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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Stumbling Upon A Story!
I've been going through some of my files to find a document I needed, when suddenly I stumble across this cutely bound book!
When Bree was in the 3rd grade, she had to write a story. I will never forget the inspiration and the story she wrote initially. It was very good, I want to share it with you. Of course, I helped embellish and add to the story...in order to teach her how to write, but she had the jest of the story. It was quite impressive for a third grader.
When Bree was in the 3rd grade, she had to write a story. I will never forget the inspiration and the story she wrote initially. It was very good, I want to share it with you. Of course, I helped embellish and add to the story...in order to teach her how to write, but she had the jest of the story. It was quite impressive for a third grader.
The Round-up at Pony Ranch
By: Brittnee Austin
Page 1
Hi, my name is Brittnee Austin. I live on Pony Ranch, In Phoenix, AZ near the desert with my mom and dad. I have lots of beautiful horses on my ranch. (I put images of horses running wild)
Page 2
Although I love all of my horses, there is one horse that's special to my heart.
Page 3
My favorite horse is Classy. She is a beautiful thoroughbred, with a thick maine that gracefully flows in the wind when you ride her. My friends often say that she reminds them of Black Beauty.
Page 4
Even though Classy is dear to my heart and probably the most beautiful of the horses on the ranch, she can be testy. She likes to buck and try to be in control. One time, she bucked me clear-off into the barn and I landed into horse manure!
Page 5
She was in one of her testy moods one day and I couldn't find her. She had broke down the fence and ran off into the desert.
Page 6
My dad and I had to saddle-up and ride into the desert to round-up Classy and bring her back home to Pony Ranch.
Page 7
When dad and I found her she was in bad shape and needed some medical attention. Fortunately, when we saddled-up we packed our first-aid kit.
Page 8
Classy had hurt her leg when she broke down the fence. She had a very long cut on her leg that was bleeding. We applied medicine to her leg and bandaged it up.
Page 9
I felt very happy and relieved that we were able to recuse Classy from the desert and bring her home safe where she belonged.
Page 10
Now it's just another day on Pony Ranch in Phoenix. Riding and having races with Classy ever after.
The End.
I miss these days when I was able to help Bree and she actually listened to me.
Monday, December 8, 2008
What Type of Christmas Memories are You Setting?
The spirit of Christmas doesn’t have to be just about the gifts you give and receive, or the dinner you serve your family! The spirit of Christmas can be felt and shared through serving your family with “Real Dishes!”
I know what you’re thinking, “too much work and too much time!” It’s easier just to serve in the pretty little poinsettia paper plates that can be easily disposed of - a “No-Frills Christmas Dinner,” but what type of underlying message are you sending out to your family at Christmas by doing this? What type of example and memory are you “Setting” for the children and their future?
Since I can remember, on my mother’s side of the family, my aunties and my mother always made sure the table was flawlessly beautiful for the Holidays, or any type of dinner our family had together. I don’t remember one Holiday or dinner with the family that I was served in paper plates. I have to say, I’m very impressed and thankful towards them for keeping and making this a tradition in our family. It has "Set" a standard in my life, being formal and setting your best plate forward can be a refreshing outlook and a new beginning to life.
This year, I had Thanksgiving with my mom and aunt and the dinner table was set flawlessly once again. I decided to question them about this because the majority of people just use paper plates for the simplicity, time and ease of set-up and clean-up. It was the best conversation we had at dinner! My aunt started reflecting on memories she had growing-up and the table setting approach, my grandmother, Roberta Pleasant used at Christmas, despite being poor and not having lots of money to spend on embellishments. My aunt Faye said, “I remember the turkey being the centerpiece, in the middle of the table, because we didn’t have money to buy fancy centerpieces and mother would set the dinner table with these beautiful Christmas scenery dish
es from Johnson Brothers. We didn’t have a lot of linens, fancy silverware and decorations but these plates were our inspiration.”
The “Ideal Feeling” my grandmother created was the inspiration to their spirit of Christmas that made them feel happy, important, loved, inspired, overflowing and blessed this was their Christmas gift.
I know what you’re thinking, “too much work and too much time!” It’s easier just to serve in the pretty little poinsettia paper plates that can be easily disposed of - a “No-Frills Christmas Dinner,” but what type of underlying message are you sending out to your family at Christmas by doing this? What type of example and memory are you “Setting” for the children and their future?
Since I can remember, on my mother’s side of the family, my aunties and my mother always made sure the table was flawlessly beautiful for the Holidays, or any type of dinner our family had together. I don’t remember one Holiday or dinner with the family that I was served in paper plates. I have to say, I’m very impressed and thankful towards them for keeping and making this a tradition in our family. It has "Set" a standard in my life, being formal and setting your best plate forward can be a refreshing outlook and a new beginning to life.
This year, I had Thanksgiving with my mom and aunt and the dinner table was set flawlessly once again. I decided to question them about this because the majority of people just use paper plates for the simplicity, time and ease of set-up and clean-up. It was the best conversation we had at dinner! My aunt started reflecting on memories she had growing-up and the table setting approach, my grandmother, Roberta Pleasant used at Christmas, despite being poor and not having lots of money to spend on embellishments. My aunt Faye said, “I remember the turkey being the centerpiece, in the middle of the table, because we didn’t have money to buy fancy centerpieces and mother would set the dinner table with these beautiful Christmas scenery dish
es from Johnson Brothers. We didn’t have a lot of linens, fancy silverware and decorations but these plates were our inspiration.”The “Ideal Feeling” my grandmother created was the inspiration to their spirit of Christmas that made them feel happy, important, loved, inspired, overflowing and blessed this was their Christmas gift.
This Christmas set something new, pass the “Fine China Spirit” onto and down to your loved ones.
Let the children set the dinner table…it’s a good lesson for them to learn where the silverware should go and what fork should be used when at a formal setting (if you don't know..google it!). We should pay attention to history and to things that happen in the movies, like in the movie “Little Women!” The girls set the dinner table while the mother prepares the food; of course I believe boys should be a part of this too.
Christmas
What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. – Women Know Everything - Agnes M. Pharo*19th/20th-Century American Writer
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Dock at PK
For my B-day today I went to lunch with my girlfriend, Rhonda, that I have known for a very long time and she gave me this book called "Dance While You Can by Lance Wubbels."
As I was reading through the book this afternoon (little short inspirations with photos) - I came across this one inspiration that I want to share and comment on.
I can't believe this photo reminds me of us. We always do this when we are out at PK - for years we have done this...so touching it makes me want to cry. Rhonda, did you buy this book because of this one page???
I know you can't read the inspiration and wording to the left, please find that as follows:
To Dance....
I will measure my words ever so carefully
and make certain I speak the truth in love.
I will suppress the urge to win arguments and prove I'm right.
Great inspiration, for friends or with family members!!
Thanks Rhonda for such a great b-day lunch and nice day today...hope we share many more!!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Low Diastolic Blood Pressure
I know I'm having a bad flare-up now. In my post a couple of days ago I was talking about having numbness in my arms and pain in my nails and such. Today I had my treatment and my diastolic blood pressure (BP) was significantly low....during the 7 hours I was receiving my treatment - the nurse checks my BP every 30 mins and the average of my BP today was... 99/49 - 101/54 (my normal ranges 120/90), after my treatment it went up to 110/64..guess it knocked down some of the inflammation. I can't imagine what this number gets like when I sleep!!! No wonder my arms go numb...I'm not getting a sufficient amount of oxygen and blood....no wonder I've fainted on several occassions!! Hey, it could be much worse..I'm doing much better with these treatments!!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Carpe Diem
The Helicopter Mom
The “Palmer Drive - Bree Austin Household” has been a similar scene to the “Hysteria Lane - Bree Van De Campe Household” this week. Surprisingly inspired and caused by Bree Austin!” It wasn’t me this time…I promise!!!
My daughter, Brittnee, is in Pre-AP Language Arts and she had this 324 page novel “Anne of Avonlea” to read over a course of 3 weeks. The project counted as 3 test grades which could make or break her grade.
Scared and upset, my daughter approaches me on Sunday morning and tells me, “Mom, I haven’t read the book and I have a test on Tuesday…I’m in so much trouble, can you help me?” I should have asked her, “Who are you asking, Bree Van De Campe - the OCD Helicopter MOM or me?” Even though the thought did cross my mind… I wished I could be that “Mean Spirited Individual,”…. it’s just not who I am. I did the predictable and lectured her about the procrastinated predicament and the consequence of her actions that could transpire and will transpire if she pulls this dumb stunt again.
Carpe Diem
After the lecture, instead of being mad and upset with this whole situation, I started to reflect back when Bree was little and how I enjoyed reading to my little girl. It has almost been a decade since I last read to her. So, I don’t have to tell you what I was thinking when she come to me….but I didn’t let her know that!
A carpe diem opportunity had presented itself to me and I quickly recognized my chance to spend quality time and have control of a situation and her teenaged monopolized time once more.
The Book
If anyone hasn’t read “Anne of Avonlea,” it is a good book. The beginning is a little difficult, because Anne is a teacher in a community (Avonlea) and therefore, there are various characters with different personality types that have to be established at the beginning of the book before the action starts and the use of slang is a bit annoying because it took place a long time ago making it challenging to read out loud. But once you get through it…it’s a fun read.
In a previous post, I have talked about my thoughts and feelings on spanking kids. There is a young boy named “Davy” in this book he is just a pill…he does all sorts of colored things. Hilarious and funny - one situation where he is in the church and does something to a little girl…took me back to a time when I was in church with my brother and he was committing mortifying acts against people that were sitting in front of us…I guess some things never change. Davy was definitely my favorite character, but he did deserve a spanking on several occasions.
With that being said, I’m glad I read this book, I think it’s a good idea that, as parents, we investigate what our children are having to read in school because it helps us to understand where our kids are coming from when you react a particular way as a parent and your son or daughter tells you you’re abusive because you hit them on the leg with a mere flimsy flip-flop….as responsible parents, we should make it our prerogative to know where this type of thinking is coming from! This teacher feels that spanking is a result of anger and therefore hitting is teaching your child to react violently out of anger. I thought this was a great way to explain it.
Success
I happen to agree with this sentiment to an extent…I believe “Children” need to be spanked in moderation up to a certain “Age.” Then you must change your approach – learning how to leverage with them… teaching them how to be good communicators is the key to their future and creates a more defined controlled path or a guide in relationships resulting in a more successful happy life.
Brittnee said on her test there wasn’t a question she wasn’t 100% percent certain of the answer and she was most grateful for what I had done to help her…I’m glad this “Helicopter Mom Moment” propelled a successful outcome for now!
The “Palmer Drive - Bree Austin Household” has been a similar scene to the “Hysteria Lane - Bree Van De Campe Household” this week. Surprisingly inspired and caused by Bree Austin!” It wasn’t me this time…I promise!!!
My daughter, Brittnee, is in Pre-AP Language Arts and she had this 324 page novel “Anne of Avonlea” to read over a course of 3 weeks. The project counted as 3 test grades which could make or break her grade.
Scared and upset, my daughter approaches me on Sunday morning and tells me, “Mom, I haven’t read the book and I have a test on Tuesday…I’m in so much trouble, can you help me?” I should have asked her, “Who are you asking, Bree Van De Campe - the OCD Helicopter MOM or me?” Even though the thought did cross my mind… I wished I could be that “Mean Spirited Individual,”…. it’s just not who I am. I did the predictable and lectured her about the procrastinated predicament and the consequence of her actions that could transpire and will transpire if she pulls this dumb stunt again.
Carpe Diem
After the lecture, instead of being mad and upset with this whole situation, I started to reflect back when Bree was little and how I enjoyed reading to my little girl. It has almost been a decade since I last read to her. So, I don’t have to tell you what I was thinking when she come to me….but I didn’t let her know that!
A carpe diem opportunity had presented itself to me and I quickly recognized my chance to spend quality time and have control of a situation and her teenaged monopolized time once more.
The Book
If anyone hasn’t read “Anne of Avonlea,” it is a good book. The beginning is a little difficult, because Anne is a teacher in a community (Avonlea) and therefore, there are various characters with different personality types that have to be established at the beginning of the book before the action starts and the use of slang is a bit annoying because it took place a long time ago making it challenging to read out loud. But once you get through it…it’s a fun read.
In a previous post, I have talked about my thoughts and feelings on spanking kids. There is a young boy named “Davy” in this book he is just a pill…he does all sorts of colored things. Hilarious and funny - one situation where he is in the church and does something to a little girl…took me back to a time when I was in church with my brother and he was committing mortifying acts against people that were sitting in front of us…I guess some things never change. Davy was definitely my favorite character, but he did deserve a spanking on several occasions.
With that being said, I’m glad I read this book, I think it’s a good idea that, as parents, we investigate what our children are having to read in school because it helps us to understand where our kids are coming from when you react a particular way as a parent and your son or daughter tells you you’re abusive because you hit them on the leg with a mere flimsy flip-flop….as responsible parents, we should make it our prerogative to know where this type of thinking is coming from! This teacher feels that spanking is a result of anger and therefore hitting is teaching your child to react violently out of anger. I thought this was a great way to explain it.
Success
I happen to agree with this sentiment to an extent…I believe “Children” need to be spanked in moderation up to a certain “Age.” Then you must change your approach – learning how to leverage with them… teaching them how to be good communicators is the key to their future and creates a more defined controlled path or a guide in relationships resulting in a more successful happy life.
Brittnee said on her test there wasn’t a question she wasn’t 100% percent certain of the answer and she was most grateful for what I had done to help her…I’m glad this “Helicopter Mom Moment” propelled a successful outcome for now!
Pain In The Nail
My Nail beds hurt so bad..
- I guess I'm still having flare-ups! Although not as bad but there still occuring. A couple of days ago, I was up at night because my arms and legs were going numb and then the next day I had changes in my nail beds and pain...this is why I can't get fake-nails...they would just lift off because of the inflammation. They hurt so bad. I can't stand it! And my leg is driving me nuts!!! I think it's the nerve endings. It's like I have the shingles...all the time!!!
Another Sore on my leg! Hurts, itches and stings!
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