It's official - the Kay Snow Awards winners were announced via email and I did NOT win. I am so relieved to know, even though I was pretty certain I didn't have a chance. I kind of hate what I submitted - I deserved not to win! It was too dark, coming from a sad and scary place and time for me. I'm also relieved that I do not have to attend the awards ceremony, taking place two days after our 21 wedding anniversary in August. However, I just found out who the guest speaker at the awards is going to be and it's a Portland author I am interested in meeting. She used to write a weekly column in the Sunday Oregonian and I always wanted her job. Every time I read her column, I thought I could at least write the kind of stuff she wrote about - usually short essays about her daily life or past. The stuff I write about. Now, she no longer has that column but is concentrating on her third book. Her first book was a best seller and her second is doing very well. Sigh. While I am thrilled for her and her success, I really don't want her life, I just want my own life as an author. Preferably one who can make a little $$. Know what I mean? (Yes, Todd, I know, I know.)

"Whew" also refers to how stinkin' hot is was here today! Man! We actually went out and bought an air conditioner for our bedroom and another fan for the living room. We had every window and ceiling fan in the house going. We were all miserable. Even going in and out of stores was rough, being blasted by heat again and again. We are not used to this. It gets like this, though rarely, where it will be cool and in the low 70's forever and then, wham! The temps shoot up 15-20 degrees in one morning and everyone wilts. It was interesting to see how people around here dress for heat they are not prepared for. Lots of white, white limbs and an interesting array of summer clothes. One woman looked like a street walker (she might have been, I didn't ask.) I was pretty certain I saw a teenage boy in a skirt. And then, at the grocery store, I was walking past a display of signs, the one I focused on said, "Dog On Premises". Then I turned my head and there was a dog, right there at my feet in the store! This is not a common sight at Fred Meyer. The lady walking behind him said he couldn't take the heat in her car. I asked if the store allowed it and she said they would tolerate it for a few minutes. So, off goes this dog wandering the aisles, no leash. Hmmm. I think the heat makes people a little nuts - at least here on the OR coast.

So, now, we have the equivalent of a hotel room-like atmosphere in my own private bedroom. I get to freeze just like I do in Portland. Why is my side of the bed always nearest the air conditioner?

On the 4th of July, I usually do some kind of teaching of American history.  This seems like a good time to do this and it makes the time go by faster while the kids are waiting for the afternoon parade.  This year, Chad read the Declaration of Independence, we recited the Pledge of Allegiance and discussed the American flag as it grew and changed.  Then Chad asked if they could watch a video that I had purchased awhile back called, "A More Perfect Union", subtitled "America Becomes A Nation".  I had been waiting for the right time to let them see this so I said they could.

They were spellbound.  My boys hung on to every word and kept calling me in to watch, which I did in between food prep.  I enjoyed it, too.  It begins after the Declaration of Independence was signed and the Continental Congress meets, and the Constitution is created.  It ends with George Washington being sworn in as President.  James Madison is the main character and all the actors do a very good job, in my opinion.  Chad already knows quite a bit of American history (he reads alot) and could answer questions that Alec had during the film.  This film was made as an educational tool and makes you feel that this is how things could have transpired.  It's not Hollywood-abused, just good acting.  I like things like this.  Simple, straightforward.  It's made me want to read a book we got about James Madison for older children.  Chad pointed out historical sites in the film:  for example, they convene the Congress in the actual room that it happened in, including the chair George Washington sits in.  Chad showed me a picture in an encyclopedia.  Cool.

My boys have seen the film several times now and have continued their own learning.  Alec decided to write the Declaration of Independence in the same manner it was originally written.  We bought some double-sized construction paper and I had already purchased a quill pen with powdered ink.  We mixed up the ink and he set to writing out the document.  Good cursive practice!  He covered one entire page and 1/3 of another before he stopped and asked if he could continue on the computer - I guess his writing hand got tired!  I was really proud of his effort - and it looks pretty good for an 11 year old. 

Chad decided to recreate the Continental Congress using everyone's Beanie Babies (courtesy of Grandma) they've accumulated over the years.  The boys have spent several afternoons squabbling over fair representation, voting and adjourning when necessary.  Chad decided to rewrite the Constitution of Oregon, recording all the counties and their populations and deciding on fair representation.  They are having fun with all this - unbelievable! 

And now, Chad has been reading a lot (and I mean a lot) about Presidents and other government stuff, telling me way more than I want to know about politics.  But it's his learning style (narration, is that what's it's called?) and I listen as much as I can. 

It's just amazing, to me, that so much learning and fun has taken place, all because of one well-crafted history video.  God is good.  This video brings God into the picture because, after all, it was His will that our Nation became nation.  I don't normally rely on videos for much but this video has managed to spur my children on to learning more on their own than I ever could have inspired.  What joy it is to hear Alec ask his older brother a history question and Chad answers him.  As you know, learning is not often this easy for the kids or for me.  I am enjoying this and hope it last longer than most of their fads!

(If you are interested in this film, leave a comment and I'll give you all the info - there's nothing in this for me, just sharing what we've enjoyed!)

My sister sends me a yearly subscription to a national family/women's magazine which I could just as well live without but it does help me keep up with what's going on in the rest of America.  More often than not, it is not good news, at least to me.  Case in point ...

In one of the advice columns of the magazine, a woman writes that her 12 year old son is pleading with her to teach him at home.  The first thing she says is that he has friends in the neighborhood and is active in sports, so he won't have the issue of socialization (though she doesn't use that catch word specifically).  She doesn't know what to do and, in her words, wants to know what the advice columnist thinks. 

Now, the first thing that comes to my mind is, "Lady, YOU are the parent!  YOU need to decide what is best for your son, you and your family.  NOT some disinterested writer who may or may not be "qualified" to guide people as to how they should raise their kids.  This is not a decision that should be made outside of the family or perhaps other people who know and respect the family.  It's just sad to me to see this kind of thing.  She was directly asking this columnist if homeschooling her child was the right thing.  The columnist, of course, said that the mom should try to learn why her son wants to be homeschooled to see if she can help work things out so he can stay at school.  In addition, if the mom does decide to homeschool, the columnist said she'd need more info and gave a web site address for help.

It just seems to me that in this day and age, homeschooling should seem more mainstream, not bizarre or out of the ordinary or to be avoided if possible.  Perhaps I'm too sheltered.  Maybe I'm just overreacting here.  Maybe I should ask my sister to subscribe to a different magazine for my Christmas gift!

I suppose this mom had no one else to ask for an opinion.  I'm not critizing her.  It's just sad that she felt that writing to this columnist was the way to help in this decision.  Such an important decision, not to be taken lightly and not to be made by someone who is out of the picture.  I should pray for her, now there's an idea!

Something else I saw in this magazine:  They listed fun places to visit and one of the listings was Cape Meares in Netarts, Oregon, a place I have been to.  Unfortunately, they spelled Netarts "Netrats"  I had a good laugh over that one and shared it with my family.  I really can't let that one lie, can I?  Perhaps a letter to the editor, gently pointing out the error.  I don't think the fine people of Netarts would like their little town referred to as Net-rats!

I just noticed today's date - today would have been my father's birthday.  My son, Alec, asked to build one of my father's model airplanes yesterday (I have about 6) and I let him.  Though they never met, they share that common interest.  Isn't that cool?

On my blogspot blog, I recently wrote about coincidences that happen in my life and the next day, I happen to realize another one:  We watched the movie, "The Sound Of Music" a few days ago, a movie we haven't watched in quite some time.  Two days later, my mother-in-law showed us this video on youtube.  You may have already seen this but take a look, it's fun to watch.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k

I start to cry everytime I watch this.  I love the look on the people's faces as they watch the dancers.  Surprise and joy combined.  Fun, fun, fun!

By the way, I just received a beautiful letter from my doctor.  It's a form letter which says that my mammogram and stress test were normal.  The day before, I got an equally beautiful form letter from my ob-gyn, saying that exam was normal.  Normal is good, when it comes to your health, don't you think?  Thank you, God.

Thanks for your prayers for my busy week, last week.  The mammogram went well even though the x-ray tech is a bit eccentric.  And you know, it was the SAME lady that did my last mammogram - back in 2004!  When I saw her, I couldn't believe it.  But the facility is nearly brand new and there was no one there, so there was no wait.  The exercise stress test went better than expected, except that I had to wait an hour before starting the test.  I was nervous and the waiting didn't help.  But I completed all three phases of the treadmill run without any problems, other than getting extremely thirsty.  I collapsed in a chair when it was over but when I recovered, I had this incredible high - mentally, I wanted to run 5 miles but my body wouldn't let me.  I guess it's what people call an exercise high after getting your heart pumping really hard.  I normally walk a lot but I don't get my heart rate up too often.  Now I can't wait to get my heart rate up again, though not quite so hard and not in such a short time frame.  So that was Wednesday.

Thursday, I went for my monthly orthodontia visit.  They took me right back to the private room - hooray!  Right there on my chart, there was a post-it, to remind them "Private room, please."  As I sat there, looking out at the bay, a pair of herons flew up out of the tall grasses.  It was all lovely.  They replaced my pink bands with a darker shade of pink and I was out of there.  And my teeth haven't hurt at all since then.  So that was Thursday.

Friday, I headed out earlier than expected (an amazing thing for this chronically-late woman) for Portland on my own for my yearly female check.  2 hours later, I arrived at the hospital/med center, 20 minutes before my appointment.  They are doing a lot of construction at this place and when I walked into the lobby of what I thought was the hospital, there was absolutely no one around.  No one!  It was surreal.  After reading the sign board and confirming that my doc was definitely somewhere in the building, two people walked by and helped me find my way.  Apparently, this part of the building isn't done yet, everything was on the other side.  Anyway, I found the office and only had to wait a few minutes.  My ob-gyn is a pleasant lady and really made my office visit go well, and quickly.  I was out of there in about 45 minutes and ready to head back home.  All was well until I was 1 hour into the drive, on the Washington side of the Columbia, when a major, major downpour blotted out all the other cars and big trucks on the highway.  Honestly, I couldn't see ahead of me, or behind me for that matter.  70 mph quickly slowed to 30 mph.  I didn't panic but, boy, was I glad to get off the highway to cross the bridge back over into Oregon (it's quicker to get to Portland this way).  By that time, the downpour was pretty much behind me.  I called Todd and asked if it had rained like that at home but it hadn't.  I have been told it's wetter on the WA side of the river.  I believe it.  So, that was Friday.  Praise the Lord, that week is done.

I hope your Father's Day was a good one at your house.  We had a simple Father's Day, as Todd spent most of the day sleeping for the start of his work week.  Tonight, my son, Chad, reminded me of our perfect heavenly Father.  Since my dad and stepdad are both gone, it's good to know my heavenly Dad will always be here with me.

I asked for prayer for a little girl named Charity several weeks ago and I'm so pleased to post that she is finally home!  I have prayed and prayed for this little girl and it's so awesome to see God answer all the prayers from so many.  She continues to need medical care at home but her family is able to do this, so they can still use prayers in that regard.  The main thing is that she is home and doing well.  If you prayed for her, thank you very much.

Now, I could use a prayer or two.  I am having a mammogram and a stress test this Wednesday, an orthodontia appointment on Thursday and my annual female exam on Friday.  Ugh.  I don't want to worry about these things, I just want to get through them and, of course, pass all tests with flying colors.  Since this will be a busy week, I need all the help I can get.

On a brighter note, my teeth continue to hurt but it's all good.  I don't know if I answered your question or not, Paula, about whether I had jewels in my braces or not.  No, I don't - didn't want to spend any more $$ than I needed to - but it would have looked cool!  If my teeth continue to move this fast for the next few months, I may be out of these things sooner than expected.  Which reminds me, I need to make my monthly payment!

Still can't really get into the writing groove.  Just mundane stuff.  Life's like that, sometimes.

You see those buck teeth over there ~> (look to your right) - you will NEVER see those teeth like that again!  In just a few weeks, my teeth have moved so much that they all line up in front!  It looks really strange to me as I've lived with big front teeth jutting down below the other front teeth for so long.  No wonder my mouth hurt so much.  Things were moving!  I have days when it feels like my top teeth are all loose.  A disturbing feeling to be sure but I am promised that this won't last.  As long as they don't all fall out, I'm o.k. with it.

We had one of those surprising, go with the flow days, the kind of days I love for homeschooling.  I had a doc appt this morning and when I returned, my oldest son had done nearly all his schoolwork, my middle son had done some of his and my daughter had just behaved herself, which was about all I could ask out of her (she's only 8).  She did study her spelling words without me and we did math, a lot of math actually, which she loves.  After finishing the work and lunch, I took the kids across the river (the Columbia) over into WA, to take some kids' clothes to an awesome consignment shop my friend owns over there in Chinook.  Chinook is right on the water so we drove around a bit and then went to an old military fort that was built to protect the mouth of the Columbia River.  I think it closed down after WWII but all the buildings have been restored and there were several concrete structures that my kids love to walk around and through.  The two big guns are still sitting there, surreal-like, in such a lovely place, with grass and trees, and the water sparkling in the sun.  I was wondering what it was like, being on duty watching the river for any enemy approaching.  I'll bet more than one solder fell asleep in the warm sun on top of one of those bunkers! 

On our way back over the 4-1/2 mile bridge that spans the Columbia, we spotted 3 Navy ships making their way toward Astoria.  One was an American destroyer and the other two were Canadian.  We hurried across the bridge and found a good viewing spot along the river back in Oregon.  My kids love military ships so this was pretty exciting.  Portland is having their annual Rose Festival and every year, at least one military ship comes down the river and docks in Portland for a few days.  We are so fortunate to live where we can see them come and go on the river.  But we would have missed them completely if we hadn't have gone over the bridge when we did.  God is so good to give us these opportunities.  I love it when things like this happen.  It just reaffirms to me that God cares about my kids, in big ways and small.

It got us home later than I had planned, however, so I had to hurry over another bridge (across the bay this time) over to the grocery store to pick up a few things for dinner.  Todd is working tonight so time was tight.  On my way across the bridge (we live around a lot of water), brakes slammed unexpectedly and I was fortunate to be able to stop in time.  I don't know what the deal was but we finally got going again and I went on to the store.  I wasn't there all that long and on my way back, the bridge was completely stopped.  This usually means the draw bridge is going up for a taller-than-usual fishing boat.  There were a lot of fishing boats on the water today so I thought nothing of it except that time was ticking by and I worried about getting dinner ready.  We finally creeped along to my side of the bridge and then I saw a tow truck hauling away a car with a smashed-in front.  It dawned on me that this accident probably happened not that far behind me when I was going to the store.  Once again, God spared me of harm.

One of the songs that comes to mind frequently is one I learned as a kid in Sunday choir.  "God cares for his people wherever they may be.  Come sing praises, sing praises ... joyfully."  Amen.

I wanted to share this video that deedeeuk has posted on her blog.  You've GOT to see it!  Shepherds with a good sense of humour and great sheep dogs herd their sheep into pictures, including some with lights at night.  We couldn't stop watching over and over.  It's really great!  Thanks deedee!

To see this fun video, click here - deedeeuk

I'm starting to wonder if I can get through a visit to the orthodontist without crying. 

I went in for my second visit last week, where they removed the vexing spacers and put in the band that anchors the space-age NASA-inspired wire.  The girl working on my teeth began with accidentally hitting my front teeth, sending a nice pain through my mouth.  Sigh.  After removing my pink bands, I was instructed to go brush my teeth.  I had difficulty opening the disposable toothbrush packet and then the bristles were hard as a rock.  The brush is pre-loaded with toothpaste (made in China, of course) and I couldn't figure out what to do - am I stupid?  (Yes, at that moment, I thought so).  No amount of water would soften the bristles.  A nice older teenage boy walked past me and, taking a toothbrush, he said, "It's o.k., I'll use the other sink."  I apologized (for taking so much time) but was thankful for his kindness.  I finally got my teeth brushed and sat back down.  Now, this is a communal room with a row of 5 or so dental chairs and regular chairs situated at the foot of each chair (for your support team).  After I sat down, a teenage girl sat down in one of the regular chairs at my feet.  She was holding a two-month old baby.  I asked if it was hers, she said yes, and I said to the baby, "Are you here to watch me get braces?"  She was close enough to me to shake hands, if I had asked.  Her sister sat down in the dental chair next to me.  Cosy, but I really didn't like this arrangement.  When my assistant finally got the Dr.'s attention, he came over to work on my teeth.  Just before he sat down, I looked to my left and saw a younger kid in another chair, staring at me.  The girls and the baby to my right were also staring at me.  I looked at the doc and said, "You know, I'm not used to having an audience.  I'm normally alone for these situations.  Could everyone just kind of turn around for a few minutes?"  Needless to say, I was feeling paranoid, stupid and old.  The doc put the band on (ouch!) and the assistant hanked the wire around my mouth (more ouch).  I gave in to my emotions and the tears came.  Just tears, no sobbing, thankfully.  I told her (when I could speak again) that I felt humilated and she said she was sorry and that I could have a private room from now on.  I'm glad to hear that.  I hate to be such a baby but, darn it, this is so hard for me!  I'm really trying to be a good sport about this (really, Todd, I'm trying) but I think that will take time.  Maybe next month I won't be such a basket case.  Hormones are also putting a huge drain on my emotions right now.

Oh, and to make my day even more interesting, while I was waiting for the orthodontist, this woman comes into the room with a toddler and a dog!  And she handed the dog to a girl sitting in a dental chair.  I looked at the assistant and asked if this was allowed.  She said, (not convincingly) "I guess."   I'm not a animal lover but I really don't understand anyone bringing an animal into a medical office of any kind.  It was a puppy the size of my hand but, still!  I just don't get it.  In my opinion, "Ick!"

Needless to say, I couldn't wait to get out of there.

Ah, but fate had another idea.  Just as I hopped into my Prius, I felt something like a spring hit me inside my mouth.  Sigh.  A pink band came loose.  I had to go back upstairs and ask for help.  They were already busy but I had no choice.  They fixed it and I left but I can't help thinking they were just as glad to see me leave as I was to leave them.  If you think about it, pray that my next visit will go better.  I don't want to be the patient everyone dreads to see.  And I don't want to dread going. 

My teeth still hurt but it gets better each day.  This will be worth it, I have to keep saying that to myself.    

Last Thursday, I officially joined the ranks (young and old) of brave souls who willingly allow a trained professional to glue metal brackets on your teeth that are guaranteed to inflict pain, usually when you least expect it. We even pay lots of money to let these people do this to us. And we curse them again and again, as we bite down on something as innocent as a toasted English muffin and wince in pain. The knowledge that you can't remove these darn things is somewhat akin to how The Man in The Iron Mask must have felt. At least that's my opinion. I'm at the end of Day 4 and still, it hurts. Advil has been my friend. I've even lost a pound because it just seemed easier not to eat, although today is better. At the table, my family shows sympathy whenever I wince, which is embarrassing to me but sweet of them. I have learned to eat nearly everything cut up in small bites, including sandwiches.

Last week, I told my mother (by phone) that I was getting braces. She was silent. Then she said, " I didn't think you could get braces when you are so old." Good ol' Mom.

When I walked into the orthodontist's office, all the workers (they are called "the girls", believe it or not) were standing there and they turned and stared at me. I stared back until I finally said, "Stop looking at me like that!" Todd told me later that they were all surprised that I kept my appointment, they figured I wouldn't show up. I guess I showed them. Apparently, I have a reputation in this office, as the orthodontist has been after me for a year to get braces. I've always given my excuses for not wanting them. He and my husband chat when Todd takes Chad in for his monthly adjustments. This was all Todd's idea, completely. I would not have dreamed of doing this, due to the expense and the inconvenience, not to mention the pain. I hate, hate, hate the "chair" - in ANY dental office. And now I am committed to "monthly" adjustments for 6-12 months - these people belong in a medieval torture chamber!!!

There ... now I've gotten my rant out of the way.

I really hate having my mouth propped open but that's what they have to do. I laid there for an hour, getting pumiced and glued. Wire inserted. Lovely shade of pink rubber bands wrapped around each brace. Todd came in and stood by the chair. Tears started to flow down my cheeks and into my ears (the chair was tilted into a near headstand position). As he looked down at me, I waited for Todd to say something comforting ... "You look like Wallace and Gromit*, you know, the way they smile?" Not what I expected. More tears. He held my hand and Chad came in, stood on the other side of me and held my other hand. That helped. The tech (or whatever her name or title is) finally removed the darn plastic mouth-prop thing and I felt my lips go over the braces for the first time. What did I feel? Panic! Oh, my gosh! This is me for many months to come! At least it's only the top row of teeth. Sigh.

 

Fortunately, the pain didn't begin right away. It hurt but I got through it. It's better now but there are times I still feel bummed. Everyone keeps saying how glad I'll be when it's done. I look forward to that time.

About the bonding with my son: Chad has been my support and my coach through this whole thing. I asked him a ton of questions before and after and he's been a doll. Very comforting. I love this kid. Now we have more in common than acne and the gift of gab.

*"Wallace and Gromit" is a British clay-mation series of short, silly movies - and not a complement to be compared to.