Boy, Christmas sure takes alot of work! I am ready! I'm sorry for the delay in writing. I had issues with my teeth, but everything is ok now. The whole going to Jr. High was a bust. My kids thought it was great. Their friends want to bring their moms too. I guess I'm just too cool of a mom. (Ha! Ha!)
We are now immersed in the Christmas vacation. Now that my kids are older, that means sleeping in and not bathing unless they are actually leaving the house. We've done the traditional things like looking at lights and making goodies and the not so traditional things like turning an old plastic wagon into a bike-towed slingshot and decorating the house only 3 days ago. David is finally back to 40 hours a week. We are so happy to have him home more often. Things have been so busy that I haven't had time to even notice the funny things in life--well, I did have a passenger give me a giggle yesterday.
A nice family traveled here from Denver. I was working in baggage claim and we delayed their carseat. Mom did the report and dad played with the baby and older sister (I'm thinking about 6months and 7 years old). They weren't quite settled and dad had to put money in the meeter. I chatted with the 7 year old while they took care of business and determined that she was definitely on the good list and deserved all she wanted from Santa. When mom came over I let her know what a delightful child she had and how her Christmas would be a dream. Mom then informed me that this was a last minute trip because Grandpa had died. The little girl chimed in without missing a beat, " yep, right there on the kitchen floor." I politely let her know that we all have different ways of leaving this life and can never plan on the most comfortable room in the house. She was fine with that and went about her business, very matter of fact. It just made mom and me smile; sweet child like innocence.
I will hopefully be more consistent in the new year. Please remember the real reason for this season, the birth of our Savior. Know that he is there for you. He is truly the greatest gift!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Back to School--Jr. High that is!
If you have seen the movie "Billy Madison" with Adam Sandler, please reminisce and sing along. "Back to school, back to school." Yes, I am going back to school. No, I'm not going back to college or some kind of trade, I'm going to Greenspun Junior High. I told my kids that if I did not see improvements in their grades and study habits, I would be happy to accompany them to the classes they are struggling in to see if together we could come up with some strategies that would help them to improve. Well, they didn't do their part so I'm doing mine. Follow through is a must as a parent (something I struggle with), but not this time. If there was ever a time for me to rise to the occasion, this is it. I'm sure my children could not be happier that I picked this moment to "follow through".
Even my sister doubted me. She said she would call me tomorrow and I reminded her that I would be busy from 8am till 2pm. "Why?" she asked. "Well, I'm going to school with Paxton and Gabby", I replied. "You were serious?", she said cautiously. "As a heart attack!"
Their schedules could not have been more perfect. First period with Paxton in Advanced Math, second period with Gabby in Math, third period with Gabby in Science, fourth period with Paxton in US History, fifth period with Paxton in Science and sixth period with Paxton in Advanced English. I get to skip Gabby's English class because I've already had a discussion with her teacher. It's all good. They each have a choir class I can skip and Paxton has a Peer Advocate class I can skip.
I told their friends to spread the word that Paxton and Gabby's mom would be in school on December 9th. They have already complained that "people" can't wait to meet their mom. They doth protest. Well, I can't have that. I explained that if they doth protest too much I would be happy to bring a tuna fish sandwich for lunch. This way everyone, friend or foe, would know exactly where they and their mother sat in the cafeteria.
Gabby is nervous about what I'll be wearing. No sweatsuits! At least I know what to threaten her with next time. Paxton told me that a certain teacher thinks I'm a "dork" for coming to class, as if I would believe a professional would resort to name calling. I'm sure he pinned his thoughts on his least favorite teacher.
So tomorrow, while you mothers are enjoying the "me time" you have while your kids are at school, I'll be with my kids and probably yours too.
Even my sister doubted me. She said she would call me tomorrow and I reminded her that I would be busy from 8am till 2pm. "Why?" she asked. "Well, I'm going to school with Paxton and Gabby", I replied. "You were serious?", she said cautiously. "As a heart attack!"
Their schedules could not have been more perfect. First period with Paxton in Advanced Math, second period with Gabby in Math, third period with Gabby in Science, fourth period with Paxton in US History, fifth period with Paxton in Science and sixth period with Paxton in Advanced English. I get to skip Gabby's English class because I've already had a discussion with her teacher. It's all good. They each have a choir class I can skip and Paxton has a Peer Advocate class I can skip.
I told their friends to spread the word that Paxton and Gabby's mom would be in school on December 9th. They have already complained that "people" can't wait to meet their mom. They doth protest. Well, I can't have that. I explained that if they doth protest too much I would be happy to bring a tuna fish sandwich for lunch. This way everyone, friend or foe, would know exactly where they and their mother sat in the cafeteria.
Gabby is nervous about what I'll be wearing. No sweatsuits! At least I know what to threaten her with next time. Paxton told me that a certain teacher thinks I'm a "dork" for coming to class, as if I would believe a professional would resort to name calling. I'm sure he pinned his thoughts on his least favorite teacher.
So tomorrow, while you mothers are enjoying the "me time" you have while your kids are at school, I'll be with my kids and probably yours too.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The day started as any other weekday off of work--taking Paxton to his earlybird class (Madrigals). As we were walking out I mentioned his advent countdown filled with chocolate. He said he would get it later followed by, "and if Gabby eats any of mine, I'll kick her butt!" I asked "you would consider physical violence for candy?" He said, "yes." I told him he has issues and headed out the door. When I came home, Gabby was ready for school. I told her I was headed back to bed as a walked toward the coat closet located by the family room. She asked if I was going to sleep downstairs. I replied, "No, I'm going to a little room with things called hangers--you put clothes on them. I am going to put my coat on one and try out this new thing I heard about called a 'tidy home for Christmas'. You see mine, like all other preteen and teenagers will use chairs, sofas, and the ever popular floor for anything fresh off their body. In this respect, we are just like everybody else.
Time for a little history. I was born in Las Vegas. My dad was born in Las Vegas. I was not a child bride. I did not have my kids at 16. My grandfather came to the valley in 1938, the 8th postman in Las Vegas. I was married at 21 and didn't have kids until I was 28. Yes I'm 40, and 40 is fabulous. I was born into the church and my husband is a convert. He has always felt "less-than" Mormon because of this. I say, "get over it". If anything he is more than. After living 23 years and having all of those life experiences, he choose to become a member. What a hero. Sure, even if your born and raised in the church, at some point you have to find your own testimony of its truthfulness. Everyone, member or not, needs to study scripture, read the Book of Mormon and pray earnestly for the answer to the same question posed by Joseph Smith so long ago, "Which church is true?" So David has times when he is more active than others. My dad was the same way--I figured I'd carry on the family tradition. Today my father is an active High Priest and very supportive of my mother in her callings. I have no doubt that David will follow that same path and one day know the joy and happiness that comes from living gospel principles. In the meantime, and for as long as that may be, I practice unconditional love. The whole family does. Face it, the reality is that sometimes we all do stuff that will make someone else in the family say "and you did that because?!" Jesus is my inspiration and best example. Trust me, it's really just that simple. Try it with friends and family. You'll be surprised how little aggravates you in a day. Judging people and coming up with your own conclusions just takes that job away from our Savior. He asks only that we "Love One Another". (Another Children's Songbook song) Try it for a day or two. See how much happier you'll be to your family.
Time for a little history. I was born in Las Vegas. My dad was born in Las Vegas. I was not a child bride. I did not have my kids at 16. My grandfather came to the valley in 1938, the 8th postman in Las Vegas. I was married at 21 and didn't have kids until I was 28. Yes I'm 40, and 40 is fabulous. I was born into the church and my husband is a convert. He has always felt "less-than" Mormon because of this. I say, "get over it". If anything he is more than. After living 23 years and having all of those life experiences, he choose to become a member. What a hero. Sure, even if your born and raised in the church, at some point you have to find your own testimony of its truthfulness. Everyone, member or not, needs to study scripture, read the Book of Mormon and pray earnestly for the answer to the same question posed by Joseph Smith so long ago, "Which church is true?" So David has times when he is more active than others. My dad was the same way--I figured I'd carry on the family tradition. Today my father is an active High Priest and very supportive of my mother in her callings. I have no doubt that David will follow that same path and one day know the joy and happiness that comes from living gospel principles. In the meantime, and for as long as that may be, I practice unconditional love. The whole family does. Face it, the reality is that sometimes we all do stuff that will make someone else in the family say "and you did that because?!" Jesus is my inspiration and best example. Trust me, it's really just that simple. Try it with friends and family. You'll be surprised how little aggravates you in a day. Judging people and coming up with your own conclusions just takes that job away from our Savior. He asks only that we "Love One Another". (Another Children's Songbook song) Try it for a day or two. See how much happier you'll be to your family.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Here goes nothing! My family. Love em or hate em--I'm stuck with em not just until I die, but for all eternity. Yes I'm Mormon, or better, I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. (I know, it's a song title from the children's songbook and part of the program for next year) That's my calling, Primary Chorister. I love it!! But back to my family. There is me, Melanie, my wonderful husband of 19 years, David, Paxton-13 and Gabby-11. I can't get into almost 20 years of history in one evening, so things will have to be explained as situations arise. And trust me, there is history. Between the four of us, something happens almost daily that makes me gasp or giggle (sometimes want to cry). They are things that most would find amusing or bizarre. You'll have to decide. All in all I would imagine they are typical to most families, I just don't mind sharing. So if you find a day where you need to feel like your not the worst mother or wife in the world, visit my blog. I don't do perfection and it's amazing what I think about.
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