Art On A Limb

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2008-04-12T08:18:00.001-05:00

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Not Missing... It's Just Been A Really Long Nap

2006-06-14T23:58:00.000-05:00

Nap?? As if. Okay - all you moms win. You DO work harder than anyone else. Not like I didn't believe it, but you just don't know till you DO it. Sheesh!

Our daughter is on the neighborhood swim team and playing on a volleyball team at the Y. They will overlap on one day only - the last swim meet and the first volleyball game - she's in a quandry, but it doesn't matter to me. Just pick one :-)

Life is pretty darn good right now. We had family photos taken a week ago and we went to select our choices tonight. Some were actually good (don't usually like my own photos) and the individual ones of our daughter were beautiful. On top of that, the one of me and my husband was a keeper! So, overall, I think we did pretty well.

I hope my blog buddies are doing well - I am off to explore!

Sharing All This?

2006-04-26T22:07:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know I just posted about my siblings, but I guess I have somewhat of a confession to make... this blog is completely private. No one in my entire family even knows it exists - not my husband, not my daughter, not my parents, or siblings.

Yet, the whole thing is open to anyone, anywhere... I haven't decided if that's too weird or not, but it's working for me in the moment.

My husband really just isn't interested in sitting in front of a computer - I get this, "I sit in front of one all day long at work, why would I want to come home and do it here?" I do, too, but I don't see it as "work" but more of a release.

Our daughter is very active, so her spare time is spent swimming, playing volleyball, or flirting - or any combination of the group. Flirting might be number 1.

Looks like I'm ready to get back in the groove. Do you share your blog with friends and family? Coworkers?

Do you share your blog with your friends and family?

Super Siblings

2006-04-26T21:45:00.000-05:00

I have a great sister. She's really been my overall best friend. My brother is in the top two as well. I'm finding the older I am, how very much I value both my brother and my sister.

I am the oldest. When we were growing up, there was all the typical rivalries and competitiveness, but that's all behind us now. Well, it rears it's head once in a while, but not often.

How do you get along with your siblings?

Before the Month is Over

2006-04-25T06:51:00.000-05:00

Well, we've been parents for a month and 5 days and it feels like forever. We jumped right in at the onset of puberty, and this child is very open to discussing all subjects.

Last night, I was informed she would probably be having sex by age 16. I informed her she would not. Then, she went on to tell me all about how things work - you would not believe some of the crazy ideas these kids get.

Anyway, I told her if she felt like she was seriously considering it, we needed to talk and get her "protected" - she was flabbergasted that I wouldn't just say, "You aren't allowed to have sex until you get married." I told her she wasn't allowed to have sex until she got married, but this was just a precautionary measure. When I explained what a trip to the gynecologist was like, she changed her mind - lol.

My brother-in-law showed up unexpectedly last night and spent the night with us - he was passing through for work, so it was really nice for my husband to have guy-time with his favorite brother.

That's all that's going on in my world right now....

Completion!

2006-04-01T23:05:00.000-06:00

I know, I know... I keep saying I'll be back on track... here's my attempt to start. Well, we got through the hurrican and whirlwind and now are the official parents of a 14 year old. Goodness! It's worth every moment of it all.

Our adoption went splendidly on March 20th - this is our daughter's birthday. As I mentioned before, she was so excited to get adopted on her actual birthday. The whole day was like a big extravaganza. She originally came from a much smaller country than the one in which we live, so we had to do the adoption in that county. Well, lo and behold, Lisa had been featured twice on a local TV station as a child available for adoption in the past and the station just happened to call CPS prior to our finalization date to see if there were any children getting adopted they could feature.

When they heard it was Lisa, they kicked it into high gear - the whole proceedings were filmed (and supposedly this judge does not care for filming in his courtroom, but he allowed it this time)and then all 3 of us were interviewed separately. My husband and Lisa did fine - I cried like a baby through the whole darn thing.

So, it's final. And it feels SO good to have it done.

My goal now is to get back on track.

I've missed this more than I realized.

The Storm Before the Calm

2006-03-11T23:31:00.000-06:00

We're down to 9 days before adoption and every kind of disrepect and smarty-pants attitude you can conjure up has appeared in our home. Overall, this child is a total sweetheart, but, underneath the charm and good manners, is a little demon. Of course, that demon could go by the name of "Thirteen."

Thirteen's name is about to change to Fourteen, so, thankfully, God's mercy is great. We need it.

Once we get past the actual date, I plan on posting regularly again.

I'd take the eye of the hurricane right now.

The Great Wait

2006-02-18T22:47:00.000-06:00

Time is just zooming past exactly like my grandmothers said it would. Goodness, I miss them.

Our adoption has been scheduled (finally!) and we are actually going to be able to adopt our child on her birthday. She is so excited to be able to tell everyone she joined her family on the day she was born - just like everyone else.

If, per chance, you are wondering if it is too big of a challenge to adopt an older child, our experience would make you want to do it. Don't get me wrong, there are lots and lots of challenges. Our girl is obsessed with "hot boys" right now and keeping this in check is exhausting. You can tell by how infrequently I have posted lately.

There are school issues as well.

The key thing has been consistency for us. That she knows, without any doubts, what the consequences of her actions will be. Consistency and follow-through. And buckets and buckets of love.

So, the Great Wait is almost at an end. We have one month to go and we'll take any and all positive prayers, thoughts, or vibes. We are so grateful for the ones we have received and are blessed to know people really care.

(oh, and I love the Olympics - bonus thought!)

Light

2006-01-28T08:40:00.000-06:00

It's been way too long since I took time to post. I'm still digging my Northern Exposure addiction and thought I would share some of my favorite quotes from the show today. I found these listed here. Guess the ones that appeal to me most were the ones (in green) stated by Chris Stevens on his morning show on KBHR. Here we go:

Goethe's final words: "More light." Ever since we crawled out of that primordial slime, that's been our unifying cry: "More light." Sunlight. Torchlight. Candlight. Neon. Incandescent. Lights that banish the darkness from our caves, to illuminate our roads, the insides of our refrigerators. Big floods for the night games at Soldier's field. Little tiny flashlight for those books we read under the covers when we're supposed to be asleep. Light is more than watts and footcandles. Light is metaphor. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom Lead Thou me on! The night is dark, and I am far from home- Lead Thou me on! Arise, shine, for thy light has come. Light is knowledge. Light is life. Light is light.

Isn't it cool how life interconnects? It just so happens that I believe we are all beings of light - we have the opportunity to shine and dispel the darkness. One small flame eliminates the dark, scariness. Shine on!

Since it's raining here today, I'll share the following one as well:

Rain usually makes me feel mellow: curl up in a corner time, slow down, smell the furniture. Today... it just makes me feel wet. What is it about owning things? Why do we feel the need to own what we love, and why do we become such jerks when we do? We've all been there, you know: we want something; we own it; and by owning it we change it. When you finally win that girl of your dreams, the first thing you do is try to change her. That little thing she does with her hair, the way she wears her clothes, the way she chews her gum. Until eventually, what you like, what you don't like and what you change all merges into one. Like a watercolor in the rain.

Yep, I know what he means, however, today, it's making want to just read or draw... spend some quiet time.

How does the rain make you feel?

Anutter Mutter Day

2006-01-08T08:31:00.000-06:00

I love Unconscious Mutterings, but I usually want to answer with a whole phrase - this time I tried to limit myself to just a one-word answer. It was more difficult than I thought it would be.

Better off:: Dead
Girls:: Only
Uniform:: Code
Classified:: Ad
Hard:: Headed
Kitty:: Cat
Team:: Sports
Massive:: Amounts
Depressed:: Income
Award:: Winning

Have a great Sunday!

Let's Just Be Normal

2006-01-06T06:55:00.000-06:00

Tonight may be our daughter's first sleepover at our house. She's very excited. I agreed to take her and her friend to the movie, then we'll bring home pizza & ice cream.

After that, they're on their own to play games, watch DVDs or whatever.

It's so nice to see "Lisa" starting to do normal, teenage stuff. (If you haven't been here before, Lisa is a bright & beautiful 13 yr old girl we are in the process of adopting) This is the first time in her life that normal things happen on a regular basis - to her, the "normal" things are special.

We're digging it, too!

Anew

2006-01-01T22:39:00.000-06:00

Another spin around sun and we start another trip. Unlike the roller coaster, this ride doesn't stop and have us all exit to the left. Good thing, I imagine.

I like a fresh start and new slate. Resolutions don't always pan out, but I like starting my clean slate with good intentions. Why not? Thoughts create - might as well make 'em good ones.

Speaking of which, I highly recommend the Totally Unique Thoughts (TUT) site. Sign up for the daily notes (take the oath) and start your day off great!

As a good southerner, we had a delicious dinner of black-eye-peas (for luck), cabbage, and cornbread. We had other things as well, but those are required fare for the day. My dad came over to enjoy some, too.

The tree came down. It's bad luck to take it down before New Year's, so that chore is over.

Funny the little superstitions you grow up with and feel you must keep. Ah well, that's part of what makes the whole holiday season special.

Tomorrow is for lounging.

Yeah!

Smoothies

2005-12-27T22:09:00.000-06:00

Okay, the holidays have gone rather smoothly. We only had one blow-up about the messy bedroom and bathroom, but that's normal. We have to remember that a 13 year old's brain is still growing and they can't foresee the consequences of their actions.

Can you believe I had to work Monday? Everyone else within a 400 mile radius had the day off, but us. One guy came to work and said he though the Rapture had occured.

That we had to work wouldn't be such a big deal, but my company gives us about 17 holidays a year and 3 - 5 personal days on top of our vacation. Why they chose to work the day after Christmas is still baffling us all. We got the Friday prior, but not Monday, however, we get the Friday before New Year's AND the Monday after.... go figure!

Being as the name of my site is "Art On A Limb," one might wonder where the art is. I just haven't taken the time to do anything new for a while, but I plan on doing that soon. My art is pretty much a form of meditation for me and I am feeling the need to enjoy it.

Well, my Friday (aka Thursday)isn't too far off. Yipee!!

They Talked

2005-12-24T22:34:00.000-06:00

From a Christmas episode of Northern Exposure as told on air by Chris Stevens aka Chris-In-The-Morning of KBHR:

"It's an old legend, that on Christmas Eve at midnight, all the animals fall on their knees and speak -- praising the new born Jesus.

(pausing to reflect)

Back in the winter of '68, my Dad was doing a short term for D and D. Mom was -- I'm not sure where Mom was. Anyway, I was home alone on Christmas Eve and I stayed up late to see if my dog, Buster, would talk. He did -- at least I think he did. I don't remember Buster's exact words, but that's not important. What matters is that a seven-year-old boy experienced his own
personal epiphany.

My point? It's that Christmas reveals itself to each of us in a personal way -- be it secular or sacred. Whatever Christmas is -- and it's many things to many people -- we all own a piece of it. Kinda like Santa's bag, inside there's gift for everyone.

My Christmas wish for you tonight -- may your dog talk"

And that's what it's about...

Forging On

2005-12-14T21:41:00.000-06:00

A week since the last post and peace has continued to reign fairly well. Tonight, she got a little snippy, so I tried to nip that in the bud quickly and I think it worked. Sheesh! This age is so dramatic and emotional.

One of my coworkers has twin girls that are also 13 - he says his girls are on emotional roller coasters, too, so at least we don't feel so alone.

Christmas is sneaking up and I still have some shopping to do. Fortunately, I am off tomorrow and Friday - woohooo! At least one day to get good sleep. Why just one? My nephew graduates from college on Friday, so we have to drive 3 hours for that event. I wouldn't miss it for the world, though. I am so proud of him. Seems like he was a baby just yesterday.

I am so glad my child is a sleepyhead and ready to go to bed by 9pm every night... I don't know how much I could do.

Happy Holidays, indeed!

We Just Thought THAT Was A Test!

2005-12-07T22:44:00.000-06:00

My goodness, we sure had a big one tonight! Our 13 yr old thinks she runs us and the house. Don't let anyone tell you that adopting an older child is easy, it isn't. It's definitely worth it, but it's HARD! They keep pushing your buttons to see if you'll give them back or give up on them.

This evening, I had to uncork evil-Lynda to restore order in this house. She did her job and peace reigns...

for now.

Amazing Mutters

2005-12-03T23:03:00.000-06:00

It's been ages since I took the time for an Unconscious Muttering, so here goes!

Amazing:: Grace
Delights:: De-lovely
Inspired:: Thought
Disgusted:: Eewwww
You:: and Me
Vagina:: Private
Palm:: Tree
Sweetheart:: Lover
Guilt:: Pangs
More to come:: Teaser

Treed

2005-12-03T22:19:00.000-06:00

The Christmas tree is up and gorgeous. The husband helped with the lights and the daugther lasted about 20 minutes. Basically, I had this all to myself, but to tell the truth, I like it, so all is well.

Maybe the borderline OCD was really a gift from my dad - it rears its head at various times - like when it's time to "do" the tree. I'm exhausted, but it looks great.

The most fun was having our daughter sit down with us when we were done and just enjoy the whole package.

Life is good.

Proved Wrong and Progress Reports

2005-12-02T22:31:00.000-06:00

If you read the previous post, you can see that our daughter was determined to proves us wrong, to get better than a C on her science test. We had more than some doubts, but I am happy to say she did it. She got a B. Quite frankly, I was shocked, but proud.

Then, the following day, here come the progress reports. Three grades have dropped - math, English, and US history... grrrrr.... science (shock!), has actually gone up. I spent the day emailing these teachers. It seems the big issue is talking, talking, talking, talking, talking. And when she's not talking.... wait! that doesn't happen.

All 3 teachers say that one on one she is delightful, but in the room, blab, blab, blab, blab. Our job is to "brainstorm" with her and make sure she understands that being respectful means closing the mouth during class.

Geez! This never ends. She says she can't quit talking. I say she can. Nuh-uh! Uh-huh!

The BIG Test!

2005-11-28T21:46:00.000-06:00

Oh my goodness, this child is pushing all the buttons and trying us in every kind of way possible! Tonight we had a big fight because she didn't want to study for a major test she's having tomorrow in Science, which, incidentally, is her toughest class. I asked her a question - something like, "What is genetics?" Answer: The study of heredity. She'd get it right, I'd ask a different question, then come back to the first one, and she just didn't know. After all, "They're not going to put it twice on the test, Mom!"

Her thought is she'll know the answer when she sees it on the test and she's going to "prove us wrong" by passing that test. I have doubts. Serious doubts.

Then, I find she had a blow-out with her math teacher today. She got a 5 (yes, 5!) on a test. She didn't do anything wrong - her teacher just can't teach. She needs a new teacher and she's going to talk to the counselor tomorrow.

All of a sudden, it feels very overwhelming. Neither my husband or I had these issues when we were growing up - I mean, really, arguing with a teacher?? I'm gearing up to get a number of emails and phone calls soon.

Goodness gracious, God Almighty! And the worst part is my husband told me about the math teacher incident when he promised she could tell me when she was ready. Well, that just emptied Dad's "trust bank" and now she just wants to call him by his first name.

Eventually, that got resolved, but this little girl is stubborn as the proverbial mule and stronger than that ox.

We're accepting any and all prayers, good thoughts, and plain, old positive vibes. Please!

Too Many Appetizers

2005-11-25T07:44:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is over and we're still rolling around on the floor because we've all lost the ability to walk. I didn't think I ate that much, and in fact, I only had one helping of the traditional Thanksgiving fare. The problem, however, seems to have been the appetizers... our niece was late to arrive, so snacking ensued and now we can't walk or even sit up straight.

A good night's sleep DID help, but the feeling is still lingering.

My niece and her husband brought the new baby, so it made up for being late.

We're going to blame her for the appetizer consumption, though, baby or not!

Deviled Angels

2005-11-20T22:16:00.000-06:00

How does time go by so quickly? I received an email the other day from a "random" reader and I realized I have almost abandoned my space here. My get-away and place to just be me all by myself... and that's crazy talk.

Well, what can I say? We're still getting some attitude and we're also getting a delightful child. Half demon/half angel. In other words, a teenager.

The first report card arrived with 2 A's, 5 B's, and 1 C - the dreaded Science, of course. Overall, I was VERY impressed and wondered if I might have gotten the wrong report card. Lately, I have been receiving some emails from teachers informing me that my child is talking too much.

This child can be completely charming at times - she has the "yes Ma'am" and "yes Sir" thing down pat - teachers love this. Then, she can be very dismissive and you can actually see on her face that she thinks she is smarter than every other being on earth when you know she can't even spell "characteristics" properly... just for the barest of examples.

Our little 6 year old niece is spending the night tonight, and I have next week off, so we're planning a day of going to Denny's for breakfast, then to see Chicken Little, and then perhaps to do some ceramics. I'll be broke at the end of the day. If not today, it would be tomorrow, so I guess we'll just kick it up a notch.

Off to visit my blog friends!

Attitude

2005-10-29T07:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess our adopted teenager feels truly at home now - we're getting typical teen attitude. We're not as funny as we were anymore and outside with friends is much more appealing.

I have found her "currency" to use in a grounding situation - taking her to school (which keeps her from riding the bus with her friends) and no trick-or-treating with her friends. She hasn't received these restrictions, but just the mention of them is terrifying! Can you imagine having to stay home and pass candy out rather than going to get it?? It's mortifying!

Why has grounding even come up?? The science grade. I have found she wants to find the answers, but doesn't retain the material. This is great for homework, but really blows a test.

We are now becoming science afficianados. Here are our topics of interest at the moment:

Water Cycle
Carbon Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Rock Cycle
El Nino
and Land & Sea Breezes

I know way more than I want to about this, but after being out of public school for (way)over 20 years, I am surprised at how the books have changed and how material is presented.

Anyway, we've got 'tude here and it's okay - we're just normal and that's great!

Too Long to Be Unconscious

2005-10-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hoooo Wheeee....It's been too long since I participated in the Unconscious Mutterings and it's about time I did - you could, too :-)

Infiltration:: Mole
Nice person:: Pal
Debt:: Debtor
Settle down:: Marry
Thomas:: Payne
Unforgivable:: Sin
Medicine:: Show
A year from now:: Future
Neighbors:: Friends
Dripping:: Wet

Astro Fever

2005-10-22T00:18:00.000-05:00

Goodness, gracious! Eleven days since a posting? Gee, that seems like all I do anymore.

I am hoping we’ll finally get in a groove that allows me five minutes to myself. There
have been so many weird circumstances to prevent alone time…. The adoption, two
hurricanes, family visits, and now my lifelong baseball team has made it the World
Series!

Okay, I am not a sports person, but I was raised by an Astros fan(atic) and it
rubbed off. My sister got most of it though, she starts with Opening Day and
doesn’t let go till it’s over. And it isn’t over yet.

We’re taking Lisa to meet my dad tomorrow. Being as Dad is that fan I mentioned
above, we plan on getting in and out before starting time.

Wait, let me go back to my Astros. As a young teen in the mid – late 70’s, Dad had
the whole family groovin’ on the ‘Stros. I can still see my players on the field.
I had favorites – Denny Walling, Alan Ashby, Jose Cruz, Joe Niekro, Terry Puhl,
and Joe Sambito. There were many more, of course, but those come to mind. And
then, there’s always Nolan Ryan, who showed up in 1980.

And now??? Now Roger Clemens… did he go to my high school? Why, yes he did!
I was 3 years ahead of him, but high school always seems to connect people. So,
here’s a Tiger cheer for Roger!

Okay, I went on a tangent there and couldn’t help it.

Let me state for the record that being a mom is incredibly wonderful. If, by
chance, you are reading this and wondering if it’s really cool to adopt an older
child, I would highly endorse it. Its work, but it’s worth it all.