I love Christmas! And I love traditions. We didn't have a lot of traditions growing up, so I may have gone a little overboard with my kids. But I want them to remember these times and hopefully pass a few on to their own kids someday. What are your favorite Christmas traditions?
Here are a few of ours...
- On Christmas Eve we open one gift...always new pajamas for everyone.
- We also go to church Christmas Eve and read the book "A Tale of Three Trees" each year.
- We set out cookies and milk for Santa and usually a letter is written to Santa (when they are young enough).
- Each year we get the kids an ornament that is related to something in their life that year. I keep a little journal for each of the kids and write down the ornament and why it is significant. Then someday when they take their ornaments to their own home they can look back at the journal as they put their ornaments on their tree.
- When Harrison was little he always slept with us on Christmas Eve (so he wouldn't get up an peek...not that he would EVER do that). Clara is a better sleeper so she doesn't usually do this. Now she and Harrison let us know when they are awake and they have to wait at the top of the stairs until we tell them to come down.
- Santa fills the kids stockings. That's really the only credit Santa gets around here. We don't make a big deal out of him.
- Each of us gets only three gifts...since Jesus got gold, frankincense and myrrh. This simplifies Christmas and makes us really think about what we are giving.
- For the four of us, I wrap all our gifts in plain paper and paint on them for decoration. Usually I use brown mailing paper, but this year I used solid red and green. Harrison requested that I go back to the brown...he likes traditions. : )
- When Harrison was in kindergarten we started going to make a Christmas plate each year. And once Clara got a little bigger she started helping with the plate. Now I have a whole set of plates with the kids art on them for Christmas. This is one of our absolute favorite traditions! As soon as Thanksgiving dinner is done we get the Christmas plates down and use them everyday. It is so fun!
- The last couple of years we have gone caroling with our flock (small group) from church here on our street. This is one of my favorite things that I hope will continue for many years. I remember piling in the back of a pickup and going caroling as a kid. I'm glad my kids are making these memories with our sweet flock family.
- We always celebrate Christmas with some of our friends too. Last night we did the annual Merideth Christmas get together. The Merideths have been kind enough to welcome us into their family. And we always enjoy getting together and sharing a meal, opening gifts and usually playing Apples to Apples or some other game. We celebrate Christmas with the Ingles by mail now, since they moved to Texas. But we used to do the same thing with them when they lived here.
- Throughout the Christmas season we have an advent wreath on our dining room table. Each week we read the meaning of each candle and focus on God's gift of His precious Son. And on Christmas morning we read the Christmas story in the Bible and light the Christ candle.
- Of course, we have a stack of Christmas books that come out after Thanksgiving and we read those throughout the season. And we try to watch several Christmas movies throughout the month too.
- And last year, Joey the Elf joined our Christmas traditions. Joey is our Elf on The Shelf. And Clara is CRAZY about him! It is so fun to watch her try to find him each day. And I have caught her more than once just talking to Joey, telling her whole life story to him. This morning I heard her saying "I hope I'm on the nice list, I really try to be nice, but sometimes I'm not." So fun having a 6 year old in the house!
I've probably forgotten something. But those are most of our favorites that we have consistently done for years. Christmas (not "the holidays") is my favorite time of year. I love reading the story of Christ's birth in my quiet time over and over during this month. Seems like I pick up a little something new each year. What a blessing it is to have the freedom to worship God and celebrate Jesus not only at Christmas, but throughout the year. Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Dance Fever
There's been a lot of dancing going on around here. Okay...Clara dances a lot. Harrison went to a dance, but I don't think any actual dancing took place. But that's okay, Clara has done enough dancing for all of us. In fact, while we were out carolling last night she danced herself right into a mailbox. And last week she had her winter recital and they did a little jazz dance that was so cute. They were all darling in their Rudolph antlers. This is such a fun age!
Then Saturday night, Harrison went to his first high school winter formal...with a girl. As you'll see, it involved flowers, suits, and girls in beautiful dresses and fabulous shoes (for the girls...the boys shoes are boring). It was a little surreal watching these kids, some I've known since early elementary school, looking so grownup. It was a really fun group and they had a lot of fun. They tolerated about a million pictures being taken. Then they all went to Spaghetti Warehouse for dinner, then on to the dance. As I headed back to Edmond, I only made it about 15 minutes away before I got a text saying they were done with the dance and ready to leave. So, back I went and they all headed back to the after party at a friend's house to watch a movie and play ping pong. I'll admit, it's weird having your baby all dressed up in a suit, being almost 6 feet tall, going to a high school dance. But...it's also really fun enjoying the young man he is becoming.
Run! Run! Rudolph!
Ta Da!
Our little dancer!!
Clara had to get in on the act and appeared in this dress!
Deep thoughts by Harrison and Mason!
Harrison and Jaclyn, Winter Formal 2011
The boys....or should I say men???
Very cool!
Ben is the sock guy....this time he had Christmas socks.
The whole group...great bunch of teenagers.
My boy cleans up pretty good!
Harrison and Rhett all dressed up for formal.
Then Saturday night, Harrison went to his first high school winter formal...with a girl. As you'll see, it involved flowers, suits, and girls in beautiful dresses and fabulous shoes (for the girls...the boys shoes are boring). It was a little surreal watching these kids, some I've known since early elementary school, looking so grownup. It was a really fun group and they had a lot of fun. They tolerated about a million pictures being taken. Then they all went to Spaghetti Warehouse for dinner, then on to the dance. As I headed back to Edmond, I only made it about 15 minutes away before I got a text saying they were done with the dance and ready to leave. So, back I went and they all headed back to the after party at a friend's house to watch a movie and play ping pong. I'll admit, it's weird having your baby all dressed up in a suit, being almost 6 feet tall, going to a high school dance. But...it's also really fun enjoying the young man he is becoming.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Seasons come and seasons go...
As a rule, I love the change of seasons. Fall is my favorite, all the leaves changing colors. Of course, spring is a close second, with everything blooming and starting fresh. And even with my kids, I have enjoyed the seasons they were in, but had fun embracing new seasons. But I'm sad to see a couple of seasons end.
You see...my boy isn't playing basketball for the first time since he was four years old. We went and watched the 9th graders play their first home game the other night. I'll admit I got a little teary-eyed watching and knowing my big old boy wouldn't be on the court. It was his choice. He opted to not go out for the team this year. Several factors played into that decision. But, it made me sad. I loved, loved, loved watching him play basketball! And it was my sport too. I wasn't a rock star player, but it was the game I loved. And I always regretted stopping after 9th grade, not trying a new coach in high school. More than anything, Harrison loves basketball. He has played....and played...and played since he was big enough to have a Little Tykes goal in the garage. When we moved in here and we met new neighbors they would always say "oh you live in the house with the blond-headed kid who is playing basketball 24/7!"
That darn kid just keeps growing up and making choices on his own. And he does mature stuff like telling me "Mom, my best shot of getting any kind of athletic scholarship money is for running, not for basketball. So, I should focus on running. AND academics of course!" : ) And the kid can run, he's got some wheels. And it turns out....the cross country coaches and track coaches have been amazing. Not to mention the quality kids that he is running with. So, once again, I entered a new season...one that involves running and lots of it. Luckily, I can watch him run and never actually have to break a sweat myself. But I still (sniffle, sniffle) hate saying good-bye to basketball. Guess I'll have to get Clara signed up next year!
And the other season ending? Okay, I know it sounds stupid. But...I really hate that Clara has moved out of the little girls clothing section. I know shopping is not a sport. And clothing your child isn't really a season of life. BUT...I loved the little girl section at Target...and Gap...and Old Navy. And moving up to the bigger girls section takes away a lot of the innocence. Honestly, there a lot of hoochie clothes in the girls section! My baby is 6, she does not need lace up and down the side of her leggings like a rock star. She doesn't need suggestive slogans on her t-shirts. She does not need to be wearing "camis" because all the shirts are low cut or see through. Why oh why can't they make the little girl section go up to size 8, instead of size 5? Seriously, they are little girls. They have their whole lives to grow up (and hopefully not dress like hoochies). I'm just sayin....it makes me sad!
You see...my boy isn't playing basketball for the first time since he was four years old. We went and watched the 9th graders play their first home game the other night. I'll admit I got a little teary-eyed watching and knowing my big old boy wouldn't be on the court. It was his choice. He opted to not go out for the team this year. Several factors played into that decision. But, it made me sad. I loved, loved, loved watching him play basketball! And it was my sport too. I wasn't a rock star player, but it was the game I loved. And I always regretted stopping after 9th grade, not trying a new coach in high school. More than anything, Harrison loves basketball. He has played....and played...and played since he was big enough to have a Little Tykes goal in the garage. When we moved in here and we met new neighbors they would always say "oh you live in the house with the blond-headed kid who is playing basketball 24/7!"
That darn kid just keeps growing up and making choices on his own. And he does mature stuff like telling me "Mom, my best shot of getting any kind of athletic scholarship money is for running, not for basketball. So, I should focus on running. AND academics of course!" : ) And the kid can run, he's got some wheels. And it turns out....the cross country coaches and track coaches have been amazing. Not to mention the quality kids that he is running with. So, once again, I entered a new season...one that involves running and lots of it. Luckily, I can watch him run and never actually have to break a sweat myself. But I still (sniffle, sniffle) hate saying good-bye to basketball. Guess I'll have to get Clara signed up next year!
And the other season ending? Okay, I know it sounds stupid. But...I really hate that Clara has moved out of the little girls clothing section. I know shopping is not a sport. And clothing your child isn't really a season of life. BUT...I loved the little girl section at Target...and Gap...and Old Navy. And moving up to the bigger girls section takes away a lot of the innocence. Honestly, there a lot of hoochie clothes in the girls section! My baby is 6, she does not need lace up and down the side of her leggings like a rock star. She doesn't need suggestive slogans on her t-shirts. She does not need to be wearing "camis" because all the shirts are low cut or see through. Why oh why can't they make the little girl section go up to size 8, instead of size 5? Seriously, they are little girls. They have their whole lives to grow up (and hopefully not dress like hoochies). I'm just sayin....it makes me sad!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thanksgiving 2011
Thanksgiving....oh how I love thee....let me count the ways! I really do love Thanksgiving! It is my favorite holiday to cook for. And something about it just makes me smile. I love the food, the fellowship, the family being home...even the football (to an extent). As I was cooking the two days before Thanksgiving I was thinking about why I enjoy this holiday so much. And I realized that some of it is just totally sentimental. I started planning out my menu and here's what I saw...
Turkey - which I learned how to cook all by myself for my family many years ago...and they love it!
Green Bean Casserole - never had a Thanksgiving without it...or a church potluck dinner for that matter.
Mashed Potatoes - one of the few things I would eat at Thanksgiving when I was a kid....now I make the Pioneer Woman's version and my family loves them too, even the big kid who wouldn't touch them before.
Nana's Dressing - My bestie Christi's grandma's recipe. Makes me think of Christi each time I make it, and usually involves a call or text to my friend.
Broccoli Salad - A favorite that I got from a friend, Lynn, who lived here for a few years and was a wonderful cook. Always makes me think of fun times with their family.
Apple Pie - My favorite recipe that I got from Lori, a girl I worked with at GMAC when I was 20 years old. Still a family favorite (and definitely my favorite). Reminds me of those first few years out on my own.
Pumpkin Pie - Always makes me think of Joe's mom Louise, since she loved to bake pies. This year I tried a new recipe from a new friend at church.
Key Lime Pie - Harrison's favorite. And Grandma Jean's recipe, which makes me think of her and my dad everytime I make it.
Fresh Cranberry Sauce - A recipe I got from a Martha Stewart magazine way back when I used to read magazines. And this year, Clara helped me make it....very fun!
I love that the whole menu pretty much comes from shared experiences with special friends and family. That's the best way to build your recipe box!
Another thing I love about Thanksgiving is just the time at the table together with whoever we share the meal with. We almost always have some international students with us. This year we had three young men from China here for Thanksgiving dinner. It was fun to talk about China and compare places we have been. They are all students in Guangzhou (except for this year while they are at UCO) which is where we spent most of our time in China. Over the years we have had lots of Japanese students, a few Chinese, one from Taiwan, and one from Sri Lanka. I'll never forget Apsara, the girl from Sri Lanka. She was our waitress at Steak and Shake one Sunday. We struck up a conversation and found out where she was from. That week she was on my heart. And on Sunday I begged to go back to Steak and Shake and see if we could see her again. So, we sat in her section and ended up inviting her to Thanksgiving. I'll never forget, she told us she had been in Oklahoma for 4 years and had never been in an American's home. That broke my heart! Not long after we met Apsara the Tsunami hit her country. Because we had a connection with Apsara it really made us more tuned in and prayerful for the people of Sri Lanka when that tragedy struck. Lord, help us to be mindful of the mission field we have right here in our backyard!
Daniel and Lee Cho enjoying Thanksgiving dinner.
Fall fun, jumping in the leaves!
Clara with her friends Stone & Amaiya, having some fall fun!
Our happy girl!
Joe, Clara and Leo after a big Thanksgiving feast!
Fancy Nancy at the Storybook Parade
Ahhhh....Kindergarten.....you gotta love 'em!
Turkey - which I learned how to cook all by myself for my family many years ago...and they love it!
Green Bean Casserole - never had a Thanksgiving without it...or a church potluck dinner for that matter.
Mashed Potatoes - one of the few things I would eat at Thanksgiving when I was a kid....now I make the Pioneer Woman's version and my family loves them too, even the big kid who wouldn't touch them before.
Nana's Dressing - My bestie Christi's grandma's recipe. Makes me think of Christi each time I make it, and usually involves a call or text to my friend.
Broccoli Salad - A favorite that I got from a friend, Lynn, who lived here for a few years and was a wonderful cook. Always makes me think of fun times with their family.
Apple Pie - My favorite recipe that I got from Lori, a girl I worked with at GMAC when I was 20 years old. Still a family favorite (and definitely my favorite). Reminds me of those first few years out on my own.
Pumpkin Pie - Always makes me think of Joe's mom Louise, since she loved to bake pies. This year I tried a new recipe from a new friend at church.
Key Lime Pie - Harrison's favorite. And Grandma Jean's recipe, which makes me think of her and my dad everytime I make it.
Fresh Cranberry Sauce - A recipe I got from a Martha Stewart magazine way back when I used to read magazines. And this year, Clara helped me make it....very fun!
I love that the whole menu pretty much comes from shared experiences with special friends and family. That's the best way to build your recipe box!
Another thing I love about Thanksgiving is just the time at the table together with whoever we share the meal with. We almost always have some international students with us. This year we had three young men from China here for Thanksgiving dinner. It was fun to talk about China and compare places we have been. They are all students in Guangzhou (except for this year while they are at UCO) which is where we spent most of our time in China. Over the years we have had lots of Japanese students, a few Chinese, one from Taiwan, and one from Sri Lanka. I'll never forget Apsara, the girl from Sri Lanka. She was our waitress at Steak and Shake one Sunday. We struck up a conversation and found out where she was from. That week she was on my heart. And on Sunday I begged to go back to Steak and Shake and see if we could see her again. So, we sat in her section and ended up inviting her to Thanksgiving. I'll never forget, she told us she had been in Oklahoma for 4 years and had never been in an American's home. That broke my heart! Not long after we met Apsara the Tsunami hit her country. Because we had a connection with Apsara it really made us more tuned in and prayerful for the people of Sri Lanka when that tragedy struck. Lord, help us to be mindful of the mission field we have right here in our backyard!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Who wasn't there...
I enjoy my kids, they make me laugh! Not to say they never make me want to pull my hair out...I had a near-hairless moment this week after jean shopping with the big one. But as a rule...they crack me up. And the little one, she ranks right up there with Carol Burnett (yes, I realize this dates me). So, to be fair, I feel I must share some of the most recent Claraisms. I will warn you, if you need to go to the bathroom you might go now...because some of these might make you wet yourself. Just sayin!! (The translation for the bold words will be in parenthesis.)
- "Bah gee go. It's 3 words." (bald eagle)
- "Jackie Nimble, Jackie Quick" (Jack be nimble, Jack be quick)
- "Old little woman who lived in a shoe....that doesn't make any sense! People need to live in houses or parments." (apartments)
- "Jesus and God are fun! Cuz you get to worship them!"
- "Baba Black sheep can you any wool? Yes sir, yes sir, three and four."
- "Little Bo Peep lost her sheep, she couldn't go find them. ACTUALLY...just leave them alone, that's it."
- Twice in one day Clara came up to me and she had blue marker all around her mouth and lips. So I said "your lips and face are blue"....her response, "I didn't do it." REALLY? Who keeps doing that to her!?
- She has a new escape tactic when wrestling with her brother...it's really effective....LICK HIM!
- In the car one afternoon she was counting (and she does know how to count quite well), "4, 7, 9, 13, 17". So I asked "were you wanting to count by odd numbers, like 1, 3, 5, 7, 9? Or by even numbers, like 2, 4, 6, 8, 10?" She replied "I'm counting by zeros...it's pretty tricky."
- Same day, she gets in the car and tells me that the counselor came to their class and read to them. So I asked what book she read. Clara's answer? "Little Red Hiding Hole". (Little Red Riding Hood....maybe we should read more classics.)
- Same day....we go to the dentist and when we are getting out of the car she announces that she can't get her seat belt unbuckled. Hmmmm! Unusual! Well, when you zip your sweater shut around the buckle (after you buckled it), it gets confusing when you try to get out.
- SAME DAY....this is our conversation (and I swear, I couldn't make this up if I wanted to).
C (Clara) - Who wasn't there. (lack of question mark is intentional...it was a statement)
M (Mommy) - Who wasn't where?
C - Who wasn't there.
M - Who wasn't where?
C - Yeah, who wasn't there.
M - What are we talking about?
C - Who wasn't there.
M - Are we talking about school?
C - Yes...who wasn't there.
M - Honey, I wasn't at school, I don't know who wasn't there.
C - Who wasn't there.
M - I don't know! (Frustration implied) Who wasn't at school today?
C - Exactly. Who wasn't there.
M - Clara, I don't know what you are talking about....who wasn't there?
C - Who.
M - Do you want to tell me who wasn't at school? Because I wasn't there and I don't know who wasn't at school.
C - Who wasn't at school?
M - (Light bulb moment) Are you saying "Hugh" wasn't at school today?
C - That's what I said, Who wasn't at school.
Don't hate me because I'm beautiful!
- "Bah gee go. It's 3 words." (bald eagle)
- "Jackie Nimble, Jackie Quick" (Jack be nimble, Jack be quick)
- "Old little woman who lived in a shoe....that doesn't make any sense! People need to live in houses or parments." (apartments)
- "Jesus and God are fun! Cuz you get to worship them!"
- "Baba Black sheep can you any wool? Yes sir, yes sir, three and four."
- "Little Bo Peep lost her sheep, she couldn't go find them. ACTUALLY...just leave them alone, that's it."
- Twice in one day Clara came up to me and she had blue marker all around her mouth and lips. So I said "your lips and face are blue"....her response, "I didn't do it." REALLY? Who keeps doing that to her!?
- She has a new escape tactic when wrestling with her brother...it's really effective....LICK HIM!
- In the car one afternoon she was counting (and she does know how to count quite well), "4, 7, 9, 13, 17". So I asked "were you wanting to count by odd numbers, like 1, 3, 5, 7, 9? Or by even numbers, like 2, 4, 6, 8, 10?" She replied "I'm counting by zeros...it's pretty tricky."
- Same day, she gets in the car and tells me that the counselor came to their class and read to them. So I asked what book she read. Clara's answer? "Little Red Hiding Hole". (Little Red Riding Hood....maybe we should read more classics.)
- Same day....we go to the dentist and when we are getting out of the car she announces that she can't get her seat belt unbuckled. Hmmmm! Unusual! Well, when you zip your sweater shut around the buckle (after you buckled it), it gets confusing when you try to get out.
- SAME DAY....this is our conversation (and I swear, I couldn't make this up if I wanted to).
C (Clara) - Who wasn't there. (lack of question mark is intentional...it was a statement)
M (Mommy) - Who wasn't where?
C - Who wasn't there.
M - Who wasn't where?
C - Yeah, who wasn't there.
M - What are we talking about?
C - Who wasn't there.
M - Are we talking about school?
C - Yes...who wasn't there.
M - Honey, I wasn't at school, I don't know who wasn't there.
C - Who wasn't there.
M - I don't know! (Frustration implied) Who wasn't at school today?
C - Exactly. Who wasn't there.
M - Clara, I don't know what you are talking about....who wasn't there?
C - Who.
M - Do you want to tell me who wasn't at school? Because I wasn't there and I don't know who wasn't at school.
C - Who wasn't at school?
M - (Light bulb moment) Are you saying "Hugh" wasn't at school today?
C - That's what I said, Who wasn't at school.
Don't hate me because I'm beautiful!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Creepy!
Things that creep me out...
- Mice. EWWWW!!! Even if you put them in a cage and call them a gerbil...still creepy!
- Albino crickets.
- Worm graveyards. You know what I mean. Big rain. It stops. You go outside and there is a worm graveyard all over the cement.
- Food with the head left on it.
- Food with head parts. For instance, when I opened a pot on the stove when I was a little girl and there was a giant (to me...but probably normal sized) cow tongue cooking. My dad denies it, but I can still see it in my mind today.
- Food that involves feet. No, I do not want any chicken feet thank you!
- And while we're at it....no food with animal private parts. Enough said!
- Fingernail or toenail injuries. Made me shutter thinking of it. Cut your head off, have a heart attack, have a bug in your ear....I'm good. But please don't have a nail injury.
- When people talk with a bubble in their throat. Clear your throat already!
- A server who licks the milk shake off the side of your cup before she hands it to you! Happened to my husband once.
- When someone talks to you and obviously "knows you well" and you have absolutely no idea who they are.
- I think the previous statement may be related to my age. So, I guess turning 50 kind of creeps me out.
Just sayin...
- Mice. EWWWW!!! Even if you put them in a cage and call them a gerbil...still creepy!
- Albino crickets.
- Worm graveyards. You know what I mean. Big rain. It stops. You go outside and there is a worm graveyard all over the cement.
- Food with the head left on it.
- Food with head parts. For instance, when I opened a pot on the stove when I was a little girl and there was a giant (to me...but probably normal sized) cow tongue cooking. My dad denies it, but I can still see it in my mind today.
- Food that involves feet. No, I do not want any chicken feet thank you!
- And while we're at it....no food with animal private parts. Enough said!
- Fingernail or toenail injuries. Made me shutter thinking of it. Cut your head off, have a heart attack, have a bug in your ear....I'm good. But please don't have a nail injury.
- When people talk with a bubble in their throat. Clear your throat already!
- A server who licks the milk shake off the side of your cup before she hands it to you! Happened to my husband once.
- When someone talks to you and obviously "knows you well" and you have absolutely no idea who they are.
- I think the previous statement may be related to my age. So, I guess turning 50 kind of creeps me out.
Just sayin...
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
50??? How did that happen???
A couple weeks ago I turned 50. I thought I'd sit down and blog about it as soon as it happened. But I forgot. You will see that as a theme from now on I'm afraid! Actually, it was pretty painless. And in some ways, it was pretty delightful. For example, a few days before I turned 50 several of my very dearest friends celebrated with me at a local tea room. It was so fun to look around the table and think about how each of these friends became so dear to me. Mandi, I met when she was 3 and I was helping teach her Sunday school class. Her mom Susan, I met a few years later in a small group at church. She was actually in the room with us when Harrison was born...and several years later Harrison was in Mandi's wedding. Kela, JJ, and Kari I met when our kids were all in Sonshine School together. Kristin and I became good friend when we were pregnant with our teenagers and we have shared many milestones together. Merlene and I met when we were homeroom moms together in 1st grade (for the now teenagers). Christine, Jenni and Robin I all met through Harrison's friendships with their kiddos. And Jill is my sweet neighbor. Most of us have laughed together, cried together, shared parenting advice, and so much more. When my mom died three years ago, Christine was with us. Within a couple of hours Jill had lunch at our house and Merlene had brought dinner. And when I walked out at my mom's funeral, there sat several of these friends who had driven 150 miles to support me. I am blessed!!!
Then, Tuesday night, Joe walked in the house....followed by my sweet friend Christi who had flown in from San Antonio to surprise me! What a wonderful surprise! Sometimes you just need some girl time with one of your besties! Some yummy food, a couple of glasses of wine, and a little shopping....perfect time with my friend. What a blessing to have Christi fly up for 24 hours just to make my day special. I have the best friends!!!
And then, dinner with my family at my favorite Japanese hibachi restaurant. Sometimes I look at my little family and I'm amazed at what God has done in my life!
Now, I have to say, that 50 brings several kind of realizations. There are the usual things like wrinkles, sagging, aches and pains. But I had to kind of giggle at some of the other things. Here are a few things I've picked up on lately...
- When you are 50 and you have a kindergartener, you are just fine with watching the younger, first time moms sign up for everything.
- At 50....it is not a good idea to keep your foot cream and hair pomade in the same location....you might get them confused one day....just sayin!
- When you are 50 you get a lot more "well bless your heart" comments. Like the girl at bootcamp who was whining about how she was too old for all this (I might add she weighs like 90 pounds). I asked how old she was, she said 38. I told her I'm 50. She said "well, I have 3 kids"...(hear the WAAAAHHH! in my voice)...well, I have a kindergartener. Wait for it...."Oh, bless you heart! I thought I was old when I had my last one!" I just smiled. Or the lady at the Clinique counter who complimented my haircut and asked if I had always worn it short. I told her that I had let it grow, thinking I'd leave it long until I turned 50 but actually cut it a few months early. She said "You're 50? Do you have kids?" I give her the low down....a 15 year old and a 6 year old. Wait for it...."Oh! Bless your heart! That must be what keeps you so young."
- My "max weight limit" changes everytime I hit a milestone birthday. It's very liberating! : )
- One day I put on a new necklace and think to myself "before I wear this again I need to change the charms around so it clasps the other way" (it was set up for a leftie). Then the next day I put the necklace on I think "before I wear this again I need to change the charms around so it clasps the other way". A couple days later I put the necklace on and I think "before I wear this again I need to change the charms around so it clasps the other way." Geez!
- You dress your child cute for picture day at school. And it never even crosses your mind to fill out the form and send a check....kind of like you've never done this before.
- Last weekend I was texting a friend in Nebraska during the Nebraska game. She mentioned something about a missed extra point because she knows the kicker. I was thinking to myself, "how did I miss that...I thought I was paying attention." So I don't say anything. Then about 15 minutes later I realize we had DVR'd the game and started it about 45 minutes late so we were not even seeing the same plays while we were texting. DERRR!
In honor of my 50th birthday, I'll post a few pictures from my younger days.
This is my brother Kim and I at my grandparents farm back in 1964
My favorite picture with my brother (the church in the back ground was where my dad was pastor).
Ahhhh! The 70's! I was probably 13 or 14 here. We were big stuff!!!
At 50, I'd have to say you might as well have a sense of humor about yourself. And the best part is, if you do something embarrassing, there's a good chance you won't even remember tomorrow! Life is good!!!
Then, Tuesday night, Joe walked in the house....followed by my sweet friend Christi who had flown in from San Antonio to surprise me! What a wonderful surprise! Sometimes you just need some girl time with one of your besties! Some yummy food, a couple of glasses of wine, and a little shopping....perfect time with my friend. What a blessing to have Christi fly up for 24 hours just to make my day special. I have the best friends!!!
And then, dinner with my family at my favorite Japanese hibachi restaurant. Sometimes I look at my little family and I'm amazed at what God has done in my life!
Now, I have to say, that 50 brings several kind of realizations. There are the usual things like wrinkles, sagging, aches and pains. But I had to kind of giggle at some of the other things. Here are a few things I've picked up on lately...
- When you are 50 and you have a kindergartener, you are just fine with watching the younger, first time moms sign up for everything.
- At 50....it is not a good idea to keep your foot cream and hair pomade in the same location....you might get them confused one day....just sayin!
- When you are 50 you get a lot more "well bless your heart" comments. Like the girl at bootcamp who was whining about how she was too old for all this (I might add she weighs like 90 pounds). I asked how old she was, she said 38. I told her I'm 50. She said "well, I have 3 kids"...(hear the WAAAAHHH! in my voice)...well, I have a kindergartener. Wait for it...."Oh, bless you heart! I thought I was old when I had my last one!" I just smiled. Or the lady at the Clinique counter who complimented my haircut and asked if I had always worn it short. I told her that I had let it grow, thinking I'd leave it long until I turned 50 but actually cut it a few months early. She said "You're 50? Do you have kids?" I give her the low down....a 15 year old and a 6 year old. Wait for it...."Oh! Bless your heart! That must be what keeps you so young."
- My "max weight limit" changes everytime I hit a milestone birthday. It's very liberating! : )
- One day I put on a new necklace and think to myself "before I wear this again I need to change the charms around so it clasps the other way" (it was set up for a leftie). Then the next day I put the necklace on I think "before I wear this again I need to change the charms around so it clasps the other way". A couple days later I put the necklace on and I think "before I wear this again I need to change the charms around so it clasps the other way." Geez!
- You dress your child cute for picture day at school. And it never even crosses your mind to fill out the form and send a check....kind of like you've never done this before.
- Last weekend I was texting a friend in Nebraska during the Nebraska game. She mentioned something about a missed extra point because she knows the kicker. I was thinking to myself, "how did I miss that...I thought I was paying attention." So I don't say anything. Then about 15 minutes later I realize we had DVR'd the game and started it about 45 minutes late so we were not even seeing the same plays while we were texting. DERRR!
This is my brother Kim and I at my grandparents farm back in 1964
At 50, I'd have to say you might as well have a sense of humor about yourself. And the best part is, if you do something embarrassing, there's a good chance you won't even remember tomorrow! Life is good!!!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Happy Birthday Dad!
Today my sweet dad turns 77! I was laying in bed this morning thinking about some of my favorite memories with my dad, so I just had to write a few down. Happy Birthday Dad!
- I remember wrestling with you and Kim in our old brick parsonage in Nevada, Iowa. Somehow I always ended up in tears. I was kind of a girlie girl.
- And I can see the day you taught me to ride a bike, like it was yesterday. It was a cloudy, dreary day and we literally worked on it all day. I remember sitting in the big free-standing tub that night counting the bruises on my legs...so proud I could finally ride a bike with no training wheels.
- And a snowy, Iowa day when you took us sledding. I told you I didn't know how to steer that sled by myself (I was like 5). You didn't believe me...until I ran into the fence at the tennis courts and got a nice big cut on my head...stitches followed.
- The VW bugs. Oh, how you loved those cars. For many years that was our only car. I remember the long drives to Nebraska with Mom tying her scarf to the little handle on the glove box.
- And when you would take the back seat out of the VW and fill it with blankets. We'd drive to Nebraska, pack up a side of frozen beef, put the blankets on top, and I'd ride on top of the beef all the way home from Nebraska. Funny, that didn't seem weird at the time.
- On one of those long trips I remember playing with an Avon lipstick sample in the back seat. Except, I used it as blush. You looked at me and pulled the car over because you thought I'd come down with some horrible fever or sickness because my face was so red. You were not happy to find out I'd been playing makeup!
- Oh, let's not forget the little electrocution incident. When I was unplugging the old skillet and it had a loose wire and I couldn't let go, getting electrocuted with burns on my neck and arm. You stayed with me all night in the hospital, sitting up in the chair next to me. Well, occasionally you crawled in bed with me and curled up to sleep. I knew you'd never leave me.
- And I can't think of my childhood without thinking of all the gardens you planted. I remember when you had your accident when I was in high school and you couldn't work in your garden. So, we sat you in a chair in the yard and you directed us (Mom, me, Grandma and Grandpa M), telling us how deep to dig, how far apart to put the seeds, etc.
- I remember watching you pitch in softball games up in North Platte. You were pretty good too, I might add!
- Nothing, oh nothing, made you light up like going to the farm for a week. You loved going out with Grandpa Z and doing chores, working in the fields, helping milk the cows. I loved seeing you on the farm, you always were so at peace there.
- I can remember when I was a cheerleader in NP, or playing basketball and I would look up and see you in the stands. Sometimes I didn't know you were coming, but you'd sneak in and watch as much as possible before you had to get back to work. You never made a big thing of it. But it made me feel good to know that you were thinking of me and wanted to be a part of what I was doing.
- And when you drove the yellow Peugeot (with a blue hood) and it had a sticker on the window that said "trespassers will be violated"....Kim and I asked you to drop us off a couple of blocks from school and we'd walk the rest of the way.
- I remember sitting in your office at the church in Kingfisher with you teaching the little class for us kids who were going to be baptized. I think of you everytime I hear words like "omnisicent or omnipresent" because you taught me those things about God in that class. Weird what we remember, huh?
- You were a recycler ahead of your times. I remember when you collected a huge hay truck full of newspapers with the kids in Kingfisher. Years later, you rode an old woman's bike around town with a huge basket on the handlebars and collected aluminum cans. Usually you wore your "homeless man coat" and the ridiculous blue and gold fake fur hat.
- More than one time while I was in college I had car trouble. You would have worked all night at the post office, then you'd drive down, give me your car for the day and take mine to get it fixed. You'd sleep a couple of hours and turn around and go back to work.
- I remember the look you gave me right before you walked me down the aisle at my wedding.
- And the first time you held Harrison. You were head over heels for him.
- And when we got back from China and you and Jean drove down to meet Clara. Playing on a blanket in our front yard, watching you falling in love with her, just like you did Harrison.
- Watching you playing ball with Harrison, or digging in the garden with Clara....it makes me smile.
- I remember things you didn't do too. Like...you didn't make a big deal about me being adopted. It was just the most natural thing in the world. And that's probably why adoption just seemed like a natural course for my own family.
- I love being your daughter!
- I remember wrestling with you and Kim in our old brick parsonage in Nevada, Iowa. Somehow I always ended up in tears. I was kind of a girlie girl.
- And I can see the day you taught me to ride a bike, like it was yesterday. It was a cloudy, dreary day and we literally worked on it all day. I remember sitting in the big free-standing tub that night counting the bruises on my legs...so proud I could finally ride a bike with no training wheels.
- And a snowy, Iowa day when you took us sledding. I told you I didn't know how to steer that sled by myself (I was like 5). You didn't believe me...until I ran into the fence at the tennis courts and got a nice big cut on my head...stitches followed.
- The VW bugs. Oh, how you loved those cars. For many years that was our only car. I remember the long drives to Nebraska with Mom tying her scarf to the little handle on the glove box.
- And when you would take the back seat out of the VW and fill it with blankets. We'd drive to Nebraska, pack up a side of frozen beef, put the blankets on top, and I'd ride on top of the beef all the way home from Nebraska. Funny, that didn't seem weird at the time.
- On one of those long trips I remember playing with an Avon lipstick sample in the back seat. Except, I used it as blush. You looked at me and pulled the car over because you thought I'd come down with some horrible fever or sickness because my face was so red. You were not happy to find out I'd been playing makeup!
- Oh, let's not forget the little electrocution incident. When I was unplugging the old skillet and it had a loose wire and I couldn't let go, getting electrocuted with burns on my neck and arm. You stayed with me all night in the hospital, sitting up in the chair next to me. Well, occasionally you crawled in bed with me and curled up to sleep. I knew you'd never leave me.
- And I can't think of my childhood without thinking of all the gardens you planted. I remember when you had your accident when I was in high school and you couldn't work in your garden. So, we sat you in a chair in the yard and you directed us (Mom, me, Grandma and Grandpa M), telling us how deep to dig, how far apart to put the seeds, etc.
- I remember watching you pitch in softball games up in North Platte. You were pretty good too, I might add!
- Nothing, oh nothing, made you light up like going to the farm for a week. You loved going out with Grandpa Z and doing chores, working in the fields, helping milk the cows. I loved seeing you on the farm, you always were so at peace there.
- I can remember when I was a cheerleader in NP, or playing basketball and I would look up and see you in the stands. Sometimes I didn't know you were coming, but you'd sneak in and watch as much as possible before you had to get back to work. You never made a big thing of it. But it made me feel good to know that you were thinking of me and wanted to be a part of what I was doing.
- And when you drove the yellow Peugeot (with a blue hood) and it had a sticker on the window that said "trespassers will be violated"....Kim and I asked you to drop us off a couple of blocks from school and we'd walk the rest of the way.
- I remember sitting in your office at the church in Kingfisher with you teaching the little class for us kids who were going to be baptized. I think of you everytime I hear words like "omnisicent or omnipresent" because you taught me those things about God in that class. Weird what we remember, huh?
- You were a recycler ahead of your times. I remember when you collected a huge hay truck full of newspapers with the kids in Kingfisher. Years later, you rode an old woman's bike around town with a huge basket on the handlebars and collected aluminum cans. Usually you wore your "homeless man coat" and the ridiculous blue and gold fake fur hat.
- More than one time while I was in college I had car trouble. You would have worked all night at the post office, then you'd drive down, give me your car for the day and take mine to get it fixed. You'd sleep a couple of hours and turn around and go back to work.
- I remember the look you gave me right before you walked me down the aisle at my wedding.
- And the first time you held Harrison. You were head over heels for him.
- And when we got back from China and you and Jean drove down to meet Clara. Playing on a blanket in our front yard, watching you falling in love with her, just like you did Harrison.
- Watching you playing ball with Harrison, or digging in the garden with Clara....it makes me smile.
- I remember things you didn't do too. Like...you didn't make a big deal about me being adopted. It was just the most natural thing in the world. And that's probably why adoption just seemed like a natural course for my own family.
- I love being your daughter!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Three years ago...
Three years ago yesterday morning our phone rang, very early. A nurse told me that my mom was in full arrest. I remember yelling at Joe "she's in full arrest....let's go". Harrison, sensing something was wrong, had come downstairs. He quickly put on some clothes and got his sister out of bed and dressed her too. I called my friend Christine "please pray, she's in full arrest". We drove like bats out of hell and arrived at the facility where she was getting rehab. But when we got there, she was gone. They had done everything they could do. She had a massive MI and pretty much was gone instantly. Within moments Christine was there too. We all huddled in the chapel, crying and consoling each other. Joe, who had been such a blessing to my mom, cried with me. Harrison was very upset, he was pretty close to Grandma Z. And Clara, who had just turned 3, wasn't quite sure what was going on. It was a day that looked like death...cloudy, rainy, dreary, cold. Eventually, Joe and I went in to see Mom, say good-bye. I can see that dimly lit room so well. She looked peaceful.
Then, I had to call my brother. I knew he would be alone. I hated that. But, it's who he is and it's how he handles things best. Then I called Mom's sister and a couple of other people. It began a weird day of letting people know that my mom had died. I don't really like to talk about things that much, and I'm very uncomfortable showing my emotions. Joe was a great help. Christine took the kids to her house. My neighbor Jill showed up with lunch in a matter of no time. And Joe and I began the process of figuring out how to walk through this together.
But I have to say, before that day was over, I was so aware of how merciful God was to us. Due to some health problems and the potential for Mom needing more care, we had moved her down here the first of May. We had her all set up in her new little place. And we were enjoying getting to see her almost everyday. The kids were enjoying having a grandma in town. And Mom got to know Clara in a way that she wouldn't have without those last few months here. About two weeks before Mom passed away (she was in a skilled bed after a back injruy), my brother came down for the day. After visiting with Mom a lot, he came over to our house and we talked. We both knew that things weren't going to be the same for Mom without some huge miracle. My big brother and I knew she wasn't well. And we had to utter the words, "if she doesn't improve, she will have to go to full-time care and I don't want to have to do that." Again...God's mercies fell. He saved Kim and I from having to make that choice for Mom. He didn't have to do that for us. Lots of people have had to put their parents in nursing homes. They have struggled with guilt, sorrow, pain of seeing your parents go through that. But God spared us that. When we got the call that Mom was in full arrest, I knew that I could potentially have to decide whether to put her on a ventilator to prolong her life. But God spared me that too. He took her quickly. That is such a blessing! God walked with us each step of the way.
I am blessed with wonderful friends. Mom's funeral was about 150 miles from here. But when I walked out to be seated for the funeral, there were four of my friends who had driven the 150 miles that morning. If you haven't walked this road of loss yet, you probably don't realize just how much that means. But seeing my friends, brought tears to my eyes and a comfort to my heart. Saying goodbye to a parent, it's not easy. I admit I'm a pretty practical person, I can reason things out pretty well. But when they closed the casket and they were going to bury my mom, I had a little sense of panic. I've never really had a panic attack, but I had that feeling. Unreasonable thoughts "wait....are we sure she's really gone". There's something about knowing you won't physically touch them or see them on this earth again is so overwhelming.
A couple of weeks later, I was working in Mom's house. I had boxed up somethings for me and my brother to keep. I had a box full of files and papers too. And I kind of said outloud "I'm sure my mom is saying 'that's it? my whole life in a couple of boxes?'" And as quick as I said that outloud, God spoke to my heart, as clear as could be, "your mom would have worried about those things on earth, but she will never worry about those things again here." God's mercy!
Then, I had to call my brother. I knew he would be alone. I hated that. But, it's who he is and it's how he handles things best. Then I called Mom's sister and a couple of other people. It began a weird day of letting people know that my mom had died. I don't really like to talk about things that much, and I'm very uncomfortable showing my emotions. Joe was a great help. Christine took the kids to her house. My neighbor Jill showed up with lunch in a matter of no time. And Joe and I began the process of figuring out how to walk through this together.
But I have to say, before that day was over, I was so aware of how merciful God was to us. Due to some health problems and the potential for Mom needing more care, we had moved her down here the first of May. We had her all set up in her new little place. And we were enjoying getting to see her almost everyday. The kids were enjoying having a grandma in town. And Mom got to know Clara in a way that she wouldn't have without those last few months here. About two weeks before Mom passed away (she was in a skilled bed after a back injruy), my brother came down for the day. After visiting with Mom a lot, he came over to our house and we talked. We both knew that things weren't going to be the same for Mom without some huge miracle. My big brother and I knew she wasn't well. And we had to utter the words, "if she doesn't improve, she will have to go to full-time care and I don't want to have to do that." Again...God's mercies fell. He saved Kim and I from having to make that choice for Mom. He didn't have to do that for us. Lots of people have had to put their parents in nursing homes. They have struggled with guilt, sorrow, pain of seeing your parents go through that. But God spared us that. When we got the call that Mom was in full arrest, I knew that I could potentially have to decide whether to put her on a ventilator to prolong her life. But God spared me that too. He took her quickly. That is such a blessing! God walked with us each step of the way.
I am blessed with wonderful friends. Mom's funeral was about 150 miles from here. But when I walked out to be seated for the funeral, there were four of my friends who had driven the 150 miles that morning. If you haven't walked this road of loss yet, you probably don't realize just how much that means. But seeing my friends, brought tears to my eyes and a comfort to my heart. Saying goodbye to a parent, it's not easy. I admit I'm a pretty practical person, I can reason things out pretty well. But when they closed the casket and they were going to bury my mom, I had a little sense of panic. I've never really had a panic attack, but I had that feeling. Unreasonable thoughts "wait....are we sure she's really gone". There's something about knowing you won't physically touch them or see them on this earth again is so overwhelming.
A couple of weeks later, I was working in Mom's house. I had boxed up somethings for me and my brother to keep. I had a box full of files and papers too. And I kind of said outloud "I'm sure my mom is saying 'that's it? my whole life in a couple of boxes?'" And as quick as I said that outloud, God spoke to my heart, as clear as could be, "your mom would have worried about those things on earth, but she will never worry about those things again here." God's mercy!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Gotcha Day 2011
It's hard to believe it's been five years since Clara came into our lives! But on September 4, 2006, in a room in the civil affairs building in Guangzhou, China we were handed Xin Xiao Huan for the first time. She was already Clara Ruth Huan Pierce in our hearts, she'd been born in our hearts a long time. In fact, we actually decided to adopt about the time Clara was conceived. So, we had prayed for that sweet girl since her first moments of existence.
On "Gotcha Day" (as we call it....because that's the day we "gotcha") one of the officials from the orphanage handed Clara to me. She was a big, chunky, football player of a baby girl! And we fell head over heels in love!!! We were watching videos from Gotcha Day and our trip to China the other day. I had kind of forgotten just how chubby our girl was. She was so serious, sticking her jaw out and furrowing her brow, taking it all in. When she cried for the first time, it was a deep, throaty cry. And she did the sweetest thing...she would pat her face really gently to comfort herself. Oh, it was so sweet and feminine. One of my favorite pictures is of Clara asleep in my arms on the bus in China with her little hand to her face. My other favorite is our first picture of Harrison and Clara together. Oh my goodness, he was so crazy about her! It's about the happiest face I've ever seen in my life.
It only took a few days and Clara opened up and we saw her real personality. She was silly and funny, sweet and affectionate, content and adaptable. And she's pretty much the same way today. She is our creative one. On a pretty regular basis Harrison finds something Clara has done and asks me "WHY would she do that?" My answer is always "she's creative." She will literally walk into a wall because she is off in Clara's world somewhere. She draws and colors all the time. Lately, she will draw all the shapes and inside them she writes the letter that they start with. She can count by 5's and 10's to 100. And she can count to 30 by 2's. The other day she told us she was going to count by 1's.....1...3...5...7... You get the gist! She cracks me up! You never quite know what you're going to find in her bed, or under her bed, or behind her bed. The other night she crashed into something because she had her panties on her head. And a few days before that Harrison found her stuck between the head board and the wall...she was trying to reach a sock she had dropped so she figured if she put her legs down there she could pick it up with her toes. I do have to give it to her, she is a pretty good problem solver most of the time. She comes up with solutions from a whole other direction than the rest of us. I love it!
Ahhhh, five years! I cannot imagine our life without Clara! What a blessing she is and we thank God for her everyday. I still love to think back to the day we landed in Oklahoma City coming home from China. About 40 friends were gathered at the airport to greet us and meet Clara. It is one of my all-time favorite days! And I have to admit, everytime we get off the plane in Oklahoma City now it is pretty much a letdown after that wonderful homecoming!!!
(If you've not seen our story...please feel free to look at http://www.journeytoclara.com/)
On "Gotcha Day" (as we call it....because that's the day we "gotcha") one of the officials from the orphanage handed Clara to me. She was a big, chunky, football player of a baby girl! And we fell head over heels in love!!! We were watching videos from Gotcha Day and our trip to China the other day. I had kind of forgotten just how chubby our girl was. She was so serious, sticking her jaw out and furrowing her brow, taking it all in. When she cried for the first time, it was a deep, throaty cry. And she did the sweetest thing...she would pat her face really gently to comfort herself. Oh, it was so sweet and feminine. One of my favorite pictures is of Clara asleep in my arms on the bus in China with her little hand to her face. My other favorite is our first picture of Harrison and Clara together. Oh my goodness, he was so crazy about her! It's about the happiest face I've ever seen in my life.
It only took a few days and Clara opened up and we saw her real personality. She was silly and funny, sweet and affectionate, content and adaptable. And she's pretty much the same way today. She is our creative one. On a pretty regular basis Harrison finds something Clara has done and asks me "WHY would she do that?" My answer is always "she's creative." She will literally walk into a wall because she is off in Clara's world somewhere. She draws and colors all the time. Lately, she will draw all the shapes and inside them she writes the letter that they start with. She can count by 5's and 10's to 100. And she can count to 30 by 2's. The other day she told us she was going to count by 1's.....1...3...5...7... You get the gist! She cracks me up! You never quite know what you're going to find in her bed, or under her bed, or behind her bed. The other night she crashed into something because she had her panties on her head. And a few days before that Harrison found her stuck between the head board and the wall...she was trying to reach a sock she had dropped so she figured if she put her legs down there she could pick it up with her toes. I do have to give it to her, she is a pretty good problem solver most of the time. She comes up with solutions from a whole other direction than the rest of us. I love it!
Ahhhh, five years! I cannot imagine our life without Clara! What a blessing she is and we thank God for her everyday. I still love to think back to the day we landed in Oklahoma City coming home from China. About 40 friends were gathered at the airport to greet us and meet Clara. It is one of my all-time favorite days! And I have to admit, everytime we get off the plane in Oklahoma City now it is pretty much a letdown after that wonderful homecoming!!!
(If you've not seen our story...please feel free to look at http://www.journeytoclara.com/)
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Hello Fifteen! Hello High School!
It's just been a weird month around our house! First the baby turned 6. Then, I took one to kindergarten and the other to high school. Then the big one turned 15. Not quite sure how that happened! But there's no denying it. He's 5'10", hairy legs, owns his own razor (for his face, not his legs).....and his birthday cake with 15 candles qualified as a fire hazard. It's just not right how fast time goes by!!!
Harrison was ready for high school. He was done with middle school and ready for a new adventure. So, off he goes as a freshman whether I'm ready or not. And so far, so good. Our high school has done a great job of helping the freshmen (and their parents....cuz it's really all about me, right?) transition into high school. Harrison started running with the cross country team a couple of weeks before school started. And I just have to say....I'd never make it! It has been over 100 degrees just about every day for the past two months. But he is out there running in the heat of the day everyday. No wonder he's so skinny! The day before his birthday H ran in his first official high school cross country meet. It was so hot, no wind, and Clara truly thought she was going to melt. But he did great and came home with his first medal from high school. So fun to watch him work hard and do well. And this group of boys on the cross country team are such great kids, so encouraging and positive! The first night of practice the coach prayed with the boys before practice....forever earning him a soft spot in my heart.
On Harrison's birthday we were heathens and skipped church and took our boy and his buddy Colton to Eskimo Joe's in Stillwater. Clara had announced several weeks earlier that Judy (her treasured bitty baby) also has August 28th as her birthday. Harrison was NOT amused to share his birthday with Judy. On the way to Stillwater Clara told us that Judy was turning 10 months old this birthday. Harrison was quick to explain that it wasn't her birthday if she was just 10 months old. He quieted down when we reminded him of his imaginary brothers he had when he was little. They were twins, Jack and Jackie, and they were 2 and 3 years old. Yes....he said they were twins. He also had an imaginary sister, Katie, who was either 9 or 16, depending on whether she needed to drive herself somewhere. Harrison did not find it amusing at all when Judy got a high chair at Eskimo Joe's to eat lunch with us. I think Colton found it pretty amusing though! : )
After some shoe and jeans shopping that afternoon we celebrated Harrison's birthday at our flock (small group from church) meeting. We had borrowed our friend Mike & Trudy's car to go to Stillwater. And Mike had not so subtely put a bunch of notes about OU #1 (or some other nonsense) on the car. Well, Harrison had a little fun filling the car with orange notes about OSU and Orange Power before we returned the car to Mike that night. Hee! Hee! We crack ourselves up!!!
Fifteen years has flown by and I sure enjoy being this kid's mom!!! It's fun watching and seeing the young man he's becoming. And I'm curious to see what God has in store for him in the future! Happy Birthday Buddy!!!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Hello Six! Hello Kindergarten!
My baby is six! Seriously, how did that happen??? On August 30, it will be five years since we got on a plane to go to China to bring Clara home. A couple of weeks ago we celebrated her sixth birthday. Last week she started kindergarten. And look at her, she looks so big and grown up!
For Clara's birthday she got to pick what she wanted to eat. She chose Freddy's. She always chooses Freddy's. So, off we went with Papa Ken, Nini, Kendra and Kelsey to Freddy's. Who wouldn't love a greasy hamburger (or hot dog in Clara's case) and some skinny fries with ranch dressing? No one here was complaining! Unfortunately, Buddy had his first ever high school cross country practice during dinner, so he missed out. But we waited for him to come home to have cake with our friends the Merideths and the Surrittes. Clara was so happy to get an Ivy doll and some new clothes for Judy for her birthday. Papa and Nini and the girls gave her lots of art projects. And my "bestie" Christine and the Merideth clan gave her a microphone. Yes, people, I said my "bestie" gave my child a microphone. I might add that last Christmas they gave her a darling book that they recorded the story in...love that...but it has no volume control. Harrison woke up on Christmas morning saying "do you know what I woke up to...the sound of Christine's voice!" A couple years ago I believe it was an "educational toy" that TALKED....LOUDLY! They think I'm old and I won't remember....but I remember.
For Clara's friend party we planned a swim party. Now, it has been over 100 degrees here for something like 45 days. We haven't had rain in a coon's age (whatever that is). But the morning of the party date...it stormed. And it rained and stormed and was cloudy all day. So, I moved the party to our house. Where of course, the sun promptly came out and the skies were blue. Clara is pretty easy going, she was tickled to have the party here and when I told her I'd decorate some tables and put games on them, she told me, "Or....I could sing!" Did I mention she got a microphone for her birthday? Anyway, I digress! So all her buddies came here, we ate cake, opened presents, played Hungry Hungry Hippo (which her brother gave her for her birthday...and I might mention is also quite loud!), and turned 'em loose outside to run, blow bubbles and play. I have to admit, it was fun! I love a yard full of kids! There is just nothing like it. There were the flower pickers, who blew bubbles and giggled. And there were the tag players, who chased, tagged, and giggled. And at the end of the evening, there was one very, very happy six year old.
Then, before we knew it, kindergarten started. Clara was so excited to get Mrs. Hawkins as her teacher since Harrison also had her. And it was a bonus to have her buddy Jack and a few other friends in her class. She told me she was excited to get to make new friends in kindergarten. She was just as happy as could be to start school. No fears, no tears. She is such an adaptable kid! She never ceases to amaze me. I'm one of the few people who is glad we still have half-day kindergarten at our school. I'm afraid first grade is going to come way too soon. But like I tell Clara, we are going to enjoy six every day that you are six until you turn seven. And we will!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Farewell Five!
It's my last night parenting a five year old. It's a little sad! I know this time will definitely be the last time, no surprises in five years like last time. I have to admit, I love five! It's a fun, fun age! And Clara is a fun, fun kid! She makes me smile, shake my head, and laugh out loud every day. She has to be one of the funniest girls in the world. And one of the sweetest and snuggliest girls too.
Turning six means there's no more time to decide if she'll go to school this year or not. It's official, she starts kindergarten in 11 days. I'm so glad we are one of the few schools who doesn't have all day kindergarten this year. I was NOT geared up for that just yet. We were setting family goals a couple weeks ago. A couple of Clara's goals for the year are to learn how to read and to ride a bike without training wheels. Today she was sitting with me reading her Bob books to me while wiggling her front two top teeth. So, she's going to do it! She's just going to keep growing up! Dang it! I have talked and bargained with her for weeks trying to get her to stay five. I was even game to go backwards and let her be four. But not really ready to give up my baby to six just yet. (I won't even talk about the hairy-legged man child in the other room.....my other baby....that is for another day.) A few months ago she would tell me "I'm trying to stay little for you Mommy." But as her birthday draws near, she is all about being six! She was one squirrely girl before bedtime. Spinning, twirling, giggling....okay, she ended up with her underwear on her head. Really!
I can't think about Clara's birthday without thanking God for our sweet little blessing. He took us all the way around the world to bring us together. And we are thankful everyday. And I am so thankful to a woman in China, who I do not know, who shared a huge piece of her heart with me. I pray right now for her, that she will know deep in her heart how much her baby girl is loved. And even more than that, I pray that she will know the Lord and He will be her savior. And in Him, she will find a peace that passes all understanding.
Farewell Sweet Five! It's been an amazing, fun, blessed year! I can't wait to see what God has in store this next year!!!
Turning six means there's no more time to decide if she'll go to school this year or not. It's official, she starts kindergarten in 11 days. I'm so glad we are one of the few schools who doesn't have all day kindergarten this year. I was NOT geared up for that just yet. We were setting family goals a couple weeks ago. A couple of Clara's goals for the year are to learn how to read and to ride a bike without training wheels. Today she was sitting with me reading her Bob books to me while wiggling her front two top teeth. So, she's going to do it! She's just going to keep growing up! Dang it! I have talked and bargained with her for weeks trying to get her to stay five. I was even game to go backwards and let her be four. But not really ready to give up my baby to six just yet. (I won't even talk about the hairy-legged man child in the other room.....my other baby....that is for another day.) A few months ago she would tell me "I'm trying to stay little for you Mommy." But as her birthday draws near, she is all about being six! She was one squirrely girl before bedtime. Spinning, twirling, giggling....okay, she ended up with her underwear on her head. Really!
I can't think about Clara's birthday without thanking God for our sweet little blessing. He took us all the way around the world to bring us together. And we are thankful everyday. And I am so thankful to a woman in China, who I do not know, who shared a huge piece of her heart with me. I pray right now for her, that she will know deep in her heart how much her baby girl is loved. And even more than that, I pray that she will know the Lord and He will be her savior. And in Him, she will find a peace that passes all understanding.
Farewell Sweet Five! It's been an amazing, fun, blessed year! I can't wait to see what God has in store this next year!!!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Road Trip Summer 2011
Well....I never got to the rest of June. And apparently July has vaporized in the heat. So, here it is, August and I'm way behind on blogging. But I'll just have to write things as I remember them over the next few weeks. Of course, the way my memory is these days that may mean a whole lot of nothing!
So in July we took a road trip. We spent eight days driving to see family and friends in Indiana and Ohio. We thought it would be fun to drive as far as possible during the hottest summer on record in many years. And I'm happy to say, we all came home alive. It was close a couple of times, but no one was harmed in the making of this vacation. The first day we drove to St. Louis and spent the night. It was equally hot in St. Louis, but we had a great room at the Westin, right across from the Cardinals stadium. We ate some yummy fish for dinner and enjoyed the Heavenly Beds at the Westin. Joe was the deal finder and managed to get us a great room at a cheap price, he just kept asking what he might get credit for (like being old, working for the school district, etc.). We got up the next day and went to check out the Arch before we got on the road again. We all rode up to the top of the Arch and enjoyed the view. I remember doing this with my parents as a kid, so it was kind of fun to take my own kids. The last time we stopped there Harrison would have no part of going up in the Arch. But it was pretty cool, even though the ride up is a bit claustrophobic. And to prove that I know someone everywhere we go, we ran into the Harberts at the Arch. That was a nice surprise!
Next stop....Indiana. We drove to New Castle, unloaded our bags and went directly to Top Hat Pizza (without passing go). I admit, I'm not a pizza snob, I like it, I'll eat it most anywhere. But Top Hat Pizza....it is truly the best pizza ever! We did refrain from eating there all 5 days we were in Indiana. Which shows that we do have some small amount of self control. Very small...very, very small!
We had the best time staying with Joe's cousins Lisa and John. They have a beautiful home that has cornfields all around it. Clara loves to stay in the frilly girlie room. She announced "I love this room" over and over. And we had fun staying up talking and laughing each night. It was great to spend time with Joe's dad and visit with lots of other family too. It's fun to see the newest generation of Dicken kiddos and I loved getting my baby fix with sweet Alaina. We also made a run up to Muncie to check out Ball State. And as you can imagine, that set off a whole new set of "ball" jokes and puns. Why do men become 12 years old anytime there is anything with the word "ball" in it???
While we were there, we made a day trip over to Cincinatti to see two of our Xinhui girls! We met up with the Dakters and Morans and let Clara, Maia and Anna have the whole day to play together. There were lots of "ahhhhh" moments watching our girls reconnect. As soon as Anna saw Clara she just ran up to her and hugged and kissed her. Then Maia arrived and both Clara and Anna were so thrilled to see her. They all donned their matching shirts that Maia brought and away they went. There was giggling, hugging, running, more giggling and lots of fun. It is amazing how these little girls, who slept next to each other in cribs in China, are so connected even though we don't get to see each other very often. They always just pick up where they left off and have so much fun together. I have these pictures in my mind, with the little girls all holding hands and running through the museum. We were all wishing our 4th Xinhui girl, Alyse, could have been there with us! We missed her so much!
So....my top five things from our Indiana road trip were...(I don't include the Xinhui girls visit....it's in a top 5 all its own!).
#5 - Family Fun with Dicken clan. I always love fun times with the Dicken clan (Joe's mom's side of the family). They truly are some of my favorite people! We laughed, enjoyed Top Hat pizza, laughed some more, held sweet babies, enjoyed the little kids laughter, ate some yummy peanut butter pie, and watched the Dicken boys, who were little when I joined this family, all grown up now. I loved that when we walked to our car that night Harrison said "so....we have a pretty cool family."
#4 - Late night visits with Lisa and John. Oh okay....and a glass of wine....or maybe Sangria....or whatever! It's not my fault that Lisa was trying out new Sangria recipes while we were there in preparation for Lindsey's wedding reception. I'm just helpful that way. Lisa is the source for family history and has lots of fun stories. And John....well, he's naughty. And I'm trying to deprogram my kids. But, he is hilarious!
#3 - Garage sale Alf and jewelry run. Joe's dad is a collector. We are not. He loves to find great things and collect them. And he remembers if you like something. So....he took us over to a garage sale because they had a talking "Alf" doll and my son is obsessed with Alf. (No joke, he often says "well, I learned that from Alf". Which is not always a great thing.) This same sale had some classic costume jewelry from the 50's and 60's. So Clara got a tub full of clip on earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Oh, it brought back memories of me dressing up in my mom's jewelry.
#2 - Toy boat, toy boat, toy boat. I'm not sure why or how it happened. But Harrison got started on trying to say toy boat 5 times fast with his grandpa. And Joe's dad got laughing until he cried! They went on and on and on and I have to admit, it was hilarious. It was great to see Joe's dad laughing hysterically! Makes me smile just thinking about it.
#1 - Top Hat Pizza. I bet nobody saw that one coming! There are no words to describe it....just YUM!!!
So in July we took a road trip. We spent eight days driving to see family and friends in Indiana and Ohio. We thought it would be fun to drive as far as possible during the hottest summer on record in many years. And I'm happy to say, we all came home alive. It was close a couple of times, but no one was harmed in the making of this vacation. The first day we drove to St. Louis and spent the night. It was equally hot in St. Louis, but we had a great room at the Westin, right across from the Cardinals stadium. We ate some yummy fish for dinner and enjoyed the Heavenly Beds at the Westin. Joe was the deal finder and managed to get us a great room at a cheap price, he just kept asking what he might get credit for (like being old, working for the school district, etc.). We got up the next day and went to check out the Arch before we got on the road again. We all rode up to the top of the Arch and enjoyed the view. I remember doing this with my parents as a kid, so it was kind of fun to take my own kids. The last time we stopped there Harrison would have no part of going up in the Arch. But it was pretty cool, even though the ride up is a bit claustrophobic. And to prove that I know someone everywhere we go, we ran into the Harberts at the Arch. That was a nice surprise!
Next stop....Indiana. We drove to New Castle, unloaded our bags and went directly to Top Hat Pizza (without passing go). I admit, I'm not a pizza snob, I like it, I'll eat it most anywhere. But Top Hat Pizza....it is truly the best pizza ever! We did refrain from eating there all 5 days we were in Indiana. Which shows that we do have some small amount of self control. Very small...very, very small!
We had the best time staying with Joe's cousins Lisa and John. They have a beautiful home that has cornfields all around it. Clara loves to stay in the frilly girlie room. She announced "I love this room" over and over. And we had fun staying up talking and laughing each night. It was great to spend time with Joe's dad and visit with lots of other family too. It's fun to see the newest generation of Dicken kiddos and I loved getting my baby fix with sweet Alaina. We also made a run up to Muncie to check out Ball State. And as you can imagine, that set off a whole new set of "ball" jokes and puns. Why do men become 12 years old anytime there is anything with the word "ball" in it???
While we were there, we made a day trip over to Cincinatti to see two of our Xinhui girls! We met up with the Dakters and Morans and let Clara, Maia and Anna have the whole day to play together. There were lots of "ahhhhh" moments watching our girls reconnect. As soon as Anna saw Clara she just ran up to her and hugged and kissed her. Then Maia arrived and both Clara and Anna were so thrilled to see her. They all donned their matching shirts that Maia brought and away they went. There was giggling, hugging, running, more giggling and lots of fun. It is amazing how these little girls, who slept next to each other in cribs in China, are so connected even though we don't get to see each other very often. They always just pick up where they left off and have so much fun together. I have these pictures in my mind, with the little girls all holding hands and running through the museum. We were all wishing our 4th Xinhui girl, Alyse, could have been there with us! We missed her so much!
So....my top five things from our Indiana road trip were...(I don't include the Xinhui girls visit....it's in a top 5 all its own!).
#5 - Family Fun with Dicken clan. I always love fun times with the Dicken clan (Joe's mom's side of the family). They truly are some of my favorite people! We laughed, enjoyed Top Hat pizza, laughed some more, held sweet babies, enjoyed the little kids laughter, ate some yummy peanut butter pie, and watched the Dicken boys, who were little when I joined this family, all grown up now. I loved that when we walked to our car that night Harrison said "so....we have a pretty cool family."
#4 - Late night visits with Lisa and John. Oh okay....and a glass of wine....or maybe Sangria....or whatever! It's not my fault that Lisa was trying out new Sangria recipes while we were there in preparation for Lindsey's wedding reception. I'm just helpful that way. Lisa is the source for family history and has lots of fun stories. And John....well, he's naughty. And I'm trying to deprogram my kids. But, he is hilarious!
#3 - Garage sale Alf and jewelry run. Joe's dad is a collector. We are not. He loves to find great things and collect them. And he remembers if you like something. So....he took us over to a garage sale because they had a talking "Alf" doll and my son is obsessed with Alf. (No joke, he often says "well, I learned that from Alf". Which is not always a great thing.) This same sale had some classic costume jewelry from the 50's and 60's. So Clara got a tub full of clip on earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Oh, it brought back memories of me dressing up in my mom's jewelry.
#2 - Toy boat, toy boat, toy boat. I'm not sure why or how it happened. But Harrison got started on trying to say toy boat 5 times fast with his grandpa. And Joe's dad got laughing until he cried! They went on and on and on and I have to admit, it was hilarious. It was great to see Joe's dad laughing hysterically! Makes me smile just thinking about it.
#1 - Top Hat Pizza. I bet nobody saw that one coming! There are no words to describe it....just YUM!!!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Classic Conversations
Living with a 14 year old and a 5 year old brings some classic conversations. Somedays I just have to laugh out loud at the absurdity of some conversations and statements. I remember when we wished our kids would talk. We have moved past that dream. And I'll admit that more than once over the years we offered to pay Harrison to be quiet in the car, Which I might add, he never collected a dime because he just couldn't be quiet. He literally would just burst out a big old squeak because he just couldn't keep it all inside. Now...his sister is following suit. The other day I took the kids to Kingfisher (where I lived all through grade school). At one point I think Clara had talked non-stop for a good two hours without taking a breath. So I asked her if she could possibly be quiet for a little bit. Here is the classic conversation that followed with her brother.
H - "Yeah, Sister, you haven't stopped talking in forever."
C - "Oh yeah! Well, you're talking like a duck."
H - "I'm not talking like a duck. I didn't say quack. Could you just be quiet?"
C - "I love geese."
H - "What? That doesn't even make sense."
C - "Exactly!"
HUH? "Exactly" is Clara's favorite new quip. Once in a blue moon she uses it appropriately (and totally by coincidence).
Another day in the car Clara asked me to play "opposites" with her. I named something and she named the opposite. She did really good...for awhile....then she just cracked us up!
J - "High"
C - "Low"
J - "Hot"
C - "Cold"
H - "Soft"
C - "Crunchy"
HUH?
She also has a talent for nursery rhymes....here are a few of our favorites.
"Baa! Baa! Black sheep, have you anymore. Yes sir. Yes sir. Three and Four..."
"Hey Little Diddle, the cat and the fiddle...."
In case you were wondering, she doesn't like "funder" or "tomatoes" (think storms, not vegetables). And she has the Pierce family gift for song lyrics. I'm proud to say, that Clara loves Michael Jackson. No really...LOVES his music! If she hears one of his songs coming on the radio, her face just lights up and she gets so excited. She knows the entire "Bad" cd. Honestly, she knows "Liberian Girl". These are proud parenting moments...excuse me while I wipe the tears of joy. Here are a few of Clara's lyrics to MJ songs....
"I'm mad, I'm mad, I'm really, really mad"....from MJ's song "Bad".
"I'm looking at the man in the river" or occasionally "I'm looking at the man in the liver" or another favorite "I'm looking
at the man in the middle"....from MJ's "Man in the Mirror".
Of course, Harrison has some classic song lyrics too. Our favorite is...
"No fried dust, gotta make a living"....from "Low Rider"
And I'll go ahead and admit that my brother called me a total idiot when I told him that I thought the lyrics "I want a new truck, one that won't make me sick" were incredibly stupid. He informed me that Huey Lewis was saying "I want a new drug". OHHHHH! That makes a lot more sense. And Joe argued with me at length one night years ago about the song "We want the funk" by George Clinton...he just swore the song said "we want the bump, gotta have the bump". Of course, he was going to prove me wrong and look it up on the computer....which did not end in his favor. : ) Did I mention that we are gifted with song lyrics. Someday I'll tell you about Joe's gift for foreign languages too. We are a family with many talents.
Today we drove through Sonic to get drinks. We hadn't driven through with Joe in awhile. We kind of forgot it seems like he's had a stroke when he's ordering at the drive through. He orders one thing SLOWLY. Then pauses so long that the waiter thinks he is done and confirms his order. Then he has to start over and add the second item. Again, long pause....waiter confirms order a second time....but wait, he still has two more drinks to order. So by the time he's actually finished ordering, we have all broken out in the Steve Martin ""I - would - like - a - ham - burger" routine from Pink Panther. And we are the funniest people we know, all doing the hamburger schtick. But I will say, this line of conversation is a great improvement over the whole "Weinergate" conversation that followed at lunch. Geez! We were trying to imagine what kind of campaign signs Congressman Weiner had. Really, when you think about it, that's not an easy name to make campaign signs for. Here are some of our top campaign slogans...
"Vote Weiner"
"I'm for Weiner"
"I'm with Weiner "(with finger pointing to your neighbor)
"Vote Weiner and be a Winner"
And on that weiner...I mean note...I'm done!
H - "Yeah, Sister, you haven't stopped talking in forever."
C - "Oh yeah! Well, you're talking like a duck."
H - "I'm not talking like a duck. I didn't say quack. Could you just be quiet?"
C - "I love geese."
H - "What? That doesn't even make sense."
C - "Exactly!"
HUH? "Exactly" is Clara's favorite new quip. Once in a blue moon she uses it appropriately (and totally by coincidence).
Another day in the car Clara asked me to play "opposites" with her. I named something and she named the opposite. She did really good...for awhile....then she just cracked us up!
J - "High"
C - "Low"
J - "Hot"
C - "Cold"
H - "Soft"
C - "Crunchy"
HUH?
She also has a talent for nursery rhymes....here are a few of our favorites.
"Baa! Baa! Black sheep, have you anymore. Yes sir. Yes sir. Three and Four..."
"Hey Little Diddle, the cat and the fiddle...."
In case you were wondering, she doesn't like "funder" or "tomatoes" (think storms, not vegetables). And she has the Pierce family gift for song lyrics. I'm proud to say, that Clara loves Michael Jackson. No really...LOVES his music! If she hears one of his songs coming on the radio, her face just lights up and she gets so excited. She knows the entire "Bad" cd. Honestly, she knows "Liberian Girl". These are proud parenting moments...excuse me while I wipe the tears of joy. Here are a few of Clara's lyrics to MJ songs....
"I'm mad, I'm mad, I'm really, really mad"....from MJ's song "Bad".
"I'm looking at the man in the river" or occasionally "I'm looking at the man in the liver" or another favorite "I'm looking
at the man in the middle"....from MJ's "Man in the Mirror".
Of course, Harrison has some classic song lyrics too. Our favorite is...
"No fried dust, gotta make a living"....from "Low Rider"
And I'll go ahead and admit that my brother called me a total idiot when I told him that I thought the lyrics "I want a new truck, one that won't make me sick" were incredibly stupid. He informed me that Huey Lewis was saying "I want a new drug". OHHHHH! That makes a lot more sense. And Joe argued with me at length one night years ago about the song "We want the funk" by George Clinton...he just swore the song said "we want the bump, gotta have the bump". Of course, he was going to prove me wrong and look it up on the computer....which did not end in his favor. : ) Did I mention that we are gifted with song lyrics. Someday I'll tell you about Joe's gift for foreign languages too. We are a family with many talents.
Today we drove through Sonic to get drinks. We hadn't driven through with Joe in awhile. We kind of forgot it seems like he's had a stroke when he's ordering at the drive through. He orders one thing SLOWLY. Then pauses so long that the waiter thinks he is done and confirms his order. Then he has to start over and add the second item. Again, long pause....waiter confirms order a second time....but wait, he still has two more drinks to order. So by the time he's actually finished ordering, we have all broken out in the Steve Martin ""I - would - like - a - ham - burger" routine from Pink Panther. And we are the funniest people we know, all doing the hamburger schtick. But I will say, this line of conversation is a great improvement over the whole "Weinergate" conversation that followed at lunch. Geez! We were trying to imagine what kind of campaign signs Congressman Weiner had. Really, when you think about it, that's not an easy name to make campaign signs for. Here are some of our top campaign slogans...
"Vote Weiner"
"I'm for Weiner"
"I'm with Weiner "(with finger pointing to your neighbor)
"Vote Weiner and be a Winner"
And on that weiner...I mean note...I'm done!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)