Sweetness...

What's purple, yellow, and pink...is sticky on your fingers, sweet in your mouth...and is irresistable to 4-year olds?

Me: "Lucas, did you sneak and eat the cotton candy that was in this bag?"
Lucas: " YEP! Woo, good thing I told you the truth, Mom. Now, I won't get in as much trouble."
Holy cats! The lessons are being learned.

My Tongue Is Bleeding

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Over the last few weeks I haven't said a peep about Robertson, Reid, Limbaugh, Brown, or Bauer,


Nor about the vile remarks of facebook fans that show up every hour.

I've been watching and reading as others post their non-sensical writ,

(Achoo! Achoo! Excuse me, I forgot...I'm allergic to bullshit).

I welcome a difference of opinion, a variety of views,

As long as they aren't simply talking points lifted from the babbling heads at Fox News.

Friends who truly love me aren't offended by what I say,

Speaking out rather than shutting up...they wouldn't have me any other way.

Please remember, friends, that I love you...my intent isn't to offend,

Rather, I believe communication is a step toward a nation on the mend.



Peace.

http://www.nationalpriorities.org/

Sing Me A Love Song

I'm a sucker for heart-melting, sweet, soul moving  love songs. Sometimes the music stirs up memories. Other times, a song reminds us of someone who is currently in our lives. Then, there are lines from songs that stay with us...that we tuck away to share with someone who, perhaps, we've yet to meet.

With some help from friends (Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends. Thanks to Celeste, Mark, Grace, the King, Elizabeth, and Tipp!) I've compiled a list of songs with lyrics that set a romantic mood and take your breath away.

"At Last" ~ Etta James
"Little Wing" ~ Eric Clapton's version
"I've Never Loved a Man" ~ Aretha Franklin
"Possession" ~ Sarah McLachlan
"Come Away With Me" ~ Norah Jones
"The Look of Love" ~ Dusty Springfield
"Wicked Game" ~ Chris Isaak
"It's Your Love" ~ Faith Hill and Tim McGraw
"Truly, Madly, Deeply" ~ Ray LaMontagne
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" ~ Roberta Flack
"Wild Horses" ~ The Sundays' version
"Crazy Love" ~ Van Morrison
"Take My Breath Away" ~ Berlin
"Now More Than Ever" ~ Chicago
"Bed of Love" ~ Bon Jovi
"Let's Get It On" ~ Marvin Gaye
"Can't Get Enough of Your Love" ~ Barry White
"Breathe" ~ Faith Hill
"In Your Eyes" ~ Peter Gabriel
"I Summon You" ~ Spoon
"Collide" ~ Howie Day
"Maybe I'm Amazed" ~ Paul McCartney
"I Want To Know What Love Is" ~ Foreigner
"Open Arms" ~ Journey
"Don't Want To Wait Anymore" ~ The Tubes
"Gently I'll Wake You" ~ Chicago
"More Than Words" ~ Extreme
"I Still Love You" ~ Kiss
"You Are So Beautiful" ~ Joe Cocker
"Kandi" ~ One Eskimo
"How Deep Is Your Love" ~ The Bee Gees
"Together Again" ~ Chicago
"Just Breathe" ~ Pearl Jam
"From This Moment" ~ Shania Twain
"I Want To Go With You" ~ Jeannie Seely

What a list! I'm guessing that if you burned a cd with this music on it and gave it to your honey, you'd be covered in kisses by the end of the first song!
What do you think we're missing?

Super Powers

Lucas and I were on our way to Boulder to run an errand. As usual, while in the car we chatted. The radio was tuned in to KBCO ( World-Class Rock, baby!) and as soon as he heard the chords to Just Breathe, our conversation went as follows ~

*  "Mom, we should be quiet so we can hear the song. You love that Eddie guy." ( I do heart Mr. Vedder)

After a minute...

*  "Lucas, I love you. You're so special. "

*  "I love you, Momma. I'm not special though."

*  "What?! Lucas, you are SO special!"

*  "No, I'm not...I don't rescue people who are trapped in the forest. And I don't have any super powers."

*  "You are incredibly kind and thoughtful. You're great at sharing. You're hilarious. Elsa couldn't ask for a more caring brother and I couldn't ask for a more loving son. Being kind, funny, loving, and caring...those are your super powers."

*  " I am all of those things."

*  "Yes, yes you are. And more."

*  "Is being good at playing Wii tennis a super power?"

*  "If you want it to be, then absolutely!"

A brief pause...

*  "Oh, I know another super power...
I'm really cute!"

Heart To Heart

If you view my 365 Days blog, this is a repeat. Sorry! I thought this was a good parenting story and wanted to share it here, too.
If you haven't read 365 (why aren't you?), enjoy this! You will need to visit http://365daysofresolutions.blogspot.com/ if you want to see pictures of the artwork, as blogger isn't letting me add pics to this post for some reason.

Last year, I was introduced to The Jericho House, a Christ-centered addiction recovery program located in Georgia. Someone I care deeply about was struggling with substance abuse and other dependencies, so I wanted to learn all I could about what he was going through. I was reading the website for The Jericho House and shared with Elsa and Lucas some news. They had always been concerned that my friend wasn't able to see his children as often as he would have liked. They were saddened even more to hear that some of the residents of the house had no contact with their family members. Not wanting anyone to feel unhappy and lonely, the kids came up with the idea to mail decorated heart ornaments to the folks at the house.

Since they had such a good time sending their love, I thought this year making hearts for Valentine's Day would be ideal. We decided to get our neighbors involved as well. (We are so fortunate to live in a wonderful community filled with compassionate, caring people.) With 8 kids and 4 adults participating, we were able to create enough goodness to forward to The Jericho House, and also to our local senior center. The kids and I are excited to be going to the center this week to drop off the greetings and some other goodies!

It took me many years to figure out that it isn't the cost, brand, or location of where you purchase a gift that makes it meaningful. What makes a gift special is that the gesture of giving it be rooted in kindness and love. We hope you'll find creative ways to let others know they are loved! Don't wait! xoxo

Angels

Earlier in the day, Elsa and Lucas found a map under my bed  (Yes, I have to clean under my bed. Doing so is one of my 365 resolutions...http://365daysofresolutions.blogspot.com) and decided they wanted to gather "spy" gear and go on an adventure. Elsa asked if I would drop them off at the airport.
"Certainly," I said.
Lucas looked terrified.
"Aren't you coming with us, Mommy? I don't want to go without you," he declared with tears in his eyes.

It was at that moment I realized how connected I am with my children.

*

Later, during nap time, Lucas snuggled up next to me. He's a chatter-bug, so I knew we'd talk for a few minutes before he fell asleep.

"Mom, I don't want you to die. I know you say that Heaven is a nice place, but here is a nice place, too. And we really need you here."

Again, he had tears in his eyes. He's always so chipper...singing, skipping, making jokes, smiling. This meloncholy moment was not one that I've experienced often with him. I was choked up. I was going to soothe his mind by offering comforting words, but he continued...

"You need to make sure that when you die, you take the picture of me and Elsa...the one in our room...with you, so you don't forget us."

You're Such a Flirt...

I'm not a big fan of Valentine's Day. It's one of those ridiculously depressing holidays that comes after the Christmas rush and falls in the midst of  what many consider the most depressing season - winter.
In the past, I dreaded not having a date for the 14th. I'm sure I'm not the only one who started looking for a partner in January just so I wouldn't be alone in February. Or, worse yet, stayed with someone who I really didn't want to be with simply so I could celebrate a massacre. Pathetic, I know.
And don't get me wrong, I realize I was probably on the other end of those scenarios at one time or another.
(Additionally, I found that even while in long-term relationships, Valentine's Day was stressful. I had these expectations that my love-bugs just couldn't meet. So, the day became a let-down.)

All this led me to thinking about how people try to pick up each other.
How can you tell if someone is flirting with you or just feeding you a crockpot full of bull? Are flirting
and bs-ing the same thing? And if you are going to flirt, shouldn't it at least be specific to the person you are trying to woo?

I had a relationship with someone who told me the same things he told everyone else. So impersonal! We (I'm guessing men, too) want to feel special, like we are one-and-onlys...that the words coming out of your mouth have never been heard by another.

What are some things that people have said or done (flirting is an action) to let you know they were interested?

Love One Another

Like many, I am heartbroken about the devastation in Haiti. I am taking the day off from blogging to grieve, pray, and act.. Please think about what you can do to help the victims of this tragedy. Then do it.


If you'd like to make a donation, please consider contributing through the American Friends Service Committee.

Be kind to each other.

Peace!

http://www.afsc.org/

He Likes Boogers, Too!

Lucas:  "Mom, where's Elsa?"

Me: " After school, she went to her friend's house to play for a bit."

Lucas: "Why couldn't I go? I play with them all the time. Why didn't she invite me today?"

Me: "Oh, sweetheart, I think it was just a few of the girls who were getting together today. I'm sorry if you're feeling left out."

Lucas, (making a HUMPH! sound) : " Well, I've decided to start a Boy's Club. No girls, just boys.
We'll gather our cars and have races.
We'll play Wii.
When we get hot, we'll take off our shirts.
No girls.
When we're tired with Wii, we'll play dress up!
We'll talk about things and won't tell the girls."

Me: "What are you going to talk about?"

Lucas: "BOOGERS! We'll talk alot about boogers.

**********************************************************

(If you scroll through the posts, one of the first I ever wrote was about Elsa....I Spy. You'll understand the name of the title of this post, if you read that one.)

The World

Based on the title of this post, you may be thinking that I'm going to step onto my soap box and voice my opinion about the state of affairs around the world.
Not today.
I'm too tired. And it's sloth Sunday...I don't want to invest that much energy today.
That being said, we can discuss anything political - which is really just about everything - another time. On that note, any topics you want to throw out there are always appreciated.
**********************************

Yesterday, during supper, Elsa told me that while playing at a friend's house they made wishes! Lucas said that he wished for a chocolate pig.
Elsa said that a pig wouldn't cut it...she wanted the world to be made out of chocolate.

I went downstairs this morning (I was up early, even without my coffee-drug. See http://365daysofresolutions.blogspot.com/ for an explanation.). I practiced sitting in silence. Then, since it was quiet in the house, I decided to read a few more pages of Anna Karenina.

Lucas was the first one out of bed. He's the early-bird. From where I was sitting, I could see him as he was coming down the stairs.
Step. Pause. Step. Pause.
He looked around.
He took a deep breath and let out such a long sigh for a little guy.
"Elsa," he called.
"The world isn't chocolate. I'm sorry about your wish. Maybe tomorrow."
Step. Pause. Step. Pause.
"Don't feel bad...I don't see my chocolate pig either."

The world might not be chocolate, but life is sweet.

And The Answer Is

In ending an IM (instant messaging) conversation with a friend, I used the term, "for Pete's sake!" Later, on facebook, my friend updated his status to read something along the line of, "Who is Pete and why should I be concerned about his welfare?"
Well, several people voiced their theory as to who this Pete fellow is. Had anyone actually wanted to know the answer they could have Googled and found a detailed explanation of the Biblical origin of the saying. Or they could have asked me.
Here's my two-cents.
Peter is the abbreviated form of Peter. Peter is slang for penis (penis is not a dirty word - I'm not going to apologize for using it.). We know that men will do anything for the sake of this particular appendage.

(However, if this was truly the answer, I think we'd be hearing the phrase more often.)

The other day I posted a picture of some toys that the kids like to use during play. They had lined up their friends and wanted me to guess who didn't belong in the group. (See Home schooled for the entire story) I had asked if you had any idea what didn't belong! Well, according to the Elsa and Lucas, there are a few answers. Here's the rest of the story.

"Gosh, let me think..."

Elsa ~ "Do you need some time?"

Lucas ~ "You can do it, Mom."

"Let's see, there's a turtle, lion, penguin, fish, dinosaur, and alligator. I was thinking that all of them lived in or really close to the water except the lion. Then I thought that this dinosaur probably didn't live in the water either."

Lucas ~ "YES!"
(He's saying this with an uncertain, yet surprised look on his face...like he hadn't thought of that, but it made sense to him.)

"Yes? Is that the answer? I didn't think we could take away two animals?"

Lucas ~ "I'm 4. I can make the rules any way I want."

Elsa ~ "Lucas, Lucas. Mommy, that's not what we were thinking. Put on your thinking hat."

"All of the animals here have a little bit of yellow on them except for the brown lion."

Lucas ~ "Yes!"

Elsa ~ "Lu-cas! That's not what we said. It does look like that's the way it is though. You still have to guess again."

By now, my head is throbbing from thinking about this so intently.

"The only one that we can't see in the wild any more is the dinosaur. So, I'm guessing that he doesn't belong!" (Lici guessed this, too!)

Lucas ~ "Yes! Dinosaurs are extinct. That's a good one Mom."

Elsa ~ "That is a good answer. I can't believe you aren't getting the right answer though."

She's so sassy.

"I'm not? Honey, I don't know what else to say. You got me on this one."

Elsa ~ " At school, we learn that we aren't supposed to leave anyone out when we're playing. You always say to make sure we include everyone."

Lucas ~ "Yea, you always say (he starts talking in a high-pitched voice), 'Make sure you don't leave anyone out, especially Lucas.'"

Elsa ~ " Everyone belongs, even if they're different. That's the answer"

Schooled.

You Aren't Getting Any...

Sex!

The other night I watched the movie, Extract. (You can keep reading. I promise I won't give away the story by what I'm about to say.) Justin Bateman's character knows that if his wife has already changed into her grey, drawstring sweatpants by the time he gets home from work, then there is no chance of any bedroom action. No any-room action.

It was a hilarious scene because it was a relatable scenario. It got me thinking. What have I done, what round-about comments have I made, to ensure that my partner understood that I was off-limits? What signs or cues have I received or in what situations have I found myself, which made me realize I wasn't getting lucky that day? Better yet, what have I - or my partner - done to turn-off the other...to make certain that the urge that was there a minute ago is a distant memory.

In almost every relationship I've been in, I know that if there is a football game on the tube, I'm out of luck. Really, Sundays and Monday nights may as well be designated non-sex nights during football season.

Also, if someone I'm seeing is gassy, has farting bouts, it isn't only sex that is out of the question. Please, don't even get near me. Although he might not intentionally be trying to turn me off, you can be assured that I am.

For me, here are some things that have worked in the past:

1. He might have his football games to rely on, but I have The Food Network. Once it's on, count me out from being under the sheets.

2. "Honey, the next time you go to the store, can you pick up a deodorant for me? I've been out for a few days."

3. "It's winter time. You know how cold I get. I think I'm going to let my hair grow.
No, silly, the hair on my legs."

4. "Yes, I wore this sweatpant/t-shirt combo yesterday. Then I slept in it. And when I woke up, I thought, "why change...I'm already dressed."

5. Leave the box of tampons in an obvious place.

6. "Babe, my MOTHER... Insert anything you want here. By this point, you're already tuned out and your partner is turned off.

Feel free to use any or all of them when appropriate.

All that being said, when you are in the mood, HAPPY ROMPING!

Homeschooled

I heard screaming coming from the living room.

"Mom! Mom!"

"Is everything ok?"

"Of course," replies my oh-so-positive son.

"We want you to guess which of these things doesn't belong in the group," explained my daughter.

Standing along the carpet were several play toys - figures, if you will. My task was to do as requested and determine which didn't belong in the line-up. How difficult could this be?

Well, let's just say it wasn't one of my finest moments.

My kids, all kids, are incredibly intelligent, creative beings. I learn something - actually, many things - every day from my itty bitties. I realized that I'm so fortunate to be home schooled!

You figure it out. What doesn't belong...

Holiday Ho-Ho Down

From Halloween through the beginning of January, life is like an ongoing ho-down...dancing, partying, fun, and food! Lots of food. Lots. We give ourselves permission to eat food-things that throughout the other months of the year we wouldn't even consider speaking from our lips, and certainly wouldn't dare have touch our lips. Ho Hos! Now those would be a fine example of what I'm talking about. I can eat a whole one of those. No chewing needed. Apparently, according to my former husband who still lives with me (another story), this season, I've eaten far too much of everything - except fruit and vegetables.

We were sitting on the sofa watching the movie, Hangover (flippin' funny), when he looked at me and said, "Maybe you should get back to the gym on a more frequent basis." Then, he stuck his big toe into my fleshy belly.

I didn't say a word. I just glared at him. Hasn't he learned yet? After seven-plus years of marriage, and many months of non-marriage, that the way to get me to do something is NOT to tell me I should do it.

The next day, as I'm shoving a mammoth piece of banana-chocolate chip bread into my mouth he repeated that I should go to the gym.
"Nope." Then I climbed back upstairs and headed to my bed for a cat-nap.
Later, he commented that I really need some exercise. Mind you, this isn't being said in a sweet, loving way. He's looking at my plump-rump - as I've recently named it - with one eyebrow cocked.
I'm not going.

If I ever have a man in my life again I hope he understands that if you want me to do something, motivate me. Build me up. Tell me how svelte and sexy (that might be pushing it - you get the idea though) I look. I'll run to the gym. And then work out when I get there.

Thankfully, New Year's Eve was fast approaching and I needed to get my resolutions in order. It's tough to come up with 365 if you don't include anything work-out related. So, I'm back to my routine and I've added many other fun classes to my to-do list. Now, I just need to stop eating those dang ho-hos.

Not Like Mother

We've been reading the book, I'm Bad, for the last week. So, it was no surprise to hear Elsa roaring to herself..."I'm a big, bad, (but cute) Elsasaurus! I'm speedy...you can call me Dash! And I LIKE MEAT!"

The first few things she said made me giggle. However, upon the words 'I LIKE MEAT' hitting my ears, I almost fainted. You see...no respectable, groovy, quarter-of-a-century of no-meat-eating, hippie chick ever wants to hear her child say those words and actually mean it.

Yes, the kids are offered meat at most meals. Their Dad is a card-carrying carnivore. I've always been outnumbered at mealtime.
Luke tries - and likes - just about anything. Many moons ago, I gave up on him being the next John Robbins. Elsa, though, was my hope. She's always been a picky eater and meat morsels are usually the thing she leaves on her plate. Never do I encourage them to eat - or even try - meat. If the kiddos say they don't like the chicken or burger (which often times is the case since I'm not that great of a carcass cooker), then that's just peachy with me.

And I've always done my part to try to gross them about when it comes to meat.

"You know what that is, don't you?"
"What what is?"
"The salmon that's on your plate. You know what it is, right?"
"Dinner."
"It's fish! Real fish...the kind that, when not dead on your plate, swim in the water. You're eating a FISH."
"Hmmm. That's kinda cool. Bears eat fish. And this is pretty tasty."

Dang.

Back to Elsa...

So, I called her into the kitchen and asked if she really liked meat.
"Yeah! I like meat, all meat."
I must have been turning ghostly white by now.
"Oh, really...you like all meat? How about liver...do you like liver?"
"What's liver?"
Now I've got her.
"Come over to the computer and we'll pull up a picture of it." (I love Google)
"Ok."
"Here we go...here's a picture of liver. Your grandmother used to make me eat this...she'd cook it with onions and bacon and..."
"Did you say bacon? If it's cooked with bacon, it's got to be good. Yum. When can I try it?"

Truly, she is an Elsasaurus.

I Need a Mint...

Children.

Upon seeing that word, what comes to mind? Many might say they imagine love, joy, contentment. Others might think blessings, fun, laughter. Children conjure up positive emotions and images, yes?

In December, if someone had asked me what I thought when I heard the word "children," I would have said...SICKNESS! The flu! Endless cycles of sniffles!

You see, we've had a month-long bout of illness in the house. In addition to finishing up school assignments and preparing for the holidays, we've been battling bugs.

Of the kiddos, it was Lucas who was hit the hardest. I don't think he's ever been so sick. He had a terrible stomach virus. And since he's never experienced this before, he wasn't sure where his "fluids" were supposed to land..on the floor? on the sofa? in Mom's hair? ( I know, terribly disgusting)

As a parent, I felt helpless. There's nothing worse than seeing your child suffer. All I could do was pray that it would pass quickly and he'd feel like himself sooner than later.

After a night of throw-up, fevers & chills, I knew we were on the road to recovery as I watched Lucas make his way downstairs. He was wearing dress-up clothes. He flitted over to me and inhaled deeply. He touched his nose to mine and exhaled.....Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. "Vomit breath," he concluded. Then he added, " I need a mint."

Ah, children.