I've never been a fan of saying "I told you so to anyone, much less my children. In my view, people need to learn from their mistakes, and when they make one the last thing they need is for someone to point it out.

Ouch!

Meelie was gathering her equipment for softball practice yesterday and I pointed out that she didn't have her shin sliders with her. She told me that she didn't need them. We have had this conversation many times over the past, and it always ended up that I had a really bad head ache, and left my stomach feeling as though I had scarfed down a pound of nails. I think this time she may have learned her lesson, without me having to tell her so, don't you?

* * * * *
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?
Chickie has a wonderful Biology teacher. He has been working with her to help her out and, at the same time, been keeping me updated on her progress. As we all know, teachers are way over worked and under paid. Imagine my surprise when I came home and read this email from him (the names have been changed):

Hi Mom (really, that's how it started!)

A young man said something inappropriate today to Chickie in class and I addressed him. He was way out of line for my taste. He really upset me for her and I hope she did not get embarrassed by his immature comments. I think he did it to draw attention to her and make her feel bad. I will let Chickie tell you what it was about that situation. I just wanted you to know that I did handle it

Mr. Awesome Biology Teacher.

I talked to Chickie when she came home from dance and she told me all about it. I also showed her the email and she was happy about the fact that he let me know. Turns out, she really wasn't bothered by it, but was really happy that her teacher stepped in. How cool is that?

* * * * *
YOUR TURN

I received this email the other day and forwarded it on to my husband to see if he could add anything.

One evening a grandson was talking to his grandfather about current events.

The grandson asked his grandfather what he thought about the shootings at schools, the computer age, and just things in general.

The Grandfather replied, "Well, let me think a minute, I was born before:

1. Television
   
2. Penicillin
   
3. Polio shots
   
4. Frozen foods
   
5. Xerox
   
6. Contact lenses
   
7. Frisbees and
   
8. the pill

There were no:

1. Credit cards
   
2. Laser beams or
   
3. Ball-point pens

Man had not invented:

1. Panty hose
   
2. Air conditioners
   
3. Dishwashers
   
4. Clothes dryers
   
5. and the clothes were hung out to dry in the fresh air and
   
6. man hadn't yet walked on the moon

1. Every family had a father and a mother.
   
2. Until I was 25, I called every man older than me, "Sir".
   
3. And after I turned 25, I still called policemen and every man with a title, "Sir."
   
4. We were before gay-rights, computer-dating, dual careers, day-care centres, and group therapy.
   
5. Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense.
   
6. We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions.
   
7. Serving your country was a privilege; living in this country was a bigger privilege.
   
8. We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent.
   
9. Having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.
   
10. Draft dodgers were people who closed their front doors when the evening breeze started.
    
11. Time-sharing meant time the family spent together in the evenings and weekends-not purchasing condominiums..
    
12. We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, CDs, electric typewriters, yogurt, or guys wearing earrings.
    
13. We listened to the Big Bands, Jack Benny, and the President's speeches on our radios.
    
14. And I don't ever remember any kid blowing his brains out listening to Tommy Dorsey.
    
15. If you saw anything with 'Made in Japan on it, it was junk.
    
16. The term 'making out' referred to how you did on your school exam..
    
17. Pizza Hut, McDonald's, and instant coffee were unheard of.
    
18. We had 5 &10-cent stores where you could actually buy things for 5 and 10 cents.
    
19. Ice-cream cones, phone calls, rides on a streetcar, and a Pepsi were all a nickel.
    
20. And if you didn't want to splurge, you could spend your nickel on enough stamps to mail 1 letter and 2 postcards.
    
21. You could buy a new Chevy Coupe for $600, but who could afford one?
    
22. Too bad, because gas was 11 cents a gallon.

In my day:

1. "grass" was mowed,
   
2. "coke" was a cold drink,
   
3. "pot" was something your mother cooked in and
   
4. "rock music" was your grandmother's lullaby.
   
5. "Aids" were helpers in the Principal's office,
   
6. " chip" meant a piece of wood,
   
7. "hardware" was found in a hardware store and
   
8. "software" wasn't even a word.
   
9. And we were the last generation to actually believe that a lady needed a husband to have a baby.

No wonder people call us "old and confused" and say there is a generation gap.... and how old do you think I am?

You are in for a shock!

Are you ready ?????

This man would be only 59 years old!

My husband responded:

1. The daily newspaper cost a dime, the Sunday edition cost a quarter. In the newspapers, the enemies of the United States, and their supporters, were not praised, but were referred to as “totalitarian” and “dictator”.
   
2. People still had vivid memories of what a Nazi actually was, unlike some of our current congress-critters.
   
3. Actors’ political opinions weren’t taken seriously.
   
4. Any serving member of the US Armed Forces was treated with respect.
   
5. If you sassed the teacher, and your Dad heard about it, it was all over but the cryin’.
   

Now, how about you? I would love to hear your input. Just leave a comment here, and I'll compile a list of new entries, AND give you credit.

1-2-3 GO!

I'm sitting here, tired as a one legged man in a butt kicking contest and trying to figure out what to post. I took yesterday off, because it was Labor Day and that was my excuse. I was busy. That's all I'm saying.

We had a fantastic weekend, albeit, too short. That's the way it always is though, those days off are never enough. Friday night, Meelie went skating, OWW decided he wanted to stay home and work around the house (some days...he just doesn't go want to go anywhere...it's fine), so Chickie and I went off to dinner. We had a wonderful time. It's so great to spend time with just one of your kids, one on one.

Right now? Dance is done, softball is done, dinner is done, showers are done. My girls have asked that I watch House with them, and I'm not about to say no.

[sidenote]My husband and children have commented many times about how much easier I am to live with. I’m not nearly as likely to fly off the handle for any reason, much less for something as innocuous as a sock lying on the living room floor. Not kidding. Be glad you weren’t there. [/sidenote]

My only problem right now is that I appear to be losing the ability to stay focused (Do not laugh). I’ve had that before, from time to time, but it’s never been an issue. Right now, I'll go to do something, get distracted with something else, then come back to what I was originally doing only to move on to something else that just popped in my mind. This happens both at work and home, though it’s much easier to cover it up at home.

We are incredibly busy at work right now, and having this occur makes it difficult to keep track and keep up. I am doing fine with it as long as I write everything down. I have been keeping an updated to-do list (write it up each morning), and every time something else pops up in my mind, I write it down. I have been forcing myself to complete the task at hand (if possible) before I move on to something else. Not a simple task when you are easily distracted by a fly on your computer, or “oh look, my calculator has dust on it!”

I don’t know if it’s really something I should be worried about and make an appointment with the doctor or what. The to-do list seems to always grow to three times the size of the original one I wrote up that morning. Sometimes, I really do wonder if I get anything done.

Maybe I should buy stock in Post-It-Notes.

Be that as it may, I was able to calm her down and get down to business. Chickie is doing much better in school, and is more cooperative with me. Albeit, I would imagine that one of the main reasons is because I took her phone away, and Lord people, you would have thought I cut off her right foot. Of course, I guess you could say this was the conclusion I wanted, not that I actually cut off her foot, or not that I would tell my readers at any rate. I think we are on the right track now with her, at least for today, at 7:01pm. Time will tell.

While Chickie seems to be on the right track, Meelie is freaking me out. If you would have asked me last year, I would have told you that I was DREADING Middle School for her. Lord love a duck but this child has surprised me. She does her homework before I get home and is doing well (so far) with her grades. I haven't gotten one call or email from her teacher complaining about her behavior. Hello? Who are you and what have you done with my child? In so many ways, she is a lot like me, because the stricter the teacher is, the better she does. My reasoning was, OMG, I do NOT want the teacher to point me out (IN FRONT OF EVERYONE) so I will be good. I always liked them (or I pretended I did), and they always liked me (because I was polite and was no trouble).

Now that I have the update for the kids out of the way, I can answer your questions about my glasses. I'm getting used to them but it's still tough. I wear them all the time, if I am able. The funny thing is, when I am not wearing them, I have some vision problems. Go figure. Do you think I'm getting used to them that quick?

I'm doing pretty well with them. My main problem I'm having right now is going from the computer to text. In other words, it's tough to switch from computer screen to the order sheet. I'm sure that will come with time. Walking is another area that sometimes causes me problems, if I’m not looking through the lenses just right.

That's about it for now. Until tomorrow, same bat time, same bat channel. As long as there are dragon flies in the front yard (10 points if you get that reference).

I love this shot. I don't know why. Perhaps it's because she is breaking through the mold that society holds dear. Maybe it's just because she loves to swim, and bless her heart, she lets Mom call the shots. Probably a little bit of both.

Last night, Chickie was mad at me. She copped an attitude because of it, and I just let it slide by. This time, I was going to stick with my guns. I told her what I needed her to do and what the consequences would be if she didn't do them. Alright, I gave her 4 too many chances. But when she jumped in the shower without doing what I asked? Well, the rest is history.

I took her phone away. I layed out rules and regulations. Look, I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for effort. When Jamie and texting become priority, I need to step in. When I took her phone away last night because she completey ignored me, she would have nothing to do with me. When she got home from school today, she called me and told me how much she loved me and that she had gotten all of the information she needed to make up any incomplete assignments.

I gave her deadlines. I gave her what to expect. I told her what I wanted and when I wanted it done. Oh, I know there are a lot of you out there who are saying something along the lines of "why haven't you done this before?" I would answer something like "I didn't want to be the bad guy, all the time." Before you jump down my throat and spout your perfection let me head you off at the pass. You are right. I should have started this sooner. You cannot realize how sorry I am that I didn't. I can at least say that I learn from my mistakes, and it appears that my kids do too.

Do you remember the old saying "spare the rod, spoil the child?" While I don't beat my children, at least not where it shows, I have come to learn that being the "good guy" is not always what is best for your kids. Finally, I may make it as a parent.

Parenting 101. I flunked. 12 times.

Be that as it may, I really do need to make this quick and stop crying over lumpy oatmeal. What this whole post was going to be about was my new glasses. So, here without further ado, are my new specs. With some ugly chick wearing them.

Click to embiggen, if you are brave enough.

UPDATE: Chickie's phone got taken away for at least 24 hours. She is not talking to me and has just slammed the door to her room. I won. So why doesn't that make me feel good?

Meelie ended up coming in our room during the middle of the night complaining of a sore throat, stuffy nose, achy body, and generally feeling like something the cat drug in and then played with for about an hour or so before coughing up a hair ball right on her face (TMI? You should have been here, sorry). I resigned myself to staying home from work on my birthday to take care of her, which in one sense was pretty cool, but in another, made me uncomfortable because I had taken the previous day off because Chickie was sick.

You will be proud to note that I decided to take the high road. Rather than being resigned to staying home, I embraced it, and enjoyed it. Well, if you don't count the fact that we watched about 7 episodes of America's Top Model. But that's beside the point.

When my husband got home from work, he and the girls went on a "sekrit mishun" and wouldn't tell me where. I knew they were going to the grocery store to pick up the fixings for my dinner (steak, baked potato, salad - much better than ANY restaurant thank you very much - my husband is an awesome griller), but other than that I didn't have a clue. I do know that I had asked for a bunch of gardening stuff (see here) complete with the addition of some hanging plants, but given my experience in the last 21 years, I really had no clue what he would come home with.

Boy was I in for a shock!

I had to go into the front yard, right by the front door when they came home and were unloading the gifts from the truck. This way, they could make sure that I wasn't peeking. Chickie sequestered herself in her bedroom to handle the task of wrapping, and my husband and Meelie went to work on setting the table. Per my husband's request, I set the steaks to marinating and got the potatoes ready for the grill (easy stuff and I didn't mind). They were, in my opinion, extraordinarily mean because they would not give me one single present OR card until we had dinner. I got over that pretty quickly though as the evening moved forward.

After dinner they all kicked me to the curb sent me out to the garage to sulk wait patiently while they cleared the table and did the dishes. After that task was through, my husband came out and got me and made me close my eyes until I got to the dining room and sat down, and then listened to the most beautiful rendition of Happy Birthday that was ever sung on the face of this earth. You will have to trust me on that. I have no audio for proof, and it was just a little bit better than when my parents and brother serenaded me on the phone about a half an hour later. Seriously.

Finally, the moment arrived. I could now open my presents. I really still had absolutely no clue as to what I was getting. The first thing I opened was a cartridge that could only be used on (gasp!) a CRICUT! Those of you who scrapbook at all know just where I am going with this. Well, I got another cartridge, and some tools, and a mat and finally, it was time for the grand finale. The BIG BOX. Much to my delight, it was the Cricut! I couldn't speak. Even though I had opened up the presents that lead me to the obvious conclusion, my brain just couldn't accept it.

Quite some time ago, I went to my girlfriend's house and she got me into scrap booking. She has a Cricut. I fell in love with it immediately but really put it into the back of my mind of something that I might want one day. I mentioned this to my husband at the time, but pretty much made it clear that this was something I wouldn't buy for myself, but Lord love a duck, wouldn't it be nice. I was perfectly fine with that. Well it turned out that he was listening to me and decided to surprise me (beyond belief) by getting it for me (well, he and the girls got it for me).

So for now, my dear interneters, I am going to play. I have no clue what to do but I can tell you, I am going to have a blast learning.

The kids have been going to school now since August 5th. One of the things my husband and I have wanted to do is to get both of the kids their own desk. We accomplished that this past weekend. The one that you see up above is Chickie's. We shopped a lot until she found the one that she wanted, and the added plus is that we got it on sale. The thing that tickles me the most is that we got the chair on sale for $19.99. It was a floor model and one of two that were left in the store. The retail price was $130.00.

Meelie's is a different model desk, but we haven't been able to set that up because her bed needs to be completed. Apparently, this is one of those kinds of bed (we got it from a friend) where you need to be a physicist to figure out. We still haven't been able to find a chair for her yet, but in the mean time we have plenty for her to choose from in our house. You probably don't want to ask. I am hoping that we find one before the bed is complete. And the desk is assembled, but I may just not have a firm grasp on reality.

Believe me, that's nothing new.

PS: I am being told over on Facebook that I should change my nickname to Peanut. What do you think?

PPS: OMG you Facebook friends (and real life, etc). You rocked my socks with all of your birthday wishes.

We have started on a project in the front yard, which, if it does not kill me first, will give me great pleasure. I have wanted to do some landscaping since we've moved in. My ideas are endless, but the problem lies with the fact that I have no idea what I am doing. A neighbor of ours is doing the hard physical labor type stuff, such as clearing a patch between two of the front trees and ripping out all of the bushes in front of the house. I'll be adding pictures as we go along as well as the pictures of the stuff going on inside. It's going to be a busy year.

About a month ago, I was walking down the hall at work, just a casual stroll. All of a sudden I felt a pop in my right calf, and a searing pain. It was like a major charlie horse that had wrapped itself in a death grip around every single muscle. The cramp finally let up, but when I attempted to put any weight on my right leg, I nearly passed out. I had to stand there for a while, looking casual so as not to attract notice until I was able to hobble over to my desk. Long story short, it was sore for about two weeks before it finally let up. A constant stream of Ibuprofen made it possible for me to walk, albeit with a noticeable limp. Try explaining that to your coworkers.

To top that off, I went to the eye doctors on Friday. It appears that my prescription has changed rather dramatically. I will now be wearing bifocals. On the one hand it will be so nice to see well again, and also feel comfortable driving at night. On the other? Glasses? Full time? Um, ew. That's where the vanity part starts in. I'm not ready to go into the whole area of contacts just yet. I need to get used to having bifocals, and, all that goes with it. It just hurts my pride, because now I can't fake being old any more.

I have to say that the staff was really wonderful at helping me pick out frames. It was rather comical really. I told them I wanted something a little preppy, but not so pretty that it shouted "I WANT TO PRETEND I'M 20". Conversely, I didn't want it to make me look old. They were all up for the challenge. We started by figuring out what shape was best for my eyes, and then moved on to color. I think I must have tried on about 50 pairs, no joke. Each time I put one on, I had to stand for inspection, while everyone would say things like "that dates you, no, not good, these are a possibility, don't like them." You get the idea.

Finally, we found a pair that we all liked, including, most importantly me. For one thing, I couldn't really see that well, and for another, I don't have the taste that God gave a gnat, so I was very grateful for their advice. They turned something that was really bothering me into something that may not be quite as bad as I thought.

Maybe, just maybe, I'm not so old after all. My glasses will be ready in about a week and a half.

You’ll be amused to know that I *DID* remember my lunch, BUT:

1. Walk out to truck – no keys in hand, so back to house.
2. Walk out to truck – keys, but no cell. Unlock truck door, then back to house.
3. Pick up cell, which is on top of salad, walk out to truck. Just before opening the truck door, the image complete’s it’s journey from eyeball to brain. Back to house annnnnnnd….
4. Pick up LUNCH, walk to truck, open door, make SURE I have it all.
5. Start truck and go.
6. Drive back to house to close garage door.

And FINALLY go to work!

Now how many of you can relate to that? I know I can.

Be that as it may, I was so glad to come home today, to my humble abode. To my lovely children, who were actually in a fantastic mood. Now THAT is something to write home about. For whatever reasons, both of the kids were dressed and ready to go to their various after school activities, and there was not one complaint. I am writing this here, on this very blog, because by God, I witnessed a miracle. I hope it will happen again soon.

I am jesting a bit here. They have been pretty good about things. Granted, they only started school at the beginning of August but things are going pretty smoothly. We've had some issues with a Biology class that Chickie is in, but after communicating with the teacher a bit, I think we have it ironed out. Last year, science was really tough for Chickie and the teacher wasn't all that helpful. It knocked her self confidence level down quite a few pegs, so I have been monitoring her progress in Biology this year closely. God bless Mr. S. He is very supportive of his students and is willing to help out in whatever way is needed. Chickie is more than capable of doing the work and understanding the concepts, but it's "hard", so she immediately reverts back into the "I give up" mode. It's looking like that is going to change.

On the other hand, Meelie is charging right along, both in school and Softball. She doesn't complain any more about going to practice and is actually ready, willing and able to go on scheduled nights. I imagine it will get better once they start playing some games. She likes the coaches, even though they are tough. My little girl has grown up and matured quite a bit this summer. Don't get me wrong, there are so many things I want to change about (she worries, has temper tantrums and just CAN NOT LET GO OF THINGS), but I have seen vast improvements. This makes me very happy.

Right now, I need to go pay some bills. Some things never change.

All shapes and sizes

I have the distinct pleasure of having six kids at my house, at least for the moment. And I'm actually not kidding. One of my really good friends has decided to go back to school and tonight is her orientation. Her oldest is at a friends house and I have her other two (boy and girl). Then, I have one of Meelie's friends over, and her brother. Chickie has retreated into our bedroom to do her homework and I am after Meelie and her friend to do their's. I do have priorities. I can't send a child home who is visiting with her homework undone. What would that say about me as a parent? I do have a reputation after all. Stop laughing.

Softball practice was canceled due to a huge storm coming through, which is fine with me. Just don't tell Meelie. She was bummed about it but because she realizes I don't have much of a relationship with Mother Nature, she knows it's not my fault. It only took me over a year to get her to understand that. Mom can do a lot of things, but controlling the weather is not one of them. Progress!

So now, after the girls have been fed and homework is complete I think I may go on off to bed. My hope is to dream good dreams. Have a great evening everyone. Catch you on the flip flop.

>
Warming up for the photo shoot

Without the funny faces

• Family: Tight, one strong unit, nothing can get through.
• Family: Complete acceptance, not free from expression of opinion, but acceptance non the less.
• Family: Unconditional love.
• Family: Through thick and thin, illness, death, a complete support system. You are never alone.
• Family: When one of you hurts, so does everyone else. When one of you celebrates, so does everyone else.
• Family: The most important thing in your life, hands down.

Happy Love Thursday everyone. May you have the family you so deserve, whether it be the one you grew up with, or one you built on your own.