The torch is passed.

This picture is of a keychain that I bought for my mom eons ago. To be exact, it had to have been before I was 15 and had that precious document known as a driver’s license. Before I got my license, Mom transported me to ballet classes 3-4 times a week, cheerleading practices several times a week, rehearsals, games, OM meetings, etc, etc. Add to that my brothers’ copious amounts of activities. Her only break was the fact that my older sister had HER license. You see the appropriateness of the key chain.

There’s the backstory of that item.

So, Monday, with the new mental energy that a new year always seems to give everyone, my mind is working on the children’s rooms, and thinking about how they can be better decorated. To that end, I start removing some things from Poodle’s room that no longer seem to fit in there. One of them being this lovely large box that my mom beautifully covered in the blue toile fabric that was part of Poodle’s nursery ensemble. It was one of the gifts she gave to us at the baby shower that the church threw for us when I was still preggers with Poodle. Inside this large hinged-top box, Mom had put lots of lovely things like a leather-weave bound journal, a tooth fairy pillow, little hand-painted boxes decoupaged with pieces of our wedding program, and the like. And, then, there was a silver plated box with a butterfly on top. And inside, laying on top of the soft red lining, was this keychain.

It’s not that I hadn’t seen it before. I had! Several times. The day of the shower, a couple of times after that. But, each time, with all the momentous things that were about to happen, or were currently happening, the significance of the handing down of the key chain was…. well – almost lost. It was appreciated, and it was a lovely gesture, and it was sweet. But the impact was lost among the drama of being pregnant for the first time and learning to be a parent. Maybe that’s why I subconsciously left everything in that box as it was. Maybe I knew that I was missing some heartfelt meaning because I was too busy with more urgently felt emotions.

Until New Year’s Day. When I opened the lid of the silver box and saw the keychain, I felt a noticeable passing of the torch. It was a quiet moment; the kids were elsewhere for that brief instant. I could actually feel my mom quietly smiling at me. No words were necessary. A shared bond of motherhood finally recognized.

Not just a keychain anymore. Thank you, Mom. I feel like I’ve earned my Eagle badge.

An observation.

Doesn't baby skin just smell like a squillion dollars?

And isn't it the most deliciously kissable thing?

sigh........

Joy!

Tooter's got all 4 First Molars coming in at the same time, now. Woohooo! Well, technically, one of them has already broken through the gumline, and there's another one that is close. (The 2nd not being one of the ones from the previous post, though!) The silver lining of this is that a lot of progress was apparently made during the past week when he was taking cold meds, including tylenol.

However, now that he only needs a bit of medicine at night for his coughing, I was prompted to look in his mouth to explain some of his, um, behavior yesterday. ::ahem::

S'okay. More teeth just means easier eating for him! (Feel free to remind me of this statement when he's 14 and I can't keep enough food in the house to keep him satiated).

Well, I do declahre

From the mouth of my apparently VERY down-south little 3 year old, when her father asked her some random question as she was eating lunch a couple of days ago:

(and I will try to mimic the accent for you)

"Huuney, Ahm eatin' luuhnch".


::snicker:: We just thought her first emphatic "y'all" was priceless. This had us uncomposed for a good two minutes!

Happy New Year!

We at the Zoo hope that 2007 brings you good health, much happiness and prosperity, but most of all, that you find an even closer walk with our Lord. And in that, we know that you will find much peace and joy.

(We know that our own walk with the Lord needs a lot of improvement.)

This seems like a REALLY great chapter of the Bible to keep on the forefront of our minds during the upcoming year. I know I fall so far short of so many of these important directions.
Romans 12:

1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

4For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:

5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;

7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

God Bless you all for 2007!!! May your household be able to sleep thru the fireworks that are everywhere the next few days, may your resolutions be resolute, and may you find yourself smiling and laughing more than you thought possible!

Waaaaahhh

Sorry. Had to whine a bit. We all feel so gross around here, and I certainly don't need to b-o-o-h-o-o to the rest of my family who are all in varying stages of this same junk. Aren't YOU the lucky one!!!

Thankfully we don't have anything truly serious like the flu. It's your standard cold virus that clogs up every piece of your respiratory system, makes your throat feel as if you swallowed sandpaper, and leaves you wondering about the truck that had to have run right over you as you were sleeping.

I think Jmk is on his way up out of the mire. Hopefully he'll feel better by Tuesday when he goes back to work. Poodle should be a day or so behind him. Ole Tooter and I will bring up the rear, I'm afraid.

I was so hoping we'd all be better by church tomorrow. Missing church just doesn't do anyone any good. BUT, a bunch of hacking Zoo folks isn't exactly what the congregation wants to hear, either.

Blech. Where's my kleenex?

Another Season Passes

The "I can't believe we're all in town at the same time again!" gathering. Lok on the floor, and Jaime (with Baby Audrey in tow who is scheduled to make her appearance in April'ish), then Jmk, Tooter, Granny (98 and holding!) with Poodle, then back row is GaGa, Robert, Leslie (aka Aunt Sessie), David, and last but not least MooMoo (the only one brave enough and cute enough to wear the reindeer hat!)

We had our last Christmas gathering last nite - with Lok's crazy but wonderful family. Aunt Jaime is really starting to show now, and we are SO excited about getting to see Baby Audrey (the name is official! Audrey Rune!). Jmk and I got all Nyquil'd up for the gathering, and sort of zombie'd ourselves around. The kids are doing okay. Still feeling poopy, but energetic in spite of it. Odd combo, really. Poodle doesn't have her full voice, and I am loving that. Ha!!! This thing is pretty much going to be a full cold with chest congestion and the works. Blech. To ME, it simply means that we need to hang around the house in our sweats all day and watch movies and veg on the couch. Don't you think?

As I watched my sister drive off from our house headed for Nashville this morning, I realized how much of a blessing it was to have everyone here. So many families weren't able to do what we did. Both Jmk and I got to see everyone this Christmas. God was and is so good to us.

Then, I realized that while I was sad to see Leslie go, I knew she was looking forward to getting back home and to her routines. And that is a nice thing too. To be able to visit with your family and still be glad to be going back to your own home.

Family is good and crazy and beautiful. And I love mine so much! Both the side that shares my genes and the side that calls me their own because of Jmk!

::sniff:: Merry...

..... ::cough:: Christmas!! ::cough, cough, sniff::

The Annual Christmas Eve PJ Party! We gather, eat wonderful party food, and do a lot of laughing. Pictured here are Lok, Poodle, Amy, Jay, Jmk, PopPop, SueSue, and Tooter. Please notice the distant eyes of the feverish Poodle, the "I'm ready to go to bed" cries of Tooter, and my lovingly redecorated Christmas tree complete with 5 or 6 decorations on one branch. I think Martha Stewart is jealous, frankly.

I do hope everyone had a wonderful, peaceful, and fun day yesterday. And, if you're like us, and have another celebration to go, I hope it goes well!!! The rest of the Zoo is in varying stages of some cold virus yucky thing. Praise the Lord, the Zoo Mommy hasn't caught it. [spoke too soon! We're all down now!] But it actually kept Zoo Daddy out of the woods this morning. Not good!!!

We actually have been able to do shortened versions of everything so far. Poodle's fever started Christmas Eve, and was making her feel poopy Christmas morning. But in her normal good nature, she wasn't too bad fussy.

The only thing we've had to miss out on was seeing a college friend who is in town today. She has 2 younger munchkins and rightly didn't want to expose them to whatever this current bug is. Especially her baby. I hated having to miss them, but I did encourage them not to come. Knowing that I helped to infect her little ones would have been no fun. But, other than that, we've been able to do everything else!

We have one more family gathering tomorrow night (my side), and then the festive decorations will be put away for another year. We have had fun this year - Santa Claus was a little more real for our 3 year old, even if she wasn't all that interested in anything except being held Christmas morning.

And everyone has been so good to us...... we are so blessed to be a part of our families!

However, as our preacher said Sunday morning, there is no better gift that a person can give another person than the gift of the Good News of the birth, life, death and ressurection of the Lord Jesus. Praise God for that!!!

Warning. Sense of humor required.

Again - more stolen goodies from SparseMatrix. This was highly amusing for me - take a moment for some fun!

Virtual Christmas Card

Thank you so much to everyone who sent us cards this year - the update letters are wonderful and we SO love the pictures. We sort of get to see these beautiful children grow up from year to year, and it's humbling and startling and precious all at the same time. God is so good!!!

We sent out lots and lots of cards ourselves this year, but just in case the USPS had a hiccup and you haven't received yours in the mail, here is a virtual card for you! (With the sensitive info erased, of course).

As Poodle would say, "we want to give you all a big, squeezy hug" - with extra "smoochy kisses" for the darling children in your lives. As we remember the birth of the most precious child, our Saviour, our prayer is that He will fill all our lives with His Spirit now and in the years to come! His glory first!!!

Website Update

There's a new link on the family website to the recent JCPenny portraits for Poodle's 3YO shots and Tooter's 1YO shots!

For some reason, the Smiles By Wire site is down, so the link may not be working right now. I'll try to remember to check it later today or tomorrow, and if it is still not working, I'll look into it.

To all who check in with us on a regular basis - thank you so much!!! We love you all!

Poodle's First Ballet

Poodle has seen her first ballet!!! December 17, 2006 - MooMoo, Poodle and I attended A Christmas Dream at Thalia Mara Hall!

She was wonderful, and enjoyed herself immensely. As soon as all the house lights went black, and the big red curtains opened, she was entranced. She had tons of questions (which was actually a problem as I will address in the critique later), was so happy to hear familiar music, and thought the dancers were wonderful. She even made it aaallll the way to the end of the show! Towards the end, she was all sorts of fidgety and ready to leave, but she did make it to the end of the finale. (Hopefully without disturbing those around us too badly).

One of the many questions she asked was "Can I go up there and dance?" Of course, my heart skipped a little at the thought of watching my own child dancing on stage one of these days, but all I said was "Not today, honey. But one of these days you can!"

As many of you who know me and my history, you can understand the importance of this particular event, at least for me. It was wonderful to be able to share this with the person who brought ME to my first ballet performance oh so many years ago. (And who carted me back and forth to years of classes and rehearsals, to boot).

NOW. I need to offer a critique of the show. This is where you can leave the post without feeling guilty, if you so desire. But I've gotta get this off my chest. The performance that we saw was Ballet Magnicat's "A Christmas Dream". Ballet Mag is a Christian ballet company based in Jackson, MS. And this performance was basically their "version" of the Nutcracker. Why did we go to this one? Two reasons. One, I missed the weekend of a "real" Nutcracker performance. Two, I was really, really curious to see how Kathy and Ballet Mag were going to interpret the Nutcracker.

Let's back up a bit, and let me admit something. I am a bit of a purist when it comes to many things surrounding the dance world. And, I don't think that the Nutcracker needs to be fooled with. AND, when I hear that music, especially at this time of year, I am instantly transported to my younger years. I have danced to almost every minute of the entire Nutcracker suite at some point or other. It ALL tugs at various heartstrings, and that music produces an actual physical reaction in me. (I apologize for the drama, but I'm actually not exaggerating). Thus, when I hear that music, and am looking at a stage, I need to see the Nutcracker in its true form.

Okay, so, back to A Christmas Dream. First, the dancing was wonderful. It wasn't as technically professional as I was expecting, but then, Ballet Mag isn't a tu-tu ballet company. Now, Kathy Thibodeaux is still dancing (at 51, thank you very much), and she is as nimble as someone in their 20's. And JUST as beautiful as she's always been. She is truly an amazing human being. She danced the role that in the traditional ballet would be Snow Queen. There was no Sugar Plum Fairy equivalent, so the Snow Queen equivalent (I think she was an Angel, maybe?) was reintroduced often thruout the 2nd Act. (KDBoo, stay with me. I know you're already shaking your head!) ANYway, Kathy was amazing and beautiful, and that needs to be said.
The choreography was very good, and so much of it was some of the traditional choreography that you would see at a regular company's Nutcracker performance. It was altered to fit the theme of this show, but overall, it did have a traditional flavor.
The costuming was good - especially the Waltz of the Flowers equivalent. However, Ballet Mag doesn't wear tu-tus, so their costumes have a different feel altogether. Side note, though, the Harlequin Doll DID wear a tu-tu. Not sure how that was justified, but I'm glad they did. I would have been 10 shades of annoyed if they had put a long skirted costume on that role.
The staging was excellent, the lighting was excellent. The scenery was lovely and appropriate for the theme of the ballet.

BUT. (You knew it had to come, yes?) I, personally, had to shoebox too much of it. (Shoebox'ing something is akin to eating the chicken and throwing out the bones). In those terms, there were just too many bones. Here is the gist of the ballet: It uses the traditional Nutcracker suite music. But, it is set in the Old South. The Clara character is named Kathryn, and she receives a Bible instead of a Nutcracker. Her dream is one where the Angels, led by Michael, defeat Beelzebub who is the Lord of the Flies. (And, thusly, the angels defeat the flies). She is then transported to Heaven where she sits on the right hand of Jesus Christ, at which point all the nations dance for and worship the Lord. The dream culminates in her marriage to Christ. (To symbolize Christ's marriage to His Bride, the church of the Lord).

Okay - right there, you see my problem. Firstly, I had to be very vague when I answered the "who is this" questions from Poodle. I didn't want her to equate this music with the non-traditional roles, and most certainly didn't want to say "that man is supposed to be Jesus Christ". I don't know where that would have gone in a 3 year old's head. Secondly, there were so many things going on there - and for me, I don't easily stomach a portrayal of Christ in this manner. It was done as respectfully as it could have been done considering the fact that they had Christ dancing with Kathryn. And I understand the HEART of these people who are performing. Their hearts would break if they thought they were doing anything sacreligious. So I feel somewhat bad by criticizing the story of the ballet. But, I just couldn't go where they wanted me to go.

I understand what they were trying to accomplish. They wanted to give their kids a chance to perform to the classical Tchaikovsky music at Christmastime. And they wanted to stick with the original storyline as much as possible. But, they wanted to keep with their mission of spreading the Good News through their dancing.

Okay. That's all well and good. But is this a doable thing? I don't know...... there were some extremely poignant moments. Seeing Michael standing behind Kathryn's chair at the end of the show. Watching Beelzebub being forced back into hell (i.e. - the character jumps into the perfectly lit orchestra pit from the stage). The latter produced an audible response from most people - it was very creative and very well done.

But, for me, I think there are some things that should remain secular. The Nutcracker is a beautiful story; a wonderful foray into a child's imagination. The music is magical. The dancing can accomodate the best of professionals or the most precious of children. And, for some, the setting is just as much a part of Christmastime as decorating the tree, sending Christmas cards, singing carols. In my opinion, I think some of the Christian message was lost because the message was trying to fit into a shoe that was the wrong size. And after walking around for a couple of hours in shoes that don't fit, this writer's feet were uncomfortable.

Will we go back next year? Probably not. I'd rather take Poodle to a traditional Nutcracker, even if it is done entirely by students. We may go back to A Christmas Dream when she is older and understands what she is seeing and is able to verbalize her questions about it all. But I'll cross that bridge later. With Sunday's packed house, I have a feeling they recouped their investment for the ballet's premier shows. So, this ballet will most likely be done each Christmas from here on.

And, in a way, I'm glad that it was a success for Ballet Mag, because I love the heart of what they want to do. And I'm so glad to live in an area that is so supportive of their mission.

I just don't think we'll go back. I want to see the Sugar Plum Fairy dance with her Cav. I want to see the Nutcracker defeat the Mouse King and turn into the magical Prince.

I need tradtion.

I need to keep the Holy separate from the "profane". (I don't think either the Nutcracker or ballet in general is profane - but you know what I mean).

I need to end this post, because if I don't, I'm going to start repeating myself!

For Balance

After bragging on myself like I did in the last post, it's only fitting that I tell a whole different story for balance.

So, a few days ago, I'm attempting to get the kids home from some pre-lunch errands, with the challenge being to keep them awake. (So that they would both take their naps after lunch. At the same time.)

So, I put in a Muppets tape, and start singing "Happy Feet". (Who can keep from singing when "Happy Feet" is playing???)

I guess I should insert here that while there are some talented singers in my family, and I even married someone with a beautiful voice, I am not exactly blessed with angelic pipes. While I'm not entirely tone deaf, I'd be a hungry girl if I sang for a living.

So, after barely a few stanzas of "Happy Feet", I hear this from the backseat, (and I kid you not):

"Mommy, please don't sing. It hurts my ears".

lol....... yep..... at least she's an honest 3 year old.

I did it!!!

WARNING:
Blatant self-crowing session about to commence. If you, understandably, don't feel like listening to me brag on myself, then you'd best skeedaddle!

Still here?

You sure you want to read this?

HeeeeHeeee - OKAY!!!

I just thought I would let the wonderful Zoo readers out there know that I just replaced the heating element in our dryer. All by myself. Yep. The dryer quit heating up to dry the clothes, and I figured it was the heating element that had died. (My last old dryer did the same thing). I watched my dad fix that one (this was pre-Jmk days), so I had seen the guts of a dryer before. AND, with the "magic" of the internet, I had a go-by pulled up on the laptop and brought it into the laundry room with me.

And this morning, I just decided I wasn't going to wait till this weekend for Jmk to get into it and fix it. I just had to do this myself. Or, at least, I was going to try.

AND I DID IT!!!!! The dryer is working!!!!

Man. Do I feel like a Mrs. Fix-it right now, or what??? heeheee!

For all those people who know that replacing a heating element (this was NOT the kind that has to go around the drum of the dryer) really isn't that hard, y'all just hush. I'm still on a DIY high over here.

I'm sorry,...... really, Verizon? You don't get this?

To quote the Blog from which I borrowed this: Truly sad, depressing and more than a little frightening. These people run a significant portion of the wireless industry. No wonder I keep getting calls from people who dialed numbers different than my own.

This is Verizon at its best, ladies and gentlemen! I just don't really know quite what to say. I'm still chuckling in amazement.

Post Addendum: As I was just putting Tooter down for his nap, it occurred to me, that, really, that customer wasn't "trying to teach math" like he said. I mean, I would have been frustrated with those employees also. BUT, I can think of a couple of different ways that he could have explained this to them so as to make them understand what the problem is. That's the problem with some minds. The subject matter is so.... well... obvious to them that they can not understand why others can't understand it. Thus, they lose all ability to figure out different ways to explain a concept.

That's the reason that a good math teacher is a priceless commodity. When you have someone who has the brain to understand mathematic principles AND has the ability to teach them - you have a gold mine!!!

(Thanks Mrs. Luscomb!!!)

Thar's Teeth A'Comin

Eventually, anyway. Teething with Tooter is something of a "process", considering how much they bother him. He's got two on the way. According to the chart (which is an actual baby tooth chart, as opposed to the old one I was using), it looks as though his first molars are coming in, top and bottom on his left side. He's noticeably uncomfortable, and they aren't all that close to erupting. Joy!

All part of it..... Poodle got a lot less uncomfortable with teething as she got older, so hopefully the same will be true for the little man!

It has finally happened.

We have lost one of Poodle's loveys. She isn't attached at the hip to any one thing at all times, but of all her "favorites", Suzanne is at the top of the list. Suzanne, (named for Amy Suzanne, the original purchaser of the prized pup), is a little white plush puppy with pink heart shaped polka-dots. We had it at church yesterday, and that was the last time we remember seeing her.

Have NO idea what happened.

Poodle is taking it pretty well. Right now, we're telling her that we left Suzanne at church, and we'll get her next time we go.

So what did I do last night? Of course. Got online and started hunting. Finally found it on Ebay, and ordered it immediately. The new Suzanne will hopefully be here in a few days!

This is why "they" say to help your child get attached to a lovey that is easily replaceable. Yeesh!!!

Finished Product

Just in case you were wondering about the paintbrush prowess of my 3 year old. ::grin::

For full disclosure's sake, I painted the handprints. But Poodle was the artist-in-residence for the ornaments.

This was what I signed up for.

Okay, see, Jmk and I started buying a meaningful ornament for ourselves starting with our first Christmas together. These days, getting to Hallmark together is more of a job than fun, and shopping online for the ornament just doesn't have the same feel to it. Sooooo, the kids and I just made up a batch of ornament dough, cut them out into fun shapes, and I'll let Poodle go crazy with the paint for the "special" tree ornament! We'll just write the date on the back. Who needs Hallmark? (And all the extra ones are likely to find themselves serving as gift tags).

We even did handprints of both Tooter and Poodle. heehee.... THIS is the kind of thing I signed up for in my mind when I thought about being a SAHM during the Christmas season. This was so fun!

Thus, for all parents so inclined - here's the recipe I used. But I think you should Google "ornament dough" and find a recipe that calls for a 2 to 1 flour to salt recipe. Mine needed extra water, and it didn't specify an oven temperature. (I think 300 degrees is probably best. I tried 200 and 250, and I don't think that was quite hot enough).

Overall, it's easy breezy - go have FUN!!!

Pancakes are Pink.

Way back when, I made pink pancakes for Poodle's bday.... her 2nd I think. Since then, we only have pink pancakes. And, we have pink pancakes OFTEN. Not a big deal. Except that Tooter has seen nothing BUT pink pancakes. And he quite enjoys his pink pancakes these days.

I wonder what he's going to think when he sees a real pancake. The poor thing has no idea that pancakes are not technically supposed to BE pink.

I need to go get some camo on the boy. Yeesh.