Random Musings about the Day

Today is the seventh anniversary of 9-11. On that morning in 2001 Chase and I were coming home from early morning violin lessons and heard the breaking news over the radio waves as it happened. Images created in our minds that have never left...

Well in order to look on the bright side of this day I remembered it is Land and Chase's friend Ricky's birthday and I always tell him that it is a good day for a birthday because it also happens to be Harry's birthday and he's all like who's Harry? And I'm all you don't know? Now it has become a bit of a joke between us. There is actually a skate video of Ricky with a serenade by Harry floating around somewhere on my computer.

Another bright spot - Brady is Chad Danforth in our community production of High School Musical. I attended opening night with his family. It was pure good fun! Go B-Rad. He is athletic, and can dance and can sing. So talented. He is the student body president in the new High School Musical 3 so look for him when it comes to theaters in October. (for those of you who don't know Brady he is one of the kids' friends who I consider another son)

I can't remember Anne Morrow Lindbergh's words exactly, but it is something like this, "Every day has joy, no matter how dull and sad".

Now fill the next 4 years with joy and vote Obama! (here's a view from a real woman that thinks like I do)

Time Since - Four Months

She was beautiful! I miss her deeply... that thread that binds mothers to daughters that lengthens and shortens throughout the long days of life is pulling me close to her. She sends me messages in the way I stand or speak to my children or laugh, yes laughter is emerging slowly. She is proud of me. I can feel her brush my hair back and gently touch my forehead. The heat of a fever of grief radiating. "There, there sis - I am with you".

It's Called a Lance ..... Hello

I guess my kid's have noticed. I scream when I hear Harry Connick Jr. I rushed the stage for Donny Osmond performing as Joseph in Chicago. I have crossed the tape in the tunnel to give Joe Montana a pat on the shoulder, Darren assures me it was more of a firm slap on the back. I will replay Bob Burnquist skateboarding narrating every move, "did you see that, and switch". I was in the car in a nanosecond when I heard Barack Obama was down the street, knocking over family that was in my way. They think it's odd that I have a lithograph of Harry from the New Orleans Jazz Festival and a picture I have with him at the Olympics displayed in my office, but no picture of my family. They have to know they are my first crush, my true loves, they just think it's funny (or bizarre) how transparent I can be. I did come home and find this poster displayed in the sitting room. They had been to a garage sale and picked up this sweet puppy all for me. This poster really reminds of Echo; we saw this movie twice when she stayed with us as a teenager. So ode to Heath and all those that make our hearts beat a little faster just because.

because necessity is the mother of invention

I have been encouraging the boys to do more with their hands - to find a need and create a solution with their minds and own man-power. Well who doesn't need a floating adjustable lounge chair in the pool. Not exactly what I had in mind, but nevertheless, brilliant!

the end of {summer} days

It is bittersweet when your child starts school at any age, especially when the summer has been "most epic" (in his own words). Land and I spent the day gathering supplies for the academic year. We made two stops - D.I. and Staples and the latter cost much more than the wardrobe and specialty items from the thrift store, in fact, I'm certain that lunch with his parents cost more than them all combined. But... spending hours with Land before he is off to conquer his sophomore year... priceless.

Puffy Pancake Recipe:

Heat Oven to 450 degrees F

Mix 3 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt with electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Add two tablespoons melted butter.

Pour mixture into a quiche or pie plate that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

Bake 15 min. or until edges puff up and top is golden brown.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar and enjoy. Berries or apples are good as well.