We're goin' camping, yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah!

We're goin' downy ocean, hon! as Balmoreans would say. Cape Henlopen State Park, DE. We love it! I won't be posting for a while. Be back later! Happy Summer, everyone!

SPC-Pop art-I'm going to pop you!

This is my first post with this challenge. I've saved it for a week, deciding whether to enter or not. I need to take some lessons on self portrait taking. Same old pose, same old look. This one is a bit different, so went with it. I took this one right before a kickbox class. I like this angle but needed some help with editing, thanks Audge. I'm a loud, obnoxious (according to one or both of my children, depending on the day) but friendly, kind person. Put me in a kickbox class and I am unleashed! I put power in my moves, I grunt, I yell, I am wild! I've been accused of having anger management problems, jokingly. 

Summer

I love the lazy days of summer, even though they are not so lazy anymore. At one time, younger children, we accomplished all housework in the morning and were at the pool by the time they opened at noon. We stayed all day, sometimes until dark. We packed lunch, sometimes dinner, cards, sunscreen, books, sewing, lists, you name it. I even had a covered, conestoga type wagon that Audrey would take her nap in. Yup, she was trained well. She can still fall asleep amidst squealing children. I miss those days.

I have longed for a pool in my backyard, though I know many who have one and I have an open invitation. I really wanted to hang by a pool this week, but time did not allow. We have been busy but with a different attitude. A relaxed feel, I guess. This week has been taken up with 24 hour viruses, 2 children, 2 days apart. Audrey went on a short work trip to a local farm. They provide fresh fruits and vegetables to feed the hungry. These kids planted and picked for 3 days and also worked in a food pantry, cleaning and clearing. Emma has had to open bank accounts for college, dentist visit, college physical. Both girls need a little beautifieing before heading away for two weeks. That's just their schedules. I have been in charge of fitness at the Y this week, my boss is away. HMFIC, military talk. :-) Although, it really has not amounted to anything, just remembering to keep my cell phone around. I have taken on extra classes (8 at this point with 2 more tonight - gosh, I'm sore!) Tonight I'm meeting my GF, Tasha, for a couple beers! We need some bonding time!

I have made a little progress on my rug. I'm really liking it. I'm not a good hooker, but the more I hook, the more I get into the rhythym of it. I think I need to get another hooking project ready to keep the momentum. The only problem is, when I focus on one creative outlet, I miss the others. My fingers are itching to knit, quilt, and embroider, and that's nothing compared to the clothes I want to make! It's insane, it really is. This rug is definitely going to be a state fair entry.

Only a few more days and Cape Henlopen here we come!!!

Shelby

This is Shelby when we first got her in January 2005. She was 8 years old and we got her through GRREAT. Well, things have not gone as planned. First few months were good, for the most part. I'm not sure whether we blamed things on Gus or just chalked the events up to getting used to our home, schedule and family. Anyway, Shelby will be leaving us shortly. She has suffered from anxieties that I have not been able to control. She has gone through every screen in the house, and in 90 degrees weather, no a/c, windows closed, we are already sweltering. She has gone through the screen doors more than once. Too many times to count. She has done more damage than I care to admit. Mostly, she has put me in the middle between my family and her. They don't like her - can you blame them? Unfortunately, they are not around a lot when she is happy, which is pretty much when I am around. I like her when I am home but now I suffer from anxieties every time I leave the house. It comes and goes. Just when I think she has gotten over them, she pulls a big one. It pains me to do this but I know that GRREAT will find her another home, better than this one. One where there is a calm center, a regular schedule, one she will fit in. This one was not it. 

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to my Dad and My Handsome Prince.

This is a photograph of my Sister, my Dad, and me standing on the Academy Bridge in Venice. This was a trip of all trips. MHP was in Vicenza for a month so the three of us decided to go to Venizia and Firenze. MHP met up with us on the weekends, first in Venice then in Florence. My Dad, my sister and I had the best time! We ate the best food, had serious conversations, and true to form, found ourselves quite funny. We viewed incredible art, both modern and ancient. We walked for miles and miles, listened to the bells, drank wine, and truly enjoyed every moment with each other. "Girls, it's getting late."
Another graduation photo. This is probably the end of them. When I saw this photo, I remarked to MHP how gray he was. I think he found my statement offensive. Yet, I love it! I think he has aged beautifully, despite some scars. He is the best father. He loves his princesses and they love him. He is humorous and fun with them, mostly patient (mostly), very gentle, completely charmed by them, has the utmost faith and trust in them, and spoils them rotten. He is a good man. He is the father of my children and the keeper of my heart. LYLT. 

Finish What you started

Vicki, over at Turkey Feathers has started a finish what you started challenge. This is what I need more than use what you have. I'm sort of doing both. Anyway, I have a list a mile long of things to finish, but, I am going to do it one by one. So here is the start. This is a gravestone rug I started last summer, I believe. Not a very old project but a simple one to finish. I would like it to look good enough to be a state fair entry this year. This is a style found in Cape Cod from the 1800's. The sunset can mean death and the sunrise, ascension into heaven. I love the greens. This is what I've gotten done so far.

Class of 2006

I don't think Emma will like this photo much. I think it's cute. It caught her off guard. Well, it's officially over. My daughter has graduated high school. Whew! It is such a blur, too. So I thought I'd recapture it in a post.

The ceremonies started with a Farewell Assembly at school during the day. A letter went home with the students stating that the daytime awards assembly was for students only and another was being held in the evening for parents to attend. Don't believe that! Emma received ALL her awards during the day. She and her boyfriend were congratulated by another student on being the names most called up! Yup, I'm going to brag! She won awards for being on the honor roll all 16 marking periods of high school, for being in chorus 3 years, treble choir 4 years, chamber singers 3 years, and Ensemble 3 years, she won an award for best actress, and exemplary service. I think that's it, but there could have been more. I'm just sorry I did not attend especially since I was home cleaning. Ugh! We did attend the evening service in which all community awards were announced. Since E did not apply for any, she did not get any. It was a joy, though, to see these students, all grown up and the adults they have almost become, the things that have caught them, and the things they have achieved. Congratulations, class of 2006, you are awesome!

Saturday was Graduation. We had prime seats, 4th row, yes! It was short and sweet, approximately 1 1/2 hours. The speaches made by class president, NHS representative, and the guest speaker were good. The guest speaker turned out to be the drama teacher, who is quite a hoot anyway! She is a lovely and sincere person. She spoke of 5 life lessons:
1. Forgive
2. Don't lie
3. Marry once
4. Don't be afraid
5. Love your parents
Here examples were simple and sweet. I truly enjoyed it. And...I did not shed a tear. I don't know who reads this other than a few blog friends, I don't know what their family situations are, children, etc. so I don't know how they feel when something like this happens. I just was overjoyed at seeing 400 kids, caps and gowns, knowing and watching quite a few of them grow up. It's that being part of something bigger than you. Emma and I have talked about it, being part of something, achieving something as part of a group, as an individual, all of it. I think it is a meaningful experience and she does too.

Party time, afterwards! Who knows how many people were here! It was a bunch! Food, beautiful weather, drinks, kids from different walks of life having fun together, adults, too. I was very involved in being a hostess so did not socialize much or take many photos. I had to decide which to do, and I opted for hostess. I'm glad I did. The party was for the girls, as Audrey finished middle school too and is on to high school. They had a wonderful time! The last ones left at 8 in the morning. Three boys spent the night. I asked how did I end up with stinky boys?! I woke them in the morning, saying "Good Morning, Sunshines, it's time to get up and leave for church." The next thing I knew, they were gone.

Sundays church service involved the 8 Seniors who graduated. Five of the eight wore their cap and gown. They each had a leadership part in the service. The Nitty Gritty Church Band played, which is always my favorite music in church, especially when my Handsome Prince sings. They sang "Turn, turn, turn" and "Will the Circle Be Unbroken". Well, the youth sang that last one with them and that's when I lost it. It was just that moment, realizing the potential of the youth, the support of the church, the incredible faith journey already undertaken and about to be taken, and the circle, being unbroken. Wow! Our friend and minister said "Way to go, Dana! I held it all together till I saw you!" Glad I'm not the only one.

Then you already know about the dessert. I have to admit, I thought it was going to be a blubbery affair. It was wonderful! Everyone kept it together. Another being part of something larger than yourself, and knowing it. I was the one to say a few words and pretty much kept to my tribute. My Handsome Prince was amazed at my public speaking. I, quite frankly, was too. I guess it has to be something you truly feel strongly about.

That's it. Today it's back to coercing the girls to clean, teaching mega fitness classes, dealing with MHP absence for a while, helping my sister (I've missed it the past week or so!) and the usual daily grind. But right now, it's pretty grand.

Senior Tribute tonight

There will be a dessert at church on Sunday, June 11. One parent can say a few words. My Handsome Prince and I have not talked about who will be the one, so whether I am the one to speak or not, I can post a few words.

A chance to tell Emma how wonderful I think she is. I'm pretty sure she already knows. I have agonized over this and I know I'll leave out the Most Important Thing. That thing that has stayed with me for years and can't think of to save my life.

She leaves me breathless. There is a scene in "Billy Elliott" when Billy is an adult with The Royal Ballet in a production of Swan Lake. He leaps out onto the stage and the camera cuts to the father. At the sight of his son, he catches his breath. That is me, every time Emma performs. I am amazed, proud, terrified, and moved every time I hear her voice. She has never hesitated to share her gift with Christian Temple, Lansdowne, and, of course, North Carroll High School. She has decided to major in Music Therapy. I think that says it all, how she views her voice and her talent, as something that should be given to others.

Emma is my first born. She was my buddy as a young toddler. She would attend quilt shows with me, pointing out her favorites. We would walk to the post office every morning to get our mail. We would wait out on the stoop for Patrick to get home. She would shout "Daddy, where are you?"! We went to storytime together, visiting an older friend, camping with families with no children. She would ride on the back of my bike for many miles or sit by the side when I taught an aerobic class. Now the tables have turned. I am the tag-a-long. I am honored every time she asks me to attend a talent show with her or to accompany a trip or attend Graduation parties with her. Even shopping, which is not my favorite. How can I say no? I can't. She always seems pleased to see me at school and doesn't hesitate to link her arm with mine or offer a kiss in a crowded hallway.

My daughter is beautiful, inside and out. I am awed at the person she has become. She has a smile for everyone, a kind word. She is a peacemaker. She does not tolerate stupidity among her peers, speaks her mind, she is confident in her faith and will defend it. She is a loving and kind sister and does nothing but sing Audrey's praises to her friends. She told Audrey last week that she was going to call her everyday when she goes off to school. I believe her. She is self assured. She is graceful. She has poise. She is brave, though not afraid. She recognizes her fears and trys to get beyond them. She is impatient and has learned to count to ten before speaking (mostly), although she still changes the radio station constantly which drives me bananas. She has her morals and is not afraid to admit them to her peers even if it means not being invited to a party or gathering. She does what she feels she is supposed to do, sometimes at her own expense. Emma needs to remember to be kind to herself, too, for she leaves that for last.

When she was little, she told me she wanted to live with me forever. At that time, I thought "Oh please, no!" Now, I feel like the time to leave has come too soon.

She has taught me to be a parent, a friend, a sister, a Christian, but most of all to strive to be a better person. She is my biggest fan. She can always make me feel beautiful or confident. She is my inspiration at achieving my goals, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual.

She has taught me flexibility. She has taught me to find humor in difficult situations. Such as the time I was fed up with her smart mouth...She has taught me about pain and helplessness in witnessing her pain and helplessness. She has taught me about forgiveness. She is not one to hold a grudge. She has taught me about unconditional love. We had a fuss one time, and I was fuming when she left for school. When she got home, she was angry with me. She said "Don't you ever let me leave without telling me you love me!" She was only about 8. How right she was. No matter how upset she gets with us, she always manages to say she loves us and is there with a kiss. As a parent, I try to be an example, but just as often, she is the example to me. Just as I have provided too many photos and programs and report cards and more, I could provide you with stories about Emma and how she has taught me these things and more. So, if you are interested, ask. I never tire talking about my girls. I even ragg on them sometimes but more often praise them. A coworker remarked to another "Dana thinks her kids are all that!" I thought, yes I do!

 

Catch up

I have not been posting this week. I've been cleaning, nagging, attending awards ceremonies, mulching, weeding, writing a Senior tribute, thinking about what project to finish this month, getting ready for a BIG party tomorrow, putting together a display of my daughter's life, and whatever else I can fit it. I promise good photos and good stuff coming soon.

Patchwork bag

This bag was so much fun to make! It only took a couple hours from start to finish. Very rarely do I get to work on something from start to finish but when I do, it is usually a pleasure. This is for Emma's choral director. Emma sang a solo one year. "It takes a whole village to raise our children. It takes a whole village to raise one child." This is a thank you for her being part of that village. Tonight is the last Ensemble concert. When Emma was in fourth or fifth grade, and the Ensemble came to her school, her eyes got big and she looked at me and said "I want to do that!" And she did. It has been such an essential part of her life, her growth. It has been such fun, parents and children alike. Each year brings new amazing experiences and kids. Emma has been blessed. I have been blessed. Holy crap, get the tissue. It's going to be a tough week. 

Mambo!

Last night we went to Belvedere Square to hear Mambo Combo. The main reason we went was to meet up with my Mom and her best friends, two of which are from Illinios, and one local. The women from Illinois are the women my Mom met when we moved to Oak Park. They lived on our block. I really don't know how they met, but they became good friends. Their houses were just like being in my home. As kids, we were welcome in any of them. All of us kids pretty much grew up together, though not in touch now. We were probably friends because they were, or more likely, like siblings. One year they decided to boycott the Good Humor man. They bought popsicles and kept them in their freezers and we could go to any house and buy a popsicle for a nickle or dime. Much cheaper than keeping the GH man in business. I remember them helping my Mom stain her oak table. I remember our dreaded moving day and the tears shed. I remember jumping from a cabinet and breaking a light fixture in Juanita's house. My sister broke Dorothy's window. I remember Dorothy coming to the rescue when my sister fell down the cement stairs with a glass jar in her hand and blood everywhere. I remember something about Juanita and charcoal crystals and an experiment of her son. I remember running through yards in the heat of the summer playing team tag and the last game before we moved when the adults joined us. Mostly I remember being loved. These families, these women, were and are my family. I had not seen them for years yet they have not changed a bit. It was a good evening.

Bag #2

My grommet tool finally arrived after over a month of waiting. I was able to finish putting in the grommets and put the string in for Audrey's stuff sack. It was supposed to be ready when she went to camp in April but the tool I had was not working. I won one on Ebay, waited, waited, waited, received shippping information, waited, waited, waited, contacted the company, waited and waited. Yesterday it came! Yippee! It's a stuff sack for Audrey so she does not have to take sleeping bag and can take sheets, blankets and pillows to camp in a big ol' sack. She's been very patient. It is huge!

She Did it!

Audrey finally cut her hair! We all started growing our hair at the same time with the intent to donate it. Well, I did not last long, because as soon as that 10 inches was there, off that ponytail came! I will admit I chickened out twice and had to have someone go with me to hold my hand. But this isn't about me. Over the weekend, typical Audrey, decided she wanted her hair cut NOW. There was no time for it and she moped, just a wee bit. Today, when she went to the hairdressers, there was not much nervousness, no hesitation, just cut it! When it was done, she could not stop running her fingers through her hair, playing with it, seeing what it would do. She says she misses her long hair, but I think once she gets to school tomorrow, she may feel differently. I know everyone is going to love it! I'm so proud of her! Now to mail the ponytails to Locks of Love. As you see, Emma liked playing with them. Emma got a trim, too, with new bangs. She's the holdout, she's not ready for donating yet. I love Audrey's new "do"!

Another finish

I know I should have been doing other things. I did manage to get two loads of laundry done and a little weeding, despite the 90 degrees weather. Another mistake, too. I never should have washed it, the blue verigated is now blue mush. This is the last crochet project too, well, except I might make another one of these. I do have to say that this blogging world has encouraged me to step out and try new crafty adventures, even if they are not quite right. It has inspired me to craft for the fun of it and not for the perfect product in the end. I was working towards that anyway but to see others do it on a consistent basis is inspiring. This little rug will either go in front of the kitchen sink or under the dog dishes. 

A bit of creativity a bit of cuteness

This bag was much more of a challenge to make than I thought. Quality Control was not with me on this. I still think it's pretty cute, I just hope it is useful. Lot's of mistakes and poor planning, but love the colorway! The cross stitch was started about 5 years ago and finally finished a couple weeks ago. The back is patched just like the front without theMOP buttons. The inside is lined with the lightest fabric.
I just couldn't resist this. Punkin remained like this for at least an hour. She must have really missed us. 

Luna Moth

This was on the ceiling of the patio on Saturday night. I don't think I've ever seen one before. 

Prom

Aren't they cute? 

1:51:21

This is the sign that greeted me on the door when I got home yesterday. Isn't that sweet?

What an experience! I feel so empowered by the fact that I conquered something that scared the daylights out of me! I could do it again, even though it was tough. I am not sore at all today, but am sick with a cold. I'm just glad it held off until I finished the race. My time was 1 hour 51 minutes 21 seconds. While not a record breaker, I came in 15th in my age division of women and 73 over all women. I have no idea how many women were there but there were almost 600 people total. Tasha came in 1st in her age division of women and 20th over all women (I think). WOW! She kicks butt!

There were four of us doing this triathalon together. Jen, Carrie, Tasha and me. BTW, all of these girls are 10-18 years younger than I. I met at Jen's house on Friday afternoon and we promptly got to Tasha's. Tasha is a very organized, driven woman and had us right on track. Carrie, what I can gather, is the opposite. The sweetest nicest woman you could meet, though. Anyway, the fact that Carrie was a half hour late because she got lost should have been forshadowing. We followed Tasha and Carrie with lots of wrong turns, Jen and I in another car, laughing hysterically every time we had to turn around. We checked in and got our packets the night before (Tasha's idea and the best one!) so we could prepare ourselves. We took a look at the lake, drove the bike route (whoa, major hill first thing, but we were prepared to tackle it having driven it). These little preparations made all the difference. Thanks Tasha. We never made it to the pasta dinner and instead went to a little italian sub shop. We stayed in a little old strip motel, the kind you avoid on a regular basis. It was cute and clean, so no worries. It had a coffe shop at one end, open mic night (too loud), so we had dessert and left. We spent the rest of the evening being silly, posing in our flannel jammie pants and tank tops, prepping our clothes for the next day, got a demonstration from Tasha on how to change a tire, took photos, talked about breasts and booties, laughed till we couldn't laugh anymore and slept fitfully.

Saturday: up at 5am and out the door by 6. We got to the lake and went to the transition area. This is part that just terrified me. I did not know what to expect. Once I had a little knowledge, I felt better. There is an area that is fenced off with flimsy metal racks and small space markings. You hang your bike by the seat on the bar going across and arrange your stuff, i.e. shoes, helmet, socks, on the ground underneath. There were definitely some people who had been doing this for years and had things "just so". Very interesting. Afterwards you get your body marked. Your competition number along both arms and your age on your calf. We spent the next two hours debating on whether to wear a wet suit (wore it), going to the bathroom numerous times, observing the physique of the other competitors, meeting others, and any last minute preps.

The race: It starts with the swim in which you enter the water in waves according to age and sex. Being over 40 and female, guess who's wave was the last to enter the water? Not a good thing. I already felt like I was going to finish last because I started last. But, you are competing against the clock, not the people who went before you. By the time my wave entered the water, I was feeling okay. I felt prepared for the swim. When we received the go, all hell broke loose! People kicking me, swimming on top of me, pushing me over and under, I panicked! Within the first 25 yards I was almost crying and ready to quit. Yet, I remembered the t-shirt in our packet, the quote on the back said "Pain is temporary, quitting is forever". Boy, did that suck! So, I quickily changed to breast stroke, so I could see and get my breathing under control and just basically kept an even pace. You start running out of the water once you can touch, start stripping off the goggles, wet suit, and cap, and get to the transition area as fast as you can. Side note: You are wearing a chip on your ankle and pass a counter, thingy, that times when you start a part and when you end it. Put shoes on, jersey, bike shorts, helmet, grab your bike and mount where they say you can. Ride like the wind! I felt good on the ride. I've never been the fastest rider but always consistent even on major climbs. I did quite a bit of passing, yes! Beautiful ride, though I would like to do it when I actually can look around. Home stretch to transition area, I see the handsome Prince! He shouts and takes a photo. I transition and start running. Oh no! I thought this is where I really loose it. Nope. Just keep on truckin' (remember those t-shirts) and I actually passed people running. What a hoot! Saw Tasha on her way back as I was starting, she gives me a boost! I see Jen, we do a low five as we pass, I'm on my way back, I see Carrie, we do the same thing. I see the CEO of the YMCA and his wife, they cheer (their son raced). I cross the finish line. Woohoo! My Handsome Prince is there, he is choked up and tells me how proud he is of me. He has a huge smile on his face . What a way to end a race, one where you were terrified yet kept going, friends and strangers cheering you on, and your partner and biggest fan at the end. I'm crying as I type this. None of it quite sunk in yesterday.

To top it off, last night was prom. I saw my beautiful daughter all of ten minutes before she left. Four of them came back here afterwards. During the time they were gone, Handsome Prince and I set up 2 tents, started a campfire, had a glass of wine around the fire, got some nice snacks together, including smores makings. I stayed up till about 4am, listening to them talk, laugh, eat, knowing that these times will end soon. I enjoyed the sound of their voices and layed on the couch lulled to sleep by the sounds of their voices. They are good kids and I trusted them, I just wanted to be around without being with them. I don't know if they understand, but maybe someday they will. This morning I fixed them a huge breakfast. I skipped church, Handsome Prince, Audrey and friend, Ashely went. These are sweet times. 

Little Bits

Yesterday I received a sweet package in the mail. In came from a friend I met around 15 years ago, and with whom I literally only spent about 3 months. We have corresponded over the years, snail and e-mail, and had two short visits in this span of time. She sent me a package of some letters I had written her, some she had written me, some snippets of fabrics of projects she had worked on, some extra quilt blocks (stars, like Jeanne's - guess what kind of quilt Sammajamma is getting!), and such. It was such a delight to read about the kids when they were younger, and yes, even the difficult times. It's so different than looking back, reading the words you actually wrote at the time. That is one of the reasons for blogging. I have never been a journal writer. I am so thankful to have these snippets.

Today was a service awards breakfast at the high school. It was for anyone who has earned over 300 hours of community service since 6th grade. Emma would probably have over a thousand if she would fill out the papers for all the church work she does! Yet, she has earned over 300 hours with all the service projects at school. What a wonderful honor. I'm proud to be the Mother of such a service oriented, giving child. BTW, Audrey has already earned 100 and she is not even in high school yet!

Tomorrow is the BIG EVENT. Barf.

Addendum

Some nice comments and e-mails have helped. :-) thanks.
I rode my bike, 12 miles in 46 minutes, not fast enough but it was dragging and in bad shape. I promptly took it into the shop to have minor repairs just in time for Saturday. I know I'm just in a panic about stepping outside of that box. This is the year that I stop saying someday and actually accomplish things. I also totally ripped out my sock. Feels good.