Finally, Internet service!!
To all outside of Alabama......we are fine and Auburn came through without a scratch. Just some strong winds, rain and 1 tornado warning for something well north of here.It was pretty scary yesterday as we watched the weather move across the state, especially knowing East Central Alabama would be hit after dark. I hate not being able to see what is happening outside.
I have friends in Tuscaloosa that are fine and woke up to total devastation this morning. My brother, Jim, and his family in Huntsville survived 19 hours of constant warnings as it all started at 2 am for them yesterday.Dekalb County in the Northeast corner of the state where my Mom is from has 30 confirmed deaths. I am so blessed that her brothers, and my cousins are all okay. It's a little unnerving when you hear the town of Ider, population of 723, mentioned on the Weather Channel as a tornado bears down on the area.I am so lucky that all my friends and loved ones throughout North Alabama have checked in with only minor damage and they are all safe and sound. Thanks to God for answered prayers!
I sit in awe of the pictures of destruction they are showing on TV and can't believe places I have visited no longer exist. The massive loss of life is staggering.I keep watching the live reports as my life continues in it's normal everyday routine...the struggle to get kids out the door for school, tearing the house up to find Jacks' lost library book, the anticipation of lunch out with my fellow preschool teachers. It all seems surreal that only 2-5 hours away life as everyone knew it has been changed forever. There will be no school bells, or mad dashes for the car or even lunch dates kept. Makes it seem petty that I am worried over the loss of a $16 library book.
Please pray for my brother in Huntsville and friends/family in Tuscaloosa and other parts of North Alabama...no power or phone and occasionally they lose cell service as well. Officials are estimating 5 days before power is restored. There is a lot of clean-up and rebuilding ahead, and I know at this point they have to all feel so overwhelmed.
Thanks for all the love and concern, and keep praying for us all.
Love to all!
Momma Weasley
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Where'd I put that soapbox?
Not much gets on my nerves these days.With four kids, three dogs and Mr. Weasley one has to be pretty easy going. My life is more about enjoying what I have been blessed with rather than worrying about what we don't have and I watch trends come and go with little interest. If I can't get a good bargain, I really could care less about the latest and greatest gadget.
My cell phone is a hunk of junk that I agreed to even though I wanted a phone that would just. make. calls. I wouldn't have even been shopping for a new phone if my beloved Razr hadn't taken a leap out of a car window, while the car was in motion....long story, don't ask. I didn't/don't want a camera, or qwerty keyboard or Internet capabilities on my phone. I just want to be able to call friends and loved ones. Unfortunately, it seems no-one makes a phone like that anymore.
My kids do not have their own personal cell phones. Wayne and I decided years ago that this was an
unnecessary expense in our household. We have no land-line; instead we have what we call the house cell. It is an inexpensive LG VU that serves as the house phone complete with our old BellSouth number. Everyone in the house has access to this phone, and in the event of a field trip/sleep over/trip across town without Momma, the kids will carry it with them to stay in touch. All calls made to the phone while it is with them in most cases will be forwarded to my phone. Texting and all smart phone capabilities are disabled.
Oh, don't think I didn't just hear that gasp of shock and dismay.
Until the kids start driving and going out more on their own, we just can not understand why they each need their own, personal cell phone. "Texting?", you say? Don't even get me started! I just started that nonsense a few months ago, and honestly I regret it more than once a day. No one talks face to face anymore, and that truly depresses me. The art of actual conversation is going the way of the Pony Express, telegraphs and letter writing. People sitting in the same room would rather talk through texts than speak to each other. How sad is that?
My kids, however seem to be in a small minority. In a poll recently held by some of Haybug's elementary teachers, it was found that out of approximately 100 5th graders only 20 kids did not own their own cell phone. Even some first graders at Haybug's school tote around the newest in cell phone technology.
Holy Smokes!! Am I the only one disturbed by this?
None of my children have ever been denied a trip to the office to call home about the most trivial thing. Never have they been left after school to fend for themselves while waiting for me to come and pick them up. Never have they needed to call for a pizza, look up an answer on google or check the latest FB status (not that my kids even have FB accounts. Not going there, thank you) while at school. A teacher is always around to help...why would an elementary student need a friggin cell phone?
Because it is a status symbol, a sign of the times, and in some cases, a way to look like a cool parent. Oh well, I guess I am not cool...not that I have ever been one to care.
And this boys and girls, brings me to the main point of my rant....
As I have completed chauffeur duties the past two days, I am noticing something more and more with the younger generation. Has anyone else paid attention to how rude and hateful some of these kids sound when talking to parents on their fancy cell phones? As I sat outside Cam's orthodontist office yesterday, a cute 9 year old girl came bounding out. She make a quick look around the small parking lot and then whipped out her cell. There was no "Hi Mom, I'm done.Can you come pick me up?" Instead, without any greeting, she snapped loudly in the phone " Where are you? Why are you not waiting on me???"
Seriously? My Mom would have slapped me in the mouth if I dared use a tone that hateful to address her. Now a days my kids know that a tone like that in the least case will lose them computer time and in worst cases earn them, yes, good slap on the rear. I thought the situation I witnessed yesterday was a just an isolated incident. Unfortunately, while waiting for the boys after a band rehearsal this afternoon, I witnessed it happen countless times.
Whats wrong with having to wait for your parents afterschool? I loved that extra time with my friends!Remember how you used to actually walk down the street to talk to a friend? Having a real conversation on the household phone that included full, intelligent sentences? Summer days full of imagination, not the latest app available? These are things that made my childhood sweet...too bad a lot of kids these days can't say the same.
Cell phones these days seem more and more like a God given right to kids, not a hard earned privilege. In an age of instant gratification, they are losing the ability to be patient, to be respectful, to just be kids.
How sad.
I don't want my kids to grow up any faster than they already are, and I want them to hold tight to the innocence of childhood. If standing firm on my ban of cell phones for all under 15 in my house helps them stay sweet, respectful, and innocent, I will continue with the ban until they are married and have kids of their own.
Hmmmm, guess it's time to stop ranting about the new ways of the world as they happen outside of my control/household and jump off the old soapbox. I need it to conquer the latest battle with good ol' Mt. Washmore.
My cell phone is a hunk of junk that I agreed to even though I wanted a phone that would just. make. calls. I wouldn't have even been shopping for a new phone if my beloved Razr hadn't taken a leap out of a car window, while the car was in motion....long story, don't ask. I didn't/don't want a camera, or qwerty keyboard or Internet capabilities on my phone. I just want to be able to call friends and loved ones. Unfortunately, it seems no-one makes a phone like that anymore.
My kids do not have their own personal cell phones. Wayne and I decided years ago that this was an
unnecessary expense in our household. We have no land-line; instead we have what we call the house cell. It is an inexpensive LG VU that serves as the house phone complete with our old BellSouth number. Everyone in the house has access to this phone, and in the event of a field trip/sleep over/trip across town without Momma, the kids will carry it with them to stay in touch. All calls made to the phone while it is with them in most cases will be forwarded to my phone. Texting and all smart phone capabilities are disabled.
Oh, don't think I didn't just hear that gasp of shock and dismay.
Until the kids start driving and going out more on their own, we just can not understand why they each need their own, personal cell phone. "Texting?", you say? Don't even get me started! I just started that nonsense a few months ago, and honestly I regret it more than once a day. No one talks face to face anymore, and that truly depresses me. The art of actual conversation is going the way of the Pony Express, telegraphs and letter writing. People sitting in the same room would rather talk through texts than speak to each other. How sad is that?
My kids, however seem to be in a small minority. In a poll recently held by some of Haybug's elementary teachers, it was found that out of approximately 100 5th graders only 20 kids did not own their own cell phone. Even some first graders at Haybug's school tote around the newest in cell phone technology.
Holy Smokes!! Am I the only one disturbed by this?
None of my children have ever been denied a trip to the office to call home about the most trivial thing. Never have they been left after school to fend for themselves while waiting for me to come and pick them up. Never have they needed to call for a pizza, look up an answer on google or check the latest FB status (not that my kids even have FB accounts. Not going there, thank you) while at school. A teacher is always around to help...why would an elementary student need a friggin cell phone?
Because it is a status symbol, a sign of the times, and in some cases, a way to look like a cool parent. Oh well, I guess I am not cool...not that I have ever been one to care.
And this boys and girls, brings me to the main point of my rant....
As I have completed chauffeur duties the past two days, I am noticing something more and more with the younger generation. Has anyone else paid attention to how rude and hateful some of these kids sound when talking to parents on their fancy cell phones? As I sat outside Cam's orthodontist office yesterday, a cute 9 year old girl came bounding out. She make a quick look around the small parking lot and then whipped out her cell. There was no "Hi Mom, I'm done.Can you come pick me up?" Instead, without any greeting, she snapped loudly in the phone " Where are you? Why are you not waiting on me???"
Seriously? My Mom would have slapped me in the mouth if I dared use a tone that hateful to address her. Now a days my kids know that a tone like that in the least case will lose them computer time and in worst cases earn them, yes, good slap on the rear. I thought the situation I witnessed yesterday was a just an isolated incident. Unfortunately, while waiting for the boys after a band rehearsal this afternoon, I witnessed it happen countless times.
Whats wrong with having to wait for your parents afterschool? I loved that extra time with my friends!Remember how you used to actually walk down the street to talk to a friend? Having a real conversation on the household phone that included full, intelligent sentences? Summer days full of imagination, not the latest app available? These are things that made my childhood sweet...too bad a lot of kids these days can't say the same.
Cell phones these days seem more and more like a God given right to kids, not a hard earned privilege. In an age of instant gratification, they are losing the ability to be patient, to be respectful, to just be kids.
How sad.
I don't want my kids to grow up any faster than they already are, and I want them to hold tight to the innocence of childhood. If standing firm on my ban of cell phones for all under 15 in my house helps them stay sweet, respectful, and innocent, I will continue with the ban until they are married and have kids of their own.
Hmmmm, guess it's time to stop ranting about the new ways of the world as they happen outside of my control/household and jump off the old soapbox. I need it to conquer the latest battle with good ol' Mt. Washmore.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Dear Tooth Fairy, I don't get a break.... why should you?
"Under this pillow you will find, A teensy, tiny tooth of mine.
So while I sleep where dreams are made,
Let's see if you can make a trade."
The Tooth Fairy had a busy week at our house. Last Thursday, Jacks lost his third tooth. Poor kid had been wiggling and working it for over a month. Every day after school he would bound into the car and without a mere "hello, I had a great day, I missed ya" he would ask me to check if it was ready to pull. For an agonizing 4 weeks the answer was always no.
Thursday, as we waited for Haybug after school, I once again checked the status of the stubborn tooth.Determined to pop the sucker out and give Jacks what he so desperately wanted, I pulled a little harder than normal and to his surprise (and mine) it popped out! Pain was quickly forgotten and the thrill on his face was worth the bloody grin. He announced to everyone that he had lost his tooth, showed off the gap it left and giggled at the thought of the shiny new half dollar that would soon appear under his pillow.
But as he was fondly studying the key to his treasure quest, he realized that there was still a wiggle in his mouth. I noticed his grubby hand move in for the signature move and he quickly informed me that the other top tooth was loose too. So much for a reprieve from our afternoon routine!
The tooth fairy made her appearance that night, which is an amazing feat in itself. Our Fairy is known to be a bit absentminded. Jacks was so thrilled! Who knew a 50 cent piece could be such a prize? With the shiny new coin in his wallet, Jacks was determined to achieve the treasure much quicker with this new tooth and was constantly working towards loosening it. Little did he know that he would be getting a bit of extra help with that.....
By the fourth child you get use to the madness and actually pretty good at tuning it out. So when Haybug and Jacks started wrestling Tuesday night, I though nothing of it. More of the same around here, ya know? That is, until Jacks came running into the kitchen with blood on his face and a wild light in his eyes. My first thought was to punish the culprit as I tended the wound, but as I started to inspect Jacks' face, I notice his hand was tightly curled into a fist. He proudly informed me that his sister had kicked him with her foot and knocked out his tooth! Forget the fact that she had kicked him in the mouth, the kid was thrilled that his sister had saved him from weeks of wiggling and tugging!! I guess no milestone can be achieved in this house without some blood and tears.
Jacks is now the proud owner of a toothless grin that make me smile every time I see it..... I can not believe this will be the last child able to sing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" and really mean it in the Weasley household.
You can thank me later for the fact that Jacks had to clean up the bloodshed with a shower before I took pictures. :0)
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