Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Anniversaries

I'm noticing lately my tendency toward nostalgia. I notice it when I hesitate to throw away my children's artwork or awards. I notice the time I spend reflecting on "life as it was" before, and the way I'm eager to return to places, like the lake, where I've enjoyed a special moment. This week, for example, I've been "stuck" inside a pattern of worry as I remember the events of last year. It was a horrible week filled with injuries, arguments, and the tragic death of a child. Why do my emotions go there? How can I be a better example, at home, of keeping my focus where it ought to be? "Heaven Help Me" by Matt Mahar Everybody's quoting the Bible Like it could be truth or lies And I'm standing on the corner With the saints and the sinners Tryin' to quote Your love With my life Heaven help me now Heaven help me now I lift You up and I lay me down Heaven help me now

Monday, June 18, 2012

The Stadium Gig

Our oldest auditioned on Friday to play guitar at the "Rock The Lakes" concert. It was his first "stadium gig."

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Thursday, June 14, 2012

How to Find a Happy Place

We visited (Great)Grandma Millie yesterday evening. Dinnertime at the nursing home was over and the employees were washing tables and setting found items on a counter. We found her sitting alone in her room, wondering what to do. I suggested that we go outside into the courtyard and she swiftly agreed. I noticed a real difference in Grandma. Maybe it was the sunshine after days of rain? She seemed genuinely happy(so often she seems genuinely bored as she is confined to a wheelchair). She spoke at length about things she enjoyed, not in the spirit of reminiscence but rather as if those things were still real and intact. The old 5 & 10 on Main Street. My Grandpa working in his garden. A beading project she'd just finished. She offered to take the boys for me and to go do something special. But, she said, she could only handle one at a time (I was delighted that she would offer). This, while back in the courtyard one of my boys was tipping over the bird bath and the other was sword fighting with the air from the top of a picnic bench. We sat in the garden for awhile, noticing birds perched along the tip of the roof and those that were chirping from the inner branches of a huge pine tree. I broke off some pine needles and crushed them for her to smell. I wonder where my "happy place" would be if the day comes that I'm unable to leave my residence. Which will be the store I think of that was filled with wonders and treasures? Today, any place with Grandma Millie is a happy place. I love to visit her and I'm so grateful that she is and has been a part of my life. Side note: She ooooooohed and aaaaaahed with J (5 years old)over this new "official" Cub Scout status. Warms my heart. Here is a look/listen to another very happy moment...J's chorus concert. He's on drums for this number. We are so blessed to belong to a public district that isn't afraid to "have a little church up in here!" Can I get a witness?!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Birth Order and Mitchell Patterson

Our oldest son is a typical "type A" personality, the firstborn who demonstrates leadership and drive. He has been gifted with many talents: he is athletic, musical, and very good at math/engineering. During this season of awards ceremonies, he was recognized as "Most Outstanding Chorus Member" and "Most Valuable Section Player." He even scored a 96 on a level six (collegiate/professional) state drum solo (he is in tenth grade). I am, of course, the proud parent. But it delights me to no end that his good friend, Mitchell Patterson, scored a 100 on his state solo. A perfect score there is quite rare. This same friend aced his SATs...with, you might have guessed, a perfect store. I think it's healthy that there is someone nearby who can "one up" my son. While my guy doesn't tend toward haughtiness, I want him to always keep trying, to keep improving. I like him to see that there is always something more to learn. The other night we were talking about Mitchell's home. I'd requested that J ask his friend what he'd done to prepare for the SATs (I was curious...what does one eat/do/study to get a perfect score?!). Apparently, everyone in the Patterson family has a computer in his/her room and very often, family members are tied to their respective supercomputers. Practice makes perfect? Side note written one week later: My son just scored a 100 on the English Regents. Now I'm the parent of a 100% What do I do?! Thank you: 100 (Icon) Things I Love from MarviMarti

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Feeling Left Out

This morning I read in the newspaper that there will be a presentation/book discussion at a church up the road given by my mom and my aunt. I hadn't been aware.


I suppose I had only minimal involvement in the book itself. I did save the manuscript from the fire, if you will, and passed it on to my aunt who spent months at editing and word processing.


It was a blessing to know the book's author, my step great grandmother. For years I visited her and took her out to the circus or restaurants, despite the claims that she was dirty, crazy, and "not really part of the family."


The book was published after her death, and for some time I was included in marketing efforts and sales. I wrote a few pages that are included in the back, explaining my relationship to Mrs. Carr.


So I started feeling a little sad this morning, to be "left out" ( perhaps better said, "without notice"). Then I asked myself how often I fail to include God, my creator and companion, to the events in my life.


I can but try to be a better communicator, someone who invites others. I want to remind myself to take the long view, working hard to not forget the many hands that have helped me along the way.


Side note: last night's performance of Broadway Baby" by Women's Select Choir had me thinking of Pat.


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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Cherry Trees and Flan

Yesterday we had the privilege of hosting five International students from Mexico. We walked along the canal, drove by some Cobblestones and braved the cold lake breeze at the pier.


They were excited to see their first real cherry tree. Their enthusiasm was adorable.


Here at home we had planned a menu that featured local ingredients like maple syrup and kale. Mr. WestberryDad grilled chicken, NY state style. I made a maple flan from our farm eggs.


It was their first home cooked meal in more than two weeks, as they have been living in a hotel and working twelve hour days at the amusement park. I enjoyed watching the food on the table disappear.


I was honored when one boy said, "thank you so much for the flan. It reminded me of home."


W had some extra help with his Spanish homework. N fed the animals with extra "farm hands." The girls squealed and giggled as the sheep took grain from their hands.


It was a delicious day.


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Friday, June 1, 2012

Shenanigans

There are times when I sense the grumpy old German in me rising up.


I don't, generally, enjoy silliness and boy shenanigans anyway. If I were to be totally honest I'd admit that even the sound of the dogs romping around makes me crazy ( they've been playing on top of this big box on the porch since it was delivered).


I was raised to believe that "when it's time to work, you work." "Play time is after the work gets done."


Last night we were working in the football garden, named so because it is nearly the size of a football field, and the little boys were playing at high speed. The truck radio was cranked up, windows down, and J was dancing on the seat, bed, and roof of the vehicle...MY Ford F150. W was using his garden sign as a bat, swinging at clumps of dirt.


And I was terrifically annoyed.


The older boys have dished out plenty of silliness these days, laying on the hammock reading "The Bro Code" and playing guitars or video games instead of doing chores and paperwork.


In my mind I've called them "numskulls," a word I heard as a child when my Grandfather was frustrated with me. http://www.dailywritingtips.com/numskulls-noodles-and-nincompoops/


How can I learn to be more patient with boy/puppy shenanigans?


I'm very, very grateful that "The Dad" is taking three of the four to a Boy Scout campout tonight...in the rain...while I work.  There's likely to be concentrated boy silliness there. Thank you WestberryDad!!!


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