Light the Fire

Education is not the filling of a pail,

but the lighting of a fire.

~William Butler Yeats, Irish Poet

I'm Back!!

I am alive, and well, and living among the teachers enjoying summer vacation. I am grateful to all of you loyal readers who kept checking to see something new, only to find that I had abandoned my blogging post. I am sorry; truly, I am. You see, I seemed to have had my creativity and energy sucked out of me once I hit the big time... my own 5th grade classroom. Yikes! My schedule left me spinning! Okay, spinning, and eating my way through stress. Do you remember the "Freshman 15?" Yeah, well I guess you can call me the freshman/newbie at school. I ended the year with most of my marbles... hopefully my best, and most colorful marbles... but unfortunately, I also ended the year with an extra 15 pounds! Is that humanly possible? Geeze, Louise... I MUST find a better way to cope with stress!!! Now that I have my first year back in the classroom under my belt, (my belt that BARELY FITS anymore!) I am hopeful that next year will be a little calmer.

I guess my next step is to plant my not so tiny tush into that DARE CHAIR and get rid of this freshman 15. My plans? I'm joining a fitness club, and am stocking the fridge and cupboards with whole foods. Less packaged foods; that should help! I borrowed many books from the library, and am on my way to being a do-it-yourself nutritionist! My kids are scared to death.

"Sure, pineapple tastes like candy, Mom!" "Not in MY world," they say! "Adventure", I tell them... "Send your taste buds on an adventure! " I'll keep you posted.

In the meantime, is there anyone who would like to join me in the DARE CHAIR? I'm sure my booty will take up the whole chair, but you can sit on my lap!

Wings

One of the stages of motherhood I am currently in, is the one where I am having to let go, and allow wings to spread, and souls to fly. It is not an easy stage, but like to think I am handling it well. I learned many years ago that worry does not keep my kids any safer, and it certainly wreaks havoc on me, so I hand them over to God. Of course, that also means I do all I can to prepare them for the many adventures in life. You see, I truly believe that my children are God's first; He has given them to me for a time, and I am not allowed to know how long that will be. I pray it will be for my entire life on this planet, but I know that He can call them home at any time. Any amount of worry will never change that, so I choose to trust that God will keep them safe, and if anything should happen, Jesus will carry me through.

Having said that, let me share Alexa's story. Picture a junior in high school heading for a day of shopping with her friend. I'm sure the car is filled with music, talk, and laughter. They were heading to a town that actually has a mall, unlike our little town. It is an hour and a half away, on winter roads. I wasn't totally worried, but wanted to make sure she made it to her destination. So, this hip chick texted her daughter... "Did you make it to the mall?" Then came her reply... "Well, yeah, but were in Eau Claire." Eau Claire?!?! You now need some information. The town she was in was in the OPPOSITE DIRECTION of the town she was going to! She went south instead of north, and the scary thing is, she didn't realize she was going the wrong way until she was over an hour from home!!

Now, I fully realize the humor in all of this. My own mom was laughing so hard she could barely speak. Especially when I revealed the information Alexa revealed to me.... this wasn't the first time she has done this! The last time, she realized she was heading the wrong way out of town about 10 minutes after she left. That information did not make me feel any better! Does she not read signs? Does she not have a plan in her head before she leaves town? I guess she doesn't. I think she will now though, since she has sat through lectures form both my husband and me!

This all happened a week ago. Yesterday, she had to drive to the cities, three hours away. I was more nervous about that than I was about the trip she was going on! Let me tell you, she had plenty of detailed maps and directions, and I made sure she had a picture in her head of what direction she would be heading out of town!

I was feeling strong about it all, until about 20 minutes after she left. Suddenly, I was taken back to the day she had to ride a bus in kindergarten. That twinge of panic weaved its ugly way through my body. I remember that day well. It was 12 years ago, in the morning. I knew Alexa would have to ride a bus after school, and be dropped of at the preschool I was working at. Fearful thoughts, and "What if's" swept through my mind. As I was standing in the laundry room, I suddenly felt peace being poured over me. I could literally feel it, as if there was a pitcher above my head. It started at the top of my head, and made its way down to my toes. It was a feeling I will never forget. Later that day, I found out it was at the same time that dear friends of mine were praying for me! They knew my fears, and prayed for peace. Wow!

I am happy to say that Alexa called last night from her destination!! It was her first time driving in the cities, on freeways, and she loved it. She's my city girl.

Her wings grew a little longer last night, and although I had the scissors in my hands the entire time, and the authority to clip them, I chose not to. I gave her to God, and together they flew.

Remembering Rosa

I would like to be remembered

as a person who wanted to be free...

so other people

would be also free.

~Rosa Parks

We remember you, Rosa.

Today marks the day that Rosa Parks was born. If you are enjoying your freedom, or celebrating the freedom of others, thank Rosa, and all of the brave souls who took a stand against segregation and racism.

25 Random Things

There's a new addiction in my life...

Facebook.

Yep, you heard me... Facebook. And you thought it was just for teenagers! I have been having so much fun reconnecting with friends from high school. It has truly been a blessing.

There was a "Note" that was passed around, called "25 Random Things." The idea was to post 25 things about yourself, and then invite others to do the same. "Who has time for that?," was my first thought. I ignored the request for some time, but then started to read other people's lists. I was amazed at what a little treasure it turned out to be. It was like peeking through a window... getting a glimpse of others' lives and souls. Some posts brought tears, and others brought out-loud laughter. Some brought both!

So I made my list. It was actually quite fun. I dare you to get a cup of java, paper, and a pen, and write down 25 things about you. Trust me... It will be a gift to you, and if you share it, to others as well.

As far as Facebook... You just may want to try it out. I do have words of caution, however. It's addicting!! I know, you are doubting me. Others did, too. They're eating their words.

Happy Birthday, Kari!

Happy Birthday to

my dear, and brave

friend, Kari. I have

known you my whole

life, and am proud

to call you, friend.

Actually, I believe time

has made us "sisters!"

Kari is battling an illness, Fibromuscular Dysplasia, and is raising money for

research, and education.... please

donate, if you are able. Thank you!!

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.firstgiving.com%2Fkariulrich&h=8b9745a488183a91bbc675b74e94e6cf

Kari... How ironic--- The Vintage Art of the Day, is the Chat Noir, that you like so much! In honor of YOUR birthday, I guess! Cheers to you!

A Reminder...

Because

I

must

never forget...

(Click on, "never forget.")

Beware of the Doghouse

Here's a

brilliant commercial

that will put a smile

on your face.

(Click on "brilliant commercial.")

Entertainment at the Bus Stop

I sent my little guy, Jack, out to the bus stop the other day, bundled up to brace the arctic chill. Time was not on his side; the bus would soon be here. I watched from the living room window as he made his way. According to Jack, it is just plain silly to use the shoveled sidewalks, driveway, and street. Why use those, when one can hurl himself over snowbanks taller than he is, and march through deep snow?

Houston, we had a problem.

About every ten feet, Jack would fall down in the deep snow. As if it isn't hard enough to get up in deep snow as it is, add a backpack to the list of factors. By the time Jack was in the middle of our yard, his backpack had fallen to his elbows, hence, pinning his arms back. But that didn't stop the little arctic explorer, no! He forged on.

Much to my amazement, Jack made it to the stop before the bus arrived. Whew! But wait... Let's not wait on the street, Jack decided, let's jump up and over the snowbank, and wander in the neighbor's yard on the corner. After all, Mom did say not to wait in the street. (Note to self... Next year, tell him that only applies to spring, summer, and fall!)

The bus came, followed by a poor soul in a car, who had had to stop every half of a block. You know it's going to be a rough day, when your day starts behind a school bus! By this time, I was jumping up and down in my living room yelling, "Go, Jack!! Go!," as if he could hear me!

Jack headed for the snowbank, and fell down, on his back, arms pinned behind him, due to his falling backpack. He couldn't get up. The bus driver was watching, the poor man late for work was watching, and Jack was like a tortoise on his shell, rocking back, and forth, trying to get up.

Jack finally made it onto the bus that morning, and I believe we all, the bus driver, the man in the car behind the bus, and I, had no other option but to laugh. It was quite a sight!

Some things are worth making us late for work. My little turtle, Jack, is one of them.

Proof

I have proof...

Proof that boys are gross. I know I've said it before, but now I believe I have irrefutable proof. I wonder if there is some type of award given for such proof. Maybe I should start writing an acceptance speech. Is there a Nobel prize for proof such as this? Okay, I'm getting carried away. Back to the proof...

Let me introduce you to my teenage son, Blake. He is my source of proof. Picture 14-year boys in class, jumping rope. "Jumping rope in class," you ask? Must be Phy. Ed., you assume. No, not Phy. Ed., but that is another issue. The class? Biology. Jumping rope in biology?

I will give you a few moments to ponder.

Do you need a few clues? Formaldehyde, scalpels, pigs.

Yes, you hit the nail on the head. He was jumping rope with pig intestines! Eeeewwwww!!!

I told you I had proof!

Through the Master's Eyes...

“What the caterpillar

calls the end of the world,

the Master

calls a butterfly.”

~Richard Bach

In honor of my friends, family, and all who are in the midst of courageous battles. May you find hope, recovery, and your own, miraculous butterfly soon.

A powerful prayer of humility and grace... please take the time to listen, reflect, and be encouraged.

Click on, "powerful prayer."

Welcome, President Obama

Reflections...

What a celebration... classy, respectful, and patriotic. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Inauguration today, despite the fact that I did not vote for this brave, courageous man. It's not that I did not admire him, or thought poorly of him, no... not at all. My reasons for not voting for him are irrelevant at this point. The point I would like to make is that we all owe him respect because he is our president. That title carries honor, integrity, respect, and a weight I would not care to bear. Our country is divided on many issues. It is my plea, that we unite in welcoming our new president, bidding kind, sincere farewells to our former, and lift in prayer, our president, his family, and our nation.

Let freedom ring!

Cure for Crime

The cure for crime is not the electric chair, but the high chair.

~ J. Edgar Hoover

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For all of you tired moms and dads out there...

Never underestimate the importance of being a parent. ~Lisa

Happy New Year!!

(click on "Happy New Year!!")

Enjoy this little blast from the past as you ring in the new year!

Charity begins at home,

and justice begins next door.



~ Charles Dickens, English Novelist, 1812-1870

Pack Your Suitcase

I decided to get a jump start and achieve my New Year's resolution before the New Year begins; well, hopefully be close, anyway. Twenty pounds... those twenty pounds that I keep losing. Funny thing, they always seem to miss me, and hence, find me. I don't like them, and surely do not miss them when they are gone, but evidently they have become quite attached to me. (Particularly to my thighs, butt and hips.)

So, I decided to try a new exercise routine. I bought Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred DVD. Perfect! It's about 30 days until the holidays. I will conquer that yearly resolution BEFORE New Year's Day! Ha!

I read the DVD cover. Three levels of 20 minute workouts. Just 20 minutes a day! Yeah, right. What can 20 minutes possibly accomplish? Heck, I should just start at level 2; I've been on the Nordic Track now and again; I'm sure level 1 is for wimps.

Okay, so I wasn't feeling overly ambitious, and therefore would start with level 1. Jumping jacks, running in place, abdominal work, push-ups... not bad. Seriously, what good will 20 minutes do?

Well, here's the deal... I felt like Jello when I was done with the "measly" 20 minute workout, and was quite certain that I would not be able to raise my arms above my head, or pick up anything that would fall onto the floor the next day. What in the world? How could this be?

The next day, I got out of bed, and awoke quickly as pain shot through my calves! Youch! I could not believe how much pain I was in! All from jumping jacks, push-ups, and abdominal work... just 20 minutes of it? Hmm.... maybe the 30 day promise has some merit to it. I am hopeful!

I have pushed through the pain each day to accomplish the 20 minutes towards my goal. I must admit that I walk funny these days, and bending down to get something out of a cupboard, or getting in and out of chairs, is now accompanied with slight shrieks of pain. I am hopeful that the pain will subside... SOON! My 16 year-old daughter did the workout with me, and couldn't keep up with her old mom. Her misery was cause for celebration! I thought I was way out of shape, and wimpy since it was just 20 minutes of simple exercises! Since that skinny, little thing was in agony, it meant that I was in better shape than I thought. WooHoo!

Be afraid, 20 pounds, be very afraid. Pack your suitcase; I WILL lose you, and you will not be able to find me again!

Truth?

Maybe it is the media

that has us divided.

~Laura Bush

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Please take time to vote today. It breaks my heart when people take voting for granted. The right to vote is a privilege that many people fought for. Use your power... VOTE!

Have No Fear...

I am fairly certain

that given

a cape

and a tiara,

I could save the world.

:)

(Okay... I cannot take credit for this cute quote. I found it in "Signals" catalog.)