My "Curious" broke out

"My curious broke out of my mind - I couldn't hold it any longer." This is what Noah said after he opened a gift his cousin, Elizabeth brought him for Christmas. He was supposed to wait until Christmas. It was a matchbox car, and he loves it. He just called her to thank her.

My nieces, Jenny and Elizabeth, spent the day with us today while my sister and brother-in-law worked. We got a tree last night, so they helped decorate it today. It came out really well, especially after I found two more boxes of balls to add on. I just need candy canes and it'll be complete.

Rebekah loves Cosmo. He's in her lap every moment. She's constantly telling us, "Look at him - look at him! Look how he's laying." She's gonna miss him when she goes back to school.

Pass the pumpkin pie

It's a beautiful day, and we will soon leave for Nanny and Papaw's for the big meal. My father and little sister, Erin, joined us for breakfast this morning. I made waffles with strawberry sauce or syrup, bacon, juice, and coffee. I think I enjoyed the kitchen chat while preparing the food more than the actual meal. Erin and Dad were in and out of the kitchen, talking with me as I poured waffles.

After breakfast, Noah, Dad, and I took the dogs for a walk. Dad stood and looked at the view of the city he's worked in for almost fifty years. We quized Noah on the name of the city, the river in front of it, and various prominent buildings. As we continued on, I pointed out different homes, and interesting stories that went along with them. Here is one such story. The elderly lady across the street, Elsie, shared it with me:

Elsie and her husband, Bill, had seven children. The family next-door to them had six. The mother next door, Mrs. Greenawalt, went by the nickname, "Greenie." She was a bundle of energy, taking in ironing, besides being an excellent housekeeper. She was very aware of neighborhood happenings, and watched the comings and goings of everyone through a window by which she ironed. I imagine she listened to the radio while she ironed, like I watch TV. Greenie always had the scoop. If a strange car was parked on the street, she soon ferreted out the why's and wherefore's. Elsie wasn't as on top of things outside her home, only finding out local news from Greenie while they hung laundry in their backyards. One day, Elsie's husband offered to buy her a clothes dryer, to ease her workload. "Oh no!" she exclaimed, "I wouldn't have to hang laundry then, and I'd miss all the gossip from Greenie!"

Dad shed some light on a local tradegy. Before I could, he pointed out a certain house. "I knew the man who lived there. He was one of my clients." (Dad's a stock-broker.) I told him that a man committed suicide there. "That was my client," he said, "He had suffered from chronic back pain for years, and finally couldn't take it anymore. He was in his 50's." How sad.

Back at the house, we all watched the dog show, looking for a Boston and a Sheltie, our dog's breeds. The pointer won. She was beautiful.

I made 2 pumpkin pies to take to my in-laws.

My brother, Steve, and his wife, K, will spend the holiday at the hospital. Her mom is bringing food in, to have a little celebration there.

Time to go to Nanny and Papaw's.

Disney World Hyjinks

I just read about a great family trip. http://whettenhappenings.blogspot.com/ I was so impressed that this large family had no mishaps on their trip. I note this because back in 1998, we joined my dad, step-mother, and my twin half-sisters on their annual trip to Disney World, FL. Actually, they took us there, and it was quite a treat!

As soon as we got off the plane, we were herded into a waiting limo which took us to an amazing hotel inside the "country" of Disney. It was called the Beach and Yacht Club. It was a two-part establishment, and I believe we were in the Yacht part. The lobby was amazing. We just walked around with mouths agape, like in those movies where a child finds himself in such a place and looks up and around. Just like that. Only we weren't being filmed. From this location, we could walk to Epcot, watch fireworks every night on a man-made beach, or go to the "boardwalk," especially nice at night. We also took buses or boats to various parks, no charge. There was no driving. Everything was imaculate. Until we arrived...

It all started on the first day, as we lounged around the pool. My little sister, Robin, wasn't very active, and my step-mother, Brenda, told me she was sick to her stomach. Poor thing. I hoped she felt better soon. The next day was nice. We spent the day at the original park, the one with the castle. But the next day, at Blizzard Beach, a crack began to form on the perfect porcelain vase that was our dream vacation. It was my dad, on a lounge chair, not feeling too good. This is rare; Dad's constitution is excellent. He boasts on not having thrown up since 1963! But he looked a little green around the gils on this day, and finally took a bus back to the Yacht Club, where he promptly crawled into bed, and stayed there for two days.

That night, the real action began. David and Ben began throwing up. I believe Erin, my other little sister, was also feeling sick. By the next day, some of us were better, but Josh and Rebekah were sick. And they were the ones to make quite an impression with that sickness. I wasn't there for Rebekah's big moment, but I understand it was dramatic. She, Erin, and Sarah, were going down the elevator to the lobby. Rebekah may have been in that certain denial we all go through just before we throw up, for I just can't believe she would've left the room otherwise. She got separated from Sarah and Erin, and found herself alone in a moving elevator. She suddenly threw up right on the middle of the elevator floor. And then the door opened to a mother and daughter who just looked at her, wide-eyed, and then the door closed. The next time it opened, there were Sarah and Erin. This is when I was called in, "Mom! Rebekah threw up in the elevator!" I ran to find her, and also found the faithful Disney employees who were cleaning up the mess, smiles on their faces, "Don't worry, Ma'am, we'll take care of it." They reminded me of the actors on the Truman Show, who would move in, ad-lib, and save a scene that was going south. I was grateful. Rebekah felt better by morning. But we noticed that her "splash" had etched its silhouette on the marble elevator floor. That was a topic of much discussion. It was buffed out the next day! Disney gets first place for OCD! While relatives with this disorder can be annoying, it is an asset at a resort.

Josh had also taken ill that night, but felt better by morning. Or so we thought. We walked in to Beaches N Cream for breakfast, and sat down across from Brenda. "How are you, Josh?" she asked. He answered with a gush! in the middle of the table. Again those Disnians were spot in the scene, cleaning away happily.

I now have to share my own emabarrassing incident. The bug got me as I was taking six-year-old Ben around Animal Kingdom. He had just bought a stuffed tree-frog, and carried it in a bag. Within 30 minutes, that bag would save the day. As my stomach began to churn, I knew it was time to find a bus back to the hotel. I walked so fast, with Ben is hand, he nearly lifted off the ground. The bus available was full, and Ben had to sit on my lap. The man beside me must have seen my discomfort, because he took his own 2-3 year old into his lap, making the seat available for Ben. As I broke out in a sweat, I knew what was coming. Among strangers, on a crowded bus. There would be no hiding it. I took Ben's frog out of the bag, and held the bag as close as I could to my face. It was a strurdy bag, and it held up well. The people in the bus acted like nothing was happening, full of pity, no doubt. Within minutes, we were off the bus, and I made a deposit in the nearest trach can. I just had to realize that I'd never see those people again.

Despite all the illness drama, we did manage to have a good time. Here's a pic of all the kids. The biggest kids are Erin and Robin, and the littlest is Ben, looking up under Goofy's nose. Inbetween are Sarah, Rebekah, and Josh.

I am thankful

Today I escort my husband home from a toenail removal, then make pumpkin pies, then get the family ready for a portrait this evening. We're even going to have to dogs in the portrait, as they are so much a part of the family.

I'm thinking about what I'm thankful for.

1. My wonderful husband. He's strong in every area where I'm weak. He adores me. He's a great dad and provider. I have much respect for his insight and intelligence. What more can I say?

2. My five children. Each is a joy in their own way. I loved having babies to hold and snuggle, and then they started to talk. And it seemed each stage was better than the previous one. The teen years were't as bad as I thought they would be. I really enjoy being with my older kids. I love being a mom. It's my dream-job.

3. My parents. I've learned so much from them. They loved and provided for me. They made me who I am, even genetically. I am muscular and energetic like my dad. I think outside of the box and am sentimental like my mom.

4. My siblings, all five of them. I enjoy good relationships with all of them. We are all different, even in looks, and that makes for a colorful "quilt," not unlike the crazy quilt our grandma used to make.

5. Loving in-laws. This is a real blessing from what I understand. In-laws can be a source of problems, but not mine. They have been very good to us, and they adore our children, and I am very thankful for that.

6. Dear friends. I love my friends, and they vary so much. They provideLike my siblings, each adds a different flavor to my life.

7. Surviving a pulmonary embolism in 2002, folling Noah's birth. I remember the sobering moment that reporter David Bloom, in his early 40's died from the same thing while in Iraq. That really affected me, and I was more thankful, looking at my five kids, from infant to 16, knowing how much they needed me.

8. My dogs. I've always derived great pleasure from animals, from the time I was little. My mom always said I had a "way" with them. I've had gerbils, fish, tadpoles/toads, a parakeet, dogs, and cats. I even bred Ragdoll cats for a couple years, until David developed bad allergies to them.

9. My home. It's old and full of character, and has amazing views of my fair city. I love to walk in my hilly neighborhood. Being older, the homes are older and interesting, as well as the lay-out of the neighorhood. We have a little creek and a hollow, as well as one of the area's best parks, also with a beautiful view.

Quiet evening

I just tucked Noah in. He's listening to a tape, The Polar Express. We did his homework and read a book about police cars, and off to bed he went. He told me was having upsetting thoughts about something he saw on TV, so I taught him the Favorite Things song, encouraging him to think of happy things. What were his happy things? The things he wants for Christmas: Wall-E, a Nerf dart gun, and other stuff I can't remember. These toys all just run together in my mind. Anyway, he seemed OK with that strategy, and the tape served as a good distraction.

The rest of the family is out shopping, so I find myself in the quiet of the family room, the only noises, Maisy chewing her bone, and the mantle clock chiming St. Michael's. It's really nice, actually. Don't get me wrong. I love having a family. But this quiet, and the freedom to do whatever I want, choose my own TV show or listen to music without someone turning on the TV in the next room, even read or write in the the quiet - it's very peaceful and calming. I think perhaps every mom should have this once a week. I sometimes go to the library for this. But it's nice to enjoy quiet in my own home.

ही, माय नेम इस जिल। इ ऍम सो हैप्पी तो बे अबले तो टाइप इन हिन्दी! इ लव थे इंडियन पीपुल। इ'वे बब्य्सत फॉर अन इंडियन कपल, एंड हद अ कपल ऑफ़ इंडियन फ्रिएंड्स। इ फंड थेम वैरी ग्रासिओउस। माय ओने फ्रेंड, बशोबी, तौघ्त में हाउ तो मके चाय, एंड एवेरी टाइम इ मके आईटी, इ थिंक ऑफ़ हेर।
I just wrote in Hindi. I wrote that I have an affection for Indian people, and have always enjoyed my friendships with them. They are very gracious. One friend, Bashobi, taught me how to make chai, and every time I make it, I think of her. As a teenager, I babysat for an Indian couple, and enjoyed being in their home. I loved their two little girls, Shumona and Sujata. Shumona is now involved in making movies, though not an actress. I don't know what Sujata is up to. I'll have to find Shumona again and ask her. Their mom, Sarla, was so sweet, and often asked me about my mother. She was concerned for her after her divorce from my father. I found that very touching, and I think my mom appreciated her concern too.

Today is catch-up day, time to see what needs washed, bought, etc, after goofing off for the weekend. Since I went to the store on Saturday, my cupboards are full, so that's off my list.

Going to the grocery store on Saturdays is always an adventure. It's always crowded, so just getting through the aisles is a challenge. I often park my cart at one end and weave in and out of people to grab what I need. Here are the types of people I find in the grocery store:

1. The older man. Polite and helpful, slow and careful in choosing items. But I find that sweet, especially if they are helping their wife.

2. The middle-aged man. They think they own the aisle, and often leave their carts in the middle, or worse, cock-eyed, affectively blocking passage through. In an effort to get through, and also to teach, I just move the cart to the side. Some of them are polite, but most are driven to accomplish their task.

3. The middle-aged woman who is married and/or has kids. This is my category, and my favorite to shop along-side. They park their carts considerately, tight to one side, and keep an eye out for someone who needs to get something off the shelf that the cart is blocking. They say things like, "Sorry about that." and "Excuse me" the most. For example, if they must walk between a shopper and the shelf they're looking over, they'll say, " 'Scuse me." in a soft voice. Some men, from 30+ do this too. (Younger men rarely do.)

4. The single woman. I hate to say this, but this is my least favorite of the types. Some
are nice, often the college students. But the confident career gals, ummm... Most are dressed very stylish, and seem not to notice others. One glared at me the other day when I backed into the cart she tried to squeeze behind me. She didn't give me a "Sorry!" back when I said sorry. Get over yourself, lady. I'm sorry if this offends, but it is what it is.

5. The older woman. Usually polite, but slow in choosing. With all the constant change in the placement of items, this is understandable. (I find that I'm getting slower every year. ) It often seems that the trip to the store is the highlight of their week. (OK, sometimes it is for me too.) I enjoy chatting with some of these gals. And they always smile at my children , even if they're being a little bratty.

6. The teens and kids. Some are nice, but most are "all about them." This is self-explanatory. I remember being a brat in the store. I use the store's babysitting service every chance I get. Once I ran into a friend who was without her child. After I asked after her, she told me, "Oh, she's in the orpanage." This friend always has a joke, usually dry, so I got a good laugh. Her city accent just adds to her comments.

In other news, the Amish Friendship Bread-making has fallen to the wayside. We went through 3 cycles, then got neglectful. Oh well, at least I was able to pass starter to about 6 people, thus spreading the joy.

Fire!

Inspired by some gals at a jewelry site who posted pics of their diamonds throwing rainbow colors, I put mine it the sunlight and took a few -

Community college

I did it. I applied for acceptance at my local community college. I filled out an easy form, paid $35.00 and was directed to placement testing. I made an appointment for today. I told Sarah about it before she left for class and she urged me to reschedule after brushing up on my math skills. She told me to expect adding and subtracting fractions as well as basic algebra. I haven't even taken algebra. Only pre-algebra! So I cancelled and am awaiting a call to reschedule. Meanwhile, I'm going to buy a book Sarah told me about that will prepare me for the math portion of the test. Hopefully this will help me to avoid spending the money on a math course, and I can go right into my interests. I only hope the classes I want to take don't fill up before I get the tests done and recieve my acceptance letter.

I felt a quiet exhilaration when I went in to the college yesterday, and started the process. I was finally going to college. Walking around the campus, my excitement built. I've waited several years for this. It's really happening! My brain cells began snapping and crackling, and I haven't even heard one lecture. The spring semester is just around the corner!

Rebekah is coming home tonight. We are all excited to see her. She's gotten a ride with a friend, so that saves the money and hassle of fetching her (she's 5 hours away).

I wonder what she'll think of Cosmo. I think she'll like him. He has a way of cuddling right into your heart. Rebekah's a pushover for little kids and cuddly pets. I think she'll be snuggling with him right away. (He'll kind of insist.) There's no resisting that punum. We have Becka for a whole week and 2 days. That's nice, because it won't be a pressured visit, hi-bye.

We're having Thanksgiving with my in-laws. I think I'm bringing pies. A tip about making a better Libby's pumpkin pie: add a tablespoon of rum flavoring for two pies. This is sure to bring raves. You'll never go back. My mom always did this, after a friend, Jean S, shared it with her.

Well, that's all. I need to buy that math book today. Sarah told me it was on sale at the bookstore she frequents.

Emerald cut CZ!!!

OK, maybe this sounds dumb to some of you, but when a woman has limited funds, but wants fine jewelry, she oftimes has to turn to simulants. And my favorite diamond simulant is the cubic zirconia. My choice of venders is Liz C. http://www.lizcjewelry.com/main.html


For $30, Liz just sent David and me a 7x5mm (one carat size) emerald cut cz. It's H in color, so it'll look real. I have a couple empty gold settings it would go nicely in. I placed the cz in them to get an idea. Here are pics. Remember, the prongs are from the last gem that was in them, pretend they're not there. It's just balancing on the flower band, but it gives a pretty good idea of how it would look. Leave me some comments on which one looks best.

This will be a Christmas gift rfom dh to me. Having it set will cost a little, but really, that's all I want for Christmas. These empty settings are just wasted sitting around, unworn. Now they will make a silly woman very happy.

Here is the stone loose -



















Cathedral solitaire -























Flower band solitaire, by Black Hills Gold -

Faith turns 50

My bosom friend, Faith, turned 50 this week. Her family threw her a party today, and many friends came as well. As the few guys and kids that were there mingled and talked sports (and eventually watched sports in another room), Faith collected all of her girlfriends around, her, as well as her sweet mom, Betty. She blew a whistle and said, "Now, it's my birthday and I get to say what we're gonna do!" and she laughed. Faith is fun embodied. We all listened up. "We're going to interview each other, and start with introductions, and how you all met ME!" Betty started us off, with how Faith was born. Within 45 minutes, we knew much more about each other than I've ever learned of others at any other party. As each gal told her story of meeting Faith, Faith would join in, "Yes, it was when our sons were in kindergarten..." But if one of us joined in, and side-tracked the original person's stream of thought, thweeeet! Faith would blow that whistle. It was really funny! (I should explain that Faith was a teacher for some years, thus the crowd-control skills.)

The food was varied and plenteous, and included a chocolate peanut-butter cake, a pumpkin cheese cake, chips, guacamole, cheeses, crackers, grapes, cookies, munchy veggies, coffee, and pomegranate punch. My belly bulges as I type.

I took a many pictures. I'm having them made up for a little photo book for Faith to remember this momentous day.

Here's Faith and her son, Matthew. I met Faith through Matthew; he was in my son, Ben's, class in 8th grade.

Here I am with Faith, her daughter, Sarah, and her squirrel, Chip. She raised this orphaned squirrel over the past several months, and has grown very attached to him. She did this last year with another orphan squirrel, "Pip," and then released him into the wild, in woodsier parts than ours. But she cannot let go of Chip. Perhaps next year...

Happy Birthday, dear friend!

Bowling

Last Saturday, my dad took Ben, Noah, Erin, my 22-year-old half sister, and me bowling. Noah had been asking and asking to go, so we asked Grandpa, and he took us that very weekend.

Dad used to take my brother, Steve, and me bowling. I felt so proud of him as he demonstrated to us the art of getting a strike. Dad's a natural athelete, so it came easier to him that most. But Steve and I were pretty good for nine and ten year olds.

It was nice to spend time with Erin. She and her twin sister, Robin, were born when I was nineteen. I had Sarah Jane just six months before, and Rebekah a year and a half later. So we would get all these little girls together, and watch them playing. They are more like cousins than aunts and neices. That's how they introduce each other now.

Pics -

Here's me, Dad, and Erin -

Noah throws a ball...

College

The time has come. After sending three kids off to college, I'm ready to take one little course myself. Put my big toe in the water, so to speak. I'm a little nervous. Is my grey matter up to the challenge? I haven't been in school for 23 years.

I plan to go to the local community college. I thought about an online course, but then realized I'd be lonely. I want to sit amongst other learners, see and hear my teacher.

I'd like to take an English course, as I enjoy writing. That seems to be the best choice for now. Then maybe I'll branch out into some world history.

My husband and offspring are academic. I so want to be able to talk with them at their own level. This is the only way I can see to do so. It's funny, I used to take pride in being just a homemaker. But now that Noah's in school full-time, I'm bored and lonely. So there are two benefits in taking a college course. Brain stimulation, and socialization. I can't wait!

I am calling today, to enroll in a spring course. I hope I can find my high school diploma in time to do this.

My Rebekah

This post is devoted to my second child, Rebekah. She is 21, a theater major at a college in another state. As a little girl, she liked to make up plays. The one I remember best is "Who Has Seen the Wind" in which she had a part for every one of her sibs. "Romance and Tragedy" was another. (Sarah Jane made up her own to follow Rebekah's - "Love and Death." )

Rebekah always had an uncanny knack for costumes. By five, she could whip up a harem girl's outfit from a scarf and an old skirt. A few minutes later, she might transform into a peasant child with the same materials.

It was only natural that Becka decided to go into the theater arts. Here she is, as various characters, her latest, "Violet" from the Incredibles, for a costume party. She did not buy that costume; she made it herself out of this and that, on the cheap.

I'm so proud of her!

In "Much Ado About Nothing" (center)





















In "Billy Graham; the Early Years" (Directed by Robbie Benson, but it's not out yet.) The year was 1934.

As "Violet" from "the Incredibles"

As Agnes in "Dancing at Lughnasa"

Isn't she something?

Heat-seeking pup