Snow Daze

We had a snow day!

Grateful the snow didn't pack into snowballs

Then we had another one

followed by a weekend,

and another snow day,

and two more after that.

Whew! 

Max remembered how much fun snow can be because he LOVES to dig.

Snow is soooo much better than the sandbox

Alexandra only experienced a light dusting last year, so when I told her we needed to get dressed to go play in the snow, she selected this outfit:

Looking more like a spring fairy than a snow bunny

We finally convinced her it was cold outside. She became a believer. Moments after this photo was taken she stripped off her gigantic gloves and became so cold she wanted to go back inside.

"Hi, Snow!"

This year was the first time sledding for both munchkins. I hadn't gone in years (decades?). Alexandra cried and laughed both times I went down with her.  (Once she learns to keep her gloves on in twenty degree temps, she'll have much more fun.) Max managed to divert us into a snow pile when I went down with him. After all, what's sledding without getting snow down your pants?

Max loving life and Alexandra hating the snow on her bare hands when she fell

On the third day of snow, we were grateful to attend a Superhero birthday party. It was the same day as the OU/OSU bedlam game. It was a good day.

Super Sooner and Superman

Cabin fever prompted me to dig through the Christmas activities I had reserved Christmas Break.  (Okay, I only had one activity planned and now it's gone, gone, gone.) We made a gingerbread house out of stickers and foam. Mostly I made the house.  Max kept asking me why it wasn't real and why he couldn't eat the real one that he and his grands had made last year. "Because your grandmothers put the pieces together with pins instead of icing." He still doesn't understand. And, after encouraging his sister to eat a foam gumdrop, they happily went off to play.

Alexandra is very proud of the house they built

Great-grandma Celeste came over. 

My helpers

She spent a lot of time (justifiably) shaking her head, covering her mouth with her hand, and laughing at my culinary skills. I was so excited to use my little pie maker and let the kids help.  Eh.

Martha Stewart, watch out.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience.  I watched our children cope with having only each other to play with and thought, "They are learning to love and appreciate each other even more--as long as they don't kill each other first."

eating fudge by the Christmas tree

Well, that's the true Christmas message when we get right down to it, isn't it?


What are you favorite things to do by yourself or with kids on snow days?

Homecoming Reunion

My children wear orange and black stripes. I want to support the town I live in, my parents' and children's hometown. I even bought a shirt with the word Tigers across the chest.

But it doesn't change the fact that my blood still runs like a Bulldog's.

Homecoming Court 1993

  I remember the dance to the fight song and am not afraid to do it.

Headed to Nationals, baby!

When I feel the bass drum of a marching band in my belly, I see red and black. When sneakers squeak on a gym floor, I remember slam dunks and three pointers and open mouthed opposing teams. When I walk in a theater, I feel at home.

Polariod taken during opening night. That look on my face? Acting. The dress? Sewn on.

When a football team rushes a field beneath a star-studded sky, I breathe deeply and wonder when the news helicopter will arrive to catch footage of our record-breaking running back and a team with heart.

That's what I remember most about my high school: heart.

When I hear someone (from another school, obviously) speak with anathema of their classmates, it saddens me. They missed out on so much. I'm not saying heartbreak and humiliation didn't happen to me or others--we were teenagers, after all--but there is so much more to treasure from those years. And the hard stuff taught me things. It was a good place to grow up because I was lucky to grow up with nice people.

And that can make all the difference.

I graduated with about 103 others.  In middle school, our class was twice that size, but closed factories, an oil bust and the economy caused a mass exodus. Maybe watching so many leave made us hold on to each other a little more.

We called ourselves The Class that Makes Traditions.  Yeah, we had a motto. We knew we were special.

10 year reunion.  Can you find me?

I missed my reunion this weekend.  Many things prevented me from attending, but on the morning of the reunion I thought the stars had aligned so that I could at least make the parade, tailgate, and game. For a couple of hours, I was ridiculously excited.

But, we had two people out at the office. Then, my daughter got sick.  Then...

I went on Facebook to wish a classmate a belated birthday. After posting a cheery message on his board, I scrolled down.

My heart stopped. My throat burned. I didn't like the messages before mine. As I sent a text to two of the reunion organizers who were probably herding classmates toward a parade float, I prayed that Jimmie was there with them. That I'd misunderstood the messages.

He wasn't.

Then I received messages from other classmates asking if I'd seen his wall and wondered the same as I.  We watched Facebook. Eventually, someone posted that he'd been in an accident that morning and had not made it.  I deleted my birthday wish and added a comment of condolences instead.

And cried.

I went to school with nice people, and we lost another one. Jimmie's smile, and orneriness, and energy will forever be a part of my memories and my life. Thank you for that, Jimmie.

And thank you to my classmates for being such a fun and loving group through the years.  Thank you for your heart.

This photo was all over Facebook. I'll give photo credit when someone fesses up.

Choose a Happy Ending

My babies are embarking on big adventures.

My baby girl starts a Mother's Day Out program later this month. My son starts preschool.  They both have wonderful teachers. And I'm so thankful.

And terrified. Because I fear my beautiful, spirited, smart, self-assured girl might encounter someone in the world who might tell her she's not those things.

I fear my son's love for life and curiosity for how things work may be dampened with rules.

We watched Cinderella recently.  Alexandra loves anything "pletty," so the movie dazzled her. She oohed and aahed. Max squealed when the sparkles began. "It's magic! Look, it's magic!"  For days afterward, Alexandra convinced anyone nearby to try a shoe, any shoe, on her foot. Max decided we needed magic wands.

They loved the beauty of the movie. I loved that Cinderella was kind and brave and found friends in those whom many overlook.   She didn't let her stepsisters and stepmother define her. She knew who she was. And without her spunk she'd never have escaped the prison other women created for her.

Likewise, my children are strong and stubborn. I want them to know how I admire that in them. They'll need those traits as they go into the world.

Because, sometimes, strangers, acquaintances, and even those one cares about say things that hurt.

I had three specific examples of instances when people had hurt me, but I deleted them.  There's no need to put mean words back out there.  (There's enough of that in the world--and especially on social media.) These same people said nice things about me, too. But years later, I still remember the time and place of each of these instances and can't recall a specific compliment. As ridiculous as they were, these mean statements became part of how I defined myself because I assumed that's how others saw me. But the problem is that I let someone else change how I saw myself.
 These statements were said as if how I was made was wrong.

And that's not right.

My children will face ogres and monsters and witches masquerading as people--and even friends.  And I hope they possess enough of the magic we call love to acknowledge that true beauty comes from within and that love of self is very powerful magic indeed.

I know life isn't a fairy tale.  But I want it to be.

My grandmother taught me long ago that the happily ever after doesn't lie in the hands of fate.  A person writes his or her own happy ending. One first must choose it to be so. When one experiences conflict, happiness must again be chosen.  Every person is perfect in his or her own way, and children deserve to feel that way.  Every boy deserves to feel the devotion of a princess. Every girl deserves a prince charming who will rescue and protect her--even if it's only from herself.

I know happily ever after isn't a reality for everyone. But it should be.

I hope my precious children know that.


 ****

Just this week, a collection of links to articles popped up on my friends' Facebook pages that inspired this blog.  I've posted links below. 

Unhappily ever After--a group of satirical(?) pictures of fairy tale princesses after they've married their princes.

An Open Letter to Kate Middleton--encouraging words to moms and their bodies

Thigh Gap--apparently, it's the hottest trend for starting school

How to Talk to Your Daughter about her body--I disagree with some of this article, but like most of it. For example, I think it's okay to tell my daughter she's beautiful. 

*Added 8-10* The Day I Stopped Saying Hurry Up: I forgot to add this one and it is so important to remember, especially now that school is starting.

 Words are powerful. Choose wisely.

Taking Flight

A family friend was watching our children recently when she witnessed a baby bird dangling from the nest on our patio. A wire was wrapped around the baby bird's leg and wing.  Wearing gloves, Beth carefully freed the robin.  When she replaced it in its nest, however, the little birds inside knocked it out again.  Beth caught it mid-air and returned it carefully to the nest.  Mommy bird rushed up immediately and fed him. 

Garrett saw all of the birds learning to fly the next day.  Now, they're gone.

Another robin couple considered the children's fort a suitable place to build a nest. But something happened.  They haven't hatched.  They never will.

Those baby birds will never take risks, take flight, or leave the nest.

These two little eggs are good reminders for me during graduation season.  Max informed anyone who would listen that he was not going to stay for a local church's Mother's Day Out, half-day, three-day-a-week preschool program next year. Although he loves his teachers, he declared he was going down the street to the five-day-a-week, full-day preschool.  His little sister wants to attend the Mother's Day Out program.

Celebrating after Max's closing program. Alexandra is trying to get away to play in the bird-bath fountain.

I must not be sad.

They're ready.  It doesn't matter if I am.  My job is to welcome them to the nest when they return and hope a helping hand will rescue them if they need it.

My friend Dee Dee Chumley is giving away a necklace this month. Deadline is June 17, 2013. Check it out and remember our robins. You'll understand why I love her giveaway so much.

Mommy Monday: Hooked on Ph-on-ics

Me: You know what I love about these blocks? They have pictures. What letter is this, Maximus?

Max: F!
Me: Which stands for...?

 

Max: F-rog. Frog!
Me: And what else?

Max: F-ish. Fish!
Me: (beams in delight thinking my kid is really catching on to this whole phonics thing)
Max: F-**k. F**k! (he nods and raises his eyebrows knowingly) That word, too.
Me: (sighs) Yes. That word, too.

In case you wondered, I have not seen the block with that picture on it.

Maxisms

Our week was full of Maxisms. Here are a few:

Monday:
The boy child had been ornery all day. Frustrated, I asked, "Who are you?"
He said, "Maximus the Magnificent."
Hmmm. I'm sure this all might be connected.

Tuesday:
Max: Did you see Miss Bri's dress? It was pretty, pretty, pretty.
Me: Did you tell her?
Max: NO! (grinning and nodding knowingly) I want it to be a surprise.

Saturday: 
Max: EW! What's that smell?
Me: Steamed broccoli.
Max: It smells like Elmo poop.

Sunday:
Max: Mom, you're a princess. I'm going to buy you a crown.  A crown you put on your head, not the kind you draw with.
Me: (privately to confused hubby) Crayon. He's speaking with an accent.

Friday Favorite: Sooner Born and Sooner Bred

My husband and I met at the University of Oklahoma, so our kids truly are "Sooner born and Sooner bred."

We were excited when my hubby and dad took Max to his first football game.

 

They tailgated.

 

They gave Max popcorn and Cheetos for dinner.

 

 They saw the Sooner Schooner.

They hung out in the stands. 

They hung out a long time in the stands because it stormed and the game was delayed.  They learned that a kitchen trash bag makes a good poncho for a three year old, but not a grown man. They decided to come home before the game ever began.  But that's okay.  Max had a great time. He doesn't know the Sooners ended their winning streak, and he doesn't know he didn't see them actually play.  As far as he knows, he had the full experience. And he loved it.

Let the indoctrination begin!

Writer's Wednesday: Out of Print Clothing

Need a gift for you or someone else?

Out of Print is an online shop for a cause. Not only do you get cool looking stuff, but you can feel good about it, too.

Check out their mission here. For each shirt you purchase, they donate a book to a community who needs it through their partnership Books for Africa.

They use incredible artwork from the covers of books--many of which are now out of print.

I like this Pride and Prejudice sweatshirt...

 ...and this Wuthering Heights tee.

I may purchase this one for hubby for Christmas.

My love for this site isn't only about clothes.

These e-reader covers may trick you into thinking you're holding the real thing.  How cool are they? Plus, they are made in the USA.

Happy shopping!

Friday Favorite: Back to School

Preschool is widely accepted as a milestone.  NPR recently published a story providing data that it is also "the best job-training program" a person can receive.

To provide social interaction, we placed our little guy somewhere with a great reputation last year.  Then it changed. Drastically. So we removed him. We've been assured that the social skills he may have learned there won't damage him for life.

Fingers are crossed, folks.

Luckily, we were able to get him into the local Mother's Day Out/Preschool program at the Methodist Church. 

Day 1
Because of his previous experience with "school," we shouldn't have been surprised he was less than enthusiastic once the day arrived. In fact, the only children I know of who cried that morning must have had had some traumatic memories because they were the ones who attended the other place.

Insisting Dad carry him in rather than walking like a big boy

Unhappy, but being a little soldier and hanging up his backpack

Although he happily made gifts for his teachers, he refused to hand them over.

Day 2
It is fabulous! Two teachers are assigned for the small class of little bodies.  Daily updates are given.  Children play and learn. Healthy snacks are requested of parents instead of cakes and cookies.  Hallelujah! Note: I'm not opposed to some good junk food, but I want to be the one to give it to my kid thankyouverymuch. The school probably reminds him of the one Sid the Science Kid attends. Whatever the reason, improvement was definitely seen on day 2. He still wanted us to hang out and watch him play, but he didn't completely freak out when we left.

Afterward, we had a great conversation.

Me: What are your new teachers like?
Max: (grinning) Flowers

Day 3
He grabbed his teacher's hand to help her store some snacks and didn't seem to hear us when we said goodbye.

Day 4
Max: You take me to school today?
Me: Not until next Tuesday.
Max: (sticks out bottom lip and threatens tears)
Me: Today you get to hang out with Mommy
Max: (sighing) That make Mommy happy. (pats my arm and smiles sweetly)

Yes, very happy.

Friday Favorite: College Re-Visited. Sort of.

Some things never change. On the way to meet a couple of my college sorority sisters, I got lost.

Don't worry. I only went down two one-way streets (the wrong way) and the other drivers were (mostly) nice about it.

When I arrived at El Guapo's Cantina in downtown Tulsa, it was so much like time spent at The Mont in Norman years ago.  Salsa, queso, and adult beverages. Okay, mine was a virgin strawberry daquiri, but it was delicious.

Steph C and Steph B at the Mont in '04

Even though it was 104 degrees outside and I weigh 40 pounds more than I did in college (due to my current state of pregnancy), I felt young again.

Until we dropped by Stephanie B's home and saw that her daughter had grown so that she was taller than her mom. Then I felt old.

Before long, she may be pledging a sorority herself. In fact, in the same number of years it's been since we rushed, Baby Alexandra will have the option to go through rush.

Whoa! Not feeling so young now.

That night, I drove Stephanie C to my home. We spent a lot of good times in our twenties and early thirties in NYC--hitting many of the hot spots mentioned in Sex and the City. Below is a pic of the night we went to the Meatpacking District, ate at Pasti's, and danced the night away at Soho House. Hey, Samantha may have been kicked out, but they welcomed us!

Before going out one night in '05

Our visit was definitely more domesticated this time around. The next morning we hung out in the shade of the swing set while Max and Garrett played.  Then we had salad and pizza at local yummy place Sam and Ella's Chicken Palace.

Stephanie C and Brandi in 2011

You know...it doesn't matter how much time passes.  Friends are friends and their presence always makes your heart happy.

Friday Favorite: A Novel Idea for Sonia Gensler's The Revenant

Last Friday, The Inklings celebrated our dear friend Sonia Gensler's soon-to-be-released novel The Revenant.

The Revenant is a gothic ghost story that takes place in Indian Territory in 1896 at the Cherokee Seminary, a boarding school for young, mostly privileged, Cherokee women.

Table setting

The girls of the seminary called themselves "rosebuds," so the table was set with red roses, sparkly silver, an Inklings tiara, and the invitation (which showed the castle-like structure of the seminary under construction).

 Lisa made an amazing meal using a family recipe. My mouth waters just thinking about it. 

Cookies!

party favors!

The students in the novel expressed excitement about going into town (now Tahlequah, OK) because of the various items that could be purchased.  Party attendees took home delicacies of a bygone era with stick candy and salted peanuts. The fans and stick candy were purchased at the Murrell Home , another location that served as inspiration for the author.

A photo album to keep pictures from her book tour and visits.

more party favors!

 Shel and her hubby made Christmas tree ornaments with the title of Sonia's book. The best part? She made one for all of us. With the hopes that one day we'll have trees dedicated solely to our critique group's published novels, she also distributed Glamour ornaments. So sweet!

We're so proud for Sonia. Congratulations!

FR: Shel, Sonia, Lisa. BR: Kelly, Karen, Dee Dee, Brandi, Martha

Who will be the next guest of honor at A Novel Idea party?

Halloween at School

I wasn't able to convince our son to wear his Elmo costume for school, but Miss Emily sure did. Here he is posing sweetly for her. He had a blast that day. The kids wore costumes, and they had a pumpkin hunt and ate candy. I'm not sure if there was a beanbag toss or not, but he sure talked about one a lot! He claimed he didn't participate, though. Hmmm.

Our little Elmo didn't want to leave. His teachers are great.

Here he is showing off his pumpkin to his Papa.
He told us it took him a long time to find his pumpkin. It was "hard" because it was "hidden in leaves."