Bedlam and Ribbons

We survived the Cheersport Nationals in Atlanta.

Riding on the bus was a hoot.

It's always good when your daughter's behavior compares favorably to other's.

especially gratifying when other parents mention it

and really hard not to act surprised!


The girls performed abysmally.

but learning how to get along 

how to work as a team


when to get help

meeting new people

taking responsibility

are lots more important than the perfect stunt.

Our group of moms didn't take it too seriously!

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Ten Things

Ten Things I'm Proud of
1 Being married to my soul mate and being willing to work at that marriage.
2 My adult daughter likes me for me and would pick me as a friend if I weren't' her mom
3 My kids always got to do things like dancing and gymnastics, even if it meant I did without other things to make sure I made it happen.
4 I take care of stray animals
5 I have learned to teach by being kind to the children and have seen the miracle that happens when they learn.
6 I can do the Yoga pose where you hold your feet in your hands and straighten them out to the side and stay balanced
7 I have a group of friends who stick together like the Mafia
8 I work hard and I play hard and I enjoy both equally.
.9 I take care of my mom
10 I have made a conscious decision to have a happy life

Please do this, it's great for your self-esteem.

random question

I wonder if, when I die, I can
 ask God if  I can have back all the hours I've spent watching "American Idol"?

Nascar...Porch style

Hi, all...
we went to New Orleans for a cheer leading convention this weekend
lots of screaming girls with ribbons
the best part was visiting with my BIL and SIL  Mitch and Cheryl.
They should run a bed and breakfast
they are the best hosts.
we spent the night

We're lounging around in our pj's talking
we get a call from Mariah
"You remember Caitlin has got to be here at 3 to go to the Foofighters concert"
No, I didn't remember...
It's 12:00
It's a 3hour drive for normal people.
Remember my Interstate phobia?
Tom and I drive 55
we stop every 20 minutes for me to pee ,
 for him to smoke
and for Caitlin to dither about hyper actively...
we take unknown side roads
we stop to examine interesting roadkill
we are not a fast traveling bunch.
It also takes at least an hour to say goodbye to anyone in our family.
we all have to hug
everyone thinks of something they just have to tell you right now even though you have been there for days
no one EVER knows where their stuff is
People have to show you something in the attic..."well, I know I had it here somewhere, let's look in that other box"
So,
I hugged Mitch while he was in the tree cutting grapefruit for me to take home,,,
("just one more, this is a good one")
pulled Tom by the arm
and threw Caitlin's suitcase in the back
we're still in our pajamas
I took two Valium
wrapped my head up in my sweat shirt
and told Tom to let 'er rip!
Every now and then I peeked out with one eye to ask, "I'm not making you nervous , am I ?"
We made it by 3!
Watch those side roads,
Marti

Cuttin'Up

I pretty much got over that funk I was in a while back.

I started Yoga

working out at the gym

volunteering with families in crisis

going to a community church group

and I am better.

I still am scared of Interstates, though.

But

all this got me thinking

I remember almost nothing from my childhood....

Hmmm

Maybe I need therapy.

Then my mom had a fall.

She wasn't hurt badly, thank God

but she had to stay with me for 4 days

during which time I actually jumped up and down in frustration 3 times!

So I went to a therapist

(right after I took Mom home)

They asked a lotof questions

was I suicidal?

no

was I homicidal?

no

Did I ever hurt myself?

no

Did I ever cut myself?

NO

Again, pointedly...Was I SURE I nver cut myself?

YES!

The therapist gave an extrememly significant glare at my leg.

Sure enough, there was blood soaking my jeans, down into my shoe....

I had a little cut shaving and thought it had quit bleeding.....

only me....

I swear, I'm just having a little problem dealing with an aging parent.......

War Story

1969.
A bright blue sky over the grave yard.
Taps is being played.
A young man lies in a flag draped coffin.
The honor guard folds it and presents it to his young widow.
her belly swollen with a child
that will only know his dad in pictures.
She knocks the flag to the ground
"I don't' want it! I don't' want it I don't want it"she screams,
the tantrum of a child
reflecting the grief of a woman.

The Lottery

Tom always likes to tell people he won the lottery.
He can still tell you his lucky number
. It was 295.
Those of you who are old enough to remember Viet Nam know what he means.
For the rest of you...
 they drew the birth dates of every young man who was 18.
365 dates
A low number meant you were drafted.
The higher the number, the better your chances.
Tom watched it tensely on tv with his mom.
"I don't' care what number you get, you're not going,"she exclaimed, "I have already sent two sons to this war and one came home shot."
Tom looked at her through his long blonde hair"well, Mom, should I go to Canada?"
"no"she vowed"I'll write you a note".
Can you see my 18 year old hippie future husband coming up to the draft board with a note in his hand...
"Please excuse my son from this war."?