Yes, my daughters rock!

One received a score of I at an all county music festival in a flute trio! On to the states!

One got her acceptance letter to Shenandoah University. Let's hope the money comes in too.

Bock swap, woo hoo!

I just received my copy of Denyse Schmidt Quilts. I'm just waiting for my fabric to arrive now before I can start Seedpods block swap.
Over the past couple days, I've worked out hard (nothing new) and completely cleaned my first floor, laundry done (well....), fires kept burning (literally), worked, ran kids around, cooked, and basically completed all my domestic duties. I've wasted a few hours on absolutely wonderful blogs, with such creativity. Wow! I'll post their links soon. Anyway, now I have time to dream of wonderful blocks, finish the borders of my primitive pinwheel (no, I did not finish) and continue working on my sock. I'll call them socks after the first is done.

Happy crafting, creating, and whatnot everyone!

Corners of My House

This is a new sofa in our family room in the basement. I think we made a good choice, what do you think?

Self Portrait Tuesday - Time - My Day

I decided to document my day with photos to record the passage of time. A typical day for me is filled with many roles and duties, and not necessarily the same every day: Blogger, surfer, kickboxer, chaperone, announcer, professional waiter (as in waiting all the time), driver, Mom, cycle instructor, Me.

Saturday Night's All Right

Saturday night's all right! for more than one reason. The day is over, the worries and concerns over my children can be put to rest for another day. I'm going out with My Handsome Prince and we are going to bust a groove.


Recap - last night we went to dinner at Amer's to celebrate Emma's birthday. My Mom, sister, Abi, and Sam came. We ate, Emma had her cards read (which she said was weird), and watched belly dancing. I've decided that's my next career :-) It was a lot of fun. We did get up and move a little (our own version of belly dancing). Sam charmed the whole restaurant as usual. The next morning my clothes reeked of onions, spices, herbs, and whatnot! Whew!

I will reflect and rejoice on being a mother and wife. Not because it was a good day doing it, quite the opposite. Because I was harping on Audrey about various things, getting into Emma's business, and accusing my husband of not getting involved. Somedays are just like that.

Lent

A season of reflection, repentance, soul searching, taking stock. I've never been one to give up something for Lent. Truthfully, my days become so full, I forget to be thankful, take stock, pray, and appreciate the people, places and things that make my life full. Isn't that pitiful? I also know that it is typical. So, everyday, during this season, I will take stock and appreciate the gifts bestowed upon me.

Wednesday 3/1/06
Emma, who was born on this day 18 years ago, whose voice is like an angel, who has taught me to be a Mother to her, who strives to do what is right, whose faith is strong, whose heart is breaking right now.

Thursday 3/2/06
An afternoon with my sister and her baby boy, just playing. Watching the amazing progress of an 8 month old and the happiness he brings to those he sees. The opportunity for the most important woman in my life to meet the new woman in my life. Sisterhood, blood and not.

Friday 3/3/06
Family, silliness, fun, kids, taking advantage of these things and enjoying them with no pressure. With family near, we can take an evening and celebrate something or nothing, being together, laughing at others and ourselves.

The Courtship

I have a new friend. She's a younger woman, to be exact 19 years younger. It's interesting how a new friendship forms. It's like a romance. We work together at the Y, so that's the start. Then the conversations about music. With that, I invited her to join us at the 8x10 club. After that, it was another party. We inadvertently met at the pool one day, discovering that we have that in common, too. Needing a boost in the gym, I asked her if I could lift with her. It's turned into a routine, lifting together a few times a week, cycling, swimming, going out. In addition to that, little gifts of ourselves, glimpses of our inner workings, history, music CD's, clothes, making plans. It's quite fun! Sometimes I can't wait until we talk again. Today we lifted, then out of the blue she called, offering to bring a dress for me to try on, and we will see each other tonight again, as I have to work and she will be going to class. It's like having a crush but yet different. Different expectations, I guess, or maybe no expectations, just enjoying each other. Anyway, thanks Tasha, I'm having a good time. See ya at the pool tomorrow.

Happy Birthday Dear Emma

Yesterday was Emma's 18th birthday. It's hard to believe that 18 years ago she started our little family. Four years later, Audrey completed it. We are truly blessed to have 2 such wonderful, beautiful, caring daughters.

All Emma wanted for her birthday was to have her car decorated. She almost blew the surprise. She moaned all morning about how nobody decorated her car. I finally snapped and reminded her she had all day! I went to the school, unbeknownst (or so I think) to her, took her car to the car wash, filled it with gas, and 18 balloons. I wrote on the back window with car chalk. I also took 18 cupcakes to the school, left them with the office with instructions to call her down to the office before lunch. The women in the office thought it was cute that I was bringing cupcakes to school. I guess you don't see that much past elementary school. Later in the day, I picked Audrey up from school early so she could add her decorations to the car. That was pretty much it for the birthday celebrations. We had a very late dinner of steamed shrimp, bread, and salad.

Emma has been in the forefront these days with all the college planning. Audrey needs some time, attention, nurturing. Although, lately she's been spending weekends with friends and truly enjoys it. We had a nice talk about people yesterday on our weekly trip to Catonsville, usually she falls asleep in the car. We'll get there. It's difficult to know what is important to her.

Whirlwind weekend

Wow! This weekend was such a whirlwind of activity! Friday night started with the CYF's spaghetti dinner and talent show. It was a wonderful evening. These kids are amazing! They took whatever talent they had (or didn't have) and entertained us for 2 hours. Their goal was to raise enough money to go to Covington, Mississippi for a week this summer to help with Katrina damage. They made it!

Saturday was another trip to Shenandoah University for an audition. Emma did not think it went very well. Nerves, stress, PMS. Ugh! It was a marathon day, getting to Winchester early, coming home, Winter Formal for her, Mardi Gras party for me, Pat in Salisbury (he did more driving than I did!)

Sunday was church. The Nitty Gritty Church Band was playing, my Handsome Prince Singing. It's always a good time. Pat had to do a Word in Action for the Capital Campaign he is heading. After this and singing, I thought what a good man he is. Good heart, good soul, good voice, good faith. I'm a fortunate woman.

After church, Emma and I took off to Boone, NC to visit Appalachian State University. It took us about 8 hours to get there. It was a fine trip, listening to music, talking, renting a book on tape at Cracker barrel, not realizing it was tape and we only have a cd player, laughing at our own stupidity, eating twizzlers, beef jerky, trail mix and diet Coke to keep me awake. These college trips have been unusual bonding trips.

Monday, our day at ASU, started with a meeting with the Director of the Music Therapy program. She told some wonderful stories of the healing power of music. At one point, I thought I was going to cry talking about their success in hospice. This program is so much more diverse than Shenandoah's. ASU works with toddlers, geriatric, psychiatric, at risk adolescents, and working towards teens. She also gave us a quick tour of the School of Music building. We were able to see it in action, students practicing, faculty out and about. Everyone we met was genuine and not out to impress, just doing their thing. We then went to the admissions department to get an overview of the university and a tour. This too, was very informative. While we didn't go into classrooms, we saw all areas of the campus in full activity. Last, but not least, was Emma's audition. While she was practicing with the accompanist, faculty members would pass by me sitting in the hall, backtrack, introduce themselves to me and ask about Emma and her audition. I was asked if I wanted to sit in on the audition, which I'm not sure if it made it any easier. I was a bundle of nerves. The two faculty members were very kind, inviting, and easy going. After singing, she did some sight reading and some rhythms, then they asked her some questions. Emma came away, feeling okay, much more confident than Saturday. She remarked several times during the day that she liked this university. She was concerned about the distance. We'll see what happens. It's hitting hard these past few days, that my first born is growing up, leaving home, whether an hour away or a day away. She'll be alright. We've equipped her well, I think.

The ride home was more of the same. Glad to be home. I had to nap for two hours today. I haven't done that since I was pregnant. No. That's not possible. I'm just exhausted, physically and mentally.

Dance, Dance, Dance

"I don't know But I've been told If you keep on dancing You'll never grow old. " Steve Miller


This is us dancing to Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 2003. I love this photo. Yesterday, we finished up our beginners dance classes. Now we can dance! Teehee. Well, we have knowledge, whether we can put it to use is another thing. The class was designed to enable you to dance at social events, such as weddings, balls, charities, etc. We went with the intention of being able to dance at the Military Gala in March. We've got some major practicing to do! We did have a great time! Last night was most interesting, watching one couple get royally pissed off, one cry, one couple (other than us) having way too much fun, laughing, rotating partners. I especially loved being led by the instructor who totally kept me on my toes. But the best thing was doing something we've talked about for 20 years of marriage. We might continue with the Cha Cha next month. Jazz Fest 06 or some fest, watch out, cause we will be rockin!

PS Trying to practice in this house with the puppies is just about impossible. We tried and the two of them just stand by us and bark, bark, bark. Another laughing matter!

Workout schedule this week

I thought I'd post this to hold me accountable
Monday
Cycle class, swim 1/2 hour, kickbox class, power workout class
Tuesday
Kickbox class
Lift with Tasha - chest and back
Cycle class
Wednesday
Cycle class
Swim - go for a mile ?
Thursday
Kickbox class
Lift - legs
Cycle class
Friday
Cycle class
Lift with Tasha - Biceps and triceps

I had two people last week comment on my body and definition suggesting that I enter a competition. Hmmmmm. Competition, Triathalon, or 1/2 marathon. What shall it be? I love having that challenge.

SPT-All of Me - Silkies

I admit it. I am a forty two year old woman who still loves to feel the edge of my blanket. Can't help it. At least I don't suck my fingers anymore. I quit that when I was probably 10. This is my collection of blankets. Only two of them are perfect, the other two will suffice. You don't know how difficult it is to get the correct type of satin, silky edging. I'm always on a search (e-bay or family- I'm still trying to steal one away from my sister's dog). They die, especially when fondled. My favorite one is dyeing, slowly. It dates back to my childhood and was my blanket when I spent the night at Grandma's. My sister brought it back a few years ago. I'm not going to apologize, nor give them up, they are a part of me. My family accepts it. There is comfort. I totally relate to children who have blankets, stuffed animals, slips, etc. and especially when they don't want them washed. It's me. It's something I accept but something others find odd, although I'm sure there are some closet blanket holders out there.

8x10, again!

Anders Osborn
John Gros
We sat on the fence all week and all day about whether we would go back to the 8x10 on Saturday. One one hand, it was been there, done that. After all, we had seen Anders Osborn five times before (the last concert was less than we expected) and we had just seen John Gros with Papa Grows Funk last week. Finally, at the last minute, we ordered 3 tickets, called Tasha, and took off to Baltimore. We got there just as John sat down at the keyboard. We moved toward the front corner and basically stood in the second row of people. John Gros is amazing on the keyboard. His fingers just fly! If you continue to watch, it is almost as if the keyboard sends a shock through his fingers up to his body, and there is a slight lift/jump when it hits him. It's great! Anders came out to accompany John on a song or two, and that's when we knew Anders was going to put on a good show. They did an old Little Feat song, "Willin'", which we enjoyed, being Little Feat fans. John finished up and a little while later Anders and his crew came out, rockin' to begin with and started the set with "Stoned, Drunk, and Naked". The crowd was jumping! I managed to get in the front, despite the raver beside me. She had these two sticks with round lit globes on the end with a red tip on the end. Frankly, I thought they looked like two lit up breasts, but what do I know. She had plastic rings that also lit up. She was actually rude about the space she occupied, letting everyone around her know it was HERS. Anyway, she waved those sticks around like she was guiding an airplane down. "It's all fun and games until someone loses and eye." Back to Anders, he is fascinating to watch. He does not have much interaction with the crowd (although he did last night). It's all about him and the guitar. He struts, moves his head, lips move, tongue sometimes, totally into the music. That was last concerts problem, too much into it. I was standing right by Kirk Joseph, the sousaphone player who provides the bass line. Sweat started pouring down his face right away. It's amazing how he totes that thing around like it's nothing! These two guys, Anders and Kirk, smoke like smokestacks and still can put out energy! They kept it going with just enough jamming to keep them and the crowd buzzing. Before we knew it, the first set was over. Wow! We stayed for the second set. John Gros accompanyed them for quite a bit. I had fun watching the interaction between John and Kirk mainly. We had a rockin' good time! We left after 1am, staying for only one song of the encore. We got home around 2:30ish. I'm actually thinking we should have stayed for the entire encore, maybe they would have played "Ho-di-ko-di-ya-la-ma-la". Ha! Still feeling it! I love seeing fun, good,live music!

A little more game - SPT

Audrey took this photo. She thought this should be included in the spt game post. It's some pretty good game and warrants wetting my head. I don't do that often. Some mornings, my kids will say "Mom, your hair!" Then I know it's some great game, bad hair!

Happy Valentine's Day

It's Valentine's Day and I worked pretty much all day. I started with a kickbox class and ended the evening with a cycle class. All afternoon I helped a friend out who owns a flower shop. I delivered flowers for several hours. It was kind of fun, although people do not respond to flowers like I thought. I got better responses from the dogs and cats who were ecstatic to see me. (No, it had nothing to do with not showering - I had an extra swipe of deoderant, change of clothes, and a hat on - a stylish beret at that!) Here is what the back of my Expedition looked like. It smelled wonderful! It is very careful work, loading delicate flowers so they don't spill over. I broke a woman's rose, so later took an extra to her.

I put a little surprise in the girls lunches this morning. I wanted them to be happy. Presentation is definitely not my strong point so this was good.

SPT - All of Me - Got Game?

This is me every morning. Major hair game. Others may call in pillow head or bed head but in this family it's hair game. This is even after putting a comb through it. I don't shower in the morning and show up for work looking like this. Of course, that's because I teach fitness classes. Why bother if it's just going to get worse. There are some days when it is 36 hours before I get a shower, due to the amount of classes I may end up teaching, morning and evening. Today is one of those days. What kills me, is that occasionally when I go other places than the gym looking like this, I get positive comments on my hair. Makes me wonder what I really look like when I "do" my hair. We do a lot of camping in the spring, summer and fall. We camp with other families and there is usually a hair game competition. It's not a big thing, just who's got the best game that morning. My competition is usually my Brother-in-law. I'm proud of my game, but I still have a large collection of hats. 

A Few More Photos

Audrey the abominibal snowman.




Shelby, rolling and digging in the snow, then with dingles the size of golf balls and baseballs.

Audrey and Shelby, halfway down the yard. The snow is too deep to sled. We'll keep trying to pack it down

The view this morning

 

Maria, I just met a girl named Maria

North Carroll High School Drama Club presents West Side Story, starring none other than Emmagirl. Save the dates! April 28-29 and May 5-6, 2006. Be there.













Senior Portrait done by Fine Portraiture by Michelle in Tanyetown Maryland.

Perfect Example

This month's self portrait tuesday is a very difficult one. I've been looking at others and I'm not the only one who found it difficult. Normally, I'm allright. I don't have those issues on a daily basis, it's just when I do, they are so raw, so intense. This morning was one of those mornings. I'm so worried about Emma and college, our timing, will she get in, will she be happy, how in the hell are we going to afford it? Then I'm panicked about getting everything done and feel guilty about getting on her case. Ugh! It's all right there on the edge wanting to consume me. That's why I do this. Some would look at the size of the needles and say forget it! I have to say, I'm only on the first sock and wonder if I'll ever have a pair. Fitness also helps keep me sane. I've been offered 3 more classes, which would up my classes to 13 a week. I don't think I'm going to take them. I'm enjoying my personal fitness with strength training and swimming. Plus, I'm gearing up for the Personal Training certification. I know I have rambled but wanted to get a few things off my mind.

Tonight at the 8x10 club, The Almight Senators and Papa Grows Funk. I'm there!

One more thing! We had dance lessons last night. This is fun! We are learning the basic foxtrot and swing. Last night we learned to turn and twirl. You have to dance with others in addition to your own partner. More on that later. Anyway, it's a blast, more so because I've been wanting to do this for 20 years.