Fifties Flashback

Cool Dolly & Daddy-O! Evan's school had a 50's style sock hop last night. Shelby got into the spirit with her poodle skirt and saddle oxfords.

Not long after we arrived I was ready to lay a patch and split. Just too crowded and way too unorganized. But I didn't want to be a wet rag so I tried to chill. Plus my mom came (Thanks, Mom!) and she kept reminding me to chill (she knows me so well). It seemed to be a little more popular with the girls. Most of the boys however weren't as jazzed about making the scene.

It was a fun idea and well-intentioned, I mean how can you go wrong with the decade that brought the world the hula-hoop? But stuffing 400+ people in a small gymnasium and setting the kids loose with hula-hoops and bubble gum just somehow didn't translate into a blast.

The whole experienced razzed my berries ; )

Evan did think the root beer floats were a crazy good thing. And he was in fat city hanging with his best girl, Shelby.

(everyone diggin' my 50's slang?)

Thursday Thoughts

Several thoughts currently marinating in my head.

**Warning**: At any time one or more of these thoughts could cook up into a full-fledged blog posting ; )

1. tolerance should not be confused with acceptance

possible post title - Living Life in the Gray Area

2. a society can be measured by how it treats its pets

possible post title - Let me swerve off the road and hit you with my car, Jackass!

3. schools are not meant to be free daycare

possible post title - ??Parenting Happens at Home??

1 fascinating chick ; )

I'm still having fun with digital layouts.

This one is just a silly self-portrait and a (slightly modified) quote. Although digital scrapbooking has its benefits, I can't see myself ever giving up my hands-on paper and glue creations.

Photo Day (part 3)

Yes, more photos from our recent photo day.

This will probably be the last round that I will post. We took about 140 pictures that afternoon! But wanted to share a few favorites.

portrait of Lucy ; ) (my imaginary friend)

the guys
just playing around at a spot near our house... and with my picture settings

Markas captured these action shots of Evan doing some sweet jumps (said like Napoleon Dynamite).
(click on image to enlarge)

Nash Vegas, Baby!

Bring on SISiversary '09... Coming in June!

My homegirl Linda & me from "SIS Con" '08

Being alumni of last year's event, we were able to register early for the '09 event. Kinda like a VIP thing ; ) Anyway our tickets have been secured. Anyone else wanting to roadtrip with us to Nashville?

Allow Me to Explain through Interpretive Dance ; )

an 8 X 10 digital layout I made to use as quirky wall art in our bedroom

(click image to enlarge)

Photo Day (part 2)

Photo Booth Fun

If I could have a photo booth in my house, I would!
These are from yesterday. We stopped by the mall just to take these. Markas and Evan had never taken photo booth pics together.

Photo Day (part 1)

This is a very photo filled post as it has been a very photo filled day for us.

Many, many pictures to sort through, but here is a photo preview.

the P-dog getting in on the fun

photo taken by Evan

it's hard to tell, but that is the top of our heads

another photo by Evan

this time of our feet

I have lifted Evan this way since he was a baby. It is much more of a workout for me these days : /

skull shirt by Auntie Darla

please stay tuned for more photos...

Lessons Learned at Big Lots - Lesson 2

2. slightly surreal moments are seldom planned and usually undervalued

I am in the underwear isle at Big Lots sorting through men's underwear. My biggest concern at the moment was briefs or boxer briefs for Markas. My indecisiveness was shattered by a young man greeting me (repeatedly) with what seemed like unwarranted enthusiasm. He explains that he is a Filipino national on a mission in this country to raise money and awareness for children with HIV in Africa and Asia. I get to examine his credentials, photo ID, paperwork about the organization - the works. He is hard to understand as he struggles with English and his nerves. His Americanized name is Paul because I am sure there isn't much hope that anyone would be able to pronounce his real name. But he pronounces it for me and shows be his full name none the less.

Even though I very rarely carry cash on me, I happen to have some and give him a small donation. Lots of very excited thank yous and small bows come my way. He says most people have their reasons why they can't give and he understands the hard times. He said it makes his work very hard. More thank yous and small bows. I think we are done. I mean Paul has my money and I expect him to rush on his way. Yet he doesn't move. An awkward social moment ensues in the underwear isle. Then Paul starts in with this:

(I'm quoting him to the best of my recollection)

"I have a belief in a spirit world. We have spirits that guide us. In my country we believe the spirits are of our ancestors. I believe this. You may not.

Spirits push us toward things. Try to help us see.

Your spirits are close to you. You are open to them even if you don't listen for them. I think this about you. In other people, I don't see this."

Okay, more thank yous and bows come my way. I wish Paul good luck in his work. I try to regroup and complete the underwear search. However this lady must have overheard my conversation with Paul and says to me, "You know those are really just scams. I never give them a cent."

I reply with a warm smile ; ) "Yeh, but I know sometimes you get lucky. It's worth a shot."

In my mind I think to myself... for 7 dollars I just had one of the most interesting, wonderfully odd conversations/experiences that I have had in quite sometime. It was worth every cent. And if that money finds its way to help people in need... that will be a divine bonus!

So I dedicate this blog post to Paul from the Philippines - a little guy with a big smile and some mighty big ideas.

**A side note to this post**

When I get home from Big Lots, I found an email in my inbox from my friend (and member of the secret club of warm people), Kate. It was about a book we have both read and loved, me, and what she suspects is my spiritual side.

... slightly surreal moment for sure ; )

Lessons Learned at Big Lots - Lesson 1

So Big Lots has become my go-to place for art canvases, doggy treats and bargain scrappin' supplies. But today I came out of the store with a couple of new life lessons that weren't on my shopping list.

1. warm people recognize other warm people/cold people are clueless

This has nothing to do with body temperature. I am referring to those persons that share a sincere smile or acknowledge a stranger with a polite nod. Someone who practices eye contact, the use of the basic nice words (excuse me or thank you) and simple greetings (good morning or how are you doing today?). It has everything to do with how a person chooses to interact with complete strangers... what kind of energy they propagate...regardless of how they may feel physically or emotionally at even given time. Cold people are consistently impatient, demanding, lacking regard for others. And even worse I don't think these chilly folks even understand the difference.

I strive to fall into the warmer category. I like to think that I am a member of a very secret club. No secret code names or handshakes necessary... one club member can pick out another club member in a passing moment. Sadly I worry that this secret club membership is shrinking and shrinking... I mean geez... don't get me started on Wal-Mart : / ... but it would be the ideal environment to test out my temperature theory.

***Lesson 2 coming tomorrow**

all my journeys take me to you

my latest 12 X 12 layout

it was a quick one I made today using a couple photos I took a year and a half ago

(closeups of layout)

Out of Whack

**my latest art journal page**

8 X 8 art journal page

out of whack - defined as not in proper condition

Whether you call it out of whack, out of sorts, off kilter, unbalanced or plain 'ol on the brink... that is how the past couple of weeks have felt for me. Always nice to have a little art therapy. I have been away from my crafty supplies for too long ; )

Sunday Stuff

EMPTY BASKETS!

This is such an extremely rare occurrence I had to document it!

***

GO FAST. TURN LEFT.

Six years running... or rather six years racing.

Daytona 500: A father-son tradition.

2009

2003

This is a layout I made in 2003. The lower left picture (Evan in green) is Markas' and Evan's first time 'watching' the Daytona 500 race together. Evan was only 4 days old.

Love Day

Love & Dust Shoes

I picked up a pair of floor dusting shoes for Evan at the store today. He doesn't know that they are for cleaning bare floors. As for as he knows they are for sliding around and having a great time. That's because I told him that they are sliding shoes... no mention of their other purpose. Markas told me I am so wrong for fooling my sweet child into thinking I got him a fun play thing when I actually got him a house cleaning thing. I personally don't see the harm in it. I mean really... does this child looked like he his being harmed? ; ) He loves these things!

I am trying to think of other 'toys' I can find in the household cleaning section... ; )

Love is in the air... or rather in an helium-filled balloon. My kindergartner got Valentine goodies from a girl! Shelby sent him a balloon, a stuffed bear and a bag of treats to school today. I was surprised. I didn't think that stuff started until much later... I guess I need to get with the times.

What if - Random Musings

What if I could drink the sunset?

What if I hired a marching band... maybe to march around my neighborhood over and over?

What if I wore a tutu to the grocery store?

What if I had a fairy godmother?

What if I could spend an entire day in bed and call it a bed picnic? (I could sure use this today!)

What if I changed my name to include Her Majesty?

What if everything was made of nerf?

What if I could pick one super power?

What if I only wrote with crayons?

What if I wasn't an American?

Happy Birthday to... Wii?

More Birthday Pictures

these are from afterschool today

This was definitely the Wii birthday. Evan got Wii games from the grandparents and us (5 total so far). The birthday banner tradition continued this year, but with a new banner (from Target) because the old one was finally put out of its misery. As well as the now traditional number signs hanging from the kitchen doorway. If history repeats itself for a third year, these signs will remain up until the next birthday at which time they will be replaced by '7' signs.

(click image to enlarge)

Evan was the only student at his school celebrating a birthday today. So during 'Rise & Shine' he was called to stand on the stage and received his tiger pencil (school mascot) and the entire school (K-4th) sang a special version of the Happy Birthday song which apparently includes lots of sudden clapping. I wish I had my camera with me at the time, but alas it was in the car : / However I was there to see it. What a cool dude to be singled out on a stage in front of 250 people and actually love it.

Goodbye 5. Hello 6.

Evan is 6! Woo Hoo!

showing off his custom made 6 shirt before school this morning

made by his Auntie Darla

initials on the back

A couple oldies but goodies of Evan just hours old. The top one is our first family photo.
These are so old they're from our pre-digital days so I had to scan them into the computer.

***
Well this time last year I was a mess! Evan turning 5 hit me hard. I am pleased to inform everyone that I am holding together much, much better this year. Last year I put Evan to bed for the last time as a 4 year old, then went and plopped down next to Markas in bed and came unglued. I am talking the ugly cry! The kind where you know that you are being pathetic and then you start to laugh and cry at the same time. Yep, it was a full fledged meltdown. Last night I tucked Evan in bed for the last time as a 5 year old. I was a little sentimental as I let go of my 5 year old. I asked Evan what was his favorite part about being 5. He said riding go-karts and having sleepovers, but he was glad to turn six because that meant parties and cake. The boy has a good outlook on things it seems ; )

I often wonder how other parents (especially moms) feel around their kids birthdays. I can't help but wonder if the fact that I will only do everything once: i.e. one shot at having a 4 year old, or one chance to experience a 5 year old... there are no more kids coming down the shoot so to speak. This is it. However there must be something to be said for having one child; one star of my life story. No matter the quantity though, having kids is a great ride!
And I try to remind myself that Evan really isn't mine... I don't own him. I merely get the joyful experience of having him with me and helping him prepare for his own life.

So bring on year # 6!

6 things I have realized about my child turning 6

Just some of my thoughts leading up to the big day...

1. the official birds & bees talk can't be too far away

2. the big teeth in the little mouth stage is almost upon us

3. it will now require 2 hands to demonstrate his age (image above found here)

4. I see less and less of the little boy Evan each day

5. I am hopeful to avoid the meltdown I experienced when Evan turned 5

6. Kierkegaard was on to something when he said "Life is lived forward, but understood backward." (deep stuff, Dude)

Monster Trucks & Memories

Evan's 6 year old birthday party was yesterday afternoon. It was a Monster Truck theme this year. It was at the local skating rink just like last year. Lots of fun was had by all the kids and a few of the parents ; )

Evan & his cousin Alon

Luke, Evan, Alon, Anthony, & Matthew

Best buddies Matthew & Evan standing by the # 6

Evan's official birthday is Wednesday. So until then I can remain in denial about having a 6 year old.

We took a bunch of pictures at the party. More coming soon.

Please do not sit on my imaginary friend ; )

A digital creation I made to add a little humor to my crafty space. Plus it really does hurt Lucy sometimes when people sit on her... so it is also a safety issue. (For the 1 millionth time, yes I know I am warped.)

framed and ready to be hung on the wall

T.G.I.F.

Thank Goodness It's Friday

Sorry, Folks, that's about all I have to give today. I have run out of steam.

I'll share my latest art journal page though...

This is my second art journal page and my first foray into hybrid scrapbooking (part digital and part traditional).

journaling reads:

Some of my favorite memories are of lounging on a denim quilt made by my mom,

soaking up sunshine, with a cool breeze in the air and my son by my side.

little steps lead to big journeys

I took the first step toward becoming a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer today. I went in for an interview with the area director and began the paperwork process. So if all of my background checks come up clean, I should be scheduled to start the training program. Hopefully none of my flagrant crime sprees will pop up on my record... just kidding ; )

more info on CASA

There is no rhyme or reason to why I feel the need to stay involved in social services. There is nothing easy about dealing with abused or neglected children. But then again easy doesn't seem to be my forte ; ) Now that Evan has started school I am afforded the time to volunteer. I know with complete certainty ups and downs will be a part of this new journey. However as a parent (and former social services professional), I can't look at my child and not think about other kids who don't even have the bare bone basics that all kids should have.

Tuesday Tidbits

In the Pink! My dear friend (and fellow 'Flamingo'), Audra, will be welcoming a girl into the 'flock' in June.

There hasn't been a baby girl join the flock in about 4 years, I think. Bring on all things girly!

What do normal people do when stuck at a train crossing for 10 minutes? I wouldn't know... but I take self-portraits ; )

found this sign in the $1 bins at Target.
It seemed appropriate for us.
Not sure where its permanent home will be... I took this pic at the front door... maybe that is the best place for it???