OK, this is post number 890. Just in case anyone is counting, besides me.
I picked up The Boy in Park City today after a day of snow boarding, solo. Genius Golfer dropped him up there this morning on his way to watch The Girl's swim meet at the gorgeous Davis Aquatic Center, so The Boy could board and now complain at how slow the swim meet was moving. I had young women basketball all morning, so that was going to be any more fun than a slow swim meet for the poor kid, so he opted to board.
Apparently, he was doing his dangerous thing...including being the first one into the freshly groomed half-pipe this morning, since he was there early enough to be the first one in line for the lifts. Anyway, he must have warn out his danger-card because at some point he crashed and bruised his tailbone, hit ice with his helmet (thank goodness he will wear one...and not give me grief about that) and knocked the wind out of his pride.
He tried calling Dad at 11 AM...who, in the middle of an indoor swim, meet can't hear his phone. I got done with the basketball stuff and was home at noon, when two minutes later the kid called me to come get him. Not quite what I had planned, but he sounded next to tears, so I jumped back in the car and made it up there in an hour flat. With no tickets, thankyouverymuch. The Boy is fine, but his bum was sore. Nothing a little stop for lunch at Wendy's couldn't fix.
While I was picking him up, however, I noticed that the thermometer in my car read a full 10 degrees warmer than it had been down in the valley. The sky was blue and the air was clear too. It smelled so good up there. We have a winter phenomenon here called an "inversion" where all the pollution and cold air gets trapped in the valley and with a high pressure system parked over us, that yucky air is trapped here until the next storm comes by that is big enough to scour out the gunk. We are due for one tonight. After seeing the sunshine and blue skies, I think I am going to cheer for the storm to show up.
GG just got home a bit ago and said The Girl shaved a full second off her breaststroke time but her 500 yard freestyle was slow, almost equal to her very first time for that event. Oh well. We'll focus on the breaststroke improvementt and call it good. I'm just hoping that her iPod didn't get stolen--her first one was at this same meet last year. It was an expensive weekend for her last time.
The day or two before we left for California for Christmas, he went skiing with The Boy and our nephew, Garett. The boys saw GG at some point hit a snow pothole and basically face plant it hard. The boys thought it was funny, and GG was sore, but he always is after a day of skiing--crash or no crash. We went ahead to CA and when we got home, he was still sore, like a possible broken rib. So he went in to see the on-call doctor for our local family clinic. X-rays showed nothing broken, but the doctor told GG that the tissue that holds the lungs inside the rib cage may have been injured and the damage brings on inflammation that would cause that kind of pain. He was told to take 800 mg of ibuprofen and take it easy.
He did that for a week or so, and it was still hurting--even more--so he went back this week to our regular family doctor. Sure enough, that was his diagnosis too, but he gave GG a prescrition for some steroid to bring the inflammation down faster, along with a muscle relaxer to keep the spasms at bay and good, strong pain killer--that, of course, he doesn't like to take, but that is his choice. He is moving, but feels miserable. Keep GG in your prayers that he can heal quickly, and be back to normal. He is stiff and sore each morning trying to get out of bed, and if he starts coughing (with this air quality, it happens to the best of us) it is incredibly painful. He is not a good patient, as he expects himself to heal as quickly as the kids forgetting, of course, that he is 40-something years old and his body doesn't like to be beat up like this.
I've got a full week coming up--funny how that happens so quickly after a long holiday break. But so far, as the rest of us are healthy, sore bums aside, it is a good thing this time of year. Seeing the sun, however, sure made me anxious for spring. I can keep hoping it will come quickly--though I know it is only January. Dangit.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Requesting a Do-Over
After re-reading yesterday's post, I'll apologize for not really having my heart in the writing of it. There, I said it. It seemed right when I sat down at the computer, but the rightness of it quickly went away. Sorry about that.
Frankly, and being really honest here, there are lot of days when I feel like I'd like to ask for a Do-Over. And I don't just mean with my blog posts.
Lately the do-overs seem to have more to do with my relationship with Genius Golfer than anything else. I have said the wrong thing, or didn't say the right thing. I wasn't present in the moment and missed something he was trying to tell me. It seems anytime I do any of these things, the strain is felt instantly and makes me uncomfortable until we can get it cleared up. And there are times when the clearing up takes so much longer because we aren't communicating well.
I guess I have the do-over wish with the kids too, but I don't feel I want to do-over the most recent interactions with them. My feelings usually have to do with the stuff I feel I should have done better while they were younger. Is there a statute of limitations on do-over requests? I hope not.
It makes this commercial a little more personal when I think of the possibilities of all the do-overs I could try with a time machine.
But then again, if I went back I might discover more things I'd like to do-over to get right than I can recall right now. Dangit. It is a vicious cycle, I see.
Frankly, and being really honest here, there are lot of days when I feel like I'd like to ask for a Do-Over. And I don't just mean with my blog posts.
Lately the do-overs seem to have more to do with my relationship with Genius Golfer than anything else. I have said the wrong thing, or didn't say the right thing. I wasn't present in the moment and missed something he was trying to tell me. It seems anytime I do any of these things, the strain is felt instantly and makes me uncomfortable until we can get it cleared up. And there are times when the clearing up takes so much longer because we aren't communicating well.
I guess I have the do-over wish with the kids too, but I don't feel I want to do-over the most recent interactions with them. My feelings usually have to do with the stuff I feel I should have done better while they were younger. Is there a statute of limitations on do-over requests? I hope not.
It makes this commercial a little more personal when I think of the possibilities of all the do-overs I could try with a time machine.
But then again, if I went back I might discover more things I'd like to do-over to get right than I can recall right now. Dangit. It is a vicious cycle, I see.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Never Gonna Get It
I recently read an article online called "Godly Parenting:Getting Our Hearts Right". The title intrigued me, and let's face it--I need all the parenting help I can get. Especially if it is from God.
One of the assertions the author gives is that healthy people are better parents and recommended that parents savor life, live in thanksgiving, utilize talents to challenge yourself, and serve others. He supposes that if we each would do those things it would make us better parents because we would be in better health ourselves. Sure, but I think in my case, I'd be a better parent if I got enough sleep each night that I could have a right-out-of-bed-happy attitude, and enough energy to keep up with the kids, or that my joints didn't ache when I had to chase them up the stairs.
His next idea is that we need to keep a spiritual perspective to handle all the ups and downs of being a parent. If we can understand that we are God's child and as a perfect parent He will help us, we might be better ready to help our own child (who is also God's) and follow the example of a perfect parent in dealing with our kids. This is a great idea, but it is sure hard to remember in the heat of the moment. Usually it is that exact moment when my brain suddenly thinks "I could ground her now but then I'd be grounded too" or "Spanking, oh yes, it is time."
Finally, the author points out that submission is a necessity of good parenting. I am somewhat stubborn, and have a pretty head-strong child. Generally, the last think I think of is submission. That is not to say that I shouldn't be thinking about submission to God, but it is usually way down my list--maybe that is the problem.
He wrote: "We regularly try to turn parenting into a test of of skills. We're often wondering how to out-maneuver the child or cure this behavior or discourage that tendency. Skills matter. Even more, our understanding of children matters. But no amount of skill or understanding can balance a heart that is trying to operate independent of God."
Now, I absolutely see the need for understanding the child. It is vitally important--as any parent with more than one knows, they don't come to you alike. They are pre-wired so differently, that if you didn't know they were yours, you might wonder. The minute I figured out how things worked for The Girl, then I realized that The Boy did things totally different. But I also think skills matter. And they matter a lot. The real shift I have from the author is that I see God as a source of those skills. And for that option to help me, I know I need His mercy to accept His ideas and His plan for these kids.
The intent of the the author was to help me, and other parents, see the need we have to recognize our dependence on God for His mercy, which, in turn, will aid us in parenting. It was a nice idea. And worth the time I have spent mulling it over. I just wish I could get it as instantaneously and internally as an inoculation. A little Godly shot of good parenting would sure make my life a whole lot easier some days. But I guess "patience" is another topic for another day.
One of the assertions the author gives is that healthy people are better parents and recommended that parents savor life, live in thanksgiving, utilize talents to challenge yourself, and serve others. He supposes that if we each would do those things it would make us better parents because we would be in better health ourselves. Sure, but I think in my case, I'd be a better parent if I got enough sleep each night that I could have a right-out-of-bed-happy attitude, and enough energy to keep up with the kids, or that my joints didn't ache when I had to chase them up the stairs.
His next idea is that we need to keep a spiritual perspective to handle all the ups and downs of being a parent. If we can understand that we are God's child and as a perfect parent He will help us, we might be better ready to help our own child (who is also God's) and follow the example of a perfect parent in dealing with our kids. This is a great idea, but it is sure hard to remember in the heat of the moment. Usually it is that exact moment when my brain suddenly thinks "I could ground her now but then I'd be grounded too" or "Spanking, oh yes, it is time."
Finally, the author points out that submission is a necessity of good parenting. I am somewhat stubborn, and have a pretty head-strong child. Generally, the last think I think of is submission. That is not to say that I shouldn't be thinking about submission to God, but it is usually way down my list--maybe that is the problem.
He wrote: "We regularly try to turn parenting into a test of of skills. We're often wondering how to out-maneuver the child or cure this behavior or discourage that tendency. Skills matter. Even more, our understanding of children matters. But no amount of skill or understanding can balance a heart that is trying to operate independent of God."
Now, I absolutely see the need for understanding the child. It is vitally important--as any parent with more than one knows, they don't come to you alike. They are pre-wired so differently, that if you didn't know they were yours, you might wonder. The minute I figured out how things worked for The Girl, then I realized that The Boy did things totally different. But I also think skills matter. And they matter a lot. The real shift I have from the author is that I see God as a source of those skills. And for that option to help me, I know I need His mercy to accept His ideas and His plan for these kids.
The intent of the the author was to help me, and other parents, see the need we have to recognize our dependence on God for His mercy, which, in turn, will aid us in parenting. It was a nice idea. And worth the time I have spent mulling it over. I just wish I could get it as instantaneously and internally as an inoculation. A little Godly shot of good parenting would sure make my life a whole lot easier some days. But I guess "patience" is another topic for another day.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Epic. Fail.
These little beauties raised slightly then baked rock solid. After baking they will had a kitchen sponge texture and tasted, well, off. I will pursue this, as I 'm determined to get it right before I die. But it sure is frustrating when I can do it just like my dear friends show me in their kitchens when I get back to mine and I just fail.
The funny thing is, I did learn a yummy yeast cinnamon roll recipe, and I love that one. But it doesn't translate well into regular rolls for me and even worse bread. I guess I am only one-half "Holly Homemaker". I guess this dilemma leaves me something to shoot for, at least. Right? Oh well.
I'd feel better about the trying and failing if we had a dog I could feed the mistakes to. If he could even bit these little rock-rolls.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Paperwork is For the Birds
The Boy completed his Eagle project in October, before the snow began to fly. The Boy has not completed the paperwork for said Eagle project, and now the snow is flying. I wish he would just finish it. There are a lot of menial issues to get this all done, and yet I can't seem to find a central and concise list of exactly what he needs to be doing to finish. So I am frustrated.
We did work on a sample letter requesting a letter of recommendation--of which he needs 5, or 6, or 7 to complete his Eagle application. I suggested to him to ask his football coach (who may or may not be moving before the next season begins), his foods teacher (who, by the way, is simply delightful), and one of our local Scout committee members who also invited The Boy to serve at the Timberline leadership course he headed up last summer (who is also husband to my Dear Friend Kelly). The Boy hasn't done any more than listen to me with that glassy eyed look he has. So I am frustrated.
My goal for him was to get this stuff done over the break, but it isn't my project. (I keep reminding myself of this point, over and over again.) Ideally, we'd like to coordinate his Eagle Court of Honor with his birthday week and his ordination in late April or early May. I'm torn with the idea that it is four or five months away, but it is only four or five month away. Frustrated?! It is his project, not mine. His project, not mine. Ohm. Ohm. Ohm.
Too bad they don't offer a Mom's Merit Badge for not killing the Eagle scout candidate when they are dragging their feet and rolling their eyes each time Mom asks them to do something on their paperwork. Maybe I'll make up my own...anyone else qualified for this award? I think I market them. Maybe I'll call it the I Survived My Eaglet's Project. Maybe not. Ohm. Ohm. Ohm.
We did work on a sample letter requesting a letter of recommendation--of which he needs 5, or 6, or 7 to complete his Eagle application. I suggested to him to ask his football coach (who may or may not be moving before the next season begins), his foods teacher (who, by the way, is simply delightful), and one of our local Scout committee members who also invited The Boy to serve at the Timberline leadership course he headed up last summer (who is also husband to my Dear Friend Kelly). The Boy hasn't done any more than listen to me with that glassy eyed look he has. So I am frustrated.
My goal for him was to get this stuff done over the break, but it isn't my project. (I keep reminding myself of this point, over and over again.) Ideally, we'd like to coordinate his Eagle Court of Honor with his birthday week and his ordination in late April or early May. I'm torn with the idea that it is four or five months away, but it is only four or five month away. Frustrated?! It is his project, not mine. His project, not mine. Ohm. Ohm. Ohm.
Too bad they don't offer a Mom's Merit Badge for not killing the Eagle scout candidate when they are dragging their feet and rolling their eyes each time Mom asks them to do something on their paperwork. Maybe I'll make up my own...anyone else qualified for this award? I think I market them. Maybe I'll call it the I Survived My Eaglet's Project. Maybe not. Ohm. Ohm. Ohm.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Year. New Time.
Today, after two years of 9 AM services, we get to go to church at 11 AM. Usually the two congregations that meet in our building switch time slots each year, but last year we got word that a third congregation could potentially move in with us, so all the services were intentionally kept to the same times until the move happened. The move never happened.
So, happily we shift this year to the later time for meetings. May I tell you? It was terrific to sleep in today until 9:30!! Especially after the cousins camp out here Friday night where the boys never went to sleep and also apparently lost their abilities to whisper.
So, happily we shift this year to the later time for meetings. May I tell you? It was terrific to sleep in today until 9:30!! Especially after the cousins camp out here Friday night where the boys never went to sleep and also apparently lost their abilities to whisper.
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