There was a very joyous occasion at our house recently, one that I know many parents share in: School is BACK IN SESSION!!! Can I hear a big Whoop-Whoop?!!!!
I have vowed that this year is going to be different than all the previous years - namely, that THIS year will be the one where things run smoothly. You know: kids' chores will be done by the time I get home from work so that I can get dinner going sometime before midnight, homework will be done sooner rather than the now-familiar panic attack that usually hits around 11:15 P.M., kids will be IN bed by 9:30 (okay, 10:00 at the latest), and evening school events will not send the entire schedule into Titanic mode for two weeks after the event.
"Organization is key!" I said in my self-induced, euphorically organized dream-state. In preparation for this totally-awesome year that I'm so sure that we're going to have, I bought one of those large dry-erase boards that stick to your refrigerator. I bought the four-pack of colored markers with dreams of color-coding for each child, a neatly gridded day-by-day calendar smartly charted out for each one with chores, homework, and events right at hand. I'll never double-book or **cough cough ** forget a child for hours on end (see here) again.
Anyway, I bought the beautiful white board and colored markers, attached it to the fridge, drew my first week's worth of boxes for each child and went to bed, happy in the knowledge that I was WELL on my way to the goal. School was a few weeks away at that point, so I'd have plenty of time to iron out the wrinkles and get my "system" all worked out.
The next day, after coming home from work, I glanced lovingly at the board on my way in from work. Only now there were no longer clearly-defined boxes, but boxes with smudged lines. "Someone" had taken their finger and systematically erased small portions of each and every box, so now it looked more like a line of ants marching around each day.
"Oh well," I thought to myself. "I can deal with that."
The next day I came home to find new changes. This time the lines were back in totality, except now there were little men drawn on, some climbing staircases into the box above, poking their heads into their siblings box to see what was going on, some shooting bullets at their chore listing. I really wish I'd gotten a picture before it was erased, because it really was quite the work of art, in an ultra-modern, ADHDish sort-of way.
Day 3 brought a total erasing of all my carefully drawn quadrants and was replaced with a full-color rendition of the Utah Jazz basketball logo. While beautifully done, it really wasn't quite what I had in mind when I purchased the board.
Last Thursday school finally started, so I was excited to put it to actual use. I drew a big star around the date and gleefuly proclaimed"1st day of school!" That evening, I came home to see something now written on Friday in small letters: "Braden drops out of school."
Tonight, as I waited for dinner to cook, I readied myself to redo the calendar for the coming week. Only someone had beaten me to it, and there was already something scheduled for Monday. I knew this calendar would catch on! However, upon closer look, I found the following message:
"Braden unwillingly gets forced back into school. Ha-Ha."
It may not be entirely fulfilling the purpose to which I had hoped, but it has been quite the entertainment, and at least he's getting some creative writing practice in!
P.S. Savannah didn't finish the kitchen until after 7:00 p.m. tonight, and dinner wasn't served until 9:45 p.m. Insert deep sigh... The year's still young, right?
Aug. 23, 2009
August 23, 2009
August 14, 2009
Just for fun: 25 Random Things About Me
I was recently playing on Facebook, trying to figure out how to post a new "note" in response to one that I'd been tagged on, when I ran across something I'd responded to last year. Since I'm really, really trying to post more on this here blog, I decided I'd run this one, just for fun.
25 random things about me...Share Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
Drum roll, please:
1. All of my favorite restaurants end up going out of business. Not quite sure why.
2. I have worked at Utah State for almost 10 years, the longest I have ever worked anywhere.
3. My favorite job was working as an administrative assistant at a mental health clinic. Interesting doesn’t even begin to describe it! Some days I feel like I still work there ;-)
4. I’m a frustrated wanna-be English teacher: I earn extra money by editing theses and dissertations in my “spare” time. I love my red pen! And yes, I know I’m a nerd.
5. My first “real” job was recovering piano keys, a skill I was taught by my grandpa, a piano tuner. Each job took countless hours and covered my hands with blisters, but boy did they look pretty when they were done! Sadly, I probably only earned the equivalent of $1.50 an hour for my labors.
6. I got married one year after high school and later divorced after 4 years and 2 boys.
7. My husband and I got engaged on our first “real” date and both of us later admitted that we asked ourselves “what did I just say?” immediately after. We have been married 14 years this July and still going strong, although we do have our ups and downs like any couple.
8. We have 5 kids between us: His 2 boys, my 2 boys, and FINALLY a girl together. She’s now 10 and totally has him wrapped around her finger.
9. I love road trips, either alone or with my husband. No kids allowed at this point! I lovingly refer to them as the “fun-suckers,” at least when we’re in the car. They call me "Momster." We're a loving family, but a bigger bunch of smart-alecks you've never seen!
10. I’m a sucker for historical sites and drive my hubby nuts because I want to stop at every one. Over the years he’s finally gotten to like them too, but he still won’t stop for all of them.
11. Another favorite thing to do is attend estate auctions. A few years ago I got a collectable music box for $25 that I later found for sale on the internet for $750. AND I haven't sold it because I really love it.
12. In the last 3 years I have been close to death twice.
13. I am the world’s most patient mother. I must be, because my mom would NEVER have put up with the “stuff” my 16-year old dishes out!
14. I collect rocks, Christmas villages, and salt and pepper shakers.
15. I am a sophomore in college (almost a junior!) but I only take 1-2 classes a year, so I will probably be 50 by the time I finally graduate.
16. I figure time is passing by whether I take the classes or not, so I might as well get ahead while I can.
17. I took hunter’s education last year for the first time in my life, AND I did better on the target shooting than either of my boys’ when they took it! But I won’t go hunting because I know I’d cry if I ever shot and killed anything.
18. My aunt and I went on a vacation to Mexico City when I was 16 where I got my tennis shoes polished, drank Pepsi out of a sandwich baggie, and was almost bitten by a donkey near the Aztec pyramids. My mom cried as she watched us board the plane.
19. After 5 years of having very short hair, I am trying to grow it out long again. Each day I have to give myself a pep talk to not make an appointment, THAT DAY, to get it cut short again so that I won’t continue to look like I’m homeless.
20. I must have a boring life, because I’m finding it extremely hard to come up with 25 facts.
21. I went snow-skiing for the very first time this last year, even though I’ve lived in Utah for the last 22 years. And I'd sworn I would never try it.
22. I love to read, anything from non-fiction, adventure, romance, history, etc. Pretty much anything but horror.
23. I believe that the power of forgiveness is both one of my best and worst traits.
24. The Oregon Coast is my favorite place on earth, followed closely by Glacier National Park.
25. After only ever having white walls in any of my houses, this last year I’ve gone crazy and painted *gasp* color in almost every room. And I have plans for the others…
Pretty darned exciting, aren't I? And it's a Friday night and this is what I am doing for fun. Watch out world - you've got a wild one on hand!
August 14, 2009
25 random things about me...Share Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
Drum roll, please:
1. All of my favorite restaurants end up going out of business. Not quite sure why.
2. I have worked at Utah State for almost 10 years, the longest I have ever worked anywhere.
3. My favorite job was working as an administrative assistant at a mental health clinic. Interesting doesn’t even begin to describe it! Some days I feel like I still work there ;-)
4. I’m a frustrated wanna-be English teacher: I earn extra money by editing theses and dissertations in my “spare” time. I love my red pen! And yes, I know I’m a nerd.
5. My first “real” job was recovering piano keys, a skill I was taught by my grandpa, a piano tuner. Each job took countless hours and covered my hands with blisters, but boy did they look pretty when they were done! Sadly, I probably only earned the equivalent of $1.50 an hour for my labors.
6. I got married one year after high school and later divorced after 4 years and 2 boys.
7. My husband and I got engaged on our first “real” date and both of us later admitted that we asked ourselves “what did I just say?” immediately after. We have been married 14 years this July and still going strong, although we do have our ups and downs like any couple.
8. We have 5 kids between us: His 2 boys, my 2 boys, and FINALLY a girl together. She’s now 10 and totally has him wrapped around her finger.
9. I love road trips, either alone or with my husband. No kids allowed at this point! I lovingly refer to them as the “fun-suckers,” at least when we’re in the car. They call me "Momster." We're a loving family, but a bigger bunch of smart-alecks you've never seen!
10. I’m a sucker for historical sites and drive my hubby nuts because I want to stop at every one. Over the years he’s finally gotten to like them too, but he still won’t stop for all of them.
11. Another favorite thing to do is attend estate auctions. A few years ago I got a collectable music box for $25 that I later found for sale on the internet for $750. AND I haven't sold it because I really love it.
12. In the last 3 years I have been close to death twice.
13. I am the world’s most patient mother. I must be, because my mom would NEVER have put up with the “stuff” my 16-year old dishes out!
14. I collect rocks, Christmas villages, and salt and pepper shakers.
15. I am a sophomore in college (almost a junior!) but I only take 1-2 classes a year, so I will probably be 50 by the time I finally graduate.
16. I figure time is passing by whether I take the classes or not, so I might as well get ahead while I can.
17. I took hunter’s education last year for the first time in my life, AND I did better on the target shooting than either of my boys’ when they took it! But I won’t go hunting because I know I’d cry if I ever shot and killed anything.
18. My aunt and I went on a vacation to Mexico City when I was 16 where I got my tennis shoes polished, drank Pepsi out of a sandwich baggie, and was almost bitten by a donkey near the Aztec pyramids. My mom cried as she watched us board the plane.
19. After 5 years of having very short hair, I am trying to grow it out long again. Each day I have to give myself a pep talk to not make an appointment, THAT DAY, to get it cut short again so that I won’t continue to look like I’m homeless.
20. I must have a boring life, because I’m finding it extremely hard to come up with 25 facts.
21. I went snow-skiing for the very first time this last year, even though I’ve lived in Utah for the last 22 years. And I'd sworn I would never try it.
22. I love to read, anything from non-fiction, adventure, romance, history, etc. Pretty much anything but horror.
23. I believe that the power of forgiveness is both one of my best and worst traits.
24. The Oregon Coast is my favorite place on earth, followed closely by Glacier National Park.
25. After only ever having white walls in any of my houses, this last year I’ve gone crazy and painted *gasp* color in almost every room. And I have plans for the others…
Pretty darned exciting, aren't I? And it's a Friday night and this is what I am doing for fun. Watch out world - you've got a wild one on hand!
August 14, 2009
August 13, 2009
Enterprising Young Thing...
This past week, Savannah got bored and decided to do the typical lemonade stand to make some money. The only problem was that we didn't have any lemonade or kool-aid, so she decided to sell cups of tap-water.
Braden, home supervising her at the time, gave her his blunt opinion of the idea.
"Savannah, that's a stupid idea. Everybody has their own tap-water. You might as well sell rocks!"
So that's what she did: an hour later she called to let me know she'd earned about a dollar selling gravel she'd scooped out of the driveway.
This girl will go far!
August 4, 2009
I shoulda gotten the insurance...
Several months ago we got rid of the landline house phone and switched to a cell phone for the kids' home use (one way of controlling phone calls for a certain older child who is, more often than not, grounded!). When Braden's birthday rolled around last month, the ONLY thing he wanted, more than life itself, please, please, pretty PLEASE, was his own cell phone. For lack of any better gift ideas, I finally relented and got him his own. This meant that now we all had a cell phone and Savannah got to keep the uncool house phone for herself.
Two weeks ago at work my cell phone rang. I could see it was Savannah's phone, and I said "hello...hello...hello..." but there was never any answer. Then, finally, a click. Then she called on my work line.
Me: "hello... hello...hello?"
Click again.
I tried calling her, she tried calling me, and then FINALLY, when I'd about given up all hope, she emailed me on my work email.
"Mom, I can hear you but nobody can hear me." Luckily we had just gotten Tom a new phone, so we had his old one as a spare. I walked her through the SIM-card transfer over email and pretty soon she called me. Voila!
So what was wrong with her phone, you may be asking yourself?!
She had dropped it in the toilet. Let me just tell you, in case you were wondering, that never does any electronic gadget any good...
Fast forward two weeks to today. See me, sitting behind my desk at work. Hear the cell phone ring. Hear Savannah gaily telling me about her day.
Savannah: "Hi mom! Guess where I am?!!"
Me: "Uh... home?"
Savannah: "I'm calling from in the swimming pool!" as if that were the coolest thing in the world.
So we then had to revisit toilet-gate and the fact that maybe, just maybe, taking the phone IN the pool probably wasn't the greatest idea...
If anyone has any old T-mobile phones, please save them for me. I have the feeling I'll be needing them...
August 4, 2009
Two weeks ago at work my cell phone rang. I could see it was Savannah's phone, and I said "hello...hello...hello..." but there was never any answer. Then, finally, a click. Then she called on my work line.
Me: "hello... hello...hello?"
Click again.
I tried calling her, she tried calling me, and then FINALLY, when I'd about given up all hope, she emailed me on my work email.
"Mom, I can hear you but nobody can hear me." Luckily we had just gotten Tom a new phone, so we had his old one as a spare. I walked her through the SIM-card transfer over email and pretty soon she called me. Voila!
So what was wrong with her phone, you may be asking yourself?!
She had dropped it in the toilet. Let me just tell you, in case you were wondering, that never does any electronic gadget any good...
Fast forward two weeks to today. See me, sitting behind my desk at work. Hear the cell phone ring. Hear Savannah gaily telling me about her day.
Savannah: "Hi mom! Guess where I am?!!"
Me: "Uh... home?"
Savannah: "I'm calling from in the swimming pool!" as if that were the coolest thing in the world.
So we then had to revisit toilet-gate and the fact that maybe, just maybe, taking the phone IN the pool probably wasn't the greatest idea...
If anyone has any old T-mobile phones, please save them for me. I have the feeling I'll be needing them...
August 4, 2009
July 27, 2009
Things I miss...
A hairbrush, gray.
Another hairbrush, pink.
Kitchen knives: 20 or more, the latest set less than 3 months old.
Socks.
Shoes.
Headphones.
Cell phones.
Scissors.
Nail clippers.
The door to a kitty-carrier.
These are just a few of the things that go "missing" around our house, absconded by my wonderful children (also known as the famous "not me's") never to be seen again, but of all of them, it is that last one that I miss the most.
We technically live in "the country," although in the last 5 years or so many houses have sprung up around us. Anyway, even though we're now in a neighborhood, the area is still decidedly rural. The first year we moved in, our new neighbors across the street had kittens. "Why, YES! We'd love a kitten!" It'll help keep down on the mice.
Back then we were continuously strapped financially, and so we didn't really have the money to get said kitten spayed. She rapidly grew up and, before you knew it, had a litter of kittens of her own. We found homes for all the kittens but one, a sweet-hearted little thing we named Google because Savannah, only 3 at the time, said she had "googly" eyes. Now mom and daughter were on a race to see who could be the most prolific producers of kittens. I almost always managed to find homes for most, but it seems there is always at least one that ends up being left behind.
All this to say that, at present, we have FOUR mama kitties who seem always ready to pop out another litter. And while I love kittens, enough is enough! It has been my goal since February to get them all fixed so that we can put an end to this kitty-cascade, but have you seen how much it costs to get them spayed?!!! The cheapest I could find here in our area is $85 per female cat, which I think is highway robbery.
Every-other month the "Big Fix" mobile clinic comes to Logan for one day to offer dog and cat spaying/neutering for much-reduced rates: $25 compared to the $85. Every-other month since February I have locked a kitty in a crate the night before, starved it, listened to it yowl loudly and mournfully all the way into town, stood in line with hundreds of other people and their pets, only to be turned away because they can only take the first 40 or 50 pets. The first time I was only two people behind the cutoff. Arrggghh! I then drive my yowling cat back home and let the poor, bewildered thing out of the crate. I'm sure that they all think I've lost my marbles. I don't understand WHY they can't just let people make appointments, as I'm told they do in other areas.
I've finally given up on the mobile clinic, so last week I called and made an appointment at the local vet clinic for today. I'll do a cat a month. We got home fairly late, so I went to grab the kitty carrier, only to discover the missing door. I still cannot figure out WHAT possible use there could be for a cat carrier door, without the cat carrier, but it is gone. Of course no one KNOWS where it went, or why, and, "Oh geez, here mom goes again..." I finally kicked Stitch, our goofy black lab, out of his crate that he sleeps in. Door? Check. But, what's this? Even though there's a door attached, it doesn't actually latch.
Great.
I finally got Stitch out and the cat in, held the door shut by bracing it with garden implements, and went to bed. I'll deal with it in the morning. So, here we are: the day of reckoning! I still couldn't find the cat carrier door, and I couldn't get the large dog crate with meowing kitty into the Tahoe without help because I had to hold that door shut. I finally got to the vet and went inside to ask if they had a smaller carrier that I could bring her in with. They handed me a tiny little crate that looked like it might hold at least half of her, and off I went. I opened the back doors of the Tahoe, scooted the large dog crate around, held the new crate (with a door!) in front, and proceeded to TRY to stuff her in. Man can she put up a fight!
It ended with her making a leap up and over the smaller carrier, over my shoulder, and off into the parking lot. By this time, the two vet assistants had come out to see what the obvious hold-up was. The three of us circled the clinic from different angles more than a few times. I'd finally catch her, stand up and start for the doorway when she'd dig her claws into whatever appendage happened to be closest, and then launch herself back into the bushes again. One of the assistants finally grabbed her and held her in a great hold that I'm thinking I may actually try on the kids when they start lipping off.
Anyway, one cat down and three to go! I'm exhausted...
July 27, 2009
July 24, 2009
With apologies to Lewis Caroll...
"I'm Late, I'm late, for a very important date!"
For those of you who know and love me, this will come as no surprise. I remember a time, oh, let's say about 16.75 years ago when I rarely ran behind and was actually on time to things. However, since I added children into the mix, I have been consistently behind ever since, a little more with each one!
Anyway, all this to say that my goal this year had been to do special "birthday blogs" for each of the kids on their birthday. I managed to do so with Evan's and Josh's, but then I lost it. So, today's blog is for SAVANNAH, or our little Nanna-Girl as we call her, whose birthday was on May 23rd (yes, I am honestly that far behind!). Next up on the agenda, hopefully within the next day or two, is Braden's, which we celebrated on July 12th, so I'm not quite as far behind on him.
Savannah turned the big 1-0 this year, which is making me feel really old since she is my baby (sniff, sniff...). It's so hard to believe that the years have flown by so quickly, but it's been fun to see what a wonderful, sweet-hearted young woman she is becoming. I have to say that now as a reminder, because I know the teen years are roaring towards us and she will cease acting human!
Shortly after Savannah was born it was discovered that she had some sort of a viral infection and she nearly died. She spent the first 10 days of her life in the NICU, and when she finally got to come home with us, she was an ORNERY little thing. Whew - the girl had attitude! Being born into a house with so many brothers, that was probably a very good thing. :o)
One of my favorite "Savannah-moments" was on her 3rd birthday. We were having a birthday party for her in my parents' back yard and everyone was watching her open her gifts. My mom had gotten her a "dress-up" kit with the high heels, feather boa, and jewelry. Savannah has always been very petite, and she just looks so tiny and delicate. Braden, who was 8 at the time, grabbed the high heels from her and was in the process of shoving them on his big, ugly feet. Before any of us could even say a thing, Savannah had him tackled to the ground, and the shoes were soundly back in her possession! The whole thing played out so quickly, I think we were all stunned. I knew then that my daughter would have no problem sticking up for herself!
She has proven to be the perfect combination of tom-boy and girly-girl, and she has a heart of gold. She is a HUGE animal lover, and even more, they love her. She currently has her sights set on becoming a veterinarian when she's older, and I have no doubt that she'll reach her goal.
Love you Nanna, and sorry I'm so late in getting this done! You'll understand someday when you have kids of your own, you know, after you turn 42 and are finally allowed out of the house... :o)
Love, Mom
July 24, 2009
July 7, 2009
Motherhood is an Experience
July 7, 2009
Several months ago, one of the soccer moms on Savannah's team asked if I would be interested in having Savannah join 4-H (Head, Heart, Hands, & Health) over the summer.
"Sure!" said I, not realizing what lay ahead.
I figured that it would be a fun thing for her to do and would give her something to look forward to over the long, boooorrrrrrrring summer ahead (at least that's what she always tells me it is). J explained that it would be a fairly low-key thing with only about 6 girls total in the group. All the moms would take a week to teach some sort of "crafty" or "homey" skill, spending 1-2 hours. Sounds fantastic and easy, doesn't it? Do not be deceived!
Shortly after, I attended her home for the planning meeting and signed up for a date far, Far, FAR in the future: July 7th. I very carefully wrote the date in a very reliable spot: the back of the envelope on a bill that I had shoved in my purse sometime in the last 5 years. Heaven knows I would NEVER throw that away! As is my wont, I came home and immediately forgot to write it down anywhere I would actually see it again this side of the grave.
Savannah, not having lost all her marbles yet as I have lost mine (oh, but fear not, little girl! You are my daughter and your day will come, much as I didn't think I'd follow after my mom!), asked me on Saturday (yes, just this past Saturday, with that really busy holiday-thingy thrown in): "Mommy, what are you going to teach my 4-H group on Tuesday?"
Me (with just a touch of hysteria): "THIS Tuesday? Are you sure it's THIS TUESDAY?"
Savannah cheerily affirmed the date and time for me, silently making a note to herself to check into the old folks' home availability as mom forgot, again, something so easily remembered.
I called J to make sure, and sadly found that this was true. I spent hours of my life over the holiday weekend perusing the craft stores in town to figure out what to "teach," because, guess what?! I really have no craft or home-making skills! At least none that wouldn't instantly put the girls to sleep...
I finally decided that something in plastic canvas would be simple and so purchased oodles of yarn, needles, canvas, several pattern books: one for "simple to make" bookmarks (yeah! At least I could get one of my loves in there for them - who doesn't need a new bookmarker?) and another for different "butterfly" patterns: grocery bag holders, tissue box covers, toasters, etc.
After coming home, I perused both books from cover to cover and decided on a nice, simple "daisy" bookmarker. Of course, I needed to do a test run, so I proceeded to spend an hour cutting the stupid canvas to match the pattern, only screwing up 2 times before I got it right. I then grabbed Savannah for her first "lesson." Three minutes in, her eyes glazed over and she slipped out of sight as soon as my head was turned. Ah well... I'll just go this one alone and see how long it takes me. I'll add another 30 minutes on top of my time, and we'll be good to go!
5 hours later, I added the finishing touches to my beautiful new bookmark, which, by the way, is much too fat to actually keep in a book without doing permanent damage to the spine. But I made it! So, scratch the book marks... Back to the pattern books: too tough for them, too tough for them, too tough for me... Then I found it: Butterfly magnets for the fridge! They were 10-year-old girl cute, could be done in any combination of colors, and better yet, were extremely small in comparison to the bookmarks - only two 1.5 x 1 inch wings wrapped together with a little pipe cleaner antennae to top it off. Quick, easy, and adorable!
Anyway, today I took off work several hours to do my "relaxing" afternoon with the girls. One of the girls couldn't make it, so there were only four others plus Savannah. Easy-Peazy...
I won't go into all the gory details, but 4 HOURS later, I finished up with the last of the butterflies, gathered up the giggling, gabbing gaggle of girls and delivered them back to their homes.
Can I just say, I have never been so exhausted in my life?!!!! I can't wait to get back to work tomorrow to recuperate :) The saddest part is that next year, when Savannah wants to rejoin, I will probably have forgotten what a tiring experience it was and will subject myself to it all over again.
Several months ago, one of the soccer moms on Savannah's team asked if I would be interested in having Savannah join 4-H (Head, Heart, Hands, & Health) over the summer.
"Sure!" said I, not realizing what lay ahead.
I figured that it would be a fun thing for her to do and would give her something to look forward to over the long, boooorrrrrrrring summer ahead (at least that's what she always tells me it is). J explained that it would be a fairly low-key thing with only about 6 girls total in the group. All the moms would take a week to teach some sort of "crafty" or "homey" skill, spending 1-2 hours. Sounds fantastic and easy, doesn't it? Do not be deceived!
Shortly after, I attended her home for the planning meeting and signed up for a date far, Far, FAR in the future: July 7th. I very carefully wrote the date in a very reliable spot: the back of the envelope on a bill that I had shoved in my purse sometime in the last 5 years. Heaven knows I would NEVER throw that away! As is my wont, I came home and immediately forgot to write it down anywhere I would actually see it again this side of the grave.
Savannah, not having lost all her marbles yet as I have lost mine (oh, but fear not, little girl! You are my daughter and your day will come, much as I didn't think I'd follow after my mom!), asked me on Saturday (yes, just this past Saturday, with that really busy holiday-thingy thrown in): "Mommy, what are you going to teach my 4-H group on Tuesday?"
Me (with just a touch of hysteria): "THIS Tuesday? Are you sure it's THIS TUESDAY?"
Savannah cheerily affirmed the date and time for me, silently making a note to herself to check into the old folks' home availability as mom forgot, again, something so easily remembered.
I called J to make sure, and sadly found that this was true. I spent hours of my life over the holiday weekend perusing the craft stores in town to figure out what to "teach," because, guess what?! I really have no craft or home-making skills! At least none that wouldn't instantly put the girls to sleep...
I finally decided that something in plastic canvas would be simple and so purchased oodles of yarn, needles, canvas, several pattern books: one for "simple to make" bookmarks (yeah! At least I could get one of my loves in there for them - who doesn't need a new bookmarker?) and another for different "butterfly" patterns: grocery bag holders, tissue box covers, toasters, etc.
After coming home, I perused both books from cover to cover and decided on a nice, simple "daisy" bookmarker. Of course, I needed to do a test run, so I proceeded to spend an hour cutting the stupid canvas to match the pattern, only screwing up 2 times before I got it right. I then grabbed Savannah for her first "lesson." Three minutes in, her eyes glazed over and she slipped out of sight as soon as my head was turned. Ah well... I'll just go this one alone and see how long it takes me. I'll add another 30 minutes on top of my time, and we'll be good to go!
5 hours later, I added the finishing touches to my beautiful new bookmark, which, by the way, is much too fat to actually keep in a book without doing permanent damage to the spine. But I made it! So, scratch the book marks... Back to the pattern books: too tough for them, too tough for them, too tough for me... Then I found it: Butterfly magnets for the fridge! They were 10-year-old girl cute, could be done in any combination of colors, and better yet, were extremely small in comparison to the bookmarks - only two 1.5 x 1 inch wings wrapped together with a little pipe cleaner antennae to top it off. Quick, easy, and adorable!
Anyway, today I took off work several hours to do my "relaxing" afternoon with the girls. One of the girls couldn't make it, so there were only four others plus Savannah. Easy-Peazy...
I won't go into all the gory details, but 4 HOURS later, I finished up with the last of the butterflies, gathered up the giggling, gabbing gaggle of girls and delivered them back to their homes.
Can I just say, I have never been so exhausted in my life?!!!! I can't wait to get back to work tomorrow to recuperate :) The saddest part is that next year, when Savannah wants to rejoin, I will probably have forgotten what a tiring experience it was and will subject myself to it all over again.
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