Waterloo

I'm having a little trouble coming up with a clever, witty post...my mind is a little whacky right now.  Maybe it's because I've been spending my evenings planning out our "Summer Learning" schedule.  I'll do a post on that later.  But because I'm a wee bit fried right now, I thought I'd give you this.

I know many of you have seen this on Facebook or received it in an email, so doing it in one of those formats, I thought I'd just put it out there on my blog.  The ones I've read of my friends' are pretty funny.  So we'll see how this goes.  I promise I won't change the answer if I don't like it.  I'll keep it real.  (My answer to What Would You Rather Do? Wednesday is at the bottom of this post).

Here's to getting to know me...iPod (or in my case iPhone) style...

What Does Your iPod Say About You?
1. Put your iTunes on Shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly it sounds!

4. Put any comments in brackets.

If someone says, “Is this okay?” You say:
Fields of Gold by Sting [ok-that doesn't make sense, hope this gets better]

How would you describe yourself?
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen [hee hee ha he huh hee hee HA HA HA]

What do you like in a guy/girl?
It Is You (I Have Loved) by Becky Jane Taylor

How do you feel today?
Nightswimming by R.E.M. [no, thank you, it's a little chilly tonight, maybe later in the summer]

What is your life’s purpose?
Only If by Enya? [nah-I have no regrets]

What is your motto?
I Walk the Line by Johnny Cash [ok, that's freakin' hilarious...I actually just laughed out loud-the appropriateness of it. Gosh, that's a great song!]

What do your friends think of you?
Superman by R.E.M. [wow! is that true...is that what you all think of me?????]

What do you think of your parents?
Your Song by Elton John

What do you think about often?
It's the End of the World As We Know It by R.E.M. [seriously, what's with all my R.E.M. songs coming up.  That's definitely not what I think of most often]

What do you think of your best friend?
Real Gone by Sheryl Crow [not really, my best friends are here, but I do have 2 besties that live far from me so they are gone--in distance--but not in thought and love]

What is 2 + 2?
You Can't Stop the Beat from the Hairspray Soundtrack [I don't really understand this question]

What do you think of the person you love?
The One by Elton John [wowza, wowza, wow!  Seriously--that is seriously that came up.  WM is definitely my The One]

What do you want to be when you grow up?
All Star by Smash Mouth [seriously, this is getting weird...

What will you dance to at your wedding?
Livin' on a Prayer by Bon Jovi [that would be a funny first dance at a wedding]

What will they play at your funeral?
Under Pressure by David Bowie & Queen [if you listen to the words, this is kind of an appropriate funeral song for some people...but not me]

What is your hobby/interest?
I Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher [yep, my babes (kiddos and WM) are my interests]

What is your biggest fear?
Where I Stood by Missy Higgins 

What is your biggest secret?
Vacation by The Go-Go's [not really, but that's a funny answer]

What do you think of your friends?
New Soul by Yael Naim [huh?]

What will you Title This Post?
Waterloo by ABBA [hence, the name of this post--brilliant, aren't I?]

There, now you know a little bit about me...according to my iPod.  Totally random, but a couple of them are pretty right on.

And now...to MY answer to yesterday's What Would You Rather Do? Wednesday...

I have to admit, this was a tough one...I even stumped myself.  I am most definitely an ocean person...but as far as strict survival of either of these, I think I'd better go with the Sahara.  I think ocean currents, winds, tides, storms are too unpredictable and you'd just float around out there and get no where.  Plus the ocean is SO much bigger than the Sahara, surely someone would eventually find me in the desert.  At least I hope so. :)  So that's my answer...the Sahara (even though it goes against every grain of this ocean and beach lovin' gal).  

I'll think of another good one for next week!

What Would You Rather Do? Wednesday

Here's the question for today's What Would You Rather Do? Wednesday...

Would you rather....

Be stranded in the middle of the Sahara Desert (with nothing but the clothes on your back)...

or

Be stranded in the middle of the ocean (on a teeny wooden raft--think Castaway--remember when Tom Hanks' character makes his escape from the island on the rickety hand-made--that's the kind of raft I'm talking about--very primitive.  And nothing else).

So which would you choose?  Leave your answer in the 'comments'.  I really would like to hear what you all would choose on this one. (hey--Jenny Armour--I know you're reading this...leave me your answer!!! :) ).  See, if I know you read my blog and don't comment...I'll call you out on it!  That's just how I am.  Not really, I'm actually very, VERY non-confrontational.  I can do that to Jenny--she's family--she has to love me anyway.  hee hee (at least I hope she still does).

I'll give you my answer tomorrow!

Peace out!

Clarification...

After reading the below post, let me explain what I mean by this sentence...

"...we thought it would be better to have the other, sweet, Kinder teacher."

The word Kinder is kind of confusing there. I meant it as an abbreviation for Kindergarten...

Kinder=Kindergarten

I didn't mean that she is kinder (as in nicer). Both of the Kindergarten teachers at Katie's school are wonderful, sweet, kind, gentle souls.

Just needed to clear that up.

Thanks for listening! :)

I'm So Sorry this Post is so Random...Bear with me.

We've been out of town for the long weekend. That's why there's been nothin' new. Just a bunch of nothin' for you all who have been anxiously checking my blog for the past 5 days.

Nuthin'.

Sorry.

But I didn't think it would be real wise to put it out there for the whole world to see that we were going to be gone.

"Hey--weirdo, freaky, thief guy--come rob my house...we're going to be out of town." Not wise, I tell ya, not wise.

But I'm back and now your lives can get back on track. (Just kidding, I would never give myself that kind of credit. That the absence of timely posts on my little blog would throw anyone's lives off track). I'm just babbling now because my mind is running amok. Summer is officially here...school is out and I have a lot on my mind. I trouble organizing my thoughts. If you've ever talked to me in person you know that.

Ok--you know what. I actually had a real, true live, important subject to blog about today, but now my mind is all whirly and I can't get it written. It had to do with Katie's new Kindergarten roster that we got in the mail. ALREADY! Katie's school is very efficient and on the ball. The last day of school was Friday and we received the list on Saturday (at least I assume it was Saturday...like I said we were out of town, but mail doesn't come on Sunday or Memorial Day so it had to be Saturday). Anyway, we got the list and it kind of felt like a punch in the gut. Maybe it was the first time reality was setting in about Katie doing Kindergarten again, maybe it was because her name wasn't on Mrs. Beers list and it seems weird that Katie's not one of her students (which we knew because she had Mrs. Beers last year and we thought it would be better for her to have the other, sweet Kinder teacher), maybe it was because the only little girls that we know are in the other class. Maybe it was just me having to be comfortable with the unknown and stepping out of my nice, safe, comfort zone. But for some reason, I just sat there and looked at that list, in disbelief.

But you know what....

...it's going to be okay. And Katie is going to do great. And we're going to have a great year making new friends and relearning the norm.

It's going to be fine. Really, it is.

(that's just me talking myself out of my 'worry zone'--thanks for patiently listening).

Good grief--thanks for putting up with my nonsense today. I'm just a wee bit scattered today.

Tomorrow will be better--remember, it's What Would You Rather Do? Wednesday! I've got a good one comin'!

Have a happy Tuesday.

The Plan

See this precious girl?  

Cute, isn't she?

That photo was taken on her first day of school this year.  Today is her last day.  I remember sitting in WM's car after we took her to school on her first day and having a few tears trickle down my face.  Today, however, I've shed more tears than that first day.  This past week I've lived with a lump in my throat.  What's wrong with me--school's out!  Yeah--first year was a huge success!  But that's exactly the problem.  This year was a huge success and I don't want it to end.  I want her to have the precious Mrs. Beers every year.  I want her to have all her same, sweet little friends.  I want each day for be filled with the same laughter and fun that she had this year.  I don't want it to end!  Don't get me wrong--I can't wait for our summer together and all the fun stuff we're going to do and all the time we'll have together.  What I don't want is to have to go back to the worrying if she's okay--when right now, I KNOW!

Then there's this other thing...Katie loved Kindergarten so much that she's going to do Kindergarten again! Yay!! 

What, you ask?

After many, many weeks of soul searching, researching, talking to teachers, talking to friends, talking to Katie, we decided that our little angel needs a "grow year."  She is the youngest abd Kindergartener, and you can tell.  This was such a hard decision.  Any parent who has been faced with it knows, there are SO many things to take into consideration.  And Katie's situation was unique because academically she is very high.  But emotionally/developmentally, she's young.  She doesn't have a lot of self-confidence, she's pokey, she cries easily.  Nothing that is anything to worry about--she's right on target for her age (and almost a year younger than many of her classmates), but considering that she's going to have to be independent and a self starter when she moves to 1st grade, we decided that maybe a year to grow will be best for her.  

We are excited to see this little flower blossom.  We have plans for next year to keep her from getting bored and to challenge her academically.  We had to take into consideration that she would probably be fine next year or the next, but eventually it was going to catch up with her.  And by then it would be too late.  She's doing so well academically that we want her to keep that great attitude toward school.  So that is our plan for Katie.

The past week has been a little tough and yesterday I asked for prayers because her class went to visit 1st grade and I was worried that maybe someone would say hurtful words about her not going to 1st or that she would lose her great attitude about doing Kindergarten again.  But thanks to your prayers, she had a great day and when I asked her last night if she still was excited about doing Kindergarten she gave me a very enthusiastic "YES!"  So, I believe we're still on track for a great summer and successful school year next year.  I'm still praying that today will go okay since today will be the day that the teacher's say "goodbye", but I know that Katie will be fine.  She's a very positive little girl.  The beginning of school next year may be a little tricky, but we'll get through it and I think we're going to see big things from this little gal!

Thanks to all my friends and family who have helped us along this journey (Baloney, Bridget, Susie).  Your supportive words have meant so much.  And when I was having those doubtful moments, your emails and phone calls helped me remember that we're doing the best for our little girl.

You guys are the best.  Thanks for your support.  And for others out there reading this who know of a family going through this, give them your support and don't jump to conclusions.  We're doing the best for our children...and it's a tough decision.  Harder than anyone would realize unless you've walked in these shoes.

(Sorry this was so long).

Hope everyone has a great, GREAT weekend!!!!

Peace and love!

My Answer and a Little Prayer Request

Hi readers! First we'll start with the fun stuff! The answers to What Would You Rather Do? Wednesday just cracked me up! And I found them to be a bit surprising. I was bit shocked that most people would take their dream car going sllllooooowwww.

My answer: I would take the truck. I am ALWAYS late no matter where I go and I'm always rushing around to get there, so I just need to have transportation that can get me where I need to be quickly to catch up on time.

Thanks for playing...I'm working on next weeks question...stay tuned!

Now, for a quickie prayer request...could you please say a quick little prayer for my Katie. Don't worry...she's perfectly healthy and fine, but something will be happening in her classroom today that could potentially upset her and make several months of work and positive thinking go out the door for her. Those of you who know the situation probably know what I'm talking about, and I'm planning on doing a post about it tomorrow (since tomorrow is the last day of school) to fill everyone else in. But if you could just say a little prayer for Katie's happiness and no hurtful words from others, I would appreciate it.

Hope everyone has a peaceful, beautiful Thursday!

What Would You Rather Do? Wednesday

Here's the question for our second installment of What Would You Rather Do? Wednesday.

Would you rather...

Drive the car of your dreams but it could only go 20 mph

or

Drive a rackety old, beat-up pick up truck that can go any speed

What would you rather?  Leave your answer in the comments section...I'd love to hear everyone's differing opinions.  And I'll let you know my choice tomorrow! :)

Happy Wednesday!!!

Oh No You Didn't...

You know I wouldn't allow my 21-month-old to run around the backyard for TWO HOURS without a diaper on.

Not me!

I would never do that!



Never...

Not for two hours.

(hey--it was a nice day, no one could see her, and besides, she's going through that 'strip down' stage...I can't keep clothes on the girl. As I've always said...choose your battles).

You're Never too Young...

You're never to young to wear pointy-toed, spiky-heeled, RED suede shoes, right?

Guess not!

Sorry that isn't that great of a pic...she wouldn't stand still.  Somethin' about those red shoes made her feel like prancing around.

And here's my answer to yesterday's What Would You Rather Do? Wednesday.

My answer:  I would rather communicate by singing.  But if you know me, that wouldn't be a surprise at all.  I often spontaneously burst into song.  It's just something I do.

Tune in next Wednesday for the next installment...more of you better play, or I'm going to put you in the naughty chair!

Peaceful night to you...'til tomorrow!

What Would You Rather Do? Wednesday!

I've decided to try a little something new...shake things up a bit. I know there are a few people out there reading this silly, little blog, but I never hear from you. So, as a marketing professional, I'm going to try to "engage my consumers." So today I'm introducing...

What Would You Rather Do? Wednesday

Here's how it works...I'm going to give you two scenarios and you are going to leave me a reply in the comments section and tell me which scenario you would rather do. It might be a little insight into my readers' minds! :) I won't tell you which one I would rather do...each Thursday I will let you know...so you'll have to return the next day to see my answer.

Clear as an Oklahoma lake? (have a mentioned how I HATE lakes...I will never be a lake person...it's something about not being able to see your feet when standing in the water. Ewww, and who knows what could come swimming up to you...ICK, ICK, ICK! Ok--I disgress).

So here's the first installment of What Would You Rather Do? Wednesday.

Would you rather...

Only be able to communicate by singing everything...

or

Only communicate by shouting?

Leave me your answer in the comments section...

Happy Spring Day!

Oh--and happy birthday Baloney!

I'm a Mommy--I'm so Blessed

First off, before I start my post...my apologies to my blog world friends for standing you up on Thursday...between over committing my time to the world and sick kids, it didn't work out that I could be there.  But, dang it, I was SO bummed.  Can we please, please, please to it again, soon.  I want to meet all of you!!!

Now to my post for today:

Happy Mother's Day!

I could write a really long post on how I have the most wonderful, caring, beautiful mother on earth and how she persevered through hard times and taught me how to be the person I am today.  I could write an equally long post on how I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE being a mother.  I love it! I love my 3 kiddos so much.  The make me happy every single day.

But I'm going to make it short and simple.  I have been so blessed by God to have three beautiful, healthy children.  I cannot imagine my life without them.  I'm equally blessed to have a husband who adores them as much as I do and he makes me an even better mother to my children.  I love my family and realize that not everyday is going to be perfect. But on those days I will remember that there are mothers out there praying for a miracle for their baby who is fighting for it's life; or mother's who would do anything for one more minute with their child; or for the women who wake everyday hoping for a baby that isn't coming.

I'm blessed.  And I love my children more and more everyday.

I'm truly the luckiest mother around.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies out there!

P.S.  Tune back in tomorrow for some of the recent antics of the Three Little Lams.  Lately they've given me lots of blog material.

Peace, love and moms!

Teachers = Love

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week!

I am not a teacher.

I appreciate teachers more and more everyday.

I can't imagine being a teacher. Somedays I think I would love it, then other days I wonder how in the world those precious women and men do it.  As the child of a teacher, I always knew that teaching was important.  I graduated from high school, college, etc., so I have obviously had teachers that I loved (and others--not so much).  But since I've become a parent, I have a whole new respect and admiration for teachers.

What's my #1 problem with the teaching profession?  The pay.  I certainly can't talk intelligently on pay scales, etc. but what I do know is that I think we live in a mixed up world when a professional athlete is paid millions yet teachers are so underpaid that sometimes it takes a second job for them to make ends meet.  I'm pretty sure that Mr. All-Star Football player is not going to make the impact on my child's life that his/her teacher will.  And if Mr. All-Star Football player does make an impact on my child's life, it's probably not the kind of impact I'm hoping for. 

Teacher's come to school everyday, put on their smiling faces and meet a classroom full of little faces full of anticipation.  I have the luxury of going to my office, declaring that I've "had a bad morning" and shutting my office door.  Teachers can exactly say "don't talk to me Little Jimmy, I couldn't find my favorite skirt to wear and the baby spit up on me and there was a huge line at Starbucks and gas went up 10 cents, so I'm not in the mood to talk to anyone."  They put on their happy face and make Little Jimmy feel like he's the most important child in the class.  And these days, teachers don't just play the role of teacher, to some children they are a parent, doctor, friend, mentor, counselor.  Teachers are so important in our society.  They prepare our children for the future.  They can make the extraordinary out of the ordinary.

Now, I know there are many of you out there reading saying "my child has the worst teacher ever!"  Yep, they are out there, sorry to say.  But today I'm talking about the majority who give their heart and soul and money for our kiddos.

So in honor of my kids' teachers and to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, I would like to thank the three teacher's that have touched my kiddos and our family's lives this year.

Ms. Kelsey--oh my, can you imagine teacher six 20/24 month olds?  My, my, I sure can't.  I can hardly handle my one 20 month old (I do believe she's a little on the wild side).  Ms. Kelsey always, ALWAYS has a smile on her face and has a bounce in her step.  She greets Josie with an enthusiastic "good morning Josie" each time Josie goes to school.  Her creativity is displayed each day when Josie comes home with a new piece of artwork or special project she has made.  And everyday I get a handwritten note about exactly how Josie's day was.  Ms. Kelsey--we love you!

Ms. Jeanne--this wonderful, wonderful lady makes my Patrick so happy.  She is like leaving him with a grandmother.  Her soft, gentle voice and spirit calms my little guy and makes his transition from home to school easier.  She takes the time to learn about each child and his/her family.  She loves Patrick like he's her own and is very encouraging to him.  She teaches her students about the world, not just the ABC's.  We love Ms. Jeanne and cannot imagine our lives without her.

Mrs. Beers--this precious lady was placed into our lives by God.  Sending Katie to Kindergarten was a difficult decision for us (she's super young--the youngest Kindergartener) and I absolutely believe the success of Katie's year is because of the love and gentle guidance of Mrs. Beers.  She loves each of her students so dearly and makes each one feel like they are her favorite.  Her sweet little notes on their worksheets and encouraging notes home to mom and dad truly show that she is not only the best teacher ever, but also a woman of God.  Mrs. Beers has guided us through one of the most difficult decisions we've had to make regarding Katie's education (there is a post coming on this soon).  I'm already getting sad that our year with Mrs. Beers is coming to end.  We love you with all our hearts, Mrs. Beers and are truly blessed that God sent you to us. 

Remember to thank your child's teacher...just a little "thanks" goes a long way.

WM's Got a New Caddy

If you've been reading my blog for long, you'll know that during the summer months I'm somewhat of a 'golf widow.'  WM is addicted to golf.  Really, it's not just a summer thing, he goes golfing pretty much year around.  If it's over 40 degrees he says it's nice enough to golf.  As much as I've hated all this rainy and chilly weather we've been getting the past few weeks, I have to admit that I'm enjoying the weekends I'm getting with WM.  Those weekends are numbered.  And I will give him some credit--he tries to get out to the club early so he can tee off and be back before noon.  But sometimes that doesn't work.  And the kiddos get up early anyway, so it's not like we're sleeping through his golf game.  But I do appreciate the thoughtfulness of his efforts.

Recently, my little man has been joining his daddy in his rounds of golf.  Originally I thought WM was teaching Patrick to golf--which I think he is, to an extent--but when these recent photos surfaced, I think WM is using him as his caddy.

"What club would you like, sir?"

Here's Patrick raking the bunker for his dad.

"That wasn't a very good shot, let's try the 3 wood this time."

It should be interesting to see what this summer brings.  Have you ever seen those early videos of Tiger Woods when he was 3-years-old whapping the heck out the golf ball?  Yeah, well, I don't think that's the direction we're headed, I'm just glad that Patrick and his daddy have something they can enjoy together.

Now, if WM and I could just find some time where we could go golfing together.  Once upon a time, I used to be pretty good.  Then I had kids.

Well, it's raining again...so I don't think anyone is going to be golfing anytime soon.

Happy soggy day!

The King of Rock 'n Roll

If you are one of my 'friends' on Facebook or follow me on Twitter (if you don't, look over there on the left side and click on 'follow me on Twitter' then you can follow me--I'm THAT important.  Not really).  

Geesh--I get side tracked easily.  

Anyway--if you follow me, you'll know that my very insane and irrational husband, known as WM (Weather Man for you newbies--he loves this tornadic time of year, by the way), bought an electric guitar off eBay.  It arrived this week and my life has not been the same since.

This was about 5 minutes after we opened the box...we did NOT show him how to do this.

There's a new King of Rock 'n Roll in town, boys.

Oh--and just as a side note...the guitar arrived on the same day that Katie was wearing her sunglasses in the car and I said "why do you have your sunglasses on, sweetie, it's a rainy, cloudy day?"  And she said:

"Because I'm a superstar.  And you're my driver...you drive me where I want to go."

"Superstar" and a guitar on the same day--coincidence?  

I THINK NOT!