New Attitude

I got a new attitude! (Can you hear the song in your head? You can thank me later.) Actually, I got a reality check today. I get in the habit of complaining about everything that's wrong and yet not doing my part to make it better. And that got thrown back at me this morning--and I'm grateful. I hurt someone's feelings--completely unintentionally--but I hurt them nonetheless. And she called me on it. I'm so glad she did. It made me rethink my attitude.

I can do better at helping out instead of sulking and complaining about what others can't or won't do. I can say that I'm grateful for my blessings and actually mean it--by showing it.

Sundays have been difficult lately. Trying to get three boys off to church by myself is not easy. There are many who do it--and have been doing it for a long time--but I'm not used to it and it's made me cranky on Sundays. Well, I need to get over it. This is what my Sundays are like right now. It's not that bad. At the end of the day, I'm a really lazy person. I want to sleep in just a bit on Sunday--and now I can't. And I'm annoyed by that. And so I sleep in anyway, then rush around yelling at everyone because I made myself late. I'm angry at the boys for not doing it all themselves. Umm...hello? If *I* don't want to get out of bed and get moving to church, how can I expect them to want to do that? (Besides, it's only about 4 more Sundays of 9:00 church, then we move to 11 which will be easier on the mornings. And as long as the Cowboys play at 3, we can stay the whole time. ;-)

So...I'm going to do better. Nine times outta ten--when I get mad at the world, it's because the world expected me to do something I didn't want to do--like get out of bed or get off the couch or get off the computer. Hmmm...seeing a trend here. I'm making an early resolution. I'm going to do a better job of thinking about others and not being so selfish. I'm going to be there for my friends. I'm going to try harder to keep the spirit with me and not force him away with my nasty attitude. And to any and all I've offended--I'm sorry. I'll do better.

A Nice, Easy, Relaxing Thanksgiving 2008

I said I would have pictures, so here they are. Unfortunately, they're in backward order from what I wanted, but I can't figure out how to change them around, so there ya go.

This is my dad in his usual position. Arms and legs crossed--sitting quietly and patiently waiting for whatever is to come next. This is the man who is 90 years old and drove himself most of the way to Dallas (we drove him through to our house) and then all the way home. He'd be embarrassed if he knew I was putting this on here, but since he doesn't ever even look at a computer much less check out anything online, I feel comfortable.

I tried desperately to get him to let us drive him back through Dallas to get home. He refused. And there's a point at which you know that you can know longer argue with him. It's not just his age--he's always been that way. Never mean or rude, just a "the conversation is over" tinge to his voice. I wish I had that.

So...he drove. And got lost--three times. Just in Dallas. Took off on Loop 12--which was what he'd been afraid of. Then missed 35 coming back and ended up east of Dallas. Got back on 75 which becomes 45, but stopped too soon. He said he got impatient. Finally got through Dallas on 75 to 45 and didn't stop again until he got home. I felt so sorry for him. It really frustrated him and I think upset him a bit to realize that he just can't do it anymore. But at least he got to realize that without hurting himself or anyone else in the process.

Oh wait...I was supposed to be talking about Thanksgiving, wasn't I? Well, here's the rest....

My three boys. Truly--their faces are windows into their personalities in this picture.

Me and my daddy! I love and admire him so much. I hope that I can be like him when I grow up. :-) Oh--and notice his facial expression, then go back up and look at Chris's facial expression. I really think Chris inherited his Papaw's personality. Can you inherit personality? I don't know--but it's eerie sometimes.

The whole family after devouring the meal. We'd meant to take a picture before, but forgot. Oops. The only one missing is Richard who was the one who remembered to take pictures!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. There are so many things in our lives to be grateful for--most of mine are in the above pictures! :-)

What a Great Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful day! My dad arrived safely yesterday. We met him in Ennis and drove him through Dallas. Got him all checked in at his hotel and then brought him back to the house. I think he was impressed. He said he knew we'd have a nice house, but had no idea it would be *this* nice. LOL We've been truly blessed here.

Dad insisted on taking us out to dinner last night, so we went to Logan's Roadhouse. I find it far superior to Texas Roadhouse, but unfortunately we have a Texas Roadhouse here in town, not a Logan's--but I digress. The Logan's was closer to Dad's hotel.

And the hotel--fabulous! It's a Homewood Suites by Hilton. I'm seriously thinking that Richard and I should take an overnight trip there ourselves. It's a suite (duh!--the name?), but also has a kitchen with two-burner stove, microwave, full fridge, and even some dishes and utensils. We wouldn't have to leave for anything. wink, wink

So today--Dad did get here, although he got a little lost on his way. Called from Frisco. He didn't know that's where he was, but it is. All the way to the tollway. Uh, yeah Dad. You missed the turn. But we got him here and we had a great day. Lots of talking--even though I still don't have much of a voice. A great dinner--all the traditional stuff.

Richard cooked the turkey, dressing, gravy and pumpkin pie--all of it gluten-free. I cooked the sweet potatoes (GF) and green bean casserole (not GF). We were pretty proud that the whole meal except for the green beans was gluten-free. We meant to take a picture of the table before we ate, but of course...we forgot. And I haven't uploaded the pictures yet. So...of course I'll have to blog again so that I can put on the pictures.

So...it was a great day. Dad's heading home tomorrow. He won't let us drive him through Dallas. Insists he knows where he's going. I'm a little worried, but there's only so far you can argue with him. He's 90 years old and he's gonna do what he wants to do. I'm so grateful that we were able to have him here for Thanksgiving. I'm glad that he got to see our new house and where we live finally. He hasn't visited our home since Thanksgiving 2001--when we lived in Provo! A lot has changed since then and I'm glad he was able to see that we've come out of the other end of that particular tunnel.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Tomorrow--I'll be changing the background to Christmas! Get ready!

What Are We Really About?

I really don't understand people. Maybe I'm too generic. In one California school district, they had to discontinue a Thanksgiving tradition between to elementary schools because of parent complaints. I'm sorry, I don't have a link, but I bet a friend and fellow blogger does. :-)

In the Plano ISD, they've banned a Christmas song. Yes, BANNED it. It's not even about Christmas really. It's called "The Twelve Days After Christmas." It's a parody--and it's hysterical. I've performed it and I've directed it with middle school choirs.

You can hear the song here.

You can see the story here.

This is just the most ludicrous thing I've seen in a long time. Have we really gotten that thin-skinned?

People--it's a PARODY!

It's FUNNY!

It's supposed to be light-hearted and fun. But because it talks about shooting the partridge and wringing the necks of the turtle doves, it's suddenly violent? Do these same people eat turkey at Thanksgiving?

The other part that bothers me is that it was one student's parents who complained.

ONE STUDENT!

That's all it took for the district to ban it from not only that concert, but every concert throughout the district and for all eternity. And THAT is the scariest part of all.

Twilight

I saw this yesterday. I've read all the books--twice now. Yes, there were things left out. There always are. And there were some additions--I think in order to compact some things together. It was an enjoyable movie and I thought Pattinson did a good job capturing the essence of Edward Cullen. But I wish all of the characters, especially Edward's family, had more depth. There was so much more to them in the book. In the movie, they were cut-outs.

Overall, I enjoyed it. I'll probably get the DVD. I almost want to see it again not because I was so overwhelmed by the movie, but because I want to figure out how or why the screenwriter chose what he chose and why the director did what she did. For those that either haven't seen the movie yet or haven't read the book (or both), I'll just say this: the meadow...really? Coulda been better.

Looks Like I'm Staying

I really, really thought I would be getting released from primary. It hasn't been a full year, but I really felt that way. Well, that was a mistake. It was my own thoughts and yearnings, not Heavenly Father's will. I'm pretty sure my friend and chorister will be released as the primary president asked me today who I thought would be good in that calling. (First answer: NOT ME!) I had one good answer for her, but she shook her head--so I guess that was a no. I have no idea who should be the next chorister. Obviously, it'll have to be someone who has to be released from a different calling--at least I think it's obvious--but that doesn't seem to be a possibility at the moment. I'm not sure why.

But I'm a bit worried about working with a new chorister. Suzanne and I work well together. We almost read each others' minds. Suzanne is a fabulous primary music leader. (You are and you know it--that's why you keep getting called back into that position, Suzanne!) I fear being frustrated by someone who either a. doesn't prepare when they really need to, or b. even with preparation has absolutely no clue what they're doing or how to deal with a roomful of rambunctious children. We already have enough people in the room who ignore the behavior of said rambunctious children. (Was I really the only adult in the room who saw the 9 yo girl attempting a handstand at the front of the room--in a dress?)

Technically, I should be able to just sit behind the piano, but I can't do that without getting horrendously annoyed. I rediscovered that today when Suzanne was out of town and someone from the presidency did the senior singing time. (We sang one song--oh, two songs. Seriously. Two songs.) And she didn't know the motions for one of the songs and neither did the girl she brought up to do them. (Same girl that had attempted the handstand.)

I guess I'm a snob. I'm a teacher-snob. I expect people to control a fairly large group of children like I do on a daily basis. Eh...I'm just rambling and complaining now. But please...if you're going to release my chorister, send me elsewhere too. Please? Pretty please? Yeah, I know. Who else will play the piano in primary? Sigh.

I'm a Little Lost

It's weird. I have lots of things to write about and yet...nothing to write about. I saw the movie "Twilight" today. it was okay. We have a day and a half of school before the Thanksgiving break. Yay. My dad is coming for Thanksgiving. Woo hoo!!! (I really am excited about that.) I finally got pictures off my camera and onto my computer so I could use them in my blog. But...I don't really know what to write. I'm not sure if it's because I don't have anything to say or because my brain is so full of things to say and emotions I'm feeling that I don't know where to start. I think it's the latter.

Maybe I'll get it together soon.

Yet Another Weekend

I always have such good intentions each weekend. I make out my shopping list. I have in my head a list of chores and things to accomplish. And then I also think about things we should do as a family--go somewhere, do something together.

But somehow, Saturday morning turns into Saturday afternoon turns into Saturday evening and I find that I've accomplished almost nothing. I've been a couch potato. Oh...there are the four loads of laundry done--and two of them are folded and put away. And there's the dishwasher that is now full of clean dishes. But nothing got vacuumed or dusted. No shopping got done. (That's a major problem.) And nobody ate anything of any nutritional value for most of the day. I sat today. Oh...and I did my lesson plans that I got behind this week due to computer issues and the many other special projects we have to do at school.

Interestingly enough--I don't feel too guilty today. There are many things I should be doing. Many, many things I should be doing. I need to update the checkbook. I have to wrangle kids at the high school production of "The Music Man" tonight. Oh...and there's the whole church day tomorrow. But I find that I just don't care today. The boys have done pretty much nothing but play video games and computer games. All. Day. Long. And guess what! I. Don't. Care. Not today.

Maybe I needed this day. It's been a hard week with Ricahrd being sick for two days. It's so tempting to call someone and lie and say I have the flu and I can't go tonight. I really, really, really want to just stay home for the rest of the day. I don't want to be with people. I think that's why I didn't go shopping. That and Richard asked me to wait for him to wake up--which didn't happen for another 3 hours and by then...I was out of the mood. I don't know what's for dinner and I don't care. Maybe I'll have cereal and toast. That sounds good, actually. Hmmm...wonder if anyone else has any ideas. Wonder if I care.

How long until we're finally out of school for a few days? Oh, yeah. A week and a half. Not that I'm counting.

People Confuse Me

I don't understand people. I understand people who disagree with the Church. They disagree with our stand on moral issues, our doctrine, any number of things. But when people who are *members* of our Church begin dissing it with "innocent" questions, that really really bothers me.

There are people around that do that all the time. Just little complaints here and there, but said in a way that undermines what they are supposed to believe in. They don't attend anymore--but that's because the ward is unfriendly. They don't go to the temple--but that's because the bishop expects them to pay tithing on a meager income. Or they ask questions of active members in a way to sound innocent, but the questions don't feel that way. "The Church spent 22 million dollars on Prop 8 in California?!? That's what the protesters at Temple Square said." Well yeah...let's believe the protesters who stand outside our temples and mock those attending. When looking for answers about the Church, ask its enemies. Good idea.

I don't get it. If you don't believe in the basic fundamentals of any church, why keep your membership? Not just our church--any church--or any organization, for that matter. Would it be rude to fire back and say, "You just really don't like the Church anymore, do you?"

The whole thing bothers me on many levels, but mostly it makes me sad. It makes me sad for what could have and should have been with families. It's the parable of the sower--which if I were any good, I'd be able to quote exactly which type of ground they were/are or I'd look it up, but I'll leave that to the reader.

I'm thinking that the only way to end this post is to pose a question: Which type of ground are you?

I Miss Sleep

I really, really miss sleeping. I haven't had a complete night's sleep in I don't know when. I can fall asleep. I just can't stay asleep. There are any number of reasons. Richard comes to bed after I do and wakes me up with his snoring. I wake up trying to turn over and then my brain just won't shut off. I start thinking about the lesson plans I haven't finished or the patches that STILL aren't sewn on the boys' cub scout uniforms or Chris's birthday party tomorrow.

Usually, I wind up coming out to the living room and turning on the TV for something that my brain can focus on but not get too caught up in. Last night, it was 3:15 am. I was still awake at 4:30. Dozed sometime between 4:30 and 5:00. Up at 5:15 when my alarm went off. I'm exhausted, but I can't go to bed now because James has a friend over and they're still up. Richard's already gone to bed. Ok, I admit. I'm a little bit annoyed by that, but what can I do? Maybe I'll just sleep on the couch. He's already snoring in the bedroom. Gotta remember to put earplugs on the grocery list tomorrow. Sigh.

I Love My Job(s)

I decided just this morning that I really do love all my jobs. I'm a wife, a mom and a teacher. Now, don't get me wrong--there are parts of my jobs that I truly dislike. Mopping floors--not my favorite thing the world, although with the swiffer wet jet--it's not nearly as bad. Children backtalking or rolling their eyes at me--grrrrrr! But as I was sitting in the quiet family room this morning, all by myself, watching the room get lighter as the sun came up, I realized that I really do love my jobs. And my life. I have been abundantly blessed.

Job #1 - wife: I love going to breakfast with my husband. Sitting together and talking about everything in the world over French toast--what could be more fun? (Well, there are other fun things, but this is a PG blog!) Watching him make a wooden outline of our front porch so he could attach Halloween lights and other scary objects without damaging the brick. Wow! I stood in awe of his manliness. ;-) And...he can do math! He fixes just about anything that needs fixing. He installed the most important item in the home--the over-the-range microwave. He builds things, he carves pumpkins, he helps with homework, and HE COOKS! What else could a girl ask for?

Job #2 - mom: I have to post carefully about this one because one of my boys has been on a bit of a rampage this week. But man, I love my boys. Each of them is amazing and wonderful in his own right. I actually cooked dinner the other night (shocking, I know!) and it felt so good to sit down with my boys and just talk. I love watching them grow--as much as I'd love for them to be babies forever to keep the evil things away from them, it's wonderful to see them becoming independent. I love listening to them play together--until they start fighting. Well, they are boys. Here--at 8:00 on a Saturday morning--Chris is asleep (of course!), James has been up for hours and is on the computer, and John is on the couch doing math in an old math workbook. (His dad will be so proud!) Great way to start a Satuday.

Job #3 - teacher: It has it's days. And the paperwork and red tape and the whole "we must be exemplary," TAKS-testing world that is education in Texas is rather bothersome for a music teacher. But it really hit home to me last night. Halloween night. Trick-or-treating with my boys and friends. Suddenly there are little yells (not of my own group of children) and I feel arms around me that don't belong to my children. My students. You see...I teach elementary music and so I teach every. single. child. in. the. school. So, a little trio of princesses was so excited to see me out in the neighborhood. Hugs all around. Then more students and former students around the neighborhood. "Hey! Mrs. M!" "That was Mrs. M!" Their eyes light up (most of them--there was one former student with an attitude who quickly slunk off when he saw me--hmmm) and they smile. How can you not enjoy that?

So...I love my jobs. And when things get tough--which they will--probably later today--I'll return to this post and remind myself that I do love my jobs. I am truly blessed.