When My Kids Grow Up ...

My motto for years was: "When My Kids Grow Up" ... this meant the time for me to get back in the workforce outside the home. Slowly the years have crept by. One at a time ... adding up to several decades now. Time still spent at home. No longer do I wait for these years to pass by ... there will, most likely, never be an opportunity to work outside the home. Some of my children have left the nest. Another will leave in a few short months after college. Yet another will most likely be my charge for many more years to come. Now I'm cycling in a grandchild to watch a few days a week. He's already stolen my heart and I couldn't possibly send him off to day care (not on my watch). Suddenly, I'm becoming the matriarch of our family. I am starting to like that title. It's a protective, full of wisdom type of title. Not many women can call themselves the Matriarch of their families. I've come full circle ... and I am thankful to be a child of God, sister of many friends, daughter, mother, grandmother, wife, secretary of our HOA ;) ... my job titles are too many to list. I may not get paid monetarily ... but hugs, pats, and oatmeal kisses are not too bad a form of payment.

Photo Art: A Mother's Encouragement, 06/08 by Mrs. Mac

On The Lighter Side Of Life

I'm here for a pick-me-up. I think chocolate may solve my problem ... would you like a piece too? I went and volunteered to be our home owner association's secretary/treasurer. Why, why, why!!! (pulling out my hair). Flash backs to junior high when I took minutes and typed reports, etc. came to mind as I raised my hand. I have time said I in my head. Vultures swooped in and quickly nominated, seconded the motion, wham, bam, thank you mam, you're in lady. Now I'm up to my eyeballs sorting out tax forms, missing documents, running around town, etc. Today I met with an accountant to help get things in order ... she wants articles of incorporation ... blah, blah, waaaaa, ... I want my mommy. Send help.

There's No Hiding

.... from God. In years past, I have been a magnet for depressed souls. Being a Polyanna optimist has its flaw in that the severely depressed seem to be attracted to me in an overwhelming number. My initial response is to help fix problems. Most people don't just look me up in the phone book under Miss Sunshine, but are lead to me by divine intervention (I presume ;). Some have been inherited through hubby's guy friends in the form of wives. Others from my past home schooling networks. However they find me, turning them away from a listening ear, a cup of tea, or an outing out has not been in my nature. Add to that the pressure of being the mom of child with his own special needs, it's not hard to understand how after moving to a new state, with a new start, has made me steer clear of forming attachments. Just last night I commented on a friend's blog about how I am 'hiding from God (in jest) considering myself not available to this 'outreach' He has bestowed upon me. No more than ten minutes had gone by from hitting the 'send' button for my comment when the phone rang. I picked it up to hear a familiar voice, from another state, just wanting to make sure she hadn't lost touch with me. This after 18 months of no contact. She being one of the ex-wives of hubby's childhood friend. I took this to be a sign from God that there is no hiding from Him. Just too coincidental. Am I alone in doing this 'hiding'?

After Dark

Tonight night we (four couples) traveled to Spokane's Bing Crosby Theater (aka the Met) to see this guy. Before the concert we were supposed to eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory ... but who knew it was parent's week at Gonzaga University and the town was busy ... at five PM, the wait time was an hour ... so we went here instead. Had a wonderful evening returning to our youth ... at least in our minds. What a trip ... no drugs were involved. Really!

Come On Over <<<<<<< That A Way

I'm over at the Sisterhood Scarf site today ... you should pay a visit. (That's traveling scarf site ... not sisters scarfing website ;)

Ruby Tuesday - American Style

Take a journey with me to some American events and 'hot spots' ... Heroes, driveway parades, baseball and car shows. Every picture tells a story about lives lived and honored, children, places of interest ... the fabric of American life.

(click photo for larger view ... all photos are from Mrs. Mac's personal family album)

Grammy X's Terrible Twos

Ssshh, it's nap time. Both for this grammy and her grandson. When he rests, I rest. Amen!

I forget how long the terrible twos last. Any idea. My home is not too child friendly, so I'm kept on my toes until nap time.


Photo: sleeping 'baby' Jacob ... 11/07