Last post for June

<-- Vixen

Nietzsche ->

Thursday and Friday I pretty much had my butt plastered to the office chair working on an editing project and watching movies to keep myself energized. Got through 'The Gospel', 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,' 'Music & Lyrics,' plus all the "making of"special features, and the first four episodes of 24: Season 3. Saturday Alex and I drove up to my brother's house in Big Rapids for a party and had some nice bonding time. Unfortunately there weren't a ton of people that attended but I had fun hanging with my brother and Shelly, meeting some of their friends, talking with some family, and playing a new game I think they called 'Troy'. Above is a picture of their 'fur children'. Vixen I love the best. Nietzsche is to quote my brother "dumb as a post" and an habitual licker but he grows on you. Below is another snap-it-myself shot of James, Shelly, Alex and me.

It was well worth the drive for all the freebies I got sent home with! My dad brought up several boxes of beautiful white tile for me, enough to cover 30 sq. ft. I want to use them in the boys' bathroom eventually. Then my brother let us help ourselves to his CDs since he uses the iPod primarily now. I've been jonesing for some new tunes since I sold off my massive collection years back on ebay. Then Shelly refused to let me leave without some awesome chipatta bread, a decent bag of spinach, a huge bag of lettuce, plus ham and turkey lunchmeat. I'm good for the week!

Mom came home from the hospital Sunday instead of Saturday because her heart had an irregular beat and they wanted to monitor her a little more. She's home now, a little bloated, little shaky, but getting around pretty well. I'm staying overnight and hanging out tomorrow with her. Rob had a high school reunion Saturday at Stoney Creek Park and dropped the boys at his parents for the annual week-long camping trip in Port Austin. They have been counting the days and its finally here. Hopefully they will have wonderful weather and a fabulous time until I pick them up next Friday.

Here's lookin' at you!

Friday Again!

1. When I'm sick I'm usually not down for long.
2. When I take a walk, I think about as little as possible.
3. Money can't buy happiness but it can make things more interesting.
4. Cotton makes me cool and leather makes me hot.
5. The strangest person/character I've had lewd thoughts about was … hmm, I think I’d rather not say.
6. My favorite color these days is purple because it’s deep, rich, vibrant, and I look nice in it.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to hangin’ at the homestead, tomorrow my plans include my brother’s blow-out Deck Party and Sunday, I want to recover from the party and chill!

I took these shots on our walk last weekend and had some fun with my editing program. And now I leave you with one of my favorite writings.

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant,
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others
you may become vain and bitter for always
there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career however humble
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business alliances for the world is full of trickery
but let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love
for in the face of all adversity and disenchantment
it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the course of the years
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings;
many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
do not doubt that the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God
whatever you conceive him to be
and whatever your labors and aspirations
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its shame, drudgery, and broken dreams
it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful.
Strive to be happy.

~Max Ehrmann 1927

Biking - Baseball - BFF

Well it has been a jam packed week so far. Monday the boys and I got out for our second bike ride of the summer starting at my in-laws house where we have our bikes stored we caught the Clinton River Trail across Auburn Rd. from their house and rode northeast toward business district of Rochester where the Paint Creek Trail hooks up with it. I guestimate we did about 10 miles total. It was a good day, warm but not sweltering but everyone looked forward to a plunge in the pool when we returned to the house. I let the boys comandeer the camera for the most part, although Ben didn't really want to take any. I took the pix of the sign and the boys on their bikes. Since the boys are leaving for a week long camping trip we won't get out together until after the 4th of July. I may try to take a ride on my own though if time allows.

Tuesday the boys had their friend Jesse over to play which helped make the day go by quicker for them. Ethan had his last baseball game of the season and as far as I know he wasn't selected for the All-Star Team but that's fine, it was fun just to be nominated at this point. While we were at the game Fox and Ben hung out at the North Branch Library and spent some time on the computer and selecting books. When they were done they walked over to the fields and found us. It's nice that they are older to give them opportunities to show their independence. Fox has also been a great helper around the house taking on many more chores and tasks without complaint. Since I don't do regular allowances the kids know that if they help me out without grief I will at some point show my appreciation financially. Alex worked at BK from 4-8 so I had to drop her off and pick her up since we had a game. Next she works the same shift today and tomorrow but will get to take the car since I'll be home working away on my editing project.

Wednesday I got the boys packed up for camping in the morning so I could drop their bags off at my in-laws when we were down for gymnastics. Rob is going to drop them off this weekend since I will be in Big Rapids attending my brothers much anticipated Deck Party. After a few errands in Lapeer we stopped by my friend Michelle's house for a visit. I caught her finishing a new garden project and starting a sewing one. You'll have to check out the pictures on her blog http://smilewinknod.blogspot.com. I'm sure I did most of the talking but being such a good friend she took it in stride! We always cover such interesting topics and can speak freely about our opinions without worrying about offending which is awesome. From there we headed south, stopped by the Rochester Hills Public Library so the boys could log their hours and pick out some new books. Fox already reached the first bench mark of 5 hours and got his free ice cream coupon, Ben and Ethan have another hour to go for their coupon. Ethan jumped in the pool real quick before we had to get over to the gym, which was incredibly hot. So hot we let the boys have some sprinkler time at the end of practice after they did some killer conditioning. After practice we boogied over to Tangles so Anna (another BFF) could give us all a good buzz cut!

So far so good for me, hope your week is shaping up nicely!

Super Sunday!

The boys gave Rob their gifts as soon as he was up and had his first cup of coffee in hand. Homemade cards, some paperweights, and a freshly carved walking stick. Ethan and I headed out to church. I was helping in the back but was no longer the authority in charge. It was different but ok. We were talking again about worshipping with banners, an intro for those that are new and a review of protocol for those that have been around. At the end we did free worship and soaked. Below is a picture of Ethan soaking, Michael covering himself with the holy fire flag, Jeremy praying over Michael, and Mr. Geeck bannering over them.

Church ran a bit long, when we finally got out of there around 12:30 we stopped by the gas station to top off the tank then went back to the house to pick up Ben and Fox. The boys came with me to meet my dad at 5 Guys for burgers then to see 'Up' while Alex taxied Rob down to his parents for BBQ.

Of course after the movie we HAD to go for some frozen custard! Fun times, but that burger did feel a bit heavy since I haven't really been eating red meat lately. Once in a while is ok though. Today we're going to do some serious biking before gymnastics. I think I'll let the boys be in charge of pictures.....

Ready, Hike!

The air was a bit thick and the flags were flying as we headed out for a weekly walk after several weekends off due to time restraints and various other commitments. In the morning Rob ran up to town for a haircut and when he returned Alex dropped us off at Lake Pleasant and Curtis Road where the Pollyanna Trail ends. We planned to hike south as far as we were able then call her to pick us up. I said a small prayer that morning that the trail would be walkable, I should have put the order in earlier for it to be mowed. It was passable but with the wet grass popping up between the stone our shoes got wet fast. Almost immediately upon starting out a deer fly zeroed in on Rob. They were relentless around him, first one, then a couple, at times a small swarm. Interestingly they didn't bug me one bit. I heard something flying around me but never felt anything landing. So he swatted his way through to Stanton Lake, from there we decided to break from the trail and stay on the road. The flies left from there.
We didn't talk much on the trail since I kept stopping to take pictures of the wild flowers in bloom (nearly a dozen different varieties and color variations) telling him to keep moving if he needed to. Rob found a few patches of wild strawberries but hardly stopped to enjoy the bounty due to ongoing fly attacks. He also pointed out sassafrass which I don't think I ever knew what it looked like before. A few times I jogged to catch back up with him. He walked up on a small deer but I didn't get close enough to snap a picture. I did get one of the cows resting in the protection of the trees. Once we were on the road walking and the flies backed off we had some time to talk about upcoming project needs, family schedule, etc. We were out for about an hour and forty minutes and maybe covered 5 or 6 miles since instead of having Alex pick us up at an undetermined rendezvous point we took Stanton Lake back up to Lake Pleasant then north to Kings Mill and home. It was actually a pretty good loop and about all I could take for the day with soggy shoes. Timing was perfect too because shortly after we arrived home the rains came.

Fillin' In on Happenings

Friday Fill-In

1. I enjoy smooth peanut butter more than crunchy.

2. Blogging satisfies my need for appearing to be sane.

3. When I look at a full moon, I feel small but mightily hopeful.

4. If I want a snack, I usually reach for a cracker.

5. The most recent movie I saw, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button made me think differently about aging.

6. If only I had a nickel for every time I had to repeat myself.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Ethan’s baseball game, tomorrow my plans include a good long hike with the hubby and some editing work and Sunday, I want to have a great time with my Dad!

Other Happenings: Alex got a call yesterday from the BK manager saying that her work clothes had arrived, and went in to work her first shift 4-7p. She came home tired but happy. Her cousin Karl was one of the people who helped train her. And another happy report was the orthodontist said her teeth are looking great and she is definately going to get the braces off ahead of schedule! Woot! We still need to get a consult for oral surgery and to get a bridge made for her missing tooth. Very timely too because I just made consultation appointments for Fox and Ben to get a grip on their othodontic needs. Yeah!

My mother also called yesterday with a fabulous report that there are no changes in the small spots they have been monitoring so that is awesome. She goes in next week for a round of treatment then a week off and in for one more week of treatment. After that they wait eight weeks and take pictures again. I claim those next scans to be free and clear! IJN

The boys have been making a good dent in their summer reading hours and have almost reached the first goal of 5 hours which awards them a free ice cream cone. Benjamin has also been very busy writing a fantasy story in a small notebook he found. The Sims game takes up a lot of their time when we're actually home, they like playing god and starting a world from scratch.

Alex has picked up on my obsession with 24 and is just starting the second season. I finished the second season in two and a half days and boogied up to the North Branch Library to get Season 3 but it was checked out! Aaaah. I keep trying not to slip and tell what has happened to Alex before she watches it. But I've got to find out what happens to President Palmer!

May your weekend be blessed beyond compare!

Slipping into Summer

With only a few more games to go the Ray C's team is finally hitting their groove. The final score last night was 18-20, they didn't win but at least they're starting to bring in some runs! Coaches Jeff and Gordy nominated Ethan to play All-Star but we won't know if he made the final cut for another week or so. They play two long weekends in July and we're available for all the dates so I gave the go ahead to sign him up if he's choosen.


Fox has been putting in a daily jog in preparation for cross country in the fall. For now he is just going up and down the driveway twice, at .3 miles from porch to mailbox that gives him a little over a mile. He's building up his endurance to be able to run it the whole way then he'll start adding distance. Ben and Ethan accompany him sometimes but even if they don't want to run he goes on his own with the dog (who loves to chaperone).

As for me, I've been staying up late watching 24, and working on an editing project during the day. We were hoping to get a bike ride in today if the rain decides to take a break. Even if our ride is posponed, I and my plants welcome the hydration. Upon Alexandra's prompting to stop eating red meat, the rest of us have substantially cut down our red meat intake as well; we're going into our tenth week. She still eats fowl and fish plus I am testing out some totally meatless meals. In support of my green efforts I am also working in cookless meals to save energy. But the best benefit, my pants are feeling loose again and my energy is lifting, even with the late night 24 sessions!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends and don't forget to run between the raindrops!

Coupling - Clinic - Confrontation

Friday evening the vestal virgins of our church united in blessed wedlock. Andrew and Alicia are both the oldest offspring of the Pastors Kluck and Wells. They held God in high esteem through their courtship and kissed for the very first time at their wedding ceremony. I have great admiration and respect for them both and look forward to seeing their union flourish. As the leadership in our church changes over, and Pastor Jeff Wells moves into the position of head pastor with Pastor Larry and Sue Kluck remaining as head Youth Pastors it felt as if some spiritual rite of passage had taken place to release a new hope and prosperity over the people. It was one of the sweetest marriage ceremonies I had attended with the fathers both officiating and all the parents coming up to speak a blessing over the young couple at their request. We worshipped, we ate, we danced, and celebrated. It was an absolutely beautiful night.
Saturday and Sunday Ethan and I attended the USGA Boys' Gymnastics Clinic at the Hartland Sports Center. This was an amazing facility and the coaches that lead the events were all knowledgeable and dedicated. I picked up a few things to work on with my team and Ethan worked very hard, his abs are still sore.

BK & Other Updates: Apparently it can take a while for the work clothes to come in. We're still waiting. Ironically as we celebrated the virgin wedding my daughter and myself were being confronted from many sides because she is 'dating' a young man from our church. This is seriously frowned upon by the youth leadership as they preach purity ad nauseum and don't hesitate dictating to the kids their hard set philosophies. At this point Alex and Caleb only talk on the phone, text, or see each other in church. He lives in Burton and does not drive, she does not have her own car. They have never gone anywhere alone together. I like this young man and do not mind them sharing a friendship and getting to know each other better. The fact that everyone is on their case trying to make them break up is just making them more determined to stay together. Honestly if they would have just let it go, things probably would have fizzled out after a couple weeks like it did with the other BOIs (boy of interest). Am I a bad mother because this isn't a concern to me? At least she likes someone who goes to church not some druggie, rebel rouser. His parents have been very inconsistent in their views one minute saying he can do something then the next renigging, if I were him I'd be getting ticked off too. Now they are sending him to a Christian camp for 2 weeks, they said if he goes then when he returns he can have his phone back and date Alex with their consent. We'll see.....

Baby - Book - Big Band

Wednesday was a great day we had fun googling over the baby. All the boys got a chance to hold him, and Evan put up with it for the most part but was starting to get a little cranky at times. But he's so cute, who cares.

It was good to see how Duke the dog is too, that crazy hound. Megan made me feel a little better about Alex getting accepted in Grand Valley. I've been stressing a bit over it since she is still working to get the grade cleaned up. We ended the trimester with only one C, one A, the rest some form of a B. I feel more assured Alex can get in but since she is still hoping to finance everything with grants or scholarships it is still important to have high marks.

From our visit we headed down to Rochester and hit the Rochester Hills Public Library, one of our favorite places on earth. I found a plethera of information on greening up your home and lifestyle. One of my goals is to do something every week to make the house more green and energy efficient. My first project being to put up a clothesline. Fox and I are also starting to research wind power because we think turbine power would work really well at our location.
They were starting their summer reading program that day so all the boys signed up as independent readers. I love the way they run their program, there are lots of incentive along the way for how many hours they read (ie: free ice cream cone, happy meal, chances to get in drawings for awesome prizes), there are also other little contests throughout the summer to earn extra chances in the drawings and lots of events and activities. They were kicking off the evening with a free concert. So after gymnastics we stopped back and caught the last hour of Planet Dino a fabulous jazz/blues/big band with some wonderful male vocalists featured as well.

It was nearly 11pm by the time we got back to the house but it was a full and fantastic day.

FRIDAY FILL-IN (I actually did the one from today)

1. I grew up thinking I’d be rich and famous.

2. Mapquest was the last website I was at before coming here.

3. Why don't you just relax?

4. Yoga helps me relax.

5. Thanks for the inspiration.

6. People trying to dictate how you raise your child can be very off-putting.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to the blessed nuptials of Pastor Andrew Kluck and Ms. Alicia Wells, tomorrow my plans include helping at a boys gymnastics clinic in Hartland and Sunday, I want to complete the clinic, come home, and pass out!

Getting Our Groove On

Well we are finally getting our gardening groove on, winning back the lawn after not having a means to mow and the grass becoming literally up to my chest in areas. Between weed wacking, my neighbor coming through some sections with his brush hog and my father-in-law generously finding and purchasing a tractor on Craigslist we have it almost under control again. The kids have been raking fools and we've used the clippings to put down between the veggies to keep weeds down. Put it on thick-it works! Tuesday night while Alex took Ethan up to his ball game and Fox went up to town with them to hang at the library, Benjamin and I got to planting. We put in Kentucky pole beans, bush beans, black beans, zucchini, summer squash, luminaria pumpkins, and fancy guords from seeds; then peppers, tomatos, dill and french lavender plants plus some red onions that my mother in-law had left over. Ethan reported that he got a home run, socked a low ball right out of there! I've seen him do it but not in a game. Awesome.

Monday we also got our summer over to a good start by getting in a 6 mile bike ride on the Macomb Orchard Trail in between rain storms. The legs were a little woobly but it felt good to ride. We took the bikes down in the truck to leave at my in-laws in Rochester because we can pick up a lot of the trails near their house and right now since we don't have a van I can't transport all four of our bikes at one time.

Tuesday I took Fox up for his sports physical so he can participate in cross country in the Fall and he was blessed with his first hernia exam. I did warn him before we went that the doctor may do the 'turn-your-head-and-cough' procedure but I wasn't sure. So at least he wasn't totally shocked. He survived and came home to report to Ben and Ethan about it. Too funny!

Today we're off to visit my new mom cousin and baby Evan before we head into Rochester for gymnastics.

Below are a few of my favorite finds from Care and Share:

25 yards of decorative border



(I feel a bathroom makeover coming on!)




This cute table lamp










a pair of excellent condition Fila cross trainers





and my favorite find of the year....


these super cute Candies! Looks like they were never worn. I tested them out Sunday and they're even comfortable. Definately a keeper!

Lapeer Recycling Going Strong!

Last Wednesday I borrowed my father-in-law's truck so I could take some items to Care and Share (and pick up some new goodies), move some wood on the property and take a load for dumpster day on Saturday. After the dumpster run I loaded up the recycling and headed into Lapeer. I got there earlier than I usually do and was happy to see the joint was jumping. It is refreshing to know that so many people in the community are taking advantage of this program. For those in the Lapeer area that don't know on the first and third Saturday they collect tin, clear glass, 1 and 2 plastics in tub or screw neck bottle form, milk jugs need to be kept seperately now, newspapers, corrogated cardboard, and junkmail. The first collection is in the Lapeer Cinema's parking lot and the third week is at the Deerfield Twp. Hall. I need to find out about volunteering, they really seemed to be in need of more help at some of the stations.

After running some other errands I stopped back by the church to help take the excess from Care and Share to the Thrift Shop while others took tons of clothes to a facility in Flint. It was another great success this year with many, many people coming in to be blessed with free clothes, household items, furniture, appliances, baby items, toys, tools, etc. It always amazes me how much stuff is brought in and how much we always have left over. The amount of clothes that are dealt with each year is astounding, I don't understand why new clothes even need to be manufactured!

http://www.county.lapeer.org/recycle/dropoff.html

Graduation - Fill-In - Friends

1. I enjoy sitting on the deck and listening to nature’s symphony.
2. My children’s future (especially Alex’s collegiate endeavors) is something I wonder about often lately.
3. In your heart, you knew somehow everything would work out right.
4. Take teenagers (who are now officially seniors), add a little text messaging and you end up with hopefully not a massive bash in my backyard!
5. Life has gifted me with an appreciation for the simpler things.
6. A hot bubble bath + candles + incense is an instant vacation.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to overcoming the itchy eyes, sneezing & runny nose that comes with grass cutting, tomorrow my plans include dumpster day, recycling day, & garden projects and Sunday, I want to go to church, sit my butt in a chair, and enjoy service while not being in charge of anything!
Yesterday afternoon was the Ruth Fox Awards Ceremony and Graduation. It was a bit long and warm but very heartfelt. Principal Wood was most complimentary about the 6th grade class and their educational and outreach endeavors during the past couple years. The students support many causes both locally and nationally throughout the year. Unfortunately since Fox came in late in the year he was not eligible for the Mathematics Award and Attendance Award. He did however make the Honor Roll with 2 As, 2 A-, and 2 Bs. Our neighbor Julia (below with her Dad that I forced to get in a picture) was recognized for her perfect attendance, that means there everyday, all day (no early leaves or late arrivals), and never tardy. Wow, impressive.

Ethan ended the school year off by bringing a friend home on the bus to play for the afternoon since it was a half day. He and Cade are having a great time playing outdoors and in until it is time to go up to the fields for tonight's baseball game. They seem to get along really well. We tried to invite Ben's buddy Kyle over too but didn't quite get things together.

Final days '09

In the final days of school, I must attest it was an overall success to put them in for the last trimester. They accomplished far more than I certainly would have. Considering if I miss the 'freedom' of homeschooling I'd have to say at this point, not really. But I do enjoy my freedom during the day to not have to police the boys, plan and execute their educational needs. Part of me wishes I still had the motivation to educate them at home but the bottom line is, I don't. Is this new situation the perfect solution, not exactly but it is where we need to be right now. Ethan has relented to the routine and gotten past his sadness and clingyness, I met with the speech therapist last week to get a new IEP going on Benjamin so he can re-enter the speech program next year to work on the final pronunciations he's having trouble with that are also effecting his spelling, and Fox is enjoying being at the top of his class in most subject areas and having some semblence of social life. There are still a few supplemental classes, programs and activities I hope we can fit in with the regular curriculum to give him a taste of all the areas of writing, engineering, and science that interest him.

It is also a good thing that we are all now held accountable, myself included. I am a pretty laid back person and had a fairly unschooled approach with the kids. This worked very well with Alexandra, she learned things by osmosis, not even realizing we were doing lessons. It was just a natural part of the day. Fox did well under this system as well but as the numbers grew and we needed to delve into more complex concepts things started to get beyond my laid back control. Although Fox went in working at his grade level or beyond, I found with Ethan he was not at grade level with all subjects. Putting him in at this point was a good thing before he got really behind. Helping them with assignments at home, researching, putting projects together, signing permission slips, etc. I can certainly handle with gladness, knowing that someone else is steering the ship. It is not my time to be captain at this point but I'll be a fabulous crew member and supporter with an utmost appreciation for all that teachers do and the impact they have on our young people.

I'm still looking into finding my career and have started to get a sneaking suspicion it may entail working with children in a formal setting, either that or getting involved in some type of 'green' enterprise. Time will tell but for now I'll enjoy the summer and look forward to a new school year filled with fun, challenges, and great achievements.

Walk - Wedding - Wowed 'Em!

Saturday was a full day, Ben had his last soccer game at 9:30am. Rob and Ethan went over to Optimist Field for that while I ran to Meijer to do some grocery shopping. They won 6-2 and Ben got in for a decent amount of play time, plus his buddy Michael from his old team finally got a chance to be goalie which he loves to do and is pretty decent at it.

We went home, unpacked groceries, had a quickie lunch and got ready to head down to Detroit. Alex held down the fort with the boys while Rob and I attended my cousin Vince's wedding at the Historic Trinity Lutheran Church. Below is a snap of he and his lovely wife Bernadette heading out after the ceremony.
There was a few hours lag time between the ceremony and reception as usual so after taking the scenic route (thanks to the stupid construction on I-75) over to the Italian-American Hall in Wyandotte we decided to take a walk down by the water. I was even smart enough to bring my sneakers to put on then changed back into my heels. If you look closely you can see the Ren Cen off in the distance.

The reception was lovely and it was fun to goof around with my cousins, aunts and uncles that I don't get to see often. Their cake was so cute, with stuffed birds on top instead of the usual plastic bride and groom. May they have many happy years together as Doctor and wife (nurse). Hopefully we'll be getting together again for a baby shower soon!

Sunday was my last day in charge as Director of Children's Praise & Worship and Sunday School at Faith Christian Family Church in Lapeer. The children and I traveled to Metamora for an outreach at Bolton Brook Manor, a lovely senior assisted-living facility. We sang songs, passed out sugar-free cookies we made, and some gifts bags. The residents loved it and everyone had a wonderful time. Below is a picture of just a portion of our Seeds of Jesus group, I think we brought 25 kids this time.
Have a great week everybody!