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October 30, 2008

Double Talk

This is hilarious, and really captures how I feel about politics right now. (HT to King Pen for this link)

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:59 AM | Comments (1)

October 29, 2008

Learning It The Hard Way. Again.

I know this is so VERY hard to believe, so please, do try to stretch your imagination to envision it, but once upon a time, I didn't have my life very figured out at all.

I'll give you a moment. I know what a huge shock this must be.

Okay. Still with me?

I remember, very vividly, the struggle I had as the demands of motherhood began to mount. Especially going from two children to three-- that was the real kicker for me. I fought almost daily, trying to figure out how to hold on to my identity. Trying to figure out even what it was anymore. I didn't realize that I had been living with a completely false idea of what would make me happy. I thought, if I had more time to myself, more opportunity to be creative, more moments to "define" myself outside of my roles as wife and mother, then I'd be a self-actualized, self-fulfilled person. Not that I didn't want to be a mom and wife. But I thought if I didn't struggle hard enough to define myself outside of those things, then I'd just be... well, nothing. Empty. I'd be like a robot, just idling until the next thing was required of me. I felt like the more God asked of me, the less there was left.

So I fought really hard.

Continue reading "Learning It The Hard Way. Again."

Posted by WonderGirl at 8:00 AM | Comments (7)

Grocery Game Confession.

I have to admit, there's a fine line between stockpiling, and hoarding. And I came close to crossing it tonight.

But, y'all!

How could I pass up Children's Advil, regularly $6.99, on sale and with my coupons, for $1.99? I mean, wouldn't it be less sane of me NOT to buy ten boxes of that? With four kids, we'll use it all, eventually. I have saved Future Me lots of money, right? And when the Future Kiddos get Future Fevers, I can Futurely Treat them!

It all makes perfect sense, see?

Nobody better be writing a letter to Oprah right now about me.

(By the way, that works out to be a savings of $50. Now go on, delete that letter. That's a new pair of shoes for Mama. No way is that crazy.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:01 AM | Comments (4)

October 27, 2008

Unnecessary Photo Documentation of What Came in the Mail Today

So, today I've got something going on with my throat. It's actually been bothering me for the last few mornings, and then finally today, it didn't get better as the day rolled on. It's gotten to the point where I'm better off not talking. So, I've been whispering, gesturing, and ignoring. (Ha.) It's remarkable how odd it has made the day, though. Very peculiar. I am not sure if I'm coming down with a viral sore throat or what (hopefully NOT strep?!) I've got a red, raw throat, and bumps, and my tongue feels really thick and tender. Lymph nodes are swollen as well, and there's no way I could eat anything. But I'm not coughing. So, I don't know. We'll see.

Oh, wait, you didn't want a complete, graphic rundown of my physical status? No pictures of the inside of my throat for your expert diagnosis? Fine then. I'll just move on to another, less gross, much more adorable, topic. How about what came in the mail today? (Oh, don't look so excited. You might hurt yourself!)

My wool felt: (look at all those pretty colors! Aren't they scrumptious?)

And my Softies book, which turned out to be a kit:

It's a box that opens up, with an instruction manual:

And then individual cards with instructions for each of the 15 projects:

It even included some wool felt, embroidery floss, stuffing, and patterns:

Doesn't it look fun? Don't you hope I'm making you one of these for Christmas? I mean, who doesn't want a cute little ice cream pie guy for the holidays?

As a matter of fact, some ice cream would be great on my throat right now. Watch out, little buddy.

Anyway.

That's enough rambling from here. Happy Monday, folks. Hope everybody has a good 'un.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:59 PM | Comments (5)

October 24, 2008

When Pumpkins Attack

So yesterday's post was a bit heavy, I know. Politics, torture, 9/11-- I can't imagine why nobody wants to talk about that stuff! Ha!

The thing is, you can take a little of that, but not too much. And lately, I've probably had too much. It's been a hobby for the last couple of months (or, as King Pen kindly observes, an obsession), and I have probably reached my saturation point. I'll be so glad when this election is over, yeah?

We're carving our pumpkins today. King Pen suggested a big pumpkin eating a smaller one. I countered with the little pumpkin sitting on top of the big one, and the big one looking up at him cross-eyed. My idea was met with what I think was excessive disdain. Hmf. See what I get for trying to keep things G rated round here? I get no respect. Fine. Let's carve up some cannibal pumpkins, but YOU'RE the one who's getting up when they have evil gourd nightmares. I'm just sayin'.

Let's see... what else? We took the week off for fall break. Everybody else was doing it... I do feel a little guilty about it, though. The kids were in Monroe from Monday to Wednesday, because I had a dentist appointment Tuesday. I have no babysitters here, nada. So they took the opportunity to visit Mama Sue and Daddy Walt, and had a ball. And I had three fantabulous days to myself. I cleaned, rearranged furniture, stripped a bookshelf, sewed, and shopped. Oh, and King Pen and I got to go jogging, together. That hasn't happened in about 10 years! We have to take turns, ya know, since our children require adult supervision. They're so needy. So it was a treat to go together!

The dentist appointment, mm, not so good. I have major work that must be done over the next year, and that royally STINKS. But, c'est le vie. I am just glad to have the bad news over and done with, and now I can move on with it. I did like the dentist though- he was really nice. As a matter of fact, judging from his behavior, I might be his new favorite client! I guess you give your HIGHEST PAYING CUSTOMERS the royal treatment, yeah?

We have Reformation Sunday coming up at church. It's a joint service with another Reformed Baptist church from a nearby town. We'll have worship together, and dinner, and the kids could dress up like Reformers if they wanted to. Which basically means, they could wear brown robes. I think we'll pass. I mean, I don't want to be a bad sport, but there's just not much fun in the 1500 ecclesiastical ensemble. And I can guarantee that they won't want to stand up in front of the church and tell what Reformer they are. Whew!

See... I don't know. I get the whole fall festival, halloween alternative, reformation day thing. I understand WHY people shy away from Halloween. I don't think they need to do that, but that's a different post. But my GOODNESS. If they want to compete-- if they want to win out over the cultural celebration-- then ya gotta make it something AWESOME. 'Cause, forgive me, but dressing up like a Reformer and reciting the 95 Thesis doesn't seem quite as exciting as dressing up like Batman and getting loads of candy. But maybe that's just me. It just seems like so many churches say, "We can offer so much more than this pagan holiday!" and then they sort of don't deliver.

Yowch.

I should probably end here, before I get myself in trouble!

Ya'll have a good weekend... see ya Monday. And y'all, be careful of the pumpkins out there. Especially ours.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:48 AM | Comments (3)

October 23, 2008

WWJD? Well, Not This.

A lot on my mind these days, and none of it fits nicely in a bullet point list.

Caught an HBO documentary the other day called "Taxi to the Dark Side". (Not to be confused with "Taxi Cab Confessions". Ew.) This show chronicled the events following 9/11 concerning US interrogation techniques at Abu Ghraib, Bagram and Guantanamo Bay. And basically, how we abandoned the Geneva Convention, and brutalized human beings until finally the Supreme Court stopped the madness. It wasn't until June of this year that the first detainee was granted habeas corpus rights.

I knew it was bad. I mean, I've seen those pictures, I've heard the stories. But, until I saw it all systematically laid out like that, it didn't really penetrate. I know there aren't many Bush supporters left out there-- he's made it VERY difficult to stay on that bandwagon, conservative or not. But if there are any of you out there, please understand that I am not trying to offend you. And if you want to defend him, then you're welcome to it. But what he did, what he allowed to happen to these people in custody of the US Government-- was wrong. Atrocious. And it's not just that he allowed it-- oh no, it wasn't that passive. He is the one, along with Donald Rumsfield, that pushed for less restraint in interrogations. He's the one that included waterboarding, something that the entire rest of the world considers torture. Not to mention the sexual abuse, the dehumanization, the physical and mental torture of these people.

I cannot understand how a man who calls himself Christian, perpetuated some of the greatest indignities and tortures inflicted on another human in our country's history. I simply cannot resolve it in my mind. I know how fearful a time it was, how desperate we were for information, how much we wanted to prevent another terrorist act. But even with all that, there has to be a line we won't cross, no matter what it costs us, especially those of us who call ourselves Christians. We abandoned the Geneva Convention, no small thing. It's a code that the whole world has agreed to abide by, because we are a civilized race. It upholds the value of life, all life, friend or foe! It says, there are certain atrocities NO human deserves, no matter what the situation, be he an ally or enemy. How quickly we tossed it aside, when it stood in our way. Where is the global tribunal? Why wasn't Bush held accountable for violating the G.C.?

It bears thinking, how far would we have gone to get the information we wanted? Under the whole mindset of that moment, why not bring in their families, and torture them, too? Their children, wives? That would have gotten them talking, don't ya think? Nothing was stopping us. We needed to protect ourselves. How much more would we have justified in order to protect American soil?

When Bush was finally ordered by the Supreme Court to reign it in, and told him he must abide by the Geneva Convention, he created a loophole for himself. He quickly passed legislation that said basically, "yes, but it will be according to my own interpretation of those edicts- oh, and while we're at it, I and those in my administration can't be charged with ANY WAR CRIMES now or in the future." He pardoned HIMSELF, people. No joke.

I don't think I am overly idealistic. I do not intend for known terrorists or enemy combatants to have a cozy little stay with us. I do not love terrorists, and I do not hate America. I am not being unpatriotic. And don't dare tell me to "love it or leave it" because that is in NO way the Biblical response to these kinds of issues! (grr!!) All that being said, I do understand the value of intelligence gained from those we've captured. But, there are other ways. Information given under duress is BAD info. It's unreliable, much of the time completely fabricated!

There are others ways, more cumbersome, lengthy methods, but they work better, and the info isn't tainted. It's a fact, one that John McCain, with his first hand experience, has testified to before Congress. Torture doesn't work.

But, say you've exhausted all the non-torture methods, and the info has dried up. Well, that's it. It ends there! There have to be principles we will not relinquish under any circumstance. It's awful, I know. I don't want another 9/11, and neither do you. But we do what we can, within the confines of our faith. We obey God's commandments, and we trust Him. And we must elect leaders who will do the same. The alternative, well- rebellion to God's commands only leads to one end. Death. If we turn away from Him, we turn towards destruction. Individually, and as a nation.

Anyway, I realize this is a random, depressing sort of rant. But it's been weighing on me, and I don't know what else to do with it but yell it out. Being a Christian doesn't mean you've got to be PollyAnna all the time. I do not feel defeated by the battles of this world, but I am affected by them. I grieve over them. I think we who cling to justice, which comes from God, ought to be keenly aware of injustice. It is why we are here, to be light in the darkness.

You can yell, too, if you want. Maybe if there are enough of us, and we're loud enough, then this sort of thing won't happen again in our lifetime. Maybe, if we all send our next president one of those bracelets with "WWJD?" printed on it, he'll look down at his wrist and notice it the next time legislation like this is handed to him.

Because Jesus Wouldn't Do That.

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:08 PM | Comments (2)

October 20, 2008

More than Air

I'm so in love with my family these days. Oh, of course, I always love them. It's like breathing. I won't and can't stop breathing till my days are done. Breathing is an involuntary, constant motion- and that's what loving my family is like. I couldn't NOT love them even if I wanted to, anymore than I could just quit breathing for a while. I need it, can't live without it, couldn't stop it even if I tried.

But some days, it's more than breathing. Some days, the air is so sweet. Fragrant, refreshing. There are places where the air is different, and simply breathing it in is the prize. It may mean climbing a mountain, crossing cold streams, perching on rocky peaks... all to taste that potent air, so rich and full. When you're there, you breathe deeply. Slowly. It's more than a biological function - it is a communion of the the senses. That's where I am right now. I am in a special season, of almost constant joy. I breathe fully, taking it in and holding it until I can't anymore. The moments with my children standout in such clarity, such heartbreaking tenderness, or innocence, or mirth. They are a sudden, brisk wind that blows on my face, and my breath catches at it's touch. It seizes me, grabbing my attention-- and I can't look anywhere but at them, and marvel at how wonderful this life is.

I know, it is a gift. I know, there will be other seasons, when breathing is harder. I know there are deserts. Places where the air scorches, and we must breathe shallow, painful gasps. But that is not now. No, now is the time for breathing- for tasting and seeing- that the Lord is good. It is a time of abundance and delight. My cup overflows, my heart is full, the air is cool and pure.

Seasons, they come and go. I pray this one stays, and stays, and stays some more. But while there is air to move beyond my lips, no matter how sweet or bitter, then I will thank Him for it.

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul."

He leaned down, gave me breath, gave me love, gave me life.

What else can I do, but sigh back in thanksgiving, praising him with the very breath He gave?

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:23 AM | Comments (4)

October 17, 2008

Just for Joy

So, my Etsy store has been a little quiet lately. I've been doing some things by commission, so it's not exactly reflective of the amount of business I'm actually doing. But, still, it's slowed down some. Which is fine by me. I am realizing this will be more of a summer and holiday business, because schooling and mothering takes up a great deal of my day.

I've got some really lovely material waiting to be turned into slings, and I'm eager to see how they turn out. I've begun experimenting with different color palettes and ribbons and things on my tote bags. I even tried my hand at embroidery for the first time on a pillow for my mom's birthday. (It came out a bit childish, but she said she liked it. Just like that popsicle house I made her that time in Girl Scouts.) I have plans for some fall dresses for Czarina, some personalized gifts for Christmas, and some items for my own home. All these projects allow me to indulge my creative side and be practical at the same time. I'm glad for that. I'll take it where I can get it.

While there are lots of ideas churning around in my mind, and my hands are itching to get to them, I have to admit, there is one project that is solely, completely, just for fun. And it's the one I am most excited- no, I'm downright GIDDY about. And that is learning how to create things from wool felt. I ordered a multipack color set, and two books from Amazon about Japanese felting. Here's the kind of stuff I'm talking about:

Once I get the technique down, I know this is something I could really, really love. I'm sure I could sell them in some form or give them as gifts, but I have to confess that's not why I want to learn how to make them. I just want to because they are SO UNBELIEVABLY CUTE. There are endless possibilities to the cuteness.

And, folks, it's nice to do something just 'cause you want to. Not because you have to, need to, ought to, or anything else. Just for the joy of it. Simply for the pleasure it brings you. Just because it makes you smile.

We need some things in our life like that, don't you think? We need playfulness. We are so wrapped up in being efficient and sensible, which are not bad things... but not all of life is so practical. If we only let in the things that are functional, those things that pay for themselves or can be counted as sound investments of our time and money and attention... well, we miss out on so much. We need fanciful, quixotic things that serve no real purpose, except to lighten our spirits. There has to be a place within us, a small spot in the back, where we can give over to the whimsy of life.

I don't need this little owl in my life. He wouldn't save me time or money. I can't eat him, or wear him, or use him to clean something in my house. He is absolutely unnecessary in any practical sense.

But, I know I need him, for that very reason.

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:28 PM | Comments (3)

October 15, 2008

I'd Rather Have Ice Cream

Fee-diddle.

I've been torn over this upcoming election ever since Ron Paul dropped out. In my perfect world, I'd proudly put a check by his name on the ballot. He is awesome.

But it ain't happening.

As a matter of fact, the whole idea of voting third party throws me off a bit. I'm uncertain about whether to vote ideologically, or realistically. Things will NEVER change, we'll ALWAYS have a two-party system, unless we are willing to "throw away" our vote on a third party. For a while anyway, until everybody sees that voting third party is a legitimate option and could actually work, and work BETTER.

Besides, the two parties we have are both a mess, with very little actual difference between them. Somebody told me once, the only difference between the Republican and Democratic parties is about sixty years. Today's Republican looks a lot like yesterday's Democrat. And neither one looks like ME.

Suffice it to say, voting for the lesser of two evils just isn't very appealing. But neither is the feeling that if my vote can possibly help keep somebody I dislike more out of office, then it would be a shame not to use it. In my mind, one candidate is preferable to the other... but not by a very big margin.

It's like having to choose between strawberry flavored crud and chocolate flavored crud. I mean, I like chocolate better, but still. It's crud. I'd rather have ice cream. Can I ask for that, even if I know I won't get it?

Please, opine. I won't bite. With the weeks dwindling away towards the election, I hate being this uncertain... so do share your thoughts!

Third party, or lesser of two evils?

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:03 PM | Comments (10)

Milkshake: The Original Version

Adding anything else to this would just be unnecessary, as it is completely hilarious on it's own. (Thanks to King Pen, once again, for providing funny in my life.)

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:02 AM | Comments (3)

October 14, 2008

Giving Your Life

This quote comes from Brandy, who scours the net for encouraging, uplifting words for moms. She is a master of finding just the right thing I need to hear on a particular day. I really love her blog. The quote originates from this site.

Once a lady went to visit her friend. During the visit the children of the friend entered the room and began to play with each other. As the lady and her friend visited, the lady turned to her friend and said eagerly and yet with evidently no thought of the meaning of her words: "Oh, I'd give my life to have such children." The mother replied with a subdued earnestness whose quiet told of the depth of experience out of which her words came: "That's exactly what it costs."

There is a cost of motherhood. And the price is no small sum. And if you are not willing to pay this price, no amount of encouragement about the joys of motherhood will satisfy.

But the price of motherhood is not fundamentally different from the price of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. In fact, Christian mothers see their duty as mothers flowing from their calling to Jesus Christ. And what is this cost?

Christian motherhood means dedicating your entire life in service of others. It means standing beside your husband, following him, and investing in the lives of children whom you hope will both survive you and surpass you. It means forgoing present satisfaction for eternal rewards. It means investing in the lives of others who may never fully appreciate your sacrifice or comprehend the depth of your love. And it means doing all these things, not because you will receive the praise of man -- for you will not -- but because God made you to be a woman and a mother, and there is great contentment in that biblical calling.

I appreciate these words-- in a way I couldn't before I had children. Oh, I knew, it would be hard, gross even at times (and boy was I right!!). But I had no idea of the spiritual excercise that motherhood truly is. It is the hardest thing I've ever done, because it requires me to battle my selfish nature every single day. There is no doubt, motherhood is a blessing, children are a gift from God. But beyond the tender moments, the Mother's Day cards and macaroni necklaces, the blessing can come in the form of potential, possibility. Motherhood presents constant opportunities to grow spiritually-- you are given daily, hourly chances to self-sacrifice and bear the fruits of the spirit (kindness, gentleness, self-control). Sometimes, I fail miserably-- I am so far from patience or meekness that it's sad. But the blessing continues, and I'll have another chance to work on that, in fifteen seconds flat.

I needed to be a mom. My soul needed it. God knew it, and gave me four amazing children who help me to work out my salvation every day. It's hard work, but everything that's worth something is. Motherhood costs a life, but it gives you one, too.

Anyway, just a few thoughts on a midmorning Tuesday. On to the day.

Posted by WonderGirl at 11:29 AM | Comments (2)

A Monet Life

little splotches of life, random splashes,
those small, stray moments of here and now

i take them,
arrange them,
blending this instant with that,

blurring them together
hazy daze, crazy days
till the colors run helter skelter

i step back,
taken aback
at the masterpiece before me

snaggletooths, piggyback rides,
balls, bunnies, noodle heads
brownies and airplanes up high

we look up
swept away-

at the monet of everyday

Posted by WonderGirl at 12:06 AM | Comments (1)

October 13, 2008

I Can't Think of a Non-Sacreligious Title

So I'll just post the pics.

Thanks to King Pen, I've now officially begun my collection of Santos. He spotted a bubble gum machine filled to the brim with Saints, half a buck each. Not the football team. Oh, no, this is much, much better. These are the actual, canonized saints of the church. In itty bitty collectible format.

And who can walk away from that, folks? Seriously? So, my sweet man dug two quarters out of his pocket, and brought me home some blog material. Boy, does he know the way to my heart! I've got my fingers crossed that he'll finish out the collection on Valentine's Day.

I started out big-- I got Mary. I know- you're jealous. Try not to be- that's a sin.

I'll try to recreate the moment for you. First, in the bubble. I wasn't sure what she was at first. The cloudy plastic is a veritable veil of mystery!

And here, liberated from her bubble prison! Oh the vision!

Up close, floating in a sea of white. And I just love a good pair of strong, stout hands on a woman!

It was a beautiful moment.

Next time, I'm hoping for the Virgin De Guadalupe. I hear they only made a limited number of those, though, so I'll try not to get my hopes up too high.

You can consider the above image my official Christmas list.

(That is, if I haven't jumped from the Nice List to the Naughty List with this post. I'll admit, it's borderline. But still. Hey, look! A bird! Over there!)

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:09 PM | Comments (5)

October 12, 2008

Gathered

I counted, there were twenty-seven.

That's how many people were in church today. For the last few weeks, we've been visiting a reformed Baptist church, tucked away in the country. A small, nearly impossible-to-catch sign points the way down a side road, where twenty-seven people gather on a good day to worship. Last Sunday, there were thirty-five gathered, and I overheard many amazed exclamations.

They meet in a trailer church (I didn't even know they made those but apparently they do) in a big pasture. The building is smaller than my house, and could use some loving touches, but for some reason, we are drawn to them. There is kindness there, and warmth, and people who are looking in the right direction. They don't have it all ironed out yet- they are not an established church on well-trod territory. They're still figuring out what they believe and how to express that in worship and daily life-- but they are seeking.

So, here we are, after ten months of searching ourselves, and we are starting to feel a peace about this place. It would be a completely different kind of church experience for us. We've been fortunate for our entire married life, to find churches on solid ground, ones that ministered to us and honestly, didn't need all that much in return. We've benefited from the hard work of others- those founding fathers who helped lay down the foundation of excellent churches. We've been so blessed to be a part of those congregations. It was especially helpful to me in those early years as I worked out what I believed, to be in churches with sound, steadfast teaching. But this, well this is very different. It's a fledgling body, just beginning to work out the mechanisms of reformed theology. I do not mean that in a condescending way at all- it's a beautiful thing! I am encouraged by them, by their belief that if they continue to study God's word, that He will lead them in the direction He wants them to go. How fertile a field they make themselves- how can we not want to be a part of that?

Today, there were indeed, only twenty seven. But a few weeks ago, there were only twenty one. God drew us there, six bodies that filled up a single pew. And I am certain, we are only one of many families to come-- because God blesses the willingness of His people.

We'll continue to pray about His direction in our life, but we both feel good about this church. Now that we're getting past the unknown visitor stage, we're hoping to learn more about them as a congregation and denomination... and maybe, God willing, we'll have found our church home.

S'good. Because the gypsy life... we'll, she's not for me. I just wanna go home.

Posted by WonderGirl at 2:59 PM | Comments (1)

October 9, 2008

Refreshing.

HeroBoy, asking for a piece of the gum King Pen and I were chewing the other day, extolled the wonders of peppermint. "It makes your voice smell so good!" he said.

It certainly does.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:27 AM | Comments (1)

Costumology

Well, it's that time of year again. Whoohoo! Halloween! This year, Czarina wants to be a Chinese Fighting Girl (which I love). She's got an authentic outfit from her uncle picked up on his travels to China, and I'm going to maker her a mask. HeroBoy wants to be Darth Vader, despite never seeing a single Star Wars movie. The Duke wants to be Batman, which is cute and easy because we already have half of that costume floating around here somewhere. And Chipmunk is completely at my mercy. Haven't decided on him yet, but I'm feeling creative. I wanna have fun with his, before he insists on being SpiderMan or a Power Ranger.

And of course, there's MY costume. What to be, what to be?

We'll trick-or-treat (cause we do that) Friday night in Monroe with some cousins, and then on Saturday, attend an All-Saint's Day Country Fair. It's going to be a GREAT weekend! Oh how I love October!

So, costumes. What are your kids gonna be-- and will you dress up, too? Do tell!!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:18 AM | Comments (8)

October 7, 2008

Video Links

SNL had a really hilarious skit this past weekend about the Bail Out Package. It took some heavy shots at the politicians, CEOS, and high-rollers involved in this mess. You cannot find this video anymore-- it's been removed from the NBC site, from YouTube... it's disappeared. Conspiracy anyone? Anyway, some people downloaded it before it was buried, like this guy. Check it out- it's too funny. I'm still shocked that they put it together to begin with. Quite out of the ordinary. Anyway--

In the meantime, here is another skit that really tickled me. I don't know why, but I could not stop laughing over this one. Mark Wahlberg talks to Animals:

Alrightie then. Enough stalling, on with the day!

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:10 AM | Comments (4)

October 5, 2008

Remember This

Tonight, I try to memorize her voice. I etch the sweetness of her high pitched, little girl cadence into my mind as she reads aloud about a unicorn named Twilight who helps to rescue a kitten named Sparkle. And when it is my turn to read, and the kitten faces the dangers of a barn fire, I can feel her heart overcome with concern. And my own is overcome with who she is right now, right in this instant. She is unicorns and kittens and rainbows... it is funny and precious, and I want to remember it exactly as it is.

I open all my senses, making myself a blank slate for her to write upon. I will my mind to make a perfect memory of her, exactly as she is at this moment. Her still squeaky voice, her shiny curls clean from a bath, her long limbs with all the bumps and bruises of a tomboy, her nimble and elegant fingers fluttering the pages... I call upon everything in me, the billions of neurons hard at work, to make no mistakes in recording my child. Please, help me, I say. This is the most important job you have.

Because, I know, oh how I know. I will want this back.

As much as I look forward to in her life, as proud as I am to see her moving and growing... I will want this back. I know it in my bones, as you know it in yours.

It is this thought that has helped me reach a decision about whether to keep blogging or not. This blog is a lot of things, but it's most important function in my life is as a Keeper. This is where I hide my treasures. This is where I squirrel away the good things in life, building up a stash of all the things I'll want back.

So, I'll keep writing. It may change tone a little. It may be less frequent. But what's here will matter to me in ten years, more than having a little extra time to read or jog or sew. I am not ready to stop writing, not when there is so much inspiration around me.

Posted by WonderGirl at 9:41 PM | Comments (5)

October 3, 2008

Calling Your Congressman

isn't really so difficult. I have to admit, I had never done it before. Guess that doesn't reflect well on me, but it's true. From now on though, it will be my new hobby. I will be calling all. the. time. They're gonna be totally sick of me.

Anyway, so I called last week, and I was nervous as all get out. I can't say why- I mean, I'm a grown-up. I've operated a phone before. But, still, it was like calling up Emerald City and asking for the great and powerful wizard. I was suprised somebody actually ANSWERED! I expected an automated message center, or more likely, a busy signal. But no- I spoke with a real, live thirteen-year old intern person, who listened thoughtfully, took my name and number (carefully dotting the "i's" with little hearts, I'm sure), and promised to pass on my sentiments to the Congressman. (Right after they finish watching the end of Highschool Musical 3, of course.)

Well, then.

So, if I can do it, you can, too. Here is the link for phone numbers. It's really easy, takes about two minutes.

If you are against this bail-out bill, then call! Now! This is the way to stop it. It is scheduled for a vote at noonish, so you've still got time to make your thoughts known. This is how it works- we've got to participate in this process by letting our representatives know how we want to be represented, no matter what the issue is or how you stand on it. Now is the time to stir ourselves, not just one day in November every four years, ya know?

.

Posted by WonderGirl at 10:47 AM | Comments (1)

October 2, 2008

School Room Glances

Now that you've seen my pupils, would you like to see my school room?

Continue reading "School Room Glances"

Posted by WonderGirl at 4:21 PM | Comments (3)

School Pictures

I'm just now getting around to posting our first day of school photos. I'm pairing them with the ones from last year, so you can see (and weep along with me over) how much they've grown in twelve months!!

Czarina this year:

Compared to last year:

HeroBoy this year:

Compared to last year:

The Duke this year (right before a much needed haircut. Yikes!):

And last year:

And last but not least, Chipmunk this year:

Twelve short months ago:

Posted by WonderGirl at 3:58 PM | Comments (2)

October 1, 2008

Bail Out, Buy Out

If you, like me, have been trying for the last week to understand the basics of economics in this country... then are you also feeling disheartened? And angry?

I will admit that I do not pay much attention to politics. It is, quite often, a nauseating display of power and self-congratulatory garbage that I simply don't have time for. I vote for the candidate who seems most likely to uphold my values and ideas, and pray that God will work through them despite the rampant corruption and general untrustworthiness. It's not a great system, but it's what we've got.

But this week is different, I've been trying very hard to get a grasp of what's what. I've been in there, weeding through the muck, trying to follow what's happening.

And as a result, I am fuming.

I cheered when the bailout plan was voted down in the House, and I continue to hold that position. I am willing to do hard time now on Main Street-- I'd rather do that than shackle our children with this mess and take a step further into socialism. I hope the new, revised proposal gets voted down, too.

Which brings me to what's got my feathers ruffled. The new bill-- and how they've LOADED it down with earmarks for other programs, trying to buy enough votes from those who wouldn't vote yes the first time. How shady is that? I know they do it all the time, but it's WRONG! It's bribery- it's unethical-- it's a very dirty and low way of moving legislation. The ends do NOT justify the means, no matter how dire they believe (or want US to believe) the need. Let the bill stand alone, and DIE alone, because it's a bad bill!

Here are a few things that they've added on, hoping that a little Turkish Delight will be too much temptation for our Congressmen.

Film and Television Productions (Sec. 502)
- Wooden Arrows designed for use by children (Sec. 503)
- 6 page package of earmarks for litigants in the 1989 Exxon Valdez incident, Alaska (Sec. 504)

Tax earmark "extenders" in the bailout bill.
- Virgin Island and Puerto Rican Rum (Section 308)
- American Samoa (Sec. 309)
- Mine Rescue Teams (Sec. 310)
- Mine Safety Equipment (Sec. 311)
- Domestic Production Activities in Puerto Rico (Sec. 312)
- Indian Tribes (Sec. 314, 315)
- Railroads (Sec. 316)
- Auto Racing Tracks (317)
- District of Columbia (Sec. 322)
- Wool Research (Sec. 325)

Racing tracks? Are you kidding me? What the heck is this doing in the biggest, most important financial proposal in the history of our country? It's outrageous! We're already asked to spend $700 BILLION (a number that we cannot even truly fathom in our daily lives) and here they are tacking on MILLIONS more for ridiculous, inappropriate earmarks.

If I ever had any sliver of trust in those running our government... then it has been burned to ash over the events of the last week.

I do not pretend to understand everything there is to know about this. But I trust my instincts enough to say I believe this is a colossal mistake. I don't think that by not doing anything that the problem will go away. But I do believe that we're compounding it by trying to escape the consequences of bad choices. That never works. How do you ever learn anything, change anything, if you never have to account for your behavior? Yeah, it hurts learning things the hard way... but that's how we move to better places.

Okay, I just had to get all that off my chest. Sorry for the rant. Feel free to chime in-- wherever you stand on the issue. I'd like to know where you guys are with this, too.

Posted by WonderGirl at 1:39 PM | Comments (2)