I've determined that the game of golf is the great equalizer. You need only to spend an hour at the driving range to find humans of any age, socio-economic status,gender,or size, attempting to loft a tiny golf ball into the air. This looks much easier on TV mind you. It is a very difficult and unnatural movement. Somehow one bends at the waist, while holding the golf club, raise our arms and swing, like a pendulum I'm told, hoping to make contact at just the right spot on the tiny golf ball on the ground. Some people do this well and some do not.
Some of us are there in our own private misery as swing after horrible swing does not achieve the desired result to send the golf ball long and straight. We are all mostly silent. Our extrememly chatty son is even quiet! He already knows this is serious business. I've noticed there's not much smiling either. I am not sure if golf is not supposed to be fun or if one is not supposed to show their enjoyment. One finds all sorts of people at the driving range. There are dads trying to teach their sons who may or may not be interested in learning. There are some very good golfers who do hit amazing shots. They try hard to appear super cool, but I can tell they are quite pleased. There are kids and teens whose spines are made of rubber and can twist completely around with no effort at all. They mostly just swing away, not much stress on their young faces. And there are men who seem to be competing with someone in their mind, probably themselves.
Our son loves the pagentry of golf, cleaning the golf clubs, putting the tees in the ground, getting water from the cooler, tucking his shirt in, wearing cool golf shoes, etc.
I have found several things I love about golf. I'm sure because I have so little of it in my life, I personally love the code of silence. I love the outdoors except when it's allergy season. I love walking the greens. I love the golf clothes. I love the time with Eric. I love the golf cart. I love the occasional ping that I hear when I do hit the golf ball. So I'll continue to play this mysterious game. Who knows maybe I'll improve! Then I can look super cool.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Changety Change Change
After a wonderfully relaxing summer and I use that term in the loosest sense, I was all set to begin a new school year. I was looking forward to a few changes in our family. I would have a new middle schooler which would mean my younger three would no longer be in the same school or on the same schedule. I must say round two of Middle School Open House was not nearly as stress inducing as round one with our two older girls. I really wanted to reassure the worried parents who surrounded me that they too would survive. They truly looked more worried than the students I have seen and ours said just driving by the school made her feel a little sick! Regardless, this was the biggest change I could foresee for the fall.
The first change that came my way was a part-time job for me! A position had come available in the spring that didn't materialize which I took rather well. I left it in God's hands and decided that it wasn't the right time. I then got a call shortly before school started for a part-time contract position at the same place! The job description/hours couldn't be more perfect and my boss and supervisor are wonderful. I'm hoping that it will continue but whatever time they can employ me is fine. God always has the perfect plan. The look of astonishment on the kids' faces when I told them was priceless. My son told Eric, "Did you know Mom got a job?" I'm not sure if he thought he was getting me in trouble or what. Eric took it like the wonderful husband that he is, even though his life is a bit stressful right now to say the least. He is happy for me and supportive. That leads me to change number two..
Eric's mom fell. Throughout my life, I had heard various people use this term in serious tones and it quite frankly puzzled me. My first thought was, that's unfortunate, but they get up right and go on their merry way. Thankfully I did not pursue nursing or the health care and healing industry in any capacity, right! What I have since learned is that falling for an older person is not the same as falling for a younger person at all. This set in motion unbelievable health and drug complications,panic phone calls,doctor visits,tests scheduled and taken,food prepared,and general care of her and my father-in-law. We are currently on week 4 of the crisis, but I'm sure that this is the first wave of more to come as both of our parents age. How to navigate this new change is uncharted for both of us. Of course, this crisis came at precisely the time when school was starting, I was starting a new job and all of Eric's projects at work were simultaneously screaming for his attention.
Coincidental? I think not. What we have here is a pop quiz. Am I prepared to make meatloaf at 8:00 A.M. with a good attitude? Am I prepared to hold down the fort while Eric is working weekends to make up for the missed work time? Only God knows if I will pass or fail, especially for the long haul. I am reminded that everything we do for them, we do not only for them but for God. Our parents cared for us when we were totally dependent on them and were not very interesting company as infants or even toddlers. They raised us in homes where we learned to love God, which is the very best gift they could give us! It warms my heart to see the goodness of my husband as he cares for his parents. I realized that the time spent with them and for them is more important than my to do list,really. Ultimately people,especially hurting people are very important to God. I can trust that God knows all the work deadlines and projects and everything else happening at our house. He will take care of them in a way that only the God of the Universe can do. What a relief!
The first change that came my way was a part-time job for me! A position had come available in the spring that didn't materialize which I took rather well. I left it in God's hands and decided that it wasn't the right time. I then got a call shortly before school started for a part-time contract position at the same place! The job description/hours couldn't be more perfect and my boss and supervisor are wonderful. I'm hoping that it will continue but whatever time they can employ me is fine. God always has the perfect plan. The look of astonishment on the kids' faces when I told them was priceless. My son told Eric, "Did you know Mom got a job?" I'm not sure if he thought he was getting me in trouble or what. Eric took it like the wonderful husband that he is, even though his life is a bit stressful right now to say the least. He is happy for me and supportive. That leads me to change number two..
Eric's mom fell. Throughout my life, I had heard various people use this term in serious tones and it quite frankly puzzled me. My first thought was, that's unfortunate, but they get up right and go on their merry way. Thankfully I did not pursue nursing or the health care and healing industry in any capacity, right! What I have since learned is that falling for an older person is not the same as falling for a younger person at all. This set in motion unbelievable health and drug complications,panic phone calls,doctor visits,tests scheduled and taken,food prepared,and general care of her and my father-in-law. We are currently on week 4 of the crisis, but I'm sure that this is the first wave of more to come as both of our parents age. How to navigate this new change is uncharted for both of us. Of course, this crisis came at precisely the time when school was starting, I was starting a new job and all of Eric's projects at work were simultaneously screaming for his attention.
Coincidental? I think not. What we have here is a pop quiz. Am I prepared to make meatloaf at 8:00 A.M. with a good attitude? Am I prepared to hold down the fort while Eric is working weekends to make up for the missed work time? Only God knows if I will pass or fail, especially for the long haul. I am reminded that everything we do for them, we do not only for them but for God. Our parents cared for us when we were totally dependent on them and were not very interesting company as infants or even toddlers. They raised us in homes where we learned to love God, which is the very best gift they could give us! It warms my heart to see the goodness of my husband as he cares for his parents. I realized that the time spent with them and for them is more important than my to do list,really. Ultimately people,especially hurting people are very important to God. I can trust that God knows all the work deadlines and projects and everything else happening at our house. He will take care of them in a way that only the God of the Universe can do. What a relief!
Monday, August 15, 2011
The Wonder Years
Last weekend we celebrated four incredible years since adding three incredible children to our family. While our lives have completely changed in almost every capacity, it has happened so gradually that it seems like they have always been with us. The anniversary date allowed me the opportunity to reflect on just how miraculous our journey has been.
The desire to adopt had been in my heart for awhile, and I foolishly thought this was something our family could do for God. After all, I'm an elementary school teacher and we'd already raised two children. How much harder could raising three children be? My arrogance astounds me! What in the world could I do for the creator of the universe! It didn't take very long for me to realize that this was going to be way harder than I anticipated. Turns out I could do absolutely nothing! But God,(my favorite phrase in the Bible)reached down in loving kindness and grace could do immeasureably more than I could even ask or imagine and believe me I was asking. He provided everything that we needed to do what He called us to do. I had a front row seat to watch the heart that God has for children and that there is nothing that is too difficult for Him.
He provided our church that was a much needed sanctuary every Sunday and Wednesday for all of us to draw strength and encouragement from. The Children's ministry lovingly ministered to our children and taught them by words and example of the love of Jesus. We rejoiced when two of our children both professed belief in Jesus Christ and were baptized. I saw how God hand picked each and every teacher whether it was Wee school,Sunday School or Elementary School to meet specific needs every school year. He surrounded us with people who volunteered to help with childcare, tutoring, and even music lessons. He provided our two grown daughters who opened their hearts as well as their hands to welcome their new brother and sisters to our family. His almighty presence and His powerful Word reassured us and continues to guide us through our journey. He provided Himself.
I have gotten to know our three children really well over these past four years and they me. Together we embarked on a journey to become a family. The vulnerability, courage and acceptance they each displayed to begin a brand new life with us is humbling. To be sure, much like the natural birth of our two older daughters, we experienced labor pains. Likewise though, the pain has become a distant memory with every contented smile that I see on their faces. I simply cannot believe how much they have grown and matured over these past 4 years. While on the golf course with our son and Eric recently, I recalled a previous time on the golf course several years earlier when it was just the two of us, before we even knew our son. I was painting a wonderful picture for Eric about how our lives would be so much richer because we would not just be playing golf ourselves but teaching our son to play and here he was in the flesh, our adorable son completely in love with the game of golf. The picture would be really beautiful if our golf game was better, but still.
I thank God for the privilege of raising our second batch of kids. I get to see the world through the uncensored eyes of a child on a daily basis. Just today, our youngest was retelling with perfection the story of Ikea who climbed up the sycamore tree to see Jesus!I know that He has a wonderful plan for each one of our children and He has allowed me to be intimately involved. In between homework, soccer practice and laundry God is kind to give me glimpses of how He is already working in their lives. I regularly hear them singing praise songs to Jesus as they are riding bikes or doing puzzles. I know that the road will not always a rosy one, and one day they will not be as excited to hang out with us, but I also know that God has proven Himself to be faithful and that He will be with us.
The desire to adopt had been in my heart for awhile, and I foolishly thought this was something our family could do for God. After all, I'm an elementary school teacher and we'd already raised two children. How much harder could raising three children be? My arrogance astounds me! What in the world could I do for the creator of the universe! It didn't take very long for me to realize that this was going to be way harder than I anticipated. Turns out I could do absolutely nothing! But God,(my favorite phrase in the Bible)reached down in loving kindness and grace could do immeasureably more than I could even ask or imagine and believe me I was asking. He provided everything that we needed to do what He called us to do. I had a front row seat to watch the heart that God has for children and that there is nothing that is too difficult for Him.
He provided our church that was a much needed sanctuary every Sunday and Wednesday for all of us to draw strength and encouragement from. The Children's ministry lovingly ministered to our children and taught them by words and example of the love of Jesus. We rejoiced when two of our children both professed belief in Jesus Christ and were baptized. I saw how God hand picked each and every teacher whether it was Wee school,Sunday School or Elementary School to meet specific needs every school year. He surrounded us with people who volunteered to help with childcare, tutoring, and even music lessons. He provided our two grown daughters who opened their hearts as well as their hands to welcome their new brother and sisters to our family. His almighty presence and His powerful Word reassured us and continues to guide us through our journey. He provided Himself.
I have gotten to know our three children really well over these past four years and they me. Together we embarked on a journey to become a family. The vulnerability, courage and acceptance they each displayed to begin a brand new life with us is humbling. To be sure, much like the natural birth of our two older daughters, we experienced labor pains. Likewise though, the pain has become a distant memory with every contented smile that I see on their faces. I simply cannot believe how much they have grown and matured over these past 4 years. While on the golf course with our son and Eric recently, I recalled a previous time on the golf course several years earlier when it was just the two of us, before we even knew our son. I was painting a wonderful picture for Eric about how our lives would be so much richer because we would not just be playing golf ourselves but teaching our son to play and here he was in the flesh, our adorable son completely in love with the game of golf. The picture would be really beautiful if our golf game was better, but still.
I thank God for the privilege of raising our second batch of kids. I get to see the world through the uncensored eyes of a child on a daily basis. Just today, our youngest was retelling with perfection the story of Ikea who climbed up the sycamore tree to see Jesus!I know that He has a wonderful plan for each one of our children and He has allowed me to be intimately involved. In between homework, soccer practice and laundry God is kind to give me glimpses of how He is already working in their lives. I regularly hear them singing praise songs to Jesus as they are riding bikes or doing puzzles. I know that the road will not always a rosy one, and one day they will not be as excited to hang out with us, but I also know that God has proven Himself to be faithful and that He will be with us.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Coupons and Cherry Cheesecake Pie
The 4th of July always reminds me of a particular 4th of July 23 years ago. We were at a 4th of July gathering, standing out in the culdesac, playing with sparklers. I remember being very pregnant, relatively miserable, but mostly anxious to meet my second born child. It had been a difficult pregnancy so we were thankful to have gotten to this point. Eric and I were hovering,the way that first time parents do, over our then 2 1/2 year old Laura as she played with her sparkler. What would it be like having two children instead of one? What would our second daughter be like? Would I love her like I love Laura? Do I really have to go through labor and delivery again?
I didn't know that I was standing at the threshhold of being the mother of not one but two amazing daughters. Who knew that these tiny very needy people would grow up to be women who I really like as well as love,truly admire and love spending time with. I was reminded just how much this past weekend when we were together over the 4th of July weekend.
I was desperately in need of some Laura time since she lives in another city now and I don't get to see her very often. The two of us hit the ground running as soon as we both arrived Friday afternoon at the lake house doing some power shopping at the outlet mall. She came armed with extra percent discount coupons for the holiday weekend and off we went. Later that night she was brimming with working girl tales and specifically her review. She is determined to make things happen at her place of employment and I wouldn't bet against her! She is also a kid at heart so she loves having her younger siblings to relive her childhood. The next day she played the game of Life with Lucas and Summer and she made Kristen's birthday Cherry Cheesecake pie with Summer. Laura brings lots of fun to our family and we love her for it! She and Jason also cooked a delicious Southwest Chicken meal for us with enthusiasm and love. I love how she and Jason work together to make my life easier! Laura and I share a love, some would say a ridiculous obsession, of walking/running whenever we are together so we enjoyed two power walks on this visit to the lake. Anyone can join us of course if they are willing to walk fast. We had two takers, Lucas one day and Eric another and of course the usual terrifying lake dogs that chase us!
We were all eagerly anticipating Kristen's arrival because she would be bringing her new fiance, Ben to spend the weekend with us. We can always count on her to keep our lives interesting. She typically has seismic changes in her life in any given year and her engagement announcement was one of those shifts.
Kristen arrived exhaused from traveling, but happy in her typically understated way. She would not be joining us on our power walk the following morning. She operates in some other calm realm and does not feel the need to be in constant motion. This baffles me at times, but mostly I marvel at this skill I do not possess. This is why Laura and I were so pleased that she she agreed to join us in running the Peachtree Roadrace this year. It would be her first time. We left the men folk and the little kids behind and drove into Atlanta the night before the race. We had 27 hours of blissful uninterrupted girl talk! The next morning, we traveled many hot sticky miles on Marta,driving and walking the streets of midtown and that was just getting to and from the 6.2 race! Kristen did great! It was worth every minute to experience running the race together but mostly I love spending anytime time with my two grown up girls.
Kristen lives near us so I get to see her more often which I love. She has become my Gigi's cupcake partner as well as our go to babysitter when Eric and I need to get away, really far away like Jamaica! She has always been very maternal and her competence with handling all 3 of her younger siblings is unparalleled. Kristen lives her life by heart and I have to say it softens our family somehow. She brings a gentleness that is disarming, yet also a steadiness that reveals inner determination and strength like the time she wanted a dog when I thought I had absolutely no use for a dog. We ended up getting her and I'm forever in her debt for bringing Roxy, AKA perfect dog into my life. Thanks Kristen!
Well,our girl time came to an end and we returned to the lake house. We spent some time boating, playing games and preparing for Jason's Annual Fireworks Extravaganza that gets bigger every year. We were also anxious to get to know this Ben character who had captured Kristen's heart. I have to say that he dove right in, literally, when one of our life jackets flew out of the boat and he volunteered to dive in to get it. Lucas dubbed him a hero the rest of the weekend. Later,determined to impress his fiance, he spilled some of his own blood when he sustained an injury doing a now classic charade of quick sand. He also performed a lovely guitar solo for our evening entertainment. Mostly though it was nice to see stars in his eyes when he looked at Kristen.
So ends another eventful 4th of July at the Lake house. So glad that 23 years ago Kristen came into my life to join her big sister Laura. They couldn't be more different and I couldn't love each one of them any more.
I didn't know that I was standing at the threshhold of being the mother of not one but two amazing daughters. Who knew that these tiny very needy people would grow up to be women who I really like as well as love,truly admire and love spending time with. I was reminded just how much this past weekend when we were together over the 4th of July weekend.
I was desperately in need of some Laura time since she lives in another city now and I don't get to see her very often. The two of us hit the ground running as soon as we both arrived Friday afternoon at the lake house doing some power shopping at the outlet mall. She came armed with extra percent discount coupons for the holiday weekend and off we went. Later that night she was brimming with working girl tales and specifically her review. She is determined to make things happen at her place of employment and I wouldn't bet against her! She is also a kid at heart so she loves having her younger siblings to relive her childhood. The next day she played the game of Life with Lucas and Summer and she made Kristen's birthday Cherry Cheesecake pie with Summer. Laura brings lots of fun to our family and we love her for it! She and Jason also cooked a delicious Southwest Chicken meal for us with enthusiasm and love. I love how she and Jason work together to make my life easier! Laura and I share a love, some would say a ridiculous obsession, of walking/running whenever we are together so we enjoyed two power walks on this visit to the lake. Anyone can join us of course if they are willing to walk fast. We had two takers, Lucas one day and Eric another and of course the usual terrifying lake dogs that chase us!
We were all eagerly anticipating Kristen's arrival because she would be bringing her new fiance, Ben to spend the weekend with us. We can always count on her to keep our lives interesting. She typically has seismic changes in her life in any given year and her engagement announcement was one of those shifts.
Kristen arrived exhaused from traveling, but happy in her typically understated way. She would not be joining us on our power walk the following morning. She operates in some other calm realm and does not feel the need to be in constant motion. This baffles me at times, but mostly I marvel at this skill I do not possess. This is why Laura and I were so pleased that she she agreed to join us in running the Peachtree Roadrace this year. It would be her first time. We left the men folk and the little kids behind and drove into Atlanta the night before the race. We had 27 hours of blissful uninterrupted girl talk! The next morning, we traveled many hot sticky miles on Marta,driving and walking the streets of midtown and that was just getting to and from the 6.2 race! Kristen did great! It was worth every minute to experience running the race together but mostly I love spending anytime time with my two grown up girls.
Kristen lives near us so I get to see her more often which I love. She has become my Gigi's cupcake partner as well as our go to babysitter when Eric and I need to get away, really far away like Jamaica! She has always been very maternal and her competence with handling all 3 of her younger siblings is unparalleled. Kristen lives her life by heart and I have to say it softens our family somehow. She brings a gentleness that is disarming, yet also a steadiness that reveals inner determination and strength like the time she wanted a dog when I thought I had absolutely no use for a dog. We ended up getting her and I'm forever in her debt for bringing Roxy, AKA perfect dog into my life. Thanks Kristen!
Well,our girl time came to an end and we returned to the lake house. We spent some time boating, playing games and preparing for Jason's Annual Fireworks Extravaganza that gets bigger every year. We were also anxious to get to know this Ben character who had captured Kristen's heart. I have to say that he dove right in, literally, when one of our life jackets flew out of the boat and he volunteered to dive in to get it. Lucas dubbed him a hero the rest of the weekend. Later,determined to impress his fiance, he spilled some of his own blood when he sustained an injury doing a now classic charade of quick sand. He also performed a lovely guitar solo for our evening entertainment. Mostly though it was nice to see stars in his eyes when he looked at Kristen.
So ends another eventful 4th of July at the Lake house. So glad that 23 years ago Kristen came into my life to join her big sister Laura. They couldn't be more different and I couldn't love each one of them any more.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Spring
Spring has indeed sprung! The dogwoods and azaleas are blooming their beautiful blooms, the birds are singing their harmonic melodies and I can see wearing sandals in the very near future. I would love this beautiful time of year if it weren't for the misery that comes on me in the form of seasonal allergies. My eyes itch to the point of wanting to scratch my eyes out and I can't stop sneezing, sniffing and blowing my red chapped nose, attractive I know. OTC medications works to some degree, but I find myself praying for rain! This is not normal for the sun lover that I am.
There's also the planting pressure that comes every spring in the form of Home Depot and Lowe's, Miracle Grow commercials to inspire me to plant flowers in my yard. I've noticed that everyone in the commercials are so happy to be digging, planting and spreading whatever it is they spread and not one of them is red eyed and sneezing their head off. I must confess that my allergies are not solely to blame. I have sincerely tried to get into the spirit of planting, but have not found one enjoyable moment in the entire process. Is there something wrong with me because I don't enjoy planting? Don't get me wrong.There is no one who appreciates looking at beautiful flowers, but planting them myself is altogether another story. Lugging huge bags of potting soil, weeding flower beds, digging a hole that is not too shallow or too deep (I never get this right) is not my idea of a good time. I'm positive that the unfortunate flowers that happen to make their way into my Highlander hatchback can sense my negative attitude. They must! They do not thrive to say the least and then they die. I would much rather admire them while running past them on an early morning run. So please continue to plant you who love planting. I'll continue to admire.
There's also the planting pressure that comes every spring in the form of Home Depot and Lowe's, Miracle Grow commercials to inspire me to plant flowers in my yard. I've noticed that everyone in the commercials are so happy to be digging, planting and spreading whatever it is they spread and not one of them is red eyed and sneezing their head off. I must confess that my allergies are not solely to blame. I have sincerely tried to get into the spirit of planting, but have not found one enjoyable moment in the entire process. Is there something wrong with me because I don't enjoy planting? Don't get me wrong.There is no one who appreciates looking at beautiful flowers, but planting them myself is altogether another story. Lugging huge bags of potting soil, weeding flower beds, digging a hole that is not too shallow or too deep (I never get this right) is not my idea of a good time. I'm positive that the unfortunate flowers that happen to make their way into my Highlander hatchback can sense my negative attitude. They must! They do not thrive to say the least and then they die. I would much rather admire them while running past them on an early morning run. So please continue to plant you who love planting. I'll continue to admire.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Birthday Celebrations
Our youngest two have birthdays that are not even two weeks apart. Birthdays are still very exciting when you are turning 7 and 8. Frankly I was torn about about how to celebrate their birthdays. I naturally love planning and attending any and every kind of event yet I am dedicated to raising my children with a proper sense of humility which honestly I find lacking in this increasingly child centered world. Do we celebrate with a family gathering or bring out the boas? Trying to find a way to do both, I compromised as best I could to give them a wonderful birthday without going over the top.
Spending plenty of time with groups of little boys and groups of little girls, I opted to take my son and one friend to Chuck E. Cheese(Las Vegas for the elementary set) to celebrate his birhday, and give my daughter and her friends a tea party at our house.
My son chose his best friend, Noah to take to Chuck E. Cheese along with his younger best sister. He and his sister are so close in age, 11 months apart that they almost have a symbiotic relationship. He is happiest when she is around. This has its pros and cons, but mostly it is adorable. Since this was to be a casual affair I allowed him to go dressed in whatever he had on which was jeans and a not very attractive t-shirt. He was also having a bad hair day. Let's just say he wasn't looking his best, but it was his birthday after all. We drove up to his friend's house to find him waiting in the yard with his sitter where he told us he had been waiting an hour! I couldn't believe it, he had on an identical tacky outfit complete with shaggy hair! My son said on the way that I would probably always see him with his friend because where ever his friend went, he would go,cute! Truer words were never spoken. They were inseperable from the moment they arrived as they scurried around with giant smiles on their faces playing games like there was a buzzer they were trying to beat. They amassed lots of tickets that they traded in for some now forgotten plastic toys. The time spent together however will always be remembered!
My daughter's affair took a little more planning, but was worth every moment. I was only planning to invite at the most 4 classmates, but was guilted into inviting all the little girls in her class less one be left out! Oh the pressure of it all! An angel sent from heaven took care of the invitations for me. This same angel gave me the most adorable idea to make tea party hats from brown paper sacks, brilliant! Until I couldn't find the right size bag, Duro bag 8003. Searched craft stores,grocery stores,liquor stores (yes,I took my 6 year old daughter into a liquor store!)and warehouse stores and found some in packs of 500! Never one to give up, I remembered seeing my favorite BBQ to go bags to be roughly the same size. It only took asking and purchasing some BBQ for dinner that night!
The girls arrived all dressed in their finery,ready to party. One of the advantages of having a wide span of ages in one's children is the help the older ones can be! I enlisted the three older girls to help our guests craft their hats,photograph the party and help serve the food. The girls crafted their hats on arrival and I then presented each of them with a boa to put on before they sat down to tea. I set the appropriate mood with Beethoven playing in the background. One of our guests offered that Beethoven was someone who played the violin. They lunched on finger sandwiches,frozen fruit salad,mini muffins and tea(aka apple juice which looks just like it!)and delicious strawberry cake. Just to make sure they had ample sugar, I went around and put a sugar cube in each of their cups which prompted them to start speaking with an English accent! They loved being served and treated like ladies and I was especially happy that they didn't break my grandmother's fine china tea set! The smile on my daughter's face says it all!
Spending plenty of time with groups of little boys and groups of little girls, I opted to take my son and one friend to Chuck E. Cheese(Las Vegas for the elementary set) to celebrate his birhday, and give my daughter and her friends a tea party at our house.
My son chose his best friend, Noah to take to Chuck E. Cheese along with his younger best sister. He and his sister are so close in age, 11 months apart that they almost have a symbiotic relationship. He is happiest when she is around. This has its pros and cons, but mostly it is adorable. Since this was to be a casual affair I allowed him to go dressed in whatever he had on which was jeans and a not very attractive t-shirt. He was also having a bad hair day. Let's just say he wasn't looking his best, but it was his birthday after all. We drove up to his friend's house to find him waiting in the yard with his sitter where he told us he had been waiting an hour! I couldn't believe it, he had on an identical tacky outfit complete with shaggy hair! My son said on the way that I would probably always see him with his friend because where ever his friend went, he would go,cute! Truer words were never spoken. They were inseperable from the moment they arrived as they scurried around with giant smiles on their faces playing games like there was a buzzer they were trying to beat. They amassed lots of tickets that they traded in for some now forgotten plastic toys. The time spent together however will always be remembered!
My daughter's affair took a little more planning, but was worth every moment. I was only planning to invite at the most 4 classmates, but was guilted into inviting all the little girls in her class less one be left out! Oh the pressure of it all! An angel sent from heaven took care of the invitations for me. This same angel gave me the most adorable idea to make tea party hats from brown paper sacks, brilliant! Until I couldn't find the right size bag, Duro bag 8003. Searched craft stores,grocery stores,liquor stores (yes,I took my 6 year old daughter into a liquor store!)and warehouse stores and found some in packs of 500! Never one to give up, I remembered seeing my favorite BBQ to go bags to be roughly the same size. It only took asking and purchasing some BBQ for dinner that night!
The girls arrived all dressed in their finery,ready to party. One of the advantages of having a wide span of ages in one's children is the help the older ones can be! I enlisted the three older girls to help our guests craft their hats,photograph the party and help serve the food. The girls crafted their hats on arrival and I then presented each of them with a boa to put on before they sat down to tea. I set the appropriate mood with Beethoven playing in the background. One of our guests offered that Beethoven was someone who played the violin. They lunched on finger sandwiches,frozen fruit salad,mini muffins and tea(aka apple juice which looks just like it!)and delicious strawberry cake. Just to make sure they had ample sugar, I went around and put a sugar cube in each of their cups which prompted them to start speaking with an English accent! They loved being served and treated like ladies and I was especially happy that they didn't break my grandmother's fine china tea set! The smile on my daughter's face says it all!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Bear Pause
Trying my very best to get into the right spirit for the fast approaching Winter Break, I booked 3 nights at Bear Pause cabin in Gatlinburg, TN. I was actually snow bound for a solid week when the idea came to me. I pictured the kids sledding and tubing down the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Might as well make the best of it, right! I took inventory of our snow clothes and even made an on-line Lands End purchase to fill in the missing items.
The day finally arrived to leave for our Mountain Getaway. The only problem was it was 70 degrees! The kids were in shorts and sweating as we were packing the car to leave. Nevertheless, Bear Pause Cabin here we come! We got started a little later than we planned, but weren't in a huge hurry, so everything was fine. Then we hit Pigeon Forge which we must drive through to get to Gatlinburg. The traffic was one long line of vehicles all going the same way. Never having been to this part of the country, we didn't know if the traffic was always this bad, but I decided right then that I would not be returning. Since we were traveling (and I use this term loosely) at a snail's pace, it allowed me to completely take in the town's flavor. I've got to hand it to them, I have never seen such compacted tackiness in one 10 mile stretch of road. As if trying to dodge a spitting man in the monster truck next to us wasn't entertaining enough, my eyes beheld elevated rotating pigs at the mini golf, a replica of the Titanic, The Sweetheart Wedding Chapel, bungy jumping platforms and Hogs n Honey's Saloon and Grill, Home of the Hillbilly Hammer!
We finally arrived at our destination the way we always arrive, hungry and in need of provisions. The cabin was listed as within walking distance to town which would have been convenient. As we ascended the windy, mountain road, it was becoming clear that unless one regularly climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for sport, one would not be hoofing it to town. We decided to drive back down and drive around to look for food. Thankfully, we found a Papa John's and were saved. Unfortunately, finding the cabin in the pitch darkness proved to be more difficult. We drove up and down the mountain before finding our way back to the cabin. Our son suggested that we stop and ask the man who he thought probably lived there for a long time, where our cabin was. One of our daughters asked if she was dead yet as we were driving blindly along the dark road!
We set out the next day ready to explore all that Gatlinburg had to offer, sledding notwithstanding. My goal was to avoid the hundreds of Mountain fudge and candy shoppes and tatoo and t-shirt stores if possible. Thankfully the town is in the Smoky Mountain National Park and they have my favorite thing to do in the the whole wide world, hiking! With any luck we would see a wild animal or two. The weather was perfect for hiking, but the only animal we saw was the one we brought with us, Roxy our dog unless you count the dead flat bear you see in the picture. My children aren't the quietest around so that might have had something to do with it.
The kids collected bbs left behind by the Indians, climbed every tree that they saw, skipped rocks in the river, and played Trouble and pool with their very patient dad. But the best part about our stay at the cabin has to be the hot tub. There's nothing like a hot tub to make a Mountain getaway fun. All in all, I would have to count our Mountain trip a success.
The day finally arrived to leave for our Mountain Getaway. The only problem was it was 70 degrees! The kids were in shorts and sweating as we were packing the car to leave. Nevertheless, Bear Pause Cabin here we come! We got started a little later than we planned, but weren't in a huge hurry, so everything was fine. Then we hit Pigeon Forge which we must drive through to get to Gatlinburg. The traffic was one long line of vehicles all going the same way. Never having been to this part of the country, we didn't know if the traffic was always this bad, but I decided right then that I would not be returning. Since we were traveling (and I use this term loosely) at a snail's pace, it allowed me to completely take in the town's flavor. I've got to hand it to them, I have never seen such compacted tackiness in one 10 mile stretch of road. As if trying to dodge a spitting man in the monster truck next to us wasn't entertaining enough, my eyes beheld elevated rotating pigs at the mini golf, a replica of the Titanic, The Sweetheart Wedding Chapel, bungy jumping platforms and Hogs n Honey's Saloon and Grill, Home of the Hillbilly Hammer!
We finally arrived at our destination the way we always arrive, hungry and in need of provisions. The cabin was listed as within walking distance to town which would have been convenient. As we ascended the windy, mountain road, it was becoming clear that unless one regularly climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro for sport, one would not be hoofing it to town. We decided to drive back down and drive around to look for food. Thankfully, we found a Papa John's and were saved. Unfortunately, finding the cabin in the pitch darkness proved to be more difficult. We drove up and down the mountain before finding our way back to the cabin. Our son suggested that we stop and ask the man who he thought probably lived there for a long time, where our cabin was. One of our daughters asked if she was dead yet as we were driving blindly along the dark road!
We set out the next day ready to explore all that Gatlinburg had to offer, sledding notwithstanding. My goal was to avoid the hundreds of Mountain fudge and candy shoppes and tatoo and t-shirt stores if possible. Thankfully the town is in the Smoky Mountain National Park and they have my favorite thing to do in the the whole wide world, hiking! With any luck we would see a wild animal or two. The weather was perfect for hiking, but the only animal we saw was the one we brought with us, Roxy our dog unless you count the dead flat bear you see in the picture. My children aren't the quietest around so that might have had something to do with it.
The kids collected bbs left behind by the Indians, climbed every tree that they saw, skipped rocks in the river, and played Trouble and pool with their very patient dad. But the best part about our stay at the cabin has to be the hot tub. There's nothing like a hot tub to make a Mountain getaway fun. All in all, I would have to count our Mountain trip a success.
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