To take a look at our family calendar hanging in the kitchen, you would think that some rogue toddler snuck in under the cloak of night and scribbled heinously upon what was once a clean canvas.  Sadly, no.  It is only our schedule, each person hi-lited in their own color.

We started out the month with hubby getting home from an impromptu trip to Indianapolis.  There was hockey practice.  The kids had gone from having a 5-day weekend for Easter down to only having Good Friday off, due to making up days off from the massive snow last month.  Easter itself was pleasant, relaxing with family and enjoying the weather.

By mid-week, we were on our way to our son’s hockey team’s first hockey festival.  Held in Laurel, MD, the USA Hockey Disabled Festival was an amazing experience!  Our team, the Steel City Icebergs, is just wrapping up its first full year as the Greater Pittsburgh Special Hockey Assoc.  It has been heartwarming and inspiring to see the advances these kids have made in such a short time.  I love each and every one of them, & I couldn’t be more proud!  While at the festival, the Icebergs played 3 games where no score was kept.  Their skills blew us all away – these kids pulled plays and shots from within that I never knew were there!  Everyone had a chance to have their picture taken with Lord Stanley’s Cup, which was especially exciting for our team, as that title currently belongs to our beloved Pittsburgh Penguins!  At the opening ceremony, we also had a cake presented by Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes (Ace of Cakes on FoodNetwork)!  All in all, it was a very exciting and emotional weekend for all in attendance.

The next weekend brought us to our first TEA Party of the year.  It was cold.  It was very windy & trying to rain.  It DID manage to sleet/snow for a couple minutes during the rally.  But standing out on that barely-used municipal runway, I wouldn’t have traded it for anything! I was able to meet local politicians and fellow supporters.  I was able to hear former Senator & Fox News contributor Rick Santorum speak to the crowd.  I acquired some very useful information to help in the upcoming elections.  My kids asked questions and listened whole-heartedly to everything going on.  They don’t agree with everything that my husband & I do, and that’s alright.  I don’t want them to, honestly.  While they may “only” be 12- and 13-years-old, they are intelligent and wise and have their own minds.  Every time we leave a TEA Party, we are anxious for the next.  It is a sense of family, of community, of Patriotism unlike anything else, and at times can leave me speechless.

Now, we may only be 2/3 of the way through this month, but there is still a lot of color left on our calendar.  There are still two more business trips for my hubby, another hockey practice for my son, and I haven’t even mentioned anything about doctor’s appointments and sleepovers!

As for what I am reading now…I am about to start Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.  I’m also working on The 5000 Year Leap.

GET OVER IT

I turn on the tube and what do I see
A whole lotta people cryin’ “don’t blame me”
They point their crooked little fingers ay everybody else
Spend all their time feelin’ sorry for themselves
Victim of this, victim of that
Your momma’s too thin; your daddy’s too fat

Get over it
Get over it
All this whinin’ and cryin’ and pitchin’ a fit
Get over it, get over it

You say you haven’t been the same since you had your little crash
But you might feel better if I gave you some cash
The more I think about it, old Billy was right
Let’s kill all the lawyers, kill ‘em tonight
You don’t want to work, you want to live like a king
But the big, bad world doesn’t owe you a thing

Get over it
Get over it
If you don’t want to play, then you might as well split
Get over it, get over it

It’s like going to confession every time I hear you speak
You’re makin’ the most of your losin’ streak
Some call it sick, but I call it weak

You drag it around like a ball and chain
You wallow in the guilt; you wallow in the pain
You wave it like a flag, you wear it like a crown
Got your mind in the gutter, bringin’ everybody down
Complain about the present and blame it on the past
I’d like to find your inner child and kick it’s little ass

Get over it
Get over it
All this bitchin’ and moanin’ and pitchin’ a fit
Get over it, get over it

Get over it
Get over it
It’s gotta stop sometime, so why don’t you quit
Get over it, get over it

by the Eagles, 1994, Geffen Records

The American Flag

We are Patriots, through and through.  My husband was in the United States Navy for 13 years.  He fought for our freedom.  He served this country.  My father did, too.  Actually, I come from a long line of people that were in the military, maintaining our freedoms, rights and securities.  This goes back to the Revoluntionary War – a family member who fought for our sovereignty.  Patriotism runs deep in my veins and I will always make sure that Old Glory waves freely anywhere I live.

The Gadsden Flag

Last year we attended our first Tea Party at Bushy Run Battlefield.  It was sobering.  It was awe-inspiring.  It was motivating.  This is a flag and/or design that has been around since 1775.  It normally rears itself when there is a major disagreement with the government to show Patriotism.  While I will not get into political debates on this blog, I am a “tea partier” and fly this flag with much pride.  Aside from the government, though, I still have a connection with the flag on other levels.  “Don’t Tread On Me” is on the Navy Jack, along with a version on the snake.  Being that we are a retired Navy family…enough said with that!  Also, and this is my closest tie, this is the picture that is on the County flag where I currently live and was born and raised -I.B.W.C.P. stands for Independent Battalion, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

Cross & Crown of Thorns

Honestly, if I have to explain this, I’m sorry.  Without Jesus Christ, nothing else would matter.  It wouldn’t have even happened.  We left England for religious reasons.  We founded this country on religious reasons.  Marriage is based on religion…are you seeing the connection?  Were it not for religion – ALL religions – nothing would be as we know it.  I am devout and very rooted in Christianity, as is my family.  The upcoming Easter holiday means more to us than a basket full of candy delivered by the Bunny.  He died for us.  He gave His all.  The very least we can do is say a simple “thank you” to the Lord upon waking, for all He has done, and for allowing us just one more day.

Simply put, when it comes to these items which adorn the front of our home, they show how my family lives.  No, it’s more than that.  This is how we exist.  For without these three things (God, Patriotism, Pride), well, I just don’t know.  I can tell you this, though,

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:15

My angels in the field

When I was a child, I would dream. I would see many beautiful things. I could actually see what love was.

There was a couple. A beautiful couple. But, not really by looks, for I could never clearly make out their faces. Rather, they held within them an inner beauty, a love for life and for each other. It was so obvious, it just shown all around them. There was a glow of happiness in the way they would touch each other, with him brushing away a strand of hair from her face, or when she would gently reach over and ever so lightly put her hand on his. Or, when after what would seem like hours of wonderful conversation, they would just lay back and watch the clouds go by without saying another word. Yet, when watching them, it just seemed like they were still talking away. They would reminisce about all the things of interest to them; their first kiss, that special birthday gift, the time when he picked her up and carried her through the park, just because. And they smile, and laugh, and hold each other closer. They really seemed to have it all.

Then, as my years went on, the dream did, too. This couple remained the same, if not even more in love. But, now they had children. And these children were just as beautiful as well. So happy and playful, with their own child-like ways of loving life. The couple would just sit back and watch as these two would run in the sunlight, chasing butterflies – or each other. The little girl and her brother would always have a smile on their faces, and it would grow even bigger when they would turn to see their parents. Eventually, the man would get up and, with a kiss to his wife, go to play with the boy, being a pirate, the horse for a cowboy, or a fearless knight of old slaying the horrible dragon. And the wife would sit and have a tea party – the best in the land! – with her daughter and all her “friends.” No one ever complained, because Mommy makes the best tea and cakes around. In time, after all of their playing, this family would then lay back, and quietly watch the clouds go by. But once again, the words would seem to still float in the air, because the love between them all was never silent.

And now, these dreams continue. Only one thing has changed. When I awake, I am still in that dream. I never knew it, but I was dreaming my own destiny. That couple that I always saw became my husband and myself. We can sit and talk and talk for hours on end, and never ever run out of things to say. Or, we can sit forever without a spoken word between us, and our hearts still never run out of things to say. Even through the trials and tribulations that every life brings, our loves grows stronger with every rising sun. We thrive off of one another, and our love appears to be better than any dream I have ever had. And that includes the children, too. Despite the “joys” of parenthood, I would never trade them in for any dream. Our son and daughter are just an extension of ourselves, part of our lifeline, our love line. No matter what is going on in life, we can always turn to them, and one another, for a good heart to heart conversation. No matter the span between those hearts, we still have the talks. For the heart knows no distance. All it knows is how to love and communicate with that love. Whether talking to a man, woman, or child, it is all the same. Love is love, and it is the stuff that dreams are made of. And, because of that love, I can wake from my dreams and say to my family, “Thank you. Thank you for the love you have given me, and the life that you share with me. I love you.” And all without speaking a word.

Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775.

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free– if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending–if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained–we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable–and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace– but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Eating is going very, very well!  While I am getting slightly tired of eggs for breakfast (best source of protein for the morning), I find myself actually looking forward to lunch and having my fruit smoothie.  Yummmm!!!!  I still haven’t weighed myself, but my jeans are definitely fitting different, and Hubby has even mentioned that I look like I’ve lost some.  Yaaaaaaay me!!

Yesterday was interesting, to say the very least.  My 12yo daughter is in 6th grade and has been dealing with a bully at school.  This kid has been a pain in our brain pretty much since we moved into the district at the start of her 5th grade year.  Only, now that he is “older” and in middle school, he apparently feels that he can speak like an adult and cuss her out at his will.  People, let me tell you that after our 13+years on Navy bases, I can say that his mouth could make a sailor blush!  He also, for unwarranted reasons, calls her a racist.  What?!?!??  So, I have finally had enough and I wrote to the Principal.  It was a very directed yet eloquent letter, explaining how unhappy I am with this entire situation, especially since our school has quite a strict no-bully policy (supposedly), how I do know that kids can be kids and some can be mean, but these actions go beyond, and if something isn’t done, I can tell that my daughter will start to withdraw.  Mr. Principal’s response?

“We will investigate the problem. Although I cannot discuss another students discipline with you, I can assure you that this type of behavior is not taken lightly and when behaviors are brought to our attention we address the issue and apply our discipline policy.”

I suppose this is the type of answer that depends on how you look at it.  Personally, I see it as Mr. Principal seeing me as an overprotective mother, and he’ll make sure it is looked into.  In his defense (?), he did talk to my daughter, yesterday afternoon, to get her side of the story.  He also spoke to the other kid, and it sounds like (according to my daughter) he was simply told to stay away from her.  *steam shooting from my ears*  If that is the “reprimand”  you can GUARANTEE that I will go straight to the district superintendent, and even the State Board of Education and further if need be.  Considering our local level of extreme bullying (Jennifer Daugherty), I am not afraid to contact my State and Federal representatives, should it come to that.

Thankfully, right now my daughter isn’t too bothered to go to school … but I watch her.  I am proud to say that I am watching her like a hawk right now!  I am quite determined to not only make sure that this comes to an end, but that she comes out of it stronger than before – a confident young lady who can work her way through anything that is set in front of her.

On another note, I am looking forward to starting to take American History “classes” online through GlennBeck.com very soon.  I have always had a soulful passion for our history, and it pains me at times to see how little our children learn in schools nowadays.  Honestly, it’s actually worse asking grown adults different history trivia, and seeing them squirm when they don’t know.  Or even worse, not even care that they do not know.  It is gut wrenching.

I am determined to educate myself however I can.  I am not looking for a degree of any sort – what would I do with a piece of paper anyway?  Being a student of life, the education is unending, yet always changing.  It’s fresh and poignant and as relevant as I want it to be.  And I love to soak up as much as I can!

=========

~ Ghost Hunting: True Stories of Unexplained Phenomena from The Atlantic Paranormal Society by Grant Wilson, Jason Hawes & Michael Jan Friendman

~ The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle that Changed the World by W. Cleon Skousen

 Anyway, last night, Alton Brown had an entire episode on how he lost his 50 pounds.  No diet.  No special pills or quick fixes.  He simply adjusted his lifestyle and eating habits, and in 9 months, he dropped 50 pounds.  Do I expect to do that?  While it would be very nice, I highly doubt I will.  I’d be happy with at least half that, but will aim for 40 in 12 months.

 The best part about this episode, this plan, was that it’s NOT a diet!  It’s exactly what he called it – a lifestyle change – and it is something that I can do, with minimal impact to the rest of my family.  When I’ve done Atkins in the past, I was either cooking 2 different dishes at each meal, or making my hubby and kids eat what I was having.  With this plan, I don’t have to do that.  And, I can adjust it to suit my personal needs.  I do need more proteins in my daily diet, so I can make sure they are there.

 For anyone interested or curious as to what I am talking about, you can look for ‘Good Eats: Live & Let Diet’ for video of the episode.  Alton talks about having his 4 lists – what he should eat daily, 3 times/week, 1 time/week and not at all (-0-). (greatest thing – I’m already doing the -0- list, so that’s no biggie for me!)

 DAILY: fruits, whole grains, leafy greens, nuts, carrots, green tea

3 x a week: oily fish, yogurt, broccoli, sweet potato, avacado

1 x a week: pasta, red meat, desserts (sweets), alcohol

0 x a week: fast food, soda, processed meals, canned soups, “diet” anything

 One steadfast rule to be followed: NEVER skip breakfast!! It jump-starts the metabolism for the day and gets you going.  Also, it’s best to have something purple to eat during the day (the presence of purple suggests the presence of antioxidant powers which can sweep damaged matter out of the body).

 So, I take all this into account, working with my chicken, eggs, etc. to get my protein, and my eating is planned and set.  My exercise right now is going to be sitting and working out of my exercise ball while I watch my shows in the morning.  I’m just sitting on the couch anyway, so I may as well do something effective!

 This really seems like something I can do!  Michael is fully supportive of me doing this, too, which REALLY helps.  Tomorrow is a new day.  A first day.

 ….but today, I need to get rid of my junky, tempting treats, and let my little inner-piggy out one last time!

(as previously posted on Tumblr , 3-2-10)

hubby:  ”Well, maybe I’ll just have to keep them out of storage.”

me:  “I have a lot of vases!”

hubby: “I have a lot of love!”

Is it really any wonder I love him so much?!!  Married 15yrs, and I still cannot get enough of the man.

Today is quite a productive day for me.  Guess sleeping away the weekend was just what I needed!  Already have 4 loads of laundry done, and I’m still going!  Meat is thawing for dinner tonight – yeah, I actually thought AHEAD today, rather than waiting until about 5pm when the kids are asking “what’s for dinner?” (a great salad for me, 4 Cheese Lasagna Hamburger Helper for everyone else. I’ve always hated HH, but they love it!)

I finally decided upon a book to read from my ever-growing pile of just-had-to-buy-but-still-have-to-read.  Think I’ll just start writing what book I’m reading at the bottom of every blog.  Right now, tho, I’m reading Ghost Hunting: True Stories of Unexplained Phenomena from The Atlantic Paranormal Society.  It’s a collection of some of the past cases as experienced by Ghost Hunters Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, back even before they were picked up by SyFy.

I think part of why I feel so good today is that I am finally into my groove of eating better.  No candies, no sweets, not even *sigh* pastries.  But, that’s good!  I feel great, I’m not really craving the candy anymore.  I can even look at the packs of Peeps sitting on a shelf – my daughter is going to enter a Peep diorama contest – and not want to tear into them like a wild animal!  With that fact, I think I’m doing pretty good!  Using more fruits (and even some veggies) to cover for sweets.  Will probably even try making a smoothie today.

Well, the buzzer just screamed for me, so I must continue with the laundry.  We’ve gone without freshly laundered towels for long enough — it ends today!

Until my next…..

(as previously posted on Tumblr, 3-8-10)

Eating is coming along just fine.  Not really that hard of an ordeal – then again, most times you are dead-set on completing a change, it typically isn’t very hard.  Maybe that’s just me.  I know that when it was time for me to quit smoking, I just did it.  I was getting a cold, I lit up a cigarette, and then turned around and handed it to my husband.  I was done.  That was over 2 years ago, and I haven’t really had too many urges to start again.  This is even while dealing with the passing of my mother-in-law and a very fast move and exit from the Navy, all within 6 months of my quitting.  I had my mind set, and that was that.  So, hopefully, sticking with my new eating habits will follow suit.

Looking forward to the weekend – 2 hockey games!  Pittsburgh Penguins will play Dallas Saturday and Boston Sunday.  YAY!!!  Maybe my son will even watch a bit and pick up some pointers.  Only 2 more practices before he heads to his first tournament/festival in MD next month.

Just spending my time today making granola and deciding what book to read next.  The granola was easier!

(as previously posted on Tumblr, 3-5-10)