Win 6 months of NETFLIX for FREE.....
OK, I rarely post twice in one day, but I just read this on the blog It Could Have Been Worse, so I wanted to pass it on. :-)
Go here http://www.5minutesformom.com/1685/netflix/ Leave a comment and link to it from your blog. You could be one of the 5 winners. ;-) If nothing else you may find some new neat things while there. I did. ;-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Sunday, June 10, 2007
No one got hurt, nothing broken...party was a success
The week has been fast and furious, but it sure was fun!! ;-)
We played Trivial Pursuit "Pop Culture" addition 3 nights this week. Guys against the girls. Guys won. (Yeah, Yeah, keep grinning. We'll get you next time.) ;-)
The birthday party went very well, I think. ;-) The party was to last 2 hours. Um... Yeah. Everything I planned for them to do was finished within an hour. Including cake and ice cream. They spent the entire last hour playing and running through the house. But, no one got hurt and nothing got broken. They had fun, so I consider that a success. ;-) Even though the balloon racing car were a bust. I have to say that the race car driver photos of each child were just TOO CUTE! :-)
The cake turned out pretty good. Here's a picture, but don't look TOO close, because I can name 5 mistakes on this cake off the top of my head. ;-) But, it was a learning expe
rience, and it was all eaten. I'm still taking decorating classes people; so don't judge me. :-)
rience, and it was all eaten. I'm still taking decorating classes people; so don't judge me. :-)It was so nice having my sister and her family visit this week. We laughed so much every day, and the couch has the pee stains to prove it. ;-)
I even tried crawfish!! And it was good. ;-) I can't wait until their next visit. ;-) OH, and I have to say that I have the BEST brother in law in the WORLD!! Any man who will get up at 5:15 am to take his sister in law to take pictures of a sunrise, and then massage her neck and head to relieve a headache is AWESOME in my book. If I haven't said it before let me say it now, "Welcome to the family." If you haven't run screaming by now we know you like us." ;-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Friday, June 08, 2007
God is good, all the time....
My pastor says that all of the time, and it is true. This is a little update on the previous post. We did get the radiator fixed that same day, so we have had transportation.
After a week of boiling water to wash dishes and take showers the hot water heater is finally fixed. When I say "fixed" I really mean replaced. Just a word of warning people: LOWES and Whirlpool stink. We will never buy another product from either of them. Just saying.
In spite of it all it has been a great week. My sister "M" and her family have been with us for a few days, and it has been a lot of fun. ;-) The older nephew has enjoyed VBS WITH his new glasses. ;-)
The cake decorating class is off to a good start, even if the Lightning McQueen cake I am making for the party tomorrow isn't. I messed it up and have to start over. Darn the luck, now we have to eat ANOTHER cake. ;-) I'll post a picture of it when I am finished.
My brother in law, "T" and I got up at 5:15 this morning to head to the local rest area. We wanted to get some pictures of the sunrise. The clouds did not really want to cooperate, but we were patient. Even though we didn't get the sunrise we did get some pretty nice shots of the clouds. Should make a nice backdrop for future photos. :-) It's also really nice to have someone else in the family who really likes to take pictures, and doesn't mind getting up early, stay up late, or drive to "where ever" to get that "perfect" shot. ;-) I'm loving it!!
Here's a couple I took this morning. ;-)
Have a great day!
Love,
Wendy Darling
Monday, June 04, 2007
It's been a character building day....
A few years ago I read the book "It's Not Over Until You Win" by Les Brown. If you haven't read this book, or better yet heard him do it on CD, then you really need to get it.
This is the first time I had ever heard the term "character building day". As Christians we should not have "bad days", we should have character building days. God allows trials to test our character, to help us grow. When challenges arise are we going to trust him and have faith, or are we going to complain, get depressed, have negative attitudes, etc..? In other words "Be like the world."
Also, I think we should follow the example set in the movie "Facing the Giants".... "When we win we will praise Him, and when we lose we will praise Him."
I think, "When things are going great we should praise him, and when they are "challenging" is when He is seeing if we will still praise Him."
Normally, I wouldn't write about my sister "J", because she would just get mad. But, she doesn't read my blog anyway, so I'm going for it. :-)
Today was "one of those days" according to my sister. This weekend the radiator acted up. Today, there's a hole and it needs to be replaced. About $300 worth of "replaced". It's been at the mechanics for about 3 hours. We are waiting on his call to say it is fixed.
Nephew broke his glasses this weekend and needed to get to the eye doctor today. Took awhile to find a doc that took his insurance. We then had to cancel his appointment, due to the car, and reschedule for tomorrow. So, he is pretty much limited on what he can do with no glasses.
We had no hot water last night. Dear brother read the manual and figured out a tube needed replacing. So he called the gas company who said to call a plumber, who showed up only to find out that he had the wrong hose. So, we still don't have hot water. Although, due to loving brother heating water on the stove we were able to enjoy warm "showers". :-)
Now we are waiting for the plumber to call only to discover a tower is down and we have no phone service. ;-)
Are you hanging with me so far? :-)
I did manage to get dear brother to call the mechanic from work to let him know we have no phone service, so don't bother calling. The mechanic then let us know the parts house delivered the wrong radiator, but assures us it will be fixed around 4:30 pm. Brother's boss will drop "J" off at the mechanic's on her way to drop brother off at his 2nd job. Boss is a saint, but I think we are testing her patience today. ;-)
Are you still following me, people?
I have handled everything today with a smile, or at least I have tried to anyway.
Dear "J" has chosen to use this week as her vacation, therefore having no vacation in October, and has not chosen to allow this to build her character, or have a sense of humor. :-) The gall of some people. ;-) LOL...
You may thinking "Lose the Pollyanna attitude", "This is a little too preachy", "You're just being a slight bit too positive and perky"..... Maybe so, but I'm also not allowing my blood pressure to go through the roof, or have the entire household in an uproar only to come back to the same problems with no solution. Doesn't help.
Since this is already too much of a "motivational speech" I guess I will end with one of my favorite phrases from Les Brown. "When life knocks you down make sure you land on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up."
I'll climb down off of my soap box now. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
A few years ago I read the book "It's Not Over Until You Win" by Les Brown. If you haven't read this book, or better yet heard him do it on CD, then you really need to get it.
This is the first time I had ever heard the term "character building day". As Christians we should not have "bad days", we should have character building days. God allows trials to test our character, to help us grow. When challenges arise are we going to trust him and have faith, or are we going to complain, get depressed, have negative attitudes, etc..? In other words "Be like the world."
Also, I think we should follow the example set in the movie "Facing the Giants".... "When we win we will praise Him, and when we lose we will praise Him."
I think, "When things are going great we should praise him, and when they are "challenging" is when He is seeing if we will still praise Him."
Normally, I wouldn't write about my sister "J", because she would just get mad. But, she doesn't read my blog anyway, so I'm going for it. :-)
Today was "one of those days" according to my sister. This weekend the radiator acted up. Today, there's a hole and it needs to be replaced. About $300 worth of "replaced". It's been at the mechanics for about 3 hours. We are waiting on his call to say it is fixed.
Nephew broke his glasses this weekend and needed to get to the eye doctor today. Took awhile to find a doc that took his insurance. We then had to cancel his appointment, due to the car, and reschedule for tomorrow. So, he is pretty much limited on what he can do with no glasses.
We had no hot water last night. Dear brother read the manual and figured out a tube needed replacing. So he called the gas company who said to call a plumber, who showed up only to find out that he had the wrong hose. So, we still don't have hot water. Although, due to loving brother heating water on the stove we were able to enjoy warm "showers". :-)
Now we are waiting for the plumber to call only to discover a tower is down and we have no phone service. ;-)
Are you hanging with me so far? :-)
I did manage to get dear brother to call the mechanic from work to let him know we have no phone service, so don't bother calling. The mechanic then let us know the parts house delivered the wrong radiator, but assures us it will be fixed around 4:30 pm. Brother's boss will drop "J" off at the mechanic's on her way to drop brother off at his 2nd job. Boss is a saint, but I think we are testing her patience today. ;-)
Are you still following me, people?
I have handled everything today with a smile, or at least I have tried to anyway.
Dear "J" has chosen to use this week as her vacation, therefore having no vacation in October, and has not chosen to allow this to build her character, or have a sense of humor. :-) The gall of some people. ;-) LOL...
You may thinking "Lose the Pollyanna attitude", "This is a little too preachy", "You're just being a slight bit too positive and perky"..... Maybe so, but I'm also not allowing my blood pressure to go through the roof, or have the entire household in an uproar only to come back to the same problems with no solution. Doesn't help.
Since this is already too much of a "motivational speech" I guess I will end with one of my favorite phrases from Les Brown. "When life knocks you down make sure you land on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up."
I'll climb down off of my soap box now. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Sunday, June 03, 2007
I'm Home....
...and I had a great time. I have to thank my sister and brother in law publicly for coming to get me, and showing me a great time. I also have to get this off of my chest.... CENTRAL MARKET ROCKS!!!! I'm serious ya'll. If you have never been there you have to go. I could literally spend hundreds of dollars just on the cheeses, olives, crackers and fruit! It is AMAZING!! If we had one in our area it would blow Wal Mart out of the water!! :-)
My dear sister made Mojito Chicken and it was awesome! http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_35619,00.html?rsrc=search the recipe is here.
She also made cheesy smashed potatoes that rocked!! :-)
I spent a little money on myself and bought "Facing the Giants" on DVD, and some Buttered Popcorn Jelly Bellys. We watched the movie, because I really wanted my sister and brother in law to see it. I thought they would like it, and they didn't disappoint me. I think I managed to hide my crying pretty well. ;-) If ya'll have not seen this movie you need to. I can't even express how awesome this movie is!! :-) Just see it as soon as humanly possible. Go rent it tonight, seriously. :-)
We came home today in what can only be described as just shy of a monsoon, in my opinion. I have to give my sister "props", because she only almost killed us once. ;-) Just kidding. :-) She did very well. :-) And we are looking forward to Thursday when they will come and stay the weekend with us. :-)
I am pretty sure I'll be in bed early tonight. Did I mention you should go rent the movie? OH, and stop by Target and pick up some Chipotle and Rasberry sauce, cream cheese and Wheat Thins. Enjoy this with your movie. ;-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
...and I had a great time. I have to thank my sister and brother in law publicly for coming to get me, and showing me a great time. I also have to get this off of my chest.... CENTRAL MARKET ROCKS!!!! I'm serious ya'll. If you have never been there you have to go. I could literally spend hundreds of dollars just on the cheeses, olives, crackers and fruit! It is AMAZING!! If we had one in our area it would blow Wal Mart out of the water!! :-)
My dear sister made Mojito Chicken and it was awesome! http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_35619,00.html?rsrc=search the recipe is here.
She also made cheesy smashed potatoes that rocked!! :-)
I spent a little money on myself and bought "Facing the Giants" on DVD, and some Buttered Popcorn Jelly Bellys. We watched the movie, because I really wanted my sister and brother in law to see it. I thought they would like it, and they didn't disappoint me. I think I managed to hide my crying pretty well. ;-) If ya'll have not seen this movie you need to. I can't even express how awesome this movie is!! :-) Just see it as soon as humanly possible. Go rent it tonight, seriously. :-)
We came home today in what can only be described as just shy of a monsoon, in my opinion. I have to give my sister "props", because she only almost killed us once. ;-) Just kidding. :-) She did very well. :-) And we are looking forward to Thursday when they will come and stay the weekend with us. :-)
I am pretty sure I'll be in bed early tonight. Did I mention you should go rent the movie? OH, and stop by Target and pick up some Chipotle and Rasberry sauce, cream cheese and Wheat Thins. Enjoy this with your movie. ;-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to camp we go.....
Yes, the nephew left for camp today. He was so excited, and nervous, all at the same time. One minute he wanted to hurry up and leave, and the very next he wanted to go home. :-) After encouraging him, telling him how much we loved him, and how much fun he was going to have I have to admit that I had to fight the urge to follow the bus as it pulled out onto the highway. :-) I know, I'm silly. I tried to post a picture of him getting on the bus for ya'll, but blogger wouldn't let me for some reason. When I can I will try again. :-)
One great thing about "modern day" camps, at least this one is that they have a website! :-) They post updates throughout the day letting you know your kids arrived, what they are up to, their daily schedule, and you can even e-mail them! How cool is that?! :-)
After reading about their theme for this week I wish I was there! :-)
For many students, both Christian and not, nearly their entire life is presented as preparation for something else to come. When they’re kids, they can’t really do anything because they’re “just a kid.” They can really do stuff once they get to junior high and in the youth group. But then they’re just in junior high and should wait ‘til high school. But once in high school, they’re not really anything until they’re Seniors. But once they’re Seniors, they should just wait to college, then until they graduate and go to grad school and eventually get a job and then have to find someone to marry and then start a family and plan for retirement and everything else. Everything is about what’s to come. They’re in school to get trained to go until college to get trained for a job. They’re in relationships to realize who it is they want to marry. They’re getting jobs to train them to have a good work ethic. They’re in church so they can learn to do things right so that they might be good Christians one day.This constant preparation for the future exists in tension with the guilt and shame that they also feel about their past. Mistakes made some time ago can still hold a firm grip on a student’s life so that they feel trapped, unworthy and unable to live in the freedom that God has promised them through Jesus Christ. Both the trappings of the past and the pressures of the future often render our students paralyzed.In actuality, once they gain a proper understanding of their identity in Christ, they realize that God is at work right now and is calling them to live a life in relationship and on mission with Him right here and right now. This isn’t practice. This isn’t rehearsal. This is it.This is something that people have always needed to be reminded of. Moses and Joshua called the children of Israel to make decisions “today” about whether or not they would follow God. The prophets called people to repentance and action “today.” Mordecai challenged Esther about who knew whether or not she had come to be queen “for such a time as this.” It is perhaps not evidenced any greater than in the response of the disciples to Jesus’ call to “Come. Follow me.” They immediately left their nets, boats, tables and families to follow the Christ. God is calling us, all of us - young and old, child, youth and adult to life in and with Him. We have to choose whether or not we are going to live that life… here and now.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Yes, the nephew left for camp today. He was so excited, and nervous, all at the same time. One minute he wanted to hurry up and leave, and the very next he wanted to go home. :-) After encouraging him, telling him how much we loved him, and how much fun he was going to have I have to admit that I had to fight the urge to follow the bus as it pulled out onto the highway. :-) I know, I'm silly. I tried to post a picture of him getting on the bus for ya'll, but blogger wouldn't let me for some reason. When I can I will try again. :-)
One great thing about "modern day" camps, at least this one is that they have a website! :-) They post updates throughout the day letting you know your kids arrived, what they are up to, their daily schedule, and you can even e-mail them! How cool is that?! :-)
After reading about their theme for this week I wish I was there! :-)
For many students, both Christian and not, nearly their entire life is presented as preparation for something else to come. When they’re kids, they can’t really do anything because they’re “just a kid.” They can really do stuff once they get to junior high and in the youth group. But then they’re just in junior high and should wait ‘til high school. But once in high school, they’re not really anything until they’re Seniors. But once they’re Seniors, they should just wait to college, then until they graduate and go to grad school and eventually get a job and then have to find someone to marry and then start a family and plan for retirement and everything else. Everything is about what’s to come. They’re in school to get trained to go until college to get trained for a job. They’re in relationships to realize who it is they want to marry. They’re getting jobs to train them to have a good work ethic. They’re in church so they can learn to do things right so that they might be good Christians one day.This constant preparation for the future exists in tension with the guilt and shame that they also feel about their past. Mistakes made some time ago can still hold a firm grip on a student’s life so that they feel trapped, unworthy and unable to live in the freedom that God has promised them through Jesus Christ. Both the trappings of the past and the pressures of the future often render our students paralyzed.In actuality, once they gain a proper understanding of their identity in Christ, they realize that God is at work right now and is calling them to live a life in relationship and on mission with Him right here and right now. This isn’t practice. This isn’t rehearsal. This is it.This is something that people have always needed to be reminded of. Moses and Joshua called the children of Israel to make decisions “today” about whether or not they would follow God. The prophets called people to repentance and action “today.” Mordecai challenged Esther about who knew whether or not she had come to be queen “for such a time as this.” It is perhaps not evidenced any greater than in the response of the disciples to Jesus’ call to “Come. Follow me.” They immediately left their nets, boats, tables and families to follow the Christ. God is calling us, all of us - young and old, child, youth and adult to life in and with Him. We have to choose whether or not we are going to live that life… here and now.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Wal Mart Sucks! .... and other thoughts for the day....
Can I say that in a blog? Will I be sued for slander? I. Don't. Care. I know I am not the only one who believes that since Mr. Sam died Wal Mart no longer cares about the customer. At least the one in my town doesn't. We have actually boycotted Wal Mart in the past, and the only reason it stopped was because the gas prices went too high to continue the 25 mile trek to the nearest town where we would actually have CHOICES in grocery stores.
They rarely smile and greet you. Most of the cashiers barely look at you, much less say anything to you beyond the total of your purchase. Not even a "Thank you for shopping Wal Mart." When you do have a question about a product or something you can never find anyone to help you, and if you do find someone they don't know anything anyway. Today my sister called, because the camera my nephew got for Christmas is no longer working. All we wanted to do was exchange it, not get money back. She spoke to 2 people. The first was rude and then hung up on her, the second was VERY rude and she hung up on them. What ever happened to the Customer is always right? Poor Sam must be rolling over in his grave! When, Oh When are we going to get some competition in this town?!
OK, off my tangent. Today is Memorial Day. I was reminded of the times when we were little that our Daddy (a Vietnam Vet and member of the VFW) would go place flags on the graves of former soldiers. We would go and help. We didn't really understand it back then, but I am grateful that he gave us that experience. There is nothing more important than thanking a soldier for their service. It is because of them we have the right to speak our minds (such as the above paragraph) and live the way we choose. SO, if you are reading this and you are a veteran, "THANK YOU!"
I am going to spend a couple of days with my sister later this week. The nephew will be attending his first Children's Camp. He is excited, but I can tell he is also nervous. Dear Sister and her husband were nice enough to invite me to stay with them for a couple days, so I could have a break as well. I have to say I am really looking forward to it. :-) I could use a couple of days away. :-)
I need some extra prayers from you out there. I have about decided to change churches. I have been thinking about it for awhile, but I wanted to make sure that if I stayed or left it was because it was what God wanted, not because of what I wanted. I am pretty sure I received my answer today. I have a paid position in the church, so if I leave I will need to resign, speak to my pastor personally, and then leave. I REALLY like my pastor and most everyone at the church, but I really feel the call to leave as well. It is difficult, because I don't want any hard feelings. I don't feel there will be, but you never know. And switching churches and then having to find where you can be of service is scary as well. Thankfully, I already have several friends in the church I will be switching to, so that helps. :-)
I have, finally, signed up for the Wilton Cake Decorating class. I begin June 5th. I am excited. :-) I am glad I will finally be able to learn how to do these cakes correctly. :-)
Well, I think that pretty much catches you up with things about me. See you next time. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Can I say that in a blog? Will I be sued for slander? I. Don't. Care. I know I am not the only one who believes that since Mr. Sam died Wal Mart no longer cares about the customer. At least the one in my town doesn't. We have actually boycotted Wal Mart in the past, and the only reason it stopped was because the gas prices went too high to continue the 25 mile trek to the nearest town where we would actually have CHOICES in grocery stores.
They rarely smile and greet you. Most of the cashiers barely look at you, much less say anything to you beyond the total of your purchase. Not even a "Thank you for shopping Wal Mart." When you do have a question about a product or something you can never find anyone to help you, and if you do find someone they don't know anything anyway. Today my sister called, because the camera my nephew got for Christmas is no longer working. All we wanted to do was exchange it, not get money back. She spoke to 2 people. The first was rude and then hung up on her, the second was VERY rude and she hung up on them. What ever happened to the Customer is always right? Poor Sam must be rolling over in his grave! When, Oh When are we going to get some competition in this town?!
OK, off my tangent. Today is Memorial Day. I was reminded of the times when we were little that our Daddy (a Vietnam Vet and member of the VFW) would go place flags on the graves of former soldiers. We would go and help. We didn't really understand it back then, but I am grateful that he gave us that experience. There is nothing more important than thanking a soldier for their service. It is because of them we have the right to speak our minds (such as the above paragraph) and live the way we choose. SO, if you are reading this and you are a veteran, "THANK YOU!"
I am going to spend a couple of days with my sister later this week. The nephew will be attending his first Children's Camp. He is excited, but I can tell he is also nervous. Dear Sister and her husband were nice enough to invite me to stay with them for a couple days, so I could have a break as well. I have to say I am really looking forward to it. :-) I could use a couple of days away. :-)
I need some extra prayers from you out there. I have about decided to change churches. I have been thinking about it for awhile, but I wanted to make sure that if I stayed or left it was because it was what God wanted, not because of what I wanted. I am pretty sure I received my answer today. I have a paid position in the church, so if I leave I will need to resign, speak to my pastor personally, and then leave. I REALLY like my pastor and most everyone at the church, but I really feel the call to leave as well. It is difficult, because I don't want any hard feelings. I don't feel there will be, but you never know. And switching churches and then having to find where you can be of service is scary as well. Thankfully, I already have several friends in the church I will be switching to, so that helps. :-)
I have, finally, signed up for the Wilton Cake Decorating class. I begin June 5th. I am excited. :-) I am glad I will finally be able to learn how to do these cakes correctly. :-)
Well, I think that pretty much catches you up with things about me. See you next time. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Dear Peter,
Well, how to begin. I have loved writing letters to you, and being able to share my feelings, etc. But, we all have to grow up sometime. Yes, even you, Peter. So, I have decided to do away with this "blog" to you. I am going to "revamp" it and make it my own.
For the others reading this "letter" No, I am not going to stop blogging. I am just going to do away with the "Peter/Wendy theme" and make it more "ME". :-)
So, I will say good bye, Peter. It was fun, but growing up can be fun too, as well as exciting. :-) Please, hug all of the Lost Boys for me. :-)
Love and Goodbye,
Wendy Darling
Well, how to begin. I have loved writing letters to you, and being able to share my feelings, etc. But, we all have to grow up sometime. Yes, even you, Peter. So, I have decided to do away with this "blog" to you. I am going to "revamp" it and make it my own.
For the others reading this "letter" No, I am not going to stop blogging. I am just going to do away with the "Peter/Wendy theme" and make it more "ME". :-)
So, I will say good bye, Peter. It was fun, but growing up can be fun too, as well as exciting. :-) Please, hug all of the Lost Boys for me. :-)
Love and Goodbye,
Wendy Darling
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Dear Peter,
How was your day? We have been busy, and spent the day at the District 4-H Roundup. The nephew competed in the Poetry category, with "Casey at the Bat". He took 2nd Place! :-) We were thrilled for him.
Now, preparing for this did not come without some headaches. I'm talking about MY headaches. :-) Being homeschoolers we turn EVERYTHING into teachable moments. Some of these "teachable moments" come in the form of "learning things the hard way". Let me explain.
When he was preparing for Roundup at the County level I made the mistake of letting him overhear that "the poem did NOT HAVE to be memorized for County, but DID have to be for District" so, he chose not to have it memorized. Now, I tried to reason with him by saying, "If you memorize it now for county that is less work you have to do for district, AND you'll get more points from the judges if you have your's memorized and the others do not". (I'm pretty sure he was hearing the whole "Charlie Brown" wah, wah, wah... at this point)
Now, you would think that would he would just say, "That's a great idea Aunt Wendy, let's do it! And I will be so much the better person by working hard." Yeah, right.... this is a 10 year old we're talking about. So, needless to say, it was not memorized at County. I also made the mistake of suggesting he carry a baseball bat as part of his "act". His reply, "If I carry the bat I can't hold the binder with the poem". So, no bat. He took 2nd place at County, so he did move on to District.
Last week we got the judges comments from the County Roundup, so we would know what to work on for District. Now, this is the first time we have seen any comments or suggestions the judges made. David got 94 out of a possible 100 points. I was VERY proud. The judges had only 2 suggestions.
Your just dying to know what they are aren't you?
Take a wild guess......
Yep, 1) MEMORIZE THE POEM AND 2) CARRY A BASEBALL BAT.
I tell you, my tongue still hurts from biting it to keep from saying "I told you so". I did however look at him and say, "Hmm, why didn't we think of that?" No response.
SO, we spent about a week memorizing the ENTIRE poem. You notice how I said "we" there? Yeah, I worked with him EVERYDAY, and memorized it too. (I am not sure if you are aware of just how LONG this poem is, but trust me when I say it is LONG.) Anyway, I tried to be encouraging. When he wanted to quit I kept going over the "Do your best", "Remember the 4-H motto 'make the best better'", "do your best to please God, not man", "Be proud of your effort", "this is building character", "one day you will thank me", etc....... and the whole time I'm wondering if ANY OF IT is sinking in. (Again, I'm thinking the whole "Charlie Brown Syndrom") On Wednesday he got through the entire thing, and the look of pride and excitement on his face made it all worth it. :-)
Then, today he went into the room to compete. He made one request of me that broke my heart, but I understood. He asked that I NOT come in to watch him. He said I would make him nervous. I was sad, but I understood, and did not want to hinder him. So, I sat in the hallway.
That's right, Peter, I sat in the hall, outside the door for over an hour!
Every person who came out asked me if I wanted to come in, and I told them (with a smile on my face) "No, thank you. I don't want to make him nervous". Afterwards everyone who came out said how wonderful he did, and that he should be very proud of himself. :-) Then, when they announced him as the second place winner he beamed from ear to ear. I guess sitting in the hall wasn't so bad. I guess the speeches and the headaches were worth it. And, I'm glad it's over......at least until the Project Show in May.... OY! By the way, I'm still waiting for that "thank you".
Love,
Wendy Darling
How was your day? We have been busy, and spent the day at the District 4-H Roundup. The nephew competed in the Poetry category, with "Casey at the Bat". He took 2nd Place! :-) We were thrilled for him.
Now, preparing for this did not come without some headaches. I'm talking about MY headaches. :-) Being homeschoolers we turn EVERYTHING into teachable moments. Some of these "teachable moments" come in the form of "learning things the hard way". Let me explain.
When he was preparing for Roundup at the County level I made the mistake of letting him overhear that "the poem did NOT HAVE to be memorized for County, but DID have to be for District" so, he chose not to have it memorized. Now, I tried to reason with him by saying, "If you memorize it now for county that is less work you have to do for district, AND you'll get more points from the judges if you have your's memorized and the others do not". (I'm pretty sure he was hearing the whole "Charlie Brown" wah, wah, wah... at this point)
Now, you would think that would he would just say, "That's a great idea Aunt Wendy, let's do it! And I will be so much the better person by working hard." Yeah, right.... this is a 10 year old we're talking about. So, needless to say, it was not memorized at County. I also made the mistake of suggesting he carry a baseball bat as part of his "act". His reply, "If I carry the bat I can't hold the binder with the poem". So, no bat. He took 2nd place at County, so he did move on to District.
Last week we got the judges comments from the County Roundup, so we would know what to work on for District. Now, this is the first time we have seen any comments or suggestions the judges made. David got 94 out of a possible 100 points. I was VERY proud. The judges had only 2 suggestions.
Your just dying to know what they are aren't you?
Take a wild guess......
Yep, 1) MEMORIZE THE POEM AND 2) CARRY A BASEBALL BAT.
I tell you, my tongue still hurts from biting it to keep from saying "I told you so". I did however look at him and say, "Hmm, why didn't we think of that?" No response.
SO, we spent about a week memorizing the ENTIRE poem. You notice how I said "we" there? Yeah, I worked with him EVERYDAY, and memorized it too. (I am not sure if you are aware of just how LONG this poem is, but trust me when I say it is LONG.) Anyway, I tried to be encouraging. When he wanted to quit I kept going over the "Do your best", "Remember the 4-H motto 'make the best better'", "do your best to please God, not man", "Be proud of your effort", "this is building character", "one day you will thank me", etc....... and the whole time I'm wondering if ANY OF IT is sinking in. (Again, I'm thinking the whole "Charlie Brown Syndrom") On Wednesday he got through the entire thing, and the look of pride and excitement on his face made it all worth it. :-)
Then, today he went into the room to compete. He made one request of me that broke my heart, but I understood. He asked that I NOT come in to watch him. He said I would make him nervous. I was sad, but I understood, and did not want to hinder him. So, I sat in the hallway.
That's right, Peter, I sat in the hall, outside the door for over an hour!
Every person who came out asked me if I wanted to come in, and I told them (with a smile on my face) "No, thank you. I don't want to make him nervous". Afterwards everyone who came out said how wonderful he did, and that he should be very proud of himself. :-) Then, when they announced him as the second place winner he beamed from ear to ear. I guess sitting in the hall wasn't so bad. I guess the speeches and the headaches were worth it. And, I'm glad it's over......at least until the Project Show in May.... OY! By the way, I'm still waiting for that "thank you".
Love,
Wendy Darling
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Dear Peter,
I hope you and the Lost Boys are doing well. Has Captain Hook been giving you trouble?
I have been "out of pocket" for a couple of days, sorry. Take a look at these pictures and it will tell you what I have been up to. ;-) I hope to take the cake decorating class this summer. I have most of the stuff for the class, and the money. Now I just need the TIME. ;-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Dear Peter,
Happy Easter! :-) I hope the local church does not mind my "borrowing" the last two pictures on the right from their website. The nephew was in the play The Passion last night and tonight. I saw both performances, and was moved to tears both times.
I know that it seems "mechanical" to think of the resurrection of Christ at Easter, but seeing this play made it so "real" to me. From seeing Jesus teaching and healing, to seeing him ride into the church on a REAL donkey. Then, seeing him be beaten and crucified. Everyone involved did such an awesome job making it dramatic and realistic. Then, as the choir and actors belted out the song "He's Alive", and Jesus emerged from the tomb in a cloud of smoke the audience responded with triumphant shouts and clapping like thunder. :-) I couldn't help but get emotional, and cry unashamedly. It made me wish everyone I knew who is not saved was there to see it!
As a result, 4 children were saved this evening, and I believe many more will make the decision soon, based on what they saw tonight. :-)
It was a wonderful way for all of us to forget about eggs, bunnies and Easter baskets; and to focus on the real reason we celebrate Easter. We celebrate because Christ did not remain dead, He DID rise, and will come again. :-)
I left that play with two feelings. One of pride for my nephew doing so well, as well as our friends who were also in the play. And with an excited,renewed spirit. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Monday, April 02, 2007
Dear Perer,
I have been taking a lot of pictures of flowers lately. I really enjoy taking pictures of flowers. I posted them here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7468555@N03 Stop by, and if you like what you see leave a comment. :-)
OH, don't forget to see the post below and go register to win the vacuum cleaner! :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
I have been taking a lot of pictures of flowers lately. I really enjoy taking pictures of flowers. I posted them here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7468555@N03 Stop by, and if you like what you see leave a comment. :-)
OH, don't forget to see the post below and go register to win the vacuum cleaner! :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Dear Peter,
This will be a little different letter. I have promised to link to someone else's blog to tell all of our friends about a contest. :-) Just go here http://www.5minutesformom.com/1343/dyson/
and you will have a chance to win a Dyson Slim Vacuum Cleaner. :-) http://www.dyson.com/homepage.asp?sinavtype=menu
Good Luck
Love,
Wendy Darling
This will be a little different letter. I have promised to link to someone else's blog to tell all of our friends about a contest. :-) Just go here http://www.5minutesformom.com/1343/dyson/
and you will have a chance to win a Dyson Slim Vacuum Cleaner. :-) http://www.dyson.com/homepage.asp?sinavtype=menu
Good Luck
Love,
Wendy Darling
Friday, March 23, 2007
Dear Peter,
I hope things are going well in Neverland. Well, this is just to give you a quick update. I told you that I had entered a photography contest. Well, I won first place. I can't believe it. I have never entered one in my life. :-) The nephew also entered, and won second place. Above are the winning photos. :-) Enjoy!
Love,
Wendy Darling
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Dear Peter,
It's been a long day. I'm off to bed, but just had to brag first. The nephew got first place in the 4-H photo competition. :-) Here he is with the winning photo and first place ribbon. He also took 2nd in the Poetry competion for his recitation of Casey at the Bat, so District Roundup HERE WE COME! :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Dear Peter,
How are things in NeverLand? I hope Captain Hook and Tink are behaving. :-)
The nephew has been taking a lot of photos to prepare for several photo contests. I've been "getting into the action" by taking my camera everywhere I go, and just playing around taking pictures. I thought I would share some with you. :-) I have actually entered the next to the last one into a contest. It is titled "Where the Heart Is". I'll let you know how it turns out. :-) Enjoy!
Love,
Wendy Darling
Friday, March 09, 2007
Dear Peter,
Sometimes I marvel at the level of stupidity some people have for stating the obvious. Especially when our tax dollars are spent on said "stupidity". Take this article for instance,
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070308/hl_nm/sleep_disorder_dc
The opening remark in this article states, "NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - When children have sleep problems, their parents -- especially mothers -- often have sleep-deprived nights too, research shows. "
Did we REALLY need someone to research this? All they had to do was ask any mother who has ever stayed up with a sick child, restless child, etc... to find out that the mother and/or father did not sleep either. And since there has already been a study to show that you NEED sleep to function properly the next day the conclusion would just be a given. That leads us to know the mother was probably not a happy camper the next day, and the old adage "If Mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy" rings SO TRUE. This is one of those times when you just have to look at the person who asked to have this study done and think "MORON."
Love,
Wendy Darling
Sometimes I marvel at the level of stupidity some people have for stating the obvious. Especially when our tax dollars are spent on said "stupidity". Take this article for instance,
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070308/hl_nm/sleep_disorder_dc
The opening remark in this article states, "NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - When children have sleep problems, their parents -- especially mothers -- often have sleep-deprived nights too, research shows. "
Did we REALLY need someone to research this? All they had to do was ask any mother who has ever stayed up with a sick child, restless child, etc... to find out that the mother and/or father did not sleep either. And since there has already been a study to show that you NEED sleep to function properly the next day the conclusion would just be a given. That leads us to know the mother was probably not a happy camper the next day, and the old adage "If Mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy" rings SO TRUE. This is one of those times when you just have to look at the person who asked to have this study done and think "MORON."
Love,
Wendy Darling
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Dear Peter,
How are things in Neverland? Well, my brother and I were watching TV this evening, and he mentioned that his "ideal" woman would be a combination of the character "Nurse Gladys Emmanuel" from Open all Hours and the characters "Daisy" and "Rose" from Keeping up Appearances. (These are all British Comedies)
That got me thinking about what my "ideal" man would be if I had to base him on TV/movie characters. I, finally, came up with this combination: the sense of humor of Jim Belushi's character in "According to Jim", the voice, eyes and smile of George Strait's character "Dusty" in Pure Country, the ruggedness of Tom Selleck's character "Magnum P.I.", and the sensitivity and wisdom of "Mulberry", another British Comedy. :-) I don't think I'm asking for too much, do you? :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Friday, February 16, 2007
Dear Peter,
How are things in Neverland? It is pretty cold here. Got down to about 20 F this morning, but the wind chill is a lot colder than that. :-) I don't mind a bit though, I love cold weather. :-)
Do you remember me telling you about a new singer awhile back? His name is Eric Dodge. Well, Eric has a band member who wrote a song for our troops. It is called "I Pledge", and it is awesome! This song has got to get on the radio. Any way, they had lots of people download it and send it to the troops as a gift. Then, a few weeks ago they made a video of the song, again a gift to the troops. It is such a good video. I thought the idea of setting it in the future, at an archeological dig was very creative. It shows that we are still a free country, because our men and women in uniform are still doing a wonderful job protecting us and our liberties. :-) The mountains of Utah, where it was shot, are beautiful. :-)
If you would like to see the video just go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=ericdodge
Enjoy it!! :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
How are things in Neverland? It is pretty cold here. Got down to about 20 F this morning, but the wind chill is a lot colder than that. :-) I don't mind a bit though, I love cold weather. :-)
Do you remember me telling you about a new singer awhile back? His name is Eric Dodge. Well, Eric has a band member who wrote a song for our troops. It is called "I Pledge", and it is awesome! This song has got to get on the radio. Any way, they had lots of people download it and send it to the troops as a gift. Then, a few weeks ago they made a video of the song, again a gift to the troops. It is such a good video. I thought the idea of setting it in the future, at an archeological dig was very creative. It shows that we are still a free country, because our men and women in uniform are still doing a wonderful job protecting us and our liberties. :-) The mountains of Utah, where it was shot, are beautiful. :-)
If you would like to see the video just go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=ericdodge
Enjoy it!! :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
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