The Great Outdoors

Figures Mother Nature waits until the last day of May to give us a beautiful day. And we'll take it!

Although quite breezy, the sun was shining and the temps were in the mid-70s so we had to get out of the house. Carter had a friend stay over last night. I kept shooing them outdoors this morning. At least they went for a short bike ride and played catch awhile before coming back inside to their hand-held video games. I don't know why it is such a struggle to get kids to go outside these days!

After his friend went home, I had Carter help me get air in my bike tires and golf cart tires at the gas station. When we got home, he actually decided to stay outside and hit some baseballs. I said, "Do you want to field those for you or pitch to you?" He said I could I pitch. Of course, him saying I can pitch and me actually having the ability are two different things. I pitched him dozens of balls (overhand like a real baseball player, mind you). I did take one line drive in the gut, but I have a feeling my back is what will be protesting in the morning.

After taking a break, I had him help me set up and wash the patio furniture on the back deck. Later we headed to the driving range at the golf course. Jim was getting his golf clubs re-gripped and the guy doing it gave us some clubs to try out. Plus, it's always good to get some practice in -- especially for Carter, who hasn't golfed "for real" yet.

When we got home awhile ago, Jim had Carter pick up some sticks in the back yard so he could mow. I asked Carter when he was done if he wanted to go for short bike ride with me so I can blow the cobwebs off. He grabs my shoulders and looks me straight in the eye and says, "Mom, we already played ball and golfed. I haven't even had time to relax today!"

Oh, pardon me. I guess it's hard work spending time in the great outdoors!

Gotta run. I just heard the lawnmower quit so I'll have to see what's next on our demanding schedule!

Do you compute?

Just when I think I have a handle (somewhat) on today's technology, I realize I am light years behind. Someone said this week that e-mail is the newest "snail mail" because texting is that much quicker. I don't know about that, but I am getting my eyes opened.

Today Carter had a program at school. He and his classmates were presenting their agriculture reports with Power Points. So Carter has officially done a Power Point before Mom or Dad. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's a computer program that can be projected on a big screen -- just a nice, graphically pleasing way to present information. Almost like a slide show. I'm sure I can teach myself how to do one. I just haven't taken the time. The kids did sound quite professional with their little microphone and slides. Just not something I expected to see in a 4th-grade classroom.

I knew kids were learning things at a much younger age when I watched Carter type in his guest blog. He had his hands poised above the home row and he typed with all fingers ... just like I learned in 10th-grade typing class (only they call it "keyboarding" now)!

He knows his way around the computer and the Internet, too. I was grateful his teacher made the kids start their ag report research using encyclopedias first so they have a clue what to do with those antiquated books.

Of course, he's asked for a cell phone. But that is not happening anytime soon.

Then there are the two older boys who have their cell phones on them every minute of every day ... and I can't convince my hubby to get one for emergencies or those "almost important" calls from Wal-Mart. It's not like we would run out of minutes with it. Certainly not from texting.

Texting. Now that is a foreign concept to me -- probably because I have a Blackberry through work (la-tee-da) and I just type whole e-mails to people with that. But texting is THE thing. The teenage boy living with us was almost complaining the other day that he was limited to only 1,000 text messages a month. Only?! If you've got the phone, why don't you just call your friends and TALK to them?

See how old-fashioned I am? At least I know how to blog, right? That's hip ... or whatever the "kewl" word of the day is...

Rain, rain, go away...

Unfortunately, the Bad News Bears were back in action tonight. I'd blame the rain or the fact that it was a late game -- right around bedtime for some of these kids -- but both teams had to deal with those conditions.

Watching the Orioles out in the field, standing in the light, steady rain, it brought to mind a Peanuts cartoon. I could just see Charlie Brown standing in the pouring rain, mitt in hand, ready to play.

Unfortunately, our guys weren't ready to play -- and didn't seem like they wanted to. But who am I to judge? That's just my observation from the stands.

Of course, at one point I'm yelling at Carter to step closer to the base when he's batting. I turn to the people next to me and say, "I don't care if I'm the yelling mom. If he doesn't listen to the coach, he better listen to me. Unfortunately, he has to live with both of us!"

Ahh, sports. Gotta love 'em!

Thy clubs be christened!

When it dawned on me today that I have had my new golf clubs for 5 months now and they had yet to be christened, I knew I had to do something soon or I was bound to get cranky about it.

Of course, when the day starts out with temps in the 30s, one doesn't think about golf first thing. But as I watched the mercury slowly make its ascent near 70, I knew today had to be the day.

We took advantage of the fact we have a "temporary" live-in babysitter, and headed for the golf course as soon as we got home. I promise not to bore you non-golfers with a hole-by-hole play-by-play, but...

When I teed off on the first hole, I had some concerns. The ball shanked off to the left. I thought, "Something is wrong with these new clubs!" After racking up a 7 on that hole, I pulled my head out of my ... bag ... and started concentrating. I parred the second hole. Whoo-hoo!

Just so all of my clubs felt appreciated, I ended up using every one at least once (except my 5 iron). Even the sand wedge got a workout. I found I am in love with my new hybrid club. I felt especially comfortable hitting that -- and driving with my 3 wood. I ended up pounding out a 54, which is great for me for the first outing of the season.

The only thing I didn't like was all the mosquitoes! Will definitely need to pack bug spray in the bag! They are out for blood already. This is definitely going to be a wicked year on the links. But I am willing to make that sacrifice, aren't you?

Up in Arms

While I was visiting my parents this weekend, my nephew Zachary stopped by. Zach, who runs his own farrier and horse-training business, asks Carter if he wants to go with him to pick up some wood. Carter respectfully declines because he wants to go with Mom and Grandma to garage sales.

This is the point I am actually embarrassed but we couldn’t convince Carter to change his mind. Later, in some last-ditch attempt to prove his manhood, Carter challenges Zach to an arm wrestle (or maybe it was the other way around). If you watch Zach’s face in the videos, you can see he really enjoyed this!

Below: Carter gives it a valiant effort.



Below: Carter tries one more time to "pin" cousin Zach, this time using two hands. Unfortunately, he loses twice as quick!



Zach later confessed he can bench-press twice Carter's weight so really Carter didn’t have a chance, but I was glad he was willing to try something!

Weathering the Weekend

Carter and I spent the weekend Up North at my parents' house. We drove up Friday to give us some more time, but I forgot what a nightmare holiday traffic is. Couple that with some unexpected road construction (no, I didn't think to check ahead), and we were just happy to get there.

On Friday night, Carter impressed Grandpa and Grandma with his skill (or luck) at playing cards. We played 3 to 13 and somehow in the last two hands I came from behind to win by 2 points. So that was fun (I can say that because I won.)

On Saturday, my main goal was to do some videotaped interviews done with Mom and Dad to gather some genealogy info and hear some of their stories. That took a while to get started. We had to start the day with some garage sales with Grandma first. We actually only went to two. One huge one, where I ran into a guy I went to grade school with. He says, "You sure look different." And I'm thinking, I would hope so. It's been at least 20 years. Anyway, Carter's big find at the sale was a Brasil soccer shirt to match his Brasil hat. (He asked today if I mentioned that in my blog, so I thought I better!)

After the sale, we swung by my old grade school. I wanted to show my fourth-grade son the school where I was in the last fourth-grade class before they shut it down and we went to Luck. After Oak Hill closed in the late '70s, it was purchased and used as a home, but it looks much the same on the outside. The windows on the right show were the "little room" was -- that's what we called the room with grades 1-3. The windows on the left show the "big room," where the bigger grades, 4-6, were. Physically, the rooms were the same size, but that's what we called them. We drove up the road to look at the ball diamond and that is basically grown over, but I could point out to Carter the few hot spots for building forts anyway.

The interviews got started in the afternoon and each parent was on the hot seat for about 45 minutes. I think they turned out pretty well. I mainly just wanted to capture their personalities and I did that, that's for sure. I also learned a few things -- and it got emotional at times. I am sure it will be something interesting to share with my siblings, children and grandchildren someday.

On Sunday, we attended a church service at Pleasant Prairie Church, located in the sand barrens of Burnett County. The church closed many years ago but for the past 62 years, they have opened it up for a service the day before Memorial Day for the families of those buried there. My grandparents and great-grandparents on my dad's side are buried there.

Since it was raining, we packed everyone inside that little church. There were only 11 pews, 5 on one side, 6 on the other, and an altar and piano. We lit candles because it was so dark and cloudy. During the sermon, the storm hit ... lightning, thunder and hail! I turned to my brother and whispered, "This is really hail, fire and brimstone!" (I know. I can't stop myself.) At least we didn't have to worry about the electricity going out, since there wasn't any to begin with. It was a neat, patriotic service, though, and I look forward to going back. The rain let up so we could sit outside to eat in the mist. Not the best day for a picnic, that's for sure!

We heard more bad weather was on the way so Carter and I left in the late afternoon to head back home. First we stopped to see my sister Rachel, who works at Fawn-Doe-Rosa, a little wildlife park in St. Croix Falls. Carter and I got the quick tour of the cute baby animals and fed the deer. I hadn't been to this place since I was a kid, but I could see why Carter liked it. He was a little unnerved by the hissing geese and the deer who tried to get into his bag of feed, but other than that, he enjoyed it! As soon as it started to rain, we hit the road in hopes of beating the storm.

No such luck. By the time, we got to Amery, we heard sirens going off as we drove through town. I found a radio station with the local weather which mentioned what was happening in Minnesota and heading that way. Strong rotations -- as in tornadoes. The two things I remember about tornadoes when it comes to driving. One, you should never try to outrun a tornado. Two, don't stay in the car. The third thing I couldn't remember is where to park (parking lots are no-nos, aren't they?). I figured I'd just keep on driving until I figured it. Probably not the smartest decision in the world, but it worked this time.

We ended up missing that storm and several others. Every time we'd hear an update on a radio station, the storm was either behind us or to the north or the south. I was still a little nervous but somehow it worked out. It was like we were driving in this zig-zagging protection zone all the way back to Wisconsin Rapids. We never got another drop of rain after Amery and made it home safely 3 hours later.

Today it is simply gorgeous out. So really, I shouldn't be sitting here at the computer. I have got to get something done. I know those chairs on the front deck need some testing. So I think I'll grab a cold one (water, that is) and see if they pass inspection...

Puttin' on the Hits

For breakfast this morning I found myself eating my words. But this time I didn't mind choking them down.

Two nights after I labeled Carter's team the "Bad News Bears," they were out to prove me wrong. And they did! I'm sure it had much more to do with Coach Austin's stern post-game "critique" Tuesday night and the fact he had them show up an hour early last night to get in some batting practice. But either way, they turned themselves around to chalk up their first W of the season.

For once, the Orioles were the team taking the lead in the first inning. It started out with walks -- they were getting walked around the bases and scoring that way. Then the first person got his hit. Then another kid. Before you know it, our team looked like a hitting machine.

Don’t know how many hits we had -- but it was more than any other game this year. Carter and several others got their first good whack, that's for sure. The team was so positive, so enthusiastic. It was contagious!

We ended up winning 9-2. Whoo-hoo! I'm sure it took hours for the adrenaline rush to die down. I know Carter still wasn't asleep at 10!

I got the inside scoop on the victory from the coach (since I'm sleeping with him, you know). The big key, according to coach, was "We threw strikes and didn’t give up a lot of walks. Then kids in the field pay attention better and have a better chance at catching the ball."

I'm not convinced the A.D.D. in the dugout is gone, though. At one point I walked by and heard a kid say, "My dog peed in my mouth once," and I kept right on walking.

Digging deep for those roots

With the late arrival of spring in Wisconsin, landscapers and gardeners are hoping for pleasant weather this Memorial Day weekend to get some behind-schedule yard work completed. I’ll be digging up some roots myself. But for this project, the hoe and trowel will stay put in the garage. I’ll just need a notebook and camera. We’re talking about ancestral roots here.

I regret that my interest in genealogy did not bud until just this past decade when, as timing would have it, I had no living grandparents remaining to serve as sources of names, dates and places. I am fortunate I have had some wonderful resources along the way, especially my hubby, who has been "grave hunting" since high school.

Despite being a late bloomer, the one bright spot for all genealogists today is the Internet. Although I still have plenty of mysteries to solve, thanks to the Web, my search for roots has been quick and mostly painless. Even so, there has been a lot of hands-on “digging” (that’s the fun part) with trips to courthouses, searches through microfilm at the library, and grave hunting in more cemeteries in northwest Wisconsin than I care to count.

The shuttered old church at one of those cemeteries, officially located in Middle of Nowhere, Wis., has a picnic every Memorial Day weekend for descendants of the 85 people buried there – including my grandparents and great-grandparents on my father’s side. My plan is to chauffeur my parents to the picnic on Sunday to see if there are any guests with a story to tell. And maybe check out my dad's homestead -- if we can find it.

On Saturday, I will be doing the same thing with Mom and Dad – one-on-one interviews with each of them to learn anything and everything about their histories… which ultimately become my history. To preserve this, I will be using my new video camera that I am still learning to operate. My mom is camera shy and really, really doesn't want to be on camera, so I will have to be persuasive (or enlist her youngest grandson to lay on the charm).

Hearing them tell their stories in their words will be a treasure those who come after me will appreciate, too. I think.

A.D.D. in the Dugout

Although we're not ready to lay a permanent label of "Bad News Bears" on Carter's baseball team after just three games, we're tempted.

If you can recall the bumbling baseball team from the 1970s movie, you can visualize why Coach Austin's patience is being tested to its limits. He's got a green team that doesn't have a firm grasp of the fundamentals. And I think I know why. They're not paying attention.

I got a unique perspective of what goes through the minds of 9- and 10-year-olds last night when I found myself sitting directly behind the bench. The dugouts are under construction so they didn't have their usual privacy. That didn't matter to them. They talked like there was no one behind them. They talked like there wasn't a baseball game in front of them, either. It was like Attention Deficit Disorder at its finest.

Here are a few snippets of conversation (I just numbered the kids in each conversation to protect their anonymity. Though I'm not sure they deserve it.):

Kid 1: Buddy, is that your real name?
Kid 2: No, it's Christopher.
Kid 1: Then why do they call you Buddy?
Kid 2: I don't know.
Kid 3 joins in: I never knew my name so I took my stepdad's last name.
Kid 2: You never knew your father?

----------------------

Kid 1: Does anyone want sunflower seeds?
Kid 2: I thought you didn't like sunflower seeds.
Kid 1: No, I just wasn't sure if I was allergic. If they were some sort of nut.
Kid 3: You're allergic to nuts?!

----------------------

Kid 1: Are you eating Skittles off the ground?!
Kid 2: No, I'm just checking to see if they're dirty.

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Kid 1: Wouldn't that be cool to get a grand slam?
Kid 2: I'm just gonna let the pitch hit me.


... Sigh... and there you have the first episode of the Bad News Bears....

Bloggin' Along...

Blog fever seems to be running rampant in the Austin household.

I let Carter write one "guest blog" last week and now he's willing to fill in at a moment's notice. I now know that if my day is ho-hum boring, Carter will definitely have something exciting and adventurous to write about. He could probably just have his own blog called "Recess Rules!" by the sound of it.

Will hubby be next? I doubt it. Currently Jim is blogging for work already. So if you want to know everything about metal roofing, if you are Mad About Metal, click here. I'm sure if he had his own personal blog, you'd find it quite entertaining. He's an excellent writer and would possibly enlighten you that there are two sides to every story!

I recently came to realize how challenging it can be to try to blog almost daily for a work blog and a home blog. I'm doing some occasional blogging for one our publications and, although the content is quite different from my personal blog, the mere act is sapping my creative thought process. Thus, the need for my chief backup blogger.

Many of you will be happy to know I will probably "assign" Carter to blog once a week this summer so he won't lose his writing or typing skills. I won't tell him it's an assignment. I'm sure he'll just view it as an outlet to share the latest ice cream flavor he's tried at Shivers.

Did I mention that's open for the season? Hmmm, that reminds me, I've got someplace I gotta be...

Carter's Great Adventures

Hi, this is Carter taking over my mom's blog. Today my class was playing kickball on the baseball fields and I found three Sacajawea coins, I was very happy about it. This also happened on the field. For playing so good at 1st base, one of my friends paid me 5 cents.(too bad they don't have a cent sign on the keyboard)

At recess I was on a team with 2 players and I joined them so it was still unfair teams, but we were the best soccer players on the field. The teams had 8 players on their team, but we had THE LUCKY THREE!!!! THE LUCKY THREE won 3-0.

When I got home I had a BIRTHDAY envelope from my aunt down south, and when I opened it 20 dollars fell out of it, 20 DOLLARS!!!! I don't know what this has to do with adventures but, I got all of my homework done. It was the easiest homework I've done.

Love, (Indiana Jones) Carter Austin

Sunday Snippets

Indiana Jones: We saw previews for the new Indiana Jones movie when we went to see Iron Man. I explained to Carter there were 3 others before this one and, naturally, they came out in special DVD format this week. We picked them up today and we watched the first one, Raiders of the Lost Ark. I told Carter that it came out when I was in grade school or junior high. "Wow, they had color back then?" Nice. I didn't get much younger sounding when I explained there was going to be some swearing and violence because "PG-13" wasn't invented yet. I gave him some trivia, though. I said after the 2nd one, Temple of Doom, came out, that's when they decided they needed a PG-13. OK, let me change the subject because I can't get that theme song out of my head!

Coming out of the Closet: I got a notice awhile back that the Easter Seal folks will be cruising through my neighborhood this week, picking up donations of clothes and such. I decided this weekend was a good time to finally purge my closet. I am embarrassed to say I filled 4 large garbage bags from my closet alone, plus 2 more with just sweaters (from the last 2 decades, judging by the style -- or lack there of). You'd think my closet would be empty now, but no. I have plenty of clothes. Some I still need to work to fit into again, but most of the small ones had to go... along with those "young" numbers that should not be worn by a 40-year-old. OK, this is too depressing, I better change the subject again!

Tattle Tale: There is one more thing "certain" in life besides death and taxes -- and that's that life isn't fair. It has been an enlightening weekend as stepson #2 (our troubled tenant) is tattling about the alleged activities of stepson #1 "because it's not fair if he doesn't get in trouble and I do." Life with siblings does not always work out that way. I know that it usually didn't matter if my twin did something wrong or it was me. My mom did a blanket punishment (no TV, no phone, etc.) for both of us. Nope, it ain't fair. And it doesn't get any better in the "real" world either, whether it's our bodies (why do I have to still be dieting at this age) or work (why does that guy make more money than me or get all the praise). We somehow learn to accept unfairness or find a way to make it more fair on our side the next time.

Well I gotta go. I've the 10-year-old griping that's it's not fair he has to take a shower...

Kickin' back with Carter

The spring soccer season came to an end today -- finally a nice sunny day. A little chilly and windy, but again, that's just us grown-ups that whine about that on the sidelines.

Although today was a loss, 1-0, Carter said he's pretty happy with how this season went. His team finished 4-2 and Carter had 5 goals on the year. He still prefers playing goalie because he likes to kick it to the other end of the field!

I tried out my new video camera today and I'll have to see if I can post something. In the meantime, kick back and enjoy today's action.

Longitude and Attitude

We are celebrating the 20th work anniversary today for my friend Sandy. Wow, 20 years at the same company. In this mobile -- and attention deficit -- society, that sort of milestone becomes more uncommon every day.

I asked her what the secret to longevity is. She said, "Taking it one day at a time... Plus, I enjoy what I do and I know where my source of strength comes from."

The same could be said for any long-term commitment -- friendship, marriage, parenting, any relationship really. Some times we are not just taking it one day at a time but one hour at a time or one minute or one count to 10. As long we continue to find enjoyment (not to be confused with a continuous source of enjoyment), then the relationship, the commitment, remains worthwhile and the investment continues.

I recall one of my newspaper jobs had me so burned out within 3 months on the job, I was ready to jump ship already. But something kept me there another 15 months. I still enjoyed the actual job even though I wasn't keen on some of the stressful circumstances. But it was not enough to keep me there 5 years, let alone 20!

On Monday, I will mark my own anniversary at this company: 5 years. When I first came here, it was my honest to goodness DREAM JOB. I was writing and editing for craft and scrapbook magazines and I would have signed the dotted line to commit to 20 years, easily. But then things changed and my job changed. I feel blessed that I did have my dream job, albeit short-lived. Some people never get that opportunity.

With each new job responsibility here, I continue to learn and evolve as an employee, as a manager, as a person. I am not the same person they hired 5 years ago. So true, it is with long-term relationships, too. If we don't evolve in some respect, learning, improving ourselves, then it will be a tough road to longevity.

I learned something about that in the past few days. If the relationship with the family unit at home is to move forward, I can't fall back on old behaviors or "stinking thinking" -- even in a moment of stress or weakness -- or we are doomed. Some days, some minutes, that takes a lot more dedication than I feel I can muster up. But we always prove we can when we keep on trying, right?

That, to me, is the secret of longevity, too. Never say never. Never give up. I'm here for the long haul. Let's see where this road takes us.

Reality Show

As I was watching Grey's Anatomy tonight I was almost (I said almost) questioning the need to watch this prime time drama when life offers up so much of its own.

I think we enjoy the 60-minute escape from reality. The lives of those interns in no way reflect mine. However, by virtue of their names only, shows like Lost and Desperate Housewives might draw some parallels.

Don't you think sometimes our lives are so crazy they'd make good fodder for a sitcom? Indeed, some things are so sad, unfortunate, frustrating, you almost have to laugh and say, "Is this really happening?" Then the viewers watching would say, "That new show on the Austin family sure is crazy. What a dysfunctional lot! There's no way all of that would happen in real life. Good show. Good escape from reality."

Maybe that's how I should view this week. Just a little episode in a long -- and successful -- television series. What's going to happen next? We'll all have to stay tuned. Only our producer, Mr. G upstairs, knows that one.

Just breathe...

So glad you enjoyed our guest blogger. Unfortunately, he has a mound of homework tonight so you're stuck with me again. He promises to make guest appearances when he has something to share. (I don't think you'll get him 'fessing up about girls, though!)

This has been one heckuva week. What? It's only Hump Day? Sigh...

Today at about 3 p.m. I let out a big breath -- sort of like when you let the air out of a balloon and it goes flying. Not that loud and obnoxious. Just a breath in, a breath out. It felt like the first time in days I was breathing. The stress that had been building since Sunday finally started its release.

I won't pretend everything is hunky dory now, but at least this week's three major projects for work are done. With our recent "headcount adjustments," I am absorbing the workload of two former staff members. I thought optimistically, no problem. I can handle this. Thankfully, I have an awesome team still on hand. I cannot do this alone. And I am not going to try.

On the homefront, there are still a lot of issues. Our new tenant got in trouble at school yesterday and is already on Day Two of a "three-day vacation." You can read between the lines, I'm sure. What a challenge. What a frustration. Thankfully, in this case, too, I am not handling this alone. My hubby is handling the bulk of the burden to the best of his ability. And we are both trying to let our anger seep out slowly so it doesn't burst like a balloon.

Just breathe... in... out... in... out... Some days that's all we can hope to accomplish. Thankfully I learned a thing or two in Lamaze.

Carter's Guest Blog

Since hubby and I have had such a frustrating, disappointing day with our new guest, I decided to turn this blog over to Carter tonight to keep it "on the light side." So this is what he has to say. Let us know if you think he should start his own blog!!

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To start off with my "first blog" today I had a pop quiz and got 100% on it. At recess we played a soccer game, we won 5-2 so I was pretty happy about that. Later we had MATH!!! We're learning about fractions. We were hungry because we had a problem that had an apple pie, cherry pie, and peach pie. At second recess we had another soccer game against the 3rd graders, we won again 7-0, yeah, we are so the best. I had a pretty funny bus ride home because my friend said a funny joke and we laughed for 3 minutes and we cried so much because it was so funny. Tonight we had our first baseball game, we lost, 7-4. After that I got all my homework done.

By, CARTER AUSTIN!

Manic Monday

Hump (or Lump) Day: Bravery can take on many different faces. There are those like my brother and two of my nephews who are willing to serve the country in the military. There are others who find courage to fight cancer or leave an abusive relationship. There are children who "have to be brave" and get their immunization shots.

Then there's me, a certifiable wimp who isn't brave enough to go to the doctor when something's wrong.

Two years after my initial visit with my doctor about a lump on my head, I finally got the courage to go have it removed. I knew all along it wasn't life-threatening, only a bit bothersome with certain hairstyles and wearing certain hats.

My doctor has been ready and willing to cut me open. I just haven't been ready and willing to let him. Finally the other day when my friend was in labor, I said, "If Jana can go through labor then I can get this stupid lump cut off." So I made the appointment and my Monday morning was set.

I won't talk you through the procedure, because I get queasy just thinking about it, but I now have "a sizable divot," 5 stitches and no lump! I managed to get to work and that went OK until the anesthetic started wearing off. Ouch! Good thing I have some pain meds left from my root canal last month (wait, that's twice I've been brave in 2008!).

Special Guest: On Mother's Day, we added another child to our household roster -- but not in the way you'd think. My stepson Clay has moved in and will be living with us through the end of the school year. Our primary goal is to get him to school, where he's missed an average of two days a week this year. We'll also be focusing on homework to get some grades up to passing level. It will be a challenge this late in the game, but that's part of what parenting is all about, right? We love him too much to give up on him. (Prayers are appreciated.)

It's 5 o'clock somewhere: This morning Carter and Daddy were watching sports on TV when a commercial came on. Daddy says: "Wow, 7:30 is a little early for a beer commercial." Carter says: "Maybe that's for the people in New York." (I'll stick with my shredded wheat!)

M is for Multi-taskers

Saturday was finally a sunny day for Carter's soccer game so I was looking forward to taking some pictures. Right before the game started, however, they needed a parent from our team for flag duty (person who raises the flag when the ball goes out of bounds on our side of the field). The coach asked my stepsons but they didn't seem too willing so I just grabbed it and said I'd do it.

As I found myself walking up and down the sidelines with the flag in my left hand and a camera in my right hand, I thought, this is what a mother is -- a multi-tasker. She can be a "boundary babe" at the same time as a "determined scrapbooker." Definitely a multi-tasker.

I often wonder how my mother managed to raise 8 kids without the modern conveniences (like microwaves and indoor plumbing) we enjoy today. My life if so full with just one child! My mother was not working outside the home for most of her life, but she was multi-tasking with more balls in the air than I could juggle. Yet she found time to do what we considered "motherly" things.

She sewed. She wrote stories and drew pictures for us to color. She created "church notebooks" for us, using tissue box cardboard for the covers and recycled envelopes for the pages. She made dolls and developed games. She hung clothes on the line and created Halloween costumes for us. She made bread!

For as many times as I say with frustration, "I'm turning into my mother," I also think, "I wish I could be like my mother."

I don't own a sewing machine but in a pinch I can sew on a button or fix a hole on some things. If our socks have holes in them, they go in the trash. Darn it.

I do write stories but not necessarily for my son's enjoyment. I have never crafted a notebook or toy for him but did create a dinosaur Halloween costume for him when he was 4.

I don't ever hang clothes on the line but do make sure my dryer sheets are the ones with "outdoor scent."

The only bread I bake is banana bread, but I do enjoy baking some of the cake and cookie recipes my mother has passed along.

Yes, we are definitely from different generations, but we do have plenty in common. We love our children beyond measure. So much that we cry when they hurt and we cry when they're happy. I'm convinced mothers have so much love it leaks out sometimes in the form of tears.

I cried when I read Carter's homemade card this morning. There was a picture of a house and it said "open the door to see who loves you." When I folded the paper door back, his school picture was there.

I don't care how challenging motherhood can be some days or how many balls we're juggling in the air, a card like that followed by a great big hug make it all worthwhile.

Happy Mother's Day!

It's the American way

As you may have heard, each of us will be getting a tax rebate check to stimulate the economy. I got this e-mail this week that provides the following advice for spending it appropriately...

If we spend that money at Wal-Mart, all the money will go to China. If we spend it on gasoline, it will go to the Arabs. If we purchase a computer, it will go to India. If we purchase fruits and vegetables, it will go to Honduras and Guatemala. If we purchase a good car, it will go to Japan. If we purchase useless stuff, it will go to Taiwan and none of it will help the American economy.

We need to keep that money here in America. The only way to keep that money here at home is to spend it at Yard Sales, since those are the only businesses left owned by Americans!!

I had a good laugh at that one but naturally found it to be good, sound advice. Carter and I will be doing our patriotic pre-rebate spend in the morning as we head out to our village-wide sales here. Hey, it's the American thing to do!

Oh, baby!

I was holding off on blogging yesterday, hoping for some baby news that didn't come until today.

Early on in the day Wednesday my friend Jana had this "feeling" she was in labor. She wasn't in pain or anything -- just had some symptoms similar to when she gave birth to her first son nearly 4 years ago. When I left work last night, her husband, who admitted he couldn't possibly know anything about labor, said he just didn't think it was time. (Part of that might have had to do with the fact they didn't have the name finalized quite yet -- though they knew it was going to be a boy.)

I don't have the details yet of what transpired after working hours, but at 2:22 a.m. today a healthy Charles Edward was born. Charlie.

I was telling Carter at breakfast that I hope I get to see her today. "Oh, so she can work?" I quickly had to explain that I hoped to see them at the hospital -- that she wasn't going to be back at work today already -- though Jana is so dedicated to her job, I wouldn't put it past her.

I don't expect a 10-year-old to understand labor. He thinks one day he was in my tummy, and the next he was out. Of course, I look at him with such love in my eyes, I sometimes forget there was any pain.

I bet Jana will refresh my memory later!

Tuesday Tidbits

Iron Man: Carter and I enjoyed the new Iron Man movie. I don't know if I was getting burned out on Spider-Man or what, but I found myself really liking this one. Of course, now that I work with some comics publications, there is a definite buzz around the office when there is a Marvel release. The movie was rated PG-13 but since Carter saw the Spidey flicks, I figured I'd cover his eyes as needed and he didn't object. The lady in front of us in line was taking her younger son to a movie, too. When the cashier asked how old her boy is, she said "7 today. It's his birthday." OK, says the cashier, "because our policy is that a child has to be 7 to get into an R-rated movie." Are you kidding me? It took every effort to bite my tongue, knowing it's not my place to give mothering advice. I can tell you after that, I didn't feel so bad taking my 10-year-old to a PG-13 movie (with my left hand as a built-in censor).

Fore! I helped Carter break in his new golf clubs at the driving range last night. I find I do better when I am demonstrating to him -- head down, eye on the ball, swing slowly. I also found out I managed to drive a heckuva lot farther with my 3 wood than my driver. That could be my secret ace-in-the-hole club this year! At one point I was having a devil of a time hitting my hybrid club (which worked well last time). So I am saying something to myself like "why isn't this working?" and Carter says, "Mom, people might not want to play with people who talk to their golf equipment." Next swing, and that ball sailed! Hey, use whatever motivates you -- even if it's to channel anger or prove a point. Fore!

Natural Disaster: The death toll in the devastating Myanmar cyclone has risen to more than 22,000 with 41,000 more missing, according to news reports. We hear these stories but don't give them much thought after the newscast. Until it gets personal. My friend Lucy's sister Lisa is a kindergarten teacher over there in Yangon. Since phone service is out, Lucy hasn't heard from her since this happened. Please pray for Lisa's safety.

Heritage Hill: Today Carter is taking a field trip over to Heritage Hill State Historical Park outside of Green Bay. Of course the best part of any field trip is the bus ride, cold lunch (with soda!) and a snack. But I hope he learns something, too, even though he said last night, "Good, I get a day off from thinking." Oh it's tough being a fourth-grader. I sent one of those disposable cameras with him in case he saw something cool -- and advised him to not use all the pictures up on the bus ride. If there is one picture of scenery and 23 of girls, then we'll have a talk.

Glory Days?

Some people have such fond memories of their high school years. They just love to re-live those glory days. Good for them, I say, with just a hint (maybe more) of jealousy.

The talk this weekend inevitably turned to high school dances. This was Saturday afternoon, hours before any tragedy struck, so it was still light-hearted as hubby and his sister recalled the different dances and their different dates for each one. I made some comment about how they managed to remember all those names. And my sister-in-law replies, "Oh I'm sure you remember all the guys you went to dances with in high school." My sad reply, "I don't have any to remember. Fat, geeky Robyn did not have any dates in high school, ever, not until college." End of discussion.

That night, I had a hard time sleeping. I lay there thinking about all those years when I wasn't cool enough to hang out with the town kids, when I wasn't pretty enough or skinny enough for a date (always liking the guy who would never in a million years like me back). I am very fortunate I still have my best friend from high school in my life. But other than that, there is not a whole lot to report in the positive column.

I hate going back there -- back in time and thinking about it. It just gets me down. It weighed heavily on my mind for the rest of the weekend. That's my issue. Me with my struggling self-esteem trying once again to find the positive -- look how good I turned out (ha)!

So you can imagine my surprise today when I get an email out of the blue from a guy I went to high school with. And not just any guy. This was my crush. The real deep, multiple-year crush. Someone way out of my league. But still nice to me.

At first I thought it was a joke -- but quickly realized no one else was inside my high school head this weekend. (Old rejection habits die hard.)

I've only seen this guy at two class reunions and have had no contact with him since graduation. But he found me on the Internet -- wasn't looking for me specifically (probably just fellow graduates) -- but it added a little perk to my day when I got the email that says so and so "added you as a friend" to his network. Hey, it's not a prom date or anything, but that's probably for the best. This time I'd have to reject him since I am unavailable... married to my lifetime crush. I'd probably let him down gently, though, seeing that we're "friends" and all.

Handle with Care

We don't often think about the phrase "Life is fragile: Handle with care" until something tragic happens to shatter our normal, quiet, safe existence.

We had a tragedy in Wisconsin Rapids this weekend. A senior boy was killed in a car accident on the way to prom last night. The two teens riding with him were injured but all reports indicate they will be OK. Well, as OK as a person could be after losing a close friend.

When I heard the news at church this morning, I immediately got a chill down my spine. That could have been one of ours.

Casey, my oldest step-son, is a junior this year but didn't go to the prom. But even in as large a school as ours is, he still knows who the kids involved are. I guess once word got out at prom last night, there wasn't much dancing or light discussion after that. What a terrible thing for those classmates to go through, let alone the parents.

Hubby and I shared some tears about this today. How can we protect our babies? Beyond prayers for their safety, can we? Casey is out driving on those streets and highways every day. It makes us realize how vulnerable he is. Heck, we all are. We can try to be safe and smart about our choices but not everything is in our control.

All the details haven't been released on the accident, but preliminary reports indicate speed (not alcohol) was a factor. I guess those details don't matter so much when a boy who was to graduate in 3 weeks and had his whole life in front of him is now gone.

Indeed, life is fragile. How are you handling yours?

Weekend Warriors

I used to think "weekend warriors" were those folks who try some major physical undertaking like raking or golf or kickball that their bodies aren't used to. Then give it their all. Then feel that pain big time on Mondays.

Now I think they are folks like me who cram everything into their two days off and then wonder why they don't feel relaxed come Monday.

I was talking to my mom this morning and she mentioned some event going on a few weeks from now. I said, "Mom, we already have 4 things on the calendar that weekend." Not really unusual. Today, for example, we had football sign-up, soccer, then a birthday party (excuse for cake) for Carter with the hubby's family. Lots of stuff happening. But good stuff.

Carter was still riding his high from last week's soccer game and I think he assumed he was going to be "hot" in today's cool weather again. Not exactly. Wasn't bad, just wasn't Mr. Superstar again. Team lost 4-3 in a rainy, drizzly contest.

The birthday celebration did much to boost his spirits -- naturally after two days of thinking all he was getting was socks and underwear. He opened up some golf stuff (real balls, practice balls and a towel) and finally understood why when he opened up the gift from us (and the boys) -- a new set of junior clubs. He's got them all set up and is ready to use them. I think we'll both be breaking ours in together if it ever gets nice enough.

What does Sunday's calendar for the weekend warriors looks like: Church, Sunday School, 4-team baseball scrimmage and then, if sunny, warm weather makes an appearance, perhaps some family golf!

Things that go bump (or hiss) in the night

Nothing gets your heart racing like waking suddenly in the middle of the night to the phone ringing (you know it has to be bad news) or to some loud noise or the sound of your child calling out for you because he is sick.

Or, in this morning's case, having your spouse jump out of bed, yelling, "What the hell?!"

At 12:39 a.m., I had no idea what was going on. I Jim heard Carter or something but it turns out he heard our cat hissing and growling so loudly it was like she was getting attacked in the living room. So we go out to the dining room and she is still hissing and distraught over, we're guessing here, something she saw out on the front deck. Jim turned the yard light on and off and we looked out from a few windows and didn't see anything.

Now we know Sylvester doesn't get upset about squirrels and birds and rabbits, so we think it may have been a tom cat or something. (Remember, she was attacked, beaten and bitten last fall when she escaped to the great outdoors for a night.)

So we go back to bed and, at this point, we're hoping it was just a stray cat. What if it was a raccoon? Or something big like a bobcat or bear? Kitty was pretty traumatized and was still growling for awhile. Needless to say, we could not just relax and go back to sleep.

She finally came into bed and nestled between our pillows -- as she often does -- but I lay there tensely, thinking, what if she freaks out again, forgets where she's at and takes bite out of one of our heads?! It took a long, long time to get back to sleep.

Sylvester was back at her window seat this morning. We were wondering if cats have a short-term memory. She didn't seem rattled or nervous, whereas we are wondering what vicious being may be lurking about our property!

I wonder if she thinks humans have 9 lives. She certainly wasn't concerned that she made Jim use one of his last night!

May Day Special

I was on my way home from the grocery store tonight when I heard the song, "Oh How the Years Go By" by Amy Grant. It was still playing when I parked in the garage. I shut off the car and listened.

I thought how appropriate to hear it on my baby's birthday. I thought how different life was 10 years ago today. When Carter wasn't officially "here" yet. Life without Carter?! How empty! Now, it's 10 years later. A decade! Oh how the years do go by!

Carter has been making a big deal about this birthday because it's double digits. "Wait until it's triple digits!" he says. He sure is optimistic about his longevity!

Today was a busy day for him. His birthday treats were a big hit at school. He didn't even bring any leftovers home. He opened a few cards in the mail after school. Then he trotted off to baseball practice.

He wasn't expecting to open any presents today (although he really, really wanted to). We said Daddy's family is coming over for a small party on Saturday so he'd have to wait. But then I started thinking, that's not fair. It's not like he's 3 years old and doesn't know what day it is. He still should get to open up something on his birthday.

So when he got home from practice, we put candles on the little M&M ice cream cake I got from the Schwan's man -- and he got to open his socks and underwear. Hey, that's what he gets for begging to open something today. At the bottom of the bag was a Styx greatest hits CD so he is satisfied until Saturday now.

Since there's no school tomorrow, he was hoping to stay up until his "real" birthday at 10:15 p.m. but we still have to get up early to get him to the sitter's so I said maybe next year. He said, "Sorry, Mom. I bet 10 years ago when I was still in your tummy you said, 'This kid is gonna be annoying.'"

I said, "Nope. I said 'this kid is gonna be my angel.'" I think he rolled his eyes, but still let me hug him and kiss him anyway. That's my baby! Oh how the years go by...