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.)

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!