Monday again

This time the reason for the pain of Monday is achiness (please don't let me be getting ill!), HEAT, and the fact that after the power went off last night I mis-set my alarm for 6am, then just got back to sleep when it went off for the real time. So I skipped the gym, did the grocery run, and sat on the couch all morning. Takes a lot for me to take a day off from exercising (yep, it's one of my addictions), so you know something's up!

Another busy weekend. The girls have truly moved back into their re-done bathroom -- it has officially become a disaster area again. The kitchen table has been hit by a tornado, and there's a hurricane raging in Abby's room. Maggie's "learned" (from me!) how to make neat piles of her stuff along the walls in her room so it looks a bit better than cluttered in the middle of the bed or floor (as in her sister's room). And the pre-teen attitudes are going to make me crazy. Why won't my mom take the girls for the next 10 years and return them after that? Sigh.

Saturday we had our piano lesson as normal. The blessing was that there was NO BALLET classes, and we could sleep in (in my case, a bit after 8am). I take the weekends off from cooking (not that I'm a gourmet cook by any stretch!), so if you want anything that's not quick and easy, we order pizza. HAH. Sunday morning Abby joined me at church (they tend to rotate church attendance with the parents. Tom's still attending the Primitive Baptist Church whereas I'm a member of a local Bible Church). Our sermon was the last in the series on crises in the lives of the OT Saints. This particular one was on Ezekial. The specific crisis that was examined was that of his wife's death. Instead of mourning as per custom, God had instructed Ezekial to get on with his life, keep doing his preaching, and serve as an example to the people. I don't know about you, but even if God told me directly to NOT mourn Tom's eventual death, I'd be a serious questioner. I recognize that we are to put our love and obedience to God above everything else, but that's quite a high bar to live up to, at least for me. I look at my daughters and Tom and cannot imagine doing as Ezekial did -- any takers out there?

On a lighter note, in the afternoon we went to see the musical "Leader of the Pack" about Ellie Greenwich (she wrote "Da Doo Ron Ron", "Chapel of Love", "Leader of the Pack" and many others). Maggie's camp counselor was the dance captain for the show and was in it as well. It was a fun show and all four of us enjoyed it. And it's proved that this is the smallest part of the world I've ever lived in, though it took 4 1/2 years to prove that. I'll explain: I've gotten to the point where not only do I see people I know in places I wouldn't normally expect them, but I also learn that people I know are connected to other people I know through different groups. Two examples -- during Nutcracker last year I was talking with one of the other mother's and found out that she's friends with one of my Bible study friends as they are neighbors and go to the same church. She's friends with another of my Bible study friends as they home-school (I guess there's a network of home-schoolers or something). So, on Sunday, as we park the car we see a family whose daughters go to my daughters' school -- they are also at the show. We walk into the show and I see a different Bible study friend who is there to see a different person in the show. THEN I see the two different people I know talking -- they'd worked together years ago. THEN I read the program and the guy managing the musicians' instruments and audio is the guy that runs the music store where we used to go for piano lessons (and who re-strung Abby's violin last fall). FINALLY, Maggie recognizes several of the dancers (who previously participated in her summer ballet workshop), as well as several people in the audience (who are in her camp group). The only problem with going to the show was that Maggie and I were unable to help again at the vacation Bible school, at which we had fun last week. Sigh.

Anyway, going for sno-balls after camp today as we have NOTHING scheduled after camp all week (of course, we're leaving Thursday morning, so it's a really short week). Have a great one!

Saturday

Saturday, glorious Saturday. Not much on today's agenda, which was a blessing in itself. Slept until after 8, went for a walk (98 out that early in the morning!), laundry, ironing, drinking coffee, reading a book. Played cards with the girls and Tom joined in (he's not much of a game player -- this was a miraculous event!). Piano lesson, violin practicing, ordering pizza, relaxing. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday after an incredibly busy 3 weeks of camp AND ballet camp. This week we're down to only regular camp, and with the 4th of July holiday, no violin lesson this week. Whew! We are heading to Ingram, Texas for the 4th, spending Thursday and Friday in Austin. We're meeting up with a bunch of Tom's family he's gotten to know through his genealogy research. I've got a friend in Austin, so hopefully we can get together with them. They used to live here until they were katrina-ed -- 12 feet of water overtook their home and they chose to relocated permanently. Sigh.

In other news, life is very good. The bathroom remodel is done aside from a new shower curtain. Tom's braced the floor joists from below to limit any future floor bowing upstairs. Hope he takes some time off before the next project -- he gets really wrapped up in the work and I miss having time with him.

Can't think of much else to write for now, so I'll sign off until there's something interesting going on.....

Monday lighter blues

Not so blue, still sleepy. Got a lot done this morning. Dropped the girls off at camp, including dropping off snack for Abby's group (lemonade, and cookies). Headed to the gym, jogged a mile, lifted weights, rode the bike for 30 minutes. Went to the grocery and spent a lot of money (what's with the price of groceries?????). Came home, cooked dinner (red beans and rice with pork and green beans). Took a bath, ate lunch and here I am again. Leaving to get the girls soon. Bring them home, feed them an early dinner, take Maggie to ballet for 5:30. Come home again for a little bit and go pick her up for 7. PHEW!

In other news, yesterday's sermon was on one of my favorite OT books -- Esther. I like that there is at least one strong woman represented in the Bible! Raised by parents who (thankfully) ingrained a fierce independence in me, I admire and respect women of like character. In any event, Esther was characterized (appropriately) as having a divine destiny (serving God where he placed her) and a driving determination (focus on her purpose, often surrendering herself -- she put her life on the line). As for Biblical curiosities, I learned that the book of Esther is the only book in the Bible that does not reference God by any name. However, His hand is evident in how the events of the book play out. Additionally, I was reminded that there are only 2 books in the Bible named for women -- Esther and Ruth. In any event, the key message for me to take away was that I am at this point in my life for a reason and while I do not know the reason, it exists. Like most people, sometimes I don't like my life and what I need to do, but overall I am content and most times filled with joy. Not perfect by a long shot, but pleased with the journey thus far.

Enjoy a great week!

Monday Blues

Monday -- didn't sleep well, not feeling positive yet. Nothing a bit of exercise won't cure, but that will be in about an hour after getting the girls off to camp. Meanwhile, a bit of the blues. Sigh. Have to remember that there's a purpose for me being right where I am right now in God's eternal plan (yes, I do believe that!). Even though it's a rather blue place right now despite two relatively cheerful girls and sunshine outside. Sigh again. The weekend was good -- not great, but when ever are ALL our desires satisfied? A good mix of relaxing, some activity, good sermon, great fellowship, and an evening with new friends at church during VBS last night. I am so pleased with my new church. The people are so open and loving, the doctrine preached is what I believe the Bible tells us, and it fills up my joy-meter. I don't always see eye-to-eye with the rest of the congregation (and preacher) regarding the current politics of our nation, but let's just say I read more into the loving side of Christ and less into the rule-following side. Enough for that!

Speaking of politics, yesterday's paper had a head-line in the Living section supporting a Brad Pitt for Mayor group. I find this rather hilarious. Yes, he does own a home here and yes, he has given a lot of time and money to the region in the past few years. BUT this area is abounding with political and religious conservatives. And Brad is about as liberal as they come, don't you think? Is it just his celebrity status and financial generosity that are fueling this movement? In an area that is thoroughly pro-life, pro hetero-only marriage, pro-war (at least pro-defense with regards to our current operations in the Middle East), how on earth could there be a Brad-Pitt-for-Mayor movement? Maybe it's just the "liberal press" who are creating the hoopla. In any event, I just found it humorous, regardless of my personal views both politically and toward Mr. Pitt personally.

In any event, I do have a lot to be joyful for -- two healthy and happy children, shelter, enough food, the ability to not work right now, and yoga (ha ha!). On my way out the door -- more later!!!

Me again.....(duh -- who else would write here?)

Saturday evening -- Maggie's sleeping over at a friend's house, Abby got home about 7 after a LONG day swimming and playing with a friend, Tom's working (still/again) on the bathroom upstairs -- QUITE a project and he's a perfectionist (so unlike me!). Was it only 15 years ago that spending Saturday night at home was a horrible thing? hee hee! With the busyness around this house with the girls, I LOVE evenings at home, doing nothing but being in my pjs. Call me boring, but I'm content.

Tom and I managed to sneak a couple hours alone while both girls were gone. Trip for coffee and conversation (MUCH appreciated!) and then to Lowe's (NOT my first choice for a date-afternoon, but he was driving) to purchase a 96-inch fluorescent light bulb. How's that for excitement?????

In other news, it continues to be very HOT here -- I'd call it stifling except I believe that term refers more to a dry heat and that's certainly NOT what we've got here. Miserable is much more appropriate. I had to laugh at the weather report in the paper this morning. By Thursday's forecast there was a note that it was going to be "a bit cooler" -- e. g. the high was only to be 92. WOW -- I might just pull out my parka and scarf for that one!

Enjoyed doing yoga this morning. My hip was bothering me yesterday and I was pleased that it's resolved itself. No clue what caused the discomfort, but extra stretching and lying on a heating pad last night helped just fine. I refuse to give in to minor aches!

Looking forward to church tomorrow morning. Back on the series of "Crises in the lives of the Saints". Last week we had a guest preacher, so it'll be nice to get back to the series. I'll pick Maggie up on my way to church and take her with me. Guess Abby will go with Tom. No other plans for the day which is fine with me! I've got an entertaining book and if things get really boring, some ironing to do. The week will be hectic -- last week of ballet workshop and the people we carpool with will be gone, so I'll be driving Maggie both ways. Since she loves it and she's managed to maintain an "A" average in school despite her dance commitment, how can I say no? Since I'm no longer in a monetary-paying job, I've got the time and ability to take her to her activities -- as long as those grades stay up (doesn't have to be all As, but I'd be disappointed with a C given past performance!).

More as the week progresses.....

Almost the end of another week

Where does the time go? It's been so crazy busy here! With camp and Maggie's ballet workshop, I don't think I'm ever home. Only one more week of ballet workshop -- it'll be nice to not be cooking dinner at 10am! With ballet class around 5pm every evening, dinner is either right after camp or late, so I've just been cooking early and putting it in tupperware -- I feel like Robin Miller with my pre-cooked/pre-prepped meals! HAH. Today it was chicken, roasted potatoes, and green beans. Tomorrow I think it's going to be something really simple like broccoli with pasta -- plain for Abby, butter for Maggie, and with an alfredo sauce for Tom. Saturday we have a day off -- the piano teacher is out of town for the weekend, so there's nothing on the agenda. I don't think I'll get to have another day "off", but it'll certainly be less hectic than when there are ballet classes/rehearsals on Saturday mornings and piano lessons in the afternoon.

This week I've done my part to bolster the economy by spending money. Monday was a huge run to the grocery -- why do you run out of all the staples and things like paper towels and TP and the same time? And it's always the heavy stuff. And I'm not the best at steering the cart when it's heavy! HAH. Mr. Terminix came on Monday also. I'm actually quite pleased with our service -- I learned the last time he was there that they never raise the rates for existing customers -- what you pay when you first sign on with them is what you pay for forever. We pay $80 quarterly, and he told me he's got 2 customers that pay only $25 and that have been with the service for over 20 years. Thought that was an interesting business model!

Tuesday my book club met. We read "Three weeks with my Brother" by Nicholas and Micah Sparks. It was auto-biographical about the brothers' journey on a 3 week around the world trip as well as into their history and their families. VERY interesting and I recommend it to anyone. Everyone in my book group liked it and we all had recommended it to others. It's a pretty quick read as well (as are, I understand, Mr. Sparks' books in general -- I'll admit to having never read any of them!).

Wednesday was my out-of-the-house day. So I spent money again -- this time at SAM'S (various detergents, peanut butter, splenda, vitamins, etc.) and then at the "gourmet" coffee shop where I buy my flavored coffees. Today and tomorrow are slower for me -- my weeks are always front-end loaded.

Meanwhile Tom continues on the bathroom re-do. The mirrors are now up, the sink plumbing re-connected. He's currently repositioning an outlet. Still has some work on the vent and finishing up the closet and then the final painting (probably something more in there, but who knows?). My parents returned from their African journey and I advised my mom that I've volunteered her to sew us a shower curtain since I cannot find one that matches. They're coming next month, so we can go to the fabric store and get something -- I just want something that's identical to the plastic liner buy fabric. No fancy curtains or anything. But I can't find anything that matches. Sigh. Tom's done a REALLY great job! He's much more a perfectionist than I am and that's impressive to me. I'm a get-it-done-as-quick-as-possible person in almost everything. I am so not a perfectionist in anything that takes too much effort! I like being "done" too much to get things done perfectly.

Suppose that's it for now. More to come in the future -- maybe even something more insightful than the day to day drivel.......

the day after my day off

Ah! how WONDERFUL to have a day off yesterday! Tom and the girls left at about 8:15 yesterday morning for their canoe trip and didn't return until about 7. I did do 2 loads of laundry and enjoyed some yoga. After a nice bubble bath, I put on boxers and a big t-shirt, put the hair in a mom-bun (didn't even brush it) and opened a new book. PERFECT day off in my book! They apparently had a great time canoeing, despite getting a bit too much sun.

Today, back to being busy. And trying to get ahead for the next couple days which are again over-scheduled (you'd think summer would slow down -- not yet here!). Tomorrow the girls have camp and we are in dire need of some groceries. Mr. Terminix is coming also for the quarterly visit. Tuesday I have book-club during the day. Both afternoons see Maggie at ballet (Tuesday she also has pilates) and Tuesday has Abby at violin (she's learning one of Bach's Minuets that I actually learned on piano years ago and can still play!). SO, after a great visit at church this morning, Maggie and I made a stop at Walgreens (ACH! my daughter bought make-up!) I came home and cooked dinner for the next two nights (tonight Tom ordered pizza for after piano lessons). I don't think I've ever before had all 4 burners on the stove-top running at the same time, not even for Thanksgiving or Christmas! BUT we've got packaged dinners ready. WHEW! Spent a few hours relaxing and then took the girls for their re-scheduled piano lesson. Home and done for the day.

Hope all have a GREAT week!

week 1 of camp down!

We survived our first of 3 INCREDIBLY busy weeks here. The girls started day camp on Monday which goes 9-3 -- one hour less than they spend at school, which keeps me jumping a bit more to get errands done during the day, but that's not the crazy part. Maggie is also participating in a 3 week ballet workshop which meets EVERY afternoon/evening. So, we get home from camp, have either a short break or an early dinner, and then pick up her friend and head to ballet. For most days, I can carpool and be "done" after dropping them off. EXCEPT for Tuesday when we leave camp, head immediately to Abby's violin lesson and straight from there to ballet, where Maggie arrives at least 20 minutes late (can't be in 2 places at the same time and, of course, violin is closer to the "river" side of town and ballet is at the "lake" side of town). Since we can't pick up her friend to carpool, Abby and I run errands (or sit at Starbucks) and then pick Maggie up to go home where we heat up dinner (made at 10am) and eat. Wednesday this week was also hectic. I'm spoiled to have a cleaning lady, but she's there in the morning. So this week I showered at the gym and then ran to buy Maggie a skirt for the character dancing part of ballet workshop. Ran from there to my friend's house where our Bible study group was getting together. Left there to pick up the girls. Picked up dinner on the way home at the Chinese place (no cooking at 10am at least!) and then did the ballet carpool. This Thursday, aggie'Ms ballet group performed their recital piece at the library for the children's story hour -- so we'd dropped Abby off at camp, came home so I could shower, and headed to the library. Left there to return her to camp for 12 before returning a couple hours later for the afternoon -- at least this time, however, I cooked dinner in the afternoon rather than the morning. Today was actually pretty slow. Quick run to the grocery after the gym, home after the ballet carpool and an hour of quiet before making 'skettis for supper. Tomorrow I GET A DAY OFF!!!!!!!!! Tom's taking the girls canoeing with a friend/colleague and his daughters in Mississippi. I plan to stay home and do as little as possible -- probably yoga, bath, and read all day. Yep, I'm boring and proud of it. Sunday will be church and that's about it. Down-time before starting again on Monday......

Enjoy the weekend! I'll probably have more to say later......

Update -- recitals and camp.....

Well, the other two recitals went VERY well. Abby played her violin piece perfectly and her accompianist (that would be me) didn't make any errors. WHEW. Sunday was the piano recital -- Maggie played her pieces perfectly -- Abby made a goof and got a bit flustered, but managed to make her way through that piece, did the other perfect, and left the stage with a smile on her face. A couple other kids had "goofs" too, so it wasn't bad. And, unlike the violin recital (which is very professional and serious as befitting a "real" music school), the piano teacher is quite laid-back and the entire atmosphere was relaxed. I think the exposure to both the formal and relaxed strategies is good for the girls, but what do I know? Just worked out that we've got a casual piano teacher and a "serious" school for violin (although Abby's teacher is quite kind and the two of them enjoy teasing each other). In any event, it was nice to go to both recitals.

Also nice to go back to church Sunday. He preached on King David as part of the series on "crises in the lives of saints". The specific crisis for David was the event where Absalom returned after 3 years away from Jerusalem after killing a man for raping his sister. Absalom decided to uproot his father from the kingdom. David's reaction to this crisis was the message -- David first left the city with his closest advisors in order to protect his subjects in case Absalom laid siege to the city, thus preventing many potential deaths. Additionally, David stopped to pray during his fleeing, trusting that God would help him out as he had done previously (with the lion, Goliath, Saul, etc.). In any event, the message for me was to remain steadfast in faith even when there is a "crisis" going on all around me and to remember that I am not the priority -- unlike David who had a kingdom to protect, I have a family to protect and to always keep that in mind.

The girls began camp this morning. I dropped them off for 9 and headed to the gym then the grocery. Came home to cook dinner (due to ballet workshop schedule) and get in the bath -- didn't get to sit down to take a break until 12:39. Never ends. Picked them up for 3 and fed them dinner. Took Maggie to ballet for 5:30 and home in a DOWNPOUR (and it wasn't supposed to rain this week -- go figure). She got home about 30 minutes ago, understandably exhausted between camp and ballet. She'll sleep well tonight!

The rest of the week looks to be about the same. My Bible study group is getting together Wednesday morning which will be nice. We don't meet in the summer, so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. I saw one of the ladies at the ballet recital (friends' of her daughter go to the same ballet school) and one at the violin recital (her daughter takes voice and piano there). But it's nice to have fellowship during the "off" season.

Hope you all have a great week!

Recital Update -- one down, two to go!

The ballet recital was last night. Dress rehearsal (for us) went from 10:15-2pm. Back at 5:30 for warm-up. And they keep the place as cold as an ice-box. Despite the fact that it was 90 out yesterday, I was dressed in a LONG skirt, long-sleeved top, and ended up with my fleece on. One of my friends made a coffee run and THANKFULLY brought me back one to help warm me up! The performance was GREAT. Maggie was in a dance with the 3 other girls her age. They all got their pointe shoes last year and this was their first time doing a dance en-pointe. One of the instructors thought their teacher was quite ambitious for teaching them as complex a dance as it was, but the girls all hit it spot on. WELL DONE to all of them! Both my girls were in a dance together shortly afterwards (who cares as much about the dances your children aren't in, no?). This was a ballet to two Sousa marches. The girls were all in white outfits with red ribbons and a blue front with gold "crowns" of tinsil stars. It's a spectacular dance. The older girls were all in their pointe shoes, marching and leaping across the stage, Abby's age were on the sides, marching and saluting. I'd seen the dance a few years ago and it is really a special one and not what you anticipate at a ballet recital. In the second act, Abby's age group put on a "Doll Shoppe" dance. She was one of the Swiss dolls. It's a cute dance for the younger girls, showing that they've developed more skill and poise than the youngest group, but still appropriate for them. The finale was an original ballet coreographed this year to a medley of 5 symphonic Beatles' songs. Maggie was in the first number -- set to "Across the Universe". The girls all were wearing silver unitards (UGH!). Several held lit round Japanese lanterns, Maggie's age group were "comets" running across the stage and around the "planets" with lightes ribbons. The lighting was all quite dim and it was spectacular. The next segment was of a couple, courting to "Oba-di-obi-da". It was cute and sweet. The third number was a solo to "Michelle" -- the young woman who danced it is very talented and it was beautiful. The fourth tune was "When I'm 64" and had the couple returning and dancing with 5 of the younger girls (Abby's age group, though Abby wasn't in this dance). The finale was the whole cast dancing to "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds". The girls all wore different brightly colored leotards and again, it was spectacular. After that, Maggie and I went over to one of her friend's houses for some lasagna and cake. Home about 11:30, pooped!

Tom and his dad went fishing today with a 3:30 wake-up call. I never heard them leave. I was up (as usual) by 7:30 and went walking, finding the temperature had gone down to the 70s (RARE at this time of year!). Came home to find Kay up, showered, and visited with her. Abby came down about 10:30 and the three of us played a card game. Maggie was up about 11:45 and I made (re-heated) the pizza. Piano lesson for 2pm and home for the afternoon. The gentlemen came home about 5 with fish and I cooked that up with some rice and green beans. I laughed to Kay that I never cook when they visit (as they come during busy times like Nutcracker and recital when there's not time and we do carry-out!), so I actually cooked for them. Simple meal, but it was certainly tasty!

Girls are showering, Tom is napping, Kay and Ray are watching some TV. They return home tomorrow as they are then heading to California next week to see Tom's sister and her family. Abby's violin recital is tomorrow and Sunday is the piano recital. Monday starts summer camp and Maggie's participating in a ballet camp for the next 3 weeks. BUSY summer, no doubt!

Hope all are well!

Just a quick one -----

GREAT weekend here! Lots of ballet on Saturday -- Abby had rehearsal 10:45-12:45, Maggie had rehearsal 11:45-2:30 (they overlap as they are in one dance together). And best of all, TOM CAME HOME!!!!! Jet-lagged as per normal, but in one piece. Got his laundry going and was able to finish it up by bed-time.

Sunday was one of the few times I miss church "regularly" -- while I don't believe it's an obligation to go to church, I truly enjoy worshiping God and learning more via the sermon. And I get encouragement from being around people who believe as I do. In any event, I tend to only miss church for the ballet luncheon (set-up starts at 9:30am which conflicts), during Nutcracker weekend, and when we're on holiday. I recently joined a new church that's much smaller than the one I'd been attending. I received an e-mail from the pastor -- "we missed you, praying all is well". He'd been on holiday over Memorial Day weekend, so we hadn't crossed paths for over 2 weeks. Nice to have a community that cares and wants to make sure you are ok. In any event, the ballet luncheon was a lot of fun this year. The more Maggie (and Abby, although she plans on quitting after the review) gets involved, the more I get to know the other parents and enjoy socializing with them. We were able to get all the auction items set up and everything ready by 11:15 am, which allowed for a Starbucks run to get some coffee to warm up (they keep the room at freezer level!). I worked most of the event -- setting up the auction, then greeting people as they arrived, and then checking people out with checks and purchases. Maggie and her friends also got involved helping out (they are at the PERFECT age for it!). And by staying late we got "marked-down" items that weren't sold during the auction. Some good values (especially considering the cost of the lunch itself.....). We got home a bit after 4pm to find Tom working on the bathroom upstairs. It's getting there. The shower and toilet are usable, but the cabinets and sink aren't in yet. We're having guests this week, so at least they'll have a shower and toilet upstairs to use!

Today Maggie joined me for my yoga class at the gym. I think she enjoyed it (she said she did!). The younger participants (my age on down) weren't there as their kids are too little to bring and are now out of school), so it was us an the "old" people (old being relative -- in actuality they start at 10 years older than me and go up to mid-70s). But it was fun. Meanwhile, Tom met with some inspectors regarding the joists and support for the bathroom upstairs -- he's got a direction in which to proceed to fix it to alleviate his concerns, as well as some comfort in knowing that his assessment was correct. The girls and I headed out on errands -- to Michael's to "get something to do", the ballet shop to get a nude leotard for Maggie, and the grocery. With a "lazy mom" stop at Wendy's on the way home for lunch. In the afternoon we had a repairman out to look at the refrigerator in the garage -- it's the one that got Katrina'd -- no power for a LONG time, full of rotting food, etc. There's a problem with the compressor which would cost enough to replace that replacing the whole thing is a better choice. We'll see what Tom wants to do -- the only reason we have a second refrigerator is because we couldn't get rid of enough of the "aroma" to keep it in the kitchen for daily use and got a new one after the storm. His call, I don't use the one outside at all.

Ballet this afternoon -- dropped Abby off and took Maggie and her friend for an early dinner, dropped Maggie and her friend off and went to buy hooks for shower curtains, came back to pick Abby up and come home -- Maggie just got home with her friend's mom. WHEW!!!!!

Guess that was more than quick........