No Greater Joy

Tuesday

Today, I mopped the floor good before the kids are home for Thanksgiving break.  I got grocery shopping somewhat caught up for kids home for meals.  I got chicken defrosting for dinner.

Glad I took some time to recover my spirit today–Lord knows I needed it tonight.

The second half of today?  Sometimes you think you are due a break and you get hit with another situation, and it’s very hard to keep going, to find the emotional reserve.  But, you do…because people are worth it.

I feel so worn out tonight.  I was so hoping for a restful Thanksgiving.

Tired of “issues”.  “Situations” dictating the landscape.  Yet, I know they are for my good, somehow.  Perhaps the Lord uses them to keep my focus tied up instead of letting me get too introspective.  I don’t know.  I’m trying to find a way to say “thank you” about it when I don’t feel it at the moment.

I prayed last week, “Lord, do don’t let me fall behind in parenting with so much going on.  Fill in my gaps, keep me on my toes.  Show me.  Fill the gaps with my kids. Help me.  Help.”

He has.

I won’t dishonor growing kids by venting all their stuff here, but parenting prayers are appreciated…for fortitude, effective discipline, appropriate discipline, good modeling, God’s presence to be with us as we try to lead.  Just refreshing and strength for continued tasks bigger than me.  Everything in my life is a “God sized” thing right now, and I should be thankful that I’m forced to be so dependent on Him.

Mom called tonight and I was just so short and snappy not being able to talk with her about what was really going on with me with the kids in earshot.  “Business issues” dictated, simply because that was the only thing safe to talk about, and more papers was the last thing on my mind to want to talk about at the time.

Here is the part where I try to make this applicable and meaningful and draw you into the conversation.  And I just don’t have it in me to come up with any of that.  Thanks for the prayers and support.

Quick Photo Post

The Bike Ride I Missed

My Mother’s Day Pendant

From the Front Room

The Color isn’t this yellow, really

Front Room View

Pretty Little Funky Flower Plates

Excuse the mess.

A Shirt one of Boy Wonders Best Friend’s Lent Him for Today

Mother’s Day Earrings

For The Teachers

More Red Geraniums,

Sunday School Flowers–Mother’s Day

My Mother’s Day Gerianiums

Misty, love her precious heart, called to let me borrow her camera today.  I played a bit of photo catch up while I have a cam.  I think  you can click each for more info I wrote on each photo, however, the text color is a bit hard to read, and I can’t fix it today!  Sorry!

Maggie

Mother’s Day Weekend, Day 1

Mother’s Day Weekend, Part A

Okay, so a few pics are sideways…then again, I was sideways a few times myself!

*The Park with Red for his field trip–Friday

*Airfield, Saturday–Saturday  (the sideways one with two boys is the plane I flew in with them).

Is that my hair, that straight?  Yup…straight iron.  Today was not a good hair day, however.  I let it dry naturally and could not correct that later.  Lesson learned.  I was swiping my bangs out of my eyes all morning after that mistake.

 

Speech Day

Preparing for your first public speech, other than those occasional classroom book reports.  A competitor.  The winner will give the speech the day of 5th grade graduation, and he/she will not know of the winner until that time.  Talk about being put on the spot!  But, we are so incredibly proud of your presence–a finalist.   One of twelve.  Oh yes, run to win, but be satisfied to be in the elite and make the most of it, son.  We love you so much and are so proud of you. 

I’ll be there with your Daddy’s shoes.  You have to walk three blocks to get to the luncheon.  I think they’d slip off your feet for the walk, but you won’t have to give your speech in your tennis shoes…your Daddy has loaned you his best ones.  I polished them up and they shine.  He said last night, “I just can’t believe my son is big enough to really wear my own shoes!  It’s so strange.”

You look sharp in your starched khakis and clean shirt already.  Heaven knows I don’t iron for just anyone! 

Stand tall.  Speak clearly.  Be yourself.  Swallow your nerves.  Give it your all. 

I can’t wait.  I’ll meet you there.  I’ll be cheering the loudest.

I love you!

~Mom

On Monday, Kids, and The Dealing With of Them

Okay, so that title was grammatically a wreck, but that’s okay for today. 

I’ve been with people non-stop since last Tuesday and my little personality-spirit SO needs some down time to be healthy.  I find myself just wanting to relish in the fast that I’m tired today, and just “do”.  My husband woke up talking about needing soap and telling me he was getting sick and asking me how I slept.  And I don’t think I had a word…I just long for peace and quiet so much at times.  

Later, one child could not eat breakfast because his eggs needed salt.  I made him eggs, bacon, and toast, and he can’t eat because he can’t salt his eggs.

Two kids made it to the van without their coats…after I’d harped on one for five minutes and looked for a coat, I’m driving down the drive and the oldest STILL didn’t have one.  I threw that van in reverse and threw myself an intentional hissy fit. 

There is a time for sweetness, and there is a time for godly fear.  Today was the day for godly fear.  Adults are taxed, and it’s not the time to go your own way and make waves.  It’s time to buckle down, show responsibility, give adults a little relief and be content. 

Enough is enough.

I may be dead wrong here.  But, I believe that children need to know that people have limits of energy, and patience, and grace.  They need to know that they can pick up the slack and make things a whole lot easier, or they can be self-centered and be miserable in the back of the bus out of earshot, because I’m not listening to a bunch of self-centered “do everything for me” whining when the world has been in need and it’s crunch time.  It’s time to buckle down and be problem solvers.  It’s time to listen and do what you know to do.  It’s not time to be lazy and whine and waste time and resources. 

I’m all about extras and making my kids feel grand.  We went ice skating yesterday, had hot cocoa, invited a friend, went out of town, ate out, had a marvelous time.  But, I am so tired of the whiney attitudes.  Child, if you have a problem, try to fix it before you start whining to no end.  There are too many people in real need.  The contrast is unsightly. 

I would suggest we all bear this in mine in coming days.  We will all fail, but it’s just a good principle to bear in mind.

I think I need some coffee and some yoga now.

My Quote for the Day:

Invest your time wisely:  80% where you are strongest 15% on learning new things, and 5% where you need or want to grow. 

(from Wisdom for Men:  Practical Bible-Based Principles for Home &  Word by Bobb Biehl [it just happened to be the closest thing to the toilet when I had two seconds to revv up for the day]).

PURSUE FIVES

Holly, the local nutritionist extraordinaire, wrote this:  Tips for being successful at those “weight loss” New Years Resolutions.  It was really motivating.

Yesterday, Day 1, I did pretty well.  The Hub had brought in some new chocolate truffles just a few days before Christmas, and as I am a truffle lover, I’ve had to catch up on my quota there, but I cut them in fourths, and enjoy the fourths slowly.  I’m pretty content with that.  I think about chocolate a lot.  Usually this time of year, I’ve gotten so sick and stressed and sick that I can’t eat chocolate for the pain of palpitations  ruling my life…so this year, I’m enjoying the chocolate! 

But, I planned my meals yesterday and anticipated them, and that is helping me curb snacking and wait to eat good meals instead of grabbing food and snacks.  I think it will add up to better health.  I felt better all day…no headaches, etc.

Lunch, I’ve been craving Cheddar and Broccoli soup, Campbell’s.  I used some leftover pizza dough and rolled out some breadsticks to go with it.  While I was out running around, I called and asked mom if she still had that toaster oven she’s been trying to move for a few years.  She did.  It’s made breakfast fun to try something new.  Toast for five can take a while.  I really didn’t want to give counter space to a four slotted toaster, so I added a huge toaster oven.  Go figure.  I just had more room where it sits than I do where my toaster sits.  It’s all about real estate and location. 

I cooked some orange danish as a treat for the kids in it, but I ended up over-cooking them a bit, getting used to it. 

I really liked it to keep supper warm in a small space on the counter last night.  The Hub didn’t get in for supper until almost 8, and the homemade biscuits, baked lemon pepper chicken, and rice with chicken broth were all still toasty.  We ate supper by candlelight and low lights, all seated at the table.  Once Upward season starts, I imagine we won’t have many of THOSE nights, and I’ll miss them. 

Tonight is the first cheerleading practice.  I’m taking a squad, my daughter’s, because I want to help out.  I wanted her to be challenged this year, which is a great goal.  However, I’ve never cheered.  So, there.  Rah, rah, rah!  Should be a hoot.

Boy Wonder’s teacher has been sick with mono and some other health problems this year.  I’ve been concerned about him having 2/3 of his teachers out for extended times this year.  I said, “How did your teacher do on her first day back?  She was smiling and seemed happy when I saw her. “  He said, “Mom, she’s like grandma, she is always smiles and is happy, no matter how much she is hurting or how much pain she’s in.”

I don’t think I have much to worry about…I think he’s learning just fine.

Red had a sub yesterday as well.  We said, “How was your sub today?”  Six year old Red said, “Great!”  We said, “Well, what made it great?”  He said, “She was really super nice.  She didn’t yell at us at all, not once the WHOLE DAY LONG!  Not ONCE!”  I said, “Do most subs have to yell?”  He said, “Oh, yeah.  Most of the time.” 

Poor guys.

Kids learn so much about people at school. 

Boy Wonder was on the computer for 1.5 hours last night trying to teach a friend how to set up Madden ’08 (football computer game) on the net.  You can play with other kids on-line.  He has the gift of teaching and is so positive with other people.  It’s impossible to get frustrated as much as he laughs.  Such a joy.  He’s like his Dad…so great with people.

The Cube didn’t go well last night.  I had to start over four times after getting it close again.  I’m stuck.  I need some time to think.  I tried it again today while I watched CNN and had to stop.  I need an edge switcher sequence without disturbing the green side.  Well, ya’ll just pitch right in.  I know, it’s very exciting.  I can be such a nerd.

Well, I’m getting boring.  I’d better wrap this up.

Today in my prayer-time/shower, I was praying about “PURSUE”.  Here’s my current challenge:  give five things5 meaningful touches, 5 words of encouragement, 5 positive outlooks, 5 words of encouragement, 5 thoughts about meal planning, 5 attempts at prayer time, Bible time, FIVE.  Think FIVE.  I live in a family of five.  They all need five things from me a day…at least 5 attemtps.  One isn’t enough. 

To FIVE!

What “FIVE” attempts do you need to make at something today?  I’m interested.

My “ONEs” for the Year

One word for the year…that’s what I’ve been thinking toward the last few years.  One phrase.  One scripture.  One thing. 

I can do that.

Today Sunday School, I forgot my short story book…where prayers are made: ”Lord, help!”

The early AM services helped move us into the direction of resolutions–where I wanted to go.  I’d made stars for the kids to write their “one word”, but I needed a story to tie it together before class.

We talked about a short word or phrase goal for the year.  Some of mine have been:  “Smile.”  “Joy.”  “Shine”.  “Seek peace”. 

When class started, I said, “Does anyone know what ‘resolution’ means?”

By the time we finished, I was teaching them about pictures and clarity and computer screen resolution and pixels…and we decided that “resolutions” lead to “higher resolution”…a clearer picture in our lives of Christ.  Now, how cool is that?

We put our one word on a star and decorated it with sequins, putting thoughts around the one wor that gave us some direction as to how to attain the one word goal.  Finally, I helped them find scriptures that spoke to that goal.  Everytime I shared a key word I’d focused on, one of them would pipe in spontaneously with a song to go with that keyword.  Eli was the first, then Keely, then others.  I told them they were like the funny  little mice on the movie “Babe”. 

After they shared their words:  “health, active, attitude…(great thoughts)”, I shared mine:

Ta-Da!  It always feels like magic of some sort when I get my “new word” for the next year.  It usually comes from repeat exposure, a sense of awe and inspiration that comes–something that I can’t get out of my head.  Usually something that surprised me or caught me as “new” or relevant or needful.  Not necessarily divinely inspired in any spiritual moment…just something I can focus on as a whole and be walking in the right direction in seasons where things may feel “fuzzy”.

This year’s came from a scripture Bro. Ray brought out about a month ago, 2 Timothy 2:22.  All three of these have similar and basic elements that describe an effective walk with Christ:  turning, seeking, and pursuing. 

1. Psalm 34:14 (Support verse, OT)
   Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
    
2. 2 Timothy 2:22 (My One VERSE)
   Flee the evil desires of youth {[note to self:  think about what those are]}, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
    
3. 1 Peter 3:11 (Support verse, NT re-quoted))
   He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

I’d like to add this year to teach them to my kids.  Key verses.  I can do that.

Goldilock’s Birthday Video/Quotes

Our “Goldilocks”:  9 Years Old Today.  This is a slideshow I put up for her of the festivities, the baking and cookies and party. 

The girls also loved watching a second slideshow I’d put up on the kitchen computer of her 8th year during the party.  We couldn’t pull them away from it to open gifts!  I told my friend I wanted a slideshow of my year with all my friends standing there with their eyes glued to the screen telling me how cute I look!  Only nine year old girls.  Crazy.  

An hour and a half into the party, the six girls all came storming into the kitchen squealing as only six girls in tea party dresses can:  ”Mom, Mom!  Guess what!  Guess!  MOM!!!” 

“What girls?” 

“All.  Of. Us. {pant, pant} We all…All.  Our.  Middle.  Names.  Are. ELIZABETH!!!!!!!  ALL OF US!!!!!! {jumping up and down, up and down, up and down!!!!!!!!}

The Mommies and Daddies laughed hysterically. 

What are the odds of that?

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The girls wanted The Hub to be their “butler”.  He brought out three ties and let them all choose–nothing like a bright red tie to say “festive”.  Good choice, girls!  Dad, you rock!

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Bedtime:

Mom:  Come give me my first big 9 year old hug!  I’ll see how I like it! 

G:  Okay.

Mom:  Hey, these are pretty good!  I like 9 year old hugs!

G:  I liked 8 year old hugs, too.  {a bit sadly}

Mom:  Me too.

G:  I can’t get my arms around you good all the way, sit up some. {My feet were a little dead by that point}

Mom:  {sitting up some}  Mmmmm.  Now, that’s a good hug.

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Red (my 6 yr. old son) :  “This is the best tea party I’ve ever had!

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Boy Wonder, 2PM:  “Girls?!!!!  How many?  Do I have to stay?  Can I go to Ryan’s?  Can he come here?  How long do I have to stay?  What do you mean I can’t wear my Colts t-shirt?  What do I have to wear anyway?  GOSH!” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Boy Wonder 2PM:  “Ryan is here?  YEAH!”

Older Boys 3PM:  “These cookies are GOOoood!  Can we have some punch?”

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A good party.  I was waiting on a few guests and forgot we were supposed to make crowns!  Oops.  Oh well!  The girls were really cute arriving in their dressy clothes and shawls.  My mom came all decked out.  We couldn’t decide if she was going to a tea party or “the church lady” from SNL.  She’s a hoot.

Did you see Kim in the slideshow?  She made a debut appearance and it totally made my day.  Thanks for mustering some energy to drive over with your girl for a few minutes.  You look great, girl.  I posted the pic on your blog!  www.singmehome.wordpress.com

Everybody, thanks for sharing our day with us.

What the Bible Has to Say About Eyelids

Let your eyes look straight ahead,

and your eyelids look right before you.  (Prov. 4:24 NKJV)

I’ve been casually perusing Elizabeth George’s “Life Management for Busy Women”.  I ran across this verse over the weekend and it just cracks me up every time I think of it! 

I read it to my daughter, and now every time I need it, instead of saying, “Get your little hind end over here!”  I say, “Get your little eyelids over here, right in front of me, young lady!”  It’s just a lot more fun!

Crazy Morning and…Well, More Craziness

First, let me just say that THE DOG PARTY IS NOT HERE!  The local she dog (not fixed) is in heat.  I told my Mom I need to send her a memo that my dog is not gay.  My dog also doesn’t need to “watch” according to yesterday’s plan for Heat Dog.  It’s all just rather weird for a girl not used to dogs.  But, truly, I can handle all of that.  They are animals.

But, I got up with the dog at 1:30 AM and at 3:30AM because my husband felt the need to tell me she was barking.  I did not know she was barking.  I was sleeping.  Until he woke me to say, “It’s not like her to bark like that for so long!”  I’m glad her told me.  I went back to sleep.

He woke me again to let me know he was taking the phone and going to the guest room. 

I got up, went outside.  Told the dog to stop barking, and saw another dog (same Heat Dog) run off.  Daisy stopped barking.

He came back to bed within 30 minutes.  I found out today that the clock ticked too loudly in that room.  I just thought he missed me.

At 3:30, repeat of the same.  He woke me to say, “Good grief!”  I pulled her up to the lockable deck and she slept quickly all night.  I went to walk her at 5:40AM, and Heat Dog was still there, sniffing around her stuff.  Now…enough is enough.  There is no food left out and she’s REALLY annoying me.  I may have to pay a friendly visit to the neighbors.  I’m just guessing it’s not going to go well.  They have a dog, they let her run loose.  I have kids.  So…what does that say right there?

In any case, I didn’t sleep. 

Went to walk my lovely, never in trouble dog, and she rolls over to expose to me her belly, which has a knot protrouding.  Looks like either a hernia or infection.  I go get the man of the house to help me look and we determine the same.  In any case, I need to get her to the vet.  They ask if I can be there in 20 minutes.  Yup, I can.

 Last week, I bought a cord for fourteen bucks and it was the wrong lenth…way too short for anything…and I was supposed to take it back (that was the day I got my speeding ticket.  I have blamed it on the dog cord for some reason).  So, I used the short cord, put down all the lovely leather seats I didn’t want her to scratch (why didn’t I think of that before?), and laid down a blanket (a peice of plastic underneath, or a waterproof pad is probably a good addition to my system).  At first, I hooked both ends into her collar, but it was a tight fit on the ring, and she got twisted around 5 times and had to untwist her to get her out.  Not fun to try to get a dog to walk 5 circles in a hot van, let me just say.  She thinks I’m a nut.  Which, well, I am, but anyway.

So, on the trip home, I hooked her like this, leaving a little more slack, but she still can’t reach the leather seats.  I’m hoping she won’t scratch anything else.  It keeps her pretty stabalized and in the center.

So, antibiotics 4 times a day for 10 ten days.  Apparently, she is allergic to the suture.

I got home to some major Skittles candy and a rest only to get a call that my step-Dad is going to Iraq for a year most likely–all this out of the blue.  Add to that a divorce in the immediate family in the last week.  I’m nearly meltdown with the family thing.  

My poor kids.  People coming and going everywhere. 

I don’t know who is going to tell them all this stuff.  So crazy.  I’ll probably wait on some of it.  Just too much at once. 

Okay, so I think I’m going to go cry for a while and then… I’ll be…probably ready to cry again.  Never mind that, I have a headache from sleep deprivation and allergies, not a good idea to cry.  I’ll have to take a raincheck on that one.

But, hey, God is good, all the time, right?  All the time. 

Be good, God.  Be good.  I know you are.  You are God.

For some reason this blog has been a featured wordpress blog the last 3-4 days.  And gee, who wouldn’t want to read about all this?  Astounding.  If you are hear from a wordpress link, welcome to the craziness.  Jump on board.

PS:  I did have to clean up dog poopie, but it was in the vet’s office.  She was scared.  She always waits to go in the grass.  It must have smelled pretty bad, the vet came in, looked for the trash can, sat it out of the room, and left pretty quickly.  Then someone came and opened the door saying we needed some ventilation.  Gee, I didn’t even smell it.  True love, eh?

I heard air spray, too.  Those ribs were a real “kicker”, eh Daisy? 

~Maggie

Ice Cream Moment

I forgot a few things when I sat down a minute ago.  To edit is too much work at the moment.

I am eating Extreme Chocolate Moosetrack Ice Cream.  A couple scoops popped out on the floor.  I was very hungry.  And it is my ice cream.  And I don’t care if I get germs, and I put them back in the bowl.  They are good.

This weekend, I was trying to keep the kids outside while the Hub studied.  I said, “Remember, our verse?” 

In drone unison, “Seek peace and pursue it.”

BoyWonder:  “I thought that was just a summer verse.”

Me:  “Nope, I think it will be an all year verse.”

Me:  “I was thinking of another this morning.  It said, ‘Let your gentleness be evident to all, the Lord is near.’  What do you think ‘the Lord is near’ has to do with being gentle?”

Goldilicks:  “I know.  I know!  If you aren’t gentle, you might hit Him.”

Endless laughter from me on that one.  Perhaps she is right!  Seriously, what do YOU think one has to do with the other?  I’ve pondered this verse casually for a good long while.  I think I’m just getting my fingertips on it, but I’ll ask you first.

Weak Mom?

Well, today was the second trial day on a checklist.  I have to say, it was a disaster and not all that helpful, except to prove how much time is being wasted on grumbling.  “Where is my favorite shirt?  I don’t like any of these!”  “What is for breakfast?  I don’t want cereal?”  “I’m not hungry yet!” 

Oh, mercy.  It’s going to be an uphill journey of mountain proportions.  I think I need some ice cream.  It’s 8:05. 

I made a decision, though.  I’m not dropping the kids off for now.  I’m walking in with them even if I have to park at the uttermost.  I can’t get in either lot right now, but we parked in a grassy lot and walked.  It just flows better if I know they’ve got what they need for the day for sure before I leave and go home.  Red wanted me to still walk him in…and I’ve felt like people probably think I’m a codependant Mom.  But, I’m not. 

Not much.

I am a Mom with 2-3 friends here who have sons and daughers going to college this year.  They blog and comment and weep and wail and long and crave for one more hand to hold to walk into school.  And you know what?  If that little boy says to me, “But, Mom, I still want you to walk me INTO school.  I don’t want to be dropped off.”  Well, then that’s what I’m going to do for as long as I can.  Because there is nothing in this whole wide world I’d rather do that hold a six year old red head little boys hand into the school and sit and listen to his friends talk about goblins in the room they can sneeze on.  It just doesn’t get any better than that. 

Besides, it’s fun and somehow a comic relief to watch other capable and bright people try to control children in the morning.  Just puts a smile on my face.   They just keep doing it over and over and over and over with intensity and passion.  And I think to myself, “Self, you can do that, too.”

That’s what is inspiring about walking your child into school.  If you can, do it.  Go through the process, sign in, get the pass, and look like a parent who can’t let go.  Feel a little weak.  Have your child make fun of your “farm hat” as my child said of my straw hat I threw over a very unsightly ponytail.  In fact, I probably still smell like sweat and dog.  But, there is nothing better than being able to tell my guy, “You know, I would have walked all the way from Rite Aid if you wanted me to walk you to school.  Thanks for asking.”  I got so many little waves and hugs and kisses today…I think I just might make it until 10:00 without any ice cream.  :D

I think I’d better grab some breakfast.

Maggie 

Mommy Business

Today I feel totally zapped and exhausted for some reason. 

Not really sleepy, just drained.  Not sure why.

I am trying some chocolate chip bread.  I realized in cleaning up this morning that I had accidentally bought self rising flour instead of the bread flour I reached for.  So, that explains the “off” loaf.  The chocolate bread?  It was good drenched in chocolate syrup with some ice cream.  It was a little dense, and not sweet enough.  All things may be related to the flour, so I’m trying again.  I hope to have a fresh smell in the house when the kids get home.  It doesn’t have as many calories as brownies or anything, so hopefully it’s refreshing.  If not, we’ll move on.  There are lots of recipes, and it’s just fun to try for a few days before life gets too busy, which it will, very soon.

I have a few loads of laundry waiting on me, and papers everywhere to catch and tame. 

I just made out some morning lists for the kids…poor #2 girl just keeps forgetting everything.  Just using a list for a short while seems to help her, and she’s been asking for a list, so I have one with times each task needs to be done in the morning for us to get out the door on time.  I can only prompt three people so many times before someting just gets left out.  Hoping it helps.

Another big aide this year was “Mommy Cards” I made out…like business cards with all our families names and my home and cell phone on it.  Each teacher put it by her desk and said she wished she had one for each student.  They were all glad to have it.  I also went to clash with my youngest this year and passed out a few cards to some of the more involved looking Moms.  I got their names and phone numbers.  This has bailed me out twice already when Red forgot his spelling list.

I haven’t yet gotten names for daughter’s class, but we need some soon!

I feel more like a Mother today than I ever have…I guess because I see myself doing the things I remember my mother doing during the day.  I am working and productive and my schedule has to work or there is not enough energy or time at the end of the day.  The work must be done and it must be done before the kids get home pretty much…a lot of it.  If supper isn’t in the works, the half an hour before dinner schedule just doesn’t seem to be working anymore…that is homework time.  I can do some cooking, but if I leave it all, I’m hosed. 

I found two of my kid’s protein sources still in their lunchboxes, uneaten.  That really makes me mad…so supper needs to be a good meal.

Maggie

Thank You for Praying!

Okay, so three kids in a new school in one day is pretty overwhelming for everyone.  But, they are funny in their anxiety.

Red said last night, stroking teddy, who he’s pretty much abandoned all summer, “Dad, I think teddy is a little scared.”

And he tells me today, “I AM NOT AFRAID!”, punching me in the leg rather hard for suggesting such a weakness.

He’s having the toughest time today.  New, new, new, new.  It’s a lot to ask. 

Mommy is holding up well, a few tears, and a lot of distraction.  Misty (sidebar) and CJ (private blogger) came over to have tea and cantaloupe with me, and to swap stories and talk about girl stuff.  That was so fun.  Thank you! 

Now…I need to go shop for some doggie stuff, water for my mom, who felt it a good idea to take a 2 week vacation right when school started and I’m melting down, as is her custom.  Is that allowed?    Then, I need to get some snacks ready, and find something to cook for supper, and go get the kids!  Already?!  One hour left! 

Gotta RUN!

 Maggie