Can you See Heaven?

If I open my patio door and sit on the deck, I have a beautiful view of the mountains. Some mornings the shadows of the clouds hit them just right, creating what appears to be a blanket of trees draped over the massive mound of rock.  It accentuates the nooks and crannies and gives it depth, which I normally don’t see.  

To me, this is God’s way of reminding me that there are many details of this world that reveal themselves when I am in the right frame of mind, and when my heart is on the right path.  Intentionally living is what I call it.  I am mindful of my surroundings and my deeds are done with compassion and meaning. It is then that I believe Heaven can be seen right from my very own backyard. Not with my eyes, but with my entire being.

No, God doesn’t wave his arms at me from the mountaintop, nor does He write my name in the clouds.  It’s just a feeling, an awareness, that at certain moments there is a balance within my heart.  There is a fullness that fills every pocket in my being.  I feel as if God, Himself is breathing for me.   Is this Heaven on earth?   Is this that minute separation between this earthly place and Heaven?  Is Heaven simply knowing God is there, within me and being 100% aware of it at all times?  I think so.

But, can I be aware of His presence here on earth 100% of the time?  No.  My life requires me to clean house, cook for my sick neighbors, pick up kids from sleepovers, attend meetings and the like.   My duties here and now don’t allow for that.

These moments are the glimpses of Heaven that He provides within me.  It’s the “there is something better” awaiting me that keeps me grounded, mindful and faithful.  Getting a peek at Heaven on earth is possible and I believe it is within all of us to see.  But, when our hearts stop beating, that is when God will breathe for us and fill our hearts with pure joy.  That is when we will see Heaven with our hearts and breathe His presence and  experience Heaven on earth for all eternity.  

Monday Musings

1.  Our new kitten, which we had to convince my husband to adopt - which took a couple of weeks (making us owners of 3 cats now) has decided he is her favorite.  She sleeps with him.  She naps on his side of the bed. She comes into the room if he’s there. It’s quite funny actually.

2.  I’m still in the process of trying to teach my boys that procrastination ALWAYS ends in frustration.  This is going to take some practice and some “hands-off” parenting for me to convince them of this.   A few hard falls and real consequences will probably teach them more than me saying it over and over.  Hard for a mom to do, but I know I have to.

3.  My husband is the sweetest, hard-working man and I love him to death.  He works all day (sometimes 12 hour days), finds time to play with the boys, fixes my car door trim, volunteers at the Y, helps with cub scouts and brought home crab legs and lobster for us to eat out on the deck for dinner last night.  Always thinking of someone else.  I wish I could do that more.

4.  My best friend got married this last weekend and it was a beautiful ceremony.  I was honored to read a poem for them and had to pretty much read it through my tears.  I’m so happy that she is happy and wish her the best of everything.

5.  I can feel fall trying to make its way into our state.  I adore autumn.  It’s my very favorite season of the year and look forward to the leaves changing colors and the crisp air in the mornings and evenings.  I love all things fall and pumpkin like.

6.  One of my nieces just became a doctor.  Her sister has decided to begin her thesis and is only a Junior in college.  Another niece of mine is about to study abroad in London for a semester for her 3rd year of law school.  Another niece started college today and will be studying biology and possibly Arabic. I’m so proud of all of them. Our world will be in good hands!

7.  I try everyday to be an effective and loving parent and loving and thoughtful wife.  Some days are easier than others.  Today was easy.

8.  I am anxious to start working on my “craft” room or as I’m planning on calling it, my inspiration room.  I have lots of ideas for it and hope to find the bookshelves I’m seeking very soon.

9.  The book I’m reading right now, “Change of Heart” by Jodi Picoult is making me miss out on a good nights sleep.  I cannot wait to figure out how this ends.  There are so many paths it could take, and I’m afraid I’ll have dark circles under my eyes for the next few days until I get the answer.

10.  My children have beautiful smiles and make me giggle.

My Passion for Page Turning

I never read as a child that I can remember.  I’m sure I did, but don’t remember it as such.  In high school, I’m sure I had to read books for English class, but can’t recall off the top of my head what exactly.  In college, I read textbooks, cover to cover and didn’t have much leftover time to read for pleasure.  And, to be honest, it never really occurred to me to read for pleasure as silly as that sounds. 

Almost five years ago, I was asked to join a book club and thought it would be something I might enjoy and thought I’d give it a try.   Our first book was written by Jodi Picoult and was called “Songs of the Humpback Whale.”  I vaguely remember the story and that it was written in reverse (chronologically) if I remember correctly.   Well, five years later, I think it’s fair to say that I should own stock in Barnes and Noble and have quickly made up for lost time.

Reading has become a passion of mine now and almost always have a book in the car or in my purse “just in case” I have a few minutes to get to the next chapter.  I thoroughly enjoy reading and will read just about anything (or at least give it a good shot).  I have my favorite types of books however and they most regularly include the topics of small towns, nosy neighbors, some truth that needs to be revealed, faith and simple people leading simple lives.  I don’t normally enjoy anything law, or anything involving meat cleavers, dark alleys or creatures with green skin. 

I’m currently reading “Change of Heart” by Jodi Picoult, and honestly, cannot put it down.  It came to me via my mom, who has read since she was 4 and has probably read more books than all of us combined. Honest. 

If you aren’t a reader, I understand.  You don’t have to explain it to me. However, if you do enjoy this  page turning activity, then I will leave you with a short list of titles that I have found interesting, moving, uplifting, and about 10 more adjectives could be inserted here.  I hope there’s at least one on the list you haven’t read.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

The Shack by William Young

Between Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson

Walking Across Egypt by Clyde Edgerton

Beach Music by Pat Conroy

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

I Should Know Her Name, But I Don't

If you have kids, then you’ve been through the McDonalds drive-thru.  We have our local McDonalds that we frequent (less often than we used to I might add) and there is a woman who works there.  I should know her name, but I don’t.   I do know that she recognizes me and I recognize her each time we pass her window as she hands me our standard order of nuggets and large iced teas with light ice.

She has been working there for a long time. She has a heavy accent and is missing several front teeth, but her smile, when she sees that it’s us, changes.  It gets bigger and she always says hi like we haven’t seen each other in ages.  It makes me feel so good.  I always ask how her day is going and whether or not she had her break yet or if she heard from her sister yet (who lives in another country and misses her dearly). For those of you that know me, I don’t’ have trouble making conversation, that’s for sure.

We only have seconds for this conversation, but always try to make the most of it. It’s important to me that she knows I appreciate her hard work and efforts in her job and tell her that I’m always disappointed when we get to the window and it’s not her. 

She has a story.  We all have a story.  I don’t know much of hers, but do know that she is a hard worker and takes her job very seriously and is proud of what she does. She has a sister and likes the morning shift better than the afternoon one (lighter bags and cooler weather) and that her smile makes me smile. 

As we pull away, I always tell her to do something fun when she gets off work or to enjoy the weather and take a walk when she gets home.   I don’t know if she ever does, but for those 47 seconds we’re together we’re sharing little pieces of our selves with each other and being kind people.   It’s 47 seconds of my day I know will always be pleasant.  I just hope she thinks the same.  And next time we drive through her lane, I’ll be sure to jot her name down.   I need to know it.

The $329.69 Gift

It’s Monday and you know what that means!   It’s New Car Brakes day!  I know you look forward to this glorious day just like I do.  Some of you celebrate this day on Tuesday or Saturday, but I enjoy celebrating it first thing Monday morning.  It really gets the week going and puts you in that wonderful mood. 

NOT!

I hate all things CAR.  I really do.  It ranks up there on my top ten things I dislike list, along with anything tooth related.  If we can put a robot on Mars, why can’t we invent a car that just takes care of itself and doesn’t require a new this or new that all at once? What’s with that?   A month ago I spent a few dollars on new O2 sensors.  I know.  They go great with high heels and a red dress!  Boy, did they make a difference in my life.  Why did I wait so long? 

Then……the check engine light came on again, ten hours later.  What is a girl to do?   I know, buy a catalytic converter to go with the O2 sensors!  That's what I say. Ok, so I was saved by the grace of God on this one.   Just so happens, I spoke to a man who must study car warranties in his spare time  and thought my car was still under warranty for the converter.   A few minutes later, I was saying my thanks for being 8,000 miles shy of the manufacturer’s warranty expiring for that part.  Whew. 

Then……a few weeks later, my oldest son told me he knocked off the driver’s side mirror when he ran through the garage. Pause. Pause.  Breathe. At least he was honest and owned up to it.  I was grateful for that, but nevertheless, another repair.  Did you know that the “guts” of a side mirror will run you about $411.18?  Mirror guts are all the rage right now.  Don’t wait.  Order some now or you’ll be the only one on your block without them. 

So, that leads me to my New Car Brakes day celebration today.  I skipped ordering a cake, and since I spent $329.69 on the gift I thought that was ok this time.  So, me and my little black VW will be celebrating by filing the receipt under “I hate these kind of expenses on a Monday” and be thankful my car is once again warning light and grinding noise free.  Oh, what will Tuesday bring my way?   Whatever it is, I’ll be ready.   

2010 First Day of School

A few days ago I posted some "remember when" pictures of my boys' first day of school from several years ago.   Well, here are the latest pictures.  Where did the time go?

 

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Stationery, Postage and Ink Pens Galore

Dear Reader,

Don’t you love to go through the mail and find a “real” envelope with your name on it? We all do.  I walk to the mailbox knowing there will be a Red Plum coupon packet, two bills, a reminder about my dentist appointment and hope that amongst the paper that will soon be in the trash, there is a pink or yellow or blue envelope with my name on it.  (Even though the odds are pretty slim unless it’s my birthday or Christmas - I still hope.)

I am trying to be more attentive to this lost art.  If I like to get mail, doesn’t everyone else? As much as I love paper, pens and all things “office supply”, I have no reason not to write more letters.  I have an unending list of people I can write to and know they would enjoy finding that “real” mail in their box.  It doesn’t matter what is written in the letter, when you really think about it.  The recipient is just thrilled to know that someone out there thought of them. At least that’s my feeling.

It’s such a simple task, yet means so much. Why don’t we do it more?  I know there’s e-mail - instant response - instant reply.  Yeah, yeah, yeah.   I love e-mail, don’t get me wrong.  I e-mail everyday, but a letter, in my opinion, says more. It says someone cares enough about me to spend their precious time and jot down a few words about this and that. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

Perhaps this weekend, I should stock up on some new stationery, (I know. Don’t laugh.  I have more than a girl’s fair share of paper goods and ink pens galore and definitely don’t need more.) buy some pretty stamps and get to writing some letters.  Who knows?  Maybe your mailbox will have something from me in it very soon.  If I don’t have your address, you better get it to me while I’m on a roll.  Here’s to the art of letter writing.

Affectionately yours,

Stephani

The Blue Eyes God Gave Me

I see the world with my eyes.  I am inspired through my eyes.  I learn through my eyes.  I am a 100% visual person, hands down, no mistaking it.  My daily world comes to me directly through my eyes.  When I see the mountains in the morning, it evokes a feeling inside me.  When I watch a movie, I so appreciate the cinematography.  The street lined with palm trees seen at just the right angle.  It evokes a feeling inside me.  When I read a magazine, I am inspired by the colors on the page, the font that is used and the light that shines across the water on page 29.  It evokes a feeling inside me.

That’s not to say, that I don’t have emotions other than when I see things, that’s not what I’m talking about.  I enjoy music and the taste of melted butter on a warm corn bread muffin and love the smell of baby magic.  Those things create a feeling in me, but I’m talking about those deep feelings that urge you to do something and make you want to act with purpose. 

Those feelings for me come when I am visually inspired.  It touches me differently than my other senses.  Just the other day, I was standing in line at the grocery store and saw a mother walking toward the exit doors with her four year old daughter.  I couldn't hear them from where I was, but only could see them. The daughter’s shoe was untied.  This mother simply pushed her loaded grocery cart to the side and sat down on the floor with her legs criss-crossed and patiently waited while her little girl kept trying to make bunny ears.  I was so moved to see such a sight.  It made me think.  This little girl will grow up knowing that her mother will always be patient with her and be there to support her.  It evoked a feeling deep inside me.  That vision has been with me for over a week and is permanently imprinted upon my heart. It inspired me to try and be more patient in my life.

I am happiest when I am in a frame of mind to see with my heart and not just “see” with my eyes. The vision, the color, the shape, the trees lined up just so are the inspiration my heart needs to be who I really am.  I am an emotional being who sees with my heart and hopes that when people see me, they see my heart.  It’s not difficult to live this way, yet we all struggle now and again and search for that bit of inspiration to redirect us. Inspiration just happens to come to me through the blue eyes God gave me. I hope that today I will see everyone’s heart in their actions and words and be inspired to do more.

A Little Change in Routine

Can you hear that?  Listen…I know.  It’s quiet.  School has officially started and the house is filled with a cool breeze, my wind chimes tinging and the soft rumble of the washing machine.   I know I’ll miss the boys in a few hours, but until then, I’m enjoying this silence.  I told myself I wasn’t going to do “work” today and just treat myself to the rocking chair and my book, but I’ve already cleaned house (and yes I did the bathrooms and mirrors) and folded two loads of laundry.   If I get that done first, the relaxing is so much more enjoyable.

As the boys head back to school this year, I’ve been trying to come up with some projects/ideas for me to tackle.   The list seems endless.  Of course there’s the house.  Having only been here for two months, there’s a lot to do, but it will come in due time.  No rush there. I mean a “me” type of project.  Learn to knit or paint.  Something like that.  Yoga’s not my thing, nor is Tai Chi (been there done that).  I love photography though. Perhaps I should take a class and learn about shutter speeds and auto focus features.  Hmmm. That’s a thought.

I do know that I have to take time for myself no matter what.  So many times at the end of a week, I look back and think of how busy it was, but realize that not much of that time was spent towards any personal goal.   I really need to be better about doing this.  It doesn’t take any time at all. Simply following through on it is where I always fall short. 

It’s so easy to get stuck in a routine.  I just need to make some little changes - a walk in the morning with my ipod - tea on the deck at sunset - reading on the floor.  Shake things up a little bit.  Maybe going off the worn path will lead me to a new idea or hobby, a new perspective, a new chance to try something new.

With that said.  I’m going to go switch the laundry, get my ipod and take a walk to explore my new neighborhood on foot. (Did the bike with the boys the other day and thought I’d die, so better stick with the feet on the ground this time.)  Perhaps I’ll discover something.  

Only Time Will Tell

Technically, we have three days of summer left, counting today, and I’m really wishing we had three more weeks.  We’ve had such a nice leisurely month since we’ve returned from vacation and I don’t want it to end. I don’t even have to ask the boys their opinion about it.  I know their answer. 

This has been one of the first summers that we haven’t had a jam-packed schedule.  We’ve had busy days, yes, but more lazy days, which has been great.  They need down time. Unscheduled time. 

I need down time too.  I was just thinking this morning that it would be wonderful to find a flea market somewhere in the mountains and stroll through all the goodies and perhaps find a special treasure I just can’t life without. Some time to just think about nothing. Our minds need to be busy, but they also need time to reflect and ponder all that life is and breathe the fresh air.

The day awaits us and we have no plans.  It’s a nice feeling not knowing what every day will bring.  A little spontaneity is nice.  I’ll let you know how the day unfolds.  Maybe I’ll find a flea market and buy a ceramic bird or a roadside tomato stand and make homemade salsa.  Only time will tell.

My Not So Little Boys

As the first day of school rolls around I always tend to get a little sentimental.  The boys will soon be putting on their “first day of school” outfits (yes, boys are concerned about looking good just like the girls) and I’ll be asking to take their pictures one more time in the front yard as we head out the door.

It’s hard to believe that I am the mother of a soon to be 8th grader and 4th grader.  I must admit, I love their independence.  It’s comforting to know they can do most things for themselves if they have to.  But, there is a side of me that misses their little chubby faces and them asking for help with their shoes or their zippers.   We’re definitely entering a “Mom, I can do it by myself” mode with one and a “Mom, do you still need to read all my texts?” phase with the other. 

So, in honor of all the soon to be taken “first day of school” pictures, I am remembering when mine were a little smaller and needed mommy’s help a little bit more than they do now.  

 

                                                                    Pre-School Yr. 1                          2nd Grade

  

                                                                   Pre-School Yr. 2                        3rd Grade

 

                                               Kindergarten                          4th Grade

Silvia and CeCe

I know I’m not alone.  We’ve all been there.  Standing in line waiting our turn to pay for the groceries, scanning the 38 types of gum, when it hits you smack in the face.  The woman (it’s never a man) in front of you is “one of those” people.  You take a deep breath and try to remain calm. 

I am ALWAYS behind her in line.  Let’s call her Silvia.  You see, Silvia is not like other people. She is a lost soul and never has to be anywhere but where she is at that moment. She doesn’t have to pick anyone up from school (and obviously doesn’t care that you do).

Just the other day I was standing in line at the store behind “Silvia” thumbing through the magazines at the checkout stand when I heard her say, “The tomatoes are on sale.  They aren’t $2.99 a pound, they are $2.97 a pound.”  I try to ignore what I’ve just heard, but I know I’m in for it now.  There’s no turning back.  I’ve already unloaded my cart onto the conveyor belt.  “Ma’am, the sale ended yesterday on all our produce.”  Silvia tells the clerk, “The sign says they are $2.97 per pound and I want them for that price. That’s why I came in today.”  I look at the scale holding the tomatoes.  She has two.  TWO.  If they were on sale and that’s why she came, then why is she buying only two?  For heaven’s sake lady, buy the whole lot of them!

Or, how about Silvia’s younger sister, CeCe? CeCe is talking on her cell phone, rummaging through her purse looking for her checkbook or her credit card or who knows what.  Her three-year-old daughter, who is in desperate need of a nose wiping, is crying because her baby doll’s head is stuck in the rungs of the cart and she can’t get her out. CeCe sees the doll, but ignores it. CeCe’s purse then falls to the floor, knocking her daughter in the head.  Pennies and dimes are rolling across the floor and the crying has now escalated to a new level called screaming.  The cashier has just turned on her register’s blinking light (this should be the universal symbol telling everyone in line behind her to run - but no - it means she’s out of register tape! Oh joy!) And yet, CeCe is still talking on the phone to her girlfriend about the movie they are going to see next Friday and asking if she should wear the new purple dress that’s really low cut or her cut off jean shorts with that cute yellow top with the ruffles on it.  Really?

I can’t help but roll my eyes at her and say to myself, “You are unbelievable, woman.” I know these types exist, but to see them in action never ceases to amaze me.  I am very choosy when it comes to picking my line at most any store.  I’m always on the lookout for Silvia and CeCe in the checkout lane and try to stay as far away from them as possible, but there are days when my “crazy lady” radar is on the fritz. It’s on those days that I try and remind myself that the world is made up of all types.  I just hope I’m not THAT type.  

Honked at When the Light is Green

Do you ever have those moments when you’re lost in thought?  A moment you wish you were somewhere else.  A moment you wish you could be magic.  My moments tend to come at stoplights and have been honked at for sitting at the “green” too long. (Obviously the person behind me wasn’t in a thoughtful moment and apparently wished I wasn’t in mine.)

It’s at the stoplight that I wonder what it would be like to live by the sea.  Literally, right on the beach.  Not a California type of beach, but an English countryside type of beach with cliffs and rocks.  Would I sit outside everyday? Would I get tired of hearing the waves?  Would I collect sea glass and put it in a basket by the window?

It’s at the stoplight that I wonder what it would be like to have girls.  As a mother of two boys, I KNOW it would be different.  Would they hold my hand in the store?  Would they talk more than I do?  Would they be tomboys and play in the dirt or cry when they got dirt on their elbows?

It’s at the stoplight that I wonder if I could ever live in New York City.  Would I take advantage of all the museums and galleries or just stay in every night.   Would I take an acting class on Tuesday nights and a knitting class Saturday mornings?  Would I ever get used to the noise? 

It’s at the stoplight that I wonder if I’m doing enough as a mom for my children.  Am I doing too much?  Should I bend the rules more? Will they look back as adults and think fondly of their childhoods?  Do I worry about the little things too much?

My mind never really stops thinking and often have to remind myself that it’s ok to wonder.  Wondering is good for the soul.  It’s good for me.  

A Mr. Rogers Kind of Neighborhood

When we made the decision to move and find a new neighborhood and home, we had hopes of backyard barbeques, football in the streets, bike riding, and chatting on the porch with the neighbors.   We hoped and prayed we would find a home that would fit our needs AND have the neighborhood we dreamed of.  We hoped, but really thought the reality would be one or the other, but we have BOTH.  It’s truly a dream come true.

In the last week, our boys have played in the rain with the 12 neighborhood kids, played bike tag in the street, hung out in the back yard for a bonfire, shared 30 popsicles with everyone, played softball, jumped on the trampoline, nerf gun wars around all six yards and played ghost in the dark three nights in a row. 

Last night they continued their ghost hunting game when then rain and lightning came on in full force.  The entire neighborhood took refuge in our garage and waited out the storm, laughing and joking and eating popsicles at 9:30 at night.  It was wonderful.  I know it might not seem like that big of a deal to most of you, but our boys didn’t have this in our old neighborhood. 

Just the other day, I was sitting in the living room reading, when the front door flew open and two kids (not mine) armed with nerf guns ran around the corner and exited through the garage and back out into the playing field.  I couldn’t stop laughing.   It’s what I’ve always thought a neighborhood should be.  And, to top it off, the kids are polite and respectful.  (I know! Somebody pinch me now.) They range from 9-15 years old, but everyone always includes everyone in all the activities.  It’s beautiful to see. I think Mr. Rogers might even live on this street it’s so nice.

Not only does our physical home fit our needs perfectly, but our neighborhood has added that shine we were missing.  The glorious sound of kids playing in the street, kicking the ball, riding their bikes and the warning signal, “CAR”, sounding to warn everyone to move to the side is truly music to my ears.  Who knew that a street named after a war could be so peaceful.

Here’s to another fun-filled summer day in the neighborhood.   

A Life of Crime

Let me begin by saying that I have NEVER stolen anything in my life.  Fact.  Honest.  You can ask God.  So imagine the feeling of pure sickness and total nausea that overcame my body when I began to unload my cart frantically in the pouring rain in Target’s parking lot when I saw these sitting next to my purse in the seat part of the cart. 

I quickly grabbed the three items and jumped into the car to avoid being struck by lightning and soaked to the bone any further.   I took a deep breath and instantly felt like I was being watched.  I felt like someone was going to suddenly pound on my window, just like in a movie and arrest me for stealing.   It was a simple mistake.  I just didn’t see them sitting there next to my purse and neither did the cashier.

To steal, there has to be intent.  It’s purposeful.  You want to deceive.  I had done none of that, yet I felt like I HAD because the three items sat in my hand looking bigger than life.   My first gut was to run back in the store and pay for them, but the rain was coming down so hard and lightning was all around me and I needed to pick up my boys from their gym class.  I didn’t go back in. 

Was I now a thief because I didn’t go back in right then?  I hope not.  I will go back to the store tomorrow and pay for them and explain what happened.  Surely that lets me off the hook and will let me maintain my status as a good-deed-doer.  Right?  Right?

The guilt, even though it was an innocent mistake, is dreadful.   I’d never be able to be part of a crime ring, that’s for sure.   I’d buckle and turn them all in and then lecture them about their rotten behavior.  It’s just not a viable job option for me.

So, until I get a moment to head back to my favorite store, the three items are tucked away in a Target bag sitting next to my purse.  The loot, is waiting to be turned into legitimate purchased goods and am hoping for a clear conscious.  Crime just doesn’t pay!

I Miss Lucy

I don’t normally watch much TV when I’m home, but do like my morning dose of Good Morning America (love that Robin Roberts) and five minutes of the weather before I go to bed. Tonight as I turned on the TV, I scanned through the channels a few minutes before my news team was to appear and found nothing even worth the effort to click the clicker to watch.

Please tell me this.  Who in the world watches these shows?   Is there someone out there that really cares about who the Missouri Police Department arrests? Who is going to lose sleep if they don’t find out what vermin Billy the Exterminator is killing?  I just don’t get it.

If you ask me, and I’m sure you will, nothing can compare to good ole’ I Love Lucy.  To this day, if I’m channel surfing and come across Lucy and Ethel doing anything, I have to sit down and watch it.  I can’t resist Lucy and her facial expressions, wacky physical antics, and her desperate desire to be in one of Ricky’s musical numbers.  I miss her.

I remember getting up before school (probably 5th to 7th grade) and watching The Three Stooges from 6:30-7:00AM and then Lucy would be on from 7:00-7:30AM every morning.  I couldn’t wait to see the rerun of the grape episode or the episode she tells Ricky she’s having a baby.  (I think that one’s my favorite.)  With all the technology and witty writers out there, you’d think they’d be able to come up with something that’s the same caliber as I Love Lucy, but no!   They just can’t do it.

So, maybe tonight instead of waiting for the weather to come on, I’ll surf e-bay instead.  Maybe I can find a cd boxed set of my favorite red-headed comedian.   I miss Lucy.

Not Gonna Happen

When you’re 9 years old, playing with Legos is still cool. When you’re 9 years old, having the occasional stuffed animal in view when friends are over is still ok.  When you’re 9 years old, apparently it is NOT cool or ok to wear anything Star Wars.  I thought I was being a “with it” mom when I bought the shirt, but apparently I was mistaken.

My son informed me in a very plain English sort of way, “I am NOT going to wear that.  All my friends will laugh AT me, not WITH me.  I am NOT wearing that no matter what. Not gonna happen.”  

There is a fine line, a very fine line, at 9 years old of what is perceived as “cool” in the 4th grade and what is “nerdy”.  I tried to explain that it’s the trend of the season and there were 30 different types to choose from.  They had the Superman logo, Batman cartoon “POW/BAM” shirts, Darth Vader light sabers and many more to choose from. He didn't care.  He was not about to be caught dead or alive in it.   Not gonna happen.

The confidence to stand out in a crowd and be you must come a little later on; maybe 6th grade, but definitely not 4th grade; at least not for my 4th grader.  My 13 (very soon to be 14 year old) son however, thought it was very cool and wants me to just exchange it for his size and not return it, which I am on my way to do as soon as I finish this.  For him, the line no longer exists.  It’s how you wear it and the confidence you have in yourself.  He got it.  To him I was the "with it" mom I was trying so hard to be.  My 9 year old just thought I was being mean and was more or less asking him to wear a pink Barbie shirt with ruffles on it.

Maybe by the end of the school year, he'll be willing to take a bit more of a risk.  Unlikely, but there's always hope, right? For now though, I’m off to get a few more stripes and solids for his closet.  Definitely won’t be coming home with any Yoda shirts anytime soon.  Not gonna happen.

The Ramblings of a Mother’s Mind on a Monday

Some thoughts that made their way through my mind today……

Will the breakfast fairy bring me breakfast in bed this morning?

How is it possible for the fussing to begin only 45 seconds after they get up?

Who buys the pre-packaged school supply kits for $75?  I just spent less than that for two

boys combined, not one!

Would it really hurt if I had a diet Pepsi? 

When will they invent a washing machine that has a special “red item” detector amongst the light colored items?

I love my children, even when they’re goofy.

Our neighborhood is all I dreamed it could be.  Children laughing, people out for walks, neighbors chatting and the like.

I really need to get back to the gym.

Going to London would be so enjoyable and would love some time with my niece.

I hope our dear neighbors are enjoying their adventure in Japan.  They all crossed my mind several times today.  

I’m the only one who doubts my ability to write a book.  Why?

Why is it that those who judge others quickly are the ones who bark the loudest when someone has the nerve to judge them?

I need want more candles.

I think my cats understand me.