Sunday, December 25, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
An open letter to my sons
Dear Clone and Frog,
I have just returned from 6 days at Disney World. In general in the parks, people are considerate and generally well mannered towards one another: waiting turns in line, letting small children stand in front of them for the parades,etc. However, in the 6 days of riding multiple buses daily to get everywhere we went, I saw just one, yes just ONE, man offer his seat to any woman or child who had to stand on the bus.
On several occassions, your sisters had to sit on the dirty floor of the bus because they were too short to reach the handles to hold on to and a pole was inaccessible to them and I was not able to support them while a man sat in a seat right beside them. I saw your grandmother and others even older than she having to stand while healthy men sat oblivious to the needs of others older or weaker than themselves.
I was proud knowing that your father would have never been one of those men. I knew he would have never taken a seat to begin with unless he knew there would be enough for everyone waiting in line. I know that he would have given up his seat for someone had he seen the need.
I would like to think that you would follow his example and do the same. I know its not the popular or common action these days..but it is still the RIGHT one.
I have just returned from 6 days at Disney World. In general in the parks, people are considerate and generally well mannered towards one another: waiting turns in line, letting small children stand in front of them for the parades,etc. However, in the 6 days of riding multiple buses daily to get everywhere we went, I saw just one, yes just ONE, man offer his seat to any woman or child who had to stand on the bus.
On several occassions, your sisters had to sit on the dirty floor of the bus because they were too short to reach the handles to hold on to and a pole was inaccessible to them and I was not able to support them while a man sat in a seat right beside them. I saw your grandmother and others even older than she having to stand while healthy men sat oblivious to the needs of others older or weaker than themselves.
I was proud knowing that your father would have never been one of those men. I knew he would have never taken a seat to begin with unless he knew there would be enough for everyone waiting in line. I know that he would have given up his seat for someone had he seen the need.
I would like to think that you would follow his example and do the same. I know its not the popular or common action these days..but it is still the RIGHT one.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Girls Just Want to Have Fun!
And have fun we did....
Girls must have ridden the tea cups at least 10 times. I've never been so thankful they've reached the golden ages of 7 and 9 and were allowed to ride without a parent.
No Disney trip is complete until you see Mickey Mouse!
We love Donald too.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Mom jeans?
A couple weeks ago I read an online discussion regarding "mom jeans." I read a blog about how to choose jeans that don't make you look like you have "mom butt." I knew what the ladies were talking about, and agree with their desire to dress attractively, but I also could not help but be irritated.
Just when did we allow "mom" to become a word used to describe negative things? Its bad enough we have all the media and all the Hollywood superstars making us feel that we must look 20 years younger than we really are and must look as if we too had the money and time to spend hours a day at the gym while our private chefs were home cooking healthy meals for us, our maids were cleaning our houses and our nannies were caring for our children. But now we've even allowed them to disparage us and bought into the lie that being a "mom" is frumpy, unfeminine, and unattractive.
At one point, I was overweight by 40 pounds or so. I joined Weight Watchers and lost it all and I have to continually work at it to keep myself from "letting myself go." I am not saying we shouldn't care about our appearance and, more importantly, our health and take care of ourselves.
I am saying though that I am not ashamed of being a mother. I am not ashamed that I do not look like a glamorous superstar or a single, professional career woman. I am a middle-aged mom with 5 children that I have raised or am still raising. I am a wife to a very busy man who also happens to travel a lot and we move a lot. I am educating 2 of my children at home while also trying to maintain and care for that home and keep us all fed, in clean clothes and healthy. I do my best to keep my weight where it should be and dress attractively but quite frankly I do not have the time or means or even desire to look like something I am not. I resent that my most important role during this time in my life has been relegated to an adjective meaning something undesirable and unattractive. I am saddened that my peers, other moms struggling just as I am, have bought into it and we are allowing the world to tell us that what we do is so unimportant and undesirable that its now even an adjective meaning something horrible.
So yes, moms, do not "let yourselves go". Work to stay healthy and attractive. Dress in flattering ways. Take time to do your hair and makeup if you are a makeup kinda gal. Be feminine and stylish. But please, don't buy into that lie that being a "mom" is a bad thing and synonymous with unattractive.
Just when did we allow "mom" to become a word used to describe negative things? Its bad enough we have all the media and all the Hollywood superstars making us feel that we must look 20 years younger than we really are and must look as if we too had the money and time to spend hours a day at the gym while our private chefs were home cooking healthy meals for us, our maids were cleaning our houses and our nannies were caring for our children. But now we've even allowed them to disparage us and bought into the lie that being a "mom" is frumpy, unfeminine, and unattractive.
At one point, I was overweight by 40 pounds or so. I joined Weight Watchers and lost it all and I have to continually work at it to keep myself from "letting myself go." I am not saying we shouldn't care about our appearance and, more importantly, our health and take care of ourselves.
I am saying though that I am not ashamed of being a mother. I am not ashamed that I do not look like a glamorous superstar or a single, professional career woman. I am a middle-aged mom with 5 children that I have raised or am still raising. I am a wife to a very busy man who also happens to travel a lot and we move a lot. I am educating 2 of my children at home while also trying to maintain and care for that home and keep us all fed, in clean clothes and healthy. I do my best to keep my weight where it should be and dress attractively but quite frankly I do not have the time or means or even desire to look like something I am not. I resent that my most important role during this time in my life has been relegated to an adjective meaning something undesirable and unattractive. I am saddened that my peers, other moms struggling just as I am, have bought into it and we are allowing the world to tell us that what we do is so unimportant and undesirable that its now even an adjective meaning something horrible.
So yes, moms, do not "let yourselves go". Work to stay healthy and attractive. Dress in flattering ways. Take time to do your hair and makeup if you are a makeup kinda gal. Be feminine and stylish. But please, don't buy into that lie that being a "mom" is a bad thing and synonymous with unattractive.
Monday, November 14, 2011
What a really good mail day looks like
1st college acceptance letter and packet of all necessary papers for upcoming Disney trip in the mailbox
another acceptance letter online
We hit the jackpot this weekend.
another acceptance letter online
We hit the jackpot this weekend.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
A beautiful place
Each fall for the past several years, I've had the opportunity to travel to Mystic, CT to spend time with some terrific friends. Our time together is precious and beautiful, as are the sites we are blessed to see each time we are there.
This year, we went to Enders Island and walked around the retreat center there. My camera doesn't catch it but the water is breathtakingly blue.
This little guy had such a happy smile of his face that he made me smile. I've never had a garden sculpture have that affect on me.
This seagull was having so much fun catching the wind currents that it made me wish I could fly. My friend JJ says she could see the smile on his face.
This year, we went to Enders Island and walked around the retreat center there. My camera doesn't catch it but the water is breathtakingly blue.
This little guy had such a happy smile of his face that he made me smile. I've never had a garden sculpture have that affect on me.
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| Sunset at Avery Point on UConn in Groton, CT |
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| University of CT |
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| Sunset and Lighthouse at Avery Point |
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| Bluff Point |
This seagull was having so much fun catching the wind currents that it made me wish I could fly. My friend JJ says she could see the smile on his face.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
More than one artist around here
A local sculpture garden and art museum offers homeschool classes in art. Sweetness and Sunshine went to their first class yesterday and made wire sculptures. The theme at the museum now is imagination and toys and they were told to create something that fit that theme.
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| Sunshine and her heart sculpture |
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| Sweetness with her wire aquarium |
After the class, they did a tour of the museum with a scavenger hunt type activity sheet. When they completed that they were given an "Art Bag Challenge". They enjoyed this part more than the actual class. Sunshine said "Wire is just not my thing" and Sweetness agreed. Apparently paint is Sunshine's preferred medium while paper is Sweetness's.
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| Sunshine's Before |
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| Sunshine's After |
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| Sweetness's Before |
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| Sweetness's After |
So will they be following in Clone's footsteps one day? Only time will tell.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
A day in the life of Clone and his crutches
Ultimate Frisbee
Men in Black
American Gothic Homecoming
Monday, October 24, 2011
Hypothetical false alarm
Once upon a time, a hypothetical doofus blond mom stopped to pick up her mail on her way out to piano lessons. In the mailbox was a large envelope partially ripped open from the AF Academy. Inside was an Academy Catalog and an Academy Parent guide...no cover letter or explanation. Next to this large envelope was an official looking letter from the United States Military Academy.
This hypothetical mom, who must be blond, got all almost to the point of throwing up or hyperventilating excitedly happy and didn't read "military" on that return address just United States Academy thinking it must be a letter from the Air Force Academy with good news for her son..why else would they be getting a course catalog and Academy Parent guide.
Well hypothetical mom isn't as spacey as one would think, but is extremely nosy and resourceful enough that she did what any self-respecting Mom who thinks there must be momentous news in that letter would do...she held it up to the window. (She declined offers of a teakettle to steam it open though..she does have her limits!)
it was then that she noticed the "military" part of the return address and the West Point return address. The light bulb went off and this hypothetical mom realized her blondeness.
This make believe story does have a happy REAL ending though...inside that letter was a presidential nomination to West Point
This hypothetical mom, who must be blond, got all almost to the point of throwing up or hyperventilating excitedly happy and didn't read "military" on that return address just United States Academy thinking it must be a letter from the Air Force Academy with good news for her son..why else would they be getting a course catalog and Academy Parent guide.
Well hypothetical mom isn't as spacey as one would think, but is extremely nosy and resourceful enough that she did what any self-respecting Mom who thinks there must be momentous news in that letter would do...she held it up to the window. (She declined offers of a teakettle to steam it open though..she does have her limits!)
it was then that she noticed the "military" part of the return address and the West Point return address. The light bulb went off and this hypothetical mom realized her blondeness.
This make believe story does have a happy REAL ending though...inside that letter was a presidential nomination to West Point
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Really! Get it right big sister!
Sunshine is, shall we say, very confident. She is very smart, and she knows it.
Yesterday, Sweetness wanted a tortilla to make a breakfast sandwich.
She asked, "Mommy, do we have burritos?"
Before I could answer, Sunshine, replied quite emphatically, "Its NOT a burrito. Its a torti-LL-a!
I'm still chuckling.
Yesterday, Sweetness wanted a tortilla to make a breakfast sandwich.
She asked, "Mommy, do we have burritos?"
Before I could answer, Sunshine, replied quite emphatically, "Its NOT a burrito. Its a torti-LL-a!
I'm still chuckling.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
I didn't even make it to the boxes stage..
Remember a few days ago, I posted about my heart being ready. I specifically asked to be reminded of God's sovereignty and gracious dealings with me "when I'm surrounded by boxes and having to say good-bye...again." Well, we're not even close to needing the boxes yet and already I'm wavering in my ability to rest peacefully in the Lord's sovereignty.
MWC was indeed selected for promotion...and I am truly happy and joyful about that. Yesterday he told he is on the "must move" list. Staying here is not an option. I knew that but I didn't want to KNOW that and hearing it was like a punch in the stomach.
He has been able to express his desire for a certain job type but beyond that, location and whether he gets that job are totally out of his hands. There are two likely bases that we are aware of. Originally I REALLY wanted one. Now I REALLY want the other. I woke up one morning with my heart completely changed about it.
I always ask the Lord to "give me the desires of my heart" so that I desire where He will send us. Is this change of heart a sign of more gracious dealings with me? Is He preparing my heart?
I'm not yet sure if that is what happening and this is where this desire is coming from. But I am sure, that whether its one of those places or another we do not know is even a possibility, God will send us where it best pleases Him to do so and it will be the perfect place for us.
Moreover, I'm even more sure, that I need to rest in that knowledge and not want to control it and stress over it.
You'd think after all these years and all these moves, I'd have this resting in the Lord while waiting for assignments ability down. Sadly, I do not.
It does appear that our perfect, patient and good Lord is going to give me another chance at it though. I must confess I wish I didn't need so many!
MWC was indeed selected for promotion...and I am truly happy and joyful about that. Yesterday he told he is on the "must move" list. Staying here is not an option. I knew that but I didn't want to KNOW that and hearing it was like a punch in the stomach.
He has been able to express his desire for a certain job type but beyond that, location and whether he gets that job are totally out of his hands. There are two likely bases that we are aware of. Originally I REALLY wanted one. Now I REALLY want the other. I woke up one morning with my heart completely changed about it.
I always ask the Lord to "give me the desires of my heart" so that I desire where He will send us. Is this change of heart a sign of more gracious dealings with me? Is He preparing my heart?
I'm not yet sure if that is what happening and this is where this desire is coming from. But I am sure, that whether its one of those places or another we do not know is even a possibility, God will send us where it best pleases Him to do so and it will be the perfect place for us.
Moreover, I'm even more sure, that I need to rest in that knowledge and not want to control it and stress over it.
You'd think after all these years and all these moves, I'd have this resting in the Lord while waiting for assignments ability down. Sadly, I do not.
It does appear that our perfect, patient and good Lord is going to give me another chance at it though. I must confess I wish I didn't need so many!
Monday, October 17, 2011
A day at the zoo
On Saturday we went to the zoo with a few other homeschool families. We could have not asked for a more perfect day weather wise..or friend wise. We had such a blast.
We got there early for a bird walk and on our way to the bird house passed the panda..happily chomping away on his bamboo breakfast. No crowds, just an up close and personal audience of 4 for this guy.
If you look closely, you will see the girls are wearing their "zoo sweaters"...complete with elephant, giraffe, zebra and monkey. Thanks to Mom-mom, they once again have a sweater perfect for the weather and the occasion.
Sweetness was in heaven all day with her little friend to guide and play with.
Another up close and personal audience experience. Our little group got to see the elephant out for his daily exercise on his walking trail. We also got to see him beg the trainer for apples and shake his head no when she had no more.
And this is about how I felt at the end of the day after 5 hours of walking at the zoo.
Friday, October 14, 2011
The finale of spirit week
Today is Spirit Day. Frog's mascots is The Patriot and the school colors are red, white and blue. Patriotic colors we can DEFINITEY do..quite easily.
**the picture doesn't show it but his hair is red/blue glitter as well.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Yet another chapter of *I never thought I'd do that as a mom*..
I painted my son's nails PINK.
Homecoming Spirit Week is upon us and today is the long awaited Senior Pink Day. Fortunately for Frog, he has little sisters with lots of pink. Apparently I'm "not gaudy enough" as the ransacking of my closet and jewelry turned up very little in attention grabbing pink.
Homecoming Spirit Week is upon us and today is the long awaited Senior Pink Day. Fortunately for Frog, he has little sisters with lots of pink. Apparently I'm "not gaudy enough" as the ransacking of my closet and jewelry turned up very little in attention grabbing pink.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Metamorphosis
What can I say? Frog was a feisty little tadpole. Always extremely bright and energetic, he could be quite challenging at times. As a young tadpole, I had concerns about what his adolescent years would look like. If he's this feisty as a tadpole, I'd wonder, what in the world will he be like as a frog?
I am happy to say that my fears of Feisty Teen Frog have not matched the reality of Feisty Teen Frog. In my fears, I did not see the glimmers of the emerging Prince Frog as part of the metamorphosis. (Oh me of little faith, forgetting the grace and mercy of God that He pours upon us.)
Since he was a tadpole, Frog has wanted to join the military. Since he was a tween tadpole and dear friends took him to the AF Academy, he's wanted to go there. He has been steadily and faithfully working towards that goal ever since.
Over the past month, he's been diligently working on his application to go. Part of the process is to get a nomination from your senator, congressman, or in Frog's case, as the child of an active duty member, perhaps a presidential nomination. Yesterday, he got that presidential nomination!
He is moving forward to accomplishing his goal and realizing his dream!
Perhaps one day, I'll be posting about Frog, the Prince Pilot.
I am happy to say that my fears of Feisty Teen Frog have not matched the reality of Feisty Teen Frog. In my fears, I did not see the glimmers of the emerging Prince Frog as part of the metamorphosis. (Oh me of little faith, forgetting the grace and mercy of God that He pours upon us.)
Since he was a tadpole, Frog has wanted to join the military. Since he was a tween tadpole and dear friends took him to the AF Academy, he's wanted to go there. He has been steadily and faithfully working towards that goal ever since.
Over the past month, he's been diligently working on his application to go. Part of the process is to get a nomination from your senator, congressman, or in Frog's case, as the child of an active duty member, perhaps a presidential nomination. Yesterday, he got that presidential nomination!
He is moving forward to accomplishing his goal and realizing his dream!
Perhaps one day, I'll be posting about Frog, the Prince Pilot.
Friday, October 7, 2011
My heart is ready....3 years later
We moved here a little over 3 years ago. At that time, I was 1000% convinced, it was to be my last military move. MWC was to retire and let me stop moving OR ELSE! It.was.not.pretty.
Over time, the Lord has been working in my heart. It has been a slow process as I've not been OPEN to it at all but He has been gracious and gentle in His dealings with me.
MWC has what I call "job ADD". He can stand about 3 years in a place (4 if its Europe) and then he's antsy and ready to move on and try some new adventure. These days, 3 years is about how long it takes me to open up my heart and actually feel truly connected in a place..
So this summer we hit the 3 year mark and we've been at an impasse. He wants to go, I want to stay. He wants to stay in, I want him to retire. I confess I've been bitter and angry with him at times. All of this has been accentuated by the fact that in June his promotion board met. With this promotion, our choice of assignments greatly diminishes as does his say in them. If he is promoted, we're looking at another 3-4 years in and at that rank, probably moving more often..
The release of the promotions from this board has taken a bit longer than usual. Again, proof of God's gentleness with me. Had they been released in August..the earliest we could have heard..I would not have been ready. September, not then either. Now, in mid-October, I will be ready. (We will hear next week)
I am now at peace waiting for whatever the Lord has for me. I will be disappointed if there is no promotion because it means MWC will be disappointed and I truly want him to be happy. Even a few weeks ago, I am ashamed to say, I couldn't have cared less if he was disappointed. For myself, I have total peace that the Lord is sovereign and know I can be content with His plans for us.
Now could someone please just remind me of this blog post if and/or when I'm surrounded by boxes and having to say good-bye...again. I'm sure I will fall on my face again and need to be reminded of God's sovereignty and His gracious dealings with me.
For now though, I'm thanking and praising the Lord that He grants us His peace and that's He's softened my heart to the point of experiencing it.
Over time, the Lord has been working in my heart. It has been a slow process as I've not been OPEN to it at all but He has been gracious and gentle in His dealings with me.
MWC has what I call "job ADD". He can stand about 3 years in a place (4 if its Europe) and then he's antsy and ready to move on and try some new adventure. These days, 3 years is about how long it takes me to open up my heart and actually feel truly connected in a place..
So this summer we hit the 3 year mark and we've been at an impasse. He wants to go, I want to stay. He wants to stay in, I want him to retire. I confess I've been bitter and angry with him at times. All of this has been accentuated by the fact that in June his promotion board met. With this promotion, our choice of assignments greatly diminishes as does his say in them. If he is promoted, we're looking at another 3-4 years in and at that rank, probably moving more often..
The release of the promotions from this board has taken a bit longer than usual. Again, proof of God's gentleness with me. Had they been released in August..the earliest we could have heard..I would not have been ready. September, not then either. Now, in mid-October, I will be ready. (We will hear next week)
I am now at peace waiting for whatever the Lord has for me. I will be disappointed if there is no promotion because it means MWC will be disappointed and I truly want him to be happy. Even a few weeks ago, I am ashamed to say, I couldn't have cared less if he was disappointed. For myself, I have total peace that the Lord is sovereign and know I can be content with His plans for us.
Now could someone please just remind me of this blog post if and/or when I'm surrounded by boxes and having to say good-bye...again. I'm sure I will fall on my face again and need to be reminded of God's sovereignty and His gracious dealings with me.
For now though, I'm thanking and praising the Lord that He grants us His peace and that's He's softened my heart to the point of experiencing it.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
What? No TV or IPAD in the car???
This is what happens when Mean Mommy says no electronics in the car.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Pure joy
Thursday, September 29, 2011
This Mom's Least Favorite Phrases
It's not my job.
Do I have to?
I can't or I don't know how to. (as in when being asked to try something new)
Fine. (as in, how was school today? )
I forgot.
So what your least favorites?
Do I have to?
I can't or I don't know how to. (as in when being asked to try something new)
Fine. (as in, how was school today? )
I forgot.
So what your least favorites?
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Ella the Wonder Dog
Yesterday Ella was protecting something on the ground while Frog was cutting the grass. When he went to see what she was up to, he discovered this injured woodpecker. (I'm afraid our cats may be the guilty party but have no way of knowing for sure.) We wrapped him in a towel and put him in a box and drove to a restaurant parking lot where we met a wildlife rehabilitator. (gotta love google...you can find anything!). Hopefully we got him to her in time.
Here she is ...the humble hero!
Hopefully the SURVIVOR of her compassion. (notice Ella in the background still standing guard)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Happy Birthday Sunshine!
We celebrated by going to a local arts festival
StiksChips...a another awesome way to eat a fried potatoAn arts festival wouldn't be complete without the opportunity to make your own art. Here are Sunshine and Sweetness making felt bags.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Out of the mouths of babes
Okay, so maybe the "babe" in this context would take exception to the term "babe". Especially given he's legally allowed to buy alcohol, is going to graduate from college in the spring, and towers over me, but I'm the mom and he was at one point, my baby and it is my prerogative (and my blog!)
"It's all part of growing up Mom."
(Don't you just hate it when your kid is right and you don't like it?)
This is what Clone told me when I was lamenting the fact that I will be 1000 miles away when he has surgery to heal his foot. Who will drive him to the hospital? Who will wait in the waiting room for him? Who will ask the doctors the important questions about post-op care? Who will take care of him once he's back in his dorm? Who will care like me?
Other than the last concern (for which I'm certain the answer is no one!) Clone is blessed with good friends, and Swan, there to help him out. He's a mature, capable young man and he will take care of it. God will provide him with the people and answers that he needs to get through this. He's out of my nest and learning to fly on his own. My job now is to set back and see what the Lord has in store for him and trust Him even when trials and tribulations hit. Praise Him, His wings of protection are much bigger than mine.
"It's all part of growing up Mom."
(Don't you just hate it when your kid is right and you don't like it?)
This is what Clone told me when I was lamenting the fact that I will be 1000 miles away when he has surgery to heal his foot. Who will drive him to the hospital? Who will wait in the waiting room for him? Who will ask the doctors the important questions about post-op care? Who will take care of him once he's back in his dorm? Who will care like me?
Other than the last concern (for which I'm certain the answer is no one!) Clone is blessed with good friends, and Swan, there to help him out. He's a mature, capable young man and he will take care of it. God will provide him with the people and answers that he needs to get through this. He's out of my nest and learning to fly on his own. My job now is to set back and see what the Lord has in store for him and trust Him even when trials and tribulations hit. Praise Him, His wings of protection are much bigger than mine.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Confessions of a military wife on September 11
Ten years ago today, lives of Americans were unalterably and forever changed. For those in New York, the Pentagon, and on that airplane that went down in PA and all their families, the change was immediate, drastic and devastating. The terror of that day was painful and acute and is seared into their memories.
For the rest of us, we have had to learn to live as a nation at war with an unseen enemy. We have to give up privacy for security. We have to stand in long times at airports so we can take off our shoes and walk through metal detectors so that we can travel. We go on heightened alert and have to be hyper-vigilant as a nation to protect ourselves against future attack.
For some of us, the change has been less noticeable and insidious. Because of that day 10 years ago, I have now become one of "those" military wives. The first time MWC went away for 5 weeks was over 12 years ago. For the first time since our wedding day, we would be apart for our anniversary. I was devastated. Before church that morning, I went into the bathroom to cry. I was followed by at least 8 women, all military wives, who came to comfort me. I'll never forget apologizing to them for being such a baby. Most of them had lost count of missed birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. One dear woman said, "you are the lucky one here. This is supposed to hurt! We are the ones so hardened by it that we no longer feel anything."
MWC went on a trip for several days last week. He is going again soon. Thank you to the terrorists 10 years ago, my life as a military wife has been so altered that I am now hardened like the best of them. After years of longer hours, many, many short term TDY's (temporary duty trips for all you civvies out there!) and deployments of 3 months, 5 months, and 8 months, a few days is nothing. I wish they still were but I can not change history, and I can not change my husband's duty to his country and his love for his job and desire to serve.
I can only plug away, one day at a time, being thankful for all the Lord has done for me, trusting in his sovereignty, and remembering that He is in control and perfectly trustworthy. I do not need to harden my heart to protect it, but leave it open to Him and trust that He will protect it while I love my husband fully, when he's home and when he's away.
For the rest of us, we have had to learn to live as a nation at war with an unseen enemy. We have to give up privacy for security. We have to stand in long times at airports so we can take off our shoes and walk through metal detectors so that we can travel. We go on heightened alert and have to be hyper-vigilant as a nation to protect ourselves against future attack.
For some of us, the change has been less noticeable and insidious. Because of that day 10 years ago, I have now become one of "those" military wives. The first time MWC went away for 5 weeks was over 12 years ago. For the first time since our wedding day, we would be apart for our anniversary. I was devastated. Before church that morning, I went into the bathroom to cry. I was followed by at least 8 women, all military wives, who came to comfort me. I'll never forget apologizing to them for being such a baby. Most of them had lost count of missed birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. One dear woman said, "you are the lucky one here. This is supposed to hurt! We are the ones so hardened by it that we no longer feel anything."
MWC went on a trip for several days last week. He is going again soon. Thank you to the terrorists 10 years ago, my life as a military wife has been so altered that I am now hardened like the best of them. After years of longer hours, many, many short term TDY's (temporary duty trips for all you civvies out there!) and deployments of 3 months, 5 months, and 8 months, a few days is nothing. I wish they still were but I can not change history, and I can not change my husband's duty to his country and his love for his job and desire to serve.
I can only plug away, one day at a time, being thankful for all the Lord has done for me, trusting in his sovereignty, and remembering that He is in control and perfectly trustworthy. I do not need to harden my heart to protect it, but leave it open to Him and trust that He will protect it while I love my husband fully, when he's home and when he's away.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
That's Amore'!
Sweetness started Latin yesterday. It is very fitting that the very first word she is learning is amo - Love - because this girl loves Latin. It was the first class she told me about, she couldn't wait to tell me all the forms of amo, she repeated them all for MWC when she got home and then she took the book with her in the car on errands we had to run after dinner.
So I do not know if
Sweetness amo Latin
Sweetness amas Latin
Sweetness amat Latin
but I know it won't be long until she tells me if her enthusiasm continues at its current level.
So I do not know if
Sweetness amo Latin
Sweetness amas Latin
Sweetness amat Latin
but I know it won't be long until she tells me if her enthusiasm continues at its current level.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
And so it begins....
It is a well known fact that Sunshine's teacher knows everything and is always right. It was so bad last year that I teased her about her super hero cape.
Today was their first day of tutorial. Mrs. T loved her first graders so much last year that she moved up with them this year.
I'm not so sure I'm gonna like that arrangement. Within just a few hours of getting home from school, Sunshine was correcting the pronunciation of a name because, "Mrs T. doesn't say it like that!"
If only I was as smart and as powerful as a 7 year old thinks her teacher is, I could rule the world.
Today was their first day of tutorial. Mrs. T loved her first graders so much last year that she moved up with them this year.
I'm not so sure I'm gonna like that arrangement. Within just a few hours of getting home from school, Sunshine was correcting the pronunciation of a name because, "Mrs T. doesn't say it like that!"
If only I was as smart and as powerful as a 7 year old thinks her teacher is, I could rule the world.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Why should almost-7-year-olds be supervised while baking?
Because 1/8 cup of cinnamon in the eggs for the french toast is a whole lot different than the1/8 tsp the recipe calls for.
Thus ends another summer fantasy of the homeschool mom
Well its the last official day of summer vacation. Backpacks are packed, school uniforms laid out. Lunches will be packed later. The girls' tutorial and our official school year begin tomorrow.
At the beginning of summer vacation, a mere 14 weeks ago, I came up with a summer school plan. I prepared 21 math lessons, 21 dictation exercises, planned to have them read aloud 28 times from 2 chapter books, and learn all 26 capital letters in cursive.
15 years of homeschooling and about 10 years of similar goals. So how did I do?
Well, we did 14 math lessons, 12 dictation exercises, and learned 22 capital letters in cursive. We did not finish a single chapter book, and changed our choices no less than 3 times each so finally gave up and just started getting books from the library and using them. We didn't record our readings after that, but I am sure that in that one goal, we did succeed.
While we did not check off all the little boxes (and after so many years of this repeated fantasy, I would have been shocked if I ACTUALLY did it all) we did have a great educational summer anyway. Sweetness and Sunshine learned to ride bikes without training wheels, and learned about (and experienced) an earthquake, a hurricane, and a variety of creepy crawlies found in our backyard. Frog learned about bee stings, allergy shots and how to fly a plane. Clone learned about broken bones...and patience. Swan learned about using her gifts and talents to minister to others locally. And I learned that its okay not to check all the boxes off but its okay to make them
Hope does spring eternal after all.
At the beginning of summer vacation, a mere 14 weeks ago, I came up with a summer school plan. I prepared 21 math lessons, 21 dictation exercises, planned to have them read aloud 28 times from 2 chapter books, and learn all 26 capital letters in cursive.
15 years of homeschooling and about 10 years of similar goals. So how did I do?
Well, we did 14 math lessons, 12 dictation exercises, and learned 22 capital letters in cursive. We did not finish a single chapter book, and changed our choices no less than 3 times each so finally gave up and just started getting books from the library and using them. We didn't record our readings after that, but I am sure that in that one goal, we did succeed.
While we did not check off all the little boxes (and after so many years of this repeated fantasy, I would have been shocked if I ACTUALLY did it all) we did have a great educational summer anyway. Sweetness and Sunshine learned to ride bikes without training wheels, and learned about (and experienced) an earthquake, a hurricane, and a variety of creepy crawlies found in our backyard. Frog learned about bee stings, allergy shots and how to fly a plane. Clone learned about broken bones...and patience. Swan learned about using her gifts and talents to minister to others locally. And I learned that its okay not to check all the boxes off but its okay to make them
Hope does spring eternal after all.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
EARTHQUAKE!
I was sitting in my den chatting online with support at an online computer store trying to decide what adapter I needed to buy for my laptop. Frog was in his room and Sweetness and Sunshine were outside playing with neighbors in our front yard.
I heard a loud noise and felt a little shaking.
My first thought? "Frog stop doing whatever you are doing up there!" but then I realized, there was nothing Frog could do upstairs that would make the floor downstairs roll.
Having lived in CA for several years, I knew what it was, and it was not my first. In fact,I kept telling the girls, "this is just little. We're going to be okay." I don't think it being "just little" compared to, say Japan or CA, was any comfort to them. Sunshine and our neighbor girls were terrified. Sweetness was curious but rather laid back by the whole ordeal.
Frog's response, "was that an earthquake? Awesome!!"
And there you have it, the all important answer to the question on everyone's mind...and every news channel on the East Coast, "So what were you doing during the D.C. Quake of 2011?"
Inquiring minds want to know, don't they?
I heard a loud noise and felt a little shaking.
My first thought? "Frog stop doing whatever you are doing up there!" but then I realized, there was nothing Frog could do upstairs that would make the floor downstairs roll.
Having lived in CA for several years, I knew what it was, and it was not my first. In fact,I kept telling the girls, "this is just little. We're going to be okay." I don't think it being "just little" compared to, say Japan or CA, was any comfort to them. Sunshine and our neighbor girls were terrified. Sweetness was curious but rather laid back by the whole ordeal.
Frog's response, "was that an earthquake? Awesome!!"
And there you have it, the all important answer to the question on everyone's mind...and every news channel on the East Coast, "So what were you doing during the D.C. Quake of 2011?"
Inquiring minds want to know, don't they?
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Little Chefs
Swan gave Sweetness and Sunshine new aprons for their birthday. They of course had to test them out immediately...while making Clone and Swan's Farewell Breakfast..blueberry pancakes.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tattoo Artist
Often when Clone tells someone he is an Art Major, he hears the comment that he should become a Tattoo Artist. He's not in the least interested in that career but at the beach he practiced a bit anyway...first with a sharpie marker than with nail polish. Not too bad! (and this mama is thankful its the ONLY type of tattoo that Swan is interested in.)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Photographic proof of my earlier Mom Brag
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| A mama's favorite view of her son's first solo flight.....safely back on the ground. |
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| Frog's Flight Instructor pinning on his wings |
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