Shine

Beauty is how you feel inside,

and it reflects in your eyes.

It is not something physical.

~ Sophia Loren

That's easy for her to say! ;)

I do agree though. Let your beauty shine, from the inside out!

Never Forget

Please take time to watch this video...

Conniptions

There is something that I don't handle well.

I never have, and tonight it was proven that I still do not...

at all.

What is it?

Vomit.

All of you moms out there know it comes with the territory; it's inevitable. It doesn't mean however, that we all handle it with the grace of June Cleaver.

Brynn, my 4 year-old was exhausted tonight. She suddenly complained of a stomach ache at bedtime. She is my fourth child, so my first instinct was to quickly say, "Do you feel like you're going to throw up?" Actually, it is quite amazing how just the thought of it makes me drop everything and turn in a flash, preparing to scoop up a queasy child, and sprint to the toilet. If there was an Olympic race of rushing sick kids to the bathroom, I'm sure I would be a contender for the gold. You see, cleaning up vomit is ... it's... well, I simply cannot convey how much I detest it.

So, after Brynn assured me she wasn't going to toss her cookies, I breathed a sigh of relief, chalked it up to exhaustion from starting a new school year, and tucked her in.

Right!

A few minutes later, I heard the pitter-patter of little feet scurrying down the hallway, followed by a weak, "Mommy?!" It is fascinating how a mother just knows things. I looked at Brynn and yelled, "Run to the toilet!!!!" She turned around and ran down the hall, vomiting all the way. She made the corner, and planted one last gigantic hurl in the bathroom. All the while, this tired, frazzled mom is yelling, "Nooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! Oh #*%#" Then there was 5 year-old Jack, making all sorts of disgusting sounds as he watched the entertainment in the hallway. I hollered at him to close the door and get in bed. Within the next two minutes he needed a band-aid and a glass of water, and.... "Can't you see what I am cleaning up?!," followed by, "I wouldn't ask Mommy for anything right now if I were you!"

Well, there you have it; the confessions of a mom who blew it. I could have handled the situation so much better. I was feeling really guilty about it, when something suddenly dawned on me. Every one of my kids have now witnessed one of my Vomit Conniptions. There was the time my son threw up over his bed. He was on the top bunk. Mmm Hmm. I know another involved a car; and then there was the new carpet. So, I decided that it is because of these conniptions, that my kids are now such good patients. You see, I'm a great nurse when there is a bucket, a can of Lysol, and Kleenex. The kids never even have to leave their beds! We have a great system down, and I stay calm as can be. June Cleaver would be proud!

As for the conniptions...

I'll be sure to pack terrific therapists' business cards in their suitcases when they head off on their own.

At the Bus Stop

The other day, Jack decided that he needed to bring his Kinder-mat to school. I knew they had rest time in the afternoon, and he said the mat he had used was dirty, so I was fine with him bringing his own.

As the bus was coming to a complete stop, Jack decided that he really didn't want to bring his mat anymore. So, without saying a word, he turned around and made a jolt for home at full speed. Now, I'm going to let you in on a little family information... Jack's 14 year-old brother, Blake, does not think the things a 5 year-old brother does are amusing, cute, or adorable in any way, shape, or form. Having said that, picture this: Jack is high-tailing it down the street with Blake chasing him, angry as can be, while a busload of kids are watching and waiting, fully amused. Blake caught up with Jack, picked him up, back pack, Kinder-mat, and all, and carried him back to the bus, as Jack was kicking and screaming the entire way. You see, Jack had it in his mind that he would just run home, drop off the mat, and all would be well. Unfortunately, no one else saw it that way, especially his big brother.

I'm not sure how many shades of red Blake's face was when he got on the bus, and walked that long aisle to the back. I'd venture to guess that it probably was just as red as when he got to class and found that the story had already spread. Being a freshman is hard enough without your little brother giving "ammo" to the upper classmen!

Poor Blake.

I probably didn't help any...

I couldn't stop laughing.

Beautiful Things

Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.

Camille Pissarro, French Artist, 1830-1903

I'm Still Here...

I know... I know... "Where in the world have you been?"

I'm sorry; I have not wanted to neglect this creative outlet of mine, trust me! Life has taken over and sucked away free moments for creative thoughts. There have been a few times lately when I fully intended on updating the blog, but my creative creek had run dry. I started teaching full time... actually, more than full time! 10-11 hour days, plus homework and family. I plan on having my students start a blog. I've got many ideas floating in my mind. Once it's up and running, I'll post a link.

Supper is on (FINALLY), little ones are bathed, and there is a hair color crisis going on with my 16 year-old daughter. Gotta run.

Enjoy the last days of summer, and Welcome Back to all of the teachers and students!