Some of my dwarfs are, how should I put this and stay politically correct? Well they are hot messes. When you have one or two hot messes at a time the results can usually be undone, or worked through without a lot of fuss. However more than two, and things will inevitably fall apart, fast.
Hence starts the tale of three hot messes together, preparing for bed. At about 8:00 pm the Prince or I call for "brush and flush" This is the time of the night, when each dwarf, makes their final preparations for bed. They have already finished dinner, homework,showered, and had a snack, maybe even have watched a little television. But when the call comes they scurry to their respective bathroom sinks, to brush their teeth and if needed use the potty one more final time before heading to meet their pillows.
Happy the eldest dwarf of the current three that includes Grumpy and Bashful, gets to the sink first. He yells that there is no toothpaste. So from the bottom of the stairs I say, "dwarfs, there is always extra toothpaste in the hallway hutch." There is a scurry, I hear the yells of I will get it, no let me, I am mentally sighing to myself , because it just can not be this difficult to get a new tube of toothpaste.
Before I go any further, please note that Happy while the eldest will always be mentally a second grader, and Grumpy while two years his junior, is able to function on age level, he chooses not to, and Bashful, well he is the most brilliant of the three, but it is all stuck inside his head and only comes out in random spurts, this is not one of those random times.
Back to the task at hand - brushing dwarf teeth. So I call up the stairs with the ever threatening mom, you don't want me to come up there voice... and say calmly "boys how difficult is this, go the hutch and get a tube of toothpaste out, brush your teeth, let's get to bed."
Brushing commences. The two younger dwarfs come down so that I can see their teeth. They have a habit of making the brush wet, and swirling it their mouth, yet never connecting with any of their teeth. Mouths wide open, fresh minty breath in my face, I check and see this time, no second brushing is required. Grumpy says, my mouth tingles, and Bashful says, this toothpaste is good, strong minty flavor. Perfect ...as I partially listen to them ramble. This boys, is what fresh breath and a clean mouth are all about. Now get in bed so I can tuck you in.
Fast forward two days later. Sneezy is cleaning the kids bathroom. As this dwarf is putting toothbrushes and assorted tooth care items into the bathroom drawer so she can clean the sink, she calls to me, mom, is this toothpaste? I say let me see ? Where did you get it? She says it was in the toothbrush drawer. I look at the white tube in her hands, with the mint leaf on it and read the words on the tube. I start laughing uncontrollably. I grab the tube from her hand to go find the prince, and I show him and he starts laughing. Once we get it together, we call the three male dwarfs to the kitchen and show them the "toothpaste" tube. I say, "boys have you been using this toothpaste since Wednesday night? " All three shake their heads in agreement. I said "can someone read this too me please" Happy, can not, Bashful does, but has not idea what he is reading, and Grumpy says, oh it doesn't say toothpaste on it, but I just grabbed it because it had a mint leaf on it.
The boys have had minty fresh breath and tingly pain free gums every time they brushed for 2-4 hours...because they did not brush with toothpaste, but with mint Bengay.
You just can't make this stuff up.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Observations from a Middle School Girls Basketball Coach
I must say that I love basketball! Which suits me well this season, since I am coaching and four dwarfs are playing. Some weeks this season, we (the prince and I ) have witnessed as many as 14 games and attended as many as six practices. However as a former player (aka bench warmer), and a second year coach, here are some of the joys that I have experienced coaching my middle school girls.
My favorite part of basketball is practicing. I love running with the girls. I enjoy laps, drills, and scrimmages. My philosophy has always been, not to ask the girls to do something that I myself an not willing to (attempt) doing. So the first observation is this: it is harder than it looks and the next day, I hurt a lot! So maybe observations number two is, youth is wasted on the young. :)
It is awkward when the coach yells at the player shooting foul shots..." Take your time, you got this sweetheart!" But then again, I have never really cared about awkward, and as the momma of that player, I just wanted to let her know that not only does her coach think she can do this, so does her Momma! So observation next, always be your dwarf's biggest advocate!
My least favorite part of basketball is the games. So much stress. Adjusting strategy on the fly, remembering to use my time out's, trying to rotate as many of the players through as possible, the ups and downs, the comebacks, and the hard losses, and I have given up trying to sit in a seat! But in this I have learned a lot about a middle school girls determination which leads to my next observation, when they put their minds to it, they can and will get the job done! Sometimes it is not pretty, but the job gets done.
I know this is an obvious one, BUT a win is a win, a loss is a loss! No matter if it is by one point or 20. Regardless if we ran our offense or our defense correctly or at all, at the sound of the last buzzer, If you are ahead in points you are the winner. If you are behind in points you are not. You slap hands with the opponents, thank them for a good game, and head to the next game, knowing it is a new opportunity to play hard, grow and learn.
When a girl (or boy for that matter) shows an interest in playing a sport, it is a great idea to get them in a program where they can learn the basics and grow to love the game. This observation is basic human knowledge, but I believe it bears repeating, a child with a willing and teachable spirit will soar and grow and become confident in their skills and knowledge of whatever it is they are interested in. For this particular conversation it is basketball, however it applies across the board. Lesson here: even though it is not easy directing a pile of giggling chatty girls, it is important to invest in the lives of young women, to help them become well rounded and knowledgeable about the things that are of interest to them.
I love that the Doc is helping me coach. Again, I think this should be able to go without mention, but since it has brought me such great joy (and it's my blog after all) I am going to list it in my observations! No matter how old your kids are, it is important to find time and things to do together. Spending time with Doc at practice and games has been great fun, I am sad when she is not able to make a practice or a game, and I am grateful that she balances me out, we make a pretty good team!
Again a statement of the obvious, but brings a smile to my face even as I type this, no two players are the same. Some have more natural ability, some have more style, some more flair, some have more determination, some have great height, some have great ball handling skills, some are play makers, some are point makers, some are encouragers, some are short tempered, some are longsuffering, some are fearful, others are bold, some are confused, and none, not one of them bounce when they hit the gym floor, HOWEVER... when you roll them all together, they make a great team!
We are getting close to closing this 2014 season. My life has been touched by each of these 17 girls. I have finally gotten all their names correct, but still can not tell you which grades they are all in, or their parents first names, without thinking REALLY hard! I did not always make the best decisions during a game, nor was I always able to get everyone the playing time that they desired, but these 17 are always an encouragement to me and a blessing!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes and questions from the season:
"Coach (at the conclusion of a nail biter of a game where only 6 of the 17 played, from a "bench warmer") This was the best game ever, it was so exciting, so much fun I felt like my heart might explode. I can't wait to play in a game like that!" (insert the wide eyed innocence and sincerity of a sweet 5th grade girl)
"Coach, how do you know when you start tip off, which basket is yours, can you just pick one if you get the tip?"
In pre game warm ups..." I think I am going to kick someone today? You mean kick some bum today? No, kick someone, I think I am going to have to use one of my fouls today."
"Coach, do you think I might play today? I am not ready to play today?" To which I responded, "if you are dressed in your uniform, have attended all the practices and are sitting on the bench, there is the potential for you to play." "Can I go change?"
"What happens if I shoot the ball in the other team's basket during a game?" " You will have scored two points for the other team."
"Why is that other team so mean, they keep stealing our ball."
Really, you can't make this stuff up, and I am glad!
My favorite part of basketball is practicing. I love running with the girls. I enjoy laps, drills, and scrimmages. My philosophy has always been, not to ask the girls to do something that I myself an not willing to (attempt) doing. So the first observation is this: it is harder than it looks and the next day, I hurt a lot! So maybe observations number two is, youth is wasted on the young. :)
It is awkward when the coach yells at the player shooting foul shots..." Take your time, you got this sweetheart!" But then again, I have never really cared about awkward, and as the momma of that player, I just wanted to let her know that not only does her coach think she can do this, so does her Momma! So observation next, always be your dwarf's biggest advocate!
My least favorite part of basketball is the games. So much stress. Adjusting strategy on the fly, remembering to use my time out's, trying to rotate as many of the players through as possible, the ups and downs, the comebacks, and the hard losses, and I have given up trying to sit in a seat! But in this I have learned a lot about a middle school girls determination which leads to my next observation, when they put their minds to it, they can and will get the job done! Sometimes it is not pretty, but the job gets done.
I know this is an obvious one, BUT a win is a win, a loss is a loss! No matter if it is by one point or 20. Regardless if we ran our offense or our defense correctly or at all, at the sound of the last buzzer, If you are ahead in points you are the winner. If you are behind in points you are not. You slap hands with the opponents, thank them for a good game, and head to the next game, knowing it is a new opportunity to play hard, grow and learn.
When a girl (or boy for that matter) shows an interest in playing a sport, it is a great idea to get them in a program where they can learn the basics and grow to love the game. This observation is basic human knowledge, but I believe it bears repeating, a child with a willing and teachable spirit will soar and grow and become confident in their skills and knowledge of whatever it is they are interested in. For this particular conversation it is basketball, however it applies across the board. Lesson here: even though it is not easy directing a pile of giggling chatty girls, it is important to invest in the lives of young women, to help them become well rounded and knowledgeable about the things that are of interest to them.
I love that the Doc is helping me coach. Again, I think this should be able to go without mention, but since it has brought me such great joy (and it's my blog after all) I am going to list it in my observations! No matter how old your kids are, it is important to find time and things to do together. Spending time with Doc at practice and games has been great fun, I am sad when she is not able to make a practice or a game, and I am grateful that she balances me out, we make a pretty good team!
Again a statement of the obvious, but brings a smile to my face even as I type this, no two players are the same. Some have more natural ability, some have more style, some more flair, some have more determination, some have great height, some have great ball handling skills, some are play makers, some are point makers, some are encouragers, some are short tempered, some are longsuffering, some are fearful, others are bold, some are confused, and none, not one of them bounce when they hit the gym floor, HOWEVER... when you roll them all together, they make a great team!
We are getting close to closing this 2014 season. My life has been touched by each of these 17 girls. I have finally gotten all their names correct, but still can not tell you which grades they are all in, or their parents first names, without thinking REALLY hard! I did not always make the best decisions during a game, nor was I always able to get everyone the playing time that they desired, but these 17 are always an encouragement to me and a blessing!
Here are a few of my favorite quotes and questions from the season:
"Coach (at the conclusion of a nail biter of a game where only 6 of the 17 played, from a "bench warmer") This was the best game ever, it was so exciting, so much fun I felt like my heart might explode. I can't wait to play in a game like that!" (insert the wide eyed innocence and sincerity of a sweet 5th grade girl)
"Coach, how do you know when you start tip off, which basket is yours, can you just pick one if you get the tip?"
In pre game warm ups..." I think I am going to kick someone today? You mean kick some bum today? No, kick someone, I think I am going to have to use one of my fouls today."
"Coach, do you think I might play today? I am not ready to play today?" To which I responded, "if you are dressed in your uniform, have attended all the practices and are sitting on the bench, there is the potential for you to play." "Can I go change?"
"What happens if I shoot the ball in the other team's basket during a game?" " You will have scored two points for the other team."
"Why is that other team so mean, they keep stealing our ball."
Really, you can't make this stuff up, and I am glad!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
When it is all said and done...
As I consider that a week ago at this time, I was digging out from the remnants of flying paper, tape and ribbon I am even more convinced that, when it is all said and done, the small things that went, in my mind undone, slipped by unnoticed. The lesson in all this, is that next year, I am going to make a specific list and break it up into manageable milestones and "to be done" dates. Once the date is past, if that particular item is not accomplished, then it will go undone. Period.
I am going to be more purposeful in packing up my Christmas decorations this year. As in years past, I will continue to pack them room by room (themes for each room) but I am going to weed out the items that I have not used for several years in a row. Make a specific pile for old family items that I want to save just because they are old, and fill that box and seal it. Once it is filled and sealed, all other items are going to be tossed. (Well maybe gently laid in the to donate or give away box) but they are not going back into the basement. In my reorganizing and discarding , I am going to make sure that all items kept, are loved and will be used for years to come. If they have a special memory or meaning, I will mark them on the bottom and make sure that the story that goes with that item is documented as well.
I have said this many times before, Christmas is by far my favorite holiday, and decorating brings me great joy, however I know that it is easier to do on a large scale when systematically organized. By placing all the like/themed items from one room together, I am then able to make my list for decorating very specific. For example: three weeks out: decorate the half bath with reindeer When I pull the reindeer decorations from storage, I will empty the box of the decorations and then remove all the daily half bath items, place them in the empty bin, clean the room well, and then set up all the seasonal decorations. Using this method, I can also prioritize the "important/large decorating" areas and if I am crazy busy, can let the smaller themes go for the year. Another benefit to this systematic way of doing things is that un-decorating can be as simple as room by room as well.
I am planning to include on this list all items from card printing and addressing, to craft making, to cookie baking, gift purchasing and wrapping, meal prep, with deadlines for each. The items that require more effort and time and planning will be scheduled for early fall, Sept or October (family photo for the card, crafts). In this manner, I will be able to see the long term goal; having a festive, decorated house, well stocked with groceries, ready to entertain, but will be able to look at the small details, week by week or day by day to accomplish this goal. Knowing that any small piece left undone, will not cause me stress.
This year, I did not hurry to purchase last minute gift items, no one noticed.
This year, I did not send Christmas cards, no one called to ask me why they did not receive a card from our family.
This year, I did not decorate outside, my neighbors did not call the homeowners association.
This year, I did not don't send cookies to all my neighbors, and they were kind enough to still gift us cookies and candy and send us cards.
In looking back over the past Christmas season, I am incredibly blessed, not stressed and desire to carry this to the future. Too many years I have been miserable, causing hard feelings and stress in my home, because of my lack of preparedness or because of my perception of all the "little" things that had to get done before Christmas morning. I must say this has been a wonderfully liberating revelation. NO ONE noticed anything was amiss! Looking forward to many more non self inflicted stress less holidays!
I am going to be more purposeful in packing up my Christmas decorations this year. As in years past, I will continue to pack them room by room (themes for each room) but I am going to weed out the items that I have not used for several years in a row. Make a specific pile for old family items that I want to save just because they are old, and fill that box and seal it. Once it is filled and sealed, all other items are going to be tossed. (Well maybe gently laid in the to donate or give away box) but they are not going back into the basement. In my reorganizing and discarding , I am going to make sure that all items kept, are loved and will be used for years to come. If they have a special memory or meaning, I will mark them on the bottom and make sure that the story that goes with that item is documented as well.
I have said this many times before, Christmas is by far my favorite holiday, and decorating brings me great joy, however I know that it is easier to do on a large scale when systematically organized. By placing all the like/themed items from one room together, I am then able to make my list for decorating very specific. For example: three weeks out: decorate the half bath with reindeer When I pull the reindeer decorations from storage, I will empty the box of the decorations and then remove all the daily half bath items, place them in the empty bin, clean the room well, and then set up all the seasonal decorations. Using this method, I can also prioritize the "important/large decorating" areas and if I am crazy busy, can let the smaller themes go for the year. Another benefit to this systematic way of doing things is that un-decorating can be as simple as room by room as well.
I am planning to include on this list all items from card printing and addressing, to craft making, to cookie baking, gift purchasing and wrapping, meal prep, with deadlines for each. The items that require more effort and time and planning will be scheduled for early fall, Sept or October (family photo for the card, crafts). In this manner, I will be able to see the long term goal; having a festive, decorated house, well stocked with groceries, ready to entertain, but will be able to look at the small details, week by week or day by day to accomplish this goal. Knowing that any small piece left undone, will not cause me stress.
This year, I did not hurry to purchase last minute gift items, no one noticed.
This year, I did not send Christmas cards, no one called to ask me why they did not receive a card from our family.
This year, I did not decorate outside, my neighbors did not call the homeowners association.
This year, I did not don't send cookies to all my neighbors, and they were kind enough to still gift us cookies and candy and send us cards.
In looking back over the past Christmas season, I am incredibly blessed, not stressed and desire to carry this to the future. Too many years I have been miserable, causing hard feelings and stress in my home, because of my lack of preparedness or because of my perception of all the "little" things that had to get done before Christmas morning. I must say this has been a wonderfully liberating revelation. NO ONE noticed anything was amiss! Looking forward to many more non self inflicted stress less holidays!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Take Time To Breathe
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Hands down. There is something magical about the lights, the decorations, the yards of colored ribbon and wrapping paper, the giving.
This morning, the eve of Christmas, when I woke up, I was completely overwhelmed, not with a list of " to do's" but with peace. Those of you that know me, may wonder how a mom of so many can not have a list a mile long of to do's and don't forgets the day before Christmas. Simply put, if it is not done now, it will not get done! I refuse to rush through this day, in a effort to accomplish a list of things that no one but me will notice going un-done, knowing that in doing so, striving for perfection in my mind, I would sabotage my all time favorite thing about Christmas, Candlelight service tonight.
"What?," you may ask, "is so special about tonight's candle light service?" Honestly, part of it is tradition. Growing up we always made the trek to church on Christmas Eve. Special clothing, and shoes, heading out in the dark, holding a candle with a real flame... I remember far more Christmas Eve's attending than not over the years. When my kids were younger we went, and most eve's did not get through the entire service without a crying baby, a meltdown, snoring children, vomiting children or a burnt finger because of dripping wax, but tradition, over the years has morphed for me to a time of reflection and respite from the busyness of the season.
As I herd the family into the church, I feel a great sense of pride in the fact that these, straggling, sometimes hostile beings call me; "mom". That they look to me for guidance and direction, for love and for grace. No matter their ages or stages in life, as I look at each of them, perfectly trimmed out in their Christmas best, sitting in a LONG row, I grow warm inside, feeling that this moment in time, they are perfection in the dim candle light, angelic looking, sweet, tender beings that are being molded and formed by the Prince and I into men and women that love the Lord and one another. (We do not always succeed, but we do strive to lead them in this way.) Despite the fact that I will have to say at least three times, "back to the back, crack to the crack, seat to the seat", to get those teen age boys into proper seated posture, I know that in my heart I am blessed.
I love the words of the carols that will be sung. Even though Sleepy has been singing all these years "Haste, Haste to bring Him lard," instead of "Haste, Haste to bring Him laud", which we now share a giggle over, I will be transported over 2000 years to the glorious time of Christ's birth. Considering the star that guided them, is the same sky that I look at every day, mesmerizes me. Considering my Savior's lowly start, born in a manger, I count my blessings. I praise the Lord for his provisions, just as the babe was provided for, so are my family and our household, those that I love. The voices of the choir and the congregation will blend in harmony which will give me pause to consider if this is what the heavenly hosts sound like...
The words of the pastor will encourage, will challenge and will recharge me. If my focus is out of line tonight, then this will be the time to refocus my perspective and focus on Christ. The reason that I celebrate this season, this holiday.
The flickering lights of the candles, while alone would generate little light, as an entire congregation, lights the church with a soft glow. Reminding me that alone, my light does shines, but when combined with the light of my family, friends and other believers, there is the ability to impact an entire community with the light and truth of God's word.
The actions of the corporate structure of the church will bless others less fortunate than my family, as we always conclude the Christmas Eve service with a benevolence offering. Serving to remind me that once again, my gift may be small, but combined can be the difference to a person or family in need.
By this point in the service, the dwarfs will be getting antsy. I will be sending the "hairy" eye to more than a few, indicating that they need to hold it together for another few moments. We will then conclude with a couple annual photos by the church's large decorated Christmas tree before heading home for the evening's festivities. But in our going, I will be prepared for what tomorrow will bring. Great joy, anticipations recognized, joy that comes from within, not based on my circumstances, but laced in the truth of God's word and the promises that He has made to each of us in his Word.
Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
A very warm and heartfelt greeting to you and yours on this the eve of Christmas. Our family of many, wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thursday, December 12, 2013
It is not a problem.
There have been years that we were gifted trees, and there have been years that we have only decorated with live trees, and some years where we only decorated with artificial trees. There were some years that we never put up a single tree, however somewhere over the last 24 Christmas's I have accidentally acquired a bundle of trees.
Now you wonder how does one accidentally acquire so many trees? I can't say that I really have an answer to that. Not all of the trees are large, as a matter of fact there is a good portion of the them that are tall skinny pencil trees and another portion of them that are under two feet in height. However the end result is the same, the halls are all decked and there are,when I count them all up, 16 Christmas trees decorating my house.
Here is the run down of the trees:
2 tall thin lighted trees flanking my Christmas carolers with
2 one foot shrub like trees by their feet,
2 gold lighted trees standing at attention at the charging/docking station in the kitchen,
2 small trees on the table as center pieces, (mind you it is a 12 foot table)
1 three foot gingerbread/cookie cutter themed tree in the kitchen window,
1 music themed tree in the music room,
1 live family room tree, with all the sentimental/family ornaments,
1 silver tree in the middle female dwarfs room,
1 hunting themed tree in the male dwarfs room,
1 Steeler's themed tree in another male dwarf,
1 tall skinny tree in another female dwarfs room,
1 small tree in a pot, in the master bedroom.
Double check my math, because any friend of mine knows that math is not my strong suit, but I get 16. Counting from upstairs to down or down to up the number I arrive at is 16.
While most people would say that 16 trees is indicative of some sort of ailment or illness. I would like to go on the record and say simply, I love trees! It is not a problem. I actually love Christmas and decorating for it. I have many Nativity scenes, tons of angels, several antique Santa pieces, a pile of gingerbread items and a host of reindeer, rolls of ribbon, piles of wreaths, yards of fabric and tons of twinkling lights!.
My most favorite thing about decorating for Christmas is that I find great joy in it. It is relaxing. Yes, I recognize that many it seems excessive and over the top, and to be honest there have been years when I have done hardly any decorating because of the stage of life that I was in, but the joy that it brings to me is the reason that more years than not, I go all out for the season. I enjoy removing my normal household decorations and boxing them up to replace them with the themed items for each room. I enjoy unpacking the items that have been collected over the last 24 years, and reliving the memories that go with the decorations and the ornaments. I love sharing the stories with the children, so that some day when I am gone, and they separate all my things seven ways, they can share the stories with their children, my grandchildren.
Do I think that everyone should go all out for Christmas decorating - No. However I think that if it brings you joy, not stress, and helps you focus on the wonderful memories of holidays past, and is part of creating good memories for the current day, then YES, by all means go all out! Decorate until your heart is filled to overflowing!
There are no rules for the holidays. We are the ones that impose these crazy traditions on ourselves and implement to do lists that are unreasonable, as we try to be all things to all people. It is okay to let things drop. This year I am not sending out a family Christmas card. I was becoming crabby and stressed over trying to organize 8 kids, 2 adults, matching outfits (or at least coordinating) and a photographer for that "perfect" holiday shot. I caught myself mid rant about this impossible task, and realized, that indeed this year, with so many of the kids working, playing basketball, and other outside responsibilities, a family photograph this holiday was impossible, or at least not possible without a significant portion of my Christmas joy being sapped, so I scrapped the whole idea. No card.
I know this is common sense, but I think it bears repeating, the problem becomes when this activity or any other, causes you to lose your focus. If you get stressed out because your can't get it all done, or because your children or spouse are in the way, or just the thought of the prospects of doing this project brings a grimace to your face not a smile, then perhaps it is time to re-evaluate the situation.
Really 16 trees, and I don't make this stuff up!
Now you wonder how does one accidentally acquire so many trees? I can't say that I really have an answer to that. Not all of the trees are large, as a matter of fact there is a good portion of the them that are tall skinny pencil trees and another portion of them that are under two feet in height. However the end result is the same, the halls are all decked and there are,when I count them all up, 16 Christmas trees decorating my house.
Here is the run down of the trees:
2 tall thin lighted trees flanking my Christmas carolers with
2 one foot shrub like trees by their feet,
2 gold lighted trees standing at attention at the charging/docking station in the kitchen,
2 small trees on the table as center pieces, (mind you it is a 12 foot table)
1 three foot gingerbread/cookie cutter themed tree in the kitchen window,
1 music themed tree in the music room,
1 live family room tree, with all the sentimental/family ornaments,
1 silver tree in the middle female dwarfs room,
1 hunting themed tree in the male dwarfs room,
1 Steeler's themed tree in another male dwarf,
1 tall skinny tree in another female dwarfs room,
1 small tree in a pot, in the master bedroom.
Double check my math, because any friend of mine knows that math is not my strong suit, but I get 16. Counting from upstairs to down or down to up the number I arrive at is 16.
While most people would say that 16 trees is indicative of some sort of ailment or illness. I would like to go on the record and say simply, I love trees! It is not a problem. I actually love Christmas and decorating for it. I have many Nativity scenes, tons of angels, several antique Santa pieces, a pile of gingerbread items and a host of reindeer, rolls of ribbon, piles of wreaths, yards of fabric and tons of twinkling lights!.
My most favorite thing about decorating for Christmas is that I find great joy in it. It is relaxing. Yes, I recognize that many it seems excessive and over the top, and to be honest there have been years when I have done hardly any decorating because of the stage of life that I was in, but the joy that it brings to me is the reason that more years than not, I go all out for the season. I enjoy removing my normal household decorations and boxing them up to replace them with the themed items for each room. I enjoy unpacking the items that have been collected over the last 24 years, and reliving the memories that go with the decorations and the ornaments. I love sharing the stories with the children, so that some day when I am gone, and they separate all my things seven ways, they can share the stories with their children, my grandchildren.
Do I think that everyone should go all out for Christmas decorating - No. However I think that if it brings you joy, not stress, and helps you focus on the wonderful memories of holidays past, and is part of creating good memories for the current day, then YES, by all means go all out! Decorate until your heart is filled to overflowing!
There are no rules for the holidays. We are the ones that impose these crazy traditions on ourselves and implement to do lists that are unreasonable, as we try to be all things to all people. It is okay to let things drop. This year I am not sending out a family Christmas card. I was becoming crabby and stressed over trying to organize 8 kids, 2 adults, matching outfits (or at least coordinating) and a photographer for that "perfect" holiday shot. I caught myself mid rant about this impossible task, and realized, that indeed this year, with so many of the kids working, playing basketball, and other outside responsibilities, a family photograph this holiday was impossible, or at least not possible without a significant portion of my Christmas joy being sapped, so I scrapped the whole idea. No card.
I know this is common sense, but I think it bears repeating, the problem becomes when this activity or any other, causes you to lose your focus. If you get stressed out because your can't get it all done, or because your children or spouse are in the way, or just the thought of the prospects of doing this project brings a grimace to your face not a smile, then perhaps it is time to re-evaluate the situation.
Really 16 trees, and I don't make this stuff up!
Monday, November 25, 2013
I Quit!
Look, I am done! Over it! Finished! I QUIT. But before I do, here are my parting thoughts ...
When you have to move jackets to hang up your backpack or purse, know that those same jackets when placed on your body before your backpack will not only yield an empty hook upon your return home, on which your backpack can hang, but it will provide you with protection from the cold. When returning home at the end of your long hard day, the hook will be empty. You can, with ease place your back pack or purse on said hook, and then top it off with your jacket. In doing so you will be set up for success every cold morning from here til spring, with the correct sequence for dressing for the weather, outerwear first, then backpack.
Bins of plenty overflow with offerings of gloves, hats, ear muffs and scarves. These selections, in my humble opinion, will match just about EVERYTHING you are own or are wearing. I do believe that every color is represented in those selections. While I can not vouch for every glove having a match, why should your hands be boring - spice it up with two gloves, one of a different color for each hand. This is not a foreign concept, you already do this with your socks...
When you walk into the garage and have to step around a mountain of snow boots, remember there is a pair that will fit you. When the flakes start to fly, bypass your open toed shoes and slides for the protective covering of fleece and weather resistant leather to keep your feet happy and warm.
However, should YOU decide to bypass all the efforts that the Prince and I have made to set you up for successful outdoor living in Central PA from now until spring, please know this...
I do NOT want to see you shivering, shaking or curling yourself up like a turtle inside your hoodie because you are too COOL for outerwear. I will not listen to you complain about having cold feet, or hands. I do not want to hear that your ears are cold and that the wind is blow straight through you.
Friends, neighbors and family, when you see my dwarfs, dressed for the cold improperly, please know, they all have the proper equipment to prevent the chills, shivering, teeth rattling, blue lipped hypothermia that it seems they are experiencing. They just made a choice NOT to utilize the tools provided. I do wonder however, when did coats, hats and gloves become so un-cool?
Clearly, I wish I were making this up.
When you have to move jackets to hang up your backpack or purse, know that those same jackets when placed on your body before your backpack will not only yield an empty hook upon your return home, on which your backpack can hang, but it will provide you with protection from the cold. When returning home at the end of your long hard day, the hook will be empty. You can, with ease place your back pack or purse on said hook, and then top it off with your jacket. In doing so you will be set up for success every cold morning from here til spring, with the correct sequence for dressing for the weather, outerwear first, then backpack.
Bins of plenty overflow with offerings of gloves, hats, ear muffs and scarves. These selections, in my humble opinion, will match just about EVERYTHING you are own or are wearing. I do believe that every color is represented in those selections. While I can not vouch for every glove having a match, why should your hands be boring - spice it up with two gloves, one of a different color for each hand. This is not a foreign concept, you already do this with your socks...
When you walk into the garage and have to step around a mountain of snow boots, remember there is a pair that will fit you. When the flakes start to fly, bypass your open toed shoes and slides for the protective covering of fleece and weather resistant leather to keep your feet happy and warm.
However, should YOU decide to bypass all the efforts that the Prince and I have made to set you up for successful outdoor living in Central PA from now until spring, please know this...
I do NOT want to see you shivering, shaking or curling yourself up like a turtle inside your hoodie because you are too COOL for outerwear. I will not listen to you complain about having cold feet, or hands. I do not want to hear that your ears are cold and that the wind is blow straight through you.
Friends, neighbors and family, when you see my dwarfs, dressed for the cold improperly, please know, they all have the proper equipment to prevent the chills, shivering, teeth rattling, blue lipped hypothermia that it seems they are experiencing. They just made a choice NOT to utilize the tools provided. I do wonder however, when did coats, hats and gloves become so un-cool?
Clearly, I wish I were making this up.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
How do you decide who to marry?
"No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with."– Kristen, age 10
Hum... how many times have I told my children, " Don't worry about dating. God has this all worked out. Trust Him to bring you that special someone. He knows the details about your life and cares so much for you that He has already selected a spouse for you, if that is His will for your life. In the meantime, Daddy and I pray for your future, with or without a spouse, and we are certain that you will know when the right person comes along for you, and if you have doubts, ask us, we will let you know!"
I would guess this dear ten year old, has also heard that same refrain a time or two in her home. But I pray that her parents, while laying out the expectations, are clearly showing her each day that a relationship with the spouse that God has selected for you doesn't mean that you are "stuck" with them.
This off the cuff statement from a 10 year old has given me some thing to ponder today. It is hard in the day to day, to love your spouse unconditionally, to not be irritated, or aggravated or in some way rubbed wrong by your well meaning, loving life mate. However it is how we respond to those moments of being rubbed, that define for our children if we really believe that this is the spouse we are supposed to spend our life with as ordained by God, or if it is just who we are "stuck" with.
As a parent, what do my daily actions and responses to my spouse say to our children, who hear and pay attention to far more than we give them credit for, about my belief and trust in God that He has provided the "perfect" one/spouse for me to grow old with?
Romans 5:8 "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us"
Even at my worst, God loves me unconditionally. Oh boy! You may not see the worst in me as my casual acquaintance or my coworker or even as an extended family member, but boy God sure does and so does my spouse and children! I have come to accept and trust God at his word, which clearly says that when I am ugly, when I am at my worst, when I am a sinner(which I am everyday) Christ died for me, that is how much God loves me...So why then would I not be prepared to grace this gift of unconditional love to the Prince. Not just when it makes me feel good, or when it is easy for me, but and especially, when he is at his worst too? What gives me the right to loose my patience, lash out and hold grudges towards him, if the model that I strive to emulate in life is God, then the answer is I have no right. Ouch...
Now stick with me here. Perhaps those of you reading this, have no problems in unconditional love, giving or receiving it, or in trusting that God loves us enough to be concerned about who we marry, or even if we marry. However, if I am adamant about this with my kids, telling them over and over to trust that God's got this area of their life, am I emulating a loving Christ like relationship with their father, the Prince, in the day to day that would inspire them to take me at my word. To trust me as the tangible example, that maybe there is something to this trust thing, something to the faithful praying for a spouse that would cause them to believe that I do trust God in all this and much more. Or am I living an example in which they hear that I trust, but I shows that I feel stuck...
I can not for certain say how my children would respond to the same question: How do you decide who to marry? I can imagine some of them responding with things like, "If they are as tall as me or taller, I would marry them." or "If they make a lot of money I would marry them." "Maybe if they like the same things that I do, I would marry them."
I know how I guide them and direct them in my words, but it really is my desire to lead them by example. So I will spend a little time this week pondering if my actions indicate that I feel stuck with the Prince, or if I feel blessed to be married to such a wonderful loving and caring man who I can plainly see God has provided for me to do life with.
I can not for certain say how my children would respond to the same question: How do you decide who to marry? I can imagine some of them responding with things like, "If they are as tall as me or taller, I would marry them." or "If they make a lot of money I would marry them." "Maybe if they like the same things that I do, I would marry them."
I know how I guide them and direct them in my words, but it really is my desire to lead them by example. So I will spend a little time this week pondering if my actions indicate that I feel stuck with the Prince, or if I feel blessed to be married to such a wonderful loving and caring man who I can plainly see God has provided for me to do life with.
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