married and not long after had a baby so I couldn't wait to be 30 so I was no longer considered "young". Once 30 came and went I looked forward to turning 35 b/c then I wasn't lumped with the "young 30 year olds" but rather could be in the mature and wise category (quit laughing at me)!
But now all that is over...I'm at the top of this tall roller coaster that I have been trying to reach for so long and I see the clouds and I see miles and miles of land stretched out before me but wait...I...have...to...start...falling...down...the hill! (oh my goodness this sounds so dramatic - y'all know I'm chuckling to myself as I write this).
What will happen as I race down this roller coaster?
And then I realized I will just have to climb yet another steep hill- full of more adventures. I now have 3 kids who can use the bathroom by themselves, eat by themselves, almost brush their teeth and hair by themselves-yes, my 8 year old still needs assistance =). I am for the first time planning for my future and what I want to do with my life beyond mothering. I am facing this next birthday and the next five years as a time I will truly be in the running for a new me.
When will I reach the top of this next big hill on the roller coaster? 40! You got it! But hopefully as I'm dramatically crying over starting a new decade in life I will be finishing college with a new degree and the beginning of a new career - I will have a son in high school learning to drive and God forbid dating...I will have another one in Jr. High and my sweet sister girl will be settled into elementary school.
We had our first night of a college host family with two young men from Nate's department who came over. I cooked everything I could find in my freezer and threw in a homemade apple pie and gallon of milk and nervously waited for them to arrive with my rug rats running around the house and finishing up homework.
Of course they were the cutest young men - looked like both of them stepped out of a GQ magazine but boy were they young. When I asked what year they graduated from high school the more talkative one said "last year!" all proud of himself and the other boldly stated "2008...I'm an old man" - oh dear me...I'm so old I thought as I chuckled out loud.
They called me ma'am and complimented my cooking while they talked about air planes with Nate and played video games with the boys (and sister girl somehow ended up shirtless and dancing around the living room...blowing kisses to them when they walked out the door - I better keep my eye on that one). I realized that yep, I'm older now. I'm now where I so longed to be for so many years of my life.
I am mature (although I admit there is always more maturing one can go through) - I am slowly gaining wisdom - I am experienced in the ups and downs of life - I am at a place where I can sit back and love on my family but have enough life under my belt to partner with Nate and love on some strangers who might just need a little extra attention in their own lives.
And even though I'm called Ma'am, I have about 43 wrinkles around my eyes when I smile real big, I don't get carded when I buy a bottle of wine and I'm staring down 40...I guess I kind of like it.
Oct 19, 2011
Actions speak louder then words
I'm running like crazy around here...studying (I am half way through the class from H*LL and I have an A!!!); baking 4 dozen cupcakes for Fall Festival; teaching 3 year olds about cowboys, rattlesnakes and prairie dogs; raising a 10 year old boy who wants to shower all the time, an 8 year old boy who likes to tell me my breath stinks when I kiss him good night, and a soon to be 3 year old "princess" who threw my first ever experienced Wal-Mart Holy Terror Tantrum (as in..."I want a BARBEEEEE" all the way through Wally World out to the van and continuing to our house 15 minutes later where I finally let out my breath and beat...I mean taught sister girl that Momma Don't Put Up With That Kind Of Mess!) I am smiling now don't worry about me...
But amongst all of this we in the Callender household have learned a very real lesson in life and love and compassion---
My husband shaved his wonderful head of hair because of this sweet little ten year old boy, Preston. Preston is on Nate's soccer team and he is fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He is currently going through chemo but yet still wants to play soccer each Saturday. And when his hair started to fall out and his mother told Nate about Preston's anxiety over being around the other boys on the team well you know what my husband said.
It was the night before the game when Preston would show up with his shaved head (because in deed his hair was starting to fall out) and Nate went out into the back yard and started buzzing it off. I joined him with a mirror and some extra batteries and we had fun making Mohawks and taking pictures before it all came off.
The boys were a little shocked to say the least but Sister Girl thought it was hilarious. Preston walked up to Nate the next morning and said, "You look funny!" And then the next week he had made (yes, sewn himself) Nate a soccer hat. (He's sewing them for other cancer patients that are in the hospital!)
This has taught our family a lot about compassion - it's not always enough to use words but at times actions speak a lot louder. Preston's dad died last year of cancer...Nate's actions have spoken pretty loud and clear. We are all praying for this sweet little boy with a heart of gold and the will power of a super hero!
But amongst all of this we in the Callender household have learned a very real lesson in life and love and compassion---
My husband shaved his wonderful head of hair because of this sweet little ten year old boy, Preston. Preston is on Nate's soccer team and he is fighting Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He is currently going through chemo but yet still wants to play soccer each Saturday. And when his hair started to fall out and his mother told Nate about Preston's anxiety over being around the other boys on the team well you know what my husband said.
It was the night before the game when Preston would show up with his shaved head (because in deed his hair was starting to fall out) and Nate went out into the back yard and started buzzing it off. I joined him with a mirror and some extra batteries and we had fun making Mohawks and taking pictures before it all came off.
The boys were a little shocked to say the least but Sister Girl thought it was hilarious. Preston walked up to Nate the next morning and said, "You look funny!" And then the next week he had made (yes, sewn himself) Nate a soccer hat. (He's sewing them for other cancer patients that are in the hospital!)
This has taught our family a lot about compassion - it's not always enough to use words but at times actions speak a lot louder. Preston's dad died last year of cancer...Nate's actions have spoken pretty loud and clear. We are all praying for this sweet little boy with a heart of gold and the will power of a super hero!
Oct 6, 2011
I almost forgot I had a blog...
Wow, I almost forgot I had a blog...
Life is a little busy these days to say the least but it's Fall Break and I have a house full of boys running around at 7:30 in the morning (oh and Elizabeth chasing all of them)so I better take advantage of the few minutes I'm sitting here.
My crazy big news that I long ago posted was...I had an "AWE HAH" moment (yes, I almost failed spelling class not to mention phonics 101)this summer while sitting at a Sounds baseball game next to a new friend who could be my mother and has been a nurse her whole life - she now teaches in the nursing program at MTSU. During that evening I decided that is exactly what I was supposed to pursue - a degree in nursing - it just made sense - I could work part time while the kids were little, make a lot of money, and feel like I was doing something to help others. The best part is I keep thinking about all the times I screwed up with Elizabeth during her crazy emergencies over the years where I literally freaked and didn't know what to do with her...if I was a nurse I wouldn't do that!!!!
And I get all excited picturing myself traveling when I'm older to do mission work as a nurse and helping others with my new found talent/skill! It's just so exciting I want to run buy a nurses hat at the Halloween store and walk around checking every one's temperature and blood pressure! Someone please...give me a needle! =)
But it is a huge elephant to chew up so you know what I'm going to say...I will be taking one bight at a time - starting with Statistics!
Before I could talk myself out of it I went and signed up for Elementary Statistics on line - yes, I'm teaching myself something I don't know anything about! Well, actually if that was the case I would have already failed but Nate (who is the Stat's king!)is teaching me each night around 9:00pm! To say I hate this class would be an understatement but it is what it is and yes, I'm striving for an A! =)
I have just a few classes to take that I didn't with my sweet and kind Communication's degree oh, 13 years ago so I'll be focusing on that the next two years. I plan on applying to MTSU's nursing program when Elizabeth is 5. It is a 5 semester full time program and I will graduate with a BS in Nursing. Wow! I'm so excited!!! I'm already thinking about what cute outfits I will need to buy so I can jaywalk across TN. Blvd. with the other cool students and make all the mini-van soccer moms crazy with rage as they slam on their brakes so as not to hit me! =)
(I have issues with rage over 20 year old, boot/jegging wearing jaywalkers in front of my kids' school - FYI)
Other than spending all my "free" time finding Z-scores and making Binomial Probability Distributions I am teaching a class of 3 year olds at Preschool. Don't worry though - no diaper changing and I am actually teaching them! They are all precious and I truly love planning out my lessons for them..."No Dad, I do not think I should be a school teacher!" =)
On M/W/F I am still a stay at home momma to sister girl who is a lot easier these days although she has a loud voice when she screams, "NO!" and has a tendency to shake her booty as she stomps her little foot down to show she really doesn't like what I'm asking - BUT...other than all that with a toddler we are getting along just fine, thank you!
I have actually kept my commitment of exercising at least 2 days of the week now for almost a year...results showing in my "guns" that I will now be hiding during the winter season - but watch out I can totally take you down (as I do often with sister girl) =)
And lastly I am still acting out my role as VP at the boys' school's Parent/Teacher Club - insanely dramatic as most things with large groups of women are but "I will surviiiivvvveeeee!" =)
So, no I'm not pregnant (Amy & Dawn O. - I know you were hoping for more exciting news but thankfully that was not it! =)
I will try to keep up my posting in the months to come...in between putting out fires at the PTC, planning alphabet learning games for my little class, and finding the mean, variance and standard deviations. =)
Life is a little busy these days to say the least but it's Fall Break and I have a house full of boys running around at 7:30 in the morning (oh and Elizabeth chasing all of them)so I better take advantage of the few minutes I'm sitting here.
My crazy big news that I long ago posted was...I had an "AWE HAH" moment (yes, I almost failed spelling class not to mention phonics 101)this summer while sitting at a Sounds baseball game next to a new friend who could be my mother and has been a nurse her whole life - she now teaches in the nursing program at MTSU. During that evening I decided that is exactly what I was supposed to pursue - a degree in nursing - it just made sense - I could work part time while the kids were little, make a lot of money, and feel like I was doing something to help others. The best part is I keep thinking about all the times I screwed up with Elizabeth during her crazy emergencies over the years where I literally freaked and didn't know what to do with her...if I was a nurse I wouldn't do that!!!!
And I get all excited picturing myself traveling when I'm older to do mission work as a nurse and helping others with my new found talent/skill! It's just so exciting I want to run buy a nurses hat at the Halloween store and walk around checking every one's temperature and blood pressure! Someone please...give me a needle! =)
But it is a huge elephant to chew up so you know what I'm going to say...I will be taking one bight at a time - starting with Statistics!
Before I could talk myself out of it I went and signed up for Elementary Statistics on line - yes, I'm teaching myself something I don't know anything about! Well, actually if that was the case I would have already failed but Nate (who is the Stat's king!)is teaching me each night around 9:00pm! To say I hate this class would be an understatement but it is what it is and yes, I'm striving for an A! =)
I have just a few classes to take that I didn't with my sweet and kind Communication's degree oh, 13 years ago so I'll be focusing on that the next two years. I plan on applying to MTSU's nursing program when Elizabeth is 5. It is a 5 semester full time program and I will graduate with a BS in Nursing. Wow! I'm so excited!!! I'm already thinking about what cute outfits I will need to buy so I can jaywalk across TN. Blvd. with the other cool students and make all the mini-van soccer moms crazy with rage as they slam on their brakes so as not to hit me! =)
(I have issues with rage over 20 year old, boot/jegging wearing jaywalkers in front of my kids' school - FYI)
Other than spending all my "free" time finding Z-scores and making Binomial Probability Distributions I am teaching a class of 3 year olds at Preschool. Don't worry though - no diaper changing and I am actually teaching them! They are all precious and I truly love planning out my lessons for them..."No Dad, I do not think I should be a school teacher!" =)
On M/W/F I am still a stay at home momma to sister girl who is a lot easier these days although she has a loud voice when she screams, "NO!" and has a tendency to shake her booty as she stomps her little foot down to show she really doesn't like what I'm asking - BUT...other than all that with a toddler we are getting along just fine, thank you!
I have actually kept my commitment of exercising at least 2 days of the week now for almost a year...results showing in my "guns" that I will now be hiding during the winter season - but watch out I can totally take you down (as I do often with sister girl) =)
And lastly I am still acting out my role as VP at the boys' school's Parent/Teacher Club - insanely dramatic as most things with large groups of women are but "I will surviiiivvvveeeee!" =)
So, no I'm not pregnant (Amy & Dawn O. - I know you were hoping for more exciting news but thankfully that was not it! =)
I will try to keep up my posting in the months to come...in between putting out fires at the PTC, planning alphabet learning games for my little class, and finding the mean, variance and standard deviations. =)
Aug 25, 2011
Changes, they are a coming...
I love being around women...I mean people...set in their ways.
Lord have mercy - the facial expressions, the leg crossing, the biting of cheeks, the crooked eyebrows, the eye rolling, the pinched lips, the grunting under one's breath...it is all quite amusing!
Whenever someone new comes on board you know a little boat rocking is about to happen. You can always tell the difference between the crew members who have been serving long enough to inform you on who built their precious boat and the newbies - the one's who are nervously taking notes, nodding their heads in agreement, smiling and shouting out "amen sister" under their breath.
Oh, to be the new captain of an experienced sailed ship and stand in front of your new crew trying to prove yourself worthy of leading them out into fair weather. To stand tall and not waiver as the dirty looks are given and the whispers float through the air and sting you. To put on your mean face (when you probably want to just hug everyone and ask them to like you) and tell your new crew that you are to be taken serious!
"It won't work." "We've tried that." "I don't think so." "Who is she kidding?"
But in time as the boat sets sail, the crew members start working and the captain exhales a little bit and gets the feel of the worn down planks beneath her feet all becomes calm again.
"Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better."
King Whitney Jr.
Lord have mercy - the facial expressions, the leg crossing, the biting of cheeks, the crooked eyebrows, the eye rolling, the pinched lips, the grunting under one's breath...it is all quite amusing!
Whenever someone new comes on board you know a little boat rocking is about to happen. You can always tell the difference between the crew members who have been serving long enough to inform you on who built their precious boat and the newbies - the one's who are nervously taking notes, nodding their heads in agreement, smiling and shouting out "amen sister" under their breath.
Oh, to be the new captain of an experienced sailed ship and stand in front of your new crew trying to prove yourself worthy of leading them out into fair weather. To stand tall and not waiver as the dirty looks are given and the whispers float through the air and sting you. To put on your mean face (when you probably want to just hug everyone and ask them to like you) and tell your new crew that you are to be taken serious!
"It won't work." "We've tried that." "I don't think so." "Who is she kidding?"
But in time as the boat sets sail, the crew members start working and the captain exhales a little bit and gets the feel of the worn down planks beneath her feet all becomes calm again.
"Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better."
King Whitney Jr.
Aug 20, 2011
"The little house that wouldn't sell"
You know...like "the little engine that wouldn't run"...get it? Sorry, I'm getting into preschool mode so bear with me.
It has been nine months. Wow, that's like carrying a baby. I never thought about it like that but for goodness sakes I've been carrying this dang house around on my shoulders for the past nine months but it didn't birth into a new, larger, more spacious house for my troubles. No...it just fell off my shoulders and allowed me a break - a break to step back and look at it from a new perspective. And it has changed - well my perspective has changed.
This will be hard for some of you to understand depending on your own financial living and your own desires of what you want out of life and for your family. We all don't row in the same boat as we travel down the path of life but we are all going the same route so to speak.
I so wanted to row in a bigger boat. I deserved it didn't I? I have three kids now and I've lived in this house for five years..."everyone" else has bigger houses so why can't I?
I managed to convince my very skeptical husband (who is in the heat of working on his dissertation for his PhD and trying to secure tenure at the university - not a very stable time for the man in my life) to jump on the realty bandwagon and "just give it a try for a few months" before we were both caught up in the whole mess of real estate and selfish desires. I see now why our country is in such a mess.
But wait a minute...let me explain...because I'm being very vague as I try to process my thoughts while writing to strangers/friends in cyberspace. My goal was to find a deal - something bigger that wasn't too much more - but realistically you can't get bigger without paying more and I sure was trying to fool myself (and my husband) into thinking we could.
All that to say - no one offered to buy our house. We had the most viewed house of any property my realtor has ever had. We showed our home over 40 times in nine months. I should have bought stock in Lysol for crying out loud! (I learned to clean my entire house very fast and very good) But no takers. Why didn't it sell? Well, goodness ask any realtor and they'll tell you why...
* priced too high
* needs a bonus room
* And the most precise answer of all - there are so many dag gum houses out there to buy in our market why would they buy ours when they can get a foreclosed house dirt cheap or a new one sitting there with the builder giving it away practically.
My thoughts are finally positive after I humbly and with a bit of wounded pride took down the sign in the front yard. I don't feel like I lost or that I gave up...I know that we will sell the house in a few years but right now I am actually content again.
Ian asked me one day after taking the sign down, "Mom, why did you want to sell the house again?" After I hit my head on the steering wheel and bit my lip I replied, "Well, Ian because mommy thought you and Eli needed more room." Ian's reply, "Oh...we are okay. I like our house." Enough said...
So, now I can sit back in my very clean and updated house and look at my beautiful family photos again, sit on my soft rug again, put my books back on my bookshelf in my bedroom again, and enjoy hanging out with my kids again - instead of yelling at them, "hurry up, we have two hours to clean the house and get out...."
And my big future plans...they totally were born out of carrying this house for the past nine months - God has a plan for each of us - I spent the past nine months fighting against His will (and knew it the whole time) but He is patient and His timing is awesome.
It has been nine months. Wow, that's like carrying a baby. I never thought about it like that but for goodness sakes I've been carrying this dang house around on my shoulders for the past nine months but it didn't birth into a new, larger, more spacious house for my troubles. No...it just fell off my shoulders and allowed me a break - a break to step back and look at it from a new perspective. And it has changed - well my perspective has changed.
This will be hard for some of you to understand depending on your own financial living and your own desires of what you want out of life and for your family. We all don't row in the same boat as we travel down the path of life but we are all going the same route so to speak.
I so wanted to row in a bigger boat. I deserved it didn't I? I have three kids now and I've lived in this house for five years..."everyone" else has bigger houses so why can't I?
I managed to convince my very skeptical husband (who is in the heat of working on his dissertation for his PhD and trying to secure tenure at the university - not a very stable time for the man in my life) to jump on the realty bandwagon and "just give it a try for a few months" before we were both caught up in the whole mess of real estate and selfish desires. I see now why our country is in such a mess.
But wait a minute...let me explain...because I'm being very vague as I try to process my thoughts while writing to strangers/friends in cyberspace. My goal was to find a deal - something bigger that wasn't too much more - but realistically you can't get bigger without paying more and I sure was trying to fool myself (and my husband) into thinking we could.
All that to say - no one offered to buy our house. We had the most viewed house of any property my realtor has ever had. We showed our home over 40 times in nine months. I should have bought stock in Lysol for crying out loud! (I learned to clean my entire house very fast and very good) But no takers. Why didn't it sell? Well, goodness ask any realtor and they'll tell you why...
* priced too high
* needs a bonus room
* And the most precise answer of all - there are so many dag gum houses out there to buy in our market why would they buy ours when they can get a foreclosed house dirt cheap or a new one sitting there with the builder giving it away practically.
My thoughts are finally positive after I humbly and with a bit of wounded pride took down the sign in the front yard. I don't feel like I lost or that I gave up...I know that we will sell the house in a few years but right now I am actually content again.
Ian asked me one day after taking the sign down, "Mom, why did you want to sell the house again?" After I hit my head on the steering wheel and bit my lip I replied, "Well, Ian because mommy thought you and Eli needed more room." Ian's reply, "Oh...we are okay. I like our house." Enough said...
So, now I can sit back in my very clean and updated house and look at my beautiful family photos again, sit on my soft rug again, put my books back on my bookshelf in my bedroom again, and enjoy hanging out with my kids again - instead of yelling at them, "hurry up, we have two hours to clean the house and get out...."
And my big future plans...they totally were born out of carrying this house for the past nine months - God has a plan for each of us - I spent the past nine months fighting against His will (and knew it the whole time) but He is patient and His timing is awesome.
Aug 12, 2011
Nothing says a new school year like a color coded calendar!
First week down...27 weeks (nate's guess) left of busy, packed, fun-filled and probably a little hectic schedules.
I spent almost two hours last night color coding my outlook calendar for the family- soccer/green, piano/yellow, school events/blue, scouting/red, preschool/purple...I didn't even ask Nate what he was up to the next 10 months...
But I'm happy to be back at it again. We slept in enough (did I really say that?), watched too much t.v., soaked up way too many ultra-violet waves despite our 50 blockage!
Eli has survived a few anxiety attacks this week, Ian has already had his first x-ray for the school year (no broken wrist just very bruised), attitudes toward "school work" are more positive this time around although Ian told me 2nd grade wasn't as much fun as 1st grade and Eli swears he isn't learning anything new yet.
Surprises already? Eli came home today asking if he should run for student council, which I almost ran off to start using my paint pens and designing his vote for me signs, but controlled myself and casually slipped in that I had been the student council president of my high school at one time. I think I saw a glimmer of awe in his eye but it was quickly replaced by his brother making some sort of disgusting noise in the tub and lots of laughter. Then Eli asked if he should join choir at school, which made me almost burst into laughter bc the boy can't stand being in the spotlight and refuses to let any song slip out his mouth that is audible. I'm thinking we are going through some "changes" this year!
Actually our family will be going through a few new changes this fall but more of that to come in a different post....I'm off to plan Eli's campaign speech and pick a new color for "choir" on my calendar. ;)
I spent almost two hours last night color coding my outlook calendar for the family- soccer/green, piano/yellow, school events/blue, scouting/red, preschool/purple...I didn't even ask Nate what he was up to the next 10 months...
But I'm happy to be back at it again. We slept in enough (did I really say that?), watched too much t.v., soaked up way too many ultra-violet waves despite our 50 blockage!
Eli has survived a few anxiety attacks this week, Ian has already had his first x-ray for the school year (no broken wrist just very bruised), attitudes toward "school work" are more positive this time around although Ian told me 2nd grade wasn't as much fun as 1st grade and Eli swears he isn't learning anything new yet.
Surprises already? Eli came home today asking if he should run for student council, which I almost ran off to start using my paint pens and designing his vote for me signs, but controlled myself and casually slipped in that I had been the student council president of my high school at one time. I think I saw a glimmer of awe in his eye but it was quickly replaced by his brother making some sort of disgusting noise in the tub and lots of laughter. Then Eli asked if he should join choir at school, which made me almost burst into laughter bc the boy can't stand being in the spotlight and refuses to let any song slip out his mouth that is audible. I'm thinking we are going through some "changes" this year!
Actually our family will be going through a few new changes this fall but more of that to come in a different post....I'm off to plan Eli's campaign speech and pick a new color for "choir" on my calendar. ;)
Aug 9, 2011
Sometimes it just stinks...
Sometimes being an adult just stinks...
Sometimes you realize that you have to go to the store at 9:30pm and buy milk for the next morning even when all you want to do is fall into bed (or watch some t.v.)...and it just stinks.
Sometimes you realize that a friendship truly is over and when you want to pick up the phone and call that person to share a happy thought you can't...and it just stinks.
Sometimes you realize that no matter how much you love someone they can still disappoint you to the point that it hurts...and it just stinks.
Sometimes you realize that a child's need is greater than you are capable of helping him with and so you must go elsewhere for help...and it just stinks.
But life keeps going. You wake up the next morning, with a full glass of milk, look to the friends you do still have, forgive your loved ones even when you don't want to, and reach out for help from those who can give it and you keep going.
Sometimes you realize that you have to go to the store at 9:30pm and buy milk for the next morning even when all you want to do is fall into bed (or watch some t.v.)...and it just stinks.
Sometimes you realize that a friendship truly is over and when you want to pick up the phone and call that person to share a happy thought you can't...and it just stinks.
Sometimes you realize that no matter how much you love someone they can still disappoint you to the point that it hurts...and it just stinks.
Sometimes you realize that a child's need is greater than you are capable of helping him with and so you must go elsewhere for help...and it just stinks.
But life keeps going. You wake up the next morning, with a full glass of milk, look to the friends you do still have, forgive your loved ones even when you don't want to, and reach out for help from those who can give it and you keep going.
Aug 4, 2011
bibbity boppity boo...
Sister Girl has a real (I mean crazy) infatuation for anything princess! I used to scoff at such girls as I sat alongside my sons and pushed tractors in the dirt and donned batman wings and Darth Vader masks. Now I have one of those Cinderella dressed, crown sporting, high heal clanking daughters in my house - AND I LOVE IT!
But I realized this week that maybe her obsession with pink, taffeta and glitter had gotten out of control when I proceeded to discipline her (I'm sure for some slight offense) and she looked at me with those serious "Callender gene big eyes" and said in a voice that sounded like Ursula (you know the sea witch from Little Mermaid...come on now...)
"I put a spwell on yeww..." and then she pointed at me with her little two year old finger.
What! Did my toddler just curse me with some unknown preschool spell...was I about to grow warts and hop around in my dill pickle painted kitchen?
Luckily nothing happened to me but that evening to be on the safe side I walked around and collected all of her fairy wands and then dug a hole in the backyard, buried each one of them and if I had been Catholic I might have outlined her bedroom door in rosary beads.
(But currently being Baptist I instead sent out a prayer request and got a strong team of prayer warriors laying hands over my little one...)
But I realized this week that maybe her obsession with pink, taffeta and glitter had gotten out of control when I proceeded to discipline her (I'm sure for some slight offense) and she looked at me with those serious "Callender gene big eyes" and said in a voice that sounded like Ursula (you know the sea witch from Little Mermaid...come on now...)
"I put a spwell on yeww..." and then she pointed at me with her little two year old finger.
What! Did my toddler just curse me with some unknown preschool spell...was I about to grow warts and hop around in my dill pickle painted kitchen?
Luckily nothing happened to me but that evening to be on the safe side I walked around and collected all of her fairy wands and then dug a hole in the backyard, buried each one of them and if I had been Catholic I might have outlined her bedroom door in rosary beads.
(But currently being Baptist I instead sent out a prayer request and got a strong team of prayer warriors laying hands over my little one...)
Jul 24, 2011
A transformed life
Tonight I witnessed a man - a Chinese man - get baptized.
He has been coming to our Sunday school class for a few months now...studying the bible quietly with one of our teachers/friends at nights...and changing.
He gave his testimony tonight before he was baptized and in it he mentioned that over the last few years he has been through some very stressful situations in life and he often responded to his wife and son with anger. He told how he was searching one night when he wound up at our church and meeting his new friend in the hallway. He opened the conversation with, "What's this all about?" (pointing to the bible)
We soon all discovered that his wife was divorcing him and because of this he would have to return to China. He had been taking care of their son while she worked. Back in China he was a judge but could not practice law here in America. So he could not find work.
Despite the fact that his wife was leaving him, which would force him to return to China and leave his son he didn't respond with hatred. He was a changed man.
He came to accept Christ as his personal savior and learned to love his wife through this pain.
After he was baptized tonight he was driving with his son to the new city his wife was relocating to and helping her move/unpack. Then in a few weeks he will leave for China without a fight. His plan is to go for one year and try to master the English language so he can return and take a special proficiency test so he can work here - hopefully as a lawyer - and win back the affection of his wife or at least be with his son once again.
I am awed at the power of Christ when working in some one's life. It is such a wonderful experience to watch Him transform someone completely. I will be praying for our new friend and brother in the faith as he says, "I have peace with what is happening in my life and know that God is with me and has a plan for me."
He has been coming to our Sunday school class for a few months now...studying the bible quietly with one of our teachers/friends at nights...and changing.
He gave his testimony tonight before he was baptized and in it he mentioned that over the last few years he has been through some very stressful situations in life and he often responded to his wife and son with anger. He told how he was searching one night when he wound up at our church and meeting his new friend in the hallway. He opened the conversation with, "What's this all about?" (pointing to the bible)
We soon all discovered that his wife was divorcing him and because of this he would have to return to China. He had been taking care of their son while she worked. Back in China he was a judge but could not practice law here in America. So he could not find work.
Despite the fact that his wife was leaving him, which would force him to return to China and leave his son he didn't respond with hatred. He was a changed man.
He came to accept Christ as his personal savior and learned to love his wife through this pain.
After he was baptized tonight he was driving with his son to the new city his wife was relocating to and helping her move/unpack. Then in a few weeks he will leave for China without a fight. His plan is to go for one year and try to master the English language so he can return and take a special proficiency test so he can work here - hopefully as a lawyer - and win back the affection of his wife or at least be with his son once again.
I am awed at the power of Christ when working in some one's life. It is such a wonderful experience to watch Him transform someone completely. I will be praying for our new friend and brother in the faith as he says, "I have peace with what is happening in my life and know that God is with me and has a plan for me."
Jul 17, 2011
My hormone crazy, emotional drama Queen
Sister Girl is a character in herself.
The past two years of her life I have shared colorful stories of her adventures and bumps and bruises and crazy moments in our family. Recently I looked at Nate as we were walking through a parking lot - not clutching sister girl in a body lock to keep from escape - and said, "Wow! We've almost reached that point in our family again where things are calm." We then laughed at how long it had been since we could all walk through a parking lot or skip a nap to play longer somewhere or all somewhat enjoy a movie together. (Not that we are completely there mind you but we can see the light)
Not 48 hours after we said that something happened...I don't quite know what has happened but I have a slight feeling that aliens have abducted our daughter and replaced her with a hormone crazy, emotional drama Queen! I do remember the boys going through some phase (it seems so foggy now) where there were fits and lots of tears - for no reason- but this pales in comparison to ANYTHING I have ever witnessed!
The pictures can shed more light on what I'm talking about (although they were taken awhile back and there was hair pulling involved by a younger cousin).
Do you see the facial expressions? And these photos were taken within 5 seconds of each other!! From sweet angelic (I love you so much) to evil, conspiring (I am up to much mischief and by the way I don't think I like you anymore) to crazy, lunatic, mad woman who is ready to bite your head off (I hate you I hate you I hate you).
Yes, my little sister girl can now go from "I love you so much...and those are beautiful earrings you have on mom...and thanks for buying me sponge-bob bubble bath" to an instant later "RAHHHHHH....I don't like her....She's not my friend....RAHHHHHH...." pull hair...slam feet on floor...bottom lip dragging on the floor...crocodile tears streaming down Snuffalufagus eyelashes.
And I guess that is how it happens. Your once sweet - although a little wild- two year old daughter becomes a 16 year old drama queen who is already keeping a little black notebook of who has wronged her by taking a cracker from her plate at Sunday School.
Let the adventures of female toddler hood begin.
The past two years of her life I have shared colorful stories of her adventures and bumps and bruises and crazy moments in our family. Recently I looked at Nate as we were walking through a parking lot - not clutching sister girl in a body lock to keep from escape - and said, "Wow! We've almost reached that point in our family again where things are calm." We then laughed at how long it had been since we could all walk through a parking lot or skip a nap to play longer somewhere or all somewhat enjoy a movie together. (Not that we are completely there mind you but we can see the light)
Not 48 hours after we said that something happened...I don't quite know what has happened but I have a slight feeling that aliens have abducted our daughter and replaced her with a hormone crazy, emotional drama Queen! I do remember the boys going through some phase (it seems so foggy now) where there were fits and lots of tears - for no reason- but this pales in comparison to ANYTHING I have ever witnessed!
The pictures can shed more light on what I'm talking about (although they were taken awhile back and there was hair pulling involved by a younger cousin).
Do you see the facial expressions? And these photos were taken within 5 seconds of each other!! From sweet angelic (I love you so much) to evil, conspiring (I am up to much mischief and by the way I don't think I like you anymore) to crazy, lunatic, mad woman who is ready to bite your head off (I hate you I hate you I hate you).
Yes, my little sister girl can now go from "I love you so much...and those are beautiful earrings you have on mom...and thanks for buying me sponge-bob bubble bath" to an instant later "RAHHHHHH....I don't like her....She's not my friend....RAHHHHHH...." pull hair...slam feet on floor...bottom lip dragging on the floor...crocodile tears streaming down Snuffalufagus eyelashes.
And I guess that is how it happens. Your once sweet - although a little wild- two year old daughter becomes a 16 year old drama queen who is already keeping a little black notebook of who has wronged her by taking a cracker from her plate at Sunday School.
Let the adventures of female toddler hood begin.
Jul 16, 2011
Only 21 days left...
As I approach most summer breaks with the kids a little of excitement mixed with some anxiety overcomes me. Nine weeks of being together at home all day...what will we do? I have my usual camps that I line up in the Spring - cub scout day camp, vbs, a discovery center science camp. Then of course there is swim team which is every day for the month of June. Throw in a planned vacation for a week...a couple of spontaneous trips to my parents house in West Tn. for a week at a time and then we have only a few weeks to fill with impromptu fun.
Only three weeks left of 2011's summer break and I can safely say it has been fun. We've been to lakes, hidden rivers with waterfalls, rock pits, Great-grandmother's barber shop, had tea parties with cousins, got $10 of fun out of a cheap slip and slide for a couple of days, won some ribbons in swim meets, learned to run 2 miles, visited old friends from our past, and even picked blueberries!
My mind is already swirling over what to do the next twenty-one days of our break together before alarm clocks have to be set, lunch boxes have to be packed and homework has to be finished. Enjoy the photos down memory lane - I tried to pick ones that caught the kids enjoying a little of their summer fun together.
Only three weeks left of 2011's summer break and I can safely say it has been fun. We've been to lakes, hidden rivers with waterfalls, rock pits, Great-grandmother's barber shop, had tea parties with cousins, got $10 of fun out of a cheap slip and slide for a couple of days, won some ribbons in swim meets, learned to run 2 miles, visited old friends from our past, and even picked blueberries!
My mind is already swirling over what to do the next twenty-one days of our break together before alarm clocks have to be set, lunch boxes have to be packed and homework has to be finished. Enjoy the photos down memory lane - I tried to pick ones that caught the kids enjoying a little of their summer fun together.
Jun 20, 2011
June 20, 1998
June 20, 1998
I woke up to the sound of thunder. Surely that is not what I just heard...but it was. I then heard people hurrying outside my bedroom,something was going on. I dressed in a t-shirt and shorts and ran into the living room. My parents were running outside in search of plastic tarps. The baby grand piano was going to get wet.
Once I stepped outside and saw the black sky and heard the thunder echoing in the Curve-Nankipoo countryside I knew there was no mistaking the truth now - it was raining on my wedding day - the wedding day that was to take place outside in the midst of this cloud covered countryside - and the tears came as hard as the rain drops.
That is one of the most vivid memories of my wedding day. Of course it stopped raining that morning and the summer heat rose out of the black soil with a vengenance like it had been trapped one too many days that June month. 'They are going to hate me,' I thought as I envisioned my groomsmen bundled up in their tuxes standing in the flower gardens during the 6:00 heat spell.
"Oh well. I am the bride!" I'm sure I thought (one too many times). Like when I decided it would be beautiful for my bridesmaids to have different colored pastel dresses just like the flowers in my mom's garden they would be posing in front of as I - the white Lilly (I suppose) marched down the make shift aisle to my husband to be. Those ladies were good sports but hey, isn't that what bridesmaids are there for - to entertain the wild hair brain ideas a bride has to make her wedding the most beautiful event in history?
The wedding was in my parents' yard. And I do not over-exaggerate when I say they started preparing for this day months in advance. My mother's flower gardens were in full bloom, the old wooden shed in the backyard had been torn down to its bare bones and draped with stuff I don't even know the name of in anticipation of the D.J. we had heard so much about (but would never recommend to another poor bride again), lattice work had been spray painted a crisp white and placed cleverly in front of the tractor shed opening to hide my father's 'small farm' equipment. My dad had even built the exact replica of a wedding arch that would be draped with fresh flowers I had seen in Martha's bridal magazine. None of this came without hours of hard labor on our part (or our friends and even family that had just gotten off the plane) We were all out there (actually hours before the wedding started) with the staple gun and glue gun and hammer and nails hanging up lights, baskets of fresh cut flowers, bows, and anything else my mom and her team of lady friends could think of to transform that country home to an oasis of love for party goers all over the county and country! It was to be the party of the summer and no one wanted to miss a chance to see the Weeks' house (and my momma's gardens) as well as all my family and Nate's family had flown and driven in for the reunion.
I'm truly not a high maintenance kind of girl, although I do like my massacre and flat iron, so when it came time to get ready for the big event I simply washed my hair (I had been swimming with my friends and cousins earlier) and pulled my hot rolled curls into a simple pony tail. I put my make-up on alongside my two best girlfriends and my sister then climbed into that Cinderella dress (with some assistance).
Lord, I loved that dress!
All that work...and then the time came. In true Weeks fashion there were stressful tears shed before the actual giving away of the bride - and in true Sarah fashion I had a complete melt down after I had married my true love and hugged about 200 people in that Southern heat of June while wearing a 50 pound dress made up mostly of taffeta and belly sucking satin. Thanks to my Aunt Vicki who stripped me of the weight and threw my naked, crying self into my mother's shower while all of my guests danced the night away on the other side of the house I was forced to get a grip. After cooling off and putting on my "going away dress" I was refreshed and ready to join the party again. And that is what it was - cousins dancing barefoot on the grass and high school friends reuniting and comparing lives as the d.j. played music to appease all ages - mostly my parents - and get the people dancing.
Bellies were filled, families were reunited after years of absence, feet grew sore, and later night parting was planned for the young ones in attendance but then it was time for Nate and I to part into the night and begin our travels as husband and wife.
The canoe was strapped to my Camry and the bouquet was thrown. Our bags made it to the car and we waved good-bye. As we pulled onto highway 51 again the tears flowed but this time in front of my sweet 21 year old partner. I was already missing my parents...I was on my own for real this time...I was grown-up...I was married.
Poor Nate! I did eventually stop crying and I did feel better after we pulled into the hotel and opened up the basket of food we hadn't gotten to eat that night because of all the "socializing" we were expected to do. And then the next day we were off on the adventure of our new life to the Ozark mountains to canoe and hide away in a cabin for a week.
13 years later and I still get a dreamy feeling when I see pictures of Nate and I sitting in my parents' front lawn all dressed up. 13 years later and I still get lightheaded when he holds me and tells me I'm beautiful. 13 years later and I still love this man...more then ever!
I woke up to the sound of thunder. Surely that is not what I just heard...but it was. I then heard people hurrying outside my bedroom,something was going on. I dressed in a t-shirt and shorts and ran into the living room. My parents were running outside in search of plastic tarps. The baby grand piano was going to get wet.
Once I stepped outside and saw the black sky and heard the thunder echoing in the Curve-Nankipoo countryside I knew there was no mistaking the truth now - it was raining on my wedding day - the wedding day that was to take place outside in the midst of this cloud covered countryside - and the tears came as hard as the rain drops.
That is one of the most vivid memories of my wedding day. Of course it stopped raining that morning and the summer heat rose out of the black soil with a vengenance like it had been trapped one too many days that June month. 'They are going to hate me,' I thought as I envisioned my groomsmen bundled up in their tuxes standing in the flower gardens during the 6:00 heat spell.
"Oh well. I am the bride!" I'm sure I thought (one too many times). Like when I decided it would be beautiful for my bridesmaids to have different colored pastel dresses just like the flowers in my mom's garden they would be posing in front of as I - the white Lilly (I suppose) marched down the make shift aisle to my husband to be. Those ladies were good sports but hey, isn't that what bridesmaids are there for - to entertain the wild hair brain ideas a bride has to make her wedding the most beautiful event in history?
The wedding was in my parents' yard. And I do not over-exaggerate when I say they started preparing for this day months in advance. My mother's flower gardens were in full bloom, the old wooden shed in the backyard had been torn down to its bare bones and draped with stuff I don't even know the name of in anticipation of the D.J. we had heard so much about (but would never recommend to another poor bride again), lattice work had been spray painted a crisp white and placed cleverly in front of the tractor shed opening to hide my father's 'small farm' equipment. My dad had even built the exact replica of a wedding arch that would be draped with fresh flowers I had seen in Martha's bridal magazine. None of this came without hours of hard labor on our part (or our friends and even family that had just gotten off the plane) We were all out there (actually hours before the wedding started) with the staple gun and glue gun and hammer and nails hanging up lights, baskets of fresh cut flowers, bows, and anything else my mom and her team of lady friends could think of to transform that country home to an oasis of love for party goers all over the county and country! It was to be the party of the summer and no one wanted to miss a chance to see the Weeks' house (and my momma's gardens) as well as all my family and Nate's family had flown and driven in for the reunion.
I'm truly not a high maintenance kind of girl, although I do like my massacre and flat iron, so when it came time to get ready for the big event I simply washed my hair (I had been swimming with my friends and cousins earlier) and pulled my hot rolled curls into a simple pony tail. I put my make-up on alongside my two best girlfriends and my sister then climbed into that Cinderella dress (with some assistance).
Lord, I loved that dress!
All that work...and then the time came. In true Weeks fashion there were stressful tears shed before the actual giving away of the bride - and in true Sarah fashion I had a complete melt down after I had married my true love and hugged about 200 people in that Southern heat of June while wearing a 50 pound dress made up mostly of taffeta and belly sucking satin. Thanks to my Aunt Vicki who stripped me of the weight and threw my naked, crying self into my mother's shower while all of my guests danced the night away on the other side of the house I was forced to get a grip. After cooling off and putting on my "going away dress" I was refreshed and ready to join the party again. And that is what it was - cousins dancing barefoot on the grass and high school friends reuniting and comparing lives as the d.j. played music to appease all ages - mostly my parents - and get the people dancing.
Bellies were filled, families were reunited after years of absence, feet grew sore, and later night parting was planned for the young ones in attendance but then it was time for Nate and I to part into the night and begin our travels as husband and wife.
The canoe was strapped to my Camry and the bouquet was thrown. Our bags made it to the car and we waved good-bye. As we pulled onto highway 51 again the tears flowed but this time in front of my sweet 21 year old partner. I was already missing my parents...I was on my own for real this time...I was grown-up...I was married.
Poor Nate! I did eventually stop crying and I did feel better after we pulled into the hotel and opened up the basket of food we hadn't gotten to eat that night because of all the "socializing" we were expected to do. And then the next day we were off on the adventure of our new life to the Ozark mountains to canoe and hide away in a cabin for a week.
13 years later and I still get a dreamy feeling when I see pictures of Nate and I sitting in my parents' front lawn all dressed up. 13 years later and I still get lightheaded when he holds me and tells me I'm beautiful. 13 years later and I still love this man...more then ever!
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