CREATE: Making Something of Today!

Happy Birthday, Dear Edie!

2009-11-08T00:00:00.001-05:00

Elegant Design; Is Easygoing

Ever Diligent In Exploration

Emanates Delight In Empowering

Embodies Deity In Everything

Edifying g-Daughters In Eternity

Everyone Declares Is Excellent

(And a browniful cake to celebrate!)

Happy Birthday, Edie!!

(And you can find Edie here.)

Wrap up of the Big Dress-Up

2009-11-03T00:00:00.003-05:00

I sat in the chair, looking up at CJ, when I noticed a beam of sunlight across her T-shirt.

"Every kid in the neighborhood has just let out a little scream of joy," I said.

The rain that had filled the day came to a pause--just long enough for the kids to have their moment of pretend and to collect the treats that would last them through.... well, I guess it depends on the kid (or the parent!).

RJ2 had been on "door duty" most years--sometimes in costume, sometimes not. This year, she was adamant about donning a costume and joining friends in the street. She had a choice to be a bunny or a dancer.

What she doesn't know is that her mama wore that tutu for her first dance recital!

CJ's costume came together out of an evening of playtime she had with her sister. Santa was coming to visit with his big bag of toys. And to look like Santa, CJ put a deflated red rubber ball on her head. Upon entering the room, I said, "You look like an eraser."

The pencil is "a #2 Awesome Pencil" from the "Creativity Rules" factory. It is also a very socially conscious pencil, as she picked up close to $14 in donations for Unicef, along with her $14 (at least!) in assorted candies.

We still have too many bags of chips left, but they'll make a great send-in for someone's Winter Party in December.

* * *

From the "They're Creepy and They're Kooky" Files (Mostly kooky...mostly funny!)

...my sister's family

Da-da-da-dah! (snap! snap!)

Da-da-da-dah! (snap! snap!)

Etc.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

The 85 Babies

2009-10-30T18:41:00.003-04:00

"No, I can't blog right now. I'm taking care of 85 babies, and it's been just a bit tiring for me."

You've heard me talk about the Reflections program in my Daybook blogs for the past two months. Forty years ago, the National PTA put together a program for students with a bent toward arts and literature. Reflections is a theme-based competition, affording students the opportunity to express themselves through their arts medium of choice.

I love this, of course. Encouraging kids to be creative--bring it on!! I couldn't wait to be chairperson. I always thought that the whole program at our school needed a bit of a promotional boost and definitely needed an element that would allow it to linger past the closing ceremonies. And, earlier this spring, I was up to that challenge.

Now, I'm taking care of 85 babies.

There were 85 entries into the program this year. (There were 51 entries last year.) And they're all at my house now. (Well, except for about 40 photography entries that I had to leave with a professional studio photographer who's doing some judging this weekend.)

Still, I haven't felt this much stress over anything in a long time--logging in entries, coding them for student privacy, tabulating results and dealing with the rules (and the not-so-understanding parents on the other end). I wish the position were just about admiring these wonderful creations and sharing the judges' feedback with these young creators, to encourage their growth. What seemed like such a right fit for me back in the spring is now reminding me (yet again) that administrative stuff just isn't my strongest suit.

But, I have these 85 babies....

It's amazing what five and six year olds see in a theme like "Beauty is...." And it's amazing to read how an "upperclassman" captures the essence of a beautiful person with words. There are so many marvelous colors in these works, textures. Vibrancy. Love.

And I'm feeling perhaps just a wee small bit like God felt upon gazing at His amazing creation. The sheer delight of having made something--something good!

85 something goods....

Next week, I will finalize the award tallies and prepare the logo artwork for the winners' medallions and participants' certificates. In a few weeks, we'll transform the cafeteria into a museum, opening the doors for others to experience the joy that I have known with these 85 babies. Then, some entries will move forward to the county finals and some will return home to their creators--but not before I capture all of them in a book for the library...for posterity and future classes of creators.

Though I will not miss the administrative headaches, the meticulous caring for details and the tabulations of the final expenses, that I was caretaker of 85 babies--85 endeavors to "make something"--will remain a treasured time. A glimpse into the minds of some creative kids. Encouragement that pursuit of arts and literature lives on.

Here I Am to Worship

2009-10-25T08:07:00.003-04:00

Undo Video

Triple Play!

2009-10-16T08:38:00.004-04:00

American Idol Season 8 contestant Matt Giraud

Sue J. in the Matt Giraud-style fedora

Pumpkin in Fedora

* * *

Somewhere in the patch is a pumpkin for you--Go find it this weekend!!

"A Painter's Progress"

2009-10-15T12:52:00.001-04:00

Edie and Chatty Kelly have asked me how the Family Room is progressing. As you can see, we're up to our ceiling in a dark rosy pink! Not exactly what I'd call Daredevil, but that will change soon.

Will try to put something other the The Daybook and "A Painter's Progress" on the blog--LOL!!

We did have a fun outing to a local pumpkin patch. (Catch the slideshow at right.) I am absolutely taken by the pictures of these rich orange fruits out in the fields of mangled wild morning glory vines. It doesn't speak of a traditional Autumn at all, but I love the colors!

OK, crankin' up the Chris Tomlin and back to my roller!

A Daybook Entry

2009-10-07T08:33:00.002-04:00

* * *

FOR TODAY, Wednesday, October 7, 2009...

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...

Dark. Breezy. I'm thinking "storm's coming," but I've been wrong about that too many times to say the rain is coming for sure. My ankle--twisted in a college tennis class--serves as my barometer, and it's not twinging today. The grass seed that my husband planted and fertilized has not only sprouted but is truly showing some depth this morning.

I AM THINKING...

As I commented on ADHDMe's blog the other day, I've been enjoying the days, lately, and not feeling like writing about anything in them. But, because a big reason why I blog is to stay connected with folks, I'm writing this morning. I'm thinking that I'm enjoying these days more--full as they are!

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

CJ's working so hard at school and being so committed to following her teacher's guidelines. She doesn't get a lot of homework because they do so much at school. But, her teacher does expect students to read and study their notebooks--to keep material fresh in their heads and to avoid last-minute cramming for quizzes and tests. It's a wonderful skill to instill early. Much better than anything I used to do. CJ takes a timer to her room. Every time it goes off, I know she's switching to a different book. So proud of her!

RJ2's adjustment to Kindergarten. Even though she doesn't share much about her day, we have many "reporters" out there who tell us that she is picking up on everything and showing spurts of creativity in what she does.

Also, for a bell choir who consistently demonstrates commitment and perseverance, despite little practice and whatever personal challenges face members. We played our first concert on Monday night, and it was an occasion to remember. Gorgeous music, a wonderfully receptive audience, ringers who ring from their hearts as well as out of their hands. Just fantastic!

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...

I am continually challenged--in facing a musical performance--in my preparation. As a director, I don't have to worry about ringing the music. But, as a director, I have 14 players and additional musicians to bring into unity for a performance (and caring for them outside of a performance situation). Plus, from a spiritual perspective, our mission is about bringing Love and the message of God's Word to those for whom we play.

This season, I am focusing on the relationships I have with people, even as I need to build their technical skills. I am definitely still learning how to do that. I can't help but put myself in the shoes of any teacher or pastor and see how difficult their work can be. (But, it is so very rewarding!)

FROM THE KITCHEN...

Tonight, I am attempting my first frittata! Eggs, onion, Asiago cheese, red potatoes. I was thinking about making "breakfast for dinner" this week anyway. Once the bag that held the dozen eggs fell out of my grocery cart on the way to the car, I was assured that this was the perfect week to attempt the frittata.

I AM WEARING...

Painting clothes! The light green paint from last year's bathroom project is still on my maroon shirt. I am a few pieces of blue tape away from putting on the Daredevil-tinted primer in our family room. I am taking off my brand-new browniful furry slippers, however.

I AM CREATING...

Nothing really fun yet. I need to create some Excel spreadsheets and judging forms for the PTA Reflections competition. I have most of the judges in place except for the Literature category. May have to call on some of you in the blogosphere if our local experts aren't able to step forward.

I AM GOING...

Nowhere today! It is painting day. Got to finish this blog and get going to the family room! Tomorrow, I'll be going to school to read the morning announcements (promoting Reflections for the kids; we need more entries, too!).

I AM READING...

The other night, I finished The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, MD. Have known the languages for awhile but hadn't read a book in the series. Didn't love this book. (It's so dry! The examples they do provide don't even seem "real." Chapman's done a bunch of these; I fear it shows here.) I do understand the message, however. Now, catching up on some periodicals--my last issue of MOPS' MomSense and my first issue of FulFill, which is also my first online subscription magazine and it's now a free publication. (See the link to the FulFill blog on my roll.)

I AM HOPING...

To finish all painting by the end of October! We are getting new carpet in there, too, and I'd love to see that all done before Thanksgiving. As for my reupholstering the furniture, that may take until the New Year. (They haven't written Reupholstering for Dummies, but if you have another book source for me or an online class, I'm up for recommendations.)

I AM HEARING...

The whir of the hard drive in the laptop. The refrigerator's hum. The ticking of the kitchen clock. The breeze that has picked up since I started writing this morning.

AROUND THE HOUSE...

Everywhere I look, I see a project. But, knowing that I'll be painting today gives me focus. There will ALWAYS be a project if I look for one--LOL! The key is just planning for the day, and then scrapping the plan when necessary.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

Watching baseball on TV with my husband. We watched the last game of the regular season yesterday--a tiebreaker game between the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins. It was an amazing game to watch. Went in to extra innings. Both teams really kept it close throughout the night--and it went longer than four hours! In the end, the Twins won it (which made me happy). Now, the post-season begins, and the Twins will be fighting the New York Yankees this afternoon.

But, you should know that we're die-hard Washington Nationals' fans, regardless of the fact that they were, practically, the worse team in baseball this year. They are the scrappy Nats! And we look forward to root-root-rooting for the "home" team next Spring. (And, we are acquiring a new minor league team in town. They are down to five names, including "The Hambones." YIKES! Where are the writers!?!)

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK:

I'm sorry, did someone say 'plans'? Maybe that was my paint cans calling.

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT I AM SHARING...

I'll be right there!!

* * *

Click on the "Daybook" icon to link to Peggy's blog for more entries.

Encouragement to Write

2009-09-30T22:08:00.001-04:00

I wrote a fan E-mail the other day.

I told you how much I enjoyed reading Nora Raleigh Baskin's book Anything But Typical. Since writers are now listing websites and other means of contact on their book jackets, it made it fairly easy to find her. Just had to say how amazed I was with her ability to get inside the brain of an autistic teenager and to have him speak to us in "our language." Absolutely captivated me.

Well, she wrote me back, which was awfully kind. I wasn't really expecting anything, and the part of me that might have expected something was expecting one of those pre-packaged thank-you's. (Who has time to write thank-you's to readers?)

No, she was sincere, and she was grateful to have someone take the time to find her and to acknowledge her work. Her thank-you was a warm, fuzzy start to the day, as if her book hadn't touched me enough.

* * *

Speaking of the book, I have to share this wonderful story from the book. The lead character, Jason, is attending a special writer's workshop. He is nervous about being in the class with "neurotypicals." But, as the instructor begins his talk, Jason finds that the instructor is speaking his language. [Quotes are directly from Nora Raleigh Baskin's book, Anything But Typical]

The course instructor asks a question.

"What is the most important part of a writer's body?"

A woman answers, "Their heart."

"Good answer...but not the one I am looking for. Not the most essential. There are lots of writers with no heart at all."

Other answers come in: hands, brain, fingers, eyes, ears.

Then Jason prepares to speak.

"So I jump out of my seat. I stand up. And all those things are loose inside me, like letters of the alphabet that have no meaning until they are all put together. In one particular way that no one else can do. In one moment. In one voice. That is mine."

"'My bottom!' I say out loud."

"And it gets very quiet in the room. Everyone stops calling out answers, and they are all looking at me the way they do in school sometimes, just before everyone starts to laugh. Like in art class, and in gym class. Not the nice kind of laugh...."

"But Hamilton, the dwarf teacher, says, 'Exactly!'"

"He points right at me. 'You've got to sit down on your bottom and write. Writing is all we have,'" he says...." "'All we are, all we can be, are the stories we tell....Long after we are gone, our words will be all that is left, and who is to say what really happened or even what reality is? Our stories, our fiction, our words will be as close to truth as can be. And no one can take that away from you.'"

* * *

How's that for encouragement to write?

Five Random Words

2009-09-24T08:34:00.004-04:00

A long time ago, Edie posted a Random Question that all had us thinking things. It was challenging--a knowledge-deepening experience.

This past week, she posted on the "Five Random Words" meme, which I'm not sure will bring the same kind of knowledge-deepening experience. I might be "going deep" to get these thoughts together, but otherwise....

Here's what she gave me to work with: Gather; Glean; Bleep; Worth and Wrestle. Ready...set...GO!

* * *

"Glean this truth, friends: To wrestle with what you are worth in terms of earthly value is to gather to yourself a mound of [bleep]."

It would seem that I have spent some time in Proverbs recently.

For those interested, 'bleep' only has one definition--to censor, as in a telecast, by substituting a beep. To say that "...his horn went 'bleep' 'bleep' 'bleep'" would not be on target.

Perhaps, instead of that kernel of knowledge, I might have chosen to gather up corn so as to glean the kernels within the husks. Corn growin' "high as an elephant's eye" has the potential to hold a crop of great worth, though you might have to wrestle Curly for his surrey with the fringe on the top. [Bleep!]

Is it worth the pain to wrestle with your conscious only to gather the thorns of one's self, to glean nothing but a [bleep] of a headache?

To bleep or not to bleep? I do not find any worth in using expletives, and to cover them up with 'bleep' brings me angst. I chose not to wrestle with that issue, however, but to gather up my words and finish this exercise in randomness. What you glean from this is what comments are for. I glean that I continue to be uncomfortable with a bleep of any kind, except that which removes the need for 'bleep' altogether.

OK, I'm done!

A Daybook Entry

2009-09-15T08:02:00.002-04:00

* * *

FOR TODAY, Tuesday, September 15, 2009...

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...

The sun is still working its way up; seems to come up slower in the fall. Still crisp and cool. Fall is definitely on time per the calendar this year--early for central Virginia. And, there's a gorgeous pink morning glory blossom out this morning, its vine wrapping and winding its way up the bird feeder pole.

I AM THINKING...

About last night's first bell choir rehearsal of the year. We have two new members, bringing our total to 13 ringers and one substitute. For a 3-1/2 octave choir, this is amazing! I've had to write in parts to make sure everyone has bells, and, in some cases, I'm writing in percussion accompaniment for tunes in which there just aren't any more bells to add. Now the challenge of meeting the needs of 14 people.... It's all good!

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

God's blessing and provision for the above. We started our 5th year, and each year has had its challenges. He has brought us through every single time, and He continues to bless what we do. We have six concert venues between now and Christmas. Wow!

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...

I'm one of several team teachers for a Sunday School class on A Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life: Finding God's Refreshing Priorities for You, by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes. Finished the book, and we had our meet-and-greet this past Sunday. As the women were commenting about wanting to be better jugglers and multi-taskers, I realized that I have come to a place where I recognize that life is not about juggling things better but it's about re-prioritizing those multiple things that we see in our lives. Some of those things we aren't supposed to be juggling!! We're not even supposed to be holding those balls!!

Does this mean I've gotten rid of all the balls I have? No, but at least I recognize that there should be a different principle at work in my life. I have come a long way in this regard....really!

FROM THE KITCHEN...

Last night, we had penne with vodka sauce. CJ got all upset because we weren't enjoying the marinara sauce that is my husband's recipe. (Traitors!) Sometimes, you just like something a little different. Tonight, sauteed chicken and red peppers, with coconut rice and black beans. Baking cereal cookies for lunches and homemade banana bread.

I AM WEARING...

A browniful T, shorts and shoes. Put long white socks on today, too, so I can weed the jungle that is behind the bushes in our front yard.

I AM CREATING...

Open spaces again! I'm clearing out bell music and files that have been here all summer, finishing up small sewing projects that have also been in the dining room all summer, and starting to move out old clothes, toys and videos that the girls aren't using anymore.

I AM GOING...

Nowhere today! I can't believe that has been the response for the Daybook, but, perhaps that explains why there is a Daybook entry today at all. Every other day, I have had to go multiple places. It will be nice to be here all day...me and the laundry and baking and home projects.

I AM READING...

Still trying to finish Anything But Typical, by Nora Raleigh Baskin (see last Daybook entry). One thing I didn't mention about the book is that it is a book for youth. CJ plowed through it first thing when it came home from the library. I'm hoping to finish it before it has to go back next week.

I AM HOPING...

To find some judges for the PTA Reflections program. The entries will soon be coming in from the kids. Now I need to secure judges in the six categories (literature, visual arts, photography, film production, dance choreography and music composition). Can't wait to see what the kids come up with for the theme "Beauty is...." I'm sure CJ will enter something, but I need to steer clear of anything she contributes this year, Mom being the chair of the program and all.

I AM HEARING...

Some cricket-like bug with its constant whistle. The white wash is kicking around in the drier. Hoping to hear the garbage truck pull up. It didn't come at all last week and seems to have forgotten to come again this week. Someone might be hearing the sound of "goodbye" soon.

AROUND THE HOUSE...

We cleaned out the family room over Labor Day weekend to make way for painting the room red. The problem is, we can't decide on a shade. It's very hard to visualize such a bold color filling an entire room when you are looking at a 1x5 rectangle, next to four other 1x5 rectangles, next to five other sheets of rectangles!! I will need to venture out to the home store with some choices and ask them to whip us up a couple of mini-pints to test. You don't want to mess up with the "wrong" red. (Just ask those HGTV designers who look at your remodeling efforts to see whose will bring in the most money!)

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

I do love being back with the bell choir. The first night is always awkward, because we don't play over the summer, so folks are just getting back into the swing. Plus, with new folks, you always want to make them feel welcome, and yet it's so overwhelming to join an existing group.

But the sound! I can hear and see how much this group has grown. Even with folks dropping out of the music at various times over the rehearsal, I can hear how well things are going to come together. Our first concert is October 5, so there is little time to prepare. I'm so pleased with what we'll have to offer, even this early in the season.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK:

Trying to stay home and get things done. Still not looking for any new plans, thank-you-very-much!

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT I AM SHARING...

"...the whole earth is full of His glory."--Isaiah 6:3

* * *

Click on the "Daybook" icon to link to Peggy's blog for more entries.

Life is Good!

2009-09-08T07:41:00.002-04:00

We're riding the bus to school to school, riding the bus to school....

Last Fling!

2009-09-06T22:18:00.004-04:00

A Life Gone, but Light Lives On

2009-09-04T08:16:00.005-04:00

I knew the news would likely not be good when a second prayer concerns E-mail came from church. It was the one I knew was coming one day but still wasn't ready to receive.

A friend in ministry, Kate, passed away yesterday afternoon. Kate had joined another woman and I in leading the kids' worship ministry last fall. I still remember the evening when the three of us were chatting before it was time to begin our program. One said that I really should do something about that dark spot on my arm. I had already made the appointment, though I hadn't known it was melanoma at the time.

Meantime, there was Kate, a two-time survivor of breast cancer. Two of her children came out to sing and play handchimes in the program, and Kate was asked to accompany us on piano. She shared that she was having trouble swallowing, like something was catching in her throat. Seemed minor at the time--cold or allergy-related or something?

But, no, as she shared a few more weeks into the program. The doctors found cancer--lung cancer this time. Didn't seem possible. Kate talked about it with disappointment but not with fear. She had amazing composure and peace.

I remember her apologizing for not being able to continue playing with the program into the New Year--with treatments and trying to keep up a healthy immune system. This was Kate. So willing to give...all the time!

Here is a link to a story about Kate that ran in the local paper recently.

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/CANC13_20090812-215405/285724/

What the article doesn't tell you is about Kate's passion for God and for her love of traditional Christian music. Her coming on board with the kids' worship ministry last fall was such a gift--not only to the kids, but to me. When you get caught up in contemporary praise songs, you sometimes forget your roots and the powerful lyrics of the hymns that came before.

Kate brought that love right into the program, suggesting the kids sing "Jesus Loves Me" along with whatever praise songs we were singing. So simple--kids voices with handchime accompaniment--but so beautiful and powerful! We continued to pull out the traditional, teaching kids words we hoped would stick, as they learned not only about music but about how amazing God is--and that what those folks said back then was still true...and always would be. I keep all this in mind, now, as I prepare selections for the adult handbells and our outreach to older adult communities. It's the music that "sticks."

Even with Kate's love of the traditional, there was one song she really wanted us to do with the kids. Very lovely piano. Moving lyrics. It was a song we sang in Vacation Bible School that summer; and it made lots of us tear up! I was glad when we were able to work the song into the play that the kids had written that spring. That occasion was the last that I saw Kate at church, and I knew it took a lot for her to be there, to see her kids perform and praise.

Lord, thank you for the blessing of Kate to the lives of so many, for her passion for You, for her gifts that she shared so graciously, for the Light that she shared with everyone. Comfort her family, especially her children, and may we all choose to walk as she did--knowing that even when life on earth is failing, that life in You is never over when we walk in faith.

A Daybook Entry

2009-09-02T13:05:00.005-04:00

* * *

FOR TODAY, Wednesday, September 2, 2009...

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...

Appears a light breeze is in the air, moving the leaves, the purple grass and the bird feeder. The backyard is really sterile right now. No big flourish of blooms like spring. September is the time to start closing things down outside. I'm having a "master gardener" friend come to visit this fall so she can evaluate the backyard and offer some helpful suggestions for trying to make something--besides trees and ivy--grow past spring.

I AM THINKING...

That I need to organize my projects so I don't look at a huge list and freak out! (Those projects I was working on a month ago are all "hot" this month, and I need to make a checklist so I don't forget anything.) And, what color red to paint the family room.

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

School starting in six days!

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...

Trying to find the best ways to communicate with my girls about certain aspects of their behavior that need attention. Is there any way for a mom not to sound critical when she's being critical for their own good?! (Sigh. Note I AM THANKFUL FOR... above, because that will make everyone happy and more receptive in six days.)

FROM THE KITCHEN...

Grilled pork tenderloin, with a Cuban-style marinade; herbed risotto and mixed summer veggies. (The last time I made the pork, I served it fajita style with a fresh pineapple/red pepper salsa--oh my! That's an culinary experience in itself.)

I AM WEARING...

A white short-sleeved shirt, medium blue overshirt (it's cool here!) and purple "yoga" pants (in which I never do yoga or aerobicize, but they are not exactly lounge pants either). Still not wearing socks. My anklet comes off Tuesday.

I AM CREATING...

Publicity materials for the PTA Reflections program, the annual arts and literary competition. You'd have thought I never designed a flier before; it took forever! Obviously, certain creative processes have been shut down for summer. But, I discovered the fabulous "smart art" graphics on Microsoft Word, and I'm thrilled with how they make mundane lists really pop!

I AM GOING...

Nowhere. We had a 3-hour playdate at the pool yesterday (and I got really cold), and we had another playdate this morning. Tomorrow is a very long day at school, finding out teachers, paying school fees, etc. So, today....nowhere!

I AM READING...

A Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life: Finding God's Refreshing Priorities for You, by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes (the Proverbs 31-based Bible study that I will be co-teaching as a Sunday School class this Fall. I know, you all are reading this post and thinking, "Sue, you need to stop posting and go read the book!") and Anything But Typical, by Nora Raleigh Baskin--which is a fascinating look into what someone with autism is thinking from the perspective of an autistic child who is "speaking" to the reader in a neurotypical (as opposed to autistic, atypical) voice.

I AM HOPING...

Everything comes out all right. (This is the statement you make when you have too many hopes out there at the same time.)

I AM HEARING...

Cicadas? The windows are open and the A/C has been off for days, so there's a lot to hear outside. Inside, the girls are tucked away upstairs with the door closed. How many more minutes of quiet will I have left?

AROUND THE HOUSE...

All of the toys from our playdate this morning are still out. We had two really nice boys come visit for awhile, and now we have two extensive train and block systems in our front hallway. Hot Wheels tracks in the playroom. And, CJ put together one of her recycled box creations (this one is a large train, though it looks like Star Trek: Deep Space 9) which is taking up most of the playroom rug. Perhaps this is why the girls are upstairs!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

Is over now. I completed writing for the summerlong bloggy Bible study on the Book of Proverbs Monday night. In Between Time is having its own "in between time" until I decide what to do next with my other blog. It was wonderful discipline to post daily for three months (minus one post in July, but added one September 1). It was also wonderful to spend such concentrated time in one Book. Learned a lot and can't wait to share some things with the gals coming to Sunday School.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK:

School open house. Last preps before Tuesday. Do I want any more plans? Not really....

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT I AM SHARING...

All smiles at Virginia Beach (But, I'm still thankful that school starts in 6 days!)

* * *

Click on the "Daybook" icon to link to Peggy's blog for more entries.

Making a Short Story Long Again

2009-08-26T21:54:00.005-04:00

I don't award prizes. Really, I don't. But, I do have to recognize two outstanding responses to the "Your Caption Here" entry.

First--Chatty Kelly, for bringing back memories of my favorite Kurt Browning professional skating routine, with her version of the Commodores' "Brick House."

It's a BRICK HOUSE, it might be, might be, letting it all HANG OUT...
(Pause...how will we get the clothes that are HANGING OUT down?)
Shake it down, shake it down now. Shake it down, shake it down now.

And, second--CJ, for catching me at just the right time with one that almost made me fall off my chair.

T-Shirt 1: Hey! I just checked my tag, and it says that I'm from Walmart!
T-Shirt 2: Me too! We must be related!

Wahahahahahaha.....

For you both--

...The virtual T award

* * *

So, the long story behind the short story.

We had been staying at my sister's house and enjoying a great week with her and her family. During the week, I had the rare treat of being able to go out to lunch with my sister. (Her dear friend watched a lot of kids that day!)

Of course, we took a little time to venture out shopping. (She is a major-dajor saver!) We shopped Gymboree, and I'm thinking, "Oh, no way! Too expensive. Too nice. Wow...look at those adorable outfits!? Oh, no way!" Etc., etc.

My sister never gets side-tracked by this stuff. She makes the bee-line for the clearance roundabout and starts browsing. We're both admiring this wonderful embroidery on EVERYTHING! And since she's the one with the embroidery machine, I'm pushing her to take mental notes, and go home and whip out some things. She smiles, "Yeah...."

See, it's just not her game. Within a few minutes, she's scooping up yellow rash guards, thinking through the sizes of her girls and nieces. The price is outrageously low for a rash guard! The embroidered daisy on the front gives the suit a touch of girl, unlike the accompanying boy shorts, but they're fine. She's got three sizes that will probably work, but we're short a fourth.

"Well," I start, "that's OK, we--"

That's when she grabs the attention of the store clerk and asks ever so kindly if there are any more yellow suits in the back. The clerk and another associate seem relieved that the suits are going. (They had a lot in stock at one time, they said.) But, no, they don't have one.

"Another store?" My sister doesn't take 'no' easily (i.e., ever). But, a few calls to other stores lead nowhere.

"We'll go home and look on eBay," my sister says. (And we do!)

She confidently takes the suits--not to mention a side deal to get her "Gymbucks," with the purchase of an RJ2 birthday present, quite a bit early. Off to the next store. She's amazing to watch--says me, the non-shopper--watch and learn!

Upon our return to her house, suits are distributed for trying on. Some sizes work, and some could work better. My sister figures we can exchange one for one and can pick up the fourth one we need with the sizes still on the rack. (She calls the store to make sure they hold it for us. I'm tellin' ya--there's no way this deal is breakin' down now!) She gets it all right, alright.

RJ2 puts on her suit, and promptly runs outside and sits in their little backyard play pool. She LOVES it! Don't dare try to take it off her!!

It's hard to know the best part of the story--RJ2's glee or my sister's glee over Gymboree.

OH....but, the picture! (Sheesh...this is a long story!!)

It's our day to leave and I had some last-minute laundry to do, including RJ2's new suit. My sister pulled the suits from the washer, not wanting to see the new items hit the dryer. She opted for the quick-dry heat of her front yard rather than the long ride home with the sun baking the suits through our rear window. Great choice, and I'm sure it gave her neighbors something to ponder that morning.

Little did she know what she started.

(Now, don't forget to spend your Gymbucks!!)

Your Caption Here

2009-08-18T19:00:00.003-04:00

My blog is seriously stale! Vacation will do that.
(Although the fare at Proverbs is always fresh daily!)

Great excuse to play "Your Caption Here."

I don't do prizes, but, if you so desire, I will create a virtual one for you. My answer to the Facebook cup of coffee. (HA!)

Feel free to comment more than once. Let's have fun out there!!

* * *

"I may be going out on a limb here, but, did your dryer break?"

Today is Tuesday. You know what that means....

2009-08-04T09:30:00.003-04:00

Today is Tuesday.
You know what that means.

It's time for ADHDMe to share a great nostalgic post with us, featuring someone special. Unfortunately, ADHDMe has been, in her words, "out of order"--well, at least her blog has, although she might argue that parts of her back are not exactly lining up either!

Can hardly think about going through Tuesday without something. SO....

Celebrating ADHDMe and her special post, we're gonna have a special guest!!! Because, Monkeys are Funny!

* * *

These guys made a huge splash onto NBC's Saturday morning line-up back in 1968. The Hanna/Barbera team went from the animated Flintstones and Jetsons to these costumed-animated jokers that got us up and moving with their energetic theme song.

Tra-la-la-la-la-la-la....

A Daybook Entry

2009-08-01T22:01:00.009-04:00

I have admired this feature on Bonita's blog for quite a while now (though it truly belongs to Peggy, who you can visit through clicking on the Daybook picture). Thought I'd give it a try, especially while the Proverbs' blog continues. (You can still join us, by the way....)

* * *

FOR TODAY, Sunday, August 2, 2009...

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...

Gray! Lots of clouds today. Rain, a trickle at a time. Not a good pool day. (Sorry, RJ2!)

I AM THINKING...

About my week ahead. I'm actually on deadline to come up with deadlines! I'm chairing our school's PTA Reflections program this fall, and I have to develop a timeline so the kids know when to turn in their entries. (And quite a few other items.)

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

The rain that has kept our sprinklers off most of the summer (and swim lessons on!). Time to blog in the evenings after long days with the girls. Technology that lets you capture moments in time and recalls them in an instant for you to relive. Hubby and I have been enjoying videos of the girls' earliest days.

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS...

Learning to be at peace with letting go of things. I am not doing some of the activities I did last year, and it's been hard to see some of the changes that have occurred and disappointing to not see new people fill vacant spots.

FROM THE KITCHEN...

I'm constantly trying to reinvent the hot dog. Tonight, I have cooked the dogs and cut them into rounds. I spread mustard on open hot dog rolls and put the dogs on top. Horseradish cheddar cheese for some kick. More mustard and Giardiniera relish (like they do in Chicago) after they come out of the broiler. Homemade sweet potato casserole, and leftover peas and carrots on the side. Now...what for the kids....?

I AM WEARING...

The "Life is Good" shirt with the guy on the hammock, jean shorts and my black denim apron.

I AM CREATING...

A 3-D display for the Reflections program that needs to be hung on the school wall by Thursday! (I could go on, but let's try to get one thing done this week!)

I AM GOING...

After church, nowhere.

I AM READING...

The Out-of-Sync Child, by Carol Stock Kranowitz

I AM HOPING...

To finalize any last summer travel plans for us today.

I AM HEARING...

Now (which is later than when I started this)...crickets and the hum of the fridge. All kids are slumbering.

AROUND THE HOUSE...

The dishwasher sang its "I'm done" song awhile ago. The A/C isn't even on at the moment. Hubby and I are working on our computers. Enjoying some quiet...finally!

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...

This day, one of my new favorite things is doing the Washington Post magazine crossword puzzle. I used to do crosswords every day when I commuted to work via train into Chicago. I've just picked up doing the crossword again. Third week going and I'm already noticing that I'm not making as many mistakes (and I do them in pen, so I can see better!) and get the gist of the puzzle author's "game" sooner. Not done, however.

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK:

CJ is off to YMCA day camp and RJ2 is finishing up summer school. I'll have a couple of hours to myself. That's trouble! I have a meeting to plan a worship team rally for church and a meeting with the past Reflections chair to find out how this all really works.

HERE IS A PICTURE THOUGHT I AM SHARING...

Not quite what we had for dinner, but doesn't that look amazing! Who's worried about nitrates when a hot dog looks THIS good!?

The Sound of Summer

2009-07-29T10:29:00.005-04:00

Its sound can stop one's running feet in his tracks, causing them to find a more leisurely stride.

Its sound clears hands from the railing that helps others find their footing on a slippery slope.

Its sound brings the sight of simultaneously exploding geysers and the sudden calming of tumultuous waves.

Its sound coincides with the rumblings of thunder, when dark clouds signal an oncoming storm beyond the simple shower that would have otherwise kept the sound from being heard.

Its sound comes from the one called to serve and protect in the fast lanes and slow shallows of the summer life.

(Tweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!)

Time to go back in the pool already...?!

* * *

The lifeguards' whistle is leaving quite an impression on us this summer, can you tell?

Very Appeeling

2009-07-24T00:00:00.002-04:00

If you follow CJ's blog, then you already know about this story. (This is what happens when there are technical difficulties at home, and someone is borrowing your laptop. Swiper, no swiping posts! Love you, CJ!)

So, CJ's Vacation Bible School group--the big kids--had a missions rotation in with their morning schedule. The entire VBS collected school supplies to pass along to children in the Richmond area who cannot afford their own. (Read friend Cassie's post to learn more about one of these beneficiaries--the Free Market.) CJ's group had the task of cleaning up and re-packaging the donated, used supplies into something usable and wonderful.

We have had an old gallon container filled with broken crayons for a number of years now. At one point, a teacher of CJ's had a resource that would take the crayons if they were peeled of their labels. We tried to accomplish that, but it proved monotonously difficult for a second grader and her mom! So, we stowed them on the craft shelf.

When I heard about the missions focus, I thought about those crayons, and suggested to CJ that she bring them in and propose to her group that they melt down the crayons and make new ones out of them.

Ecstatically, she shared the idea with the group with the start of the VBS week. By the end of the week, she had brought home all the broken crayons collected that week.

Oh! A life lesson I hate to admit occurs more often than seems fair--If you suggest it, it is yours!

But, CJ remained encouraged, peeling papers and separating all of the crayons into color groups. I was encouraged, too. We will do this!

If you read her post on this, you know she suffered an "injury" caused by overpeeling. "Why are these labels so hard to get off?" she asked repeatedly. Two reasons, I said. One, so that kids will know what color they are coloring with. Second, and most important, so that kids will know who made the crayons. (True, yes?)

Into the oven...Melting at 200 degrees for 20 minutes or so.

Cooling down.

Good enough to eat? Don't look for peanut butter in there!

36 fabulous colors!

Boxed and ready for someone special!

And I'm proud of my girl for hanging in there.

Raining? Let it Pour!

2009-07-22T00:00:00.002-04:00

Years ago, my sister gave us a beautiful cream shower curtain. It was one that she was giving up, and I was glad to take it. It had lots of lovely trim on it, and I knew it would look great wherever it went.

When we moved into this house, the only place for the shower curtain was the girls' bathroom. Nothing wrong with that, except for a long while, we were giving only baths in the "splashing" tub, and the shower curtain was more of a nuisance than a helpful feature.

When CJ started taking regular showers, and we had turned the bathroom into a beachscape--with the girls' sealife art, their photos at the beach and real shells, I thought it might be time to bring the shower curtain back. After a summer at the beach, one in which we had tie-dyed T-shirts, I thought it would be cool to tie-dye the shower curtain blue, to match with the wavy look in the tub room.

Hardly an expert at the science of tie-dying--and there is more science than art, it turns out--I dyed the curtain. It was an awesome blue, and the rubber bands left some neat patterns. The next step was to wash the curtain in the washer. It was after this step that I realized a small problem. The shower curtain was not 100 percent cotton. In fact, it's 100 percent polyester! Think about trying to dye plastic. Hmm.... Blue dye ain't tomato sauce, and I was losing color!

Then, inventing what I thought would be a way to save what dye had managed to be absorbed (into what, I don't know), I ironed the curtain! The iron left quite an impression--literally!--in several places.

I put the shower curtain away again.

* * *

Last week, we had a nice afternoon rain shower than kept us all inside and itching for a project. I pulled out the shower curtain.

"OK, girls! Let's paint!!" I said.

I brought out every bottle, tube and marker of fabric paint that we own, and let the girls have at it.

Within minutes, we had an abstract beach scene, with sandcastle, boardwalk, shells, handprints in the sand and the brilliant colors of a tropical beach umbrella.

"You hung it up?!" said CJ.

Probably a better choice than putting it in the washer. Enjoy it while it lasts, girls.

Beachy Keen

2009-07-16T08:14:00.014-04:00

"We went to the beach...just Grandma and me."

So begins the Mercer Mayer book, Just Grandma and Me. Since 2001 (minus a year in the mountains), we have joined my Mom and Dad, and my sisters and their families, on a beach vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I have never loved the beach more.

This year, I marveled at how big all the kids are (and how did that happen!?). Back when they were all in the single digits, we wondered if they would ever put a toe in the ocean.

Now, we have the "Surf Club" (as CJ profiles on her blog). Indeed, for CJ, the board isn't attached to her wrist so much as she is attached to the board!

That is, until the wind seizes the board from the sand.

RJ2 spent lots of time in the water, with me running behind her in case she forgot to watch for a wave. (Yes, I did manage to find time to sew up my SPF40 waders to wear with my rash guard. SO COMFY!) She made the lovely discovery that sand doesn't only feel good between the toes when you're running away from mom, but it makes an excellent canvas for drawing people.

She cooled everybody down with a squirt bottle. And it's a good thing I can still catch up with her, because not everybody she tried to squirt was in the family. (My niece is about to get an earshot here!)

RJ2 also shared a few lines from Just Grandma and Me with a young woman in a lounge chair and felt it necessary to act out the lines "then I covered her up [with sand] and tickled her toes" on the gal, who giggled sweetly with her girlfriends. ("C'mon, RJ2--let's go!!")

My hubby worked his magic with the sand as well.

There were other moments in the sand.

The path to the Jockeys Ridge dunes begins with a beautiful boardwalk through some dense greenery. It's the place to catch your last cool breath before you head out into the "desert." Unfortunately, within a step of this photo, RJ2 started her version of basketball sprinting drills--back to the start, forward to the dunes, back toward the start, forward toward the dunes. In the excitement (i.e., panic), I lost the string to her Super Grover kite. I'm sure the yellow-rumped warblers who call the green thickets their home will make good use of it in a nest someday.

We did make it to the dunes.

And we needed to take in the moment, apparently.

The kids flew their kites, which is the real reason they come to Jockeys Ridge. As my Dad said, when asked how the trip was, "Kites go up. Kites come down." And tired kids, parents and grandparents go refuel at Five Guys.

The girls found the strength to pose for a picture together before we left, but didn't have the energy to smile.

OK...time to go, then.

A bunch of the kids went on their annual fishing and crabbing excursion to the inlet by the Currituck Lighthouse. Lots of nibbling, but nothing that stayed on the line for long.

The rest of us went on a new side trip to the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve. I had read an article in Family Fun--complete with boardwalk picture through the woods. It was awesome!

I had told RJ2 that the boardwalk would end at a beach, so she decided she needed her bathing suit. I was wrong about the beach at the end. The walk ended with deck seating into the inlet, but she forgot about the beach by the time we got there. (Plus, my sister brought snacks!)

We saw great wildlife.

There is an offshoot from the boardwalk trail that leads deeper into the woods, through pine trees, white oaks and other coniferous trees. The little ones weren't up for going another hour into the woods, so we gave it up for next year. (I'll be back! And I think we'll have some crab fisherpeople joining us.)

We were in a new beach house, for us, this year, and the backyard proved to be an outstanding volleyball court. With 19, you can form two teams and still have some people available to blow giant bubbles over you.

Grandma brings (...mails....) sweet surprises--like homemade whoopie pies from a bakery in Maine! (Raspberry cream is amazing!)

Kids actually sleep sometimes.

And everyone has a good time!

(Thanks again, Mom and Dad.)

"We had a good time at the beach. Just Grandma and me."

Home!

2009-07-13T08:53:00.003-04:00

Made it home from the annual family beach trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Lovely weather!

Rash guards are COOL!

Ice cream on check-out morning is still a highlight....

More to come

(And, yes, my anklet is on!)

P.S. Horseshoe crab shell is real. Unfortunately, the crab didn't fare as well. (Did you think I would pick it up otherwise?)

CJ Has a Blog

2009-06-26T06:27:00.002-04:00

You'll never know what you'll find at CJ's new blog.

Nothing like the closeout of school for the year to be the impetus for starting a blog. (Finally! Read her first post.)

I'm sure she'll pass my number of posts in no time. Speaking of which....

Many post ideas, but so little blogging time left. (The daily Proverbs study is quite consuming, along with trying to keep up with all your blogs! Rewarding, but I'm not here as much.)

So, enjoy CJ's efforts. She has a lot to offer. And I'm not helping! :-)

Nobody Nose the Trouble I've Seen

2009-06-16T17:03:00.005-04:00

So, we're on Day #2 of summer vacation. RJ2 decided to wait a day to pull the first "AAAAAAAAaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!" moment of the season.

She is now a preschool graduate (happy post to come shortly). In addition to a diploma and a special award for "creativity" (which will become obvious in a moment), she received a number of special gifts in a specially painted beach pail! She has a new plastic turtle, a water ball and some special strands of beads.

RJ2 loves to make people out of long stringlike objects, including jump ropes, Wikki Stix (like Bend-a-roos), Play-Doh snakes and strands of beads. She turned her gold and blue graduation strands into two children, named after her preschool teacher's children (F and E).

F and E were riding in the car with us, taking CJ to a summer mini-camp. On the way back, RJ2 made a strange sniffle of a noise from her seat.

"Are you OK?" I asked.

"Yeah. I'm OK."

Then, she started in with a little cough.

"Did you put F in your nose?" she asked, of herself.

Oh, no! Mind you, I'm driving the car, and she is talking normally, with the occasional little cough. We were on our way to church for a brief stop anyway, but now there was a bit more urgency to find a safe place to park.

I haven't had to deal with this problem before, but I've read enough articles on kids to know that if she's still talking and breathing that things aren't dire. But, a bead inside your nose isn't something you should keep there.

I parked, opened her door and tilted her head back. There was a blue bead gleaming back at me. I could see it wasn't too far back, but, since RJ2 can't blow her nose, telling her she had to blow her nose wasn't going to be a great option. I twisted up a tissue and tried to nudge it forward, hoping some internal mechanism would kick in and she would expel the gem. It took a few times nudging, but the bead came forward enough that I could pop it out. (Whew!)

So, we thanked God and went to the church playground to take care of an errand.

(Sniff....ah cough...)

"!!!!!!!!!!"

Since I haven't been through this before, and obviously flipped the page in the magazine after the first paragraph of those articles I claimed to have read, I realized that she hadn't just one bead but ....? Two! Of course! And since we had already been through Mom's procedure once, why would we want to experience that again?!

At this point, it was time to go home. Mom's procedure wasn't working anyway. My stupidity at that moment overtook any ability to be useful.

Again, as I'm hurrying home, I'm reminding myself that this isn't serious. She is talking and breathing, and just absolutely ran away from me! She'll be fine, but when? Where? I knew that if I couldn't make things happen at home that we were on our way to the doctor. (Trying to use that as pressure to blow your nose didn't work on RJ2 either, by the way!)

Calling up the trusty Internet, the resources confirmed that I should not panic and that this isn't serious, right now. But, if the object does not come out, that a pediatrician visit is necessary. Under treatment means, they suggest that sneezing is a more powerful way to expel the object than nose-blowing, and, perhaps, some pepper might help.

I grabbed a small dish, shook in the pepper and held it up to RJ2's nose. She laughed, then she started to eat it. HA! No effect whatsoever! But, the laughing was helping, and that second bead was making its way up from the Acapulco deck to the exit gate. Soon enough, Adios!!

We were both exhausted but happy. It's not something we can dwell on, because that only promotes repeat behavior, but I think she got the message, except for one part....

"Where's F and E?" she asked.

They decided to visit Oscar the Grouch. (I didn't tell her that, but that's where they are if you're looking for them.)