How Do You Do It?

Keeping an even keel while caring for 9 children is somewhat of a curiosity to some. So what do I do in my down time to remain sane?

Everyone who knows me personally knows I've recently been blessed with a house addition and am even more blessed with a room dedicated to my hobbies, crochet/sewing/quilting. What would I do without my time to be creative?

Another way to keep it real is to spend time gardening. Somehow, with my back yard still in mud pit mode, I managed (with my hubby's help) to put in a raised bed garden. Love my vegies and hoping for a good year since my neighbor so generously donated some of his fertile farm soil to our new garden spot. He's farmer 3 days a week and neighbor 4 days. He and his Mrs. have been living this arrangement for nearly 10 years. I'm getting off track here so on to the sanity savers.

Spending time with my family is also one of the best ways I keep the brain in lower altitudes. I have some of the greatest relatives on the planet. Just sayin. We have awesome get-togethers just bringing pot luck items and shooting the sh*t. We are probably pretty red-neck to most, but we don't judge and most always get along with anyone. Our White Elephant Family Christmas parties are awesome and the reunions ain't bad either. And my husband and daughters are top of the list in keeping me steady. Wouldn't know what to do without them.

My list could go on as I have a multitude of ways I enjoy my free time. Honestly, I have to say my job isn't really that stressful anyway. Who else gets paid to play all day and cuddle babies? They aren't critics of my banjo playin either :)

Oh wait, I guess I should mention that banjo is my ultimate weapon against insanity.
Hear it below:
https://youtu.be/oo5lDg3oKNo

The Wi"Z"ard of O"Z" for Isaiah

Oz, as you all know is where the tornado blew Dorothy to in the classic movie Wizard of Oz. Dorothy encounters trials and tribulations and meets friends along the way to assist her (and themselves) along the path, The Yellow Brick Road. The moral of the story as they find the Wizard is that the things you seek are inside you all along. You just need to believe in yourself.

Easier said than done sometimes.

This last 2 years, we've been honored to meet a young lady and her son who has a terminal illness. It's called Vanishing White Matter Disease. You can learn more about this disease on the website, http://ulf.org/vanishing-white-matter-disease . Their yellow brick road has been bumpy to put it mildly.

For my final A to Z Challenge post for 2015, I am dedicating this one to Isaiah and his mom, Bethany. Their journey has been extremely difficult as Isaiah is only 4 years old and is a daily inspiration to us with his constant smiles.

I believe in the power of prayer and my request to my fellow bloggers, family and friends, from all over the world is to please say one for them. Pray for peace, strength, healing and a cure for future generations. May Isaiah's story teach us all the importance of love and holding fast to the small moments in life.

Thank you and thanks for reading my blog this 2015 Challenge.

More Isaiah below:
http://fox4kc.com/?s=kcmo+fire+grants+make+a+wish

Update on Isaiah 6/28/16

https://www.facebook.com/FightliketheChamp/posts/821670967934436
Please continue to keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Vows

This is the one letter that gave me trouble. Everyone has theirs and this was mine (this year). So lets get on with it.

List of Kinds of Vows:

1.  Wedding vows
2. Divine vows
3. Monastic vows
4. Presidential vows  **I could have went on and on with this topic but I'm really not into disputes**
5. Congressional vows  **same as above**
6. Vows to pledge honor  to your country  #OOH RAH! to my Marine Vet husband#
7. Vows of revenge  **I do NoT Recommend**
8. Vows of declaration  (ex. "Well, I vow it is as fine a boy as ever was seen!" Henry Fielding)
9. Personal vows **to finish this blog challenge**

So just throwing out there that I am feeling "Venerated" (feeling of awe). Definitely Valuing each and every Visit and comment of you Virtuous people who I'm priviledged to meet on this Virtual space.

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Silly Bill

My dad was Bill. Not silly by any means, but always welcomed wherever he went. Talk about big shoes to fill.
Simply put, I. Was. Shy.
And things kept me from growing out of that stage as time progressed.

One of the biggest was my constant knee injuries. Everyone had a cure for me other than actual surgery. The suggestion I got from all experts was doing those "fabulous" leg lift exercises. We used items from canned vegies to sand bag weights. Ug. Still hate them and still suggested by my doctors when the legs give me trouble. Finally had my first surgery at age 24. My first knee dislocation was at age 9. You do the math if ya want.

After the knee issue came the silver caps on my two top front teeth. Yep, right there front and center. I was playing tag in our school gym and met up with a brick wall, my teeth being the center point of gravity. They did not survive, naturally. So for a few years, I was blessed with those shiny, obnoxious, dreaded caps. I rarely smiled for photos and limited my talking to strangers. I wonder how many polaroids exist of m silver teeth? I bet not one.

So since becoming a childcare provider, the one thing I have always been partial to is the shy kids, the ones with delays, just waiting for the skies to open up.

To young mothers out there, I'd like to tell you to let your children be the wall flowers, but take them to the social events. Give them a hobby they can excel in. Never shame them. Be a role model.

Yes, my dad was awesome! Thanks Bill Randall!

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Norwegian Wood

Norwegian Wood is just a "nice" song. If you listen to the lyrics, the guy plays the gentleman and sleeps in the tub. What a concept in the present times.

But about being "Nice".....I have a list of niceness in a day in the life of children.

1. Let me get you a hat.
2. Hey, Steph! He gave me his flashlight!
3. Wanna go on a bear hunt?

4, Macoy: "Ben wants my lucky hat."   Me: "What can you do nice for him to make him feel better?"Hudson (16 months) "Let it go, ok?!" (he has watched the movie Frozen often)

How about trying a little nice, especially when you don't feel like it. Not just when you're dressed up for church.
When you're sitting on the sidelines of a ballgame listening to parents yelling, it can be particularly hard to "feel" it. You'd really like to blast them in the face with some special words. But that could end with very bad results. Trust me.
So I typically grab my crochet hook and start making a piece of mindless work like a shawl or a scarf. And with each stitch I'm praying. For me, for them, for anyone else who needs it. And in my mind I'm hearing Hudson say, "Let it go, ok?!"


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Music of the Night

In the words of Stevie Wonder, "Music is a world within itself with a Language we all Understand."

"Music can change the world because it can change people." --Bono

How many times do you remember a concert filled with lit candles, everyone swaying to a well-known song? The air is electric, the differences between people melt away. It's both a healing and a miracle.
I wonder what happens to the brain in these moments?
Is the section that gets angry shut down? Is it disabled?  I'd bet so.

When a baby cries around here and I'm elbow deep in a sink of dishes, I'll ask one of my older children to "go sing to the baby". I guarantee that 9 out of 10 times the crying stops and two things happen:
1st: the eldest child feels empowered and empathetic.
2nd: the baby finds peace.
It soon becomes a perfect celebration of joy and life.

Music matters to all ages and stages of life. Pete Seeger, a well-known banjo player/singer, was indeed a pioneer in using music for change. Words stamped on his personal banjo said:

"This machine surrounds hate and forces it to surrender"

I hope you'll play more music in whatever form you enjoy and help bring peace in the world.

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Loch Lomond

L is for Loved:
Honor Flight is making our Veterans feel "Loved" by escorting them via air on dedicated flights to visit memorials built to give tribute for the sacrifices they made.

One local photographer has documented in pictures his trip with one of these Honor Flights.
For a commentary of Kevin Walker's experience as well as more pictures, see Here

I wanted to present it to you in a slideshow with music. Hope you'll thank a Vet today.

   If you are a Veteran, 

God Bless You!

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House of the Rising Sun

House of the rising sun? Oh no! We like sleep here. But to keep with the theme of Rising Sun at least, I decided to do a Sunny list---of sorts.

Like how about Mom's sunflower quilt blocks she hand embroidered and gave me many years ago.  I recently discovered the 'safe' place I had put them. I was so thrilled and am anxious to start a quilt top with them. Here's a pic of one:

Other 'sunny' thoughts,

• A good old fashioned Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday is definitely good for the soul
• How about a Sundress?
• Or a Sun hat?
• A crocheted Mandala could look like a sunrise in the correct colors like this one:

Opened my copy of this book and took the pic myself from Crochet Master Class

 by Jean Leinhauser 

and Rita Weiss

Gaspe Reel

Gasp! Child care providers don't get rich if they are doing a proper job.

Gasp! Some people just never learn.

Gasp! Love keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:5
 

Gasp! *to my daughters* Your momma once knew a lot about current events/politics. I have witnesses.

Gasp! Sometimes I forget a due date. Like when my driver's license expired.

Gasp! I have been blessed to provide childcare to over 150 children since 1995.

Gasp! My Grandpa drank booze with Clyde Barrow's brother just a mile or two from my childhood home (remember Bonnie & Clyde?)

Gasp! I'd love to parachute from a perfectly good airplane!

Gasp! I know some stuff about people------

my hubby is retired from law enforcement.....

and my lips are sealed :)

Ashokan Farewell

Civil War Finery is the topic above, photos courtesy of Pinterest.

Ashokan Farewell is so pretty on the violin, but I'm giving it a shot on the banjo. Not my finest playing as I have a difficult time playing S-l-o-w. Not the nature of the banjo usually, but I did my best and hope you'll enjoy.
It's a song of the Civil War composed in 1982, not during the Civil War, by Jay Ungar according to my research. Some genuine songs of the Civil War years are:

• Battle Hymn of the Republic
• When Johnnie Comes Marching Home
• Dixie
• Glory, Glory Hallelujah
• The Girl I Left Behind Me

This song is often mistaken for a real song of the time with it's beautiful haunting melody. In fact, the first time I hear it, my daughter played it at a school song competition and the judge said it was played during the signing of the treaty at the end of the war as General R. E. Lee was leaving. Apparently, he Really got into the movie by Ken Burns. 

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Bulgar (Jewish Dance)

What makes you Dance?
Go ahead. Turn up the volume on your favorite song. Find a private space if you must. And dance.

My dad tried to teach me the 2-step. No matter how many beers he had, he knew I was doomed to failure. A disappointment for us both. I really, really wanted to learn.

But that didn't stop me from my sole personal moments of bursting out in dance.

On your worst days, there's nothing like blaring song and a dance around the room.

 

There's something therapeutic about Dance. It has many benefits.

 

 

I tell my daycare kids that it makes you Smart :)

 

 

 

It's linked to:

• Boosting memory
• Improved flexibility
• Stress reduction
• Diminishing depression
• Heart health
• Weight loss
• Improved balance
• Increased energy
• Healing
• Creating friendships

Well......I make friends with 2,3 & 4 year olds at least.

 





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Church in the Wildwood

Happy Good Friday!
Pettis County, Missouri has plenty of country churches. In a recent Sunday drive, I chose three along the southern portion of the county to photograph. I love listening to the old hymns the most and in the little backwoods churches is where you're most likely to hear them. If you're ever near here, step inside and listen. You'll be warmly welcomed.
 I hope you'll enjoy this little journey.




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Beatitudes of the Banjo

Beatitudes of the Banjo
Blessed is the banjo; the players who are mistaken for being eccentric.

Blessed is the banjo; the famous people like Earl Scruggs, Pete Seegar, Steve Martin, who made it Cool!

Blessed is the banjo: For the endless hours of practicing to get it just right even after being 'sent to your room for the noise'.

Blessed is the banjo: You can make any song banjo-friendly....just wait and see.

Blessed is the banjo: May the teachers all get to Heaven.

Blessed is the banjo: Your audience is awesome!

Blessed is the banjo: Your mothers and fathers are teaching babies a new language of Love.

Blessed is the banjo: Short fingernails are your fashion accessory.

Blessed is the banjo: It's the most original American Instrument.

Link to the AtoZ Challenge Here

No No Nook

I recently purchased a tablet for Nook thanks to some Christmas $$ generosity. Very pleased  for the most part. But did you know it's beyond my knowledge on how to actually learn a new song when using said tablet. Reason being, you can't see the whole page at once and so you're  constantly starting and stopping.  And imagine for a minute the finger speed of a 5-string banjoist trying to accomplish some sort of good sound from this situation. Nook, you fail!  Miserably.

So please reconsider purchasing a music book for your *$#×! Nook. FYI when you print it on your printer, it's  the same 2 inch size as your tablet.
Not funny.

About my Day Job

Just sharing a post from my day job blog. Hope you'll take a peek. FIY Easy Reading :)
Honeysuckle Road

A Little Banjo Humor

Earlier this week I tried sharing this pic but it didn't work. so once again....

 

Preparing for my A to Z April Challenge as we speak.

But this time I'm using this blog. Hoping for user-friendly options with my audio. 

I've also lined up a good picture source or two. Thanks in advance to those who agreed as my pictures aren't as plentiful this year.

Now off to practice that banjo!
Link :A to Z Blog Challenge

Chocolate

Above you will see me beginning the unloading of Salt and Pepper Shakers. I have a post about my cabinet on this link. But that's not really what I'm talking about this time. Although the unpacking of the cabinet is tedious and time-consuming.

I'm on the 2nd shelf as of this writing and the excuse to write this post was much more enticing than finishing another shelf.

Mainly because Kirsten walked in with a plate of these cupcakes. I'm definitely taking a break now from the salt and pepper project.

Thanks Kirsten for the diversion.

I needed that!

 

Earl Scruggs & Steve Martin - Foggy Mountain Breakdown (Best

When I was 9 years old, my daddy took me downtown in Sedalia, Missouri to Ike Martin Music Company. We went in thinking about buying a guitar or violin. I saw a man playing a banjo and insisted that I wanted to have "one of those". Well, ya know it sure is hard being daddy's girl! Because I got my way. I wish I could tell you that the man playing was Earl, but sorry, can't. But I can tell you that he was playing "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and I was totally hooked. I hope my little blog post on "Brother Earl" is enjoyable to my readers. For me it's a small personal tribute and I thank you, Earl, for your contribution, inspiration and for being my hero!!