Wednesday's Words of Wisdom Not My Own.....

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year

'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'

And he replied, 'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God

That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'

So I went forth and finding the Hand of God

Trod gladly into the night

He led me towards the hills

And the breaking of day in the lone east.

So heart be still!

What need our human life to know

If God hath comprehension?

In all the dizzy strife of things

Both high and low,

God hideth his intention."

--Minnie Louise Haskins

I found this written in one of my Grandmother's journals. I love this poem......it is my hope that I/we can go forward into this new year with trust in God's plan. As this poem says.."What need our human life to know, If God hath comprehension?"

Happy New Year!

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom Not My Own...(Christmas Edition)

How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, his precepts! O! 'tis easier to keep Holidays than Commandments.
--Benjamin Franklin

Merry Christmas to all!!

Eagle Scout!!

It's official.....Sam is an Eagle Scout!

We had been waiting around for his paperwork to make it's way through the red tape of the council office when we got a phone call Thursday afternoon. It was Sam's Scoutmaster saying that he had just gotten an e-mail from the council guy wanting to know if we could do the Board of Review (BOR) that evening!! So we spent a frantic afternoon putting together 3 extra copies of his project (each board member wanted their own to look at) and getting the last couple of Merit Badge patches glued on to his sash.

It was an anxious time for me as I waited for Sam. (I was not allowed in the room during the BOR.) Then more anxious as Sam and I waited together while the Board deliberated his fate. Then they called us in and congratulated Sam on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. He grinned ear to ear, I almost cried (tears of both joy and relief), they read us a nice poem about being an Eagle, signed his book and sent us on our way. Now we just need to wait for Peter to be finished and we'll schedule a Court of Honor for the two of them.

Sam's project was Bat Houses. We live in a neighborhood with several bat colonies. The bats were nesting in people's homes/attics, and other undesirable places, so Sam built and installed 10 Bat Houses around the neighborhood. They were occupied almost immedietely. It was a really fun (but l-o-n-g drawn out) process.

So, congratulations, Sam!! I can't wait to see what you accomplish next!!

Christmas Spirit........

(Yes, this is my actual Christmas tree, a little sad, I know, but lots of good memories come with those handcrafted ornaments! And I'm more about preserving memories than having a 'Martha Stewart' tree)

I'm having a really weird Christmas season this year. Lots of mood swings. One day I love Christmas, the next I'm depressed about it. Here are a few of my issues:

My Christmas tree:

I love Christmas trees. I have always loved Christmas trees. They make my happy. I love to sit in the quiet darkness of the late evening or early morning and just look at the lights. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and sometimes I get a little nostalgic thinking about Christmases past.

We always get a 'real' Christmas tree. We've talked about getting an artificial one, but the kids always protest. 'It's not the same!', 'It won't smell like Christmas!', etc. I'm sure you're familiar with the arguments against artificial trees.

Yet, as I get older, I'm leaning more and more toward an artificial tree. I mean, really, who likes vacuuming up pine needles until Easter? Because no matter how many times I vacuum I can NEVER get them all up. And while I do love the smell of a 'real' tree, I'm starting to feel guilty.....It has occurred to me that all I'm really doing is keeping the tree on life support until I'm done with it. It's been cut down! It has no chance of recovery. Yet I water it, and take care of it like there might be some hope of saving it. All I'm really doing is prolonging the agony until I'm through with it, the season is over, and I can 'pull the plug'. Then it sits in my backyard firepit until it's dryed out enough for Peter to torch it. (This is Peter's favorite thing about Christmas trees. They go up in flames in about 20 seconds. It never gets old for him, he even collects trees from our neighbors for more 'flammable fun'. We usually end up burning 3-4 trees every year.)

Christmas music:

Every year as Thanksgiving rolls around and the Christmas music starts to play on the radio I have to smile. I love those first few strains of 'White Christmas' and 'Jingle Bell Rock'. I get that warm, fuzzy feeling again, and smile to myself. I love listening to Burl Ives, Bing Crosby, Kenny Loggins and even the new Barry Manilow Christmas song. (my personal newest favorite!)

There are times when Christmas music makes me feel whole and happy, like all is right with the world. I even love, love, love the Chipmunks Christmas song because it brings me right back to my childhood Christmases when all WAS right with the world.

But then I hear Elvis's 'Blue Christmas', or 'Grandma got run over by a reindeer' or 'Santa, Baby' or Dean Martin or some Country music 'has been' or someone else who really, really has NO BUSINESS singing Christmas songs and it makes me cringe. They should have a radio station that only plays what I want to hear. (Oh, wait, maybe that's why they invented CD's.)

Christmas presents:

I love presents. I love seeing them piled up under the tree. I love the anticipation they create, the excitement, the curiousity, the pure joy of wonder. I love searching and finding 'the gift', you know, 'the gift', the one thing that you just know they will love. The elusive perfect gift. It's so fun to know that THAT gift is under the tree. You know it, and they don't. I love to see the kids look at the presents, find their name on it, and speculate. I love doing it myself. I can't wait to see what treasures my kids have picked out for me this year. Will I get the malted milk balls I love so much? The chocolate covered pretzels? What fun, fun things might be waiting for me under that tree?

But, really, I hate shopping. I have always hated shopping. I never go to the mall. When my kids were little, they thought that Santa lived at the mall because the ONLY time we ever went there was to see Santa at Christmas time. Even now, when someone needs new shoes, or clothes, or even when I need groceries, my plan is 'get in, get out'. I don't want to linger, wander, and window shop. And I really hate it when I can't find or even think of 'the perfect gift'. I hate not knowing what to get someone. This year, it's Joe. I can tell you this because I know he never reads my blog. I have NO EARTHLY IDEA what to get my husband for Christmas!! He's one of those guys who, when he wants or needs something, he goes out and buys it. He has everything he needs and I am really at a loss. My Christmas shopping is done, but for Joe. (Any ideas here would REALLY be appreciated!)

Christmas Cards:

Again, some love and some loathing. I love hearing from those people that I only hear from one time a year. I love the Christmas newsletter from my Aunt Pearl, to hear that, at age 86, she is STILL waterskiing and loving life! I love to hear from my step-mother's Aunt Helen. She is a kind, loving, gentle woman that just oozes comfort. (the woman MAKES her own caramels!! What's not to love!) I also love hearing from my friends and family far away. It reminds me of the love we share and the family that we are.

What bugs me about Christmas cards are the bogus newsletters that some people send out. 'My little Tommy got all A's on his report card!' or 'I made 5,000 cookies for the homeless' or 'We won the lottery this year and retired to a villa in the south of France!'......you get the idea. Whatever, people!! Get real! Tell me what's really going on in your life. Tell me about the lost job, or the kid who failed the 7th grade. Life is not a Christmas newsletter!! I know that we like to share the good things with each other, but if we're really friends, shouldn't we share the other things, too? I, for one, like to know that I'm not alone in my troubles. Yet, when I read some of these Christmas newsletters, that's just how I feel. I must be doing something wrong if my kid doesn't get all A's, or I neglected to donate my entire life savings to those less fortunate, or if my life isn't perfect.

Despite the fact that my Christmas spirit comes and goes, I really do love the Christmas Season. And being that there's really not much time left to revel in it, I guess I'd better quit wasting time complaining and jump in with both feet!! So, Merry Christmas to you and yours, and I hope you all have a GREAT Holiday Season!!

Another Tag......

How bad has it gotten? So bad that I'm playing tag with myself. I saw this tag somewhere and thought it looked fun. So, even though no one asked me to play, I'm playing. If anyone else would like to play (Mary, Laura, Jennie) please do. It would be fun to see your answers (and your taste in music).

1. Put your iTunes on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag someone else (if you want)

1. IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Golden Moments (I guess that could be a new saying: "How's it going?" "Golden Moments!" kind of like 'Good Times'!)

2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
It Had To Be You (of course it did!)

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Why Can't the English Teach their Children How to Speak? (proper grammar is SO important)

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
She's Always A Woman (always)

5. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Embraceable You (aren't you just adorable!)

6. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Come Fly With Me ('cause I'm the life of the party!)

7. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Stand By Your Man (even if he's in Macon)

8. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Fire in the Morning (that woman is really a morning person!)

9. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
The Best is Yet to Come (yeah, baby!)

10. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S STORY?
I am Woman (see #4)

11. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Daniel (traveling tonight on a plane??)

12. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Just You and I (till the end of time)

13. WHAT DID YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Sugar, Sugar (nothing more to say here)

14. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
You've got a Friend (I can hope)

15. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
That's Life (in other words, I don't have any hobby/interest because 'that's life')

16. WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Bye, Bye Blackbird (don't ask)

17. WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
I'm an Ordinary Man (huh?)

18. WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Down with Love

19. WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Get it right the first time (I think I'm most afraid that I won't)

20. WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Little Deuce Coupe (yeah, my little deuce coupe has really been acting up lately!)

So, there you go. I have to add that I REALLY love my music player (it's not an ipod, but I love it just the same) I didn't think I wanted one, but Joe knew better and bought me one for my birthday. Thanks, baby, you know me so well. I hope someone else plays, it really is fun!

Random Ramblings.......

I cannot figure out why I tend to place so little value on things that I enjoy. I guess I think that if I enjoy something, it must be a waste of time. Instead of doing that which I enjoy, and realizing the value of it, I think I should be cleaning, vacuuming, doing laundry, etc. It's something that I really need to work on.

For instance, I spent an hour with my mother this morning. Yes, I know, she's been gone since 1978. 30 long years. Sometimes I wonder at the fact that I've survived this long without her. How did I get through college? And children? And life??

Anyways, I spent an hour this morning going over letters that she had written to her mother-in-law through the years. I was organizing them and making sure that I had them all typed and saved on the computer. There are about 25 letters covering 20 years of my family from 1952 (Waaaaay before I was born!) until 1972. I'm sure there must have been more letters, but I am grateful for the ones I have. It is a real insight into the raising of our family. I am able to read about her adventures with her husband and children. I can feel her close to me during those times.

Yet......I have a grandchild clambering for breakfast and a mountain of laundry, and other chores waiting....and I feel guilty for hoarding this time together, just me and my mom. So, reluctantly, I set it aside. I know that hungry children can't wait, but letters from so long ago can wait for another day.

Sometimes, though, I want to be selfish. I want to set aside the children instead of my projects. Not that I have a lot of projects, but maybe I would if I had more time. I feel such a pull toward family history. I want to have time to quilt and maybe refinish furniture and read a book. But maybe, for now, the children are my project. Maybe my time is better spent right now pouring cereal and reading Dr. Seuss.

And maybe this better explains my search for the empty nest.

Do I REALLY need to tell you these things????

I was reading this blog yesterday, and as I was preparing to comment on it, I realized that I could probably write my own blog about this subject. In case you decide not to read the linked blog (you really should, though) it's about the things we think we shouldn't have to tell our children to do/not do (like 'spit on the carpet'!) but it turns out we really should have told them.

Here are my top ten:

1. Don't put dimes in the car power adapter. Sparks will fly and you may set the car on fire.

2. Don't put Hot Wheels cars (or toast) in the VCR. It will severely impede the functionality of said VCR.

3. Don't try to balance pennies on top of night-lights. The penny may slip behind the night-light and get caught on the prongs, causing sparks to fly, and the penny to melt. You may have to throw a pillow at the night-light over and over again to knock it out of the wall safely.

4. Don't push the mattress off of your bed. It may lodge against the door and you and your sister may be trapped in your room for quite some time.

5. Don't prank Eleanor. You will regret it.

6. Don't test the sharpness of the knife by running it across the palm of your hand. Just trust me when I tell you that it's sharp!

7. Wear shoes when playing baseball. It hurts when the other players step on your feet, and you may just break a bone sliding into home plate.

8. Never stack a chair on top of a table in the gym at church, then leap off the chair trying to grab the rim of the basketball standard. You will spend the rest of the summer in a cast.

9. Don't play in the car with your two-year-old sister. And, especially, don't put the car in reverse. You may have to use all of your five-year-old strength to keep the car from rolling into the street.

10. Don't put beans up your nose.

If I've missed any, please let me know. I've still got a few years of parenting left and I want to be sure I cover all my bases.

Wrestling and Homework....

I may have mentioned in a previous post how much I despise wrestling. And how fond of wrestling my youngest son is. Interestingly enough, we have kind of reversed our positions.

Let me explain.....

For Peter, wrestling seems to have lost some of it's appeal. He is no longer quite so gung ho about it. It's not turning out the way he thought it would. It's a LOT more work than he anticipated, and not quite so much fun. He has NO TIME in his life for anyone or anything other than wrestling, including on the weekends. And if anything can be said about Peter, it is that he is multi-faceted. It is virtually impossible for him to be involved in just one thing. He has to be involved in lots of things in order to be happy. That said, I think he's kind of waiting for me to pull him out of wrestling as he refuses to quit. While I am impressed by his integrity for not wanting to quit, I'm not quite ready to pull him out......

Don't get me wrong...I am still not cool with having my son thrown down on the mat, and definitely still not fond of him coming home each night with new cuts and bruises (though that is happening less and less.) However......the coach has recently put a new policy into place. While practice will still run from 4-7 each night, the first hour will be devoted to studying. That's right, a coach enforced study hall!! Apparently, grades are important at school. Who knew?? It's not just about sports!! I'm so excited by this prospect I can hardly stand it!! Someone other than me helping Peter do homework!!

(I may also have mentioned in a previous post something about leading a horse to water. In that post, I suggested that perhaps if another person led a horse to water, maybe said horse would drink......maybe the wrestling coach is that person. Maybe the horse will finally learn to drink the water. Maybe the coach can MAKE the horse drink.)

So, for now, I'll wait. I may still pull him out, but first I'm going to wait a couple of weeks and see how this homework thing works out.

Wednesday's Words of Wisdom Not My Own......

"I know that the seeds I sow I will harvest,

because every action, good or bad,

is always followed by an equal reaction.

I will plant only good seeds this day."

—Og Mandino

Party Time!!!

Thanks so much to Scripture Mom for sending my this awesome Cheez-it Party Mix. I was the winner of her birthday giveaway and the Party Mix was my prize!! It arrived just in time for a long Thanksgiving weekend munch fest! (I do, however, feel bad that it cost her $6 to send it!)

A Birthday Wish...

Happy Birthday to my firstborn!

Eleanor turns 26 today. Hope you have an awesome day!!

I love you, my girl!