Dear Peter,
I hope you are doing well. How is the weather in Neverland? It is finally cooling off in East Texas. We are praying for a REAL fall and winter. :-)
I just had to tell you about a new singer that I have "discovered". Ok, so I heard about him from "FlyLady", but this guy is AWESOME, and I really wanted to share him with you. His name is Eric Dodge http://www.ericdodge.com/
Ok, first of all THE MAN CAN SING!! He really has a great "country" sound, but he also sings broadway. It's amazing. :-) Personally, I think he's better than Tim McGraw. Actually, I'll go as far as ranking him with George Strait. (You know me, Peter, if I rank him with George he has to really be something) :-) I encourage you to go to his website and listen to the songs there. I really like "What a Concept", "The Other Kid", and "This is the Moment". I LOVE the song "When I Was Your Age." To get to this song click on the "Good Things Utah" link. You get to watch the video of when he sang it on TV. Oh, did I mention how very good looking he is? :-) He also seems to be very genuine...humble. Can't go wrong there. :-)
When I first listened to the song, "When I was Your Age", I had to laugh. How many times did we hear those same sentiments from our parents and grandparents. How much "easier" we had things then they did. Now, I find myself saying those very same things to my nephews. I played the song for my 10 year old nephew. He didn't "get it". Oh, but he will one day. Just like the song says... :-)
Listening to this song brought back so many memories of my childhood. The "modern" things we had to make our life "easier". I mean, after all we had color TV! We got 6 channels!! If I remember correctly we got the three major networks, PBS, and two stations on UHF. In Houston they were channels 26 and 39. I remember 39, because that was the station Underdog came on. :-) We had electric typewriters. How much easier could life get? And those huge console stereos. Portable record players! :-) Almost every home had at least one telephone. Most people didn't even have party lines anymore. :-) We had small cassette tapes as opposed to those bulky old 8 tracks. How much better could life get?!
When comparing the kids of today with my generation sometimes I wonder how we survived without all of the "neccesities" of today. Cell phones,computers, internet, hundreds of channels on the TV, etc...It's like an entirely different world. Then again, maybe we had it better. But, that's a "blog entry" for another day. :-)
I encourage you to listen to Eric's song, and think about your childhood. Check out some of his other songs, and then purchase the CD. I don't think you will be disappointed. I really see this young man making it BIG very soon. :-)
Tell Tink and the Lost Boys that I said, "Hello".
Love,
Wendy Darling
Friday, September 29, 2006
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Dear Peter,
Tonight I had the best date I have had in years. Ok, so it is the only date I have had in years. Still, it was wonderful.
My date was very handsome, and polite. He has blonde hair, blue eyes, is almost as tall as I am, and 10 years old. Yes, my dear nephew and I went out on a "date". We went to a very nice restaraunt here in town. OK, normally I wouldn't take children to this place, but it was a special night and I thought I would take a chance that he has matured. He has been well behaved for the last few days, and is really trying to do better. He did not disappoint me. We had a very nice time, and he used his table manners. I only had to remind him twice to put his napkin in his lap. :-)
Even after my letter about exercising I decided tonight we would share a dessert. I RARELY order a dessert, but we decided to have one. We shared a slice of Chocolate Earthquake Cake. And you know what? I loved it and didn't feel a bit guilty about eating it. I am broke, but I don't care. It was the best $23 I ever spent. We dressed up, went out and made a nice memory. I even got a picture of us before we left so I can put it in the scrapbook. Hey, I'm a scrapbooker. :-) Just thought I would share my evening.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Tonight I had the best date I have had in years. Ok, so it is the only date I have had in years. Still, it was wonderful.
My date was very handsome, and polite. He has blonde hair, blue eyes, is almost as tall as I am, and 10 years old. Yes, my dear nephew and I went out on a "date". We went to a very nice restaraunt here in town. OK, normally I wouldn't take children to this place, but it was a special night and I thought I would take a chance that he has matured. He has been well behaved for the last few days, and is really trying to do better. He did not disappoint me. We had a very nice time, and he used his table manners. I only had to remind him twice to put his napkin in his lap. :-)
Even after my letter about exercising I decided tonight we would share a dessert. I RARELY order a dessert, but we decided to have one. We shared a slice of Chocolate Earthquake Cake. And you know what? I loved it and didn't feel a bit guilty about eating it. I am broke, but I don't care. It was the best $23 I ever spent. We dressed up, went out and made a nice memory. I even got a picture of us before we left so I can put it in the scrapbook. Hey, I'm a scrapbooker. :-) Just thought I would share my evening.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Dear Peter,
Well, after all these years I have decided that I do like exercising. Provided of course that it is in my own home and I pick the music. :-)
About three weeks ago I began to use this "pedal machine" given to us by our dear sister and her dear husband. I didn't think I would accomplish much, but it was moving and that was progress. I made a "cleaning CD" that has now become my exercise music. 63 minutes of music to be tortured by.... I mean to get healthy to.
I am now up 2.2 miles a day, with my legs. Then I do floor exercises for about 10 minutes and then a 0.5 a mile with my arms. After 3 weeks I have discovered that I do have more energy, I wake up faster, and I am able to walk more during the day. Ok, so when do the smaller size clothes come, because I need a pair of jeans and I don't want to spend $64 for a pair my size.
You may be wondering "what took me so long to come around". Well, I have always had valid reasons for not exercising. One, I do not want to do it anywhere but at home. I did not have the right kind of equipment. I am physically unable to do it right, and if I can't do it right I don't want to do it at all. My main reason, "I have no time". Believe me, with my schedule this is a VERY valid reason. I usually don't have time to eat much less exercise. How did I suddenly "find the time" you may ask? I get up at 5:45 am. Yep, you read it right 5:45 AM. I literally hop out of bed, make my bed (for FlyLady), and go straight to the torture device, uh... exercise machine. It is ready and waiting for me, because I set everything up before I went to bed the night before. I put on my headphones and start pedaling. I don't even think about it, so I can't talk myself out of it.
I exercise until around 7:30 am. I take a shower, dress to my shoes, eat breakfast, and then dear nephew and I begin his school work between 8:30 am and 9:00 am. Which would be about now, so I am off to teach.
Tell Tink and the Lost Boys I would appreciate your prayers and encouragement. A little Pixey Dust wouldn't hurt either. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Well, after all these years I have decided that I do like exercising. Provided of course that it is in my own home and I pick the music. :-)
About three weeks ago I began to use this "pedal machine" given to us by our dear sister and her dear husband. I didn't think I would accomplish much, but it was moving and that was progress. I made a "cleaning CD" that has now become my exercise music. 63 minutes of music to be tortured by.... I mean to get healthy to.
I am now up 2.2 miles a day, with my legs. Then I do floor exercises for about 10 minutes and then a 0.5 a mile with my arms. After 3 weeks I have discovered that I do have more energy, I wake up faster, and I am able to walk more during the day. Ok, so when do the smaller size clothes come, because I need a pair of jeans and I don't want to spend $64 for a pair my size.
You may be wondering "what took me so long to come around". Well, I have always had valid reasons for not exercising. One, I do not want to do it anywhere but at home. I did not have the right kind of equipment. I am physically unable to do it right, and if I can't do it right I don't want to do it at all. My main reason, "I have no time". Believe me, with my schedule this is a VERY valid reason. I usually don't have time to eat much less exercise. How did I suddenly "find the time" you may ask? I get up at 5:45 am. Yep, you read it right 5:45 AM. I literally hop out of bed, make my bed (for FlyLady), and go straight to the torture device, uh... exercise machine. It is ready and waiting for me, because I set everything up before I went to bed the night before. I put on my headphones and start pedaling. I don't even think about it, so I can't talk myself out of it.
I exercise until around 7:30 am. I take a shower, dress to my shoes, eat breakfast, and then dear nephew and I begin his school work between 8:30 am and 9:00 am. Which would be about now, so I am off to teach.
Tell Tink and the Lost Boys I would appreciate your prayers and encouragement. A little Pixey Dust wouldn't hurt either. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Monday, September 04, 2006
Dear Peter,
I have been reliving a childhood. I say "a childhood", because the one I am reliving is not mine. It is my nephew's. I am reliving it through the little girl that I babysit. It occured to me the other day while we were watching TV. She was eating her cereal while I was attempting to pull away the wayward hair from her face. Then,I heard the familiar song... "Hey it's Franklin, coming over to play..." I instantly smiled, and that warm, fuzzy feeling came over me. It has been a long time since a child has watched the NOGGIN shows here.
Watching Little Bear and Franklin gave me that same feeling I used to get when I watched Sesame Street and Mr. Roger's. Maybe I am just being overly sensitive, because I swear I almost cried. To be young again, with no cares in the world except "what will I play today", "Do I watch Franklin or Blue's Clue's", and "Just how much can I get away with before Aunt Wendy has had enough and makes me stand in the corner for 3 minutes?"
It also made me long for the days of when my nephew was that age. I could do nothing wrong in his eyes at the time. Now, everything I say is an argument. He used to cuddle up with me to watch those shows. Now he is "too old for that". Everyday was an adventure with something new and exciting to learn. Now he is 10 going on 40, and already "knows everything". I didn't know the adults were the ones who got the "pains" when kids got "growing pains".
Does this make any sense? I don't know. I wish they could stay little just awhile longer.
I have been reliving a childhood. I say "a childhood", because the one I am reliving is not mine. It is my nephew's. I am reliving it through the little girl that I babysit. It occured to me the other day while we were watching TV. She was eating her cereal while I was attempting to pull away the wayward hair from her face. Then,I heard the familiar song... "Hey it's Franklin, coming over to play..." I instantly smiled, and that warm, fuzzy feeling came over me. It has been a long time since a child has watched the NOGGIN shows here.
Watching Little Bear and Franklin gave me that same feeling I used to get when I watched Sesame Street and Mr. Roger's. Maybe I am just being overly sensitive, because I swear I almost cried. To be young again, with no cares in the world except "what will I play today", "Do I watch Franklin or Blue's Clue's", and "Just how much can I get away with before Aunt Wendy has had enough and makes me stand in the corner for 3 minutes?"
It also made me long for the days of when my nephew was that age. I could do nothing wrong in his eyes at the time. Now, everything I say is an argument. He used to cuddle up with me to watch those shows. Now he is "too old for that". Everyday was an adventure with something new and exciting to learn. Now he is 10 going on 40, and already "knows everything". I didn't know the adults were the ones who got the "pains" when kids got "growing pains".
Does this make any sense? I don't know. I wish they could stay little just awhile longer.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Okay, I got tagged by Princess Ladybug. Here are my answers...
"10 years ago..."
I was working at the local "alternative school", still under the delusion that I wanted to teach public school. My older nephew was 2 months old, and we were taking every opportunity to enjoy spending time him. We had not, yet, met Princess Ladybug, but we did write and had become friends.
"5 years ago..."
I was engaged to be married; actually I called it off in July of 2001 so I guess I wasn't engaged anymore. I was homeschooling my nephew, and was the Children's Director at our church, and taught Sunday school.
"one year ago..."
I was still homeschooling my nephew, as well as a young lady in high school, and babysitting a two year old girl. I was teaching 2 classes at our homeschool group, was just elected Secretary of said homeschool group, and voted in to work in the church nursery.
"5 songs I know all the words to..."
Count your Blessings - Rosemary Clooney
Amarillo by Morning- George Strait (actually, I know most George Strait songs)
Just about every song in High School Musical
The theme to Hanna Montana
The theme to Franklin
Too many to name, actually...
"5 snacks I love and wish I could eat"
Oreos
Cheese Dip and tortilla chips
Turtles
Milk Shakes
Hostess Cupcakes
"5 places I'd run away to..."
The mountains in Colorado
Massachusetts
Tour around Texas
Disney Land
"5 things I'd never wear..."
Tube Tops
Mini skirts
Spandex
Bikini
Stiletto heels
"5 favorite TV shows..."
Alton Brown
Zack and Cody - with my nephew
Franklin - with little girl I babysit
Paula Dean
Fox and Friends
"5 greatest joys..."
My Faith
My Family
My Friends
Listening to good music
Scrapbooking
"5 favorite toys...."
My scrapbooking "stuff"
Computer
Crafting
Exercise "pedaling" machine
Okay, I can only think of four. I don't have many "toys".
"Tag Five People..."
The White Horse
Laslo's Semi-boring Adventures
Queen B Experiences Life
what if this is as good as it gets?
http://www.texcalif.blogspot.com/
"10 years ago..."
I was working at the local "alternative school", still under the delusion that I wanted to teach public school. My older nephew was 2 months old, and we were taking every opportunity to enjoy spending time him. We had not, yet, met Princess Ladybug, but we did write and had become friends.
"5 years ago..."
I was engaged to be married; actually I called it off in July of 2001 so I guess I wasn't engaged anymore. I was homeschooling my nephew, and was the Children's Director at our church, and taught Sunday school.
"one year ago..."
I was still homeschooling my nephew, as well as a young lady in high school, and babysitting a two year old girl. I was teaching 2 classes at our homeschool group, was just elected Secretary of said homeschool group, and voted in to work in the church nursery.
"5 songs I know all the words to..."
Count your Blessings - Rosemary Clooney
Amarillo by Morning- George Strait (actually, I know most George Strait songs)
Just about every song in High School Musical
The theme to Hanna Montana
The theme to Franklin
Too many to name, actually...
"5 snacks I love and wish I could eat"
Oreos
Cheese Dip and tortilla chips
Turtles
Milk Shakes
Hostess Cupcakes
"5 places I'd run away to..."
The mountains in Colorado
Massachusetts
Tour around Texas
Disney Land
"5 things I'd never wear..."
Tube Tops
Mini skirts
Spandex
Bikini
Stiletto heels
"5 favorite TV shows..."
Alton Brown
Zack and Cody - with my nephew
Franklin - with little girl I babysit
Paula Dean
Fox and Friends
"5 greatest joys..."
My Faith
My Family
My Friends
Listening to good music
Scrapbooking
"5 favorite toys...."
My scrapbooking "stuff"
Computer
Crafting
Exercise "pedaling" machine
Okay, I can only think of four. I don't have many "toys".
"Tag Five People..."
The White Horse
Laslo's Semi-boring Adventures
Queen B Experiences Life
what if this is as good as it gets?
http://www.texcalif.blogspot.com/
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Dear Peter,
This "assignment" was given to me by FlyLady. (www.flylady.net) I am supposed to write 37 lessons that I have learned in my 37 years of life. ( One lesson for every year old you are) :-) I chanllenge everyone who reads this "letter" to do the same. Here are my lessons that I have learned, in no particular order.
1. There really is no sweeter sound than that of a child laughing.
2. It is better to keep your mouth shut and have others think you a fool than to speak and prove them right. (Thank you Bro. Doug)
3. You really can't roast marshmallows in a microwave.
4. The Great Commission really is the greatest commandment in the Bible, and the hardest to follow.
5. I'm not as dumb as I used to think . I learned how to use a computer! :-)
6. Doodlebops IS more annoying than the Wiggles.
7. Water really is good for you.
8. When you don't listen to the Lord, there WILL BE consequences.
9. There is no greater gift than family.
10. Always plant in the evening, and use Miracle Grow. (lesson from Papa).
11. Less is more.
12. ALWAYS check www.snopes.com before passing on e-mails. (thank you, Dave)
13. Spell check is a good thing.
14. I can do anything for 15 minutes!
15. No matter how you cook it, liver still tastes bad.
16. There are no "coincidences", everything that happens is part of a master plan.
17. Time alone is not only nice, it is a neccessity.
18. The house will not fall down if company "drops by" and the floor is not vaccumed.
19. I don't have to eat the whole candy bar to be satisfied.
20. Be prepared!!
21. I do have good leadership skills, and I enjoy being a leader.
22. You must "stretch" and "grow" as a person or you will not be truly happy. (get out of your comfort zone)
23. If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.
24. Organization is key.
25. No matter how bad you think your life is, there is always someone worse off than you.
26. Mr. Snuffaluffagus is REAL!!!
27. Character is everything.
28. To survive in this life you MUST have a good sense of humor. Laugh at yourself.
29. Hobbies save your sanity.
30. I will NEVER be perfect, and that is OK.
31. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. (Eleanor Roosevelt)
32. Take advantage of "teachable moments".
33. Music really does make the world go 'round.
34. Live each day as if it really was your last.
35. ALWAYS take the opportunity to tell your loved ones that you love them. You may not get another chance.
36. Humility is not a weakness.
37. The older I get the more I realize I have to learn.
This "assignment" was given to me by FlyLady. (www.flylady.net) I am supposed to write 37 lessons that I have learned in my 37 years of life. ( One lesson for every year old you are) :-) I chanllenge everyone who reads this "letter" to do the same. Here are my lessons that I have learned, in no particular order.
1. There really is no sweeter sound than that of a child laughing.
2. It is better to keep your mouth shut and have others think you a fool than to speak and prove them right. (Thank you Bro. Doug)
3. You really can't roast marshmallows in a microwave.
4. The Great Commission really is the greatest commandment in the Bible, and the hardest to follow.
5. I'm not as dumb as I used to think . I learned how to use a computer! :-)
6. Doodlebops IS more annoying than the Wiggles.
7. Water really is good for you.
8. When you don't listen to the Lord, there WILL BE consequences.
9. There is no greater gift than family.
10. Always plant in the evening, and use Miracle Grow. (lesson from Papa).
11. Less is more.
12. ALWAYS check www.snopes.com before passing on e-mails. (thank you, Dave)
13. Spell check is a good thing.
14. I can do anything for 15 minutes!
15. No matter how you cook it, liver still tastes bad.
16. There are no "coincidences", everything that happens is part of a master plan.
17. Time alone is not only nice, it is a neccessity.
18. The house will not fall down if company "drops by" and the floor is not vaccumed.
19. I don't have to eat the whole candy bar to be satisfied.
20. Be prepared!!
21. I do have good leadership skills, and I enjoy being a leader.
22. You must "stretch" and "grow" as a person or you will not be truly happy. (get out of your comfort zone)
23. If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.
24. Organization is key.
25. No matter how bad you think your life is, there is always someone worse off than you.
26. Mr. Snuffaluffagus is REAL!!!
27. Character is everything.
28. To survive in this life you MUST have a good sense of humor. Laugh at yourself.
29. Hobbies save your sanity.
30. I will NEVER be perfect, and that is OK.
31. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. (Eleanor Roosevelt)
32. Take advantage of "teachable moments".
33. Music really does make the world go 'round.
34. Live each day as if it really was your last.
35. ALWAYS take the opportunity to tell your loved ones that you love them. You may not get another chance.
36. Humility is not a weakness.
37. The older I get the more I realize I have to learn.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Dear Peter,
I hope you are doing well. I have had a very rare, and much needed few days alone. No kids, Mom is in Dallas, and Dave and Jen work during the day. So, I did the house work early in the morning, and spent the day doing things that I have wanted to do for a long time. Stuff just for me. To relax, catch up on, etc...
One of the things I did was watch the movie The Outsiders. I read the book before I saw the movie. I LOVED the book, still do. It was the first book that ever made me cry while I was reading it. I saw the movie when it came out, and I enjoyed it, but to me it was never as good as the book. Recently Francis Ford Coppola went back and put in all of the stuff he edited from the movie, and re-released the DVD. My family bought me the DVD last Christmas, and last night I finally took the time to watch it. I have to say, “THANK YOU” to Mr. Coppola. THIS is the version that should have come out to begin with. It was so much truer to the book, and answered a lot of questions that arose for those who just saw the movie without reading the book.
This really showed the true personalities of each of the characters. Especially of Ponyboy, Soda Pop, and Darrell Curtis. I liked it so much that I spent today watching ALL of the special features, including watching the movie, again, with the cast commentary. I don't usually do that, but I really liked it. It gave me new insight that really made me appreciate the movie more. I understand, now, why Mr. Coppola filmed certain scenes the way he did, and the symbolism of certain events and the way things were shot. I never "got it" before, but I do now and I am very grateful for it. I even have new respect for the actors. I didn't always agree with the casting, and even last night I was saying that a couple of the people were cast wrong. I was totally comparing them to the way they were described in the book. They didn't "fit" physically. Now, that doesn't even matter to me. These actors are the characters. I don't care how they are described in the book. For example, Matt Dillon looks NOTHING like how his character, Dallas Winston, is described. But, now I will never think of "Dally" any other way except picturing Matt Dillon. Now, at this moment I only feel that one character could have been cast differently. I just never liked Tom Cruise as "Steve". I still don't. But, watching the new released version is like watching an entirely different movie, and it is 100% better than the original. I can't stress that enough.
For years my sister and I swore there was a scene at the end when Soda is having a "heart to heart" with Darry and Ponyboy, but it was never in the movie. I have no idea where we saw it. For awhile I thought that I dreamed it, but there it is. It is now in the movie, and it changes the dynamic of the whole thing. The whole story of the 3 brothers, who are trying their best to keep their family together, while still learning to "deal" with their respective "season" in life. It is so awesome, and moving. I love the way that the characters are supposed to be so "tough" and yet, underneath it all most of them are just scared little boys trying to survive.
Now, having given it all that "praise" I also stress that this is NOT a movie for kids. I wouldn't show it to anyone under 14, and that would only be AFTER we read the book together and that they are mature enough to handle it. It is more violent than I remembered. However, it is "timeless". This was supposed to take place in '67. But, the whole scenerio of "gangs", kids dividing over social and economic classes, clique's.... kids just trying to find a place to belong and be accepted, even it means being in a violent gang. It is relateable to kids of today.
I like to go back and watch the movies that came out when I was younger, and look at them now with “adult” eyes. I understand a lot more, and sometimes I think “Why on earth did I like that movie?” Some of them seem pretty stupid now, but some, like The Outsiders, I like A LOT better, because now I understand it more. I guess that is what happens when you grow up.
Love,
Wendy Darling
I hope you are doing well. I have had a very rare, and much needed few days alone. No kids, Mom is in Dallas, and Dave and Jen work during the day. So, I did the house work early in the morning, and spent the day doing things that I have wanted to do for a long time. Stuff just for me. To relax, catch up on, etc...
One of the things I did was watch the movie The Outsiders. I read the book before I saw the movie. I LOVED the book, still do. It was the first book that ever made me cry while I was reading it. I saw the movie when it came out, and I enjoyed it, but to me it was never as good as the book. Recently Francis Ford Coppola went back and put in all of the stuff he edited from the movie, and re-released the DVD. My family bought me the DVD last Christmas, and last night I finally took the time to watch it. I have to say, “THANK YOU” to Mr. Coppola. THIS is the version that should have come out to begin with. It was so much truer to the book, and answered a lot of questions that arose for those who just saw the movie without reading the book.
This really showed the true personalities of each of the characters. Especially of Ponyboy, Soda Pop, and Darrell Curtis. I liked it so much that I spent today watching ALL of the special features, including watching the movie, again, with the cast commentary. I don't usually do that, but I really liked it. It gave me new insight that really made me appreciate the movie more. I understand, now, why Mr. Coppola filmed certain scenes the way he did, and the symbolism of certain events and the way things were shot. I never "got it" before, but I do now and I am very grateful for it. I even have new respect for the actors. I didn't always agree with the casting, and even last night I was saying that a couple of the people were cast wrong. I was totally comparing them to the way they were described in the book. They didn't "fit" physically. Now, that doesn't even matter to me. These actors are the characters. I don't care how they are described in the book. For example, Matt Dillon looks NOTHING like how his character, Dallas Winston, is described. But, now I will never think of "Dally" any other way except picturing Matt Dillon. Now, at this moment I only feel that one character could have been cast differently. I just never liked Tom Cruise as "Steve". I still don't. But, watching the new released version is like watching an entirely different movie, and it is 100% better than the original. I can't stress that enough.
For years my sister and I swore there was a scene at the end when Soda is having a "heart to heart" with Darry and Ponyboy, but it was never in the movie. I have no idea where we saw it. For awhile I thought that I dreamed it, but there it is. It is now in the movie, and it changes the dynamic of the whole thing. The whole story of the 3 brothers, who are trying their best to keep their family together, while still learning to "deal" with their respective "season" in life. It is so awesome, and moving. I love the way that the characters are supposed to be so "tough" and yet, underneath it all most of them are just scared little boys trying to survive.
Now, having given it all that "praise" I also stress that this is NOT a movie for kids. I wouldn't show it to anyone under 14, and that would only be AFTER we read the book together and that they are mature enough to handle it. It is more violent than I remembered. However, it is "timeless". This was supposed to take place in '67. But, the whole scenerio of "gangs", kids dividing over social and economic classes, clique's.... kids just trying to find a place to belong and be accepted, even it means being in a violent gang. It is relateable to kids of today.
I like to go back and watch the movies that came out when I was younger, and look at them now with “adult” eyes. I understand a lot more, and sometimes I think “Why on earth did I like that movie?” Some of them seem pretty stupid now, but some, like The Outsiders, I like A LOT better, because now I understand it more. I guess that is what happens when you grow up.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Dear Peter,
I hope you are doing well. How are things in NeverLand? I am sorry I have not written in awhile. Things have been very busy here. One thing has happened that I would like to tell you about. I think my dear nephew is maturing. :-) Let me explain.
I had changed the rules about his PS1 playtime. It used to be after school and chores he could play for 1 hour. Well, he wasn't practicing his karate or
exercising, so I changed it to "1 minute of PS1 for 1 minute of exercise,
and he had to earn a minimum of 30 minutes before he could collect his
reward". Then, he got grounded from it.
Yesterday he was talking about this thing they do on Nickelodean "the go
healthy challenge" http://www.healthiergeneration.org/kids/
He said he wanted to exercise more and eat healthier, which we have been
trying to do for quite sometime`. I told him about something I saw on TV. It was a boy about his age who figured up how much time he spent in front of the TV and game
systems (he had several). It was A LOT. He decided to sell his systems and
TV. He used the money to buy some exercise equipment and healthy snacks,
then he took the same time he WAS spending watching TV and playing games and
used that time to exercise. He lost weight, obviously. David liked the
idea and asked for permission to sell his PS1 and TV. I said, "Ok". He
put it on the radio for $30 and it sold this morning. I took him to the
store and he bought several kinds of fruit, veggies, and rice cakes. As
soon as we got home I helped him clean his veggies so they would be on hand,
and ready to eat. He had raw veggies, ranch dressing, chicken salad and
crackers for supper. When he got home from karate he ate a rice cake with
cream cheese. He has done very well for his first day. :-)
I am also trying very hard to eat healthier and move more. He is inspiring
me. :-)
Tell Tink and the Lost Boys that I said, "Hello".
Sincerely,
Wendy Darling
I hope you are doing well. How are things in NeverLand? I am sorry I have not written in awhile. Things have been very busy here. One thing has happened that I would like to tell you about. I think my dear nephew is maturing. :-) Let me explain.
I had changed the rules about his PS1 playtime. It used to be after school and chores he could play for 1 hour. Well, he wasn't practicing his karate or
exercising, so I changed it to "1 minute of PS1 for 1 minute of exercise,
and he had to earn a minimum of 30 minutes before he could collect his
reward". Then, he got grounded from it.
Yesterday he was talking about this thing they do on Nickelodean "the go
healthy challenge" http://www.healthiergeneration.org/kids/
He said he wanted to exercise more and eat healthier, which we have been
trying to do for quite sometime`. I told him about something I saw on TV. It was a boy about his age who figured up how much time he spent in front of the TV and game
systems (he had several). It was A LOT. He decided to sell his systems and
TV. He used the money to buy some exercise equipment and healthy snacks,
then he took the same time he WAS spending watching TV and playing games and
used that time to exercise. He lost weight, obviously. David liked the
idea and asked for permission to sell his PS1 and TV. I said, "Ok". He
put it on the radio for $30 and it sold this morning. I took him to the
store and he bought several kinds of fruit, veggies, and rice cakes. As
soon as we got home I helped him clean his veggies so they would be on hand,
and ready to eat. He had raw veggies, ranch dressing, chicken salad and
crackers for supper. When he got home from karate he ate a rice cake with
cream cheese. He has done very well for his first day. :-)
I am also trying very hard to eat healthier and move more. He is inspiring
me. :-)
Tell Tink and the Lost Boys that I said, "Hello".
Sincerely,
Wendy Darling
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Dear Peter,
Well today is Father's Day. I have really been thinking a lot about my daddy. As you know he passed away in 1984. And even though I AM biased I believe he was the best daddy in the world. :-)
I remember that his birthday was on June 19th. A lot of times Father's Day fell on his birthday. Every year we got him the same thing, a bottle of "Jade East" cologn. I haven't been able to find that scent in many years. I still remember how it smelled though. :-)
Daddy loved kids. He coached Little League Football, his favorite sport, and his team was undefeated all 3 years he coached. They were only scored against one time, and that was the game they played after we moved.
He showed his bravery by volunteering to go to Viet Nam, and by our Brownie Leader for 2 years when none of the mother's could/would volunteer. He always helped us sell our Girl Scout cookies.
He loved the Oilers and Astros (and anyone who played the Dallas Cowboys). He made great spagetti sauce and homemade donuts.
He coached Soccer for my brother, and attended most of our performances at school. He was a wonderful Santa Claus. He worked on Christmas Day, so he would wake us up at 4:00 am to watch us open our gifts. He was just as excited as we were. :-)
He had a really good sense of humor, loved music and played the drums. I remember how he used to call me "Wendy Susan" when I was in trouble, and that ISN'T my name. :-)
He taught us about respecting other people and yourself, generosity,a good work ethic, giving of our time, to always respect our elders and ALL veteran's, and to take care of your family,always.
I remember how he would take us to the Minor League baseball games during "kids week". He would take only one of each night, so we could have quality time together. I remember the night we won the car at the game. I remember he would buy us frozen yogurt in the little "batters helmets", and how we would give the batter a dollar after he hit a home run. I still love Kevin McReynolds.
After he died a song was released by Holly Dunn called "Daddy's Hands". I love this song!! Everytime I hear it, it reminds me of my Daddy. I will post the lyrics here, but all of the credit for these words go to Ms. Dunn.
I remember Daddy's hands
Folded silently in prayer
And reaching out to hold me
When I had a nightmare
You could read quite a story
In the callouses and lines
Years of work and worry
Had left their mark behind
I remember Daddy's hands
How they held my Mama tight
And patted my back
For something done right
There are things I've forgotten
That I loved about the man
But I'll always remember
The love in Daddy's hands
Daddy's hands
Were soft and kind when I was cryin'
Daddy's hands
Were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands
Weren't always gentle but I'd come to understand
There was always love in Daddy's hands
I remember Daddy's hands
Working til they bled
Sacrificed unselfishly
Just to keep us all fed
If I could do things over
I'd live my life again
And never take for granted
The love in Daddy's hands
Daddy's hands
Were soft and kind when I was cryin'
Daddy's hands
Were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands
Weren't always gentle but I'd come to understand
There was always love in Daddy's hands
Daddy's hands
Were soft and kind when I was cryin'
Daddy's hands
Were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands
Weren't always gentle but I'd come to understand
There was always love ............ in Daddy's hands.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Well today is Father's Day. I have really been thinking a lot about my daddy. As you know he passed away in 1984. And even though I AM biased I believe he was the best daddy in the world. :-)
I remember that his birthday was on June 19th. A lot of times Father's Day fell on his birthday. Every year we got him the same thing, a bottle of "Jade East" cologn. I haven't been able to find that scent in many years. I still remember how it smelled though. :-)
Daddy loved kids. He coached Little League Football, his favorite sport, and his team was undefeated all 3 years he coached. They were only scored against one time, and that was the game they played after we moved.
He showed his bravery by volunteering to go to Viet Nam, and by our Brownie Leader for 2 years when none of the mother's could/would volunteer. He always helped us sell our Girl Scout cookies.
He loved the Oilers and Astros (and anyone who played the Dallas Cowboys). He made great spagetti sauce and homemade donuts.
He coached Soccer for my brother, and attended most of our performances at school. He was a wonderful Santa Claus. He worked on Christmas Day, so he would wake us up at 4:00 am to watch us open our gifts. He was just as excited as we were. :-)
He had a really good sense of humor, loved music and played the drums. I remember how he used to call me "Wendy Susan" when I was in trouble, and that ISN'T my name. :-)
He taught us about respecting other people and yourself, generosity,a good work ethic, giving of our time, to always respect our elders and ALL veteran's, and to take care of your family,always.
I remember how he would take us to the Minor League baseball games during "kids week". He would take only one of each night, so we could have quality time together. I remember the night we won the car at the game. I remember he would buy us frozen yogurt in the little "batters helmets", and how we would give the batter a dollar after he hit a home run. I still love Kevin McReynolds.
After he died a song was released by Holly Dunn called "Daddy's Hands". I love this song!! Everytime I hear it, it reminds me of my Daddy. I will post the lyrics here, but all of the credit for these words go to Ms. Dunn.
I remember Daddy's hands
Folded silently in prayer
And reaching out to hold me
When I had a nightmare
You could read quite a story
In the callouses and lines
Years of work and worry
Had left their mark behind
I remember Daddy's hands
How they held my Mama tight
And patted my back
For something done right
There are things I've forgotten
That I loved about the man
But I'll always remember
The love in Daddy's hands
Daddy's hands
Were soft and kind when I was cryin'
Daddy's hands
Were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands
Weren't always gentle but I'd come to understand
There was always love in Daddy's hands
I remember Daddy's hands
Working til they bled
Sacrificed unselfishly
Just to keep us all fed
If I could do things over
I'd live my life again
And never take for granted
The love in Daddy's hands
Daddy's hands
Were soft and kind when I was cryin'
Daddy's hands
Were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands
Weren't always gentle but I'd come to understand
There was always love in Daddy's hands
Daddy's hands
Were soft and kind when I was cryin'
Daddy's hands
Were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands
Weren't always gentle but I'd come to understand
There was always love ............ in Daddy's hands.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Dear Peter,
I hope you are doing well today. :-) It is a beautiful morning here,and it is the first morning in several days that I have not woke up with a headache. WOO HOO!! :-)
I am also very excited, because we are one step closer going on vacation this fall. I spent most of the afternoon on Tuesday finding hotels in the areas we will be going. I found 3 great hotels that meet our needs, and I reserved them. :-) The car will be reserved soon, and our itinerary is planned. Now, it's just saving the money. :-) Ok, so that is the biggest part, but I believe we will be able to do it!! I am having faith! :-)
Tell the Lost Boys and Tink that I said, "Hello". :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
I hope you are doing well today. :-) It is a beautiful morning here,and it is the first morning in several days that I have not woke up with a headache. WOO HOO!! :-)
I am also very excited, because we are one step closer going on vacation this fall. I spent most of the afternoon on Tuesday finding hotels in the areas we will be going. I found 3 great hotels that meet our needs, and I reserved them. :-) The car will be reserved soon, and our itinerary is planned. Now, it's just saving the money. :-) Ok, so that is the biggest part, but I believe we will be able to do it!! I am having faith! :-)
Tell the Lost Boys and Tink that I said, "Hello". :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Dear Peter,
Sorry it has been a few days since I have written. :-) I thought that I would share with you the story I made up for the little girl that I babysit. It is very "rough". I made it up on the spur of the moment while trying to rock her to sleep. She loves it though. :-) I hope you enjoy it.
Princess Lacey and the Golden Waters
Once upon a time there was a little girl named Lacey. Lacey was a Princess. She had long, curly blonde hair, a pretty smile and beautiful blue eyes. Lacey lived in a big castle in a magic kingdom.
Lacey favorite thing to do everyday was to pick a huge bouquet of flowers from the meadow near the castle. Lacey would spend all day picking the flowers, because she wanted to give them to her mommy, the Queen. The only problem was the flowers would wilt and die before Lacey could give them to her mommy. This made Lacey very sad.
One day when Lacey was walking in the meadow, trying to figure out how she could keep the flowers pretty until she could get them to her mommy, she met a fairy and a leprechaun. The fairy and leprechaun asked Lacey, “Princess Lacey, why are you so sad?” Lacey said, “Each day I pick flowers for my mommy, but they wilt and are ugly by the time I get them home to her. I want to give my mommy a beautiful bouquet of flowers.”
The leprechaun told Princess Lacey, “You need to go to the land of the ‘Golden Waters’ beyond the rainbow. There you will find the most beautiful flowers, and they will last for many years.”
“How do I get there?” asked Princess Lacey.
“Wait until the next time there is a sun shower in the kingdom. Then, run outside and find the rainbow. Follow it to the end and you will be there.”
So, Princess Lacey waited for 3 days. Finally, a sun shower came to the kingdom. When it was over Princess Lacey ran outside, into the meadow, and looked up into the sky. There she saw the most beautiful rainbow she had ever seen. The fairy and the leprechaun were there. They said, “Follow us. We will take you to the end of the rainbow.”
Princess Lacey ran and ran. She followed the fairy and the leprechaun for what seemed like hours. Finally, she came to the end of the rainbow. It ended in the middle of a huge field, filled with many, many flowers. Princess Lacey saw the most beautiful flowers. They were such bright, beautiful colors. She had never seen flowers this beautiful.
“My mommy will love these flowers!” Said Princess Lacey.
Princess Lacey, the fairy and the leprechaun began to pick the biggest bouquet of flowers she had ever picked. When she was satisfied she put all of the flowers together, and tied the bouquet with the ribbon from her hair.
“Now,” said the leprechaun, “You must dip the flowers in the golden water.”
Princess Lacey looked at the pond that the leprechaun pointed to. She walked to the edge and looked inside. At the bottom of the pond were hundreds of gold coins. The sun shown on the water and made it looked like gold because of the many coins.
“That is why it is called the ‘Golden Waters’”, said Princess Lacey. “How wonderful!”
She dipped her bouquet into the water, and then began the long journey home. After she reached the castle she thanked her friends for helping her, and ran inside the castle.
“Mommy, Mommy come see what I have for you,” cried Princess Lacey.
The Queen came to see what Princess Lacey had brought for her. She was amazed at all of the bright, beautiful colors.
“I have never seen flowers like these. Thank you for such a wonderful gift,” said the Queen.
Princess Lacey and her Mommy put the flowers in a beautiful vase. The flowers stayed beautiful for many, many years, and brought great joy to all those who saw them.
The End.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Sorry it has been a few days since I have written. :-) I thought that I would share with you the story I made up for the little girl that I babysit. It is very "rough". I made it up on the spur of the moment while trying to rock her to sleep. She loves it though. :-) I hope you enjoy it.
Princess Lacey and the Golden Waters
Once upon a time there was a little girl named Lacey. Lacey was a Princess. She had long, curly blonde hair, a pretty smile and beautiful blue eyes. Lacey lived in a big castle in a magic kingdom.
Lacey favorite thing to do everyday was to pick a huge bouquet of flowers from the meadow near the castle. Lacey would spend all day picking the flowers, because she wanted to give them to her mommy, the Queen. The only problem was the flowers would wilt and die before Lacey could give them to her mommy. This made Lacey very sad.
One day when Lacey was walking in the meadow, trying to figure out how she could keep the flowers pretty until she could get them to her mommy, she met a fairy and a leprechaun. The fairy and leprechaun asked Lacey, “Princess Lacey, why are you so sad?” Lacey said, “Each day I pick flowers for my mommy, but they wilt and are ugly by the time I get them home to her. I want to give my mommy a beautiful bouquet of flowers.”
The leprechaun told Princess Lacey, “You need to go to the land of the ‘Golden Waters’ beyond the rainbow. There you will find the most beautiful flowers, and they will last for many years.”
“How do I get there?” asked Princess Lacey.
“Wait until the next time there is a sun shower in the kingdom. Then, run outside and find the rainbow. Follow it to the end and you will be there.”
So, Princess Lacey waited for 3 days. Finally, a sun shower came to the kingdom. When it was over Princess Lacey ran outside, into the meadow, and looked up into the sky. There she saw the most beautiful rainbow she had ever seen. The fairy and the leprechaun were there. They said, “Follow us. We will take you to the end of the rainbow.”
Princess Lacey ran and ran. She followed the fairy and the leprechaun for what seemed like hours. Finally, she came to the end of the rainbow. It ended in the middle of a huge field, filled with many, many flowers. Princess Lacey saw the most beautiful flowers. They were such bright, beautiful colors. She had never seen flowers this beautiful.
“My mommy will love these flowers!” Said Princess Lacey.
Princess Lacey, the fairy and the leprechaun began to pick the biggest bouquet of flowers she had ever picked. When she was satisfied she put all of the flowers together, and tied the bouquet with the ribbon from her hair.
“Now,” said the leprechaun, “You must dip the flowers in the golden water.”
Princess Lacey looked at the pond that the leprechaun pointed to. She walked to the edge and looked inside. At the bottom of the pond were hundreds of gold coins. The sun shown on the water and made it looked like gold because of the many coins.
“That is why it is called the ‘Golden Waters’”, said Princess Lacey. “How wonderful!”
She dipped her bouquet into the water, and then began the long journey home. After she reached the castle she thanked her friends for helping her, and ran inside the castle.
“Mommy, Mommy come see what I have for you,” cried Princess Lacey.
The Queen came to see what Princess Lacey had brought for her. She was amazed at all of the bright, beautiful colors.
“I have never seen flowers like these. Thank you for such a wonderful gift,” said the Queen.
Princess Lacey and her Mommy put the flowers in a beautiful vase. The flowers stayed beautiful for many, many years, and brought great joy to all those who saw them.
The End.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Dear Peter,
I am sorry it has been so long since I have written. We have had a lot going on, and I have a lot of things that I could write to you about. I think I will just stick with the latest news though.
I have been reminded a lot about my childhood lately, and it makes me ask the question, "Why are we so hardheaded as children?" Why don't we listen to adults and heed their warnings? Why must we learn things the hard way?
My dear nephew got his first REALLY bad sunburn this weekend. He went to the lake and got too much sun. Before he left I went over everything that I had put into his suitcase, stressing the white t-shirt that I included for him to wear when he went swimming. I stressed that he should wear the water shoes we bought for him that morning, and that he should wear his sunscreen, and reapply it when he should. Well, he chose to wear the shoes. No shirt, no sunscreen, and he has been crying since yesterday. His back looks like a lobster, and he feels every bit of it.
This begged me to ask the question, "Why didn't you listen to me? I told you this would happen!" Well, this statement immediately brought back the memory of me in the 6th grade when I wore a sundress to the Little League football games. It was one Saturday, sitting through 4 games. My mother told me not to wear it, but I insisted. Then, as the day wore on she told me to get in the shade. I resisted. I paid the price with the worst sunburn in history.
I seriously feel for my dear nephew, because I remember the pain. The pain so bad you can't sleep, so you just cry until you literally pass out from exhaustion.
Dr. Dobson calls hardheaded children "strong willed". I believe that God gave that characteristic to certain people for a reason. One day they will need that will to either resist a strong temptation, or to have more courage and determination then they ever thought they would need. I praise God for strong willed people, most of the time. However, sometimes we just need to listen and heed the warnings of those who have been there.
Of course, most of us as adults could do the same thing. I guess we never outgrow the hard headedness we have as children. We just gain wisdom from all of our mistakes. At least, I hope we do.
Love,
Wendy Darling
I am sorry it has been so long since I have written. We have had a lot going on, and I have a lot of things that I could write to you about. I think I will just stick with the latest news though.
I have been reminded a lot about my childhood lately, and it makes me ask the question, "Why are we so hardheaded as children?" Why don't we listen to adults and heed their warnings? Why must we learn things the hard way?
My dear nephew got his first REALLY bad sunburn this weekend. He went to the lake and got too much sun. Before he left I went over everything that I had put into his suitcase, stressing the white t-shirt that I included for him to wear when he went swimming. I stressed that he should wear the water shoes we bought for him that morning, and that he should wear his sunscreen, and reapply it when he should. Well, he chose to wear the shoes. No shirt, no sunscreen, and he has been crying since yesterday. His back looks like a lobster, and he feels every bit of it.
This begged me to ask the question, "Why didn't you listen to me? I told you this would happen!" Well, this statement immediately brought back the memory of me in the 6th grade when I wore a sundress to the Little League football games. It was one Saturday, sitting through 4 games. My mother told me not to wear it, but I insisted. Then, as the day wore on she told me to get in the shade. I resisted. I paid the price with the worst sunburn in history.
I seriously feel for my dear nephew, because I remember the pain. The pain so bad you can't sleep, so you just cry until you literally pass out from exhaustion.
Dr. Dobson calls hardheaded children "strong willed". I believe that God gave that characteristic to certain people for a reason. One day they will need that will to either resist a strong temptation, or to have more courage and determination then they ever thought they would need. I praise God for strong willed people, most of the time. However, sometimes we just need to listen and heed the warnings of those who have been there.
Of course, most of us as adults could do the same thing. I guess we never outgrow the hard headedness we have as children. We just gain wisdom from all of our mistakes. At least, I hope we do.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Dear Peter,
Well, I started to post something totally different this evening, but decided against it. Let me just pose this question, "Why on earth do some women stay with men who they KNOW wants to harm/kill them"? I just don't understand. Okay as Monty Python would say, "Now for something completely different". Taking a cue from Cleggy I have decided to post the first story I have ever written, and hope to have published "someday". :-) Hope you enjoy it.
Well, I started to post something totally different this evening, but decided against it. Let me just pose this question, "Why on earth do some women stay with men who they KNOW wants to harm/kill them"? I just don't understand. Okay as Monty Python would say, "Now for something completely different". Taking a cue from Cleggy I have decided to post the first story I have ever written, and hope to have published "someday". :-) Hope you enjoy it.
THE STORY OF GWEN, THE LITTLE CHUBBY GIRL
Once upon a time there was a little girl named Gwen. She was a very cute little girl. She had long brown hair that she wore in pigtails. She always wore green hair ribbons. Green was her favorite color, you see, and it didn’t matter to Gwen that the ribbons did not always match her outfit. She liked them anyway. She had deep green eyes and a little nose that turned up at the end.
Gwen was what some people would call chubby. She was a chubby baby and a chubby child. She wasn’t small or thin like most other 9 year olds. She didn’t run quite as fast as the other children but in every other respect she was just like everyone else. Sometimes people would say mean things to Gwen or her parents about Gwen being chubby. Things like, “you should diet,” or “you are too fat to play like other children play.” Some children who were very cruel would chant, “Fatty, Fatty, two by four you can’t fit through the door.” At times like these Gwen did not feel cute and she would feel sad about her body. Momma would tell her, “Gwen, God made us all different. You know that you eat healthy and exercise. You know that you can
do anything that other children can do. God is an artist and NO ONE should insult God’s artwork.” Momma always knew how to make Gwen feel better.
One-day Gwen’s daddy came home and said that because of his job the whole family was moving. Gwen hated the thought of leaving her friends but Momma and Daddy promised her she would make new friends.
On the day Gwen and her family arrived at their new home Gwen was excited to see that they lived near the school that Gwen would be attending. She was also happy to see that it had a playground and on the playground was a baseball diamond. Gwen loved to play baseball and hoped she would be able to make some friends soon so she could join a team.
The next morning Gwen was so nervous about beginning a new school, she almost didn’t feel like eating her favorite breakfast of cornflakes with fresh fruit. They lived close to the school so Gwen was able to walk to school with her Momma. Gwen was glad because she loved walking and was not able to at her old school because they lived too far away.
As Gwen and Momma approached the school Gwen could see a lot of children all about her age. She wondered which ones would be in her class. She saw a very nice looking red haired girl who was smiling and laughing with a group of other children. As Gwen and her Momma walked up to the front entrance of the school Gwen heard a low “Moo” sound and some children giggling. She turned to see a couple of boys and a girl with long blonde hair staring at her and whispering. Another girl who was with them was laughing with her mouth behind a book so that Gwen would not be able to see. But Gwen saw and heard the rude insults. “Oh, no” thought Gwen, “This is not going to be a good day.”
Gwen met the principal, a very nice man named Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson was kind of young to be a principal, Gwen thought but he had a very nice smile and was friendly. He was also a little chubby. He had a friendly, deep laugh and when he laughed his stomach shook a little. Mr. Johnson walked Gwen to her classroom and introduced her to her teacher, Mrs. Jimenez.
Mrs. Jimenez was a very pretty lady with short, reddish brown hair and a big smile. As she introduced Gwen to the class Gwen noticed that the boy who had made the rude noises when she first entered the school was sitting in the second row. She felt a pang in her stomach and thought for a moment she might want to go home. Then she noticed that the red haired girl with the nice smile was also in the room. Mrs. Jimenez told Gwen to take the seat next to the red haired girl. As she took her seat the girl leaned over and said, “Hi, my name is Cheri. Would you like to have lunch with me?” Gwen smiled and said, “Yes, thank you.” This might not be such a bad day after all.
After a morning of Science and Social Studies Gwen sat with Cheri at lunch and also met Sunny, Dinah, Arlene, Terry, Scott, and David. They had a nice time laughing and getting to know each other. David and Gwen talked about baseball, their favorite sport. She also noticed that the boy who had made the rude noises kept looking at her and whispering to some of his friends, including the girl with the long blonde hair. Cheri told Gwen their names were Tim and Tina. They were twins and were known for making fun of other children. Cheri and her friends did not hang out with them.
At recess Tim and Tina approached Gwen and her new friends and asked, “Who would like to play baseball?” Gwen and David said, “We would!” Tim began to laugh and said, “You’re too fat to play baseball.”
Gwen took the bat and said, “Watch me.” Teams were chosen and Gwen was placed on David’s team. Gwen had told David how much she liked baseball and that she was a good hitter. David decided to let Gwen bat fourth. The first three children all hit singles which put one child on each base. Then it was Gwen’s turn at bat.
Tim and some of his teammates began to make “moo” noises and yell things like “fatty!” Gwen did not let their insults bother her this time. She knew she could hit that ball and she was ready to prove to them that even a little chubby girl was good at something.
Tim pitched the ball and everyone watched as Gwen swung her bat and listened as the “crack” echoed in the schoolyard. Everyone tried to keep his or her eyes on it as it flew and was lost in the noonday sun. Gwen ran around the bases and made sure to touch each base as she rounded the diamond. Her entire team cheered and welcomed home each player as he touched home plate raising the score one more point. As Gwen came in she saw all the children, Mr. Johnson, and Mrs. Jimenez clapping and cheering for her. Even Tim, who looked stunned, had to clap at such a wonderful show of sportsmanship.
After being greeted by her teammates Gwen was met by Tim who apologized for his rude behavior that day. He said, “I just never knew a fat person could be like everyone else.” Gwen replied, “First of all, I prefer not to be called fat. People think of fat people as being lazy and unhealthy and I am neither of these. And second, you should never judge a person by their appearance. If you had talked to me instead of make fun of me you would have known I was good at baseball. God likes variety. That is why we are all different races, have different hair and eye color and why some people can walk and some are in wheelchairs. And also why some are short, tall, skinny, and chubby. God, the great potter made us all. He just used a little more clay on me.”
Many in the group, including Mr. Johnson who agreed that God used more clay on him as well, were very pleased with Gwen’s response and let her know by smiling and shaking their head in agreement. Tim said, “You’re right. I never thought about it that way. We are all different and yet we all have things we are good at. We do need to talk to each other and judge each other by what is on the inside instead of how we look.” He then put out his hand and asked, “Friends?” “Friends,” said Gwen.
And everyone cheered, letting Gwen know that today was indeed going to be a good day.
Tell Tink and the Lost Boys hello for me. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Dear Peter,
This is another short one. Sorry. I am headed out of town today. I will be attending a Homeschool Book Fair/Conference this weekend. I am very excited. I always get a lot of great info/ideas at this conference. The best part is that my sister is going with me! :-) Did I mention that I am excited? Dear older nephew will get to attend on Saturday. It is his first one as well. I will let you know how it goes when I get back. Have a great weekend, and tell the Lost Boys I said to "play nice". :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
This is another short one. Sorry. I am headed out of town today. I will be attending a Homeschool Book Fair/Conference this weekend. I am very excited. I always get a lot of great info/ideas at this conference. The best part is that my sister is going with me! :-) Did I mention that I am excited? Dear older nephew will get to attend on Saturday. It is his first one as well. I will let you know how it goes when I get back. Have a great weekend, and tell the Lost Boys I said to "play nice". :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Dear Peter,
This will be a short letter, because I am tired. Today was Jimmy's memorial service. I think it went really well. Just as Jimmy would have wanted it. The music went over really well. Several people commented on the songs as they came up and said, "Jimmy loved that song." "Jimmy would be so pleased." "That song is so appropriate." It made me feel good to know that I made the right choices.
The preacher gave a wonderful eulogy, and said many of the things that I was planning to say. I did speak. I was the second one, after his mother. I did really well relating how generous and thoughtful Jimmy was. How he was a man of integrity. I did really well until I quoted the song "When All Is Said and Done". I started crying. I got really angry with myself at first, because I really wanted to say something nice and meaningful. I thought that I had messed up, and it was a celebration service. Then, everyone else spoke. When the sherriff stood to speak and he cried as well I thought, "OK, I dont' feel bad anymore." It actually helped me. It was really great to see and hear about how many lives Jimmy touched and helped to change for the better.
All in all it was a wonderful service. I think Jimmy would have been very pleased.
Sincerely,
Wendy Darling
This will be a short letter, because I am tired. Today was Jimmy's memorial service. I think it went really well. Just as Jimmy would have wanted it. The music went over really well. Several people commented on the songs as they came up and said, "Jimmy loved that song." "Jimmy would be so pleased." "That song is so appropriate." It made me feel good to know that I made the right choices.
The preacher gave a wonderful eulogy, and said many of the things that I was planning to say. I did speak. I was the second one, after his mother. I did really well relating how generous and thoughtful Jimmy was. How he was a man of integrity. I did really well until I quoted the song "When All Is Said and Done". I started crying. I got really angry with myself at first, because I really wanted to say something nice and meaningful. I thought that I had messed up, and it was a celebration service. Then, everyone else spoke. When the sherriff stood to speak and he cried as well I thought, "OK, I dont' feel bad anymore." It actually helped me. It was really great to see and hear about how many lives Jimmy touched and helped to change for the better.
All in all it was a wonderful service. I think Jimmy would have been very pleased.
Sincerely,
Wendy Darling
Well, tomorrow is Jimmy's memorial service. My very good friend, Cheri, has driven from Houston to go with me. I have finished the music cd for the memorial service that Jimmy's mom asked me to put together. I think I made the choices Jimmy would have wanted.
My dear brother found a wonderful website for me to get the music from. http://www.songtouch.com/NewIndex.aspx
It is kind of like NAPSTER, but for Christian music. The songs that I chose are mostly upbeat, Southern Gospel. Jimmy really liked them all. They are:
Shoutin' Time
Singin' with the Saints
Wouldn't Take Nothin' for my Journey Now
Long Black Train
Death Ain't No Big Deal
Old Gospel Ship
This Train
Sweet Beulla Land
When All is Said and Done.
I still have to decide what I will say about Jimmy tomorrow. I have been trying to get some ideas together. I have not written anything down, so I thought that if I typed something out here it might help. I first met Jimmy my Junior year in high school. I would go into the station that he worked in to make a fool of myself over a boy. I guess Jimmy took pity on me, and gave me free cokes.
I met his Mom Vicky when I began working at the nursing home. We became friends and then Jimmy and I became friends. The more we talked the more we found we had a lot in common. That began a 15 year friendship. Although we lost touch several times we would always start talking again, and picked up as if no time had passed. We could tell each other anything, and we always had fun. In that time I had the chance to see Jimmy show his true character. He was the kind of guy who would give you his last dollar if he knew you needed it, and if he didn't have it he would be the one to start taking up a collection. Aside from being generous and thoughtful he was a person of integrity, he never judged anyone.
The last song that is on the cd has a verse that says, "Will they say I loved my family? That I was a faithful friend? That I lived to tell of God's own Son. When all is said and done." The answer is a most profound, "Yes".
Sincerely,
WEndy Darling
My dear brother found a wonderful website for me to get the music from. http://www.songtouch.com/NewIndex.aspx
It is kind of like NAPSTER, but for Christian music. The songs that I chose are mostly upbeat, Southern Gospel. Jimmy really liked them all. They are:
Shoutin' Time
Singin' with the Saints
Wouldn't Take Nothin' for my Journey Now
Long Black Train
Death Ain't No Big Deal
Old Gospel Ship
This Train
Sweet Beulla Land
When All is Said and Done.
I still have to decide what I will say about Jimmy tomorrow. I have been trying to get some ideas together. I have not written anything down, so I thought that if I typed something out here it might help. I first met Jimmy my Junior year in high school. I would go into the station that he worked in to make a fool of myself over a boy. I guess Jimmy took pity on me, and gave me free cokes.
I met his Mom Vicky when I began working at the nursing home. We became friends and then Jimmy and I became friends. The more we talked the more we found we had a lot in common. That began a 15 year friendship. Although we lost touch several times we would always start talking again, and picked up as if no time had passed. We could tell each other anything, and we always had fun. In that time I had the chance to see Jimmy show his true character. He was the kind of guy who would give you his last dollar if he knew you needed it, and if he didn't have it he would be the one to start taking up a collection. Aside from being generous and thoughtful he was a person of integrity, he never judged anyone.
The last song that is on the cd has a verse that says, "Will they say I loved my family? That I was a faithful friend? That I lived to tell of God's own Son. When all is said and done." The answer is a most profound, "Yes".
Sincerely,
WEndy Darling
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Dear Peter,
This has been a very weird last few days. Let me explain. I found out Saturday that my dear friend, Jimmy passed away. You have probably read about this on some other blogs. Jimmy and I were very good friends for about 15 years. For about 2 of those years we were engaged to be married. Although I decided not to marry, for many reasons that I will not go into right now, I know Jimmy would have been a good husband.
Jimmy was the kind of man that would give you his last dollar if he knew you needed it. If he didn't have a dollar he would start the fundraiser to get it for you. He never judged anyone, and was always the first to volunteer to help. he was a gentleman. He always held doors open for me, and always complimented me. ANYTIME we needed help he always came. Even after I hurt him so badly by canceling the wedding, he would have come in a second if I had called. The greatest thing he said to me happened just the week before he died. I called to check on him, and we talked for a long time. Mostly about nothing. Before hanging up he said, "I am so glad that we can talk like "just friends" again. I have really missed that. That convinced me that everything was, finally, okay between us.
Jimmy has been sick for a very long time. Until yesterday I did not realize his heart problems stemmed back to his childhood. He never complained, or used his illnesses for excuses to not do anything. He was a hard worker and very diligent in all that he did.
He was a lot of fun to be around. He always made me laugh. Whether it was at the movies, which we both enjoyed watching, or sitting in a thunderstorm at Six Flags waiting for Reba McEntire to sing. He even paid my way to Las Vegas once and we had a ball! (Get your mind out of the gutter, Peter; it wasn't that kind of a trip!)
I am the kind of person who believes that if you have been saved then the Lord will keep his promise and let you into Heaven. I know Jimmy was a Christian, so I do not "mourn" his death. I celebrate it as the "passing on to his REAL home". To his "reward" if you will. I will miss him terribly, and yes, even be sad, but not mournful. Some people believe I am in "shock" because I have not cried. I find it hard to cry about. I am not sure why. Maybe it is because my faith is strong, so I do not feel the need for tears. At least, that is what I would like to believe. Maybe some people are right. Maybe I am in shock, and it will "hit me, someday". I don't know.
I had to come out of my comfort zone a lot yesterday. After hearing about Jimmy I knew I needed to go to stay with his Mom to help her out. I knew she would have a lot of people there, but I also knew there would be things she needed to do or talk about that she would not do with anyone else but me. So, I rearranged my schedule and I went. I did not want to go, but I knew I needed to. It was after my arrival that I found out Jimmy actually died in the house. NOW, anyone who knows me knows that I have repeatedly stated, "I will never KNOWINGLY stay in a house where someone died." I was forced to eat my words. It was very strange though, because at the same time that I felt "uncomfortable" I also had a great sense of comfort. I know I am not making sense, but try to stay with me.
I was left alone in the house several times. I did feel "anxious", or maybe just uncomfortable, but at the same time I had a sense that he was there. It was comforting in a way. I could hear his voice in my head, talking to me just as if he was there. I guess I have seen enough Montel Williams that I remember Sylvia Brown saying, "They are always with you." I always said, "I DON'T WANT THEM WITH ME!" It freaked me out to see those things in horror movies, or on TV. But, this was different. I still can't find the words to explain it.
Later that evening when it was time to go to bed I became "uneasy", perhaps even afraid. I finally decided to swallow my pride, and said to his mother, "I know I sound stupid, but I really don't want to sleep by myself." She said, "That's not stupid, because I really don't want to sleep by myself either." So, we started off sleeping in a full size bed. We went to sleep around 11:30 pm. At about 2:30 am I sat straight up in bed, fully awake. I don't know why. I don't remember dreaming, or hearing anything that would wake me up. The room was completely dark, and I didn't know where I was at first. When I remembered where I was I got up and turned on the bathroom light. Jimmy's mother was no longer in the room. I checked the clock and it said 2:30 am. I turned on the bedroom light as well and sat on the bed for what seemed like hours. I just sat and prayed. I knew I shouldn't be afraid, and I wasn't completely. I still had that weird sense of comfort. I checked the clock again, 3:00 am.
I decided to read for awhile. I would sit, and read. Check the clock, 4:30 am. I decided to get dressed for the day. I washed up, changed, and sat on the bed again. I made the bed, got my things together, and sat some more. I checked the clock, 6:50 am. I sat on the bed. The next thing I knew Jimmy's mother was in the doorway asking me if I wanted to go to town for breakfast. I popped my eyes open (I had apparently gone to sleep), and said, "yes, ma'am". I then realized I had the worst headache! I don't know if it was the lack of sleep, the box fans blowing in my face, the heat from lack of air conditioning, or just the stress catching up with me. What I did know was that I could NOT do this again.
We went to eat, run some errands and go back home. My headache was not any better. Jimmy's mother encouraged me to go on home. After being assured that she would not be left alone I consented and called for a ride.
While waiting for my ride Jimmy's mother expressed her concern for Jimmy's memorial service. Her main objective is that she does not want this to be a sad, "dramatic" funeral. Jimmy would not have wanted that. He would have wanted people to remember him fondly, laugh, and share fun memories. A celebration of his life, not sorrow over his death. His mother wants to make sure that happens, because it is what Jimmy would have wanted. So, I want to grant his wishes, I'm just not quite sure how I will do it. His mother is going to ask everyone to stand and say something about Jimmy at his memorial service. No one is required to, but as a really good friend and ex fiancé I feel it will be expected. Problem is I am not sure what I want to say. I know what things I don't want to say. I am still milling the ideas around in my head. So, I am asking for advice. How do I share my memories of Jimmy without giving away too many of the memories I would like to keep to myself? I feel everyone will say a lot of the same things, unless they just share a personal story of how Jimmy helped them, or did or said something to make them smile.
I know that this has been a long, unorganized letter. But, I really don't feel that I can put my thoughts in words adequately. I feel it is coming out like a lot of "mumbo jumbo". I know I am not making sense. Do you have any thoughts that might help? Ask Tink and some of the Lost Boys too. I could use all the help I can get.
Love,
Wendy Darling
This has been a very weird last few days. Let me explain. I found out Saturday that my dear friend, Jimmy passed away. You have probably read about this on some other blogs. Jimmy and I were very good friends for about 15 years. For about 2 of those years we were engaged to be married. Although I decided not to marry, for many reasons that I will not go into right now, I know Jimmy would have been a good husband.
Jimmy was the kind of man that would give you his last dollar if he knew you needed it. If he didn't have a dollar he would start the fundraiser to get it for you. He never judged anyone, and was always the first to volunteer to help. he was a gentleman. He always held doors open for me, and always complimented me. ANYTIME we needed help he always came. Even after I hurt him so badly by canceling the wedding, he would have come in a second if I had called. The greatest thing he said to me happened just the week before he died. I called to check on him, and we talked for a long time. Mostly about nothing. Before hanging up he said, "I am so glad that we can talk like "just friends" again. I have really missed that. That convinced me that everything was, finally, okay between us.
Jimmy has been sick for a very long time. Until yesterday I did not realize his heart problems stemmed back to his childhood. He never complained, or used his illnesses for excuses to not do anything. He was a hard worker and very diligent in all that he did.
He was a lot of fun to be around. He always made me laugh. Whether it was at the movies, which we both enjoyed watching, or sitting in a thunderstorm at Six Flags waiting for Reba McEntire to sing. He even paid my way to Las Vegas once and we had a ball! (Get your mind out of the gutter, Peter; it wasn't that kind of a trip!)
I am the kind of person who believes that if you have been saved then the Lord will keep his promise and let you into Heaven. I know Jimmy was a Christian, so I do not "mourn" his death. I celebrate it as the "passing on to his REAL home". To his "reward" if you will. I will miss him terribly, and yes, even be sad, but not mournful. Some people believe I am in "shock" because I have not cried. I find it hard to cry about. I am not sure why. Maybe it is because my faith is strong, so I do not feel the need for tears. At least, that is what I would like to believe. Maybe some people are right. Maybe I am in shock, and it will "hit me, someday". I don't know.
I had to come out of my comfort zone a lot yesterday. After hearing about Jimmy I knew I needed to go to stay with his Mom to help her out. I knew she would have a lot of people there, but I also knew there would be things she needed to do or talk about that she would not do with anyone else but me. So, I rearranged my schedule and I went. I did not want to go, but I knew I needed to. It was after my arrival that I found out Jimmy actually died in the house. NOW, anyone who knows me knows that I have repeatedly stated, "I will never KNOWINGLY stay in a house where someone died." I was forced to eat my words. It was very strange though, because at the same time that I felt "uncomfortable" I also had a great sense of comfort. I know I am not making sense, but try to stay with me.
I was left alone in the house several times. I did feel "anxious", or maybe just uncomfortable, but at the same time I had a sense that he was there. It was comforting in a way. I could hear his voice in my head, talking to me just as if he was there. I guess I have seen enough Montel Williams that I remember Sylvia Brown saying, "They are always with you." I always said, "I DON'T WANT THEM WITH ME!" It freaked me out to see those things in horror movies, or on TV. But, this was different. I still can't find the words to explain it.
Later that evening when it was time to go to bed I became "uneasy", perhaps even afraid. I finally decided to swallow my pride, and said to his mother, "I know I sound stupid, but I really don't want to sleep by myself." She said, "That's not stupid, because I really don't want to sleep by myself either." So, we started off sleeping in a full size bed. We went to sleep around 11:30 pm. At about 2:30 am I sat straight up in bed, fully awake. I don't know why. I don't remember dreaming, or hearing anything that would wake me up. The room was completely dark, and I didn't know where I was at first. When I remembered where I was I got up and turned on the bathroom light. Jimmy's mother was no longer in the room. I checked the clock and it said 2:30 am. I turned on the bedroom light as well and sat on the bed for what seemed like hours. I just sat and prayed. I knew I shouldn't be afraid, and I wasn't completely. I still had that weird sense of comfort. I checked the clock again, 3:00 am.
I decided to read for awhile. I would sit, and read. Check the clock, 4:30 am. I decided to get dressed for the day. I washed up, changed, and sat on the bed again. I made the bed, got my things together, and sat some more. I checked the clock, 6:50 am. I sat on the bed. The next thing I knew Jimmy's mother was in the doorway asking me if I wanted to go to town for breakfast. I popped my eyes open (I had apparently gone to sleep), and said, "yes, ma'am". I then realized I had the worst headache! I don't know if it was the lack of sleep, the box fans blowing in my face, the heat from lack of air conditioning, or just the stress catching up with me. What I did know was that I could NOT do this again.
We went to eat, run some errands and go back home. My headache was not any better. Jimmy's mother encouraged me to go on home. After being assured that she would not be left alone I consented and called for a ride.
While waiting for my ride Jimmy's mother expressed her concern for Jimmy's memorial service. Her main objective is that she does not want this to be a sad, "dramatic" funeral. Jimmy would not have wanted that. He would have wanted people to remember him fondly, laugh, and share fun memories. A celebration of his life, not sorrow over his death. His mother wants to make sure that happens, because it is what Jimmy would have wanted. So, I want to grant his wishes, I'm just not quite sure how I will do it. His mother is going to ask everyone to stand and say something about Jimmy at his memorial service. No one is required to, but as a really good friend and ex fiancé I feel it will be expected. Problem is I am not sure what I want to say. I know what things I don't want to say. I am still milling the ideas around in my head. So, I am asking for advice. How do I share my memories of Jimmy without giving away too many of the memories I would like to keep to myself? I feel everyone will say a lot of the same things, unless they just share a personal story of how Jimmy helped them, or did or said something to make them smile.
I know that this has been a long, unorganized letter. But, I really don't feel that I can put my thoughts in words adequately. I feel it is coming out like a lot of "mumbo jumbo". I know I am not making sense. Do you have any thoughts that might help? Ask Tink and some of the Lost Boys too. I could use all the help I can get.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Dear Peter,
I hope you are doing well today. I had a great, but busy day. I had a scrapbooking party, and it went very well.
I know I have told you about my hobby of scrapbooking. It is really more of a passion. A "Mission" if you will... I feel that scrapbooking is so important. It is much more than just putting photos in an album. It is telling the stories behind the pictures. The history of the people in the pictures. Passing the heritage down for generations, and knowing that because I use very safe scrapbooking products that my older nephew's great, great, great grandchildren will be reading the words that I write today and it will look just as fresh as it does now. I want them to know about us.
A well known scrapbooking supply company puts it this way. " Your first car was a monstrous ’79 thunderbird. First pet? A goldfish named Frank. First date? It’s OK to talk about it. It was all real. It’s all part of who you are.
You see, the small stuff doesn’t just matter. The small stuff is everything. It’s part of your story. And you’re the only who can tell it."
I couldn't have said it better myself. :-) The saddest thing in the world is to look at a photo of someone you KNOW you are related to, and not know a thing about them. Not even their name. I have been in several antique stores in the last couple of years, and I have seen boxes of family photos for sale. The people put them in there because they don't know who the people are, so they don't want to be bothered. That is so sad to me!! Not to know your heritage, your people, where you came from...... It is so important for the future generations to know what we have experienced. Both the "ups" and the "downs", so they will know not only their family history, but will perhaps learn a lesson of how to get through the hard times. To know that Uncle "John" was a man of integrity, so they will strive to be like him. To see a photo and say, "I look like Grandma Michelle", or "I have Aunt Jennifer's eyes." For someone to love writing, or crafting, or reading and say, "I got that from... It is in my blood." It's about family, and loving the family that will not be here, until long after we are gone, enough to tell them about US.
Okay, I'll get off of my soap box now. :-) As you can see, I am very passionate about scrapbooking. I also find it relaxing, but this is the "bigger picture", so to speak. :-)
Please, tell Tink that I said, "Hello", and I will write again soon.
Love,
Wendy Darling
I hope you are doing well today. I had a great, but busy day. I had a scrapbooking party, and it went very well.
I know I have told you about my hobby of scrapbooking. It is really more of a passion. A "Mission" if you will... I feel that scrapbooking is so important. It is much more than just putting photos in an album. It is telling the stories behind the pictures. The history of the people in the pictures. Passing the heritage down for generations, and knowing that because I use very safe scrapbooking products that my older nephew's great, great, great grandchildren will be reading the words that I write today and it will look just as fresh as it does now. I want them to know about us.
A well known scrapbooking supply company puts it this way. " Your first car was a monstrous ’79 thunderbird. First pet? A goldfish named Frank. First date? It’s OK to talk about it. It was all real. It’s all part of who you are.
You see, the small stuff doesn’t just matter. The small stuff is everything. It’s part of your story. And you’re the only who can tell it."
I couldn't have said it better myself. :-) The saddest thing in the world is to look at a photo of someone you KNOW you are related to, and not know a thing about them. Not even their name. I have been in several antique stores in the last couple of years, and I have seen boxes of family photos for sale. The people put them in there because they don't know who the people are, so they don't want to be bothered. That is so sad to me!! Not to know your heritage, your people, where you came from...... It is so important for the future generations to know what we have experienced. Both the "ups" and the "downs", so they will know not only their family history, but will perhaps learn a lesson of how to get through the hard times. To know that Uncle "John" was a man of integrity, so they will strive to be like him. To see a photo and say, "I look like Grandma Michelle", or "I have Aunt Jennifer's eyes." For someone to love writing, or crafting, or reading and say, "I got that from... It is in my blood." It's about family, and loving the family that will not be here, until long after we are gone, enough to tell them about US.
Okay, I'll get off of my soap box now. :-) As you can see, I am very passionate about scrapbooking. I also find it relaxing, but this is the "bigger picture", so to speak. :-)
Please, tell Tink that I said, "Hello", and I will write again soon.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Monday, April 17, 2006
Dear Peter,
I hope you are doing well. Today was a really nice day, although it was HOT. We took dear older nephew and the little girl we babysit to the park this morning. We intentionally went early as to avoid the heat. We arrived about 9:30 am and stayed about 45 minutes. It wasn't too bad. It was actually really nice. There was a nice breeze, and it was so pretty. The kids played hard. We did not walk the walking trail like we used to. It is about a mile around, and I just can't do that anymore. Not yet. HOWEVER, we DID walk the tree line around the "meadow". It is about 1/4 of mile. I am so proud that we did that. I finished it!! :-) The kids loved running in the flowers (there was no high grass), and they even found a forgotten Easter Egg. I did make them throw away the candy inside, but allowed them to wash and clean the egg so they could keep it. (Hey, Dora the Explorer was on it. What else could I do?) :-) We made our way back to the playground equipment where they continued to slide and swing for a little longer.
We came home, ate lunch, did school and little girl went to sleep until she was picked up at 3:00 pm. By that time the temp was over 90 degrees with no breeze at all. Inside the van it was 105 degrees. Oh my goodness are we dreading the temps this summer! :-) It was so hot we decided to have sandwiches for supper so we didn't have to turn on the stove. Lunch tomorrow will be leftovers nuked in the microwave and sandwiches for supper. Wednesday night will probably be sandwiches for supper as well, but dear nephew will be eating a hot meal at church so everything will be fine. :-)
Well, that's all for the weather update. I hope the weather is a lot better in Neverland. We plan to go the park again on Wednesday morning about 8:00 am. Before it gets too hot. Dear older nephew will probably swim in the morning around 7:00 am, before school and before the heat gets too bad. :-) Wish I could join him.
Tell Tink and the Lost Boys I said to stay cool, and use their sunscreen! :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
I hope you are doing well. Today was a really nice day, although it was HOT. We took dear older nephew and the little girl we babysit to the park this morning. We intentionally went early as to avoid the heat. We arrived about 9:30 am and stayed about 45 minutes. It wasn't too bad. It was actually really nice. There was a nice breeze, and it was so pretty. The kids played hard. We did not walk the walking trail like we used to. It is about a mile around, and I just can't do that anymore. Not yet. HOWEVER, we DID walk the tree line around the "meadow". It is about 1/4 of mile. I am so proud that we did that. I finished it!! :-) The kids loved running in the flowers (there was no high grass), and they even found a forgotten Easter Egg. I did make them throw away the candy inside, but allowed them to wash and clean the egg so they could keep it. (Hey, Dora the Explorer was on it. What else could I do?) :-) We made our way back to the playground equipment where they continued to slide and swing for a little longer.
We came home, ate lunch, did school and little girl went to sleep until she was picked up at 3:00 pm. By that time the temp was over 90 degrees with no breeze at all. Inside the van it was 105 degrees. Oh my goodness are we dreading the temps this summer! :-) It was so hot we decided to have sandwiches for supper so we didn't have to turn on the stove. Lunch tomorrow will be leftovers nuked in the microwave and sandwiches for supper. Wednesday night will probably be sandwiches for supper as well, but dear nephew will be eating a hot meal at church so everything will be fine. :-)
Well, that's all for the weather update. I hope the weather is a lot better in Neverland. We plan to go the park again on Wednesday morning about 8:00 am. Before it gets too hot. Dear older nephew will probably swim in the morning around 7:00 am, before school and before the heat gets too bad. :-) Wish I could join him.
Tell Tink and the Lost Boys I said to stay cool, and use their sunscreen! :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Dear Peter,
This will be a short post. It is late and I need to get to bed. We have been planning our family vacation for October this year. I have to admit, at first I was skeptical, and did not want to get too excited for fear we would not be able to go, again. Something always seems to happen. But, I just can't help it. I am excited! I can't sleep, because I keep having this song run through my head. It is only part of the song, the theme to the Mary Tyler Moore show "You're gonna make it after all...." over and over and over.....
Dear older nephew has a karate tournament in Oklahoma, so we have decided to leave on the Wednesday before and take our time getting there. :-) We have poured over travel books, online maps, state maps, etc. and have planned a great vacation. Most of the places we are going are "off the beaten path", but great for kids. The best part, most have free admission. :-) It's just small stops here and there. Stops to visit a hands-on museum, or a store, or just to get a picture of a building we will be driving past. Nothing huge, fancy, or costly. But, it will be fun and we will be doing it TOGETHER; building memories. :-) We even have 3 of the restaurants we will eat at picked out, because we saw them in the travel guides! :-)
We get to actually rent a car and stay in HOTELS! :-) We are saving our pennies, literally, like crazy. (not to mention the dimes, nickels and quarters). We have most of it all planned. I just can't wait to get away. October doesn't seem very far away now. :-)
I have to get to bed now, so I will write again soon. Tell the Lost Boys and Tink that I said, "Hi". :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
This will be a short post. It is late and I need to get to bed. We have been planning our family vacation for October this year. I have to admit, at first I was skeptical, and did not want to get too excited for fear we would not be able to go, again. Something always seems to happen. But, I just can't help it. I am excited! I can't sleep, because I keep having this song run through my head. It is only part of the song, the theme to the Mary Tyler Moore show "You're gonna make it after all...." over and over and over.....
Dear older nephew has a karate tournament in Oklahoma, so we have decided to leave on the Wednesday before and take our time getting there. :-) We have poured over travel books, online maps, state maps, etc. and have planned a great vacation. Most of the places we are going are "off the beaten path", but great for kids. The best part, most have free admission. :-) It's just small stops here and there. Stops to visit a hands-on museum, or a store, or just to get a picture of a building we will be driving past. Nothing huge, fancy, or costly. But, it will be fun and we will be doing it TOGETHER; building memories. :-) We even have 3 of the restaurants we will eat at picked out, because we saw them in the travel guides! :-)
We get to actually rent a car and stay in HOTELS! :-) We are saving our pennies, literally, like crazy. (not to mention the dimes, nickels and quarters). We have most of it all planned. I just can't wait to get away. October doesn't seem very far away now. :-)
I have to get to bed now, so I will write again soon. Tell the Lost Boys and Tink that I said, "Hi". :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
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