Creating Common Sense

This week my hero at my office retired. Which was rather unexpected as the lucky lady is years shy of 50 and doing it by choice. I'm still pretty shocked because I'd always imagined I'd get to work with her as a direct report again later on down the line, but how can you not be excited when someone gets to happily retire early?

I want to be just like her when I grow up.

At my job, everything is happening at once or as we like to call it annual planning. And as everyone else in the world already knows, just because one part of your life gets busy, the rest of your responsibilities don't sit peacefully and wait for you to have some free time. And since life always like to give me a bit more that I can comfortably chew and still stay on the sane side of a mental breakdown . . . the morning after the weepy/happy retirement party was Alaina's first day of school.

So as my mom did to me, Alaina was dressed in one of her favorite outfits, her hair was styled in a fancy style that I regretted starting about halfway through it, and she carried her pretty new back pack with her name written on the front.


And don't be thinking that I made this hair style up. Oh no! I bought a BOOK on how to do my little girls hair a few months ago because I was tired of being shown up by the teachers at Alaina's daycare. For some reason they loved styling her hair and she kept asking me to duplicate them the next morning.

School was a blast for Alaina no tears were shed by her, myself, or her dad, and a new stage of life is beginning. And I am SOOOO excited for her!

But as my house quieted down this evening and I was mopping the bathroom floor I began to ponder the great journey of parenting and the events to come. Actually I've started doing that a lot lately. But the things that I wonder about the most are the instructions of common sense. I'm sure I could find a book about teaching your children common sense, in fact I know they wrote two for college kids about what your mom/dad should have taught you, but even those are a little beyond what I'm concerned about.

Where is the list of things that you should make sure to teach your child before inflicting them on society? And I want to know when I should teach them those things. And should I keep a list of items that they aren't old enough to be taught yet so that I don't forget to teach it to them later?

This actually came about because I was thinking about learning how to mop the floor.

It seems simple right? Bucket + Soapy water / rag x scrubbing = clean floor.

But have you ever seen someone mop a floor that hasn't learned by trial and error? Let me tell you, it's pretty apparent when someone doesn't wring out the mop rag, used water that needed to be changed or didn't scrub the tile enough. But can you blame someone if they haven't moped enough floors to know better? And how do you go about correcting a behavior like that?

I'm about to tattle, but my husband isn't a pro at steam cleaning carpets. Oh sure, he's done it a few times. But the last time he did it the carpets were in a pretty sad state, and since they are unfortunately white, from the last owners mind you, he went over them three times.

Now when I steam the carpets, I use HOT water, minimal soap, and make sure to run over the carpet an extra time with the fresh water tank empty to suck out as much water as possible so the drying time after I clean is 12 hours or less.

After Jeff steamed the carpets? Drying time was 3 days in some spots. Unfortunately I was in the position of critiquing something that could be considered common sense. So I tried starting with the obvious and commented on the drying time.
Jeff was quick to point out that he, unlike me I guess, went over the carpet 3 times.
So I commented that the carpet was bubbling up in some spot. Which he has no defense for, other than how could you possibly tie it back to the cleaning? After all, it never did that when I clean the carpet.

So I waited.

Waited until the time was just right. AKA, the next time Jeff was steam cleaning to catch him in the act. It took a while, but I finally managed to catch him in the act. Apparently, Jeff wasn't familiar with the set up of the steam vac and how the trigger switch dispenses the water and you should release it to suck up the dirty water. I (not very subtlely) pointed that out to him and got an, "UH!" for me efforts. But the look on his face was enough to make that UH mean.

AND HOW THE HECK WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT WHEN THIS THING DIDN'T HAVE AN INSTRUCTION BOOK!

And so these are the kinds of things that I wonder about teaching my kids. Gone are the days when your education can be measured by your knowledge of multiplication tables, state capitals, and president. Now you are expected to understand how to program all the electronic devices in your house with just your phone, stay up to date on the statuses of friends on facebook and twitter, and know all the local gossip before you've even talked to a person face to face in the morning.

How is a parent to keep up with common sense? Will my girls be mocked if I teach them how to cook, clean, and sew before they go to college? Do they get bragging rights if they are the only girls in their dorms who know how? Or will they just be weird?

And let me ask . . .did anyone teach you how to mop? steam clean a carpet? sew? What about ironing a dress shirt? Folding a fitted sheet? Pick out fresh produce?

I suppose rather than having to admit you don't know how to do a common sense task, you can just watch a video on YouTube these days.

But I bet I can still recall most of the state capitals faster than you can google them on your smart phone.

Lessons Over!

I'm so relieved!

My first lesson in being the proverbial soccer mom is FINALLY OVER! Alaina's last summer dance class was tonight.

Hopefully things get a little easier the older Kayla gets. Actually, it has gotten significantly better in just the 6 weeks that Alaina has been in dance class, so I have high hopes of a peaceful transition from summer activities to actual 'after school' activities.

Kayla has entered that magical period of the two year old. I didn't seem to experience a terrible twos with Alaina (or is that Mom-nesia?) mostly because I was so thrilled with her language development that this was my favorite stage.

Kayla was so frustrated with me at the dance studio because I thought she was yelling "cars" and me when she was yelling "Colors!" because she wanted me to list color for her to repeat back to me.

To celebrate her new found love of colors, I trimmed and painted the girls finger and toe nails when we got home.

And Alaina showed Kayla how to dry her toe nails by blowing on them . . .


After that, the girls laid down together in the "guest bed" in Kayla's room together for the second night in a row. I don't know how long this stage of happily going to bed together will last, but they are so thrilled that I let them share a bed that they didn't make a single noise all night long last night.

And do you recognize my Sparkle Bear that you got me for Christmas years ago, Mimi?


And since Alaina just came down to tell me she had a bad dream (in less than 20 minutes? Yeah right . . .) I'm off to put her back to bed.

Hope to see you tomorrow Mimi!

Busy Little Bees

Behold the power of rural life! See how one short trip home can turn this . . . .Into this!

That's right! The Farmer's wave!

No matter who is driving toward you
no matter if you recognize the driver or not

At least two of the digits on your dominant driving hand (because NO ONE drives at 10 and 2 in the country unless you are over 75 years old) will hop off of the steering wheel to greet the other driver as you pass.

Anything less would be downright rude!

And it must be reading Mindee's blog that has made me all nostalgic to go out and pick one of these bad boys . . ..

THAT'S RIGHT! I got me a tassel!

There happened to be a detasseling crew a few miles from the house so I hopped right out and grabbed a tassel for myself.

Then I hopped right back in the air conditioned vehicle since it was already 83 degrees and rising at 9:30 am! But I probably could have handled myself pretty well if they let me ride the carriers (frankly I have no idea what they are officially called) but since I was already too tall to ride one when I was 12, I probably haven't shrunk enough to get a trip on one yet.

And why did I head back to the farm for the weekend? The girls and myself headed back to help mom get her house post-surgery ready.

Yep, Mom went in to have her SIXTH hip replacement surgery today and 3 things:
1) Yes, I do mean sixth and I'd sum it up by saying it stemmed from a childhood accident.
2) and she came out of it like a champ and is recovery nicely as of 2 hours ago.
3) She WAS Wonder Woman in her last life.

Back to the present.

To thank me for my help, she surprised me with a gift which was totally not necessary, but check it out!!!!

I love me some Rachel Ray! Mom know exactly how much I love kitchen gadgets and I think she loves shopping for them so much that she tries extra hard to find reasons to give me the treasures that she finds. WHICH IS AWESOME!

These plus my lovely Emeril Legassi pans and my Alton Brown salt cellar make me feel like a Food Network Cooking star when I cook at home. And if you recognize all of those name, YOU ARE AWESOME!

Or a cooking nerd like me.

You pick.

Sigh.

I'll have to go with cooking nerd for myself because I just had to include a picture of my salt cellar that I STILL cannot believe my Sister in Law found for me for Christmas years ago. Much love to you out in Denver my beloved SIL! (Sorry Brother, she gets all the credit for that gift. . .)

I can't include a picture of Mom's house and the progress we made, because whenever I come back to help with the house, it like waging a war against time. To illustrate what we are up against, here is a story problem.

Mimi is a pre-school teacher. She is a thrifty soul, and knows that she can save X amount of dollars by utilizing toys she purchased for her own children over the years in the classroom. Mimi had 4 children in 3 years (a set of twins) which means there was a fair share of toys to chose from.
Now to up the stakes:
From the age of 12 -18, EACH of the 4 children participated in no less that 10 different clubs, sports teams, academic groups or the like while in high school. Requiring that Mimi and Papa spend nearly every weekend and weeknight driving to and from other small town to see these children do their activities which they did without complaining. (And nope they aren't saints yet, but I have sent in their application)

Mimi and Papa also helped move her parents, in laws, and children in no less than 2 dozen separate moves since 1994, typically resulting in a surge of items onto their property for "holding" purposes that never seem to be taken off layaway.

Now take how much stuff you think that might be, multiply it by two weddings and four grandchildren and then increase exponentially by the fact that during Mimi's theoretical downtime in the summer she usually does Vacation Bible school, Summer school and helps Papa with Farming?

Did you factor in the hidden reference to 5 previous hip replacements?

Yup. You get A LOT of stuff. And while it seems to leave the rest of the family shaking their heads at how the house go to that point, I just nod and smile at the fact that my parents happily put everything aside for whatever we were interested in at the time.

Which reminds me. I need to thank Mom and Dad for never telling me I couldn't do something just because they didn't have time to chauffeur me around. . .

And to make you smile . . .

Here's the Towel Elephant that welcomed Mom to her Hospital room this afternoon.

P.S. I did STOP to take the picture while driving . . . . : )

A love letter . . .and a quick review.

This is a love letter to those that have helped contribute to a special part of me.

My sewing. I LOVE to sew. And even though I don't get as much time as I like to make clothes and costumes for myself and my family, whenever I squeeze in the time, I feel so rewarded and proud of myself.

So this is a love letter to Grams, who started things off my crocheting my baby blanket and teaching me how to crochet myself when I got older.

And to my Mother. Who taught me to sew and even let us pick out fabrics and patterns even when we she had no time to sew for herself anymore.

And to Donna, who I worked for in the Costume Shop at college. I've never had a better job in my life and would give anything to be able to work for you again!

Because with what you have all taught me, my sister and I get to do this.
Say hello to Bellatrix Lestrange and Professor/Head Master Severus Snape from Harry Potter.

My sister and I went to the Midnight release of the final Harry Potter movie last night and celebrated in style! Stacey was a hit in her Snape costume and wore that nasty looking scowl all night and STILL had people repeatedly ask to have their picture taken with her.

And with a tip of my hat to my sister for her great character work, I am going to claim all credit for the costume itself, but cheers to you for finding some great shoes! : )


And then to make me feel even better about what I do . . .

This morning when I finally rolled out of bed, I asked Alaina what she wants to be for Halloween this year. (Because it is never too early to start planning.) And can you guess which Princess she said?

Trick question! None of them! Because my daughter wants to be . . . .

The Mad Hatter!



I guess when she grows up she wants to be just like Mommy.

Now with all that said about the main reason I go to Midnight movies. . . a note on my love of Harry Potter.

I love Harry Potter. Ever since I was a student aide in college and the 6th grade teacher handed me the first book to read. I have loved him.

The writing is clever and entertaining and the characters are lovable, hate-able and everything in between.

But mostly I love Harry Potter because never in the history of books, have 7 novels inspired so many children to read. As long and the topics are vulgar and tell them to do evil things, how could you deny your child when they BEG to read a book?

I know that the sorcery topic has always been touchy, but the main moral of the story is still good versus evil and has so many other life lessons such as coping with the death of loved ones and how to deal with bullies. And I like that because they use word and wands for magic, even if the kids act out the 'fights' there is no hand to hand combat. : )

Now to the movie. I cannot believe how dark this movie was. The effect were AMAZING! And while I wasn't really impressed with Seeing Alice in Wonderland and Avatar in 3D I have to admit that I really enjoyed seeing Harry Potter in a 3D setting.

I thought that Voldermort was going to shove his wand right up my nose. . . : )

So this is a definite must see in the theater for me, and if you enjoy 3D, I highly recommend the 3D version as well.

(But please be aware that the B-word is said in the movie once, so try not to cringe or gasp like I did. The movie is rated PG-13 for a reason.)

Update #1

Pretty much the first thing to note is that Alaina and Kayla have both had a birthday celebration in the last 2 months. I celebrated by making another doll cake, and while the cake was a little dark (CURSE YOU OVEN FROM THE 70s!) I added a package of fruit punch KoolAid to the buttercream frosting I made and it was Delicious! And might I add that fruit punch frosting is the perfect color for Sleeping Beauty's dress.

Pardon the dark hue, my flash was on the fritz as usual.

I must mention that it still irks me that Disney now puts Sleeping Beauty in a PINK dress when I durn well know that fairy Merriweather got the last laugh and made the dress blue in the movie.

Stupid Marketing executives . . . .must be the same people that got rid of the Betty Rubble vitamin in the Flinstones Vitamins because she looked too much like Wilma.



Alaina once again took swimming lessons this summer and moved up to the Eel class. I enjoyed watching her 'save' her teacher by nearly beaning her in the head with a flotation device and reeling her in like a fish.
We also dabbled in dance class. Alaina is taking a combo ballet, creative movement, and tap class and has really been enjoying it. Kayla had enjoyed watching mommy fill up the van with toys in my efforts to keep her entertained Monday - Wednesday while sister is in her classes. Thank goodness the summer is nearly over!

And do you remember Kitty? Well that's all we can do as Kitty decided on a lovely day in March that she no longer wanted to be a part of the household and left for parts unknown. We pretty much knew this day was coming, because she couldn't seem to shake her farm cat attitude and got a little feral if we denied her some 'outdoor playtime' every day.
And how about Pixie do you remember her? Well, Pixie was a little lonely after Kitty opted out, so we took a trip to the Humane Society to take advantage of their 'free adoption' in the month of June. After filling out a questionnaire on our family and preferences for pets we found our match in the first pet they brought out to meet us so everyone meet

Snickers!

I would like to mention that when you ask for the oldest cat they have at the Humane Society, you get a two year old cat (Ha!) And that 'free' adoption cost us $40 at the Humane Society, and another $40 at our vet because you are required to take them in for a checkup within THREE DAYS of bringing them home.

Snickers gets along well in our house, despite that fact that she has protested in a stinky style to the fact that we did not have a litter box on the main level of our house (boo, Snickers). But what else can you do but love a cat that lets your daughters yanks on its tail, cover it with blankets and pick it up and carry it around with out a single bite or scratch?

And I forgive you Snickers for dragging my knitting bag off with your teeth and trying to chew your way through to the yarn. . . .

Back from the land of Far Far Away

Any sane person knows that it's okay to tear up a little at sad movies, only a person made of stone wouldn't tear up at a Nicolas Sparks movie, but I finally decided that bawling while watching "Interview with the Vampire" might just not be healthy, so I dragged myself down to the doctor for a visit.

Listing my symptoms was fun, because how do you explain that you've been having them for 10 months, but they never seemed bad enough to warrant a trip to the doctor?
I used fancy words and phrases like 'listlessness, trouble focusing and prone to crying at pretty much everything" because how else do you gloss over the fact that you feel depressed, but not depressed enough to say "I'm feeling depressed."
So after a brief discussion that referenced B12 replacement, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-depression drugs, and thyroid tests, my lovely doctor and I decided to try changing my birth control pills first to see if that might help. Why that first you ask? Did I not mention that I've been breaking out so bad that I feel like a 17 year old before prom?
So she checked my current pill.

and then she had to go get a reference manual because she didn't recall exactly what hormones were in my current pill off the top of her head.

And then she had to call the help line because she couldn't find my pill listed in her thick book.

And THEN she came back and APOLOGIZED.
Because apparently I've been on a pill designed for women who are nursing and typically isn't effective for regular women.

Instead of being pissed, I'm just hoping that in 3 weeks I don't look like an ad for ProActive anymore and can watch the local news without crying.
And while I try to compose something witty for my next post, I welcome y'all back with a few pics of my lovely ladies.

Happy Birthday to US!

Its been 30 years, and you are still cooler than me . . .when's it my turn? : )