Friday and Tom's coming home tomorrow!

Life is good. The sun is shining, it is hot, I've slept well the past two nights, the girls aren't driving my crazy (they are still in their pj's whereas I've already been out running errands). Some days God just shines down on you!!!!

Had an interesting Wednesday -- I am completely spoiled and have someone else clean my house. Usually, they are here late morning on Wednesday. So the three of us packed up to do a bit of shopping and see a movie. We found towels to match the new bathroom, various accessories for the bathroom, and enjoyed the movie and then got their hair cut. Got home to find that no one was there -- and hadn't been there yet. Mmmmmmmmmm. They arrived about an hour later -- something about 2 of the workers with surgery etc. etc. I'm flexible about their timing, so they went ahead and cleaned and we stayed out of the way. They were done by 4 in time for me to make an early dinner for the girls who had ballet for 5:45. The towels weren't quite as good a deal....while the color was perfect, they all have already started pulling (the terry threads). And they're Fieldcrest "Luxury" so it's not like they are bottom-of-the-line towels. So we'll have to find some others. Mom had told me she'd recently bought new towels and had a similar problem -- don't recall what brand they were.

Yesterday was almost completely non-eventful aside from Maggie having a ballet rehearsal in the evening. Today I was up, exercised, bathed, and read the paper by 9:30. Maggie was still in bed and Abby didn't want to run errands, so I headed to return the towels, go to the library, and make a quick stop at the grocery ("only" $40). Home to make and early lunch/late breakfast for the girls. Piano at 2, ballet for Maggie at 4:30. AND TOM COMES HOME TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!

As I said, life is good (even on the bad days).......

Getting Through the Week!

Missing Tom here in Metairie, but the girls and I are navigating our first week of summer somewhat successfully. Abby spent last night at a friend's house and Maggie had 2 friends sleep over here. They made 2 dozen cupcakes, ALL of which are gone now....can anyone remember the freedom of being 12 and able to eat that many cupcakes without either getting sick or worrying about what they might potentially do to your hips????? HAH! I'm pleased with the choices my daughters have made in friends to this point -- they are good girls and I don't have to be at all concerned about inappropriate behavior. Hopefully it will continue as they get older and more prone to find themselves in, shall we say, not-so-nice situations.....

Tomorrow we are heading to see "Night at the Smithsonian" while the house is being cleaned -- I am truly spoiled -- no longer gainfully employed yet not cleaning my own house. Given the amount of time I spend carting my girls around and my personal lack of consistent "standards" of house-cleaning, it is a good thing that Tom agrees that having someone else clean is worth the expense. 3-4 extra hours of time each week is well worth any cost (at least in my mind!). And it's certainly cleaner than it would be if I were keeping to it.....

No other earth-shattering news or observations from here which is perhaps good. All is well, and all of us ARE well. Praying that you are all well also.....

Confrontation and Pajamas

What, you may ask, do confrontation and pajamas have to do with one another? Well, they're just two topics on my mind today. At church this morning we had a guest pastor (Charlie Berg from the Bible Center in Luling, LA) and he spoke on the confrontation of Paul to Peter as outlined in Galations 2:11-14. Maggie really got something out of it ("I really understood what he was saying") and I did, too, but for perhaps different reasons. Since I've been a member of this church, this is the first time that I've heard a different speaker. That, in itself, was an "event" and this particular topic is, I believe, relevant to ALL of us. Who among us is NOT adverse to confrontation? What, exactly, gets our shackles up? For me, it's most usually when someone does wrong against my children, or, unfortunately, in traffic (ugh!). I, like many people, hate confronting others, and avoid it at all costs. I'll even "hide" via e-mail confrontation, whereas I do believe that face to face is the best way. In any event, part of his message this morning was that Paul, inconfronting Peter in front of others (rather than as outlined in the book of Matthew regarding church discipline -- yet another topic with which I have concern), didn't follow the proscribed "model". However, Paul wisely recognized that there is a time and place to follow the "rules" and a time and place to not do so. In this particular example, Peter is being admonished for "falling back" into the legalism that preceded the grace of God through Jesus' death and resurrection. Peter found himself (for whatever reasons) letting the "rules" and norms of his society drive his behavior rather than "walking his talk" -- namely with regards to the Gentile believers in Christ. Paul rebuked him in front of others, not only to remind Peter of what the gospel truly is (by the grace of God, Jesus died for OUR sins and was raised from the dead) BUT to also remind the others in the region of Galatia what THEY should remember. When I was still working for Shell, the CIO at that time was big on reminding us to all "walk the talk" -- another gentleman I worked with spoke it more eloquently -- "your actions speak so loudly I can hardly hear what you are saying".......

As for pajamas -- pajama time is my most FAVORITE time of the day (ok, I do have several "favorite" times of the day, among which is when I drop the girls at school and when I pick them up from school). Pajama time signifies that I am "done" for the day -- no more errands, no more running around town, no more "chores". It is time to relax and be "done" for the day. Note that pajama time can occur at ANY time of the day! You take of your make-up, take off the jewelry, and put on the most comfy clothes you own. BLISS! Today it occured about 6:30pm.....

In other news, Tom arrived safely in Holland. We actually "saw" a movie together today -- after church the girls and I went to see "Angels and Demons" (some scenes were a bit more graphically violent that I'd really want my children to see -- hence the PG-13 rating). Right when the movie started, Tom called, indicating that he'd be going to see the same movie in about 30 minutes. So, we "saw" it together. For me the most interesting aspect was that although in the books "Angels and Demons" comes before "The DaVinci Code", the movie turns the order around (which you are reminded of a couple times). But I believe they did a good adaptation and the three of us enjoyed ourselves (and closed our eyes or ears when we didn't like what we saw/heard).

Happy Memorial Day to all -- I personally hadn't realized that this was originally a holiday to celebrate (0nly) the veterans of the Civil War until I moved south of the Mason-Dixon line. In Ohio it seemed a more "sacred" day at which time we really welcomed in summer despite the fact that we still had more school days and the temperature didn't always cooperate. Down in "Dixie" there are many schools that will meet tomorrow (some making up for hurricane days) and many companies don't close (I believe Shell actually is in office tomorrow given that "instead" they get Mardi Gras off -- only in New Orleans!). In any event, have a good day!

Welcome Summer!

So much for the rain that was predicted for today -- sunny , mid-eighties and perfect here! Summer is officially starting and life is relatively good. Although we ARE quite busy for a "holiday" weekend. Tom left today for a week in Holland for work. Both girls had ballet rehearsals this morning and Abby and I had her violin recital rehearsal. Maggie is over at a neighbor's house swimming or something (I told her she needs to come home "sometime" tonight and will probably go get her about 8 or so). Abby and I are enjoying "parallel activities" (one of my former co-workers used this phrase to describe herself and her husband on those evenings when he'd be reading his book and she hers). After the violin rehearsal, we headed to the library. She's read the Harry Potter series 2.5 times through and was looking for something new. She wasn't really interested in the collection of Nancy Drew that my sister-in-law provided. So we went to the library. First, she helped me choose my selections (actually, I think she more observed my selection method which is to find a stack where there's an author I like and just pick random books, read the blurb, and either put them in my pile or put them back). 6 books later we headed to the kid's section. Found her a few books, checked ourselves out, and headed home. Played a game of cards and then we've been reading this afternoon -- I finished one book and have started another. She's almost read one of the new ones she's gotten -- she reads fast like I do, but, unlike me, she actually remembers the stories! It's so funny to see characteristics of yourself in your kids. Maggie looks like Tom and Abby looks like my pictures as a child. But Maggie's body shape is more like mine and we think Abby takes after Tom's sister Kathy. Abby and I are quite content to be alone and love to read. She, like me, doesn't need to be "entertained". Maggie, on the other hand, was already bored after 2 hours at home yesterday afternoon -- the FIRST day of summer break! Tom's a mix -- my observation is that he can keep himself entertained most of the time, but other times he's on a "search" of something new and/or exciting.

Last day of school was relatively non-eventful. I dropped the girls off at school and headed to the gym for 4 miles on the elliptical. Back to school where I arrived just at the start of the awards program/8th grade graduation. I was able to see Maggie receive her award for straight A's for the second year in a row (in that she takes after BOTH her parents!). That particular award starts at 5th grade, so Abby's not eligible for another year -- she, however, gets high grades too!!!! This was a tough year at school in that during the first quarter the school was closed for a week while everyone was evacuated for Hurricane Gustav which was quickly followed by the suicide of one of the 4 sons whose parents opened the school. He and his brothers are the ones who currently are running the school and it was quite a blow. However, it was amazing how the faculty and staff rebounded -- teachers volunteered for re-assignments, students came closer together, former students stepped in (notably in coaching the swim team). It is a small school (Maggie's grade has 41 students, Abby's grade around 60), but it is in itself a family -- many children are now second-generation students, many teachers are former students, etc. I have been so pleased with our choice for schools, and despite this years tragedy, I remain steadfast in my support of the school. Maggie's got one more year (she'll start high school in 8th grade) and Abby has 4 more years there.

Hard to see Tom leave this morning. He's been so busy with the bathroom renovation upstairs that it seems we have so little time to connect with one another. On the one hand I'm thankful that he's got a "forced" week off from the project, but I do anticipate it being DONE! The girls and I play to do some shopping this week for bathroom accessories -- shower curtains, toothbrush holders, etc. Tom's gotten towel racks and that sort of thing, so we're on the "soft goods" side of the equation. I'm trying not to be resentful that Tom's gone for the 3rd year on Memorial Day holiday -- given that his boss is Dutch and his team is global, I appreciate it is difficult to not infringe on SOMEONE's holiday, but come on! Three years is more than enough! I remember the first year in Holland when we had to work Thanksgiving -- we did take 1/2 day off and went to some colleague's home for dinner (his wife was American and insisted on celebrating each year). But the following two years I just worked and dreamed of football.

Tomorrow the girls and I will go to church -- my pastor is out of town for the weekend and we'll have a guest pastor. Then we're planning on seeing "Angels and Demons" and following that with a piano lesson. Monday, Abby's going to a friend's in the morning and not coming home until the following day. I'm hoping Maggie will get a friend over for early afternoon thru Tuesday as she's my child that needs "entertaining"!!!!! After that, our only plans for the week are to be out of the house when it's being cleaned Wednesday -- probably to see "Night at the Smithsonian"......

Happy Summer to all!!!!!

End of School

Tomorrow is 8th grade graduation, today is records day. First opportunity to sleep in "ruined" by a biological need necessitating that I get up. Sigh. Abby's up, Maggie's still asleep (no surprise there!). Laundry is almost done, yoga video has been completed, paper has been read. All this before 9am....I know I'm a morning person, but this is ridiculous!

Maggie's going to a friend's this afternoon, followed by 2 ballet rehearsals. One for the dance in which there are the 4 girls her age, one for the dance to a medley of Beatles' songs (what I've seen of that one is pretty cool). In between, it's my "turn" to bring dinner to the girls while the little-bitty ones have their class. It's funny to hear them talk about Maggie as being one of the "big" girls -- she's growing up so fast!

Tom leaves for NL Saturday -- once again they schedule a team meeting over a holiday. I recognize that Memorial Day isn't such a big deal in Dixie (some schools are in session, most businesses are open), but come on! I think this is the 3rd year in a row he's been gone. On the other hand, with the variety of ballet rehearsals in the evenings it does make life a bit easier for me at home. One less person to be concerned with.

Bathroom upstairs is coming along nicely, despite Tom's worrying about support, electric, leaks, etc. The tile is in, the walls are done, the molding is going up, the marble is done, the new light fixtures are in, the toilet has been re-installed. It'll be nice that when Kay and Ray are here they will be able to use the tub! The sink may not yet be there, but 6 people in one bathtub (even not at once) is not fun.....

The joys of Monday

After a thrilling weekend spent studying for exams with Maggie (Tom helped Abby), Monday came in with chilly weather -- only in the 70s which, for this time of year, is downright cold (can you believe I actually grew up in Ohio???). Had to get out long pants again.....In any event, dropped the girls at school, headed to the gym (4 miles on the elliptical if you care) and the grocery. Strange assortment in the cart today. The girls are home for lunch this week, so there's that. Then I volunteered to purchase several items for the VBS at my church (5 bags of Tostidos, 250 napkins, 6 packages of handi-wipes). And, of course, there was that coupon for buy one, get one free on a candy bar (I DID give them to the girls!). Quickly home to unpack and put away the groceries before heading out to pick up the girls (noon dismissal). Home with them for lunch (they already ate all the blueberries), and in a couple hours out again to ballet. The people we usually carpool with for ballet had a graduation this weekend, and are skipping class in order to study for exams (smart strategy if you ask me!). So Abby and I will enjoy Starbucks while Maggie has class.

Church yesterday was interesting (again -- seems it always is to me!). Maggie went with me as she wanted study time afterwards and Tom's church lets out about 45 minutes later and usually includes lunch which adds another 45 minutes. In any event, he continued on the topic of "Crises in the Lives of the Saints" with Joseph. Although I've read about Joseph, the particular crisis he focussed on was one I wasn't familiar with -- where the wife of his master attempts to seduce him, and when he refuses and runs out, accuses him of attacking her. Joseph's response was to remain silent, no protests at all (turning the other cheek, a prelude to Jesus). In our society, this is so not the way we react to accusations, even when we are not guilty as was Joseph. We immediately raise our voice to proclaim innocence. I'm as guilty of this as the next person, and, in fact, I cannot imagine NOT defending myself, even when innocent. Interesting. Joseph was imprisoned for not doing anything. Not quite sure what to think about this one -- on the one hand, I appreciate and understand Joseph's complete faith in God that He is in control and what happens is what is meant to happen. BUT (you knew there'd be a but, no?), I cannot see this actually playing out. Perhaps on occasions (for "minor" accusations), but when I am truly innocent and unjustly accused????? Just waiting for the other party to realize that fact and keeping silent meanwhile????? MMMMMMMmmmmmmmm, not so sure. Guess there's another thing to work on!

Meanwhile, back to cooking dinner since we'll get home about 6:30 or so tonight.....

Saturday

Saturdays around here are always busy. Actually, Saturdays have been busy for me ever since graduate school. When I was in school, Saturdays were for all those chores -- grocery, housecleaning (OK, so that one only took 5 minutes due to my low 'standards' for cleaning!), etc. Once I started working, I did do a bit more with housekeeping, but it was still a minimum and Saturdays were still full of errands. Even after kids and the advent of a housekeeper, Saturdays were STILL about errands, now with children in tow. When we lived overseas, our first au pair could drive and would do the bulk of the grocery shopping (THANKS Doreen!) so Saturdays were more free and we were able to explore the country. Our second au pair didn't drive, so once again, Saturday mornings saw me at the grocery to do the "bulk" shopping (she'd pick up small loads during the week -- THANKS Aina!). When we moved here, at first Saturdays were completely free. For the first time in my adult life, I was not working or in school, so weekdays were the time for the bulk of the chores. Ah, freedom. This lasted about a year, and then the girls began ballet -- Saturday mornings taken up. As they've gotten older, more ballet has been added (especially for Maggie, for whom it is a passion). Piano also happens on Saturdays, due to a wide variety of reasons. So Saturdays are NOT for relaxing around here. Today we didn't have piano (that's been re-scheduled for tomorrow), but Maggie's been studying for exams and Abby and I were required to attends a rehearsal for her violin recital. Still a busy day. Do I have an answer? Nothing that will solve everything. While I dislike all the driving, I feel a strong desire to enable my daughters to enjoy their interests and pursue them to their ability. Many times I feel over-scheduled (even though I thrive on routines and schedules!), but I am torn. I did enjoy our 6 month respite in Houston after hurricane Katrina when we had NO commitments, but I also loved getting back to "normal" when we returned home. Nothing is ideal.

Tomorrow will be a less-hectic day. I'm looking forward to church. He is doing a series on "Crises in the lives of the saints" and so far has covered Noah and Abraham. I like the structure and, after studying Hebrews this year in Bible Study, am enjoying further learning on the Old Testament saints. No matter what I think I know about the word of God, every time I hear or read it, I pick up something new -- truly a "living word". After church, more studying with Maggie and a late-afternoon piano make-up. Then onto the final week of school -- half-days of exams Monday-Wednesday, Thursday off, and Friday out by 10am. WHEW!!!!!

2 Quotes

Two quotes for today:

"GETTING married isn't the big part -- BEING married is the big part." With 12+ years with Tom under my belt, this is definitely true. We didn't have a big ceremony -- in face, we had a 'planned elopement' where only 6 people total were there -- the two of us, my sister, Tom's youngest sister, Tom's brother's wife (she took GREAT photographs for us!) and the judge (who was also female). Everyone know the when and where, but we had our own little day. Tom's brother joined us for a FEAST of Chinese food and it was perfect. Not the traditional 'big' day, but absolutely perfect and though (like everyone else!) we have hills and valleys in our marriage, THAT is what truly counts.

"The average is often unique." This was in a book called Addition that I read this week. The main character is a middle-aged woman who is obsessed with counting to the point where it interferes with her life. The quote actually comes from her niece who doesn't like it when her aunt attempts a combination of drug/behavioral therapy to "cure" her problem. The woman defends herself by saying that she "wants to be like everyone else" but the girl, wise beyond her age, advises her aunt that "the average is often unique." Which, if you think about it, is true, not only in mathematics but also in life. In a set of given numbers, the average may not belong to the set -- in effect, it's "unique". And despite our efforts (often) to be like "everyone else", we maintain our uniqueness. As my daughter is approaching her teenage years (notorious for wanting to be like everyone else), I'm encouraging her to celebrate what makes her unique. Yes, it's fine to want to do things that your friends do, wear similar clothes, etc., but you need to develop into the person God intends for you to be -- and that is unique.

SO, for those of you who are married, focus on the marriage rather than the ceremony and for all of you, celebrate yourself!

Frantic Wednesday!

It feels a bit like Grand Central Station here today, despite the fact that I am (currently) alone at home, about to go pick the girls up from school. HECTIC day. Cleaning lady (yes, I admit I am spoiled) asked to come early today -- no problem. So I had the privilege of managing to pack all the necessities to shower at the gym in order to make an appointment at 10:30. Of course, I forgot the soap and my razor. At least they had liquid soap, so I do not smell. Then to the grocery for a quick add-on to the "big" shop that was done Monday. Home to put away the groceries in the midst of 5 people cleaning my house and quickly out the door again to get out of the way. Time to kill at the library (one of my favorite places, they even have a cafe there) and on to my appointment. Home again by 12 to get "dinner" cooked in order to feed two daughters immediately after school/before ballet and have something available for the great guy who enables me to do all this running throughout the week rather than run myself ragged on Saturdays as I did when I actually pulled a monetary salary. Fold the sheets in the dryer, put away all the stuff packed to shower at the gym, talk to a friend on the phone about her daughter's hip and ballet carpooling, and attempting to describe what is wrong with the toilet to said womderful man. Note from the cleaning ladies to look at the toilet -- it doesn't flush. Tried plunging, not the problem. Opened the tank and found some sort of spring thingy detached. Toilet flushes if you pull the chain from inside the tank. Called husband to describe problem, left message. Urgency due to the fact that we are already down to only 2 toilets for 4 people due to re-modeling of problem. Husband returns call, describe problem. Husband calls again regarding 4 July trip. Husband calls again regarding Continental OnePass numbers. Eat a quick lunch. Husband calls again regarding Amtrak reservations to/from DC in July/August. Finally sit down at computer and write this.

The afternoon will be heating up dinners for daughters. Taking daughters (and perhaps friend depending on hip condition) to ballet. May/may not stay for ballet depending on carpool ability. Home for good either at 5:45 or 7:30. Much prefer 5:45!!!!!

And I used to wonder what women who didn't work DID all day! So much for drinking champagne and eating bonbons.........

Slow Tuesday

Not sure why today feels so slow (more precisely, why I feel so slow today!). My gramma would always say that she "didn't sleep well" -- I think that happened 90% of the time. Since she lived until almost 99 years old, I suppose a lack of sleep won't kill me! In any event, yesterday was a rather busy yet surprisingly relaxing day. Maggie's orthodontist appointment was non-typical in that they saw her late (they are always on time). She went DOWN a size in rubberbands, so her teeth weren't quite as sore. AND we had time to stop at Walgreens for more ice cream since the kind they had at the grocery was (apparently) not acceptable. Red skettis made for a "soft" dinner and all is well.

Today is Abby's busy busy day. She has her violin lesson after school. Gearing up for that recital (I'm so excited that I get to accompany her!). Then we rush across town to get her to a ballet class/rehearsal. I have a board (or is that bored?) meeting this morning. My last as Corresponding Secretary, although I've volunteered to stay on for another 6 months as Community Awareness Chair.

So, side from feeling a bit sleepy and just "off", it's a good Tuesday, I'm sure.....

More of Monday

Still getting into the swing of this, trying out new things and seeing what does (does not) work. So far, the day has gone well. Will leave in about 30 minutes to pick up the girls for Maggie's orthodontist appointment, then home for good.

Read the book of Daniel today. Of the prophets, I find him the easiest to read, digest, and understand. He's clear on what he says (at least in my opinion!) and I admire his character -- standing up (along with his three friends) for his God and his beliefs. Would that we could all be so brave and certain in our everyday lives!

Monday again....

although slightly different than "normal" this week in that instead of a ballet lesson, we are heading to the orthodontist after school. Maggie's had her braces for almost a year now and is doing quite well with them. Of course, after tightening ice cream and tylenol are "musts". And mushy food for dinner (red skettis tonight). Meanwhile, Abby gets to trail along (must be rough being a younger child sometimes!).

As for me, I've got the "normal" Monday activities. Going to yoga class this morning and then the grocery store -- is it just me or has the cost of groceries sky-rocketed in the past 2 years? I cannot possibly fill my cart for under $200. And try finding fresh produce (key word being fresh) here.

Tom is in town this week (last week was Houston). We're anticipating the new tile in the upstairs bathroom this week -- the schedule is to install in on Thursday and set the grout on Friday. Praying that at least the tub will be usable by the time Kay and Ray come to visit for the ballet recital!

Interesting "quote" from church yesterday (I don't have the exact words, so this is a paraphrase): "Rather than spending so much time and energy in figuring out WHY, we should spend more time in the "DO" and participate in our own lives." (Gerald May). To me, this means that God is fully in control and rather and constantly asking "why me?" perhaps the better question is "why NOT me?" and be more accepting of where we are. The example provided was that of Abraham -- when asked to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, instead of asking God "why" he just did it, trusting God and knowing that God had a reason and would fulfill the promises made previously.

Enough -- have a great week!

First Post

Well, here goes nothing! Not sure if this will end up being anything worth any value, but you never know.

A little about me right now -- at home, the end of Mother's Day which was spent with my older daughter at church. Did a bit of shopping at Target and had a quiet day at home. Attempted to watch "Slumdog Millionaire" with Tom for the second time -- but the DVD didn't work (again). So read a book (Grisham's "The Associate") and played cards with the girls.

Am now gearing up for the last full week of school with the girls prior to exams. Busy, but nothing too far out of the ordinary. More later (I hope!).