Shynie

: shynie; July 11th, 2008

Lately I've been feeling like I don't have time for anything...   but when I thought about it, I just chuckled to myself.

I have had time for a LOT of things.   Just not the *usual* things.

Summer has brought a lot of activity, from baseball tournaments, volleyball camp, VBS, Six Flags, Friends coming to stay with us, Family coming to celebrate the 4th of July, taking one of my children with them, and leaving two of theirs.

Which brings us to this past week.   Allison (who is now 11), Natalie (my niece, age 12), Emma (my niece, age 10), along with Matthew and Katie have had a busy week.    Shopping, trying on the fanciest things we could find, relishing the fruit-scented lotions in the mall, slushies, and backyard formal tea-parties, including the preparation of suitable *real* elegant tea party fare, decorations, and of course dressing carefully for the occasion.

And then today, we had a lemonade stand. We made REAL lemonade and limeade, with optional fresh blended cherries (Cherry Limeade) or blended strawberries (Strawberry Lemonade).   Fun, fun, fun.     I've also never, ever, in my life seen such a successful lemonade stand... and we sold out... 2 gallons at $1 per 6oz cup in a little over one hour.    Some people also decided to buy... err... nothing.   Meaning, they paid for a cup, but didn't want to actually *take* a cup.    Free money for the girls' collection.    And one guy who came back after tasting it... and paid $8 for the rest of the lemonade because his pregnant wife loved it so much.   There was less than a quart left in the gallon jug we'd filled.     And the kind gentleman who looked as though he must have his van full of thirsty friends, who bought 6 cups, and when they asked him what flavors, he told them to choose, since he just bought each of them a glass of their favorite kind.

Here are some pictures: http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y119/Shynie/?action=view&current=088a0227.pbw

No time to do anything?   Err... rather doing too much to have time left over.

Send a card to Alex.

: shynie; May 28th, 2008

I'm sure by this time, most of you have heard about this story. A kindergartener, who going through the process of being diagnosed with Aspergers/Autism was voted out of his Kindergarten class after his teacher had him stand in front of the class and had each child state what they hated about him, and vote whether he should stay.

He's been reliving the incident, saying over and over, "I'm not special."

There is a card campaign called Alex is Special, gathering cards of support to show Alex that there are people who do think he is special. If you have the chance to send a card, I think it would be well worth the time and effort.

If I did it right, you should be able to click on the image to get the address and more information about the card campaign.

Wacky Wednesday

: shynie; April 25th, 2008

This is what happens when a 6 year old, minding his own business at school, slips with wet shoes on a tile floor, hits his head on a concrete wall, resulting in a concussion and the CAT scan shows possible bleeding on the brain.

After they get him to stop vomiting, they send him by ambulance to the nearest level 1 Trauma Center. As you can see, now that he's had some medication to make him feel better, and the IV insertion is done... he thinks it's the greatest thing *ever.*

Then he (all smiles) makes you take a picture so he can show it off to his big brother. Because riding in an ambulance is just plain COOL, and he has to have *something* to prove he's done something his brother hasn't.

*sigh*

Thankfully the *big SUPER hospital* ruled that there most likely wasn't bleeding on the brain, and we got to go home with instructions to make sure he doesn't sleep longer than 2 hours at a time for the next few days, and to keep him calm so that his brain can heal from the concussion, and in case it really WAS bleeding that they saw.

Texas Wildflowers

: shynie; April 21st, 2008

There are wildflowers in bloom *everywhere* here. There are seas of flowers in fields, alongside the roads... everywhere.

We took a wildflower drive yesterday and snapped a few pictures.

IF YOU CLICK ON THE FRAME BELOW, A SLIDESHOW SHOULD APPEAR. I don't know why it doesn't do it automatically...

Matthew, age 6

: shynie; April 19th, 2008

Kathryn, age 3

: shynie; April 19th, 2008

Prayer request...

: shynie; March 27th, 2008

One of the guys that Jason's responsible for died this morning in a freak accident. He had a seizure while driving, and didn't survive the crash. He was a really great guy (the one guy I met and instantly liked), and Jason had become close to him... working with him in close quarters on a daily basis. He was 22 years old, and leaves behind a young wife. If there is any good news in a situation like this, it is that he was a Christian, and his faith was not only evident in his life, but he was an incredible witness to others, urging them toward Christ.

It's really hard on their whole group.

Prayers for Jason and for the soldier's family would be appreciated.

Do you know how small...

: shynie; March 14th, 2008

a just-turned-3 year old looks in a hospital bed?

Thankfully we're home now, and she's doing well.

I didn't tell her....

: shynie; March 9th, 2008

That it's her birthday.

She's 3. And she's very, very, very sick.

She insists that birthdays are about cake AND cupcakes, pink frosting, party hats and presents. We'll have them all.... when you have the strength to enjoy them.

Have a happy one.

: shynie; March 3rd, 2008

This is absolutely hilarious!

Just a warning, for the more sensitive readers, there's a few choice words included.

An Open Letter to James Thatcher, Brand Manager, Proctor and Gamble

I'm sure I'll be remembering this the next time around for me.

Recreational Violence.

: shynie; February 23rd, 2008

I posted this entry on a message board that I frequent. Thought I'd share, and see what variety of opinions I get. I'll add a little here, since you all know me and my family.

Do you feel that the rise in "recreational violence" is tied to the shift away from our reliance on the natural predatory instinct for survival?

Perhaps it's because I now live in a military community, or that I have two boys on the path to manhood that I've been thinking about these things lately. Hunting, fishing, tracking animals for food were necessities until relatively recent years. The sportsmanship aspect of hunting and fishing is declining, as well as the popularity of strategic non-violent board games such as chess, etc. I tend to think that these things have been largely replaced in the current generation by the video games, and other not-so-preferable forms of "recreational violence."

The problem with the simulated versions, is that there is a definite lack of moral training to go along with the "skills" they are utilizing in the virtual world. If a father is teaching his son to hunt, there is definite guidance in safety and technique. He will be supervised and trained long before be his "let loose" with a weapon.

In our home, for the record, we do allow video games. Even I enjoy video games, and I don't think there's anything inherently bad about virtual gaming as a whole. (I really want a Wii

) There are, however, certain games that are absolutely off limits for the children at this point in their lives, and I watch ratings closely. *added* Jason loves to play Halo, and others of that nature with the guys. I think that I'd enjoy them too, if it weren't for the fact that those particular games give me motion sickness. In fact, Matthew's currently playing a game called "Star Wars Battlefront" that is very like Halo, except it's droids and machines on the battle field and no blood and guts. As I'm typing, he said... "I love blowing myself up!"

I'd like to discuss your thoughts and opinions on this, your opinion on where it's headed, as well as ideas you have for healthy outlets for boys and men in this area.

Happy Texas Cowboy

: shynie; February 18th, 2008

He asked for the hat all on his own.

He wears the pearl-snap western shirt every chance he gets.

He's lamenting the fact that he only has tennis shoes.

He loves the 6 trees in our yard that he can climb.

He loves the big backyard and his unlimited hours of outdoor access.

He's going to love his genuine leather cowboy boots that he's getting for his birthday next month.

Everything's big in Texas.

: shynie; February 15th, 2008

Yes, it's true. It's really true.   The bugs, for one. Eww... you should've seen the spider I saw in front of the garage yesterday.   They sell steaks here you wouldn't believe, and if I showed you the TWO GALLON plastic soda "cup" for sale at the mini-mart for the fountain drinks, you'd think it was a joke. It's not.     When Jason got thirsty, he used to always tell me he wanted a "Bucket 'o Soda," now he literally can have one.   I suppose if you drove the 40 miles from your ranch into town and happened to stop at the mini-mart, you just might want your soda to last a while.

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But, I guess since they like everything big.... the small things have to go. Including their women.   Reading Craigslist tonight I noticed that someone has a "Small Wench for sale $50"   "works good, just too small for me" Check it out if you don't believe me. Okay, okaayy, so I know he meant to be selling his winch, but it made me laugh just the same... imagining someone selling off their "wench" because she was too small. Texans aren't known for their spelling.

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And what about our town's little establishment called "The Bru-Thru"   If you need some more beer, but you're too drunk to walk in a straight line, just hop in your car, you can get it through the drive up window.

Scary thing is, we've seen several. Our favorite was basically a pole-barn with garage doors on both ends. If it's raining, just drive INTO the store to get your booze.   You could see the glass-doored refrigerators, like you'd see in a mini mart lining both sides of the "drive thru."   Here's the article about the one in our town. Note the specific "cautionary" information included.

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Sooo... Allison and I took a girls' day out.   We drove 45 miles to go to our favorite store (and I'm quite possibly underestimating the mileage).  We're in Texas, distance is relative.   Relatively speaking driving 45 miles to go to the store, involved about the same thought as taking a jaunt across town to go to Wal-Mart.    She's getting taller by the day, and her sense of style is definitely growing up (while being delightfully innocent at the same time.)   Girls' day out is fun, hair in a ponytail, simple makeup, jeans and a tee shirt kinda fun this time.
We stopped at a mini-mart on the way home.  I got a chuckle at the very Simpson-like feel of this Kwik-E-Mart, including the man behind the counter. Imagine him, if you can. The exact same guy who is in the Simpsons cartoon. Same voice, same age. (40-50?)   We are giggling as we head in the door, laughing about something or other, I'm not sure what... probably chasing each other to see who could get to the ONE bathroom stall first.   "No, *I* have to go the bathroom more!"   "No, *I* do." "No, meeee, I'm first."

After we were finished, and quite composed, we picked up the obligatory purchases required by most mini-marts as a bathroom toll.   It was probably Bubble Yum, or Hubba-Bubba. Probably Strawberry.  Probably so we could see who could blow the biggest bubbles on the way home. Or, perhaps it was a couple Ring-Pops, so we could put them on our fingers and talk in English, snobby accents and pretend we were "old money", talking about our fabulous jewelry in offhanded tones.  "Oh, this old thing." Pshaw.    It would be all the more amusing since we were BOTH much to old to do it, thus creating an air of silliness.

The owner/cashier caused an inward rolling of my eyes as he asked with is Simpson Kwik-E-Mart voice:

Him: "You are sisters?"

Me (gagging at his lame, obvious exaggerated attempt to flirt): "Uh... yeeah."   (you know, the yeah, riiiight. voice.)

Him (obviously misunderstaning my response):  You look like sisters, same hair and eyes.

So, I'm throughly irritated by this guy, and his lame attempt at flattery.... and he goes on to ask Allison about her shirt that says "I love Dad." He says, so, why don't you wear one that says "I love Mom." Don't you love your Mom?   (ugh, quit already so I can get OUT of here.)   So, in an attempt to shut him up I asked her, "So, do you love me?"   "Of course, Mom."   And... you should've seen the guy's face. As it turns out, he WASN'T flirting, just making conversation.   Now, that's a first. Texans must also be blind.

Weird people.

: shynie; February 14th, 2008

I was just thinking about the strange things I see Texans do...

Like, driving across the grass median anytime they feel like it.   Picture a major divided highway, 3-4 lanes in each direction.   Someone gets the urge to turn around?   No need to wait for an exit, simply make a U-turn across the grass... wherever you feel like it.   Dip, or hill in between, don't worry, if your car gets STUCK because it's been raining hard, just leave it there.   If it gets high-centered because you FEEL like you're driving a huge Texas Farm Truck, but you're really driving a little KIA, that's okay. It will just match the other cars littered along the median that couldn't make it for some reason or another.    Change your mind after passing the official exit? Don't worry, just cut across the grass, up the hill,or down it, depending on the landscape... Pshaw, who needs pavement?   If the traffic's backed up bumper to bumper due to an accident (most likely caused by Texans' liberal view of traffic laws) just drive along the shoulder, half on, half off the pavement, it's all good.

Now, Jason says (and I have to agree, though I like to play devil's advocate) that the majority of these incidences aren't actually "TEXAS" drivers, but rather returnees from Iraq.   He said that's just how you drive over there.   With thousands of soldiers returning home, it's a plausible scenario.

'course weirdos aren't limited to Texas, not sure exactly what made me think of my Aunt and Uncle's neighbor in Seattle who regularly walks out to get his mail stark naked.   He is actually a pretty nice guy otherwise, and they know him pretty well and they visit back and forth (clothed, of course.)

More later, I've got a treasure trove of stuff.

I *heart* IKEA

: shynie; February 3rd, 2008

It's my new fling...

A very long road trip.

: shynie; December 19th, 2007

So, we've made it to Texas, and I hope to add pictures when I can get them on the computer.   We went through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and finally Texas. The length of time we spent driving in Texas took two days of driving... sans sightseeing.   There was pretty much nothing after we saw El Paso and the Rio Grande (Which is the furthest Western Border of Texas)

The only thing to speak of that we saw in Idaho was the Snake River Canyon, and a whole lotta nothin'.   We got to see "the land of the magic underwear" AKA Salt Lake City and the (actually very pretty) Mormon Temple.   And then, in Utah... More Nothin.   Of all the states I've been to, I can't think of a SINGLE redeeming quality about Utah. It's ugly, in the middle of nowhere, with nothing to look at, and absolutely nothing to make you forget the landscape.   You couldn't pay me enough to live there.

Nevada?   Well, Las Vegas is something everyone should see.   Even if you're not a gambler, it's worth seeing.    We happened to drive in at night, and of course the sight was spectacular, even from many miles away, lighting up the night sky.

The Hoover Dam was really neat, although my boys enjoyed it FAR more than I thought they would.   Of course, my boys would recognize the area before we even got to the Dam.   "Hey Dad, this looks JUST like that place in the movie Transformers...."   HEY, It IS the same place!   Needless to say, they were absolutely thrilled at exploring and absorbing everything about the Hoover Dam.

We drove along Route 66 and happened to almost totally recreate the scene from the movie CARS, when the mini-vans stop off in the town.   We saw literally everything in this one particular town.   I can honestly say they probably based the movie's characters and town qualities off this particular town.   We were laughing hysterically as we pointed out one feature after another.    We visited quite a few other Route 66 towns in Arizona, and even spent the night in one historic town.

We visited the Grand Canyon, which was covered with snow at the top, and is much more beautiful in the winter than any pictures Ive seen in the summer. I took quite a few too.   Of course, being directly after a snowstorm does make everything fresh and new, but everybody should see the Grand Canyon at least once during the wintertime.

We then drove down to the Phoenix area and spent the night there.   We visited my Grandmother which Jason and the kids had never met before, and I'm very glad we did.   She loved them all on sight, and I think they loved her too.

We went on to Tucson, and the kids saw the Saguoro Cacti for the first time (my first time too, actually.)    We visited my Dad's childhood home, and the house my great Grandfather built.   We saw the church where my parents met, the high school my mom Graduated from and the mountains where my mom used to play on the ranch as a child.   We also saw the home my parents had right after they were married.   Amazingly enough, all but the mountains were within a 1 block area.   (They were in different parts of the area at different times in their lives, but still...)

On to New Mexico and then El Paso, then nothin' nothin' nothin. until we landed in Fredricksburg for the night.   It's a Texan Leavenworth. A fancy, touristy German town.   it's rather historic, and also was the home of Lady Bird Johnson, and about 10 miles east of Johnsonville (which was the home of Lyndon Johnson).

And a few things I remembered/noticed about Texans.   But that's for another post.

Official News...

: shynie; November 6th, 2007

We will be moving in about one month to San Antonio, TX.

We'll be about 4 hours from family :)   My brother and his family, and my kids' favorite cousins are currently living in Dallas.

We didn't get to choose this duty station, but we're not unhappy with it.

Texas, here we come.   Again. :)

Jason is currently in flight headed home. We'll be seeing him VERY soon. :)

Soon... so soon.

: shynie; November 2nd, 2007

His feet have now hit American Soil... he's no longer "overseas." Just a few days now before he can come home. :)

What kind of mother am I becoming?

: shynie; September 22nd, 2007

It's funny how differently you see things as your children get older.

A few short years ago, maybe even last year...

I never would have imagined that:

*I would be the mother who is proud to help her son create a *bright* fire-engine red mohawk... and encourage him to wear it out in public.   Actually, one of the people who commented said it was actually a "faux-hawk" because the sides weren't actually shaved.   I got a lot of strange looks from the parents on the other soccer team as they eyed my punk-child heading onto the soccer field.   (Anybody who actually *knew* him thought it was great. He's such a stickler for rules that they actually cheered his willingness to step out a little bit.)    Although my other punk-child with red spikes is a little more daring in general... I actually hesitated allowing him to wear them, as he's the mischief maker, and didn't need any encouragment in that area.

*My 10 year old daughter would be the one to convince me that we NEEDED to go to a football game.   (And it was SO much fun! Even though our team got creamed, we loved sitting on the bleachers crammed in amongst the screaming fans, loud band music, waving pom pons and eating snacks.   ('course Allison didn't see much of the game at all, she was too busy giggling with her friend from school the whole time.)

*I love shoes.   (Okay, so don't ALL women love shoes?) I used to think that was hogwash, but ahh... within the last year I've grown to love shoes. It's ALL Jason's fault too. HE made me buy nice shoes when he was here, and insisted I buy more. Next year, he may wish he hadn't... when I need a new closet to hold all my "necessary" changes of footwear.

* I think nicely applied GREEN fingernail polish looks lovely on my baby girl's fingernails. (Yes, I am the same Mom who used to rant about how tacky it was to see little girls wearing bright fingernail polish.)   I actually STILL think it's tacky when you see an unkempt child wearing chipped nail polish, whose clothes look like they haven't been washed in days, and dirty hair.    I guess it's the same idea as nicely applied makeup on a well-dressed woman compared to the way a trashy-dressed woman looks "painted."      *And, in case anyone starts to worry, it's obvious that all kids get messy and clothes get dirty in a matter of seconds after putting them on... but you *know* what kind of kids I'm talking about... (It's actually that kind of child who breaks my heart when I see them dragged along behind their parents)

Really, truly, I'm a very conservative Mom.   The boys were only allowed to wear their unnatural hair colors on the weekend, and it *had* to be fully scrubbed out before bed Saturday night.   Red mohawks have no place at church or school.

Ahh, Kindergarten

: shynie; September 21st, 2007

Matthew: (urgently) Mom, I just *have* to have you sign the book I made. Everybody who turns them in tomorrow gets LIQUOR.

Me: (stifling laughter) You mean licorice?

Matthew: Yeah, Licorice.

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