As Dumbledore would say, "another year, gone. "

2010 took no time passing from month to month. As I look back over the year, I mainly see blurs and clips of memories, but nothing concrete. That's the curse of an aging brain, seeing how the kids can tell me things that happened weeks ago (heck even last year) with absolute clarity. I am thankful for all the pictures I take and even for the fact that I have Facebook and now the blog...maybe I will be able to hold on to my memories a little tighter!

As we were completing last minute errands before Christmas, I asked the kids what they remember most about 2010. Next time I will refrain from asking this while driving as laughing hysterically and driving are not a good mix. The twist and turns children add to events are simply magical and so innocent in how they perceive an event that to me seemed catastrophic at the time. Oh how I need to remember to put a child's twist on the next major incident at the Weasley house...I will be a much better Momma for it.

So for all of you here are the top events from the year at the Weasleys'...

• Snow!

Snow in the South...should have known that we were looking at an amazing year unfolding when Auburn received 3 inches or so in February of 2010. The kids were beside themselves with excitement and never have I ever seen them so willing to ignore the Wii and computer to spend time outside. Who knew that we would also be blessed with a dusting on Christmas? A white, although    simple, Christmas in the South. What a way to wrap up the year.

• Happy Birthday to our Human Mommy

I know that our dachshunds love me. They follow me from room to room as I clean the house, curl up in my lap as soon as I sit still on the couch, drag their long behinds out of a warm bed as soon as I am up in the mornings despite the chill in the air. But all that pales in comparison to the birthday present they gave me this year. I will admit I screamed like a little girl after walking into Alecam's room that fateful day. Not because I found the diamond and sapphire bracelet that I secretly desire..... No, instead I found a dead squirrel in the floor. Bella and Lilly looked so proud of their surprise present. Little did they know they failed miserably in guessing just what I would want. The kids have yet to let me live it down that I had to call their Paw-paw over to dispose of the body. Lesson learned though...next year the dogs get a wish list and help surfing the net for my present.

• Jacks' graduation from Grace Preschool.

Ah, now this one is bittersweet for me. All four Weasley pups have attended Grace Preschool and Jacks graduated Alpha Omega having attended for all 4 years offered. It is very strange still to not see Jacks in the hallways, to hear his name being called out by one of the teachers, to get to the car after teaching all morning and realize he is still waiting in his classroom. The end of an era arrived with this milestone. There will be no more Weasley children at Grace; Jacks is definitely the end of the line. My favorite quote of the year from Jacks while at Grace?  "Had a great day at school Mom....and I didn't even take off my pants!"

• Warning:  Ford Expeditions can spontaneously combust.

This seemed to rank high with all the kids. How can you ever forget your father's SUV catching on fire? Or the fact that your Dad calls your Mom before calling the fire department? Poor Daddy Weasley. A trip into work over the weekend was more than he bargained  for. Upon cranking his car to come home, flames erupted from underneath the hood of his white 2001 Ford Expedition. The SUV of course was a total loss, but the memory lives on and on and on. For days afterwords we would taunt Daddy Weasley about his toasted marshmallow of a car; constantly asking for some s'mores when he would walk by. We even developed a new game to play on trips. Instead of "punch buggy" we now play "White Marshmallow". Amazing how many 2001s are still on the road...hopefully they are aware of the recall that we knew nothing about.

• "Can we go to the beach before its gone forever?"

The BP oil spill in the Gulf was quite traumatic for my kids. The Gulf Coast beaches are a second home to us,practically in the Southern Grandparents backyard. To watch the news coverage unfold was devastating for the little ones. Silver lining? It got the children more involved in watching the news as it pertains to the world around us; to see the environment is a living, breathing entity that needs to be respected and cared for. Con? It taught them that the Government is not always honest.

• Haybug should live in a bubble

I think Haybug is addicted to plaster, as in casts. The poor girl has broken a wrist, and humerus (right below the shoulder) and this summer attempted to break the same wrist for a second time. She leads the household record for emergency trips to the doctor. Needless to say we have banned falling out of trees, falling off porches and losing control while roller skating from her list of approved activities.

• Caution:Teenagers on Premises

This year the twins turned 13. Two teenagers suddenly added to the mix of chaos in the household.The sweet, loving boys have turned into sarcastic, opinionated punks that loved to act superior to their younger siblings. I keep warning them to keep the superiority to a minimum though. Their hormonal issues will pale in comparison to Haybug when she turns thirteen. We've already have glimpses into what the future holds, and I am sure there will be days Haybug will make Hurricane Katrina look like child's play.

• Evil Dustbunnies

The kids are thrilled to finally have something to blame for all the mess and chaos at the Weasley house. The evil dustbunnies are my little creation to help me laugh when the everyday mundane chores and little household catastrophes get to be a bit too much. It s much more acceptable for me to plan the demise of my dustbunny enemies than to work out how to sell my kids for a one way ticket to anywhere.

• Weagle Weagle baby!!

It has been an amazing football season for our beloved Auburn Tigers. 13-0, SEC Champs and a soon to be played National Championship game. Jacks is in love with throwing toilet paper into trees, singing "it's great to be an Auburn Tiger"  and telling everyone War Eagle.

 And of course, there is so much more that happened over the year, but these are the major highlights that the kids keep returning to..... so many memories, so many experiences and I am so blessed to have experienced all of it. 

We wish you all a very Happy New Year. May your 2011 be filled with bubblegum kisses, bear hugs, and softly giggled "I love you"s.

Merry Christmas 2010

As December limps to a close, we have been dealing with a run of bad luck in the Weasley house. Broken water pipe, sickness, and little landmines in an otherwise straight road that would normally ruin my day (week, month) with the stress and inconvenience.  But no matter how much has gone wrong, I keep reminding myself of  the fact that it is all just background noise. A distraction from what is most important; family, friends, love, compassion for our fellow man. All that and more that gets pushed onto the back burner because for the rest of the year we are all so focused on the never ending to do list, the errands, the "must be"s. But come December 1st, the trails and tribulations of everyday life finally get shifted onto the back burner.The important things take the spotlight because with all the decorating, holiday programs, and Christmas carols we get caught up in remembering that most important reason for the season. We get wrapped up in the parties and festivities all to celebrate the birth of our Savior....the little baby boy that came to save the world.

As the anticipation for Santa's arrival is building around the Weasley houshold, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the the reason behind the fanfare. Amazing that all the blessings, Grace, and love we experience all through the year is all due to a little baby boy born on a cold winters night so long ago.


Many songs this time of year can get me all mushy and emotional when I think of Jesus and his love for all of mankind. But one that hits me hard every time on the tear scale is by Brad Paisley. He wrote the song as a teenager, and it just makes me realize that even though God knew what was in store, He sent His only Son to save us. Talk about love and compassion and sacrifices.

We expected a soldier to save us from our plight

All dressed in shiny armor, ready for a fight
But instead He sent a little baby boy
All filled with love happiness
To bring the world joy.

So hush up little baby
You know not what you'll do
You'll bring the world peace and love
And teach them while you do
You have nothing to fear because you know
That God will lead the way
That little important baby
Born on Christmas day.

No matter what you deal with...the pouts, the stress, the disappointments that accompany holidays, I hope that you can stop for just a few moments and focus on the meaningful parts of the season. Family, friends, and most importantly the birth of our Savior.

From the Auburn Weasleys' home to yours, we wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a most magical 2011.

The Day after Thanksgiving

Twas the day after Thanksgving,

And all thru the South,

Fans were awaiting the big game,

And running their mouths.

Fans in Orange and Blue,

Or Crimson and White,

Knew that afternoon

their teams would put up a fight.

In the First quarter,
The Tide came out strong,
Auburn tried and they tried,

But their efforts went wrong

McElroy pulled out three TD's,
quick as the night,
But Cam Newton just smiled
And said "it'll be all right."

In the first half,
The Family fell to its knees.
We worried and fretted
And screamed at TV's.

But our faith never waivered
Though Saban strutted smugly.

The boys could pull out a win

But it was getting ugly.

Halftime arrived,

a break at long last.

Coach's words in the locker room,

"Team, the first half's in the past."

"Now on Newton, on Fairly,

On Adams, on Dyer,

 Score on the Tide,

And you'll make them all criers!"

The team took the field

To begin the third quarter,

A new spring in their step,

This game was nowhere near over.

Newton and Lutzenkirchen

 scored a fourth touchdown with ease,

McElroy and Saben definitely weren't pleased.

Bama said it would beat us.

They said we would lose,
That we would head home to Auburn
Bloody and bruised.

But the Mighty Auburn Tigers
had faced worse than the Tide,
They had already defeated
vicious media lies.

Tigers never surrender,

And they never give in.

Saban's team wound up losing

And Chizik's team got the win.

Now the Corner is rolled,

And the Eagle took flight

War Eagle to ALL

And to all a good night.

Drinking Kool-aid while rolling Toomer's Corner

Unless you live in a bubble with no communication to inside Alabama, I would expect you to know who Cameron Newton is. But just in case you don't, Cam Newton is Auburn University's weapon of mass destruction. A junior transfer that has emerged as a powerhouse for the team. He has helped to pull, prod and jump the Auburn Tigers into the running for a National Championship: our first real shot since 2004.

 Unfortunately he is also the biggest topic of gossip and mudslinging in the Deep South since the mid- term elections wrapped up. Unsubstantiated allegations of cheating and a pay for play scandal head the nightly news. New twists on the same stories are treated with the same urgency as a terrorist attack, even though no one has come forward to back up the allegations. Not one person will stand behind the charges...its all rumors and gossip and assumptions. And yet, without any concrete proof, anti-Auburnites are calling for Cam to be suspended....Screaming that our wins should be voided.....demanding Cam should be kicked out of consideration for the Heisman Trophy. On blogs, social networking sites and on sports radio, Auburn fans are accused of being naive, blind and stupid for the continued support of Cam Newton. Auburn Fans are  accused of drinking the kool-aid and because of  our denial of  the situation, we are in the position of being burned, of having been duped, and won't we feel used when the truth comes to light?

I am not saying that Cam Newton has not made mistakes in his past. I am pretty sure, like most of us, he is far from perfect. However, what ever might or might not have occurred is in the past, people.

With  that in mind, I want you to think back to your high school and college years.  Blow the accumulated dust off your memories and without any editing or remixing think about the mistakes you made, the wrongs you committed, the stupidity of some of your choices. Now imagine that your mistakes are twisted and aired over and over on the news. Imagine the general public having no clue of the person you have become  judging you on past mistakes.Imagine them holding your stupidity against you; never once taking into the account that you have grown, changed and become a better person since that point in time. I imagine that is how Cam Newton is feeling at this moment.

 We all make mistakes and stupid choices. We all can look back at a point in our lives where we know we royally screwed up. But amazingly, we were allowed to pick ourselves up, to move on despite our wrongdoings. How sad would it be if we lived in a world where every mistake we have made is never forgiven. What would it be like to live without second chances? Without redemption?

For now there are no allegations of wrongdoing by Cam Newton while at Auburn University. His actions on the field and in the Auburn community have been above reproach and speculation.   And, unless something comes to light that implicates his eligibility at Auburn, all that happened in the past shouldn't be an issue for his career at Auburn. If he has done something that he needs to be punished for, so be it. I hope he accepts it and moves on. If Auburn University did something unethical in his recruitment, I will be disappointed. They will deserve to be punished as well, but life as an Auburn Tiger will go on.

To expect that Auburn fans should shun Cam and turn away from him due to speculations is wrong. We are more than fans; we are the Auburn Family. As a family we will stand by Cam in this time of rumors.We do not abandon, we do not condemn, we do not destroy that which we love and support. If  it is proven Cam committed any wrongdoing, the Auburn Family will be there to support him in his hour of need. That's what a family does.

I truly believe that despite or because of  whatever might have happened in the past, Cam Newton is now a good kid. I am  proud to have him as a member of the Auburn Family. And,until there is more than rumors and twisted third party accusations (although anything short of mass murder will not sway my defense of this guy), I am more than content to stir up a big ole pitcher of  Tiger Kool-aid while I wear my Auburn colors with pride. Care to join me for a glass at the next Toomer's Corner celebration?

You're my Obsession

Yes, I admit it, I am one of those people. I am a person that can quote abstract lines from the books about teenage wizards and sparkly vampires, that spends countless hours reading both the Harry Potter series and the Twilight Saga over and over again, and who goes to mush every time I hear Edward Cullen ask his precious Bella “Isn’t it enough just to have a long and full life with me?” I’m not alone by any means; there are millions of fans of both fictional worlds, many that obsess about both. But for every devoted fan, there are just as many people that don’t understand the attraction-- The muggles and non twihards that wonder and question the deep pull of the two series and why so many of us are hopelessly devoted.

I try hard not to force the subject of my obsessions on others. If someone asks about my love with the two series I try to explain, although more and more I find my typical response to be “you either get it, or you don’t”, unless I recognize a kindred book mate. Never have I seriously and deeply considered what it is about these books that pull me in and keep me wrapped up in their worlds. So, in a fit of early morning retrospection as the release of Deathly Hallows part one quickly approaches, I decided to find the answer to my obsessions. Why do these stories and characters pull on me more the way they do?

A big part of the answer is a connection to my inner writer. It’s a very little known fact that I have created my own fictional world full of characters. It was during the summer before my 7th grade year that my cousin and I thought it would be fun to create a book about two girls and their friends. Pam had a very vivid imagination that fed off of daytime soap operas, older friends, and the occasional Harlequin romance. Two years my senior, I reveled in her ideas and knowledge (no matter how convoluted) of life, love and relationships. As soon as she spouted a story idea, I would quickly set pen to paper to write about our creations.

The characters soon became real to me, my first literary obsession. My stories became my escape, my life’s journal, and soon I began to weave my dreams and desires into the  storylines; my real life experiences forever became woven into the lives of my characters. Feeding off my words and experiences, it became the characters that dictated and controlled the way the adventures developed.

What began as a silly and fun way to bond with my cousin had became a real and important part of me. In writing I was able to deal with high school dramas, relive the important things, and examine teen age mysteries about life. My characters would jump into my thoughts at the weirdest times demanding attention or offering a solution of some real life crisis. I continued to write in college and into my first years of marriage as a way to deal with stress and more importantly because I couldn’t bear to let the world I created go into a box. To have it packed away like so many other childhood memories. Not that it ever really has been packed away. Even now, my main character (my alter ego if you will) pops in for a conversation. She is still evolving and growing and very much a part of my life; even if her adventures will never be known by the rest of the world.

I believe that my love for the fictional world I created results in my obsession for other literary creations. My characters are the reason I can read a book and there is a recognition of the author’s love and devotion to her characters and the world they live in. Sometimes I stay immersed in that connection just for the length of the book. When it’s finished, I can place it on my bookshelf and be content. But sometimes there are the books that suck me in so completely that I feel like I am meant to discover all of the mysteries hidden in the pages. I am strongly compelled to understand the characters and the way they interact with one another; why the story develops the way it does. Someone else’s creation leads me the same way mine did (and to an extent still does) and I am eager to go along for the ride.

When I was first introduced to an orphaned Harry, the twins were 3 and Haybug barely one. I used to read Harry’s adventures to them at bedtime. Immediately I fell in love with the characters, their interactions and the mysteries of it all. Potter was a constant at a time when Wayne was living and working in Auburn and the rest of us were still in Monroeville trying to sell our house. Lots of things had changed and we were heading down an unknown and unplanned path towards the future. Harry was a faithful companion for all of us when so much uncertainty was surrounding us. Over the years, Harry has grown up with my children. He has evolved from being a character in a story I used to read out loud, into being a literary friend that we enjoy visiting over and over again. His adventures were a tie that bound us during a dark and confusing time. My respect and awe for the Universe J.K. Rowling created and the bond it created in turn for our family is the reason Harry Potter will always hold a special place in our hearts.

As for Edward, Bella and the rest of Forks? Well, first I do have to admit that there was no earth shattering events occurring at the time of introductions. I finally read Twilight after hearing for the thousandth time that I really need to give it a chance.(It actually set on my bedside table for 2 months before I opened to the first page.) Once again, I had that recognition of a commitment to characters and the world in which they lived. I understood immediately that this wasn’t a creation that Meyer’s could just box up when the last book was finished. Most importantly though, I completely understand Bella and her struggles to the point that I can recognize some of her in me----her sense of not fitting in, unsure of her worth and abilities when surrounded by others that seem to have a better hold on life. I revel in watching as she finds her self worth and when she finally understands how much she deserves Edward’s love and devotion.

In Edward, well, I recognize a lot of my husband. Not so much in the ooey-gooey romantic side (although Wayne has his moments), but in Edwards’s mannerisms, his mood swings, and his own ignorance in how deserving he is to be blessed. Edward also embodies a dream guy I created at a tender age of 12 that developed and evolved into the ideals that a boyfriend should be a protector, defender and maybe even sometimes a bit domineering when he knows what is right. When I met Wayne, some of these ideals shifted and changed, but surprisingly at his core (and right down to the red hair) he was very much what I had created in my minds eye. I can see all of that in Edward Cullen.

So, it would seem my obsessions all began with childhood expectations of romance and relationships; the tender and innocent idea of finding true friends, your soul mate, your reason for living. To some it may seem silly. I know some will read this and still think I’m a nut for my devotion to HP and Twilight, but that’s okay. When the movies and the hype for HP and Twilight wrap up, when the fervor dies down to a warm glow, these books will still play an important role for me. They will always be comfort food for my mind and soul. Their connections to my life are very important and go beyond the fanaticism surrounding the franchises. I respect the fact that everyone finds a piece of themselves in different passions, events, stories. It is a small portion of what makes us unique, that special something that gives us individuality and it is what makes life so fascinating.

The voodoo that you do so well....

Growing up I truly believed that my Mother was a witch. Not the evil cackling, wart covered kind of witch; imagine instead a magical being that was omniscient. My Mom could take one look at you and know all the wrong you had committed during the day. Snacks eaten without permission, chores half-way finished (even though I tried hard to make them look finished), dollar bills slipped from her wallet, homework left unfinished or, worse, copied from a friend so I didn't have to waste brain cells....she knew it all. And she had deadly accuracy not only with her knowledge, but in her ability to issue out capital punishment no matter how much one would squirm and try to escape.

As a teenager, I used to laugh at my Mom and the way she would say "when you have children I hope you get one just like you" and "your day is coming, just wait till you have kids." ( I waited to guffaw until I was in my room with the door shut because, hey, she didn't raise no dummy). How silly of her! There was no way I would have the issues with my children that Mom had with my brothers and me. I was going to be in total control, have my children toe the line without a second thought, be the ultimate Mom, even if I wasn't magical.

 Little did I know that my Mom's words had been muttered for generations and they had substance. What seemed to be off handed comments actually had power like a well rehearsed magical spell. Fast forward to my mid twenties and the arrival of the twins. At first it appeared as if my Mom's words were just harmless rantings. My boys were sweet, compliant, and I was totally in control. But then, around 3 months their  personalities  really started to emerge. I realized that despite the lack of red hair, Cam was going to have my hot headed temper. Oh dear. But I was secure in the fact that she had lost some oomph in her curses due to my having twins. Al was nothing like me! Stupid mistake really, and I blame it all on the ignorance of youth, because I did not realize that Wayne's mom had issued the same decrees until it was too late. Our fate was sealed and Al is an exact clone of his father. 

But still, it didn't seem like my Mom's words had the effect she was looking for.....not until Haybug was born. Haybug started putting the curse into effect even before she made her entrance into this world. We lived an hour and a half from the hospital where we delivered (long story for another time) and our doctor felt that we should induce early to avoid labor on the interstate. Haybug would have nothing to do with the attempt. 12 hours of Pitocin could not convince her to make a grand entrance, and I was sent home to wait until I was even closer to my due date. Due date of November 4th arrived, and still  nothing. November 5th doctor attempts induction again. She wasn't having it. By 5 pm that fateful Friday, we were having ultrasounds and x-rays; by 6 pm I was headed to the OR for a c-section.

My beautiful, headstrong daughter made her entrance into this world at 6:59 pm, Friday, November 5th, 1999. One look at her and I knew my Mom's wishes had come true. The curse had worked. She looked like me, had a stubborn streak like me, and had Wayne wrapped around her finger in under 5 minutes.

It has been a battle of wills ever since! As she gets older, I see more and more of myself in her. She is truly my mini-me. Haybug has my temper, my stubbornness, and is constantly knocking her hard head against mine.  She loves to boss her boys around and I find myself daily reminding her who's the parent. But she also loves her brothers with all of her being and is so self sacrificing. She has a huge heart and she is willing to do anything and every thing for those that she loves.

My life has changed in so many ways since that evening of November 5th, 1999. Its been a wild and crazy ride, and I respect my mother even more for all she did while raising my brothers and me. I finally understand all of my Mom's sacrifices and frustrations and now know that I too have some of that Mother's magic after all.....

Happy Birthday to my sweet, darling Haybug. And I hope one day you have a child that is just like you.

The Evil Dustbunnies

In the Weasley household it is hard to find the culprits for anything that goes wrong. There is no accountability for messes made; for chores undone. The list is infinite. Daily we hear, who flooded the bathroom? Who forgot to feed the dogs? Why is Bella chewing on a headless Lego mini fig? What do you mean it wasn't headless?!

The classic answers of "not me" "I don't know" and "huh?" prevail around here and honestly make me nuts in the same way they have made all mothers nuts for centuries. My kids deny knowledge of everything and anything with so much savvy that their futures look bright for careers in politics. Therefore, in an attempt to preserve my sanity (as I have to have someone to blame for the bedlam that rules my life), I have created the Evil Dustbunnies. 

 

The Evil Dustbunnies (EBs) are responsible for everything that goes wrong or is left undone. Just like my kids, the EBs are sweet and innocent looking.But as The Wolf says in HoodWinked! "never trust a bunny." The EBs thrive on topsy-turviness. They live for pandemonium; chores left uncompleted, Thursday folders left unsigned, keys and shoes misplaced, "dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!"

•  Misplaced cell phone? (oh, yeah, the house cell is missing. Might delay returning your calls.) Dustbunnies. 
• Clean laundry scattered all over the living room because it's not put up like I asked? Dustbunnies.
• Empty boxes in the pantry? Dustbunnies.
• Avalanches on Mount Washmore? Definitely the Dustbunnies! 

There are times that I can control the disorganization. School is in session (EBs tend to rest when the kids are gone), schedules and routines are set and for a while I have been in control. I. HAVE. RULED! I have had the housework well in hand and I was doing a dandy job of juggling work, school, 4 kids (5 counting Daddy Weasley), and the natural disaster I call home. The Dustbunnies cowered before me and my massive collection of cleaning supplies. They were banished by the vacuum, a dust rag and a zealous Momma Weasley that was determined to contain C.H.A.O.S. (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome). However, in my rush to dominate I became power hungry with delusions of grandeur and forgot the cardinal rule to never underestimate your enemy.

Banished dustbunnies have time to re-evaluate and plan. They begin little skirmishes that test my weaknesses. Small messes and chores left uncompleted blossom into huge time sucking monsters. Some days I can quash the skirmishes quickly enough, but then there are the days that I am in such a rush that the carnage is allowed to remain until I have time to deal.

 Bella has been recruited as a double agent and attacks on toilet paper rolls, toys and crocs have resumed. The twins have been drawn to the dark side as well (I swear the bunnies are using Lego bribes), and their room will soon be declared tops on "The worse places to live" list by USA today.Haybug is holding strong, but she is starting to get the look of the overwhelmed....you know, that glassy eyed,”keep your head down so you aren't pegged for a chore” look. And as for Jacks, well lets just say I think I know who the EBs mastermind is....

 

I seem to be losing ground and hard won sanity. The Ebs are gaining more and more holds around the house.Every time I look I see more rooms in disarray, piles of laundry devouring dachshunds, school papers yet to be filed (and some not even looked at), and I have recently come to the conclusion the EBs have discovered germ warfare. It's the only way to explain the sick kids in the house...surely my kids wouldn't milk the sympathies of Momma Weasley to stay home from school.

 

I need new plans of action! I need new recruits! I need......oh who am I kidding?! I just need to put up crime scene tape across the door and warn people to enter at their own risk. So, if you are in the neighborhood feel free to drop in for some coffee and gossip. Just be on guard for a rouge EB or two checking you out to see if you are fresh meat, errrr, I mean hired help. Oh, and bring proof that your shots are all up to date. Better safe than sorry, know what I mean?

 

 

Pep rallies and tears

I've come to the conclusion that there is something seriously wrong with me. Yeah, I know, that's not exactly an earth shattering revelation seeing how I make this conclusion on a daily basis. In this instance though, I am concerned by the fact that I got teary eyed at the middle school pep rally yesterday. I'm talking a tight throat, tears threatening to fall, major mommy moment here.


This was my first experience in watching my boys play in the band, and yes, it moved me. I don't care that it was standard pep rally fare and not soul soothing symphonic compositions. Music aside, it was the fact that AleCam were siting in their sections, looking confident and so sure of their abilities even though they have only been playing 3 months. They are following in my musical footsteps and not only are they having fun, but they are actually enjoying every moment spent learning their instruments.

~~Wow.~~~

I remember with fondness my band years. I loved being in the band...concert, marching, symphonic...call it what you will, those were my Glory Days in high school. I have sweet memories of the friendships, the emotions, the love for the music and my directors. I still remember the accomplishment of a song well played, the pride in hitting all the right notes with no squawks or squeaks.

I can recall it all with clarity. I can tell you my favorite pieces played over 6 years and even hum a few lines. I can remember the dance to “You can call me Al” played in my first season of marching band (and the look on Tonya's face when she told me to hang it up because I was apparently “too white” to do the snake.) Despite the clear memories, it is no longer about me. It is my boys time to have those feelings of pride and accomplishment. Their chance to make those life long friendships. I am no longer an active participant, but a member of the audience. I am watching my boys begin their own Glory Days playing the music I did. It's their time to have the band experience that I loved.

  Like I said before... Major Mommy Moment. I think it was "Hooray for Auburn" that did me in. Stupid song. How many times did we play that in pep band? In the stands on a Friday night? And now, my boys are playing the same song, the same notes and their band years are just beginning.


 There is an old Statler Brothers song that I have always loved, but now after yesterday's rally, I truly get it. "More like my Daddy than me" talks about a father at a sports banquet watching his kid get honored for the year's accomplishments. At some point the de-ja-vu kicks in and he has the realization hit that while he used to be the one on the stage he is now sitting in *gasp* his father's place. My favorite part of the song are the lines:

 "20 some years from tomorrow
These same boys and girls will find
An old fading newspaper clipping
Yellow and torn up with time
Their daughters and sons will be standing
Up there where they used to be
And only then will they know what I'm feeling
When they're sitting out here with me"

Standing in the old stuffy gym at Drake Middle School watching my boys play, I had that moment. The realization that *gasp* I am more like my Mommy than me.....

Happy 6th Birthday to the littlest Weasley

You've heard all the old cliches about time flying by, right? How it  passes too quickly; becoming faster the older you get?  Never do I think more about time slipping away then when one of the kids is celebrating a birthday. A birthday equals another milestone passing. Another milestone closer to them being an adult...on their own....out of the house...no longer needing their Momma Weasley 24/7. *sob*

6 years ago, just 1 week shy of my 32nd birthday, I received the surprising news that I was expecting. Wow, talk about cutting things close. I had always said if we did not have the 4th kid by the time I turned 32, we. were. done. I guess I issued a challenge to the fates by always saying that. Honestly , we had so much trouble getting pregnant, I didn't think it would happen without actively pursing it (which we weren't). *insert sarcastic, maniacal laughter from heaven*  We never had a surprise pregnancy before due to fertility treatments and time tables to get our other three, and just when I was so sure we wouldn't have another baby in the Weasley household, God blessed us in the most amazing way.

Jacks arrived to three older siblings that couldn't wait to teach him all they knew, share what toys they deemed him worthy of touching and fights over who's bed he would sleep in first. 6 years later he has decided he is just as smart or even smarter than his siblings (and trust me, he knows things that they had no clue of at 6), doesn't wait for an invitation on the toys, and they are still willingly playing musical beds with him, still fighting over where he will sleep for the night.

Jacks was my chance to slow down (believe it or not) and enjoy all the milestones of the first year when I actually had a chance to revel in it all. I had finally grasped after the three older children just how fast Jacks would grow and change and I was so thankful for another chance to mark every step. He has taught Haybug to be the perfect "little Momma", she is only second to me in how she cares for him. He has given the twins a hero worshiper; someone who looks up to them and gives them a sense of responsibility in being role models.

Jacks is full of curiosity, love and imagination. He adores his puppies, Toy Story and all things Harry Potter.  He can push the limits, my patience and most of all, the boundaries. But he can also give great hugs, kisses and is a pro at wrapping me around his finger.My life truly became complete the first time I held him. He is, with his siblings, my heart.

Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy......I love you.

~~My gift to you~~

Surprises hide in the most unexpected places. After stumbling into the bathroom at 5:30 this morning, I realized quickly that something was not quite right. It wasn’t the pile of dirty clothes that never seem to make the basket, nor the empty shampoo bottles Cooper chucked out of the tub last night. It wasn’t the shredded roll of toilet paper that evidently insulted Bella after I fell asleep. That’s all par for the course around here. What caught the attention of my sleepy eyes was a vase of flowers sitting on the counter. Bright fall colors that warmed the room and yes, I admit it, made me smile.

Wayne walked in soon after and I thanked him for my surprise. Not one to focus on the mushy emotions surrounding an unexpected show of affection, Wayne just shrugged and apologized for forgetting the bread on his midnight run to Kroger. He then warned me the clock was ticking and there were showers to take, lunches to make and four kids to kick out of warm beds.

 Despite the prompt to get moving (and the whipsered "I smell dead people" as Wayne moved the vase to another part of the counter), I was thankful to be given a moment to focus on what’s important before the crazy and quite chaotic morning routine began; blessed by a desperately needed chance to realign my priorities after a long week.

So, in the spirit of love, friendship and all those embarrassing touchy-feely emotions, I want to share my flowers with you. Take a moment to relax, appreciate the day you’ve been given and count your blessings one by one.

 

Oh, Just shoot me already..no wait!

It been been one of those weeks. Sick kids, a messy (well messier than usual)/disorganized house, pleads for volunteers/money/sellable organs from the 3 schools, and a huge case of seasonal allergies run amok. One of those weeks when you look up at the heavens and quote that memorable line from the '94 version of The Little Rascals: "And the clouds opened up and God said, ‘I hate you, Alfalfa.'"

Oh, I know God doesn't hate me. Trust me; I know I am more than blessed for His love. But there are some days when not even that unconditional love is enough to convince me I am not paying for some past transgression. It's either that or my Mom's whammy of "hope you have one just like you" got some extra oomph from the great beyond. So on days like this; when the pity party threatens to knock at the door again, and I consider the option of running away and living under a bridge, I scroll through the pictures of the kids saved on the hard drive until I smile and remember why I do what I do……

Here are some outakes from a recent photo session to get current pics for the blog. Things started out well enough, but like any Weasley outing, things quickly go south.....

 
 ~~Jacks, declaring himself King of the family






~~The Twins fighting for domination of the other, all while Haybug yells for them to work with Me....

Haybug Looking all cute and sweet...notice the chase in the background? Cam said something to set off Al, and poor Jacks is out of the field of the camera, running after both of them all while screaming for his boys to wait up.



Dull moments?


No way......What fun would that be? :0)

The Super Mom complex

Super Mom, Super Tired. Yep, that’s me. It would appear that with the arrival of fall comes the arrival of some freaky virus that zaps the life sustaining energy right out of you. Fantastic.Just what I need. It’s not like I have been on top of things lately, and now I have no energy to even think about giving a darn. Laundry is piling up so quickly I would swear the kids are just pulling things from the closet to throw directly into the laundry area. My kitchen is depressing and dear, sweet Daddy Weasley is trying to help. Unfortunately, his help results in the dreaded “hide and seek effect” for when I need something. I swear I am going start singing “Olli olli oxen free” the next time I cook dinner.

As I sit in the living room studying the kids’ interpretation of a Cat 5 hurricane’s damage, I can’t help but have a pity party. In the past a little virus would not have gotten the best of me. In junior year of high school I dragged my flu ridden body to class to keep perfect attendance (My only out from taking Mrs. Nix’s chemistry final). In college, I fought colds, flus, and offers to skip class to sleep to ensure that my grades stayed scholarship worthy. Even when the kids were younger, I downplayed my symptoms so that the household would not suffer when Momma Weasley got sick. I used to laugh in the face of chaos and stress. In fact it used to be my drug of choice. Now I go off searching for a blanket, my current book and the Weather Channel when I feel the slightest clutch in my chest.

How did I arrive at this point?

I truly think it all ties into the myth that we are supposed to be a Supermom. We are supposed to keep everything organized, running smoothly and we are not supposed to get sick, tired or frustrated. But you know what? I am not accepting that any longer. There is no way to do it all.I don’t care if you have one kid or your own basketball team; things are going to get neglected, fall through the cracks or just get tossed directly on the trash pile.

And even though the resulting guilt is huge, we shouldn’t allow it to be. Our worth as a mom should not be determined by the white glove test, the amount of money raised for the current fundraiser of the month, or the lack of items falling out of the SUV in the carline at school. Instead, we should be focusing on the amount of giggles, smiles, and life lessons we share with our children. Our worth should be determined by how well we prepare our kids for adulthood and how well we assist them in their relationship with God.

My sanity and a healthy self-image should be more important than my ability to impress people with my overachievements and multi-tasking. Somewhere along the path of parenthood I have forgotten this. I have placed other people’s opinions of me as a supermom ahead of my duties as Momma Weasley. It’s time to stop the madness and focus on what’s important. To do what I can, the best as I can. To learn how to say no to anything that is going to push the limits of what I can handle. A stressed, sick mom is no help to anyone and it only goes to serve the cycle of guilt.

From this point on I am going to try better to forgo the mommy guilt and just accept the fact that I am doing the best I can. The house doesn’t have to be showroom worthy, the schools will not fall apart if I don’t have a clue what’s going on every time the doors open, and the kids are pretty good at picking up after themselves, so maybe I should let them…even if it’s not the way I would do it.

I am going to embrace the idea that as long as the kids are healthy, happy and relatively clean, then life is good…… Care to join me?

My Boys of Fall

Fall has arrived in Auburn! Cool brisk air swirls the leaves in my driveway, football (AHS and AU) is the talk of the town, and Pumpkin Spice Latte is back at Starbucks. It’s the time of year when little imaginations turn to ghosts, mischief and what to be for Halloween. The time of year for field trips to the zoo, pep rallies and escaping town on home game weekends.


Fall of 2010 has started with a bang and a milestone of a birthday. The twins turned 13 on September 19th. In the time it takes to blow out candles on the cake, we have two teenagers in the house. Anarchy reigns, bickering is up 28%, and all of sudden dinner table discussions include the sentence “when we start driving.” (Insert hyperventilating Mom here). Driving? Excuse me, but didn’t they just learn to walk? How can they even be thinking about cruising the streets of Auburn? I can’t imagine them walking down the street on their own and now they want to drive?!


And it’s not just the desire to drive and the thrill of impending freedom that’s resulted in four new grey hairs. My contemplative set of twins is already planning driving schedules and responsibilities! They actually asked me yesterday if getting Jacks to school will be one of their chores. (I really need to start carrying oxygen with me; this hyperventilating can get pretty serious.) . I better nip this in the bud, and fast or it’s going to be a long three years till they turn 16 and get their driver's licenses.


The idea of making their legal driving status contingent on college graduation is looking better and better. When they enter college I will still be, at least I pray I will be, of sound mind and body and able to drive. As it stands, I have the Mom’s taxi service thing down to an art. If we fast forward to that point in time, Jacks will be moving to the middle school, Haybug will be a junior and it’s not like I won’t still be carting them around. What's two more still in the car? Yeah, just the thought of delaying this crazy driving idea a few more years is already making it a little easier to breathe.


So, as if two teenagers in the house weren’t enough to make your heart skip a few beats, I have something else to spook you with. Are you ready? In 18 days….oh this is so hard for me…my baby boy will be turning 6. *sob* did you hear me?? S.I.X. No longer will Jacks be considered a toddler. At least I could delude myself into thinking he was still my baby as long as I could buy him toddler sizes. But there is no 6T in fashion, people! He is already slimming up, growing taller. Before long, I will be looking him in the eyes without getting down on my knees (hmmmm, maybe that will be a good thing, my knees are taking this aging thing kind of hard). Before you can blink he will be graduating, getting married and having his own kids… all in the same day if he has his way about it knowing Jacks.


I am so not ready for this. Appreciating Jacks’s strong will and his belief that he is 6 going on 26, he will probably want to drive soon too. Anything his boys can do, he can do better, faster, and result in 20% more grey hairs for Mom. *sigh* But despite the lack of oxygen, the need for multiple bottles of Clairol, I love my boys of fall with all of my heart. It just hurts to watch them grow up so fast; to be so eager to be adults when I know adulthood is not as grand as it’s supposed to be....


Did I mention that Haybug turns 11 in November as well? No? Well that can wait. I think we’ve all had enough panic over growing old for one night.

♫♪The Lord is good to me♪♫♪

Ah, dinnertime at the Auburn Weasleys’. Shall I describe in detail the lovingly home cooked meals eaten without complaint; a table set with beautiful dishes? I could spin tales of children who wash their hands without being reminded and who quietly sit waiting to be served a meal. I could do all that, but then I would not be describing dinner at our house.

Dinnertime most nights does consist of something home cooked, but if you think it is consumed without the usual questions of: What’s this? Why did you make this? And the ever popular: Can I have something else? Then you haven’t eaten at the Weasleys. Don’t be expecting dishes that match either. 18 years of marriage + 4 kids + one heck of a ceramic tile floor has taken their toll on my dishware. The beautiful 16 piece, blue rose stoneware from my wedding shower has been whittled down to 4 plates, 3 bowls and a smattering of coffee cups. The missing pieces have been replaced with yard sale selections and the rejects from Wayne’s trailer at college. Forget centerpieces, linen napkins, or any of that other fancy-smancy stuff you find on the table at one of those “expensive restaurants” (think Red Lobster, Outback, that’s as expensive as we get).Martha Stewart might set a proper table, but in the real world, you are lucky to get a plate AND silverware. And don’t even think of dirtying up two plates so your salad is separate…..that right there will earn you Momma’s evil eye.

A non-soccer-PTA meeting-Kroger crisis run night has dinner being served around 6. The kids jockey for position to sit down first to avoid being called for kitchen duty. Dogs pace underneath the table like sharks waiting for a bait dump, and the table top is quickly covered with the nights fare. As food is dished out, the air is filled with stories about the day. Our own little dinner show unfolds full of drama, laughter, accomplishments and disappointments. Amazing how much you can learn over a plate of food about 7th grade social politics, 5th grade Queen Bees, and who stuck what up their nose at kindergarten.  A simple meal becomes so much more because the world stops at the moment dinner begins….computers and TVs are ignored, phones go unanswered and for 30 minutes all that matter is us: Our family, our moments.


Such a simple thing really, but worth so much more than you can comprehend at the moment it occurs. For that short period of time we get to focus on what truly matters, on what is most important, but what is often pushed to the backburner due to demands and time constraints. 30 minutes is all it takes for not only a body to be nourished, but six souls to be nourished as well. 30 minutes a night to be reminded that Family is what all the fuss is about. Then the table is cleared, the nighttime routine begins and everyone goes off to focus on separate interests. But for that short window of time, we reconnect, focus and share. The family is strengthened. Dinner is a blessing in more ways than one. Is it a wonder that most dinners start with a little song all the kids learned at Grace Preschool?

♫♪Oh, the Lord is good to me ♫ And so I thank the Lord♪ For giving me, the things I need ♫ The sun and the rain and the Appleseed ♪ Oh, the Lord is Good.To.Me, Amen♫

A work in progress

I have been tossing around the idea of a blog for a few months now. One day it seems like a grand idea; the next day it seems like too much work for an already overloaded Mom. However, the idea keeps taunting me; calling to me like a siren’s song. The more I have pondered the idea, played with the design and templates, stalked my friends’ blogs, the more I realize that this is what I have been missing. This blog is my chance to keep a journal of the magical, yet all too fleeting moments of my children's early years. With the twins just celebrating their 13th birthday, those moments are increasingly fleeting and my time is short to commit every moment to memory.

 I have been presented with a grand opportunity to sit and log in all the highlights, funny moments and even the difficult, dark times that make us grow stronger as a family! A virtual scrapbook (diary, future blackmail) to keep up with school accomplishments, childhood milestones, and most important, who bought what Lego set and who played with it last. All it takes is some stolen moments from laundry detail, a few less games of Bejeweled on Facebook, and my iPod cranked up to drown out tiny pleas for the computer. Hmmm, maybe I can do this….



So, if you need a laugh, an ah-ha! moment, or just a chance to see that you are not alone in the crazy world of raising children; allow me to conjure up a squishy armchair, pour you a drink and bewitch you with tales of family and the magic that holds it all together.