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.)

Good Ol' Charles

A person who can't pay gets another person who can't pay to guarantee that he can pay. Like a person with two wooden legs getting another person with two wooden legs to guarantee that he has got two natural legs. It don't make either of them able to do a walking-match.

~ Charles Dickens

Hmmm.... sounds like we need Charles Dickens in government!

Quiet as an Owl

I teach at a school on an Indian Reservation. Each day, an Ojibwe language teacher comes into my class to teach Ojibwe. I am Ojibwe illiterate, I admit. I am trying to learn about their culture and customs, and am fully aware of my ignorance.

So, the other day, the language teacher suddenly appears in my classroom. I was taking attendance, and did not hear her arrive. Startled, I said, "Joyce! I didn't even hear you come in!" Then, in all of my cultural wisdom added, "You came in as quiet as an owl!" I'm thinking to myself, "Yeah, way to go, Lisa. Way to bring in the owl, since owls are silent when they fly, and since the Native American culture holds animals in high regard! Way to earn some 'brownie points'!!!"

Joyce looked at me and said, "Oh. Well, in our culture, owls are bad luck."

Oh maaaannn!!!! I blew it. I had insulted the culture teacher. Great. I gave her the "deer-in-the-headlight" look and meekly replied, "Oh. Well in my culture, owls are very wise."

"What culture are you from, Mrs. Johnson?," asked one of my students.

"Ahhh.... American," I said as I headed for the door.

The next day, everywhere I turned, it seemed I was running into an owl. Key chains, signs... you name it. When my little boy arrived home, I opened the door to a huge grin on his face, and a huge OWL HAT on his head!

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!

Reentry

Last week I traveled to Chicago. I absolutely love Chicago. Now I must admit that I had to drag my husband and teenage son there, but my 16 year-old daughter was as excited as I was to go. You see, my husband is a truck driver, and the only thing he knew of Chicago was traffic and loading docks; his view was tainted. We went with just our oldest kids, and left our 4 & 5 year-old kids with Grandma Bunny and "Auntie" Rachel. Prior to our trip I would sit and imagine what it was going to be like to have uninterrupted dinner conversations. Ahhhh...

I must say it was wonderful. Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, Medieval Times dinner theater, shopping and peaceful dinners. It was quite a treat. My personal favorite was the Art Institute. If you ever get a chance to go, please do not pass up the opportunity. The artwork I saw took my breath away, and I must admit brought tears to my eyes. It was so amazing. I fully expected to find a treasure to take home at the gift shop, but after seeing Monet and Renoir originals, what could possibly compare? I walked out with nothing; just seeing the works of beauty was gift enough.

The day we got home, I picked up Jack and Brynn and headed to Pizza Hut. The kids took a shot at winning a stuffed animal from the Claw Machine, and to no surprise to me, they didn't win. I tried to warn them ahead of time, but it was to no avail. Brynn, who was extremely tired, had an absolute meltdown. The dear manager felt sorry for her, so he gave them each 50 cents to try again. Great. It's not that I didn't appreciate his generosity, it's just that she was finally starting to calm down, and I'm sure all you mothers can predict the outcome. Yep, you're right... no animal... total meltdown once again.

As I was standing waiting for service, I looked at the lady standing next to me. "Yesterday," I said, "I was at the Art Institute in Chicago looking at original paintings by Van Gough, Renoir.... Monet and Degas,"(whom by the way painted the ballerinas at the Paris Opera House... you know... the Phantom of the Opera setting... my favorite movie of all time!!!). As I am telling her this, Brynn is still wailing on the bench behind me. "I'll take a martini to go," I said.

She laughed.

I decided that reentry is tough.

I've started to readjust to reality. When things get hectic, I just close my eyes and picture the breathtaking artwork I saw... it is truly a feast for the eyes, and music to the soul.

As hard as reentry sometime is, I must say that it is good to be home. Nothing can compare to big hugs, lots of kisses, and a ton of "I love yous."

Trying to Take My Own Advice

Yesterday I wrote about ignoring the things that bug you, and paying attention to the things that truly matter.

I am trying to do just that.

I am really, truly trying to pay attention... through clenched teeth.

What happens when the things that bug you are so loud that you cannot hear the quiet little voices of beauty? You know, when the annoying inconveniences are yelling, screaming, grabbing your attention. How can you concentrate on the beautiful symphonies of life?

You are probably wondering what is going on. Oh, just the simple frustrations of motherhood. You know... repeating commands to no avail, sticky floors, revolving messes, kids taking 2 hours to eat a perfectly good meal, whining, tattling, and so on. Let me share...

Has anyone ever told you that kids are gross? Especially boys. I don't know... I think those girls are onto something with the whole "boys have cooties" thing. My 5 1/2 year-old son has decided lately that wiping, flushing, and the washing of grubby hands after using the toilet, are no longer necessary duties in his daily routine. GROSS! This is the same kid who will change his clothes if they get a bit dirty! What's with that?! After picking at his food at the kitchen table for about AN HOUR, Jack needed to use the bathroom. He came back, and started to eat. Wait a minute... no flushing sound, no water. GROSS! I marched him back to the bathroom while giving him the, "You can make everyone in this family very, very sick...." speech. He shrugged it off, washed his hands, then started picking at his cold, sorry dinner. As I was putting away clean towels, I noticed Brynn's toothbrush and toothpaste in the sink... not on the counter top, but IN the sink.(Why on earth should it be put back in the medicine cabinet? It's just going to be needed tomorrow, anyway.) Then it dawned on me... "JAAAACCKK! Was Brynn's toothbrush in the sink when you washed your hands????!!!" Okay ladies, you've all witnessed the look. The, "Yeah... so... what's the big deal?" look. GROSS!!!!

That's it.

Kids are gross.

The toothbrush is in the garbage.

I'm trying to pay attention.

Pay Attention!

If I'm not

happy

in this time,

in this place...

I'm not paying attention.

~Jodi Hills

This rings true for me. If I'm not happy right where I am at, I am not paying attention to the things that truly matter. I find that I pay too much attention to the things that annoy me, such as dirty dishes in the sink, messy kids' rooms, dirty toilets AGAIN, and my thunder thighs. I need to pay more attention to giggles, hugs, teenage humor, sunshine, great wine, good food, and fantastic conversation. I must admit that I usually do cherish these gifts, but still, I do give too much attention to the things that bug me. So ladies and gentlemen, lets put our rose colored glasses on and enjoy the moment and the beauty that surrounds us.

Are We There Yet?

I am quite amazed at the rate of speed time travels. Where did June and July go? Summers seemed so long when I was a kid, but now... YIKES! They go way too fast!

I have had some great adventures this summer. One of them included traveling across the U.S. to Washington state with two teenagers, and a 4 & 5 year old! I made it home with most of my mind. I may have lost a few marbles along the way, but they weren't the prettiest marbles anyways.

Actually, the kids were great. My 16 year-old daughter and I fell in love with Seattle. What a beautiful city. Give me a condo down by the Market, and I will be one happy woman! My daughter has her sights set on that town. Looks like I'll get to visit quite often!

We had a wonderful reunion with my husband's side of the family. It was a fantastic visit, and we were treated like royalty. Thank you Aunt Janet and Uncle Nate! It was a huge treat for me... I got to hang out in Seattle for the day with my daughter, sisters-in-law and my mother-in-law. It was a perfect day, one that I will remember for a very long time. Lunch out on the deck at Fisherman's, and not a cloud in the sky. Mmm Hmmm.... Life is Good!

We got to visit family on the way home as well. That is always a treat. One great memory was the coffee visit at a truck stop in Idaho. I got to meet two of my dear friends, Deb and Roxan, on our way through Idaho. I talk to Deb every week, but haven't been able to see her for 5 years. It was very surreal sitting in a booth, visiting. I want to go back.

We saw some amazing country as we traveled across the great U.S. of A., but as wonderful as it all was, it is always nice to come home.

My next adventure... Chicago!

Ahhh... Summertime!

Isn't it funny how the more time we have, the less we accomplish? That does not ring true for all, but it certainly does for me. I am enjoying the lazy, hazy days of summer... very much! I will find any excuse I can to sit on the deck with a cup of coffee and watch time pass. I love watching my kids run through the sprinkler, or my older kids take off with friends. Summer is definitely a good thing!

I will be taking a blogging break for a couple of weeks. I know... it's not like I've been keeping it up this summer anyway! Remember.... lazy is the key word in "lazy, hazy days of summer!" I'll catch up with you all later. In the meantime, ignite your hope, your adventurous spirit, your romance, your friendships. Enjoy the sunshine... run through the sprinkler, roast marshmallows, or lay down in your yard and watch the clouds. I guarantee that it will make you smile.

Happy summertime to you all.

Hope

Hope

is a

waking

dream.

Aristotle

Greek Philosopher

384-322 BC

Keep your hope alive... every moment.

God Bless the Freedom Riders

I wanted to remind you of some very brave heroes. Thank you, Freedom Riders, from the bottom of my heart. May we never forget...

(Please click on "very brave heroes")

Today is Lou Gehrig's Birthday... let us never forget him.

Lou Gehrig's Farewll Speech

"Fans, for the past two weeks you have been reading about the bad break I got. Yet today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth. I have been in ballparks for seventeen years and have never received anything but kindness and encouragement from you fans.

"Look at these grand men. Which of you wouldn't consider it the highlight of his career just to associate with them for even one day? Sure, I'm lucky. Who wouldn't consider it an honor to have known Jacob Ruppert? Also, the builder of baseball's greatest empire, Ed Barrow? To have spent six years with that wonderful little fellow, Miller Huggins? Then to have spent the next nine years with that outstanding leader, that smart student of psychology, the best manager in baseball today, Joe McCarthy? Sure, I'm lucky.

"When the New York Giants, a team you would give your right arm to beat, and vice versa, sends you a gift - that's something. When everybody down to the groundskeepers and those boys in white coats remember you with trophies - that's something. When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter - that's something. When you have a father and a mother who work all their lives so you can have an education and build your body - it's a blessing. When you have a wife who has been a tower of strength and shown more courage than you dreamed existed - that's the finest I know. "So I close in saying that I may have had a tough break, but I have an awful lot to live for."

Just a little update...

There is so much I want to share, but I don't have the time right now! In a nutshell, God has put me exactly where He wants me. The pieces all fit together, and it amazes me. I'll fill you in on the details later, but I must tell you this.... I am the new 5th grade teacher at the school I told you about last month... the school on the Reservation!! I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it is where I am supposed to be.

I'm off to a Reading Conference, but will give you the details when I get back. While I'm away, take a seat in the Dare Chair. I'm sure there is an adventure calling your name!

Oops

We got a "new to us" car today. My daughter is thrilled because, heaven forbid should a 16 year-old, with a driver's license, ever be caught dead riding the bus to school! I am happy to report that no, she has not actually died of embarrassment.

She got to take the car out for the first time by herself tonight. (That was after I showed up at school, with the windows down, and Crank Dat Soulja Boy jammin'. This chick tries to be cool for her kids!) So, she was all set to go. She started the car, put her right arm behind the passenger's seat, looking back as she stepped on the gas to back up. She went forward! Let me just say, I am relishing in the sight of that one! Yes, I was there watching, and laughing my head off!

I now have some new ammunition.

Ammunition is a good thing to have when dealing with teenagers.

I am still laughing.

Courage

Refining Fire

I must admit, I am amazed.

I was confused.

Now it is all clear.

The subbing job that I told you about, on the Reservation, has been the hardest job I have ever had in my life. I was shocked, I cried, and I must sadly admit that I never wanted to work there, even if I was paid a million dollars.

Fast forward 3 weeks...

I LOVE IT!!!!!

"WHAT?!," you say?

Yes, I love it. I was put through the refining fire by the students, and I have arrived on the other side, molded, strong, and shining. I understand why they tested me and did not trust me just because I am a teacher. I actually have a respect for their tests. Their trust does not come easily. I feel like I have won a medal worth far more than any medal Hollywood could give. I have won the respect of middle school children who have been through far more in their short lives than I have. They hold onto their trust, and do not give it away easily; you must earn it... every bit of it.

Yesterday, two 8th graders thanked me for taking their teacher's place. Their gift of thanks meant the world to me... it brought tears to my eyes. That thanks was hard-earned. I will never forget that feeling.

I adore the kids that have been in my classes. I hope to watch them grow, explore, and succeed. They taught me a whole lot in 3 weeks. I am sad that I only have one week left with them.

They will truly be missed.

God's File

God is using his giant file on me today, and it hurts. He is molding me, filing down my rough edges, and hopefully, is creating a masterpiece.

I found out today that I did not get a teaching job that I had oh, so desperately wanted. Many tears have fallen today, but do you want to know something funny? I actually had a really good day teaching at the challenging subbing job I told you about last week. I figure that either:

a. The kids knew I was hurting and let up on their hurtful remarks and attitudes

or

b. The kids are starting to treat me like a teacher, and not a substitute.

All I know, is that for the most part, they were very enjoyable today! There is light at the end of the tunnel!!

As far as the job goes, I will choose to trust that God is placing me right where He wants me. I will go where he sends me because you see, I would rather be in the most challenging job of my life, and be in the center of His will, than be at an easier job, and be out of His will.

So the next time you see me, I may be a bit smoother in spots, due to God's filing. My band-aids may be showing, but something tells me I will be more beautiful in places that really matter.

Speechless

I'm actually at a loss for words other than, "Where's her super-hero cape?" (Click on Check this out to find out why.)

Check this out...

I'll Be Fine

It's time to start gathering my pieces, and find my welder...

If you like Susan Mrosek's work, check out her website. http://www.ponderingpool.com/

Hope

This is one of the most beautiful quotes I have ever read. It really hits home for me right now. Let me tell you why...

I am substitute teaching in a Middle School that happens to be in a poverty stricken area. It is by far the most challenging job I have ever had. I don't think the differences I have seen in behavior are due to the difference in culture, because the culture in this area teaches respect and honor... their true culture and teachings are beautiful; I think the differences are due to poverty. After just eight days of teaching, I have realized that there are extreme highs, and extreme lows. No day ever seems to be without its drama, but there are days that are exciting and incredibly joyful; days that make me feel like I'm on top of the world. And then there are days that bring me to tears; days when I feel like my spirit is being crushed. I must say, a lot of wonderful things have happened in this classroom. Chaos is gone, order is in place, and respect is slowly showing its beautiful face.

Each day I post a quote of the day on the chalkboard. I stumbled across this one, and it immediately took my breath away. It is what I want so badly for the kids in the classes I am teaching. I want them to find their hope...

The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.

~ Barbara Kingsolver, American Novelist , 1955-

Go ahead...build your house of hope... I dare you. ~Lisa

The Beautiful Sound of Freedom...

This story makes my heart explode with joy. Wonderful things are happening...

(Please click on "This story")