Slurping Life

That Bottle of Wine Called My Name

Sometimes I simply lose my mind and take the boys shopping.  In my defense it is impossible to buy shoes for the boys without them...in a store...with me...trying on shoes...in a store...with me...

Me:   "Boys, we have to get new shoes for you guys, but first we'll grab a bite to eat."

Mac:  "I'm not hungry.  I won't eat.  Not even cookies."

Lee:  "I bet we're going to R*by Tuesday.  I don't like anything there."

Me:   "Yes, we are, and quite frankly I don't care if either of you eat.  You just watch me eat."

Wil:  "I'll eat.  I'm real hungry."

WHACK!

[sounds of gagging and choking follow...mixed with under-breath laughter]

WHACK!  [again]

Lee has whacked Wil, apparently for theoretically siding with me...mom...the mortal enemy of a thirteen year old boy.  Then when I reprimanded Lee, Mac laughed and, of course, Lee whacked him....while, Wil snuggly placed his hands around Lee's neck.  They all, of course, fell into a wrestling dog pile.  I, of course, watched and waited until they were finished.

We have yet to walk out the door of our home.  Fast forward, we are now in the SUV on our way to the restaurant...Lee the lone occupant of the third row seat...Mac and Wil in the second row seats.

Wil:  "I need to go the the driver's license office and take my driving test now."

Me:   "What are you talking about?  You're ten years old."

Mac:  "Mom, mom what's green, creamy and covered with chocolate?"

Wil:  "Now!  I must take my driver's test right now.  Then I want to buy a car."

Me:   "Mac, I have no idea.  Wil, you're talking foolishly.  We're going out to eat and buy shoes."

Wil:   "You don't understand.  I have to take my driver's test now."

Mac:  "Mom?"

Me:   "What, Mac?"

Mac:  "I asked you a riddle.  What's green, creamy and covered with chocolate?"

Wil:  [mutters] "Now"

Me:  "Hmmmm...I don't know, Mac.  What?"

Mac:  "A snot-fudge sundae."

Did I mention we're on our way to dinner?  Yum-o.

Lee:  "Mom, Mac brought that joke book with him.  I am not going to listen to his dumb jokes while I eat dinner.

Me:   "No problem.  You don't like the food where we're going, so you won't be having dinner.  Remember?"

Lee:  "hurrmph"

Wil:  [is growling like an angry bear]

Mac:  "Mom, mom, why did Ms. Dibbles put a stick of dynamite in her trunk?"

Lee:   [groans] "Shut-up, Mac!

Me:  "Lee, we do not tell people to shut-up."

Lee:  "Mac, be quiet before I punch you."

Mac:  "Just in case she had to blow up a flat tire."

Wil:  "Mooooooom!

Me:  "Wil, you are ten years old.  You have never even driven a car.  You...

Wil:  [squirms while shoving his hand deep into his jeans' pocket...then interrupts me while waving cash in the air]  "I am going to the driver's license testing place and tell the people I will pay them $4 if they will let me take the driving test."

Me:  "Wil, I  don't think a State employee can be bribed with $4.  Besides, you don't have a ride to the place, and we are not going to talk about this anymore tonight.  Okay, guys, we're here.  You know how to behave at dinner, and there will be serious consequences for anyone who breaks the rules.  Boys, indicate you hear me."

[in unison]:  "Yes, m'am."

Again, fast forward.  Dinner went well...only the usual get your hands off my food; burp/belch; I'm still hungry; did you see that fire truck that went by (while adjusting the window blinds); I'm still hungry; I feel like I'm going to barf; Mac, why are you holding your glass with your elbows?; No, we are not going to the driver's license place; Oh server...I'd like another plate of food (from the two who weren't going to eat);  uh-oh...ma'am, could we have extra napkins, please?.   You know, the usual meal.

Yet, on their way out of the restaurant an older couple stopped by our table and commented "What handsome, well-behaved boys you have."

Huh?  "Uh, thank you.  Have a good evening."  I wanted to asked if their hearing aid batteries needed replacing and if their eye wear prescriptions were up-to-date.  I suppose a mom's superhero hearing and x-ray vision pick up a lot more than those of the average stranger.  Thank goodness for the kindness of hard-of-hearing, vision-impaired people.  They gave me renewed strength to trudge forward toward the goal of purchasing new shoes for the boys.

Gratefully, the drive to the store was brief.

I will not drag out the dialog of shopping for shoes in the mega-sporting goods store, but I remember saying...hearing...

• No, you may not get roller blades in place of shoes.
• Please get your shoe out of the ball bin.
• Sorry, the driver's license place is closed.
• Where's Mac?  Mac?
• Put that cue stick back where you got it.
• Gross, oh man, gross!
• What!?  Is it illegal to fart?
• Did you turn that thing on?
• No, we will not be purchasing rifles with scopes.
• Where did you get that boxing glove?
• Maybe next time we'll buy a heavy bag (punching bag). 
• No, until then you may not use use brother's face.
• The driver's license place is closed.
• Get out of that gun safe.
• Where's Wil?  Wil?
• No, you may not get a trampoline in place of shoes.
• Stop, you're head is going to get stuck in there.
• I thought Dad was meeting us here?
• Yeah, me, too.  I'll call him.
• Sorry.  Excuse us.
• Could someone stick me with a needle that puts me to sleep cause this is boring.
• How I wish I had such a needle.
• You may not play disc golf inside the store.
• I don't know how you decide whether or not you like disc golf unless you try it before you buy it.
• [to a store employee] Hi, could you help us.  His shoe lace is caught in the elliptical.
• Where's Lee?  Lee?
• Help!  Over here...in this tent. Help!  The zipper's stuck.
• Thanks, mom.

We made our way to the shoe department, found shoes for all, headed for check-out and as I swiped a rectangular piece of plastic through the contraption...

Mac:  "Mom, mom, what is invisible and smells like bananas?"

Me:   "I have no idea."

Mac:  "Monkey burps."

Lee:  "Dork."

Wil:   "Tomorrow, I'm taking my driving test."

I smiled, gathered my little apes, and all the way home I heard a small, quiet voice calling my name.

Heard any voices this week?

Back It Up Because Tuesday Is Monday

The right to call it Monday...no matter that in your world it may be Tuesday...remains with me..it's my blog.

Therefore, this is my Best Shot Monday  post.  If you have argumentative replies that it is Tuesday, not Monday, then you have never homeschooled boys with various learning styles and levels.  Sometimes you just have to let it be...inhale deeply...go with the flow...call a Tuesday a Monday...say that black is white.

Now that we are passed that issue, I love some rain.  Nothing looks, smells or feels more refreshing than moments of life after a cleansing rain.  Everything old becomes new again.

What's renewing your spirit this fine Monday Tuesday?

Sentinel, City of Destiny ~ Book Review and Giveaway

As a mother of four sons, I am constantly seeking methods and tools for use in teaching morals to my three younger sons.  Like any Christian parent, I want them to grow into moral men.

Recently I was given the opportunity to read and review Sentinel, City of Destiny.  I was intrigued when author, Landel Bilbrey, emailed me and described his book...

It is a Christian fantasy novel ... a modern day allegory (Think The Chronicles of Narnia crossed with Pilgrim's Progress). Its story is aimed primarily at boys ages 8 to 12, but speaks to people of all ages. (There is suspense, battles with creatures, temptations, etc.)  You might say it is an adventure story with a moral.  It is currently available online at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Borders.com, Walmart.com, etc.

I wrote it to capture the attention of preteen boys and crafted the allegory to be a teaching tool for parents (there is a study guide in the back of the book).

Each of my sons was captivated by The Chronicles of Narnia books which I read to them before they themselves were able to read that level of writing.  Even at young ages they grasped the allegory, probably better than many adults.  Two of my sons have read Pilgrim's Progress, enjoyed it and "got it".  So I was excited about Sentinel, City of Destiny.  I mean battles with creatures...how could they not like it...they are boys ages ten to thirteen.

After reading the book I was not disappointed.  The book is appropriate for the target audience of boys in the formative ages of 8 to 12 years, but quite frankly the story ministers to adults as well.  Amazon summarizes the book...

Today, as never before, a young boy's life is bombarded by subtle and not so subtle messages of how the world defines the "successful" man. The purpose of Sentinel, City of Destiny is to share with boys, during their formative pre-teen years, some fundamental character traits that define the "Godly" man. The allegorical story is about twin brothers, Jerol and Jarad, their quest through the land of Callow (Childhood) and their search for the city of Sentinel (representing true Manhood). In Sentinel they seek to earn the Mark of the Blade and become part of the King's court of Mettle. The Court of Mettle is an elite fighting force that stands watch over Terrenea (the land in which the story takes place). They are sworn to fight to the death in defense of King Deus (God) and his Kingdom of Light. To make it onto the King's court Jerol and Jarad must first find the four magical keys (Courage, Integrity, Service, & Vision) with which to unlock Sentinel's gate. Unfortunately, their archenemy Azrael (Satan) and his minions challenge the boys at every turn, seeking to prevent their entry into Sentinel (True Manhood). The story contrasts the boys' very different ways of dealing with Azrael's temptations and traps. In the style of Pilgrim's Progress, the brothers face many allegorical characters and situations that represent present day themes in young boy's lives: bullies, drugs, girls, music, peer pressure, video, etc. Hopefully, in the end, it will be clear to the reader; it is better to be like Jerol, who makes wise choices than Jarad, who makes foolish choices.

You can read the first six chapters online.

The pluses of Sentinel, City of Destiny do not stop with the story.  Landel has provided additional material in the book including a glossary and study guide.  Excellent features which make this book a true teaching tool for parents to use with their sons.

I have decided to use Sentinel as a read-aloud to my boys because of my youngest son's difficulties with reading.  Due to processing problems he cannot read on the level which the book is written; however, he is intelligent and understands life issues age appropriately.  I do not want him to miss the opportunity of enjoying and learning from this book during his formative years.

In the book Landel presents scripture references as Logos which in essence are scriptures cited in code form. Fabulous, math and logic skills to be used in deciphering.   Additionally, throughout the book words which are found in the glossary have asterisks by them, easily providing a vocabulary lesson.  As a homeschooling mom I love both of these features and will have the boys look up words in the glossary, decode the Logos, read the scriptures and use the questions provided to discuss the story.  Of course, you do not have to be a homeschool family to use Sentinel as a teaching tool.  As parents we are our children's first teachers and most assuredly, the teachers best equipped to teach them morals.

Sentinel, City of Destiny is a story interesting to boys and a good tool for parents to use in guiding them to make wise decisions.  I feel certain that as I read the book aloud to my sons, the ten and thirteen year old boys will be sneaking it from my desk to read ahead.

The book is available directly from the site: Bridgemaker Books or you can buy it from Amazon.com.  There is also a discount rate for co-op and group purchases.

*This giveaway has ended.

Landel has given me a signed copy of Sentinel, City of Destiny to be given away to one lucky blog reader.  To be eligible for a random draw to win the book, simply leave a comment on this post by midnight EST on Saturday, March 1.  One comment per person, please.  Duplicate comments will be deleted.  Please make sure I have a valid email address by which to contact you.  The winner will be announced here Sunday, March 2.

Total Eclipse Of The Heart

Sitting on the deck snuggled in a fuzzy blanket...click...photo snapped...lunar eclipse.  Only it wasn't the lunar eclipse I was experiencing.  Something about the cold night air...the miracle of the heavens...the emotions of a woman, a wife, a mom flooded.  Snapping me back from several days of fretting while trying to get life back on track, back to routine, the lunar eclipse was a total eclipse of the heart...darkening the worries and illuminating the joy of living. 

Life is difficult to navigate, organize and manage, but life is amazing.  Life is the great gift.  I stand in awe.  My younger boys are growing, changing rapidly, and I want to slow down the changes...frame by frame...like freezing time in a series of photos.  I can't.  I can slow me down and breathe the life of every moment.

Inhale...exhale...slow down...stand in awe...tell me what you feel?

Captive

Interpret any way you choose...but if you are a mom...a woman...a man...you've felt this way at some point...captive.

Best Shot Monday...be there for captivating photography.

Grandmama's Buttons and A Few Of My Own

The hum of her sewing machine...the hum of the box fan blowing across the room...the hum of her voice...

I have said before the fondest days of my childhood were summers spent with my Grandmama.  Although she was always busy, time with her never felt rushed.  The days were relaxed, pleasant, and I felt hugged with love no matter what we were doing.

Grandmama was a seamstress.  Actually she was an excellent seamstress and was always busy.  She taught me much about sewing and when I wasn't attentive to learning, she was content to let me play nearby.  My favorite playthings were her seemingly infinite collection of buttons.  It was a feast to my eyes...tactile delight to my fingers...the smooth, cold plastic ones...the textured fabric-covered ones...the faceted ones...the sparkly ones...the bumpy ones.  I loved digging my hands deep into the wooden box of buttons, lifting them and feeling the buttons fall through my fingers.  To this day I love buttons.  Buttons always bring a smile to my face.

Here at Slurping Life I have a page devoted to buttons given to me by bloggy friends.  Each button brings a smile to my face.  Thank you.

Today I want to play catch-up and acknowledge awards...with buttons...which have been passed to me from December to present.  I apologize for taking such a long time in acknowledging these honors.  It does not lessen my appreciation and humble joy for having received these awards...life simply put me a bit behind in the past few months.  Huge hugs of thank you and squeals of delight for the following...

In December my darling friend, Michelle of In The Life Of A Child, passed the following to me...

(I told you I was behind.)  Thanks, Michelle.  I do love Christmas and all the trimmings and traditions that go with it.

Michelle also honored me (in December) with The Colors Of Friendship award.  This one means the world to me.  Michelle is always an ear when I voice my fears and whines, a shoulder for my weary head, and she blesses my family with the most beautiful, heartfelt prayers.  Knowing that she shares much the same feelings for me is a blessing.

More recently Michelle shared the Friends Forever Award.  What's left to say except that I feel exactly the same way.  Thank you, sweet friend.

Sandra of The Dance honored me with the Bloggers With Integrity Award specifically for the Spirit of Giving.  This is truly an honor because if there is one thing for which I strive, it is to be true to my beliefs with my actions and words.  Thank you, Sandra.  I display this award in humble honor.

Now this just tickles me beyond belief.  The This Blog is Rated E for Excellent Award was given to me four times.  Four times!  I jump with joy and humility for this recognition.  Honestly, there are days I cannot even imagine what I post here could be perceived as coherent, let alone excellent.  The following most excellent bloggers passed this honor my way...

• Laura of A Day In The Life Of A Mom Of Six.  Wow...six!  When does she have time to sleep, let alone keep an excellent blog.  My hats off to you and a big thank you.
• Susie of SusieJ.  If you've never stopped by SusieJ, you've missed excellent writing and beautiful photos.  Thanks, Susie.
• Carrie of Chocolate The Other White Meat.  Now Carrie, she's a fellow homeschooling mom with a lot on her plate, and she handles it with love and grace.  And she loves chocolate...excellent!
• Kim of  Cancio.  Kim shares her beautiful photography and adorable kids at Cancio...excellent combination.

To each of you four lovely ladies, thank you from the bottom of my happy heart.

Flowers from one of my first and dearest bloggy friends, Natalie of The Benson Family and Other Stuff.  Natalie has been through emotional times during the last several months, yet she has always taken time to show she cares about me.  Natalie knows when I need to hear from her.  She also knows just the right thing to say...whether its sympathetic words or words equal to a kind kick in the butt.  The neat thing is she doesn't live that far from me, and I have every intention of meeting her.  Love ya, Natalie.

Please honor each of these ladies by dropping by their blogs and saying "hi".  You are sure to find inspiration and beauty at each stop.

I am still behind by about three memes.  I'm working.  I'm working.  But lately I've been a bit of a drooling sloth...thanks, Marie, for that analogy in your comment.

If you have read this far, my goodness, you deserve a " Boy, My Eyes Are Tired!" award.  I just don't know how to make a button for it.

These Are The Times When You Know

Conversation at my house between husband and me...me flopped on the couch...a lump in sweats, no makeup and, most likely, drool oozing from the corner of my mouth.  Lately I have not done much other than go through the motions...yesterday even the motions stopped...

"What are you doing?"

"I don't know."

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know."

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know."

"Are you okay?"

"I don't know."

"Do you need anything?"

"I don't know."

"What can I do to make it better?"

"I don't know."

"Do you want me to leave you alone?"

"I don't know."

"I love you."

"I know, and I love you."

These are the times when you know he really loves you.  It is easy for him to say I love you when you walk into the bedroom wearing lace lingerie, right?  Wearing sweats and drooling...it can only be easy if it is true, lasting love.

Love Rocks

*original photo

Theme Thursday...love is pure.

Love Thursday.

Now I am off to give and receive love.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Who Are These Boys And What Have They Done With My Babies?

As a homeschooling mom I am all about teaching children how to learn.  I believe it is far more important to know how and where to find information rather than attempting to store all of it on your brain's hard drive.  Hard drives crash.  Anyhow...my boys are not allowed online without parental permission and supervision, so they turn to books for information.  People often forget books are great teaching tools, but not my guys.

Recently I eavesdropped overheard the following conversation as the boys flip flopped and wrestled while playing their Nintendo DS games lounged on the family room sofa...

Wil:    What does sexy mean?

Mac:  It means a girl is pretty and has lots of money.  Yeah, she has to be rich.  I'm sure of that part.

Wil:    I thought it meant she was a hot chick.

[Do you know how hard it is to overhear this conversation without giving up the fact that I am listening from the next room?]

Lee:  You two are dorks.  Y'all don't know what s*xy means OR what a hot chick is.

Mac:  Shut up, Lee.  We're not talking to you.

Wil:    I want to talk to him.  Lee, what does s*xy mean? 

Lee:   I'm not explaining it to you.  Get the dictionary and look it up.

Mac:  You sound just like Mom. Whenever I asked what a word means she tells me to get the dictionary and let's look it up.  Anyway, s*xy is not in the dictionary.

[I hear footsteps.  Wil is getting the dictionary...this should be good.]

Wil:   How do you spell s*xy?

Mac:  Give me the dictionary.  [sound of flipping pages]  Mac reads:  "s*xy:  s*xually suggestive or stimulating; erotic"

[I am imagining the puzzled look on Wil's face. I am also fearing Mac will look up erotic.]

Mac:  What does suggestive or stimulating have to to with s*x?  S*x means if you are male or female.  I don't understand.  Whatever.

Lee:  Are you dorks finished?  Do you want to link up and play Mario Kart?

Wil:  Yeah!

Mac: Yeah!

The limited attention spans and misunderstandings of children with ADHD, CP and Asperger's Syndrome are good things...sometimes...like when curiosity only goes so far on my watch.  I'll be strongly suggesting to Dad that he dust off the talk for immediate presentation.  I'll be eavesdropping overhearing that conversation...it should be a doozy.

What are the conversations at your house these days?  Because I'll talk about anything to get my mind off this subject.  I am so not ready to go through this again...times three. 

New Body Parts And Serial Numbers

Have I been away for a week?  You know how the old saying goes...time files when you're having fun.

Time also flies when you are getting new body parts installed...being repaired.  I felt  like a car.  It was amusing to be handed a card after surgery with parts specifications and serial numbers.  I am still waiting for the warranty card.

The parts have been given a trial run via an exercise session, and they work just fine.

Thanks and hugs to you for your prayers and good thoughts.

Mapping My Heart

Today you will find me mapping my heart at Wrapped Emotions.

Wednesday and Thursday you will find me at the spa hospital undergoing rejuvenation angioplasty and a stent. 

See you soon.

Your Heart Hurts A Whole Bunch

Right there...I was right there beside him...walking leisurely along the road in front of our house.  Yet I was completely helpless.  For years I have taught him one foot in front of the other...stand tall...move forward...watch for obstacles in your path...take your time.  Yet he fell.  Flat on his precious face...he fell.  I had no control.  He tried his best...he fell while strolling down the street with me...his mother...who could not help him.  I cried.

As a parent who has raised one son to adulthood, I know full well you love them, you teach them, you pray for them, and you let them go...and you just keep praying that all through their lives the falls are few...and that they get up.

Still...whenever they fall...your heart hurts a whole bunch.

Enjoy the beauty of photography and words at Best Shot Monday.

Sisters, Oh, Sisters

A place where a girl can be a girl and an amateur photographer can get some love.  Sweet treat.

Thanks, Shutter Sisters.  I *heart* you and the beauty you shine into the world.

Beauty And A Challenge ~ Sharing Beauty

The online presence of blogging dads is growing, and I love me some bloggy dad reads.  One of my favorites is Something About Parenting.  Mike has two sons that are cute, clever and, well, they keep him quite humble.  Did I mention that he is a talented photographer and gifted artist?  Well,  I should have.  Visit both of his blogs and peruse the beauty.

Be sure to pop on over to Mike's photography blog and join his photo challenge...Show Of Hands...not a contest, a challenge...but hurry...Tuesday is the deadline.  Mike hosts a weekly challenge; so be sure to check it out.

Red Dress, Red Shirt, Red Tie, Red Shoes

Today is National Wear Red Day created to raise women's awareness about heart disease.  Are you aware that one in four women dies of heart disease?  Yeah, scary.

Courtesy of genetics, I am among the group of women at high-risk to die of heart disease.  I encourage each of you to get regular check-ups, work on a developing a healthy lifestyle which includes low fat, low sugar, low cholesterol foods...healthy non-processed foods...and exercise.  Check with your doctor.  Know your body.  Know your risks.  Develop a lifestyle that is healthy for you.

You do not have to be over weight or sedentary to be at high-risk for heart disease.  Being an avid fitness enthusiast for thirty years, having a healthy diet and even medications haven't prevented my heart disease.  Yet without a healthy lifestyle and intervention, I would certainly be the one in four statistic.

Don't be a statistic.  Do be informed.

Learn and live.