Homecomings

I arrived home on Saturday afternoon. It is great to be home. It is wonderful to have a home to come back to. It is glorious to feel welcomed and loved and safe when I am here. How blessed I am.

The Singer arrived home last night at 11:00 pm. She hasn't shut up since (I think I even heard her singing in her sleep). She had such a great time at Music Ministry Alive. I feel pretty foolish. My brother, Kevin, asked me how many students were going to be at the camp. I knew there were people from all over the country and thought I had read that there was a big number. So I told Kevin something like 15,000. Well...I am eating crow, as I wasn't even close. The were about 200 people there!!! Gosh, nothing like being really off. There were kids there from Hawaii, and even Canada (The Singer was taught the appropriate use of "eh"). With such a small number she was able to et to know lots of the people. David Haas (the composer of a lot of liturgical music and founder of MMA) sat ate her table for lunch. He asked where she was from. When she told him, she was amazed to discover that he went to our church years ago! I am so happy that she had such a great time. Just as I am blessed to have a home, I am so glad that the Singer is able to go to these kinds of camps. Hubby said she looks older. Experience will do that to you.

Hubby and I were discussing how much we're going to miss the Singer when she goes off to college in 2 years. She is such a fun kid.

After being gone for 5 days, I thought the Imp had grown taller. I measured her today and yup, she's 1/2 inch taller than when I measured her in late April.

We went out school supply shopping today. It is one of my girls favorite things to do. They love picking out their notebooks, new pens and markers. They love starting out with all the clean, new supplies. We hit 3 stores, to catch the best prices on various items. We got looseleaf for 38 cents a pack. That's hard to beat. They splurged on their binders, going for the "neat" ones instead of the standard ones. School starts at the end of next week. They are both excited to get back and see their friends.

Laughing: Good Medicine or Health Hazard?

I spent the morning with John. I'm not sure I'm very good for him because I make him laugh (when he's eating, even) and that makes him choke. I've read multiple times at the health benefits of laughter. In fact, my niece and I were reading last night in some magazine about things to do to be healthier. Laughing every day was one of the things, so today was medically beneficial to me. For John, I don't know if the laughing offset the choking or what. But regardless, I had fun, even if I did almost kill him.
People sometimes ask me what I do when I go see John. I do what I do when I go so many of my friends. We sit and talk. I talk more than he does, but that was the case before he got sick. Now, I will admit, that a few years ago, John would not have been able to sit around for 3 hours and talk. We would have DONE something, whether go bowling, walk the neighborhood, or work in his yard. So I think the sitting around talking in harder on him than me.
This afternoon I talked to the Singer from MN. She is flying high. She is so full of excitement and enjoyment and everything, she can't contain it. I am so happy for her.
I haven't talked to the Imp today, but yesterday she was still complaining about how sore she was from volleyball. Volleyball camp has definitely helped her deal with the Singer and Mom (that's me) being away this week. The Imp is definitely a home-body. She is happiest when the whole family is home, in the same room, preferably playing together, but even if I'm on the computer and Hubby is reading and the Singer is watching TV, she 's happier if we all do it in the same room.

Needing the TV to Sleep

Today, I had a great time visiting with 3 of my brothers. Mark, Kevin and I (with Kevin's daughter and her best friend) drove from SC to see Brian in Charlotte. It was great having the boys all together. One of the topics that came up was children having TV's in their bedrooms and becoming dependent on them in order to be able to fall asleep. I get on the computer tonight and find this article: Teens rely on TV, games for sleep. I'm so glad there is research to support what I already knew: it's not good for children to rely on electronics.
It's been fun spending time with my niece. Makes me feel very old as she discusses her college options, boyfriend and her summer trip to Peru. I remember when she was born! She can't be 17 already. She has grown into an incredible young lady, and she's fun to be around.
Brian's boys are so absolutely captivating and entertaining. I laughed so much this afternoon with them. The perfect remedy for feeling down (not that I was) is to listen to a small child laugh. I can't help but smile when I hear it. Listening to Christopher laugh (and enjoying whatever made him laugh) was pure joy. As I type this, a smile crept across my face. Just thinking of that bundle of energy brightens my day. [Their mom was looking good, too. And as usual, had great food to offer us, even though we gave her only short notice the 5 of us would descend upon her today].

Trips and Growing Up

I sit in a hotel room in Georgia, on my way to visit my parents and brothers in South Carolina. The Singer is on a plane somewhere between Florida and Minnesota. Leaving last night and allowing Hubby to successfully put her on a plane this morning was difficult, but necessary so she (and I) can grow up. I firmly believe in letting kids experience as much as they can before they're off on their own. And allowing them these experiences, teaches me (the parent) that she can do it, and that it's okay to let go a little. Last summer, the Singer flew to South Dakota on her own. THAT was hard..On both of us..Partly because I couldn't go to the gate with her. Because of security, she had to say good-bye to Mom and Dad a good hour before her flight. (At Tampa airport, security checks are beyond a short tram ride to the airplane hubs, so we said good-bye as she got on tram to go over to the security check and then got to sit and wait, by herself). I stayed at the airport for another half-hour, in case she came back over on the tram. Later the Singer told me she was almost in tears as she went on the tram. She said she was scared. I asked if she wished she hadn't done it. She said, "No! Once I did it, I knew I could do it again." The success built great confidence in herself and abilities to handle life. I can't prepare her for every situation she'll encounter in life, but the more she is successful in a number of different situations, the more confident she becomes. Today, the Singer is actually traveling with a friend from her church choir. This girl is a year younger than the Singer and doesn't really want to fly by herself. She's going to be looking toward the Singer to "be in charge." The Singer told me she was glad she'd had last year's experience, because this would be easy in comparison. This summer, I've sent the Singer out to use the area transit system (the buses). Again, she was hesitant at first, but once she did it, she felt great. Then we've had discussions about how fear of the future is often because of the unknown, and so we "plan" for the worst to alleviate the fear. "Okay, you get off at the wrong stop. What would you do?" "Someone on the bus gets off with you and makes you feel uncomfortable" [the advent of cell phones, makes these scenarios much easier to handle then when I was her age. "Call you" is a common answer to these questions and is a great security blanket to her] So I'll be thinking of her all week, and all the new experiences she'll be having. I know she'll have a great time. The summer after my junior year in high school I went away to 2 different summer programs. One was six weeks long. It was awesome. And yes, I felt more confident when I arrived back home. Going away to college wasn't so scary since I'd already "gone away" before.
Hubby and the Imp are now home alone. They'll have a great time. I tried to leave pre-made dinners, that they could just heat up, but was vetoed. They've planned their dinner menu this week. Tonight they're going out to get two large pizzas. One for each of them, made the way they like. Leftovers for the rest of the week. [Ugh] The only saving grace, is the fresh produce that I know Hubby will get out each night.
Traveling, yesterday, I put in a CD the Singer made for me from all my favorite Christian songs. I really like listening to the words and then my drive becomes a meditation and prayer. Casting Crowns new song "Praise you in This Storm" is really wonderful and addresses how to handle the storms that come in our lives...Because they will. I listened to that one about 5 times. I'm getting ready to go jump in the car and listen to it again.

Brothers

This comic made me think of my little brother John. I can see this scenario taking place between the two of us, easily. Maybe we're so close because we tortured each other so much as we were growing up. Some sort of form of Stockholm Syndrome. Anyway, it was wonderful to start my day off with a laugh and happy memories.

Another great thing that happened today, was my daughters offered to take me to Dairy Queen as a "Thank you for being our mom". I know those of you who are cynical are asking yourselves, "What did they do?" or "What do they want?" I'm taking it at face value. We're going tomorrow so I have 24 hours to enjoy the gift and anticipation of great ice cream. They said I could choose whatever I wanted...cone, sundae, blizzard, whatever. So many choices. Good thing there's only 2 flavors.

Life is good.

Square Watermelon

Did you know that you can get square watermelon? You can in Japan, where they grow square watermelon so they will more easily fit in your refrigerator. It will only cost you $80 or so. I find it rather incredible that people today are willing to pay $80 for a single watermelon when there are so many people starving. I can cut up a watermelon in bite-size pieces in 15 minutes and it will take up less room in my refrigerator than a square watermelon will. (Assuming the watermelon makes it to the fridge.) And the article also has unique watermelon recipes like Deep-Fried Watermelon and Watermelon Chiffon Pie.

Watermelon, strawberries, and all the fresh fruit that is readily available. The joys of summer. Strawberries are waiting for me in the kitchen for my dessert tonight.

I spent time at the public library today and was once again thankful for Benjamin Franklin and the concept of public libraries. I can remember riding my bike to the library and spending time just enjoying the potential of all those books. I still go into libraries and enjoy being there. My girls and I go on library field trips. There are quite a few libraries in our county and we have fun going to different ones and seeing the different architecture and then looking at all those books. One of the best things about the libraries today is the books on tape (CD). As I drive almost 500 miles to visit my brother and parents on a fairly regular basis, the books make the miles fly by. I got 5 books on tape. The hard part will be deciding which one to put in first. I'll only be able to listen to 2 of them.

Next week is tax-free week in Florida on school supplies (including clothes). Of course, I'll be out of town most of next week. I guess I'll leave a list of basic supplies for Hubby. Clothes will not be on his list. Both girls need new shoes but the Singer will be in Minnesota for Music Camp, so unless I make it out (and find a pair that fits, meets school requirements, and she likes... not good odds there) early Monday morning, we'll miss the tax break.

Teaching and Parenting

I'm reading the new publication from ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development)and it states that we know everything we need to know to dramatically increase learning in our nation's classrooms. Following a basic formula of 1)telling the students what you are about to teach to them...telling them what they are suppose to get out it 2) teach it to them 3) assess if they got it [give them some worksheet/activity/discussion that will demonstrate if they grasp the concept 4)tell them what they just learned. EASY. Yet, somehow, the majority of teachers aren't doing this. Absolutely amazing. Classroom management has similar simple steps, that if followed, create an amicable classroom. Teach the rules (only rules you are going to enforce), state the consequences, (wait for a student to break a rule....they will, if only to see if it's really a rule) and enforce the consequence promised. REPEAT as necessary. (And sometimes, that's a lot.) It seems to me parenting is very similar. Decide what you want from your child concerning behavior. Tell and teach the child those expectations. Tell them the consequences for failure to reach those expectations and then dole out the consequences (or allow those natural consequences to role in). REPEAT as necessary (and for some children those natural consequences have to get pretty high before they say..."Okay I'll comply"). But it is the consistency and clarity that make the difference. The broken record syndrome is the best tool of a teacher or parent. Too many teachers and parents allow the child/student to wear them down and finally give in because the parent/teacher is so tired. It's less tiring if you don't argue or cajole, etc, just repeat the rule and consequence...broken record [maybe that's the problem...no one knows what a broken record is since we don't have records anymore].

I work with teachers often and I find that they love the flashy, fun activities. But when I asked, "What are you teaching?" they can't answer. Trust me, students have enough flash for flash's sake. And there is nothing wrong with flashy and fun IF it has a point AND the student knows what the point is. Off the soapbox (at least temporarily).

I'm at work now, getting ready to head home where my Singer and Imp need the broken record syndrome. They are not being bad, or anything even extraordinarily provoking (nothing worth writing about at any rate). They are being children and they need to be told the rules and feel the consequences. And while their behavior can be irritating...It's their job to be like that and mine to shape them into responsible adults.

Birthday Pictures

As I don't have a digital camera, I can't post pictures immediately after an event. I've debated over the digital thing and will probably get one...eventually. Right now, the "old fashion" way works fine for me and it's easy to send my mom pictures since I get double prints.

Here is the Singer in her "Before" picture when I took her to Merle Norman for a make over before her birthday party.


Here is the "After" picture.



Here is another "After" picture. She doesn't look happy enough, does she?



Here's the Tinkerbell Castle Cake I made. I went I little overboard with the pink coloring...should have made it lighter...didn't realize how "Pepto Bismal" it was till I was finished. Yipes! The Singer said it was the perfect pink. (OoooKay.)

I don't know why I always think there will be more hours in the day...It seems each day has fewer and fewer hours in it. I have wanted to crop and work on my scrapbooks, but haven't managed to do it once this whole summer! I did set up my work table last night and even though I'm off to work today, I am determined to get so much done at work that I can crop tomorrow. )Ithink I can, I think I can).

The Imp is spending the day with her great Aunt and Uncle and their grandkids (their cousins). THey're going to the free summer movies (March of the Penguins) and then off to Aunties for board games the rest of the day. The Singer is ...surprise, surprise..singing. She's practicing the songs she needs to know for Music Ministry Alive camp next week. She was sent 17 songs to know before she got there. We're off to her voice teacher's tomorrow.

Hubby and I have to write our talk for Engaged Encounter weekend. The title is "Married Sexual Intimacy." It is actually a great talk based on the writings of John Paul II on Theology of the Body, but it's not easy (the whole concept of theology of the body) and sharing on this topic is even harder. One of the big points is that God's love has four basic qualities: free, total, faithful and fruitful. Married love needs to have these qualites if we wish to live our sacramental lives. The best part of Engaged Encounter is how it keeps Hubby and I focused on what marriage should be. I think we have a great marriage (strike that) I think we have the best marriage, but we do have bad days (weeks, months...). But reading what we've written for Engaged Encounter (and it was all written during 'good' times) brings us back to marriage as a vocation and call, not just something that feels good. One of the key points of Theology of the body is that "There is one path to happiness and that is to learn to love as God loves." This is actually a statement that is similar to alot of what I am reading about in a book "Don't Waste Your Sorrows."

Summertime

This is the girls getting their summer survival bags. This year I made them jean purses (from actual jeans) lined with material each would like. Inside there are gift cards to the movies, Dairy Queen, gum and various other necessities to make it through summer.

Three generations of Ellis men. Grandpa (Billy), his youngest (Brian a.k.a. Dad) and his youngest, Andrew. Aren't they dashing?

Here, two other dashing Ellis males. Uncle John giving Christopher a ride on the foot rest of his wheelchair. How fun!

And, thank goodness for high tech toys. NOT! The empty coke bottle provided hours of entertainment for Andrew and the adults were entertained watching him.

Things have been busy. I always think of things to write in my blog as I go through my day but when I sit down at the computer my mind goes blank.

This week is preparation for next week. This weekend Dennis and I will be running an Engaged Encounter retreat weekend. It's from 7pm Friday until 3 pm Sunday. There's suppose to be 24 couples there. The youngest 21 and 23. (Was I ever that young?) On Monday, Theresa starts a week of day volleyball camp. Monday afternoon I head to South Carolina. Tuesday, Megan leaves for Minnesota and Music Camp. Besides normal preparations for trips, Dennis and I have to write a new talk for the weekend. Then there's my online course. I think that's really why I haven't written more. I'm online so much with that course and have to type so much to all the participants that I'm all typed out afterwards.