The Temptations of Life!

My sweet little man (aka son #3) came to me last night crying. He had a wash cloth on his lip. "What happened". "I scatched myself" #3 said. I quickly checked his nails. Then I really looked at the upper lip area with a trickle of blood running across. As #3 and myself gazed into each others eyes, he quickly said "don't say it because its not that!!!". I just burst out laughing. It had finally happened, he had figured out how to read my mind!! Usually they are perplexed as to "how" I know when they have been into something or broke something or whatever having 3 boys in the home can do. But this time, he knew what I was thinking....maybe it means he realizes how smart mommies can really be! Poor little man had decided to SHAVE. His irresponsible and careless mommy had left a razor in the bathroom (silly me for thinking I should shave for the first time all winter since I was going to the indoor pool). Silly me for thinking that no matter where I left something, if it was out of the ordinary, they would get into it. Its like a homing signal....if its "somewhere"...they will find it! Thankfully, it was a minor cut and it's already healing. I think his pride was hurt most of all. Son #1 actually did the same thing a year or so ago, but he actually cut his lip and it was swollen for a couple days. Funny thing, according to many of my friends on facebook, it seems this is a rite of passage. The infamous razor...it must have mystical powers if it can make hair disappear on your body. How could you not be tempted?? I too fell for this trick as I took my mothers razor and scraped it down my arm from the shoulder to the elbow. I still remember the horror of the stinging pain and then the blood. Those were the days! I have a feeling though, that son #2 will have learned his lesson by his 2 brothers but you never know. The temptation could eventually get too great.

Heroes fight the beast

Two words. Cancer sucks. Doesn't matter what kind you have or how bad, it totally disrupts your life, shifts your mental being...it just sucks. I struggle with those that I know who are far too young to have encountered such an ugy beast like cancer. But those that battle the beast are true heroes.

Today I'm thinking of one special mom, fellow blogger who is fighting her own battle. My prayers stay focus on this special and amazing mom who is struggling with the beast but for all the women and mothers out there who try to keep life going not only for themselves, but for their homes, husbands and as much a normal life for their children as possible. This struggle is near to my heart as I think of my beloved childhood friend Bob, who was such an amazing man, who lost his battle with a rare kidney tumor at age 40 and of my friend Lori, we shared the journey of pregnancy and twins with me, left this world at age 42 from a rare soft tissue sarcoma and Colin, the funniest Brit you would ever want to know, who shared many fabulous travel adventures with me. The loss of these heroes truely rocked my world. But I push forward and keep close to my faith as I know that I will never walk alone. I do believe prayer is most powerful and important. Prayer is strong, wise, guiding, faithful, and focused. So keep those fighting the beast close in prayer and thought.

But if you really need to find strength, look to those who are still fighting the beast with all that they have. They are the examples we need to follow. They are amazing individuals who reach way down and charge forward every day. Keeping it all going not just for the themselves but for the sake of others they love. They are the heroes. I am thankful for all the heroes in this world who teach us how to find strength, encouragement, bravery, and compassion. Thank you.

The Golden Rule

I’m no weeny, but enough is enough. We live in an aging neighborhood. When it was built in 1951, the streets were lined with lovely little trees, much like any new development you drive through. But beware. What does those lovely little tree lined streets mean? They mean in 50 years (you may not care if you buy when brand new)…yes in 50 plus years, those trees won’t be those tiny, lovely, little decorative trees that line your street…NO! They will be branch falling, branch cracking, overgrown, creaky, falling on power lines so you don’t have POWER trees! When we moved into our 1951 built home just a mere 8 years ago, we rarely had a problem. But in the last few years, if the wind blows, it’s too sunny out, the rain came down too hard or sudden, someone sneezed too loud – OUT GOES THE POWER! Granted, 2010, we were hit with 3 blizzards back to back…it’s understandable. We did only go 2 days without power but believe me, 2 days is enough. The boys think it’s an adventure, yes I will agree. They love dragging their bunk bed mattresses out to the living room, where the only possible heat is the fireplace. Not only are their mattresses out there but every stuffed animal, every blanket, pillow and piece of crap you can imagine all piled up in the living room! Glad I cleaned house…..WHY? The latest forecast was 3-5 inches of snow. Okay, sounds reasonable. Of course the last 3 times weather predictions they have made, we got nothing. This time however, they completely missed the boat! So at the last hour, they changed the forecast to 6-8 inches. Considering the previous storms had been way under par and not worth the time to grocery shop….who’s worried?! But before the snow could even finish its journey, we were once again without power. The branches began to freeze, the creaking and bending began (as I walked to my car, one branch almost removed an eye – I was totally unaware that the branches had bent all the way down). Then the snapping, falling and destruction started. I really think there MUST be a funny song in all this – don’t you think? I have a friend who writes hilarious Haikus to post on facebook during outages. Her love hate HATE relationship with PEPCO runs deep. Ever since our blizzards of 2010, the newscasters have had fun giving play-on-words names to these events. Now of course, they think it’s funny because we KNOW they have heat and could afford a hotel room if needed. But us poor folk, who would not only have to dish out a lot of cash to survive days on end of this bitter house but also, what would be involved to pack up 3 boys and all their crap that they MUST HAVE in order to make a journey to a place of civilization! So we try to hang in there and tell ourselves that it’s just a few more hours, maybe just until morning and then the power will be back. No internet, no TV, no phones (thank goodness for cell phones), no heat, very little hot water, very little comfort. Though I will say, there is a lot to be thankful for this go round of power outages….we are not trapped by mile high walls of snow – we can get out! All roads out are also clear! We don’t have to use an outhouse (as my sister so kindly pointed out) even though our bathroom temps seem below zero and I fear every time I put my tush on the seat it will stick! Did I mention again that we can just drive away? So tomorrow dear friends, I will be making a break for civilization. I’m not weak. I’m no weeny. I’m definitely not Wonder mom! Amenities like TV, internet, warm beds, lights…all those were invented for a reason – to be USED! I am not a camping queen and I am proud. I know some of you find great pride in camping for a week with your kids or living off the land (or no heat). Believe me, I AM proud of you. But I’m proud of myself too – for being able to admit defeat, admit that I need the amenities set before me, admit that a warm bed is exactly what I need to have a decent night’s sleep, admit that camping is for boy/girl scouts and they were invented to help children with moms like me who say NEVER. I forever stand by my golden rule…”Camping is staying somewhere without room service”. Hello PEPCO? Are you out there?

The Outlaws

Today, on Thanksgiving, after 6 years, I had to encounter my Out-laws. Out-laws you question? Yes, those would be the in-laws that I don't like or care for. My husbands parents and sister are definitely on the "10 most wanted list" when it comes to being an outlaw. For reasons too difficult to explain nor do I really understand them because my mind does not think in this manner....these people are selfish, self-centered, self-serving...self everything. Truly, I know I have never met such people - all in one family - with such a deep degree of all those things. A tiny bit of background....the sister-out-law is just bad. I could think of worse words but because its Thanksgiving....I won't use them. Her jealously over what others have and she thinks she deserves is her driving force. I will say, there is a small part of me that finds great sadness for her. Their parents divorced when she was just 3....her mother leaving her to go "enjoy life" again. Leaving 2 small children 3 and 8 to be raised by various babysitters while their dad worked long hours at his new business of being self-employed. I guess in today's terms, you would say she has a "detached personality disorder". After dating a boy all their her school years - over 10 years and figuring "he was the one", he dumps her and marries another within just a couple of years. Lucky me for walking into my husband's life shortly before all this happens. Hence, why she hates me and her brothers life. She had done MANY horrible things towards us - simply because she probably had nothing better to do. Fast forward....she had a falling out with her brother 8 years ago and stopped all contact. For that I am forever grateful. Though we have made small attempts to reach out, she has rejected them. SO she hasn't seen my son #1 since he was 3.5 yrs old and never has seen #2 or #3. But because of this arguement, the backlash that occurred also took away both parents. Both parents who are afraid of upsetting said "out-law". Parents who would rather cutoff any contact with their son and grandchilden, just to please the wicked daughter. Doesn't it sound like it should be a "Made-for-TV" movie???

Its now Thanksgiving and we decide after many years to attend a meal at my husbands aunts house. Its quite a distance away and we figured there is no way, the out-laws will show up. But it wasn't too be. But that was good. They did show up. Probably to get a "free" peek at the boys without ever having to make any effort. I call those "freebies". In the past, prior to the split in the family, every family function or possible encounter would twist my stomach into knots, my heart would race and my anxiety level would shoot through the roof. Not good for ones health. You never knew what to expect from them. But today I was assured that it all didn't matter to me anymore. That they couldn't effect me anymore. When saw them walk in...nothing. No nausea, no heart racing....nothing. I decided that if they came to me to speak - fine. But I would make no attempt on my part. Sounds petty I know but I would have to write a novel for your to know the whole story. I knew the sister-out-law would come looking....wanting to make her presence...wanting to provoke me. She walked in attempted to make eye-contact with me (I kept ignoring it)...she finally said "Hi, how's it going". I responded "Hi, just fine". That was the end of our interaction. Whew. She then attempted, stupid that she is, to come over to son #2, and touch him saying "hey you, hey you". Little did she know...I couldn't have asked for a more perfect moment...that son #2 does NOT LIKE to talk or have any interaction with anyone he does not know. If she had tried that with sons #1 or #3...they would have responded or engaged in converation willinging. But not son #2, who was already in a foul mood because he was there and didn't know anyone and was not at his Auntie's house with his cousins. He was stuck like glue to me (even at age 7) and refused to detached his body. So when the out-law chose to poke him and talk to him...there was no response. THEN she had the nerve to say to me "what he doesn't talk"....okay she has never laid eyes on her 2 youngest nephews since they were born, what do you expect? My moment had come. The moment...the very moment I had waited for all these 8 years...the perfect moment and the perfect thing to say. My response was "he doesn't talk to people he doesn't know". She walked away. The moment was over. Done. I thought I would have had more to say after all these years....but this okay. I knew that at that very moment, she didn't matter any more to me.

But my favorite moment was when we were standing in the food line, son #1 was standing in front of the sister-out-law and step-mother-out-law...while they were discussing how they saw sons #2 and #3 but WHERE was son #1? I heard the conversation but said nothing. Shaking my head in disbelief because he was standing right in front of them. Finally they spoke up and asked my husband where son #1 was today....it was a beautiful moment when he said "he is standing righ here". That said it all.

We left the dinner satisfied that we had braved the unknown. Made an appearace despite the unknown. Glad we went to show we had no fear of seeing the out-laws if they were there. Pleased that we realized we had moved on. The out-laws will never change, they will never make any attempts to be in our sons lives - and that is okay. There are so many other people in our sons lives to give them support, love and encouragement. They don't deserve negative energy and complications that these people bring with them. Its sad, yes, but not for our children but for the out-laws. Sad to be so overcome with themselves that being part of such amazing and wonderful little boys lives....isn't worth it to them. But that is how they are - its who they are - we have to repsect and accept that. So onward we march in life. Happy Holidays - we pray that 2011 will be a good new year for us all.

Sorry, Bathroom Closed!

I'm trying to figure this one out. As we continue, what seems to be a never ending cycle, the backlash of this horrible economy....I can't quite figure out who or how they actually come up with the things that are being cut from budgets. Money for new sidewalks and new condos and offices (which will have a large vacancy)....yet, they do not hesitate to cut spending in schools, county programs and libraries! As our elementary school is now double its size and way WAY over capacity, we still wait for 2 more years until another school is built in the neighborhood to relieve the overcrowding. The overcrowding which has gone on for 5 or 6 years, overcrowding that existed even when the school was renovated, overcrowding that the county knew about long before now....but hey, the new school kept being moved to the back burner while other schools got built and renovated! So how does a school district allow a school with a limit of like 525, reach a capacity of 1,000?? Boggles your mind, doesn't it. What boggles my mind even more is NOW they are trying to close many of our beloved libraries. Who ever heard of such a thing - close a library? It isn't due to a shortage of people or use. Fortunately, there has been a lot of resistance and the closings seem to be on hold for the "moment". However, every summer since son #1 was tiny, I have spent summers at the various libraries in our area attending all the amazing events they offer. In the summer they always have movies based on books, science programs, storytelling....and the list goes on. This summer - well, each library was lucky if they had 5 events going on. Sad. Just sad. AND if that wasn't bad enough - the summer reading program was CANCELED!! How do you cancel a summer reading program? I just thought that was so crazy. No money for extras. Then today, I saw an article that really just said it all in budget cuts....the county rec department is considering REMOVING ALL porta-potties from their parks! Okay, do not I use them, no. Do I let my kids use them....well no. But they must have served a purpose or they never would have put them there in the first place. Most of these parks serve the soccer teams and other events taking place - you need your porta-potties!! So riddle me this Batman...we live in Montgomery County which is rated as one of the best school systems, wealthiest, and top dog in many areas.....yet, we are denied libraries, reading programs, schools and bathrooms? If the economy doesn't take a turn for the better by next summer....I can't imagine what they will take away from us then!

Christmas Corgi Art and Dailiness

Just came across this lovely blog with one of my favorite things, Corgis of course! See all these pics of these adorable animals makes me miss my sweet fuzzy creatures. There are many lovely animals to be had, but until you've had a corgi...there is nothing like it! www.christmascorgi.blogspot.com.

Black Mountain Jewelry

I posted about this wonderful jewelry a year ago but here I go again. Go to www.blackmountainjewelry.com and see the beautiful pieces that can be made to represent a loved one, family - something personal in your life. You can also learn about other wonderful products like this one at www.techsavvymama.com.

We're ready!

I haven't had many complaints lately, nothing worth mentioning. Mentally, I think I'm still trying to recover from all the snow days even though there isn't any snow in our yard now. Having many weeks home and trapped has put us in a continuing mood of laziness. I can't explain it. We come home - put on pjs. Haven't bothered to pick up or clean up much (the house is suffering!). Been behind on laundry (more so than usual) and cleaning the bathroom has taken a backseat (something you can't do with 3 boys using it). Maybe we just have the winter blahs. The weather has been bad so why bother? We use to be motivated so we could get up and out. Not these days. All I can think about is...how many more days until Spring break when we don't have to bother with school or homework or whether there are clean clothes. I'm also thinking of summer....shorts, tshirts and bathing suits. NO COATS! Life takes a turn to simple when summer arrives. The boys live in their bathing suits like they have been living in their fuzzy pjs this winter. My laundry load goes WAY DOWN! Instead of there being a flurry of snow....there is a flurry of activities outside going on in the area. Living in DC, the nations capitol is a wonderful thing in spring and summer. Have metro will travel. There are so many places to explore, discover, and learn about. I can't wait. Last summer we started exploring museums....so many more to cover this summer. Artists to study and recognize at the Art Gallery, learning American History and seeing it first hand at the American History Museum or Archives, a visit to the Capitol. The bottom line is, if you don't want your house to be a mess or want to cook or clean up - keep the kids out of the house! After being snowed in for so long, I'm ready to pack lunches, grab a metro card and head out. Come on spring, we're ready, willing and able!!

Prayers for Haiti

It's hard to believe that once again, right at or after the Christmas season, we are dealing with another horrible tragedy. As if the tsunami wasn't bad enough but now an earthquake in such a poor country. My heart aches for all those that are there. Despite war and terrorists, when a tragedy such a this happens - it is heartwarming to see so many countries come together in a matter of hours. May all our prayers be heard and that those in Haiti will still hold on to hope and their faith.

The moment

Just being in the moment is such a rare thing these days. Just having the time to chill and actually enjoy it. Today was a wonderful day at church with a renewal of our baptism. We came home and the kids quickly stripped and put on their pjs (a clothing favorite since the snow). Hubbie got a fire going in the fireplace and we've spent the rest of the day playing magnetic legos, junior scrabble and hungry hungry hippo in front of the fire. Even ate lunch there. Needless to say, I keep losing. It does my heart good to have all 3 boys actually wanting to hangout together and with me in the living room, by the fire, playing games and building all afternoon. Just getting back to the simple things. What a wonderful way to start the new year. Blessings.

Snow madness

I love snow. I love my children. I love days home. I love all the things I do with my children. But honestly, after having them home now for 10 days because of the blizzard prior to winter break...I think I'm about to break! Every second of every day, they want to do something and continue to ask "what's next"? I don't get it, any other time, they are complaining when I make them go do something. Those extra days home have definitely thrown us all off. Their sleeping and eating schedules are off and my mental well being is OFF! Thankfully, tomorrow sons #2 & #3 are heading off to ice skating camp for the day. All day! Whew! The older one is having a friend over to play hours of Wii....leaving me an entire day of quiet. I'm so excited I don't know if I can contain myself. I know that at the end of the week, I will be moaning about where the time went and I want more time home. No matter how much you love each other, you still need some time apart. Quiet. Peace. Can't wait to snuggle with my boys tomorrow night. I think I'm missing them already!

Resolutions

When I started this blog, its purpose was for me to vent and write about things off the top of my head. But then after I started writing...nothing was coming to me. Or if they did, by the time I had a chance to write about it, I was too burned out. This year, 2009, was overflowing with challenges. Though in years past, we have been challenged before but for some reason, I feel like so much has been drained from me. All of a sudden, when I enjoyed reading other blogs daily, writing and communicating on my own, I seem to have lost interest. Why? I don't know. Usually when there has been a crisis in the family, the focus has been on one or two things. This past year, it has been on many - money, jobs, kids, school, parents, etc...the list goes on. I think that instead of having all the emotional, physical and mental focus being on something specific, this year it has been scattered among many various things. Stretching my time, energy and brain in too many directions. I decided that it was time to settle back for a while. That it was too much to "pretend" that things were fine and keep up all the activities and involvements. I have kept to my word. Not volunteering as much, stepping back and letting someone else take the reigns for activities and projects. Its hard for me to do these things but I am proud of myself for actually doing so. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted and that I've learned, it's okay to not volunteer or to say no once in a while. I've put a little bit more focus on myself - okay, not alot but a little is better than nothing. Going to much needed dr appts, following up, taking medication. Now 2010 is just around the corner. Wow. What will it bring for me. Well, 2010 will start off slowly but try my very best to include about 20 minutes of exercise in each day. I will wake up each morning and think of one thing positive and write it in my notepad. I will also carry this over to my sons and give each of them a notepad and write something positive to them each day. That is it for my New Year things to accomplish. Keeping them simple, keeping them uncomplicated. If I do well with these, then I will have a back up list to add some a few months down the road. I don't think we should think of all our resolutions the first of the year, but maybe break them down to several times a year - quarterly maybe. Then you could spread them out, not feel so pressured. I like that. The less pressure the better. So on that note, I say, Happy New Year and may whatever resolutions you make at this time, may they be something that gives you a better quality of life and add a little happiness to each day!

Giveaways on Tech Savvy Mama

Go to www.techsavvymama.com for some amazing holiday giveaways! TechSavvyMama is giving away a HP TouchSmart 600 touchscreen computer. I could certainly use another computer as our old one is going on 6 years old and is now so slow, its like having dial up again! Unfortunately, the economy makes it impossible for us to buy a new one. So we would love a new computer because we need one that is fast, and doesn't take up alot of space and it would work well for my oldest son and his homework! Love TechSavvyMama!

Again?!

I must be a magnet for parents with bad behavior. Tonight, we decided to eat out at one of our favorite places. It's family night on Thursday so kids eat for really cheap and a clown comes to paint faces and do balloon animals. Our boys love going. So tonight, as it is on many Thursday nights, the second the clown walks in, the children get overly excited and mob the poor clown lady. But she is a trooper and doesn't seem to mind. She gets busy decorating faces and arms, working quite quickly but also maintaining a friendly smile and engaging the children. Now, if you don't want this kind of excitement, just sit back and wait about 15 minutes and let the clown finish her first round of face paintings and all will quiet down. Really, I promise you - it happens. Just give it 15 minutes, then children will disband and all will be quiet again. BUT as we sat there, one overly eager mother with her 2 year old carried her child over the clown. As the other children stood around and did their ooohs and ahhhhhs over the child getting painted, this MOM held her child up, as if he were an offering to the Gods, and said "HEY, there are smaller kids back here waiting to get their face painted too". I couldn't believe it. How rude can one be? The clown, without skipping a beat, looked up and said "yes I know and everyone will get a turn, when its their turn". She then pointed out several children that had been waiting. The woman then picked her kid back up and went back to her seat - she NEVER came back to get her child's face painted, even when no one was waiting anymore. So what was so important? All the children were excited and anxious but willing to wait their turn patiently. Obviously this mom missed that lesson in life. Exactly what lesson was she providing for her child that day? Gee, let's just be obnoxious in front of a bunch of kids and set proper examples on how to be a good human being. Come on people, straighten up - enjoy life a little!

It's only a game!

It truly freaks me out when I see parents with bad behavior, that these people were blessed with children, that they think they can actually be good parents...what were they thinking? Our family went to the Renaissance Festival a week ago. If you have ever gone, you know that its a grand time of costumes, face paintings and silly moments. You have to love it! We had a blast, the boys couldn't get enough. HOWEVER, some parents seem to come with a different agenda - not to have fun, not to bond with their child, not to even enjoy the moment or fact that they are alive. There are lots of games at this event, most of which require that you shoot something, whether a ball or arrow into a tiny (very tiny) hole a distance from where you are standing. The shooting device that you use, is not calibrated or refined - it is a crudely made wooden or metal object that only requires you to pull a string back and let it go. Where your arrow goes or lands is a total mystery. Yet, one father, standing next to us, as my 3 sons are shooting balls ALL OVER the place and we are laughing and cheering each other on, THIS father felt it necessary to snap at his son (probably age 6). When the "maid" on the other side of the game kindly said to the little boy "don't worry, everyone misses, its just a game", the father quips back "not him". He then snatches the bow out of the kids hand and marches off. The "maid" was quite annoyed and said a few choice words under her breath but still rather loudly. I asked her if this happened often? Her very sad and shocking answer was "yes, all the time". She proceeded to tell me how disturbing it was to her to witness this behavior. It's a GAME people!!! A GAME - you know, what you do to have fun and share with others? Doesn't it make you wonder what will happen to these children as they grow - will they suffer depression, mental illness, smokers, alcoholics, eating disorders? Will they grow up to be bullies like their dad? I just find this so very sad. Though I will say, it made me appreciate my day at the festival with the boys even more and just throw myself into enjoying every moment with them. So while I say "shame on you nasty bully dad", I also say "thanks nasty bully day for making me enjoy my day even more - sorry you missed out".

Girl Happy

After having a very rough day with news of my friend's passing, a friend pointed out to me (can't believe I forgot) that today's the 25th anniversary of Elvis' passing. All I have to say is with Elvis and Colin together - heaven is really shaking things up! In their honor - I'm watching "Girl Happy". Seems I missed most of the Elvis marathon, but "Girl Happy" is a favorite! If anyone can bring a smile on a day that has lots of tears, listening to Elvis sing and remembering Colin's incredible humor!

Refocus

Yesterday I was being petty, complaining about ribbons and winnings at the fair. Today life refocused and put into priority. Today I got the email from England that one of my dearest, lifelong and loving friends has passed after a year long struggle of cancer. The loss is enormous,the pain forever deep. Ribbons - what ribbons? I just want Colin back. We met in 1984, on a nude beach (him nude, me not) in Negril, Jamaica. It was a fun filled and forever life changing week. From that week, came over 20 years of friendship and vacations together. I have treasured those vacations with Colin and his amazing wife Jane in my memories as if they were only yesterday. That will never change. Heaven is such a better place now that the funniest, most entertaining guy I've known is there. I now know that I can look forward to my turn for heaven, knowing we will at least be together again. There are no exact words to describe the amazing wit, humor (not always tasteful but it just didn't seem wrong coming from him), driving skills (I would describe it along the lines of "Toad" in the "Wind in the Willows", his love for adventure and always having the time to just be a good friend. Good-bye my sweet, funny, loving, forever friend. The loss of you will change me forever.

What's wrong with me?

I know that life has its up and downs and all arounds...but sometimes I just can't help myself. This week is fair week. Gosh I love fair week. I have great teenage memories with fair week - mostly my girlfriends and I flirting with roadies. Now I look back and go ACK, what was wrong with me...what was I thinking. Toothless, grimy, lack of character excuses for men. Of course, on the other hand, I'm terribly grateful for roadies because without them, there would be no fair rides to enjoy. That just proves that God has a plan for everyone. But there is another element of the fair that I love...barn exhibits. I love to see the artwork, veggies, and sewing projects that people enter for those ribbons. I was never the one to enter anything as a kid. But now that I have children of my own, the second they turned 5, we were standing in line, filling out forms and all those little tags. Do you know what I'm talking about? If you don't, then you have been spared. Then on Mondays when the barns are opened, all us "stage moms" are rushing to see if our darlings have won any ribbons. Then it happens and again I say, what's wrong with me? I get horribly competitve with myself! How crazy can I make myself collecting artwork from the kids, framing it, tagging it, searching through the fair catalog to see what else I can enter. It's crazy. But this year, I snapped. It's terrible. Now along with art exhibits, we are also decorating toilets. You should have seen my living room - imagine 3 toilets lined up, hot glue gun going, craft crap all over the floor! Why the toilet contest - because my husband, who is a plumber, sponsors the contest. Its quite popular and lots of fun. But it becomes an obsession for me, putting in too much time and thought on the winning entry. The boys are great at coming up with titles and picking out items needed to make their creation. Its wonderful to see their creativity bloom and stretching their minds to think beyond the usual. So what's the problem? It's when the judges pick toilets as the winners that ARE NOT nearly as creative or they just don't "get" the idea behind it. This year, the winning toilet truely deserved first place, Wizard of Oz theme "I'm flushing, flushing.." get it? But I'm sorry - the 3rd place toilet had a recycle theme, covered in newspapers and aluminum cans in the toilet. Now HOW does that compare to my son's "Pottyry" toilet? A toilet covered with broken pottery, potters wheel and clay? Son #1 came up with it all on his own....and he places 12th?? I lost it. I did not totally trash part of my house to come in 12th place. I know, you say, well you are bias because it's your son. That's true. But I looked at all the entries, lots of great and creative entries. But come on....12th? I swear I won't enter again next year....but then again, there is always next year! http://www.besthillservicestoiletcontest.blogspot.com

Getting off the Merry-Go-Round

There are many things we ponder in life - some good, some bad....and there are the really difficult heartwrenching turn-your-life upside down decisions that need to be made. Maybe I grew up watching far too many "Father Knows Best", "My Three Sons"...not to mention "The Waltons" and "Little House on the Prairie" (all of these were favorites and I can watch reruns for hours). I grew up with this illusion that marriages start off happy and end up being happy. That families stuck by each other, that parents adored their children and always put them first. That being selfish was just a word that described a toddler. I've only started realizing after 40 plus years of life, that all this was some type of fantasy created in my mind. I'm not saying it doesn't happen because I know it does. I've witnessed the love of 50 years of marriage and ultimate sacrifices for children. What I don't understand are the ones who feel, the vows or words they said at the time of their marriage .... well, were just words on a piece of paper.

I have two friends who are struggling with different situations, but the results are the same. Smart, funny, giving, loving women who have given their all for their families and their homes. Yet in return, one receives a lazy and selfish attitude in return - wife and children are at the bottom of priorities. The other, receives constant lies, disrespect, adultry, and emotional hurt upon her child. When I look at these women, women I've gotten to know quite well over the years, I sit back and for the life of me, can't figure out WHY of all people, its happening to them. Not to mention how pissed I am that these men can't SEE for themselves what great women are in their lives.

At times, I just want to scream "JUMP", get off that Merry-go-round...but then before I do, I hestitate and think "WAIT", maybe the merry-go-round will slow down and you will get the brass ring - just give it a chance - it can happen. I want to be the optimist. Maybe the horses will stop going up and down and just stay still for a while, so they can catch their breath. But in the end, I know that these men will never change. They feel their life (meaning just them) is perfect. Why would they want to change. Everyone else should change. Obviously to them, these wonderful women are not doing their part and their children just aren't getting it. It makes me very sad. I can't figure it out. I guess the best I can do is listen and pray. But I'm praying for the merry-go-round to slow down, just enough for the right decisions for these women are made. Do I think they will be happier without their other half - yes, I honestly do. Is it a scary thought - yes, it is. I can't even imagine being where they are right now, when to stay or when to get off or maybe try to grab the brass ring. All I do know, is that despite all they endure, these women, just keep getting stronger, more devoted to their children and family, dedicated to their work, and are just amazing! These vibrant and deserving ladies and ever devoted mothers, deserve the best that life can offer. I hope whatever ups and downs they endure on this merry-go-round of life, will only bring them closer to happiness and peace. They are a testimony to the strength God gave women.

What's it all about?

Just had my 30th high school reunion. What the ???? How the heck did it get to be the 30th? Its funny to attend these reunions. Is it because we really want to reconnect with people or is it some form of morbid curiosity - who looks old, who is fat, who isn't married....anything, anything at all to make ourselves feel better. For those that don't come to the reunion - is it because they feel they fit one of those categories? That no one will want to see them or remember them? It's interesting to hear from those that don't want to come. Myself, I've been to all except our 5 year. That was just too soon out of high school. I can honestly say I've enjoyed my reunions. I was quite blessed with being reunited with a few friends that were dear to me growing up and then lost touch. Once we connected at the reunion, we've stayed close ever since. By the 20th reunion, classmates really started changing, you either had young children or almost grown. You had other things going on in your life besides status in school or who was friends with who. You were just glad to see people you recognize and that they knew you. Everyone was open and inviting. People that you thought may never have given you the time of day in school, now act like they've always known you. You will also have moments of memories or something that was special to them. I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't be afraid. Really. There will always be someone who is more bald or fat or scared than you. You deserve to go to at least one reunion in a lifetime. You may be surprised at who you know, who knows you and the friendships you may develop for the rest of your life. Try it, you might like it.