Friday bliss

Yeah, it's Friday. Not much to mention today. I think I am going to enjoy every minute of sleeping in, tomorrow morning. Today, we are all off to school and I am off to the grocery, before school. I just couldn't bring myself to leave the house yesterday, so I didn't get the shopping done. That is on tap for this morning, before I head up to school for a half day assignment.

I spent a good part of yesterday, on the computer. I was looking up old high school friends. I am not sure what spurred this on. Tom asked if I wanted to go to my reunion. I said "no". I think, I just wanted to know what happened to people. I have no interest in the "see how successful I am" game. I am happy for folks, but I think too much emphasis is put on impressing each other. All in all, yesterday was a nice, quiet, laundry filled day.

I hope all of you have a nice weekend and stay warm.

Catch up

Today, I don't have to be at school. Yeah for that. Yesterday was busy, busy outside home, so now I have lots to do to catch up inside home. There is a deal going on at King Soopers (fresh veggies and blueberries), Yum. I need to take advantage of that. Mount Laundry is bigger than ever. The girls may have to go to school naked if I don't do something soon. There is an inch of dust (not quite that much) on things in our bedroom. I need to bake squash and do something with my eggplant before they go bad. You get the idea.

We are going to an Air Force Academy hockey game, Saturday night. We have never been to a real hockey game before, but we wanted to try it at least once. I went up to the Academy to buy our tickets and in the ticket office, there was a Mom from school, that I chat with all the time. Her son was one of my favorite string students, a couple of years ago. We said hello and I thought it was nice to see her. On my way out, I glanced at the sports history cases filled with Air Force Academy Sports memorabilia. Next to the cases were pictures of current coaches. My friend was the coach of the Air Force Academy Cheerleaders. It was funny that this should put my mind in a spin. I was thinking a couple of things. First, why would she enjoy talking to me? I know, poor self-esteem. You see, in High School, the cheer leaders only spoke to me when they needed help with homework. I like this woman and I am amazed that she has five children and is still able to coach. I am honored to be her friend. I thought about how we carry memories in our pockets, so close to our hearts. I thought about how quickly I judged her when I found out she was the head cheerleader. I am always thinking that I don't want to snub people less fortunate than myself. Until recently, I never knew that I snubbed people MORE fortunate than myself. The older I get, the more I see that God loves us all. It just doesn't matter. We all put our pants or cheerleader skirts on the same way. We don't all look the same in those pants and skirts, but we are all God's children with our own unique abilities. Perhaps she likes me for me. Perhaps......

I warned you. Deeper thinking going on today.

Wednesday Crazies

As you probably know by now, Wednesdays are just crazy around here. After Wednesday evenings, I feel like the week gets a whole lot better. I walked with Carol this morning and now I am running around trying to get everyone out the door. I have to give a lesson before we all go to school, so I am extra rushed. Perhaps, tomorrow, I can write a little more. At least, I should have a chance to sit down and really ponder what I am writing.

Last night was the concert at the high school. I was so very proud of my orchestra. I don't know what I am doing there, sometimes, but I must be doing it well. I had many compliments and much praise for my efforts. Thanks again, everyone, for all of your support.

Have a super day!

Concert tonight

Hello all. Can't write much today as I am off to school this morning. I will be the TAG teacher today, which means car duty. Thanks goodness it is warmer, today.

I will be home for half an hour this afternoon, then I am off to the high school where my middle school orchestra will join the high school orchestra for a concert. It should be fun, but I will be ready for my bed tonight.

I hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

Happy day all.

Superior

We had such a busy weekend. I am glad to have today off, so that I can catch up on laundry, groceries, etc.. Everyone is healthy, today, so I am thankful for that. There is terrible "crud" going around and I hope we are past all of that. Today feels like Spring, though it is still a bit cool outside. I feel healthy, when we can go outside and get fresh air.

I am so VERY proud of our Becca. She competed in her first, violin, Solo/Ensemble contest, in front of a judge, on Saturday. She performed "Can Can" as a duet, with her friend, Tessa. They were so cute in their dresses, but they were as nervous as could be. I know, I teared up, when I looked at Becca. Becca is my child that looks like me and acts like Tom. I saw myself standing there. I saw my baby standing there. I remembered the horror of my first contest, as I was alone in the room. No parent, no teacher, just me, a pianist, and a judge. I got a "3", which is pretty poor. It's a wonder I didn't quit. Becca and Tessa performed beautifully. The judge loved them and talked with them. She gave them playing pointers and they answered her questions, like perfect students. As a teacher and a Mom, I didn't care what the score was. I was so very proud that they would do it and of the work they put into it. I didn't mention that my first contest was when I was in ninth grade. Becca is in third and Tessa in second. In case you were wondering, they got a "1". That is the best score possible. Yes, I am proud of the score, but more importantly, I am proud of them.

I hate to brag, but I will. Ha Ha. All of my students, that competed, got "1"s. This competition was my report card, and this year, my grade was straight "A"s. Thanks kids. Thanks Tom, Becca and Laura. Thanks parents. Thanks to all who support me and cheer me on when I just don't think I know what I am doing. Thanks Mrs. Wurtz, for encouraging me to start on this crazy journey as a violinist. Thanks God, for all of these folks. Ha, this sounds like the "Oscars".

Yesterday, I played for both services, at church. It went well, despite the fact that we didn't get to rehearse earlier in the week. I played a new piece and all sounded just fine. I love playing at church and don't get to often, so it was a treat.

When all was done yesterday, I was ready for a weekend. I was absolutely exhausted. It was a good exhaustion. It was the kind of tired that comes from "old fashioned" work. The kind of tired that comes from knowing that you worked hard and now, you can sleep well.

I wish all of you a happy day.

Friday

Why do the shortest weeks seem the longest? We are all exhausted and feeling the need for a calm, relaxing, snow day. It is not to be. We are all off to school this morning. I am off to fifth grade. It's a good class, so things should go well.

Here is a big "Good Luck" to John and Elaine. John is being prepped for surgery this morning, as I write this. Our prayers are with you.

Tomorrow is the Solo and Ensemble judging and I play at church for both services on Sunday. Busy weekend.

I did my walk and now I need a good ole cup of java.

Happy day all.

Grumpies

Every one of us, this morning, woke up in a bad mood. Blame it on the eclipse last night or the weather, or the side of the bed we woke up on, or whatever, but it has left me needing to go back to bed and try again. Perhaps I just need to give myself permission to be grumpy. I don't often do that. I just feel guilty for whatever I am feeling. Guilt is a BIG problem for me and most of the time, it is uneccesary. Not that I am perfect. Every day, I ask God to forgive me for many things. Most of the time, it is my mouth that gets me in trouble. Sometimes I feel like a toddler just learning to walk. I fall down a whole bunch, hoping that one day I can run.

Thanks for listening to me drone on, yesterday. Another grumpy and "feeling sorry for myself" kind of blog. Thanks Jen, for listening and calling. Jen and I talked about our blogs and how our blogs are OUR blogs. I use this as a source of therapy. It helps to see my words and thoughts. I am hoping that one day, I can use this as a journal for my girls. I want them to know that "life is hard, but God is good". I know that those who love me, understand this and ignore my droning on and understand when I get "diarrhea of the mouth".

Thanks everyone, for listening, calling, talking and just checking in by reading this. I can't tell you how much it means to me. Thanks for understanding my quirks and loving me anyway. Thanks for all of your support through the tough times. I thank my family for loving each other, taking no offense, when we all get up grumpy. Thanks for reminding me that I am a good person, when the guilt overwhelms me. Thanks for having trouble in your lives too, so that mine doesn't seem so bad. Thanks for giving me the inspiration to run so that I can be physically fit to face the world. Thanks.......

I think the fog is lifting.

Life

This morning, I am tired and I want to go back to bed. Carole and I got up and did our walk/therapy session. We walked faster as I am motivated to do a 5k on St. Patricks day. I got home from exercising and my body was saying that was enough for today. I know it is not. I know Wednesdays are the longest. I will give a lesson this morning at 7:45 and finish lessons tonight at 7:30. I know it is a long day, so I have got to get moving and at least fake myself into beleiving that I have a lot of energy. I know it will come. I just need another cup of java.

Here is a shout out to Jen for finishing her presentation. She is going to be an official Massage Therapist pretty soon. I wish she were here for that extra cup of java and a quick massage would be nice too. I could use her advise and wisdom right about now.

Events are happening within my extended family that I cannot disclose. I have to just say that my heart is "heavy". Please keep me in your prayers as I continually ask God for guidance in my words and actions.

I have done a lot of thinking about what extended family is. It's not the people you live with every day, but it's the folks you think about every day. I was thinking about how our family relationships change and evolve as we grow up and physically away from each other. I was thinking how my children "need" me, but don't always "want" me at this stage in their lives. I think that as a parent, I need to realize that the relationship will one day change and that is a great thing. I can only pray that my children don't "need"me anymore, but instead they "want" me.

With my siblings, I can remember not "wanting" them around at all, when we were young. I hear this all the time from my girls. I have to be the adult and smile because, now, I talk to my sister almost every day. I don't "need" her around, I "want" her around. It is not out of obligation, it's just that I enjoy her company. I wish I had this same relationship with all of my siblings, but they have not fully matured yet and I don't think they have reached the point where they "want" to be around me. As I mentioned, my heart is heavy, but thanks for listening to me drone on.

On a better note, here is a "good luck" wish to Becca. Today is the first part of CSAP testing for third grade. She has never experienced these tests, but I know she will do very well.

Here is a big "thank you" for the Valentine's day cards to the girls from my parents. That was an unexpected treat.

Happy day all.

Long Weekend

We really enjoyed the last few days off. We can't believe it is all over. We went to the movies and snowboarding. We watched a couple of movies. We caught up with friends. Thanks Carole. Thanks Julie. Thanks Jen.

Now it is back to the grind of a new week. This week is a little stressful as I will take six kids to solo and ensemble competition on Saturday. This will be Becca's first time. She has practiced really hard and I am SO proud of her. I am honored that she has decided to play the violin. I have tried hard not to force it on either girl. Becca seems to really like it. Now, I have to get her technique up to par. Lots of work to do, with her, this summer.

I had a wonderful conversation with my Granny, over the weekend. Ihave been talking to her about her life and I need to write it all down, so that nobody forgets. I am reading a book about a Texas family, during the great depression in the 30s. Everything seemed so hopeless. I asked my Granny what her life was like during this time. She was in her late teens. She told me about going out into their garden and digging sweet potatos. She peeled them and ate them, raw, in order to fill her tummy. She talked about not having shoes to wear in the winter. She talked about surviving on tomato gravy and grits. It's funny, the people in Texas survived on pinto beans and rice. Maybe they should have traded once in a while.

Due to the depression, my Grandpa "Pop", caught a "hobo train", per Granny, from Georgia and went to Florida to work in the orange plants where they sectionize the fruit, make juice, etc.. Granny and her family loaded up their car in Georgia and went to Florida to do the same. There she met my Grandpa and the rest is history.

Thanks to hard times, my Grandparents met and in the long run, I came along. I guess I owe a lot to the depression, oranges, Florida, and love in the midst of hard times. Granny talked about being thoroughly happy during this time. She was in love. She didn't have fancy clothes. She shared one bedroom with many siblings. She worked hard (I think she played hard too). That generation learned to survive on almost nothing. They learned the art of simplicity.

I think we can learn a lot from them. Keep talking to me Granny!!!

More Snowboarder pictures

Laura with her instructor.

She finally stands up

Laura, ready to boogie.

As I said. Laura spent much of the day in this position.

Snowboarder

Here are pictures of our snowboarder, Laura. She and Tom went to Loveland yesterday. They were going to Monarch, but we found a much better deal at Loveland ski area. Laura was sooo tired last night. Laura was sooo sore last night. Laura spent sooo much time on her butt, yesterday. Laura sooo wants to do it all again.

Budding romance?

Last night, we went to the Sunrise Valentine's Day dance. It was a rockin place. There was no polka band. There were walkers, but they were dancing to Elvis, Jimmy Hendrix (go figure), Johnny Cash, etc. I was impressed. The live band was awesome. People were dressed up and best of all, there were smiles all around.

When we got there, Pookie was sitting next to "Barbara". A woman who lives at Sunrise. With a glass of wine in his hand, he would lean over and speak to her. When he did, she would put her hand on his and grin. They had their picture taken together. You couldn't wipe the grin off of Dad's face. There were Air Force Academy Cadets there and one of the beautiful young lady cadets asked Dad to dance. He was happy to and Barbara said "I couldn't get him to dance with me". When it was time to go, the band was gone and we asked Dad if he wanted us to walk him back to his room. He replied, "No, I want to sit here for a while. Barbara is in the bathroom and I want to be here when she gets back". Go Pookie!!! It was the best Valentine's gift ever.

Tom and Laura are off snowboarding, so Becca and I are off to Denver.

Happy day all.

Happy Heart Day

I want to wish all of you a very warm, cozy, romantic Valentine's day. Tom gave me a beautiful card and a big box of Whitman's Samplers. That is what I get for our anniversary, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. You see, this is a tradition in Tom's family. His Dad gave his Mom Whitman's on these same days. Pookie adored Baba. I am honored that Tom would want to do the same for me. The chocolate is good too.

Tonight, we are off to the Senior Valentine's Day Dance at Sunrise. The girls soooo don't want to go. They are Pookie's grand daughters and the only girls. They HAVE to go. Should be an interesting evening.

Laura's dance yesterday, was quite funny. Like I have said, Laura is my "I want to try everything once" type of girl. She tried the dance. She even tried taking a date. Both were duds according to her. The guy she took got bored after fifteen minutes and suggested they go up to ASH. ASH is study hall. May she always be attracted to such gentlemen. At least until she is out of college. Laura wanted to see why all the "girlie girls" wanted to go to the dance. She even dressed up. After fifteen minutes, she changed back into her jeans and met me at the door of my class. She was ready to go home. No tears, no disappointment, just "been there, done that, let's go home". Tomorrow, she and Tom head to Monarch for a day of snowboarding. Laura will take lessons, Tom will sit in the lodge with a book. She will spend tomorrow with the first and greatest man in her life. Her Dad.

Happy day all.

Pictures

This morning, I give you pictures. The one of top is of Becca's Revolutionary War oral book report costume. The hat was custom made by your's truly. The next two pictures are of Laura all decked out for the dance this afternoon. I think she looks cute, but I am not sure what the hat is all about. That's alright, she loves it.

Happy Day all.

Siblings

Today, my thoughts are on my siblings. I have three. I am the eldest. I have always been the mothering type and I have come to realize that is just who I am. Due to birth order or due to some genetic predisposition, I am what I am. It's not all bad. Sometimes mothering offers great reward. Sometimes, it makes others feel like they are less than adequate or they don't measure up.

Here is a big "I apologize" to anyone who feels this way due to my "mothering". I am thinking, mostly, of my siblings. I was left in charge a lot when we were children. I think this is why some of my siblings look to me for guidance or "mothering" and some consider me a "pain in the you know where". Some of my siblings have made some bad choices. Haven't we all, at some time or another? If I am a nurturing "mother" type, then I hope that my siblings know that, like a mother, I love them no matter. I will always love them. I love them when they think I do things to hurt them. I love them when they fall down. I love them when they pick themselves back up.

Today, this quote by Paul Johannes Tillich, goes out to my siblings: Tammie, Daniel and Jennifer.
"Grace strikes us when we are in great pain and restlessness...Sometimes at that moment a wave of light breaks into our darkness, and it is as though a voice were saying "You are accepted" and dare I say, LOVED.

I hope the voice you here is mine.

The fog is clearing.

After three days in bed, I am up and about again. Carol and I went walking this morning and I didn't spend the whole time coughing. It was nice to be outside. We are to get a couple of snow showers this week, so it was nice to get out while we can.

Saturday, I was still feeling crummy, but I went shopping with my girls. This is a big milestone for Laura. She will be attending her first dance on Wednesday and she needed a new outfit. She will have a male "friend" go with her. She asked him to go. This was a bit hard to take as I think and will always think that Laura is too young to even give boys a second thought. I must say, she was very sensible in her choice of clothing and I think she will look nice, but not too nice. It's hard to think that my girls are turning into young women.

Sunday, we all went to church. It was a great service. The focus was on surrendering "all" to God. That is so hard for me, because I am a control freak. I want to have everything planned out and going according to the plan. This can't always be and I have a hard time adjusting. I am going to try harder to surrender "all". Please pray for me and my efforts.

Sunday afternoon, I went to see five of my students perform in their Amadeus concert. I sat there and was amazed at how good they are. I was so very proud to be their teacher. I had to pinch myself to believe that they would come to "me" for lessons. I still can't believe that I love what I do, so much.

This is a three day week for us, so today I am trying to catch up on all the things that fell behind while I was sick. I hope all of you have a glorius day.

Feeling a little less cruddy.

The last two days have been a blur as I have fallen victim to the daVinci Academy virus. That is what I am calling it because I am sure that is where I got it. We have had over 70 kids absent during the last week. I called in sick on Thursday and every person in the Special Ed. Dept. was out sick. I tried to stick it out on Wednesday because it is so hard to get a sub for the sub. Yesterday, I stayed in bed all day. Today, Becca is sharing the bed with me as she is sick. Say a little prayer for us today as we want to be over this quickly.

Stay well all.

Feeling cruddy

Got the bug. Will blog more later. Stay well, everybody.

Less Energy

Good thing I had lots of energy yesterday, because today, I think I am catching the bug that has been going around school for two weeks. We had over 70 children absent last Friday and the staff are dropping like flies. I hope it is just an allergy thing, but I'm not sure.

We had a delay this morning, due to the snow. That mean's I have car duty at school this morning, in minus 10 degree weather. There better be hot tea awaiting us when we get in. Can you tell it's gonna be a looong day?

I hope all of you are feeling healthy. Good luck on your tests today, Jen. Be well all.

Energy

I woke up early today. Carol and I went for our walk/run this morning and we did more running. That was so nice, I ran all the way down our street on the way home. Why do I have more energy today? Could it be because we are to get major snow dumpage tonight? I don't know, but it feels good, so I will enjoy it for today.

I played my violin at both services at church yesterday. We went to eat at our favorite Indian restaurant and then came home to watch the Super Bowl. We only watched it to catch the commercials. The commercials weren't that great this year.

This week I am the Special Education teacher at school. Not sure what that will include, but I am sure to have a full week.

Here is something to think about today.

"It's a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it." - Somerset Maugham

Friday

This has been a week. I just didn't want to get out of bed this morning. I worked so hard yesterday that my body is rebelling. I have news for it though, we are going on a long walk this morning. I am feeling the need to just walk, reflect and pray.

Jan took Pookie to the doctor, yesterday. The doc. felt that Pookie's pain was caused from his hiatal hernia. He put him on medication and he was much better by the evening. The sad part of it is, the doc. said that he can see a fast, marked decline in Dad's overall health. The doctor spoke of what it will be like as he slowly slips away from us. I am sad, but not surprised. My big concern is Dad's spiritual health. Dad has proclaimed to be a "secular humanist" for many years. Please pray that we can help him. I need to walk and reflect today.

I am gonna call Jen today and have lunch with Elaine. I think I just need today to SLOW down.

Take care all.