More Than just a Mom

Catch Up

2009-11-08T16:19:00.000-08:00

My Lia Sophia party went well! The person who I thought was here to "check me out" did so...under the watchful eye of my sis-in-law. Nice to know she had my back!

Spent all day yesterday operating the kitchen for a 50th wedding anniversary. It was time well spent, but man are my dogs killin' me now! I can only say, again, how thankful I am that I workout. I made so many trips up and down stairs, carrying huge coffee pots and trays of food that the old Annie would have had a heart attack and died right there. Of course, I also had a terrific team, who helped to make everything run very smoothly.

Last Sunday, my sis-in-law brought the Game Master and Master Smiley for a visit. I'm not ashamed to tell you that I almost cried when Game Master made a bee line for me and hugged me tight. I've missed these two so much that my heart hurts! A bonus to the visit was that our other nephew, Crazy Legs, came along too! He's a hoot and always keeps us laughing.

Me and the Game Master

Boy and Mister Smiley

Crazy Legs - he is so funny!

Cousins!

Everyone loves Legos

I would ask that you remember to pray for Game Master and Mister Smiley's mom, Soldier Mommy. I saw a photo of her on top of her army vehicle, machine gun in hand. Made.Me.Shiver.

Fort Hood

2009-11-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

Another radical shooting by another radical muslim.

Gee, I'm just shocked.

Aren't you?

Pray for the survivors.

Pray for the families who lost a loved one.

Pray that this country figures a few things out before the religion of peace starts blowing up our citizens at farmers markets and on buses.

Amen.

Party Planning

2009-11-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

You should see my desk. No. Really. It's so clean. Super clean. Company clean.

If you've been my friend for a long time, you've seen the flip side of my clean desk. She's the evil, littered desk; the ugly sistah of clean desk.

You see, I've got company coming over on Friday.

My wonderful sistah-in-love will be here. She's a peach and so friendly that I know she'll make everyone feel comfortable. The Writer will be here too. She's here to watch my back and protect me from...dum dum dum...the strangers!

People I don't know very well are ~~invading~~ attending my little jewelry party. They've never been to my little, unfinished (in oh so many ways) farm house. They may not understand about that barnyard smell or about my psycho cat, Dingo. Do you think they'll mind that while the ceiling is finished, it hasn't all been textured?

On the upside my Beloved installed a spankin' new outdoor light. At least now they won't be wandering around in the dark, tripping over the dog, or falling into a cow pie.

Red will be here too. She knows some of the strangers that are coming and will help to keep things fun.

I've decided, with your help, to serve appetizers and finger foods. Grilled baguette with feta and garlic, marinated bocconii, meatballs, cream cheese with jalapeno pepper jelly, warm asparagus dip, sliced veggies, maybe some fruit, a sour-cream cheese cake and an apple Kugal, should do nicely. Most of this can be made the day before, which makes my life oh, so much easier.

Especially when you consider I have to be at work at 5:00am.

I want perfection...but I know me...I'll end up with whatevah.

Even though I know the house will be clean, the food will be good, and the company will keep things fun, I am still transported back to my childhood.

Funny how one really bad experience can mess with you for the rest of your life.

We lived in a fairly well-to-do neighborhood and one day, in the third grade, a pretty little girl named Lisa invited herself over to my house. I was so excited! She was the popular girl. GASP!

Her visit to my house lasted a grand total of fifteen minutes. She got the tour, stuck her little pug nose in the air, flipped her blond, perfectly cut hair over her shoulder, and asked to call her mother.

The next day, there was plenty of pointing and laughing. I've been weird about inviting people over ever since.

So, Friday looms before me and I quake, just a little, when I consider those who will attend my party.

Shiver

Now, I'm off to vacuum underneath the couch, cause ya know someone's going to look there!

The Underdog

2009-11-03T07:23:00.001-08:00

I have a thing for the underdog.

The defeated.

The victim.

That sad, sorry lot who have been abused or neglected gets me every time. I love to see them win. I adore the idea of them finding that strength they didn't know they had and changing their life.

When they stand tall, shake it off, and start again.

I just love it.

Which is why I bristle at the abuser. Those loud mouth, over-bearing, rude, pain in the neck types. They make me crazy.

We have one such lady (okay, maybe we have a few of these) at the gym. She's a wise-crackin', center of the universe kinda girl. I knew she was going to be a problem the first time she opened her mouth and made me feel small.

I just hate that.

You may remember her. I've written about her before. She's the one who was so shocked that I didn't believe in Karma.

Karma?

Carma?

Did I go to school with her???

Yesterday, this woman was in rare form.

Loud

Angry

She went out of her way to involve everyone in the building in her temper-tantrum. I wasn't on the clock, but I made the effort to calm her down, tell her I would address her issues with management, tried to explain why another gym member acts the way she does.

Loud Mouth was having none of it. She just complained louder and more violently.

Psycho

For my part, I didn't lose my temper, but I was steamed. Really steamed. The poor girl who was on shift was freaked out. My daughter, who was working out, was furious. Several of other ladies were uncomfortable and one even thought that SHE was the problem!

I suppose I should explain that in circuit training there are times when the person in front of you, may move slower than you and other times there will be someone right next to you, waiting for you to move. It happens. It's not the end of the flippin' world.

There are ladies who cannot use certain machines for health reasons. Some of our ladies have MS. Some are going through chemo. Still others are elderly or very obese. And yes, there are some who simply come to socialize. We even have a member who is totally blind.

Be that as it may, the gym is a place for everyone and when I say everyone, I mean ladies of all ages and body types. It is a place to grow stronger and more confident. It's a place that, for me at least, has always been judgement free. Or at least it was until yesterday.

I know I did and said the right things, but I'm left with this nagging urge to beat the snot out that loud mouth, earth worshipping, zen mama.

Which brings me back to Karma.

I really don't know much about it. I believe it has something to do with your actions in this life reflecting on your next life. So, if you are a mean, nasty, foul mouthed, pain in the neck in this life...won't you come back as a slug or something?

I mean, if the universe has that kind of power, shouldn't you mind your P's and Q's? Wouldn't it behoove you to steer clear of adversity, to help the down-trodden, and spread love, joy, and peace around your neighborhood?

I'm just sayin'.

Burning Down the House

2009-10-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

Last night I met a lady who is in the middle of some trauma. Her adult son's home burnt down a couple of weeks ago. They are all devastated, and rightly so.

I pictured the harrowing scene of her son, lifting his three-year-old daughter out of bed and running for the door. A bathrobe hastily thrown on, bare feet, a blanket wrapped around the baby, and eyes watching from a safe distance as their lives went up in smoke and flame. It makes me shiver.

I remember the scene of another house fire from years ago. I recall seeing fire trucks and police cars lining the road, the nosy neighbors, blackened siding, shattered glass, and the realization that nothing would ever be the same again. I found my mother, always a rock during any emergency, sitting in her Firebird which was parked away from the crowd. I burst into tears as I climbed into the passenger seat and asked aloud where my brothers were.

Fire is a destroyer and its cousins, smoke and water; ravage anything that the flames leave undigested.

I’ve been a bit odd about “stuff” ever since.

Don’t get me wrong, I like my material possessions, but it’s just stuff. This is why I use my good china every time I can, why I don’t truly own anything of real value, and why I am baffled at other peoples obsession with bits and pieces.

Yet I look around this house and see SO MUCH STUFF! Why do we have so much stuff! It boggles the mind. It truly does.

A house fire is a terrible, devastating thing. It changes you. I am more afraid of fire than perhaps anything else. The smell of burnt, wet, timber dredges up old fears and memories I’d rather forget. Yet, having lost so much I have come to value the things that truly matter more.

Relationships
Laughter
Friendships
Time well spent

Everyone gets caught up in materialism. It’s simply a part of the American dream, but you can’t take it with you.

And really, in the end, it’s all just gonna burn anyway.

Good Things

2009-10-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

*Boy is home again to continue his recovery.

*I wore a top last night that I haven't been able to fit into. Yay me.

*I've caught up on all my review materials.

*I bit my tongue off instead of telling someone that her husband is a butt head.

*The yard is winter ready.

*My grading and planning are up to date.

*Met nice people at church last night.

*Got a raise!

*Haven't had to deal with any family drama all month.

*Finally figured out why we still live on the farm - see below.

This my friends is a Kyocera tape deck which was manufactured in the 1980's. My beloved is addicted to ancient stereo equipment. When this little beauty became available...well, let's just say there was a near stampede to get to it before it sold.

Sigh.

And here he is checking out his new ~~girlfriend~~ toy. I know he'll never leave me for another woman...unless she has better stereo equipment...

The man is going to nickle and dime me to death.

What good things are happening in your life?

Winner!

2009-10-25T11:16:00.000-07:00

Well, gee, this was an easy one to pick!

LOL!

Congrats Island Rider you've won a copy of The Swiss Courier.

Happy Sunday ya'll.

Book Review & Giveaway: The Swiss Courier

2009-10-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

The Swiss Courier
Written by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey

She’s young. She’s beautiful. She’s also a spy. Meet Gabi Mueller, a young woman looking for a little adventure and trying to make a difference in her beloved Switzerland during WWII. Gabi will face danger she’s never known and meet the man of her dreams. Only, which man is it? And will she accept the most dangerous mission of all: to courier a young scientist out of Germany and into the Allies waiting arms?

About the Book

It is August 1944 and the Gestapo is mercilessly rounding up suspected enemies of the Third Reich. When Joseph Engel, a German physicist working on the atomic bomb, finds that he is actually a Jew, adopted by Christian parents, he must flee for his life to neutral Switzerland. Gabi Mueller is a young Swiss-American woman working for the newly formed American Office of Strategic Services (the forerunner to the CIA) close to Nazi Germany. When she is asked to risk her life to safely "courier" Engel out of Germany, the fate of the world rests in her hands. If she can lead him to safety, she can keep the Germans from developing nuclear capabilities. But in a time of traitors and uncertainty, whom can she trust along the way? This fast-paced, suspenseful novel takes readers along treacherous twists and turns during a fascinating--and deadly--time in history.

About the Authors

Tricia Goyer is the author of several books, including Night Song and Dawn of a Thousand Nights, both past winners of the ACFW's Book of the Year Award for Long Historical Romance. Goyer lives with her family in Montana. To find out more visit her website HERE

Mike Yorkey is the author or coauthor of dozens of books, including the bestselling Every Man's Battle series. Married to a Swiss native, Yorkey lived in Switzerland for 18 months. He and his family currently reside in California.To find out more visit his website: Here.

What I Liked About the Book

I like that fact that the book surprised me here and there. Although I had figured out one of the major plot twists, one or two others did surprise me. I like the descriptions of Switzerland and I even learned how the Swiss managed to stay out of the war. It was an interesting, pleasant read. This was an action packed story with well rounded characters and an electric setting.

Anything I Didn’t Like?

There were times when I questioned whether Gabi could really pull off her mission. She was a little naive at times, but considering what she was doing and her youth, that is to be expected. Over all, a nice read!

Visit the blog tour HERE!

Wanna Win a Copy?

The publisher was kind enough to provide an extra copy. So, if you'd like to win your own copy of The Swiss Courier just leave me a comment telling me what your grandparents where doing during WWII. We will choose a winner on Saturday, October 24th. Don't miss out on this great story!

A copy of The Swiss Courier was provided by LitFuse for my review. Thanks LitFuse!

Fun with FIL

2009-10-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

This morning, at the bleary eye-time of 4:30 am, I heard something. I always hear something. If there is something to be heard, I will hear it. I hate having "bat ears", as my husband has deemed them. (Yet, in that same token, I have trouble hearing if there is a lot of back ground noise...huh?)

Anyway, 4:30 and something is swish, scrape, scrubbing above my head.

FATHER-IN-LAW!

My brother-in-law (oldest brother of Beloved) is here for a visit. In the past, I have dreaded a visit from this bad boy. He's is just like his father, so you can imagine having TWO of them in the house is just a whole barrel of fun. Groan! Yet, I have to admit, that the last two visits have really been pretty nice. Not a lot of yelling and no arguing in my vicinity. Nice!

The only flaw with this years visit is that he brought his friend, athletes foot.

FIL loathes athletes foot and I can't blame him. So when he complained about having to share a shower with Bad Boy, I told him to clean his shower (duh) and spray the floor down with bleach after Bad Boy uses it.

The interesting thing is,is that Bad Boy has been here for TWO WEEKS and I know FIL has showered during that time (every Thursday and Sunday whether he needs it or not). So why in the name of Terbinafine, did the man decide to clean his shower at 4:30?

I shouldn't be surprised.

This is the same man who "putts" from the living room to the hallway several times per day, beginning at 6:00am and ending around 10:00 - sometimes 11:00pm.

Bam!

Boom!

Slice!

I'm surprised he has any carpet left up there.

FIL is the very same man who will come down if Beloved hasn't left the house on time for work. Disregarding the fact that Beloved is on vacation and doesn't need to get up at 5:15.

FIL will get teary eyed over the death of a rhododendron and yet treat his family like lepers.

And then there was the time that he left town without telling me that the hot-wire wasn't working. I spent the next two days putting a calf back in the pasture.

FIL is the man who will go play golf, go shoot archery, go have coffee with the boys, but refuses to take his trash out.

Do you understand what I'm living with here?

At 4:30 I stood in the laundry room, staring at the ceiling, listening to a scrub brush go round and round. I considered all sorts of snappy one liners...but realized that FIL really doesn't care how I feel.

And that, perhaps more than anything else, steams me.

There isn't anything I can do about it. It's just part of the fun I have with FIL on a daily basis.

Support Your Local Blogger

2009-10-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

Did you ever see those movies? The ones with James Garner; Support Your Local Gunfighter & Support Your Local Sheriff? They crack me up.

But today's post is NOT about that.

It's actually about all of YOUR feed back (feed back...no pun intended...snicker) regarding what I should serve at my Lia Sophia Party.

Finger foods won by a landslide.

As a thank you, I wrote down each of your names and had Girl draw one at random.

The lucky winner will be sent a copy of Paula Deen's Christmas with Paula Deen. You know, cause we all need more butter in our lives!

And the winner is...

Roo!

So, Roo, please drop my an email and I'll ship this pretty book which is filled with stories and recipes for Christmas.

Disclaimer: I purchased this book myself and was not paid by Paula Deen or Simon Schuster.

Massive eye roll...

Thank you to everyone else for your ideas and input.

Your Opinion Matters

2009-10-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

On November 6th I will be hosting a Lia Sophia jewelry party at my home. I haven't hosted any form of "party" like this in years. Few people attend and it turns out to be a waste of time and money.

So, why am I doing this now? Simply put, there is a piece of jewelry that I want but I am unwilling to pay the full price for it.

Plus, I would like to support the woman who is the sales rep.

Then, there is the whole, "I love to throw a party" thing.

My original plan was to serve dinner and dessert. I considered a healthy enchilada dish with avocado salsa, chips, veggies, etc. Then I thought maybe pasta would be better, but I could not decide between Olive Oil Spaghetti or the Herbed Shrimp and Pasta dish that I recently found. Of course, I could make both...

The writer, who will pretty much attend anything I host as long as I cook, wondered about me serving an entire dinner. She preferred finger foods, light appetizers, etc.

Now I don't know what to do. So, I am asking for your input.

If I serve finger foods it would be something like this:

Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Meat and cheese tray
Veggie and fruit trays
Assorted breads, crackers, etc.
Hummus
Tiny quiches (I adore these)

Dinner would be one of the choices mentioned above.

But wait, what about dessert!

No worries, my pretties. I am famous for dessert.

I could make one of my signature cakes: Mocha Cake, Banana Whipped Cream Cake, Lemon Cake. I could also make a Sour Cream Cheesecake, truffles, tiny gourmet cupcakes, or maybe...he he he... petit fours.

Gosh I just love to throw a party.

Now if only my house wasn't my house, but a nice house....sigh...

Okay, so I need your help! Please let me know what YOU think I should serve. There just might be something good in it for you!

Spelling Matters

2009-10-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

Or does it?

Today marks the one month anniversary of my Omi's passing.

I had decided to leave town a few hours after Omi passed. Things with the family were getting steamy and I could feel my blood begin to boil. I chose to exit stage right, instead of getting into a knock down - drag out fight with GC.

With two hours of sleep and enough angry adrenaline to keep me awake, I chugged homeward, replaying conversations in my head.

And in my head, I sounded like a genius! I wish I actually sounded that good in real life.

Anyway, I wasn't in town to see if there was a service or not. I knew Omi didn't want one, but that wouldn't have stopped GC who is all drama, drama, drama. I swear he's worse than a teenage girl.

Anywho...

I looked up her obit today. I just wanted to see what it said. I was surprised by a few details.

One, she listed her estranged daughter (my psycho mother) as a survivor. I find that hysertical because dear ol' mom wouldn't even speak to Omi. Hadn't spoken to her in years!.

Secondly, only two of her three grandchildren were listed. They forgot Baby. That made me feel bad. I wonder who left Baby off the list. Did Omi just forget or did GC leave his name off (out of spite because Baby hadn't joined us during the death watch). Regardless, I hope Baby hasn't seen it.

There was the little fact that the obit stated that Omi and Opa were married here in the states. They were actually married in Germany where Opa served with the US Army during the war. The funny thing is my grandparents were actually married THREE times.

Once in front of Opa's army commander (he was marrying a GERMAN after all)

Once in the church (she was Roman Catholic)

And once here in the states because of all the problems Omi had getting a green card. Life for a German wasn't easy regardless of what country you lived in.

Then there is the little issue of her church membership. See, Omi was very private about her beliefs. If you didn't ask, she'd never tell you.

I asked, because I'm nosy that way. Yet, she hadn't told me that she had become a member of that little Baptist church. Even in death, she surprises me.

I wish I could have written her obituary. They missed so many things about her. They didn't post a picture or write about her love of fishing. It was never mentioned that she met my Grandpa S through a newspaper ad. There were so many things about her that were funny. Like when she learned that I was going to marry Beloved and she advised me to test "things" out. She said that men were like shoes and that you needed to find the right fit.

I blushed to the roots of my hair, I assure you!

Of course the last thing I noted in her very sparce obit, was the fact that they spelled my name wrong.

Sigh

Somethings never change.

Scars

2009-10-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

I've seen her scars. They are hard to miss. They run the full length of both arms. I always wondered...I mean, they look like burn scars...but how do you ask someone so personal a question?

"Pardon me, I was just wondering...are those burn scars on your arms? Cause they look like burn scars. They look like you roasted your limbs over an open flame. I'm just nosey. Sorry...."

I would never has asked. Never. I am as curious as a cat, but I do try to stay out of people personal space. It's less messy that way.

This woman has a beautiful face. Really. Honey brown skin, dark, dancing eyes, her Native American heritage screams at you. She is a beautiful woman.

With dreadful scars running up her arms.

The other day, she told me her story.

Shudder

He hit her.

He knocked her out.

Then she woke up.

He was pouring rubbing alcohol on her.

Then he lit a match.

Shudder

My eyes grew round and my throat constricted and anger began to burn in my chest.

I hated him.

I do not know him, but I hate him.

Hate is a strong word.

We are not supposed to hate.

sigh

Then she told me that she saw her skin melt off of her arm.

Her face was covered in flames.

"Your face?" I cried as I stepped closer, searching for unseen scars.

She smiled so sweetly.

"They did a good job didn't they?" she laughed.

I was left silent and dumb-founded.

Today, she is a beautiful, thirty-something young woman. Married to a wonderful man. She recently became a grandmother and she shares her story with other women who have languished under the terror of domestic abuse.

Her scars are a visible reminder of the pain that she has suffered, but instead of hiding them, or being ashamed, she exposes them.

The ugly, puckered skin, the criss-cross scars on her legs, defy the remarkable beauty of her face. The doctors did an amazing job. One would never know that she lived through such a terrible ordeal.

But she is a survivor.

And she is beautiful.

A Few Things I Love

2009-10-12T18:48:00.000-07:00

I do love me some Stargate. Yep, it's true. I like my sci-fi, but I like it clean, without a bunch of skin or gore.

I haven't made up my mind about Stargate Universe. Thus far I've only seen the first two episodes. We shall see.

Bath and Body Works. I love this store. Smelly soaps and lotions for everyone in the family. My two favs Midnight Pomegranate Anti-Bacterial hand gel and Lemon Kitchen soap. Delicious!

I know, right? Laughing Cow Lite Cheese and red grapes. Yummy!

And yes, I love going to they gym. I love working out and feeling good about myself. I adore that I have muscles and that I am stronger than I have ever been in my life.

Starbucks, hmmmm. I stopped drinking caffeine and switched to decaf. Now, I've given up decaf which leaves me this:

A tall, light ice, green-tea lemonade equals 100 calories. It's a real treat!

I adore fall. Its crisp wind, brilliant colors, and pumpkins! Makes me want to make pumpkin curry soup.

Season finale was the bomb! I love this show and its realistic and sometimes painful representation of being a fat girl. You know I'm rooting for Jane to be happy with herself, regardless of which dude she ends up with.

No. C22 lipstick. The only lipstick from Sephora that I have ever purchase. The only one I have ever spent $12.00 on. Yes, $12.00 for a LIPSTICK. Crazy, but it was birthday money so I don't feel tooooo bad. I adore this color and think I'll wear it for the rest of my life!

Now, these cartoons always make me laugh or think or whatever. I think they are a lot of fun and just a little bit sarcastic. Kinda like me!

Thus ends this rambling post of things I adore. What do you adore?

What in the World?

2009-10-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

I rented the movie, Coraline from Netflix for the weekend. Since we do not subscribe to satellite television or cable and our television set is older than my cat, Netflix has become our close and personal friend.

However, we are also kinda picky when it comes to what we watch. I figured a PG KIDDIE movie would be okay, maybe even a little dull. Boy, was I wrong.

Coraline it the creepiest kid movie evah!

My children, ages 19 and 17, burst into my room around midnight last night to inform me that Coraline is a CREEPY, CREEPY MOVIE!

They both laughed hysterically...and feigned that they couldn't possibly go to sleep because they were too scared.

I had only watched part of the movie because I was tired, but I could tell by the little I had seen that I wasn't all that interested. It was creepy and I don't do creepy.

So, I'm just wondering, who rated this movie PG?

Okay, there wasn't any blood or bad language or sex, but still.

At least this selection was better than my last whimsical choice...an Australian film featuring full front nudity.

Ahem

Yep

Oops

I think I'll turn the movie decision making over to the kids. At least I'll know what I'm getting:

Jane Austen

Jack Black

And the like.

Health Care and the Bitter Side of Adulthood

2009-10-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's mail brought the BILL.

Boy came home sick in early September. Really sick. I took him to the urgent care where boy forked over $140.00 and learned that he had strep throat.

Antibiotics at Walmart: $11.00

Priceless

Except...

Four days later, in the wee hours of the morning he was pale, shaking, and sick, sick, sick. He wasn't getting better. If anything he was getting worse.

Beloved took him the ER.

Boy is nineteen and just completed his internship with Bible Teaching Inc. Boy has no insurance. Boy is not eligible for government funded health care. Boy is screwed.

At the ER they pumped him full of fluids. They ran a bunch of tests and declared to him that he has Mono and strep. Fabulous.

Then the bill came.

IV Solutions $136.50
Lab Chemical $43.00
Lab Immunology $45.00
Lab Hematology $57.00
Lab Bacteriology/Microbiology $200.00
Lab Urology $32.00
ER Services $1228.50
Other therapeutic services $381.15
Professional fee ER $803.00

Grand total $2926.15

Oh, but wait, I forgot! They also gave him an "uninsured discount".

Whew!

Uninsured discount and other adjustments -$351.14

Total balance due $2575.01

Boy is just sick over it. He really is.

He'll have to apply for financial aid, but we all know that unless you are a welfare recipient you are just out of luck.

Boy is still home sick and not working because he has MONO! Hello!

It's the bitter side of adulthood; the hoop jumping. The cold hard facts of being uninsured and not having the funds to cover the bill.

Been there. Done that.

I feel so sorry for him. Adulthood is no picnic. Once he enrolls in school, it won't be a big deal, our insurance will cover him. It's this in between time that stinks.

And it's the one thing I was most worried about: Being uninsured.

Thank God he didn't break something!

Oh, and just so you know, we are not in favor of Obamacare. I've seen the way the government takes care of business and I don't want them taking care of me.

Not to mention, and this isn't a political blog but, I thought the Dems were into less government....

I'm just sayin'

Fall

2009-10-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Fall is officially here. I noted it as I opened the front door this morning to bid Beloved goodbye. The air was crisp and damp. A sure sign that summer has departed.

The pumpkins are ripe and ready for harvesting. School children will be visiting the local farms and choosing the perfect orange squash to carve up.

It dawned on me that Thanksgiving is next month.

Then there's Christmas...

Is it just me, or is time accelerating?

I am astonished at all the things I haven't completed this year. I still have tomato plants that need to be pulled up. Hoses need to be put away. Then there is the matter of the bulbs that didn't get transplanted. Essh.

I think I need two of me.

Next months calendar is already filling up and I'm astonished at the busy, busy that is taking place. We have a 50th wedding anniversary to help with, our own anniversary, a fundraising banquet that we are helping to plan, and of course there is Turkey Day as well.

Among all this, Girl still has school work to complete, classes to attend, and a ahem social life. Beloved and I still have to work, still have to clean house, pay our bills, and do all the other little things that we do. Boy is making college plans and recovering from his illness.

Sometimes...I just want to lock the door, turn off the phones, and hide in my cave.

I think those hermits may be on to something.

The funny thing is, all of this will soon pass and we'll be on to the next event. Time waits for no man. I suppose that I should make the most of these years. You know, seize the day!

Outside my window, the sky is a sparkling, crisp blue. Dew is still clinging to the grass in the shady places, and my dog is looking at me with those big brown eyes that say, "Can I come in? I'm cold."

It's a beautiful time of the year. It really is. Maybe it's time to slow down and watch the leave turn.

They are going to anyway and it's a show we shouldn't miss.

I May Never Stop Reading

2009-10-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

Nobody knows the trouble I've seen.

Nobody knows my sorrow...

Actually, that's not true. I just was sitting here remembering that old song and thought I'd type it in.

Sorry.

I've got things to do and I'm not doing any of them.

I started reading Pat Conroy's new book, South of Broad and I don't want to stop. I never want to put it down. I don't want to eat or anything else. I just want to soak in the deep pool of his writing.

If you've never read any of his work, than you have truly missed out.

His writing is:

Beautifully detailed.

His writing is so incredibly Southern that I find myself reading the accent of each character.

The tragic moments are so heartbreaking, that I find myself utterly undone.

Few writers have shocked me the way Pat Conroy does. I seldom see it coming and then I'm left shattered and wondering how the main character will ever recover. I'm serious. No amount of psycho babble would cure me.

And sometimes the tale is so sad that I find myself hysterical, grieving as if their sorrow were my own.

Ahem...

That being said, I have never seen one of the movies that his stories have been adapted from. I can't do it. In my mind I see the character. I feel their anguish or rapture. I become a part of the story.

Sigh...

He's a wonderful writer.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my reading...err..I mean housework.

Disclaimer: Pat Conroy is not a Christian writer. Be warned.

Things I've Learned

2009-10-02T10:18:00.001-07:00

I am in love with Ikea! Love. It.

I was an Ikea virgin until yesterday. The Giver and I drove out to the only Ikea in town. It's a bit of a drive as it's out near the airport. Which would be one reason why I had never been. I do not drive that direction unless I'm going to the airport.

But...Ikea...ahhhhhh Ikea. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways;

I love your many interchangeable duvet covers.

I love all of your practical storage ideas.

I love gazing upon oodles of lamps, rugs, and skinny sinks (had I but known you existed when we were remodeling the bathroom! sob!).

I love cheap dish towels.

I love Swedish meatballs!

Ahh Ikea! I could spend days within the warm walls of your embrace.

Sigh.

I also learned that I am a Judaism snob. See, in my book (and God's too) you have to be BORN of a JEWISH woman to be a JEW. There is a very interesting lady at the gym. She's a fairly new member. Before she knew me she told me how much she hates Christians.

Snicker.

I didn't bother to GO THERE. I mean, why should I? She is entitled to her opinion.

Last night she told me that the day had been a very difficult day for her. When I asked why, she said it was an important religious holiday for her.

Knowing how she felt about Christianity, I asked which one.

She replied, "Yom Kippur."

Only she pronounced Kippur like Kipper...you know...those little fish snacks?

Snicker....

She doesn't know me. She doesn't know of my deep love of the Jewish people. She doesn't know that I know a smattering of Hebrew. She doesn't realize the amount of time I spent with the Rabbi and family.

I said, "Oh, you mean, Yom Kippur."

Oh, yes, of course, she retorted.

I left it alone. She doesn't need to know what a snob I am. I will be kind and friendly to her as long as she is a member at the club. She doesn't need to know that I think she's a phony...she's not a Jew, brother!

היא לא אח יהודי,! (this should be posted on the other side of this blog, but blogger doesn't seem to know that!)

I also learned that my bank now charges me for checks. In the past I received them for free. This is just one more reason why I hate CHASE.

I opted to order through someone else and saved $6.00.

Take that!

Then, I learned the real reason why I've been so angry with my Mother. It's not because she refused to talk to Omi a month ago. It isn't because while Omi lay there dying she said, "That's too bad".

Nope.

It's because...drum roll...if it were me, dying, she wouldn't speak to me. She would let me die and never apologize for being a doof.

And that makes my stomach hurt.

Funny, isn't it? I said (and I do mean it) that I am fine without her. Actually, I'm better. But in my little girl soul, I want a mommy.

And I've never truly had one.

Kinda sucks.

Yes it does.

But then....

I learned that someone I barely know cares about me.

Huh?

Another woman at the gym was part of a conversation about mothers. When someone asked about mine, I replied that mine doesn't like me. This woman, who is my mother's age, looked at me with such a shocked expression that I laughed out loud.

I assured her that I'm just fine and it no longer bothers me that Mother dearest thinks I'm a troll.

Last night, the same woman came into the club and pulled me aside. She said,

"Everyone needs a mom. If you ever want to talk or need anything, I'll be your mother. I know I can't replace the real one, but I know what it feels like to be an orphan. I'm here for you."

I almost cried.

I really did.

And so I learned that even though I'm an idiot and Mother dearest hates me, that there must be something lovable about me.

These are the things I learned just yesterday! I cannot wait to see what today brings!

How They Learn

2009-09-30T21:18:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year.

No, I am not referring to fall.

Or Halloween.

Or Oktoberfest (which actually takes place in September...Yeah, them German's are some kooky folks!).

It's the time of year that I go and see my doctor.

She's a peach, she really is. Tall, orange-red hair, uber hip spectacles, and always wearing some form of orange. She has the body of a runner and a keen sense of humor. She knows I don't take myself too seriously and that she shouldn't either.

Today, as luck would have it, was one of her teaching days. Meaning, of course, that she had a second year med student with her. The CNA asked me if I minded if the student "observed".

"Is it a man or a woman?" I quarried. I have a thing about male doctors. No offense, but really dude, you can study all you like, but you are NOT a girl and you will never, ever understand all the girlie girliness that we girls go through. I'm just sayin'.

Med student was a twenty-three-year old, second year med student. Cute as a bug! Eager! Friendly! And I'm certain she is the apple of her mother's eye (she's the oldest of three...little over-achiever!).

Health care being what it is, I've never spent more than fifteen minutes with my doctor. Ever.

Today, she was in no hurry. Dr. Orange was making a "good impression" on her student. She asked me questions she's never asked me in all the years I've been her patient.

"Do you have a faith that you follow?"

har har har

My response: "I don't believe you have ever asked me that question. I happen to be one of those Bible thumping Christians. If you'd like to know more we could CERTAINLY discuss it."

Knock, knock...is this thing on?

Crickets...

"How is your relationship with your mother?"

One word of advice, never admit to anyone in the medical profession that you have a loony in the family bin. They squint at you...the say, "hmmmm"...they start looking at you as if the family madness is spreading and you've caught it!

All the while, Med Student smiled and scribbled notes.

I have this fear that I'll end up as a case study somewhere. You know, the woman who kept cracking jokes and proselytizing the doctor. I'm sure she'll note that madness runs in the family...

It's only a matter of time.

Book Review: Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart

2009-09-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart
Book Three of The Knights of Arrethtrae
Written by Chuck Black

Finding family friendly literature can sometimes be a challenge. You want a book that will encourage your child, often times a son, to read, but you also want a hero who has a strong moral compass without being too preachy. Too many times Christian literature falls short. Sad, but true.

Which is why I am excited to tell you about Sir Dalton. This book has a hero with a shadow of doubt underneath his armor. He's got questions about who he is and what he believes. Just like real boys sometimes do. Sir Dalton is confronted with doubts and failure. He struggles with what he knows to be right and learns some important, and sometimes painful, lessons along the way. And of course he becomes the hero we all knew him to be!

Nice!

So...What's the Story?

Sir Dalton, a knight in training, seems to have everything going for him. Young, well-liked, and a natural leader, he has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow knights, and especially the beautiful Lady Brynn.

But something is amiss at the training camp. Their new trainer is popular but lacks the passion to inspire them to true service to the King and the Prince. Besides this, the knights are too busy enjoying a season of good times to be concerned with a disturbing report that many of their fellow Knights have mysteriously vanished.

When Sir Dalton is sent on a mission, he encounters strange attacks, especially when he is alone. As his commitment wanes, the attacks grow in intensity until he is captured by Lord Drox, a massive Shadow Warrior. Bruised and beaten, Dalton refuses to submit to evil and initiates a daring escape with only one of two outcomes—life or death. But what will become of the hundreds of knights he’ll leave behind? In a kingdom of peril, Dalton thinks he is on his own, but two faithful friends have not abandoned him, and neither has a strange old hermit who seems to know much about the Prince. But can Dalton face the evil Shadow Warrior again and survive?

Young adults will be inspired to strengthen their faith along with Sir Dalton, as they follow his exciting and action-packed journey to overcome his doubts and renew his commitment to the King and the Prince in this third installment of Chuck Black’s popular Knights of Arrethtrae series.

Meet the Author

Chuck Black traveled with the Air Force as a communications engineer and F-16 fighter pilot and began a career as a product design engineer. Chuck and his wife, Andrea, homeschool their six children and have a family music ministry that travels throughout the region. He is the author of nine novels, has been published in The Old Schoolhouse e-zine, and has received praise from parents across the country for his unique approach to telling biblical truths. Chuck and his family live in Williston, North Dakota.

Final Thoughts

Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart is a light, easy read. It is filled with medieval knights, swords, and battle all wrapped up in the form of an allegory. Mr. Black paints a strong portrait of important spiritual truths along with nice points about friendship, loyalty, and free-will. The suggested reading age is between nine and twelve-years-old, but I feel that many twelve-year-olds may not enjoy it as much as a younger boy.

Purchase this book and the others in The Knights of Arrethtrae series Here

Forty-Two

2009-09-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

1. I turned forty-two today.

2. I found the perfect lipstick.

3. I had coffee with one of my best friends.

4. I received a beautiful covered casserole dish.

5. I did laundry.

6. I had lunch with my Beloved and my Boy.

7. I received two books; Easy on the Eyes by Jane Porter (fav!), and South of Broad by Pat Conroy (all time fav!).

8. I cleaned the cat box.

9. I mopped the floor.

10. I thought about going to the gym…and didn’t…

11. I talked to the Singer, the Giver, and Red.

12. I’ll be meeting Red at the gym in an hour.

13. I talked to the Stalker too.

14. I took down the clothes line – fall is here.

15. I wondered if my mother remembered it was my birthday. Not that I’m expecting or want anything. From her.

16. I laid out the ingredients for banana bread; but haven’t made it yet.

17. I watched the clouds roll in as I sat, for one last time, on my patio.

18. I learned that Chris Klicka, of Homeschool Legal Defense, is near death. I feel sad for his wife and children.

19. I missed my Omi saying, “Happy Birthday”.

20. I swept the floor.

21. I curled my hair.

22. I cleared off the kitchen table.

23. I re-read my blogs about Omi. Sniffle.

24. I Facebooked for wwaayy too long.

25. I made tea.

26. I noticed that Beloved’s eyes turn an even brighter blue when he wears a certain blue shirt. Nice!

27. I watched Beloved build a ridicules pair of speakers. Truly. Ridiculous.

28. I thanked FIL for birthday money.

29. I remembered my SIL will be here at the end of the week.

30. I contemplated coloring my hair.

31. I looked at my messy bedroom and decided against cleaning it.

32. I miss my Girl and wonder how I will ever survive once she’s out on her own.

33. I wondered why forty-two feels different than forty-one.

34. I thanked God that I am forty-two with a wonderful family.

35. I remembered I have a book review and a blog post due. TOMORROW!

36. I will clean my kitchen tonight.

37. I will watch Drop Dead Diva too.

38. I will tell those that I love, that I do indeed, love them.

39. I will be thankful for my job, my home, and friends.

40. I will read in bed until my eyes are full of sand and begging for sleep.

41. I will be a stronger, more faithful, kinder person this year.

42. I will love, because Jesus loved me first.

Isn't She Still Five?!

2009-09-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

In mere moments I will be driving Girl to the airport. She's off again, that little traveler! Once again, she'll have to navigate an airport (after security) and find her way to her gate. Then, once she lands, she'll need to get through the Denver airport and find her ride.

ON HER OWN!

What kind of mother am I? Who let's their five-year-old fly alone? I mean seriously!

Oh...

Wait...

She's not five any more.

She's seventeen and she managed to get through the Denver airport ALONE just days ago.

Little factiod, I almost cried when I saw her. Totally almost did. Sucked it up. Was a man about it. Sniffle...

I know she'll be fine. I'll be hanging out until she boards her plane. I'll be grasping my phone waiting for the call telling me she's arrived safely and found her ride.

I may not sleep...

Book Review: The Great Christmas Bowl

2009-09-25T06:01:00.001-07:00

The Great Christmas Bowl
Written by Susan May Warren

I love Christmas.

I love my family.

But I don't love it when I get so caught up in the busy, busy that I forget the true meaning of the holiday. Gah! What is it with we women anyway?

The Great Christmas Bowl tells the amusing story of Marianne Wallace who is focused on two things this holiday season:planning the greatest family Christmas ever and cheering on her youngest son’s team in their bid for the state championship.

Mothers will go to great lengths to make things perfect...and sometimes it includes a trout costume, shaking up the traditional church tea, and making sure all your children are home for the perfect Christmas.

Yet, we all know that while a ~~man~~ woman will make her plans, sometimes God has a different idea.

What I liked about this book

I just couldn't get over the trout costume! The authors description of it and my own mental image painted a hysterical picture and I adored the fact that Marianne was willing to go that extra mile for her youngest son. I'm not sure I could have! Funny stuff.

Yet, more importantly, I saw myself in the same struggles with keeping the true meaning of Christmas in a season that often times gets out of control.

This is a sweet, short story that will make a perfect gift for your girlfriend, sister, and mother.

About the Author

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota, where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found HERE

CONTEST!

Be a part of the Great Christmas Bowl recipe exchange!

Susan loves getting recipes from friends, and sharing the delicious cookies, soups, breads and other fun fixings that go with celebrating the Christmas season. More than that, she loves the crazy stories about favorite Christmases – serious, touching, funny…whatever. Find the recipe contest HERE

Will you share your story and recipe with Susan and the readers of The Great Christmas Bowl? She will post your story and recipe on the FRONT PAGE of The Great Christmas Bowl website, and send you a link when it goes up so you can tell all your friends. Then, at The Great Christmas Bowl party (December 5th, 10am, online! Details TBA) she’ll make the entire cookbook available for download! For every recipe/story you submit (up to 3), you will be entered in a drawing to receive one of SMW’s collections (Noble Legacy, Team Hope,Heirs of Anton, Deep Haven Series, Josey series, or THE ADVANCED COPY of Sons of Thunder – Susie’s brand new epic World War 2 novel, due out in January 2010!)

BUY THE BOOK HERE

Want to read more reviews? Simply click HERE.

Final Thoughts

The Great Christmas Bowl is a sweet story that really gets to the heart of a mother. At some point in time, each of us will face our own empty nests and for many of us it will be a struggle. This short story reminded me that Christmas isn't really about the perfect dinner or cookie or gift, it's about the wonderful gift God gave us in His son, Jesus Christ.

Weary

2009-09-24T07:14:00.000-07:00

I've grown weary of talking about my family; parents, siblings, and the like. They suck. There, I said it.

My girl has been gone for one week. ONE. SOLID. WEEK. I've been trapped here with boys...just boys...Beloved...our Boy...and the cat...Oh, and FIL too!

Boys

Boys

Boys

They don't do dishes.

Sometimes they grumble over BBQ Turkey burgers on sandwich thins with juicy slices of tomatoes. Okay, It was Boy who grumbled and then said that the burger was great, but he didn't like the skinny bun. Sigh.

"Eat your salad boy and shaddup!"

His snappy reply? "You guys eat weird food now."

Pardon me for trying to keep us healthy!

They rarely clean up after themselves.

They make noises of various kinds.

They do not care for chick flicks.

And they don't understand that I'm emotional and tired and grumpy and in need of chocolate and a good cry.

But I don't feel like crying.

Sigh.

I am weary.