Free to Be You and Me

My mom let me listen to this when I was a child, I found it the other day on a trip to the library-- it is really very sweet-- a little dated, but mostly good messages !
My personal favorite is the spoken word track #6 by, Carol Channing~

Free to Be You and Me~


Marlo Thomas and Friends in a wonderful collection of stories and songs. Organized by Marlo Thomas, this CD also includes hilarious tracks from Carol Channing, Alan Alda, Mel Brooks, Rosie Grier, and more.
Tracks are balanced between songs, stories and poems.
Free To Be...You And Me I think of Marlo Thomas first as "That Girl" and then as Danny's daughter and tireless worker for St. Jude's Hospital. This album is her project from 1972 that included an amazing list of names and some really great tracks. Free to Be... You and Me has recently been re-released by Sony/Legacy. Marlo Thomas and Friends also released Thanks and Giving in the last few years - a sort of sequel to Free to Be... You and Me.
The tracks made me laugh and cry. I suspect this will appeal to all but may be especially sentimental for adults who were kids of the 60s/70s. Today's kids will like the CD but they won't 'get' the full effect of Rosie Grier singing "It's All Right To Cry." Other tracks have true classic appeal. These include Carol Channing's (spoken) "Housework" and a comic dialogue between Marlo Thomas and Mel Brooks called "Boy Meets Girl."

Track Listing
Free To Be You And Me - The New Seekers
Boy Meets Girl - Mel Brooks and Marlo Thomas
When We Grow Up - Diana Ross
Don't Dress Your Cat In An Apron - Billy De Wolfe
Parents Are People - Harry Belafonte and Marlo Thomas
Housework - Carol Channing
Helping - Tom Smothers
Ladies First - Marlo Thomas
Dudley Pippin And The Principal - Billy De Wolfe, Marko Thomas, Bobby Morse
It's All Right To Cry - Rosey Grier
Sisters And Brothers - Sisters and Brothers
My Dog Is A Plumber - Dick Cavett
William's Doll - Alan Alda and Marlo Thomas
Atalanta - Alan Alda and Marlo Thomas
Grandma - Diana Sands
Girl Land - Jack Cassidy and Shirley Jones
Dudley Pippin And His No-Friend - Bobby Morse and Marlo Thomas
Glad To Have A Friend Like You - Marlo Thomas
Free To Be...You And Me - The New Seekers
Notes:"Helping" is a favorite Shel Silverstein poem done by Tom Smothers.
"William's Doll" - I had no clue that Alan Alda could sing. Neat song too.
"Ladies First" also reminds me of a Shel Silverstein piece

Autumn

If you look to the side, and scroll down some, you can see a picture of Jessica's latest creations...!

While at church this weekend, she made these--

pieces of fabric, that look Tye-dyed -- but aren't

(I plan on asking the teacher how they did it -- so that maybe we can do it with Shane!)

One says, I love Jesus... although she spelled Jesus wrong... [still very cute...]

The other says, I can't wait to meet you in Heaven!

Jessica is still working on spelling, but her message is so clear !

Monday mumbling More sleep PLEASE!

Being a human being is like being a pumpkin.God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc.Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see. This was passed on to me from another pumpkin.
(my dear Aunt Patsy) {thanks!}

I didn't want to get up this morning, I was warm and comfy in my bed, I didn't want to know that it was another glorious day...(insert sarcasm...)But the alarm, (annoyed me enough to...) to roll over and get moving~
Jessica was slow to get moving this morning, I went outside and started the car, hoping that it would get warmer and the windows would clear up~ Shane decided not to get dressed--so I wrapped him up in his favorite blue blanket and put him in the car.Jessica finally made it out to the car and off we went to drop Jessica off at school, I gave her a kiss and wished her Happy Monday.(I was trying to give her a Good start, hopefully it worked!)
On the way home I was looking at the sky to see if the weather might change today, and I saw a most welcome sight--- [You, will have to use your imagination-- I didn't have my camera with me...]
I saw clouds all around that were shades of grey, and then I looked some more and I saw beams of light shining down, it was like seeing proof of God's promise, --there wasn't a rainbow but ... it was such a beautiful sight that it filled me with the knowledge that He is there and watching,
and the small things just help to make the big things easier!
Life is never easy, but seeing the sky and knowing that someone was in charge was a blessing, I hope that today I look at EVERYTHING in my day --- as a blessing!

I wasn't able to take a picture of the the turkey noodle soup, it got eaten too fast...
There was almost a fight, over the Pumpkin/banana pie that I made-- so please use your imagination,...again! {lol}
{usually I give the biggest piece to my "dear hubby" but I had worked hard on the soup and the pie, I figured that I DESERVED to enjoy --more than usual...so.. my poor dear husband, Jerry only got one... piece of pie!--oops...hehehe...
I bet God will forgive me !
I ...pray! LOL! }
But, I do want you to know that the food was ....sooooooo good ! yummmmm!
nananaanana I had good home cookin! What about you???

**** I did finish reading some of the books, from a previous post, I plan to comment on them later today!****

Seeing,Hearing, and Smells to come!

I look outside and see...
the squirrels, digging more and more holes in my front lawn~
all the leaves that I had swept off of the sidewalk, back on the sidewalk~
the neighbors trying hard to keep the black walnuts that fall from staining their driveway~

As I surf the 'net I hear...
the kids asking for new batteries~
the kids talk about how they love to "camp-out" in Mommy and Daddy's bed, early Saturday mornings~
the coffee maker, creating that glorious eye opening liquid~ (coffee)

As I get the kids their breakfast,
the phone rings, with a request for dinner...
(I love to cook turkeys, and I have learned to make homemade noodles, so my dear husband wants homemade turkey noodle soup...)

I know I am not the best writer, which makes me sad,
but I do know that home-cooked meals that get eaten up the night they are served --
fills my heart that my work is GOOD!

(now, if I can find some batteries ... (for me and the camera...[hence the coffee!])
I plan to ~~ create the turkey noodle soup,and take some pictures!

Doesn't this post make you hungry? it does me!

What are your favorite seasonal foods?

Pardon me while I rant ~

Why~

are there commericals in the early morning about Passion Party's?

are there commericals about ED--?

I guess my complaint is that these commericals could be run during late night shows, when more of the "demographic" for that product would be watching!

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On, another topic...
I found out ... that if you give Shane a big package of toilet paper to carry while shopping, he is MUCH more focused!---
Note to self : Buy large packages of toilet paper often, to keep Shane focused!

Later today ~ I hope to post some comments, and possible pictures of Jessica, she is going to Herrick Farms today, I can't go with her, but I understand that she will have a pumpkin and stories to tell when she gets home!

I was playing with the font called Webdings- (see below..)

8888888888888888888
qqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqqq
wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]]
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
ddddddddddddddddddd
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aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
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ghghghghghghghghghg
wowwwoooowowowowowo
lllllllllllllllllll
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Ebb and Flow

Yesterday I mentioned, Shane's meltdown after the bus ride home--
Today I spoke with his teachers at school and also the bus-drivers' supervisor.
I feel like such a pest when I go back and figure out why Shane melted down, and then talk about how to lessen the size of the meltdown. This driver doesn't really understand that Shane is not able to always change his behavior quickly. I don't understand why, if she is driving the "special needs" (I am beginning to really hate that term...Special..needs...!)
bus, then why hasn't she been more pro-active in finding out how to deal with Shane, or even the other kids...
I guess that I just expect other people to be inquisitive ~ this must be the Ebb...

Last night Shane and Jerry were having trouble sleeping, I ended up in Shane's bed, all alone-- and Jerry and Shane were in Mommy and Daddy's bed-- This morning Shane slept in and then greeted me with the sweetest comment,
This must be the flow~ Mommy, I had the best sleep night ever!

It's like fighting off an invisible enemy, how do I as a parent, keep my sanity while parenting my active and sometimes difficult children?!

When my daughter was little, most of her issues were medical, and that seemed to be -- easier--as long as I followed the instructions we seemed to have good results. But I have yet to find a ---home-prescription to create a ..."happy parent for Shane"-- so...

I went to the library(by myself!)
and now I will be reading to see
if there is anything that might help us!

Understanding your young child with special needs by Pamela Bartram
The Everything parent's guide to children with Autism by Adelle Jameson Tilton
Quirky Kids by Perri Klass M.D. and Eileen Costello M.D.
Parenting Your Complex Child by Peggy Lou Morgan
Special Diets for Special Kids by Lisa Lewis, Ph.D
I have a feeling that I won't read each book cover to cover, but hopefully I will find some new information!

As I look at this post in preview, it doesn't look very intresting... so I am hoping that the books will create some new, funny, life expirences!

Stretching the Elastic more, and more!

Overheard while waiting for this page to load,
Just shake your head like an ek-o-sketch~ {to get those pictures out of your head...!}

As a mom, sometimes I feel like the elastic that is holding my world together
has stretched too far, and it's just time to get new elastic!!
During the last three days, we have washed the bathroom sink and counter down,
(each day...) along with rinsing a bunch of shampoo,toothpaste, and hand soap down the drain.
Today, when Shane got off the bus from school, his bottom lip was sticking out so far,
he wouldn't even walk off the bus, I had to carry him, and all the while he was crying in my arms. ...Another meltdown.... The driver doesn't seem to understand that when Shane gets upset, the only thing that helps is time and patience-- I guess our driver is not big on being patient! ---

My husband was in charge of taking all the cookie dough orders to his family,
and so he took my dear,darling, lovely,one in a million daughter on the motorcycle!!!!!!!

So, I guess this post is all about how I need more support...from my "Mommy's' elastic"!

Are you listening God???? I need you!

I propose, sabbaticals for Moms !

• Sabbatical year
  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  
  For Biblical concept, see Shmita.
  A sabbatical year is a prolonged hiatus, typically one year, in the career of an individual taken in order to fulfill some goal, e.g., writing a book or traveling extensively for research. Some universities and other institutional employers of scientists, physicians, and/or academics offer a paid sabbatical as an employee benefit, called sabbatical leave. Some companies offer an unpaid sabbatical for people wanting to take career breaks - this is a growing trend in the UK, with 20% of companies having a career break policy, and 10% considering introducing one.[1]
  
  Sabbaticals are often taken by professors, pastors, cartoonists (e.g. Gary Larson and Bill Watterson), musicians (e.g. Cindy Wilson, Bobby McFerrin) and sportsmen (e.g. Alain Prost). Academic sabbaticals are typically for one year following six years of full-time employment.
  
  In UK students' unions, particularly in higher education institutions, students can be elected to become sabbatical officers of their students' union, either taking a year out of their study (in the academic year following their election) or remaining at the institution for a year following completion of study. Sabbatical officers are usually provided with a living allowance or stipend.
  
  I figure that Mothers are
• professors: of our children/and homes
• in-term pastors : of our family
• cartoonists: when the words aren't getting thru, only the voices in our head are~
• musicians: just to so that we can have peace of mind,that postive things in, positive things out
• sportsman: going thru the grocery store with two kids is...a sport...

I have put in my 6 years, and if you really want to be technical, then you can include the time I was pregnant.--

{if you are looking for a longer,more detailed list of all the jobs, Mom's hold, check out the post called, I hereby- Quit-eth! at www.Inthelifeofachild.blogspot.com }

Therefore, I would like to request a sabbatical with PAY!

Just a Public Service Announcement!

Watch Good Morning America on Tuesday, October 23rd~~~~

TUESDAY -- She's back! Carrie Underwood climbs Billboard charts with ease, rocked Bryant Park this summer and now she's live in Times Square to perform songs from her CD debuting today, "Carnival Ride," the follow up to her sextuple platinum debut, "Some Hearts." Watch her perform on Tuesday, Oct. 23 only on "Good Morning America" from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. EDT. After the show visit GMAConcerts.com to watch the performance, check our concert schedule, and read about the artists.

(I LOVE Carrie Underwood !)

Inside Edition!,Paradox,The Next American Band

I just wanted to share something, that came my way via, my cousin Elizabeth!
Jessica Seinfelds Cook Book: Are All the Recipes Hers?http://www.insideedition.com/ourstories/reports/story.aspx?storyid=1005

Hopefully the link above will take you to the story !!
if not, just go to
http://www.insideedition.com/ and then to the Jessica Seinfeld story!

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On a different topic~~



I have some dear friends' who have seen my blog,

they wanted to be mentioned,(He, Lynn.... is very cool, and musical...not to mention a GREAT dad, and Granddad...) (Debbie is the lovely, hardworking mom,and grandmom who keeps things organized and fun!)

Last night, while watching TV and reading a book... I found a new show on FOX that is very similar to American Idol!...,

**2-HOUR SERIES PREMIERE**THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND
Visit
the OLIVER BEENE web site
-->
“THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND” PREMIERES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, ON FOX
First of Three Special 2-Hour Episodes
The producers behind mega-hit phenomenon AMERICAN IDOL take the musical reality genre to a whole new performance level with a mission to find undiscovered groups on THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND. Singer/songwriter John Rzeznik (The Goo Goo Dolls), legendary percussionist and performer Sheila E. (“The Glamorous Life,” “A Love Bizarre”) and Australian TV personality Ian “Dicko” Dickson (“Australian Idol”) serve as judges while Dominic Bowden (“New Zealand Idol”) hosts. From tonight’s auditions, Rzeznik, Sheila E. and Dickson will narrow down the hopefuls to 12 semifinalist bands who will perform either original music or covers of varied styles in front of a live studio audience. The judges will have their say after the performances each week, but viewers will vote for their favorite bands to determine who stays in the competition. Voting begins immediately after each show, and the results will be announced by Bowden at the start of the following episode. The season finale will bring the ultimate battle of the bands, with the last three groups competing to secure a contract with 19 Recordings and the title of Next Great American Band. It all begins when the first chord is struck in the “Auditions” episode of THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND premiering Friday, Oct. 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (IDB-101/102) (TV-PG; L) CC
Judges: Johnny Rzeznik, Sheila E. and Ian “Dicko” DicksonHost: Dominic Bowden

So, anyway ... Lynn is the leader of the band Jerry sings for (Paradox)

{ www.paradoxtheband.com/ }.. and last night Lynn and his wife Debbie were watching this show just like I was--- I wonder if Lynn wanted Paradox, to be on the show, performing against the others! Hummm...

{{{Maybe this post will cause, Lynn to comment??????hint...hint!}}}
Insert humor in comment section! LOL!

Why is it Raining ? Meet the Robinsons' !

While out driving today, the kids and I got stuck in the car while the rain came down.--
The rain came down with such force, the kids were afraid it was going to come thru the roof.

Jessica popped up and said, "Well, maybe God is mad and that is why he is throwing the rain at us?"

Shane said, "God, just isn't having a good day!, I bet he's grumpy, he needs a nap!

Grocery day is always a challenge for me, because Shane doesn't do well in stores, he likes to be constantly moving, and he doesn't understand/or follow boundaries. I try to keep positive when we are out, but after a while I just want to duct tape him to the cart and get thru the store...!!!!!


However, today while I was at Winco,--- I got a complement! --- Shane had been in the grocery cart, since he hadn't been following directions~~ and he squished my bread--(I know that doesn't sound like a big thing, but I was angry and frustrated...I had asked him to be careful of the groceries, already... and he STILL squished the bread!)


So, I took him out of the cart and explained why I was mad, and what he did, then I asked for an apology, he did and we just ...kept moving...un-loading the groceries on the convayerbelt.(I know I spelled this word wrong, but spell check, isn't even helping!!!!AGH!) The clerk heard my comments to Shane, and said..."Thank You, for talking with your son instead of yelling at him, and helping him to see what he did wrong !"


I mentioned that he has special needs, so I tend to give him more directions ~
then I might if --- he wasn't~ Shane has a short attention span, often I find my self repeating a lot of requests. While at one of the stores, Shane explained that his ears were full of things... and that is why he wasn't listening! So, I guess I need to check his ears for things more often????


On another...more happy note... my favorite movie is soon to be out on DVD...

Meet the Robinson's

Synopsis:Meet the Robinsons
Lewis is an orphan who dreams of finding a family. His journey takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson whisks him away to a world where anything is possible…THE FUTURE. There, he meets an incredible assortment of characters and a family beyond his wildest imagination, The Robinsons, who help lead him on an amazing and hilarious adventure with heartfelt results. Based upon the book ‘A Day with Wilbur Robinson’ by William Joyce.

I can't wait.... I think that my husband might even buy it for me as a late birthday gift...
I'll have to RE-MIND him that it's in stores October 23rd! YAY!!!!!

Birth Control and other assorted things...

This evening while I was making dinner, I overheard the news that in Portland, Maine-- They are going to let 11-13 year old receive birth control!(Without the parents' knowledge!)

Just that statement made my hear skip a beat...!
I asked Jessica when she should have sex, and
she said, "When I'm an official grown-up..."
(like when she is 30 and happily married!)
Shane was listening as well, and he said, "Well, I want to marry my Daddy, " Jessica interrupted and said .."Boys can't marry boys...ewwww....yuck! "

I stopped what I was doing, and explained that having sex, can make a baby,-- and that is why they wanted to give the "pill" to teen girls so they won't have babies, Jessica said -- "But, you can't have babies, till you are married!"
I am sure this topic will keep coming up, but for now...
it seems like the kids are hearing and retaining what Jerry and I are trying to teach!

Before I was a Mommy, I always thought that the conversation about sex would wait till the kids were 11-13... With Shane and Jessica we have been talking about it since birth..., I hope that this helps to keep the door of communication open well past their teen years.

Pumpkin Patch

Shane's class went to the Pumpkin Patch today, we just missed the rain.~

The boy who was raised as a dog, and Standards of Parenting...

This week has started out busy~ What a new and innovative comment...
~~~think sarcasm....lots and lots... of sarcasm......~~~~~~

Last night I was on the phone when it was bedtime, (bad Mommy...)
So, when I FINALLY got off the phone,
I went and snuggled for a while with each of the kids~
Jessica just had to tell me about how her...*embarrassed* butt, hurts sometimes, and the bottom of her feet, I have a feeling that Jessica is growing, yet again !I remember her mentioning that she was jumping rope a bunch the other day at recess...---maybe the reason for the butt pain? --- I shall wait and see...
Shane was so happy to have me in his room, he kept asking me to stay and snuggle all night...--When I finally said I need to go, he said, "Mommy, I love you son!"... I smiled and laughed, then he said "I'm the son you're the mommy!"--- I guess that means I'm not his own personal sunshine???

Lately I have been finding books to read that are umm....different,
This week ~
The Boy who was raised as a Dog by Bruce D Perry,MD.,Ph.D, & Maia Szalavitz
There are many true to life stories in the book about,
how children recover/relearn how to get past their traumatized past--
I wish that we could get this book to teens who are making poor choices, it isn't the easiest read, but I bet it might get the teens re-thinking some of their choices.
It is just makes me sad that in this day and age of the Internet and all the new-technology out there, that child abuse is still around. Oprah and Dr.Phil, like to say when you know better you do better, I just wish it would take people less time to learn the TOUGH lessons !(or that they wouldn't have to learn and re-learn lessons that seem simple to others)

Yesterday, I helped out with the PTO at Jessica's school, and it was amazing to see that some parents --- are just not involved or interested in their children, and then others are all about the perks of parenting, the competition to sell more, and then be, more--- popular?!
{We were counting the monies from the Cookie Dough sales, the difference between the packets was drastic, some were well filled out, with the child's name written in and all the information,correct; and some were so unfinished we had to call home and ask for more information or more money.}
I learned that not all parents, go back and double check ....everything the kids do...
Now, that was a lesson I bet -- I will have to re-learn again and again! I am not the best at going back and checking up on my kids, but geez... ...Standard parenting no longer exists!

I was hoping to add some humor to this post but, as I look around at my messy house I can't think of anything that is funny
Maybe you could post a comment that adds some humor?!

Garth Brooks & Circulation

I have my own personal paparazzi -- his name is Shane, and his favorite time to pester me, is when I am trying to make a meal!!!
Shane has such huge mood swings when it comes to food either he is ...Starving....
or he won't want to eat anything, except saltine crackers!

Just the other day Jessica and Shane watched a video by Bill Nye the Science Guy...It was called Blood and Circulation.. the kids really enjoy finding out how things work, and they think the body is so ... "cool".

Anyway, today Shane was trying to play

(when this toy was new it didn't always work, but that never stopped Shane...!)

with a toy that makes ANNOYING noises, like a siren and car driving sounds--

I overheard Shane saying "Whatcha goin' do when the circulation gonna get you..." Apparently, Shane had heard the theme from, America's Most Wanted and decided to incorporate it into his play...! { I took time out to explain to Shane that only people and animals have blood, and internal organs-- toys don't-- I really don't know if he understood me-- So I will have,to listen closely while he plays today!}

Never a boring or dull moment ~



While watching Good Morning America today,

Garth Brooks Joins Forces with Susan G. Komen for the Cure with Pink Edition of ‘The Ultimate Hits’
Album Sales Support Work of Global Breast Cancer Leader
DALLAS – October 15, 2007 – Garth Brooks, the fastest-selling solo artist in music history, is joining forces with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, with the release of the Pink Edition of “Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Hits.”
The Pink Edition. The Pink Edition marks the first time in history a music artist has simultaneously released two versions of an album, with one version dedicated solely to charity. Available November 6 for $15 exclusively through Komen’s online Promise Shop, at www.komen.org/garth, $10 from each Pink Edition sold will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The 3-disc set contains 30 classics, three new songs and a bonus track on two audio CDs. The set also includes a DVD with 33 videos including new and never-before-seen footage. Additionally, the album will feature important breast health and breast cancer information along with an instructional card on breast self-examination.
“Through the release of this very special – and very pink – edition of The Ultimate Hits, Garth Brooks is actively joining Susan G. Komen for the Cure in our promise to end breast cancer forever,” said breast cancer survivor Hala Moddelmog, Komen for the Cure’s president and chief executive officer. “We’re excited about the potential from this relationship, and we’re grateful that Garth is featuring important breast health and breast cancer information from Komen with the album. Through this example of his artistry and generosity, Garth is giving Komen a unique opportunity to raise significant dollars and reach millions of people, ultimately helping us to save lives.”
Garth Brooks’ inspiration for the Pink Edition Brooks said he was inspired to make the special Pink Edition of his Ultimate Hits and have it offered exclusively through Komen after watching his wife train for and participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day, benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The event challenges participants to walk 60 miles over three days to benefit Komen and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.
Brooks said making the album was “a heck of a lot easier than me trying to walk 60 miles.” Producing and packaging the limited Pink Edition of his album with its distinct design and messaging, he said, was a way he could contribute to saving lives and searching for the cures for breast cancer.

My grandmother, on my mother's side, passed away June 1992, after her fight with breast cancer, so the topic is near and dear to me--!
and, I think Garth Brooks is cute, and he kinda,sings well also! \

Today, my prayer is that with Garth's help we can
raise a TON of money for a worthwhile cause!
Have a Blessed Day!

Please post some comments...!

I just wanted to say thank you
for any/and all of you
who have came and commented... !
That really makes my day!!!!!

berries,boys,Joy

Sometimes, I see the dishes in the sink and counter and I don't know how they multiplied with out me noticing. I keep wondering who is paying the sock monster to take away all of the "good socks..." --- Then, I take a break and join the kids outside.

The berries you see pictured are in our backyard, and even though they were dirty and germ, my son still wanted some ! (BOYS!) hummp!

Jessica is usually the one to find ladybugs and show them off, but today Shane found one, and it was nice enough to pee, in yellow and orange, on Shane's hand!

The little things that I see,hear and smell~

The berries in the backyard, still looking like a good snack, except the moldy ones..

Shane, saying to his sister, "Sister, do you want to share my snack with me?.."

This may sound totally weird, but I love to smell right behind my kids' ears, after a bath, Oh what JOY!

Shane loves to take the magnetic letters and "make words" on the front door...

today he spelled, FADZEGUAMC

and he told me, "Mommy, how do you spell that?",

I read the letters to him and then tried my best to pronounce it

He replied, "Mommy, I think that's a German word "

I don't speak German, so I don't know... but I am just impressed that my 5 year old,came up with such an interesting train of thought.

WOW, I guess I'm not bad at this ..."parenting thing!"

I remember when I was in the hospital for bed rest right before Jessica was born,there were so many things I had to ...endure, shots,blood pressure cuffs, blood draws,saving my urine, (what fun that was!)... Often just to get me thru whatever was happening I would chant to myself, Goody Gumdrops....Goody Gumdrops... It was my way of protesting what was happening, but letting the negative not get to me.-- Now that time has passed I think I need to find a new improved chant...

1. This too Shall Pass
2. Nanana na boo boo
3. M I C K E Y M O U S E
4. Just a Spoonful of Sugar, will make the medicine go down...
5. I can FROG, I can FROG,I can FROG (Fully Rely On God)

Please, feel free to post your suggestions and comments...~

Preemies & The Things I Want Most

Below is some information that I found,about preemies, Jessica was born at 33 1/3 weeks, and only 3 pounds 4 ounces... so a good portion of these things apply to her.
Jessica has an overwhelming desire to absorb facts, so her vocabulary is AWESOME!

• 
  Learning Problems
  How common are learning problems in former preemies?Learning deficits or learning disabilities at school age occur in about 10% of children born at term. They are more common in former preemies; the smaller and sicker the preemie, the greater the risk. Up to 45% of infants weighing <3 1/4 lbs. at birth have one or more abnormalities on testing at school age. It is usually not possible to predict at the time of discharge or during early development who might develop these problems. Sequential evaluation over time is the best predictor. Knowing what problems might develop can make you alert to signs of difficulty. Early diagnosis enables early evaluation and intervention. On the other hand, being overly concerned and always questioning your child's development may be detrimental in itself. Problems which are normal at a younger age may be abnormal at a later time. If you have a question about your child's development or performance, talk to your child's doctor or teacher or have your child tested.
  What are the most common learning problems at school age?
• Eye-Hand Coordination Problems
• difficulty with copying pictures or words, especially if there are many objects in the picture
• difficulty with puzzles
• difficulty learning handwriting Language Problems
• difficulty following directions, especially if there is more than one step
• difficulty putting things in a logical order
• poor vocabulary for age
• difficulty learning to read
• not understanding the meaning of sentences
• inability to tell one sound from another
• avoiding classroom participation
• difficulty remembering words
• Thinking Problems
• poor memory
• difficulty memorizing words, tables;
• forgetting assignments
• difficulty with spacial relationships such as size, distance
• problems with sounds and their symbols
• difficulty with abstract thinking
• difficulty making decisions or making poor decisions
• poor common sense
• slow to grasp new concepts
• ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I also wanted to mention a REALLY great book I just finished reading,

The Things I want Most by Richard F. Miniter

It's a true story about a family who decided/were lead to become foster parents and the young man who came into their lives and hearts, it is very moving and well written. It will have you crying,and laughing, and thinking about how can I BE the Best parent!

It is in a word,(or two...) courageous and lovely!

Boys, such creatures,but lovable still!

Today~

turned out to be different

than what I thought it would be like...

Shane figured out how to make and eat his own, open-faced pb&j sandwhich...

We got a visit from my two step-sons' Brandon and Wesley...

both of the boys have jobs...YIPEEEE!!!

Brandon works at a Jack-in-the-box

and Wesley will start soon working at the Post Office!(I have done the same job that Wesley just signed up for, when I was in my 20's...)

It was just neat to see that both

boys were trying to make

good choices in their lives.

Now that I read what I have written this seems like a family up-date as opposed to a blog entry....

ah, well..!

My family knows I just like to ...Share

Parenting in the rain, and tears...

When my kids were little, I often found myself crying or holding back the tears-- a lot of that was from all of the hormones that Mommies have, but I do think it was that I felt so proud and encouraged that they were here, with me, What a treasure!

Now that they are older the tears don't come as often !!!!
But when they do, get me a box of Kleenex and give me an hour or so!

It has been raining this week and I do enjoy the rain, but there are times when I get the kids chanting, Rain, Rain go away... come again another day, and often the kids will take the time to pray and ask that the rain will just stop and come another day!

Last night I was talking with my big brother on the phone, and the topic was the new baby expected in February. We were talking about the choices that his wife was making about the babies room, colors and styles and such.
I laughed when my brother just mentioned that he wanted a leather couch... I still laugh... -- I love you my big, brother... !!! I love my sister-in-law also...!
My brother and sister-in-law thrive on cleanliness and order. I know that having kids is a messy, messy job, and although I know I am not a great cleaner,for me... having kids is more about getting thru the day, then it is about keeping every one clean...

Is there a connection between, rain,tears, and keeping kids clean--? I think there is ...
I think that no matter how much you plan, having a child is never how you thought, and if it does turn out like you thought, just wait a while and you WILL be surprised again..and again. This statement could be applied to the weather, the rain, and tears~

Since my kids are both different than ..."regular kids", I view my parenting in a different light, sometimes the greatest view of my kids is when they are sleeping, or when they aren't aware I'm watching, sometimes my moments of Joy are when I have to explain, yet again that my son is faced each day with extra challenges, or I have to talk with my daughter about, treating others with love,care, and kindness is a have to and not just a should, no matter what the crime.

Life &Parenting is such a challenge, but Letting go and Letting God, really helps me,; All the parenting classes in the world don't change that you as a parent must change also -- I think that is the toughest thing of all !
Kids are a blessing, and God has a plan for each of us, Let us not forget that we are only here to guide them and show them a good path.

It is a struggle to value each moment, good and bad, but the challenge is to know that ANY moment has value. Just as ANY child has value, because they are precious in HIS sight, not to mention ... the parents' sight!

Ah, well,. I guess this blog is morphing into a soap box,
I hope that by reading it,
it helps you
make the values you hold,
part of the changes you make !

If only the Mom's, and Dad's of the world
could use all the tears they shed as power,
Power to be the best Mom they can !

Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby. ~Langston Hughes

Rainbows apologize for angry skies. ~Sylvia Voirol

I really enjoy this time of year, the leaves falling, and the smell of freshly fallen rain,rainbows after the rain, I love to cook homey- meals, like homemade chicken noodle soup, {from scratch}or a turkey-- most anything that fills the house with smells of home and comfort.

Today I cooked a turkey, yummmmm, it is so yummy! I like to make a sandwhich with mayonaisse,a little mustard,cranberry/raspberry jelly, and warm turkey!

Oh, my gosh... I think that I love this type of sandwhich so much, it ought to be a sin!
LOL!

Anyway, I got to thinking how the simple things are so good to SLOW down and enjoy

• I love reading a book,while watching the leaves fall like they aren't in a hurry
• I like to come home to a house that smells like freshly brewed coffee
• I like to put on a warm sweater, and wear it a while and then have to take it off-- because a beautiful patch of sunlight just broke thru the rain;
• I like to walk with my kids in the light rain to get the mail, and then hurry to run back to the house

While thinking about these things, I wondered if I could have these warm,lovely thoughts about mothering, and I can and I ....DO!

Did this post make you hungry?, Yup...me 2... so I'm off to eat some more turkey!

Confession~

I have a confession to make, I like TV, ~
and sometimes I will not answer the phone--
so that I can watch my favorite shows~

• The View
• Oprah
• Mystery Detectives
• Good Morning America

I think that I could learn something from these shows, and I like to see other adults, talking in full sentences!

Yesterday, while watching Oprah, to discover that Jessica Seinfeld has a cookbook out.

Bummer --- the Oprah staff didn't do enough research... the cookbook was already created by Missy Chase Lapine, it's called the Sneaky Chef! www.TheSneakyChef.com

So, anyway, I already sent a note to Oprah, because she just needs...to know! [Even my husband who avoids all topics near Oprah, suggested that I send a note to Oprah and let her know !]

Jerry is off work today and out fishing for Salmon, hopefully he will come home with some fish!

Both Jessica and Shane are in the middle of fund raisers for school, so if you NEED, any popcorn,cookie dough,or coffee,coffee beans, and jerky-- Just let me know!

Jessica came home yesterday talking all about Meth~There will be a special TV show today, October 9th 7:30pm to 8pm . www.crystaldarkness.com (KCBY11,KEZI,KMTR16,KSLR/FOX,KPIC4,KEVU)

Talking with Jessica about Meth was interesting,and scary,~hopefully Jerry and I helped her to see that Meth doesn't do anything good for you and that it's illegal for many reasons. I just didn't think that this conversation would be happening when she is only in first grade!

I have a feeling it will be an on-going conversation, I just hope my words have meaning for both of the kids!

Thanks for reading!

Word World...and other assorted things...

http://wordworld.com/

Both Jessica and Shane love this show Word World, we watch it on PBS... and it really is very cool... The animals that are in the show, are created by the letters in their names! It is a very visual way of learning and having fun!

Jerry is home from hunting, and the kids are happy.~ Since he didn't bring home a deer, he will go out to-morrow and see if he can catch some Chinook salmon.{As I type salmon, I can't stop thinking of Kelli Pickler, from American Idol...LOL!}

He came home with a beard, and both the kids and I requested that he shave ... immediately! -- which he did!

Shane doesn't like banana pudding-- isn't that weird?--- I even gave him some Vanilla wafers to dip in the pudding and he wasn't interested! Go figure...!

Why are there three types of parentheses?...(_){}[]

I must go, time for The View.... adult conversation! whooo hoooo!

Moments of Joy

This morning I am hard at work trying to get more cleaning done, so while the kids are eating breakfast I am washing dishes, and doing laundry. We happen to be listening to country music, Shane says, "Mommy, your washing machine is like a horse!"... and then Jessica says, "Look mommy, my mini bagel is a phone! "
These are the moments that I rack up in the Joy section!... Even when our calender is empty, it still seems there is much to do, and I think I need more Joy moments! --
I guess I need to use more Joy while washing also...--- hehehehehehe

Yesterday we took 5 paper bags of toys out of Jessica's room, that we will take to Goodwill or St Vinny's.
Jessica helped me so very much, while Shane.. made a mess in the living room!
Ah, well... Today, I will try to get Shane's room in better order, (this will be a huge job...)
he shares his room with my sewing stuff and our...extra,old,yucky couch --
I want to say good bye to the couch, but my dear, husband is afraid that he will miss this couch. The couch is from, "before me..." the last time I tried to get ride of something that was..."before me" -- well let's just say that my dear husband was, upset to tears.(it was just his old,yucky,broken recliner...) I guess that he has a real attachtment to furniture from his past.

Normally we would be off to church today, but instead I am cleaning and organizing,-- My dear husband expects to come home from hunting today~
Matthew 12:44 Then it says,I will return to the house I left. When it arrives,it finds the house unoccupied,swept clean and put in order.

Out of the spiderweb-ball, into the LIGHT!

This is a picture from when our family went camping at Green Peter.
In my attempt to keep Shane occupied, and focused,
we went on a walk and found this really interesting
spider web that looked like a ball.
I was looking thru old pictures yesterday
and seeing this picture got me to thinking;

The spider seems to have such a small world, but even it's size doesn't stop it from being a part of the bigger world.

I wonder how often, that I as a mom,wife,daughter and sister,
do I only live in the spiderweb-ball?...
How often to I take a moment to see all the other things around me,~

Yesterday was grocery day and usually that is a very stressful day, Shane and Jessica don't enjoy going from store to store to find the cheapest food-stuff. Shane particularly hates waiting in line. I just get worn out trying to keep the kids out of other peoples' way, and to keep to the grocery list.
Since Jerry is still gone, I had to be more focused than usual, and as I trudged thru the day I decided to look at the whole day from a different point of view.~
What I came up with was,
I don't have to get ALL the groceries bought today.
I don't have to serve a three course meal every three hours.
I can let the kids just be kids and play in the yard while I put the groceries away.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that I am learning
to get out of my home-made spider web...and into the LIGHT!

Then when I sat to take a break, I watched Oprah,--
I saw Eat, Pray, Love's Elizabeth Gilbert
Listening to Elizabeth talk about how the book came to be, really got me to thinking, do I as a mom and all the other things,"I am" --do I eat,pray and love?
It seems like I do, but is it topical for me or is it part of the fabric of my life?---

I'm not sure of the the answer, but today is off to the trenches of my daughters' room to purge the junk and things that don't belong

Maybe, just for fun I'll post a picture of things
that we will sending out of our house into the great beyond... LOL!

Too bad I can't take a picture
of the mantras that aren't positive {I'm fat, I can't...ect.}
of the feelings I need to let go {I need to... I should...}
of the guilt that I create for myself

Maybe I will write these things down on paper
and then burn them, I wonder if that will help release them ? !


ah, well... more random,mindless thoughts !

Please send some prayers to Jacqui and her family www.Inlifeofachild.blogspot.com

The Red, White and the Blue !

While Shane and I were waiting for the rain to stop,
I took this picture of him,and then I found this tree
that had such red leaves,
What a new view of the Red, the White and the Blue!

Speaking of things of Blue,
my brother and sister-in-law
will are having a baby boy in February!

and now I must go looking for just,
the right thing to sew...
Stay tuned!

water on a leaf!

I took this really short video today
of the rain water falling on a leaf,
and it seemed to have a rhythmn of it's own.
Even though the camera and I got wet
while taking this video,
I felt peacefull ~

I hope you enjoy looking at it also!

New News....from my sister-in-law in Califorina,in late Feb
she's having a boy!!!!
and, now I have to get busy sewing something cute and adorable!

decoration

I got some help today decorating my blog, what do you think??? but when I came home to look and see all the changes, I was sad... my computer is old and slow, and so it doesn't show me the froggy's jumpin! -- bummer... woe is me...!
I was going to cut and paste this thing I found ~all about the leaves falling and the beautiful colors, and I couldn't get that to work either... I guess it's time to just put this computer in TIME-OUT!
But I just wanted to say... Thanks Jasmine! You rock!

What a GREAT Season

How Smart is My Mommy ?

The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.
Anna Quindlen American Author and Journalist
A good friend of mine, Patty... sent me this quote ~
and I thought that it was a great starting point for this rambling post...!
During the day, I only have a short time that I am alone, but when I am I find myself stunned by the silence, and I wonder if the world has stopped just ... for me?!
For me being a mom is the best job I could ever have,
it fills me up and then overflows my heart!{not to mention the laundry basket and the counters with the dirty dishes!}
I just hope and pray that my kids see my constant attempts
to improve my parenting skills as a positive and GREAT work
```````````````````````````````````
Some of today's parenting skills went out the window,
I found myself telling Shane that he was
"Listening with his elbows" and he replied
He wasn't listening with his ears,because I was yelling at him.
Not to be .."outdone" by my 5 year old
I replied that I was only yelling because I was frustrated at him,
to which he ... quickly replied , Well, I'm angry and frustrated at you also!
Finally, I just said quietly
"Mommy is angry that you aren't listening and following directions, Mommy thinks that your elbows need to listen better."
Shane just looked at me and smiled and then laughed,
"Mommy what a funny mommy you are !"
--so did I win?
Nah... -- I just regrouped for the next round of How smart is my mommy?
The other day Shane and Jessica were asking questions about the remote controls and which ones were for what, I asked if they knew where their remote controls were ... and Shane looked so sincere when he said, that his remote control button had peanut butter on it.. I asked where the button was, and he just laughed, I said it must be on his belly button! more laughter followed!
So, anyway I just wanted to share a small slice of our life with all of you!
I may not be the VERY best parent, but I feel like I am the best for these kids right now!

I'm on my soap-box !

First I would like to send out my Thanks
Thank You Thank You Thank you Thank you Thank you
to those of you who have posted,
and / or emailed me to let me know you have been here!!!
Thank you... It feels GREAT to be "heard..."!

(the voices in my head say they hear me... but they can't be trusted!...hehehehe!)

So, there are a ton of things on the news today;

and a few of them are topics, near and dear to my heart~

Each morning I try to watch Good Morning America, to see if I can learn more about what other people are doing. Often I am just interested in hearing some adult conversation.;!

I have cut and pasted from the GMA website, and then added my own comments~
However,
critics complain( i am a critic...not enough testing and regulating is being done!!!!)
that every lot of processed meat should be tested, which is something not required today.
What Consumers Should Do
If you find any of the recalled meat in your freezer, the safest thing to do is throw it away. Of the nine brands recalled, the ones affected have a sell-by date between Sept. 25, 2007, and Sept. 25, 2008, along with a package number of 9748 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
The food recall is the latest in a rash of E. coli-related callbacks this year, including tainted spinach and salad mixes.
The USDA said it is unable to explain why there have been so many outbreaks!!!!!!!
I feel that the USDA and other regulating agencies don't believe that E coli is a worthwhile contaminate to be testing for. When my daughter had E coli, it took about a week just to know that she had E coli, and it was another day or two to find out that she had the same version as all the other kids in our group.

It just really frustrates me

• that the regulating agencies don't have more ways to test for E coli--
• unless your Dr is paying attention, you can go undiagnosed for a week or so.
• treatment for E coli hasn't changed much since E coli was first discovered

Many of the things I learned about,E coli would make your heart break,only the most fragile tend to get it,{the very old or very young}there really isn't a treatment for E coli, the Dr's just try to help your body deal with the disease.You can get it more than once, and it just doesn't affect you for a week or two, sometimes the effects are life-long.

With all the things in the news about the toy re-calls,the bagged lettuce & spinach,and the beef, I just worry that we are not only fighting a war away from home~

but we are also fighting a war here at home

gas prices are OVER the Moon,

just take a look at your grocery bill!!

I know that things are said to be safer now, that we have new and improved technology,{do we really need the iPhone?} but have we forgotten how to care for our neighbor, to know where our food is from, how our food is prepared?

I remember just after 911 there was this rush to be at home and with your family to really spend your energy sharing time with your loved ones, heck I even tried to make some homemade marshmellows, -- what a joke that was, homemade marshmallow's take time,patience, and other things that I just don't have!

Check out the GMA website about the girls that are Special Needs, cheerleaders,

what a awesome story!

Well, thanks for reading my on-going drivel

about why I get freaked out !

What do you think?-- leave me a comment, anyone can do it!

If you can't figure out how to post a comment,

please email me and I will walk you thru it!