I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it. ~Author Unknown

I'm in the pantry looking for a snack...Me..." Where are all the nuts?" E..." Let's see, one got married and divorced, another one got married, one is at college and then there's the rest of us..." I see... so everyone's a comedian. I just wanted a snack...

He is right. We are a bunch of nuts. Present company excluded...

The Lemonade Stand Award

Thank you so much to Gaston Studio! This is my first award! Cover your ears, HIP- HIP -HURRAY... YIPPEE... WHOOO- HOOO ! The Lemonade Stand award is to be given to “people who have good attitude or a sense of gratitude” The goal is to pass it on. Hmmm....That is the hard part...Everyone's blogs are awesome.

After much thought, I am passing this award on to some very special places to visit:

Dances with God

Come Sit By My Fire

Heartbeats of Faith

Birth of a Notion

Leaving Excess

So pack your bags, ladies, and start visiting.

Madness takes its toll. Please have exact change. ~Author Unknown

This is me! Exams next Monday and Tuesday...

Conspiracy of the Band of Brothers

Before this recent swine flu concern, there have been other flu scares through the years....

One year when the children were much younger, the public was warned to get vaccinated. Being a dutiful, health conscious mother, I explained the flu concerns and the solution to the children. Needless to say no one was enamoured with the plan to inoculate ourselves for protection. Really, being stuck with a needle goes against every child's sense of self preservation.

Every objection was quickly over ruled, however, and every one was loaded in the car for a trip into town. Once at the doctors, we were ushered into the lab. I was holding Baby Girl while everyone milled around casually. Nothing seemed amiss, until the unsuspecting nurse entered the room...

Suddenly, someone barked a command and the volley began... All 3 boys began pelting the nurse with acorns from their pockets. Shocked, I called for them to stop, however the attack continued until their pockets were empty. The girls innocently stood by smirking. Helplessly holding Baby Girl, I just stood there in shocked disbelief. Speechless, I hardly knew how to respond. I stammered an apology however, after a few choice words the very unhappy nurse turned and left the room.

The boys cheered and laughed. Their mission, carried out with military precision, was deemed a success. Meanwhile, the nurse went to report the juvenile delinquents in the lab and get reinforcements. I ordered them to pick up the acorns while questioning what they had been thinking....What indeed.... the consensus was that it was self defense.

Eventually the nurse returned and everyone took their shots. However, there remained an air of defiance in those young faces, a look of smug satisfaction. This small band of brothers had faced the enemy and while they did not win the war. They had stood their ground bravely. It was a victory if only in principle. Never again would anyone ever underestimate their resolve or their valor...

Letter to my Son

Who is this child of mine?
Who is he now?
Part boy, part man,
A stranger at times.
Yes, a stranger sometimes...

I watched you play,
with child like innocence.
You captured my heart,
Never again to be my own.
No, never again...

If I had known the sacrifice,
If I had known the pain,
Would I have chosen this life?
Would I?
Yes, yes, indeed...

Only a heart devoted,
Can be hurt,
Neglected and misunderstood,
In time I will forget,
Yes, in due time...

Someday, in a moment, unaware,
Your heart will be stolen too,
It is inevitable,
Love at first sight,
Yes, love at first sight...

Our children do grow up,
They must,
The ties that bind stretch and strain,
They move away...
Yes, they move away...

Suddenly, you realize,
What you could not know before,
Yes, you realize,
And it hurts.
Yes, it hurts...

It will be all right,
It is worth the pain,
Someday they grow up, I say,
Someday they will know.
Yes, someday...

Finally, the circle is complete,
For I know you,
And you know me,
Strangers no more, we understand.
Yes, we understand...

" What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him." Psalm 8:4

What to say... what to say...?
Interviews can be so hard, especially when you feel drawn to a place and the excitement of new possibilities present themselves. When it seems as if a grand opportunity is right in front of you...just out of reach. The proverbial carrot on a stick... I cling to the fact that my Lord knows these paths before I take them. Everything that has ever been or will ever be is in His hands. This is comforting, very comforting. He knows me better than I know myself. Best of all, He loves me more than I love myself. He wants the best for me. And so, I shall attempt to rest in His will; for if He denies me this, He has a better plan.

America, I know many of you need jobs right now. I know because Pops is unemployed and I am seeking new employment for benefits. Times are hard. Hang on. Regardless of our seemingly out of control circumstances. God is in control. Believe it; claim it. Remember, "All things work for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." Notice it does not say all things are good but all things work for good.

In the words of Robert Schuller "sometimes God says yes,
sometimes He says no
and sometimes He says wait."
Often, it is the waiting that is hardest...

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord. I wait for God my savior; my God will hear me."
Micah 7:7

Watch, wait, and hope with me, America...
Watch, wait, and hope...

Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. ~Kahlil Gibran

The sun is shining, the air is warm, and summer is just around the corner. Baby Girl and Friend are running through the house looking for a picnic basket... A few moments later I hear thunderous footsteps and excited girlhood chatter as they emerge with a basket as big as they are...




Hmmm.... an idea begins to form... When they were little I used to change their toys out periodically to keep them interested in revisiting their toy shelves. I think this summer I'll keep the basket out and change the contents every few days to keep the summer blahs away...

Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, pinwheels, a new book, friendship bracelet kits, craft materials, jigsaw puzzles, a deck of cards, a bug jar, science experiments, seeds, marbles...

In the basket, also, will be a journal with notes of inspiration: look for a four leaf clover today, make a daisy chain, pick and press fresh flowers, plant seeds, grow a garden, climb a new tree, create a new hide-out, find surprises in the clouds, bake cookies, have a lemonade stand, look for fairies, star gaze, catch fireflies , camp out, make home-made boats to float in the creek, play Mother May I?, 1, 2, 3, Red Light , the list is as endless as childhood's summer days are long ...

Lastly, of course, I'll add a picnic blanket, hugs, kisses, and best wishes for a magical summer full of adventure...

Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children. ~Alex Haley

Well, Pop, out did himself today. He is a great Dad and an awesome Pop.
Today, Ma and the children used side walk chalk to create Lollipop Land on the driveway. Pop was outside admiring the art work when he told the grands we used to have a lollipop tree but it died... "This is where it used to be," he continued. "We planted another tree there..."
By now N. is observing the new tree only to shout for joy at the sight of several strategically placed Dum Dum Pops.
The older kids are snickering quietly saying we shouldn't try to encourage this nonsense. Hey... this nonsense is what makes childhood so magical...

Who, being loved, is poor? ~Oscar Wilde

"I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance,
A church filled with family and friends.
I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,
He said one that would make me his wife."
~Author Unknown

The newlyweds arrived home from their cruise last night. Now mind you, the newlyweds have been married since 2007, but it's still so sweet seeing them together.

"Come, let's be a comfortable couple and take care of each other! How glad we shall be, that we have somebody we are fond of always, to talk to and sit with." ~Charles Dickens

Nothing makes a mother happier than seeing her children happy and nothing can make you love and appreciate someone more than when they love, honor, and protect your daughter. Thank you son; we always knew you were a keeper!

"When the one man loves the one woman and the one woman loves the one man, the very angels desert heaven and come and sit in that house and sing for joy." ~The Brahma Sutras

We watched their video documentary of the cruise; it was hilarious. We laughed and laughed. Thank you both for sharing your joy...

"There is no such cozy combination as man and wife." ~Menander

J. you are awesome and such a perfect addition to our family! I am so lucky I got another super, awesome son!

"A happy marriage is a long conversation that always seems too short." ~Andre Maurois

The best part, this one I didn't have to birth! Kudos to his mom and dad...

"One of the best things about marriage is that it gets young people to bed at a decent hour." ~M.M. Musselman

Oh, so true...

Hunting...

Nights seem to drag on endlessly lately as I struggle to finish algebra and statistics while simultaneously stalking every job available like some beastly predator. I hate this feeling of desperation. I guess in that respect these courses have kept my attention diverted from the immediacy of the need for full time employment. That is good. I will plan to go to school forever if necessary. Never again do I ever want to be at the mercy of so many.

Work has been slow but with exams only 2 weeks away I can use the time. Ma is much better. Today was her 26th birthday...where does the time go? We watched the children for her so she could clean her apartment. You know your daughter's growing up when she uses her alone time to clean! Seems like only yesterday I could not see her bedroom floor...at all.

Later this month when the newlyweds get back from their cruise we are going to celebrate. One things for sure with 6 children and 2 grands; there's always a party somewhere :) Sleep tight, America, as they say "life is good" but it's also really, really hard sometimes...

Just a little more tax day humor...We laugh so we don't cry...

Taxes grow without rain. ~Jewish Proverb

I shall never use profanity except in discussing house rent and taxes. ~Mark Twain

Taxes are paid in the sweat of every man who labors. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

People try to live within their income so they can afford to pay taxes to a government that can't live within its income. ~Robert Half

I don't know if I can live on my income or not - the government won't let me try it. ~Bob Thaves, "Frank & Ernest


"There's nothing wrong with the younger generation that becoming taxpayers won't cure. ~Dan Bennett


What at first was plunder assumed the softer name of revenue. ~Thomas Paine

The Women in my Life...

I miss the women in my life...
All strong and virtuous in their own way.
Years of experience surviving the hard things in life,
I miss their presence, advice, and understanding.
A soft shoulder to cry on, "It will be alright, it will be alright... "
A warm soft hug.
Their sweet smells comforted, reminding me I am not alone.
Yes, I miss the women in my life...
Now, I am the woman in their life...
Am I strong enough?
I will be because I love them...

Hypokalemia... Say What ???

You are what you eat or rather what you don't eat. Thursday was spent in a local E.R. Ma, our oldest daughter, has been unable to sleep lately. She is a divorced mother of two with sole custody of our 2 beautiful grands. We help her out quite a bit. I honestly don't know how single moms with no help do it. Anyway, I digress.
In addition to being unable to sleep she started developing uncontrollable tics i.e. jaw clenching, head jerking...She and the grands had come to stay with us so we could help her and hopefully she could rest.
As a nurse of 30 years with 6 children of my own I am usually pretty calm, however when she woke me Thursday morning she was pale and could not control her movements...I figured possibly we were dealing with lack of sleep, stress and possibly an electrolyte imbalance of sorts.
However, what ever it was had my daughter trapped inside an uncontrollable body.
"Mom whats happening to me.." with pleading eyes...that was it. She has no insurance but at this point the probability of a monstrous E.R. bill pales in comparison to the possibility of something happening to my baby. Eight hours, several blood tests, 1 C.A.T. scan, some ativan (no not me) several doses of potassium and a i.v. with potassium, we are back home.
My troops have stepped up to the plate running the home front.
Gratitude and exhaustion flood my soul.

"Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless." ~Charles M. Crowe

A Little Easter Chuckle or Two...

WHO GAVE THIS GUY AN A+ ?

Irreverent, I know, I have just got to make it through these classes a few more weeks. Plus, there could be a bit of truth here...

Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. ~John W. Whitehead

For the second time this week, E. has surprised me. The first time was his first class organization of the Wrestle Mania event. The whole thing went off without a hitch and I had nothing to do with it! My kind of affair!
Tonight they are calling for frost and E. surprised me again. I asked if he could help me bring my plants in and put them under the porch. "Sure.." he says and disappears.
Later, I go out to make sure all the flowering beauties had been gathered.

What a surprise awaited me!

All the plants had indeed been gathered and creatively placed in a toy tent.
Out in the yard my flowering plants had been tenderly covered with bags, beach towels, and buckets.
E ? " Yeah?" Did you do this? "Yeah" This is great; thank you!

"Well, your plants are so pretty and I didn't want them to get messed up like they did last time."

And I smile, somewhere deep inside I realize, just like that,
my son is becoming a man.

"ARITHMETIC" by Carl Sandburg

"Arithmetic is where numbers fly like pigeons in and out of your head.

Arithmetic tells you how many you lose or win if you know how many you had before you lost or won.

Arithmetic is seven eleven all good children go to heaven-or five six bundle of sticks.

Arithmetic is numbers you squeeze from your head to your hand to your pencil to your paper till you get the answer.

Arithmetic is where the answer is right and everything is nice and you can look out the window and see the blue sky....or the answer is wrong and you have to start all over and try again and see how it comes out this time."

Wow, I couldn't have said it better myself. Guess who is about to the end of their mathematical rope...

Ironic...

Tonight, the house is filled with young boys who pooled their money to rent Wrestle Mania. The organization really was remarkable. Some brought the sodas, some the chips; we provided the pizza and the place. The labor unit was quiet all weekend, so much so that I was called off 2 days in a row! Tonight as we attempt to keep Wrestle Mania on the television and not on the living room floor, the hospital calls...you're kidding , right? Alas, life can be so ironic...

"Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence. " ~Lin Yutang

Fragrant lillies, red geraniums, velvety purple petunias, and yellow marigolds, add trailing verbena, faintly sweet roses, a little ivy, a little vinca, plus a few clay pots, some potting soil, a pair of garden gloves and a spade, oops... don't forget a purring cat or two, several hundred bees, somewhere in the distance children laughing.... ahh the color of spring, the smell of spring, the activities of spring.

The yard and the woods are alive with activity.The old wooden swing beckons. The sun is warm; the breeze is cool and the soil is begging to be turned. Spring is such a wonderful time of renewal. A time of hope...
Yes, I am going to hope, not only for my family, but for all of us. These are difficult times, America, close your eyes and inhale the intoxicating smell of spring. God who creates such infinite, intricate, profound beauty, will not leave us to despair.
Go sit in the sun, close your eyes and lift your face skyward.
Feel the warmth of the Son; there is hope.

"Dogs have owners; cats have staff...." Enough said...

This is for Baby Girl. She wants a blog about cats. Since we are insane enough to have 5 in addition to various other critters, I shall oblige.

The anonymity of Fog...

" The fog comes on little cat feet. It sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on." Carl Sandburg

Local Environmental Emergency...

Skipping school today... for weeks I have been throwing items of clothing, papers, books, makeup, who knows, into various cluttered piles. It is time to clean and straighten before the Center for Disease Control intervenes...If I do not emerge with-in 24 hours call the authorities...

Yesterday....

Yesterday was hard, Memaw.
It's been 2 years since you left us.
I did not want to be alone with my thoughts.
I kept busy for the most part.
Later I visited the cemetery. You were there... but not there...
Someone had taken your vase...Who does that?
Modern day grave robbers; they can not have a soul...
We visited, rather I visited. I miss you and I always will.
It's not that all was perfect between us...but the older I became the greater my respect for you grew.
Life is hard but you stood up to the challenge.
You were a very strong woman;
you made me who I am
and I thank you.