Whimsy: it is random, spontaneous, and free from forethought. It is not rational. Behavior is whimsical – well, it can be, if allowed…but then, is forethought involved? Is whimsy contemplative? I believe it is.
There are great moments of desire with whimsy. I yearn to be impulsive, capricious and fickle. This comes out in manic choices, frolicking moments and determined time away from predictable reality.
Whimsy is challenging, time intensive, yet breathe taking and lovely.
I have been within its bubble – its protective casing with orchestrated music and movement. It has enveloped my senses, cushioned the scene, and has allowed me to bow my head in humility. Whimsy.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Gig is Up
In years past, I have been able to pull off Christmas. I have been able to recreate a magic that is almost humanly impossible (in the eyes of my children). The doubt in the magic of Christmas and even Santa Claus was close to nil - until this year. Clearly, the suspicions have housed quietly in thought; but have been kept at bay. I have intently kept the 13 year old in the dark, simply because I knew he would eagerly blow a cover I had so diligently tried to keep up. He would boastly declare to siblings and friends that he knew otherwise. No tact, no masking, no social cues would be had.
The other night, I found a pretty cool "Santa Video" page and I thought I would send it to the 9 year old; who seems to still have the innocent magic driving her dreams. Take a look:
http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/8zcIvtUGgLo2tE7x2_q3aA
She received the email and excitedly (with a hint of "how could this happen....hmmmm) discussed it with the family.
Not an hour later, THE GIG WAS UP.
As both parents were out gathering last minute details to add to the magical day, the 13 year old took the address - portablenothpoletv and logged in. He sent both his mother and father an email from Santa Claus. All the while, showing his sister that the Santa video was all rigged by her mom.
Driving home, i receive the email 'from Santa," and my reaction was mixed. "OH NO!" was first, followed by laughter, followed by, "LUCY!!??"
Getting home, 13 year old shouts from the upstairs, "You have an email from Santa waiting for you!" I slowly walk upstairs and the little girl awaits my arrival. Face forlorn, slumped shoulders, head slightly bowed.
It was time to rally. Even though the car had bags filled with stocking stuffers, it was time to rally. I could not, in good conscience, have it end so abruptly by a 13 year old.
We sat on the couch, snuggled, cried, discussed and then brought the brothers in - whom have since wiped the smirks off their faces, after seeing the affects of their ill thought out plan. They came in, apologized to their little sister and then the discussion began.
Christmas. Magic. Birth of Jesus. Unexplainable moments during the season that even mommy and daddy can't imagine. We talked about the "what will happen if you stop believing in Christmas." I think i got it. I think i handled it (with the grace of God).
The gig was up - and i know the thoughts and questions are inescapable - but bringing her in, as any mother bear would, i have offered her a cushion for the fall.
Thanks for listening.
The other night, I found a pretty cool "Santa Video" page and I thought I would send it to the 9 year old; who seems to still have the innocent magic driving her dreams. Take a look:
http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/8zcIvtUGgLo2tE7x2_q3aA
She received the email and excitedly (with a hint of "how could this happen....hmmmm) discussed it with the family.
Not an hour later, THE GIG WAS UP.
As both parents were out gathering last minute details to add to the magical day, the 13 year old took the address - portablenothpoletv and logged in. He sent both his mother and father an email from Santa Claus. All the while, showing his sister that the Santa video was all rigged by her mom.
Driving home, i receive the email 'from Santa," and my reaction was mixed. "OH NO!" was first, followed by laughter, followed by, "LUCY!!??"
Getting home, 13 year old shouts from the upstairs, "You have an email from Santa waiting for you!" I slowly walk upstairs and the little girl awaits my arrival. Face forlorn, slumped shoulders, head slightly bowed.
It was time to rally. Even though the car had bags filled with stocking stuffers, it was time to rally. I could not, in good conscience, have it end so abruptly by a 13 year old.
We sat on the couch, snuggled, cried, discussed and then brought the brothers in - whom have since wiped the smirks off their faces, after seeing the affects of their ill thought out plan. They came in, apologized to their little sister and then the discussion began.
Christmas. Magic. Birth of Jesus. Unexplainable moments during the season that even mommy and daddy can't imagine. We talked about the "what will happen if you stop believing in Christmas." I think i got it. I think i handled it (with the grace of God).
The gig was up - and i know the thoughts and questions are inescapable - but bringing her in, as any mother bear would, i have offered her a cushion for the fall.
Thanks for listening.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Okay...Bye
Is it social skills, lack of parenting technique, teenage brain syndrome or simply, Perry? Sometimes I wonder, when he leaves the house, will he ever return?
Our telephone conversations:
"Hi Mom. I was wondering if I could invite a friend over?"
"That sounds fine - (fill in with miscellaneous mom stuff) Is everything okay at the house?"
"Ya."
"Alright, then, I should be home shortly. I love you."
" Okay. Bye"
click
"Hi Mom, Simon wants to know if he can invite Sam over?"
"That's okay with me - but is the baby still asleep?"
"Ya."
"You guys would have to be really quiet, if he comes over."
"I know."
"Well, I am on my way home, and should be there soon. Thanks for babysitting and being responsible. I love you."
"Okay. Bye"
click
"Hi Perry - how is your road trip going with dad?"
"Good."
"Are you and dad keeping each other company?"
"I guess."
"How many hours do you think you have left to drive?"
"I dunno."
"Why don't you hand the phone over to dad. Hey - I love you and miss you. The house is pretty quiet."
"Okay. Bye."
click
"Mom, can you pick me up a pack of AA batteries?"
"Sure. Anything else?"
"Ya, can you also get me something to snack on?"
"Give me examples?"
"I dunno. Something I would like."
"I think i can do that. Anything else?"
"Nope. Bye."
Click
Our telephone conversations:
"Hi Mom. I was wondering if I could invite a friend over?"
"That sounds fine - (fill in with miscellaneous mom stuff) Is everything okay at the house?"
"Ya."
"Alright, then, I should be home shortly. I love you."
" Okay. Bye"
click
"Hi Mom, Simon wants to know if he can invite Sam over?"
"That's okay with me - but is the baby still asleep?"
"Ya."
"You guys would have to be really quiet, if he comes over."
"I know."
"Well, I am on my way home, and should be there soon. Thanks for babysitting and being responsible. I love you."
"Okay. Bye"
click
"Hi Perry - how is your road trip going with dad?"
"Good."
"Are you and dad keeping each other company?"
"I guess."
"How many hours do you think you have left to drive?"
"I dunno."
"Why don't you hand the phone over to dad. Hey - I love you and miss you. The house is pretty quiet."
"Okay. Bye."
click
"Mom, can you pick me up a pack of AA batteries?"
"Sure. Anything else?"
"Ya, can you also get me something to snack on?"
"Give me examples?"
"I dunno. Something I would like."
"I think i can do that. Anything else?"
"Nope. Bye."
Click
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Quick Dodge Left....now Right.....
I grew up on video games. I sold my siblings out for money for video games. I spent the greater part of my pre-teen years in store fronts that housed any unit of 25 cent entertainment. I am armored with the skill of the game and house within, a lexicon of movements, agendas, quick hand maneuvers and Atari like quickness that can outdraw even the finest of gamers.
Often, I laugh at my own real life video game scenarios. My children will laugh with me as i detail my drive home as if it were my very own video game and we make up the agenda..."Oh, there is the old lady crossing the street that we always hit....and the three legged dog that we will let pass....and the tree branch that we *always* have to dodge - even though we hit the poor kid in the wheel chair - mainly a casualty of point deduction.
Tonight, again, I revisited Katie's realistic video game. Tonight was the Twin's Christmas Party. As I have said in the past, much of this organization's employees have been around years before my husband had ever even joined. For instance, tonight, we celebrated a couple of 25 year'ers as well as a 45 year'er. It is a place where we have grown - literally: children, spouses, families, careers, venues, and domains, it's a place of connection...and to miss it would clearly bring upon a feeling of loss.
Again, our babysitter cancelled. We have a 13 year old who confidentially assured us he was capable of the job. On a test drive 24 hours prior, he flunked. I came to the conclusion, i was not to go -- meaning, that all other activity for the evening was on: Choir, 6th grade party at church and even an 8th grade party at church (which was cancelled by mother on account of missing assignments at school).
Twins party began at 6:15 and dinner to be served at 7:30. On the drive home from choir practice (6:30), the 21 month old yawned 3 times on the 1 mile trek. "Could I possibly wing this?" I thought. "Could I set him down upon arrival and leave when all is quiet? Hmmm...perhaps." The wheels began to turn, the text messages to husband commenced and the outfit was picked and splayed upon the bed.
The 25 cents was placed within the slot, the intro music surrounded the scene and the game began.
First Obstacle: Get baby down - calmly. Follow the routine....tedious 21 month old routine - don't skip anything, or you will be caught. Don't give any hints away. Act as if nothing is happening. So far so good. I might be able to make dinner by 7:30 (downtown).
Second Obstacle: Get 11 year old home from church. Called friend. No answer. Called cell phone - no answer. Called her husband cell phone... no answer. Tried all three again.....no answer.
Third Obstacle: dress. I have let my house go. I have not been within the frame of mind to keep up within the daily grind and the biggest victim calls upon my bedroom. All laundry has been dumped - literally dumped. Baskets sit upon baskets. Clothes spatter about the floor. My shirt was somewhere within the pile. One boot was here, the other was somewhere. The tank top was .....where was that tank top? The clothes once gathered in a pile were now strewn upon the bed, upon the floor, hanging from the fan, glued to the window, draped over the TV, hanging from the door knob....in frenzied desperation, i needed a shirt, a missing boot and some tights. AH - the tights.....i found the tights. I squeezed into them, only to realize that there was a tiny hole at the back of the knee. nope - take off the tights. Successfully find another pair. tank top gets gathered at the top of the chest and caught within bra strap.
I yank a couple of times before I realize that I need to slow down and unlease it from the strap. Bra shows too much, i need to take off tank top, take off bra and get another one. One the bed? On the fan? over the TV? In the closet? Where was that bra???? WHERE IS THE BRA!!??
Remember that I still have to get 11 year old home. Called friend. No answer. Called cell phone - no answer. Called her husband cell phone... no answer. Tried all three again.....ah, answer. YES, she can bring him home!!! Obstacle diverted...500 points!
I tell 13 year old that all is quiet and I am really going to try to make this work. It is now 6:55. My tights are changed, i am dressed, my hair is.....well, my hair just is. and I say good bye and ....well...with all good video game systems, it just can't be that easy. I have somehow reached the next level of difficulty. The baby begins to call out my name and he sees me in the hallway tip toeing towards the door (not good). I go in to get him a bottle and re-live his already committed bedtime routine from before. As I enter, the room is filled with a familiar smell. This baby has not messed his diaper at this particular time of night for at least 6 months. WHY NOW? It STINKS! I pull him out, take off the dirty diaper, and clean him up. There is no turning back. he is now out of his crib, out of his routine and in need of holding, cuddling, playing, etc. There is no way he is going back in the crib. I text my husband --- now irate that the ultimate plan is not working. I share some very unflattering language on my behalf and he and his group of co-workers get a good laugh at my decoratively flavored text messages. I was not going to make it. Too many obstacles. I resigned. But just as I do - the baby seems to quiet down. Seems to encourage a bedtime ritual once again. I put him down and quickly go through the motions. He is quiet.
Some how I dodge here and I dodge there and the babe goes down. Not sure how - but he did! Meanwhile, husband is apologizing on the behalf of me missing the party ( at the new ball park, by the way, in a swanky club for ticket holders). I text back, "DO NOT rule me out just yet!"
Obstacle 4 - Traffic
I begin to leave. Thinking this is the last thing i have to worry about. I back out of the driveway and get stuck at the bottom. The snow was recently plowed and a pile was at the bottom of our driveway. I make it through and navigate our neighborhood streets. Turn onto the main part of the road, right behind another vehicle going literally 10MPH. As much as I wanted to honk the horn and yell out the window, i remained composed. The freeway was full of seasonal traffic - but made it downtown in record time. I round the corner and as i turn on my blinker to turn right into Target Field, i was greeted by a very large and very closed front gate. I texted john, "SOMEBODY TRULY DOES NOT WANT ME TO BE HERE TONIGHT!!!" he tells me that he has called security and the gate should be opened soon. Before my eyes met the period at the end of the sentence, the gate unassumingly opened. I was in the parking lot. I was within minutes of a night out. Text: "Please order me a very big drink!"
We sat at a table with john's colleagues and I sat right next to a women whom I know. Her son is in the same grade as Perry. Attends the same school. Is in some of the same classes. Runs cross country and is a classic teenager. We were able to share our own stories of "WHAT?" "HOW?" and "I TRULY DO NOT UNDERSTAND YOU" moments over a couple of glasses of wine. The windowed Metropolitan Club looked out over the city as well as the ball field. Upon the big jumbo field screen (outside), a video of a fireplace and lit fire scene set the ambiance. A couple glasses of wine, some great conversation, a wonderful program and moments of, "Man, my husband is so happy to be here," filled my soul. I made it through all the video game obstacles and was able to share in periods of familial camaraderie within this organization that has been well apart of our lives for the past 17 years.
Thanks for listening.
Katie
Often, I laugh at my own real life video game scenarios. My children will laugh with me as i detail my drive home as if it were my very own video game and we make up the agenda..."Oh, there is the old lady crossing the street that we always hit....and the three legged dog that we will let pass....and the tree branch that we *always* have to dodge - even though we hit the poor kid in the wheel chair - mainly a casualty of point deduction.
Tonight, again, I revisited Katie's realistic video game. Tonight was the Twin's Christmas Party. As I have said in the past, much of this organization's employees have been around years before my husband had ever even joined. For instance, tonight, we celebrated a couple of 25 year'ers as well as a 45 year'er. It is a place where we have grown - literally: children, spouses, families, careers, venues, and domains, it's a place of connection...and to miss it would clearly bring upon a feeling of loss.
Again, our babysitter cancelled. We have a 13 year old who confidentially assured us he was capable of the job. On a test drive 24 hours prior, he flunked. I came to the conclusion, i was not to go -- meaning, that all other activity for the evening was on: Choir, 6th grade party at church and even an 8th grade party at church (which was cancelled by mother on account of missing assignments at school).
Twins party began at 6:15 and dinner to be served at 7:30. On the drive home from choir practice (6:30), the 21 month old yawned 3 times on the 1 mile trek. "Could I possibly wing this?" I thought. "Could I set him down upon arrival and leave when all is quiet? Hmmm...perhaps." The wheels began to turn, the text messages to husband commenced and the outfit was picked and splayed upon the bed.
The 25 cents was placed within the slot, the intro music surrounded the scene and the game began.
First Obstacle: Get baby down - calmly. Follow the routine....tedious 21 month old routine - don't skip anything, or you will be caught. Don't give any hints away. Act as if nothing is happening. So far so good. I might be able to make dinner by 7:30 (downtown).
Second Obstacle: Get 11 year old home from church. Called friend. No answer. Called cell phone - no answer. Called her husband cell phone... no answer. Tried all three again.....no answer.
Third Obstacle: dress. I have let my house go. I have not been within the frame of mind to keep up within the daily grind and the biggest victim calls upon my bedroom. All laundry has been dumped - literally dumped. Baskets sit upon baskets. Clothes spatter about the floor. My shirt was somewhere within the pile. One boot was here, the other was somewhere. The tank top was .....where was that tank top? The clothes once gathered in a pile were now strewn upon the bed, upon the floor, hanging from the fan, glued to the window, draped over the TV, hanging from the door knob....in frenzied desperation, i needed a shirt, a missing boot and some tights. AH - the tights.....i found the tights. I squeezed into them, only to realize that there was a tiny hole at the back of the knee. nope - take off the tights. Successfully find another pair. tank top gets gathered at the top of the chest and caught within bra strap.
I yank a couple of times before I realize that I need to slow down and unlease it from the strap. Bra shows too much, i need to take off tank top, take off bra and get another one. One the bed? On the fan? over the TV? In the closet? Where was that bra???? WHERE IS THE BRA!!??
Remember that I still have to get 11 year old home. Called friend. No answer. Called cell phone - no answer. Called her husband cell phone... no answer. Tried all three again.....ah, answer. YES, she can bring him home!!! Obstacle diverted...500 points!
I tell 13 year old that all is quiet and I am really going to try to make this work. It is now 6:55. My tights are changed, i am dressed, my hair is.....well, my hair just is. and I say good bye and ....well...with all good video game systems, it just can't be that easy. I have somehow reached the next level of difficulty. The baby begins to call out my name and he sees me in the hallway tip toeing towards the door (not good). I go in to get him a bottle and re-live his already committed bedtime routine from before. As I enter, the room is filled with a familiar smell. This baby has not messed his diaper at this particular time of night for at least 6 months. WHY NOW? It STINKS! I pull him out, take off the dirty diaper, and clean him up. There is no turning back. he is now out of his crib, out of his routine and in need of holding, cuddling, playing, etc. There is no way he is going back in the crib. I text my husband --- now irate that the ultimate plan is not working. I share some very unflattering language on my behalf and he and his group of co-workers get a good laugh at my decoratively flavored text messages. I was not going to make it. Too many obstacles. I resigned. But just as I do - the baby seems to quiet down. Seems to encourage a bedtime ritual once again. I put him down and quickly go through the motions. He is quiet.
Some how I dodge here and I dodge there and the babe goes down. Not sure how - but he did! Meanwhile, husband is apologizing on the behalf of me missing the party ( at the new ball park, by the way, in a swanky club for ticket holders). I text back, "DO NOT rule me out just yet!"
Obstacle 4 - Traffic
I begin to leave. Thinking this is the last thing i have to worry about. I back out of the driveway and get stuck at the bottom. The snow was recently plowed and a pile was at the bottom of our driveway. I make it through and navigate our neighborhood streets. Turn onto the main part of the road, right behind another vehicle going literally 10MPH. As much as I wanted to honk the horn and yell out the window, i remained composed. The freeway was full of seasonal traffic - but made it downtown in record time. I round the corner and as i turn on my blinker to turn right into Target Field, i was greeted by a very large and very closed front gate. I texted john, "SOMEBODY TRULY DOES NOT WANT ME TO BE HERE TONIGHT!!!" he tells me that he has called security and the gate should be opened soon. Before my eyes met the period at the end of the sentence, the gate unassumingly opened. I was in the parking lot. I was within minutes of a night out. Text: "Please order me a very big drink!"
We sat at a table with john's colleagues and I sat right next to a women whom I know. Her son is in the same grade as Perry. Attends the same school. Is in some of the same classes. Runs cross country and is a classic teenager. We were able to share our own stories of "WHAT?" "HOW?" and "I TRULY DO NOT UNDERSTAND YOU" moments over a couple of glasses of wine. The windowed Metropolitan Club looked out over the city as well as the ball field. Upon the big jumbo field screen (outside), a video of a fireplace and lit fire scene set the ambiance. A couple glasses of wine, some great conversation, a wonderful program and moments of, "Man, my husband is so happy to be here," filled my soul. I made it through all the video game obstacles and was able to share in periods of familial camaraderie within this organization that has been well apart of our lives for the past 17 years.
Thanks for listening.
Katie
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Boston Tea Party
For my 8th grader's final project in social studies for the Revolutionary War study, he has decided to write a song and sing about the Boston Tea Party. Presently, his father is on his left and I am on his right...working with him singing his lyrics into a computer and matching it with the song he has chosen --it is a rap song that he has chosen because he said it was easy to match with a simple melody and he mentioned that most people in his class are familiar with it. He is doing quite well and when it is all done i will see if i can attach a file...or maybe even get it on Youtube
Youtube song with lyrics - it would be helpful to watch this first to understand how he arranged his lyrics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq6Y1clwPI4
I’m going to the Tea- Party
It all happened in 1773
Men disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians
It was done to protest the king
The Sons of Liberty all came to the party-party
The party, party, party…Wa-hoo
It’s the Boston Party
342 chests of tea were dumped
King George the III was the king at this time
The British admiral watched the whole thing at this time
Paul Revere was a simple part of this crime
Coffee means patriot
Tea means Tory
They sang a son while dumping the tea
They and robbed three ships
60 men were a part of it
I know the Sons of Liberty organized all of it
So c’mon, let’s go and throw some tea over board
C’mon don’t worry
Everyone will help tonight
There were also two tea parties
One for 9/11 and one in ‘73
The company lost 40,000 E
I’m going to the tea-party
It all happened in 1773
Men disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians
It was done to protest against the king
the Sons of Liberty all came to the party, party, par-ty
the tea –tea party, the party…Wa-hoo
Its the Boston Party
2000 watched the party
Colonists rejoiced all the time
there was no resistance any of the time
It stirred rage and admiration
one tried to steal some tea
He was punished severely
it was forbidden to unload the boat named Dartmouth
John Adams praised them for their hard work and laobor
It would not have happened if the ships left December 17
There were 2000 chests with 600,000 pounds
Samuel Adams tried to stop it
But the colonists said no and took themselves upon it
The Beaver wasn’t touched, nor was the Dartmouth
the British were appalled of this act with the tea
I’m going to the tea-party
It all happened in 1773
Men disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians
It was done to protest against the king
the Sons of Liberty all came to the party, party, par-ty
the tea –tea party, the party, party, party…Wa-hoo
Its the Boston Party
The Boston Tea Party!!
Youtube song with lyrics - it would be helpful to watch this first to understand how he arranged his lyrics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq6Y1clwPI4
I’m going to the Tea- Party
It all happened in 1773
Men disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians
It was done to protest the king
The Sons of Liberty all came to the party-party
The party, party, party…Wa-hoo
It’s the Boston Party
342 chests of tea were dumped
King George the III was the king at this time
The British admiral watched the whole thing at this time
Paul Revere was a simple part of this crime
Coffee means patriot
Tea means Tory
They sang a son while dumping the tea
They and robbed three ships
60 men were a part of it
I know the Sons of Liberty organized all of it
So c’mon, let’s go and throw some tea over board
C’mon don’t worry
Everyone will help tonight
There were also two tea parties
One for 9/11 and one in ‘73
The company lost 40,000 E
I’m going to the tea-party
It all happened in 1773
Men disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians
It was done to protest against the king
the Sons of Liberty all came to the party, party, par-ty
the tea –tea party, the party…Wa-hoo
Its the Boston Party
2000 watched the party
Colonists rejoiced all the time
there was no resistance any of the time
It stirred rage and admiration
one tried to steal some tea
He was punished severely
it was forbidden to unload the boat named Dartmouth
John Adams praised them for their hard work and laobor
It would not have happened if the ships left December 17
There were 2000 chests with 600,000 pounds
Samuel Adams tried to stop it
But the colonists said no and took themselves upon it
The Beaver wasn’t touched, nor was the Dartmouth
the British were appalled of this act with the tea
I’m going to the tea-party
It all happened in 1773
Men disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians
It was done to protest against the king
the Sons of Liberty all came to the party, party, par-ty
the tea –tea party, the party, party, party…Wa-hoo
Its the Boston Party
The Boston Tea Party!!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Discussions
Discussions with a Teenager
1. Between Father and Son
“Perry, did you turn in your English assignment today?”
“No”
“Can I ask Why?”
“Umm, because I didn’t think about it.”
“Can you turn it in tomorrow?”
“I don’t have English tomorrow.”
“But, can you turn it in tomorrow? Will you see your English teacher?”
“Umm, I told you, I don’t have English tomorrow.”
“Will you pass by her classroom tomorrow, hand it in and get some credit for it?”
“I suppose I could give it to her, we’ll see. I probably won’t, though.”
“Is it important to you to stay on top of your classes.”
“I guess.”
2. Between Mother and Son
“Mom, can I get my haircut this week?”
“Yep – maybe a day after school – just remind me.”
(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday all go by and teenager decides to play, watch a movie, and hang out instead.”
Wednesday evening
“Mom, can you take me tomorrow morning before school to get my haircut?”
“Yes, I would be willing to do this, IF you get up on your own before 7am so we can get there when it opens and get back home for the bus.”
“Okay.”
Thursday morning, Perry does not make his way up the stairs until 7:02 – begins to eat breakfast, etc. I stay in my pjs, as I assume there will be no trip to the barber this morning
At 7:15 (he leaves for the bus at 7:13), I am still in my pjs and say, “You better get your stuff on and get out the door.”
“What!? You said you’d take me to get my haircut and then take me to school! Now I am going to miss the bus!”
In complete aggravation, I take him to get his hair cut and get home just in time to change a dirty diaper, order daughter to get out of her pjs and in clothes so that we may get back in the car for piano lessons.
3. Between Mother and Son
“Remember that your regions packet in Science is now 3 weeks past due. PLEASE get a copy from your teacher so you can get it done tonight and hand it in this week.”
“Okay, I will.”
Back home in the afternoon
“Well, did you get a copy of your packet?”
“no.”
“Why not?”
“Because the teacher never said anything about it.”
4. Between Mother and Son
“Remember that your regions packet is now 4 weeks past due. Tonight is conferences. We will see your teacher. Can you get a copy today, bring it home and I will help you with it. MAKE YOURSELF PROUD and do this as a Christmas gift to your mother…PLEEEAAASSSEEE”
Home and playing legos
“So, where is your packet?”
“I didn’t get it.”
“Perry, can you please tell me why?”
Silent
“Perry – I need a sound reason.”
“I’m thinking.”
“I will wait.”
“Well, I got in there and we had a quiz, so I decided to just focus on that instead.”
“Where is the notebook that you were supposed to bring home today?”
“In my locker.”
“WHY?”
“Because I won’t need it tonight.”
(notebook – also missing a notebook check. I offered to help him get it all together so he can show his teacher. It SITS in the boys locker day in and day out)
5. Between Father and Son
“Perry, tell me about these vocabulary flascards that you needed to turn in at the beginning of the week?”
“Uh, well, I *did* the cards but she said she didn’t get them.”
“So, what do you think happened?”
“I don’t know.”
“Okay, so, tonight, I will sit with you at the table and you will get through these cards again.”
“I already *did* the cards.”
“But your teacher has marked you down as missing the assignment, so, let’s quickly get through the assignment.”
“I *did* the assignment. She just can’t find it.”
“So, wouldn’t it be better for you to go into class tomorrow with the 5 flash cards and present them to her for a full count of the grade.”
“Maybe.”
“Okay, let’s start.”
The boy then decides to ignore all else his father says and puts on the silent treatment. This goes on for over an hour until mom comes home, realizes what is going on and loses it with her son for the blatant disrespect for his father.
6. Between Mother and Son
Teenager had an assignment due in Tech Ed on November 12. Because he never turned this in and there was only one additional graded assignemnt, he had a 35% in the class. Continuously, I reminded him about getting the assignment from his Tech Ed teacher. On December 6, the boy finally decided to get the assignment, gets through it in less than 10 minutes and turns it in the following day - December 7. That afternoon, he comes home, runs up the stairs and says...
"Mom! I have a 97% in my tech ed class. That's an A!"
"I beg to differ with you my boy.....I have an A in tech ed!"
DAILY…DAILY….DAILY
1. Between Father and Son
“Perry, did you turn in your English assignment today?”
“No”
“Can I ask Why?”
“Umm, because I didn’t think about it.”
“Can you turn it in tomorrow?”
“I don’t have English tomorrow.”
“But, can you turn it in tomorrow? Will you see your English teacher?”
“Umm, I told you, I don’t have English tomorrow.”
“Will you pass by her classroom tomorrow, hand it in and get some credit for it?”
“I suppose I could give it to her, we’ll see. I probably won’t, though.”
“Is it important to you to stay on top of your classes.”
“I guess.”
2. Between Mother and Son
“Mom, can I get my haircut this week?”
“Yep – maybe a day after school – just remind me.”
(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday all go by and teenager decides to play, watch a movie, and hang out instead.”
Wednesday evening
“Mom, can you take me tomorrow morning before school to get my haircut?”
“Yes, I would be willing to do this, IF you get up on your own before 7am so we can get there when it opens and get back home for the bus.”
“Okay.”
Thursday morning, Perry does not make his way up the stairs until 7:02 – begins to eat breakfast, etc. I stay in my pjs, as I assume there will be no trip to the barber this morning
At 7:15 (he leaves for the bus at 7:13), I am still in my pjs and say, “You better get your stuff on and get out the door.”
“What!? You said you’d take me to get my haircut and then take me to school! Now I am going to miss the bus!”
In complete aggravation, I take him to get his hair cut and get home just in time to change a dirty diaper, order daughter to get out of her pjs and in clothes so that we may get back in the car for piano lessons.
3. Between Mother and Son
“Remember that your regions packet in Science is now 3 weeks past due. PLEASE get a copy from your teacher so you can get it done tonight and hand it in this week.”
“Okay, I will.”
Back home in the afternoon
“Well, did you get a copy of your packet?”
“no.”
“Why not?”
“Because the teacher never said anything about it.”
4. Between Mother and Son
“Remember that your regions packet is now 4 weeks past due. Tonight is conferences. We will see your teacher. Can you get a copy today, bring it home and I will help you with it. MAKE YOURSELF PROUD and do this as a Christmas gift to your mother…PLEEEAAASSSEEE”
Home and playing legos
“So, where is your packet?”
“I didn’t get it.”
“Perry, can you please tell me why?”
Silent
“Perry – I need a sound reason.”
“I’m thinking.”
“I will wait.”
“Well, I got in there and we had a quiz, so I decided to just focus on that instead.”
“Where is the notebook that you were supposed to bring home today?”
“In my locker.”
“WHY?”
“Because I won’t need it tonight.”
(notebook – also missing a notebook check. I offered to help him get it all together so he can show his teacher. It SITS in the boys locker day in and day out)
5. Between Father and Son
“Perry, tell me about these vocabulary flascards that you needed to turn in at the beginning of the week?”
“Uh, well, I *did* the cards but she said she didn’t get them.”
“So, what do you think happened?”
“I don’t know.”
“Okay, so, tonight, I will sit with you at the table and you will get through these cards again.”
“I already *did* the cards.”
“But your teacher has marked you down as missing the assignment, so, let’s quickly get through the assignment.”
“I *did* the assignment. She just can’t find it.”
“So, wouldn’t it be better for you to go into class tomorrow with the 5 flash cards and present them to her for a full count of the grade.”
“Maybe.”
“Okay, let’s start.”
The boy then decides to ignore all else his father says and puts on the silent treatment. This goes on for over an hour until mom comes home, realizes what is going on and loses it with her son for the blatant disrespect for his father.
6. Between Mother and Son
Teenager had an assignment due in Tech Ed on November 12. Because he never turned this in and there was only one additional graded assignemnt, he had a 35% in the class. Continuously, I reminded him about getting the assignment from his Tech Ed teacher. On December 6, the boy finally decided to get the assignment, gets through it in less than 10 minutes and turns it in the following day - December 7. That afternoon, he comes home, runs up the stairs and says...
"Mom! I have a 97% in my tech ed class. That's an A!"
"I beg to differ with you my boy.....I have an A in tech ed!"
DAILY…DAILY….DAILY
Monday, December 6, 2010
Split
Split Personality
My first sentence is not very productive; but it cuts to the chase of my confliction. At times I am envious.
I am envious of mindless banter between people. I am envious of parents who only see light and goodness and perfection in their offspring. I am envious of people who know a TV line up. I am envious of those who are shielded and lack complaint. I am envious of those who immerse themselves within the enormity of this world, the goodness of this world. I am envious of answers and new beginnings. I’m envious of those who have not lived through teenage hood yet. I’m envious of Mt. Everest – daunting, laughing, unattainable – yet complete, strong, and knowledgeable.
Envy is not productive. And at times, I am absent of such ugliness. Tonight, with a tight neck, bruised chest muscles and intentional gaze out the window….I am in the thick.
I have written journals to my children – before they were born, during their toddling and diaper changing years and documented preschool and elementary moments. Specked within are conversations of the job I have as a mother – the serious, time consuming and all sacrificing job I have as their mother.. I have noted that my life was not to be extraordinary, but I was destined to be the mom of 4 children and I was passionate about being the best mom I could/can be.
I am envious of good and decent mothers.
Troublesome at best
I am banging my head against the wall in continual slow motion replay.
My children will prosper into adulthood in spite of their parents; but what will they bring on this journey?
My first sentence is not very productive; but it cuts to the chase of my confliction. At times I am envious.
I am envious of mindless banter between people. I am envious of parents who only see light and goodness and perfection in their offspring. I am envious of people who know a TV line up. I am envious of those who are shielded and lack complaint. I am envious of those who immerse themselves within the enormity of this world, the goodness of this world. I am envious of answers and new beginnings. I’m envious of those who have not lived through teenage hood yet. I’m envious of Mt. Everest – daunting, laughing, unattainable – yet complete, strong, and knowledgeable.
Envy is not productive. And at times, I am absent of such ugliness. Tonight, with a tight neck, bruised chest muscles and intentional gaze out the window….I am in the thick.
I have written journals to my children – before they were born, during their toddling and diaper changing years and documented preschool and elementary moments. Specked within are conversations of the job I have as a mother – the serious, time consuming and all sacrificing job I have as their mother.. I have noted that my life was not to be extraordinary, but I was destined to be the mom of 4 children and I was passionate about being the best mom I could/can be.
I am envious of good and decent mothers.
Troublesome at best
I am banging my head against the wall in continual slow motion replay.
My children will prosper into adulthood in spite of their parents; but what will they bring on this journey?
Monday, November 15, 2010
In Reflection
I sit on this couch in warmth and comfort and type on my computer. My dining table is no longer littered with candles and my daughter has a well lit place to write. My son's jacket sits on the hearth, the dryer is heard, running through it's cycle and in the distance, the fridge hums in content.
70 hours have gone by without power. Dishes piled up, wood was burned, candles decorated the house and blankets were wrapped around bodies. As john was in florida, the 5 of us spent two long evenings in the dark. We spent three mornings in the bleak and cold and at night, used flashlights to navigate our way to the bathrooms and bedrooms.
This morning, I awakened Perry at 6:30. I lit the candles, made the hot chocolate helped him get ready for school. After he left, i told the kids we were going to go to Caribou for our school morning -- the lights will be on, it will be warm and it will be a nice change. We were not the only ones there escaping. The buzz from tables was evident. A large percentage of the patrons were all talking about their individual stories of endurance. It's not that I am thankful for modern technology or just now realizing that I cannot live without my computer or microwave -- but it takes a range of ingenuity to live through what normally you take for granted. We ate meals in house --- cooking by candle light, we bundled up, we kept a fire going all day - collecting wood when necessary, convened in one to two rooms, instead of spreading ourselves thin about the house, we (or I) relaxed and settled on the couch more (I had in mind to repaint the playroom while john was away - but the basement was freezing and dark and now I have lost my momentum) and we were all in bed by 8pm in the pitch blackness. My frozen vegetables defrosted, my sour cream went bad, my hamburger turned brown and my kitchen smelled like something had died.
We are back. Lights on. Heat on. Dishes washing.
Goodness.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Kublai and Making It Work
This isn't an ordinary year - i have driven this point 8 feet under ground; and yet, we are still here, still working through our days and still laughing.
I am settling into a regular schedule and honestly, did not see this happening. but, satisfied, content and feel that learning is ultimately taking place. We are home...HOME. We do not go anywhere special and work through Kublai's routine. When traveling through history, we often bestow upon Sidney the newest of nicknames the denote something beastly in nature (smile). The latest was Kublai Khan...the tyrannical Mongolian Emperor after Genghis.
Typical Daily Schedule:
*Piano first practice first thing in the morning before school
*Critical Thinking and Logic exercises (to wake up the brain). This comes in a variety of forms: Computer, Exercise Books, Weekly Word Problems.
*Math: 2 math text books - one at grade level and one above
*Editing Skills: Computer program that works through editing a paragraph. Each get to play a quick computer game upon completing it successful.
Kublai goes down for his nap and I rally the kids onto the couch - we wrap ourselves in blankets if need be, i get my coffee, they get their cider and we begin
*Story of the World: curriculum text book that I read from in story form - i find it to be an excellent resource. This week, we have learned and discussed: Ivan the Great and Ivan the Terrible (Lucy will be doing a report on Ivan the Terrible and Simon will be doing something on the Silk Road), and took a video trip to the Kremlin. The Ottoman Turks and their attack/capture of Constantinople (our personal favorite story and place to always talk about and learn.) We visited the now, Istanbul through a couple of tourists' YouTube videos; cool to see the same standing buildings 600 years later, and yesterday, we talked about the "Black Death" that swept all over - killing multitudes.
*Writing: All experience in writing have come from an outstanding book I bought in northern Minnesota - We just finished reading it on Thursday and I was sad to see it go --- literally cried at the end of the book and Lucy had to finish the last two pages.
*Read Aloud - currently reading SCAT - a book that ultimately gives kids the power to make huge change.
Then the kids are back to their work - and I am around to help until Sidney awakes.
*How will I Change the World: Independent project due in December. Simon and Lucy are required to design their own service project - research, make contact and execute. I am helping by supplying the baby steps needed to make it to the end. Currently Simon is thinking of doing something with the Chilean Minors and Lucy is making notebooks for patients in hospitals.
*CNN Student News: This is a 10 minute news story put on by CNN and geared for students. Lucy and Simon have a "Student News" notebook and put the date down each day, write about a key story and give a brief description of another story of choice. At night, at dinner, john will typically ask, "What's in the news today, kids?" By the end of the year, they will have a complete notebook of the years events.
*Cursive
*SSR - There are 2 SSR periods during the day. One is reading time in books that I have chosen for them - presently Lucy is reading the Little Princess and Simon is finishing up The Lord of the Rings...i need to get him another book this weekend. The other period is called "Box Time" where i have a variety of book choices that really has no match or bearing on what we are learning - but books of interest that I have found during library visits.
The day is specked with other agenda items - but this is typical and again, working out well for us......for the time being.
So, It is a quieter year than in the past and I am learning to like it. Expectations are still set in place, but they are attainable --- fantastically wonderful for all!!!
Thanks for listening.
I am settling into a regular schedule and honestly, did not see this happening. but, satisfied, content and feel that learning is ultimately taking place. We are home...HOME. We do not go anywhere special and work through Kublai's routine. When traveling through history, we often bestow upon Sidney the newest of nicknames the denote something beastly in nature (smile). The latest was Kublai Khan...the tyrannical Mongolian Emperor after Genghis.
Typical Daily Schedule:
*Piano first practice first thing in the morning before school
*Critical Thinking and Logic exercises (to wake up the brain). This comes in a variety of forms: Computer, Exercise Books, Weekly Word Problems.
*Math: 2 math text books - one at grade level and one above
*Editing Skills: Computer program that works through editing a paragraph. Each get to play a quick computer game upon completing it successful.
Kublai goes down for his nap and I rally the kids onto the couch - we wrap ourselves in blankets if need be, i get my coffee, they get their cider and we begin
*Story of the World: curriculum text book that I read from in story form - i find it to be an excellent resource. This week, we have learned and discussed: Ivan the Great and Ivan the Terrible (Lucy will be doing a report on Ivan the Terrible and Simon will be doing something on the Silk Road), and took a video trip to the Kremlin. The Ottoman Turks and their attack/capture of Constantinople (our personal favorite story and place to always talk about and learn.) We visited the now, Istanbul through a couple of tourists' YouTube videos; cool to see the same standing buildings 600 years later, and yesterday, we talked about the "Black Death" that swept all over - killing multitudes.
*Writing: All experience in writing have come from an outstanding book I bought in northern Minnesota - We just finished reading it on Thursday and I was sad to see it go --- literally cried at the end of the book and Lucy had to finish the last two pages.
*Read Aloud - currently reading SCAT - a book that ultimately gives kids the power to make huge change.
Then the kids are back to their work - and I am around to help until Sidney awakes.
*How will I Change the World: Independent project due in December. Simon and Lucy are required to design their own service project - research, make contact and execute. I am helping by supplying the baby steps needed to make it to the end. Currently Simon is thinking of doing something with the Chilean Minors and Lucy is making notebooks for patients in hospitals.
*CNN Student News: This is a 10 minute news story put on by CNN and geared for students. Lucy and Simon have a "Student News" notebook and put the date down each day, write about a key story and give a brief description of another story of choice. At night, at dinner, john will typically ask, "What's in the news today, kids?" By the end of the year, they will have a complete notebook of the years events.
*Cursive
*SSR - There are 2 SSR periods during the day. One is reading time in books that I have chosen for them - presently Lucy is reading the Little Princess and Simon is finishing up The Lord of the Rings...i need to get him another book this weekend. The other period is called "Box Time" where i have a variety of book choices that really has no match or bearing on what we are learning - but books of interest that I have found during library visits.
The day is specked with other agenda items - but this is typical and again, working out well for us......for the time being.
So, It is a quieter year than in the past and I am learning to like it. Expectations are still set in place, but they are attainable --- fantastically wonderful for all!!!
Thanks for listening.
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