frazzled & frumpy

Please excuse Julie for missing school. She was ill. This was the standard note my mother would write for me to take to school after I'd missed a day. It was in her neat, curvy handwriting on a half-sheet of paper that I would carry carefully to give to my teacher. (We did not carry backpacks. Papers sent home were entrusted to our teeny hands and often lost their way before arriving home.) In my years as a parent of school kids, I've written my share of notes. When I first had to write one, I automatically copied my mom's style. But, then I realized, people don't really use the word, 'ill' much, so I updated it. To 'sick'. And, I always tried to make the absence sound reasonable, 'he had an appointment' or 'she didn't fell well'. I've started thinking, though, that maybe I should be more honest, make my notes longer and tell the whole story. It wouldn't change anything in the 'being excused' department, but it mi...

Most of the time, the other blogs I read inspire me. They make me laugh, or cry. They give me good ideas.  But, sometimes, they make me feel bad about myself. For example, did you have a back-to-school feast? Give your kids crowns and gifts? No? Me either. I bought my kids pop tarts.  And, I was out of bed before them.  That was our big back to school treat. Oh, and I didn't have batteries for my camera, so no pictures. Lame.  It's these times that I realize the title on my blog is very fitting. Having seven  eight children makes me frazzled. And, as a mom, I'm completely frumpy. Not much fun at all. We do have a theme for this year. I thought up that one all on my own-before I read nienie's blog. (She always has a theme.)  At our Family Home Evening last week, we got in teams of two and tried to find as many scriptures as we could about school/learning.  Then, we talked about how important knowledge is to Heavenly Father, that that is where His pow...

Oh, lovely summer. Where have you gone? With your long, lazy days and opportunities for frolicking, suntans   and beaches. Whatever. Summer is hot . I didn't get to frolick much. And laziness? Way overrated.  The only thing tanned on me is my feet. And beaches? Well, I visited one in Idaho. Thank heaven it's over. I had no motivation this summer. I've decided I need the structure as much as my kids. Here's to getting back on track. Alarm clocks ringing, getting things done while they're gone, being here to help with homework, and very limited video game time. Also, the beginning of school marks the beginning of my favorite season. Today is a good day.

This is the sunset at the ranch in Idaho. It has nothing to do with this post. 5 hours. That's how long I spent in the car/running errands today. 5. I don't like to drive. Have I mentioned that? I'm not afraid of driving, heck I've been doing it for thir.... um, alot of years.  I just don't really like it. And going to the store? I like that. Taking kids along? Not so much.  It was a long day. First, I took Adam to court. Heehee. We actually just went to get a paper to certify that he's never been to court. That made me happy. Especially when I saw some parents bringing their son in with his ankle bracelet. Not the cute kind. The clunky electric one.  I felt so bad for them- the parents. Not the kid. He obviously had it coming. "Maybe you could take out your eyebrow rings, it'd help with the judge." -actual comment from deputy.  (Post coming soon.) Then, I took Max and Noah to DI. Fun stuff. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the DI. (Post coming-shee...

It was fourth grade and my teacher was Mrs. Coil. She was tall and thin and had pinched features. I don't know why she was a teacher. She didn't seem to like children at all. I grew up in the time of swats and other rather harsh punishment, which she didn't hesitate to use. Our desks were in rows facing her desk where she would look over her glasses at you. Glare is a better word. I don't think she smiled much. I remember her room being dark. Not sure if that's because it was or it's just the way my mind has painted that year in my head. A boy named Danny sat behind me. His mother died that year.  I had no idea how you could live without a mom. That's the only thing I could think of every time I saw him.  He was sad all the time. One day Mrs. Coil yelled at him for crying. That can't be good for your Karma. One of  my most vivid memories that year was the day I fell on the playground. Winter in southern Idaho meant wet. My butt was covered with mud. I ...

I found a little tear running down my cheek this morning. I poked my eye when I was and dancing around my empty house. hee,hee Happy First Day of School.