Labor

At this hour forty two years ago, I was in labor. Most of you will agree that labor is no picnic. It is not. And I did it the easy way - drugs. Still no fun. But so worth it.

In thinking over the last 42 years, only one brief moment of uncertainty about parenthood comes to mind. It had something to do with trying to make a payment at Sears, I think. The day was already in the tank. My plate was too full, I didn't feel well, and the kid decided to yell as only a toddler can. We both survived it, but I still remember the look on the customer service lady's face.Like "Do something!"

All that seems like yesterday.

This morning I considered my 42nd birthday. I was working as a school counselor in Indiana. My daughter was in middle school. And that seems like five minutes ago.

Parenthood has seemed fast and - except for the Sear's incident -easy. My child is no longer a kid, but a smart and beautiful almost middle aged, woman who juggles a family, job, and doctoral program. She'll present a scholarly paper in January. Yep - all grown.

And I am proud of her and her accomplishments - especially that she has achieved parenthood, too, giving me Buddy and Roo.

Happy Birthday!

Conniving

Yes, I am conniving. This afternoon with the kids, we made a bakery run for one chocolate frosted, long donut, one chocolate cupcake topped with a trick nor treat cat and a loaf of whole wheat bread. The bread is for Papa and me, mostly Papa.

So on the way home, I decided to put conditions on the treats. I explained to Buddy and Roo that I love to hear them read and that they hadn't done that in a while. I said that each could select a book, read, then have treats.

Worked. Buddy chose an easy one so he could read quickly and plow in to his donut; Roo picked a difficult one. I am amazed that she sounded out words all the way though two books. This may become the routine.

Smile.

Hint

Put your gloves back on before you decide to use your new teal ink to add a inishing touch to your painting.

Interesting results.

Proud

After a year of working in fits and starts on the children's programs at the art center, I found a wonderful new member willing to take on the kids' programs! Her first project was to conduct a photo contest for five to fourteen year-olds. We timed it to coincide with Morro Photo Expo - we are their parent organization. Our new board member hung the entries at the Expo and a panel of professional photographers judged them. When I walked in and saw the photos on the wall, my jaw dropped. I was stunned by the quality of the images. This morning we hung the show at the art center and held a reception this afternoon. Thrilling! I am just so proud.

We are off to a grand start.

Popular!

Do you know how to make your grandchildren the most popular kids in the gymnastics class? Let them use your iPad while they wait for class to start. I handed over the iPad with instructions to take turns. Buddy was enjoying his turn by the time other children noticed what he was doing - using a cute reading/spelling app with fun sounds.

Roo was huddled close by, waiting for her turn. Another kid sidled up. His Dad watched. More kids came, then more. And more parents. Folks had to squeeze around the large group, attracting even more interest or curiosity, anyway.

What did I ever do without it? Now I feel a bit lost unless it is handy to read, check mail, or search the web.

How life has changed. Cliche, I know. But in my childhood home we had one phone in the hall. It was not cordless. It did not even have a dial until at least my junior high years. An operator connected our calls.

Now iPhones, Blackberries, and ipads. And more new technology every day.

Wonder what's next.

Too Long

Yes, it has been a long time since I blogged. Time is zooming by. Tomorrow we take Buddy and Roo to the gym. We do that every Wednesday. Can it be that a week has passed since the last trek to town? My head is spinning from the speed.

Anyway, to catch up....

My visit to San Francisco was time well spent. I returned inspired to work. While there I made a commitment to host a show at our Art Center. I am excited and eager in spite of the time and energy it will take.

So.... I will probably be preoccupied with the exhibit as well as preparing for my own show in February. I am already running behind schedule for that. Oh my! I guess that is nothing new.

AND! My daughter will present a paper in the UK in January! Since she will need to be there for my 70th (GASP!!!!!) birthday, she's invited me to go with her. I hope to hear her presentation, then we will spend my birthday in London. Wonderful. Hmmm, I think I remember saying I was ready to stay home for a while. But never mind:)

Meanwhile I have been painting like a crazy woman, working on art center tasks, cooking Hungarian goulash, and watching the grandchildren grow.

Today Roo's class enjoyed a field trip to a pumpkin patch. When Papa and I met her after school, she was loaded down with a backpack full of pumpkins. She insisted on wearing her pack to the car - quite a feat for that tiny little girl. I didn't think she could do it, but she was determined. What a kid.

When we met Buddy, we were sure he had grown since Thursday, so we made a new mark for him on the pantry door. He's grown over two inches since February. Impressive.

My other project is deciding on new upholstery fabric for the living room, balancing safety and courage. We'll see how that turns out.

I think I getting ready ton toss all my allergy meds. We'll see how that turns out, too. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.