Wherever 5 or More Are Gathered

I know that this saying implies a biblical theme but this post is not of a biblical nature.

It has everything to do with my personal characteristics. You see I am "high strung". Not to be confused with high maintenance. I am not overly concerned with vanity or material objects. I mean I like to look pretty and I like nice things but..... I am not consumed with them.

I digress.

I am high strung. You see I have an anxious nature. I like children, they can be so darn cute! Funny, sweet, energetic.

However, I have a mental condition which causes me to panic when there are 5 or more children (of any age, teenagers included) in a room, more exaggerated if they are in a room in my house!!

You see...this is how I see it.

When you have two kids in the same room, they are playing nicely, sharing, resolving conflict, enjoying each other's company, etc.

Now add one more to the mix. A total of 3. Still okay. Maybe some power struggles, a little pairing up occurs leaving one child out. By hey it's manageable.

Add another for a total of four. Voices are louder, more kinetic energy, a little more whinny but still possible to control.

Add another with a total of 5 kids, CHAOS REIGNS!

I have seen this in my own home.

Four kids are playing, coloring quietly. It begins. I see the dog sit up suddenly from her peaceful slumber. Her ears are erect. She hears something. I become more alert. The children are still unaware of the lurking danger.

Then a little growl from the dog. She is warning me. Then the dreaded doorbell. I see the children all jump from their seated positions and in a split second become 4 enormous ball of energy and light running towards the door with the barking dog following at as breakneck pace. I run through the kitchen trying to head them off and take care of the mounting problem.

Another child stands eagerly at my door. "Hi, Can Savanah play?" Well I've got four sets of little human eyeballs poking from every direction behind me. I can't say no it is obvious she is already playing.

(Any of you neighbors/parents who may be reading this, please note the following. It is not any one child that I will ever try to exclude. It will rotate on a first come - first serve basis. It is not an issue of who is at the door. It is an issue with how many are already inside.)

I hem and haw trying to come up with something. The light bulb goes off. "You know honey, I was just about to send them outside to play. How about they finish their game, clean up their messes and meet you outside?" This sounds reasonable to me. I hear back a sheepish, "Okay". Then the child (all of them do this) just stands there. This is the true test. Whatever you do don't look them in the eyes at this moment. Oh no I feel bad, so so bad. I failed the test.

And there they are: the cutest sweetest big sad puppy dog eyes just staring at me.

Oh Lordy, I'm a goner. "Okay honey you can come in just for a few minutes, then everybody goes outside." A sweet smile spreads across the child's face.

As that child steps in to my home those happy bright eyes start to glow red. Then I see the most awful frightening transformation occur in all 5 children.

They are transformed or maybe abducted by the body snatchers and replaced with Freddy Kruger Tasmanian Devils. It is what horror movies and my nightmares are made of.

I run towards my bedroom the dog keeping pace at my side. As I dive in and lock the door I hear the evil screeching and laughter just outside my door.

"I'll get you my pretty." I hear.

Huh did they just say pretty? Okay so maybe I am a little vain. Don't fall for that sweetness. They are out to get me. I stay there until my dragon slayer white shinning knight husband returns home to banish the demons!!!! Until tomorrow!

Yeah I told you never let 5 or more children into your home. It makes you delusional and just down right insane!
Joytobe

Okay on a side note: my husband just read this and said "You're a little paranoid." So I want to make it abundantly clear this is a funny rendition not even remotely true except in my imagination! It is fiction mostly! This does not happen in my home. I am not NUTS.

Don't answer the door to the men in white coats!

More from the North

Lutsen Lodge. One of our favorite places to go. We eat breakfast here often. Awesome eggs benedict. Great breakfast buffet.

The inside of Lutsen Lodge. Cozy

After breakfast we go play. This bridge straddles a wonderful creek that brings agates down to the shore. Savanah and I spend hours on this shore rock hunting.

Billy skips rocks. He is the master skipper. That is a lollipop in his mouth!

This is what my honey does!!

Everybody is happy!

Joytobe

I'll put up another set of photos in a day or two. Is this the equivalent of our parent's watching a person's slide show of their vacation? Is it boring? Oh well I don't think so!

Trust

I am having a hard time with trust. Well trusting a teenager. My teenager. Now he has made a few mistakes lately. Nothing life altering but pretty drastic especially for him. I am afraid this is just the beginning of the trouble he is heading towards.

Much of this I fear is happening because of a girl. I want to give this girl a chance but.....she is not making it easy.

Now I know Billy is in charge of his own actions, should be held accountable and suffer the consequences. But I also know he has never felt this way about a girl.

IT SCARES THE CRAP OUT OF ME!

I am noticing a rebellious tone to his voice and more rolling of the eyes. He is carrying around a new angst!

According to him she is constantly saying she is ugly or fat. That he is too good for her. So basically this girl has zero self esteem. She is needing Billy to constantly build her up and tell her how great she is. I know this because I eavesdrop! It is a mother's right, you know? Hey, if you are in ear shot I am going to listen.

The other day they had a...I don't know.......disagreement. She is very dramatic. And well he said to me. "I just want to keep this between her and I."

"WHAT?"

I want to trust him to work this out. I really do. But I don't trust her.

Now I also remember slightly from my teenage years if you push a teenager too much they will do just the opposite of what you want them to do. So you sit quietly and intently, watching every move made ready to intervene at lightening speed before things get out of hand. So If I am patient this relationship may end on its own. ? Right?

Billy, I feel for this girl but truth be told, you are too good for her!

Billy forgive me but I am hoping this relationship ends quickly and painlessly.

The Momma bear on prozac protecting her cub!

Aint No Words Good Enough

There are just no adequate words to explain the Lake Superior north shore in Minnesota in autumn.

So I'll just show you.

I cried.

I cried about five times a day. Not like sobbing but a lump in my throat, tears in my eyes. Happy tears.

The scenery taking my breath away. My family enjoying each other without the pressures and responsibilities of everyday life.

The smell of fallen leaves. The crisp air. The laughter.

I wish I could have bottled up this day, this feeling and bring it home with me. I'll carry these memories with me forever and the memories will sustain me until I return next year.

The word I would use to describe how I feel when I am there is

Peace

Joyful

Joytobe

I'll post more pictures in a few days!

No Post Sunday

Here is a good one.

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." --Eleanor Roosevelt

No Post Saturday

Have a great day!

"If only mosquitoes sucked fat instead of blood." --unknown

HIATUS Day 2

Yeah for me!!



"Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." -Albert Einstein



"Health nuts are going to feel stupid some day lying in hospitals dying of nothing." - unknown

HIATUS Day 1

I am taking a couple of days hiatus. Yeah for me. Too bad for you.

Enjoy the quotes.

"If you don't have a sense of humor, you don't have any sense at all." --unknown

"Time's fun when you're having flies." --Kermit the Frog

September 29, 2001

I love you honey!

You are the calm to my worry.

You are the reasoning to my crazy.

You are the encouragement to my insecurity.

You are the foundation to my home.

You are the laughter to my humor.

You are the shoulder to my tears.

You are the plan to my dreams.

You are the vibrancy to my days.

You are the absolute to my forever.

You are the everything to my world.

Happy Anniversary

I love you!

Joyce


On a humorous side note: Dang I should write hallmark cards!

The Proposal

Okay so we did everything backwards. We moved in together before we were married. Talked of getting married. Picked a date and started wedding planning before the proposal.

Started trying to conceive two months before we got married. We had a timing issue. We wanted to have a baby soon but we also wanted Billy to be in town (not with his dad) when the baby was born. So we tried for two months. Then stopped trying (just practiced...8)...) for three months. Then started trying again. and viola!

Went on the honeymoon two months before we got married. It's just our wacky way.

So Jeff had gone to the jeweler. He wanted to get an alexandrite (my favorite stone in the world) for my wedding ring. Well alexandrites aren't very popular and are rare. So the jeweler had to order it.

I felt pretty strongly that I wanted a ring before we went on our honeymoon. Makes sense right? So the day before we were to leave Jeff went to the jeweler to get the ordered stone. I knew this was happening.

So that night it was soooo hot outside. I came in from work and took off my shirt, don't get all excited or upset. Billy was out of town. Savanah was just a twinkle in her Daddy's eye. It was flippin hot so I stood in the kitchen in my pants and bra.

Jeff walked in the door from the jewelers. I was excited to see the ring of course but acted all casual. "Hi Honey! Yeah for vacation!" I gave him a kiss. We talked for a few more minutes about our trip the next day.

I had turned around fixing the coffee pot. Jeff said, "Honey, I'm sorry but they got the wrong stone. I don't have the ring."

I inhaled deeply, "Oh no really?" I was so disappointed. I was even a little mad. Why had he waited to the last minute? I was about to say something not so nice. When I turned around to give him a piece of my disappointed mind, I was shocked. There he was on his knee, ring box opened with the most beautiful ring inside.

Then the sweetest words ever spoken.

"Will you marry me?"

"Oh yes!! YES!!!" I jumped up and down. I was silently thankful for the bra! And boy did I feel like a jerk for almost getting mad!

And that is how it happened.

And they lived happily ever after!

One more day honey and it'll be 9 years!

Joytobe

Square of my Heart

This square means the world to me. It means everything to me. This ugly old piece of brown linoleum played an integral part in a moment that changed my life forever.

You see once upon a time my husband knelt on this very piece of flooring when he proposed to me.

When we had the floor replaced I cut out the exact square where his knee sat.

I know I said it was ugly but you know what, it is beautiful, isn't it?

Now the story of the proposal is kinda funny and not traditional but I'll save that for tomorrow.

Happy almost Anniversary Honey,

Joytobe

No Post Sunday Quote

Enjoy your family.

"Angst is optional." - unknown

No Post Saturday Quote

Enjoy your day!

"I found that in entertaining, as well as in life, it's best to surrender to the natural chaos around you. You'll have so much more fun." --Ree Drummond - Pioneer Woman

aaaacccckkkkk It's happening

The leaves are changing. See my evidence.

I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with the changing colors. It is so beautiful. Truly breathtaking eye candy. The colors are indescribable. Glowing. Love it.

But it is a fleeting beauty.

The hate part is that it only last a good week. So short especially if we get some wind. Then all the trees are barren, preparing for the long brutal Minnesota winter. Once the leaves are gone... well you won't see them until May. It is sad.

The beginning of the end.

Joytobe

Saving Box Elder Bugs

My dear sweet daughter got off the bus this afternoon. When she walked to the front door she said "Look Mommy".
Out of the little mesh pocket of her backpack she pulled out a crawling box elder bug. "Where did that come from?" I asked.

"We found it this morning in the school. Everyone was bothering it and I was afraid someone would step on it. So I put it in my backpack."

"So it's been in your back pack all day?" I asked.

"Yes, I saved it" she answered. "Can I keep it?"

uhhhhh NO. Let him be free. Free as a bird.

Joytobe

Most Embarrassing Potty Story EVER

The most embarrassing Potty - not Party Story

Okay so I have finally gotten the courage to tell my 2nd most embarrassing moment. It is only 2nd because well truthfully I am the only one who saw it. So this is a big step to tell you something that no one ever has to know! Just me. The thing is, this is just too funny to not tell.

This did not happen recently. In fact I refuse to tell you when or where. So once upon a vague time in an undisclosed location, If I was working or volunteering I will never tell!! I had helped set up for a special event. The event had not started yet so I took a break. a long break!

I went to the potty with my phone. I did my potty business then decided to sit there and play text twist on my phone. Currently I am on level 150 of text twist. Pretty impressive. However, at this point my game was still in the infantile stages. So I sat enthralled with my new game. When suddenly...........big dramatic scary music......

The Lights Went Out

The lights were on a motion detector. I must have been motionless for too long only my thumbs and mind moving. It was pitch black, like can't see your hand in front of your face dark.

Well as you can guess this is a pretty precarious situation. Because if someone comes in the bathroom and finds me sitting in here in the pitch dark, well....what would you think if you found someone sitting in the dark in a motion detector lighted bathroom! Well I would think several things and NONE of them Good!!

Now the graphic part : I had already done a general cleaning for the reason I was in there in the first place. you know #2. But I was still planning an additional courtesy wipe. Now my phone is my only source of light.

So well first I just start waving my arms frantically hoping to set the motion detector off and get the lights back on. Apparently I am too low in the stall cause it ain't working! So I stand on numb legs ( unbeknownst to me, if you sit on a toilet for too long your legs get numb and tingly) , pants still down and start waving again. Still no go, high stall doors.

I am starting to freak now, claustrophobia setting in, fear of getting caught, caught playing a game mind you!! Sweat beads are forming on my forehead.

Okay so I think use my phone light to finish the wipe. Then get outta here. I go to flip my phone on again for the light and drop it!!!!!! gasp. No not in the toilet, but on the ground, the dirty bathroom floor in the pitch black where I cannot see it! I flounder about still sitting on the toilet but now with my unclothed butt in the air feeling the dirty gross bathroom floor for my phone.

Ahh found it. Now my whole body is sweaty. I use toilet paper and the phone light by dangling the phone over the toilet bowl to make sure my @$& (oops) is clean. Okay all done. I got my pants up, stood up, opened the door.

Then....halleluja...halleluja.....The lights came back on.

I took two steps forward towards the sinks where I was planning to scrub my toilet floor hands like a surgeon, when someone walked in the bathroom. A stranger. I did the unthinkable then in my nervousness to cover up the last 5 minutes, I spoke to that person. Just a quick "hello". See it's a rule at least in the ladies room, don't acknowledge others in the bathroom. She looked at me with glaring confusion.

Gees, that lady looked at me like I was nuts. hmmmm Couldn't help but laugh and think what she would have thought if she made it in there 1 minute sooner.

That is the first and last time I will ever dawdle in a public restroom. Or any restroom for that matter.

Nuff Said,
Joytobe

A Controlled Landing

Earlier today I got a call from Pama's (My grandmother) assisted living. They were informing me that she fell. But they also informed me it was a "controlled landing". She was not hurt at all. She is acting like her same old lively self today. All is well.

Because of that (no harm done) I allowed myself to really delve into the exact saying the nurse used when talking to me. "Controlled Landing". I don't completely understand why but I find this extremely amusing.

First thing coming to mind is an aircraft. A controlled landing. Always want that!!

Then I started thinking about when I biffed it on our outside stoop. (love the word stoop) It would have been nice to have a controlled landing then instead of all the bruises.

How about when life trips us up. I want a controlled landing then too. Yes! From now on I only want nice smooth controlled landings.

Wouldn't that be nice!?

Wishing you many controlled landings!
Joytobe

Internet Woes

So this is the first time today I have been able to get on the internet.

I spent hours on the phone with my internet provider last week. Finally I was told that we had a modem problem and needed a new one. So they sent a new one. Jeff installed it this weekend. has been working just fine until today.

Now when ever this happens prior to getting the modem and now after, our telephone line gets all static. When I use the phone the internet comes back up for about ten minutes. Then craps back out. Then the phone gets static again.

They tell me the problem is not the line. Uh Yeah.
I'll try to post something interesting later today.
Frustrated!
Joytobe

The Weekend

Randomness

What a strange and at times wonderful weekend.

Started with the Friday sunset to Saturday sunset fast for Yom Kippur. It was strange because it was unlike our normal tradition. Normally we would go to my in-laws house. Which we didn't. By the way my mother in law is doing much better. Out of the hospital on Friday morning. Still we chose not to meet with family for this Jewish holiday because Savanah has a cold. We couldn't take the chance of getting Grammy sick. Normally we would also break the fast with family.

So this holiday was very different. Jeff is the only one in our immediate family that fasts. I always feel guilty eating or drinking in front of him. All in all it went fine just very very different.

Friday night was strange in that out of the blue Billy's new girlfriend broke up with him. He was a little shocked and dazed. Earlier that day she brought me pink roses, the first time I have met her. According to Billy she wanted me to like her. Well I thought it was kinda strange and sucking up to me. Odd. It became odd-er when four hours later after the football game she broke up with him. I thought about dumping the flowers on her front doorstep but I don't know where she lives and Billy wouldn't tell me. ;) Sometimes I can truly say I don't understand teenagers. Billy and I sat on the couch for a long time talking about it all. He is okay...a little hurt but okay.

Luckily the weekend ended with beauty and peace. A family day at Sever's Maze was exactly what my family needed. We had so much fun. That place is magical.

Last night was fantastic! With Savanah and Billy finishing up their homework without complaint. Both doing a great job then off to bed early!

A great nights sleep. And that is where I am at right now. Starting out Monday morning a little confused by the weekend but I got a smile on my face.

All is well, and I am thankful.
Joytobe

Autumn Days

I love fall. The feeling in the air. The crisp joyous weather. The smells of apple cider. aahh nothing quite like it.

Sever's Corn Maze This is one of our Fall cannot miss activities. One of our traditions. We have been going for 9 years. If you live in this area you gotta go! It's more than a maze it's a feeling. Definitely worth the drive. A glorious day. Check it out on line.

www.severscornmaze.com/

Going to enjoy this day with my family!
Joytobe

Happy Saturday

Have a happy day.

Confused and Baffled

Okay so I went to the ACTT meeting last night. This is the parent support group for the Elk River High School Drama Club.

Of course the school district has no money to support the Drama club. They have sufficient funds to support the hazing varsity football team but not enough to support the Drama Club.

As evidence by this. The drama club has usually put on a dramatic play in the fall. A musical in the spring. And one-acts in between. This gives all different types of actors a chance to participate. Some great actors are not great singers. and vice verse.

So this year the School District has mandated that the plays this year will be, TWO Musicals, one in the fall and one in the spring! Now that is not supporting students with different skills. Their reasoning for this, musicals generally get higher attendance.

The real catch 22 is this, The Drama club is in danger of being cut as a program offered at school because of low attendance. But the school and school district will not spend any money promoting or advertising the plays! Budget cuts and such. Well you won't get good attendance if you don't get the word out! You get my meaning? Also because of church and state separation issues...you are NOT allowed to hand out flyers in the school to students announcing the play or drama club! Oh Great!!

So I start brainstorming with this group of parents. Could we get donations of time or money from local businesses? put signs around town, walk door to door around neighborhoods, contact local senior citizen activity directors to make an outing for their residents to come see the play? Great ideas started flowing from everyone. Awesome! So the president of this club looks me in the eye in front of everyone and says. "This is all great. Now will you coordinate all of this?"

I said, "Huh? What? UUHHMMM......Okay? I guess."

I just don't know how this happened. I asked a question and suddenly I am charged with running the promotion of the next play.

Which By the Way is

Irving Berlin's
White Christmas
Show runs:
Thursday December 2nd 7:00 pm
Friday December 3rd 7:00 pm
Saturday December 4th 7:00 pm

With a matinee performance
Sunday December 5th 2:00 pm


How am I doing so far?


Okay so lets get busy and show this school district what we are made of and that these kids deserve this program! Not everyone has to be a sports star to be important!!

Now after I publish this post and have vented my frustrations out, I will put my lousy attitude away and get busy.

Ready, Set........Action
Joytobe

JOYTOBE is what

My son recently asked me what is Joytobe, my alias, my AKA.

It started as Joy to Believe. Joy being a play on my real name.
Now you may think "Joy to Believe" is a religious meaning. It is and it isn't.

BELIEVE to me influences attitude. Believe in God. Believe in yourself. Believe in the good of others. Believe in magic. Believe in miracles.

Keep your heart open to the possibilities.
Believe in all the possibilities.
More importantly believe in the impossible.
I have seen the impossible become possible.

Now "Joy to believe" was shortened to "Joy to be". In this form it reminds me to "Just Be". Be involved, be engaged, be in the moment, be kind hearted, Be myself, be joyful.

When I am feeling down and out, these both remind me of who I really am and who I want to be.

Joytobe

Random and A Request

Good Morning,

First and foremost I have a prayer request. My mother in law is in the hospital. Her intestinal infection is back and she is on iv antibiotics. Her chemo has been a rocky road filled with uncertainty. Unfortunately this also delays her chemo thus dragging this out longer than expected. A prayer request for physical healing and peace.

Also a prayer request for Kate Mcrae. Help her Mommy and Daddy find peace in this difficult time. And pray for the healing of Kate. You can look up her caring bridge at

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

Now the random part.

Uugghh I got a jury summons yesterday! Yay! You know there is a part of me that feels proud that our country offers trial by jury and that is a basic American right. And that I have the opportunity and responsibility to participate in our democracy. The other part of me just thinks, What a pain in the ass!!!!

I'll choose to enter this endeavor focusing on the first opinion!

Next I am truly enjoying the school year so far. Getting lots done that was neglected during the summer hiatus. I have been decorating for fall. I love the look my kids get at seeing the decorations. It makes the house feel special. I like that they will carry that memory into adulthood. That makes it all worth it.

My book is coming along. On Chapter 12 of the basic outline, with 16,000 words. Almost done, then I need to go back and rework it. I have the basic story and emotion of it captured now I need to add some details. Then a rewrite for editing. I guess most first time novels have 50,000 words so apparently I am going to have to get "wordy". Just kidding.

The process has been surprisingly exhausting. Sometimes I actually cry while I am writing or laugh or get excited. I get so lost in it. I lose track of time as if I were reading a novel. Pouring my heart and soul into this so maybe it will be good enough to get published. And even if it is not i will be able to say, "Hey, I wrote a novel!" It's on my list of "25 things I want to do before I die". FYI-I am not dying anytime soon but it will be nice to cross another one off of the list.

Okay time to get the day going here.

Enjoy your day!
Joytobe

16 wth?

In less than one month my baby bootie boy will be 16! Where has the time gone? I know all parents ask that question, it becomes redundant....but really......





Where has the time gone?





The hardest part of all this?, well besides all of it? Letting go. Sending him out in the world without my supervision. Questioning if we did a good enough job of teaching him right and wrong. Hoping he will make good decisions most of the time. Did we scare him sufficiently to always wear his seat belt, stay away from drugs, don't have unprotected sex, don't drink and drive. All the things that bring us parents sleepless nights. But I still know he will make mistakes and I'm on my knees praying the mistakes he makes won't be life altering! In a split second a life can be changed forever.

Reminds me of when I started letting Billy ride his bike over to a friend's house around the corner on another street. I could no longer see him reach his destination. I made him call me when he got there for several weeks. Then finally I let that go. Shortly after that some kids I didn't know came to my door one afternoon informing me a child was hurt at the end of the street. Was it my son?

Well It was him. He had fallen and laid in the middle of the street. When we got there he was just standing up his bike. Then he cried. He had road rash all over but thankfully he was wearing his helmet which was very scratched up and dented. That is when I decided he would live in a bubble, wrapped in Charmin toilet tissue for the rest of his life! No more chances. We would be taking no more chances like that.

Luckily for Billy, Jeff talked me down from my neurosis. But it was a lesson. A painful one. You have to let them go and they are going to fall down and make mistakes. They will have to get up on their own sometimes. Just give them all the guidance they will let you give. Make sure your expectations are clear. Let them know you will always be there but they have to go around the corner where you can't see them!

Then pray a lot!
Joytobe

My Day

Today was MY DAY!! wooohoooo

I went out shopping. I hate to shop usually but this was a treat. I had gift certificates. The best way to shop. Guilt free!

Went to Yankee Candle -- yum
Johanne's crafts - fun
The Woods - Oh yeah

It was a good time. Now I am feeling a little guilty cause I did nothing at home. NOT, Nothing, Notta! You know...... house work. cleaning, organizing, folding laundry. oh well

There's always tomorrow.
Joytobe

Remember

and pray

A Very Cool Kid

Recently someone who hasn't seen Billy in a long time asked me, "When did Billy become so dark?" Huh I thought then asked, "What do you mean? His hair?" The person answered with concern, "Yes, well and everything."

Yes Billy is checking out different styles, this is true. He is a good little mix of EMO, punk, rocker. But he so much more than that. I have told him: Unfortunately people judge a book by it's cover. Perception is reality. First impressions are hard to change. All these little catch phrases. They are true as shown by that person's questions.

BUT I KNOW THE TRUTH. My Billy is still my Billy. He is EMO - Which stands for emotional. Emo however usually stands for negative emotions, depression, sadness, rebellion, indifferent, disinterested (some of them so extreme they become cutters). Billy is emo but his emotion is happy, energetic, fun loving, engaged. Proof by the Mascot he will be tonight at the football game.

He also tried out for the fall play yesterday. Phil the director apparently liked his audition. The musical which will be showing in Dec, is White Christmas. Fun I hope he gets the part that Danny Kaye played. We'll see.

Billy is so much more than any label.

He recently had to write up a wanted poster for himself so his English teacher could get to know all the students. Here is what he wrote. Gotta love Billy's wit and creativity.

If this criminal is seen in the area, please report him to the authorities. Armed with his hair straightener and hairbrush, this felon is known as Billiards (aka Bill ). Usually found along with The Bandego Warrior (Jonah) and The Tater Gator (Cameron). Billiards is wanted for the unforgivable sin of obsessive hair flipping. Found around football games dressed as a big elk giving fans high fives, on the school drama stage making a fool of himself, or sometimes found at the vault, listening to music. Last arrested October 12,1994. With his unique style of extremely skinny jeans, studded belts that hang low, and dark colored shirts, he is easy to pick out in a crowd. Thank you for your time and be safe tonight. He could be flipping his hair somewhere near you.

Is that awesome or what? So in conclusion, Nope I am not concerned about Billy's dark attire. Billy is Billy. I couldn't love him more or be more proud of him.

Joytobe

CHICKEN

Bak bak bak beeekaaahhhhk What is that? That is the sound of a chicken as best I can figure it would be spelled. You know the sound a chicken makes? Why you ask?

I have recently discovered I am a chicken. A big chicken scaredy cat. meow.

We have recently decided I should probably get a part time job. You see, last year we paid a lot of expenses for my grandmother. I mean a lot, big $$$$$$. In order to do this we took some money - a lot- out of my qualified savings account. Now we planned for the extra taxes and penalties with our budgeting. What we failed to plan for is the fact that this extra income through us into a new tax bracket. Dramatically changing our taxes!!!! So although we have survived fine with one income as the year comes to an end, and we continue to pay some of my grandmother's expenses, well....let's just say we could really use a little extra money.

It doesn't help that my ex-husband does not pay his half of my son's expenses (driver ed fees, drama fees, lunch money) and pays NO CHILD SUPPORT even though he is supposed to. He has not paid child support in 7 YEARS. I have yelled, begged, pleaded and threatened him for 7 Years. And to be honest up until now it just seemed like too much of a pain in the ass to go after him with an attorney. That will change soon too!

Now that Savanah is in 3rd grade well it seems time for me to work. I would still like to be home when the kids get home.

Okay so on to what makes me a chicken %&*$. I am scared to get a job. I haven't worked in 7 years. I have started to update my resume. OH Yuck. I tried to find my old resume. HA HA I found it. It is on an old HARD computer disk. ha can you believe that? I don't have a computer with that old kind of disc drive. So I started from scratch. YUCK

Then thinking of the interview process just makes my heart pound with anxiety. Even if I could get an interview in these times. Jobs are hard to come by.

What I find amusing about all of this.....I used to be so confident in the workplace. I use to interview so well. Actually their is only one job I have ever interviewed for that I didn't get. I was eighteen and the job was way over my head. But now my armpits are damp just thinking about it. Sorry to be gross!

I have done all this before. I just forgot how to do it.

Any suggestions?

Looking for courage,
Joytobe

Aahhhh Quiet - Bad Mommy

Okay so does it make me a bad mother that I have been counting down the days til school starts? since June 20th? Just kidding but seriously.....

I love the beginning of summer. I struggle when Billy leaves but then find my rhythm. My rhythm for summer is LAZY. The Lazy days of summer. sleeping late. not even attempting to get anything done because with my child and all the neighborhood kids in and out of my house, "what is the point?" I mean mud, dirt, water, grass, wet dog hair, rocks. This all covers my floor all summer long. I have found that the moment I sweep and mop my floors ten kids come running in with muddy feet followed by the muddy dog. Then I get FURIOUS!!! The solution? don't sweep and mop the floors.

During summer my house is complete chaos. The doorbell rings no less that 15 times a day. The door swings open 50 times a day. It is left open 25 of those times. I can hardly keep up with the fly swatter. The nasty little buggers touching everything. I meant the flies not the kids. Well...maybe both.

I love kids but to be honest by the end of summer we are all ready for school to start. Now the kids will NEVER admit that. But my kids were filled with energy last night and up early this morning picking out what clothes to wear. They were excited for school to start.

We are both looking forward to routine. I may mop my floors today then again maybe not. But I do have a goal, I will destroy every last fly in this house today. I have to do it when Savanah is gone because she wants to save them. uh

I will write today on my blog and in my book.

And most of all I will relish the quiet. I will soak it in!

Enjoy your day.
Joytobe

Up the Ante

Upping the ante

Upping the Anxiety. I mean Upping the Anxiety Medication!

This is the time of year all of the excitement happens. Even the weather is cooperating with this change and excitement. Temperature right now - a crisp and windy 59 degrees with a bright blue sky.

Fall --mmmm I love it.

But suddenly the lazy days of summer are numbered. Nothing to do has been left behind.

So what all happens in fall? You ask. Where do I begin!?

First and foremost I go from being the mother of one 7 year old back to being the mother of two. One of which is a teenager! Need I say more. Well over the summer I certainly didn't stop being Billy's mother. However with his trip to CT I was not responsible for him on a daily bases.

Next I will no longer be the mother of a 7 year old. She will be 8 on August 30th! Birthday party prep is in full swing.

Then let's not forget the fun and excitement of the state fair. Opening day is tomorrow and we will be there. We are state fair junkies. LOVE IT!

Oh then the dreaded and anticipated first day of school. Dreaded by the kids. Anticipated by the parents! Lots to do still for school supply prepping. Have to be prepared on the first day! Not to mention trying to get back into a regulatory bedtime schedule. uuuggghhhh

Decorating the house for fall! Beautiful but a lot of work.

Then we have the annual fall trip up to Lutsen. A much needed break from the first few weeks of school.

Next my honey and I will celebrate our 9 year anniversary. Can't believe it has been that long. I am still so in love!

Trips to Sever's Maze! Love it!

Our favorite Pumpkin Pickin Farm. Fabulous!!

Then Oh MY!! My sweet baby bootie boy turns 16. Oh where has the time gone?!

Then the hallowed Halloween! Costume prepping.

Just about the time for Thanksgiving I will start freaking out about Hanukkah and Christmas! Oh Joy!

I just counted and I have 19 exclamation points in this post! Oops 20 now.

And that is fall - an exclamation point. Does that explain it?! 21
Joytobe

Picked My Pepper

Long time no blog.

Well I've been feverishly writing my book. Chapter 8 Very Rough Draft Done, 12,000 words done. Too late to back out now. Gotta finish. It would be nice to make money writing which I have found is my passion.

But this is about my other passion. Gardening. This is also a new passion of mine. I set out this spring to grow something I could eat!! And I have succeeded!

This is a picture of my red pepper just moments actually seconds before I picked it. Then I ate it! It was yummy. I have also been eating my chives and using my lemon balm in my tea. I am feeling quite accomplished.

I am already planning next years garden with a dramatic increase of space. More planter boxes. Don't worry honey. It may be work to build the boxes but it means less grass to cut.

Enjoy your day!

Awesome

Is this awesome or what? I bought this expression from my friend Tracy through Uppercase Living. I painted the wall. Jeff and I put it on without causing any bodily harm!

I so dig it.

Joyce

Insane Beauty

Hey all, long time no blog-ing. Well I hope to become more regular when school starts. Regular in all meanings of the word. I still enjoy blogging but I am taking a swing at writing a book. Can't do both with kids home during summer. So sorry but for now blog posts will be random.

But I couldn't pass this one up. See these pretty plants below. I have planted them two years in a row right in this very spot. People always comment about how beautiful they are. And they are.
Several people have said they are so beautiful that they almost look fake. They are not.


In the past I have loved them. All of the neighborhood kids congregate on this sidewalk near my front door. These are perfect because although they are pretty red flowers they don't attract bees. Perfect. They have no smell. Here is a close up.

Aren't they incredible? So here is the insanity. Look closely at this picture. See the black spot in the middle? That is a fly...... which would be okay. Except at any given time during the day these plants are covered with them. An insane amount of flies. Like 15 per plant. A freakin nightmare for someone with pteronarcophobia. (a fear of flies) I may be developing this phobia. This is freaking me out. Since they are near my front door flies keep getting in my house.

This has never happened before. Why is it happening now? Can someone find the answer? Is there a floriculturist out there?

These plant have 24 hours then I am chopping them down.

All I can say is ewe.

Joytobe

Random Stuff

I'm feeling random.

Mother-in-law Update
A couple of updates. My mother-in-law has had some bumps in the road of chemotherapy. Some side effects. Recently her white blood count dropped which decreases your ability to fight infection. Shortly after that she got a high fever. Luckily an antibiotic has helped. Yay, no more fever. She is very fatigued still and really has no appetite. So I have a prayer request. To help her and her husband get through this one day at a time. To fill their hearts with comfort and peace.

Garage Sale
I have said it over and over. I will say it again. I am never, after this one, having a garage sale again. Oh yeah. I am having a garage sale Thursday, Friday, Saturday. I had one last year. The cool part was I have been pricing stuff since then. But I forget about lugging it all to the garage and setting it all up and then sitting outside for 3 whole days.

Last year I used the money to buy school clothes for the kids which was really nice. We will see. Money can be quite a motivator.

Writing

I have started writing a book. I have about three chapters roughly done. I know the characters. I kind of know the timeline. I'm struggling a little with the process. Write an outline, write chapters, just write it all and figure out the chapter breaks later and so on. But I do like it. I may post pieces of it just to get some feedback. We'll see.

While writing my blog posts may be a little sporadic. So please keep checking in. I'll try to post at least every other day.


Random Questions

I wrote this the other day. It's weird and interesting to me. I was sitting in the car contemplating life while waiting for Zoo camp to be over.

So many answers!
What's the question?
Fulfillment
Peace
Contentment
Purpose

The secret to happiness
Relationships
Connections to people
Living in the moment
Accepting imperfection

Maybe the secret is to;
Keep asking?
Keep searching?
Keep analyzing?

But is that too hard? Should happiness be easier?
The End


What does that mean?

Okay I gotta get busy.
Enjoy your day,
Joytobe

The Finished Bathroom

Painting my upstairs bathroom has been hell. But now it is done and I will NEVER EVER paint this room again.

I like it and think it looks pretty but not too girly. As Savanah says, "I'm not a girly girl."

Before or actually during

Remember this post about my husband complaining about the ladder in the bathroom. http://joytobelieve.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-dirty-little-secret.html

Well he is not complaining now. he loves the way it turned out. Definitely worth the wait.

After

Ahhh

Joytobe

The Dilemma of the Teal Bottles

I have a dilemma. I love these teal colored bottles. My hubby hates them. They used to sit in my bathroom. My bathroom is all warm earthy tones. The teal vases/bottles don't fit with the colors especially now since I painted the bathroom. They actual work with the colors in the family room and at one time they sat on the fireplace mantel. They look great with this painting hanging above the fireplace.

But again Hubby doesn't care for them. Hey now he gives me pretty much carte blanche to decorate the house how I like. However, with this one he is pretty adamant they are not going back on the mantel . He really dislikes these.

Ah what to do? They have been sitting on my kitchen table amongst the bathroom chotchkies while I was painting the bathroom. Now that is done....YES my bathroom is done. I will post pictures of the finished product later. I don't know what to do with them. They look kind of nice on the kitchen table. Don't you think?

hhhmmmm

Jooytobe

Another Hiatus

I have been on an unplanned hiatus. I am taking a two week break.

I am writing a book. I've wanted to do this for along time. I have tried in a half ass way in the past. But now I have decided I am going to go for it full throttle. After two weeks of intense writing I will re-evaluate, re-read and decide if I should I pursue this.

It's on my bucket list. So here goes nothing, I mean something.

Wish me luck!
Joytobe

Errands and Stuff

I got lots to do today and places to go. I will try to post this afternoon. If I don't.....Have a great day!

Joytobe

The Secret to a Successful Marriage

Last week while at zoo camp I had some time to write. But it was literally writing in a notebook. A paper notebook. I hate writing on paper. I can get my thoughts out typing much faster than I can with pen and paper. With paper I often lose my train of thought. But anyways I wrote this.

Some people have asked me or commented to me regarding how my husband and I seem so connected and affectionate. And how after 9 years we still look at each other that way. Well here is what I came up with when I tried to get the words out on paper. The short answer is: communication, humor, respect and passion. The long answer is following.

Never let it slide. What does that mean? Well maybe not the right words. Don't let it dull. Hard to explain but......

Think of a time when your love hurt your feelings. You had sharp pain. You were pissed! Angry, Mad, sad. You felt passion. Voices were raised. maybe even a door or two was slammed. Well I think this is healthy. Now that being said, it is terribly unhealthy if physical or mental abuse is happening. Raise your voice but don't use words you'll regret. Never name call, at least not out loud. I have called a few names in my head but will never admit it! Well, I just kind of did admit it but I'll never tell you the word I thought! ;)

See the way I see it is: If you never argue (use the word disagree for a milder term if you must but my husband and I argue) in a relationship...well, then heck somebody is lying! At some point your partner is going to say and do something that pushes your buttons or hurts your feelings. Things are not perfect. The saying, "Too good to be true." applies here.

But listen to your partners point of view. And after an argument apologize for your raised voices. There are times that you will have to agree to disagree. Other times you will HAVE to find a compromise that you can both live with. Don't let your pride get in the way of this. This is marriage which is not always a piece of cake.

More dangerous to me is the neglect of the relationship. When things are allowed to be acceptable. A dull ache. An unhealed wound. Not festering just dormant.

I have seen this in some of my past relationships. We slowly allowed it to just die. I think it all starts with little unresolved misunderstandings, a break down of communication, lack of respect. It all ends with nothing. It's gone. It can happen so quickly. Then you care no more.

Next time you are at a restaurant or bar look around and you'll find that couple. Throughout their time together they hardly achieve eye contact and no words are spoken. It's sad to see.

At first glance this may seem like their normal existence. But for some couples this may be temporary due to stress, anxiety or tragedy. For some this unbelievable coma is constant and chronic. It's like a terminal illness within their marriage. How long have they lived this way? How did this happen?

Now don't get me wrong. There are times in my life with my husband where silence is golden and no words need to be spoken. Even in these times I feel connected to him, content with him and comfortable. But the spark and passion is always there.

It is okay to feel content when your relationship is strong.

But for God's sake speak up when things aren't feeling right!!!! You know! You sense it. and if you ignore it you will end up like "that couple" I spoke of before.

Say, "I feel like we aren't connected. Is something going on? Are you upset with me?" or "Hey I'm upset cause we haven't been talking lately!" or "I feel distant from you. Do you feel it? Why?"

Open this conversation up! Look at it together as a couple. And be relentless in your search for the answer! Your marriage depends on it.

If your spouse tries to delay this conversation, let him. For 24 hours. Maybe he is sorting out his feelings and doesn't know what to say.

After 24 hours don't take no for an answer. This cannot be forgotten. you cannot give up. a line form my favorite movie Apollo 13, "Failure is not an option."

I do feel the need to clear up something here. The second my hubby is irritated I don't schedule a throwdown. nothing, and I mean nothing, pisses a man off more than when he is stressed or tired or worried to have the woman he loves saying, "You don't love me anymore!?!?"

I can tell when just regular stress is causing the problem or if something is wrong with the relationship. We all need our time alone to sort through stuff. make sure you give him his space when he needs it.

So love, honor and cherish each other and your relationship.

Never lose your sense of humor.
Joytobe

No Post Sundays

Enjoy this day!

"In those times I can't seem to find God, I rest in the assurance he knows how to find me."
--Neva Coyle

"Personality can open doors but only character can keep them open." --unknown

Joytobe

No Post Saturday

Have a fantastic weekend.

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." --Dr Seuss

"If nothing ever changed there wound be no butterflies." -unknown

Update: The last butterfly climbed the great stairway to heaven yesterday. Well it was a long fruit filled life.

Joytobe

Sorry no morning post...I Got a Surprise

Well, I was dreading another lonely day traveling to and from the zoo and spending 4 lonely hours in between with nothing to do.

Instead....My honey surprised me. He stayed home from work and came with me! We had a great time exploring Apple Valley and the surrounding area. We ate lunch together! We bellied up to a bar. Okay we had one drink, we still had to drive home.

It was a wonderful 4 hour date. Just a perfect day.

I love you babe. And thank you for making my day.
Joytobe

Zoo Camp

This week Savanah is going to Zoo Camp. She has really enjoyed it. With her love for animals I could hardly pass up this opportunity. It is at our state zoo. She is learning about animals and getting to go up close to the animals. She gets to see some of the behind the scenes stuff at the zoo. It is so perfect for her. However, it has been rough on me. And her a bit too.

The Zoo is over 50 miles away. So I drive her there which takes a little over an hour. I hang out in that town for 4 hours while she is at camp. At first I thought this would be fun. Some of it has been. The drive home after camp has been horrendous for the both of us. Taking an hour and a half of stop and go rush hour traffic. She's tired, I'm tired and we are both very grouchy!

The first day I went to the zoo and meandered around. I saw every animal there. I hung out on a bench in the shade, there was a nice breeze. It was pleasant except for I was lonely. Usually when you are at the zoo you are with other people. So when I would see cute or intriguing animals I would talk out loud...to myself. "Awe isn't that cute?!" or "Wow look how big that is?" or "Oh there it is." small statements like that. But there was no one to listen to me. So I realized people were staring at me kind of weird. It was lonely.

The second day I found a Barnes and Noble. Normally I could peruse a book store for hours and be very content. Sit in a big comfy chair and read. I did but I found I was a bit antsy. I ran a couple of errands. Returned a couple of things at a local store.

Now yesterday I shopped a little but then a serious thunderstorm popped up. I sat in my car watching it unfold. You know how I love weather. I was checking the radar on my phone. Then the sirens went off and there was a tornado warning. I was worried about Savanah because the Zoo is only five minutes from where I was. I had asked her camp leader earlier since bad weather had been predicted, what they would do with the kids if the weather became treacherous. They actually take the kids underground in tunnels under the zoo. I wasn't worried about her safety but I was worried she would be scared.

The second tornado siren 5 minutes later was scary. I am sitting in my car listening to am radio for weather updates. All of sudden I hear "beep beep buzzzzzzzz buzzzzzzzzz, this is the emergency broadcast system, A tornado has been sighted...yada yada yada." I did actually hop out of the car and go into a nearby store. The sky looked strangely ominous and volatile. Way off in the distance I could see clouds rotating. It was cool but a little nerve wracking. The second tornado warning was legit. There was a tornado about a mile away. Luckily no one was hurt.

Savanah was fine when I picked her up. During the tornado warning they went below ground to a theater that the zoo uses for training and watched a movie. She had been a little worried but it sounded like they did a great job keeping the kids calm.

After all that I decided at 4:00 to just go park in the zoo lot and read my book for an hour. The problem was it was sweltering outside with a heat index of 103. Super high humidity. Yuck.

So now here we are. Camp today and the last day is tomorrow. I have nothing to do!!!!!! I can't drive home cause I would just have to turn around and come back. I've already done everything I wanted to do. AND I AM LONELY!!!!! Two more days! uuugggghhhh

Oh what we do for our children. Someday when Savanah is a famous animal explorer on Animal Planet. She better take care of me and set me up in a nice house!!!
Joytobe

My Honey Looks like Who?

Recently someone who works with my honey said he looked like Professor Snape!!!! You gotta be kidding! Oh Please. uhhh NO I don't think so. Then they clarified a little, saying he looks like the actor who plays Professor Snape when he isn't all made up to look so grim.



Well I don't know. Maybe. This is really the only picture I can find that does resemble my honey. It is a younger Alan Rickman.



What do you think?

Joytobe

Bloom Where You Are Planted

I planted this year. If you remember this post. I was so proud that my honey and I built a box. a raised garden box. http://joytobelieve.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-box.html

Now I am so proud because I actually have something growing in it. See my pictures!

On the top left side are chives, mmmm yum yum In the middle is Marigold. I had heard deer don't like Marigold. (Wonder if bears do?) On the bottom left side is Lemon Balm a type of mint but it is not minty. When you squish the leaves it has a wonderful lemony aroma. The leaves have been used to calm Alzheimer patients. It is full of antioxidants. Has been used to help sleep. And to aid in nausea. I have been crushing up the leaves in my green tea every day. Very yummy!

Now you may notice the whole right side of the box is empty!! Oh no, My cucumbers died. aw too sad. I did learn some valuable lessons in my first year planting edibles. Planter boxes need more dirt. Every few days I have to go pull grass that has grown from below. I thought I put enough dirt but then it settled and apparently was not enough.

Also on my deck I planted North Star Red Peppers. I love red peppers but holy cow are they expensive. So I bought four plants. They like the soil a little drier like tomatoes so I put them on my deck so the sprinklers won't get them. They have all flourished. Best of all I HAVE PEPPERS growing. I am so very excited. From the looks of it I will have lots of peppers. Wherever a flower grows a pepper emerges. Lots of buds.

So yay for me!!!! I have always wanted to grow something I can eat!

I see more boxes in my future for next year. Get out the tools Baby!

Joytobe

Helping Haiti

This post was written by my sister Vivian.



Before I went to Haiti this March on a medical mission trip, several people said jokingly. "Vivian, just don't bring any kids home in your suitcase." I didn't, but I brought home a whole village of kids in my heart.


This little girl is Kathina. She is twelve years old, and since she was six, she had seizures almost every day of her life. She lives in Lougou, a tiny village in the mountains north of Les Cayes. Madeleine Avignon is one of the founders of COFHED, the nonprofit which sponsored the trip. She told me about Kathina before the trip, and so I was able to bring medicine for her.



Over the course of five days, we saw almost 1,500 people in a medical clinic set up in the school in Lougou. It was hot and chaotic. I was seeing entire families at once, five to ten people crowding into the little classroom. When Kathina came in with her uncle, she walked right up to me and hugged me, and said something very softly in Creole. I asked my interpreter what she had said. He looked a little surprised and said, "She said I love you." I immediately started trying to figure out if my suitcase was big enough for her. :)



The medicine is working! She is not having any seizures! The next time she saw Madeleine, the first thing she said was, "I want to go to school." Her younger sisters attend the school , which the community built with assistance from COFHED. Kathina has tried to go to school, but her epilepsy was too disruptive.



I am now sponsoring Kathina to go to school. For a very small amount, I pay for her tuition, uniforms, and books. I'm not telling you this to make you think I'm such a wonderful person. I'm telling you because it makes me so incredibly, amazingly happy to be able to do something that really makes a difference in someone's life.



There has been a lot on the news about how much money has been sent to Haiti since the earthquake. CBS news reported $15 billion. And it's in the news how nothing is changing. People are still hungry, living in tents, dying. It's so frustrating, and it's a situation that I don't know how to fix. It's disheartening, because so many people care and want to help, but they feel like any money they send is going into a big black hole, or sitting in someone's bank account, or ending in corrupt hands.



I know that many of my friends would love to help, but feel for the reasons I just mentioned that sending money is futile. I am writing to ask you to consider making a donation to COFHED. They are doing so much with every penny they receive. They are engaging the community on sustainable economic development projects. Please visit their website to see what I'm talking about, and consider making a donation. www.cofhed.org Or just follow along and send up your prayers. Also please forward this note to your friends who might also have a heart for Haiti. A word of warning, your heart might grow two sizes too big!

www.cofhed.org

No Post Sundays

Enjoy your family day!

"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." - Abraham Lincoln

Joytobe

No Post Saturday

Have a wonderful Saturday!



"It's a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize how much you love them." -Agatha Christie

Joytobe

Fight or Flight

Those of you who know me on facebook have heard a snippet of this story. But here are the details.

On Wednesday evening at about 7:45pm. I went for a walk. I was making my way home at about 8:15 pm. I was just about to cross the creek pictured here. My home is just on the other side of this creek. I was talking on my cell phone to my sister at this time.

Suddenly from the corner of my eye I saw movement. At first glance I thought it was Harry the neighbor's chocolate lab. But no it's too big and too dark to be Harry. A huge black Great Dane? No too big and huh? it's not moving like a dog? What is this? Now you must understand these thoughts are flying through my head at lightening speed.

This creature ran through my back yard, through the neighbors backyard, up their hill and is now on the sidewalk. The same sidewalk I am standing on. At this point the recognition sets in. IT IS A FREAKIN BEAR!

Now there is 50 feet between me and a big black bear. My body and heart froze. My mouth was working cause I vaguely remember hearing my own voice saying, "Oh my God, Oh my God. It's a bear."

My mind was shooting out thoughts like a machine gun. Okay full grown, uh was it a female? Does it have a baby with her cause if she does I am screwed? okay I don't see a baby. good. It's cute. okay now it is looking at me. What if it turns and comes this way? How fast can it run?

It was this precise moment that instinct from the cave man days kicked in. I don't remember making any sort of decision, Fight or Flight. But my feet started moving without my knowledge or willpower. The next thing I know I am running while looking over my shoulder fully expecting to see the bear chasing me. Now in the back of my mind I am remembering that you are not supposed to run from a bear, it just gives them reason to chase you. I did not consciously choose to run, it just happened. I ran to the neighbors house and rang the doorbell, no answer, rang it again and again and again.

I could still see the bear. Luckily I seemed to have scared it as it was running in the opposite direction away from me. It was then that I noticed the phone still in my hand. I hollered I gotta go and hung up. My neighbor opened the door. I hollered, "There's a bear!" He ran in to get something.

It was then that the fear ran through me. Serious fear. The bear was running down the street towards my house. Was Savanah outside playing?!?! Were other kids out in the lovely dusk summer air playing?!?! I quickly dialed my home number. My honey answered and I started hollering, "Is Savanah outside? Get her in if she is? Quickly, there is a bear!!!" Then I hung up.

The bear had started to run fast down the middle of the street towards the woods. Ahhh he scampered into the woods. Pictured below.

I saw another neighbor come outside at this point. Her 6 year old daughter had been in the garage when the bear ran by. She had seen it through her window.

My heart was still racing as several neighbors came outside to see what the commotion was all about. Then Savanah comes running out all excited to see the bear. "Sorry sweetie the bear is gone." However cute it was, I hope he/she never comes back.

It took a good hour before I was back to normal. Still now my heart races as I think about. I do think I probably looked foolish and comical running from the bear. Something you might see on America's Funniest Videos.

I would pay a lot of money to see this all unfold and hear what I must have sounded like on the phone and to my neighbors as I frantically rang their doorbell.

I am the crazy nature lady. If it ain't a duck it's a bear.

Joytobe

Too Dang Funny...Oh Honey

This is tooo (extra o too) funny. Oh Honey, I love you. I love you for reminding me of this story. And I love you for letting me post this story. This is your oops.

A few months ago in the dark days of winter my honey and I got a babysitter, Grammy and Papa. An OVERNIGHT babysitter. yeee-haaaa

We decided to go to our local casino and stay the night. No driving involved. Neither one of us are big gamblers but I do LOVE the sound of penny slot machines. It doesn't matter that the ding ding ding is counting up pennies. I'm winning!!!!!! Shortly after that I am losing. But we never lose more than we planned to. It is entertainment and we go maybe twice a year. no harm, no foul. We also go to hear some music.

This particular time we found, well my honey (I can't take any credit for this) found out that The Steve Miller Band was playing at the casino. You know, "Fly Like an Eagle", "The Joker" , "Rock'n me" Keep on a rock'n me baby.

Awesome and even more awesome it was for free. Couldn't get better than that! We were excited and started telling friends and family our plans. whew hooo party time. So the day of our big date my honey goes to check the casino website to see what time the band is playing.

Uhhhh, Oh No, what?, uuhhmm, WTH? Utter confusion. At some point while checking the website my Honey notices the spelling. It was The Steve Millar Band not Steve Miller Band. No this couldn't be? But yes it was.

I can tell you first hand The Steve Millar Band is NOTHING like The Steve Miller Band. Of course we still went, heck who gives up a free babysitter. No disrespect to Steve Millar but it wasn't what we were expecting. We did have a great time.

The funniest part was perhaps when Jeff''s boss, our neighbors, parents and everyone else asked how The Steve Miller Band was in concert. Oh how we laughed. Honey had to swallow his pride and fess up to everyone of his mistake.

Luckily My honey finds this amusing! As do I.

I raise my glass in a toast to Steve Millar and my honey. chuckling
Joytobe

The Butterfly Nursing Facility

Savanah received a butterfly pop up net habitat for Hanukkah from her aunt. With this butterfly home you are given a post card to send off to get caterpillars. They are sent in the mail. Since it is so cold here in winter we waited until spring to send off for her caterpillars. They arrived in April looking half dead to me. They were small about a centimeter long and weren't moving. However, within hours these critters were crawling all over the jar they were sent in. The jar comes with all the food they need until they form their cocoons.

Over 10 days these caterpillars grew to be about an inch and a half long. It was great to watch. Then they hung themselves to the top of the lid. The transformation from caterpillar to cocoon was amazing. About 7 days later they broke out of the cocoons as Painted Lady Butterflies. All 10 caterpillars successfully became beautiful butterflies. This was early May.

At this point we put them in their net and began feeding them orange slices. It was fun to watch them stick out their proboscis and eat. Savanah holds the butterflies often.

According to the instruction sheet you can let your butterflies go or keep them for the duration of their life, about 14 days. Savanah decided she wanted to keep them to see if they would lay eggs and continue the life cycle.

Well we watched them......ahem..... join together. Then Savanah told me, "I know how they mate. They attach themselves together." I just smiled and nodded. All in the name of science!

Unfortunately there were no eggs and not for the lack of trying on the butterflies part.

We went to Wisconsin Dells on June 10th. 8 of the butterflies were still with us at that time. One of the ten escaped into the wild. The other, well let's just say he went on to greener pastures. Not sure what to do with them so they came with us, about a 4 hour drive. We came home with 7 butterflies. On June 22nd we went back to Wisconsin Dells (long story). At that time we were traveling with 5 remaining butterflies. We came back with 4 butterflies.

Now fast forward to today. We still have 3 Butterflies left. They are invalids, can hardly fly, hardly have wings left. They are still eating only oranges which is all they have ever eaten. I don't think they are unhappy. Although, how would you know if a butterfly is unhappy? I suppose they would stop eating?

Anyways I am running a nursing home for butterflies. These buggers have lived over a month longer than they should have! Are oranges the secret of youth? The fountain of youth is pouring out orange juice?

I don't know but my new mantra is "An Orange a day keeps the Grim Reaper away!"

Joytobe

Why? How? What? When? Where?

I hear these word at least 100 times a day. My daughter is so inquisitive. I love it. And I am sad to say some days it annoys me. Often she will ask ten questions in a row.

I am surprised how often I don't know the answer. Maybe that annoys me. ;)

Something as simple as "Why are both guys in that movie wearing a white shirt?" Uhhhh I don't know.

To something as complex as this conversation

Savanah :"Why is it humid?"

Me: "Moisture is in the air."

Savanah: "What is moisture?"

Me: "Water"

Savanah: "Where does it come from?"

Me: "The jet stream moves over the Gulf of Mexico picking up water and pushing it towards us."

Savanah: "How does that happen?"

Me: "Evaporation. The water evaporates into a gas and is picked up by the wind."

Savanah: "Why does that happen?"

Me: "Heat makes it happen."

Savanah: "When does this happen?"

Me: "Often"

Savanah:"How does the water stay in the air?"

Me: "It doesn't. When eough of it collects in the clouds then it rains."

Savanah: "How much water does there need to be for it to make rain?"

Me: "I DON'T KNOW! I DON'T KNOW! I DON'T KNOW!!!!!!!!!"

Savanah: "Mom?"

Me: "grrrrrrrrr WHAT?"

Savanah: "Can I go on the internet?"

Me: "Yes, please do.........and tell me the answer when you find it."


No wonder I am always exhausted!
Joytobe

No Post Sundays

Happy Fourth of July!!!!!

No Post Saturday

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

4th of July Weekend

wooo-hoooo
I love fourth of July. Always have, well since about 4th grade. That is when I started celebrating it with my best friends family instead of my own. That sounds sad, doesn't it?

Well my family didn't really celebrate 4th of July. I don't know why but it was almost like an ordinary day. No grilling out, no yard games, no fireworks, no festivals, no parades, no carnivals. Nothing. The closest I would get to any of that was sitting in the stuffy car in the grocery store parking lot watching fireworks from 5 miles away.

At about the age of 22, when I was pregnant with Billy, I decided I would NEVER miss 4th of July fireworks again. My children would NEVER miss a fourth of July celebration. (Please note; if my children were really sick, fever and such I would not force them to go to a carnival and I would stay home and take care of them.) I have never broken that promise to myself. One year I had a terrible migraine for two days leading up to and including the fourth of July. It was awful. I went to the emergency room that day for two reasons: I was a little worried about the headache being so extreme and lasting for so long, and second I was not going to miss fourth of July! So one CT, two narcotic shots, prescription pain killers and 4 hours later I was laying on a blanket in my favorite spot listening to a live band watching a huge 30 minute firework show from just a baseball field away. It was lovely.

I imagine my children will always partake in the festivities. There are 365 days of the year. So many of those end up being average ordinary days. Days filled with to do list, responsibilities, work and school. Average and ordinary is good, in my case great. But any chance you get, make a day Extraordinary.

And that is what I fully intend to do this weekend. I will join in the fun. Get out there and LIVE IT FULLY. I will be a participant not an observer.

Just make it special.
Joytobe

PS. I always cry at fireworks. When they play "Proud to be an American" and "The Star Spangled Banner."

Random Rambling - Office Day

Okay so this is a random post. And a reminder that today is Office Day. Thursday is always my office day. If you need a reminder here is a post about office day.

http://joytobelieve.blogspot.com/2010/02/200-office-day.html

So I really need an office day. My office has gotten completely out of control because I was out of town for two office days in a row. So I imagine it will take more that 1 hour to complete this task. I will start at 2:00 pm. 20 minutes from now.

Before I start I will drink a big glass of water, light a good smelling candle in the room and play some music to get me going.

Now for the random rambling part.

I am still not myself since Billy left. Still feeling a little blue. I have no rhythm. With school out I have not figured out how to get much done including writing and housework. I blink and the day is done. Where did the time go? I suppose I am doing okay in that everyone has clean underwear to put on. That should be my gauge of success. Clean underwear everyone? check Okay I'm good.

Okay so my mini-van has dual air control. So I can control the air conditioning for the whole van up front or I can choose to let the passengers control their own air flow. I take over when arguments occur. "I'm hot!" "I'm cold!" "Turn it down" "Turn it up." Everyone has an opinion! So the other day Savanah says, "Hey Can I control the weather back here?" I don't know why I found this so amusing.

The other day we were passing a strip mall with different offices in it. There was a Orthodontist, A Chiropractor, a Dentist office all in a row. Outside of the building was an ambulance, fire truck, police cars. The Dentist office said, "gentle dentistry". I certainly felt empathy for whoever was in trouble. In fact since I was a child every time I see an ambulance I say a silent prayer for whoever needs help. But some sick part of me found amusement, "not so gentle dentistry". or did the orthodontist get some sort of equipment stuck in someones mouth? Did the chiropractor crack too hard? Sometimes I am quite certain I am not normal. Normal is overrated anyways.

Savanah says, "ambliance" instead of ambulance. I can't correct her cause it is too cute.

I keep thinking I want to write a post about the Wisconsin Dells. We have gone there twice in the last three weeks.

Crap it is 2:00 pm. See ya gotta go!
Joytobe

Later

Later day

We'll have a very random post with just thoughts. I have much swimming around in my head.

Check back around 3:00 -ish.
Joytobe