I See the Clouds' Butts

So, as we were looking up at the sun-setting sky on our way home today, the 3 year old from the backseat says: "I See the Clouds' Butts" That got quite a chuckle. I realized today how different my boys are. 3 year old: cautious, not taking risks, sensitive, never knowing what he is thinking. 6 year old: exact opposite. Although, they are both sensitive and caring, especially when someone needs help. That could be due to me being in a wheelchair. E has been praying at the end of every prayer: "...and help mommy." Translated, this means, help her to walk. I believe someday I will...be it by medicine (God), God himself, or when I get to heaven, eventually I'll be healed.
We had such a full day today, from swim lessons, to movie theater, to park/lunch. After some time at home for nap and school, we went off to the new play area/jump equipment night at the mall. I just love having things to do. Our marvelous a/c units don't quite keep up during the day, so we plan to be gone a lot! Yesterday we had a full day with a brief jaunt at park day, to lunch, to the historical building. It was a lot of fun, plus I got to know a homeschool mom a little better. L had his last bam bam ball game on Mon. night, so we have an end of season party tomorrow night. I guess I am the parent that's in charge of putting together something for the coach. (And you know how creative I am!) I guess that's all for now. I updated the blogroll, so check out the people that give me insight on life.

Continuation

Well, exciting things sure did happen throughout the day! We lost our power from the horrendous storm that blew though here, at about 5:00. Just, might I add, as I was starting supper. We snacked for a while, played Chutes and Ladders by candlelight, then just got plain hungry. So off to the mall we went. A good food court and play area date. It was good for all of us. One bad thing that happened: when the aforementioned dinner cooking was beginning to happen, I had just turned the burner to high to start the rice boiling. When the power went out, you see, I did not turn the burner off. While we were at the mall, the power did come back on. Thank you Lord that you spared our house. It was filled with smoke and the smell of burning wild rice! We figured out it had been boiling (and burning) on high for 53 min.
So, all in all, a pretty eventful day. I have to admit, my patience level for the boys was at a low today. Lord, help me do better tomorrow.

More about teeth...

This is good news, and just want to log it: E has a loose tooth! We discovered it Tues. June 19. In the midst of flossing his teeth, I saw an adult tooth popping through. We hadn't even discovered the loose tooth yet. I figured, it was probably loose, too. We tried it, and low and behold...looseness. I about cried. I'm sort of emotional. My first baby, his first loose tooth. OK, I'm done with the tooth bit.
I'm pretty excited, we now have a system in our hottub that is virtually chemical free. Just in time for the homeschool BBQ. I'll go ahead and post now, then pluck my brain for better things later.

30 days of no complaining

This means to friends, in my own head, etc. etc. I have a family heritage of complaining, so God, please help me to be positive. I realized that I sounded a bit negative in my last blog, but I truly am thankful for free lunch...yippee! So at the start of a new week, with a great Father's Day having been had, I shall, at the end of this blog name 10 things that I'm thankful for. Going back to Father's Day, I had a semi-long conversation with my dad today. It was nice. He has given me a heritage of frugality, and stubborne...determination (had to change that as to not sound negative ;) I appreciate the talks we have, as I did not grow up with him. Nor did I see him in the best light growing up. As an adult, it's neat to get to know someone who essentially gave me life!
I have not blogged about my oldest's b-day party. We had about 19 kids present. Yikes. It was loads of fun. Pirate themed, treasure hunting, pinata, the works. I'm sorry if you're reading this and you were not invited. We had to trim the guess list, and it ended up being mainly home school friends. My oldest son has quite the outgoing personality; it's a good thing we are "socializing" him properly. LOL.
We are looking forward to an exciting summer of swim lessons, park days, killing gardens, then begging my friend Abby for some of her produce. I cherish this hot weather, but I'm not good at watering my photosynthetic friends. I plan to also hit some farmers markets this week, a birthday party, a bam bam practice and game, taking my father-in-law out for Father's Day, and finishing this house up in preparation for the home school barbecue. Sorry if this sounds like a diary. I just want to be able to look back at this journal and see what was going on in this part of my life. Sometimes I need to do that--mentally plan, or go over what's already been done. I guess it's part of my only/oldest child perfectionist in me. I sometimes over-plan, then if plans fall through, I'm disappointed. God is helping me with this. He is also helping me with patience. Especially with my children. I'm a SAHM for goodness sake, shouldn't I have patience? It (I) am a work in progress, as we all are.
Thank you for listening to my rant/non-complaining/electronic journal...and for your endurance, here is my list of 10 things for which I am thankful:
1. God, that He loves me even if I am not perfect
2. My husband, that he loves me even if I am not perfect
3. My children, that they love me even if I am not perfect (I sense a theme...)
4. The family I have not under this roof
5. My wonderful friends
6. Organic food
7. Hot summer days
8. Our country, and the freedom it stands for
9. Garage sales/thrift shopping
10. Yummy yummy tea

Now it's your turn...10 things for which you are thankful!

Free Lunch!

Where have I been--this is the first I have heard about the free lunch program through the summer. Today was the first day of our free government hand out venture. Here's how it went:
I have to say, it's amazing that public schools have not changed since I was in school. For the most part, this elementary school looked the same as mine did in the early 80's. I find that to be really sad. We have new government buildings, shelters for the homeless, etc. etc., but can not scrounge up the finances to update a school. Smells of fresh paint wafted into the lunch room. (I left with a head ache). Star Wars posters hung all over the walls. Is this an educational center, or a dropping zone for busy parents? Yikes. I'm so glad we homeschool. Not to mention the lunch lady...man they haven't changed either. A woman? that strikes fear into any 6 year old heart. OK, hear ends the negative. Now the positive: free lunch. OK. So, we'll be going to the park next time free lunch rolls around. I figure that we have to pay property taxes for the school, we don't use the school, so we should go for free lunch (at least we're paying for something). Folks, I want everyone to research the beginning of public school, how it was all started. Tell me if you don't find that it has its roots in socialism...indoctrinating...check out this blog: http://www.mommylife.net/archives/2007/05/a_wake_up_call.html
Pray for our nation. Pray for our children.

My Mom

I try to be light hearted, and maybe even a little witty on this blog, but if this is a blog about real life, one can't always be that way. Some history: I lost my wonderful mother just over 3 years ago to breast cancer. Last night, I had a dream with my mom in it. It was like she was really there, you know. And in a dream, you don't know what's real, so it all seems real. In the dream, it was as if she had been gone for a long time, just getting treatment or something. I remember I was walking in the dream (which is normal because I did walk up until 6 or so years ago.) I was in my grandparents bathroom, struggling to get dressed. I needed a shower but didn't have time since everyone was waiting for me. I have to say, here, that whenever I can't do something physically, I've always turned to my mom. She was my main support, my helper, my...beloved mother. I remember dressing haphazardly in a white Disney sweatshirt, greasy hair, and just feeling depressed that I could do nothing else for myself. Then, we were at the restaurant with all her family from Virginia...Dennis (her husband), Erin (my cousin), her brothers, her mother. And then she was there. It's like she was making the rounds, seeing everyone after her long sabbatical. When she got to me, all I could do was hold her. I love you, I love you, I love you was all I could tell her. Never leave me again. I need you. She says, it's OK honey, I'll help you get ready, I'm here now. Oh GOD this dream hurts me so much. I ache so badly for her at times, and it's dreams like this that bring it all back. I guess maybe someday my kids will feel that about me. I pray we have a bond as strong as my mom and I.
Mom, I know you've always been proud of me. You told me numerous times. I'm OK, and I'm being taken care of. I know you wouldn't have died if I weren't...you're that strong. I sob when I think that you can't hold your grandchildren. E remembers you. He remembers throwing the ball with you in the front yard. And, he even thinks he sees you sometimes because someone looks like you at the mall or something. Then it all comes back. L talks about you as if he knows you, and it's so cute. We all miss you.
OK, now it's time to take your advise. For all the times you told me to clean my damn room. I have a big pile of papers I have to go through before the kids wake up. And I know how you hated clutter. I am (and was) the clutter queen. Maybe that's why we butt heads so often? :) You will always be with me. Maybe God will give me more dreams. Although it hurts so badly, it feels good to have you in my arms again. Until we meet in heaven...