Lauralea's World

One More For The Road

2006-01-24T09:18:00.000-06:00

Over at my new place, (Oh, Baby!) I had an idea to blog my maiden name, Lauralea Hedman, to see if it comes up on a Google Search. "Lauralea" comes up, and this blog comes up, so I thought just for the heck of it I'd do the same here.

I have wondered, at times, if anyone else out there ever tries to "Google" somebody. I've done it with high school friends, band colleagues, teachers... just your every day run of the mill stalker, that's me!

I also thought, that since many of us have changed our names in the 25 years since high school (now don't you feel old!) that I'd publish my name for all the world to see, and if anyone ever tried to Google me, they'd find me!

So, Lauralea Hedman from College Heights Secondary School, graduation class of 1981, Band member extrordinaire, etc., etc., .... is alive and well on planet earth. I'm living in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan now, and am ever hopeful that I didn't leave any enemies with long grudges in my wake... who are now buying bus tickets and looking up my address in the phone book.

Pop over and check out my new digs, and then send me an email. I'm quite positive that I'd love to hear from you... whoever you are!

Lauralea Has Left The Building

2005-07-11T20:14:00.000-06:00

My Husband has been busy, redesigning my World.

Redefining my space.

I think he's quite a genius, actually.

When you consider that our first computer, nearly 20 years ago, was a little CC2 from Radio Shack...

Who remembers typing in code for 3 hours to play a little paddle game?!

So.

Lauralea's World has become lauralea.ca

I am passing from this World, to conquer my domain.

Are you coming along for the ride?

Oh, Baby,

Let's have some fun with this!

How Does Your Garden Grow...

2005-07-09T10:41:00.000-06:00

Epiphany!

I don't hate gardening.

I just hate afternoon gardening.

I like morning gardening.

I hate being hot.

I hate being sweaty.

I hate when my glasses slide down my nose, and my bra sticks to my body.

I don't hate digging holes and pulling weeds.

I like planting things.

I love being creative with the fruits of my labour.

I bought, yesterday, a black current bush, a red current bush, and a gooseberry bush.

Well, they're not bushes yet, but they will be.

Give them time.

I planted them this morning.

Before the shower, before the breakfast, before the blazing sun and crippling heat.

Spray on the Deep-Woods Off, throw on yesterday's shorts and top.

No one about, so you don't need the bra.

It was great.

Bushes/ sticks are planted, and I am optimistic that some day they will produce jelly, and pie, and jam, and wine.

So, gardening done, lovely cool shower to wash off the bug spray and get fresh again.

Nice.

A good start to the day.

On another note, when I came to the computer, BBC7 was playing, and the presenter that sounds like our friend Nigel was on. If you know Nigel, you have to check this out. You can check out BBC7, whether you know Nigel or not! If you like stories and drama, you will like this. We discovered it last year, and it's one of my favourite internet radio stations. In the morning (our morning- afternoon in Great Britain) you can hear the Little Toe Show and then The Big Toe Show. These are shows for kids, but they read and dramatize stories and books. It's very enjoyable. In the afternoon here (evening there!) there is the Crime and Thriller hour, and The Seventh Dimension (science fiction / space stories) and Comedy. From this BBC7 page, you can listen live, or click on "listen again" to find the Big Toe Show, (Jez/ Nige was on Sat., so scroll down and click on it) or any other show that tickles your fancy.

That's my plug for early morning gardening and BBC7.

Now it's off to see what the rest of the day holds.

Good Morning

2005-07-07T10:07:00.000-06:00

It has been a good morning, so far.

I was sleeping before midnight, and up at 7:30.

Much improved over the past few days.

I was able to make a run to the church to do some photo-copying and fetch some baby food jars that I'm sharing with the Anglican church for a VBS craft.

It smelled like camp.

It was like being at the lake in the morning...

Fresh air, slight hint of rain (or lake water!), some kind of lake foliage happening somewhere, sunlight flickering through the leaves.

Very nice.

I fried up some leftover sliced, canned luncheon meat and then it smelled like camping!

So, breakfast has been had, and everyone is out....

I'm home alone.

Just Me and Micah.

Micah and Me?

Micah and I?

He and I?

Me and him?

I had breakfast with Harry, (Potter, that is) and enjoyed the quiet and the sunshine and the nice breeze.

Makes me think about life as the children leave home.

I think I will like it.

I will definitely need to either have Micah or my sewing "room" moved upstairs so that as the teenaged Micah sleeps in til noon I can putter around without disturbing the quietness. There's nothing worse, on a beautiful spring or summer morning, than to be bombarded by the rantings of a prematurely awakened adolescent. I think I'll take an upstairs bedroom... the small one in the back that gets all the sunshine. That will be nice.

Ah yes.

Micah is now up and on his way out to mow his half of the lawn. The bonus for him, in having Thomas away at a friend's for night, is that he (Micah) gets to choose which half of the lawn he mows!

And so, it's 10:00, and the day marches on.

Left, right, left, right, march, march, march, march...

I don't know what you've been told.....

I don't know what you've been told.....

42's not very old...

42's not very old...

Stand up straight, you're in your prime....

Stand up straight, you're in your prime....

Getting better all the time....

Getting better all the time....

Enough Is Enough

2005-07-06T10:34:00.000-06:00

This has to end.

When I was young, I stayed up all night.

I could sleep in late.

I was able, in short, to match my lifestyle to my young husband's.

He's still much more the night owl.

Then came the children.

The first several years the children didn't change us too much.

They were good sleepers.

They could sleep twelve hours at a stretch.

If we set their twelve hours from 9:30 pm - 9:30 am, so what?!

We could still stay up later, and sleep in a bit longer.

Then came school.

Now it had to be 7:00 - 7:00, at the very latest 8:15 - 8:15.

Now Someone had to get up with the children.

Someone had to get them out of their warm, cozy little beds.

Someone had to make sure they had a nutritious start to their little days.

Guess who?

Now, 12 years later, my internal clock has changed so that I am awake in the morning.

Usually.

Someone's husband still prefers the night hours.

Someone's children have become youth who are able to stay up half the night and sleep til noon without a thought.

Someone finds herself burning the candle at both ends.

Far too often.

So, once again we were up til after midnight last night.

Granted, it was for a good cause... we were doing the Saskatoon thing, had a good meeting with some friends. Didn't leave the city til almost 10:00, so, with the hour and a half drive home, of course we're going to be late getting to bed.

But enough is enough.

I'm not as young as I used to be. Sleep deprivation is catching up with me.

I still like morning the best.

Especially early summer mornings.

MOST especially autumn mornings.

But, functioning after only 7 hours of sleep is, to state the obvious, fatiguing!

So.

That's it.

I mean, that's REALLY it.

No more late, late nights.

If the children want to stay up all night and be crabby (IN YOUR ROOM) all day, fine by me.

I will go to bed at a good and proper time.

I will get up at a fresh and crisp smelling time.

I will enjoy most of my day before my lay-about children put their feet to the floor.

Well, I'll sure try.

Only My Kid...

2005-07-05T12:51:00.000-06:00

I come from a long line of klutzes.

None of us have ever been really good at sports.

I think some of us are good swimmers, and we can ride a bike, but real sports, like baseball and basketball and volleyball...

Nope.

Don't worry, there is more to life than being a great athlete.

Your Auntie once gave herself a black eye doing a forward roll in Gym class.

And then there's my family

Only my kid.

I take some laundry down to the washer.

Just one load.

But, the Son has unplugged the washer to plug in something else.

He uses the dryer as one of his personal workspaces.

He uses the workbench

And the top of the freezer

And the top of the dryer

Once he forgot to re-plug the freezer.

But only once.

He frequently unplugs the washer.

I can't reach the bottom of the freezer.

I can't reach across the washer/dryer to plug in the appliances.

I told him, get up off the couch and plug that in for me please.

I set the washer and pulled it on so that when he plugged it in it would start.

A few minutes later I heard a thump and a cry.

He got up too fast

Felt light headed

Fell flat on his face

Gave himself a bloody nose

Put a hole in his lip.

Only my kid.

His little brother plugged in the washer for me.

Even Jr. can reach across the washer now.

(His nose stopped bleeding. I don't think it's broken.)

He said I can post this.

Mmmmm...

2005-07-02T13:07:00.000-06:00

Key Lime Zest.

Well, It WAS Quiet....

2005-07-02T11:56:00.000-06:00

I was just about to blog about how quiet and lovely it was

And then Thomas started to drum on his emaciated frontal region...

He's too skinny by half.

It has been very quiet the past few days.

Hillary has been working.

Micah has been abducted by aliens.

Well, his out-of-town friend Ryan, and Ryan's Aunt and Uncle.

Johanna has been evacuated these three days.

Just my old man and me.

And Thomas.

And Thomas' stomach-drum.

I gotta say I'm liking the quiet.

And Thomas is passing to and fro, and every time he stops and sees "quiet"

He drums on his stomach.

What a pest.

Mr. Big Cheesy Grin is on his way to the shower, so I'll have a few minutes peace from the stomach slapping sounds.

I'm on my way to the kitchen to make

KEY LIME PIE.

Randall's been eyeing them in the stores for several weeks now.

I will give it a try for our company tomorrow.

I am VERY excited because I had a brilliant brain wave.

And it didn't even hurt.

Not much.

I am going to attempt a diabetic Key Lime Pie.

If it works, well, let's just say life will never be the same.

It'll be much more limey.

Roll Kuchen and Watermelon

2005-06-30T18:49:00.000-06:00

That's what we had for supper today.

Basically a flour, egg and milk dough rolled into strips and deep fried. Not unlike a fritter I suppose.

I made one batch with regular white flour, and then half a batch with whole wheat flour.

I have a sneaking suspicion, though, that watermelon is on the "do not eat" list for those on diabetic alert.

It's just about the right time, (about an hour and a half since supper) and I'm feeling it.

Woo hoo.

Too much sweet watermelon, and too many roll kuchen-even if they were whole wheat!

Good thing it's the evening and I don't have to do any heavy thinking tonight.

I think I'll go wash the dishes for Thomas or something, to get moving...

Or it could just be "good night Irene" for this type 2 diabetic!

Fascinating...

2005-06-29T08:34:00.000-06:00

If Micah were to be assigned Johanna's chores, and should he conclude that as each sibling took their leave he would be the one picking up the slack...

Are there any "phobias" that he might be in danger of developing?

I googled "phobia" and found this list.

Intriguing.

We could, theoretically, bring about:

Eleutherophobia....................Fear of freedom.

Ergophobia....................Fear of work.

Hypengyophobia or Hypegiaphobia....................Fear of Responsibility.

Metathesiophobia....................Fear of changes.

Oikophobia....................Fear of home surroundings, house.

Ponophobia....................Fear of overworking or of pain.

I didn't know there were names for so many fears.

Does putting "phobia" on the end of your fear legitimize it?

Some of them made me chuckle:

Zemmiphobia: Fear of the great mole rat. (for even more fascination, google "great mole rat"!)

Phobophobia: Fear of phobias.

Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia....

Fear of long words.

So, next time you need a chuckle, or a "reason" on your absentee form, an excuse to skip that family gathering, or a justification for your dislike of housework, check out the phobia list. It could be just what the doctor ordered!

Toot-Toot-Tootsie Good-bye

2005-06-29T07:46:00.000-06:00

Well

She's gone.

She caught the 7:15 bus to Minnedosa via Yorkton via Watson.

I'm still in a 5:3o alarm induced fog.

Micah's biggest concern?

Who will do Johanna's chores?

That, and if Johanna's bed is better than mine....

We could assign her Saturday chores to him.

Then she would most assuredly be missed!

AAARG!!!

2005-06-27T08:21:00.000-06:00

I know the closet was my idea.

I still think it's a good idea.

I just need to keep my feet in line.

We moved the computer into the front closet.

Works well.

We have easy access to our internet radio, but we can close the door when company comes.

However...

It is MOST annoying

When you've just written a BRILLIANT post

To have your foot accidentally hit the power bar's off switch

And to hear the sickening sound

Of the computer decompressing

Into silence

Knowing that everything you've just written

Is lost.

AAARG!!!

All Done

2005-06-25T23:39:00.000-06:00

I give you The Dress.

She did well.

I'm not sure about the whole "Grand March" thing though.

Kind of like a beauty pageant for academics.

And not so academics.

I thought they should have also had the swim suit competition.

Would have gone well with the hypnotist!

(I almost typed "hypnotits".

Must be time for bed, because I thought that was funny!)

So now the girl's off to the After Grad Drunk Fest.

We wouldn't buy her any alcohol tickets, much to her annoyance.

I told her we're responsible parents.

And the legal drinking age here is 19.

And she's not even 18 til September.

Safe Grad.

Don't get me started.

On a positive note, my husband bought me a .ca

Should that be said "dotka", or "dot-cee-ay"?

I like "dotka".

I don't know where "lauralea.ca" will come into play, but I'm it!

Ciao.

A Farewell A Dress

2005-06-24T09:00:00.000-06:00

Finished.

Finished.

Finished.

Can you tell I'm relieved that the grad dress is done?

Husband asked How many times have you made that thing?

At least three.

But it's done.

The skirt is not the way she envisioned it.

But the Back is.

I'm encouraging myself that her strongest vision was for this particular style of back.

So, if nothing else, we nailed the back.

She will look beautiful.

I understand how she feels, at her lowest moments, though....

Seems like all her friends are getting their hair done, and their nails done, and will show up in $400 dresses.

On many levels it makes you feel less elegant to think of doing your own hair, and to have your own nails, and don't even think about a "homemade" dress!

She'll not be the only one in a custom designed dress, though. And I doubt any of the $400 dresses will look any better than hers.

I could remind her that at a fair rate for labour, her dress has probably become a dress worth in excess of $400. Probably closer to $500 or $600. (I don't think it took me any less than 50 hours to do it.)

Somewhere, probably on my husband's website, there WILL be a picture of this beautiful girl in that gorgeous dress. It's a sophisticated, svelte style in a highly complimentary shade of dark blue chiffon. Did I already say "Beautiful"?

And so the first of my chicks flexes her wings and gets ready to take a dive.

Out of the nest.

Into the great blue yonder.

Fly high, my love.

Fly far.

Fly home again, often.

Paging Mr. Friesen

2005-06-20T19:06:00.000-06:00

I just took a message from the library for my husband.

It seems one of Thomas' friends has applied for a job there, and a character reference is required.

The boy has applied to be a "Page".

At the library.

I wonder if the first promotion is to "Chapter".

Maybe "Index".

Lawrence Hedman, Come On Down!

2005-06-19T20:58:00.000-06:00

It's Father's Day.

In church today we were to think about our Dad, and write down something that we appreciate about him.

I wrote

My Dad loves me.

My Dad grew up with an alcoholic father. I've never heard his whole story, but the bits I've been able to piece together indicate that he didn't have a great example of fatherly love. I don't think he ever learned how to express his love.

At least in words.

My Dad was always a hard worker.

He loved us by providing for us.

I don't think I've ever heard my Dad say I Love You.

The closest he's come, when I say, I love you, is Same here.

But, he says I love you with his eyes.

He says I love you with his hug.

He says I love you when he makes Mom phone to make sure we got home alright.

So, Happy Father's Day, Dad.

Thank you for giving me your ears.

Thank you for giving me your forehead and nose.

Thank you for giving me your sense of humour.

Thank you for giving me your love.

I love you back.

Sex Ed 102

2005-06-19T07:50:00.000-06:00

Ooh... that got your attention!

We were at a lovely wedding reception yesterday afternoon.

Two beautiful young people, head-over-heels in love.

A great way to spend a Saturday.

We were able to sit at a table with friends, which is always nice when you know the newly weds, but not their relatives!

At one point in the proceedings a couple of fellows at our table burst into a spontaneous rendition of "Afternoon Delight". (if you didn't grow up in the 70's, just look it up. Let me totally date myself by admitting that this was one of my favourite songs on the juke box in the common room when I was in grade 8. )

I gave Randall a poke and said... Hey, they're singing our song!

I was then able to share some matronly advice.

You see, L.T., one of the singers, is getting married in about 6 weeks, and his lovely bride- to- be is a young widow with 2 boys.

I joked that "Afternoon Delight" is a good thing- sometimes that's the only delight you can get! With older children, you have to grab the moments as they come... like when the kids are at school.

If you have to work during those delightful hours in the afternoon you should go with the "after dinner nap".

Now, the bride is half Mennonite, so her boys should be used to "meta schlope" (dinner nap, for the Menno-challenged)

You have to tell your kids that "we're really tired, and we're going to have a nap. We'll be REALLY annoyed if you wake us up."

Set them up with a movie, or their favourite show, or a long game...

Works every time.

(Just make sure the door is locked and the curtains are drawn, because they're bound to want to check if you're still "sleeping"!)

Polar Expedition Complete

2005-06-16T15:00:00.000-06:00

I found the wieners.

And a whole lot of buns.

I was able to get everything out of the bottom of that freezer.

That 3 foot freezer.

That deep, deep freezer.

With the help of some red handled tongs and Mrs. Dueck.

God bless the tall people.

I'm Back!

2005-06-16T10:03:00.000-06:00

Feels like I've been away for a long time.

My parents have been visiting.

Just a stop over, to bring graduation gifts.

(See, Mom, says Johanna, - you ARE supposed to get gifts for grad.)

It was good to visit again. I don't think we've seen them since before Christmas.

Too long.

Anyway, several good canasta games later, they're on their way to my sister in Swift Current.

I was surprised how much I missed my blog.

Just thought I'd check in before I head over to the elementary school to look for wieners in the freezer.

At the last Home And School meeting (like the PTA for all you Americans) I was nominated to go digging in the freezer to assess the condition of the leftover wieners for tomorrow's Play Day. (like Sport's Day, for all you people my age!)

I TOLD them that I couldn't do it.

I TOLD them that I can't reach the bottom of the freezer.

At my house, I told them, I have to wait til one of the tall people are there to get things from the bottom of the freezer.

But, they just laughed, and as they all have paying jobs, I was nominated, despite my protests.

So, it's on their heads if I fall on mine.

I can see the headlines....

Princess Margaret tragedy.

"The Princess Margaret school community is mourning the loss of one of their favourite parents today. Mrs. Lauralea Friesen, mother of Micah, passed away at the school Thursday morning. Her cold, frozen body was discovered in the kitchen freezer, where it was determined she had fallen in on her head in a vain attempt to dislodge leftover frankfurters for a school event. She will be missed. School principal, Dough Wallace, was heard to moan, 'No more buns... no more buns....'"

Interesting Quiz

2005-06-14T09:11:00.000-06:00

I took the Theological World View quiz.

I seem to have my world views backward from my husband, the pastor.

What do you think that means?

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan. You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavily by John Wesley and the Methodists.

Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan

86%

Emergent/Postmodern

71%

Neo orthodox

64%

Reformed Evangelical

54%

Fundamentalist

50%

Classical Liberal

50%

Charismatic/Pentecostal

39%

Modern Liberal

36%

Roman Catholic

32%

What's your theological worldview?
created with QuizFarm.com

Little Ol' Lady Who

2005-06-13T18:30:00.000-06:00

(That's supposed to be a "yodel")

Yup, I'm feeling like one of the old, old generation- those who's topics of conversation tend to revolve around their aging processes.

The aches and pains.

The new hip.

The meds.

On the positive side, I am hopeful that by the end of the week I'll feel much better.

I admitted defeat and crawled to a doctor today.

He prescribed:

Tylenol and Ibuprofin, together.

Antibacterial mouthwash, to be gargled after each meal, and sometimes in between.

Metronidazole 250 mg.

Sulfameth/Trimeth 800/160 mg.

For the pain.

For the swollen, inflamed throat.

For the inner ear and sinus infection.

I think that's why I haven't been writing much.

My brain function is in suspended animation.

Now I'll go type Thomas' English homework, and get ready for our overnight company tomorrow.

Adding to the "Blogroll"

2005-06-10T17:15:00.000-06:00

There are several places I go every day to visit. I added Dixie a while ago, but I've also been getting to know and appreciate Lynette (Lyn), Christy and Robin. I'm not good with computer language, but I'm crafty- (like a fox!) and I've found that if I add copying, cutting, pasting etc., to my one web-world skill of adding a link I am able to put these names on the side there. I looked for a crafty way to change the heading to "Places I go every day", but couldn't see it! I know Lyn and Christy have visited here, so maybe they'll be glad to know I visit them too.

Just a little update.

I added the chicken to the barbecue, so I'm going to check that now!

Book Tag

2005-06-10T16:23:00.000-06:00

I believe question #1 is: How many books do you own?

This is a tricky question when you live in a household of more than yourself, so I defined "books that I own" as books that have only been read by me, were gifts to me, purchased by me, or that I would take out of the Salvation Army box after a purge. (assuming that my husband had done the purging!)

Grand total, as far as I can see: 126. This includes 72 cookbooks, of which- surprisingly- 30 are from the Company's Coming series. I also have about 10 craft/ knitting books and a set of 18 Nancy Drew mysteries from my adolescence.

Question #2: Last book bought?

I believe the last book I bought was a Splenda cookbook. The last 2 before that were War and Peace and George Eliot's Adam Bede.

Question #3: Latest book(s) you are reading?

I, like Linea who tagged me, tend to read more than one book at a time. I currently have dogged ears or book marks in : Adam Bede, The Price of a Princess (Historical novel about Mary Stewart of Scotland by Nigel Tranter), Crime Through Time II (a collection of original historical short mysteries) and The Black Arrow (by Robert L. Stevenson, which I'm reading out loud to Micah- with a beautiful English accent, Toni!)

Question #4: Last book I read (and have finished)?

The Bourne Identity, by Robert Ludlum

Question #5: Five books that mean a lot to me:

Although there are a few specifically "Christian" books that I've enjoyed the last few years- memorably "the Jesus I never knew" and "The Ragamuffin Gospel"... I am choosing to rephrase this question. If I were marooned on a desert Island, which five books would I wish I had with me? (and I will count a "box set" as one!)

I would wish for the Bible, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Harry Potter set, and I don't know if I could choose between my favorite mystery writers, so any anthology of Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie or, let's say, Ellis Peters.

Now I'm supposed to "Tag" five more. I'm guessing this means 5 (are there?!) people who read my blog and who are also bloggers. So, if you've already been tagged somewhere I guess you're off the hook!

Let's tag:

Lynette
Robyn
Dixie
Christy
Matthew

There. I think that's it for the book tag.

As you can see, I like to read. I like historical novels and mysteries. I read cookbooks. I believe I have cooked something out of every one of my 70+ cookbooks. I like old books. I don't buy a lot of books. I'm the skinflint you see at Coles with my paper and pencil out, writing down titles that look interesting for getting from the library.

I can also smell the potatoes on the barbecue, and as I'm at the other side of the house, that can't be a good thing.

I'm off.

Happy Counting!

SHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-06-09T03:33:00.000-06:00

It's 3:30 am.

It's 10:30 am in England.

The birds here wake up at 3:20 am.

They wake up very happy.

They wake up very loudly.

Stupid birds.

I've Been Tagged?!

2005-06-08T22:33:00.000-06:00

Seems there's a Blogger Book- Tag goin' on.

I've been tagged.

Does that make me it?

I've done T.V. tag, and Tree Tag... Frozen Tag, and Leap Frog Tag, but never Book Tag.

It seems to be about counting books, and making lists of your favorite books, and what you're reading....

Now, may I make my tag list first, and then do the counting, or do I have to do the counting and then make the list?

Is your list supposed to be made up of people who read your blog, or people who's blog you read, or people who you need to get back at for parking in your spot?

Just wondering.

Strange Ways...

2005-06-08T10:19:00.002-06:00

...of how people have gotten rich.

Say it again.

"Strange ways of how people have gotten rich."

I read this.

It was the "info" on Oprah today.

Maybe I'm weird, but I see spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, awkward sentence structure...

Must be the editor coming out in me.

All Passengers Please Disembark

2005-06-06T07:50:00.000-06:00

O.K.

The cruise is over.

The vacation has come to an end.

The holiday buck stops here.

It's Monday morning.

Alarms have rung.

Muffins are being baked.

Lunches need to be made.

I will NOT lose another day to feeling yuck.

I refuse to give in to the germs any more.

I am revolting.

On so many levels.

(If I brush my teeth and comb my hair and keep my nose wiped and don't let my eye get full of puss it's not SO bad!)

Actually, since I put the pink eye drops to work the eyes have it. (or don't as the case may be)

Nose is much better...

...Cough is still lingering, and throat glands still want to be sore and a bit swollen... but nothing a little decongestant and Tylenol can't fix.

So, as of NOW, the cruise ship stops here.

No more free ride.

Just don't tell the children. Let's ease back into it gently, shall we?

Alright. I Admit It.

2005-06-02T21:44:00.000-06:00

I'm sick.

The down-sides?

Pink Eye. Sore throat. Every gland and crevice north of my armpits swollen and full of mucus. Head ache from coughing. Whiplash neck ache from coughing. Stomach cramps from coughing.

The upsides?

Don't feel guilty about doing nothing. My friend brought supper just 'cause she loves me. Another friend fed me Fishermen's Friends (good cherry ones) at the band concert to combat the cough. Kind, concerned looks from the husband and kids.

Had to skip out of a meeting this afternoon. Will stay home from the talent assembly tomorrow morning. I DID go to the band concert tonight, but only because Husband had another meeting he had to be at.

Time to go finish my tea, take the extra strength Dimetapp and hit the elevated pillows.

Slow Drying Paint

2005-05-31T17:45:00.000-06:00

Well, they noticed.

I was hoping that they wouldn't, but they did.

Four years ago they came for a farewell meal.

They were moving back to England, to take up a youth ministry there.

I had been painting the kitchen.

In honor of their last meal with us, I finished painting the last wall.

Half of it.

It's a central wall, that continues the length of the house, from the kitchen, becoming the hallway wall.

I painted til just past the kitchen, where it starts to become hallway.

They've come to Canada for a visit.

We had them for dinner today.

They noticed.

Four years later, the wall is still waiting to be finished.

Pathetic.

Vertically Challenged

2005-05-31T11:37:00.000-06:00

I think I am vertically challenged.

I am also horizontally challenged, but I'm working on that.

I began to suspect I was height deficient when I couldn't reach the toothpaste.

We were newly-weds, though, and I thought maybe he was just teasing.

Putting the toothpaste on the top shelf in the cabinet like that.

Then it was the mini skirts.

They were too short for good Christian girls to wear.

I could never see what the problem was.

They always came well below my knee.

Later I complained that my upper arm hurt.

From the bruising.

From banging against the doorknobs.

Suddenly everyone had to measure themselves against the door to see where the doorknob came.

(You've probably just gone to check too.)

Normal people seem to hit the doorknob with their forearms.

Recently it's been trousers and shorts.

I bought a pair of trousers that were just exactly the right length!

I was surprised, but pleased.

Then I read the tag.

They were "capris".

They're supposed to come mid-calf.

Normal people shorts are capris to me.

There ought to be a special sticker that I can put on my license plate so that I can park closer to the mall entrance.

You just have to follow me around my kitchen for a day to realize how handicapped I am.

Drag the chair here.

Kick the stool there.

Stretch.

Reach.

It's not too bad these days.

All the children have long since joined the ranks of the gloating tall.

Get that for me will you?

Put this away.

But someday this too shall cease to be.

I need to devise a strategy for when the tall people leave home.

Yoda

2005-05-30T20:48:00.000-06:00

Has anyone seen the new plastic "Yoda" beverage containers at 7-11?

There's an ugly mug.

On so many levels.

He Said... She Said...

2005-05-28T16:02:00.000-06:00

I have to get this in before THE MAN .

In the course of sorting out the vehicles, it transpired that I drove the red car to Hillary's work place, and Randall and Johanna followed in the van. Then we drove Johanna to HER work place, and while we were downtown, decided to stop for a drink.

We went into Zellers. I, a respectable 10 paces behind.

Maybe more like 5 paces.

O.K., I was tailgating, and when we got to the door, he pushed it to go through.

I thought he was pushing it open.

I followed.

One problem.

The door pulls open.

Consequently, my face came into violent contact with his elbow. (He having moved into door pulling mode.)

Now, today I am struggling with Johanna's friendly germs. She's been sharing, and they seem to have finally been caught.

I am in a physically weakened condition.

That's the only way I can explain it.

I got the giggles.

I wiggled my nose to make sure it still worked.

It did.

I kept laughing, and started snorting...

Randall quickly moved ahead of me for disassociation purposes.

All the way through Zellers, and halfway through the mall to the food court.

Laughing so hard I was crying.

Snorting.

I think I scared a couple of teenagers.

Probably thought I was some raving loony out on day parole.

I'm better now...

But I think he's given me a permanent snort.

And In THIS Corner...

2005-05-27T23:35:00.000-06:00

O.K.

So, now I've added "Social Convenor" and "Mediation Services" to my list of duties.

We have a NEW driver in the house.

Yay Hillary!

Unfortunately, this puts us back to the 2 on 1 people to vehicle ratio we were at before we got the little red car.

Mom, Dad said if I got my license I could go to a movie tomorrow night.

Mom, I've made plans to go for coffee with my friend.

Two girls, who both have designs on l'auto.

So, now it's WAY past the time I had designated for retirement, and I think I have them sorted out.

To Dad, to clear THIS idea.

To Daughter #1, to present the plan.

To Daughter #2, to confirm the plan.

Back to Dad, with Daughter #2's concessions.

Back to Daughter #1, with the proposed new plan.

Back to Dad with Daughter #1's concessions.

Back to Daughter #2 with Daughter #1's concerns.

Back to Daughter #1 with Daughter #2's new offer...

Well, you get the picture.

I think they, the Daughters, were picking up my "you'd better start bending, or you'll not go anywhere" vibes.

I think it's settled.

GOOD NIGHT.

And When I Die...

2005-05-27T21:15:00.000-06:00

Randall was talking about a song we sang on Sunday at church. I said I wanted it sung at my funeral.

I have a bad habit of thinking out loud.

I often have to back-track, to explain the brain process that got me to whatever odd-ball statement I've just made.

I've often said, Oh- I want that song at my funeral.

For the record, if my family can handle it, here are some of the things I would like done to celebrate my life:

Elvis Presley singing "Are you lonesome tonight", where he makes a joke of the words and sings, "Do the chairs in your parlour seem empty and bare; do you gaze at your bald head and wish you had hair". He spends the rest of the song laughing helplessly as his background girls ooh and ahh. Hilarious. One of my favourite moments in recording history.

The off tune lady singing, "The Laughing Song". Don't remember who she is, but I'm sure my husband has her on a hard drive somewhere.

I think a men's quartet or choir singing "Haven of Rest".

And the Rich Mullins song "If I Stand".

I'd like cake with pink frosting. Birthday cake. To celebrate that this is the first day of the rest of my life.

I'd love lots of Reader's Digest jokes.

I hope there's more laughter than tears.

I know I often make light of my death. Of my funeral.

I think it's because I'm honestly not afraid of it.

I used to be.

I went through a phase, probably like most kids, when I was around 10 I guess, where I was becoming almost compulsive about my bedtime routine- afraid that if I altered anything, from the ritual prayers to the brushing of teeth, that something bad would happen. I was terrified, every night for a long, long time, that I wouldn't wake up in the morning.

Then one night I had a dream.

I think it was more like a vision.

More than 30 years ago, and I can still remember it.

It was from God, I think, because since that vision, I've never been afraid of what comes after this life.

In my dream/vision, it was all dark. It was just totally nothing.

I was moving in it, though, and as I moved it got lighter and lighter.

The brighter it got, the less afraid I became, and a KNOWING came to me that this was death.

I knew I was moving toward God.

I knew I was moving toward his light.

I could feel his love and I was completely at rest in it.

I KNEW that I didn't have to be afraid anymore.

And I haven't been since.

The Bee

2005-05-24T19:46:00.000-06:00

I have to tell you.

Yesterday morning, I was starting to make breakfast, when I heard this screaming and (near) swearing from under the kitchen.

Thomas sleeps/ lives/ inhabits this unfinished basement space in the house.

I thought I heard him say something like, I got stung by a bee!

I waited til he said it more than once.

I went to investigate, and, sure enough, he HAD been stung by a bee.

He knelt on it.

It was in his bed.

I gave him an antihistamine and some acetaminophen, and killed the bee for him.

This could be the grounds of much fun to be had in the days to come. Fun from his misery.

(I know, I'm STILL a bad mother!)

Just a few moments ago he started to wail, Ow.... Shoot... Ow...My Bum...

I called out to him... What's the matter?! Did you sit on a bee?

He was smiling when he told me to shut up.

Mother Love

2005-05-24T19:38:00.000-06:00

Johanna is still barking like an asthmatic seal.

Poor thing.

I also suffered from seasonal allergies, which tended to lead to bronchial infections.

Spring and Fall.

My mother, bless her, used to come to me in the middle of the night bringing cough medicine when I, in my weakened state would be hacking and choking.

I used to think she did it because she loved me.

Now I know.

I was keeping her awake.

Laugh And The World Laughs With You

2005-05-20T08:23:00.000-06:00

I always maintain that when you are in a situation where you could either laugh or cry, you should go with laughter.

Your face won't get puffy, and the head-ache doesn't last as long.

I Completely Screwed Up.

2005-05-20T07:53:00.000-06:00

Well.

"The Dress" is pretty much done.

I won't be wearing it to the wedding tomorrow.

It went SO well.

My brain was firing on all cylinders, and I only made ONE mistake.

Only ONCE did my brain disengage.

Unfortunately, the scissors were in my hand at THAT EXACT MOMENT.

SO, the seam I had thoughtfully left un-sewn to accommodate a hem that needed to be finished became my nemesis. (Although WHAT I had done to IT is still uncertain)

I thought, this piece is too wide! What was I thinking to leave it so big?

And at THAT EXACT MOMENT, my brain ceased to function, and I cut that piece off.

I made both sides match.

Then I sewed.

Then I realized my mistake.

I had two options.

The first was to un-pick several solidly sewn seams, re-cut and re-attatch the new front panels of the skirt, re-sewing the whole thing.

I hate ripping out seams.

The second option was to just go with it, finish the front seam as it was and hope for the best, re-doing it next week when time is not of the essence.

I went with option 2.

I did the hand stitching at the church meeting last night.

When I got home I tried it on.

sigh

It looks completely terrible.

Well, it doesn't look completely terrible, but let's just say people would say- oh, what a lovely dress! And when is the baby due?

yeah

So, its' back to my old stand-by. The dress that makes people say - oh you look so nice. Or, Is that a new dress?

The only problem is, (and my husband doesn't get this, and I don't think I even totally get this), that the back-up dress feels like a gunny sack. A pretty pink-rose-patterned, gunny sack, but still sacky all the same.

After I stopped feeling like I wanted to cry, I told the husband that at least I can put a good face on it, and no one will know that I feel shapeless and sacky at the wedding tomorrow.

Well- now YOU do, but if we all forget we ever read this....

....maybe if I wear the 3 inch heels....

I'm a BAD Mother

2005-05-19T09:52:00.000-06:00

Micah's gone for the day and a night!

It's the grade 5, beginner band camp. Pray for Mrs. Wiebe! (Micah's classroom teacher) Pray for Miss Helms! (The band teacher) They have inherited all the pre-hormonal grade fives from four schools for 17 hours starting at 9:00 this morning.

I think I must be a bad mother.

I am REVELING in the thought that I don't have to stop to make lunch today.

I am ENJOYING the thought of not fighting with him at bedtime.

I COMPLETELY LOVE the idea of the quietness that he leaves in his wake.

So, I must be a bad mother.

Come to think of it, I'm even excited about the other ones starting to leave home. I'm sure I'll miss them...

In my defense, I have always maintained that the role of a parent is to work yourself out of a job.
SO, if I'm a good parent, they will be ready to leave, right?

Ah, well.

Micah's arrival in our family 11 years ago postponed empty nest syndrome for a few years.

But I can dream, can't I?

What a Great Day!

2005-05-18T13:20:00.000-06:00

Thomas agrees with me.

Rainy days are the best.

I think it must be all my British genes.

Cloudy. Dreary. Cool. Raining. Fresh. Cars make swishy water noises as they drive by.

This is the kind of day that makes being a "stay-at-home-mother" truly worthwhile.

Other people have to get up to a gloomy, grey day.

Other people have to plod through their morning ablutions.

Other people have to look out rain-streaked office windows, and listen to irritating top-40 radio stations.

Other people might feel depressed going out into such a day as this.

I get to stay home.

I get to feel cozy and snug, listening to my favourite British radio stations (BBC7's Crime and Thriller Hour at the moment) , drinking lovely hot tea.

I get to bake (perfect on rainy days) or sew, or do laundry and read a British Mystery.

On days like today I always feel I've made a good career choice.

Bran Muffins for Lynette

2005-05-17T20:16:00.000-06:00

1 c. (250 mL) buttermilk
1 c. (250 mL) natural bran

1/4 (50 mL) cup all purpose white flour
3/4 (200 mL) cup all purpose whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp. (7 mL) baking powder
1 tsp. (5 mL) baking soda
1/2 tsp. (2 mL) cinnamon
3/4 (175 mL) cup raisins

1/4 (50 mL) cup canola oil
1/4 (50 mL) cup molasses
1 egg
2 tsp. (10 mL) vanilla

In med. bowl combine bran and buttermilk. Let stand 5 minutes (or til you're finished measuring out the dry ingredients).

In another bowl, combine all the dry ingredients.

To the bran mixture, add oil, molasses, egg and vanilla. Mix well.

Add wet to dry, stir just to moisten. Fill sprayed or paper lined muffin cups. Bake at 375*F for 20 to 25 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Remove from pan. Makes 12.

Notes: 1. To make them fat free, use unsweetened applesauce instead of oil. Spray muffin cups, (instead of paper liners) as they will stick to the paper liners.
2. To make them cholesterol free, use 2 egg whites instead of 1 whole egg.
3. To increase the fiber add 1/8 cup (25 mL) each wheat germ and buttermilk.
4. To further increase fiber (or instead of wheat germ) add 1/8 cup (25 mL) Red River Cereal. (This gives the muffins a crunchy texture as well)

I like them with raisins. My husband likes them with fresh or whole frozen (unthawed) raspberries. (if you don't have insulin issues, I would add 1/8- 1/4 cup brown sugar after the egg when using raspberries) I like them with Red River Cereal, but they are a little heavier. They freeze well, and double easily, so when I make a batch I put what's not eaten for breakfast into the freezer for later.

Blogvoidance

2005-05-16T22:47:00.000-06:00

I've just been cruising the web-log-world.

Very cool.

Good words. Strong Voices.

Unfortunately I've also been avoiding my current chore.

Making The Menu.

Does anyone do this anymore?

I taught myself how to plan a menu probably fifteen years ago out of sheer desperation.

Young pastor's wife. Young pastor's salary.

I was ending up with far too much month at the end of the money.

So, I discovered that if I planned a menu for the month, and did all of the non-perishable shopping for it when the pay stub was still warm, I could pretty much get through til the next paycheck.

I haven't needed to plan menus for self / family preservation for a long time, but it's still a helpful habit. I like thinking through the meals for a couple of weeks ahead. I like knowing what's there to cook. If I spend one evening or morning... or afternoon... ONE block of time doing this, I don't have to think hard again for a few weeks. I like reading my cookbooks and trying new recipes. When a new recipe is included in the menu it gets shopped for. It gets cooked. It gets tried.

sigh

Now it's 11:00 and I'd better get back to it.

Maybe if I bribe myself with a cup of tea.

There's always the new Asian cookbook to consider...

Check Again...

2005-05-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

Thomas asked me to go over his Social Insurance Number application form this morning.

Name...

Address...

Date of birth...

Male/ Female...

Then: Check if you are a twin, triplet etc.

So, I checked.

His father confirmed it.

He's not.

Boys-R-Us

2005-05-15T17:33:00.000-06:00

The boys have tubes.

Hard, hard tubes- pressed cardboard? From the middle of rolls of fabric kind of tubes.

Five foot tubes.

Apparently, they make good bats.

With tennis balls.

This seems to be an enjoyable sport in the back yard.

Big brother Tosses the ball up, taking a swing at it with the tube. Little brother fetches the ball.

I had to yell at them twice.

First, I said, quit hitting balls toward the house. Quit hitting them toward the vehicles. Go into the field next door and do that.

They like our back yard. It's too far to the field.

!!!!!!!!!!!

Next, I said, quit hitting the balls toward my newly planted cherry bushes. And watch out for the raspberry bushes. GO INTO THE FIELD NEXT DOOR TO DO THAT.

IF, I said, YOU BREAK ANY WINDOWS OR BRANCHES FROM THOSE PLANTS YOUR LIFE WILL NOT BE WORTH LIVING FOR A LONG TIME.

So.

How do you make a fifteen year old's life not worth living?

It bears thinking on.

Husband thought making him get a job at McDonald's to pay for any damage he did.

I thought making him wear the McDonald's uniform to school.

Probably good for him that he stopped.

It's Sunday Again

2005-05-15T09:02:00.000-06:00

I think I must be in a time warp.

It hasn't been long enough since last Sunday.

I kept forgetting last night, that I had to wake up to Sunday. Then it would hit me. Bummer.

It's not that I don't like Sundays, it's just that they're so much work.

And they come so often.

And I've been so tired this week. (if it really WAS a week, she said suspiciously)

But, I suppose it has been.

There was Mother's Day, then the birthday party prep, then the birthday party and early dismissal day, then a couple of days of laundry and house cleaning, then opening night of the school play, then cutting out the dress for the wedding, then Church cleaning day and final performance of the school play...

This week I WILL sew that dress.

I will.

I really will.

I have to look good, so it doesn't frighten the Bride. I have to make 20 years of wedded bliss look like bliss! I can't go looking worn out and washed out and fed up. (or worn out, washed up and fed out!)

Besides, my husband is officiating, and he'll be wearing a suit, and he DOES look good in a suit.

Well.

I have half an hour before I should start making my way to the car and so to church.

So, off I go to look in the closet.

And take some more drugs.

And put away my muffins. (Anyone need a fabulous recipe for low sugar, low fat, high fiber bran muffins?)

And get looking beautiful.

Hmm.

I'd better get at it. The beautiful part could take longer this morning. I don't want to scare any of the little children.

By the by.... when you want to get sent home from church cleaning days, or school supervision days, or work, just show up with no make-up. Don't go looking like you just got up, but leave off the make-up; lipstick with no eye goop is particularly effective! If you show up looking tired and washed out, people will think you're a trooper, they'll be sympathetic, and there's a good chance you'll get sent home.

Just don't go to the cinema or the art gallery after that. Or the funky neighborhood coffee place. You'll probably run into someone who sent you home. Grocery shopping is O.K., because that's a necessary evil, but don't put on your make-up til your mental health day is over.

Away I go.

To put on my make-up.

I don't need sympathy today.

(and I've just used up half of my getting ready time!)

All Work and No Play...

2005-05-12T22:55:00.000-06:00

Well, Johanna did really well in her school play.

I, in proper stage mother style, am seeing it twice. I went tonight with Micah, (opening night) and I'll go Saturday, (final performance) with her Dad and a friend.

I do enjoy a good musical. The Seven Brides were in fine form, and the Seven Brothers did very well too. I was quite impressed. They sang, they danced, they hit most of the high notes... nicely done.

Now it's late. Micah's finally in bed. Thomas is frantically scratching out an assignment for school... (Oh-here he comes now... "Mom can you type this for me?!")

So, here I go to save his sorry but yet again. Hillary said I should make him type it himself, but what I can do in 10 minutes, will take him an hour. The only problem is that I can't read his writing, so he usually has to dictate for me. I consider it training for my next career as a court stenographer.

sigh

Bon appetite

2005-05-12T12:44:00.000-06:00

Right.

Well, I'm just home from a lovely riparian picnic with the 11 year old. (If you needed to look it up you've either forgotten Hyacinth Bucket -pronounced "Bouquet", or you've never met her on "Keeping up Appearances"!)

I brought the jam sandwich, the juice box, the cut up apples in a bag, the cookies and the book.

I met him at school and we walked the 2 1/2 blocks to the river, found a shaded bench and spent a nice 45 minutes.

The dry grass makes pleasant sounds when the wind whispers through it, and there was a cheery little bird in one of the leafless branches just up from where we sat.

We're reading (well, I'm reading, he's listening!) Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Black Arrow". We're both quite enjoying it.

You should be reading this with a British accent, by the way, because it's being written with one, and since I maintain that things should be read the way they were written... It makes Robert Louis Stevenson fun. Sometimes we read him Scottish, and sometimes British. The Harry Potter books are delightful, when read properly! (Although Hagrid's accent is a bit more difficult!)

Today has been a thoroughly delightful day so far, and there is the prospect of the theatre this evening to round it off nicely. Opening night for the eldest daughter's school musical- one of my favourites, too. ("Seven Brides for Seven Brothers")

Well, back to the kitchen. I have BBC7 to keep me company as I do the washing up and then tackle my dress for the brother-in-law's wedding next week-end. (not quite a fortnight, so I'll have to sew quickly!)

....Bouquet residence; Lady of the house speaking!

ERRG....

2005-05-11T07:33:00.000-06:00

I think I have Birthday Party Hangover.

And the only drinking was of lemon iced tea and koolaid.

And a diet ginger ale for the mother.

Must have been climbing the tree house ladder to hide treasure hunt keys....

Or digging holes in copses to bury treasure....

Now We're Done...

2005-05-10T15:46:00.000-06:00

...Bow to Your Partner... Bow to the Gent across the Hall... And THAT... is All!

Party On Dudes

2005-05-10T14:46:00.000-06:00

Well, only 45 more minutes til the birthday party is officially over.

Whew.

The barbequed cheese burgers for lunch were a hit. (We called them "Crabby Patties", but nobody was)

The Burried Treasure Hunt was a hit. (they were pretty smart! Figured out the puzzles that the 15 year old brother had trouble with!)

The Sponge Bob's Bikini Bottom cake was a hit. Everyone wanted Squidward's chocolate Tiki house. We saved it for Micah's Dad. Micah got Sponge Bob's cupcake pineapple house. Patrick's rock house is still there.

The paper airplane building and flying contest seems to be going well. They've been at it for more than 15 minutes anyway.

Oh- looks like they're done that. They want to play "guns", but I've just told Micah to find his Sponge Bob DVD and they can watch an episode of that and then go home.

I think Micah's getting tired of the party.

Well- so far so good.

They all want me to make their cake for their birthdays.

A couple of them want me to DO their birthday for them.

I guess the treasure hunt went really well!

Homemakers Anonymous Theme Song

2005-05-08T18:44:00.000-06:00

(sing with a strong country twang, to the tune of "Home on the Range". Sing loudly. It will annoy your children.)

Oh give me a home, made of self-cleanin' chrome,
Where the windas all sparkle and shine....
I'd git me a book, teach the stove how ta cook,
And find out jest what is this, "free time".

I'm home, home on the range. Jest cookin' and cleanin' all day....
Oh, what I would give, fer a brain like a sieve, to fergit all this work without pay.

I became a good wife, I thought this was the life,
Well, I thought it, but I was sure wrong.
'Stead o' spendin' my day in a leisurely way,
I'm jest workin' and singin' this song...

I'm home, home on the range. Jest cookin' and cleanin' all day,
Oh, what I would give, fer a brain like a sieve, to fergit all this work without pay.

Now my time is all spent, wondrin' where the day went,
And jest why I am feelin' so tired.
'Though I love 'em to bits, 'times I'd give up the kids,
If I knew where to go to git fired.

I'm home, home on the range. Jest cookin' and cleanin' all day.
Oh, what I would give, fer a brain like a sieve, to fergit all this work without pay.

Proper Protocol?!

2005-05-08T18:15:00.000-06:00

O.K.

We visited another church today.

My husband was the guest speaker.

(Pulpit exchange- we go there, he comes here; kind of like Changing Rooms meets One Hundred Huntley Street)

So.

After the service I'm standing around with my boy. People are pausing and chatting. We're doing the "small talk" thing.

We've just had communion. The boy has a retainer. Food gets stuck under it sometimes.

The lady asks the boy a question. He answers. I see something flying from his mouth. I hope it has gone unnoticed.

It has.

As the chatting continues I see a (to me HUGE) bit of chewed bread stuck to the top of the sleeve of her jacket. It's a nice linen jacket, with a matching skirt.

WHAT DO YOU DO?!?!

When someone comes out of the bathroom with toilet paper stuck to their shoe, do you tell them?

When a woman is in line at the super market and her skirt is tucked into her panty hose, do you tell her?

When the officer issuing you a speeding ticket's fly is undone, do you reach over and zip it up?

Somewhere in a small Saskatchewan town, a woman changed after church and found a wad of dried on, chewed up white ... stuff on her sleeve....Or... she didn't notice, and now it's stuck on the front of the dress beside which she hung her suit when she put on her Sunday lounging clothes...

So, is there flying food protocol?

Sweet Retribution

2005-05-04T21:57:00.000-06:00

One of my daughters was in a lot of pain today.

It's not fair, she said. I don't deserve to feel so terrible. Guys should also have to experience pain like this every month. They should suffer too.

They do, I said.

We call it P.M.S.

Shhh.....

2005-05-04T07:35:00.000-06:00

It's just past 7:30, and no one is up yet.

Randall's long gone for his early morning prayer meeting.

I just set a box out the back door for delivery to the recycling bin, and I stood there for a few minutes.

It smells like rain.

The birds are making nice bird sounds.

The wind chime is just barely tinkling.

mmmmm

I wish the kettle had already boiled and the tea was ready and the children didn't have school today so nobody would be descending on the kitchen in half an hour looking for breakfast and making grouchy children noises....

I think I'd escape to the gaze-bo and sip my tea and smell the rain in the air and listen to the birds.

On Roofs

2005-04-24T16:07:00.000-06:00

Worship today

We're singing, "Come Lord Jesus, Come. Holy Spirit, Come."

My eyes drift up toward the ceiling and thoughts that I couldn't put into words flit through my mind.

What would happen if he DID come. We sing it, but do we really mean it? Do we REALLY want it?

And there we are, huddled inside the church, protected from the elements by that lovely expanse of ceiling and roof... but is it a barrier that we've built to keep him out? We have a huge high ceiling, with lights and ceiling fans... the illusion of space. Like being in one of those planetarium places. They turn out the lights, and the huge, domed ceiling starts to glow with an image of the night sky. Constellations, the Milky Way... all mapped out for you.

Have we done that to some extent by building churches? When we close ourselves in, do we keep God out? Do we make our sanctuaries light and spacious to create the illusion of God's light and omnipresence?

How different it is to stand outside, and gaze up at the northern lights... Aurora Borealis...

I grew up in British Columbia, surrounded by trees and mountains. What a picture of the strength of God. Of his power. His solidity and faithfulness.

Now I live in Saskatchewan.

Give me the prairies every time.

To stand surrounded by SPACE. To BREATHE. To feel like you could inhale eternity if you just open your lungs enough.

I can worship outside. I can feel God. I fall in love with him again when there is nothing between him and me but space. When the pillars of my house of worship are the trunks of trees, and the choir loft is their branches, and the chorus is sung by chickadees and robins.

I think these guys had it right...

Up On The Roof
The Drifters

(Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King)

When this old world starts getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space
On the roof, it's peaceful as can be
And there the world below can't bother me
Let me tell you now

When I come home feelin' tired and beat
I go up where the air is fresh and sweet (up on the roof)
I get away from the hustling crowd
And all that rat-race noise down in the street (up on the roof)
On the roof, the only place I know
Where you just have to wish to make it so
Let's go up on the roof (up on the roof)

At night the stars put on a show for free
And, darling, you can share it all with me

I keep a-tellin' you

Right smack dab in the middle of town
I've found a paradise that's trouble proof (up on the roof)
And if this world starts getting you down
There's room enough for two
Up on the roof (up on the roof)


I bet Jesus would be hangin out "up on the roof".

Just breathing.

Happy Birthday to me...

2005-04-24T08:54:00.000-06:00

So.

This is the day.

I'm 42 today.

Do I feel old?

Well, its' not as bad as last year. Turning 40 didn't hurt too much, but last year when I started adding digits to the end of the "4" I realized there was no turning back.

So, today it's a "2".

Maybe that's why I'm wearing my 3 1/2 inch heels for church today. I think I must be vain. I don't want to look old, so I'm resorting to those female age fighting mind games... high heels, panty hose.... well, I guess that's about as far as I got today! Of course, I will wear clothing along with it, but it feels like one of those days, you know, like in the dream- where you get where you're going only to find you forgot to get dressed. In today's dream I'd show up in nothing but panty hose and high heels.

scary

I hope I don't fall down! That would be humbling. Like yesterday... taking Hillary to her friend's house and then popping in to the grocery store for some essential ingredients to make the lemon poppy seed cake (If I'm making my own cake, I can make something different!) . I changed the shorts for some going-out-in-public trousers. I couldn't figure out what didn't feel right. I was halfway into the car before I realized I'd put my pants on backwards. (trousers, for all you Brits out there! my pants were just fine)

Wouldn't that have been cute!

Time to get a move on! The church bells will be ringing soon.

So, who's coming for cake?

Done

2005-04-23T22:44:00.000-06:00

Well, he did it.

We've talking about a deck, or a gazebo, or a patio for AGES. We've tossed it around for several years...what should it be, where should it go, how shall it be?!

This week we settled on a plan. A design. An idea.

Today he built it.

We have a new... we're calling it a "Pergola". It's a 10 x 10 foot one step up deck, with corner post- pillars, and a wood slat shade roof. My boys- old and young, did a good job. It's almost in the centre of the yard, and at 10:30 this evening, I finally had a chance to go and sit there, on the new pergola.

It was nice.

It was VERY nice.

There was still a scent of fesh sawed wood in the air, and a big, white, round moon was shining through the bare leaves of the trees in the corner of the yard. I tried to close my ears and eyes to the traffic on the street, and thought that first thing in the morning, when the birds start to wake up, it would be a pleasant place to greet the day from. It feels very much like an old fashioned front porch.

That was a nice way to end the day.

On Your Marks, Get Set, GO!

2005-04-21T08:54:00.000-06:00

O.K.

Breakfast is done.

Lunches are made.

The three adolescents... Junior and Senior High... are starting to fumble their way to the door and so to the car and then to school.

The Pre-adolescent is doing his pre-leaving wandering about the house looking for ways to delay the inevitable.

Merriam-Webster word game of the day has been checked out and aced.

(Look at me! Johanna just showed me how to do a link! Yeah!)

And now?

Now THE SEWING awaits. Down in the recesses of the basement, in my dark little corner, the Seven Brides For Seven Brothers costume waits. I promised to work on it this morning and will try to have it finished by lunch.

So.

I guess I should go get at it!

Will she revere me? Will she adore me? Will she be grateful and fulsome with praise for her talented, serving mother?

Doubt it.

But, someday I hope she'll have her own children, and be serving her own time (with the odd weekend off for good behavior!) and THEN she'll appreciate me. That's how it worked with me. I didn't really start to appreciate my mother until I became one. At least by then it wasn't too late.

And now, to Sew, perchance to Seam.

'Morning, Jesus

2005-04-21T04:10:00.000-06:00

Oh Lord, when the morning comes my heart will sing your praise
With the coming of the dawn my voice in song I'll raise,

I will sing Alleluia, Alleluia

Oh Lord, when my troubles come your promises I'll claim
All my weakness will be strong when I'm standing in your name

I will sing Alleluia, Alleluia

You set my feet on solid ground, I'm covered with your wings
You pick me up when I fall down, you give me songs to sing

I will sing Alleluia, Alleluia

60 Hours!

2005-04-20T13:35:00.000-06:00

It took him 60 hours to comment on the new haircut! He SAYS he noticed it as soon as he got home from his conference on Sunday, (60 hours ago!) he just didn't say anything. His explanation? It didn't look very different.

Oh, well.

Maybe next time I'll go micro-short and green.

50 Hours....

2005-04-19T17:55:00.000-06:00

tick....tick....tick.....

Worlds are Colliding

2005-04-19T07:40:00.000-06:00

Poor Micah.

At supper last night we were giving his oldest sister a hard time, because, well, she was acting pretty touchy and grouchy, and we made a few "when is your period due" type P.M.S. jokes.

Micah started paying attention to the conversation swirling around him... and the look in his eyes as it started to register!

"You get a period?!" he fairly croaked.

"Ah!" , Sister #2, (who had been briefed on "The Talk") smiled, "See, Mom, he WAS listening!"

Micah gave each of us, The Sisters, The Mother, a quick look in turn, then stolidly set his face back to his plate and his supper.

Oh for a Vulcan Mind Meld!

He Still Hasn't Noticed...

2005-04-19T07:39:00.000-06:00

40 hours and counting!

Our Next Exhibit...

2005-04-18T15:10:00.001-06:00

I am a dinosaur.

I am antiquated.

I am old-fashioned.

I am, if not obsolete, an enigma.

I am a "stay-at-home-mother".

I am the only one of my kind left at my church.

I should be in a museum. Or a Zoo. Well, some days this IS a zoo.

Where have all the home-makers gone? (long time passing...)

The last other stay-at-home-mom at church has become a job-seeker. She is joining the hustle and bustle, the REAL world. I am envious a little. For several hours a week she will be a PERSON. Herself. Not "Mom". Not "Dear". Not "my wife".

I've forgotten what that is like.

I think I used to enjoy that!

I think I used to enjoy being ME.

LAURALEA

I don't hate being here. I don't hate being a "stay-at-home-enigma". Sometimes it's rather fun to watch people struggling to place me. To categorize me. To find a slot in which to put me so they can understand me. It's not wholly unpleasant to be un-slot-able! It's not bad being different.

But it's sometimes lonely.

Not even physically, or emotionally lonely as much as mentally lonely. Sometimes it's just knowing that there's no-one else home. Anywhere.

sigh

...and here, ladies and gentlemen, we have our "House Wife". This is a rare exhibit, and in exceptional condition. This particular specimen is exhibited in traditional "House-Wife" garb. Note the fuzzy pink, vintage slippers, and the hair rollers. I must say, we had quite a time procuring this exhibit, as she was the only one of her kind left anywhere in existence in North America, and we are very excited to be able to have her on display here today. This species was believed to be extinct. You see her here in her natural habitat, with the kitchen there to her left, and the Easy-Boy recliner in front of the large screen T.V.-note the Bon-bons within easy reach, next to the Soap Opera Digest on the coffee table. Please, sir, keep your voice down. She is accustomed to solitary conditions and is very sensitive to loud noises. Now, moving along... here we have what used to be known as a "General Practitioner"...

The Birds and The Bees... and the Marbles and the Balloons...

2005-04-15T18:51:00.000-06:00

So. This morning, before anyone else was moving around, Micah meandered into the kitchen with his water balloon, to where I was making the breakfast waffles. He was quite proud of that balloon, as it was the first balloon he'd ever been able to tie off himself.

We got chatting, and somehow we got onto the problem of pregnancy. I can't remember how it came about, but all of a sudden he was saying, "Well, So-and-So couldn't have a baby". To which I replied, that, well, as soon as a girl starts having her period, she could, technically have a baby.

So, he says, what's a period?

Ah.

I was, momentarily, stumped, but then I reasoned he's 10- well, really, only about three weeks shy of 11. Why shouldn't he know what a period is?

So, I told him.

I drew diagrams in the air with my hands, and told him of the wonders of the female gynecology. How the uterus is made to be like a nest for the baby to grow in. How the Father has the seeds in his testicles, and the Mother has the eggs in her ovaries. How the Father's seeds come through his penis inside the Mother, and when they meet an egg a baby can be made. How every month the uterus gets ready for making a baby and if a baby isn't conceived the uterus sheds it's protective lining, which is made up of blood and tissues to feed the baby, and then the whole process starts again.

Yup. I told him.

So, he says, What would happen to the marble inside this water balloon if I put it in the freezer?

Whew Howdy!

2005-04-11T21:32:00.000-06:00

Jes' sittin' here listenin' to Yesterday USA... (SuuperrrrStation!) ... with ol' Bill Bragg. I'm not ezac'ly sure where he's from, but I gotta say it sure 'nuf makes ya wanna talk like yer from some place way down South. My, oh my. I think I need a Mint Julip.

Ya gotta love Yesterday USA.

Or ya don't!

To Infinity and Beyond!

2005-04-01T10:33:00.000-06:00

Just reading Linea's blog, (http://www.linealanoie.com/)- (one of these days I'll get Randall to show me how to do the link thing!- hey I'm doing well to remember my user name and password and to be writing here at all!) and was again reminded of some thoughts I've had about the whole web-community that's out there.

Somehow over the past five years or so, we've been drawn into the cyber-web. We have cyber-friends. We keep cyber-journals. We have cyber-connections that would have been unimaginable five years ago. I read someone's weblog and am encouraged, or challenged or uplifted. I read a friend's cyber-journal and God visits me through the encouraging words someone else has written to speak life into that friend's pain or despair. When did community begin in cyber-space? It is awe-inspiring to me, to think that we can be scattered all over the globe, and yet can be so connected. It is a most encouraging and humbling thing to ponder. It still boggles my mind that my friend in Prince Albert can be dealing with life issues, and that an unseen, unmet friend in England is there with words of support and encouragement.

I wonder if the World Wide Web is a kind of picture of the Holy Spirit connection that believers have... maybe of the Holy Spirit himself... it's there at the touch of a finger- the click of a mouse button, yet is so vast and endless that you can't even imagine the end of it. It brings people together, even when they are physically apart...it is the common ground on which relationship happens... it is both physical and metaphysical... like stepping into a Madeleine L'Engle book!

It's an exciting use of technology and it will be interesting to see where it goes.

The best part of the Service...

2005-03-25T14:11:00.000-06:00

....happened during the hymn singing when a young mom came in with her little blond sprite of a girl. Girl's coat came off, and her pouffy, white, sleeveless Easter dress emerged. They were in the two aisle seats, and little imp was out of the rows of seats, slowly twirling around, watching the effect on her skirts. We were singing "Oh, Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the worlds thy hands have made... how great thou art" and she, slowly and in time to the music, in sync with the words, did a little ballerina dance. Arms out, little leg bent, little foot pointed out. Around she went, til she noticed some of us noticing her. Then she slipped back into her chair again.

Thank you, little ballerina girl, for letting the beauty and wonder of the song move your heart to dance. Your innocent little dance- unconsciously pure and lovely drew my heart to God like nothing else in the service did this morning.

Where's Milly?

2005-03-24T22:07:00.000-06:00

The other day I was waiting for Randall at the Co-op. I'd been for a fasting blood test, (which I passed, in spite of not studying!) and we were going to break-fast together.

As I sat there drinking my coffee and pretending to read my book I watched the people. There was a group of older ladies sitting together. They were five grey haired women, listening to one of the bunch read out their horoscopes from the morning paper. The reader was apparently very amusing, and they'd all burst into laughter occasionally. They seemed to be having a great time.

It made me a little sad.

I thought, who will be there for me when I'm old. Who are the other little old ladies that I'll be able to spend the morning with, laughing and killing time.

It still makes me a little sad.

I think, who's there for me NOW, before I'm old.

I read a sad, sad statistic in the Reader's Digest. It said that only 15% of 2 parent families get by on one salary. Only 15% of all the families in Canada are like us; one parent working, and the other staying at home. We used to be a "traditional" family. I don't think there is such a thing anymore.

You know, I wouldn't mind, so much, being "Laura Petrie" if there was a "Milly" over the back fence next door. Used to be women had bridge parties in the afternoon, or Tupperware parties, or got together to perm each other's hair... Used to be the normal, acceptable thing to do your tidy up chores in the morning, and then pop over next door for a cup of coffee. Used to be the ones who got a job were strange, unsettled creatures up to no good. There used to be a certain shame in not being home to send the children off to school and make them a hot lunch to come home to, and be there with cookies and milk after school and supper in the oven....

Now I'm the one who's strange. People don't know what to do with me! "You don't work?" "What do you do?" The worst thing is that there doesn't seem to be alot of people like me out there. Or, should I say, Not out there.

I'll be 42 in a month. Women my age are working. They have a career or at least a job. If they had children when I did, in my mid 20's, then their children are starting to graduate from school and they've long since ended maternity leave. The women my age who aren't working, are the ones who waited til their late 30's to have children. If they're home it's because they're waiting for their toddlers to get established at school so they can get back to work; get back to their lives.

Sitting in the Co-op was a very lonely thing.

If there are no Milly's here now, will they be there when I'm old?

First Day of Spring?!?!

2005-03-21T12:51:00.000-06:00

Spring has sprung, no grass is riz,
The snow is falling thick and fast.
The wind does blow, that falling snow,
I just can't wait til spring is past.

Spring has sprung, indeed, today!
There's Springtime freshness in the air.
And Easter's only days away!
...where IS my flannel underwear?

First one out of the shoot.

2005-03-19T22:54:00.000-06:00

The time has come,
the husband said,
to speak of many things...