Wisdom out of the mouths of Babes?

"If parenting seems easy, then you probably aren't doing something right."  ~My Middle Daughter

Wisdom out of the mouths of Babes? So take heart, if parenting seems to be overwhelming for anyone out there these days.  This too shall pass.  Don't sweat the small stuff.  Let your kids BE KIDS; they grow up so quickly!

"It's NOT Fair!" ...

“Stop & Stare” … A Song By One Republic … “Fair ain’t what you really need” One of the lines from the song.  How many times do hear children say “That’s not fair!” And how do you reply to this emotionally charged expletive?  Or rather, I should say, what’s the first thought that goes through your mind.  I mean, if you’re being honest. You want to say, “Hey, kid, Life is anything but fair so get used to it!” But how cruel and heartless is that?  That life is not fair is a truth they will come to know on their own, eventually, but how soon do you want or really need to let them in on it? Isn’t it funny the lengths we often go to in order to shield our children from the sometimes cruel realities of this world. Knowing all the while -- if we are being honest with ourselves and them—that at some point we have to let our children in on some of the less pleasant “truths” of our world in order prepare them to face the world on their own someday and actually survive. The trick is to enlighten them in subtle, simple ways that they can come understand gradually, while processing a given truth within the scope of their limited experience, right?

Isn’t it funny --albiet a sad kind of funny ... sometimes you have to laugh just to keep from crying-- how so much of what is going on the world today is worthy of that simple, innocent childhood response: “That’s not fair!” It’s not fair that an innocent man, an ambassador of goodwill, working to forge meaningful political and economic relationships with a “neighboring” country should be dragged from the embassy where he worked. That he should be brutally tortured, sodomized and dragged through the streets before finally surrendering to his death. It’s not fair that an analyst working at the same embassy and two Navy Seals, staying at an adjacent safe house who responded with intent to help fend off the embassy attack, also lost their lives in this brutal attack. It’s insane –forget FAIR!-- to think that four human lives were needlessly taken in retaliation for a perceived insult delivered via a supposed internet video created by a misguided American who does not speak for our country as a whole. It’s not fair –not to mention unconscionable-- that our fellow inhabitants of this rapidly spinning Blue Planet think that it is not only okay to take human lives because of perceived insults due the nature of our different religious and political beliefs, but that they actually believe that doing so is the will of God our Creator?! It’s not fair that millions of Americans can’t find work and have stopped looking. It’s not fair that we live in a world where the cost to put a roof over our heads, food on the table, clothes on our bodies and gas in our cars is sky rocketing out of control with no clear meaningful economic relief in sight. It’s not fair that our nation is so divided along religious and political party lines that we seem to have lost the ability to carry on any meaningful civilized discussions toward the end of alleviating the REAL problems facing our nation as a whole. It’s not fair that religious people judge and condemn others in the name of their religion. It’s not fair that an injured soldier who bravely served his/her country returns home to face nearly insurmountable struggles with insufficient aid and nearly laughable compensation from our government. It’s not fair that the nuclear option is returning to the forefront of conceivable realities for our lifetime, with a now nuclear North Korea and an Iran on the cusp of becoming a nuclear power … especially in light of the escalating hostilities from Middle East towards Americans and the United States. It’s not fair ….

It’s not fair, but the meaningful question here is what are you going to do about it? Taken as a whole, I agree, it ALL is rather overwhelming. So just pick one … one thing that you are going to do, yourself, today to help make the world a better place … to share with our children that, yes, sometimes life isn’t fair, but in those instances you can still have a voice and act to impact change towards a greater end. I think we teach our children best by example, by our actions … not by the easy way out of “do as I say, not as I do.” Our children are watching: what will they learn from us as parents, citizens, members of houses of worship … political parties, communities?

Perhaps you can pray with your children for those who have needlessly lost their lives in terror attacks. Pray for the misguided souls that are being used by politically motivated extremist religious leaders to take innocent lives. Perhaps you will find the courage to speak out against the misguided that act in hate or violence in the name of your religion. Perhaps you will swallow your pride and forgive your neighbor when they insult you for your differing opinion on religious or political matters. Perhaps you will be an informed citizen that actually makes it to the polls on Election day 2012 in order to cast a legitimate vote with the hope of stopping –and ultimately reversing-- the rapidly declining state of our country. Perhaps you will help a friend network and find a job … Make a donation to your local food bank. The opportunities to truly make a difference and impact change are endless. Don’t give up hope … Don’t just bicker and complain: ACT. Our children are watching: what will they learn from us as parents, citizens, members of houses of worship … political parties, communities? Perhaps the most powerful legacy we leave our children is our meaningful action in the face of adversity.

You can have my fries ...

It's the little things, right?  Conversation with my daughter, Bethany, this evening.  I was too tired in many ways to cook tonight, so I gave in and went to pick to up "fast food" --cringe, but almost everything was grilled or a salad.

I was working on the computer while the kids ate as my stomach wasn't up for food.  Bethany sneaks in behind me and gives me a hug.  “I love you, Mommy. I just want you to know that.” She gives me another Big HUG. “And you can have my fries if you want =)”

Kids keep the world ... make the world worth ... spinning, I think.  Love you, Beth.  ♥




Song:  "The Good Life", By One Republic

A Walk Down to the Beach: Evolution of ART?

Bribed the kids with dinner at one of their favorite take-out places if they would walk down to the beach with me.  So we ate dinner on the beach while watching the waves crash into the shore ... It was an exceptionally windy day today.  Not many sailboats out today, but a stealth speed boat was literally skipping across the wave crests as it sped on by.  The walk down to the beach was good exercise and a nice change of pace.  Something about just being near water ... watching its movement, hearing its song ... is healing to me on a spiritual level.  And of course, I love to change things up, embrace the unexpected and go on new adventures.  Love dragging my digitally entrenched kids along too; although my oldest somehow managed to sneak not only her cell phone, but her iPod as well.

On the way to the beach, of course, I saw numerous photo opportunities (My kids loose patience with me sometimes ; ).  But as I only had my cell phone, I didn't capture much that was useful for the purposes of art.  The following is one of my three photo captures.  As you can see, the center roses were just gorgeous, but the spotted leaves and the scraggly back-drop leave a lot to be desired.

Original Image

@Copyrighted Photograph, 2012. All Rights Reserved.

 

Not to worry, however, this was the perfect opportunity to use my new graphics tablet.  I am still getting used to working with this new tool.  Trying to use my left hand (one I write with), when I am used to "drawing" with a mouse using my right hand (okay, I'm actually ambi-dextrous). Bearing the latter in mind, it probably took me longer than it normally would to do a typical standard photo edit (ie., not too complex) ... and I was just taking my time, enjoying the process while listening to music.  Probably took me about an hour total to do this whole edit, from start to finish.  I cleaned up the original cell phone shot first.

Cleaned-Up Photo Edit

@Copyrighted Photograph, 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Lastly, I decided to paint it a little to add highlights, brush strokes, etc. and make it pop.  This is the final product.  It's pretty simple, whimsical ... but it was a great exercise for me using my new graphics tablet.  Fun to play too =)  So I got to exercise, body, mind and soul today:  A good day, all in all, I'd say. 

"In the Garden ..."

@Copyrighted Photograph, 2012. All Rights Reserved.

Hope you and yours had a great day today too ♥


Peace & Love,

~M

Channeling Autumn ...

I was sick last week.  I still am ... Think this is the flu and its after effects, but it's all a state of mind, right?  Anyhow, I couldn't take feeling crappy and constrained any longer so I took my daughter and we snuck out to the beach to photograph what I had a feeling would be the last of Autumn.  It was a gorgeous day ... good for the body (even a sick one), mind and soul to be outdoors.  I took some amazing photographs that day ... I still haven't gotten through them all, but here is one of my favorites.  It is my daughter skipping down the tunnel bridge straddling the railroad tracks ... EJ and me call this one "Channeling Autumn."  It was a good escape ... Good to "play hookie" from life and responsibility from time to time, I think.  Do you agree?

"Channeling Autumn"  (low res.)

@Copyrighted Photograph, 2011.  All Rights Reserved: Isa Black Smith.

When was the last time you unleashed your inner child?

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Flag of Poems ...

God Bless our country's Veterans and their families this Veterans Day 2011.  The gift of service that you give our country is truly invaluable and we as a free nation are ever grateful for your service.

"Flag of Poems", By 5th Grade

My husband, who is a Veteran, and I had the privilege of attending a Veterans Day Assembly at our daughter's school.  Students presented "the Colors", led the assembly (narrated), sang songs, read essays and presented Veteran's from the community each with a red carnation after their individual introductions.  Many students were proudly wearing their red, white & blue, while other students who were members of scouting troops proudly wore their uniforms.  All students were actively participating in the assembly.  Students who had Veteran family members in attendance were just beaming from ear to ear and  all of the students were not only proud of our Veteran's, but you could just tell that they were proud to be Americans.

I have to say that this Veteran's Day Ceremony was truly moving for me.  It brought tears to my eyes to see our children show such pride in our country.    At a time when this country seems to be struggling so much it was refreshing to see young children so proud to be Americans and thankful for those who have served to defend our nation.  There should be more opportunities ... like our school's Veteran's Day ceremony ... for our nation's children to express their patriotism.  I have only the highest praise for the student's of xxxxxxxxxxx Elementary and their wonderul principal, teachers and staff.  This school is definitely helping to raise the leaders of the next generation. 

My daughter took the above photo of the "Flag of Poems" for me.  This flag was assembled by the 5th grade classes who have just recently begun studying the Constituion of the United States of America.  The students each wrote a poem about what 'freedom' means to them, then all the poems were assembled together to make this wonderful USA flag.

I hope that you and yours found some way to celebrate this special day and show your thanks and appreciation for those who serve our country.  I also hope that our appreciation for our Veterans is ongoing in our daily thoughts, words and actions.  God Bless the USA!!

Wounded Warriors Project

Color your WORLD ...

Drizzly afternoon with nowhere we have to be, so kids and me decided to change things up. We pulled out some old paint pens ... most of which had begun to dry up ... and each decorated an old piece of clothing. I chose a pair of well, well worn blue jeans. These pants are so faded and worn they are almost white. Good use for something you would otherwise likely throw away and we had fun. Word of advice: make sure you have a well ventilated area to work in as the paint fumes get heady. Maybe that's why we were giggling so much? Maybe that explains my strange patterns ... I don't know?  I was going for a flames and falling star motif.

VIP Note: there is a toxic warning on these if ingested, so this may not be so great of a project

to do with small children.  There may be non-toxic pen choices out there?

Well, this is as far as I got on mine before the paint ran out. We will have to make a trip to the store to restock on paint pens so I can finish. FUN to create and paint = ) Anyhow, just wanted to let you know that I am doing fine ... slowing down and reconnecting with the more important things in life these days.

The kids have named these "Mom's Circus Pants" ...

Wonder if they will be seen in public with me if I wear them???
Maybe, I'll finish painting these and be a Hippy/Flower Child for Halloween. : )

 
 
Here is the t-shirt my middle daughter made ...
 
 
 

A great RAINY DAY project!   = )

Spend some time with your kids: they help put perspective back into your life.

Later P.M. ... Discussion at dinner.  The girl's have now moved beyond these being mom's "circus pants"  ... should I tell you what they dared to write down the back of the right leg? ; )  Well the flames on the back are big clue.  Too funny ...

Are Dandelions Beautiful?

Image Source 1

 

"Are Dandelions Beautiful?"

Strolling through a field of green in the vastness that is "Discovery Park",
My little girl innocently asks with sweetest upwards glance ...

"Are Dandelions Beautiful?"

So I pause for a moment and take a long deep look.

Simple, understated elegance.
Placement due to happenstance.
Abundant, strong, resilient, enduring.
Intricate, delicate fractal pattern alluring.
Color of the radiant midday sun.
Row after row, scattered in a nearby run.
Painted twist upon a sea of canvas green.
Bursting forth in vivid yellow, standing
Up TALL, shouting, wanting to be seen.
Pick one up early to have a bit fun.
White ball of delicate cotton spun.
Close your eyes, make a heartfelt wish.
One, two, three and blow, sending tiny
Wisps spiraling about in spherical swish.
Tickle your nose, giggle, falling gracefully
To land upon tiny bare toes ...
All my love from me to you send.
Happiness in innocent world ...
May it never end.


@Copyrighted Poem, July 2011.  All Rights Reserved:  Isabelle Black Smith.

Image Source 2

Spend Some Time with Your Kids ... (Photographic ART)

They help you to see the world in a whole new light! 

Painting with my daughter middle daughter Beth. She has such a great artistic eye. Lots of FUN on this joint collaboration : )

@Copyrighted Image.  All Rights Reserved:  Isabelle Black Smith.

Title:  "Orange Embers Awaken"

God Bless You, Ella Bella : )

God bless you on your special day of making your First Holy Communion, Ella.  We are so proud of you sweetie!  I know that you've worked hard to prepare for this special day.   : )

I will keep you in my extra special prayers this upcoming Sunday.  I'll also be sending lots of love and spirit hugs and kisses your way.  Take lots of photos for me, okay?


Love You!

Auntie M

Got Crayons?

Coloring with the kids ...

I'd forgotten how much FUN it is to draw, sketch, color ... to start with a blank page and only your imagination ... no final destination ... just the joy of the journey ... the unexpected ... not knowing what you will create.

Kids have the life, no?  Perhaps we should spend more time seeing the world anew through their innocent eyes ... The world, I think, would be a better place if we all did this every once in awhile ...

Here is my creation ... I've titled it "Foreign Lands" ... my current read ("Matter", by Iain M. Banks) may have had some influence on the final outcome perhaps?

Copyright @April 2010 Michelle C. of whatplanetareyoulivingon.blogspot.com

Anyway ... roll up your own sleeves ... and find your own inner child ...

Peace & Have a Blessed Weekend!

Keepin' It Real ...

Ever had those moments where you just throw your hands up in the air and say "What am I going to do with you?" ... to your children? Well, my youngest has an answer for that one "Love me ALWAYS!" (SMILE and ((BIG Hug)) =).

[image removed]

EJ is my little photographer. She has quite the artistic eye and is always bringing me her digital camera loaded with hundreds of images to download and process. It's downright difficult to keep up sometimes, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  EJ is an inspiration, to me, and so in tune with the world around her.  To see the world through the eyes of a child ....

One of EJ's recent photos ...

So go and hug your kids, right now, with a giant hug ... Just for no reason at all . Just because you love them and they love you and that makes the wonderful world go round.  : )

Joyful day to you!

M

Last of Summer Forays ...

 

 

(image removed)

 

 

 

Took a week off for some last minute summer fun with the kids -- last week in August  [Finally getting to the point where I can sort through the thousand+++ pictures that we took with two cameras]. 

We headed into Seattle to take in all of the sights.  Our adventures included the zoo, a harbor cruise, a revisit to the Experience Music Project & Sci-Fi Museum, Pacific Science Center and Imax,  Seattle Aquarium, and Day and Night visits up to the top of the Space Needle.  Oh, I almost forgot the kids favorite part:  some spin and puke rides at the City Center -- remember when we couldn't get enough of that stuff either?

At the EMP the Kids and Ken did a recording of them, "in concert", playing the song "I Love Rock-n-Roll" -- they didn't know what "Purple Haze" was?! We wound up with a DVD, concert poster and tickets. They were the band "Pink Ice" -- poor Ken, he's so sorely outnumbered. Ken played lead guitar, Bethany played keyboard, Erynn rocked on the drums, and Lauren sang the vocals. Loads of fun! I was the fan and photographer. No more spots left, but that's okay with me; I don't like to be in the spotlight anyway.  I'm in the process of learning "Purple Haze" on the electric guitar (LOVE Jimi Hendrix!).  If I ever get it down:  I'll go back to the EMP and do a recording myself.  ": - )

Still sorting through and cropping photos:  I'll add more (e.g., harbor cruise) as I get to them done ...

Anyway, we had a blast!  Need to take time off more often ...


Song:  Arms Wide Open, By Creed 

The Dreaded Task of Shopping for School Supplies!

Back to school is just around the corner. The school district is starting before Labor Day this year, in anticipation of possible snow days -- based upon what we had happen last school year.

Anyway, "back to school" means the always fun task of shopping for school supplies. I've already done the new clothes and bigger shoes thing; I can handle that. [Although, sometimes I wonder if it might be easier to shop for new clothes for three little boys, as opposed to three highly opinionated little girls -- gee wonder where they get that from?] It's the shopping for pencils, construction papers, rulers, wipes, etc., times three (kids) that drives me nuts! Maybe not so much the task, as having to deal with the crowds of people and other people's screaming kids?

Well, as I said in a post a few days ago: my kids and I have been off on adventures this past week (I'll try to post some photos soon). We've bee trying to pack in some last minute end of summer fun. Seems as if I haven't sat down, for five straight minutes, in the last seven days. My legs and feet just aren't what they used to be; they're aching and sore! So my plan for today, Sunday, was a day of quiet rest ... fitting for a Sunday, wouldn't you agree?

The kids, however, just want to keep going and going. They've had a blast this past week and they don't want it to end -- guess, I can't blame them. I had to put my sore foot down, on the notion of going horseback riding today. Horseback riding will have to wait until next weekend, but shopping for the dreaded school supplies was still on the table. As I was trying to mentally psyche myself up for the challenge, my husband -- out of nowhere -- offered to take the kids on his own. I nearly fell out of my seat and doused myself in a steaming hot cup Earl Grey tea. In all of the years of shopping for school supplies, Dad has never taken on this task on his own. He did offer to come along to help ONE time and then bailed midway through.

But hey, who am I to look a gift-horse in the mouth? If Ken was offering: I was going to take him up on it! So here I now sit, alone in peace and quiet ... with the sun actually up (i.e., it's not after midnight or the wee hours of the early morning) ... sipping a freshly made cup of hot tea, with my sore feet propped up on top of the printer. Of course, I have the phone right next to me just in case Ken has any questions or concerns. No worries -- right?! Ken left with three, relatively in-tact children; I'm sure he'll return with the same -- hopefully not more?! Yes, I have faith in Dad's organizational skills and infinite patience. I'm confident that he's up for the challenge, and I sincerely appreciate his taking on this daunting task so that I didn't have to ... today of all days. Thanks Ken! Love you!

Joyful to day to you and yours -- especially those of you preparing for "back to school".

God Bless!

M

8/31 (opps! forgot August has 31 days too!) Mission accomplished! Ken even went to 2 different stores in order to finish checking off all items on all three lists. He even brought the three kids home fed. Most impressive and greatly appreciated! Maybe you can use this story to inspire your hubby to do the same for you? You never know; stranger things have happened. : )

Found Something That I Had Been Missing ...

(Photo by me, on my cell phone camera while in my PJ's. I'm not proud: no finished make-up or hair fixing yet, but hey I'm SMILING again! That was the whole point. This was the moment and I went with it. And yes, I almost always have a cross on ... even when I sleep ... just makes me feel safe. Guess PJ top is see-through? At least I have something under it? I don't know: should I take this down? Need some unbiased opinions ... Okay: it stays.)

Woke up this morning and when I looked into the mirror, I found something that I had been missing as of late: MY SMILE!

Spending time on adventures, with my kids, these past few days has been good for me. It's helped to remind me what's really important in life and how to find the joy, and enjoy, the simple things in life.

Anyway, I'm on the way back. I Hope to be smiling A LOT more in the days ahead.

Peace and joy to you and yours!

God Bless!

M

Fishing Anyone?

We tried to take our girls fishing this past weekend. They were all excited. They went with Dad to buy their very own rods and tackle (did you know that they make a "Barbie" and "Dora the Explorer" fishing rod? My how times have changed : ). We did not have a boat available to us this time, so we tried to fish from the shore at a local state park. The girls were very patient and they even gave putting their own worms on the hook a try -- I was proud of them for this effort.

We tried fishing for 2 1/2 hours and didn't catch anything. There were others fishing nearby and out of 15 poles only one little boy caught anything -- one 7" bass. Guess it wasn't a great day or a great spot? Neither my husband nor I are fishing pros. My husband fished a bit as young boy and teen, but he hasn't been in over 15 years. The girls are game to try again. Any suggestions or tips? Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Happy Summer!

Lara Croft is Off On Another Adventure!

Wow! Summer is finally here! Well actually, it starts officially tomorrow? June 21? Anyway, the spirit of summer and its more relaxed pace are here. Amen to that! This summer I am not going to be driving my kids to this camp and that pre-paid designated/organized activity. The point of summer is to slow down, relax and spend time with your family: and this summer that is EXACTLY what we are going to do.

Won't the natives (kids) get restless you ask? Hopefully not, but I want to them to learn to "entertain" themselves and plan some of their own activities and adventures. If they get the idea: I'll be happy to help them work out the details and make it happen. As a resource, we are using a wonderful idea generating book by Joanne O'Sullivan, titled "101 Places You Gotta See Before You're 12!" (publisher, Lark Books).

The latter book has -- as the title hints -- 101 everyday places that you have right in your area that might be of interest to kids under 12 -- and many interesting to those over 12 as well. My kids had a blast going through the book to identify and rank the places they've already seen (i.e., "Absolute Favorite", "Top 20", "Way Strange", "This Rocks", "No Way!"). Then they each picked the 10 other places that they would like to see right away. So we are now in the process of working out visits to each of their respective 'top 10 places' to see. They get so excited being in on the planning. The visit to each place is like an adventure. My oldest said to me "I kind of feel like Lara Croft from 'Tomb Raider' ".

So this summer try to shake things up and try something new. Get the kids involved and have an adventure! You'll be amazed at what kids can come up with on their own and how much fun you will all have in exploring together. And in the whole process your kids will learn to be a bit more resourceful on their own -- useful skills for later in life. Enjoy! : )

Congratulations!

Congratulations to my nephew, Benjamen, who was baptized this Saturday evening. And he didn't cry, fuss, or whine at all -- not bad for 6 months. Big brother Isaac (Age 6) just loved the smell of little Ben's tiny little, fuzzy head after the baby had been anointed with the Holy Oil. Too cute.  : )

Congratulations also to my youngest sister and her new husband as well. Saw them last night at the baptism and they both seem happy to be newly married.

God Bless!

Congratulations Craig W.!

Congratulations to Craig W., of Oregon. Craig made his First Holy Communion Easter Weekend. Craig is 7 years old, and the son of a dear friend of mine, dating all the way back to my high school years in England.

May God Bless and Guide you Craig as you continue to grow and learn in faith. How wonderful that you now share in the mystery of the Eucharist and can participate more fully in the mass.

We are proud of you (as are your parents I am sure! : ).

Raising Children: "Ahah!" Moments ...

You always wonder if you are raising your kids the right way. Am I teaching them the right things? Am I too strict? Am I not strict enough? The list of wonders and worries can go on and on. It is a tough job raising kids and it is one of the most important jobs in the world --in my opinion. You are setting the stage for who they will be for rest of their lives. No pressure right?

Well I am trying to raise smart, savvy, loving and compassionate children. I don't want my kids to just be good followers, who just go along with the crowd. I want them to question the world around them, to seek answers and understanding, and to be amazed by the wonderful world in which we live. I want them to see how they, and the decisions and choices that they make, impact the world. I don't want my children to just blindly accept the information that they are given. Granted, this approach to parenting makes my job as a parent a bit harder: I can't just say "I'm the parent, now do as I say period." all the time and that's the final word. I reserve this for special circumstances. And as they grow and mature, I have to adjust my parenting style. So it is an ongoing process.

While parenting is a tough job: you do occasionally have moments where you can actually see the "fruits of your labor" in the words and actions of your children. I had one of these just the other day.

My children's school has its big annual fund raising event in April. They have items donated from school families, individuals, and businesses to auction off at a big dinner event. They also sell all kinds of raffle and other tickets. One of the tickets that they were selling this year was a "free dress" pass -- this is our first year at the school, so I don't know if they've done this in previous years. Anyway, the school has a required uniform dress code everyday and they only allow a few dress free (less than 10 total) days for the entire school year. So a "free dress" day is a big deal for the kids.

The tickets for a free dress pass were selling for $5.00 a piece. When I asked my oldest about purchasing a ticket she expressed her concern that many students attend the school on need-based scholarship and have large families. She was concerned that these students would not have the means to purchase a free dress pass and that they might feel left out on the "free dress" day. So she questioned whether it was right to sell the free dress passes and she did not want to buy one for this reason. She talked her sisters out of biuying one too.

Talk about an "Ahah!" moment! I was so proud of my daughter. I guess that some of what I'm doing is helping to shape a wonderful human being after all. Praise God! So even though you don't always get immediate feedback parents: hang in there! You're doing a great job! And in an unsuspecting moment you're sure to see some glimmer of hope just like I did.