It Happens to Be

Tissue Tearin Tiger

This morning I sleepily shuffled to the other end of the house to wake the boys, so snoozy that my eyes were mere slits, open just enough to keep me from breaking my neck in the dark.    I flipped on the hall light and announced a new day was beginning – Wake Up; it’s time to get ready.  Announcement complete, I turn to make my way to the soggy sleep snuffer (a.k.a. the shower). As I pass the linen closet it occurs to me that I need a clean towel.  Eyes slightly ajar now, I turn the door knob and what happens next could be defined as Eye-Opening.  Out of the closet leaps a ferocious and vocal tiger, ah hem – cat. The clambering and meowing and fluff that accompanied her exit was enough to let me know that she had spent the night in there. Like most cats, Katie has a personality that rivals some of the strongest Type A people I know. She had to express her displeasure in a manner that would make the greatest impact – thus the “Tissue Confetti Fit” ensued.  (Note: This is not the first time a 12 pack of tissue has succumbed to the wrath of Katie Bird claws.)

  

Despite this escapade, Katie is the coolest cat.  She has been hanging out at our house for about three years now but prior to that she lived with my sister for the first six or seven years of her life.  We have come to love her high strung kittyness and actually argue over who her favorite family member is – we all want to be the one she loves on.  She is quirky in the sweetest sense. With her bob tail and affinity for down comforter sleeping, we wouldn’t know what to do without her.

 

When I get home tonight, I have a mess to clean up.  Katie’s precision and accuracy in her shredding technique do make this tissue confetti a great additive to the compost barrel – albeit expensive!!! Now that I think of it, I trimmed her nails last night – maybe she didn’t like her manicure and locked herself in the linen closet??? 

Meow!

Sugar Buns to Shoulders

I’m really not sure how we made it five years and two weeks without this incident but I venture that is probably longer than most parents.  It wasn’t immediately obvious since Anslie’s hair is really long and very curly but it only took one really close look and I KNEW!! Mischief was afoot.

 

The conversation went something like this...

 

Me:       Anslie, did you cut your hair?

Anslie:  No mommy (sweet, heart melting smile)

Me:       Are you sure? Were you playing with scissors at daycare?

Anslie:  No mommy. No, I didn’t. (HUGE, sweet, heart melting smile)

 

(This called for a closer inspection.)

Me:       Anslie!! Elizabeth!! Ollis!! Don’t tell mommy a lie. Did you cut your hair? Where is the hair? Where are the scissors? Did you hide it? Show me right this minute!

Anslie:  (Stepping down off the bathroom stool and heading down the hallway, with me in HOT pursuit – She turns to face me)

              “Wait here mommy”.

Me:       (Insert Exorcist Head Spin Here) Oh no I won’t! You will show me right now. (The nerve of my five year old to order me to wait here so I won’t see her hiding spot!)

 

As I round the corner of her bed and look down to see my scrapbook scissors amid piles of beautiful red curls, I can feel the tears.  I don’t know if I’m mad or sad.

 

 

Me:       Oh Anslie, why? Why did you cut your hair?

Anslie:  Silence – Goliath couldn’t drag an answer out of this mouth.

 

I gently scoop up the precious tendrils of her baby years and turn to leave; a wave of nausea sweeping over me. As I try to sort out this flood of emotions I hear the sweetest voice say “Wait mommy”! I turn around just in time to see her pull a second handful of curls from another hiding place. “Here’s the rest”.

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrruuuuuuuuuuuuuugggggggggghhhhhhhhh!!

I snatch the hair from her small hand and break into a run.  Russss…..ell, I scream. She DID cut her hair, Lots of it. Anslie and I arrive at my husband’s side at exactly the same time.  My face filled with horror and hers sporting, yes you guessed it – a sweet heart melting smile.

 

{Side Note: We see a good bit of these smiles when someone has been up to no good at our house.}

 

In a voice of indignance, Anslie proclaims “Look what mommy found under my bed”, as if she were being blackmailed or something.  At this point, I can’t even rationalize how this is getting turned around. 

 

How are we going to put it back with the rest mommy?

We can’t! You should have thought about that before you started cutting.

Remember when my hair was down to my sugar buns mommy?

Yes, now it’s up to your shoulders!!!

I don’t know about you, but if I were in Anslie’s shoes, I would be nervous – not her though.  She knows dad all too well. Pinky wrapped WELL! He is having a hard time discerning who to address, me or her. I can tell he is finding humor in her ability to own this conversation. In his sweetest dad voice – “Anslie Honey, why did you cut your hair?”

 

Shoulder Shrug

I absolutely MUST remove myself from this conversation before I cave into a heap of tears and laughter. I am in awe at her ability to make light of something I perceive as nothing short of life altering trauma.  In the end, Anslie gets a spanking (administered by dad) for telling a lie and I have to get an appointment for 911 Hair Repair. Thank goodness my salon not only has wonderful stylists but WONDERFUL friends.

Anslie now sports shoulder length hair that she is perfectly happy with.  She is oblivious to her mother’s pain of losing those precious locks of spiraling, bouncing curls.

Do you remember?

…where you were five years ago today?  Probably not, unless you are like me and are celebrating the birth of your 5 year old today. Yes, this has definitely been the fastest five years of my life.  Filled with excitement, worry, laughter, tears, sweet kisses and learning experiences.

 

It wasn’t suppose to be Anslie’s fifth birthday yet (she was not due until April) but just like everything else she does, she was in a hurry to get here.  A HUGE hurry. As a matter of fact, I think she is stuck in fast forward – she runs, leaps, bounds, skips, talks, runs, runs, runs. Well, you get the picture; she does everything fast and fast makes me t-i-r-e-d.  If you’ve ever read the Olivia books, you could just pretend it says Anslie instead of Olivia.

 

Tired has its rewards though – I’ll share a few of them with you – In the voice of Anslie:

 

“Mommy, when will I be 39 like you?” (This is only said shouted in very crowded public places.)

“God doesn’t like it when you yell at me.”

“Is there anymore Spegarus?” (That’s Asparagus for all of you who don’t have 5 yr olds)

 “Can you give me some of daddy’s money”?

 “God gave us these wonderful bodies, didn’t he?”

 

Makes you smile doesn’t it?  It makes me smile too.

 

Happy 5^th Birthday Anslie!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then........

 

 

 

 

......and Now

 

 

Lord, we thank you for our many blessings.   ~Amen

Things that make me smile...

  Just a few of the things that make me smile……

• mommy (whispered softly)
• a cold pillow

                                              

• my man in his blue jeans & beige sweater
• prayer
• forsythia blooms

                                            

• having the right answer
• memories of my mom
• strawberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream
• innocence

I’m really very easy to please. Such simple things that bring happiness to my life, how about you – what makes you smile?

# 26 - Favorite Christmas Tradition?

Our family tree decorating with lots of snacks, cider, music and arguing (about who gets to hang which ornament)!

Oh yeah! I’m stopping by the grocery store – tonight is tree decorating night and we are having a Snack Dinner. Those are the best, we don’t just have them at Christmas time but they are certainly more elaborate on this particular night.

 

I wheel my shopping cart around humming the Little Drummer Boy with a bit of spring in my step. Some tangerines, a chunk of havarti…sharp white cheddar, summer sausage bites, wine, jumbo shrimp, cocktail sauce…pa rum pum pum pum…Isn’t it amazing how much more pleasurable grocery shopping is when your only getting the “fun stuff”?...Pepperidge Farm entertaining collection, Rocher chocolates, melon.  A new born King to see…..pa rum pum pum pum

5:40 p.m – I need to hurry. Rounding the corner to the register I note that there is not a shard of nutrition in this shopping cart – that’s okay though because we’re having a great time at the Ollis home tonight.

I call home to let them know I’m on my way – you guys be ready to help with the groceries and preheat the oven to 350 – make a pot of coffee too.

 

Finally inside, I have the Christmas cheer going, I’m building pigs in a blanket, slicing cheese and arranging crackers.

 

 

The boys have turned on the Christmas music and I have this nostalgic warmth enrobing me.  This is my favorite holiday tradition...pa rum pum pum pum..The kids are opening the ornament boxes, excited to get started - WAIT guys! We have to eat first then decorate. Help me set the table.

 

    

 Ready! Come to the table!!

Anslie and Dad ask the most beautiful blessing, I almost cry. Within a matter of minutes we have gobbled up our snack dinner and moved on to the tree.

 

 

We have some dancing.....

 some ornament history....

some decorating....

 

 

and last but not least……….we have some arguing….

 

What's your favorite Holiday Tradition? If its making memories like these, I know it must be wonderful! ...pa rum pum pum pum..

One of THOSE emails

I got one of those emails this morning…. the kind that has FW: at the beginning of the subject line. An email someone has forwarded on to you, the kind that 99% of the time (okay, maybe only 95% of the time) is spam or junk mail. BUT, this morning it was from my friend Terri. Now Ter and I have been friends a looong time, upwards of 25 years and she is like me – BUSY! What this means is this email surely has some significance so I better take a look. As I get my coffee cup situated and throw my purse under my desk I grab up my tailless mouse for a double click.

Ah Ha! It is one of those emails!! Oh, but it contains personal info so I shall read on! I just love insight on family and friends and what better way to learn their likes and dislikes, pleasures and pain than to read their answers to one of those junk questionnaire type emails. I think this is the first time I’ve gotten one relevant to a holiday and I found it of great interest – I felt closer to Terri (especially since we are 250 miles apart). As if I knew something special about her, stuff only a close friend would know. In light of how I felt after reading it, I thought it would only be fair to share my answers with a few friends. I forwarded it on to a couple of folks that I knew wouldn’t chew me out for sending junk mail, a couple that I knew would not respond but would at least know that they had crossed my mind today and I sent it back to Terri so she could feel equally educated on my ways of Christmas. Last but not least, I’m sharing it with you. You are probably wondering why………read #26 and I will elaborate tomorrow.

Oh, and I bet you will never guess what we did at my house tonight!!  I’ll tell you tomorrow!

(Keep in mind these are MY answers)

Ready or not, the Christmas holidays are fast approaching!  Enjoy!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?   Wrapping paper

 2. Real tree or Artificial?    Artificial

3. When do you put up the tree?  This year it is already up but normally around the 2^nd week of December.

4. When do you take the tree down?  Usually a day or two after Christmas but definitely before New Years.

5. Do you like eggnog? NO – I don’t think people really drink that stuff.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?  Drowsy Doll.

7. Hardest person to buy for?  Russ
8. Easiest person to buy for?  ME J
9. Do you have a nativity scene? No

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?  Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? One at a “Dirty Santa” exchange – I wound up with something like men’s wool socks. UGH!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Home Alone

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?   November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?   Probably

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Buckeyes (Peanut Butter Balls)

16. Lights on the tree? White

17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?  Stay Home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?  A Bow
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? You Know Our Family – it depends on where the boys are. 
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year?   Black Friday

23. Favorite thing about this time of year?  Being fortunate enough to give to others.

24. Favorite ornament, theme or color?  I love antique ornaments that remind me of the kind my mom had when we were little.   

25. Favorite for Christmas dinner?  I don’t really like a formal Christmas dinner – snacks and nibbles are my choice.
26. Favorite Christmas Tradition?  Our family tree decorating with lots of snacks, cider, music and arguing (about who gets to hang which ornament)!

27. What do you want for Christmas this year?  Simplicity 

28. Who is most likely to respond to this?  ???
Merry Christmas!!!

 

Pretty plain I know, but don’t you feel like you know a little something “more” about me than before? I think that is neat – diversity is what makes the world so interesting.  If you want to know more interesting stuff you should come back tomorrow – I’ll share the details of #26.

 

And don't be scroogie (yes, I know that is not a real word) like me, take a minute to open up those emails and share some interesting stuff with your friends, they will be glad you did.  Take the time to remember what is important, Christ, family, giving, sharing and being close to the people you care about.  If you have not been fortunate enough to receive the Christmas Questionnaire feel free to copy it from my blog and send it to your own friends. (But please don't tell my husband, he is one of those IT guys and there would be some serious reprimand if he finds out I am propagating spam across the Information Superhighway!!! - No! Really!! I am serious - Big Trouble!! J)

Labor “Free” Day Giveaway!

Labor can be physical or mental work. An effort that can be exhausting, methodical or rewarding, – but always time consuming. Labor Day, originally established in the late 1800’s as a day off for the working citizens has evolved into the modern “unofficial end to summer”. It may be the last three day weekend of the summer to spend with family and friends; swimming, grilling or just hanging out. Cooler temperatures, football season and shorter days signal fall is just around the corner.  Unfortunately the rest intended for Labor Day isn’t always restful.  Whether driving somewhere, preparing food, entertaining or cleaning up the remnants of a relaxing family day, Labor Day can be laborious, especially for women and moms. Don’t take offense guys, but most women are the planners, preparers and workers of celebrations such as these.

With that in mind I would like to invite you to create your own personal “labor free” day.  A day (or maybe just a couple of hours) all to yourself. No work, just plain simple relaxation that requires no preparation or effort. The kind you read about in FICTION books. Obviously it’s not likely that it will fall on Labor Day itself but on a day that you can set aside for you – but it should be soon, very soon! I envision this time alone in a cozy chair, a thought provoking book and soothing music all melded together by some sinfully delicious chocolate.  Your vision may be different, but enchanting nonetheless. The basket below includes some gear to get you started in your quest for a bit of rest and solitude.

Leave me a comment and tell me how you would spend your “labor free” day by noon EST on Friday September 5th and you may be the lucky winner. Gentleman, your comments are welcomed, encouraged, wanted – and yes, you could be the winner too.  I know about hard working men, who need a break – I’m married to one!!

The contents are:

*Green Floral Leatherette Writing Journal

*Contemporary Parker Vector & Parker Jotter pens

*Cool Colors Assorted Blank Note Cards

*The Last Lecture - The story of Randy Pausch, Professor Carnegie Mellon

*Chris Botti "Italia" CD (awesome jazz trumpeter) featuring Paula Cole & Dean Martin

AND.....5 ounces of rich, heavenly, luscious, assorted Lindt Truffles

- Sure sounds relaxing to me, indulgent even. J

A Few Rules

• You must be over 18 years old
• One entry per email address/comment
• You must leave a comment in this post to be entered (note:  If you are reading this through the email subscription, you need to visit http://ithappens2b.typepad.com to enter the giveaway)
• Winner needs to claim their prize within 3 days

Winner will be announced Saturday September 6th! (The prize will be mailed by USPS free of charge to the lucky reader.)

One of a Kind

Now every mother thinks her child is “One of a Kind”, we just can’t help it.  When it comes to describing our children, each one is special. What is really exciting though is when others acknowledge the traits and talents that make your child who they are – an individual.

Society believes that childhood is an idyllic time: carefree, filled with lazy days and contentment. No pressures, just toys, television, perfect playmates, summer vacations and the likes of which are publicized in skads of parenting magazines and assorted media around the world. The truth is – childhood is HARD. Sure children typically don't have the worries of high gas prices, food shortages or the multitude of most other adult problems, BUT they do worry and they do have stress. A lot of childhood stress comes from the pressure to be like everyone else – that’s where being “One of a Kind” can sometimes be painful, very painful. As a child it is impossible to see how being different can serve you well in life. “Mom, if I don’t look, dress and talk like the rest of the group they make fun of me”. That sentence makes me want to cry because I know the truth in it.

As a society we have conditioned our youth to believe that clothes, cars and money define who we are. Shame on us!!! I mean that.  What is wrong with us when we no longer value the true qualities that make people special? When you take off those expensive clothes, step out of that fancy car and federal regulators shut down your bank, you will still be that same special individual – minus the fluff.  That’s what I want my children to learn.  I want them to appreciate their friends for their kindness, humor and intelligence, the stuff on the inside.  I also want to appreciate my children in the same manner, to be able to realize that each one is different and treat them as such.

Speaking of which, last week Jordan (my 10yo son) participated in drama camp which culminated in a Friday night performance. All week he practiced his lines and talked about which parts he was playing and when I should be watching for him. This is one of my favorite things to do – watch him perform.  He is oh so dramatic and funny.  He can sing, dance, act and improvise at the drop of a hat.

Great talents for any ten year old but, especially so since he is mine! (I know bragging is not becoming of a lady – today I choose to be unladylike).

As we got settled in for the performance, the director came on stage to introduce the camp theme and give an overview of the week.  She also handed out camp awards – Dear Lord, I can feel that lump appear in my throat out of nowhere. It’s as if I’ve been harboring a fugitive toad in my stomach and he has decided at this very moment to relocate!! Don’t laugh, every parent knows the feeling – “will my child get an award”? So, I patiently waited and smiled as campers crept from behind the curtain to collect their acknowledgements. As I waited, the stack of awards got smaller until there was only one award left – oh, I hope that one is for Jordan! Then the next sentence out of the director’s mouth made the frog in my throat do a double back handspring triple somersault.

“This last award is the ‘One of a Kind Award’, it goes to a camper who, let us just say, made a lasting impression on us and is truly one of a kind”. (OH NO, I change my mind, please Lord, don’t let it be Jordan).

"Our One of a Kind Award goes to Jordan Rhea, come on out Jordan”! (uuugh!  Hooray!!)

(Applause here!) And in an instant with his perfectly bright smile and gracious stage presence he appeared to accept his award.  A brief handshake, slight bow to the audience and he disappeared behind the curtain.

I slumped ever so slightly in my seat. Are people looking at me? Muttering about the kid who is “One of a Kind”? Wondering if he was out there? What kind of impression did he make that would be so lasting? Stop It Renee!! You are paranoid, nobody is looking at you and nobody thinks anything.  He went to camp and showed who he was; his individuality.  Dear Lord, please forgive me for thinking the worst. (Remind me sometime to tell you about my “Nosey Award” at Girl Scout camp – I believe that frog has been hanging around ever since.) To my relief the lights dimmed and it was show time.

As I sat there watching the performances of these 30 or so young actors and actresses I realize that I put too much emphasis on what I expect my children to be and not enough emphasis on who they truly are.

All of these participants are brave beyond belief.  Each one revealing their individual style, creativity and talent to a group of total strangers – that’s impressive. As many times as I have read chapter one of the Purpose Driven Life I still forget that my children are exactly who they are supposed to be.  God made them for his own purpose and carefully planned out every detail of their physical and spiritual being.  I am thankful that He has enough faith in me to entrust three of His precious children to my care. I am proud of my three “One of a Kind” children for who they are.

Today I’m especially proud of Jordan for his ambition, talent, humor, kindness and his heart of gold. He is so special and truly one of a kind. I know that God has great plans for him.

I can’t wait to see his next performance - this one was FABULOUS!

Each new child brings the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.  ~Tagore

Uniquely me,

~ Renee

Beautiful Living

Bele Chere = Beautiful Living

...that's the meaning of Bele Chere (pronounced Bell Cher) as translated from an ancient Scottish dialect. But what Bele Chere means to approximately 375,000 festival goers is FUN! Bele Chere is a free outdoor street festival in Asheville, NC and draws crowds from across the country the last weekend in July.

To be honest we hadn't planned on going to Bele Chere this year, but it just so happened that it coincided with Jordan's trip to camp. What luck, we had to drop Jordan off at AICL on Sunday so I saw this as an opportunity to have a bit of fun while we were there. On Thursday night, at the last minute (like I do most everything else) I jumped on Priceline.com and got a hotel room for Saturday.  Just like that, we were on our way for a mini-vacation in Asheville.

Asheville is eclectic. A Menagerie of diverse people, things and sights on a regular day - BUT throw Bele Chere in the mix and it's like nothing you've ever seen before. I actually know folks who go just to "people watch". I know, that may not be the nicest thing to say but it's true. People like to look at people who are different than them and Asheville is filled with originality and imagination. It is a lot of fun and I enjoy cultural exposure in small doses.

In just 24 short hours we were exposed to

music...

          

sort of like music....at least it was a joyful noise

                                                

art...

art 1.

-noun (as defined in Webster's dictionary) the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance. (yep, this stuff is art too)

         

fine dining...

         

Are you kidding me?

Of course funnel cakes are fine dining! (extra thanks to Alenia & Jennifer from Burnsville - Jordan scored 3/4 of a funnel cake that these girls couldn't eat) Sweet! Sweet! Sweet!

Cultural & Social Diversity...

          

Artist, homeless, vegan, liberal, activist, tattooed, famous, ethnic, musician, farmer, christian, locavore, hippie, foreigner, chef, botanist, conservative, wiccan, or just plain Jane - you name it, Asheville encompasses the whole spectrum of todays diverse society.

Architecture...

          

The buildings here are amazing, especially the Grove Arcade. Art Deco to Gothic Revival architecture abounds. Many of them from the mid to late 1800's still stand because of Asheville's economic downfall after the great depression. Asheville was busy paying off debt during America's urban renewal of the 1950's & 60's. They were forced to maintain what they had instead of tearing down existing structures. This preservation combined with recent revitalization efforts makes Asheville a History or Art lovers paradise.

Sports...

          

The Slackline puts Soup to the test but Lu Lu is "loving" tennis J

Theater...

          

Silver Girl & Bronze Guy were fascinating - totally STILL - makes you want to tickle them, he! he!

and my favorite...........Shopping...

          

I would love the Mast General Store even if it didn't have the Candy Barrel but boy am I glad it does........individually wrapped circus peanuts and Coconut Long Boys made this a Saturday and Sunday stop. Good thing I'm scheduled to have my teeth cleaned soon.

Okay, right - that probably wouldn't be considered a small dose of cultural exposure, it was more like a big heaping helping. One of those, I'm hot and my feet hurt get me some water and air conditioning before I fall out Helpings! Whew, Thank goodness we had to get Jordan over to Warren Wilson College for camp.

As always, if you want to see more photos of our Bele Chere excursion see my flickr photostream.

As a sidenote I liked to give a little piece of advice for those of you venturing to Bele Chere in the future: No matter how comfy they feel right out of the box, NEVER ever wear that new pair of Sperry topsiders you bought on sale the day before the festival - you WILL get blisters. L

Living Beautifully ~ Renee

Soft Sounds

One morning last week my husband and I found ourselves sitting at the table sharing coffee before work. Mind you, this is extremely out of the ordinary for us. Our mornings are usually crammed with alarm clocks, hair dryers, closet rummaging, and noise levels teetering around the 100+ decibel mark. But as we sat there unrushed, with our children indulging in summer sleeping hours; my husband looked at me and said, “I miss soft sounds”.

Oh! I had been so busy basking in the glory of this simple time together that it hadn’t even occurred to me how truly quiet our house was that morning.  Not silent. Just Calm. Quiet. Soft sounds – you know, the ones that you have to be paying close attention to hear. Like the clink of a wedding ring on a coffee cup, tinkling wind chimes on the deck, the chirp..chirp…chir-oop of the finches on my bird feeder. Pleasant, soothing sounds.

 

I never asked him to clarify soft sounds but it was these things that flooded my mind as I tried to appreciate the statement he had just made.  It seems to me that far too many days go by that I don’t appreciate the “soft sounds” in life. Always rushing; frantically searching for last minute items, hurrying children into car seats, rushing through the yellow light to make it to the next destination – all on hyperdrive. It was only because of the conscious decision to get up a bit early (this was my precious husband’s idea) that I had the opportunity to reflect on how hurried, rushed and LOUD my life is.  I’m so grateful that those two words helped me re-focus, if only for a short while; and pay attention to the less obvious, softer sounds in my life.  They are many, mostly pleasant – I might make getting up early for coffee with him a habit!

Renee