Mother's Day 2008

I'm way behind on some other pics that I need to post - but I have to do the Mother's Day thing today. My kids are so awesome...

First of all, David's been desperate for this day to appear for about 6 weeks. He was out with his dad when inspiration hit, and together they chose the gifts for this year. He was so excited, and he kept saying, "Mom, you're gonna love your presents this year!" The pump was primed, so to speak, since he talked about it every day for a month.

After church, we came home and I headed upstairs with the Sunday paper and plans for a nap. I dealt satisfactorily with both. All the ruckus, the smoke alarm and good smells eventually drew me downstairs. My mom and dad came over, and we all had dinner together - which was cooked, all from scratch, by Sarah. Shannon put together cucumber sandwiches; Sarah made grilled chicken, pasta alfredo with fresh mushrooms, fresh broccoli and Greek salad (her time working at Cafe Caturra is paying off - that girl appreciates GOOD food!). Fresh strawberry shortcake was dessert - and it was all from scratch as well.

(Let's just all pause for a moment and say that these kids are AMAZING!)

After dinner, David FINALLY got to present the gifts; first was a cute book with handwritten messages at the end that made me choke back tears.

Next was the one by one opening of the source of David's excitement. The kids gave me themselves:
There was a Willow Tree person for each kid, with specific hair color and size. It was overwhelming; I've long loved these little characters and received a few as gifts, but this, all at once, was really cool. Of course, the REALLY COOL part was David's anticipation. I think, because he bought these with his dad, that it was extra important and maybe even healing for him. Big kudos to dad for helping the kids honor their mom.

I didn't have to clean the kitchen. I've enjoyed the rest of this rainy day. And I'm so glad that I'm the mother of these kids.

(**wiping away a tear**)

Hippos And Capos

Overheard between Sarah and David (who are getting along famously):

Sarah: Have you seen a capo anywhere?

David (sounding very much alarmed): What?!?!?!?!?!? A HIPPO????!!!!!!??????

Sarah: No - my capo.

David: You have a hippo?

A capo (short for capotasto, Italian for "head of fretboard") is a device used for shortening the strings, and hence raising the pitch, of a stringed instrument such as a guitar, mandolin or banjo. It was invented by the Flamenco guitarist Jose Patino Gonzalez. Capos are used to change the key and pitch of the open strings of a guitar without having to adjust the strings with the tuning keys. - Wikipedia

Just The Three Of Us

Syd and Dan are gone to band festival.

Shannon is having dinner at her friend's house.

Just Sarah and David and me. This is an unusual occurence, the oldest and the youngest. Generally they don't get along really well

I'm going to take advantage of this opportunity. I'm thinking some hang out time at Barnes & Noble and maybe some ice cream.

(Though that negates my killer workout this afternoon...)

(I'll do it for the kids....)

Prom 2008

My girls and their dates...

Sigh...

I have to consolidate. Along with the updated pic (what do you think? Pretty, eh?) and template, I've got to abandon this idea of maintaining three separate blogs. HELLO!!! You don't have time to clean the bathroom! What were you thinking?

Well, I'm not sure. Except I realize, after a few weeks of this, that I'm starting to feel discombobulated. One place I get to be worship leader/church girl. The other I'm divorce recovery girl. Then here, I'm mom, sister, daughter, friend.

It feels a little bit wrong, to tell you the truth. Schizophrenic. An opporunity (or a temptation) to wear different masks when necessary. I want to be whole, to think and interact holistically.

So I'm leaving the Third Verse blog but keeping that general idea going over here - I'll document church stuff, our services, my challenges in my vocation. And I'll post prom pictures and my twitter updates. Divorce recovery stuff will stay put.

I gotta be me. Just me. Just one.

Hitting The Big Time

Dear Internet,

Maida Vale's American Sun is one of the featured cds on iTunes new release page (under the 'folk' category).

I assume that heavy traffic makes this happen. If you wandered over to download the cd, I thank you.

THANK YOU!!

By the way, they documented their mini-tour last weekend here. Some of it is pretty funny.

Sincerely,

Proud Sister

My Brother!!!!!

This is my brother's band.

I'm biased, of course; but these guys are good.

And they're just about the nicest, funniest, most decent people you'll ever meet. I had the privilege of playing with them at a local worship conference last year. Amazingly talented musicians.

They've put together a collection of original songs that reflect a lot of influences, from various genres. They've honored themselves and the creative process and assembled some really good stuff.

The album released today. It's called American Sun, and you - yes, YOU - can download it for a mere $7.92 at iTunes, right now. Just click here.

Of course I am shamelessly shilling for my family, but I wouldn't do so if I didn't think you'd like the tunes.

I hope you'll check it out. And, by the way, if you're in Nashville or Chicago, they'll be playing there this weekend.

By the way, Eric - I'm really proud of you...((((choking back sisterly emotion))))

*cross posted on all my other blogs..sorry for the redundancy, just trying to get the word out...