Around the Block

Yes, Fudge!

2010-11-17T10:55:00.000-06:00

I am so glad that only two days after Annie's eye surgery, she's back at school. Hmm. That could be interpreted as being happy she's out of the house - which is not what I'm saying (although, yes, there is that!). I simply mean that it is good to see Annie feeling like Annie.
I am so luck to have a daughter with Emi's thoughtfulness and incredible creativity. Last night, her room briefly turned into an elfin workshop - she is so enthusiastic about making gifts for each of us. And it's not just that Emi loves to throw herself into projects reflecting artistic expression - more than that, Emi creates objects that have applicable (as opposed to just sentimental) value to the recipient. (i.e. a filing system she made for Ryan, a cardboard car engineered for Annie's bitty twins, a coupon book for me). I can't wait for Christmas morning!
I am thankful for fudge. For breakfast.

It Really Isn't So Bad, After All...

2010-11-15T19:09:00.002-06:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know I'm supposed to post three things that I'm thankful for each day. And I know it's been a week or so since my one entry. So, hmmm....maybe one thing I'm really thankful for is:

Knowing that sometimes, even if something isn't done the way it's expected, it doesn't have to mean its value is diminished. Sometimes, just doing what you can, even if it isn't what you initially intended, is enough. Now, on to number two.
I'm really thankful for Emi's sense of humor. Or maybe what I mean is that I'm thankful that she gets my sense of humor (or it could simply be that I'm thankful she plays along with me, so I think she thinks I'm funny!). I love it that we can share a look and know that we're both trying not to laugh out loud. It's nice to share laughter with your kids.
Lastly, I've been reminded that as hard as it can be having a kid who struggles with disabilities (and hence, a family who also struggles occasionally), we're incredibly blessed with the things Annie can do, with amazingly supportive family and friends who cheer us on and cheer us up, we have access to very talented doctors and dedicated teachers and therapists, and perhaps, most of all, that our religious faith comforts us with the belief that we have a loving heavenly Father who is intimately aware of us and won't ignore us, that we can all get through this - and all the heartache felt and tears shed will always be more than compensated innumerable blessings and with love and smiles and laughter. I say this because today at Children's Mercy Hospital (as with every time I'm there), I saw all around me familiar faces: adults who looked anxious or scared, some disappointed or angry, others sad and overwhelmed and yet other expressions filled with hope and strength and courage.I also saw brave children hooked to IVs, some with balding heads, others sitting in wheelchairs or using using walkers. I saw children who looked well-cared for, and children who weren't. I saw twisted limbs and obvious facial deformities. I heard young voices express clearly articulated words, and I heard kids communicating with grunts, others slack-jawed and drooling.I could be any one of those parents, and Annie could be any one of those kids. But we're not.

2010-11-07T21:05:00.000-06:00

Wow. It's been almost two months since I last posted. However, it's not been that long since I've thought about things to post. Rather, the lag is in the process of getting my thoughts tidily typed and published.

While starting my Saturday morning with oatmeal - mixed with sugar. And peanut butter. And chocolate. And everything else that goes into no-bake cookies (Tiffany makes the best no-bake cookies!) and sneaking bites of tasty muffins - which I think were actually cupcakes parading around under a healthier-sounding name (kudos to my friend Laurenda!), and dipping strawberries in a divinely mixed concoction of marshmallow creme and cream cheese (you can bring that to any gathering, Daisie!), talk turned to the annual Attitude of Gratitude challenge issued by my friend Jennifer. Which I have neglected so far this year. Can I be frank, friends? Some things that have happened this year have left me feeling....uh....not so thankful. And yet, so many good things happen every day for which I am immensely grateful - not the least being that I have friends who make me laugh along with them as they chide, "So, Allison, I've noticed you haven't done the gratitude challenge this year. Not much to be thankful for, huh?" I want to assure you that I do know that the good far outweighs the bad:

Ryan - Ignorance is bliss. But more blissful is knowing that when strong storms rip through and carelessly toss up nicely laid plans, you stick with me. Thank-you.
Emi and Annie - I'm just so thankful for my two princesses.
All of you dear friends who love me and listen to me, who laugh with me and even cry with me - you are one my thankful list everyday.

Oops!

2010-09-14T09:29:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day: sunshine happily dancing across a late summer sky, the wind blowing a gentle breeze - so nice that Ryan put the top down on his car as he ran errands. Last night was stormy: angry lightening, roaring thunder and heavy drops pouring from the sky - so wet that by the time Ryan realized the top was still down*, there were probably 15 gallons of rain flooding the floorboards!

*This morning, when I returned home from dropping the girls off at school, I noticed that when Ryan dashed into the storm (at 11pm) to put the top back up, he somehow missed closing a window completely!

We're Glad It's Your Birthday, Dear Emi....

2010-08-25T10:01:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday

to You!

We gave you a bike

for your birthday.

Go and ride it,

and dream of chocolate cake, too.

We hope for a year

full of good things

May your wishes

and your daydreams come true!

It's this kid's birthday today:

Good-by 10, Hello 11!

And she's off, on her way to another great year!

Come on Eileen....It's Your Birthday!

2010-08-24T10:22:00.017-05:00

It's my mother's birthday today. I think of her whenever I hear this song, so I decided is would be a fitting tribute for an amazing woman

who was born during a bombing raid in WWII London sailed a ship to Canada when she was 21 (and during this voyage, she and her best friend had to take over some housekeeping duties due to a virulent bout of seasickness that struck much of the crew!)
dated a man she thought had a horse, but it turned out to be his car (what's a young Brit to think when she hears other girls chatting about Stan and his mustang?) - and married him anyway, despite (or was it because of?) his farming, not, cowboy, stock
is a true citizen of the world, having been recognized as a passport holding denizen of three countries
has worked in industries spreading from Texas oil to the middle of the block, at the sign of the clock and all parts in between
who, most of all, is just who she is. And I'm pretty happy about that.

I love ya, mom! Happy Birthday!

I Can Stop Any Time I Want.....

2010-08-18T10:37:00.001-05:00

I have an addiction to weather.com. I just can't seem to stop myself from checking the weather report for my area. A couple of times a day. (Sometimes, I even check the conjectures for other locations across the globe, too!) I always look at the feature forecasting the next ten days, while only trusting it's accuracy for the immediate day and giving the next day the benefit of the doubt (usually). Obviously, I have a trust issue with the latest radar technology developed for weather prediction, exhibited by my tendency to check in 3 or 4 (even5?) times a day - usually scanning the current day's presage of temperature, rain, sun, humidity, etc..

See, if today's not panning out like weather.com publishes, then how can I trust any hunches for tomorrow? However, since the atmospheric activity determined for the next ten days, as shown on the climate projection site, is in the ballpark often enough (even if the game's already had tip-off), I still regard that data enough to gauge what laundry must be done so my girls will be appropriately clothed for potential weather conditions materializing in the next week-and-a-half. (It's all about motherhood, the compulsive need to ride the web to my weather website of choice. Just like my enslavement to chocolate. Dark chocolate.....'cause how can you be a mom without daily imbibing of chocolate? Seriously!)

So last night, armed with an insider's recognition of my weather neurosis, and perhaps in an attempt to to spin my mind into a maelstrom, Emi purposefully asked, regarding the weather, "Will yesterday be like today?" Perhaps instead of wearing my confusion all over my face, I should have given the obvious answer, "Why of course, as long as the-day-after-tomorrow's rain is like next Tuesday's wind speed."

Coming Soon.....

2010-08-17T16:14:00.003-05:00

We are nearing the end of summer, folks, and you know what that means? My self-imposed hiatus from the world of blogging is also winding down. The new season of the smash hit, Around the Block, with it's cult-like following, promises more thrills, spills, tears and laughter. At once introspective and entertaining, Around the Block treats its 7 fans to a glimpse inside the ordinary life of an ordinary woman in an ordinary world. Her trusty side-kicks provide unexpected comic relief, while her partner-in-crime dispenses timely travel and political advice while inviting the reader to keep a dictionary handy. Need a preview to keep you going until the season is in full swing? Here it is:

In the wee, small hours of the morning, when the whole, wide world is fast asleep, I lie awake*....and wish Annie would stop calling out for me! But I realize, with knowledge acquired through trial and error, that unless I throw back the covers and drag myself out of bed and stumble into Annie's room, the solace I seek on my pillow will not be found. So I do what any other desperate-for-stillness-and-its-blessed-companion-silence mother does: I drag myself across the hall to said room of said child.

me: Annie, what do you need?

Annie: My tummy is hungry. Is it morning time?

me: No, Annie, it's not. Tell your tummy it has to wait until breakfast. See, it's still dark outside. The sun isn't even awake yet. Just go back to sleep. Morning won't come unless you go back to sleep.

Annie, saying calmly: The sun won't wake up in the morning until I am fast asleep.

(I was tempted here. Really tempted. It would be have been so easy to build off of Annie's assumption and run with it - all the way back to my cozy bed. But Ryan, uh, discourages me from telling our kids little white lies - even if the lie will take care of the immediate (and perhaps future) issues as well.)
me, struggling against the lure of Annie's conjecture: Uh, it'll just take forever.

Annie: It will? You mean the sun just won't get up in the morning if I don't go back to sleep? The sun doesn't wake up if kids don't go back to sleep?

me: Well, it'll feel like forever. Um, time just passes faster if you're asleep. Sooo, you'd better go back to sleep....so morning can come sooner. (Was that a lie? I mean, time really does seem to go in slow-motion when it's the middle of the night and you should be sleeping, right?)

There was a slight pause, then the conversation, as well as Annie's urge to get up, was laid to rest (no pun intended) with her conclusion, delivered very matter-of-factly:

"The sun will not get up in the morning unless I go to sleep, because the sun doesn't wake up when it gets tired of peoples calling out for their mothers. I think so. We'll ask it in the morning. We'll just wait and see. Good night, Mummy."

In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning by songwriters Bob Hilliard and David Mann

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T08:52:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, it makes me laugh. And sometimes, it makes me cry. Sometimes I even cry because I'm laughing so hard! If I'd known how much fun it was going to be, I would have tried it sooner, yet if I'd known the hardship it entails, I'm pretty sure I would have waited.

I didn't know that something that utterly zaps me of energy could also absolutely replenish me. It fortifies me to know that this is what I still want to be, even though there are days when I just want some time off!

I have surprised myself with tear-drops spilling from my own eyes when I see my precious ones being so brave and keeping their own tears at bay. I'm thankful for the cacophony each day brings: shouts and giggles and stomping and dancing create a symphony that I am trying to appreciate, even when the orchestra sounds out of tune (which is sometimes the conductor's fault, I think!).

I had no idea that sharing a 10-year-old's mirth would be so enjoyable. And I certainly couldn't foresee that I'd be changing a 7-year-old's pull-ups (with no end in sight) and still like that same 7-year-old. I have learned to appreciate from the 7-year-old kisses full of slobber and from the 10-year-old hugs that are forced.

I have learned that I am not heard as well when I yell instead of when I whisper. I swore I wouldn't, but I have caught myself repeating certain phrases, mimicking the voice of one before me.

I am so glad that I can still be comforted by my own. And I am supremely grateful that the recipients of too many failings absolve me of my mistakes. What's more, I think they really want to keep me! I'm so glad I don't have to do it alone. Perhaps most of all, I am sustained by the knowledge that I will always be this. And that makes me very happy.

Because I am a mom.

Here's What I learned from Poison Control

2010-05-03T21:11:00.006-05:00

Did you know that in the world of poison control, there is no such thing as a child-proof cap? They accept that something - for example, a medicine bottle - can be considered child-resistant, but they laugh at the notion that a child cannot pry open a lid that boasts of the ability to refuse to respond to the manipulations of said child's fingers.

Here's another piece of trivia I gleaned this evening: 2 fluid ounces (which is half of a bottle) of children's ibuprofen does not result in toxicity to a child weighing 60 pounds. However, it may induce a tummy-ache (which a kid who ingests that much might deserve!) and tiredness. The tiredness part - which should lead to a nice, solid night's sleep for a child clutching a pink, tricot-covered, bean-filled heart (aptly named "Bean," because doesn't every kid christen heart-shaped pillows?) is the reward for the mom who has to make the phone call to poison control so that she can learn such trifling tidbits as I've shared with you tonight.

BIG SIGH

2010-04-23T11:31:00.006-05:00

Annie has been....Annie lately. Very Annie. Go ahead and use your imagination, or look back at previous blog posts expounding the Annieness of our girl. In the past month, I have - on two separate occasions - made frantic calls to hairdressers in order to rectify my foolishness at leaving Annie alone with a pair of scissors. Most recently was Wednesday, when she also added to her hair cutting repertoire: she apparently has decided to become a fashion designer as well. I mean, why wear a perfectly good t-shirt when you can instead sport jagged holes and an uneven hem? At least that experiment was a hand-me-down.

A couple times in the past week or so, I've caught Annie after she's raided my jewelry box - the big give-away is the mismatched earrings dangling by her chin. Today, I walked into my bedroom to see squeezed-out tubes and bottles of facial lotions, liquid foundation and lipstick smeared on my bedspread and sheets - amazingly enough, Annie was only wearing heavy stripes of Loreal True-Match foundation in porcelain. (I guess I caught her before she'd had time to blend it all in!).

While I was cleaning up the incriminating evidence, I told Annie that she is not allowed to put on any make-up(for the zillionth time!). She said, "You mean I can't be a grown-up anymore?" "No, Annie," I replied, "You cannot be a grown-up anymore. You have to be a 7-year-old." She looked at me and said in an accusatory tone, "That makes me feel like crying."

You and me both, Kiddo. You and me, both.

0 to 40 in 4.5!

2010-04-02T10:21:00.007-05:00

This beauty goes from zero to 40 miles per hour in about 4 seconds.

It might hit 60 mph in just a second or two more, but I can't verify that, because we were on Parallel (which has that pesky 40 mph speed limit, although that is faster than the 20 mph residential zone we started in!) for less than a block before turning onto a street with those amber slow-down-and-watch-for-kids-because-you're-in-a-school-zone-lights flashing. But here's the main point: I bet this German masterpiece can go really fast!

Oh, For The Love Of Pete!!

2010-03-20T19:42:00.005-05:00

Yeah. That's a pile of hair on the floor (and a snippet of red paper, too, I see.) *SIGH* And yes, it's Annie's.

And for Annie's next trick....

To The Max!

2010-03-19T11:11:00.010-05:00

I happened upon a blog today that I had never seen before. You know when you google a phrase, you can find yourself on quite the adventure, visiting all types of places - some are interesting, some are scary, some are right what you're looking for, some are, uh, not. And some are absolutely serendipitous! I'm glad I scrolled down the page with my search results and clicked on the bottom link. I'm doubly glad I read one posting, then read a few more. Because the author? I think we might be enrolled in the same program at the inaccurately called School of Hard Knocks. It should really be called something like The Opportunity and Happiness Academy....

Okay, I'm not a magazine editor, so my musings aren't as charming as Ellen's (and probably not punctuated correctly, either,) but I encourage you to peruse her blog occasionally. And smile for me and Ryan and Emi and Annie, because we've found ourselves working a small plot of rich soil in a magical land. Sometimes, dark clouds gather and fierce winds howl across the landscape, and it might rain heavily for days on end. But then, oh, if you could just see the riot of colour sweeping across the fields and inhale the heady scent of fresh blossoms and feel the warmth of the sun smiling out of a bright blue sky, you'd know why we keep planting seeds in our little garden.

To The Max

If They Don't Know, Can They Be Held Responsible?

2010-03-16T13:08:00.011-05:00

It's spring break. And cloudy. And 42 degrees. But to help spring break feel like spring break, the girls are attending the annual Spring Break Nature Quest at the Schlagle branch of the library, where the focus is more on nature and the environment than on books. I'm just letting you know so you don't drive out there hoping to find a copy of Twilight - 'cause you won't!

Anyway, the spring break day-camp has become a tradition for our girls. The two-hour daily sessions are filled with activities and workshops covering a variety of subjects, from astronomy to archery. On Monday, which happened to be astronomy day, the girls made constellation guides, which required the use of scissors (definitely) and pen (apparently). When I picked the girls up that day, I immediately noticed a nice hole near the knee in Annie's purple leggings. However, it didn't look quite like the type of hole that results from scraping a knee. It's edges were a little too neat. In fact, it looked like it might have been made deliberately!

Wanting to get to the bottom of this mystery, I pointed out the incriminating hole to Annie and asked her what happened. She nonchalantly explained that she ended up with an ink mark on her legging and cut it out to get rid of the offending stain. Did she forget we have a washing machine?! This is, of course, the kid who will happily cut any paper into confetti and who is periodically reminded that she, herself, does not have a hairdresser's license therefore she is not allowed to take silver blades to her own tresses (or anyone else's) simply because it's fun, so I'm not really surprised that she chose to cut a chunk out of her own clothing. Except that she's seven! Annie, naturally, added to her explanation by saying - with reference to the adults running the program, "They don't know I'm not supposed to have scissors."

What's the Kanji for Orthography?

2010-03-05T12:52:00.000-06:00

I was scrolling through my postings menu the other day and found this one from over a year ago. I am not sure why it didn't see the light of day, but am leaning toward the "I-forgot-to-click-on-the-Publish Post-button-excuse. Fortunately (or not), it's as relevant today as it was when I actually wrote it:

Emi has an incredible appetite for learning. For a kid who insists she doesn't like school, she certainly thrives on filling her mind with all sorts of new ideas. Emi spouts off trivia like I draw breath, things like, "Did you know that Kansas used to be part of the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Sea?" and she's continually advancing her reading level. Even math and science are clicking pretty well - she's learning principles at earlier grade levels than those of us of a certain age did.

But have I menshuned her speling? Orthography is not Emi's strong sute. So I had to laugh when Ryan shared this with me a few days ago:

Among Emi's varied interests is anything her dad is interested in. Ryan enjoys studying kanji (the japanese writing system) and Emi is tickled that one of the reasons we chose her name is that "Emi" is also a fairly common Japanese name. And the kanji that Ryan chose for her name means 'laughter."

Anyway, the other day, Ryan found some of his kanji flashcards and was showing a few to Emi. She looked at them and started to get very excited. She suggested, "Hey, maybe I can use these cards and learn new kanji, like one everyday!" to which Ryan replied, "Maybe you should work on your English spelling before you start to worry about Japanese spelling." Emi considered this and gave a small grin as she answered, "Yeah, maybe you're right."

The Importance Of Being Annie

2010-03-04T10:14:00.008-06:00

If Annie (who is very keen on a particular canine housemate) could post, I think she'd present something like this:

Do You Ever Wonder What Became of Them?

2010-02-17T00:48:00.009-06:00

Do you ever wonder if that 18 months or 2 years as an LDS missionary paid off? I found this story on the InnerWeb this afternoon. It began with a knock on a door one night in the winter of 1995. I was the one who rapped on the door...

Excerpted from
Japan Kobe Mission Blog 2008-2011 McIntyre Family Mission

After conference today we held a baptism for Brother Aritoshi of the Ako Branch. He was taught and baptized by Elders Nishio and Novak. This was a special service as Elder Nishio's parents and his older brother were in attendance. Elder Nishio is from Tsuyama in the Hiroshima Mission and his father was transferred here and then called as bishop of one of the wards in the Kobe Stake. His brother has been called to Fukuoka and will report in March. It is a special and unique thing to get a picture of a baptism with your family on your mission. To add to the irony, his home ward, Tsuyama, will become part of this mission in July as well with the consolidation of Hiroshima. Not sure where to transfer him going forward!

Gallery:

●First white dude from left - Elder Novak, don't know him
●First Japanese dude from left - Aritoshi, don't know him
●Second Japanese dude from left - Elder Akihito Nishio, met him when he was 5-years-old and now serving as a missionary for the LDS Church
●Third Japanese dude from left - Yoshito Nishio, met him when he was nine or ten and will begin service as a missionary for the LDS Church in March 2010
●Fourth Japanese man from left - Toshiaki Nishio, met him through his wife Yoko and now serves as a lay-minister for a congregation
●First Japanese woman from left - Yoko Nishio, knocked on her door one night and asked her what she knew about Jesus Christ and if she's like to know more
●Second white man from left - President Mcintyre, head of the Kobe Japan LDS Mission
●Second Japanese woman from left - Sister Mcintyre, wife of President Mcintyre

So was it worth it? I'd go back in a heartbeat. But, some friends of mine now have the reigns and I have all the confidence in the world in them.

We'll Be Missing You

2010-02-03T02:27:00.015-06:00

First, please give Grandpa a hug for me.

Thank you for the day bus trips downtown - back when Kansas City actually had a viable downtown - that sandwich restaurant we went to and the iced Big Bird department store cookies you'd buy me. Sublime memories.

And who cares about Conan and Jay Leno when I got to frequently enjoy watching Johnny Carson with my grandparents? (I had to draw the line at Dallas though.)

Thank you for taking me in as a lost 6th grader for a couple years so I could attend a better school. You helped me ace every geography test I had that year. I can't forget the lunches Grandpa made for me each morning that elicited daily offers of barter or cash from 6th and 7th graders with lesser lunches. I mean, he cut the crust off my sandwiches and wrapped them in wax-paper, plus a generous helping of, no doubt, healthful goodies to round out the the most important delicious food groups.

And when I went to KU, I still could stop by any day on the way home for lunch and know you were glad to see me and willing gave me your food.

And while on my mission, I often didn't really care the contents of the letters you sent, but you faithfully wrote and that meant something. Sure, the huge tin of homemade cookies you sent to the MTC wreaked of Grandpa's cigarette smoke. I didn't notice until Matt Eagar pointed it out to me. We chucked them in the bin, but they were emotionally delicious.

Well, and then there was the time you loaned me the money so I could buy a nice diamond ring for a girl I fell in love with. I think I eventually paid you back - most of it at least. You always treated Allison and my girls with love, even when Annie steadfastly refused to put on her socks though you were certain she would become sick because of her unshod, cold feet.

I have know clue what you are up to today. Maybe the Mormon Heaven Initiation the show South Park depicted so well? Maybe you are looking for an apartment and a part-time job until you get on your feet in a new place? Are there baby quilts to make in heaven? Maybe you should just take some time to relax. Go on a drive in Grandpa's resurrected baby-blue 79' Buick Regal, go have steak and oysters with Walter - Scoma's in San Francisco is good, if you can get in (I know, you'll leave the seafood to him). If you see WC, tell him he has some explaining to do, but we can probably let by-gones be by-gones - eventually. It's been years since Auntie died - I think I was eleven. Tell Jim I wish I knew where he stashed all the recipes from the old bakery. And you probably need to take some time to get to know your baby sister Ina May, who died before you got to know her.

We'll take care of Mom and make sure she doesn't stay out too late with her friends. Dad already picked up your oxygen tubing so he won't trip over it anymore. (He'll still probably stumble around, but it just won't be on your oxygen tubing.)

And one more thing - you should probably finally learn how to drive so we don't have to shuttle you around town all the time. We enjoyed a lot of that time together, but this point is a little out-of-hand.

We love you and will miss you dearly. Anytime you want to go to the Frontier Steakhouse, I'm buying. Just let us know when.

Update: The Harzfeld's Blog was kind enough to post a brief tribute to my grandmother.

I Think Chris Martin Puts It Better....

2010-01-02T16:13:00.002-06:00

Yeah, kind of a glum day. We all have them, I know (which in and of itself doesn't really seem to make these kinds of days any better); solidarity, bound by the common thread of bad days, simply verifies this truth: misery loves company. And, I think, a soundtrack. At least, my doldrums would prefer an accompaniment. In fact, I am pretty sure that ennui is best served with a spate of favorite music - melodies, words, mesmerizing voices - which invites melancholy, then banishes it.

What Are You Doing New year's Eve?

2009-12-31T08:07:00.000-06:00

I don't know how you plan on bidding farewell to the old year and ringing in the new....

Ah, but in case I stand one little chance
Here comes the jackpot question in advance:
What are you doing New Year's
New Year's Eve? 1

If your plans don't include a decadent chocolate concoction (or two) and me, as bells wildly clang and horns emphatically blare and confetti is jubilantly tossed about and fireworks dance across the sky, think of me....

For auld lang syne, my friend,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne! 2

You know, I really think I'll have a blue [moon] without you! 3

*Sigh* Don't you just sometimes wish everyone else could sing along to the soundtrack of your life?

1 - What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
2 - Auld Lang Syne
3 - Blue Christmas

"The Long-Promised Day" from Keepa

2009-12-28T14:10:00.002-06:00

Inasmuch as this is the fulness of times and through Abraham’s seed all mankind may be blessed is there no blessing for me?

- Jane Manning

Read the full text of this illuminating article by Ardis Parshall at Keepapitchinin.

!

2009-12-25T09:44:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas!

And There Were.... Shepherds Abiding In The Field....

2009-12-21T16:09:00.001-06:00

Where in the Bible does it mention that after the angel proclaimed glad tidings to the shepherds (who fussed over who got to walk beside Barbie as they hurried to Bethlehem) she ended up in the swing at the playground?

Inspired By The Beatles?

2009-12-10T18:40:00.012-06:00

Just last night, I happened to be driving to the church with a Beehive* in my car. This is a song we were listening to (well, she was listening - I was 16 again and singin' along with the radio):

My abecedarian companion looked at the radio, turned her head to me, and asked, "Is this the Beatles?"

*Beehive - the designated name for 12- and 13- year-old-girls within the LDS Church's Young Women Program; a group of girls devoid of exposure to musical hit-makers whose heyday was in the 80's.

Who Doesn't Love Craigslist?

2009-12-10T12:25:00.001-06:00

Thanks For All The Joy They're Bringin'

2009-11-30T16:26:00.000-06:00

This is the last day of the Attitude of Gratitude Challenge. My blessings certainly exceed three per day, but I have to admit that the daily posting requirement for one entire month was kind of hard. I think the difficulty came mostly from the time required to compose each post. Thinking each day about so many wonderful things in my life was much easier - even on those hard-to-decide-what-to-write days. For my last thankfulness post, I am skipping to the next holiday I celebrate - because I am really thankful for that one.

I think these clips speak for themselves. And for myself, as well. The Christmas Season simply must be ushered in with song, as well as hot chocolate and mistletoe and twinkling lights, and everything else that wraps us up in the happiness of the holiday. I am not embarrassed to admit that I am musically stuck a generation back. In fact, I wear that badge it rather proudly. So, in this vein, and because each song invites inimitable recollections, I am thankful for:

Wham! - Last Christmas
Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas?
Sarah McLachlan - Song For A Winter's Night
And here's a bonus that might explain why my husband and kids frequently catch me humming and singing : Abba - Thank You For The Music

If I listen Carefully, Maybe I can Hear

2009-11-29T16:49:00.015-06:00

I've been attending a Family History Sunday School class at church for the past several weeks.You want to know the reason I decided to take that class? I felt obligated. In our church, there is a lot of emphasis on genealogy. I've never even filled in a four-generation pedigree chart, so I figured I'd better learn how, or at least feign interest.

Over the years, I've observed family and friends climbing into family trees and pouring over hard-to-read records, sending letters to that far-away great-aunt who just may remember the name of a cousin's wife's grandfather's first wife and slamming books closed in the face of a seemingly impenetrable dead end. I've also witnessed eyes light up when an old death certificate appears out of nowhere, seen lips curve up as old letters revealing a complete courtship resulting in marriage are read, listened to laughter as "remember whens?" are exchanged, and felt the joy and thanks when a previously unknown family member or the missing link in an extended family line is discovered.

I thought adopting genealogy as a hobby was limited to the silver-haired set. And I assumed that those dedicated souls who were compelled to spend hours searching through old papers, traipsing through antiquated cemeteries and peering at microfische only pursued and rejoiced only in their own family lines.

My view is changing. Genealogy is not the prerogative of the the human subset aged 60 and older, and it's not limited to me finding people with my own last name. It's about more than simply tracing lines from Sarah to William and figuring out how Ellen fits in and how many children John had between his three wives. It's about family. Not just mine, either. It's about your family, too. It's about grabbing branches near and far and eagerly plucking whatever fruits are offered. Even though I can't say I've been bitten by the bug, I'm no longer pretending to be interested genealogy. If the bug does bite me, I don't plan on applying a healing salve in the hope that the bump will disappear.

I am thankful for my beliefs about the importance of family, which include the knowledge that family relationships don't end when death separates us from those we love. We believe that Heavenly Father's intention is for us (everyone - not just members of the LDS church) to literally be a family forever. As I sit here typing, my girls are bickering and driving me up the wall. I'm sure my blood pressure is rising and I can't wait until their bedtime. Even so, the comforting promise of an eternal family makes me happy!
I am thankful for the Family History class I've been going to and that it has piqued in me an enthusiasm about genealogy.
I am thankful that I have an opportunity to learn about - and perhaps even get to know - people in my family who have lived before me. If listen carefully, maybe I can even hear them whisper secrets that will help me find them.

Oma-yee-haw!

2009-11-28T20:47:00.014-06:00

Oma-yee-haw! Sometimes, when I think of Omaha, the images and words swirling through my mind could be equally applied to any western cattle-town - from a hundred or so years ago. Sorry, Omaha-ites. But Kansas City could be categorized in the same file. And I like it here. And really, Omaha is home to Creighton University (does anyone even call it by it's complete name?), which is highly regarded (and it has a great meteorology program, I hear.) Omaha is also the setting for Henry Doorly Zoo (which I enjoy even more than KC's) and Boys Town and, as I discovered last night, its Old Market.

We went to Omaha with some friends this weekend so we could attend the Winter Quarters Temple. It was one of those crazy weekend trips that almost wasn't. But it was. Car problems, issues with hotel reservations and plain old poor-timing almost kept us away. But we went. And I am grateful for that. Just being with my husband at a place that represents, to us, the promise of peace and incomprehensible joy is something that doesn't happen too often, so I'll eagerly take those moments when I can.

I am thankful for temples and for the way I feel when I am inside one.
I am thankful for good friends to go on a quick temple trip with. It made a great opportunity even better!
And I am thankful for Omaha - because that is where the Winter Quarters Temple is.

It's Vintage!

2009-11-27T20:22:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for salvage yards. Going to one is like going to a charming antique shop and finding a delightfully antiquarian item, except salvage yards are a little greasier. And you have to bring tools.
I am thankful Ryan is the salvage yard master.
I am thankful that for about $35 (and the perfect vintage find), my car works again.

Which One Are You?

2009-11-26T20:47:00.004-06:00

It's easy to list three things I'm thankful for today:

Family, who are not just family - they're also friends.
Friends who aren't just friends - they're family, too.
Delicious food to feast upon with loved ones I call family and friends.

SomeThings You Might Not Know

2009-11-25T11:43:00.005-06:00

The Fountain of All, um....Things Interestingly Explained spouted forth this morning. This particular source of information is rather like an unpredictable volcano. Sometimes, smoke or ash appears to be drifting out from the dome's peak and you prepare for an outpouring of whatever it is that's going to spew forth. Other times, you're just completely taken off-guard by tidbits abruptly tossed about. Today, Fount Annie's elucidation was decidedly amusing. And I am grateful for all three observations.

I am thankful that Annie apparently remembers little things I say. She gazed at her reflection in the mirror this morning, taking in the bright aqua sweater she was wearing, and reinterpreted something I occasionally say to her. In Annie's words: "Blue brings out the color of your black eyes. See? My eyes is blue today."
I am thankful that Annie uses logic by taking an assertion and building upon it (even if it makes no sense to me): "Blue brings out your teeth, too. See? Look at my teeth."
I am thankful that Annie willingly shares her conclusions: "And your nose. Blue brings out the color of your nose. In your snot."

About That MRI...

2009-11-24T17:38:00.003-06:00

It was normal. The MRI, I mean. And I am glad of that. The back story here is that Ryan had an MRI last week (because after you've had a headache for, like, a year, you sometimes decide to see a specialist.) And Ryan, being the guy that he is, decided to look at his MRI on the computer at home. If you've have no training in reading MRIs (and as you all know, Ryan is not a radiologist) you might interpret the pictures incorrectly. Or at least not accurately. That makes for a fun weekend! But luckily, today, the neurologist called and told Ryan his MRI is normal.

I am very thankful for normal MRI results!
I am also thankful that Ryan is a fix-it guy. Tell him something is irreparably broken or that to repair it will cost a lot of money, and Ryan will take that as a challenge to prove it can be fixed, and without breaking the bank.
And I am also thankful for the kind of friend that Ryan is. He can sometimes seem a little stand-offish, but I've seen the things he quietly does for people he cares about. I think he's a pretty good guy.

Police Beat

2009-11-24T11:58:00.004-06:00

Click the image above to read. I'm too lazy to fix it.

Another Sixer...

2009-11-23T09:13:00.014-06:00

You know, I actually thought about my three things yesterday, and several times I nearly sat down at the computer and shared them with you. But obviously, I didn't. At least I am not scrambling for 6 items I am grateful for today. Wait. Did that come out right? I may have made it appear that I am desperately trying to come up with three things to express thanks for each day, as if doing so is a grievance. Well, honestly, sometimes I do have to rack my brain. Which has made me realize something, and it is the first item I am going to list:

I am thankful for the Attitude of Gratitude Challenge, because it makes me think. And appreciate. Even - or maybe especially - on those days when it really is pretentious to put on that attitude of gratitude and wear it proudly. Plus also (I am channeling a bit of Junie B. Jones here) I need the reminder that it's okay to be specifically thankful for the trivial and seemingly inconsequential things in my life. True gratitude does not have to be expressly reserved for the earth-shaking, life-changing, I-can't-believe-how-blessed-I-am bestowals. Between you and me? The truth is that in my life, most "big" blessings parade around disguised as things of little consequence, and too often, I brush them aside, failing to see beyond the surface. It's up to me to acknowledge the infinite goodness and wisdom of my Heavenly Father, who showers me with blessings large and small. Blessings are blessings, whether I recognize them or not.
I am thankful for Junie B. Jones, or maybe it's Barbara Park I am thankful for. At any rate, within the past four or five years, hours of enjoyment have been centered around this wily kid. I think Ryan and I have enjoyed reading them aloud as much as Emi has enjoyed first listening to us read from this entertaining series, and then reading them herself. And Annie has had fun with these books,too, even though Annie's idea of being read to is sitting for no more than five minutes and flipping the pages in no particular order (forward, forward, backwards, forward, backwards, etc.), and forcibly shutting the book when she's had enough. Reading by herself means to look a a couple of pages, maybe scribble on them with whatever writing implement is close at hand, then try to rip pages from the spine. (Consequently, we don't read with Annie nearly as much as we do with Emi.)
I am thankful for yesterday's church meetings. In our church, members of the congregation are given assignments at various times. These assignments include speaking on a given topic to the whole congregation, or teaching a class that is based on age. (Everyone 18 and up qualifies as the same age, in case you're wondering.) So sometimes, talks or lessons may be delivered by members who have captivating skills of oration. Other times, speakers or teachers may have a much less dynamic delivery style. But the thing is, it's not about who is at the pulpit, or how a speech or lesson is delivered that makes it powerful to me. It's what the message is and how I receive it. Sometimes, the instruction that is shared in a way that would certainly be criticized by professional presenters is the most powerful. Yesterday, I heard what I needed to hear, the way I needed to hear it. I'm glad I was listening.
I am thankful for the great group of women I work with as the secretary in the Young Women's program at church.
Laughter, plain and simple, is something I am very thankful for.
I am thankful for Spot Shot.

Put Down Those Scissors!

2009-11-21T21:03:00.005-06:00

It's been a busy Saturday. And yes, on this catch-up day, I've fallen further behind on my list of things I had hoped to accomplish this week. And no, I am not going to catalog those here. Never-the-less, there is much to be grateful for today, including:

Dim Sum. And good friends to enjoy it with. And it's especially nice when one of those friends is a Dim Sum expert and can tell us what everything is before we bite into it.
That not every school week ends with a note sent home from the teacher, which tally's as my ever-so-obedient child's infractions: (1) not listening to directions, (2) misbehaving for the classroom aide, (3) bringing rocks in from recess, (4) misbehavior in the hall, (5) playing with own clothes in the classroom and (6) licking her reading book.
Hair-dressers who squeeze me in on a busy Saturday afternoon after receiving my frantic phone call Friday night, which is hastily made upon discovering that the kid mentioned in #2 has grabbed a pair of scissors and decided to cut her own hair instead of paper.

Today Is Friday, Right?

2009-11-20T15:05:00.006-06:00

The weekend is upon us. Yeah!!! Not that the weekend signals a romantic candle light dinner, or anything like that. And we don't have a standard matinee time at the movie theater where we enjoy a few hours of quality family time. (We don't to movies very much, or at all, if you really want to know the truth). I'm not packing for a weekend trip or heading off on a grand adventure. We don't have outstanding weekly traditions that I am preparing for (except for church at nine o'clock on Sunday morning), like brunch or sleeping in on Saturday morning (but a girl can dream, can't she? I know, I know - just not on Saturday morning.).

We have a couple of days to fall farther behind with all the things we figured we'd accomplish by Saturday night, and on Sunday, we'll be mentally adding to the already overloaded list of plans and tasks for the following week. At least this is how it seems to be for Ryan and me.

But it's the weekend all the same! It's like a beautifully wrapped gift we can't wait to open. And I really like the promise and excitement two days of each week bring. I am so thankful that:

The weekend is here. (It is Friday,today, isn't it?)
The unwelcome grey clouds and the uninvited drizzle they brought with them have taken leave for a few days.
I feel content. Right here, right now. It's a nice feeling.

Is This Cheating?

2009-11-19T11:06:00.007-06:00

Every single person on this clip - and there are more then three - fills me with gratitude, maybe because they remind me of being thankful.... for being thankful! I don't know their names (except one), so I can't list them, but from the mom and cute daughter to Dallin H. Oaks to the-guy-with-the-skateboard (there's 3!) and everyone in between, my heart's happiness has grown.

Again???

2009-11-18T10:00:00.007-06:00

I am straggling today. Not for anything to be thankful for, mind you. I'm just finding it difficult to post my daily list. Which is rather odd, considering how much time I pass each day, fingers on the keyboard, eyes glued to the monitor. But that brings me to six things (today and yesterday) I am thankful for:

The prevalence of the home computer.
Al Gore, for inventing the internet. (Does he really still think the internet is his brainchild?)
High speed modems.

On a more serious note (although I am genuinely thankful for the technologically-rich age in which we live) I am incredibly blessed by intangibles that are far from negligible. Maybe these things are harder to express gratitude for because of the abstract extent of joy. Sometimes, immeasurable amounts are the most defining. I am tremendously thankful for:

Family Home Evening. In case you don't know what this is, I'll paraphrase: we set aside one evening each week to do activities that strengthen us as a family spiritually, create family memories, and increase unity and love. And if you joined us for an evening, you would see that our FHEs do not always fit that definition. And you may even wonder about the outcome. But we're trying, and our girls look forward to our Monday nights. And that's what I'm thankful for.
Family Prayer. I'm thankful for the rote prayers. I'm thankful for the prayers that center on pets or toys. I'm thankful for the rushed prayers in the car on the way to school. I'm even thankful for the prayers where everyone is fidgety. I'm thankful for family prayer because it means we are a family.
Family Scripture Time. It's most definitely not a time of great scriptural insight and study. In fact, sometimes that daily 10-20 minutes is colored with an unflattering palette of impatience, distraction, and snappish behavior. I have to remind myself that we're not setting aside time each day - when we might prefer to be doing something else - for the purpose of learning scripture stories or memorizing important verses. We read together from Book of Mormon and from the Bible or Doctrine and Covenants each day to teach to Emi and Annie (and to reiterate to ourselves) what is of uncompromisable value to us. I know that sometimes, the only way I can get through difficult experiences and keep my faith anchored in the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to read from words written hundreds and thousands of years go. And to keep reading. And to offer up prayers to my Father in Heaven. And to keep praying. And hope that answers and comfort and happiness will come. And I also know that sometimes, the only way to truly express my thanks for answers to my invocations, for preventing me from becoming a casualty of the storms we all go through, is to read those words written long ago. And to offer prayers. And to keep reading. And to keep praying.

"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 2 Nephi 25:26

And For The Dog....

2009-11-16T18:22:00.012-06:00

You know, my kids have fantastic imaginations. Or else a terrific perception of an alternate reality. Except I'm not always sure they understand that it's a substitute realm.... I mean, sometimes I wonder, does Emi really believe we've been infiltrated by aliens? Or at least one particular extra-terrestrial life-form? She provides pretty convincing evidence supporting her beliefs, but I'm still holding a healthily skeptical point of view. As for Annie, I just don't see how she is both Cocoa's mother and sister (It's not a trinity. Would it be called a doublity?). In fact, several days ago I reprimanded Cocoa and Annie rebuked me: "You don't talk to Cocoa like that! You're not her mother. I am!" Well, I guess as long as the dog learns her boundaries, it doesn't matter who her mom is. Whatever dimension they participate in, my girls provide excellent fodder for my memoir. Oh, do you want to know what it's going to be called? Switched at Birth: The True Story of a Scandinavian Princess. I wrote this paragraph to precede my thanks for:

Alien hunters in the form of 10-year-old girls.
The kind of mother/sister who wants to get a purple Christmas tree for her four-legged daughter/sibling.
Bedtime for the above-described beings.

I'm Falling Behind...!

2009-11-15T13:54:00.008-06:00

Aaahhh! I promise that I at least think about wonderful things in my life each day, even if I neglect to share with my dear reader(s?). Today, I suppose I should list nine things. In no particular order, I am thankful for:

Entertaining blogs.
Entertaining friends who author those entertaining blogs.
Quiet afternoons.
Guanfacine. Oh boy, am I glad for that! (Annie + irascibility + aberrance + guanfacine = bearable.)
Imitrex going generic. Now Emi's migraines can cost as little as $1.17 a pop, instead of $8.33 each.
Peppermint-scented candles.
Brownies. Both kinds - the ones you can eat and those mischievous, playful pixies.
Online banking.
A husband thoughtful enough to drop me at the entrance to the church on a rainy Sunday morning.

All Creatures Great And Small

2009-11-12T09:19:00.010-06:00

My big brother stopped by yesterday, en route from Nibley, Utah to Huntsville, Alabama. He didn't stay long, only from early afternoon to just before six this morning, but I am so glad he was here. He's very entertaining, has lots of adventures, and even the most seemingly mundane events and people become hilariously charming when illustrated by his descriptions. Too bad Ryan is out of town and missed the fun! While I was getting the girls ready for school this morning, I was thinking of my family - my siblings, in particular - and....they were just happy thoughts. So today, I am very thankful that:

My siblings and I genuinely enjoy spending time together. I know I look forward to being with them, and I think they like seeing me, too. And not just because I'm 1100 miles away. They all live within 2 hours or so of each other (well, not Michael, anymore, since he's moving, of course) and they seem to enjoy regular get-togethers. I'm very lucky, because despite the years of squabbling and pettiness and fighting that all kids do when they are growing up, undeterred by the hurtful things we have done to each other (and not just as kids, I'm afraid), we still like each other. We really like to be with each other. And apparently not every family is like that.
Even though we didn't have pets until I was a teenager (because I was absolutely terrified of dogs), we (my parents and siblings) are all dog people now. And so is Ryan's family. Not that I think everyone should be a dog person. Because I don't think that. I mean, hey, I'm not a cat person (which I was, as a child. Funny how life flip-flops. Hmm.) so I understand that you either like a particular animal or you don't. Which is fine. (If you are at my house and would prefer that my dogs be outside or away from you, and I am clueless regarding that matter, just tell me. I won't be offended.) Anyway, back to why I am glad I am related to dog people: because it's one aspect where we don't think every other family member is nuts. We share the happiness and sadness, thrills and jitters, of taking pets into our hearts. We may poke fun at the notion of buying dog treats at a gourmet doggy bakery, or at a related mutt getting ridiculous Christmas gifts, but isn't that the pot calling the kettle black? You know, now that I think of it, maybe the sense of camaraderie actually stems from the recognition that we are all a little nuts? At least we're in this together. Safety in numbers, you know.
Ryan is coming back from D.C. today. (He's flew out at 12:05 p.m. yesterday and won't be back until after nine tonight, all for a one-hour meeting at 10:00 a.m. today. And it's been cold and drizzly in the capitol city. I think he would have preferred being regaled by his intrepid brother-in-law.)

Remember Again.

2009-11-11T10:47:00.005-06:00

My feelings about this day haven't changed, and think I versed them rather well last year, but I'll let you decide. Can I add my brother to my list? He's not old. He's not grizzled. He doesn't talk about awards and honors. He didn't relish in the broken country he saw, didn't like the fact that he had to be there, but he did it anyway. (Indeed: courage, honor, duty - right, Michael? Inside joke. Sorry, I just couldn't resist.) He's a vet, too. And I'm thankful for that.

Evanescence

2009-11-10T09:07:00.013-06:00

I just can't seem to get my posts up on the day they are supposed to be proudly displayed for all to read! It's just after nine on Tuesday morning and I am thinking about six things I am thankful for (three for yesterday, three for today.) It should be easy such an easy task, don't you think? Honestly, countless trivial things that bring me happiness flitter in my head. But some are so inconsequential, I hesitate to list them, because it might seem as if I am trite or *gasp* trying to be glib. But if something brings a smile to my lips or happiness to my heart, I shouldn't be afraid to express my contentment. So here I go. I am thankful for:

Stores that carry Ghiradelli chocolate (60% cocoa content or higher) for my baking (and snacking) pleasure. Nestle and Hershey may have a stronger hold on the grocery market, but not on my taste buds!
Cake flour. Until I used it the first time, I didn't realize the difference cake flour makes in baked goods. You want your dessert to have a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth texture? Use cake flour.
Goodnites (disposable training pants). Because not every child is potty trained by the time she weighs 48 pounds. And most disposable training pants don't fit kids past 40 or so pounds. But you know what? If the trade-off means having a child whose development falls in the realm of "normal" (which means having that lacking piece of that troublesome 9th chromosome in place) and missing out on all the richness that a disabled child brings, I'll keep my Annie and happily continue buying all the pull-ups she needs.
My library card. All the brainwashing that is directed at children, about books opening new worlds, etc., is still firmly affecting this girl!
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens... Um, I actually mean warm woollen sweaters. I haven't wrapped myself in a wool sweater yet this fall, but they are nicely folded in my drawer and, I like to think, eagerly waiting to be pulled out and put to good use.
The chance I get to read aloud with Emi most evenings. I say with and not to, because it's more than just reading. As much as I feel rushed to complete the bedtime routine so the light can be flipped off and I can have a few minutes for myself to unwind from whatever it is I do all day, I really enjoy sitting on Emi's bed with her and listening to her chat about her about her daydreams, about her frustrations, about friends and school and home. I know that one day, all too soon, she's going to tell me she doesn't need me to read with her, that she'll just get herself to bed. Tomorrow, I'll miss the time I'm in such a hurry to get through today. I need to remember that.

To Sleep On The Sabbath

2009-11-08T15:37:00.002-06:00

Today's three things? Here they are:

I am thankful for Sunday afternoon naps. It's been a long time since I have had one of these, but certainly not for lack of trying! But today, I experienced a small but significant miracle of sorts (that ties into today's number 3.) So what if the magic only lasted 30 or 40 minutes?
Those yummy frosted pink and white animal crackers. With the sprinkles. They are a grocery-store indulgence I let my girls choose every once n a while.
The sound of siblings playing happily!

Date Night!

2009-11-07T16:56:00.002-06:00

Ryan and I go out on dates almost...NEVER! Maybe it's a reflection of our whirlwind courtship - we didn't really date then. I mean, how many dates can you go on in a month when one of you is a couple of states away for two of those weeks? We basically hit it off, got engaged and got married - so why bother dating now?

Oh? What's that you say? Spending time together on an actual date now can bring us back to the spontaneous kids we were then? Well, remember where spontaneity can lead you - to the alter in 3 quick months! But hey, it's worked out just fine for Ryan and me. We still want to date each other, after all!

But seriously, friends, I am thankful that:

Ryan took a chance on me 12 and 1/2 years ago and is still game for taking chances.
We continue to make spontaneous decisions. Not all the time, but enough that 3 days in a foreign country together, Ryan's question of, "Wanna move here?" could be seriously answered with, "Yeah! Why not? It could be fun!"
Tonight, we're going on a date!

And For The Birthday Girl....!

2009-11-07T15:58:00.002-06:00

Once again, I am a day late (and a dollar short?) with the gratitude list, but never-the-less, here it is:

Without her, I would be sans husband and little girls. And yesterday (November 6th) being her birthday brought that point to mind, so I have to say how thankful I am for my mother-in-law. And not just because her DNA is part of 3 people I absolutely adore. I am thankful for Carolyn because she is an amazing woman who has done amazing things (Ryan, course, being one of them.) Happy Birthday and thanks for all you do for me!
Cozy evenings spent at home, not really doing anything in particular, and that being enough.
Indian Summers.

Sometimes, Yeast Doesn't Make Dough Raise

2009-11-05T19:53:00.005-06:00

Sometimes, yeast just doesn't work right. It's like all the oomph has fizzled out. It's gone flat. Literally. I'm sure you can infer that I attempted to make something today which called for yeast. The working kind. Not the kind I used. Yeah. So, without further preamble, I must say, simply, that I am thankful for:

Yeast. Live yeast, that is. And then I can be thankful for light apple fritters, instead of heavy ones.
The delicious anticipation that comes when one is looking forward to sampling something which promises to be good. I mean, if it smells good, it should taste good, too. Right? Preparing your taste buds with a sense of expectancy just adds a happy little promise to an otherwise typical fall day.
Heavy, rich cream. And clotted cream, too.

And Three More On Four!

2009-11-04T13:19:00.009-06:00

My three items that fill me with gratitude today are quite unrelated, except for the fact that they are all good things. And have nothing to do with Martha Stewart.

While I am not grateful for sleepless nights filled with sleepless kids, barking dogs, and a husband waltzing home (okay, forcibly dragging his feet and practically falling over) at 1 a.m. (because sometimes in the IT industry, IT doesn't do what it's supposed to all on its own - save time, work effectively, be self-sufficient - and IT people have to put in a few extra hours. And then a couple more.), it's nice to take the opportunity to catch a few winks (or a couple of hours) of much-needed slumber while kids are at school, dogs are outside, and hubby is a work. Especially when said hubby has seen the house and knows it desperately needs some - or much - TLC and says, "You should go back to bed once we're all gone and sleep. All day, if you want to."
My little elephant. When my no-frills rice cooker went to the big electronic elephant graveyard in the sky, I though I'd replace it with a western-designed product. And if my family enjoyed hot, soggyy rice fresh from the steamer that turned brittle within a few hours, the Walmart special would have been fine. But that is not why I use a rice cooker! Who likes a mouthful of mushy rice? Or crunching down when expecting something tender? Not me, obviously. I am very fond of my culinary side-kick.
Pandora Radio. Kudos to Tim Westergren. Why simply work (that's what I pretend I'm doing when checking my email, paying bills, reading the latest headlines, perusing Facebook, improving my mind and warding off Alzheimer's playing Mahjong and Sudoku, etc.) on the computer when you can also listen to what you wish the radio would play?

Now, for Day Three....

2009-11-03T09:31:00.010-06:00

I am lucky! I just saved Emi's precious webkinz dog, Fudge, from certain destruction at the jaws of the black dog. Fudge feels a little icky and a tag is partially chewed off, but the seams and stuffing are intact. I say I am lucky because had Fudge turned into a pile of ripped synthetic fur and slobbery white stuffing, I would have had to deal with the fall-out this afternoon - intense weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. But providentially, I happened to turn my head at a fortuitous moment. So that makes the first 2 things on my gratitude list very clear to me:

That I saved Frudge from Cocoa - hence, myself, from the theatrics of a melodramatic 10-year-old.
That we have a nice, fenced backyard where Cocoa will happily play for hours on this bright, sunny day, so I can have a few hours where I don't have to panic if I leave a closet door open or have failed to do a proper sweep of errant toys, papers, books, leather objects, etc.. (I love that dog. I do. But she can be a handful - no, armful!)

And here's the set-up for the third thing that makes me grateful today: before school Emi was busily filling a shopping bag with boxed and canned foods to take to school for a food drive. I asked Annie if she wanted to take some cans, too. And then I wondered if she knew what a food drive was. I explained that sometimes people need help to get food to eat, perhaps because they've been sick or have been laid-off from work and can't find new employment. Annie interrupted and said, "That's what happened to Curious George."

"What?" I said. "Curious George got laid off?"

Annie responded with a sigh, "Yeah, Curious George got laid off from his job." (Who Knew! I should have suspected something, though, when I saw the Man-With-The-Yellow-Hat at a Halloween party with no monkey in tow.) Needless to say, Annie was quite happy to take food to school in the hopes of helping someone like poor Curious George.

No, the third item on my list today is neither Curious George nor Annie's cute quips (although those always warm my heart.) What I am thankful for is:

3. A pantry stocked with food, enough and to spare.

On the 2nd Day of Gratitude.....

2009-11-03T09:19:00.005-06:00

I'm cheating a little bit here. I'm setting my 2nd day of gratitude to music and it's actually November 3rd. Let's just say that after driving to doctor's appointments, making a quick pit stop at Hen House (yes, that is the actual name of a grocery store. Not quite as inventive as Piggly Wiggly, but obviously, that name was already taken....), rushing home to eat dinner within a 20-minute window, racing to meet Ryan and going to a birthday party, then returning home and getting the girls to bed, I didn't feel like sitting at the computer. But the reason why I'm not entirely cheating is that i shared my three things verbally last night. And I have witnesses! So, the three things for which I felt much gratitude yesterday were:

Cake. Sunshine Cake, to be exact
Ice-cream (cookie dough)
My friend Jennifer's birthday.

Attitude of Gratitude 2009

2009-11-01T17:52:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year when simple gratitude is too often overwhelmed by turkey and pumpkin pie, first snowfalls and striped scarves, whispers and giggles, excitement and dread over the days of celebration of twirling our way. This is the perfect set-up for the Thanksgiving Challenge. The gist of the challenge is to each day list three things for which one is grateful throughout the month of November. And each entry should be original - for example, one can be thankful for chocolate for 30 days, but it can only be listed once. The friend who issued this challenge has forewarned of possible side effects:

Please note that challenge participation may result in any or all of the following:
- you will be surprised at all the Lord has done for you
- angels will attend
- you will feel help and comfort
- you may find yourself singing as the days go by
- your doubts will fly

So on this first day of November, I would like to share three things I am thankful for:

Jen's Attitude of Gratitude Challenge. To paraphrase one of my daughters, it will help me think what it is I need to remember to be grateful for.
The delicious smell of Fall - you know, when the autumn air is perfumed with a scent that is rich and crisp and golden?
Two tiny apple seeds deposited lovingly in a carved-out Halloween pumpkin. (So the pumpkin can grow into a tree that has apples!)

Do You Ever Get Tired Of The Universe?

2009-10-12T12:29:00.001-05:00

Do you ever contemplate the unknown? When you look at the night sky and see countless stars twinkling above you, do you ponder the infinite universe? Do you ever wonder if somewhere, there's another being sitting on a grassy orb, breathing life-sustaining oxygen and wondering if you exist?

Thanks to Emi, these aren't merely questions we ruminate over on occasion. It's accepted as reality in our home that aliens do exist. In fact, they walk and talk among us. They are probably benevolent, but sometimes, given certain, er, evidence (like barbies thrown at at an older sister's head, or a secret stash of M&Ms that is suddenly not so secret and not so stashed and dabs of yellow and red and orange smearing supposedly innocent fingers (M&Ms, contrary to their jingle can, in fact, melt in your hand!), we do wonder if there might be a tiny, but not insignificant, malicious streak carried by these life forms that parade around as little sisters. (We do, after all, have laboratory proof that Annie's genetic make-up is not quite the same as the rest of us that live in the brown brick house.)

So the whole alien thing is frequently referred to (sometimes subtly, other times, not so much) when we are gathered around the kitchen table or curled up on the sofa or playing in the backyard or when we are driving in the car...., which is why it came as no surprise when, a few weeks ago, the girls and I were gazing at puffy white trails traversing a bright blue sky. Ever-curious Annie asked what they were. She disregarded my short explanation of airforce jets, instead deciding it must have been aliens. And would you, my friend, like to know why aliens raced across the sky that particular day? As Annie so blithely asserted, "Oh, they're probably tired of our universe."

It Tastes Like....Arkansas?

2009-10-03T10:36:00.010-05:00

Guess whose mouth these words popped out of:

Dinner last night was comprised of rolls still steaming from the oven {Rhodes, of course, because when I put something in the oven, I feel like I'm actually baking (as opposed to just pulling an item out of the freezer and letting it rise for a few hours and stopping short of sliding said item in the oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.) And that makes me feel like I've done something I'm supposed to do for my family (which is feeding them a well-planned meal. And I did plan well - I remembered to take the rolls out of the freezer in time to eat with the meal for which they were intended!)}. And I made soup.

Really, this soup I actually made. From scratch! With chicken broth (which was not from scratch. Bullion cubes. I don't boil chicken bones. I don't even buy chicken with bones - it's boneless, skinless breasts for me!), chopped onion, diced garlic, a bit of salt and pepper, a dash of nutmeg, some milk, and fresh cauliflower. Oh, and cheese. The soup wasn't too difficult and I really needed to do something with that head of cauliflower that had been rolling around the produce drawer (nice imagery, huh.)

Apparently, when Ryan called on his way home from work and asked what we were eating for dinner (he used to ask me what I was cooking for dinner, then he realized that perhaps he was being a bit presumptuous, assuming I was making something different everyday. So one day he amended his question to asking what we were eating), I told him I was making a broccoli soup. And I guess one of my girls overheard me, because after Ryan arrived home and established that it was cauliflower, not broccoli soup, and we began eating, this child swallowed a spoonful and announced, "Yeah - it tastes like Colorado to me!"

When A Fish Is Named Salmon

2009-09-16T18:15:00.004-05:00

We had a nice, sauteed salmon for dinner again last night, which reminded me of this unpublished entry (written on August 19th) that I intended to post about a month ago:

A few nights ago, I sauteed a nice fish for dinner. It was already filleted - no handsome head or bulging eyes or stiff tail (thank goodness!) on display, hinting at a former glory as a champion swimmer against a blasting current. It was simply a nice cut of fish prepared with a smattering of olive oil (but I don't think it was EVOO - just the regular non-extra virgin olive oil. Sorry, Rachel Ray.) After I dished a delicious-looking piece of it onto my plate, Annie's eyes opened wide as she exclaimed, "It's a dead fish!"

"Yes, it is. It's salmon," I replied. I was about to explain how tasty it was and that it was good brain food, but before I got a chance to, Annie then said, "Oh, that's his name? Salmon?" And before I could think of what to say to that statement, she rather matter-of-factly informed me "You can't pet him," and went back to eating her own meal.

Super Novas

2009-09-10T09:07:00.023-05:00

"Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward ... but it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later."

"The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life."

"I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become."

"Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish."

Excerpts above from Commencement address by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, delivered at Stanford University on June 12, 2005.

In a similar vein, Randy Pausch's Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams:

Condolences and God's peace to the family of my cousin, Evan Nebeker.

I also think of my brother-in-law, Derek Jackson, a super nova who burned bright and fast, but whose light yet extends to the earth.

Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. And here's to all the adventures ahead.

Then There WasThe Time I Went To The Hunting & Fishing Museum By Mistake....

2009-08-27T06:17:00.002-05:00

I meant to go to the Deutches Museum. I was looking quite forward to an afternoon of learning interesting facts and gaining appreciation for many intuitive and creative individuals, all the while being filled with awe and wonder at the brilliance of mankind. Sounds like a nice afternoon, doesn't it?

I purchased my ticket at the rather unassuming front desk, thinking, Wow, only 3,0 Euros? They really want this museum to be accessible to the public! After wandering through 3 levels of inventive wildlife displays, artistically arranged cases of muskets and arrows, and beautifully carved old wooden sleighs (with realization dawning that perhaps this wasn't just one small section of the museum - this was the whole thing!), I began to suspect that I was not actually where I intended to be.

I was instead at the Hunting and Fishing Museum. Still interesting, but just not quite what was anticipated - although it does contain the world's largest collection of, er, stuffed animals and fish hooks. There just weren't any airplanes or copper engravings or the first automobile ever built (an 1886 Benz!) or demonstrations with electricity or glass-blowing, and stuff like that. I guess this is the risk one takes when one is not familiar with the language and decides if the building's sign (which proudly states Deutsches Jagd- und Fischereimuseum) contains the words "Deutsches" and "Museum," one needn't consider the other accompanying words (which, it seems, would read "Hunting" and "Fishing"!)*

*And besides, when we had strolled past the building an evening or two previously, Ryan had pointed to it and said, "I think that's the Deutsches Museum. You should go there."

Dachau

2009-08-20T10:28:00.009-05:00

An old cement platform stands beside a set of abruptly ending train tracks. I can almost hear choked-back sobs and murmured whispers as hundreds of prisoners are unloaded like cargo and directed through an imposing gatehouse that heralds the entry into Konzentrationslager Dachau or KZ-Dachau, Nazi Germany's first concentration camp. Alongside the silent vibrations of thousands of invisible footsteps, I voluntarily walk through a gate that, wrought in iron, reads: Arbeit Macht Frei - Work will make you free. One-by-one, my feet fall upon hardened ground and cold cement foundations, taking a sobering step back into a dark history. Yet despite the emptiness within the walls of Dachau Concentration Camp, there is a triumphant echo that carries over its bleakness.As I tread, I wonder whose paths my footsteps trace? I listen to records reported by Dachau survivors - men of flesh and blood - who really faced starvation, beatings, being forced to labor despite illness or pain, or made to act as human guinea pigs in horrendous medical experiments. Voices gravely with age do not disguise the aching rawness of long-borne memories.

Inside walls of brick and barbed-wire, I crane my neck to view one of many guardhouses and cringe as I note the openings where a gun barrel would rest - conveniently pointing to the prison yard. I stand on the same square where roll-call was held. The sun is shining brightly and I feel its hot rays upon my back; I shiver as I imagine icy winds and cold, pelting rains penetrating tattered coats and ragged shirts. I peer through a barred opening in a thick wooden door closing off one of many small cells where prisoners where held for interrogation and discipline. I flinch at the thought of punishment extracted on a commanding officer's whims.

The originals have been torn down, but I feel a suffocating tightness in the rebuilt barrack, where Jews, Catholics and Communists, among other defined groups, were housed - crammed into bunks to rest so they would be fresh for unending, back-breaking labor the next day. I experience representations of the degradation forced upon men and women who lived up to their convictions, even as they were dying - some slowly, some quickly - because of those creeds.

My feet are planted on a cement floor in an open room in the crematorium - Barrack "X" - where emaciated prisoners were informed they would take showers. I see the ovens where the stank of decaying flesh was reduced to ashes. I pause in front of the firing range where bullets, not sickness or despair, ended a life.

A barrage of thoughts and emotions accompany me throughout my tour of this prison camp. Conflicting within me is a deep sadness and a profound happiness. I am intensely indignant of the horrors of the holocaust that were enacted within the very walls around me, yet I am sensitive of a profound happiness and appreciation for the indomitable human spirit. I don't want to forget how I feel at this moment!

I head back to the gatehouse and reflect upon the intensity of each moment I have experienced. I pause as my eyes take a final sweep across the yard, and I wish I could somehow show, in a verifiable way, what I feel inside; words and pictures emote a stark fraction. Maybe I can't elucidate it all, but I can try.

And I freely pass through the iron gate once again as I leave.

I'm the Queen of the Castle!

2009-08-19T11:26:00.016-05:00

The Sunday I spent in Germany was Castle Day. A fitting way to spend the Sabbath, if you're going to eschew church in favor of sight-seeing, right? (I know, I know: I'm just trying to justify our absolutely enchanting excursion into the Bavarian countryside and Tyrolean Alps!)

Prior to my trip, I read that there are over 25,000 castles in Germany. There are indeed castles everywhere - albeit in various conditions! All that might remain of some castles may be a crumbling wall or turret. Some might be in the midst of a renovation. Others may appear museum-like (in which case, they probably are.)

Can I just say that it's a truly amazing feeling to stand beside these amazing stone and brick structures and think, that for hundreds of years, people (probably many with aching backs, stringy hair, and minus a few teeth), walked through the same gates, stepped on the same stones, and gazed up at the same sky. Their lives are far-removed from mine, but I wonder if we really aren't that different after all, beside the obvious physical disparities - like I have all my teeth, my hair is washed and brushed regularly, and at 37, I still have many healthy years left (I hope!).

I mean, did they stop to breathe in the scent of wildflowers? Did they laugh when their children laughed? Or did they wonder how they were going to accomplish in a day a series of nagging, yet necessary, tasks and then decide that maybe just getting through the day with their sanity intact would be triumph enough?

I can't help but think that yesterday's mothers understand me more than I realize. And if that's the case, I think history's princesses and paupers had to have been just as excited as I was to see all these breathtaking castles!

*Here's a funny thing that Ryan said as we were driving up and down very steep, winding, hair-pin twisting roads: "I didn't expect the roads to be so...alpine." I stared at him and responded (with perhaps more than a hint of incredulity in my voice), "Are you serious? We're in the Alps!"

Prepare For the Updates!

2009-08-15T10:38:00.004-05:00

Yes, I realize it's been a month since I went to Munich (aah, good times!) and I haven't shared much about that wonderful opportunity with you, my legion of fans. Honestly, I wrote several blog entries - in between breathing the fresh German air and tasting the richness of South Bavarian life - while I thoroughly enjoyed my travels . I just haven't posted my thoughts yet. Why? Well, simply because, prior to this morning, I haven't taken the time to download and organize photos - and I wanted to paste a few pictures to my blog. So hang on - in the next few days, I promise to describe some highlights of my trip.

Rules We Live By

2009-07-30T08:53:00.004-05:00

There are irrefutable rules governing the universe. We all know that the law of gravity means we can toss a ball as high as possible, but it will always fall back down to the earth. Two hydrogen ~~particles~~ atoms combined with one oxygen ~~particle~~ will always form water. We observe the rising of sun every morning and its setting every night, unfailing because of the constant rotation of the earth on its axis.

Some truths you may not know include these:

Emi will never be a morning person.
Annie, yo-yoing between silence and fits of giggles while behind closed doors, guarantees the existence of a mess.
Add one little black dog named Cocoa to no. 2 (above) and absolute chaos ensues.

It's important for me to remember that there are some basic laws I cannot change. I must not forget these omnipresent truths, so that I will simply not open the pantry door when I think Annie might be in there (based on the evidence of peals of laughter alternating with pregnant quietus.) This way, the harmony of the universe might endure, and even coincide with my placidity, because if I just resist the impulse to twist the doorknob and let that door remain snug in its frame, I won't find globs of crunchy peanut butter pasted to the door - and matted in Cocoa's fur! At least for a few minutes longer, ubiquitous concordance will reign.

Pop! Goes My Heart

2009-07-28T22:57:00.004-05:00

You are gold and silv-e-e-er.... You know, sometimes nothing beats a good parody:

Yesterday, I watched Music and Lyrics (with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore) and I've been laughing inside (and out) all day. Now, you can hum and spin and laugh with me.

Lipstick Jungle

2009-07-25T20:06:00.005-05:00

I thought Annie was busy playing with Emi and their cousin, Rachel. It seems I was wrong about that!

And Here's How It's Going For The Girls....

2009-07-25T11:53:00.004-05:00

Sorry for the interruption in blogging about my Bavarian adventure, but since I got back to Utah (where the vacation started, remember) and have had to resume my mothering responsibilities, I haven't found much time - or energy, for that matter - to commandeer the keyboard. But the girls have had a marvelous time. Just ask Annie. Thanks to her, the girl cousins might get new carpet in their bedroom. And Bunky and Grandnan just might need to replace part of their kitchen floor!

When Germany Isn't Fun

2009-07-22T10:35:00.004-05:00

Being sick was no fun. Worse is although it seems Allison just arrived here, she is already gone.

I love it here, but today hasn't been the same knowing when I go for dinner tonight Allison won't be joining me.

Update: Yes, I have an inkling how pathetic I must sound.

It's A Whole New World

2009-07-20T19:33:00.002-05:00

It'a a whole new world. One filled with sleek, fast, sporty automobiles - BMWs, in fact. And that is not a bad thing. I will be the first to tell you that BMWs are not at the very top of my list of cars I want to drive, but they're not too far down that list, either.

(You seriously want to know? Well, the other day we drove by Munich's Bentley/Rolls Royce/Maserati/Koneg showroom. I think that of my list composed of purely dream vehicles, any work of art at that dealership would suffice, supplemented by basically any model, past and present, produced by Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Ferrari. See, this dream list is made up of cars that I think would be a bit difficult to just saunter into a showroom, point to and say, "I'd like to test-drive this car." And that exclusiveness is a driving factor - no pun intended - in creating my Absolutely Dreamiest Automobiles I'd Love To Drive List. As gorgeous and finely-crafted as Bremmen Motor Works products are, sitting behind the wheel of one their cars are within the realm of possibility. Figuratively. From a financial perspective? Well, let's just say that between a RR Silver Ghost and a BMW Individual, neither one will be parked in my garage.)

So, what I was going to say before I went off on my dream car vs. Dream Car spiel, is that I went to BMW Welt on Saturday, after I left poor, sick but recovering Ryan (who feels better today than he has in weeks, by the way) at our hotel. The thing about BMW Welt is that it makes you think that everyone should be driving beautiful, fast, well-equipped, specially-engineered automobiles. And I dare any of you to disagree! I"m not saying we all have to drive BMWs, but it would be nice if we all drove vehicles that fell under the category of luxury, don't you think?

Things Not To Do On Vacation

2009-07-20T18:38:00.001-05:00

1. When you are traveling internationally all by yourself, you should not choose as your in-flight entertainment the movie Taken. But if you do happen to find yourself riveted by the plot and unable to turn off Liam Neeson et.al., and your body proudly hails the fact that you have lived 37 years, borne children, spent too many sleepless nights, lost hair, gained weight and are battling the tiny lines mapping your face, you should spend a few moments being thankful that you are no longer the capricious, energetic, wrinkle-free 20-year-old you used to be.

2. You shouldn't begin a trip on the brink of exhaustion, continue to work within the parameters of two distinctive time zones, suffer dehydration, and then succumb to a not-so-friendly virus. Or allow such a thing to happen to your husband. I'm just saying....

Having a Great Time!

2009-07-20T04:29:00.004-05:00

Midnight In Munich

2009-07-16T17:16:00.005-05:00

It's dark outside. I am tired. It's actually past midnight, and I have had a very long day. It started, um, yesterday? I went to bed Tuesday night and now it's night-time again, only it's Thursday night. I missed Wednesday night. It's gone. Swept away in Delta's vapor. I'll get that missing night back next week, of course, but in the meantime, I'm exhausted!

When the plane descended over the outskirts of Munich this morning, I chuckled to myself as I observed the patchwork countryside below and thought, It looks just like flying into Kansas City!
But it's really nothing like the city straddling Kansas and Missouri. Munich is....Munich. As to what I mean by that? Well, I guess you'll just have to keep checking back here. Bis spater!

Kansas City, Kansas to Munich, Germany via Nibley, Utah

2009-07-09T12:11:00.012-05:00

You know, we Blocks don't do the big family vacation thing - meaning Ryan, Allison, Emi and Annie being in the same place at the same time for the unifying purpose of R&R combined with pure play - very often (Hello? 4 years, people. It's been 4 YEARS!). Sure, we'll do the occasional overnight stint, which tends to coincide with a ward temple trip. (I guess there's a reason to be glad that we have to drive a couple of hours to get the closest temple - so we can stay somewhere with a pool for one night!)

Well, today I am typing this entry in the comfort of Northern Utah's arid climate (I'm not sticky at all - even without the A.C. running! I don't miss the Midwest's humidity one bit!) while on the first leg of our trip - the via Nibley part. Okay, this is also the actual whole family part, because on Saturday, Ryan flies to Munich for two weeks - for business. Next Wednesday, I fly out to join him for one week - for pleasure! Without the girls! But trust me, they are still getting their holiday:

the non-stop play-date (the best kind - the cousin kind - you know, the play date that ends temporarily when we pack them in the car to head back to Kansas, but will resume immediately when they see their cousins again next summer)
night games in a neighborhood practically overrun by 3-4 feet tall life-forms (which is in direct contrast to our street back home)
all-you can-eat-ice-cream (I am not kidding - you should see Bunky and Grandnan's freezer!)
swimming lessons and 4-H classes
etc. and etc.. (I always hear an echo of Yule Brynner when I see or hear that phrase.)*

For the rest of the month, I am in vacation mode. YESSSS! Some days (like today) will be carefree. Some days will be packed with places to go, people to see and things to do. Planes, trains, and automobiles - this trip is using them all! So you see, while we may not do these vacation things often, when we actually happen to, we do them in a big way. Stay tuned!

*Yul Brynner - the sexy bald guy parading around a lavish Siamese palace in The King and I, 20th Century Fox's 1956 Rodger's and Hammerstein's musical based on the questionably objective memoir of Anna Leonowen.

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T13:34:00.006-05:00

And you know who you are. I mean, you are reading this, after all. So of course, this salutation goes out to you. Collectively, to those who act as fathers (knowingly or not) and have touched Ryan, me, and our kids. Maybe you've been teachers or neighbors or just solid, upstanding citizens - anyway, thanks and Happy Father's Day.

Individually, to my Dad: I love you. And thank-you. And I can't wait to see you in a few weeks! To my father-in-law: thanks-for being Ryan's dad. 'Cause I like him - a lot, in fact. And you've had much to do to help him be that man that he is. And to Ryan: I'm the lucky one. I love you.

Happy Father's Day!

I Left My Bird in San Francisco?

2009-06-15T02:34:00.008-05:00

Some of you may have seen news coverage on the bird (referred to as Swoops) that is ravaging the streets of San Francisco. Actually, it's pretty much one street corner.

Lucky for me, I spent last week in SF and allocated a substantial amount of time Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday watching this bird's antics. Exactly the definition of serendipity, I walked the sidewalks in search of a good meal, but came to know this noblest of creatures instead.

Follow Swoop's blog including news coverage, editorials and fan commentary at the Attack Bird Chronicles.

Pandora

2009-06-12T16:41:00.007-05:00

I feel sapped of energy. It's not quite malaise, but I don't really feel like doing much. Except curling up with a good book (I've been enjoying thrillers lately, David Baldacci-type of stuff), maybe baking something gooey and chocolatey, or slipping a romantic comedy in the DVD player. I think the weather is to blame. Waking up to dull, grey skies 4 or 5 days in a row is just not refreshing! Yes, a thrilling storm with bolts of lightening dancing across the clouds accompanied by great, pounding rumbles of thunder is nice every now and then, but a prolonged period (more than a day or two) of this type of weather drains me. Does this happen to you, too?

I might have happened upon an antidote. It's too early to determine if I've rid myself entirely of this bout of laziness, but I think I'm on to something: Pandora. I've been intending for a couple of months now to personalize some stations for myself, and a few nights ago I put together a couple of stations. And today, although I won't claim that my 80's music station is exacting any sort of miracle, something nice is happening. My veins might not flowing with vim and vigor, but I definitely feel a little more pep this afternoon.

I guess this is a little plug for Pandora and an extension gratitude for Tim Westergren's vision. Because this afternoon, the gangs from New Order and the Cure, those rascally Pet Shop Boys, the cute Norwegian kids (a-ha, that's where their from!) and the twins from London who actually aren't (you know, those Thompsons), among others, are apparently just the company I've needed. Who knew unexpected visitors could be so great!

Please excuse me now, though. I'm going to spend some more time with my guests.

Just Chill...IN!

2009-06-05T08:24:00.011-05:00

aIt's time to share some more of the silly things that pop out of my kids' mouths (verbal, not masticated, mind you,) particularly the words that tumble (and that is an apt description) between Annie's lips, because I figure these gems won't serve any purpose sitting in a dark vault and instead should be displayed for public enjoyment.

Cocoa (the crazy puppy who Annie refers to as "my daughter" or "my-baby-sister-that-I-love-so-much" (seriously, ask Annie how many sisters she has and she'll likely tell you, "Two" or perhaps she'll even answer "Three," if she happens to lump Tessa - our other dog - in there. Hmmm. Is that why I've noticed some speculative raised eyebrows cast in my direction lately?) can be a little....rambunctious. Okay, a lot rambunctious. While Cocoa was running and jumping and spinning and slobbering yesterday, Annie testily admonished, "Chill in, Cocoa. Just chill in!"
Can I just say that listening to Annie re-invent that popular phrase brings a slew of other Annie-isms to mind? I am particularly fond of "No Jose Way!"
Skip this one if you don't appreciate potty-humor: Apparently, Annie believes she has a little family living in her bottom. The other day when I asked her if she was finished pooping, she said, "Just the mom and dad came out. The little ones are playing a game inside. They will come out later."
Heading to a track meet, anyone? Listen for Annie to call out, "Ready. Set. Mark. Go!"

Lest you think that Annie alone brings such amusement to our home, I have to share an Emi classic. First, though, let me tell you that Emi tends to be a bit more considerate than Annie before charging ahead with her voice.

Emi was almost 3 the first time she and I went to Carthage, Illinois. (For those of you who may not know, Carthage - population 2725 - is one of the dots on the map that connects places teeming with history of the early days of the LDS church.) I don't really know what I was expecting - maybe something a little more....quaint? Touristy? Charming? Granted, the day was overcast, so maybe that's why Carthage itself appeared so dusty and grey. Of course, nearly empty streets and sidewalks along with overgrown grass and boarded windows on a few houses and buildings did nothing to suggest much brightness existed in the town, anyway. Apparently Emi's impressions were not much fulgent more than mine, since she observed from her car seat, "Carthage is a lot like Walmart!"

What A Wonderful World

2009-05-16T16:35:00.003-05:00

Says it all, doesn't it?

A Riddle, Of Sorts

2009-05-06T16:53:00.011-05:00

Today, it's a riddle. A guess who? kind of riddle.

We didn't know when she was a new baby if she'd be able to pull all of the tissues out a newly-opened box and trail them unceremoniously around the room. Or decide to make her own container of cinnamon sugar (just imagine the carnage that entails!). Or unroll a new roll of toilet paper both at home and at school, while counting to 20 and waiting for the "pee and poops to wake up" (which seems to happen all too frequently in her pull-up or diaper and not enough on the actual porcelain throne.) Or single-handedly squeeze half a bottle of dish soap into a bowl full of water so her pink frog could take a bath. Or imprint her face so artistically with Curious George stamps pressed in mostly washable blue ink. Or, instead of eating them, mash strawberries into the floor. With her bare feet.....

And this is all just since Saturday.

Like I said, we didn't know if she would be able to do any of those things.

I'm glad she can.

I wish she wouldn't!

Any guesses?

And This Is An Improvement!

2009-05-01T20:50:00.019-05:00

Raw emotion. That's what it is. The shouts, the shrieks, the legs and feet kicking wildly, the arms flailing, the fingers balling up into fists, the red face, and the tears rolling. And that's just me! Okay, really it's not me. (On the outside. On the inside, it's another story....) Yes, this is Annie we're talking about. That sweet, little girl whose emotions can change so suddenly, you're not sure what just hit you. (Well, actually you are: that was a kick to the gut!)

Can I be very honest and say that sometimes, it's really hard being a mom? The hard thing in this case is helplessly watching your daughter virtually deconstruct. You know what it's like when your 2- or 3-year old throws a tantrum. There is the stern admonishment to change the behaviour. Now. The threat to walk away (even it's just a few feet.) Strangers might even be gawking (and let's face it, a good many of them probably want to pat your shoulder and reassure you that this too shall pass. Or they want to give you sage advice about what they deem the appropriate response to a child screaming in the parking lot.) And of course, there is also requisite soothing when things seem to be under control again. I think most of us have been there, are still there, or are on our way there.

When it's your toddler or young child, you can expect that kid to eventually outgrow such behaviour. If that kid, in the midst of a tantrum is posing a danger to himself or others, you can remove him to a safer location. But what do you do when that child is 6-and-a-half and the tantrums show no signs of slowing down? She may outgrow such aberrant behavior, or at least learn to reign it in somewhat. But she may not. You have to face that.

Sometimes, when the pin drops or the breeze changes direction (and that seems to be all it takes on occasion) and Annie loses complete control of herself, I cringe as I wonder if she is exploding or imploding. A bit (or a lot) of both, I imagine. If we don't physically restrain her, we might find ourselves bruised, anything on a flat surface swept off, or the walls marked where she's hurled books or toys or phones or anything else that happens to be within arms reach. And as we hold her, we vacillate between our own tempers flaring, angst, and hearts breaking for a little girl who can't figure out another way to express frustration.

Eventually, the angry rush of water slows down until it is a mere trickle. Hair is gently stroked, flushed cheeks are wiped, hiccuping breaths are soothed. Are there magic words that turn that frown upside-down? I think "I love you" and kisses and hugs might be enough for now. I hope that lasts.

Overheard

2009-04-18T20:53:00.005-05:00

This afternoon, Emi was playing with a friend when I overheard this shared confidence:

"You know, some days I don't learn anything new at school (at all!) - because I already know it! I mean, it's just review!"

And she's full of humility, too.

Never Gonna Give You Up, Never Gonna Let You Down....

2009-04-07T08:51:00.005-05:00

You know what I learned a few days ago? I learned what it means to be "Rick Astley-ed or "Rickrolled." I know, I'm what, a good year behind the fad? But it got me to thinking, where can I find out all the stuff I'm missing - you know, the totally random, hip things people-in-the-know know? Well, thanks to our friends at Google, we have no excuse to be at a loss for anything, ever again. Unless your power is out and you're not cool enough to have a laptop. (Or, you could actually have a laptop, but you're using the power cord because there's just not enough juice left to do anything, so the efficacy of Google is lost to you, anyway, and the powered-up world is laughing at you, but you don't know that because the electricity went out so you can't connect to the internet. Or anything else, either.)

Anyway....back to where I was heading before I apparently got lost on the keyboard and my fingers began typing silly stuff about Google and paying your bills in a timely manner. Or something like that. I'll admit it right here: sometimes I just pretend to be in the know and throw about catchy phrases and nod wittingly when small talk is revolving around current mania that I really know nothing about. (Honestly, by the time I'm are versed in whatever it is I have been ignorant of, everyone else is already totally over what I just discovered.)

Are you still with me? Good, because I want to wax poetic about Google and how you can discover the most random things. (I am really spilling my guts here, friends and laying bare just how much I have completely lost any hipness that I used to parade around rather smugly, because at some point in my life, I really felt pretty well-rounded and figured I knew what I was supposed to know - whatever that was.)

Ahem. Back to my confession: as an example of how much Google has helped me, I'll tell you right now that despite the many blogs I peruse and the minutes (hours?) idled away on Facebook (another post altogether!) I am not completely clear about the meanings of all the abbreviations people type these days (I don't twitter, okay?) so where am I going to learn what these acronyms stand for? Why, Google, of course!

Let's take IMAO. You may have known what these letters meant the first time you saw them, but I had seen them countless times before typing them in Google's search box to glean their deep, hidden meaning. I'll let you click the link so you can kind of feel like you were right beside, me, waiting with baited breath as Google worked its magic: IMAO.

Ha-ha. Rickrolled ya!

What is the World Coming to? Or, Maybe I Need to Get More Sleep

2009-03-31T03:53:00.005-05:00

Nobody in this house has time to post anything lately unless it's like 4 am, but this really sucks and demanded my attention. Not joking. I was just thinking to myself yesterday, I need to go buy another bag of pistachios.

In other news items, I seriously thought I was reading The Onion when I saw this Obama speech excerpt today.

This news was disappointing in a couple of ways.

And, I've been experimenting in the kitchen.

Well, by now, I don't really see the point of going to bed. I guess I'll just finish working so I can enjoy my day off Tuesday.

Another year, Another IEP

2009-03-27T09:54:00.005-05:00

Springtime, for us, means more than just baby lambs and chicks bumbling along, brave crocuses daring the harsh dip of the thermometer to temper their cheer, and leaf tiny buds promising shade from the hot summer sun to come. Springtime means we once again get to meet with Annie's team (teachers, therapists, school officials, etc.) to evaluate the past year and plan for a successful 12 months to come. It's the annual IEP* meeting. Now that Annie is nearing the end of her kindergarten year, we have had 4 annual IEP meetings - yes, 4. That's how long my six-and-half-year old has been in the public school system: 3 years of preschool and now kindergarten.

This is not a post about IEPs, really. Nor is it my intention to go into detail about our meeting. Actually, I just wanted to say that we really had a good meeting this past Tuesday. IEPs are occasionally entered into with trepidation (referring to Ryan and me - I can't speak for Annie's team, but I suspect there may be similar emotions); sometimes feelings are hurt, spines are brindled, miscommunication can occur. Six or seven adults speaking on behalf of one kid can lead to some interesting outcomes, but I think we all left Tuesday evening feeling pretty good about our plan for this next year.

When Ryan and I received our invitation into the world of special needs (when Annie was 11 days old and we learned that she has 9p-minus) we had no idea what we were in for. It's been a learning process each and every step of our adventure. And not just for us - for everyone who works with Annie. We all pick things up along the way. We all drop things along the way, too. (That's just life, isn't it?) I look at my little girl and I can see many obstacles ahead of her, but if I turn around, I also see many hurdles she's knocked down. And credit for what she's overcome has to be shared with everyone who's on this ride with her - so I guess I just started this post today with the intention of saying "Thanks" to everyone who has held Annie's hand along the way - or even just reached out to her. I'll say it again. Thanks!

*Individualized Education Plan

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh/ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh...

2009-03-19T12:39:00.009-05:00

Spring has sprung! Okay, it actually springs tomorrow, but my daffodils have crept out of the dark earth to pay homage to fresh breezes that rustle newly unfurled leaves, birds that twitter in a sing-song way, and tiny blades of bright green grass that bravely push brittle, dry, brown stalks aside.

Maybe this annual cacophony, bidding farewell to Old-Man Winter, is what has alighted my mind with music full of energy and FUN. This Baltimoria song, in particular, has been playing between my ears and making me smile, as if I alone know a delightful secret.

The secret? Why, it's the most most powerful law in the universe. Without exception, every human being has the ability to transform any weakness or suffering into strength, power, perfect peace, health, and abundance......Oh wait, that's Rhonda Byrne's secret.

All right, I admit it: I have no secret. Just a happy smile when I hear fun songs that bring back memories of good times.

It's D-E-D!

2009-03-13T15:25:00.003-05:00

We have one of those silly, little plastic cell-phones - you know, the kind that makes clicking, beeping, screeching-ish sounds. It's the kind of phone where you just hope for the batteries to wear out soon. Like yesterday! And guess what? Yesterday, those batteries gave all they could and then the juice was gone. Yesss!!

Well, Annie wasn't very thrilled about a blue plastic phone (sporting pictures of Cinderella along with her voice, "How nice of you to call....") that didn't actually chirp and trill and drive the rest of us batty. She asked me to please fix the Cinderella phone and I told her that I didn't think I could, because I was certain we didn't have any replacement batteries that were the right size. A perplexed look flitted across her face before her upset expression took over. "Just fix it!" she demanded. I said (with a smile in my heart, if not on my face), "Annie, I can't. The batteries are dead." She looked aghast and said in a horrified voice, "Oh no! We killed them?!"

Here's the rest of the story: when I dumped the batteries out in my attempt to show Annie that they were, indeed, dead, she insisted I put them back in. So I did. What could it hurt, after all? Only my sanity, apparently. I guess a good 'ole jostling around was all a those power cells needed.Yes, my friends, the phone works again....

Are You Smarter Than A Third-Grader?

2009-03-02T20:42:00.009-06:00

It's so glaringly obvious to a 9-year-old! Honestly, do kids at this magic age pay any attention whatsoever to real-estate or market demand, the subsequent downfall and whatever else has hindered our nation so terribly as of late? I think it's safe to assume that generally, kids this age don't give much contemplation to a world that extends much beyond their own backyards, their computers and Poptropica, and their best friends. But see, 9-year-olds don't have to concern themselves with the foibles of Wall Street, the dire reports from the Fed or the blame-game being played in the land of Real Estate. 9-year-olds have superior common sense!

Emi is reading Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls: Moving Day, which apparently prompted her thoughts about real-estate and economics:

Before people build more houses, they should make sure there are people who are going to move into those houses, so that they don't just have houses that nobody will live in.
When houses are being built, they should recycle everything out of the old houses first and use whatever they can from the old houses in the new houses and tear them (the old - circa 1975? - houses) down so there aren't just houses with no one to buy them.
People should just buy what they really need and not use all their money to get stuff they don't really need so they won't run out of money.

Third-graders could have kept us out of our current economic mess. Maybe if we listen to them, they can get us out of it, too!

When Did KCMO Receive Country Designation?

2009-02-24T09:38:00.006-06:00

And why not KCK,* I ask you? I suppose I should be asking Annie that question. Yes, this another one of those my-kid-said-the-cutest-thing posts.

It was Annie's turn to say family prayer this morning. Sometimes, she rattles along all by herself and gives a great (albeit only partly understandable prayer.) Other times, she asks for help. Well, she says, "I need help," but I think she really means, "Hey, give me some suggestions and I'll see what I can do with them."

During her prayer, I was proposing some things we are thankful for, things like each member of our family, our home, Daddy's job, our country.... Annie ran with that one! She intoned, "We are thankful for our country: Kansas City, Missouri."

What?!!

*KCMO refers to Kansas City, Missouri - the place most people actually think of when they think of Kansas City - that is, if they even think of it at all. KCK (where we live) is Kansas City, Kansas - you know, the part of the city that rests on the west side of the Kansas/Missouri state line. Yeah, I think there is sometimes a little rivalry between these two parts of the metro.

It's Just My Imagination Running Away With Me

2009-02-19T18:59:00.006-06:00

It's been awhile since I've posted. You've probably been wondering, Where is that girl? Did she steal away with her husband on a romantic getaway? (I hear Barbados with its incredible beaches is lovely this time of year.) Or did she grab her skis and snow goggles so she could swish and swoosh down powdery white slopes in Aspen and Vail, rubbing elbows with (or knocking down!) Jennifer Aniston, maybe lunching with Heidi and Seal? Then again, maybe she jumped on a plane with the hubby and kids and landed in sunny Southern California, home to Mickey, Knott's Berry Farm and Hollywood. Of course, a jaunt with one's girlfriends is all the rage right now and there are spectacular things to do in New York City - Broadway shows, Central park, David Letterman, inhaling the magic of 5th Avenue.... Wow. Wherever she's been, whatever she's experienced, I bet she's been having the time of her life!

Yes, well, don't let your fantasizing stop running free on my account. Just keep this in mind: if I was escaping (from what, I can't imagine!) with my best girlfriends, you'd certainly be in that party!

New Year, New Detention

2009-02-06T16:17:00.005-06:00

It's been a couple of months since the last detention - I'm talking about Annie, but you knew that already, right? Can you believe this little girl would ball her fingers into a fist and let it fly in another kindergartner's face?

Well, believe it!

Certain Things Are Likely

2009-02-02T20:59:00.000-06:00

Another nice, pleasant Monday evening. Serenity reigns here. Okay, the truth is, it would be better if serenity would rain here. Nothing says Family Home Evening like weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth! For some reason, it reminds me of a song. Maybe it's because certain things are likely when everyone is oh-so-happy. Or it could be because I wouldn't mind being hypnotized into believing I am on a nice, white, sandy beach somewhere.

Sorry that the video is a little long - so was the evening with 2 very-moody girls! (I actually couldn't find a shorter clip.)

Seinfeld

2009-01-31T13:44:00.002-06:00

Today is a post about....nothing. I guess that since it's been about a week since I've put anything up, I should add something new. And if there happened to be anything significant to tell you, I would share - trust me. As is, I feel like I am just blathering. Ah, if only I had George here to make something of nothing...

The Block Family Is Explanding!

2009-01-24T18:01:00.004-06:00

You know what that means, don't you? Yes, we are adding to our household. Of course, it's a little bit of a surprise, but Ryan is thrilled, the girls seem excited, and I really am okay with it all. But then, looking at this face, how could I not be!

What Would You Say?

2009-01-22T00:13:00.021-06:00

You know, I'm really not that bad of a guy, but I have plenty of days when I just can't seem to fire on all cylinders. Actually, that's most days. I can be a skoshi demanding and don't always express myself in the most artful manner. I know Allison loves me because she's put up with me for almost twelve years now. But, unfortunately for Allison, that means she has to put up with a lot.

Those of you who know me could probably come up with a few words to describe me, remembering off days are really the norm. Here's my crack at a list:

irascible
peevish
petulant
grumpy
cranky
moody
unstable (perhaps)
[Insert (in)appropriate three-to-four letter words and derivative combinations here]

But this post really isn't supposed to be about me.

I really want to express to Allison how incredible I really think she is. I'm not sure how to do that, because my words are hard enough for her to take sometimes. And then, when you throw in the idea that actions speak louder than words, well, I don't always end up with a Happygram at the end of the day.

So, I'll get working harder on my end, but I'd like to open this up to you, our vast throng of readers, (which apparently has increased considerably concomitant with Allison's Facebook addiction), but I digress - I'd like to open up the comments of this post for everyone to offer up one or many qualities you admire about Allison or a happy experience with Allison, recent or long ago.

I'll be giving this some additional thought myself and will comment or post a follow-up later on.

SimpleThreads

2009-01-20T18:18:00.006-06:00

I went visiting teaching yesterday. For those of you who may not be familiar with that term, I'll explain: in our church, we have have several auxiliary organizations, and within the one for women (the Relief Society, which happens to be the largest women's auxiliary in the world) we have a program called visiting teaching. In this, women are paired up and assigned usually 3 or 4 other women to visit or keep in touch with. Yes, we are rather randomly tagged, and these assignments change (sometimes completely - new partner, new list - sometimes gradually- maybe just a new partner, or maybe one new person on my list) generally over the period of a year or so.

I like this - the visiting teaching program, being welcomed into other women's homes, inviting them into mine - because otherwise, I might simply cross paths with these women and exchange nothing more than a nod or a smile. Instead, my life is enriched by friends who share with me a rainbow of life experiences. The juxtaposition of relationships forged through visiting teaching is what one makes of it, and I hope to make each interaction with each unique woman count for something.

The weaving of a tapestry seems to be the analogy of choice used to describe how visiting teaching can strengthen those of us who participate in it. I am a single strand. Alone, I am strong and vibrant and useful - indispensable - for many things. But woven in a tapestry with other threads of different colors and thicknesses and textures, I become a part of something I cannot be on my own. My strength is multiplied, and where I am weak or faded, I am bolstered by the continuous fibres that are my friends. I am a part of something that is beautiful and strong and enduring.

And that is wonderful.

Accidentally Proud

2009-01-19T20:42:00.008-06:00

I've never really had much to say about Martin Luther King Jr. aside from a paper I wrote in 10th grade. I also can't say I voted for Barack Obama (though I did see his motorcade in Chicago a few weeks back). But I still can't help but feel a little proud of the 1-2 punch this year of MLK Jr. Day to be followed up the next day by Obama's inauguration.

I know, complicated issues in play here. Plenty more can be said and trust me, I'll be the first to complain when my promised government cow arrives late in the mail. But for today and tomorrow, I really am proud. I didn't mean to be. I just am.

Click the photo above for an interesting snippet of a 1964 BBC interview with MLK Jr.

Imagination Station

2009-01-19T09:27:00.005-06:00

I am listening to Annie play. Her imagination has just bloomed over the past year or so. She often plays with her "kids" or "preschool friends" (all imaginary, of course. I am wondering when her preschool friends will morph into kindergartners.)

Anyway, I just heard Annie exclaim to her friends, "Uh-oh. I hear a police-car coming to get my dad!" She ran over to the "house" and found her dad. (Don't worry, he's not Ryan - okay, that can be taken the wrong way. Let's just say I can't actually see this dad.) "Dad! Dad! Why did you just tease me when I was talking to you? Gotta go! Bye!" I'm not sure if Dad got hauled away or not, because suddenly Annie was at school chatting with her vice-principal (those two are very chummy!) and and planning Annie's move to....Mars? Alaska? 3 blocks away?

This type of play and the conversations that go with it can go on indefinitely. So I will be chuckling all day, except for when I have to admonish Annie, who will in turn tell me that it's not her, but one of her kids, saying "dammit!" and "shut-up" and then I will have to send both of them to Annie's room (after I put my head in my hands and close my eyes for a moment's reprieve. I know where Annie learned dammit *sigh* and I think I can thank the non-imaginary friends - and adored older sister - for words like shut-up and stupid and dummy. Can I just say that as fun as it is, parenting can be hard work, (over-) exposing us - as parents - to our many shortcomings and frailties?)

I will, not for the first time (and certainly not for the last time, either), explain to Annie that she is the one in charge of the things her kids say. She will insist that she is not. I will insist that she is, and that little conversation will continue until one of us (me, most likely) shakes her head in frustration and gives up. And then Annie will go back to her happy la-la-land and continue her day of play. And I will be thankful that despite the, um, inappropriate vocabulary choices and little squabbles that pop up, we are having good times.

Say That Again?

2009-01-13T22:00:00.002-06:00

Annie has picked up a little Spanish (from school?). Well, one word. But she uses it ALOT. Agua. I can picture it now: little kindergartners panting beside the drinking fountain, "Must...have...agua!" Okay, I have no idea how Annie learned this word, but learn it she did! Needless to say, Annie is quite proud of herself and today, after she once again pronounced "agua" (in no particular context - she simply said the word) she declared, "I can speak Chinese now!"

Mystery of the Sparking Broccoli

2009-01-11T13:12:00.000-06:00

I learned something interesting the other day: broccoli sparks. Well, I actually discovered this several weeks ago, but I figured I must have somehow gotten microscopic flecks of metal into the plastic bowl along with some frozen broccoli.

This past week, I decided to nuke some broccoli and voila! Loud noises and sparks danced inside my microwave. My NEW microwave! Thinking that since this had happened before and there might be something wrong with my shiny toy, I decided I'd better confer immediately with my good friend, the Internet. Guess what my confidant told me? There were quite a few threads, including a news story, and they all seemed to reach the same conclusion:

Dense vegetables can have higher amounts of minerals than some other foods and those minerals can act as arcs and cause sparks in the microwave.
Sometimes, vegetables grown in very mineral-rich soil have high enough amounts of those minerals to cause sparking.
Foods with a high saltwater content may also be conducive to sparks

Fortunately, no fires have been reported due to this phenomenon. But it is suggested you stop cooking the offending food in the microwave and use a different method instead. But I have to wonder why this has never happened to me before? To perform a little test, I actually put my broccoli last night in the old microwave, which happened to still be on the kitchen floor (if you've seen my kitchen, you know better than to ask) and nothing alarming happened. But I remember that my broccoli always had little blackened spots on after I'd heat it up in that microwave. My guess is that my new microwave is just more powerful than any I've had in the past. Yeah, that's me. The powerful microwave girl....I've just got to watch out for sparking veggies.!

A Nice Brainwash!

2009-01-10T13:55:00.003-06:00

I just get a kick when I am listening to some of my favorite 80's music and Emi starts singing along. Do you know what this means? Brainwashing works!

I Am....

2009-01-08T15:39:00.003-06:00

I guess Cryptic Jennifer decided I need to update my blog a little more regularly. Or maybe she just sensed that my creative blogging brain is not so demiurgic these days. You know how tagging goes, so while you are musing over my thoughtful answers, you might want to consider what you are, because you may be "it" next.

I am: lively, tired, happy, sad, funny, silly, cheerful, cranky, right, wrong, hungry, full, brave, scared, certain, questioning, prepared, vulnerable, capable, raw, faithful, fickle, scrupulous, petty.... many things that I hope make me real.
I think: people are inherently good.
I know: that I don't know everything, but I hope I know enough.
I want: my daughters to love the life that is theirs to forge.
I dislike: too many miles separating me from friends and family.
I miss: winding trails that climb upwards, cool breezes on summer evenings and, on occasion, a real snowstorm.
I fear: what can hurt me.
I feel: blithe
I hear: a rooster at various times of the day. Even in winter.
I smell: incense and if I close my eyes, I can be at almost any shrine in Japan.
I cry: inside, and sometimes with real tears, when I see my girls trying not to (and sometimes with them when they do.)
I usually: bake something chocolatey, gooey and rich when I feel mounting disquietude.
I search: my cupboards for chocolate when I am happy, when I am sad, when I am stressed, when I am bored.....
I wonder: if I would actually want all the things I do, if I could, in fact, have them.
I regret: allowing friendships to float away, instead of casting a line.
I love: a boy from Kansas, a little girl from Utah, and an alien from....?.
I care: about how the world outside my door will affect the world I am creating inside the walls that mark my home.
I always: check the garage door (the one to the driveway, not the one to the house) to make sure it is closed before I go to bed.
I worry: about Annie understanding that she is different and thinking that because she is incommensurable, she's somehow not "right."
I am not: the girl I used to be. I hope I am more.
I remember: things I would rather forget. Ad I forget things I want to remember.
I believe: I can fly....I believe I can touch the sky....I think about it every night and day....(That's for you, Emi!)
I dance: with Danny Kaye - that's when the best thi ngs happen, don't you know....
I sing: as if I am Rosemary Clooney.
I don't always: say the right thing. And sometimes that bothers me. But sometimes, it doesn't.
I argue: when I think it's better to say my piece than bite my tongue any longer.
I write: what I really feel.
I win: watermelon-eating contests, at least in my house!
I lose: my determination to maintain an orderly house pretty quickly, I'm afraid.
I wish: Angie had become Miss America - I really wanted to watch Trisha jump up on stage so those two could perform Irving Berlin's "Sisters" song and dance number. (And that is a complete post in itself.)
I listen: with one ear, but not always two.
I don't understand: how some things that happen could possibly be good for me, yet I know they are.
I can usually be found: curled up with a good book.
I am afraid: that I neglect to appreciate what I have and how my blessings affect who I am.
I need: Chocolate. Smooth, dark, decadent chocolate. Every day.
I forget: many things - names, where my glasses are, that I've already told Ryan the same story 2 times....
I am happy: being me.

And so I am.Now, I tag Adrienne, Ryan and Julie. (Yes, you, Julie Bassett.) And one more (even though I don't have to) - Trish, if you decide to get your blog rolling again.

She Must Like Me!

2009-01-07T11:48:00.002-06:00

The tooth fairy visited Annie for the first time ever about a week-and-a-half ago! It was terribly exciting, as Annie (and the rest of us) have been waiting patiently (and then not-so-patiently) since last February for at least one of her wiggly bottom teeth to fall out.

Annie turned into a little shark when her two bottom adult teeth erupted over a year ago. At about that time, our family dentist said, "Don't worry, the two bottom baby teeth will fall out and then her new teeth (which are rather out of line with the rest of her bottom teeth) will be pushed forward by her tongue. But why don't you go to the dental clinic at Children's Mercy Hospital just to see what they say."

Last February, the resident dentist at Children's Mercy took x-rays and said, "Oh yes, the roots of her two bottom baby teeth are starting to disintegrate. They should fall out in a few months. But come back in August if they are still there and we'll pull them out."

Fast-forward to May: at Annie's next semi-annual check-up, our dentist felt confident we wouldn't be seeing the pediatric dentist again in August. Throughout the summer, Annie's two bottom teeth were getting looser and looser. By the time August rolled around , I figured it was probably just a matter of weeks before at least one of those little pearls found its way out of Annie's mouth.

We bid summer farewell with those two stubborn little teeth still intact! I figured we were close enough to Annie's next regular dental appointment, and those teeth would surely be out by then anyway, so I decided not to call the pediatric dental clinic. At the end of November, we again visited our family dentist. She peered into Annie's mouth and said, "Let me give you the name of a pediatric periodontist." Being the wonderful dentist that she is, Dr. Hung actually called her colleague and discussed Annie's stubborn teeth and they decided Dr. Hung should just go ahead and grab a pair of pliers and YANK!

Okay, it didn't really happen quite like that. We scheduled another appointment for Annie (at the end of December) and she got numbed up and had a great big needle poke her lower gum (um, that was fun. Not!) and then the pliers came out and Dr. Hung went YANK!!!

But here's the good part: Lots of teeth for the Tooth Fairy mean lots of money, right? When Annie (after a little cajoling) decided to see if the Tooth Fairy had stopped by, she was thrilled with all the jingly gold coins clinking against each other in the little organza pouch left behind by the beneficent fairy. In fact, Annie jangled her money and exclaimed about the Tooth Fairy, "She must like me!"

May 13, 2008

2009-01-05T22:09:00.003-06:00

I kind of consider 2008 a lost year for me personally, but thinking back, we had some really good times. For example, the evening of May 13, 2008 was a great night for Allison and me.

So the audio and video suck, but it's all still there in my memory.

Around the Block

Yes, Fudge!

It Really Isn't So Bad, After All...

Oops!

We're Glad It's Your Birthday, Dear Emi....

Come on Eileen....It's Your Birthday!

I Can Stop Any Time I Want.....

Coming Soon.....

Happy Mother's Day!

Here's What I learned from Poison Control

*BIG SIGH*

0 to 40 in 4.5!

Oh, For The Love Of Pete!!

To The Max!

If They Don't Know, Can They Be Held Responsible?

What's the Kanji for Orthography?

The Importance Of Being Annie

Do You Ever Wonder What Became of Them?

We'll Be Missing You

I Think Chris Martin Puts It Better....

What Are You Doing New year's Eve?

"The Long-Promised Day" from Keepa

!

And There Were.... Shepherds Abiding In The Field....

Inspired By The Beatles?

Who Doesn't Love Craigslist?

Thanks For All The Joy They're Bringin'

If I listen Carefully, Maybe I can Hear

Oma-yee-haw!

It's Vintage!

Which One Are You?

SomeThings You Might Not Know

About That MRI...

Police Beat

Another Sixer...

Put Down Those Scissors!

Today Is Friday, Right?

Is This Cheating?

Again???

And For The Dog....

I'm Falling Behind...!

All Creatures Great And Small

Remember Again.

Evanescence

To Sleep On The Sabbath

Date Night!

And For The Birthday Girl....!

Sometimes, Yeast Doesn't Make Dough Raise

And Three More On Four!

Now, for Day Three....

On the 2nd Day of Gratitude.....

Attitude of Gratitude 2009

Do You Ever Get Tired Of The Universe?

It Tastes Like....Arkansas?

When A Fish Is Named Salmon

Super Novas

Then There WasThe Time I Went To The Hunting & Fishing Museum By Mistake....

Dachau

I'm the Queen of the Castle!

Prepare For the Updates!

Rules We Live By

Pop! Goes My Heart

Lipstick Jungle

And Here's How It's Going For The Girls....

When Germany Isn't Fun

It's A Whole New World

Things Not To Do On Vacation

Having a Great Time!

Midnight In Munich

Kansas City, Kansas to Munich, Germany via Nibley, Utah

Happy Father's Day!

I Left My Bird in San Francisco?

Pandora

Just Chill...IN!

What A Wonderful World

A Riddle, Of Sorts

And This Is An Improvement!

Overheard

Never Gonna Give You Up, Never Gonna Let You Down....

What is the World Coming to? Or, Maybe I Need to Get More Sleep

BIG SIGH