Corey's 20th birthday and Camping

Today my special boy turns 20. Twenty. The big 2-0. Hard to imagine that the tiniest of my birth children weighing in at just 7' 11'' and only 19 inches long would end up my tallest at 6'2." He still weighs the least of my birth children although he is a good 40 pounds heavier than his 16th year when he twice had collapsed lungs, lengthy hospital stays, setbacks, and surgery.
I documented that time in my blog although of course I left quite a bit unsaid. Still it makes for a very unsettling trip down memory lane to reread it. All that remains from that agonizing time are a couple of fading scars on his torso from the chest tubes and operation to remove part of his damaged upper left lobe. His lung was 'glued' to his chest wall and when he moves a certain way or pushes himself in a run he can still feel the tightness and pull of the lung/wall. He never has taken up running again my high school All Star runner. He was in peak shape when the lung collapsed the second time. As a matter of fact he was at track practise. His great health kept his oxygen stats up even as his lung was in a 40% collapse. But now he no longer runs. The lung just feels odd when he requires it to take in and move great gulps of air....
But I digress. where was I? Oh yes. So Lung Boy was home for a quick break in between coop and summer college classes. We went out to lunch and gave him his gifts and made sure he had a Friendly's ice cream cake- although Mr Lactose Intolerant had trouble finishing his.
His humor and wit is much missed when he is gone away at school. He, Joe, and I even had a great seawall adventure down at Brantrock and risked life and limb or at least risked a good soaking in the storm high crashing waves.
I dropped him off at the train station and then dashed back to finish packing for camping. I am saddened that he won't be able to go with us this year or next summer for that matter.
But the swirl of packing, tidying the house, preparing the animals for Katie and Emily our animal sitters is certainly a distraction from and melancholy thought.
It is much easier to pack for only 8 of us especially now that they are older and can be more of a help than a hindrance. We once took 9 kids under 9 camping, including a 4 month old baby. There were also the years where some of the foster children would go to respite homes and I had to pack seperately for them, making sure each outfit was in perfect condition....oh I do not miss THAT stress.
I happily put food items in my new Tupperware to keep things fresh in case it gets muggy. (Or if it rains but dear God how is it possible that clouds still have water to drop?) Don has loaded the tents and bikes and various implements of camping. I double check baby bunnies and fret while Don rebuilds that chicken coop to keep chickens in and predators out while we are away. Nikki carefully cleans the sofa cushions because our animal care giver will sleep over, cheerfully playing on our internet! I have made sure to fill the fridge with her favorite Pepsi and we have those vinigar chips she likes.
I am trying not to worry about 14 year old Champ who is sleeping longer and longer. And my poor 10 year old Lily has an awful skin rash that I am trying to treat. Katie and emily will take good care of the animals, but still...
Ok I am off to bed. Tomorrow will be last minute room inspections, the loading of the coolers, a quick 3 mile jog and then off to North Conway, the White Mountains, the Saco river...

Clandestine Adventure

Last night Don and I went on a clandestine adventure. It started out when I found 50$ while cleaning out old pocketbooks. As you know I have been trying to clean and organize, first for Julie's graduation party and then to carve out from the debris some space for a home office for my Tupperware business.
It is much easier to do anything if you have a lot of money. Or so I believe, although never actually having a lot of money I could be mistaken. Now I was quite excited to become a Tupperware lady. After all it allows me to be home with the kids over the summer, set my own hours, and it is something I can continue in the fall when I go back to substitute teaching.
It only requires about 100$ to start with and the Tupperware that comes in the kit alone is worth 3 times that. So that is fine. This is something we can swing as a family and my kit was completely paid for and then some with my very first party so of course the investment is a sound one. Not that I am trying to talk any of you into becoming a Tupperware consultant. Although if you want to I can help you achieve your dreams. If nothing else think of all the free Tupperware! But I digress...
The thing is with everything on line, including great Tupperware training as well as business paperwork type stuff, you know orders, forms, sales aides etc, I really need a printer down here in my bedroom.-Ideally one of those printer/scanners. Of course how cool would it be to have one printer wireless that ALL the computers tie into.....
Well I Facebooked my need for a free printer and my friend Margo who works for Immaculate Conception up in Malden thought the church might have one or 2. She figured 2 would be better in case one didn't work. We then began making plans for me to come up and get the printer.
Somehow our plans got tangled in cyber space and I thought the 2 couples were going to dinner Tuesday night while we retrieved our printers. But she is trying to tie up loose ends before their annual camping trip and so she had already a million and one thingsto do.
We of course were welcome to come up and get the computers. But traffic and life being how it is meant we could not say for certain what time we wouldl arrive. So we got directions to the church.
Then the fun began. We were told to go to the parking lot and find the building with the 2 story screened porch. Next to the screen porch would be a picket fence. We were to open the fence and find a plastic bin. In the bin would be the 2 printers. We could take the printers and leave the bin.
I so wanted to bring flowers to put in the bin but since we were not certain what type of bin it was, who else had access to it, or what it might also be used for we went without anything but gratitude.
We arrived, followed instructions and got our working printers. Horaaay, mine even is a scanner copier, very appreciated. It was so funny though as we both felt like spies making a drop and pick up. The funny thing was while we were doing this a guy came out, looked left and right , walked quickly to his car, and began to act in a furtive manner.
Turns out he was sneaking out of the church for a quick smoke, notllooking for something in the bin!
We ended the night with dinner out at Joe's courtesy of the 50$ I found in my old pocketbook. Now the room is all clean and organized and the printer up and running. Hopefully it will be a money making venture.
But every time I look at the printer I will think of peering over the white picket fence trying to find our treasure and it makes me smile when I think about the girl who made all the arrangements for it in the first place. Thanks Margo and IC Malden...

Advice from an older brother to a younger

Joe happily emailed everyone he knew to let them know that he Finally has email. He has nothing to say to any of these people but now if he doe he can email:>) Corey found out about it while he was at work and he promised to email Joe as soon as he got back to the dorm. Below is the email he sent.
The Greatest E-Mail Ever.
Hey Joseph (Francis) Patrick Blauss,...And in the beginning there was no such thing as email, or the internet, or computers... But then a whole bunch of nerds (like Matt) who were tired to getting hunted down by bullies and beaten up decided to invent a way for them to communicate and hang out without being in the same place. This way, they were not as easy of targets. So they invented computers, the internet, Instant Messaging, and E-Mail. Now all nerds everywhere were able to talk and hang out without being in the same place, which was good because they also often smelled bad (like Tim)...Now I am happy to welcome you into this sacred brotherhood of nerddom... For while everyone uses these wonderful technologies now, you have also successfully passed the nerd tests of doing well in school and in videogames... I don't think I've ever been prouder of you little brother. Now remember, do not abuse this wonderful gift you have been given. Do not go onto inappropriate sites and do not lie to mom about who you talk to online. Behave yourself and you will be able to enjoy all the wonders of the Interweb... As always, I love you and I'll see you soon.Your Coolest and Best Smelling Older Brother,Corey

Happy Fathers Day

Donnie spent most of Father's Day digging up and rolling coins. He has been emptying his change into a jar that he hid from the kids, up on his bureau. The children let him sleep late, coincidentally so late that we missed 11 o'clock Mass. they were quite stunned to discover this. I have my suspicions however...
Anyway too wet to go to the pond as we normally do on Father's Day. Way too wet to cook on his Father's Day grill. So he puttered about doing this and that, mostly rolling coin.
To his bemused amazement he has amassed about 150 $ all rolled and ready to be changed into bills. The kids were QUITE excited about this and happily gathered change from vehicles, drawers, counters, pocket books etc. All this money will be used next week while camping and Joe is especially is beside himself thinking about what he could get at Zebs up in North Conway with that!
I already know that the father of this household will spend most of it on gas. But he will make certain to get his favorite fudge up in North Conway because for richer or for poorer some traditions are sacred.

Just a day in the Life

Today was the 4H Science club swim party....indoors at their leaders house. Then there were 2 graduation parties. All fun activties in 3 different towns that we raced about making sure we could fit them in.
All were nice, fun, and there were plenty of enjoyable people. But my favorite parts of the day included, eating icecream at Peaceful Meadows with most of the kids to celebrate Fathers Day while Mary told us of possible moving plans. (Closer to home, keep your fingers crossed!) Really what could be better than an icecream cone and kids?
Another favorite part of the day? I went out to inspect that rabbits had been fed and watered. (kids weekend chore!) When I got to my bunny barn who should be hopping about in his cage but a two week old baby Netherland Dwarf, much too small to be out of his nest box. He must've been attached to his mother, still nursing, when she jumped out of the nest box and he came along for the ride.
He looked so adorable on his wobbly feet blinking his newly opened eyes up at me. Too cute for words! I stopped my dashing about to cradle him in my palm. He is so tiny I can actually fit all four of the babies at once in my cupped hand!
He flicked his impossibly short ears at the sound of my voice and his little whisskers were swirling back and forth while he sniffed the wonders of the new world about him. He was quite bold for a two ounce bit of furry life!
I would say that was my favorite part of the day. But later in the evening Julie and I were dancing in the living room while Nikki chatted with us and made Donnie a Fathers Day card. That could have been my favorite part of the day.
But then Nikki and I stretched out on the couch talking about tornados and bad dreams and kids at school and sleep overs. We pondered what home life will be like with Julie gone away at school. We discussed straight hair and curly hair and those lucky rich kids who can get whatever they want....like all new clothes from Aeropostale and a horse of their own!
That might have been my favorite part of the day. Long ago I treasured girl talk with my mom - usually occurring when we were driving some where just the two of us. Or when my sister in I lay in the dark at night in our bedroom, petty jealousies and annoyances aside, we would share wishes and dreams.
Mary and I had our time for those talks, and Julie too. Now my Nikki and I...maybe that was my favorite part of a too busy day.
Life is sure moving fast around here and like Ferris Bueller said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Today I did not miss seeing a baby bunny begin to explore the world. Today I did not miss Joe bouncing in the moonwalk. Today I did not miss Jamie laughing with his sister, today I did not miss Julie twirling out her skirt while she danced, Today I did not miss Tim heading out on his bike. Today I did not miss Mary lean over and put her head on her husband's shoulder. Today I did not miss girl talk with Nikki. Today I did not miss that anticipatory feeling I get still low in my tummy waiting for Donnie to come home.

Last day of School for the sub

Today I got to teach 2 gym classes, a group of 23 fourth graders and then a group of 20 second graders. Since it was the last day of school however and Assemblies were occurring in the gym, we had outdoor class.
The goal was bucket ball, a politically correct version of kick ball. In this game no one gets hit with the ball. Unless the boy who grabs the ball forgets and hucks it at the base runner anyway.
After a while of bucketball I then let the kids play on the play ground equipment while I paroled the perimeter. No is allowed to climb OVER certain things and never ever does someone climb up the slide. Of course every kid hoped to take advantage of the sub. But I am an expert of playground vigilance and so no one got away with much.
I had a flahsback as I paced the playground of the first time I ever brought children to play there. It was December of 1992. We were about to close on our house. I took the kids on a sunless December (come ot think of it the weather resembled today!) Mary was the eldest at 8. Tim was 7. Corey and Chaquanna were 3. DJ had just tunred 2 and Julie was nearly 2. Baby Jazzy was 9 months old.
I let the kids play on 'their new' playground and tried to imagine feeling part of the Carver community. The school was out so it must've been on a Saturday and Don must've been reffing hockey games.
Amazing how quickly the years went. Chaquanna DJ and Jazzy returned home only to wind up in care a year later. We desperately tried to keep them safe with us or get them back but to no avail. I still think of them often.
Now my Mary is 24, Tim 23, Corey almost 20 ad Julie my high school graduate. I am thrilled that Jamie, Nikki, and Joe have all had their turn at the playground and are a part of our family. But I think back fondly on those days when I had 7 kids under 9 and I thought it was so brave to go to a new playground all by myself.
I hollered goodnaturedly at a few rowdy boys who tried to climb up the slide. One of them muttered as he ran by "You sound just like my mom."
16 years of supervising kids on that playground. Gym teacher mom it is all the same. Now have a good day and remember no climbing UP the slide.

8 tips for liking someone better (or disliking that person less)

Of course I like EVERYBODY. But I thought this was an interesting article on Yahoo this morning. Except for the 'touching' part. I think it would freak someone out :>)
by Gretchen Rubin, on Thu Jun 4, 2009 10:03am PDT
Eight tips for liking someone better (or disliking that person less).
Some people are part of your life, whether you want them there or not. What if you don’t have the warmest of feelings for your boss? Your mother-in-law? Your next-door neighbor?
It’s easy to come up with a mental catalog of all the ways in which that person could change to be less annoying, domineering, passive-aggressive, arrogant, etc.—but the fact is, you can’t change anyone but yourself.
Here are some tips about how to help yourself cultivate more friendly feelings. It’s quite a strain to hide feelings of dislike; if you can manage to change your feelings, you’ll be much happier. It’s hard, but not impossible.
1. Seek contact. This is a bit counter-intuitive. If you don't like someone, you probably feel like avoiding that person, but because of the psychological phenomenon known as the mere exposure effect, we tend to like people better the more we see them.
2. Do nice things for that person. “We prefer to see those to whom we do good than those who do good to us,” as La Rochefoucauld observed.
3. Give that person a brief touch. Subliminal touching, i.e., touching a person so unobtrusively that it’s not noticed, increases people’s sense of well-being and positive feelings.
4. Lighten up. Joke about whatever annoys you, and if you can manage it, laugh about it with that person, or poke fun at your own reaction. Nothing neutralizes bad feelings like a good laugh. This can be tough, however.
5. Act friendly. We think we act because of the way we feel, but often we feel because of the way we act. So act the way you want to feel. This is uncannily effective—just try it.
6. Resist criticizing that person. When you voice your complaints, they assume a solidity in your mind that’s hard to eliminate. When your thoughts remain unspoken, they can more easily be changed.
7. Remember happy shared experiences. Recalling good times elevates mood and will help warm your feelings.8. Be grateful. Reflecting on reasons to feel grateful, instead of reasons to be angry or annoyed, will help change your view.

Summary of Julie's last hurrah

Party update time...not Tupperware although that IS available. It is time to update about Julie's party. (I WILL not complain about the weather, which was soaking pouring until the last possible moment causing me chest pain. There was as a result, a spectacular mud hole in the side yard which Don roped off using garden netting, bamboo poles, and some strategically placed vehicles. But I will neither mention it nor think about it again.)
By days end ,75 people young and old- came, celebrated, ate, and paid homage to the Salutatorian. Most stuck around for quite sometime and the last of the young ladies finally left the garden campfire around 11:30 at night. Julie found it a challenge to meet and greet and be all Hostessy because she kept wanting to chat with her friends. But she was gracious to all.
The teenage mutant Ninja turtle moonwalk was a hit. Don's older sister even managed to call 'adult swim' so she could have a bounce. I had fun in it for a while although getting out of a moonwalk is no easy task with a dress on. (Mary's maid of honor said my dress made for some standout cleavage a 'magnificent rack' were her exact words. I love Holly, and she was right btw:>)
Mary and our neighbor Laurie both made awesome looking trifles which I did not get so much of a taste of, that is how fast they went! Don's mom at the age of 80 made her first ever macaroni salad because Don requested it and it was delisc.
Matt's mom made my favorite Gorgonzola and strawberry/walnut salad which I ate a bucket of. I hid left overs of it in the fridge for ME but my ratty older daughter took it home with her instead and had it for HER lunch. Very cruel I must say.
All the guests were appreciated but of course my most favorite fell asleep in my arms, head snuggled to the aforementioned magnificent rack. The man of the hour happens to be 6 months old and I fantasize that he is the next Blauss. He even comes with a 4 year old brother and a 5 year old sister. But Donnie has not expressed the same desire. Yet...
Lots of old foster parent friends came and plenty of friends of the kids. Some I even roped into setting up. Poor Corey's friend Carol came from Northeastern and spent the weekend scrubbing and tidying which she cheerfully did. Even Mr Corey the master of work avoidance was out shoveling wood chips to make a little kid area in the garden. He allegedly weeded my cranberry bog , but not so you would notice.
Just a brief mention of my college boy. He does not come home very often since he is working full time at his co-op. He will have a few days home around his birthday before starting summer classes, so he is still living in Boston. Certainly the house is quieter and less crowded without him. Also, I know he finds my rules too constricting after living the exciting dorm life.
But I miss him. The surly impatient boy of two years ago has grown into an adult, which is still a little disconcerting. In his place a man of wit and kindness. The teenager who so wanted to BE independent and seemed to resent our very existence is much more patient these days with his siblings and us. He has apparently decided to accept us for who we are or perhaps accept who he himself is.
My engaging elf boy with his stick out ears, goofy grin and too big eyes has grown quite handsome in his tall lanky way. He exudes a laid back manner and has a lanky confident stroll that makes me smile.
He involved himself with the Catholic center on campus this year or perhaps they involved themselves with him! It is a great bunch of kids and the Brotherhood of Hope are a nice group of young energetic college campus ministers who are open to Corey's ideas and accepting of his energetic enthusiastic ways.
Corey and Julie have always been close, once he got over the idea (at the age of 19 months!) that she was here to stay. I feel more comfortable knowing that he will be in Boston to help ease her into campus life.
I just got off the phone with him and he was eager to share the news that one of the secretaries at his work took him to Macy's to spruce up his wardrobe. He happily shared his discounts and clothing choices and where he plans on wearing his updated wardrobe. He makes me laugh and I really miss him.
The bonus of having him around this weekend of course was all his buddies came over and it was fun weatching them toss the football around (and toss Joe around.) and hang out by Andy's too cool pick up truck.
The funny part of the party was we ran out of Teenies and I had to make a beverage dash to the store. Now the little ones did not drink the too sweet little plastic bottles. Nope it was the teenagers and college boys. How they can drink that liquid sugar is beyond me, but they loved it!
As at all Blauss parties there was the s'mores around the fire while the guitars were pulled out. Julies friends Alex and Cory sang their latest song that they wrote and even Mary managed to sing a few favorites before she headed home.
I was the bad guy and kicked the neighborhood kids out. They hang out with Joe and are in our yard EVERY day, unsupervised by their parents. They are always looking for food, drink and entertainment. Most of the time I oblige but today was for Julie and her freinds and family so neighborhood kids were shooed away. If one of their parents wanted to come and watch them that would be fine but since they were no shows...
I will say Iwas trying to focus on the fact that unlike the parents in attendance who had small children I did not have to jump up every second and supervise kids. I tried to say life is better this way. But holding baby Carter as he drifted off to sleep or helping little Destiny with her shoe takes me right back to a place I love and miss.
Well we had everything packed down that night. The port o potty guy drove away the outdoor toilet in the morning and Donnie returned the moonwalk and 2 long tables. Everything else we had or made do with (That three legged table I have never thrown away was just fine to hold gifts, while leaning on a tall plant pot!)
There was very little left over food, 75 people is a lot to feed but making the food is my most favorite part. (Well after holding a baby.) Julie was happy with how things went and it was a nice celebration of her many accomplishments.
Now if only the house and yard could stay thias nice for a while. Sigh.

Raining on my parade?

Why does it always seem to rain on my parade? Yesterday was a day that tested patience. I had an ongoing internal battle with myself (quietly in my mind it is not like I talk out loud to myself or anything). I kept counseling myself not to feel so impatient or aggravated. When the CVS picture copy machine went on the fritz and all 3 printers began having problems AT THE SAME time, I maintained my sense of humor. It took an hour and a half to make a couple of quick picture copies. The fact that it was LUNCHTIME when this occured. The fact that Mary was stopping by and needed money (she had picked up some Borders gift cards for me.) The fact that Corey and his college freind needed to be picked up at the train station. (I sent Donnie who was having a similar day as my own.( At one point he stood in the kitchen and though 'I must be getting Alzheimers, this is the 3rd time I have come in this kitchen and not been able to remember why because of the constant interuptions!') The fact that AS I stood in line I realized that the faint doggy oder I smelled was me because I had started my day bathing and brushing out Lily and the other 2 dogs because the rabies clinic was this morning. Apparently I needed to do more than just change my shirt and pants. On and on it went.
You know this kind of day, we all have them. I waited at CVS with another woman who just needed ONE picture. So we commiserated together.
But the entire day went like this. The van would not start when Joe, Nikki, and I were dashing out to 5 oclcok Mass. So Don had to race home from the hardware store so we could take his truck...
I tried my grateful list. I mean Mary's wedding day saw our bathroom plumbing give way with showers still to go and bridesmaids on their way over. At least our plumbing is working and Don's repair patch of the floor seems to be holding. THere was the graduation party when the oven died....
But as I stared out at the rain this morning and thought "Oh good those plastic white charis needed to be washed anyway...' I decided that even Pollyanna would find this a challenge.
It did not help that although all the kids worked VERY hard, cleaning, straighening, animal shoveling etc, ONE of the kids has decided to wage emotional warfare on me probably in an attention grabbing bid. Or perhaps the said child has some real problems. I do not know.
I do know however that when one of them is upset or moody grouchy etc I have a hard time letting it go. I either try to fix the real or imagined problem or make them feel better etc. I have not learned to just let some one be a moody so and so. I probably should because it goes right up me like a rocket and it does not help my stress level. Don says he can let it go but as his fuse gets shorter I think he just tries to fool himself!
The stress of where to put the dog crates during the party, how to freshen the chicken coop during morning rain, how to keep the kitchen and living room floors clean whiel everyone is underfoot, do we postpone, will the weather clear, what serving dish goes where......
All I am saying is that patience only goes so far....

Margo the Exotic chick

Margo is almost 2 now, the free exotic chick we had added to our chicken order 2 summers ago. She and Joe are good friends. Now we do have a simlar chicken named Ginger who I mistakenly think is Margo all the time. But Joe always corrects me. "Margo has a blue under color and she would NEVER try to get away like Ginger. That is how you can tell them apart."

Is something wrong with blogger

I cannot seem to upload photos on to it, either multiple ones going through blogger or a single one direct from Picassa? I wonder if it is them or me?
Hmmmm, I found them in a blogger drafts photos but the pictures will not open up. what is the deal? I am doing everything the same as I akways do...

Who else lives like this?

Does anybody else live like we do? Today Julie and I scrubbed and cleaned because at 12:30 my new Tupperware leader was coming over to train me. She got caught up with another new consultant and called to say she was running late. No biggy right?
Except I had penned up the dogs after cleaning to KEEP the place tidy. But since she was going to be late, oh say about an hour and a half past our original time frame, I let them out, fed my brother lunch etc.
Then I had to REvacuum because shaggy shedding dogs and a rainy day mean wonderful debris on my rug! Who else even needs to vaccuum twice in one day?
Now in general the house is looking spiffy as we prepare for Julie's graduation party. For instance my kitchen cabinets are finally all one color. And I have new little area rugs to hide the ripped floor tiles in the bathroom and kitchen.
Most of the walls have had the fingerprints washed off them and the curtains have all been washed. Granted they look a little worn and one in the kitchen is decided lopsideded. But they are clean anyway!
But who else had to vaccum twice within a three hours time span? geeez. I am also trying to be as lowkey as possible and conserve energy as I have sinusitus and had begun to develope a cough. The spector of February's pnuemonia hansg over me but it appears we have caught this in time. Both Doctor and Don have given me stern warnmings about taking it easy...something I would totally disreguard except February is still fresh in my mind. I never want to be that sick again.
Still things need to be done and if I do not do them, who will? So it was weigh in this morning and I have finally hit the 75 pounds down mark, actually 76.2! And later on tonight is them iddle school kids band concert.
I did have Don get out and approve Joe's clothes for the evening and now I have to trust that that was done. Tim is incharge of making sure we have clean towels and Don will cook dinner. Jamie and Joe will make sure the animals are cared for and all I should be respnsible for is training well under my Tuppertrainer. Julie will paint more of the ceilings and Nikki, well being beautiful is a big job for her but she had better spend some time on her bedroom!
I am working on my grateful list today.
I am grateful it is not pnuemonia. I am grateful Julie graduated. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for my home, animals, and garden. I am grateful for a summer job I can fit in with the kids schedules.
But I really wish someone Else would vaccum for me!

A copy of Julie's speech

I will see if I can get the dvd of her graduation and post her giving the speech if possible. I have no doubt modern technology makes it possible. Whether or not I can make it probable remains to be seen however.

Julie's Salutatorian's Address to CHS 2009

If I may take advantage of four years of English classes and use an extended metaphor for this speech, we are all born (astride a grave if you care for existentialism) in front of a blank canvas. Now for anyone who knows a lot about art and its various tools and likes to nitpick at details, let me assure you that this metaphorical canvas is indeed suitable for all types of metaphorical mediums. Except for your metaphorical Photoshop; you'll need a metaphorical computer to use that- but that's not the point.
Blank canvas, that's where I was. And infants, metaphorically or not, can't fully utilize it. So your parents and family did for you. We were just babies, then toddlers, then children- our artistic abilities were not completely developed yet. But we sat there, in front of the canvas of life, while those important to us guided our paint strokes; their big grown up hands over our pudgy little fingers, showing us how to hold the brush and move it this way across the paper, no just on the paper not on the wall the paper, the pap- little missy if you do not start painting only on the canvas you will not be allowed to use the brush by yourself. They were always there to help us in the right direction, to help show us the good way to "paint" (read, for this metaphor, live). As we grew we gained a little more freedom to paint as we wished- but still within boundaries.
And as we grew more people started helping to show us how to paint, how to develop our talent- teachers and mentors, neighbors and friends, showing us that cool swirly thing that will totally make it look like a cloud and if you make these little dots here it'll look just like a daisy. And some unwanted "help" got thrown in the mix too- you know, when someone thought it would be so funny to throw some red paint on your canvas.
But we got over that; adjusted to all these new lessons- and then we all entered the Art School (metaphoric for High School, if I've lost anyone by this point.) Now we're given some major, professional tools and lessons. We say bye-bye to our old clear plastic sparkly brush (but maybe keep it tucked away because hello, sparkles?) and hel-lo 5-dollar wooden and horsehair brush. So long Crayola, we've got PrismaColor now!
All our teachers were teaching us valuable art lessons for our life canvas. And yes, some of these lessons some of us will never use again- but we know how to if we needed to. Some of us will sculpt and not ever use watercolors again, some of us will paint and never metal smith; to break away from the metaphor, to say some of us will never again stretch their English lessons to the breaking point in one speech.
But now we have all these art tools and lessons, and we have our canvas of life. It is no longer blank; it has slowly been filling over the years with the help of others, and now it is up to us. Now, some of us may end the official lessons and get straight to work shaping the piece up; some of us may continue to Advanced Art School (aka college). Any path we choose, we are given the most important tool- the freest hand we've ever had to create on our canvas. We might add on to the existing swirls and splashes and details; we might paint over some parts to spruce it up; we might paint over the entire canvas in startling white to start fresh.
But any way and any path and any technique we use, we know where we learned it. A bit from intuition, a bit from parents, a bit from family, a bit from teachers, a bit from friends- any digital picture is made from many little bits (hence Bitmap image). But this speech has been connected to metaphorical canvases, not computers. So we'll have to change that last sentence to any piece of metaphorical artwork is made up of the combination of all the metaphorical sections, which we have learned from many real sources. We've learned them growing up; and we've learned them here, in high school- and now we're ready to take these lessons into our own hands and in the classic words of any graduation speech, go forth.

Baby Julie all grown up

Kids made a sign

Evidentally Salutatorian is a complicated word to spell. Note Nikki's interpretation of it for the sign she made for her sister. Not that I have the right to critique anyone's creative spelling choices./

They did it

practicing her speech

Julies Interpretive Masks project

Convocation night

Senior week

It is senior week around here and I have been neglectful in the postings. Lets see, Monday was their first rehearsal. The boys especially were appalled that they needed so many practices just to 'walk down the aisle.' As you can imagine no boy can actually walk a straight line and of course they have had to practice over and over again.

We found out on this day that there was a tie for Salutatorian between a boy Pat Sheehy, and Jubee. Their GPA was the exact same number calculated out to the 10th decimal place. So in an unprecedented move, there are now 2 Salutatorians for the Class of 2009.

Tuesday saw Class Day at the high school where the Seniors showed off their stuff for parents, students, and teachers. My Julie read part of the Class poem and she also received the Most Artistic superlative as well as a reward for service to her senior class. It must've been all the t-shirts she artfully designed for their events! Of crouse she was also rewarded for her high honors all 4 terms.

2 kids got up to dedicate the year book to 2 other fellow seniors who have struggled with health issues, one barely surviving a double lung transplant and the other still battling Leukemia. Both children managed to keep up with their coursework and will be graduating with their class. The standing ovation was thunderous and I cannot even imagine how their parents feel.
Then the class soccer goalie star stood up and with quiet dignity offered a dedication to Mr. Knight, the beloved hall monitor, foster parent, assistant sport coach, and confidante who suffered a heart attack over April Vacation and tragically died. When Mike got to the part of his speech where he said "Mr Knight stood up for me at National Honor Induction and so I feel I need to stand up for him now..." well we ALL started crying, kids, teachers, and parents.
The kids all know Mike as a very shy young man of few words, his eloquence touched everybody and it was a lovely tribute to a very dear man. The Class Day ended with Julie's friends, identical twins singing a song they wrote for their class. What a talented group of kids.
Convocation the next night was a much more formal affair. Nikki even talked Julie into putting her hair up and wearing a short dress! We started the night with a dinner prepared by parents and served by teachers in the high school cafeteria. On a movie screen was projected candids of the senior class. Some used their yearbook photo. Others added a baby picture or sports logo. Julie had her picture along side her favorite Supernatural movie star.
We then all moved to the auditorium where the class marched in, wearing gowns but no caps. the National Honor kids received their special tassels and scarf thingies, to wear on graduation day. They almost skipped over her however when awarding the foreign language national honor gold ropes. It seems she is the only senior French National Honor society student. With a laugh the vice principal dutifully announced her name and they dug up an extra gold rope, to be worn on graduation day as well.
She was then called up again and again for : The French National honor, regular National Honor, Excellence in French award, the Business Technology award, The Massa. Student Achievement Award, Creative and Philosophical thinking in English award (that came with the complete works of Shakespeare). She also received an award for the highest Carver score in the national French exam, The MCAS scholarship award, and of course the Salutatorian bowl and honor. Then came 3 paying schoalships one from the high school Art department, one from the Elizabeth Cushman memorial scholarship, and a new to the school art scholarship from a local company called Dimensions in Design and wellness Studio.
Each time she beamed her lovely smile and modestly went up to receive yet another honor. Of course she was not the only one who made repeat trips up to the grip and grin! About 8 kids cornered most of the awards.
It was so so fun to see her rewarded publically for all her hard work and dedication and bittersweet remembering Mary receiving all the accolades at the end of her high school career. Of course Tim and Corey got more than their share. But Mamie and Jubee definitely wore a hole in the stage floor from all their pacing back and forth to collect their bounty!
Last night was the senior dinner dance where she happily danced the night away. Now she is spending the next 2 days practicing her speech (the Brockton Enterprise requested a copy of it ahead of time!) and repainting the ceilings in the house in an effort to make our home at least marginally presentable for her graduation party next week.
Her party will be on flag day. After hosting 2 grad parties on graduation day itself, I vowed never to do so again-talk about stress! So we will have her party on flag day, because it is convenient and because we have lots of red, white, and blue decorations. Please feel free to stop by and you will be treated to some fun company, good food, and a moonwalk:>)

Tupperware yeah Tupperware

Ok I did it. No sense losing sleep worrying about money. My summer job did not pan out. I am still looking into research jobs and I have substitute teaching all lined up for the fall. So what fun job could I do for the summer (and continue on with it?) A job that is challenging but fun. A job that allows me to be home with the kids but is interesting. A job where some of my best skills can be put to use but that also teaches me something?
TUPPERWARE. It was the funnest job I ever had and although I was not 'good' at it I still made a decent salary. I left it after my Dad died when sadness descended into my every waking moment. As most of you know my mother died of a broken heart a year later and my Nana a number of months after that.
I could not be my peppy cheerful self which was my greatest asset in booking and selling the product. But I really treasured my time with Tupperware. They are very empowering to women and it was the only job I ever had where they really really encourage you to do your best, at whatever level you are at.
Most jobs if you are not good at you are fired. Or if you do not have a certain skill no one is ever willing to teach you. But since all of Tupperware depends on you getting better and better they are happy to invest the time in you.
I was not very good at the selling part as I felt it was pushy. Thankfully the product practically sells itself.That life time guarantee thing is a great selling point. I tended to eat during the part of the party when I should have been making higher sales or encouraging new recruits.
But I loved chatting about the Tupperware, sharing and listening to stories and of course I really like the Games. I am lucky to because this time my manager is one of the tops in the field. She drives a FREE red convertible courtesy of her wonderful sales record and service to Tupperware.
I am excited to be doing a fun job and I am challenging myself to learn more this time around. Plus I will still be home with the kids most of the time (good for them in the long run:>)
I hope I can do a good job, I know I will have fun trying. Work is work of course but it is fun to meet new folks and try new things:>)
So if you need new sippy cups are are dying for a jello mold do call me. And of course if you host a party I can promise you great entertainment, fabulous hostess or host prizes, and lots of laughs. Oh ya, good product too. (See I bet I should've said that first!)

worries of the juggler

This week I am a culinary arts teacher, then a middle school math teacher, and then a primary school reading specialist. All great fun and I am looking forward to the experiences.

But the summer job I was counting on fell through and now I have that pit of your stomach anxiety about jobs and finances. Substituting has been great, and while doing so I have periodically sent out Resumes for my 'dream job' in addiction research.

However in this economy research jobs of any variety are few and far between, so perhaps research is a dream that is destined not to come true.

Because the summer job I was hoping for did not come through (I wonder what the hired people have that I don't have?) these last 2 1/2 weeks before summer vacation are a time of stress instead of fun. Where do I get a summer job that pays a just wage, and fits in with family schedules?
Over the winter I researched taking the Social Worker test which costs just over 200$ and taking the teacher licence test (MTELS) which are more like 300$. I had hoped that the tax money would pay for one or both tests. But all that money quickly got sucked into paying bills.
Hmmm, I have considered going back to respite or specialized foster care but...
I also put a call into some old Tupperware acquaintances. Selling Tupperware was tons of fun, the pay decent, the company VERY supportive, and you get to use your initial investment. Besides, who doesn't love Tupperware?
I think I may start that up again. Of course once September comes I will have all the subbing jobs I can handle. Maybe then I could use the fall Tupperware money to pay for the LSW or the MTEL?
It is so stressful though: the kid worry, the money worry, the house worry, the diet/health worry... All these things take up so much time, energy, and cash!
I know it all comes down to balance, hard work, timing, and a bit of luck to keep the multifaceted balls of my life up and juggling in the air. The danger of course- besides one of the balls beaning me on the head- is losing concentration and increasing the very real risk of having them ALL fall down around me.