Life is Sweet

Monday, May 23, 2011

B Track Music Program

On Friday, Mar gave me a call from school around 2:00 pm.

"Did you remember that our music program is today?"

"What time was it again?" (Trying to cover the fact that yes, I had received the email about it, but no, I had NOT put it on the calendar, or remembered that it was, in fact, today.)

"2:30."

"I'll be there."

I didn't have to go in to work that day (darn! I missed the field trip to the Train Museum!), and had done little else than roll out of bed that morning and put on sweats. I quickly made a mental time schedule of what it would take to be presentable and ready in 20 minutes.

Just then, Brad, our basement-finishing-guy, called my name. Could I come make a decision or two on a couple of items in the basement? I ran downstairs for the 20 minute (of course) conversation.

SO...

I attended the music program in my sweats and glasses. No time for contacts. No time for make-up. No time for a thorough teeth-brushing. Just me and my nasty get-out-of-bed self. At 2:30 in the afternoon.

I was worried about the embarrassment-factor for Mar, but I caught her eye as I came in, and knew I had made the right decision to just suck it up and come, rather than skip due to my own pride. I sat right behind the bling-ed out mom in her bedazzled Miss Me jeans, jewel-covered belt, multi-colored high/low-lighted hair, deep-bronzed skin, and twinkling diamond-pierced nose.

(It was a lesson in contrast. Underdressed-naked-faced-forty-something-looking-more-like-50 v. Over-the-top-forty-something-trying-to-look-twenty-something. Seriously. From the back I thought she was much younger. Then I saw her face.)

I patiently sat through the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade presentations. Finally, it was time for Mar's class.

I was surprised that Mar had a solo part, since she had not mentioned it to me before.
I was totally impressed.

It was worth it.

As I was waiting to take Mar home after the program, her teacher walked by, took one look at me, and said, "Don't you just love those last-minute phone calls?"

I am more than my appearance on a busy stay-at-home work day.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Primary Choristering: Then and Now

My computer is telling me that "choristering" is not a word. Neither is "choristing." I'm using it anyway.

There in itself is a lesson in the difference between being a Primary Chorister NOW, and being a Primary Chorister THEN: back in the dark ages (15+ years ago). The pre-internet age. (And pre-auto-spell-check days.)

Back in 1995, IF the internet was around, it wasn't around me.

(I remember Bill telling me how I would love, LOVE, LOVE the internet. He would fire up the computer -- it took a good 5+ minutes just to get a screen up -- then he would "try" to connect. After 10 to 20 minutes of waiting, I would tell him I didn't need it, and it certainly wasn't worth waiting so gosh darn long for.)

I would spend hours preparing for Singing Time. Perusing the nearest Deseret Book for the latest oh-so-cute clipart book. Driving to Kinko's to make copies. Coloring. Cutting. Creating. Carefully using and re-using my Gospel Art Kit, since laminating all those pictures was completely out of the question. Anxiously awaiting the next Stake meeting where I could glean ideas from other Primary choristers. Because I was working with a less-confident pianist, she had requested that I get the songs to her by Thursday of each week, so she could be prepared. I would make a plan for Singing Time, and walk it over to her house every Thursday, my kids in tow.

Goodness, how things have changed.

I've STILL spent hours the past couple of weeks preparing. I've met with the last 2 choristers in our ward, accumulating information and ideas, taking whatever visuals they would offer (I'm all for re-using and re-purposing), and trying to discern expectations. I've spent a good chunk of time perusing the internet, discovering that there is a plethora of bloggers out there willing to share their creative ideas and weekly Singing Time plans. Music and visual resources are easily accessible on the church website.

There's so much information, it's a bit overwhelming.

I have decided a few things in the two short weeks I've been engaged in Choristering in Primary:

It's really about singing.

It doesn't need to be over-complicated, ultra-entertaining, or extravagant.

(Or intimidating, stressful, and reflective of my creative inabilities.)

(Back in the old days of mid-week Primary, circa 1978.)

After Primary today, as children were leaving and I was gathering my things, a visiting boy approached me and said, "You are a really good Primary chorister." It threw me off a little... since when do children say things like that to adults? I thanked him for saying so, and told Bill about it after church.

"An answer to your prayers," was his response.

"I haven't been praying for acknowledgement or validation," I thought. But in a way, he's right. I want to teach in a way that will be effective in sharing the meaning of the words, the spirit of the music, and feelings that come through learning and singing songs of the Gospel. Even tricky songs, like Praise to the Man. With just a little attention-grabbing entertainment thrown in.

I know I'm gonna like it here.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Action

There's a lot of it going on around here.

Some end-of-season action:

The second day of the League meet was Saturday. It was cold again. Lex performed well, however did not achieve state-qualifying distances/times (should we be sad about that?). Her 4x100 relay team DID set a new PR. Nice job, girls.

Later that same day, Shi had some near-end-of-season action at the pool.

She took 5 seconds off of her 200 Back, and shaved nano-seconds off her 100 Free. She will be quitting her Aces team for the summer so she can swim with the neighborhood team. Only one more intensely competitive meet before the "fun" meets begin (which, since her expectations of herself are higher, may be more competitive than not. She has several girls that are aiming to beat her on the Crocs this year -- so no taking it easy).

I, of course, had some Singing Time action. Let's just say, I have some things to learn.

Jr. Primary was not-so-successful.

(First Week Disclaimer: Teaching Praise to the Man to 3-7 year olds is challenging. Trying to explain all those "Big Words," even more challenging. I've decided that, perhaps, they don't need the full explanation, just some good ol' repetition might be the trick. But the wiggle songs were a hit.
Having readers in the Sr. Primary was a life-saver. Throw in a game of some sort -- even a somewhat lame game, courtesy of MIA creativity -- and choral success can be achieved.)
NOTE: MIA would mean "Missing In Action," not "Mutual Improvement Association." Just to clear up any confusion.

I hope it gets easier.

We had some Britta action for a few days,

which led to oral-surgeon-consulting action,

shopping action,

family night game-playing action,

and some hair-cutting/coloring action.

Also included was some hug action,

(Lex CAN hug with her arms. I'm more accustomed to the armless head-lean. Nice to know her arms work. Wink, wink.)

and, of course, some Red Robin action.

Britt had a little late-night-with-old-friends action,

and I squeezed in some locker-tag action.

Lucky for me, only one girl from the Titans Track & Field team made it to State. Making ONE locker tag is much quicker and more enjoyable than making 75. (It's hanging on my fridge only to test it's magnetic strength... and possibly to be admired and complimented, however briefly.) Thank heavens that I'm D.O.N.E. I will think more than twice about even the slightest suggestion that I might be willing to help with such things next year.

But the biggest action around here is going on at this very moment. Hammering. Nailing. Loud something playing (not really music... it kind of sounds like TV? A stand-up comedy act? I haven't ventured down to check yet. I'm just hoping I don't have to reprimand anyone should I hear something obscene or distasteful).

Yesterday, after much physical exertion and labor, our basement looked like this:

EMPTY.

Where did it all go, you ask?

The garage...

Taylor's room...

(I have been wondering lately WHO ON EARTH NEEDS THIS MANY FILES??? It's not like we're a business or anything, for goodness sake. Consolidation is my next project.)

...and the crawl space (which I will have to post a picture of another day, since I do not feel inclined to join the raucous gang in the basement at the moment, with camera in hand).

I just have to say...

Someone just came up and used the bathroom.

I heard the seat go up (thank heavens),

BUT I did NOT hear

a flush,

or a hand-washing.

YUCK.

How long will this take?

Friday, May 13, 2011

It's May

Oh yes. May. The month of enduring to the end. Let's just say, I've been more graceful.

My creativity is MIA (just in time for my new Primary chorister calling), so this here will be a plain and simple "catching up" post. I'll try to keep my orneriness (how's that for a word) out of it.

Let's begin with Lex's STAKE PRESIDENT'S AWARD for seminary. First ever for our family. Nice job, girlie!

I'll only briefly mention that we had to leave the awards program and ice cream social early so we could pick Shilo up from swim practice. But we waited patiently for Lex's name to be called, then discreetly (or not) got up and walked out, pausing ever-so-briefly to snap a quick pic to remember the momentous occasion.

Shilo helped with the Girl's Camp fundraising carwash.

Note to self: next time, just give money. A slight unintentional mishap with a 5 gallon bucket left Lex's windshield with a crack. Oops.

Track. An endless season. Can't help but share.

Mother's Day was nice.

(Lex is totally faking a kiss here.)

Shilo's final choir concert.

(Shi's on the top row, 6th in from the right.)

The next night I, as Girl's Camp cook, helped the girls with some of their food certification for camp. A story for an entire post, perhaps on another day. Bill saved my bacon that night, and I owe him big time. That very night, while Shi was at her concert (a 2-night event), and Bill, Lex and I were at the church, Mar (at home alone) called to ask if she could take one of her birds out of their cage. Sure, I said, feeling guilty that she was on her own.

Oh, the drama that ensued.

Buddy had flown into the tree (yes, it's fake) on the high ledge in the family room. Mar waited for us to get home, so Bill could get the ladder. Bill, the hero, brought in the ladder to retrieve Buddy. The only problem: no Buddy. We spent at least an hour scouring the house. Where did he go? We finally decided to go to bed and see if Buddy would appear by his cage in the morning. Bill and I felt a little sick, worried that perhaps Buddy had quite literally flown the coop, during the comings and goings of various family members.

The next morning, still no Buddy. Oh the tears. The sorrow of losing a beloved pet. I thought a bit about perhaps smelling something bad in a day or two, only to find a deceased and decaying bird in some crack or crevice in the house. Mar stayed home from school, beside herself with grief. I felt guilt yet again as I kissed her goodbye and left for work, promising a new bird tomorrow if we couldn't find Buddy by the end of the day.

I kept my phone with me during work, fearing the dreaded call that she had found Buddy. Dead.

I checked my phone about halfway through my 3-hour shift, and saw that I had several messages. Oh no, I thought, here we go. I listened to the voicemail. Jubilation. Excitement. Joy. Buddy had been in the tree all along (even though Bill checked it TWICE and absolutely could not see him).

Drama over, thank goodness. With the prayed-for result. How great is that.

Then the snow came.

And kept coming...

Canceling Lex's Elitches field trip AND the first day of the League track meet. It felt like a gift to me, since that meant I did NOT have to drive straight from work to pick her up early from the field trip to get to the meet in time.

So the meet was postponed a day.

Good-bye snow.

After the meet, Mar, Bill and I headed off to a Rockies game, to watch Shi sing the national anthem with a group from her school. Okay, we watched the Rockies too.

It was warm enough to eat this.

Did I mention that Bill's on the team now? He also skipped to the car. I am such a lucky girl.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Curve

Mauri's excitement about Spring and Mother's Day led to this beautiful creation, courtesy of flowering bushes and trees found along the path of her nature walk yesterday.

What a blessing she is. I have decided to try harder to consciously appreciate her gentle and loving ways. I will stop and be grateful for her youth, including all her toys and knick-knacks she leaves lying around. I will listen more attentively as she tells me about her favorite comics from the Sunday paper, or the latest book she is reading. I will listen to her prayers, tuck her into bed, and cuddle upon request.

Because I know (boy, do I know), these days don't last forever.

Before I know it, she may have no desire to talk about the latest book she's read.

Her toys and knick-knacks might be replaced with piles of clothes, make-up, and backpacks loaded with homework. And shoes... endless piles of shoes.

She may no longer have the slightest need for hugging and kissing her parents.

She might grumble at advice, rarely crack a smile, and laugh only around her friends.

(I know, THOSE days don't last forever either, it just feels like it sometimes.)

I love being a mom. I have been blessed with amazing children. They have been (and still are) excellent life teachers. They may even grade on a curve -- I sure could use it. I love you guys!

In other news:

I was released from my TWO callings on Sunday, and given a new one. Primary chorister. My good fortune is, that since this Sunday is Mother's Day, a kind brother in the ward will be filling in for me, so I am blessed with another week to get myself somewhat together. Since I haven't had a calling such as this for somewhere around 14 years, I certainly feel apprehensive and timid. I hope those Primary kids grade on a curve too.

We are finishing our basement! Hip! Hip! Hooray! It can get started as soon as we can "clear it out." Completely. That sounds like a BIG chore, much of which involves packing up that food storage. I think we'll have some good participation from the kids, however, since they are eagerly anticipating all the funtastic times to be had in such an inviting place.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Cold and Hot

Friday's track meet.

Yeah, it looks sunny. The sky looks blue. The temps forecasted in the 70's. Bill didn't even bring a jacket in anticipation of the nice spring day.

But don't be deceived. Within the first 20 minutes (waiting for that first event that Lex always races in to begin), we knew this was no 70-degree day.

More like 45, with a wind-chill below freezing. Seriously. We had a little gap in between events, in which we luckily stumbled across a Sports Authority, and luckily found some hoodies on the clearance rack. Luckily we purchased two, because yes, it was THAT cold. Bill was grateful for the double layer.

(These girls are way, way colder than they look.)

All the track stars waited for the very last possible minute to remove any warmth-retaining clothing before stripping down to the bare running essentials. After a long and freezing 4 hours, the meet was called on account of the wind (someone told us NONE of the times from the entire day would be state-qual usable, because of the wind speed that day), and the cold.

I was so cold, I could NOT warm up. My toes were frozen, my fingers were frozen, and I had that deep-down, hard-to-shake chill. Until about 1:45 AM, when I woke up in the hotel sweating and clearly overheated. At which time I requested that Bill turn down the heat, and he kindly obliged.

Saturday, we were cozy and warm at the swim meet.

Shilo had been on cold medicine for over 24 hours prior for a sore throat, congestion, and the sniffles, and would have really liked to scratch the meet (if only she had a nicer mother), but she still managed to perform quite well.

I appreciated the warm environment. So much so, that we DID stop by GoodTimes on the way out of town for a frozen custard treat. So even though the girls may not have had their BEST times (although I think Lex ran her best 400 of the season in that first medley relay event, half of which she was literally running against the wind), we all had some GOODTIMES.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Timing

I'm telling you, things just keep getting crazier around here. Maybe it's just that I'm getting crazier.
Yep, that must be it.

I shared in my last post about how we were dying Easter eggs at a ridiculous time of the evening (and on a dateless date night, might I add), but we've been keeping odd hours all week.

Saturday morning, in the bleak midwinter-like spring, we attended a track meet.

Yes, that is snow.

FYI: Lex is not a fan of the compression shorts that ride up while running. Next year we will have to look for a better fit.

Saturday night, we were scientifically investigating the realm of liquid dish soap effectiveness.
ANYTHING to get that Science Fair project done.

We finished the project phase around this time:

That's PM. No make-up date night. Just 5 brands of dish soap and some greasy drinking glasses. We fell into bed exhausted, only to rise bright and early for church on Sunday.

After all the busy-ness of Easter Sunday (if you haven't read about, you simply must), and the guests had all gone home, we started in on the write-up and display phase of the Science Fair project due Monday morning. We finished around 12:30. That's AM. I didn't take a picture, so you will just have to take my word for it.

The early morning seminary alarm(s) - (we have 4 that go off within a matter of 30 minutes or so, starting around 5:10 AM) - started a-buzzing, and a-beeping, and a-nnoying.

We made it to the Science Fair after school, with a really put-together looking project. The good news? Actual useful information. Dawn original cuts grease the best. Dawn Hand-Renewal came in second.

Don't buy Palmolive OR Kroger if you are interested in cutting grease. When Bill was kindly washing dishes (yesterday? this morning? I can't remember), he said, "Wow. I learned a lot about how detergent works." See? Useful.

Those styrofoam balls (meant to look like dishsoap bubbles), were my ingenious way of using up the leftover 5 styrofoam balls from a 6-pack I had to purchase because Shilo needed ONE for a math project. No, you can't just purchase a single styrofoam ball. You have to buy 6. For somewhere in the ballpark of $4. The remaining 5 seemed purposeless and like a colossal waste of money (and aren't they bad for the environment?) until we tied them ever-so-effectively into the Science Fair display. Mar was thrilled with the 3-D option. Bill did not like that we made an actual dollar bill into a sticker, forever stuck to the display. But it made such a nice statement, don't you think?

The past few evenings Bill has stayed up late working with Lex on her math. Really late. We've been reading our Preach My Gospel books (a Stake assignment) around 10:30 every night, usually hitting the hay around 11. That's PM. While the tutor sessions were going on, I was locker-tagging it, involving tedious printing (each name needed to be adjusted on the tag to fit right), cutting, laminating, cutting again, writing on locker numbers, magnetizing, then sorting. 76 of them. I was at the school at 6:15 (AM) on a non-seminary day (juniors were taking the ACT... here's hoping Lex did okay), to get them hung. Thankfully, Shi helped. Awesome.

Last night was late because... well... Bill was helping Lex again, and Shi, Mar and I were catching up on Survivor, Top Chef Masters, and American Idol. Terrible matriarchal parenting, I know.

But today I made up for it. I took Mar to work with me, so she could witness first-hand the fun I have every day. I really do talk a lot to my family about the kindies, so Mar was anxious to see who some of the infamous kids were. It was a pretty mild day, as far as crazy antics go, so she may have gotten a glamorized view of the work of a part-time SSN EA. I actually think some of the kids behaved well because there was someone new and different hanging around. And she was nice and helpful. And a kid, not an old lady.

Mrs. Marchese, the kindergarten teacher, is also Mar's Activity Day leader. Mar liked it so much, she said she would like to come every day. Personally, I would love it. If wishes were fishes...

Cheer tryouts are this week, and Lex has made the definitive decision not to participate. On one hand, Bill and I are a little sad that we will no longer have the need to be so involved in the overall high school sports arena. Although it's been busy and challenging, it has also been a lot of fun. And a great excuse for being super involved in Britt's and Lex's extra-curricular lives. We have met a lot of great parents, and have been happy (usually) to be supportive as volunteers in many ways. (The funny thing is that Bill has been mourning the death of cheer more than I.)

On the other hand, we have plenty of things to fill the imagined high-school-spirit void (and the not-so-imagined financial one). The withdrawal will be short-lived, I am certain of it.

In Memoriam:

The timing of this upcoming weekend couldn't have been better. Lex has a track meet in Fort Collins (slightly more than 1 1/2 hours away) tomorrow, and Shi has a swim meet in Fort Collins on Saturday. We are so LUCKY. We booked a {cheap} hotel, and plan to make it a family event... minus Mar (camping with the Billats), Britt, and Tay. So maybe not so much of a family event, as a Parent/Teenager event. Doesn't that sound like fun? Good times will be had by all. Or at least GoodTimes will be had by all.

Either way, it will be awesome.