Jobi-ings

Living in Communtiy

2011-11-16T06:10:00.000-08:00

I also considered other titles including:

Mandated Reporters
Wasting Money
Common Sense
Penn State
Really?

You may not have known that last week, Joe Paterno & Graham Spanier were fired from their positions at Penn State. A guy (whose name makes me think of Cedar Point) is charged with 40 counts of sexual abuse with children and is out on $100,000 bail.

After reading through the grand jury report, perhaps the 'it's not my business' attitude played out in so many people in this situation that lasted for years with many children.

If fair was fair that the coach & president were fired, then let's also go after:

The athletic director (Paterno's immediate supervisor) and the Vice-President for Business and Finance.

Penn State University Police, PDCA, local city officials, social workers, etc.
They missed it in 1998.

The Second Mile
Wow. Thanks for fundraising for Sandusky's court fees. And everything else, for that matter.

The Clinton County School District - Principals, Teachers, Administrative staff
You let this guy repeatedly have unsupervised meetings on your campus?

Overnight Sleepovers.
I thought we had learned in the Michael Jackson case: NO sleepovers.
Do we need legislation to make it illegal for sleepovers so no more children are in risk?

The spouse of the accused.
Where were YOU?! Seriously...I mean, c'mon. I hope this had nothing to do with you liking your lifestyle and possessions so much that you could 'turn a blind eye.'
These were innocent children.

The list goes on.

If something this large can take place for this long going unnoticed, what does that mean for the state of our community and/or legal system?

Parent Teacher Conference

2011-11-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

I've had thousands in my life...this was just the first time for me to be the parent!

Teacher: "She stopped counting aloud at 29..."
Me: "Guess I shouldn't have told her thrity was a dirty word."

I thought it was funny...maybe not.

Too Much?!

2011-10-31T06:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Hallowween to you and yours.

We enjoy the Halloween experience in our household. I personally love putting together her costume choice (and know I only have a few more years where my input and participation are even asked for in the first place!)

Well, this year I think we have another great costume & I still like to celebrate old school.

This year, Chitlin' wanted to be an equestrian & a princess at the same time.

We were very excited to inform her that a very real person, whose name was also Anne, was an Olympic competitor in in the equine area. (Can we give a hoot & holler for the '76 Olympics?!)

Woot.

Anywho, here's how the costume turned out:

Behind this costume was a complete family effort.

-Competition Jacket: Handmade by paternal grandmother.

-Riding Boots: Gifted from maternal grandparents.

-Clothes: School Uniform

-Horse on a stick: Purchased from the dollar store

-Blue Award Ribbon: $2.43 on clearance at Michaels.

-Hat: (a transformed foam pirate hat)
I hot glued a button to the top, a red hair bow hot glued as a trim, the chin strap was re purposed as they came with a set of sheets purchased some time ago.

-Olympic Tags for Jacket & Award Ribbon: Printed at home and encased in photo protecting sheets for that glossy look...

For some reason, I was triggered when my friend said something to the effect that her costume "looked rich." This writing was a vain attempt to show that I personally don't put a huge sum of money into this holiday yet I actually 'outed' the fact that I keep random bits of anything to put to crafty use & spend way more time than I care to admit putting the costume together...

This time is making us all weird about accounting for what we do or do not have to and how we choose to spend it.

From the mouth of me

2011-10-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

My favorite thing to write about are the cute things kids say...
Today, I will account for 2 of my own personal utterances to a student.

It all started when she switched to oboe. (That's my way of saying it's not ALL my fault!)
Oboe is a tricky instrument to master and even trickier to teach.
Perhaps that is why I rarely take an oboe student.

The oboe is near and dear to my heart.
And it is obnoxious.

A few facts:
-A good reed lasts (at best) 13 playing hours and that is only if it doesn't crack before then.
-I do not provide my students with reeds...I will adjust them and teach reed making but selling reeds does not factor well into wanting to have a life outside of 'work' hours.
-Store bought reeds currently retail $18-$35 dollars.
-Much of the time in a lesson can be spent just on reeds - never getting to the playing aspect of the instrument.

So you do the math...the oboe is a financial vacuum and very few who initially approach the instrument are prepared for all that is involved.

Imagine my reaction when she showed up on my door step (after 5 years of studying clarinet & piano with me) with an oboe.

She is a natural.

So, thus began our journey into double-reed land and it has been a very fun and fulfilling experience.

A few more facts:
Oboe is odd in that all of the supplies needed for maintenance have additional uses.
An example of some of my favorite supplies includes:
Cigarette Papers - preferably un-gumed - Best way to help sticky & water filled pads
Single Edge Razor Blades - For clipping the tip of a reed
Shot Glasses - For soaking reeds.
Buying oboe cane...well, the last order I phoned in sounded something like this:
"Hi there. I heard you had the good stuff. I'll take a pound...pause....You only have a quarter pound left? I'll take it. I do hope it is not like the last batch...a little too mushy for my taste.")

Hopefully the aforementioned provides you enough knowledge to set the scene for me teaching female student, who is now 15.

A few weeks back, as the lesson was ending and the next student was entering, I did notice a strange look on both mother's faces as I said:
"Oh darn...I forgot the vodka in the car. I'll get it to you next week,"
(Vodka is a great antiseptic and I swear it helps reeds last longer! I had an ounce in a Tupperware shot glass for her to dip her reeds in.)

However, it was our last lesson that I spoke the worst speak in a private lesson EVER.

Her reed was o.k. and we were struggling to improve her embouchure. One note in particular kept 'cracking' each time she played it. We worked and worked, remolding her lips into a place where the note (sol) would come out beautifully.

She finally did it and I excitedly shouted:
"You did it! You found your G-spot!"

Um, yeah.

In the (what seemed like an eternity) mili-seconds after my mind raced:
Maybe she doesn't know what that is? Yeah right! It's on every Cosmo cover every month and she had health last year...I didn't know what a G-spot was when I was 15 though...

It only took our eyes meeting for me to confirm she totally knew.

Me: "Can we pretend like that just never ever happened?"

She: Laughing to the point of tears.

Sigh.

It made me recall the time about 9 years back in a a High School tenor sectional when the young lads were plowing through the rests of the piece they were working on. I was trying to emphasize that rests were beats but instead spoke: "Breasts are reats."
That one I was actually saved by the bell and the young gentelmen laughed all the way out of the classroom.

Public School Rage

2011-10-07T10:24:00.001-07:00

Yeah, I've got a case of it this morning...

I have no issues with the personal choices parents make regarding their child's education. I do have an issue when a adult "issue" takes up my child's class time...

Since we began at McKinley, I will not say it's been all roses. I mean, if you really know me, you know that that I am a very anal (retentive? haha!) and an OCD educator. If I was a Kindergarten teacher, I know I would run my class differently - but guess what?!?!?

I'M NOT.

So, that leaves me with 2 choices: leave the school or volunteer.
I have also learned that there is a choice that others take: whining.

While many have chosen to leave (which has just made it that much more pleasant for the rest of us) and I have chosen the latter option. My 1 hour a week of volunteering in the classroom has eased any personal issues I might have and my child has only shown excitement and glee for school both on campus and at home.

Right now, public school is working for our child's education.
We have no concerns that the work is "too easy" (I still think 5 year old doing calculus is freaky...) and we have no need to jump our child out of kindergarten...she needs the social skills. END OF STORY.

I don't care how smart the girl is, I am most concerned that my child is prepared for the public world.

So, as each day passes, parents and grandparents sit in front of the classroom or on the playground and talk about how awful this school is.

The major urk is that they are doing this in front of the children.
I am so, angry about this that if you need to know why, you're not going to get it.
(You might be part of the problem!?)

Today, 19 little 5-6 year-olds waited and waited as the student teacher very eloquently tried to handle some parent whining. (I am not surprised that the angry people waited until we had our first substitute teacher to tackle the student teacher...DISGUSTING.)

I have had to remove myself from these particular adults before as they don't seem to want to do anything but whine...it is unclear what actual action they have taken - and I suspect no concrete action has happened at this point, to be honest.

So, I would like to share some banter with the Internet to work out my anger.

MOM #1 - "It smells like pee in there. It's just so gross and disgusting."
ME - "I know for a fact that this is the very first year that this room is being used as a classroom. New carpets were put in, walls were painted, and all material were cleaned when pulled from storage. If there's pee in there, it's our kids that did it."
She walked away.

GRANDPA #1 - "My son has been an educator for 17 years and we have never seen anything like this place. ______________ (pick the topic of the day: schoolwork, discipline, etc. is not being addressed."
JOBI: "Perhaps you would like to have an additional teacher meeting or meet with the admin about this?"
GRANDPA #1 - "We wrote an email and there was no response."
JOBI - "Who did you send it to?"
GRANDPA #1 - "The superintendent."
JOBI - "Perhaps you might start with our kid's teacher, or perhaps the Principal? Maybe do a re-send requesting a response..."
GRANDPA #1 - This place f@^#ing sucks.
I walked away from that one.

ANGRY MOM #2 - "I'm pulling my kid from this school."
ME - "Oh."

Well, as it turns out, I was the only person angry mom #2 spoke with. After the child was gone for a week, I mentioned to the student teacher - "Oh, (Insert child's name here) has left." His response: "What are you talking about?!"
I shared with him the interaction with angry mom#2.
We both decided that teacher just didn't mention it to him.
At pick up, teacher approaches and asks me about child & angry mom #2.
I had known for 2 weeks angry mom #2 was pulling her kid.
She told no one else.
She also neglected to go to the office and remove her daughter from enrollment.
It's a real doozey as she registered her child the day before school started and that bumped the class up to too many students.
SO - all because of angry mom #2 and her odd choice of telling only me...another child was selected to move to another classroom as the class roster was too large.
(I won't even start on the potential effects of a classroom switch at any age...but Kindergarten?!?! Poor little guy.)

Today, I was preparing their communication folders and I finally noticed the stink that Mom #1 spoke of. (It was in the coat/bag area). After following my nose, I discovered a lunch bag mixed with the snack station.
It was the lunch bag of child of angry mom #2. (Who has been out for about 3 weeks now.)
Full. Of. Mold.

In case you are wondering: Am I pissed at the teacher for this? NO!
The bag was so obscurely located that I'm wondering if it was planted there!
Plus, we've all had the plague for 2 weeks now - this was the first day my sniffer has worked in a while.

Maybe I'll go try to make friends with angry mom #1 since at least we now know she actually smelled something and wasn't just making more drama.

BTW: If culture plays a part in any of this - I find it interesting to note that the people who whine the most, help the least & run the first chance that they can: all Caucasian.
Just sayin'

Back to Blog

2011-10-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

It's been a while & life has been full of changes.
I took a new job here and my kid started Kindergarten here.

All in all, it's been good!

More iPhone Adventures

2011-07-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when I sleep in.

Bleecker Street 2000

2011-05-28T13:33:00.000-07:00

Eleven years ago today, I went on a nice date with a nice boy that I met at a party in CT.
I completely parked legally...we both made sure of that...yet at the end of our nice evening, the car was nowhere to be found.

After spending much time with the NYC police, I learned that my car had be towed by the wonderful city of New York and since it was Memorial Day that Monday, that the Pier was closed.

I spent the following two days stranded in NYC with one: Lucas Marquardt.
Three months later we were engaged.

(Side note: My ticket for parking in a no parking read Bleecker and 3rd and I totally parked on Bleeker and 4th. I was towed at 11:58 PM on Sat. two minutes before the city shut down for 2 days! Every other lovely person that I met at the pier that Tuesday had the same story...parked legal! AND we all had to pay the storage fees for the 2 day impound...as the pier was closed both days! Ugh!)

Raw track...

2011-05-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

One take raw track with no underscore...so yeah, don't judget o harshly!

http://autotunes.tropisounds.com/playerm.aspx?id=8f7a99e6bf3e3293cb0ec1140bdff4085e822cea1305103843.584566

Old School!

2011-04-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

http://www.myspace.com/video/26225599/i-tried/33243595 Just because I have nothing to write!

Playing Catch Up

2011-04-11T09:36:00.001-07:00

Well Hello, Internet.

Has it really been this long?

I still theorize that the blog is dead and it is the third year in a row that Lent has been scant of writing and more of other things...There's just too darn much too catch you up on and I have no idea where to begin.

One reason that I have been a bit extra busy was because of preparations for my father's SUPER SECRET 65th SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY!

Mother, brother and I decided that we just had to do something and the result was a wonderful celebration that took place this past Saturday...tons of food, laughter and really bad jokes - the perfect way to celebrate his last 65 years!

Highlights include:

Not At All Where I Thought It Was Going...

2011-03-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

I have grown accustomed to Chitlin's media habits by now.
We got the TV in November and within a week she was (through no fault of her own) sucked into the abyss of child marketing.

As I have been recently struggling with a bad case of acne, it was no surprise that Chitlin' showed fascination in an ad for Pro-Activ. I was even able to squelch the nausea when she said:
"Mommy, you can try this product for free. It is for bad pimples like yours and it will go in like a drill to get them out."

I expressed gratitude for her concern and told her that I was not going to use that product as Mimi (my mother) didn't like that product and was worried that it would hurt me more than help me.

Her Response: "You could sneak it."

Yeah. Talk about a curve-ball.

Not a badger! Maybe a honey badger?!

2011-03-02T12:24:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg
Sorry for the Language...it's just too funny!
I am praying real hard for this guy right now, I swear.
I am praying harder to have my heart remember that all involved in this mess are God's beloved.

Dare I even try?

2011-03-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

Well, it's hard not to try and think about all of the Wisconsin stuff...and now I'm going to put a few thoughts down.

It occurred to me last night that 'WISCONSIN' includes both 'con' and 'sin' in its name.
Rather appropriate for many views about what has happened since Walker took office.
I decided to inform myself a bit more about this situation and looked into Walker's background.

He's a college drop out.

Now, I do try my best not to be an elitist and judge others on their educational backgrounds; college is not for every one. Yet this little Walker fact kinda has me in a swirl at the moment as I feel my fellow WI educators fates are being led by one who was blessedly able to actualize such an extensive white-collar career without more than a high school diploma...

I really could go on forever about what this stirs in me...and I think it best to stop here.

Little Laughs

2011-03-01T14:23:00.000-08:00

My kid is funny - but so is my job.
Working at a church can have so many little funnies!

Like on Sunday, I received an email after church with the subject line:
Server Issues This Sunday.
My first reaction was - I thought communion went really well today...
Upon opening the message I learned that the computer server was down.

My boss will be taking a sabbatical this summer to finish writing his book.
One colleague was talking with a Parishioner about his sabbatical.
When asked what the rector would be doing, my colleague replied: "He is finishing his book."
The parishioner responded: "Oh! What's he reading?!"

I recently had a tough time with my little pre-readers.
They wanted to know why we were singing about the church being so "awe-full!"

And of course some old ones that are just worth repeating...
When a colleague ran for Bishop suffragan, my children were in dire straights as they did not want her to suffer!

I asked the children one morning about why we wear vestments in church.
One little hand shot right up.
"It's to cover up your boobies and your you know whats!"

On Ash Wednesday a few 8-year-olds could not contain their giggles in the service to the point of needing to exit the Sanctuary.
They wanted to know what 'Butt Dust' was.
Get it?! We are all but dust and to dust we shall return.

When the Lord of the Rings came out, I also had a pew of 5th-7th graders not be able to recover when the reader prayed for Middle Earth instead of the Middle East.

And the final (perhaps not so funny to you) was the child marveling in the fact that God made everything. Just everything....Including poop.

Another Margarita, Please.

2011-02-27T23:08:00.000-08:00

Chitlin' moves closer to starting kindergarten each day and I move closer to total insanity.

Where has the time gone?

I've watched it happen to other people's children before: they are small and then before you know it they are tall! I think I truly thought I could plead to God enough to make her stop growing so fast. I knew it happened to other people's children - but mine?! Certainly not!

Although our days have been blessedly long, the years have been short.

I now face utter devastation and pride combined as my baby is undeniably a little girl. She has been utter perfection lately to the point that I can truly take in each moment to it's fullest capacity of love and joy. I was never prepared for her to be such a profoundly wise and understanding companion to me!

We have a new cuddling conversation where she reassures me that: "No matter what, I will always be your baby, Mommy." Although she is so kind to boost my low self-esteem about this area - I cannot help but know that I will miss being her "cuddlous Mommy Mommy" and that at some point she will no longer need her "blankelet."

And to top it all off, she is now my little rescue ranger hero!

This week, I suffered a bit of a medical emergency and Chitlin' got on the phone, called her Poppa (my father-in-law) and held me as we waited for him to arrive.

She stroked my head. She repeated over and over again to me: "Oh my mommy mommy, it's going to be OK."

I have never been in better or more capable hands.

Jobi Jobs

2011-02-26T19:22:00.000-08:00

Have I seriously not blogged this year yet?! How did that happen?!
I have so much to say that I think putting it down here would disservice you all! Ha!

I attended a conference that has left me with ‘bubbles’ within my soul. I’m ready to write but this one is for me. (Just a disclaimer to you who is reading this: It won’t make any sense.)

I’m writing down my employment history. It’s a piece I might expand on later and I am just struck by how I seem to fit so suitably into the category of ‘millennial’ with a scant and pathetic career journey.

1997 – The summer of my freshman year in college. After the semester had ended, I moved out of the dorms for the summer to live at home, get my first summer job and live in my new found adulthood with my new college friends. I decided that I wanted to work at the little day care around the corner from my subdivision because I could ride my bike there. (I wasn’t fond of driving at that time!) I walked in, met the owners and was hired on the spot for the summer school kids program. I think that was one experience that led me to think that getting a job was as simple as applying. I worked that summer and the next at Teddy Bear Day Care.

1998- 2001 - I decided to transfer to the Hartt School of Music to study with Bert Lucarelli. Throughout these years, I held a Saturday student position as an orchestra manager for a youth orchestra, and got gigs on oboe and piano through the student gig-line. Gigging was fun and good money, but not regular work as the gigs were distributed evenly amongst the students. I began to secure the most gigs as a ‘background piano’ for rich people parties. I would get paid $300 to sit and play for 2 hours and they would feed me really good food. In my senior year, I decided extra cash would be helpful and walked into a pub and was hired on the spot. As a server, I would make $250 a weekend. Each of the things I did was so much fun and it made me excited that once I earned my degree that the world would be my oyster! If this was the money I was making now – whoopie!!! Just wait!

2001 – I graduated from Hartt School. I had attended on a full-ride and each year I did take out student loans for books, supplies and living expenses. I moved to California and began my job hunt so I could begin to pay off my debt.
Nothing.
I actually had too much education for some places and not enough to even apply for other places. A sign advertised the position for choral accompanist, I called the number, was called back, auditioned and hired on the spot. I took a job for $12 no benefits. Another great job, and I and the director knew it was not a job that I could live on. Within a few months, I paid for a credential, TB test, fingerprinting so that I could begin to teach. Through the grapevine I learned of a H.S. Instrumental position in Garden Grove. I went to meet with the Director of Fine Arts from the district and he took me right over to the school, we met the principal, the principal took me right into the band room. I watched for a few minutes, I worked with them for a few minutes and was offered the job on the spot. Since I was operating on an emergency credential, I was hired as a long-term sub and offered retro-active pay upon completing my full credential. I liked the kids but the parents were wackos. I received a call the morning of my wedding (December 29th 2001 – also Christmas Break!) informing me of a flood and wondering what I wanted done with my string basses and tubas?!?! Lucas and I decided that this was not how we wanted to start our new life together, me working like a mad hound doing exactly what I watched my father do for my entire life…We realized that I would have to go back to school no matter what to secure the kind of job I wanted. Long-term subbing was nice because I could really work and also have the freedom to choose at the end of each year what I wanted to do the next fall.

2002 – 2003 I began my Master’s Degree at CSULB with Carolyn Hove and began working at Valencia High School as the Long-Term Sub for the choral director. It was a fun time and that relationship did not end upon the return of the instructor – I continued to come in many times each year to accompany them for performances, competitions and tours. At this time, I also began teaching a few children piano here and there for extra income.

2003 – 2004 CSULB hired me on as the adjunct Instructor for Double Reeds Methods and Music History G.A. I had my own private corner office. I continued to take oboe and piano gigs and teach privately. I also accepted the position of Director of Christian Education at St. Andrew’s Church in Fullerton, CA.

2004 – 2005 My final year of my M.M. program. Tuition increased and my once full-ride scholarship was frozen. I was offered only 1 class that year and moved to an office that I shared with 6 others. I was also back at Valencia High School for the year as the instructor was on a year maternity leave. It was an incredible year, but hard. It confirmed that public education as career was probably not what I wanted and now I wanted to have a baby of my own! My husband had stable employment and we decided we were ready to begin our family. I did not secure a teaching position for the fall of 2005. I began to rent a studio in Fullerton and stopped traveling to homes or teaching out of my own home. I also continued my work at St. Andrew’s.

When our first pregnancy resulted in a loss, it was uncertain if we would be able to conceive again. At the time of grief, I could not cope with the idea of full-time employment so the notion of using my credential to be a substitute was appealing. Within a few weeks, I had secured several music contacts and made a dear friend in a special education teacher at a very poor school. That December, we became pregnant with our daughter and I subbed when I felt like it or was requested, taught privately and worked at church.

2006 – 2008 Many surprises occurred in my stint as a pregnant sub. I spent many weeks with a junior high band whose teacher had a motorcycle accident. That summer, I was a writing instructor at the very poor elementary for a grant-subsidized summer school program. That fall, grossly pregnant, I started another junior high program for the first 3 weeks of school while all of the issues with getting the hired instructor into the classroom were sorted out. I had my daughter in October and vowed never to enter a public classroom as an instructor again! I began to take more private students and was able to make the same amount of money in half the amount of time. This allowed me to stay at home with my infant during the day and my husband could watch her in the evenings while I taught.

2008 – present: The position at All Saints Church was initially full-time. It was divided in half and it was still more than I was making at my other church and it was a big exciting parish! As the idea of 2 distinct jobs began to emerge, I really thought it would be doable. I left St. Andrew’s and also decided to stop taking gigs. I broke my studio in half. I was able to make my personal business exactly what I wanted to: I kept only the students I wanted. I also reframed my hours and my studio parameters. For over a year now, I have been booked solid with a waiting list.

2011 – After 2 ½ years of this 2-job existence I find myself exhausted. My only desire is to have one job. I want one job with a livable wage, and maybe even benefits. I want one job that is not a 90-mile round trip to get to. I am trying to begin to try-on what that could look like. I have applied at many different places in many different fields where I have ability and experience. I have had many interviews and I have not been offered anything yet. All of the teaching positions I used to work in have been eliminated from the school systems. Even to begin subbing again – the competition is so fierce with all of the educators that have been laid off in the past 2 years.

I am done being embarrassed about it. It is what it is. I really wouldn’t trade much of anything – even the pain, because the amazing students and opportunities were amazing. I have taught all ages now in formal educational settings; infants through the elderly. I have taught & conducted bands, choirs, orchestras, drum corps, color guards, jazz band, show choir, vocal jazz, musicals, history and taught educational pedagogy. I have built relationships with people that I still am in relationship with. If that’s truly the most rich a person can be then I’m a billionaire – and I continue to grapple with the feeling…the truth:

I started looking for a career and now all I want is a paycheck.

Rules?

2010-12-31T13:29:00.000-08:00

Since Christmas Day, I have found myself in yet another new place with Chitlin'.
I am now wondering if I can create a few new household rules.

1) One may not sleep with an Audi RS4 as a cuddle toy at bedtime.
2) One may brush only three times a day with the new electric toothbrush.
3) 300 Orchids and the Dictionary are not acceptable bedtime stories.

Your thoughts?

Verbosity

2010-12-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

Chitlin' has soooooooooooo much to say.
She rarely comes up for air when she speaks.
Here's 2 from 2day:

I am cleaning the patio glass door.
"Hey little, mommy, mommy.What are you doing?Are you cleaning with poison?I am sorry that I wiped my boogers on your window, Mommy.I'm really sorry.I really like your poison mommy..."

I asked Chitlin' to clean up her Lego mess.
"Mommy, I hurt my finger right here.Do you see it Mommy? It hurts.It hurts really bad.My finger hurts and I think that it might get worse if I pick up the Legos on the ground.I don't want it to get worse, Mommy, I want it to get better..."

Another Rainy Day...

2010-12-20T19:42:00.000-08:00

Day 4 - Torrential down pour.

So we made stuff & I blog some more!

Replica of Jaja's ornament below:

Hot Chocolate Snow-People Cups for Chitlin's Classroom teachers:

And we attempted a Gingerbread House.

Um, yeah.

- But cheers to our effort.

It came out in a rather 'Frank Lloyd Wright' kind of way

- and that's cool, right?!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

2010-12-19T21:52:00.000-08:00

It's been raining non-stop for three days now.

With that, we have had to be as creative as possible indoors.

Our recycled Christmas bags and gift tags...

Play-Doh.

A sugar-filled make-your-own breakfast candy house.

She had a blast making it and eating it.

Literal Miss - Episode 315

2010-12-19T21:46:00.000-08:00

Her teacher asked her to write her name on her paper.

Christmas is Coming...

2010-12-17T12:11:00.000-08:00

Here's the cat posing by the tree.

Santa hasn't arrived yet - but we have oodles of presents!

(I have very kind and generous students!)

Check it - the awesome stocking made by D.P.
It is perfect...it stretches!
How much I love Christmas toys!

This is what Chitlin' asked St. Nick for...

I will admit that it was an alteration of her initial request for a $127 Bullseye toy.

I stalled for a day or two and spoke with a trusted mom mentor about 'changing her mind.'

Mom extraordinaire said that she is a 'switcher' and it is our right as mothers.

We do not have to have Power Ranger parties and Santa will not bring a real lightening backpack to go flying in.

I felt assured with her advice and proceeded to see if there was another toy Chitlin' might want.

That evening, a little church friend had one of these rodent-things and they played and played and played - very happily for some time.

Chitlin's mind changed on her own!

I got the toy - half off!

Cut to this week:

Mom Extraordinaire comes into the office and announces in a disgusted tone that her younger lad wants a damn Zhu-Zhu Pet for Christmas and she's trying to pull the switch-a-roo!

Hahahahahahahaha!

I just finished with the first load of 250 toys for Pasadena Angel Tree kids.

Come on!!!!

2010-12-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

A friend suggested that I might be raising a gifted child.
My gut instinct was to hoot and holler with laughter!!!

The best I can cope with after four years of Chitlin' is that she's very precocious.
Her strange little antics, her unique little ways, her verbose little ways...
Whatever she may be, she sure brightens my days!

'Anne'cdote of the week:

Chitlin' is a bit (OK, EXTREMELY) demanding. Instead of requesting something and using the word please, she just tells one that she wants...We have been trying to 'use the magic word' and each and every other tactic we can think of for her to incorporate this element of human decency and respect when she desires something.

To clarify further for you, please note that we have two kitties that allow us to live with them. I have mastered the cat call - a combination of kissing, clicking, and 'here kitty-kitty' that gets these creatures to come to me.

The other day, Chitlin' said: "Come here right now, Mommy."

My response: "You want to try that again?"

Chitlin' looks at the cat and looks back at me.
She begins kissing and saying in her sweetest little voice:
"Come here little Mommy, Mommy."

Here endeth the scene.

Plan C

2010-12-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

Chitlin & Me - Advent I

Chitlin 'fed' her horses a snack on the carpet.

Dear me, it has been some time. Blog goes in, blog goes out.
There have been distinct phases in the life of this 'blarg' over the past two years.

I have missed you. Have you missed me?!

Too much to even bother catching up on, so I won't even try.

All I can say is that I have now moved to Plan C.

Frick & Frack

2010-10-17T23:14:00.001-07:00

Chitlin' has a buddy.

We'll call him Choo-Choo.
Chitlin' and Choo-Choo work very well together.

Another Deep Moment...

2010-10-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

I found one of the CD's I frequently listened to while I was pregnant.
I also brought it to the hospital and played it often in Chitlin's infancy.
This evening at bedtime, I thought it would be nice to replay it for her.

As I reveled in the beauty of the work, I began to share with Chitlin'.

I told her how I listened to it when she was in my tummy and how I had prayed to God for exactly her and I was so thankful that she came. I told her that when she was in the hospital we played this for her and she would be peaceful. I told her about how she was so tiny that she barely even opened her eyes and her hands!

She was listening to me intently, and I was in a moment of pure mommy bliss; my amazing little girl and I sharing sacred time with each other. And, that perfect moment was accompanied by Morten Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium...one of my favorite works of all time.

Chitlin' looked deep into my eyes, tilted her head, and said:

"Mom, we're both mammals."

End Scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqCtbR8PktU
Check it out if you don't know it.

It's been a week!

2010-10-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Chitlin' had her first major injury...tooth trauma!
It happened last week in her Sunday school Worship service.
She and another child had somehow run into each other and she hurt her front tooth.
She was brought to me, and her her mouth continues to bleed profusely for another hour.
Chitlin' was in a great amount of pain. I was in total Mommy-shock.
(A learning: 15 years of being certified in First-Aid and CPR, with triage experience, and also first responder several times did not prepare me for my baby to be bleeding this much.)
That afternoon, after a long nap, ice cream and an appointment scheduled for the dentist the next day, I was trying to get a better understanding of how the whole thing occurred.

She couldn't remember.
Yeah, Right!

After a quick call to her Children's Minister, I learned that little Chitlin' was running around the worship service with a whistle in her mouth. It was the whistle that bashed into her gum causing the injury...

I returned from my private conversation with her instructor and said:
"I just spoke with your teacher, (Insert daughter's name here)."

Chitlin responded: "Did she happen to say anything..."
She paused, scrunched her faces and looked straight into my eyes.
"Anything about, maybe a, (another pause) a whistle?"

She looks like my mom in this picture:

A day in the life...

2010-10-08T00:04:00.000-07:00

Birthday Lunch

2010-10-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

We invited 2 little buddies out to lunch. What a great time!

And here are my 2 little perfect sweet girls!!!

Chitlin's 4th

2010-10-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

It's Chitln's 4th birthday! She celebrated with her school friends today with her "Under the Sea" Cupcakes and juice!

Early Literacy

2010-09-29T00:43:00.000-07:00

Read to your Child!
Help your child get ready to read!

Well, Internet, I say: screw that! I've been reading to my child since birth and she is so full of words that it just makes life plain difficult. I know that I am supposed to be proud when she is so curious and focused about letters...it's just that I am having a hard time with her new fascination and utilizing of letters/words/reading/everything else this world has to offer, for her own desires.

The following sign recently appeared on Chitlin's door:

She has great handwriting.

And I now have a child who claims 'privacy'.

She will be 4 in 4 days!

Wow.

First Birthday

2010-09-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

1st CAKE!

Yippee-ki-yi-yay!

A great time was had by all!

Chitlin's approved:

BOUNCE HOUSE!

New Room

2010-09-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

Chitlin' will be four in two weeks!With this exciting milestone, she has also grown to an uncomfortable size for her little crib/toddler bed! How exciting! I imagined a pink flower room, or a zebra theme - black and white with hot pink accents. Ah, sweet memories of all the fantasizing I have done about Chitlin's "big girl bedroom."

Jen, (Chitlin's Godmother) insists that she has little influence over Chitlin'.

Not true.

My little goddaughter's 1st birthday (next blog) theme was Western...and this is Chitlin's new favorite everything! And with that, all hopes of my girly-girl wonderland vanished. We now have a 'horse' room.

The Finished Product:

Here's her horse that started it all:

We made a horse hand print picture for the wall.

HER NEW BED!

Staycation

2010-08-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

Chitlin' and I took at trip to Mimi's & Coppa's for the week.

It was OC-licious...

'Cowgirl' was the theme of the week with many pony rides & tons of cowgirl play!

The star of the week was little Goddaughter. She is so sweet & precious!

They played & played together!

At the Beach:

A Bug in the Tub

2010-08-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

The other day at work I visited one of my colleague's in her office.
In the window was the most elaborate and beautiful spider web. It shimmered in the sunlight and right in the center was a tiny little white spider.

As she ran over with Kleenex, I plead with her to leave the spider be. It was not harming a thing and the complex web was such a stunning creation...I could not stand the thought of this work of art being destroyed. I had such a special moment right then and there just appreciating the simple wonders within this world and I felt close to God.

- Cut to the Next Morning -

That thing was in my bathtub:

All joy and respect for creation instantly left my body and I screamed, shuddered and ran for the Kleenex. Chitlin' wanted to see and we decided to take a picture. She championed me as I terminated the several-legged creature.

After the slaughter, I felt a pang of guilt about having more respect for the spider than I did the creep-o-peede. Why couldn't I have just taken him outside? Why was I more fine with one bug than another? What a disconnect within my soul! Hypocrite!

Behold, I show you a mystery...we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye...

Just Owning It...

2010-08-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

I am a planner. It is who I am and I am okay with that. I will admit that I do not like that look I get from others when I reveal certain truths - for example: I have Chilin's 4th birthday party planned already. (Her birthday is in October.)

'The' look from others: You have got to be kidding me...

This does not make me some kind of freak, people! There are more people like me out there who like to plan, prepare and and when I find them...well, I'll let you know. But in all honesty, my life is crazy from September through December and the insane clearance prices on luau decorations were just not to be passed! And you know what else, I like to plan - I like to think about celebrating Chitlin's birthday and having tons of fun watching her get so excited!

So, Chitlin' will have an adorable party with flowers, cake & presents!

I love the little favor boxes!

New Swimsuit!

2010-07-31T17:51:00.000-07:00

God Bless Macy's.

And check out Chitlin's 'Priate' pose:

Every Once and a While...

2010-07-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

I can 'see' glimpses of Chitlin' in the future...grown up...and it scares me a bunch.

Pool Party

2010-07-22T19:17:00.001-07:00

Chitlin' is into the whole summertime swim thing.

I am wondering about the lasting effects of influence our community pool as her pretend play...
Well, see for yourself:

Here's the poolside bar with drinks galore:

Here's Chitlin's rendition of what "the big kids" do at the pool:

All in a Days Work

2010-07-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

I work. I actually work a lot.

It has only recently occurred to me that my daily efforts do not quite parallel those of others. So, today I decided to take notice of my agenda...

-No briefcase of course...just a recycled party bag to take the daily goodies to and from the office.

CONTENTS OF TODAY'S BAG:

- A Three Wick Candle

-12 Felt Characters

- 2 Children's Books

- Smooshy Broccoli, Zucchini & Play Doh

WHAT I DID TODAY:

- Put eyeballs on the "12 Disciples"

- Chose The Quiltmakers Gift as the theme of ASC 2011 Family Camp

- Pounded play doh, played catch & wiggled fingers with a 6-year-old. (We also had a chat about why hitting isn't the best means of communication...)
- I also got the stank out of my office with my margarita candle, answered a myriad of emails, did some additional programming for the upcoming school year AND tended to the garden that some 5-year-olds planted.

I often fantasize about having one job, one thing to do - and so on. I'm not sure if I'm cut out for that type of lifestyle however.

A day is just not a day without play doh, piano, felt, reading stories and tossing fake vegetables.

Sounds Like

2010-07-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

After one week of captivity, I began to notice how irritating many of Chitlin's toys were becoming to me...mostly due to over-inundation (complete saturation, actually) of them being played over and over and over again. My head has been full with the repetative a swirl of the same few toys and songs - I just can't seem to shake them out. So, I decided to share my pain with you.

Self Portrait...

2010-07-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

of a (temporary) stay-at-home mom.

The times they are a changing...my nose is too.

I look more like my mother each and every day!

Gasp!

Sick Art

2010-07-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

The artistic output of a sick three-year-old is insane.
She is on new medicine for a throat thing...and she is finally on the upswing! I cannot say the same for myself - I have been transformed in this experience to 'mom' and mom only.
This is the first time I have ever missed so much work in my life.
I'm also happy to report that I am loving (pretty much) every minute of it!

Still Sick

2010-07-10T16:09:00.000-07:00

So this has just been no fun. Poor Chitlin' is being a real trooper.

And just like that...

2010-07-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

Little Chitlin' is sick.

Sicker than sick - she is being treated for pneumonia.

(In all truth it also could be whooping cough - but her cough is not as present as would be for whooping cough and the treatment is the same so that's what the Dr. went with on the paperwork.)

What a little trooper she was with a fever of 103 getting her first X-Rays. This is the first time she has been ill that 'Mommy' is a much needed element. The entire trip to Urgent Care and all evening she sat cuddled in my lap.

I am embarrassed to admit how much I enjoy being the comfort zone - and I more than admit that I completely cannot stand to see my little dear in such bad shape.

Reunited!

2010-07-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

Chitlin' just returned from a 5 day trip to Minnesota. We spent our first morning back together today doing our favorite mother & daughter activities: Hair, nails and lots of cuddling! Alas, the cuddles took a backseat to the state of her new manicure.

Results May Vary

2010-06-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

Chitlin' was gifted a hardly used Easy Bake Oven...thanks so much .M. .K. & .M.!

We have had so much fun creating little tiny over-processed-chemicals-added baked goodies.

I suspect that Chitlin' enjoys the decoration and consumption more than the first few steps.

Today, we (okay: I) learned that it is in our (okay: it's actually Chitlin's & the Easy Bake Oven's) best interests for Mother (okay: me) not to talk on the phone and loose track of time when Easy Baking...

From Morning to Night...

2010-06-25T19:14:00.000-07:00

I finally found the perfect white shoes for Chitlin'.

Too bad they are no longer white!

Scratch That

2010-06-25T06:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Chitlin' and I both returned home after our day with band-aids on our forearms.

Separate days. Separate existences. Similar experience.

My wound occurred without realization. A bug bite was bothering me and I scratched until I bled.

Chitlin's scratch was a bit more dramatic:
It was her first encounter with a friend who chose not to use her words.
It was also her first band-aid experience at school.
In the land of three, boo-boos are quite the ordeal and we spent much of our evening discussing elements of her experience.
Her statements really prompted my internal dialogue...I am getting better at not over-talking, questioning or answering her.
Three is a magic number and I am experiencing more magic by listening to her than I do trying to respond with some conjured up maternal wisdom, which more than I care to admit, typically comes from my false self.

Chitlin': Mommy, my scratch is still under the band-aid you just can't see it.
Me: Yes.
Inner Thought: There are many things that are always there that you just cannot see...you might never see, actually. And they are there...

Chitlin': Mommy, the band-aid tells the world I got hurt.
Me: Yes.
Inner Thought: Physical injuries have a way of labeling us to the world, darling...matters of the heart however, do not have external band-aids that tells the world: I hurt.

Chitlin': Mommy, if I didn't wear the band-aid people would see my scratch.
Me: Yes.
Inner Thought: Sometimes it's better to just let your wound show for what it is...covering it up isn't always the best for the wound or the healing process.

Chitlin': Mommy, band-aids don't make boo-boos go away, they just cover them up.
Me: Yes.
Inner Thought: Dear Lord, Child! Can you read my mind?! Such wisdom you have...thank you for sharing with me.

Hand Me Ups

2010-06-21T09:43:00.001-07:00

Chitlin' in her new summer look -

Chitlin' is a twig. Her bottoms have a way of falling down...she is just unable to keep them up!
Jen & I discovered that goddaughter's 6 month bottoms are a perfect fit for Chitlin'!

Here's a fashion show of the hand me ups (as opposed to hand me downs) from Jen:

Rocker Girl:

This is her Pulp Fiction Dance:

80's fashion:

She's a bird!

Her 'Ta Da" pose:

Her Diva pose:

Chitlin' on her pillow bed:

This is a cute little 6 month dress that makes a great little top:

Bad Dreams

2010-06-17T11:56:00.001-07:00

At the risk of offending all, (which is all three of you who actually read this blog!) I have decided to share two of my most recent nightmares. They are seriously awful and please discontinue the read if you are easily offended in any way or…better yet, just discontinue reading entirely.

#1 – JEOPARDY DREAM

You know how there is celebrity edition, teen week & the college championship?
Well this dream was Jeopardy: Autistic Savant Week.

The categories included: perpetual calendar, square roots, WNBA stats, 3rd notes of 12 tone pieces, and so on.

It was a mad race to the end. All contestants were tied.

Final Jeopardy Question: How are you feeling?

#2 HOARDERS DREAM

This show freaks me out. It’s horrifying to know that people suffer from such a terrible condition that allows for such unsanitary living conditions. This dream was Hoarders: Street Edition. There is a dear woman in Pasadena whom all locals would recognize. Many actually know her and her beloved pooch.

In this dream, the Hoarders specialists decided to take it to the street and help those with carts face their fears and clean up their lives. There was a discussion between the psychologist who specializes in OCD and Hoarding and the woman with 4 carts.

Specialist: “Do you really need all of this stuff? How about this tattered blanket here? It’s old, dirty and covered in fleas. Do you really think that this is healthy for you?”

The woman with the carts responds, “Um, that’s the blanket that keeps me warm at night.”

Specialist: “What we’re going to do here is get you these great storage containers to organize all of your belongings so that everything has a place. You will feel so much better and be able to find whatever you are looking for – particularly with these great little labels that we’ll put on each little drawer!”

The woman with the cart responds: “Um, actually, I could just use a home.”

At the end of the show…
Specialist: “Today we have created the best ever couture cart. Check out the bling we added to her cart! These little adhesive rhinestones really add some glam. Now she is able to walk in style and know where everything is. Don't you feel so much better?”

The woman with the cart rolls her eyes and walks away shaking her head.

Resemblance

2010-06-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

This morning, Chitlin' decided to pick out my outfit. Only later did I put together the similarities in her choice for me and her choice for her Barbie.

With that, I must now vent about being 'the person that looks like other people.'

I look like so many people to so many people and I am curious about that common experience.

Does that happen to you?!

Other People: "Has anybody ever told you that you look just like _______ (fill in the blank)?"
Me: "All of the time" I just think I look like me.

Other People:: "You really remind me of _______ (fill in the blank)."

Me: "Oh." I think I remind me of me.

Other People: "Your resemblance to ____ (fill in the blank) - I just can't get over it!"

Me: "Oh." Get over it...While you're at it stop acting as if you have just proclaimed the most original and amazing thought the world has ever heard...you're not the first...not the last...and this is most definitely not a unique topic - nor interesting for that matter.

My most common 'you look just like' is Drew Barrymore - FROM THE SIDE.

I must admit that at certain angles, if you squint your eyes after 2 or 3 margaritas and are looking at the little-bitty pictures on Google images, yes, there is a resemblance...and only from the side. No resemblance from any other angle, however.

So I am the girl who looks like Drew Barrymore - FROM THE SIDE.

I get it and I don't all at the same time. I have learned that a for trip to LAX it is unwise to wear jeans, a hooded sweatshirt, sunglasses and a baseball hat. Crazy photogs scream:

"Drew! Drew! Over here!"

Then they get the full frontal of me...and they then say:

"Aw man..."

That's an ego boost for sure.

So, the next time you're compelled to tell somebody that they remind you of somebody - particularly in looks. Just don't. The only time I ever made that mistake myself, well let's just say, I caused major offense (despite complete sweet and honest intent) and I'm still paying for it to this day.

Adventures in City Gardening

2010-06-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Our little garden is turning out very nicely!

Beans, Basil, and flower power!

Speaking of Girl...

2010-06-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

Yet another way I have failed as a mother. It was decided to surprise her with her first trip to Staples Center for a Sparks Game. Chitlin' has always been more than aware of basketball and when told: "You're going to a basketball game" she was pretty excited.
Then, when she realized it wasn't the Lakers that's when things got weird.

Chitlin: "Mommy, only boys play basketball."

Me: "Um no. That's not true. Girls can do anything that boys can do."

(My inner-voice began to take over thinking of particular biological differences...Don't lie!)

"I mean girls can do almost anything (ACK! Don't make it seem like boys can do more!)

"I mean: girls can play any sport that they want to."

Chitlin': "Do the basketball girls wear hair things?"

She was elated to see each of the girls with hair bands, some in braids, some in ponytails...and that was about it.

She was most excited about the ice cream I purchased for her:

SIGH...

I promise to expose her to more, world. I promise.

All Girl

2010-06-11T20:45:00.000-07:00

Studies have shown that gender identity does not set in until four years of age. Yeah right.
Chitlin' is now 'all girl' all the time. Pink has become the necessary element for anything to be for her. My attempts to raise her in a gender-neutral environment led to a primary color nursery for her. She then spent 2 years loving Thomas the Train. It was fun at first - they were cute, and I thought harmless...how little I knew. Thomas is like a cult. That damn song is still in my head.
There's two, there's four there's six, there's eight - watch your mother jump off a freight...

It was a tedious time for me. I discreetly began to hide Thomas toys and when she didn't seem to notice, I began to pawn them off to other parents who were not so bothered by Thomas and his friends. I then began to introduce toys like Barbie just to see if a little girl stuff would take. She rarely would play with them and when she did it usually involved them all taking turns on the Barbie potty.

In the past few weeks, however, pretend play has taken over and Barbie time with mother is coveted. I cannot say I mind much as one who was not permitted to have Barbie's as a child. I always wondered why...and only this evening did I actually begin to use my brain and wonder if I am causing harm to Chitlin's perspective of being a female. And also, I should note, these were not the Barbie's that were available when I was a child.

Here's "Global Barbie" complete with plastic water bottle:

And my personal fave: "Margarita Barbie"

Notice her not so subtle 'take me' position...

So we're officially in the land of girldom.

Lord help us all.

A cut above the rest...

2010-05-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

My next post was to be a report on Chitlin's outstanding performance at her spring concert.
She was truly wonderful in all of her Tinkerbellness...she sang so sweetly and danced like a fairy!

We presented her with these lovely Tinkerbell scissors for her efforts as her toddler scissors were no longer cutting it.
(Pun intended...)

And of course - the outcome is more than obvious to all but me.

(Don't judge: when my kid says she wants 'alone time' (which is practically never!) I don't question it, I rejoice!)

Here's the outcome:

Here's her new look with the bangs I never wanted her to have.

Happy Feet!

2010-05-16T00:21:00.000-07:00

She saw the movie...here's the aftermath.

Her Opinion of Me

2010-05-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

It's time to make some changes arouind here...

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T18:35:00.001-07:00

MY JOY:

CHITLIN'S PICTURE OF ME
CHITLIN' & HER VERY BLESSED MOTHER!

She is the greatest teacher I have ever had...

She is my heartbeat, my breath, my favorite smell, the sweetest touch, the greatest sound my ears have ever heard & my new eyes...

She is my EVERYTHING!!!!

Thank you, Chitlin' - I love you so very much!

Tinkerbell

2010-05-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

Chitlin' is preparing for her spring concert...

It is a Disney theme (sigh) and she will play the part of Tinkerbell.

Thanks to her dear friend Allie, she will be dressed for success!

I'm pretty proud of the shoes we made...there's nothing like a little glitter and glue with the price tag of FREE!

Speaking of Tinkerbell, her doll reminds me of giving birth.

Directive?

2010-05-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

Chitlin's Earth Day poppies are sprouting!

Here are her string beans!

What to do when I turn 32?!

2010-05-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

Well, for starters: a flower in my hair...
And as the saying goes: you can take the girl out of O.C. - but you can't take O.C. out of the girl. So, It was a girl's day out! We hopped into the car to see all of our special O.C. girls!
(OK - I did also sneak in 7 music lessons in there too.)
This picture of me: Chitlin' took it!

In the car...

Kissy - Face!

Why are the best faces that I catch only half in the shot?

Reuniting with Chitlin's bestest buddy: Allie!

(Please pay no heed to the butt crack - it's a look that regularly wears.)

She's gotten SO big!

My beautiful girl!
The only one I missed was G.E.P. - she's so busy now: all grown up. Sigh.
I cannot believe that she will turn 15 in just 2 weeks!

May Queen

2010-05-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

Chitlin' and I had a hay of a day of making things!

We made May Day Baskets, went on a flower collection outing, and then came home to create, create, and create!

Her output on this 1st day of May brought out the rays & and showed me the way!

How Interesting!

2010-04-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

I've been chatting with a friend about the potty here and there...none of these conversations took place in front of Chitlin'. Out of the blue, she got out her very unused barbie dolls and had potty play!

To Grandmother's (& Grandfather's) House We Go...

2010-04-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

This week in flower arranging

2010-04-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

Her creation for Easter 4!

Earth Day Celebration

2010-04-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

Reason #874,905,423 that Pasadena is AMAZING!

What a lovely celebration and to see so many beloved friends there...too cool.

Green Thumb!

2010-04-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

Chitlin's gardening-flower thing continues...

A recent school Earth Day project included planting watsonia bulbs.

Chitlin's turned out like no other - we are all so amazed?! We're pretty sure it's because she talked to it and kissed it every day. She was even permitted to take hers home early! Yesterday, her teachers & friends gifted her their bulbs so that she could make them grow!

Almost Ready!

2010-04-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

As each day passes, Chitlin' gets closer to beginning music lessons!

I used to wonder why my mother would not teach me privately...only now do I know. Mommy is sometimes best being Mommy and not piano teacher - as seen when she had an extreme reaction to me at one point during our time together!

Now to find the right teacher. I know exactly who I want - I just hope I can make it happen!

From Coffee to Butterfly Life Cycles

2010-04-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

This morning, my coffee making led to a spontaneous craft session!

Chitlin's really into life cycles - and the past few weeks it's been all about

BUTTERFLIES!

A trip to the park

2010-04-14T12:37:00.000-07:00

A lovely day here in Paradise!

I like how Chitlin' has a 'deer in the meadow' run...

She runs. Stops. Runs. Stops.

Chitlin' Reads!

2010-04-12T11:02:00.000-07:00

Just in case you thought I was kidding...

2010-04-09T23:54:00.000-07:00

No joke...the flower thing is the thing that's happening here...

Things to note:

Chitlin' takes incredible care of flowers...It's remarkable how gentle she is - yet she has extreme aggression towards fake flowers.

I have poor hearing and lip reading is my best way to understand others. When asking Chitlin' to show me her lips - well, she showed me her lips.

I see Chitlin's treatment of the cat as karmic...

The Return - Easter Flowers

2010-04-09T09:17:00.001-07:00

Well hello, my bloggy bloggers! It is so nice to be back!

Chitlin' and the flowers have officially taken over.

Here's an Easter Flower Re-cap.

Getting started...

Picture taken by MR. VERGER: He titled it:

"Chitlin' teaching Mom how to arrange flowers"

Ain't that the truth?!

So many oasis? Oasi? Oasises? Oasis'?

What's the plural of oasis?
Here's her final product on Easter Sunday holding down the parking passes!
She really does good work!

ALLELUIA!

2010-04-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

EASTER TRANSFORMATION

Greetings and Alleluia!
Throughout my Lenten journey I celebrated each of your wonderful existences.

Also, throughout Lent, my confirmation has been on my mind and in my heart.
I was confirmed by Bishop Talton and presented to him with my given name of Joanna but he was told that I was called Jobi. In his prayers over me, he prayed that at some point I would return to Joanna.

For a variety of reasons, I have decided that, as of Sunday (tomorrow), it is time for me to reclaim my birth name.

I will always remain 'Miss Jobi' to the children.
(Mister Rogers will always be Mister Rogers to me - but to those who knew and loved him, he was Fred.)

To those who know and love me I now wish to be called Joanna.

I understand how entirely odd and difficult it is to learn to call someone by a new name and, in time, I pray that you will accept this transformation and allow me to be who I really am.

I thank you for your support and openness in this journey.

God's Peace,
Joanna Harrell

I'm Wierd!

2010-03-13T13:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psuRGfAaju4

'Cuz I hate goodbyes!

Here Endeth this Blog (for the time being)...farewell.

Our Morning

2010-03-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

A pleasant Friday morning!
Chitlin' visited the "Deer in the forest."

She played with her favorite plant & danced in the kitchen.

It's a Conspiracy.

2010-03-11T21:23:00.000-08:00

A Bikini for my three year old?! Yeah, um, that's a no.
Why in the name of all this is would a designer make 3 types of suits (the other two kinds: the 1-piece & the tankini = okay.) out of the same material and then ONLY put the big lovely flower that is covered in sequence, on the bikini? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

(RELATED YET RANDOM: This is seriously the best entry I have read this entire year by one of my Faves. Any mother of a girl should check it out! http://qcreport.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-boyfriend.html)
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This year, my long awaited (and much coveted) peanut butter patties were a complete disappointment. I even purchased from different scouts...it was not lack of care prior to delivery. The formula has been changed. You can't fool me Girl Scouts. I am also fully aware that no matter what, I am a pathetically addicted, life-long customer. I just adore their salespersonettes!
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For some reason, I find that on many-a-Wednesday, I am compelled to drive through McDonald's. (Does one drive through the drive thru or vice verse?)
"Would you like to order a Mocha McFlurry?" the voice in the box said yesterday.
"Um, okay?" I responded.
The voice in the box: "That was easy..."
Well, dab-nabit, that B.S. drink was a waste of my McMoney.
It was McAwful and I will never ever ever. Again.

And, I also know I'll be back for French Fries.
But seriously: no more McFlurry...take THAT MickeyD's! You have no control over me!
----------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------

We got a house!

2010-03-11T14:10:00.000-08:00

Yeah - a DOLLhouse.

Not only can Germans make fine cars & schnitzel, here is a fine example of toy couture!

Little Dolly Clothes...it seem she prefers them to be naked.

Lots of little cups, steins, and these little what I would call: German jugs.

I know there's a name for them and I learned not to Google Image: 'German jugs'.

I am elated and horrified to watch Chitlin' pass her Barbie a cup and say: "More Wine."

She then typically gulps her own cup of wine.

The other annecdote:

The first time she went to 'make a meal' in the kitchen, she asked me where the microwave was.

I am so proud that my example is paying off...

Tausend Dank, Kaethe!

I know it's Lent, butt:

2010-03-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

ALLELUIA!

My pre-Chitlin', super-cute, couture-esque jeans fit again!

And they fit BECAUSE it's Lent!

Woot!

Bribery Part: 135,972

2010-03-09T23:53:00.000-08:00

Chitlin' doesn't mind me working so much because I buy her off with precious good.

The 2010 Staff-Vestry conference produced a book of rose stickers & a coveted book about orchids (which has already been read and re-read - again & again!).

I also purchased the world's cutest little hat that I truly thought in all sincerity that it would be just the best thing ever. That, however, was not the case. She shrieked in disgust and refused to even try it on...I had a brief flash to 2020 - a 12-year old Chitlin' -Dear Lord!

Flower play continues every day. She draws them, paints them, makes them out of paper, plays with her collection and so on. Too cool, I think!

I have learned so much from her about nature. She just takes it all in with zeal.
I learned to walk in the rain from Chitlin' and I think it's the best lesson I have ever had.
With that lesson, I was able to have a perfect "movie moment" at the conference in those lovely gardens.

How time Flies!

2010-03-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

It is March and I missed February!

(The month is just too short.)

Here's a little re-cap for you.

Chitlin' was ill for Valentine's Day. We had an at home party.

(Thank God she bought into it!)

A lazy Saturday...

Daddy practicing...

And - POOF! It's March!

Here's her latest vase of flowers.

Chitlin' continues to love her flower organizing-thing.

She has truly identified that it is not gardening but arranging that is her passion.

"No dirt! Ew!"

I truly think she has a gift for this.

Her Easter wish is still to receive live orchids.

I love that she always whispers when she says: orchids!

Ashes

2010-02-17T09:14:00.000-08:00

Remember that you are but dust, and to dust you shall return.

Well, happy day to you folks. Lent 2010 has arrived.
We are fully partied out and ready for the fast.
Chitlin' is not getting the 'h' in ash so it's coming out...well, just think about donkeys.

This got me reminiscing about last year when Chitlin' attended the Ash Wednesday service with me. She began the service on her bottom, quietly with her books and crayons. At some point, she put them down, jumped down from the pew and began spinning in circles, falling down, and then back up again. She repeated this for some time. As a matter of fact, it hurt to look at her after a while. She remained quiet throughout the service but continued this little 'dance' over and over. (The church worker in me must clarify that we were seated in the back out of view and were not disturbing anyone...)

Outside after the service, I finally was able to ask her what she was doing.
Her cheeky over-zealous response:
"Ashes, Ashes, we all fall down!"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The funniest Ash Wednesday story I know came from my boss:
A few boys just could not keep from giggling during the imposition of ashes.

(This is where ashes are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross. The priest says: "Remember you are but dust, and to dust you shall return.")

When the mother could no longer stand the boys giggles in the sanctuary, she brought them outside to ask them what was going on.

The response:

"Mom, what is butt dust? The priest said we were all came from butt dust."

Home Sick

2010-02-10T22:40:00.000-08:00

Chitlin' is sick.
And I don't mean she just has a little thing - this is day four of our house arrest...
I think we are going mad here. I also suspect the cat is working on a plan to redecorate my living room -in a destructive sort of way.

Chitlin' has been such as sweet little sick thing.
In a delirious state, she told me that her "fever was going to make the medicine go down."

There's nothing like a sick times to remind a mother: no matter how big and grown up one is, 'Mommy' is sometimes the only and best medicine when one feels crummy...

My Baby?!

2010-02-01T10:46:00.000-08:00

She just doesn't look like a baby anymore!

I knew it would be fast...but this is fast redefined.

Sass!

2010-02-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

Miss Chitlin' is the queen of being three. She is just so darn good at it!

Here are some 'anne'cdotes.

The other day Chitlin' was a great helper.

-TANGENT -

As any parent of a silly one knows: help can be easily misinterpreted.

Three-year-olds have a way of turning Put the dirty underwear into the hamper into putting the dirty underwear on their heads, running in circles while screaming: "Bambi Grass! Bambi Grass!" at the tops of their lungs.

-END TANGENT-

After successfully completing one task she ran to me:

"Mommy, mommy! I did what you asked me to do!"

I responded wild with glee:

"That's wonderful! Does this mean I can count on you?!"

Chitlin' replied:

"No."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Chitlin' was painting her fingernails with her child safe polish,

She loves the finger part, but just like her father, she does not want her toes to be touched.

Ever.

I was teasing her and asked her if she was going to paint her toenails.

Her response:

""No. And I don't intend to."

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Reading Winnie-the-Pooh + a city walk =

"Mommy, I think my tummy is trying to tell me something."

Pause.

"Yes. My tummy is saying that it needs something."

Another Pause.

She shrugged her nose in that scrunchy disapproving face that she learned from me.

"Mommy, my tummy is definitely saying that it needs some ice cream. Yes. My tummy needs ice cream."

Big Smile.

"Mommy, do you want to go get some ice cream?"

Grass

2010-01-18T14:11:00.000-08:00

Chitlin's Christmas present from Santa (who is NOT real) was a much awaited and very coveted garden-growing-play set thingy. She also received cash; and purchased (to no one else's shock and my dismay) yet another plastic planter grow set thing with a hideous little twiller-whatever on it.

The fixation with nature, grass, flowers, growing, seeds has lasted for quite some time. DH and I recently recalled how it has always been a very large portion of her play and has been around since infancy. Is this part of who she has always been and will always be?! I have always tried to curb her play and play dollies - she's never much cared. To see her nurture her beloved plants with such care and caution while never forgetting any necessary step -it amazes me!

Here are the events as they unfolded:

The sprouts began...

...and grew

...taller each day

...until they fell over!

Here's an under-the weather Chitlin' giving the grass a cut.

I saw a show about city farmers the other day...in the future a 10 story building the size of 1 city block could (potentially) feed up to 50,000 people. I smiled thinking of the little dear all grown up - still tending her plants in the city. Then fear struck. I do hope the G-pa with the medicinal green has not had too much of an influence on this grass fixation...and I truly pray she sticks to cat grass only!

She speaks

2010-01-06T21:56:00.000-08:00

Parenthood is filled with so many awe-filled moments of sheer perfection.

There are the moments when silence permeates and in a bit of serenity (AKA: she's sleeping) and I am able to let my heart swell full with love.

There are also the moments of joy when she emits the unprompted "I love you so very much!" Chitlin' has such a way with words and her timing is impeccable. (That's code for I really need to watch my mouth a whole lot more...)

As each of the days pass, I rejoice in the beauties of small moments like these that are no longer novel in their happenings. I have thankfully forgotten what life was like before Chitlin'. I still take too many pictures, over-teach, and brag entirely too much...but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Then, there are those humbling experiences that just make you go hmmmm.

The other morning, Chitlin' woke up slowly. We went to the rocker in the living room to cuddle her awake. She rested peacefully in my arms for several minutes. I gently stroked her hair. I breathed in her sweet smell. Life was good - just perfect.

Suddenly, Chitlin' sat up facing me on my lap. She took her small, soft hand began stroking my cheek. She looked into my eyes. She whispered, "Mommy,"

I responded, "Yes, dear."

She kissed me, pressed her cheek to mine and said:

"Do you like to poop?"

Excuse Me?

2010-01-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

I have a small hearing issue that makes life interesting but this one really got me.

Chitlin' began repeatedly saying what I thought was:

"I love sex."

Here's the tail end of the experience.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T03:54:00.000-08:00

We rang in 2010 in the Baggage Claim at LAX.
It's great to be home.
With 2 hours of sleep I pulled myself out of bed this morning to take in the Pasadena Rose Parade. I have to do such things for her sake: she lives in Pasadena, she loves flowers and we are blessed with the best way to do the parade.

For the 2nd year in a row, Chitlin' and I went to Chelsea's & Tony's for Rose Bowl: Couture Edition. Great company, yummy wafflles, beverage selections of juice, champagne (mimosa!), coffee, AND terrific seats on Colorado Blvd.!

She's a future Rose Queen!

Tomorrow we begin the Garden Girlz project.

Mother-Ship

2009-12-30T13:09:00.001-08:00

Haha!
And you thought this entry was about Chitlin'!

I used to love watching the film Parenthood and my favorite part was when Steve Martin was beginning to make out with Mary Steenburgen and said:"Now, talk to me about shopping..."

The Mall of America is the Mothership and yesterday I was called home. It was a transcendent spiritual experience - pure heaven.

No (at least open) judging please...I am aware of how disgusting and pathetic this entry is. Please allow me to elaborate on the nature of my over-consumerism yet again...I am American, you know. - Wait, I'm in Minnesota. The last scentence should really read: Don-cha' know there? (in a nasal voice).

I have definitely had many an experience throughout my life and I have tried many things, but there's just nothing like the shopping high to pacify my palate.

The glory of purchasing a bag that is 85% off and not paying any sales tax -well it just puts a feeling of extreme satisfaction deep within my heart.

I did have a learning though: I am officially old.

It's been a few years since I've been to the country's largest mall and the time in between has led to some drastic changes.

In 2004 (or so) Jobi bounded through the mall hitting stores like DEB, Forever 21, Rainbow, etc. buying cheap slut clothes. Yesterday each of those stores were passed

That's not entirely true. I walked in to a few of my old shops, saw that 98% of the shoppers were the ages of my students, and that most of the shirts had words on them. I suddenly heard this song and I had to turn around and leave.

So I will admit it (much to Jen's chagrin).
I am entering curmudgeon-hood and am only buying certain brands of things...and they are most definitely old people things.

Here's a list of stores shopped in yesterday:
Aerosoles (Made a purchase)
Chicos
Coldwater Creek
Nine West (Made a purchase)

And the stores I entered because Chitlin' exists:
Carter's
John Deere (shudder)
American Girl Doll Store
Barbie Store

I am embarrassed. I really am. But I want quality, comfort and lasting style.

Translation: I had a kid and purchases must survive her antics, my body changed and hoochie pants just do not have the same hang that they used to, I have old people aches, and each purchase must last WAY longer than the style as I have no clue the next time I will get out shopping again.

For those of you that only read for Chitlin'

She had a fun time meeting characters that she didn't really know beforehand.

She is now a big Sponge Bob fan.

And cheers to the husband that gave me the wonderful anniversary present of shopping alone!

8

2009-12-29T07:39:00.000-08:00

After a long wait,
I went on a date,
In New York State
Where I was late,
And then we ate,
That’s how I met my mate.
Now it’s been eight,
So I will relate,
The complete state,
Of our marriage-8

Read on for the debate:
We have been irate,
We love to skate,
There has been many a debate.
We had to wait,
to procreate,
and that was true fate.
Although I sound sedate,
I love to desecrate,
and improperly conjugate,
Now I demonstrate
our marriage as:
TRULY GREAT!

Now THESE are fat pants

2009-12-28T15:34:00.000-08:00

Winter Fashion Sucks my _____.

(Fill in the blank with the word of your choice...and a million bucks goes to the person who guesses what word I would really insert in the blank.)

I do not feel like a pretty Jobi-Diva -and let's not even begin to discuss the shoes.

I currently, right now at this very moment, want to be in CA with my hooker boots on.

Follow-Up to: Come Again?!

2009-12-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

Too lazy to link right now so just go back 2 entries if you need reminding about the Dalmatic adventure.

Here's the picture I promised.

This shot does not do justice to the live show, as it looks somewhat normal from this shot. I was just a bit too small for this bling-bling Poofle-Princess dress. I was able to do a hoochie dance underneath and not one person was able to see the fabric even move - it was THAT big! The guy on far right has the matching Dalmatic - same size as mine. (Note that my sleeves are rolled.)

My Christmas 2009 memories include:

-Turning around the corner of the outside of the church to meet the Grand Procession and hearing members of the Coventry Choir erupt in laughter at the sight of me.

-My favorite colleague (who is hysterical!) had many delicious comments about the size of the thing.

-Vestment being grabbed by people during the procession (very odd).

-Almost knocking notebook on altar over with big dalmatic sleeves.

-Not able to lift the paten over my shoulders because aforementioned sleeves were too big.

-I was SO warm it was wonderful!

-I was Cruella for 2 days before Chitlin' moved on to calling me Jobi (as she typically does when angry with me). Upon seeing the Dalmatic, she started calling me 'Nice Mommy' again.

What a wonderful little adventure for me. After dropping out of the discernment process I have entertained many a thought about my un-ordained future. I truly dislike my white robe as white just isn't my color and work with children that have dirty hands that add little stains that make the verger yell at me. I've always wanted to break it up a little with a vestment.

Alas, this has proven to me that I make a great lay. (person!)

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2009-12-26T06:54:00.001-08:00

A warm holiday greetings to you and yours.
This edition of Jobi-ings comes to you from the snowy state of Minnesota.

The holiday adventures are in full swing.

My current favorite 2009 Christmas memory was Chitlin' (age 3) and the son of my office mate (age 2) running around yesterday taunting kindergartners before the service saying:

"Santa's not real."
(She told me later that she believes in St. Nick.)

I am aware this will appall many of you as it does my husband. To this I say: WHATEVER.
I didn't prompt this in any way. Although I'm not one for lying to my child, I'm not opposed to the Santa thing. Who cares if this is her conclusion this year? We'll try again next year.

Back to holiday adventures:

We hope to locate some deer -or at least deer tracks, ice skate, build snow people (I really must work at All Saints...) and chill. Literally. It's cold here and my husband is running around without a coat because it's only 34 degrees out and "not cold at all."

Sigh.

Well, here's some eye candy for you on this lover-ly Boxing Day.

Chitlin's 2009 Headwear.

It's always better with Ja Ja!

Christmas Eve Service @ All Saints.
(I will locate a picture of me in the dalmatic...promise.)

Garden Girlz Christmas Present.

Minnesota Snow.

She just loves it!

Come again?

2009-12-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

A deaf father-in-law plus a literal child makes for what we call the life of Jobi.

I Got home from work yesterday and was unloading the days events to the family.

I mentioned that I would wear the dalmatic on Christmas Eve.

Deaf Father-in-Law: "A Dalmatian?! What?!"

Jobi: "No, a dalmatic."

Deaf Father-in-Law: "Sounds like you're wearing a Dalmatian. What is that thing anyways?"

Here's what we're really talking about: The dalmatic is a long wide-sleeved tunic, which serves as a liturgical vestment in the Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and United Methodist Churches, which is sometimes worn by a deacon at the service of worship or mass.

(Thank you, Wikipedia.)

At bedtime Chitlin' brought me her copy of 101 Dalmatians that she received from a Birthday Party Book Swap.

She said: "We don't wear fur in this family."

This morning when I woke her up, she said: "Hello, Cruella."

Poe-try

2009-12-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.
As I struggle to remain of good cheer.

Although it's great that Christmas is near,
I am growing sick of reindeer.

I'm up to my ears in the joys of the season,
I am ticking spontaneously, without reason.

So many carols run wild through my head,
It's the chorus of Jingle Bells that I dread.

The presents in my office are up in a pile
I think that it measures the length of a mile.

Still, I smile (and swallow my bile)
Christmas is coming - in just a little while!

Preparing!

2009-12-10T07:08:00.000-08:00

Hooray for Christmas Time!

We are experiencing a hasty and bumpy (yet wonderful!) journey through the season.
It's a great time for us as we come out of our hermit shells.
We even invite people to our home!

So Far:
- 24 Reindeer Candy Canes
- 12 Gift Bags Chitlin' decorated
- My little Door 'Sweeper' from leftover Advent Wreath Material
- Chitlin's costume for the school show tomorrow (will be unveiled later)
- A Dinner Party
- A Little Girl Tea Party

AND: I actually got some photos taken!

Let me just note for the world to know: I love pictures.
I love them and covet them in ways that I am beginning to think are unhelathy.
I cherish them and begin frothing with memories from the past as I see what has changed with each passing year.

I just got our Flower Girl's most recent shot for Christmas. She was 6 when we were married. Now, she is a freshman in high school. I continue to be in denial over her true age - and I gush and marvel at her beauty, poise and maturity. (Did I mention she is beautiful?)

Next year, Chitlin' will be the same age as Flower Girl was when we met. Whew.

Here's my newest covet joy:

Letting Go

2009-12-01T21:40:00.001-08:00

...of the attachments of holidays past. It is the year of 'being 3' in our house - and 3 is a magic number! Chitlin' is super into the whole Advent-Christmas-Presents-Candy Cane-Santa Claus thing. (Let's not even get started on the reindeer...)

In my fantasy world, I have a perfect matchy-matchy glitzy Christmas tree. Everything would be evenly spaced and there would be equal amounts of proper placementage of the perfect assortment of bubbly baubles, beautiful bows and luminescent lights.

My reality: I have been an educator for eight years and I got married four days after Christmas. These two independent factors have led to a ridiculously large and very eclectic Christmas ornament collection. In holiday's past, I have chosen 'like' ornaments to have a quasi-pretty-perfect pretend tree. We have the silver and gold ones, a large amount of blue, the homemade decorations, a lovely wooden collection and the ticky-tacky, kitchy toy looking ornaments. (Seriously folks, we're talking 500+ ornaments. I think the math is: 100+ students, times 8 years, minus 19 bath sets each year = Jobi's ornament collection.)

Well, praise be! This year I think I finally 'got it.' Watching Chitlin's face as each ornament was unearthed...she loved each and every one of them. Broken, and unbroken. Old ones and new ones. Each ornament received it's own squeal of delight. There were even a few chortles here and there! Our tree, and entire living space has become Christmas tacky to the nth degree.
In all truth, I resisted here and there, but as the activity progressed, I watched her intensity and appreciation for all things Christmas, and something finally clicked. And miraculously, I released.

And that is the power of three.

Little Chitlin' in all of her wisdom embodied the core of Christmas as she insisted that each and every last ornament be placed on the tree.

"ALL of them, Mommy! They all BELONG there. It's Christmastime"

They are all up. Each and every last ornament is on our tree.

This revelation continues to blossom. Each ornament represents somebody who had the kindness to share life's journey with us. So many ornaments are from children - and they are as precious as gold to me. This is our tree of love, our tree of memories, our tree of hope, our tree of truth. And in all of it's hideous, uneven, ugly, oddness - this has become the bestest and most beautiful Christmas tree ever.

Then Chitlin' went even further: "Mom, We are ornaments on this tree of God."

For me, each year the mystical, mirculous, mystery of Chirstmas continues to deepen.
I have so much more to learn.
I'm so glad I have Chitlin' for a teacher.
Merry Christmas.