Life's Lessons

This week has provided us with a very full and busy schedule.  Honey Bunches, Gummi, Cucumber and Sweet Pea had swimming lessons in the morning.  We would return home for lunch, afternoon routine (reading and rest time) and then Sweet Potato and Honey Bunches attended Football Camp in the evenings. This camp resulted in very late suppers and late bedtimes.  Through it all, the kids and I have fared pretty well.

There have been a few exceptions.

While the Love Bugs were eating lunch yesterday, I went to get the mail.  There was a notice from our local library charging us for un-returned DVDs.  They were two weeks overdue and if not returned, our cost for replacing these movies would be $79.56 plus overdue fees, which were totaling $30 plus $2 each additional day this matter remained unresolved.

The first thing we did was tear apart our house trying to locate the DVDs to no avail.

FRUSTRATION ensued.

After a round-about blame game, it was revealed that Honey Bunches and Sweet Pea were responsible for returning the movies.  Neither one could explain what exactly happened to them.  Here's where the story gets tricky.

I made it very clear that Monkey Toes and I would NOT be paying the fee.  That would be the sole responsibility of the stated parties.  Each of the Love Bugs has money in a savings account, however these accounts are in a bank that is 45 miles away.  Our library is only opened a few hours each day, which limits our flexibility in resolving the matter.  My choice was to either leave immediately for the long distance bank, or wait until Monday.  The thought of racking up more "fees" did not appeal to me, so I loaded up the kids and away we went.

The trip was not a happy-go-lucky outing.  I lectured the Love Bugs about responsibility and thinking of others and how their actions affect those around them.  I'm sure they tuned me out after awhile.  We arrived to the bank and Honey Bunches and Sweet Pea approached the teller and politely asked to withdraw the necessary amounts.  The teller asked, "do you kids need the money 'cause you're going on vacation?"  The kids looked at me and I simply explained, "they have something to pay off."  After the transactions were complete, the teller leaned over the counter with a basket of suckers.  Each child took one, except for Honey Bunches.  He averted his eyes and said, "No thank you.  I don't believe I deserve one."

It was 3:00 PM when we returned home; just as the library was opening for the day.  Honey Bunches, Sweet Pea and I walked up to the counter.  I explained to the librarian that we could not locate the DVDs and that the kids had the money to pay the fee.  She told us to "hold on a minute."  When she returned, she had the movies in her hand.  They not only had been returned, but also returned on-time.  There were no fees to be paid.  She couldn't explain why we received the notices, but she did apologize for any inconvenience caused (oh - if she only knew!).

Here is the two-fold lesson learned.  1)  People make mistakes - even moms and dads (and libraries) - and sometimes they're pretty big mistakes.  No matter who we are, it is important to recognize them, sincerely apologize and seek forgiveness, and hopefully move on.  2)  Monkey and I are serious about holding our kids accountable and we will follow through on consequences, even if that means driving 90 miles round trip to do so.

Life lessons continued today as it was the boys last day of football camp.  The kid who is use to finishing behind his brother finished first and the son who is use to finishing first finished last.  We had an up-close and personal lesson on being gracious winners and gracious losers.  Yes, I do believe that it is o.k. to have winners and losers.  Call me Old School.  For the boy who usually finishes first, this was a tough one to swallow.  Amongst the tears there was muttering of "it's not fair", etc. etc.

This muttering brought me back to my high school economics class, where the teacher use to say, "Life is not fair.  'Fair' was never stamped on your birth certificate.  Get over it."  A very wise lesson which was relevant 20some years ago and remains relevant still today.  Yet another life lesson learned.

What's In A Name

The conversation during breakfast this morning:

Gummi:  Hey Mom, can you name the apostles?
Cucumber:  I can name them!
Me:  Go ahead Cucumber.  Give it a try.
Cucumber:  There's ravioli, angel hair, spaghetti. . .

And then fits of giggles erupted and we never made it to naming the apostles.

Service

Two days ago I read in our local paper that buses would be passing through our town on the 16th, carrying 95 soldiers from the local 849th National Guard unit.  They would be heading to Texas to train to serve in Afghanistan for the next year.  These buses would have troops from all over Minnesota and Wisconsin, including a few from our area.  We were encouraged to show our support by gathering along the highway, wearing patriotic colors and waving flags.

I insisted on a picture before we headed up town.

As we were walking, I looked behind us and saw a bunch of employees from Industrial Park headed towards the Highway too.

We found a spot to stand and this very kind gentleman made sure that each of my kids had a flag to wave.

This procession was led by the fire department, with lights and sirens.

I wasn't prepared for the emotion that was stirred within me.  Although I personally do not know any of these troops, my heart filled with gratitude.   I am completely thankful and humbled by the sacrifices of these men and women and their families.  Our country is a better place because of them.

Their sacrifice should inspire all of us to be of service too.  Isn't it the least we can do?  How can we serve our communities?  Our churches?  Our neighbors?  Giving of ourselves and our time is often not convenient, but that is what makes it a sacrifice.  Go make a difference in your corner of the world.

To all of our troops, both past and present, and to all of their families, I say thank you.  Thank you for giving so selflessly so that my family and I can enjoy our freedoms and live in this great nation.  God bless you all!

Pumpkin Is Now Four!

The baby of the family turned four years old on July 8th.  The first thing Pumpkin said to me when she awoke yesterday morning was, "I'm a big girl now!"  And then I swallowed back a lump in my throat.  For the first time in 10 years, we do not have a baby in the house anymore.  This is a reality that is more difficult for me to accept than I had imagined it would be.  At the same time, it is hard to imagine Pumpkin not being the youngest in our brood.  It is a birth order that Pumpkin is thoroughly enjoying, except for when she is deemed "too little" to do some of the activities of her older siblings.

Four years ago, we had a 6, 5, 4, 2, & 1 year old, with only 13 months between Sweet Pea and Pumpkin.  Some believed that Monkey and I were either saints or crazy.  Well, we're certainly not saints.  Crazy?  Maybe a little.  We wouldn't change a thing.  Each new soul that we have welcomed into our lives have added a new depth of love and joy to our entire family.   There are certainly times that are challenging, but at the end of the day, my heart overflows.

Now, on to the birthday girl.

We decided to have a party on Sunday, the day before her actual birthday.  Pumpkin selected spaghetti and meatballs, kale chips, and garlic bread for her birthday supper.

Monkey made her a giant meatball. 

Pumpkin asked for a chocolate cake, with chocolate icing, sprinkles and chocolate chips.  

She was given a few Barbies (found at the thrift store), some Barbie clothes, chocolate, money, pajamas, colored marshmallows (she likes the cereal Marshmallow Matey's, but always leaves the Matey's and just eats the marshmallows, thus the Jet Puffs), a toy cash register and a Barbie closet.  The last two gifts came with conditions.  They belong to Cucumber and Gummi, who said they wanted them back after a few days.  We'll see how well that goes over!

The Birthday Girl on her actual birthday.

She spent the afternoon splashing in the kiddie pool.

And then we shared the last piece of birthday cake together.

So this little four year old firecracker we call Pumpkin is certainly a handful, but can also be pure delight.  She is smart, loud, silly, bossy, snugly, pouty, creative and fun.  Today, her favorite color is blue, but tomorrow, she'll say it is yellow.  She likes playing with her dolls, riding her bike, walking to the library, dressing up, having family movie night, and going places.  When she grows up she wants to be a ballerina and a princess.  Although, when I asked her this question yesterday, she replied, "a mermaid."  Hey, a girl can dream, right?

Some of Pumpkin's fashions have included:

This is one of my favorites, as she refers to it as her "super-hero" costume.  

 Pumpkin is capable of falling asleep almost anywhere.

The most recent Family Movie Night.

She is very good about telling her siblings when something is inappropriate.  She is headstrong (like her dad) and can dig her heels in like the best of them.  When she cries, she sobs and doesn't care where, when or who sees her carrying on this way.  But then, she is also the child that will crawl into our laps and allow us to wrap our arms around her for a long time.  She leads the litany each night during prayer and always thanks Jesus for the simple things in life; her toys, her friend Sweet Pea (that would be her sister), church, and the sunshine.  She carries around her favorite blanket (pictured above) and finds that it calms her in any number of situations.  She has a sweet tooth galore (like me) and believes that crafting should be a scheduled activity each and every day.

Pumpkin, you are a blessing!  You have a smile that lights up the room and everyday you remind me to take time to play.  Your dad and I love you very much and are constantly amazed at how you are developing into your own, unique person.  Happy Birthday Pumpkin!  Cha Cha Cha!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

 FOR TODAY

Outside my window...I am watching my boys toss a football around.  It is hot and humid today, so I'm guessing they won't be outside for long.

I am thinking...this week begins Summer Rec activities for the kids, which means scheduling becomes a "must" at this point, as well as enforced bedtimes.

I am thankful...that it is Sunday and we began our day attending Mass all together.

In the kitchen...is the skeleton of a birthday dinner for Pumpkin.  On this hot and humid day (yes, I did already mention that) she has requested spaghetti and meatballs.

I am wearing...my church attire - a skirt and blouse.

I am creating...a Birthday Cake, per request from Pumpkin.  Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting with sprinkles and chocolate chips.  I'll post pictures later.

I am going...possibly to a reunion for my high school graduation class later in the week.  One of our classmates has moved back to the state and is hosting a small get-together.

I am wondering...how many nights can I serve my kids cold cereal for supper before I am considered negligent.

I am reading...Rediscovering Catholicism by Matthew Kelly.  I have been reading this book for a few months, as I read it in very small doses.  I am now on the final chapter.

I am hoping...that a project/dream will soon come to fruition.  

I am looking forward to...my College Friends Annual Gathering.  It's still a few weeks off, but I never cease to get giddy just thinking about it!

I am learning...that my kids are growing up fast and are getting less dependent on me for certain things/tasks.  

Around the house...Monkey has been tackling home-improvement projects.  I love being able to cross off items on our "to-do" list.  It feels like we're actually making progress.

I am pondering...resurrecting our weekly meal plan/menus.  They made life so much easier.

A favorite quote for today...actually from two days ago.  Pumpkin spent the Fourth of July with her Grandpa.  "Little fireworks had little booms.  I didn't like them.  Big fire works have bigger booms and I really don't like those.  The Jell-O was good!"

One of my favorite things...sitting on our deck, hanging out with my kids and sipping a cool beverage.

A peek into my day...it's all about family today.  We'll be celebrating Pumpkin's birthday at 5:00, so very soon I will be preparing the meal and having the kids tidy up the house.  My kids love visitors and I love Sundays spent with family!

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ 

Relay For Life

Almost two years ago my Uncle was in hospice, dying from liver cancer.  Sitting in a waiting room, feeling saddened and completely helpless, my sisters and I decided to form a team for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.  Cancer had already struck so many of our family and friends.  My sister and father-in-law were both cancer survivors, but cancer had already claimed the lives of Milly and her sister, and my sister's father-in-law and her sister-in-law.  We needed to come up with a team name and decided to incorporate the names of some of the different cancers that had hit so close to home.  Thus the birth of our Relay team;  Team Liver and Onions.  In case you're still in question, the onions represent ovaries.

This was last year's team.  Sissy #2, Silly, Peanut Butter, Jessica, Me (taking the picture was Silly's husband and Sissy #1 was manning our food booth).  Sissy #2 wears a purple shirt, signifying that she is a cancer survivor.

Last year we served popcorn and non-alcoholic margaritas from our food stand.  We had a handful of people who walked for our team throughout the night.  This year, we decided to have an Americana themed booth.  We served homemade apple crisp with ice-cream, hot and iced coffee.  Once our booth was set-up and decorated, we realized that it was also Flag Day.  I love when those "coincidences" happen!

Monkey brought the kids out to enjoy the early evening activities.

Pumpkin won this thing

Pumpkin has named her clown Crunchy.  Sorry if this image gives you nightmares, but just remember;  I have to go to bed with this thing in my house each night!

Sweet Potato wrote out a schedule for those who were helping us walk.  Sorry for the poor quality of these pictures.  It was night and I only had my phone.

Shift #1:  Silly, Gummi Bear and Cucumber

Shift #2:  Sissy #2 and Honey Bunches

Shift #3:  Sissy #1 and Sweet Potato

Shift #4:  Me and Cucumber

Cucumber loved carrying the torch

Shift #5:  Sissy #1 passing the torch to my nephew

We continued walking until 5:30 AM.

Those of us who still remained at 5:30 AM

Days leading up to the Relay were very full in preparation.  Driving home from Sissy #1's house at 11:30 PM the night before the event (we had just baked 6 pans of apple crisp), my feet and my back ached, I was tired and hungry.  Earlier in the day I was asking myself the question, "why are we doing this?"  But in my van that night, I had a moment of clarity as I glimpsed the lives of Milly and my Uncle and my sister.  I remember the suffering they endured.  I remember how thin and frail each of them became.  I remember days when they were too sick to do anything, but to simply lay.  I was reminded of the fact that cancer does not sleep.  Cancer does not take a break.  Cancer does not give up.  And yet here I was, taking for granted my health and sulking because of the little bit of tiredness I was experiencing.

Two of my favorite parts of the Relay For Life is when the survivors walk their lap and when the luminaries are lit so as to light the path we are walking.  Both create such great emotion.

As I walked around the track, I took time to look at each of the luminaries.  There were hundreds of them.  Each one tells a story.  Each one represents the fragility of life.  Each one demonstrates the heroics of the one it was lit.  These are true heroes.  It is for these whom we walk.

My Master Chef

I love watching cooking shows and, more recently, have become a fan of Master Chef.  I could never be on a show like that and yet I am intrigued by those who can face such criticism from judges Gordan, Graham, and Joe.  Sweet Potato is actually the one who suggested we start watching it.  One of the few routines we have established this summer is that while the girls are napping, Sweet Potato and I settle in for an episode of Master Chef.  What I find endearing, is that Sweet Potato has begun using descriptive food phrases from watching that show.  I purchased some homemade bread and Sweet Potato said, "This has nice density."  During supper one evening he commented, "I like the layers of flavors in this dish."  And what always brings a smile to my face is when he reacts with, "This is amazing", no matter the simplicity of the dish.

Since he was very young (this child is only 10), Sweet Potato has shown great interest in cooking.  Like little ones oft do, he would wander into the kitchen, see me cooking and then push a chair up to the counter to see how he could assist me.  Not much has changed as he has grown up a bit.  Many mornings I find him sitting at the table, scouring through cookbooks, making meal and grocery lists.  I have to reign him in some, as his tastes can be a little more than my purse strings can spare.  However, last week, he had his heart set on a Lemon-Dill Chicken that I couldn't say no to.

He made out his grocery list and off we went.

I'm pretty certain he only took me along so that 1:  I could drive him; and 2:  I could push the cart.

I was allowed to assist, only when he requested my help.  So my job consisted of trimming the chicken, chopping the onion (he said it was dangerous for him to attempt to chop through tears), and then removing the chicken from the pan, as it would spatter.

The end result was delicious!  It was tasty and pretty.

His siblings devoured it (I question if they would have eaten it if I had made it).  There were a few leftovers, which we sliced and tossed with angel hair pasta the next day.

I don't know if a cooking career is in Sweet Potato's future or not (right now he has his heart set on either playing in the NFL or being a priest).  Cooking is a skill he will have for a lifetime, so I will do my part to nurture that interest.  And who knows, maybe someday I'll be watching Sweet Potato on t.v.