Dear Son,
Your father and I were talking tonight about the small fortune we have spent on you over the years. There has been much done to correct some educational lagging and also to give you great experiences. I was wondering if we should curtail some of our cash outflow with the concern that you might grow to think you have an entitlement to things considered by some to be "extras". After a lengthy and animated discussion I realized a few things; first, you have no idea how much we spend on various activities in which you take part and second, I would spend all I have to give you every opportunity in life.
I am growing up as a parent. (I'll bet you thought I was all grown-up.) I am comprehending now that you are really growing up too. I see you for the first time as the individual you truly are. Until this time, you were a child who needed to be parented. Now I am excited to see that you have interests. Mature interests. I feel excitement that you truly will choose a path of your very own. It is with this new found emotion that I conscientiously commit to encourage you in everything worthwhile that you wish to undertake.
I have been unsure as to how grand I should make my support. I realize now that because your father and I can give you great opportunity, you have an even greater chance to become great. I don't mean being the President of the United States or an studio executive. I mean a good, kind man who influences all he meets. I hope and pray that through your young life I will be able to offer you opportunity that will give you a unique and deep perspective on the world. I pray that you will learn empathy and hope, kindness and faith and also a powerful humility. I am grateful to know that God sent you here to do something in this world and I am equally grateful to know that I can help you discover your path to that end. It is my sincerest wish that you grow to achieve the greatness within you.
All my love,
Mom
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Olds West Wisdom
My friend and I are working on a door decoration for our children's teacher. It's our annual teacher appreciation week and every teacher get their door decorated. This year's theme is "Our Teachers are the Best in the West!" In an effort to plan something really cute, I've been researching old west sayings. Here's some of the wisdom I have found from those old cowboys!
There's no place 'round the campfire for a quitter's blanket.
Tossin' your rope before buildin' a loop don't ketch the calf.
Polishing your pants on saddle leather don't make you a rider.
A closed mouth gathers no boots.
Don't name a cow you plan to eat.
Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Life is not about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.
Keep skunks, lawyers, and bankers at a distance.
Life is simpler when you plough around the stump.
Forgive your enemies. It messes with their heads.
Don't sell your mule to buy a plough.
Don't corner something meaner than you.
It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.
When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
Most of the stuff people worry about never happens.
Don't squat with your spurs on.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Don't interfere with something that ain't botherin' you none.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
It's better to be a has-been than a never-was.
A wink's as good as a nod to a blind mule.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
There never was a horse that couldn't be rode, there never was a rider that couldn't be throwed.
When in doubt, let your horse figure it out.
Behind every successful rancher is a wife who works in town.
He's all hat and no cattle.
Never hire the people you drink with.
A man afoot is no man at all.
When a bad man dies he either goes to hell or the Pecos.
A good fence should be pig tight, horse high, and bull strong.
Only a fool argues with skunk, a mule, or a cook.
It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.
Any hoss's tail kin ketch cockleburs.
Wide open spaces don't breed no chatterboxes.
You can never tell which way the pickle's goin' to squirt.
If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
Always drink upstream from the herd.
Don't worry about bitin' off more'n you can chew; your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger'n you think.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then, to make sure it's still there with ya.
There's two theories to arguin' with a woman. Neither one works.
A pair of six-shooters beats a pair of aces.
An angry bull is less dangerous than an angry woman.
Every cowboy thinks he knows more than every other cowboy. But the only thing they all know for sure is when's payday and where's grub."
An old timer is a man who's had a lot of interesting experiences -- some of them true.
Only a buzzard feeds on his friends.
Speak your mind, but ride a fast horse.
Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction.
A cow outfit's never better than its hosses.
No one but cattle know why they stampede and the ain't talking.
You'll never break a horse if you stay sittin' on the fence.
Never drink unless you're alone or with somebody.
You can judge a man by the hoss he rides.
A full house divided don't win no pots.
When a cowboy's too old to set a bad example, he hands out good advice.
A bronc rider should be light in the head and heavy in the seat.
Letting the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back in.
There's no place 'round the campfire for a quitter's blanket.
Tossin' your rope before buildin' a loop don't ketch the calf.
Polishing your pants on saddle leather don't make you a rider.
A closed mouth gathers no boots.
Don't name a cow you plan to eat.
Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Life is not about how fast you run, or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.
Keep skunks, lawyers, and bankers at a distance.
Life is simpler when you plough around the stump.
Forgive your enemies. It messes with their heads.
Don't sell your mule to buy a plough.
Don't corner something meaner than you.
It don't take a very big person to carry a grudge.
When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.
Most of the stuff people worry about never happens.
Don't squat with your spurs on.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Don't interfere with something that ain't botherin' you none.
Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.
It's better to be a has-been than a never-was.
A wink's as good as a nod to a blind mule.
If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.
There never was a horse that couldn't be rode, there never was a rider that couldn't be throwed.
When in doubt, let your horse figure it out.
Behind every successful rancher is a wife who works in town.
He's all hat and no cattle.
Never hire the people you drink with.
A man afoot is no man at all.
When a bad man dies he either goes to hell or the Pecos.
A good fence should be pig tight, horse high, and bull strong.
Only a fool argues with skunk, a mule, or a cook.
It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.
Any hoss's tail kin ketch cockleburs.
Wide open spaces don't breed no chatterboxes.
You can never tell which way the pickle's goin' to squirt.
If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
Always drink upstream from the herd.
Don't worry about bitin' off more'n you can chew; your mouth is probably a whole lot bigger'n you think.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lotta that comes from bad judgment.
If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then, to make sure it's still there with ya.
There's two theories to arguin' with a woman. Neither one works.
A pair of six-shooters beats a pair of aces.
An angry bull is less dangerous than an angry woman.
Every cowboy thinks he knows more than every other cowboy. But the only thing they all know for sure is when's payday and where's grub."
An old timer is a man who's had a lot of interesting experiences -- some of them true.
Only a buzzard feeds on his friends.
Speak your mind, but ride a fast horse.
Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction.
A cow outfit's never better than its hosses.
No one but cattle know why they stampede and the ain't talking.
You'll never break a horse if you stay sittin' on the fence.
Never drink unless you're alone or with somebody.
You can judge a man by the hoss he rides.
A full house divided don't win no pots.
When a cowboy's too old to set a bad example, he hands out good advice.
A bronc rider should be light in the head and heavy in the seat.
Letting the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back in.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Whoa!!
Had a magnificent morning where, as fortune would have it, I ended up with all four children in school at the same time! I had a two and a half hour window that over lapped between kindergarten and preschool. In their absence I was determined to make the most of my solo morning.
I managed to get myself to the temple and after I was finished there it was as though time stood still. The day is bright, clear and warm and I found myself driving a little slower, taking things in. Sometimes it is good to go slow!
I managed to get myself to the temple and after I was finished there it was as though time stood still. The day is bright, clear and warm and I found myself driving a little slower, taking things in. Sometimes it is good to go slow!
Friday, April 16, 2010
FRIDAY SHAWTY!
So here's a little something to get you laughing for the weekend. These videos (Auto Tune The News) are my new favorite thing, I laugh so hard I cry. A good way to start out the weekend.
Disclaimer: There is one naughty word. Maybe watch when kids aren't around.
Disclaimer: There is one naughty word. Maybe watch when kids aren't around.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
A Question
What is it to continue? Really? Beyond the idea of faith and the long ago uttered promise to be faithful? Is it austerity, seriousness? Is it deprivation? In the middle is it acceptance? At the height it must be peace and joy. What does it say about a human who wakes up each morning and is...in spite of the outside force? What does it say about a human who becomes something else, something better, because she woke up. Because all that took place in the days, weeks, months and years before prepared her for that day?
What a great determination we have, us humans, to take the test. To become, or at least work for, the ultimate "me". Recognizing in each day it's greatness even when there is none to be seen. Perspective perhaps? It is more than physical movement. Reaction?
To continue could quite simply be; "what will you choose today?".
What a great determination we have, us humans, to take the test. To become, or at least work for, the ultimate "me". Recognizing in each day it's greatness even when there is none to be seen. Perspective perhaps? It is more than physical movement. Reaction?
To continue could quite simply be; "what will you choose today?".
Advantage; Age!
So my Belgian found some pictures of me in high school which led to a discussion about boyfriends and dating. When I told him that my boyfriend in my Junior year of High School dumped me, he nonchalantly said "so you lost".
With great effort to remain calm, I said simply; "That's interesting, you don't know anything about him and you automatically think I lost".
"Well, yeah."
"Really? You are such a male chauvinist! He was cheating on me. He was a jerk and he was frustrated because I wouldn't have sex with him. But because he dumped me, I'm the loser? Nice."
Or, the discussion we had about the fact that I was in my Senior year of high school when he was born. His response; "Wow, you're old!" (I won't totally throw him under the bus, he was smiling when he said it.)
My response; "I know, it's amazing I'm still alive."
These conversations made me think how grateful I am for my parents willingness to let me live. I'm not sure how you get through parenthood without wanting to strangle your child then they say dumb*** stuff like this! (And I know I said a lot of stupid stuff.)
I don't know what's worse, listening to stupid comments or realizing you made a few too many yourself. Ugh.
With great effort to remain calm, I said simply; "That's interesting, you don't know anything about him and you automatically think I lost".
"Well, yeah."
"Really? You are such a male chauvinist! He was cheating on me. He was a jerk and he was frustrated because I wouldn't have sex with him. But because he dumped me, I'm the loser? Nice."
Or, the discussion we had about the fact that I was in my Senior year of high school when he was born. His response; "Wow, you're old!" (I won't totally throw him under the bus, he was smiling when he said it.)
My response; "I know, it's amazing I'm still alive."
These conversations made me think how grateful I am for my parents willingness to let me live. I'm not sure how you get through parenthood without wanting to strangle your child then they say dumb*** stuff like this! (And I know I said a lot of stupid stuff.)
I don't know what's worse, listening to stupid comments or realizing you made a few too many yourself. Ugh.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Hat in Hand
So, you may have noticed that I have monetized my blog. I consider this the equivalent of placing an empty top hat on the sidewalk in front of my posts shamelessly asking for a coin or two. Really, I'm pandering! I guess it's just morbid curiosity to see if I could actually make one dollar. At one cent a click, I'll be rich in no time.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Get Away Oath
I'm off to sunny Arizona this weekend, going to visit my sister. Between the economy and our weather, I need either medication or a good dose of sun. Sun is cheaper.
I will now take the "get away oath"; "I (Lula Mae) do solemnly swear that I will not squander my brief vacation. I will begin/read at least one novel of my choosing and stay up late talking with my sister about topics ranging from the benign to life changing. I will take pictures! I will give extra hugs to my children and twirl at least one child in a circle on any day(s) that may inspire such behavior. I will see something new. I will thank God each night for the blessings of family, distraction and the beauty of the earth."
I will now take the "get away oath"; "I (Lula Mae) do solemnly swear that I will not squander my brief vacation. I will begin/read at least one novel of my choosing and stay up late talking with my sister about topics ranging from the benign to life changing. I will take pictures! I will give extra hugs to my children and twirl at least one child in a circle on any day(s) that may inspire such behavior. I will see something new. I will thank God each night for the blessings of family, distraction and the beauty of the earth."
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