It was a typical Tuesday.
Get up. Drink coffee. Get dressed. More coffee. Find something to eat for breakfast. Don't chew on the left side.
You know, typical.
I have a long and expensive dental history that goes as far back as I can remember.
As a matter of fact I have vivid memories of being at the dentist,gas mask on my face, which I am certain didn't make one iota of difference on my nerves.
I once felt that same way as an adult for a "minor" procedure in the doctors office that required a little blue pill called Valium. Supposedly it would render me "careless" and I would "probably dose off " while being poked and prodded and generally made to feel awful.
It didn't work.
Other than a Michael Jackson cocktail, there is no chemical match for my nerves.
I blame my mother.
Back in the day the only cure for my dental nerves was bribery.
My mom, being a wise mother-of-three was not above a little gift to make the visit worth while.
Neither was I.
I do believe I received many a fine pair of shoes and several milkshakes on the promise of good behavior at the dentist.
Yesterday I went to the dentist on account of the inability to chew on the left side. I felt certain that I could do this indefinitely as long as it prolonged a deposit to the dentist's vacation fund a two-hour stay in the torture dental chair.
Seriously I waited as long as I could, but after three weeks I started to have vivid dreams at night that my teeth were falling out, and as it turns out I actually like to eat...and the left side of my palate wants part of the action too.
So I made the call yesterday afternoon in hopes that they were booked-up until next spring.
Go figure, they "have time to see you today!"
Wonderful.
Let me grab my husband's wallet.
My dentist is a nice woman, and her office staff is great; but their cozy office decorations, flat screen TV's and professional manner cannot keep me from fear.
Its not dental work I'm scared of...it's the bill.
No, that's not entirely true...it's the fact that at nearly 38 years old I don't have my mother to sweeten the Novocain-injected deal. Where's the promise of new sandals at the end of the visit? I wanted to treat myself to a Starbucks (a venti non-fat Cinnamon Dolce latte is comfort food to me) but who can afford a five dollar coffee when you are about to spend twelve hundred smack-a-roos?
Yes, $1200.
As it turns out, I need a crown. But before I can get the crown I need a root canal. Which means I have to see a specialist. Tomorrow.
I wish I could tell you that I have never done this before but the truth is, I've read this chapter before.
The good news is that my long-suffering husband didn't even bat an eye as I gave him the itemized financial statement. He just looked at me sweetly as I broke the news, as if he had already surrendered to life-long financial support of my chompers. For richer or poorer, in root canals and fillings.
He's a good man...(and he's got perfect teeth.)
It was a typical Tuesday....
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
A Tale of Tuesday
Monday, October 11, 2010
Grumbler or Lamenter
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Semi-wordless Wednesday:Compulsive Crochet
It all started eight days ago when I picked up the Crochet Today special issue at ACMoore.
I finished the Snowfall Cowl (page 15) within three hours... unfortunately those were the hours I was supposed to be sleeping.
I'm not sure I understand the cowl. Do you? I mean, it feels like the sweater part is missing....
Then I decided to try the Colorful Cushion on pg. 66. I plan to use the BeaUtiful monogram I made last year (for no apparent reason) on the back.
This weekend I realized I wouldn't be complete until the Raspberry Beret (pg. 23) was brought to life (plus my Friday night movie buddy was at Girls Scout camp.
(Not to brag or anything, but I had two WHOLE evenings to myself this weekend.
Chick flicks, crochet and Chardonnay...could it get much better? If you ever have the opportunity, I highly recommend it.)
Only, I wasn't too keen on how the beret looked on me.
It was sort of a cross between those hats you see people wear in hospitals and a deflated mushroom.
But it looked great on a certain 10 year old, who is already lobbying for me to give the beret to her...
How could I say no?
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
The Fruit of Facing Fear
Three days ago I did something I never thought I'd do - I faced my fears and jumped off a 40ft platform-- and lived to tell about it.
Yes. Yes, I did.
I climbed up (with the help of a belayed harness) a forty-foot tree to a 3x3ft platform. Then, the guy you see at the bottom left of the photo (his name is Will), unhooked me from the belay and hooked me to the zipline while I hugged the tree as if my life depended on it.
If I'm honest, I will tell you that I was exceptionally scared. Will, sensing my fear, encouraged me with a few soft-spoken words and pointers on how this would all work out, but I was concentrating on not looking down, and telling my body that there was no need for panic...
Then, when the time was right, I sat down on the edge and dropped to a 530 foot zip across a lake.
It was fun.
I bet you didn't know I was afraid of heights and ziplines?
I'm not.
This is not why I am writing today, but it has everything to do with it...
You may remember this post: Choosing Courage. It was a poem I wrote 5 months ago as I processed my fear over sending my daughter to camp with her Girl Scout troop.
Last Friday, as I helped The Girl pack her bags for another weekend at that same camp, again with her troop, I was awesomely aware of how Peace had taken residence in my heart. I wasn't fretful. I wasn't worried. I wasn't full of irrational fear.
Since the camp center was only about 35 minutes from my house, I had volunteered to come help supervise the activities on Saturday afternoon, which included zip-lining. I wasn't prepared for the fear that would creep into my being as I climbed that stately tree.
Not just good-old-fashioned-keep-you-out-of-trouble-fear. It was heart-racing-deep-breathing-want-to-run-away-irrational fear.
I nearly chickened out, but I knew that fourteen little girls, including the one I love the most, were watching. Waiting.
But I did it.
And you know what?
I did it again.
What those little girls didn't know is that that second jump from the platform (for me) wasn't just a climb and a ride; it was a multi-colored picture in this chapter of the story of my life. One that I'm finding very difficult to put into the right words...One that is maybe, just meant for me.
The second time, although filled with heart racing excitement, was absent of fear. Without fear, I could see the full picture; I could taste the sweet fruit of facing my fear.
Fear is such a thief. It robs joy and keeps us stuck.
But, facing your fear, and being privileged to experience a life worth living, in all its wind-blown and exhilarating glory...That is wonderful.
2 Tim 1:7
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Blogging At Night Sounds an Awful Lot Like Rambling
When the kids were babies I used to wish for an extra set of arms. I'm sure every mom has occasionally had that thought.
Of course now the kids are older, and with their help I have four more arms to carry groceries from the car or to put away laundry...but life is still busy.
Sometimes, when the day has stretched across the sky and night is settling in, I still find myself imagining all I could accomplish with four busy arms and hands.
For instance, after all was done that needed done and I could sit and play, I had to make a choice: blogging or crochet? (Look. I'm a poet and didn't know it.)
I began to think how great it would be if I could type and crochet all at the same time. But, then I'd need another pair of eyes, and that might look funny. So, never mind.
My niece (and crochet mentor) encouraged me to get the Crochet Today magazine so I picked up the 2010 Special Issue. I am currently working on the Colorful Cushion on page 66, but have already dog-eared other "recipes" I will most certainly be making.
(For the record, I know they are patterns, but recipe makes it sound light and easy, almost whimsically fun, don't you think? Pattern sounds so certain and stern.)
Since playing with yarn won out today, hopefully blogging will win tomorrow...
In the meantime, please tell me you've seriously considered the use of four arms. Because I'm starting to worry about myself....
;)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Memory Lane
I grew up in the desert.
On 19th street.
Ms. Betty was our next door neighbor.
She was also the Avon lady.
(On a side note, she was also the person who brought clean clothes for me one morning in the first grade when I peed my pants in the library. I remember that like it was yesterday...but i digress.)
I loved Ms. Betty the Avon lady.
She would give me lipstick samples. How I loved those little, white, one-inch tubes of pointy lipsticks, with the color name printed on the bottom in black print. They weren't like the samples you get nowadays in their hermetically sealed, one-time-use, plastic wrappers. In my eight-year old mind, it was an actual tube of lipstick!
I do remember getting in trouble with the girl down the street for using those samples on the sidewalk for hopscotch. Ms. Betty the Avon lady did not think that was good use of lipstick.
I never did it again.
My mom must've bought lots of Avon from Miss Betty. I loved to look at the 5x7 catalog that came with every filled order. It seemed we had lots of them laying around.
I'll never forget the Chocolate Chip lip balm. It not only smelled and tasted like chocolate chip cookies but it came in this really cool compact that looked like a cookie!
I really wanted one. Like, I'll-be-your-best-friend-and-feed-the-dog-and-always-do-my-chores-and-never-ask-for-any-thing-else-for-the-rest-of-my-life, wanted one.
My heart just beats with excitement thinking about it.
It was in my Christmas stocking that year. Joy!
Over the years I've asked my friends if they remembered that wonderful Chocolate Chip Lip Balm, and they've nodded their heads with vague recollection. I've never been sure if they really remembered and all my Google searches came up empty...had I just made it up?
This morning, prompted by Bye Bye Pie's blast from the past post, I took my own trip down the (Avon) Memory Lane, and found a blog post called Avon Calling (posted last year) about all those fun Avon products I grew up with! I had forgotten I had the strawberry lip balm too...
Oh, the memories!
Tell me, what do you remember having as a kid that you just loved?
*Picture Credit: Every Day Beauty
Monday, September 27, 2010
Thirteen
To my newly-turned Teenager,
I cannot believe we've come to this place.
But I'm glad.
You've gone from a sweet, loving, friendly baby boy and child, to a smart, gracious, friendly, kind young man.
I wish your dad and I could take some credit for who you are, and who you will become.
But we can't.
For in all the parenting, and time, and love, and discipline we try to impart, we do/will fail.
And yet...
We see Great Work being done in you.
Sometimes that work isn't easy.
Your tender heart often carries burdens that seem too heavy for your years...continue to pursue Truth, my son. When you do you encourage those around you.
You encourage me.
I'm thankful for your love of laughter. Your gift of conversation. Your love for family.
I am so grateful you're my boy. I wouldn't want any son but you.
With love,
Mom
Friday, September 24, 2010
From My Couch
It was only a matter of time.
It's been over six years since we've had the stomach flu in this house. I knew the it wouldn't last forever...
It just the timing that's unfortunate.
I had envisioned today's post to be one of nostalgia as I anticipated The Boy's 13th birthday.
The plan for this evening no longer involves five teenage boys eating pizza, potato chips and all manner of junk food.
Instead The Mister and I will give him the gift he has been hoping he would receive (but we had convinced him he wouldn't get.)
We'll reschedule the party for next Friday night, and pray the rest of us escape the wrath of the horrible heaves.
This morning was rough. But I think The Boy is feeling a little better now, so whatever he had, it's quickly fading.
So far this afternoon we have watched SharkTales and now we are watching Furry Vengeance. We haven't had an all day movie day in a long time, so not all is loss.
You know, I am sort of a germ freak. And the reason I'm a germ freak is to avoid things like this...but it's been a good reminder to me that nothing is as bad as you anticipate it will be...of course that hasn't stopped me from Cloroxing any and everything in sight. My hands are dry from all the washing and sanitizer. Control issues much?
No matter what, come tomorrow morning I will officially have a teenager living in this house. It is amazing how quickly they grow!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Home Education: Why We Do It
It with a great feeling of surrealism that I write this post.
Why?
Well, cuz three years ago I never thought I'd be teaching my kids at home.
Several people have asked me recently why we chose to home educate our children.
The short answer is that we found ourselves moving around the country. A lot.
The military has been good to us, but we have had to learn flexibility.
Two years ago we were facing our 5th military move in less than 9 years. We realized that by the time our oldest got to 6th grade, he would have been in 6 different schools.
That's overwhelming for anyone, but add that to the already not-so-fun adolescent time in a boys life, and we figured it was downright unfair.
We looked into schools - public, private, and charter - but after multiple applications to the school boards (which were denied) and issues with zoning and charter lotteries, nothing panned out.
And here we are...
I guess my main reason for this post is that I've noticed that many people assume we homeschool based on a lot of reasons that have a negative vibe to them. Although it is probably bad form to list them, I'm gonna do it anyway. Here is what the La Vida Homeschool is not about:
1. Not about religion.
When The Mister and I were very young parents, we had a man, whom we had never met (or ever saw again), approach us at church. He told us (in not a few words) that it was vital that we should be thinking (and planning) about how we would educate our children. Since I was holding a newborn and trying my best not to lactate through my blouse, I was having trouble not having bitter feelings as he kept us hostage in the church hallway. He let The Mister and I know that all good Christians home-schooled.
What it looked like to me is homeschooling itself had become this man's religion as he proselytized to us in the hall. In that one encounter I decided that all homeschool parents were strange, strange, people. I would never be one of them.
Of course my view now is a little different...as a friend of mine says, "you're drinking the Kool-aide now, aren't you?"
As an evangelical Christian, my faith in Christ is the center of my life, and by extension, my homeschool. Homeschooling lends to our faith in a holistic sense. It gives freedom to learn who we are in Christ, how we relate to the world through Him, and how to serve Him in all areas of our life.
I love that the kids and I can study about history and see the hand of God. I enjoy studying Science and seeing God's creativeness at work. I love that we an incorporate study of the Bible as a daily class.
Our faith is not why we chose to homeschool, but it is the foundation.
And for the record, homeschooling doesn't make me (or my family) any better at being a Christian.
2. Not about our public schools.
In the course of our parenting tenure we have pretty much done it all: private, public and homeschool.
Of all these choices, I am most grateful for our time in public school.
My son attended wonderful private schools for kindergarten and first grade, but he had a real problem: he couldn't read.
He tried very hard to learn, and his dad and I tried very hard to help him. To say it was a struggle would be an understatement. The teachers at the private schools wanted to hold him back a year and label him with disorders and disabilities I was certain he didn't have. I watched my bright, happy, loving boy pull into himself and become anxious as he coped in a world full of words he couldn't figure out.
To be fair to the private schools, there was little funding for Reading Specialists, and I couldn't afford the special learning groups that were offered (although ten years ago they weren't readily available in the private schools we chose.) Through circumstances of military moves and money, (not to mention the Providence of God) our kids ended up in public school.
I would be lying if I told you I wasn't afraid the morning we walked our babies into the halls of that school. I wondered if we were throwing our lambs to the lions.
It wasn't long before The Boy's teacher called me in and told me that my son couldn't read and that she was going to send him to the in-house Reading Specialist, Mrs P.
If I saw Mrs. P on the street right now, I would throw my arms around her and tell her what a difference she made in my sons' life. We will never forget her.
The Boy didn't have ADD, nor did he have dyslexia. He just needed someone with specialized knowledge, talent, and the passion to give children (who don't "get it" easily) the gift of the love for reading.
As a result, today my seventh grade boy is reading far above his grade level. We will always be grateful.
I would never be so boastful to say that we would never use public school again. In our experience, public school was a good and positive choice, both here and in Arizona.
I think this post is getting long, so I'm gonna stop. But i did want to answer some of the questions I have received over the past several months about our choice for education. If you have any questions (maybe some that weren't answered here) you want to ask about our homeschooling I'd love to hear them and will answer to the best of my ability!
Happy Wednesday!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Gratitude
Thankful for many birthdays to celebrate this week.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Quiet
Maybe it's the changing of seasons.
Maybe it's the shock of reality after an amazing weekend trip.
Maybe it's because my days are packed with busyness, and my nights filled with sleeplessness.
Whatever it is, quiet has fallen over my spirit.
It's a heavy quiet.
The truth is I often wear quiet this time of year; a well-worn coat of many colors.
It's in this place I've learned to keep my focus on Higher thoughts, lest my mind and heart wander.
This morning I was listening to the words of a song.... my Truth reminder for the day.
My chains are gone
I've been set free.
My God, my Savior, ransomed me.
And like a flood His mercy reigns,
Unending love. Amazing grace.
-Chris Tomlin, Amazing Grace
Some might call it a "funk". I prefer to call it quiet. Funks come and go with the changing of wind, but quiet may just be a gift.
One that I am ready to receive....
The Lord is with you,
He is mighty to save,
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with His love.
Zephaniah 3:17
Monday, September 13, 2010
Happiness is: Cousins & Togetherness
The LaVida Family could not have had a better weekend.
We had an amazing trip to Philly this weekend to celebrate the birthdays of two of my favorite people: The Boy and my niece (In the white shirt).
I want to sit and tell you all about it, but we need to hit the ground running those morning in school and laundry, so I'll write more tomorrow.
Happy Monday!
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Wednesday W.I.P's
I have several things I could write about this morning.
I could write about how the last 8 days have been weird because The Mister had to work through the weekend and keep very strange work hours. I could tell you that when he was home he was on-call, receiving phone calls at odd times and in the middle of the night.
But I won't write of these crazy weeks, that only happen a couple time of year, because in truth it leads to great perspective. It helps me to remember that my husbands job is a blessing. One that normally has awesome working hours and allows for lots of time together.
Changing subjects, I could write about the poisonous Copperhead snake we found in our garage last night. Instead I will just tell you how grateful I was that my brave Man was home to "deal" with it.
Instead, let me tell you that I am getting ready to put a couple of things up for purchase. Things like:
This red apple hat for the 0-6 month apple of your eye. It looks orange in this picture, but its really red.
This is a pumpkin for the little one in your patch. I actually have two: sizes 0-6 months, and 6-12 months.
There is also a grape hat.
And a beautiful cloche with a flower.
And just for fun, although these are already sold and ready for shipping today, I just finished these special orders:
And... because i couldn't resist trying them on....even though my head is nearly an inch and a half bigger than the owner of these hats...
...this is me trying to look normal while taking pictures of myself while neighbors walk by and wonder what-in-the-world I am doing.
If you interested in any of these hats click on over to my etsy shop!
PS: if you are waiting with bated breath on my post on why we homeschool....it's truly a work-in-progress! I hope to have it up soon!
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Inquiring Minds
I'm wondering....
When you see a cryptically vague social media tweet, txt, blog, status or message, do you:
A. Assume the message is about you.
B. Assume it's not about you.
C. Assume it not you, but think of five people it might be.
D. Roll your eyes and assume that people with cryptic messages are using their PPA (Powers of Passive Aggressiveness)
E. None of the above ( alternately: put your answer here)
Mostly I'm in the B category, although occasionally I find myself in the D...
Tell me where you fit?
Monday, September 06, 2010
Happiness is....
....holding a baby.
Especially a baby that we all waited to hold with great anticipation.
Head over to Charity's blog for more pics of this precious babe!
Happy Monday!
Thursday, September 02, 2010
What A Difference A Day Makes
I had been warned that this stage of life I find myself in comes with a certain amount of angst. I was silly enough to think it wouldn't happen here.
Several weeks ago, on the first day of school, I took the kids out for lunch.
At the end of our lunch as I was looking for my wallet in the bottom of my ridiculously large bag The Boy started to chuckle. I looked up. He was playing with his food.
We snapped a picture of his crabby french-fry-pickle-face and had a good laugh as we walked out the door.
I've never been one to let the kids play with their food, but as I get older, I get pickier about the battles I fight. In 23 days I will officially be living with a teenager... no doubt there will be battles.
We had one yesterday, and while I am reticent to write about it (his friends are all computer savvy; some have "friended" me on Facebook), the bottom line is that school at this age isn't so much about learning knowledge, as much as it is learning discipline. Of course, in his young eyes, it just looks like a lot of busy work on paper that he can often do in his head. I just want him to follow direction and obey the rules. He's no longer satisfied with incomplete answers and blind obedience.
I can't make him understand that life very rarely is "black and white".
He strains under the weight of not knowing what he thinks he knows.
If I am honest, so do I.
Perhaps my desire is that I'd hoped he wouldn't have to learn the hard way, but then perhaps he'd never learn.
I guess what I need to remember is this: there are days when we will all feel just like that mean-browed-food-face. I am praying we can face them with love and encouragement.
Today is a new day. May we carry lessons learned into it...
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Encouragement
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Oh Happy Day!
I just got word that my sweet friend Charity had her baby very early this morning! I don't want to steal her moment by posting before she has a chance to post, but I'm sure her blog will be updated at some point soon, so be sure to go over and see the baby!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch we are neck deep in schoolwork. Which is satisfying, and also very much like daily knocking your head into a wall. Somedays, you go back see that wall multiple times...just because it feels so good.
Normally I manage to keep a positive spin on things, but I think I may have underestimated teaching both a teenager and a preteen at the same time. For I am out-numbered and apparently, I've lost all credibility and must be challenged on all sorts of reasoning.
I never did this as a preteen or a teenager...I never "knew it all"...I never had to be told fifty-bagillion times to do things...at least thats the way I remembered it. Plus, I didn't have the luxury of being educated at home...I had to walk to school up hill, in the desert, with the blistering heat without shoes...both ways!
My kids are also prone to exaggerating.
I think they get that from their Dad.
But I digress...
(But thank you for letting me vent)
Where was I?
Oh! Happy Day! That's where I was....
I have been happily crocheting while at soccer practice, and when I have 10 or 15 minutes in between coming and going...so i've finished a couple of projects.
You'd like to see them?
Why I thought you'd never ask!
Here they are:
I made this shrug, and it didn't come out quite like I envisioned. It's a bit bulky and makes me feel, well, I won't go there...but maybe I won't be concerned about vanity when it gets cold outside. We'll see.
This pic is a little blurry. I thought about asking the kids to stop studying to take my picture, but then decided that might be bad form.
I also had a couple of custom orders for hats, which I am 50% finished (although this pic is a couple days old so these aren't quite done.)
All right, my pre-algebra student is here and wants the computer to do his math (of all things!)
I hope you have a great day!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Random Poll: Picnics
I know this video is probably only funny to me...I love to laugh that uncontrollable, snorting, spitting, laugh that is good for the soul. Plus, I love it when The Mister and I are having so much fun that we fail to use good english.
But the REAL reason I brought you here today is to ask you to help us solve this debate:
When is a picnic a picnic?
Friday, August 27, 2010
Friday Links: Fun!!
It's 4:00p on a Friday.
I'm am wiped out.
Y'all, its been a good week, but its been full.
So without further adieu I give you this weeks links:
What Kind of Housekeeper Are You? This post is so funny...I've been thinking about it all afternoon...while folding laundry.
Like music? How about a 38 Song Medley, sung by two sisters (one who happens to be an understudy in the Broadway Touring Production of Wicked.)
Need a laugh? Check out Catalog Living - A blog written by the people who live in your catalog.
Or Bad Year Book Photos - Pics willingly sent in by folks who have some stellar photos of themselves.
Need someone to pray for? Pray for Charity.
We are all anxiously waiting for her baby girl to arrive. I even got to spend some time with that little bundle who finally kicked me with gusto. Which made me love her even more. Seriously, other than my own children, I don't think I have anticipated a baby more than this little one.
If things go as planned, I hope to have a post of me holding that baby next Friday or Saturday...unless that sweet little things thrills us all and comes early. So let's pray!
Happy Friday!
Read With Me gals - I hope you had a great week! I'm nearly caught up...hooray!
