Middle-Aged Mama

Things that make me happy

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:48:00 +0000

OK...now the obvious is my family and friends...but I decided to mention some things...that just bring me simple and fun...joy.
Here just a few things..
1) The Boston Red Sox and Spring Training
2) 2 1/2 Men...LOVE this show!
3) Dunkin Donuts Coffee..Light 2 sugars
4) American Idol
5) Getting a complement at work
6) Facebook-
7) Crocheting...and finishing a project I've been working on for a while
8) A good book and time to read it
9) Ring Dings
10) Great chicken salad...
11) Lobster
12) Cold Lemonade
13) Walking on a beautiful day
14) New Clothes
15) Tresor...when I can afford it...Timeless from Avon, all the time
16) Kind people
17) Funny people
18) The Celtics and Bruins
19) Spring
20) Winning a sweepstakes
21) Project Linus and the great work they do
22) GOOD news on the news
23) Lots of blankets and fluffy pillows
24) Early morning quiet when everyone is still asleep
25) my 40's and soon to be my 50's...getting older has been wonderful...I care more about what I should care about and very seldom 'sweat the small stuff"

GO SOX!

Spring is a comin!-well, almost...but the signs are here!

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:57:00 +0000

My favorite season is on it's way. There is still lots of snow on the ground here in New England...and it is not 'officially' spring for several weeks...BUT...I still 'feel it'...
Here's some of the 'signs' for me

Valentine's Day is this week
Mardi Gras is around the corner
The kids have February Vacation...and we start signing up for spring activities,
My beloved Red Sox start SPRING training this week!!!
Football is over
The Final Four is coming up
The stores have the Easter and Passover things up for sale
You can buy t-shirts, sandals, bathing suits and flip flops in some stores
Did I mention the Red Sox start SPRING training this week...lol
And just that great feeling that spring is - right around the corner.
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Please Wear Red Tomorrow: Friday February 6th :-)

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:25:00 +0000

Tomorrow is "National Wear Red Day."
Celebrate the choices we have to beat heart disease - the nation's No. 1 killer of women - by wearing red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, February 6.

Show your support by visiting GoRedForWomen.org to share your story heart disease or choices you've made to beat it, and to sign up and recieve your free red dress pin.

Everyone once in a while...I simply want to share things that I simply feel are so important...and this is one of them...I encourage you all to do something so simple to show your support...and wear red....
Have a great day!

Project Linus/Jeans for Teens/Giving Blood or Platelets/Bone Marrow Donor/Food Pantry

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 11:58:00 +0000

I am a firm believer in 'giving back' and that if you give, you receive-what do you receive...an incredible feeling that you have done something for someone...most of the time--that you don't even know...
Now I grew up in a home where there was a can on top of the fridge. Whenever my parents had spare change, it went right into the can. When the can was full...it went right to their favorite charity.
Times are a bit tougher right now...and $ is hard to save...but there are so many other ways to give.
I am sharing with you my 5 favorite...but would always love to hear about more. It is impossible to do everything but if we all did A LITTLE...it adds up to A LOT!
Project Linus...here is a quote from their national site
The Project Linus Mission
***Project Linus is comprised of hundreds of local chapters and thousands of volunteers across the United States. Each volunteer and local chapter all work together to help us achieve our mission statement, which states:

First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”

Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.

Together we have distributed over two million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995.
I live in the Boston area and crochet...there is a big need for all blankets...but I focus on ones for teens...my husband and I will deliver batches of blankets when needed...

***Jeans for Teens-found out about this wonderful 'fundraiser' via an email I got from Aeropostle
Here is link

http://www.dosomething.org/teensforjeans/home?cm_mmc=EMAIL-_-090122_T4J-_-Mt-_-MT
Here is quote from their site

Teens for Jeans is a national campaign, launched by Aéropostale and Do Something, empowering YOU to collect jeans for homeless teens.

Just drop off any pair of your gently worn jeans to any Aéropostale store between January 26th and February 22nd and we'll make sure they get donated to a local homeless shelter or charity. To say thanks, Aéropostale will give you an additional 25% off your next pair of jeans.

Last year you helped us collect over 125,000 pairs. This year we're looking to help twice as many teens.

*** Giving blood or platelets...there is ALWAYS a need to do this. And it is a gift you can give that is priceless...need I say more. Call your local Red Cross, Hospital, etc...or check out your paper...there is an ongoing need for this...

***Bone Marrow Donor...call your local hospital. Here in MA is is done through Dana Farber. This is another gift that is priceless. If you qualify (there are several things in terms of your own health), you will be sent a simple swab kit to do at home and then send to the hospital, clinic, etc...if they then need you...they will tell you what they will need you for...and you can save a life!!!
There is a small fee...BUT...many insurance companies cover it...and if you cannot afford it...they will NOT turn you down, as there is funding for people who want to give and who either cannot afford it (I believe it was only $25.00...but don't quote me...lol)...they must do this because of the tremendous costs...but again...noone will be turned down...this is something badly needed...and takes very little of your time.
And lastly...your local food pantry. Find out where your drop off is (ours is at our local library)...and bring food when you can. Hunger is a problem in our world that simply should NOT exist.....there is enough food to go around...we just have to give it...whenever you are shopping pick up one can of something...anything...so often there are great sales...put a small bag in corner of your kitchen.,..and put in what you have...when the bag is full...take the kids to drop it off...
And there are SO many more things...
Life is too short not to be kind...and we must teach our kids by example.
And the best part...is everyone feels good about it...the recipient, you, your family...
Life Is Good!

Good News In The News!!! And a REAL Hero and other HEROS

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 09:18:00 +0000

When the Miracle on the Hudson was on every news station...and continues to be...I felt such joy that we were actually, as a country, able to continue to watch good news on TV and to see what a REAL Hero is...who actually saved SO many lives...this amazing pilot...AND his crew...deserve this attention and more...
And on Tuesday, there will be an amazing celebration of hope in this country...as I have stated before, I am a short term nanny and can pick up work when I want to...I am not working on Tuesday...I will be glued to my TV watching this entire event.
This week, watching TV , I am touched and excited.
Here in Massachusetts, we lost one of our beloved Boston firefighters to a horrible crash...thousands of firefighters came to his funeral. As SO very sad this was...to see on the news another hero being honored and talked about so much touched me.
We need to talk more about the good and to honor the true heros in our country more...
There are tons of them...and of all ages.
And we need to spend more time on the good news...and know that life truly has much more good than bad...with some amazing people and amazing stories.,..and that heros and miracles deserve much more attention,,,because there is so much more good in this world that bad.
On that..I will end this post...knowing that it has been a few weeks since writing...
With wishing everyone a wonderful 2009...and a year of hope and great feelings

THE NEW YEAR-Committments and Goals

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 10:23:00 +0000

I WANT TO WISH EVERYONE THE MOST WONDERFUL NEW YEAR EVER...THIS YEAR I WILL BE 49, MY HUSBAND WILL BE 65. MY KIDS ARE GREAT. WE ARE ALL HEALTHY. I AM WORKING...MY HUSBAND IS 'ALMOST' RETIRED (WORKS A DAY OR 2/WEEK AT LOCAL HARDWARE STORE).
INSTEAD OF RESOLUTIONS, I AM MAKING COMMITTMENTS THIS YEAR

ALTHOUGH THE ECONOMY IS TOUGH...AND WE ARE EATING MORE PASTA THAN STEAK...WE ARE LUCKY TO BE WARM, NEVER HUNGRY, SURROUNDED BY GOOD PEOPLE AND GOOD THINGS. I AM COMMITTED TO BE GRATEFUL FOR THIS ALWAYS

I AM COMMITTING THIS YEAR TO PUT MORE $ IN THE BANK, WALK MORE, GIVE MORE TIME TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT TRULY NEED IT

I AM COMMITTED TO STAND UP FOR WHAT I BELIEVE IN

I AM COMMITTED TO SPENDING MORE QUALITY TIME WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS

I AM COMMITTED TO TAKING GOOD CARE OF MY HEALTH AND MAKING SURE MY FAMILY DOES AS WELL

I AM COMMITTED TO FINDING MORE TIME WITH FRIENDS...

I AM COMMITTED TO LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME

MY GOALS-loose 5 more pounds and KEEP it off-- do the Walk for Hunger here in Boston and make the whole walk-- make more blankets for Project Linus and find others who want to as well--put away more $ for my kids future--use my crockpot more--treat myself to a 'day of beauty' with a facial, new hair cut, manicure and pedicure--travel more--get to Atlanta to see my sister and take my husband to Memphis to see Graceland--go to the Kiss 108 Concert with my daughter--help get my son a new car--

AND THERE ARE MORE THINGS...JUST HAVEN'T COME UP WITH THEM YET :)
FOR NOW...HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS TO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!
THING PEACE

This year....hope and happiness

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 11:15:00 +0000

This is a busy time of year for most...it is hard to not feel a bit crazy...especially if you have kids...I'm not sure about yours, but my teens are STILL convinced that there is this giant money tree in the back yard...but that's OK...they're kids...when they gave us their "yearly list" we asked them to number it...in order of what they wanted...and we then saw what we could afford...and "knocked it down"...the UGG boots...got em. The IPOD- check...
The DVD that will be on cable soon...did not get...
But what I do feel this year is a sense of peace...even with the hustle and bustle.
As a nanny...who works for families who need one at the last minute (a "short term nanny), I work it hotels when people come in from out of town, for people whose full time nanny is sick or off, for parents who just need a night out and do not have someone to watch the kids. I love it. I have also met so many wonderful and interesting people.
I have seen that this is a huge world with ALL sorts of people.
This year, I was very sick for 2 weeks..lost 2 weeks pay...and was surrounded with love (and food)...and it turned out to be one of the best times ever because I felt so blessed.
This year I felt hope for the first time in a long time, that our country would be OK...as I watched the most amazing election I have even watched and been a part of.
This year, I have seen my 16 year old son go from not caring about much to getting a job, doing well in school, even having his first girl friend.
I have seen my 14 year old daughter get honors in school, get back together with her old boyfriend (some may say this is young...but these 2 are very special together...something really wonderful!)
I have seen the news and people stepping up more than ever to help others in hard times.
It was an emotional year...but a good one and one of learning and loving.
When things aren't going the way we want...I have seen people proact, not react...and good things happen.
This year I feel that the future brings much hope and much happiness...
And it is what I wish for everyone.

Dustin Pedroia!!! What a Nice Holiday Gift!

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 10:34:00 +0000

"AL MVP Dustin Pedroia has signed a six-year, $40.5 million extension with Boston through 2014 with a club option for the 2015 season."
This is the quote I woke up to a few days ago. So my wish list for the holidays was quite simple...a few pair of pj's and some fluffy slippers. I knew I wanted Dustin back...but not sure what would happen, so put it in the back of my mind for fear of dissappointment...we that did NOT happen...I got my best present so far for the holidays!!!!!!! SIX more years of my favorite Sox Player!!!!!!
Last year, we got Mike Lowell...and this year-Dustin!!!!
Now I still want those PJ's and Slippers (have to note this, should hubby read my blog)...but even if I DON"T get those things...I got something that I really wanted...and even more...
And although this may SEEM a bit early...just gotta throw in my line
"GO SOX!!!!"
(and thanks Red Sox Management for being so smart!)

Kindness

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:35:00 +0000

Last Sat at 12:30 AM I woke up in the most horrible pain ever and was very sick. Took some Pepcid, tried to go back to sleep...still sick. Told husband something was wrong. Called Primary Dr. and he said to get me to the Emergency Room because the pain had not gone away. Long story short...it was my appendix. Surgery, and recovery...here I am a week later feeling a lot better...and aside from the surgery, and medication, the biggest part of healing was and is-kindness.
Friends and family have called, written, taken the kids places and brought TONS of food over.
The nurses were amazing-I cannot say enough about these fabulous men and women!
I had never been sick...the surgical staff made me feel so comfortable that any fears disappeared quickly.
I could go on and on and on.,..
The fact is that Kindness goes a long way...it was the key to me feeling so much better now.
And it made me think that, we must continue, on an ONGOING basis, be kind and give...
I called the hospital and we are bringing our old kids videos down to the children's section...they have VCR's in their rooms..also books, coloring books, games etc
I have a bunch of audio books that I never listened to...right to the adults at the hospital
Food-we have committed to buying atleast 1 extra item each time we shop and putting in the food bin for the food pantry.
Winter coats...PLEASE give them to any local shelter
Old Sheets and Towels...please give to your local animal shelter
The options are endless...
I have always believed in giving...but after this week...after a 'simple appendectomy' I learned more about kindness that ever before.
Life is worth it...we are put on this earth to help

Whining about Whining

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:56:00 +0000

I know I am whining...and it is ironic because I am whining about whining...but here goes.
I know a woman whose line during every conversation is "Welcome To My Life" and then proceeds to complain about the littlest things in the world...they may be big to her, but in the scheme of things...they are not life threatening.
They are about things that are not going her way...and in general they do NOT go her way, because she is an admitted control freak and things never go her way, when someone else has a say in something that she is involved in. Self Pity rules her life...
I know others like her. At almost 49 years old, I am choosing not to be around people like this unless I must be.
Well...my feelings are, that in general, most things in life are good...that most people are kind and thoughtful. That there are real tragedies and heartbreaks in life that we have a right to be angry, sad, upset about...etc. That the fact that your daughter did not to get to sit who she wanted to sit with on the bus during a field trip, is not a big deal.
A friend of my mom's died a number of years ago at age 57, of breast cancer. She was a guidance counselor and worked from her hospital bed until the last few days of her wonderful life. She never felt sorry for herself.I have linked a site in her memory and honor.
She said that what she learned from life is that there are 3 kinds of people.
The Givers
The Takers
The In Betweens

She said keep and treasure the givers!
The takers...spend as little time as possible with these people and avoid them if you can.
The In Betweens...those are the people who give a bit, take a bit...enjoy what you can.

And give whatever you give. A smile is giving. Time is giving. An open ear, an open heart...all giving...
Giving is allowing others to give to you...as it makes other feel good.

My theory in life...
Life is too short not to be kind.

Just popped in to say HI

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:55:00 +0000

I am a nanny...doing short term work...basically I get called any time someone needs a nanny...they may be in town briefly, their full time nanny may have called in sick...etc...and I work for tons of different families. This past week I have worked for people from Europe, and people from the next town. I have done a 3 hour shift at a local church and a 12 hour shift at someone's home...I love it.
The oldest kid I have watch so far has been 7 and the youngest, 1 month...and then I come home to 2 teens...what a variety of kids.
I have met the most wonderful parents as well.
Today I am gone all day...2 towns over. It's lots of work, lots of responsibility, lots of fun...!!!
Kids are the best...
My husband works 2 days/week...and takes care of the home...the kids love him hear...he is much easier than I am...at first they didn't know what to make of it...but when they realized that dad says YES a lot more than mom...they truly do enjoy this.
So as I begin my day with a cup of coffee, and a long fun day ahead, I say HI to you all...
And have a great day!

Congratulations USA

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 10:53:00 +0000

For voting...and for putting an amazing man in the White House for (atleast) the next 4 years...Our country deserves this wonderful change and life is so sweet right now!

A wonderful, busy life and PLEASE VOTE

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 09:51:00 +0000

I have not been at all good about keeping my blog up...but it's because I have a wonderful busy life.
My sister is getting married this weekend.
I am a short term nanny which means I work whenever they need me...I get jobs through a local agency...when people have an emergency, come into town for a trip, etc...they call on me...I get to meet the most wonderful people...but only for a few hours up to a few days...and the nanny business has been quite busy.
Cheerleading is still going on, with another competition for our 8th grader, and many practices..I'm the team mom, making phone calls, doing collections, etc. When I am not around, My husband takes over as Team Dad!
And there is still the cookin and cleanin etc...
Our son is getting his permit soon...a great kid..but typical teen who wants our $ but little conversation with mom and dad.
And so...life is good...
and
Wonderfully Busy
AND I WILL END THIS POST ON THE MOST IMPORTANT MESSAGE I CAN SEND
PLEASE VOTE NEXT WEEK...AND KNOW THAT WHAT YOU ARE DOING MATTERS AND COUNTS!!!!!!!

Thank you Red Sox!...

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:59:00 +0000

For another amazing season. You gave your total effort and it still amazes me that with all of the injuries and changes the team had this year, that you went this far. From ownership to the bat boys and girls...you are a class act. And I am a fan for life.
Enjoy your time off...and I cannot wait to see you guys at Spring Training!

Good Luck Sox...

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:53:00 +0000

another loss...another game coming up. Whatever happens is Ok...it is so wonderful that the Sox got this far...SO many injuries and changes...that the fact that we are still watching them play amazes me.
The Sox are not only an amazing team, but a group of men who know what being gentlement are all about...and that is rare in the sports world.
So whatever happens, is OK and Great...
Good Luck SOx
My heart is and always will be with you all.

It's OK Guys...

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:02:00 +0000

OK...we lost the game last night...and lost big...but the Sox are still my heros and the series is far from over. We play at Fenway and one of the nicest guys ever is on the mound tonight...Tim Wakefield.
Dinner is the same as last night...if we run out of left overs, I have my back up frozen dinners...
Keep The Faith...
The Sox Rock!

Sox are back at Fenway

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 11:44:00 +0000

Tonight is game 3. Won the first...Lost the second. Game THREE...HOME...Here at Fenway!!! My favorite pitcher...Jon Lester...is on the Mound!!!
Dinner...left overs.
Dinner Table?...what dinner table...games on...eat in the living room with trays on our laps.
Phone...what phone?
Kids...please have left overs with us..or watch the game with us, spend time with friends, do your homework. We LOVE and ADORE you...but Dad and I are watching the game...please LOVE and ADORE us and understand that Mom and Dad have a date tonight and will do whatever you want or need as soon as it's over...we promise!
I LOVE baseball...will watch football and basketball and hockey...but they don't put my life on hold...this series and the Sox do...
SO today, housework will be done, Rubbermaid containers will come out of fridge and canned soda will be served.
Time for another win...and another step towards the World Series
GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!

Red Sox into ALCS!!!!

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:32:00 +0000

NEED I SAY MORE...I'M ONE HAPPY WOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!
I WISH I COULD SAY I MISS MANNY BUT I DO NOT....BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE HIM ONE MORE TIME....ON THE OTHER SIDE...SOX VS DODGES! I WOULD LOVE THAT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW...CAN YOU IMAGINE...THE OLD COACH OF THE YANKEES (TORRE), AND SOME EX-SOX PLAYERS VS THE AMAZING RED SOX...WHAT A MATCH UP THAT WOULD BE.
FOR NOW...I ENJOY TODAY AND THIS GREAT VICTORY...AND CAN'T WAIT FOR FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAME VS THE RAYS!
MY HEART AND SOUL ARE WITH THE SOX!!!!!!!!

Rest In Peace Paul Newman

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:03:00 +0000

Our world has lost a treasure. You will be so missed.

Sometimes Life Gets SO Busy...

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:29:00 +0000

that your blog gets way behind.
This is what's going on.
I am now working as a short term/on call nanny!
My daughter fractured her wrist during cheerleading.
The kids have LOTS of homework.
My sister is getting married soon...lots of stuff to do.
My son is looking for a job and getting his permit soon.
My husband is working lots of hours.
The cat is always hungry, the chinchilla is always hungry, the guinea pigs are always hungry.
And lots more...
We are busy, happy, tired, happy.
Life is good....
Gotta go do some laundry and head to the bank
Have a great one!

Little Kids Big Kids

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:14:00 +0000

Been a while since I wrote...my reason :KIDS. Big Kids/Little Kids. I just went back to work as a part time Nanny...well actually a "Nanny On Call." I have Nannied on and off for the last several years. I took the last few years off to be with my teen/tween kids...and the 'adolescent years.' Now, as they are 13 1/2 and 16...they are at great ages where I was comfortable going back to work...so I am now doing just that, and could not be happier. We desperately need the $ and I really love being with...the kids.
But homelife is still busier than ever. A crazy time of year with many activities, days off from school (somehow October, the kids miss more days than any other month...),,,and the 'normal' everyday housework stuff.
But life is good. Very simple...yet very busy. We are all healthy. Doing well in school, great friends...etc.
Today, friends coming over. Tomorrow...football and cheerleading.
Red Sox have a double header (and pulled off a great win last night...thank you Kevin Cash...great homer!). I have lots of laundry and a few errands...
A busy, yet simple, and very nice life!

High School, Middle School-First Day is Always Emotional

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:11:00 +0000

Today the kids went back to school...my 2 teenagers.
No matter what age they are...the first day of school is still emotional. My son, who left school to be homeschooled as a sophmore last year, wanted to got back...we could not have been happier. A lot of circumstances had us pull him out last year...but HE chose not only to go back, but to repeat his sophmore year...this is a young man, now 16, who really got it together this summer. He looked great as he walked with his best friend to school. I gave him a few extra $ so he could grab a snack on the way home...as I watched him go down the street...even at age 16, I still started to cry...happy tears.
My 13 year old daughter, in her usually fashion of doing everything with a group...met at her friend's house...with 3 other girls. They all had on their 'first day of school clothes.' One had a cute pink dress, one had a cute denim skirt and my daughter and another friend...who even look alike...had on jeans. The best part of her outfit...hot pink Converse Sneakers...My friend took a picture of the 4 of them together...4 friends who have been best friends since second grade. As she was running fashionably late, and as I dropped her off at her friend's house...
I cried.
I cannot wait to hear what teachers they have,who's in their classes, what they had for lunch...etc.
They will come home with a long list of school supplies that I forgot to get, and clothes that they "must have because everyone else does." And I will buy it all...
This was the best summer ever. Very few 'big' things happened...no big trips, no shopping for really expensive clothes, NO DRAMA! LOTS of wonderful 'little' things happened that really matter...they both have wonderful friends, and are great kids...
So as I sent them off to school today, I did it with a happy heart...knowing that all if fine in my world.

Hurricane

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:09:00 +0000

I have not blogged in a while...doing what many of you are doing...wrapping up the summer and getting the kids ready for school...going back to work part time as a nanny and other stuff...
Lots to write...but will do that later.
What is on my mind right now is what is going on in our country. Another Hurricane. As citizens of this country, we MUST help the people affected by the damage being done, as I now write. I feel that not enough was done 3 years ago and I hope that we have learned from our mistakes. I hope that we insist that more is done to help people of our own country...that we write to more congress people and insist that more $ ahd more help go to the people of OUR nation for aid; that we do not throw away things we no longer need and donate them (books, school supplies, household items, clothes, etc; that we send $ IF we can; that we do absolutely whatever we can to help. I have watched the news, and to me, I have never seen such strength as I have seen from the families who are left their homes, not knowing if they will ever be able to return...and this being the second time this has happened. With smiles on their faces and strength in their souls, they move, return and go on...even with this devistation.
As the day goes on and more information is given, please keep everyone going through this in your thoughts...and if there is ANYTHING you can do, please do it.
And to anyone going through it right now, please know that this time around, noone will be forgotten.

The Election, Laundry, Being Blessed

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:56:00 +0000

My kids are old enough to understand about the upcoming election...and a lot is happening...Obama has just picked his running mate and we are now awaiting McCain's.
Every election has meant something...but this year it seems to mean more...and I couldn't figure out why...until I sat quietly and just THOUGHT. As my kids get older...now aged 16 and 13, I can actually see the reality of their future...I always thought about it when they were young, but somehow it becomes more real as they become older. I can now see that they will not be living with us forever. That they will soon be able to enlist in the armed forces...they will soon be able to vote and drink. As they get older, job options open up. They will be driving soon (my son will soon be getting his permit). I see more and more clearly that I can make less choices for them...that I can guide more and control less. I am voting this year, less for myself and more for them.
I want my kids to live in a world where there is peace. I want them to understand that they must work hard to live and make a living. I want them to understand that life may not always be easy and fun...but it is worth it...and that they are blessed. I want them to make decisions on the facts, not what they 'think' are the facts. I want them to know that each day and each hour and each minute is important.
I was mumbling about the laundry and then just sat on the cold floor basement....and realized that I am lucky that I can DO the laundry...that I am healthy. That I have enough $ to pay for clothes, for electrity, for heat. That I am blessed to have a family to be able to do this for...it may seem so small...but even being able to do the laundry for my family, is a blessing...because I CAN. I want my kids to appreciate even small things like this.
And I want this for everyone.
I know that is not possible...but when I vote in the upcoming election...I will put my vote to the people I believe will help this world become a better and easier place...for my kids...and for everyone...And I will share my decisions and reasons with the kids...so they know...how deep my love is for them...enough that I am voting for people that I believe will help make their lives the best it can be.

School is a comin'

two_mustangs@msn.com (Sharon) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:18:00 +0000

Well...the day is fast approaching...back to school. I will soon have 2 kids in 2 grade..8 and 10...and they are not all that happy...:). Usually this time of year means they get to see their friends again, go back to their after school activities and even hook up with some beloved teachers. But it has been a great summer for both of them...they SAW their friends, they played their sports, and even saw their teachers on the field. What they are unhappy about...summer reading...which they are cramming this week, back packs, eating on a schedule (my kids are perpetual snackers), and worst of all--GETTING UP IN THE MORNING!
I remind them that everyone has to do this...and even their dad and I did...but of course, as I felt many years ago...this does not matter. What matters is THEY have to do it.
Once at school, it will be fine...and even fun...they DO get to see more friends, get to have NEW teachers, even the food isn't bad at the Middle School and High School...and they will even sign up for an extra activity or 2...I'm sure.
But the one thing, I just cannot say is "fun" are those mornings...but then again...who really does like to get out of bed?
And although it does not matter to them...I am the one who has to get up first, to wake them up...so we are all in the same boat..
And it will a great year...even if we are all a bit more tired.