Parallels

The Brady Bunch gave me my first insight into multiple children. I knew from the first time I heard Jan's whiny voice crying out, "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!" that I didn't want a large family and more specifically, I didn't want to have to deal with the middle child syndrome. This fact became even more blatantly clear when my older brother, Mark and his wife, Lory, had three children. I was in college when his kids were born (do the math and you'll realize I enjoyed college). I was the epitome of the punk little sister not wanting to have ANY responsibility. I couldn't fathom being married, nevermind having children. I categorized each child early on and I think I was pretty spot-on with my stereotyping. Their oldest, Chris, is the Brain. Very smart kid, but man, he could talk. He was so inquisitive, it wasn't 20 questions with him, it was 1000 questions, asked in rapid fire fashion. John is the youngest and I denoted him as the Braun. As a little one, he was always active, the rough and tumble, happy go lucky type. And then there's Julia, the middle child. The tantrum thrower, door slammer and back talker, but could turn the charm on as fast as you could turn on the lights. She knew how to work the system. Can you guess what B word I might have come up with?

I'd sit back and laugh as I listened to all the stories. My, how the tables have turned. My brother and sister-in-law are the ones laughing now. That old adage that states everything comes back on you three-fold has proven itself accurate (scarily so). Katie is Chris all over again, but in girl form, asking 3000 questions. There is not an ounce of fat on little Sarah. She twirls and flips and runs and jumps like a prima ballerina. She also doesn't get caught up in any of her big sisters' drama. It is a seldom sight to see a frown on her face.

And then there's Sydney. Technically speaking, she is our middle child being one minute older than her twin. There is only one word to describe her. Relentless. She is like a pit bull locked on to a piece of prime rib when she wants something. She too, just like Julia, knows how to work it and work it well. And that scream. Dogs everywhere cover their ears.
Seriously, though, I love my niece and nephews. I don't get to see them much and that makes me sad. It makes me even sadder that he hasn't seen my kids that much either. I just want to state publicly to him though, "Mark, your kids are the best, and if my kids turn out half as good as yours than I will thank my lucky stars."

A Tradition Continues

I do not believe in mythical creatures or boogiemen, but I have been enthralled by vampires since as far back as when Dark Shadows was the hot soap opera. I remember my dad read Salem’s Lot by Stephen King when I was in the third grade. He would share a chapter with us each night at dinner (to my mom's horror), and I would retell the telling with a few embellishments the next day in the cafeteria for my friends. I was quite the hit for a couple of weeks. Bram Stoker’s Dracula was a favorite read. My high school friends and I squealed throughout Fright Night. Buffy and Angel…enough said. Blade was not one of my favorites but I still watched…and secretly cheered for Deacon (Stephen Dorff). Underworld brought sexy back.

I mention all this only to preface that a new breed of vampire lovers has been born. I suppose it could be genetic and they didn't have a choice. But I cannot take all of the credit, Edward gets most of it. My obsession has reached new levels thanks to him and all of his sparkling undeadness. That blasted Twilight series, which consumed my life for a few weeks in November, has infected the girls. In keeping with tradition I am sharing the story (all four books) with painstaking detail. And, tonight we are going to watch the movie.

OK, I admit the Cullen family is pretty tame as far as vampires go, but I don't think the girls are quite ready for Mr. Barlow.

Balancing Act

Being a mom is the hardest thing I've ever experienced, but at the same time it is definitely the most rewarding. I struggle with trying to teach them everything and wanting them to learn on their own. I want them to be involved with everything, but I don't want to turn them into one of the many mindless little puppets I see coming to college...you know the ones who were pushed to do whatever by their parents, but can't make a decision without calling home first.


Larry and I are overwhelmed by what our girls can do, and I sometimes feel sorry for myself and the fact that I can't send them to dance class or gymnastics class or whatever their passing fancy may be that week. I try to remember they are not little machines waiting to be programmed by me. There will be plenty of time for lessons and sports and all of that nonsense. Now is the time to concentrate on the perfect little creatures that they are. Everyday they do something to cause my heart to crack. Yes, I am an overly sensitive person so emotions for me are shown in the extreme...just ask my husband, parents, and co-workers. But, honestly how could you NOT burst into joyous tears if your six year old wakes in the morning, stares at you with blurry eyes, asks you to lean over because she has a secret she wants to tell you, and whispers in the sweetest little voice, "You know what, Mommy? I love you".

Pink Tornado Sighting in Clemson

Every once in awhile I bring the girls back to work with me for an hour or so. During winter break they came in and spent a couple of days. Thankfully, I work in an office that is "kid-friendly", not in the sense that it is filled with toys. I mean my boss is great about letting them come in, and my other co-workers affectionately put up with the giggling and running and general chaos that accompanies my girls. I even "hire" our student workers to pick them up from school on the days I have my class. I don't know what it is about our office, but the girls LOVE coming up here. It could be the elevator, the food court downstairs, the endless supply of paper and markers, snacks that appear, or a new audience to entertain, who knows.

One of my co-workers nicknamed them the Pink Tornados as they truly are a whirlwind, a force of nature to be reckoned with wherever they go. Also, they do tend to leave a path of destruction in their wake. They even have t-shirts that this same co-workers made for them. She's so clever.

It's been a couple of months since the Pink Tornados have touched down here...I think they're due. Be on the lookout!

Spring Break...Kind of...

Clemson University, where I work, was on spring break last week. This means the students were off the entire week while we, the staff, got one day off. Parking was so much better and it sure was quiet, but I was happy to see the little cherubs crossing the quad to get to class this morning. Things are more lively when they're around. Hey, it's why we're here.

Our girls have today off from school, one of those teacher in-service days. So...last Friday we met my parents in Columbia, where they took the girls to their house for a long weekend. There were a few tears from Katie and Sydney, but Sarah would probably move in with my parents if given the opportunity. By Saturday morning, we were a distant memory as golf, swimming and Mimi's make-up filled their day. We talked with them or rather we listened to them as they relived every facet of their day. They love going to Mimi and Papa's house (not sure if it's reciprocated...I'll find out in a few hours when I go to pick them up).

Larry and I had been looking forward to this little break for awhile. We haven't had a "babysitter" since before Christmas. Our big weekend consisted of going out to lunch on Saturday, sleeping in on Sunday and talking about how much we missed the girls. It was so nice to have a conversation with him and not be interuppted by "Mommy, mommy, mommy!" We enjoyed a few hours extra sleep, but just like the students, it's so much livelier with our little cherubs around.

Music Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Last night, the girls and I went to choir. I assist with Katie's group, and the twins sing with the younger group. For the next several weeks, the two groups are rehearsing together for the big Easter extravaganza. 30ish 5th graders to 3 year olds standing still through a song that lasts 5 minutes is a testimony to the diligent work of the other leaders (I, thankfully, run the soundboard). There are, of course, the shouters, flashers, mumblers, fidgeters, nose-pickers, face-makers, and my favorite, behind-scratchers. But all-in-all they sounded pretty good.

The previous week, the adult choir director asked Katie if she'd be willing to sing a solo. My ever-so-shy one jumped up and down, wanting nothing more than to sing for the masses. Ms. Jo then approached me to see if I'd be willing to sing a duet with Katie. After my heart restarted and in some weird moment of weakness, I agreed. We were handed a stack of music books last night with pages marked with songs she thought we'd like. Next week, we'll start rehearsing.

I sang in my high school choir, did some musicals in college, and enjoyed a few moments of kareoke stardom, but church? Yikes. What was I thinking?

I know exactly what I was thinking. I get to sing with my daughter. Just writing that brings tears in my eyes.

Life's a Party Everyday...Join Us!

Several times a week I scan through probably 20-30 blogs. These blogs range from photo commentaries of my friends, intellectual and literary delights, to random sites that catch my fancy. What a fabulous way to share a little piece of oneself with others who have similar interests (or who are just curious). Could I actually create a blog? Me, who fought against computers and the WORLD WIDE WEB for so long, but who is now addicted to Facebook? Obviously, the verdict is still out as I am trying to compose the first of what I hope will be a weekly if not daily entry.



My biggest dilemma was trying to decide what the "theme" of this blog should be. Family, work, school, memories, pictures, likes, dislikes...But then I thought about one of the blogs I regularly visit, The Sheila Variations. One of the reasons I like to read her stuff is that I never know what to expect. One day, it could be on Stalin, the Founding Fathers, or Cary Grant and the next it could be pictures of her cat, obsession with Dean Stockwell, or diary excerpts from junior high. Another reason, she makes no excuses for writing what she does. She writes about things that please her. If you don't like it, go read some other blog.



OK, then. I think I can do that, but don't start looking for posts on Stalin. I'll leave those topics to the experts. I think I'll concentrate on my family...for now. Larry and I are blessed with three FABULOUS girls; Katie, Sydney and Sarah. I can't remember where we were but the girls were squealing with glee and an older woman looked at them and then back at Larry and me. She smiled and said, "Life's a party everyday with them, isn't it?" Too true!