Today I am thankful for so much, but the concept that is framing life right now is perspective.
Yesterday our hot water heater broke. Because our hot water heater broke, though, we went to a neighbor for hot baths and sat down and spent time and conversation with them. Paul got to play on their piano and I realized that he might just have piano lessons in his future. Claire got to read a story about Dora the Explorer to the elderly man. Because our hot water heater broke, Adam and I consulted several friends and had conversations with some we haven't in a while. Because our hot water heater is broken, tomorrow won't be a day of running around but staying at home and helping Adam replace the darn thing.
Last night the kids and I went to church to help serve dinner (and provide crazy entertainment) to homeless women spending the night at our church. I was exhausted after a long day working, helping Claire with homework, and doing crisis management with Adam on the hot water heater, but I wanted to make sure we didn't miss this opportunity. It was like having a family reunion. "Look how much those kids have grown! How are they doing in school?" I didn't garner any new perspectives there other than one lady remembered that a year ago I referred to her as a piece of furniture and she still considers it a compliment. (Furniture as in comfortable to be with and always around. I'm a piece of furniture, too, for the record.)
Then we went and looked at Christmas lights on the church bus. Rev. Nancy had already organized a field trip for the senior adults to do that, but I think we had more homeless ladies on the bus than seniors. One of our guests was driving everyone nuts. She was singing Christmas carols off key at the top of her lungs, rolling down the window and shouting Merry Christmas to strangers, and acting as a tour guide for every Christmas light we passed. "Hey everyone, hey hey, look to your right! Oooooh!" "Hey now, look to your left, your left, your left!!!!!!" I didn't mind it so much because I, too, get excited about Christmas lights, but by the end of our field trip, my enthusiasm was wearing thin. Then the lady said, "I am so glad we did this. I haven't been able to do this since I was a little kid." Boom. There was the perspective. No wonder she was acting just like a little kid. She also thanked me for bringing my children because they reminded her of her son, who died a few years ago.
So today I am thankful for perspective and the moments in life that give it to me.
Here's a place where Sarah writes what's on her heart and mind for whomever will read it. Sometimes it's hilarious, sometimes it's little pieces of life that I'm grateful for. Enjoy!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Seasons of Thanksgiving
Since November started, I have been posting one item on Facebook a day that I'm thankful for. This in turn has lead me to be more thankful. I already practice gratitude but now I find myself being even more thankful for every single tiny thing in life. I try not to take anything for granted.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Central heating and air
Fall weather has arrived, and with it, warm afternoons and cool nights. We are so fortunate here to be able to change the weather inside our house with a flip of a switch. Air conditioner off, heater on. Oh, it's a warmer day. Heater off, AC on.
2. Multiple pairs of comfortable pajamas
Some people only have the clothes they wear on their backs. I have an assortment to choose from for day or night.
3. Variety in grocery shopping
I did all my shopping on Sunday. First Trader Joes, for items available only there. Then Costco for my bulk items, then Aldi for generic groceries, then Wal-Mart for price matched groceries. Do you know some people have to do all their shopping in one place? Not me. I travel the city to get the best deals by ounce.
4. Alarm clocks
When I'm distracted (ahem) and haven't gone in to wake up the chillens and Adam, their alarm clocks start the job for me.
5. Stuff
The clutter around the house is both a blessing and an albatross. We've got stuff. But, we've got stuff! We've got multiple blankets on each bed, books in every corner, newspapers, food, toys galore. We've got stuff!
6. My laptop
Today I'll be doing some work from home (after my other job). Tomorrow I'll be doing work at church. Do I need to transfer files or change gears? No! I take my laptop and work with me! It's nice to have a portable computer and a portable job.
7. Opportunities to serve
Some people have hidden talents that are waiting to be used. Not me. I am blessed with knowing what I am good at and being able to find places to use it. Nearly every where I go I am able to help others. It's nice to be able to help in multiple situations. I've even found places for my leftovers! I've discovered that some people at church will eat anything I cook!
8. A break
This weekend Adam took the kids camping and I was left by myself. It was a glorious time. I went shopping. I read an entire book. I watched a movie. I crocheted. But by the end, I was ready for them to come home.
9. Election excitement
The kids both voted at their schools, and when it was election night, Adam turned on the TV to watch the vote tallies coming in. Both Claire and Paul were asking all sorts of questions about who was winning and what those colors meant. It was educational and fun!
10. Security
I do not live my life in fear. I don't worry about bombs destroying my house or my children being injured at school. Terrorism is a far-off word and world for me. For all those who make this country, state, city, and neighborhood safe for my family, I am grateful.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Thankful things
Today I am thankful for:
1. Not one but two jobs I look forward to going to!
In this economy, when many are unemployed and looking for any job they can get, I am so extremely blessed to have two jobs that I love. Doing church work doesn't feel like work to me, and reading with groups of five kids is a blast. The students don't even get disappointed that they miss recess to be with me.
2. Clouds
This morning, a wise sage named Paul Boyette said to me, "I want to take a break with you." He wanted to sit on the curb in front of a neighbor's house and watch clouds. We did, for nearly 10 minutes. It was barely 8 a.m., so the sun was still making its way up the horizon and we were able to watch several types of clouds dart in and out of the sunlight in changing directions.
3. Sharing love with neighbors
We've got our Little Free Library up and running. I was so very, very, very excited about this project that I was setting myself up for a little disappointment. (You mean that all the neighbors won't stop what they are doing right now to come get a book from us?) However, we've had several customers and it's a good thing. Another neighborly thing we're doing is "boo-ing" people. You pack a pumpkin or bag with treats and secretly deliver it to your neighbor. Along with the treats is a sign for them to hang up on their door as well as more signs for them to share with other neighbors. By Halloween, our entire street should be "booed." It's a great activity for the kids, although they are terrible at being sneaky.
4. Time at home
Since I've picked up my second job, it seems as if we are rushing more than ever. Tonight we don't have football practice, PTA meetings, or any other obligations, so the kids and I will be enjoying time at home together. We might just bake cookies.
5. Seeing the world through a child's eyes
Claire came home this week and very seriously asked me if double-dipping chips was against the law. A friend told her that a retired policeman told her that. After I stopped laughing, I explained that we don't have laws like that.
6. Administration that listens
Adam and I had an issue at Claire's school this week, so we went to the office to discuss it in person. Within five minutes of walking through the door we were listened to and the problem resolved. We are grateful.
7. The end of football
Paul hates football. He likes his teammates and coaches, and Adam and I can tell this is an excellent program. He just doesn't like being that rough. So this week is homecoming, and the season is drawing to a close. I'm so grateful, because this rushing to practice twice a week is killing us!
8. A place for our things
I cleaned out the coat closet and the next week we had a church coat drive for the homeless. We cleaned out Claire's closet and found a friend who could wear her clothes immediately. It makes me feel so happy to give our things to help others. So good that it makes me want to clean out the house.
9. A home for our leftovers
I love cooking and do it daily. Unfortunately, when I think a meal is fabulous, my family doesn't always concur. I discovered that I could bring my leftovers to the church and serve it to the staff and they would appreciate it. I even got a thank you note for my beans! I would much rather share my leftovers than to put them in the giant deep freeze for who knows how long.
10. Halloween excitement
With boo-ing our neighbors, promoting the church's trunk or treat event, and getting our costumes ready, the entire Boyette family is getting excited about Halloween. Yesterday Adam ironed his work clothes while wearing his Spiderman costume. It was both awesome and really disturbing.
1. Not one but two jobs I look forward to going to!
In this economy, when many are unemployed and looking for any job they can get, I am so extremely blessed to have two jobs that I love. Doing church work doesn't feel like work to me, and reading with groups of five kids is a blast. The students don't even get disappointed that they miss recess to be with me.
2. Clouds
This morning, a wise sage named Paul Boyette said to me, "I want to take a break with you." He wanted to sit on the curb in front of a neighbor's house and watch clouds. We did, for nearly 10 minutes. It was barely 8 a.m., so the sun was still making its way up the horizon and we were able to watch several types of clouds dart in and out of the sunlight in changing directions.
3. Sharing love with neighbors
We've got our Little Free Library up and running. I was so very, very, very excited about this project that I was setting myself up for a little disappointment. (You mean that all the neighbors won't stop what they are doing right now to come get a book from us?) However, we've had several customers and it's a good thing. Another neighborly thing we're doing is "boo-ing" people. You pack a pumpkin or bag with treats and secretly deliver it to your neighbor. Along with the treats is a sign for them to hang up on their door as well as more signs for them to share with other neighbors. By Halloween, our entire street should be "booed." It's a great activity for the kids, although they are terrible at being sneaky.
4. Time at home
Since I've picked up my second job, it seems as if we are rushing more than ever. Tonight we don't have football practice, PTA meetings, or any other obligations, so the kids and I will be enjoying time at home together. We might just bake cookies.
5. Seeing the world through a child's eyes
Claire came home this week and very seriously asked me if double-dipping chips was against the law. A friend told her that a retired policeman told her that. After I stopped laughing, I explained that we don't have laws like that.
6. Administration that listens
Adam and I had an issue at Claire's school this week, so we went to the office to discuss it in person. Within five minutes of walking through the door we were listened to and the problem resolved. We are grateful.
7. The end of football
Paul hates football. He likes his teammates and coaches, and Adam and I can tell this is an excellent program. He just doesn't like being that rough. So this week is homecoming, and the season is drawing to a close. I'm so grateful, because this rushing to practice twice a week is killing us!
8. A place for our things
I cleaned out the coat closet and the next week we had a church coat drive for the homeless. We cleaned out Claire's closet and found a friend who could wear her clothes immediately. It makes me feel so happy to give our things to help others. So good that it makes me want to clean out the house.
9. A home for our leftovers
I love cooking and do it daily. Unfortunately, when I think a meal is fabulous, my family doesn't always concur. I discovered that I could bring my leftovers to the church and serve it to the staff and they would appreciate it. I even got a thank you note for my beans! I would much rather share my leftovers than to put them in the giant deep freeze for who knows how long.
10. Halloween excitement
With boo-ing our neighbors, promoting the church's trunk or treat event, and getting our costumes ready, the entire Boyette family is getting excited about Halloween. Yesterday Adam ironed his work clothes while wearing his Spiderman costume. It was both awesome and really disturbing.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Thankful Things
Today I am thankful for:
1. A new job
Yesterday was my first day at Western Hills Elementary School. I didn't tutor any kids yesterday; I worked with one of the assistant principals on identifying the children that need tutoring. I can tell I will like this job, though. Twice a week I will tutor second graders on reading. I have the freedom to invent my own lessons without the constraints of a scripted curriculum. I am so excited about this job! I get to keep my job at the church as well as keep Paul out of day care. We'll both have Fridays off. I'll get to be a teacher but without the grading, staff meetings, and many other parts that make teaching more than a full-time job.
2. Our Little Free Library
I would like to publicly thank Adam for all the hours he worked on creating our Little Free Library. It was a family project, but he really did all the hard work. The kids helped him paint it and swung hammers a couple of times, but Adam was the construction crew. He dug a giant 2' deep hole through dirt and rock. He mixed and poured concrete for the post. He hammered, nailed, sawed, sanded, painted, and many other construction verbs that I don't even know. We have shingles! We have a Plexiglas door! We have awesomeness.
3. My Husband
Did I mention that he built a Little Free Library? Did I mention that he did this during his precious few moments of free time? Did I mention that he is awesome?
4. Preschool
Since I work at the church, Paul attends preschool tuition-free. When I struggled with decisions on how to make more money and searching for a new job, I worried that Paul would have to enter daycare and a new situation. Luckily, my new job lets me set my own hours. I just switched Paul from two days a week to four. He transitioned easily into a new room. He's in a loving environment where everyone knows him. I believe that builds his confidence. I am grateful that I didn't have to look elsewhere and start a whole new program.
5. Claire's school
Claire loves attending Bruce Shulkey Elementary. She has an excellent teacher. As a former (and partially returning) teacher myself, I can recognize the quality of her school. Every teacher treats every child with respect. The entire school is a calm and loving environment. Claire feels loved and appreciated just like at home. She is learning not just book knowledge, but is exposed to many different cultures from around the world. We are blessed.
6. Friends
All of us are blessed with fabulous friends. The first week of kindergarten, Claire came home with two best friends and they are still best friends today. I couldn't have picked better girls for her to buddy up with. They are smart and sweet. Paul has several buddies at preschool that he talks about all the time. He doesn't even know a child who is rude or disrespectful. The kids he favors are the kids I favor myself. I love that our children have the gift of picking good friends. As for Adam and I, we are also blessed. Last weekend we stopped by our long-time friends Matt and Stacy's house to drop off something and ended up staying all day. It was so nice just to sit and talk and catch up. We get so busy in our day to day routines that sometimes I forget how blessed we are with friendships.
7. Chore charts
I am intentional about not chasing the kids around the house, hounding them on what they have left to do. Instead, I get to chase them around the house (not really) and remind them to check on their chore charts. They get to own their own routines and I get to focus on mine.
8. Books that expand my horizons
Last week I finished reading Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerrman. This book was about a middle-class white woman, who, due to some bad choices of friends after college, ended up spending a year in federal prison. It wasn't a happy book, but it was very interesting and informative.
9. Fall weather
We've had some cooler weather this week. I love the change of seasons because it always feel like a fresh start to me. I always feel full of hope and promise during seasonal changes, whether it's fall or spring.
10. Trader Joe's
I have finally figured out what to buy at Trader Joe's and I love it! Cookie dough butter, fresh bread, simmer sauces, coffee, pizza crust, and wine. Some of their prices can't be beat, even with coupons and Wal-Mart price-matching. I love the smallness and compactness of the store and the friendly and helpful staff. I also love the strong paper grocery sacks. I love Trader Joe's!
1. A new job
Yesterday was my first day at Western Hills Elementary School. I didn't tutor any kids yesterday; I worked with one of the assistant principals on identifying the children that need tutoring. I can tell I will like this job, though. Twice a week I will tutor second graders on reading. I have the freedom to invent my own lessons without the constraints of a scripted curriculum. I am so excited about this job! I get to keep my job at the church as well as keep Paul out of day care. We'll both have Fridays off. I'll get to be a teacher but without the grading, staff meetings, and many other parts that make teaching more than a full-time job.
2. Our Little Free Library
I would like to publicly thank Adam for all the hours he worked on creating our Little Free Library. It was a family project, but he really did all the hard work. The kids helped him paint it and swung hammers a couple of times, but Adam was the construction crew. He dug a giant 2' deep hole through dirt and rock. He mixed and poured concrete for the post. He hammered, nailed, sawed, sanded, painted, and many other construction verbs that I don't even know. We have shingles! We have a Plexiglas door! We have awesomeness.
3. My Husband
Did I mention that he built a Little Free Library? Did I mention that he did this during his precious few moments of free time? Did I mention that he is awesome?
4. Preschool
Since I work at the church, Paul attends preschool tuition-free. When I struggled with decisions on how to make more money and searching for a new job, I worried that Paul would have to enter daycare and a new situation. Luckily, my new job lets me set my own hours. I just switched Paul from two days a week to four. He transitioned easily into a new room. He's in a loving environment where everyone knows him. I believe that builds his confidence. I am grateful that I didn't have to look elsewhere and start a whole new program.
5. Claire's school
Claire loves attending Bruce Shulkey Elementary. She has an excellent teacher. As a former (and partially returning) teacher myself, I can recognize the quality of her school. Every teacher treats every child with respect. The entire school is a calm and loving environment. Claire feels loved and appreciated just like at home. She is learning not just book knowledge, but is exposed to many different cultures from around the world. We are blessed.
6. Friends
All of us are blessed with fabulous friends. The first week of kindergarten, Claire came home with two best friends and they are still best friends today. I couldn't have picked better girls for her to buddy up with. They are smart and sweet. Paul has several buddies at preschool that he talks about all the time. He doesn't even know a child who is rude or disrespectful. The kids he favors are the kids I favor myself. I love that our children have the gift of picking good friends. As for Adam and I, we are also blessed. Last weekend we stopped by our long-time friends Matt and Stacy's house to drop off something and ended up staying all day. It was so nice just to sit and talk and catch up. We get so busy in our day to day routines that sometimes I forget how blessed we are with friendships.
7. Chore charts
I am intentional about not chasing the kids around the house, hounding them on what they have left to do. Instead, I get to chase them around the house (not really) and remind them to check on their chore charts. They get to own their own routines and I get to focus on mine.
8. Books that expand my horizons
Last week I finished reading Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerrman. This book was about a middle-class white woman, who, due to some bad choices of friends after college, ended up spending a year in federal prison. It wasn't a happy book, but it was very interesting and informative.
9. Fall weather
We've had some cooler weather this week. I love the change of seasons because it always feel like a fresh start to me. I always feel full of hope and promise during seasonal changes, whether it's fall or spring.
10. Trader Joe's
I have finally figured out what to buy at Trader Joe's and I love it! Cookie dough butter, fresh bread, simmer sauces, coffee, pizza crust, and wine. Some of their prices can't be beat, even with coupons and Wal-Mart price-matching. I love the smallness and compactness of the store and the friendly and helpful staff. I also love the strong paper grocery sacks. I love Trader Joe's!
Monday, September 24, 2012
Back in Action
So much has happened since my last blog. Here's some little news snippets to catch you up on the Boyette family and what we've done the last two months.
1. Claire is now in first grade. She loves her teacher but is disappointed she's not learning much yet. I keep telling her it's the beginning of the year and the curriculum will pick up speed soon. If you don't keep up with her blog, you should. There's a link at the top of the screen. At least once a week, sometimes more, I coax her into answering questions to be recorded. I type exactly what she says and it's pretty funny.
2. Paul plays flag football for the Ridglea Roughnecks. Since he was an infant, our friend MJ Rosas has been asking us to put him in football when he's four. MJ coaches a local team, so Paul is now four and in flag football. When he's had a nap that day he loves practice and games, but when he's sleepy he's not as enthusiastic. He's also not very competitive, which is just fine with us. We focus on brains more than brawn around here. We just want him to have fun.
3. Paul is now attending school mostly full-time. He switched preschool classes today but had a flawless transition. He'll go Monday through Thursday and we'll have a special day together on Fridays.
4. My granddad is doing well in his new retirement home. After removing all the family mementos from the house, my cousin and I sold as much as we could. He donated the rest to Goodwill. My granddad now has renters in his house, which is providing income for his fancy schmancy apartment. I'm still sorting all the stuff I brought home from his house. He enjoys his apartment and is socializing more than I have ever known him to.
5. I've got another job. I haven't started yet because there's a backlog on district background checks for employees, but as soon as my paperwork is through all the red tape, I will be a part-time tutor at Western Hill Elementary School. I'll be focusing on teaching the students (mostly 2nd graders) high frequency words so they can get their reading speed up to grade level. I would like to thank my friend Ardis Freeman for this opportunity. I had been going through a difficult time of discernment where I knew I needed a new job but didn't know if I had to quit the one I already had. This tutoring position is fabulous because I'll work on Mondays and Wednesdays at the school and still work Tuesdays and Thursdays at the church. Hooray!
6. My old oven broke and I'm in love with my new oven. Convection baking! A warmer drawer! Five burners! It preheats in about 10 minutes! (My last one took two hours to preheat to 400 degrees and I'm not even exaggerating.)
7. We've gotten half of our house painted. One day a man came to our door and offered to paint the house for a price we couldn't refuse. Unfortunately this was before I got my second job so due to budgetary restrictions we split the job into two sections. He's done with the front half of the house, but the back still needs painting. We have learned several lessons here, including to only pay for work completed and sometimes you really do get what you pay for. We don't know if the same guy will finish the house or not. We hope he does, but for the price, we just don't know if he'll show. We didn't lose any money, but we are wiser to business deals now.
8. Our Little Free Library will open soon. Adam has been working for a few months on construction and we're down to painting and mounting the miniature house which will hold books for our neighbors to borrow. For more info on this, click on the link at the top of the screen.
1. Claire is now in first grade. She loves her teacher but is disappointed she's not learning much yet. I keep telling her it's the beginning of the year and the curriculum will pick up speed soon. If you don't keep up with her blog, you should. There's a link at the top of the screen. At least once a week, sometimes more, I coax her into answering questions to be recorded. I type exactly what she says and it's pretty funny.
2. Paul plays flag football for the Ridglea Roughnecks. Since he was an infant, our friend MJ Rosas has been asking us to put him in football when he's four. MJ coaches a local team, so Paul is now four and in flag football. When he's had a nap that day he loves practice and games, but when he's sleepy he's not as enthusiastic. He's also not very competitive, which is just fine with us. We focus on brains more than brawn around here. We just want him to have fun.
3. Paul is now attending school mostly full-time. He switched preschool classes today but had a flawless transition. He'll go Monday through Thursday and we'll have a special day together on Fridays.
4. My granddad is doing well in his new retirement home. After removing all the family mementos from the house, my cousin and I sold as much as we could. He donated the rest to Goodwill. My granddad now has renters in his house, which is providing income for his fancy schmancy apartment. I'm still sorting all the stuff I brought home from his house. He enjoys his apartment and is socializing more than I have ever known him to.
5. I've got another job. I haven't started yet because there's a backlog on district background checks for employees, but as soon as my paperwork is through all the red tape, I will be a part-time tutor at Western Hill Elementary School. I'll be focusing on teaching the students (mostly 2nd graders) high frequency words so they can get their reading speed up to grade level. I would like to thank my friend Ardis Freeman for this opportunity. I had been going through a difficult time of discernment where I knew I needed a new job but didn't know if I had to quit the one I already had. This tutoring position is fabulous because I'll work on Mondays and Wednesdays at the school and still work Tuesdays and Thursdays at the church. Hooray!
6. My old oven broke and I'm in love with my new oven. Convection baking! A warmer drawer! Five burners! It preheats in about 10 minutes! (My last one took two hours to preheat to 400 degrees and I'm not even exaggerating.)
7. We've gotten half of our house painted. One day a man came to our door and offered to paint the house for a price we couldn't refuse. Unfortunately this was before I got my second job so due to budgetary restrictions we split the job into two sections. He's done with the front half of the house, but the back still needs painting. We have learned several lessons here, including to only pay for work completed and sometimes you really do get what you pay for. We don't know if the same guy will finish the house or not. We hope he does, but for the price, we just don't know if he'll show. We didn't lose any money, but we are wiser to business deals now.
8. Our Little Free Library will open soon. Adam has been working for a few months on construction and we're down to painting and mounting the miniature house which will hold books for our neighbors to borrow. For more info on this, click on the link at the top of the screen.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Thankful Things
Today I am thankful for:
1. Successfully getting up early
Our schedule has been out of whack this summer. We've all been staying up too late and consequently sleeping in too late. Today I successfully hit the ground running at 5:30. It's 6:45 a.m. and I've already accomplished a lot.
2. Kids who can clean
I am often overwhelmed with the amount of housework to do in a home with two children. Yesterday I got smart and enlisted help. I gave each kid one small task at a time, which eventually added up to big clean up. Also, Claire successfully vacuumed all the bedrooms for a mere $2.
3. Automatic-brew coffee
I believe this speaks for itself.
4. Hooks on a door
Adam installed hooks on the kids' bathroom door. Hallelujah! Now they can hang up their own bathroom towel!
5. Husband at home
Adam got to come home at 7 p.m. last night; the first time in several weeks he's been able to be home that early. It was a cause for celebration, or dinner together at least.
6. Mementos
My granddad moved to an assisted living facility, so he told my cousin to get everyone to clean out his house because he has a renter waiting. It's amazing how much family history is accumulated in nearly 60 years of living in the same home. With joy, I've been cataloging all the photos and books in the house.
7. Private tours
Yesterday I took the kids to an archaeological museum at Southwestern Baptist Seminary. I had called ahead, so we had a docent-led tour of the small museum. I was happy to learn that our docent was Methodist. She was extremely kind and patient with the kids, who eventually got anxious. We looked at pots that were 3,000 years old and were surprised to learn they are held together with Elmer's glue.
8. Learning
I hope I never stop learning. Yesterday we learned about the evolution of water pitchers, how adding a spout was "new technology" thousands of years ago. At church, I am always learning, too. If you had asked me a few months ago how to make a podcast, I would have had no idea. But guess whose church is on Itunes now? That's right. (Search ahumc) We're awesome. We also have this fantastic new marketing plan for all our special events. Sometimes I like to take a little pride in myself.
9. Love notes
The kids have been writing me love notes. Claire's attempt at a cursive note said, "I love you more than books." That's a lot of love.
10. Being able to read the "real" Bible to a kid.
We have a few versions of children's Bibles around here, but frankly, I don't think they are that much fun to read. Recently Claire asked for a real Bible like mine. (Her Precious Moments Bible isn't very readable either.) Rev. Nancy happened to have a Common English Bible in her office, so we have been reading real books of the Bible. Last week was Esther and last night was Jonah. It's great to see her so excited about reading the Bible and she is really comprehending it. She was proud to take her Bible to church on Sunday. I was going to have her follow along with the sermon, but it was on David and Bathsheba, so we decided to wait a week for that experience.
11. United Methodist Hymnal # 310
At our church, every month that has five Sundays in it, we do a special Fifth Sunday Hymn Sing. This is where the congregation requests hymns and the choir sings it. Every fifth Sunday for quite a while, Adam has successfully gotten the choir to sing his favorite hymn, "He Lives." Last week he was so excited about the hymn sing that he was singing that song around the house for several days. I am so glad the choir sang it for him because now it's out of his system and I don't have to listen to him singing it.
1. Successfully getting up early
Our schedule has been out of whack this summer. We've all been staying up too late and consequently sleeping in too late. Today I successfully hit the ground running at 5:30. It's 6:45 a.m. and I've already accomplished a lot.
2. Kids who can clean
I am often overwhelmed with the amount of housework to do in a home with two children. Yesterday I got smart and enlisted help. I gave each kid one small task at a time, which eventually added up to big clean up. Also, Claire successfully vacuumed all the bedrooms for a mere $2.
3. Automatic-brew coffee
I believe this speaks for itself.
4. Hooks on a door
Adam installed hooks on the kids' bathroom door. Hallelujah! Now they can hang up their own bathroom towel!
5. Husband at home
Adam got to come home at 7 p.m. last night; the first time in several weeks he's been able to be home that early. It was a cause for celebration, or dinner together at least.
6. Mementos
My granddad moved to an assisted living facility, so he told my cousin to get everyone to clean out his house because he has a renter waiting. It's amazing how much family history is accumulated in nearly 60 years of living in the same home. With joy, I've been cataloging all the photos and books in the house.
7. Private tours
Yesterday I took the kids to an archaeological museum at Southwestern Baptist Seminary. I had called ahead, so we had a docent-led tour of the small museum. I was happy to learn that our docent was Methodist. She was extremely kind and patient with the kids, who eventually got anxious. We looked at pots that were 3,000 years old and were surprised to learn they are held together with Elmer's glue.
8. Learning
I hope I never stop learning. Yesterday we learned about the evolution of water pitchers, how adding a spout was "new technology" thousands of years ago. At church, I am always learning, too. If you had asked me a few months ago how to make a podcast, I would have had no idea. But guess whose church is on Itunes now? That's right. (Search ahumc) We're awesome. We also have this fantastic new marketing plan for all our special events. Sometimes I like to take a little pride in myself.
9. Love notes
The kids have been writing me love notes. Claire's attempt at a cursive note said, "I love you more than books." That's a lot of love.
10. Being able to read the "real" Bible to a kid.
We have a few versions of children's Bibles around here, but frankly, I don't think they are that much fun to read. Recently Claire asked for a real Bible like mine. (Her Precious Moments Bible isn't very readable either.) Rev. Nancy happened to have a Common English Bible in her office, so we have been reading real books of the Bible. Last week was Esther and last night was Jonah. It's great to see her so excited about reading the Bible and she is really comprehending it. She was proud to take her Bible to church on Sunday. I was going to have her follow along with the sermon, but it was on David and Bathsheba, so we decided to wait a week for that experience.
11. United Methodist Hymnal # 310
At our church, every month that has five Sundays in it, we do a special Fifth Sunday Hymn Sing. This is where the congregation requests hymns and the choir sings it. Every fifth Sunday for quite a while, Adam has successfully gotten the choir to sing his favorite hymn, "He Lives." Last week he was so excited about the hymn sing that he was singing that song around the house for several days. I am so glad the choir sang it for him because now it's out of his system and I don't have to listen to him singing it.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Downtown Fort Worth, Boyette-style
When I was a kid, for a very special event, my mom would take my sister and I downtown to ride the Tandy subway and look at all the ice skaters. I fell in love with the concept of "downtown," and watching all the business people in their suits crossing the streets at the crosswalks. Since then, downtown Fort Worth has held a special allure to me.
Now that I've grown, my feelings about the ladies in their business suits has changed. I can't imagine walking around in high heels all day. Occasionally I'll wear them to church, but only because I do a lot of sitting on Sunday morning and am relatively sure I won't fall in the little time I'm walking. Working in a skyscraper still sounds exciting, but cubicle life doesn't.
I've passed the love of the mystery and magic of downtown onto the kids. The best part about it is how they see the world completely differently and together we have magical adventures that I would never have by myself.
Today I thought I'd share a list of sites to visit and memories-in-the-making, Boyette-style.
1. I'm going to go ahead and get the gross one out of the way. Two years ago, when Paul was in the midst of potty-training, we ventured out with him in underwear for the first time. I was smart enough to pack a few changes of clothes in case he had an accident, but I didn't foresee what really happened. We were standing on a sky bridge that connects two buildings, looking down below at how things look smaller from a distance when Paul said he needed to go potty. I was about to scoop him up and take him but then I realized he was sopping wet. He was standing over an air vent. Luckily there was no one else around, so I changed my son's clothes right there. All of downtown Fort Worth could see his cute little buns. I figured every step he took would be messy, so it was best to control the mess. Now every time we pass that bridge, the kids remind me of that day.
2. Central Library
Oddly, every time we go to the downtown library, the children's section is sparsely populated. Maybe we go on off-hours, but it never seems busy there. (I know the adult sections are packed.) This week we revisited a favorite: Bearly Bedtime Stories. Each Tuesday at 7 p.m. the librarian encourages kids to come in pajamas and hug on a bear while she reads stories. Pretty awesome.
3. Jamba Juice
Around our house, it is not uncommon to hear someone shout, "Razzmatazz!" It doesn't really mean anything; just an expression of excitement/ playful aggression. At Jamba Juice, the menu features a fruit smoothie called "Razzmatazz," which the kids love for the taste as well as the name. If I have a coupon, I buy them their own smoothie. If I don't, I buy a large smoothie and the Jamba Juice folks put it in two cups. (Pssst....you get more smoothie that way and the kids are less hyper than they would be consuming a whole smoothie.)
4. Sid Richardson Art Museum
We went there twice so far this summer and I am pleased to say that the docents really love kids. We went during kid-friendly events, but each employee engaged the children in conversation about art on their level. They have puzzles that match the paintings on the wall. Admission is free and this is an art museum that actually wants you to bring kids.
5. Spider Web
In Burnett Plaza, there is a giant rope-climby-thing that looks just like a spider web. The kids love for me to pack our lunches so we can go to the Spider Web and eat under the shade and then they climb the ropes.
6. Molly the Trolley
The city has a bus/trolley system just for downtown, and it's free. Molly will drive around most of downtown. The kids love waiting at the stop and getting on Molly. They enjoy public transportation, and the drivers are always friendly.
7. Barnes and Noble
With their summer reading program, the kids each got a free book. We like Barnes and Noble downtown for that as well as an exciting escalator and a public bathroom.
8. Hidden tunnels
While having lunch in Burnett Plaza recently, Paul needed to use the restroom. It was during business hours, so I decided to pretend like we knew what we were doing and go in the office building to find a restroom. We did eventually find one, but not before we found an escalator that lead to underground tunnels that go from one office building under the street to the next. We had fun exploring underground.
9. Police Cat Fluffy
Two days ago we discovered the Fort Worth Police Department's secret weapon: a cat. We were walking around exploring after a trip to the B&N restroom and came across the building of the First Methodist Church, possibly the oldest brick building in Tarrant County. We looked at the building, noting it was now a police station. It was nearly 9 p.m. by this point, so we were about to cross the street and head back to the car when Paul spotted a cat. He asked to pet it. I said, "You can if he'll let you. He might be a wild cat." Not at all. It appears that this cat lives at the police station. He's clean, de-clawed, and very friendly. We don't know his real name, but Claire named him Police Cat Fluffy. The kids know about K9 units, so they were trying to figure out what Fluffy does for the police. Adam and I are allergic to cats and we have two dogs, so unfortunately for them, the kids will never have a pet cat. They had never been around one so sweet. Claire carried Fluffy around, petting the cat and cooing to it. When the cat hopped out of her arms, Paul picked him up again for her. I thought this might be a one time thing, but the kids begged to go see him again yesterday and sure enough, Police Cat Fluffy was still there. He was right in front of the police station door, so the kids picked him up and walked around with him. I was a little apprehensive about appearing to steal a cat from the police, but no one said anything to us. The police just waved.
10. History of Fort Worth Exhibit
This is a small exhibit housed in the first fire station. It's just one room, but it's free and it's interesting. We went on Tuesday and the kids were a little apprehensive because we were the only ones there.
Now that I've grown, my feelings about the ladies in their business suits has changed. I can't imagine walking around in high heels all day. Occasionally I'll wear them to church, but only because I do a lot of sitting on Sunday morning and am relatively sure I won't fall in the little time I'm walking. Working in a skyscraper still sounds exciting, but cubicle life doesn't.
I've passed the love of the mystery and magic of downtown onto the kids. The best part about it is how they see the world completely differently and together we have magical adventures that I would never have by myself.
Today I thought I'd share a list of sites to visit and memories-in-the-making, Boyette-style.
1. I'm going to go ahead and get the gross one out of the way. Two years ago, when Paul was in the midst of potty-training, we ventured out with him in underwear for the first time. I was smart enough to pack a few changes of clothes in case he had an accident, but I didn't foresee what really happened. We were standing on a sky bridge that connects two buildings, looking down below at how things look smaller from a distance when Paul said he needed to go potty. I was about to scoop him up and take him but then I realized he was sopping wet. He was standing over an air vent. Luckily there was no one else around, so I changed my son's clothes right there. All of downtown Fort Worth could see his cute little buns. I figured every step he took would be messy, so it was best to control the mess. Now every time we pass that bridge, the kids remind me of that day.
2. Central Library
3. Jamba Juice
Around our house, it is not uncommon to hear someone shout, "Razzmatazz!" It doesn't really mean anything; just an expression of excitement/ playful aggression. At Jamba Juice, the menu features a fruit smoothie called "Razzmatazz," which the kids love for the taste as well as the name. If I have a coupon, I buy them their own smoothie. If I don't, I buy a large smoothie and the Jamba Juice folks put it in two cups. (Pssst....you get more smoothie that way and the kids are less hyper than they would be consuming a whole smoothie.)
4. Sid Richardson Art Museum
We went there twice so far this summer and I am pleased to say that the docents really love kids. We went during kid-friendly events, but each employee engaged the children in conversation about art on their level. They have puzzles that match the paintings on the wall. Admission is free and this is an art museum that actually wants you to bring kids.
5. Spider Web
In Burnett Plaza, there is a giant rope-climby-thing that looks just like a spider web. The kids love for me to pack our lunches so we can go to the Spider Web and eat under the shade and then they climb the ropes.
6. Molly the Trolley
The city has a bus/trolley system just for downtown, and it's free. Molly will drive around most of downtown. The kids love waiting at the stop and getting on Molly. They enjoy public transportation, and the drivers are always friendly.
7. Barnes and Noble
With their summer reading program, the kids each got a free book. We like Barnes and Noble downtown for that as well as an exciting escalator and a public bathroom.
8. Hidden tunnels
While having lunch in Burnett Plaza recently, Paul needed to use the restroom. It was during business hours, so I decided to pretend like we knew what we were doing and go in the office building to find a restroom. We did eventually find one, but not before we found an escalator that lead to underground tunnels that go from one office building under the street to the next. We had fun exploring underground.
9. Police Cat Fluffy
Two days ago we discovered the Fort Worth Police Department's secret weapon: a cat. We were walking around exploring after a trip to the B&N restroom and came across the building of the First Methodist Church, possibly the oldest brick building in Tarrant County. We looked at the building, noting it was now a police station. It was nearly 9 p.m. by this point, so we were about to cross the street and head back to the car when Paul spotted a cat. He asked to pet it. I said, "You can if he'll let you. He might be a wild cat." Not at all. It appears that this cat lives at the police station. He's clean, de-clawed, and very friendly. We don't know his real name, but Claire named him Police Cat Fluffy. The kids know about K9 units, so they were trying to figure out what Fluffy does for the police. Adam and I are allergic to cats and we have two dogs, so unfortunately for them, the kids will never have a pet cat. They had never been around one so sweet. Claire carried Fluffy around, petting the cat and cooing to it. When the cat hopped out of her arms, Paul picked him up again for her. I thought this might be a one time thing, but the kids begged to go see him again yesterday and sure enough, Police Cat Fluffy was still there. He was right in front of the police station door, so the kids picked him up and walked around with him. I was a little apprehensive about appearing to steal a cat from the police, but no one said anything to us. The police just waved.
10. History of Fort Worth Exhibit
This is a small exhibit housed in the first fire station. It's just one room, but it's free and it's interesting. We went on Tuesday and the kids were a little apprehensive because we were the only ones there.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Today I'm thankful for...
Today I'm thankful for...
1. Vacation
Last weekend we went to Galveston. The kids enjoyed seeing and tasting saltwater for the first time and building sandcastles in the surf.
2. Discounts on vacation
We were able to stay at a nice hotel on Seawall Boulevard for 1/3 the normal price because we have a friend that works there.
3. Being home
This was our first vacation that was mostly kid-driven, and that was a big change. No daily naps, hours reading, or just sitting. The kids kept the same hours as the adults and although we all had fun, by the last day, I was itching to be at home.
4. A husband who can
Adam missed church on Sunday because he was single-handedly building a porch at his parents house. Yesterday I mentioned to him that I would love to have a Little Free Library and he told me he could do it; just print off the plans. I am grateful that he is able and willing to do projects like these.
5. Hilarious kids
Yesterday the kids kept asking to play in the cat pool. I had no idea what they were talking about at first, but later realized it was the kiddie/kitty pool they were referring to. Last night Paul wrapped his torso in a sheet of Styrofoam and tried to get in bed. I told him he couldn't sleep with it on and he said, "But it's my shell!"
6. Just rain
Last night I took the kids to the downtown library for Bedtime Storytime. They enjoyed venturing out in their pajamas and we finished the night with fruit smoothies from Jamba Juice. Unfortunately it started pouring down rain before we were done. I had no idea it was about to rain, so we didn't have an umbrella with us and had to walk three blocks to the car completely unprotected. We were drenched. I was grateful for all the rain for the plants, but also hugely grateful there wasn't any hail. I had a hard time convincing Paul that we were going to get soaked no matter what, and if it was hailing, I would have been at a loss.
7. Hot chocolate in July
The kids were much happier when I told them they could sit in front of the space heater and I'd make them hot chocolate when we got home. Glad I had some.
8. Good coffee
After several days of hotel coffee, I was ecstatic to brew my own cup once we were home. Also, yesterday I got to enjoy a cup of French press coffee courtesy of our new associate minister. (He ended up brewing some for the entire office.) It was so good that I didn't even add cream or sugar.
9. Help when we're away
The Carlton family kept Wesley Eugene so we wouldn't have to take two dogs on vacation. Our neighbors took out the trash and watered my garden. We were so grateful for all of these actions.
10. Free childcare
The Hemminger and Perry families help me all the time with the kids. I couldn't keep my job (or sanity) without them. I am so grateful.
1. Vacation
Last weekend we went to Galveston. The kids enjoyed seeing and tasting saltwater for the first time and building sandcastles in the surf.
2. Discounts on vacation
We were able to stay at a nice hotel on Seawall Boulevard for 1/3 the normal price because we have a friend that works there.
3. Being home
This was our first vacation that was mostly kid-driven, and that was a big change. No daily naps, hours reading, or just sitting. The kids kept the same hours as the adults and although we all had fun, by the last day, I was itching to be at home.
4. A husband who can
Adam missed church on Sunday because he was single-handedly building a porch at his parents house. Yesterday I mentioned to him that I would love to have a Little Free Library and he told me he could do it; just print off the plans. I am grateful that he is able and willing to do projects like these.
5. Hilarious kids
Yesterday the kids kept asking to play in the cat pool. I had no idea what they were talking about at first, but later realized it was the kiddie/kitty pool they were referring to. Last night Paul wrapped his torso in a sheet of Styrofoam and tried to get in bed. I told him he couldn't sleep with it on and he said, "But it's my shell!"
6. Just rain
Last night I took the kids to the downtown library for Bedtime Storytime. They enjoyed venturing out in their pajamas and we finished the night with fruit smoothies from Jamba Juice. Unfortunately it started pouring down rain before we were done. I had no idea it was about to rain, so we didn't have an umbrella with us and had to walk three blocks to the car completely unprotected. We were drenched. I was grateful for all the rain for the plants, but also hugely grateful there wasn't any hail. I had a hard time convincing Paul that we were going to get soaked no matter what, and if it was hailing, I would have been at a loss.
7. Hot chocolate in July
The kids were much happier when I told them they could sit in front of the space heater and I'd make them hot chocolate when we got home. Glad I had some.
8. Good coffee
After several days of hotel coffee, I was ecstatic to brew my own cup once we were home. Also, yesterday I got to enjoy a cup of French press coffee courtesy of our new associate minister. (He ended up brewing some for the entire office.) It was so good that I didn't even add cream or sugar.
9. Help when we're away
The Carlton family kept Wesley Eugene so we wouldn't have to take two dogs on vacation. Our neighbors took out the trash and watered my garden. We were so grateful for all of these actions.
10. Free childcare
The Hemminger and Perry families help me all the time with the kids. I couldn't keep my job (or sanity) without them. I am so grateful.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Thankful things
What a week! This was Vacation Bible School week at church and it wiped us all out!
Today I am thankful for:
1. Authentic Middle Eastern wear
Long ago and far away, my sister served in the Army in Iraq. She brought Adam and I back several headscarves. With his bathrobe and headscarf, Adam was sporting the Bible look at VBS this week. I wore mine the first day but you can't take as good of pictures when you've got headgear.
2. Fun for the whole family
Adam tolerated 100+ degree heat every night this week to lead nearly 100 kids in games outdoors. He was awesome. We brought our niece Morgan to VBS and she had a blast helping all the smaller kids. Claire and Paul each enjoyed being on their "tribe" and learning all the cool songs and motions. We had competitive "Our God is an Awesome God" singalong in the car. I had a great time laughing and taking 500+ pictures of the activities. (You can see them here.)
3. A day at home
Yesterday we had "nothing" to do. That meant we were able to stay home the entire day. It was luxurious! I got up, brewed coffee, read my Bible study, and walked the dog before anyone else was functional. The house looks less like a bomb shelter today and Adam was able to get the yard and outdoors looking nice.
4. Side of the road finds
We found Claire a solid wood desk that a neighbor was throwing out. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, so it went straight into her room after a good cleaning. Today on the way home from church we picked up a cool cabinet for the garage, also being thrown out. I love it when people put good stuff on their curb!
5. Adam's ability to fix anything
For the record, I love my husband very much. A couple of months ago, I mentioned that I would like a clothesline outside. I had one the next day. For my birthday, he installed four can lights in the backroom, and even wired a new lightswitch! Yesterday I mentioned that I wanted a new door handle for a closet and guess what's on that door today? That's right. A door handle. Paul shattered a ceramic doll at my grandfather's house, but no fear; Adam was able to fix it. He is awesome.
6. A home for my grandfather
My granddad is now at home at his assisted living facility. He is thriving there, asking for new clothes and shoes. When we visited him on Friday, he had to leave for a few minutes to go to a PARTY! I have never, in my entire life, heard of my grandfather doing anything social.
7. VACATION!
We're going to Galveston later this week. The kids will get to see a beach for the first time.
8. Saving at Six Flags
This winter, Adam announced he wanted to go to Six Flags this summer. I was trying to do the math and figured we'd have to spend about $250 before we walked in the door. Luckily, I had forgotten that Claire participated in a reading program where she earned a ticket. Her teacher loved us so much that she gave us her teacher ticket, so we were able to go to Six Flags for Adam's birthday for half price.
9. Good books to read
I'm never at a loss for a good book to read and I am grateful. This past week one of my friends stopped by the church office to bring me a sack of paperbacks she was done with. I am grateful that I live in a country where literature is so easy to come by and not regulated.
10. Spirited kids
Some parents have children that are calm and quiet. My children can be calm and quiet, but they are full of spirit and enthusiasm. When Claire and Paul were singing at the front of the church today, they were really rocking out with their voices and hand motions. Right this minute, Claire is yelling, "Boo-yah!" to me. Paul is doing the wave while he eats his snack. They have a zest for life that rivals my own.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Authentic Middle Eastern wear
Long ago and far away, my sister served in the Army in Iraq. She brought Adam and I back several headscarves. With his bathrobe and headscarf, Adam was sporting the Bible look at VBS this week. I wore mine the first day but you can't take as good of pictures when you've got headgear.
2. Fun for the whole family
Adam tolerated 100+ degree heat every night this week to lead nearly 100 kids in games outdoors. He was awesome. We brought our niece Morgan to VBS and she had a blast helping all the smaller kids. Claire and Paul each enjoyed being on their "tribe" and learning all the cool songs and motions. We had competitive "Our God is an Awesome God" singalong in the car. I had a great time laughing and taking 500+ pictures of the activities. (You can see them here.)
3. A day at home
Yesterday we had "nothing" to do. That meant we were able to stay home the entire day. It was luxurious! I got up, brewed coffee, read my Bible study, and walked the dog before anyone else was functional. The house looks less like a bomb shelter today and Adam was able to get the yard and outdoors looking nice.
4. Side of the road finds
We found Claire a solid wood desk that a neighbor was throwing out. There was absolutely nothing wrong with it, so it went straight into her room after a good cleaning. Today on the way home from church we picked up a cool cabinet for the garage, also being thrown out. I love it when people put good stuff on their curb!
5. Adam's ability to fix anything
For the record, I love my husband very much. A couple of months ago, I mentioned that I would like a clothesline outside. I had one the next day. For my birthday, he installed four can lights in the backroom, and even wired a new lightswitch! Yesterday I mentioned that I wanted a new door handle for a closet and guess what's on that door today? That's right. A door handle. Paul shattered a ceramic doll at my grandfather's house, but no fear; Adam was able to fix it. He is awesome.
6. A home for my grandfather
My granddad is now at home at his assisted living facility. He is thriving there, asking for new clothes and shoes. When we visited him on Friday, he had to leave for a few minutes to go to a PARTY! I have never, in my entire life, heard of my grandfather doing anything social.
7. VACATION!
We're going to Galveston later this week. The kids will get to see a beach for the first time.
8. Saving at Six Flags
This winter, Adam announced he wanted to go to Six Flags this summer. I was trying to do the math and figured we'd have to spend about $250 before we walked in the door. Luckily, I had forgotten that Claire participated in a reading program where she earned a ticket. Her teacher loved us so much that she gave us her teacher ticket, so we were able to go to Six Flags for Adam's birthday for half price.
9. Good books to read
I'm never at a loss for a good book to read and I am grateful. This past week one of my friends stopped by the church office to bring me a sack of paperbacks she was done with. I am grateful that I live in a country where literature is so easy to come by and not regulated.
10. Spirited kids
Some parents have children that are calm and quiet. My children can be calm and quiet, but they are full of spirit and enthusiasm. When Claire and Paul were singing at the front of the church today, they were really rocking out with their voices and hand motions. Right this minute, Claire is yelling, "Boo-yah!" to me. Paul is doing the wave while he eats his snack. They have a zest for life that rivals my own.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Thankful List
It's been a couple months since I've been able to type out my gratitude list, but I love that I can resume at any time. I'm struggling to find rhythm in the summer, but am enjoying it all the same.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Spiderman Fruit Snacks
During his lunchtime prayer yesterday, Paul said, "Thank you God for the Spiderman Fruit Snacks that Mama bought that were on sale at ALDI." I love both is gratitude for the snacks and the recognition of the money-saving aspect as well.
2. Perfect presents
Claire and Paul both celebrated birthdays recently and several people bought them items that we all cheered for. It was great to hear the kids saying, "Ms. X always picks out the best things for my birthday." Or "I have been wanting this forever! I am so excited!"
3. Friends that make you take care of yourself.
On Saturday, my friend Stacy noticed a bite on my arm and told me I better take care of it or I would get my arm chopped off. I didn't think it was a big deal, but since I was headed to the doctor on Monday anyway, I went ahead and mentioned it. I now think it was a spider bite and I am so glad she made me ask the doctor about it because it got worse before it got better and that's just like me to throw some hydrocortisone on it and forget about it.
4. Friends far away.
Claire's godfather, Chris and his wife, Ashley, live in Kansas, so we don't get to see them very often. Chris had to come to town last week, though, and made sure to have dinner with us. Though we hadn't seen him in nearly a year, all four of us picked right back up where we left off. Next week we are taking a short trip to Galveston where we will meet another friend whom we haven't seen in a while. I am so grateful that we can feel loved all over the USA.
5. Manual sprinklers
We do have a sprinkler system, but tree roots screwed it up and Adam has been unable to repair it yet. We also have this handy dandy tool called a "hose" where we hook on something called a "sprinkler" and it works great. I just turn it on and move the hose occasionally and presto! the yard doesn't look as brown.
6. Internet coupons
I thought I was awesome at cutting coupons from the newspaper, but now I get emails about Internet coupons for even more cutting goodness. I like to call myself a professional grocery shopper.
7. A marketing plan that I made
I am learning so much at my job. This week I created a marketing plan so for every major event we have approaching, I have mapped out a uniform way to promote it instead of trying to remember everything. I am so excited to put this into use!
8. My husband
I just want to note that I believe Adam Boyette kicks ass. He's in charge of games at VBS this week and every night he's outside in a bathrobe and headscarf leading groups of kids in funny games. He's good at it. I'm grateful for that as well as the way he can say one word to me and make me laugh so hard I can't breathe.
9. A place for my grandpa
My grandfather recently moved to an assisted living facility. He loves it and is doing well. So well in fact, that now he needs new clothes, new shoes, and new housewares for the new home. I'm so glad he's got his desire to live and some spark back.
10. A fly killing machine
We have fruit flies in our house, which I have experimented in killing a number of different ways. The most effective way has been a gift that Stacy and Matt gave Adam for his birthday. It's called FlyWeb Fly Light and it combines an attractive light with flypaper so the flies are drawn to it and then stuck. You can buy it here.
Today I am thankful for:
1. Spiderman Fruit Snacks
During his lunchtime prayer yesterday, Paul said, "Thank you God for the Spiderman Fruit Snacks that Mama bought that were on sale at ALDI." I love both is gratitude for the snacks and the recognition of the money-saving aspect as well.
2. Perfect presents
Claire and Paul both celebrated birthdays recently and several people bought them items that we all cheered for. It was great to hear the kids saying, "Ms. X always picks out the best things for my birthday." Or "I have been wanting this forever! I am so excited!"
3. Friends that make you take care of yourself.
On Saturday, my friend Stacy noticed a bite on my arm and told me I better take care of it or I would get my arm chopped off. I didn't think it was a big deal, but since I was headed to the doctor on Monday anyway, I went ahead and mentioned it. I now think it was a spider bite and I am so glad she made me ask the doctor about it because it got worse before it got better and that's just like me to throw some hydrocortisone on it and forget about it.
4. Friends far away.
Claire's godfather, Chris and his wife, Ashley, live in Kansas, so we don't get to see them very often. Chris had to come to town last week, though, and made sure to have dinner with us. Though we hadn't seen him in nearly a year, all four of us picked right back up where we left off. Next week we are taking a short trip to Galveston where we will meet another friend whom we haven't seen in a while. I am so grateful that we can feel loved all over the USA.
5. Manual sprinklers
We do have a sprinkler system, but tree roots screwed it up and Adam has been unable to repair it yet. We also have this handy dandy tool called a "hose" where we hook on something called a "sprinkler" and it works great. I just turn it on and move the hose occasionally and presto! the yard doesn't look as brown.
6. Internet coupons
I thought I was awesome at cutting coupons from the newspaper, but now I get emails about Internet coupons for even more cutting goodness. I like to call myself a professional grocery shopper.
7. A marketing plan that I made
I am learning so much at my job. This week I created a marketing plan so for every major event we have approaching, I have mapped out a uniform way to promote it instead of trying to remember everything. I am so excited to put this into use!
8. My husband
I just want to note that I believe Adam Boyette kicks ass. He's in charge of games at VBS this week and every night he's outside in a bathrobe and headscarf leading groups of kids in funny games. He's good at it. I'm grateful for that as well as the way he can say one word to me and make me laugh so hard I can't breathe.
9. A place for my grandpa
My grandfather recently moved to an assisted living facility. He loves it and is doing well. So well in fact, that now he needs new clothes, new shoes, and new housewares for the new home. I'm so glad he's got his desire to live and some spark back.
10. A fly killing machine
We have fruit flies in our house, which I have experimented in killing a number of different ways. The most effective way has been a gift that Stacy and Matt gave Adam for his birthday. It's called FlyWeb Fly Light and it combines an attractive light with flypaper so the flies are drawn to it and then stuck. You can buy it here.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Worth a Read
Here's an article I came across that is worth a read. It was written by Kare Anderson of the Harvard Business Review blog. I am always trying to figure out how to be a better listener.
If you don't have time to read the whole article, read this at least:
"To learn about your own attention patterns, examine someone else's. Most motivational speakers, self-help writers, therapists and pharmacologists encourage us to focus on "me." They suggest that we look inward to understand and improve ourselves for a happier, better life. That's not wrong; it is just incomplete. Instead of just asking, "What most preoccupies me? Does it make the world seem welcoming or withholding?" reach out to someone else. Be the best listener they've had in months. This is the first and most basic ingredient in any interaction. Simply gazing steadily and warmly at that person, nodding at times and reiterating what you heard will activate an empathic, mirror-neuron response in both of you.
Giving and receiving undivided attention, even briefly, is the least that one individual can do for another — and sometimes the most. And yet, attending to others doesn't just help them — it helps us, by evoking responses that help the listener feel cared for, useful, and connected to the larger world. Paying attention may be an individual effort, but it's also a kind of social cement that holds groups together and helps them feel part of something greater than themselves. It's not always easy, but you can improve with practice — and find yourself becoming more flexible, more open to new ideas, and better able to resonate with others. Inevitably that leads to a richer, more meaningful life."
Must focus my attention today.
If you don't have time to read the whole article, read this at least:
"To learn about your own attention patterns, examine someone else's. Most motivational speakers, self-help writers, therapists and pharmacologists encourage us to focus on "me." They suggest that we look inward to understand and improve ourselves for a happier, better life. That's not wrong; it is just incomplete. Instead of just asking, "What most preoccupies me? Does it make the world seem welcoming or withholding?" reach out to someone else. Be the best listener they've had in months. This is the first and most basic ingredient in any interaction. Simply gazing steadily and warmly at that person, nodding at times and reiterating what you heard will activate an empathic, mirror-neuron response in both of you.
Giving and receiving undivided attention, even briefly, is the least that one individual can do for another — and sometimes the most. And yet, attending to others doesn't just help them — it helps us, by evoking responses that help the listener feel cared for, useful, and connected to the larger world. Paying attention may be an individual effort, but it's also a kind of social cement that holds groups together and helps them feel part of something greater than themselves. It's not always easy, but you can improve with practice — and find yourself becoming more flexible, more open to new ideas, and better able to resonate with others. Inevitably that leads to a richer, more meaningful life."
Must focus my attention today.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
First Week of Summer Recap
We are in full-on summer mode around here. Here's some photos to recap our first week. My last post told everyone what we did last Monday. I am learning that it seems that we will have one day of academic excellence and awesome activities followed by a day that everything moves slower. That's okay, though. It's summer.
Last Tuesday night was the transit of Venus. Apparently the next time Venus will pass in front of the sun where we can see it on Earth will be 100 years from now, so Adam made sure we got to see it.
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| At the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, they had many professional telescopes set up on their front lawn. You'll have to ask Adam to explain all this, but this is a picture of the reflection of what was happening in the sky. The white circle is the sun and the dot is Venus. |
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| Here Claire and Paul were looking through a fancy telescope. I have an eyeball phobia (seriously) and everyone kept telling each other not to look directly at the sun because their eyes would burn up and they'd be blind. I couldn't tell you what any one's faces looked like that night, but I can tell you about their ankles. I kept my face to the ground the whole time. |
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| This facial expression is what Paul looks like at the beginning of swim lessons. For some reason, he has a lot of anxiety about it and it takes him several minutes to warm up to it. We're taking lessons at the Benbrook YMCA and both kids teachers are fantastic. |
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| Here's Claire jumping into 7 foot deep water. |
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Here's Claire with Miss Alli, floating on her back in 7 foot water.
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Monday, June 4, 2012
The First Day of Summer
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| My plans for the week. |
Other goals include learning the names of all the planets, learning to add and subtract (Claire), learning to count to 100 (Paul), and learning all the state names. Yes, I know that some of these are high goals, but I'm trying to shoot for the moon and no matter what, they will be learning.
Last night I got ready for this morning. We have swim lessons at 11 a.m., so from 8 to 10:30 a.m., I planned on teaching.
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| Here are the kids reading words, math facts, and journal prompt for the day. Yes, Paul is still three and I'm making him write in a journal. Mostly he drew, which is just fine. |
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| Claire was excited to get to work. She didn't even want to put on regular clothes, but got to work in her pajamas. It was the first day of swim lessons at the Benbrook YMCA. Claire was in a beginning swim class, but she and her classmates did so well that the teacher advanced the entire class. Now she's in a "Can Swim" class. |
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| Paul was more apprehensive than we anticipated, but Mr. Marco got him going pretty well by the end of the swim lesson. We love that both kids are in extremely small classes. Paul's class has five kids and Claire's has three. |
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| This afternoon we visited the Wedgwood Branch of the Fort Worth Public Library to see Lucas Miller present Science Rocks! This guy is hilarious, and if you get a chance to see him, do it. He sang songs about animals and other zoological issues. He even rapped and wore different costumes. Claire and Paul were picked from the audience to be backup dancers. |
Saturday, June 2, 2012
What Would Wax Jesus Do?
I would like to preface this post with the statement "I love Jesus!" That being said, here is my tale of Wax Jesus.
A few months ago in my church atrium, I found a little business card someone had left. The card advertised a life-size wax interpretation of Leonardo Da Vinci's painting, the Lord's Supper. I did some research on it and found out it is at the Christian Arts Museum, pretty close to church, but only open during business hours. I was intrigued, but didn't feel this was worthy of making Adam miss work. Nor did I want to take the kids in case it was slightly too realistic and unsettling. Instead, I took my pal, Rev. Jason Valendy to see Wax Jesus. Jason is in the process of moving churches, so I wanted to make sure to pin him down before he moved away.
Lucky for us, a docent was on the scene who told us all about the sculpture. Apparently in the 1950s there was a very rich family in Fort Worth. Somehow they had opportunity to view a life-size wax sculpture of Leonardo Da Vinci's painting, The Last Supper, and they were so moved by it that they took money to commission an identical setup here. A mother and daughter team from a small town in Germany crafted each figure with wax, paper maiche, and REAL HUMAN HAIR! The docent made note of the authenticity of the hair several times.
It was made in 1954 and was on display at a local religious television station for a number of years. Then they put it in storage for around 20 years and have recently brought it back out. Apparently each body part was crafted individually and was stored as such. I don't know the details of who kept this sculpture or where, but the docent told us there were cardboard boxes filled with hands, others with feet, and others with heads. A skilled wax artist was hired from the Palace of Wax in Grand Prairie. The artist was able to match up the hands, feet, and heads to recreate the sculptures to their initial splendor. The hair, being REAL HUMAN HAIR, must be dry-cleaned once a year with a powder shampoo, similar to ones used in nursing homes.
In my personal life, I see Jesus and God in a number of places. Walking down the street to Claire's school, I thank God for birds, trees, and various other parts of nature. Offering hugs to friends is another time when I feel God's presence. To me, anywhere where I am a witness to love, I am also a witness to God. That being said, looking at Wax Jesus did not make me feel closer to him. It just made me feel creeped out.
I don't mean to judge those who see Wax Jesus as a gateway to a stronger faith life. More power to them, I say. I was fascinated by the stories the docent told us of mysteries surrounding the sculptures, like the reason Jesus' hair has faded over time but the other sculptures' hair is the same color. And the time that no lights would work except for the one above Judas. But personally, seeing Wax Jesus satisfied some sense of morbid curiosity in me, not my faith.
A few months ago in my church atrium, I found a little business card someone had left. The card advertised a life-size wax interpretation of Leonardo Da Vinci's painting, the Lord's Supper. I did some research on it and found out it is at the Christian Arts Museum, pretty close to church, but only open during business hours. I was intrigued, but didn't feel this was worthy of making Adam miss work. Nor did I want to take the kids in case it was slightly too realistic and unsettling. Instead, I took my pal, Rev. Jason Valendy to see Wax Jesus. Jason is in the process of moving churches, so I wanted to make sure to pin him down before he moved away.
Lucky for us, a docent was on the scene who told us all about the sculpture. Apparently in the 1950s there was a very rich family in Fort Worth. Somehow they had opportunity to view a life-size wax sculpture of Leonardo Da Vinci's painting, The Last Supper, and they were so moved by it that they took money to commission an identical setup here. A mother and daughter team from a small town in Germany crafted each figure with wax, paper maiche, and REAL HUMAN HAIR! The docent made note of the authenticity of the hair several times. |
| Wax Jesus. His hair has faded over time, but others' haven't. |
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| Oh yeah, that's me, right in front of Wax Jesus himself. |
In my personal life, I see Jesus and God in a number of places. Walking down the street to Claire's school, I thank God for birds, trees, and various other parts of nature. Offering hugs to friends is another time when I feel God's presence. To me, anywhere where I am a witness to love, I am also a witness to God. That being said, looking at Wax Jesus did not make me feel closer to him. It just made me feel creeped out.
I don't mean to judge those who see Wax Jesus as a gateway to a stronger faith life. More power to them, I say. I was fascinated by the stories the docent told us of mysteries surrounding the sculptures, like the reason Jesus' hair has faded over time but the other sculptures' hair is the same color. And the time that no lights would work except for the one above Judas. But personally, seeing Wax Jesus satisfied some sense of morbid curiosity in me, not my faith.
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| I don't know which disciple this is supposed to be (I think Peter), but his eyes really gave me the willies. |
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| Judas is in the center of this picture, and we're supposed to notice his hands raised in frustration and the salt and pepper toppled over by him. |
Monday, April 23, 2012
My Pinterest Birthday Garden
I have fallen prey to Pinterest, the online pin board system. I love looking at new recipes and ideas to make life easier and prettier. One idea I wanted to try was the pallet garden. I've tried gardening a few times with containers or my flower beds, with limited success due to weeds or drought. I liked this pallet garden idea because it was raised for better drainage and easier weeding. My birthday was coming up, so I used that as an excuse to get help setting this up. We picked up some pallets beside a gas station dumpster. When we got the best looking one outside, Adam decided it needed a base. |
So we pried boards off the other rejected pallets, as shown here. The kids had recently attended a Sears how to workshop and each have their own personal hammer, which they were happy to put to use. |
After Adam slid boards in the bottom, we filled it with dirt and planted vegetables. It's growing great! Here the kids are with the finished project. They looked a little worn out.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
You Might Be a Nerd If...
You make sight word door decorations for your kids.
Yesterday Claire's teacher sent us home with the list of all the first grade sight words. That's right, first grade. She said that if Claire can read all of those, she can be on a second grade reading level by the end of the year! Woot! So I got inspired and have been drilling her secretly on the words ever since. She doesn't realize that writing the words and decorating her door helps her learn them. As does watching Mama do high kicks for every word she reads right. Next stop: sight word hop scotch!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Gratitude List
I am so blessed. Examining any aspect of my life brings forth laundry lists of blessings. For example, the laundry on the couch reminds me that everyone in my family is blessed with nice clothes that fit and look good. The couch is from IKEA and makes me thankful for both sturdy furniture we can afford and a husband with skills to put said furniture together.
Here's my official list, in no particular order:
Today I am thankful for:
1. Kashi cereal
It's healthy, and it doesn't get soggy when I have to stop eating to go turn on a light for Paul or to let a dog out.
2. Wake-up Dog
I was considering sleeping in a little and enjoying the rain, but Sugar Dot heard my alarm and knew it was time to get up. I was forced to sit upright to avoid more licks on the face.
3. My new workout partner
Last week Paul rode his scooter while I biked around the neighborhood. I had to keep my legs moving to keep pace with that boy. It was such a great workout that this week we hit the Trinity Trails. I walked/jogged and he scooted. I think we covered a mile each way. I had to work hard to keep pace with that scooter, which was good for me. He got to keep picking up sticks and bugs, which was good for him.
4. Main Street Arts Festival
The kids and I went with our neighbors yesterday. I was disappointed that there were less free activities for the kids, but I enjoyed pulling the wagon around and showing the kids different types of artwork. Paul's favorite part was standing and watching a man play the guitar. He also loved climbing the 28 ft. tall rock wall. Claire loved getting a free rubber duck and seeing paintings of horses.
5. Lunch with Claire
On Wednesday, we took Claire lunch. It's so fun sitting amongst kindergartners and listening to each child's excitement at the day. Claire's teacher always tells me Paul and I don't have to sit in the middle of the class table, but that's what we love to do. I get to hear the high points of the day from Claire and all her friends. Plus, if she has any tater tots or apples left over, we just pass them down the table. I am blessed that my schedule permits me to do such fun activities.
6. Gardening success (knock on wood)
A few weeks ago, we planted a pallet garden for my birthday. It is thriving. We haven't gotten any vegetables or fruit yet, but the leaves look great and we know it's just a matter of time. We've got rosemary, oregano, strawberries, bell pepper, squash, and watermelon plants growing in a discarded wooden pallet. I love it!
7. Cardboard box giveaway
Last week I was having a day where I wasn't feeling like a very good mother. We'd had some discipline issues that day and I was frustrated. The doorbell ringing changed all that. Our next door neighbor had just bought a new dryer and he offered the empty box to the kids. Claire and Paul were elated. Our neighbor went on to tell me for several minutes what good parents Adam and I are. It changed my entire outlook on the day.
8. Coupon sharing
My mother-in-law is a couponer like myself. For years now, we've cut out the coupons we wanted and then shared the leftovers. We don't buy the same things, so I get excited about double coupons.
9. Surprise visit from a friend
My friend Melody has been visiting occasionally to pray and talk. We'd missed a few weeks due to hectic schedules, and Monday morning when I had a moment of calm, I regretted not calling and inviting her to come over. Just about that time the doorbell rang and she came over. I was so happy.
10. Healthy home
The kids have been fighting illnesses on a rotating basis the last month, but we are currently all healthy and happy.
11. School carnival
The kids got to live out a dream of having rainbow hair at the Bruce Shulkey carnival. Though Claire's only in kindergarten, we've been going to it for several years. The PTA does a great job of putting together a smoothly organized event with tons of people and fun.
12. Birthday love
My birthday fell on Good Friday this year. Claire had a school holiday, so Adam took the day off as well. We planted a garden, hung around the house, went for hamburgers, and then trekked to the Half Price Books headquarters in Dallas. It was a birthday that I savored every minute. The next day we went for an Easter gathering for my side of the family, which turned into a surprise birthday party for my uncle and I. I felt so loved.
13. Organization hope and help
I am constantly striving to keep the house cleaner and more organized. I am so grateful that there are email lists that I can subscribe to that offer tips and tricks on this. Seeing it in my inbox keeps it on the forefront of my mind and has ended up with greater success. I won't say we're organized yet, but we're on the road to it. (Here's the two list that I subscribe to FREE: http://www.simplify101.com/
and http://simplemom.net/)
14. Crochet for Jesus
My friend Lana is teaching me how to crochet as a spiritual discipline. She says the names of the Trinity when she crochets, but I'm a beginner, so I've stuck with "Grace and peace, grace and peace, grace and peace." I only know chain-stitching right now and not very well apparently. After four days of practice, she told me to make it tighter and start over. It's okay. That's just more grace and peace for me. She tells me I will appreciate this when I'm awesome at crocheting. I'll let you know.
15. Sprinklertime
It's already summer weather here, so the kids are loving jumping on the trampoline with the sprinkler on top. I'm sure neighbors a block away can hear the giggles; the kids are ecstatic. Even when Paul is home with just me and does it, I have to just sit and observe the sheer happiness that comes from the sprinkler on the trampoline.
16. Apology letters
The other day Claire misbehaved and wrote me a lovely apology note. I made her do that for her teacher once when she was on red, but for her to do it on her own to me was remarkable.
17. Power Rangers fights
I don't know if my readers have ever watched Super Samurai Power Rangers, but I wouldn't recommend it. I feel my brain cells dying when I pass by the TV and it's on. In my defense, I've only let the kids watch it when they are sick, mostly. Despite the dumbness of watching models jump around and fight Moogers (yep, sounds like boogers), I am thankful that it inspires my children to play. Our kitchen has become a battlefield for Moogers and Power Rangers. Claire is one of the girl Power Rangers; she rotates depending on mood. Paul is always the Gold Ranger, Antonio. My legs were sore this week from all the high kicks I had to do as the bad guys.
18. Competitive gratitude from the children
I bought each child a $1 clearance Easter stuffed animal from Wal-Mart last week. They were competing to see who was more thankful. "Mama, thank you so much," one would say. "No, Mama, thank you so so much," the other one would say. By the time I had to stop it, they were saying, "Mama, thank you so so so so so so so so so so much!"
19. Indifference about material items
Time and time again, this has happened. I have finally learned my lesson and stopped interfering. Paul will come up to me and tell me how much he likes a particular small ball or other toy. Then Claire will come in pouting, saying, "I wish I had that same exact item." Then Paul turns to her and gives it to her with a "You can have this, Claire." It breaks my heart to see him giving away items he just professed love to, but isn't that how we're supposed to be with material things? It's just stuff and we've got a lot of it. I've talked to Claire a few times about asking for what's not hers, but sometimes she's not even asking for it, just observing that she would like a toy like that. Those kids teach me life lessons every day.
20. A parenting plan
Adam and I attended a Love and Logic class when Claire was a baby. It was awesome because it gave us a parenting plan. We are nearly always on the same page as far as discipline. We have the same goals and a plan of how to get to them. We never have to argue about disciplining the children because we have a parenting plan. (Note that I didn't say we never argue. We just never argue about discipline. Rather, we consult each other. I wanted to put that in for those who might mistakenly think we are actually perfect. Not so.)
Woohoo! That's a lot of gratitude! Now off to wake the kids!
Here's my official list, in no particular order:
Today I am thankful for:
1. Kashi cereal
It's healthy, and it doesn't get soggy when I have to stop eating to go turn on a light for Paul or to let a dog out.
2. Wake-up Dog
I was considering sleeping in a little and enjoying the rain, but Sugar Dot heard my alarm and knew it was time to get up. I was forced to sit upright to avoid more licks on the face.
3. My new workout partner
Last week Paul rode his scooter while I biked around the neighborhood. I had to keep my legs moving to keep pace with that boy. It was such a great workout that this week we hit the Trinity Trails. I walked/jogged and he scooted. I think we covered a mile each way. I had to work hard to keep pace with that scooter, which was good for me. He got to keep picking up sticks and bugs, which was good for him.
4. Main Street Arts Festival
The kids and I went with our neighbors yesterday. I was disappointed that there were less free activities for the kids, but I enjoyed pulling the wagon around and showing the kids different types of artwork. Paul's favorite part was standing and watching a man play the guitar. He also loved climbing the 28 ft. tall rock wall. Claire loved getting a free rubber duck and seeing paintings of horses.
5. Lunch with Claire
On Wednesday, we took Claire lunch. It's so fun sitting amongst kindergartners and listening to each child's excitement at the day. Claire's teacher always tells me Paul and I don't have to sit in the middle of the class table, but that's what we love to do. I get to hear the high points of the day from Claire and all her friends. Plus, if she has any tater tots or apples left over, we just pass them down the table. I am blessed that my schedule permits me to do such fun activities.
6. Gardening success (knock on wood)
A few weeks ago, we planted a pallet garden for my birthday. It is thriving. We haven't gotten any vegetables or fruit yet, but the leaves look great and we know it's just a matter of time. We've got rosemary, oregano, strawberries, bell pepper, squash, and watermelon plants growing in a discarded wooden pallet. I love it!
7. Cardboard box giveaway
Last week I was having a day where I wasn't feeling like a very good mother. We'd had some discipline issues that day and I was frustrated. The doorbell ringing changed all that. Our next door neighbor had just bought a new dryer and he offered the empty box to the kids. Claire and Paul were elated. Our neighbor went on to tell me for several minutes what good parents Adam and I are. It changed my entire outlook on the day.
8. Coupon sharing
My mother-in-law is a couponer like myself. For years now, we've cut out the coupons we wanted and then shared the leftovers. We don't buy the same things, so I get excited about double coupons.
9. Surprise visit from a friend
My friend Melody has been visiting occasionally to pray and talk. We'd missed a few weeks due to hectic schedules, and Monday morning when I had a moment of calm, I regretted not calling and inviting her to come over. Just about that time the doorbell rang and she came over. I was so happy.
10. Healthy home
The kids have been fighting illnesses on a rotating basis the last month, but we are currently all healthy and happy.
11. School carnival
The kids got to live out a dream of having rainbow hair at the Bruce Shulkey carnival. Though Claire's only in kindergarten, we've been going to it for several years. The PTA does a great job of putting together a smoothly organized event with tons of people and fun.
12. Birthday love
My birthday fell on Good Friday this year. Claire had a school holiday, so Adam took the day off as well. We planted a garden, hung around the house, went for hamburgers, and then trekked to the Half Price Books headquarters in Dallas. It was a birthday that I savored every minute. The next day we went for an Easter gathering for my side of the family, which turned into a surprise birthday party for my uncle and I. I felt so loved.
13. Organization hope and help
I am constantly striving to keep the house cleaner and more organized. I am so grateful that there are email lists that I can subscribe to that offer tips and tricks on this. Seeing it in my inbox keeps it on the forefront of my mind and has ended up with greater success. I won't say we're organized yet, but we're on the road to it. (Here's the two list that I subscribe to FREE: http://www.simplify101.com/
and http://simplemom.net/)
14. Crochet for Jesus
My friend Lana is teaching me how to crochet as a spiritual discipline. She says the names of the Trinity when she crochets, but I'm a beginner, so I've stuck with "Grace and peace, grace and peace, grace and peace." I only know chain-stitching right now and not very well apparently. After four days of practice, she told me to make it tighter and start over. It's okay. That's just more grace and peace for me. She tells me I will appreciate this when I'm awesome at crocheting. I'll let you know.
15. Sprinklertime
It's already summer weather here, so the kids are loving jumping on the trampoline with the sprinkler on top. I'm sure neighbors a block away can hear the giggles; the kids are ecstatic. Even when Paul is home with just me and does it, I have to just sit and observe the sheer happiness that comes from the sprinkler on the trampoline.
16. Apology letters
The other day Claire misbehaved and wrote me a lovely apology note. I made her do that for her teacher once when she was on red, but for her to do it on her own to me was remarkable.
17. Power Rangers fights
I don't know if my readers have ever watched Super Samurai Power Rangers, but I wouldn't recommend it. I feel my brain cells dying when I pass by the TV and it's on. In my defense, I've only let the kids watch it when they are sick, mostly. Despite the dumbness of watching models jump around and fight Moogers (yep, sounds like boogers), I am thankful that it inspires my children to play. Our kitchen has become a battlefield for Moogers and Power Rangers. Claire is one of the girl Power Rangers; she rotates depending on mood. Paul is always the Gold Ranger, Antonio. My legs were sore this week from all the high kicks I had to do as the bad guys.
18. Competitive gratitude from the children
I bought each child a $1 clearance Easter stuffed animal from Wal-Mart last week. They were competing to see who was more thankful. "Mama, thank you so much," one would say. "No, Mama, thank you so so much," the other one would say. By the time I had to stop it, they were saying, "Mama, thank you so so so so so so so so so so much!"
19. Indifference about material items
Time and time again, this has happened. I have finally learned my lesson and stopped interfering. Paul will come up to me and tell me how much he likes a particular small ball or other toy. Then Claire will come in pouting, saying, "I wish I had that same exact item." Then Paul turns to her and gives it to her with a "You can have this, Claire." It breaks my heart to see him giving away items he just professed love to, but isn't that how we're supposed to be with material things? It's just stuff and we've got a lot of it. I've talked to Claire a few times about asking for what's not hers, but sometimes she's not even asking for it, just observing that she would like a toy like that. Those kids teach me life lessons every day.
20. A parenting plan
Adam and I attended a Love and Logic class when Claire was a baby. It was awesome because it gave us a parenting plan. We are nearly always on the same page as far as discipline. We have the same goals and a plan of how to get to them. We never have to argue about disciplining the children because we have a parenting plan. (Note that I didn't say we never argue. We just never argue about discipline. Rather, we consult each other. I wanted to put that in for those who might mistakenly think we are actually perfect. Not so.)
Woohoo! That's a lot of gratitude! Now off to wake the kids!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The Bracelet: A lesson in humility
Before my paternal grandmother died, she gave me a gold bracelet. It's a family heirloom and has been worn at our family's weddings for about 100 years. She told me it was mine to keep, with one exception. When my sister got married, I was to let her wear it to the ceremony.
My grandmother passed away at about the same time the rift between my parents and me was growing. Six years later, my sister is about to get married.
I am not invited.
Of course I remembered the bracelet, but I also remember my grandmother, and her no-nonsense ways. If she were still alive, I believe many of my family dynamics would be different. I'm not sure what she would say about the bracelet. I'm sure she assumed I would be invited to my only sibling's wedding.
So though I know about the wedding from the invitations sent to my grandfather's home, I wasn't going to offer the bracelet.
My granddad remembered it anyway.
When the initial realization hit me that my family would not be invited to my sister's wedding, I had to take several days to mentally re-frame the situation and realize that this isn't about me. I am not the central person in this problem. Maybe our exclusion is more about my parents' and sister's problems than mine.
Feeling confident in my healthy perspective, I was dealt another lesson in humility when my grandfather called me to ask about the bracelet. He didn't realize it was in my possession, and asked me to bring it to his house so we could talk about it and he could send it to my sister.
I made him promise I would get it back.
Because I loved my grandmother and I love my grandfather today, I brought the bracelet to his house. Again I reminded myself that I was doing this for them, and it wasn't about me.
My grandfather and I sat in his office talking and he got out all the materials he would need to mail the bracelet. He handed them to me and asked me to take it to the post office.
My grandfather wasn't being insensitive. He's 87 and is trying to drive as little as possible. Taking a package to the post office is overwhelming for him. Priority mail? What's that? Once again, I reminded myself that this wasn't about me, that having me take this to the post office kept him and his Cadillac off the streets and maybe even saved lives.
A few friends advised me not to mail it; the bracelet is too valuable they said, or they reminded me that I might never see it again. It's not about the bracelet, I said. It's about relationship. Sure, I love that bracelet and I hope I do get it back. But an action in honor of my deceased grandmother, in honor of the relationship I used to have with my sister, is more important than any bracelet.
So I did it. I humbly mailed the bracelet to my sister, for the sake of my grandparents. I did it to show that a relationship is more important than the possible loss of jewelry. I did it to show my sister that through it all, I do love her and wish her the best for her wedding and marriage.
My grandmother passed away at about the same time the rift between my parents and me was growing. Six years later, my sister is about to get married.
I am not invited.
Of course I remembered the bracelet, but I also remember my grandmother, and her no-nonsense ways. If she were still alive, I believe many of my family dynamics would be different. I'm not sure what she would say about the bracelet. I'm sure she assumed I would be invited to my only sibling's wedding.
So though I know about the wedding from the invitations sent to my grandfather's home, I wasn't going to offer the bracelet.
My granddad remembered it anyway.
When the initial realization hit me that my family would not be invited to my sister's wedding, I had to take several days to mentally re-frame the situation and realize that this isn't about me. I am not the central person in this problem. Maybe our exclusion is more about my parents' and sister's problems than mine.
Feeling confident in my healthy perspective, I was dealt another lesson in humility when my grandfather called me to ask about the bracelet. He didn't realize it was in my possession, and asked me to bring it to his house so we could talk about it and he could send it to my sister.
I made him promise I would get it back.
Because I loved my grandmother and I love my grandfather today, I brought the bracelet to his house. Again I reminded myself that I was doing this for them, and it wasn't about me.
My grandfather and I sat in his office talking and he got out all the materials he would need to mail the bracelet. He handed them to me and asked me to take it to the post office.
My grandfather wasn't being insensitive. He's 87 and is trying to drive as little as possible. Taking a package to the post office is overwhelming for him. Priority mail? What's that? Once again, I reminded myself that this wasn't about me, that having me take this to the post office kept him and his Cadillac off the streets and maybe even saved lives.
A few friends advised me not to mail it; the bracelet is too valuable they said, or they reminded me that I might never see it again. It's not about the bracelet, I said. It's about relationship. Sure, I love that bracelet and I hope I do get it back. But an action in honor of my deceased grandmother, in honor of the relationship I used to have with my sister, is more important than any bracelet.
So I did it. I humbly mailed the bracelet to my sister, for the sake of my grandparents. I did it to show that a relationship is more important than the possible loss of jewelry. I did it to show my sister that through it all, I do love her and wish her the best for her wedding and marriage.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Poem of Thankfulness
Dear God,
Thank you for...
small hands clasped against mine
snuggles
clean sheets
hot coffee that greets me in the morning
strong handshakes and long hugs
tickles and whooshes onto the bed
kisses
granola with bits of chocolate and berries
the slow cooker that welcomes me after a long day
neighbors jumping on the trampoline
still, quiet moments of the morning
inside jokes
my great-grandmother's ironing board
machines that wash clothes and dishes
fresh citrus fruit
friends that never miss a beat even after a long time away
alarm clocks
dogs that curl against me and snore
laughter
friends that make me think
friends that challenge me to be a better person
moments of calm
Love.
Thank you for...
small hands clasped against mine
snuggles
clean sheets
hot coffee that greets me in the morning
strong handshakes and long hugs
tickles and whooshes onto the bed
kisses
granola with bits of chocolate and berries
the slow cooker that welcomes me after a long day
neighbors jumping on the trampoline
still, quiet moments of the morning
inside jokes
my great-grandmother's ironing board
machines that wash clothes and dishes
fresh citrus fruit
friends that never miss a beat even after a long time away
alarm clocks
dogs that curl against me and snore
laughter
friends that make me think
friends that challenge me to be a better person
moments of calm
Love.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Working smarter, not harder
Today has been such a great day! I got up at 4:30, downed coffee and read a chapter of my book, then took Sugar Dot for a walk-run. After taking Claire to school, Paul and I played tennis, hide and seek, and then went to the Botanic Gardens for exploring. Right now he's played out; literally. He's snoring.
I keep coming up with thoughts that I want to blog, but then get distracted. One idea I've been wrestling with is how would Lent and Easter be different if I lived South of the Equator? We're about a week from Easter and it seems every tree and plant know it. The birds are singing all day and everything is in bloom. It's like the entire world is living a resurrection story. Below the Equator, though, it's autumn. So while I feel all Eastery looking around at all the pretty flowers, citizens in South America are looking at falling leaves.
Another item I want to mention is the book I'm reading. It's fascinating. It's called The Compass for Pleasure by David Linden. Adam actually requested this book from the library because he heard an interview on NPR. He wanted to read it, but I swiped it before he could. I'm a faster reader anyway, so it's okay. This book is about the part of our brain that registers pleasure. So far it's neuroscience for those of us that barely know what that word means. Check later on my goodreads list to see what I think of it when I'm done.
One of the goals I'm focusing on right now is to work smarter, not harder. I am a hard worker and I get up earlier than most and stay up until I absolutely can't stay awake any longer (usually somewhere about 9:05) but I still can't keep up with all the housework, errands, and playing that I must fit into the day. One way that I'm trying to work smarter is by getting organized. If you are a woman that needs help with organization, I want to recommend Simple Mom to you. This lady is a little on the OCD side (apparently she alphabetizes her children's books) but she has great ideas on organization and you can always put your own spin on it, right?
I cleaned out the pantry and donated all unwanted items to the food bank. I cleaned out my closet and donated extra clothes to Goodwill. I've started writing down all my to-do lists in one place. These small actions help my sanity.
I've also discovered about myself that I lack an intentionality about certain things, like placement of my car keys. Just a month ago, and every day previous, I would spend 5-10 minutes a day looking for my car keys. I wouldn't pay attention when I walked in the door, so that meant chaos when I walked out the door later. I promised myself that I would put my keys in one of two places EVERY time. Believe it or not, that little agreement with myself has completely changed my mornings. I don't have to curse at myself for losing my keys because Voila! I know where they are!
I've also started back with my walking. I love early morning walks. Besides the exercise, they help me clear my mind. I'm able to say many short prayers of thanksgiving as well as enjoy the birds singing good morning to me. Sugar Dot also loves them. Wesley is too old to go further than a block, but that darn chihuahua can walk and run as far as I can and then some.
One part of life that I love is that you can always reinvent yourself, improve yourself, and learn. Maybe one day every scrap of paper and shoe in my house will be organized, but until then, I'm going to keep working and learning.
I keep coming up with thoughts that I want to blog, but then get distracted. One idea I've been wrestling with is how would Lent and Easter be different if I lived South of the Equator? We're about a week from Easter and it seems every tree and plant know it. The birds are singing all day and everything is in bloom. It's like the entire world is living a resurrection story. Below the Equator, though, it's autumn. So while I feel all Eastery looking around at all the pretty flowers, citizens in South America are looking at falling leaves.
Another item I want to mention is the book I'm reading. It's fascinating. It's called The Compass for Pleasure by David Linden. Adam actually requested this book from the library because he heard an interview on NPR. He wanted to read it, but I swiped it before he could. I'm a faster reader anyway, so it's okay. This book is about the part of our brain that registers pleasure. So far it's neuroscience for those of us that barely know what that word means. Check later on my goodreads list to see what I think of it when I'm done.
One of the goals I'm focusing on right now is to work smarter, not harder. I am a hard worker and I get up earlier than most and stay up until I absolutely can't stay awake any longer (usually somewhere about 9:05) but I still can't keep up with all the housework, errands, and playing that I must fit into the day. One way that I'm trying to work smarter is by getting organized. If you are a woman that needs help with organization, I want to recommend Simple Mom to you. This lady is a little on the OCD side (apparently she alphabetizes her children's books) but she has great ideas on organization and you can always put your own spin on it, right?
I cleaned out the pantry and donated all unwanted items to the food bank. I cleaned out my closet and donated extra clothes to Goodwill. I've started writing down all my to-do lists in one place. These small actions help my sanity.
I've also discovered about myself that I lack an intentionality about certain things, like placement of my car keys. Just a month ago, and every day previous, I would spend 5-10 minutes a day looking for my car keys. I wouldn't pay attention when I walked in the door, so that meant chaos when I walked out the door later. I promised myself that I would put my keys in one of two places EVERY time. Believe it or not, that little agreement with myself has completely changed my mornings. I don't have to curse at myself for losing my keys because Voila! I know where they are!
I've also started back with my walking. I love early morning walks. Besides the exercise, they help me clear my mind. I'm able to say many short prayers of thanksgiving as well as enjoy the birds singing good morning to me. Sugar Dot also loves them. Wesley is too old to go further than a block, but that darn chihuahua can walk and run as far as I can and then some.
One part of life that I love is that you can always reinvent yourself, improve yourself, and learn. Maybe one day every scrap of paper and shoe in my house will be organized, but until then, I'm going to keep working and learning.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Thankful Thursday
What a beautiful day, again! We have been so blessed with wonderful weather, here in Ft. Worth. Days like this remind me of my friend Ben Wright's term, non-weather. That means weather that is so perfect that you don't even notice it.
Here's my thankful list for today.
1. Adam snaking at drain at 1 a.m.
Last night after he got home from work at midnight and we had both sat down and talked a little and read a little, we heard a noise in the bathroom. Our shower drain was clogged up, so in order to have a perfect shower this morning, Adam got out of bed and went and snaked out the drain. That's love.
2. !!!! Exclamation points!!
I am an enthusiastic person by nature, so I feel like exclamation points were made for me!!! I also love that Claire has started writing her name on all her papers at kindergarten like this: Claire!
3. Speaking of kindergarten, Claire was officially identified by the school as gifted and talented this week. This is a huge deal. From now on, Claire will automatically be put in the smart class and even get to attend special individualized classes to challenge her. I was a teacher, so I know a lot of what goes into the identification process. I didn't realize, however, that it is near impossible to get a child identified in kindergarten. Apparently you have to score a 92 percentile on a special standardized test as well as excel in other areas of academia. The more I ask around, the more I think Claire is the only kindergartner at this school to receive this honor. Since I don't work full-time, we can't afford private school for the kids and one way to ensure they get the best possible education in public school is to make sure they earn the GT label. Adam and I have been working hard with both of the kids since birth to expand their knowledge on a daily basis so they get on this gifted and talented track. Hooray! It worked!
4. Paul's sense of humor.
Our son never ceases to crack me up. Last week at the thrift shop, I was asking Paul if he wanted anything. He pulled out a man's XXXL shirt, held it up to him and said in a serious voice, "I'm really thinking of getting this." Yesterday he put on a detachable hood from Claire's winter coat and declared himself a polar bear. Last week he announced he wasn't only a meerkat, he was a pirate meerkat. He makes me laugh so hard!
5. Project Mom
I am telling every mom I know to got to this in 2013. Last Saturday I went to the downtown Hilton for these seminars on how to be a better mom. I learned so much! It was all relevant, applicable information on organization, parenting, couponing, photography, and many other things. Plus, we got tons of free stuff! I scored a huge basket of baby fitness equipment, which went to our next door neighbor's newborn. It was awesome.
6. Babysitting
My friend Melody watched both kids on Monday night so I could attend Bible study. Since Adam's been working so much lately, I hadn't been able to attend since November. It felt so good to be back amongst friends and get myself back on track.
7. The return of perspective
When it's just me and the kids and I don't have much other outlets or adults to talk to, I begin to lose perspective on life. A cup of spilled milk becomes AN ENTIRE GLASS OF SPILLED MILK ALL OVER THE CLEAN FLOOR MAKING IT NOW HORRIBLY STICKY AND THE END OF THE WORLD IS APPROACHING!!! One way that I avoid being self-important and self-adsorbed is by being around other adults. Adam finished two major projects this week, thus freeing me up to get out of the house some. With Melody watching the kids on Monday, I really feel more like myself again and can mop up that spilled milk, because after all, it's not really a big deal.
8. Libraries
We are blessed to be able to frequent and feel at home at three libraries. We have a wonderful children's library at church, where the librarian has started pulling books she knows we'll like. Paul and I work weekly at the Bruce Shulkey library and check out lots of books there. There's also the Wedgwood branch of the Fort Worth Public Library, which we also call home. The only downside to all these libraries is I have to make sure I'm turning the correct books into the correct library.
9. Public Relations Campaigns at the Dinner table
I served broccoli the other night and Paul had seconds. I asked him if he liked the trees and he said yes. Claire however said she didn't like broccoli. Luckily she ate some anyway and Paul didn't make the connection that the trees he was gobbling up were actually broccoli. I always feel like a spin doctor at the dinner table.
10. Neighborhood kids
I grew up in an old, established neighborhood where the only kids around were my sister and I. I love that we had a new family move in down the street so the kids now have daily playmates. Neighbors are awesome.
Here's my thankful list for today.
1. Adam snaking at drain at 1 a.m.
Last night after he got home from work at midnight and we had both sat down and talked a little and read a little, we heard a noise in the bathroom. Our shower drain was clogged up, so in order to have a perfect shower this morning, Adam got out of bed and went and snaked out the drain. That's love.
2. !!!! Exclamation points!!
I am an enthusiastic person by nature, so I feel like exclamation points were made for me!!! I also love that Claire has started writing her name on all her papers at kindergarten like this: Claire!
3. Speaking of kindergarten, Claire was officially identified by the school as gifted and talented this week. This is a huge deal. From now on, Claire will automatically be put in the smart class and even get to attend special individualized classes to challenge her. I was a teacher, so I know a lot of what goes into the identification process. I didn't realize, however, that it is near impossible to get a child identified in kindergarten. Apparently you have to score a 92 percentile on a special standardized test as well as excel in other areas of academia. The more I ask around, the more I think Claire is the only kindergartner at this school to receive this honor. Since I don't work full-time, we can't afford private school for the kids and one way to ensure they get the best possible education in public school is to make sure they earn the GT label. Adam and I have been working hard with both of the kids since birth to expand their knowledge on a daily basis so they get on this gifted and talented track. Hooray! It worked!
4. Paul's sense of humor.
Our son never ceases to crack me up. Last week at the thrift shop, I was asking Paul if he wanted anything. He pulled out a man's XXXL shirt, held it up to him and said in a serious voice, "I'm really thinking of getting this." Yesterday he put on a detachable hood from Claire's winter coat and declared himself a polar bear. Last week he announced he wasn't only a meerkat, he was a pirate meerkat. He makes me laugh so hard!
5. Project Mom
I am telling every mom I know to got to this in 2013. Last Saturday I went to the downtown Hilton for these seminars on how to be a better mom. I learned so much! It was all relevant, applicable information on organization, parenting, couponing, photography, and many other things. Plus, we got tons of free stuff! I scored a huge basket of baby fitness equipment, which went to our next door neighbor's newborn. It was awesome.
6. Babysitting
My friend Melody watched both kids on Monday night so I could attend Bible study. Since Adam's been working so much lately, I hadn't been able to attend since November. It felt so good to be back amongst friends and get myself back on track.
7. The return of perspective
When it's just me and the kids and I don't have much other outlets or adults to talk to, I begin to lose perspective on life. A cup of spilled milk becomes AN ENTIRE GLASS OF SPILLED MILK ALL OVER THE CLEAN FLOOR MAKING IT NOW HORRIBLY STICKY AND THE END OF THE WORLD IS APPROACHING!!! One way that I avoid being self-important and self-adsorbed is by being around other adults. Adam finished two major projects this week, thus freeing me up to get out of the house some. With Melody watching the kids on Monday, I really feel more like myself again and can mop up that spilled milk, because after all, it's not really a big deal.
8. Libraries
We are blessed to be able to frequent and feel at home at three libraries. We have a wonderful children's library at church, where the librarian has started pulling books she knows we'll like. Paul and I work weekly at the Bruce Shulkey library and check out lots of books there. There's also the Wedgwood branch of the Fort Worth Public Library, which we also call home. The only downside to all these libraries is I have to make sure I'm turning the correct books into the correct library.
9. Public Relations Campaigns at the Dinner table
I served broccoli the other night and Paul had seconds. I asked him if he liked the trees and he said yes. Claire however said she didn't like broccoli. Luckily she ate some anyway and Paul didn't make the connection that the trees he was gobbling up were actually broccoli. I always feel like a spin doctor at the dinner table.
10. Neighborhood kids
I grew up in an old, established neighborhood where the only kids around were my sister and I. I love that we had a new family move in down the street so the kids now have daily playmates. Neighbors are awesome.
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