The Hunger What?

The last time I went on vacation, I...gave my daughter the best day of her life without even planning it.

On our big girls' trip to Atlanta, we spent Monday morning at the Atlanta Historical Museum.  Oh, yeah.  We Coop girls know how to par-tay!

I won't go into the details about why we went there.  It's not important.  What is important is that we decided to go on the two home tours that came with the admission to the museum.  We first went to the old farmhouse tour, which was the usual old farmhouse tour.  We then went to the grand mansion, where we expected to go on the usual grand mansion tour.

How wrong we were.

The group going on the tour was a diverse group.  Buttercup and I were the only folks there under the age of 60, and of the 20 people, only four others were even from the U.S.  The tour guide told us that we weren't going to get to see the rooms as they normally were, as the furniture was removed for the shooting of a movie.  Everyone was real nonchalant about the movie reference, until he asked if anyone had any questions.  Someone asked which movie it was, and that's when the tour got real interesting real quick.

In an off-handed way, the guide said, "The Hunger Games".

I must tell you that Buttercup is a HUGE fan of both the books and the movie.  She has read the books at least 5 times and, thanks to her friend, has seen the movie at least 4 times.  She has photos of the main characters in her school locker.  She knows that the new movie is to hit theaters on November 22, 2013.  She is on the verge of becoming obsessed.

When that guide so carelessly threw out the name of the movie, Buttercup choked.  Then perked up and squeaked, "Did you just say that the next Hunger Games movie was shot right here two weeks ago?"

"Yes.  They shot some dancing scenes I think."

"Jennifer Lawrence was in this house two weeks ago?"

"Yes."

"And Josh Hutcherson.  He was here, too?"

"Who is Josh?"

That's when Buttercup came within a breath of passing out.

She just learned the biggest news of her short life, and not one person on that porch with us had any idea how big this news was.  She was surrounded by middle-aged Europeans who had never even heard of the books, let alone the movie.  No one was there to share in this momentous occasion except me.  While I know from where she comes (I about lost my gourd on our summer vacation when we stumbled upon the actual green curtains from "Gone With the Wind") I'm not exactly the fan of "The Hunger Games" that she is.  Poor girl.

The rest of the tour was just a whole lot of blah, blah, blah as far as Buttercup was concerned.  She kept whispering to me, "I am walking on the same floor that Jennifer Lawrence walked,"  or, "Josh Hutcherson danced right where I am standing."

And Buttercup came face to face with her own morality.

Before we learned the big news of the movie shoot, the guide had told us that no photos were to be taken inside the house.  We could take all the photos we wanted outside, but none inside.   While we toured, I could see it in her eyes.  I'd give her a look, and she'd say, "Do you know how easy it would be to just push this button and "accidentally" take a photo right now?"  It was killing her.  How was she supposed to show photos of the set to people back home without photos?  I was very proud of her for resisting temptation and following directions while we were in the house.

I was so proud, in fact, that I helped her get around the rules when we went outside. 

They said we could take all the photos we wanted outside, so we took photos through the windows.  Unfortunately, the sun was shining right on the side of the house that we needed, so we had to get right up close to create some shade in order to even get something besides our own reflections.  But it worked.  If you are a fan, sit down.  I'm about to show you the set of the party scene in President Snow's residence.

 

Blows your mind, doesn't it?

As soon as we got those photos out of the way, Buttercup had to immediately phone a friend.  The news was just too big to keep to herself for a whole day until we got back to Indy.

When we look back at this trip, Buttercup will remember that she got to go up the biggest freestanding escalator in the world to get to the CNN studios.

She may remember that while in Atlanta, she did as the Atlantians do, and drank as much Coca-Cola as she wanted, being that we were in the city where Coke was created. 

She'll remember but may not be impressed with the fact that we went to the top of the world's second largest solid mountain of granite

and had fun taking silly pictures while up there.

She probably won't remember that she learned how to make little bubbles inside of humongous bubbles.

She will remember that we went on some seriously fun roller coasters at Six Flags.

But those memories won't come close to the excitement of stumbling upon one of the sets of her favorite movie of all time. 

It was a seriously big deal, y'all.

I so enjoy taking our kids on their individual trips.  For a few days, Buttercup got to choose what she wanted to do without having to take her brothers' interests into account.  Her personality got to shine without being tempered by her brothers' overwhelming presence.

Throughout the trip, Buttercup kept saying how much Turken would enjoy this, or Phoenix would enjoy that.  The boys were never far from our minds, but thankfully they were far from our location.

We got to have some really serious girl fun without them.

Have a lovely day!

Monday Listicles - Halloween Costumes

It's Monday Listicles time!  Thank you Stasha, for always giving us great prompts.  This week we are to write about Halloween costumes.  (At least I hope that's today's prompt.  I am actually out of town today and wrote this post last week.  If it's not, I hope you enjoy my totally random and original post on 10 Halloween costumes.)

I remember one, and only one, Halloween costume from my childhood.  Not because I liked it, but because it was the worst costume ever.  My mom had read a magazine, some crafty/homey type magazine, clearly not one in which the editors and writers actually had children, and found "the best" costume.  In my attempt to be most-loved child, I agreed to let her dress me.  As a hobo.  (I know.  So politically correct in the 80s, weren't we?)  Not just any hobo, with oversized, plaid clothes and a stick with a bandanna pouch on the end.  That wouldn't be "the best" now would it?  No, I had to have a realistic beard to complete the look. 

My mother, who claims to have loved me, put Karo syrup all over my chin, cheeks, and upper lip.  And then, to look totally authentic, she patted COFFEE GROUNDS onto the syrup.  Oh, it looked real, alright, but I have never been so uncomfortable in all my life.  And I've given birth to six kids.  Worst thing in the world to trick or treat in.  It itched so badly.  I couldn't actually scratch the itch, though, or my hands and then my candy would be covered with syrupy coffee grounds.  Three hours later, we had to get that crap off my face.  Raw.  My face was raw. 

To add insult to injury, my sister was the most beautiful princess that year.  Pointy hat and all. 

Clearly, my attempts to be most-loved child fell quite short.

Unlike my mother, I really do love my children, so they have never had to live through costume hell.  I may have dressed them up to look ridiculously cute, but never uncomfortable.  Comfort is numero uno in costuming as far as I'm concerned.

And finally, to my list.  I'm letting you all in on a little secret.  I have the potential to be crafty, but I rarely live up to my potential.  Really only at Halloween.  I have made many, many costumes over the years, and all without a sewing machine.  I don't have one, and wouldn't know how to use one if I did.  Here you have

My 10 Favorite Homemade Halloween Costumes Worn By My Children

(For Which I Could Find a Photo)

1. Clifford and 2. Cleo (Phoenix tore off the paws, as they were not conducive to eating candy.  Buttercup hadn't figured that part out yet.)

3.  Girl ghost, pig tails and all. 

4.  SpongeBob and 5. Patrick  

6.  Pocahontas

7.   Robin Hood

8.  Two years ago, I was just not in the mood to make any costumes.  To avoid doing so, I suggested to the kids that they combine two costumes that we already had and make a new, funny one.  Giant wore his authentic Matt Kensith (the Nascar driver) jacket he had gotten for his birthday and bat wings to become "Bat" Kensith. While I was impressed with Giant's creativity, Phoenix got the gold star for funny.  He wore a huge whoopie cushion and a Bart Simpson mask to go as "Fart" Simpson.  (I can't believe I don't have a photo of him wearing this.)

9.  Ironman (Hubby completed an Ironman race on Giant's third birthday.  So, a month later, Giant went as his daddy.)

10.  Batman and Robin.  (I didn't make these.  My friend made them for her boys, and I stole them the next year.)  

Have you ever seen such comfortable children on Halloween?

Do you have memorable costume from your childhood?  How about one that your child(ren) wore?

Have a lovely day!

Silent Sunday. Wordless Wednesday Is So Four Days Ago

7 Quick Takes



****** 1 *******

A picture of the white board on Giant's dresser:

Somebody really doesn't like Spanish class.

*************** 2 ******************

I am going to tell you the secret of the longevity of my marriage.

Is it because Hubby and I have frequent date nights?  No, we don't.

Is it because we have long conversations into the night?  No, it isn't.

Is it because we can't keep our hands off each other?  No comment.  My dad reads this.

It has something to do with the fact that when we each received this email, the exact same thoughts came to both of us.

"My daughter-in-law would like to sell her cervical traction system. If you know of anyone that needs this and would like to buy it, please let me know. I’ve been told it’s almost twice this much new."

Our first thoughts:  "We have six kids and have never heard of this child-birth device.  And really, why the hell would anyone want a used one?"

One Google search later, we found that a cervical traction system is for a person's neck.  Apparently, cervical doesn't always mean something pertaining to the cervix.

The secret to a good, long marriage?

Mutual stupidity.

*********** 3 **********

 

I have finally discovered the key to being the best mom ever, and because I like you, I will share the secret.

 

Giant pancakes.

 

On a whim, I decided to make pancakes as big as their heads.  I haven't seen them that excited in a long time.  Like since the Christmas they got iPod touches.



************* 4 **************

 

Our toy box is covered in old photos from when the big kids were little.  My brother made it for his kids, but when he moved to Hawaii, he gave the toy box to us.  It has sat in our family room for three years now.

 

I was snuggling on the couch with Cuckoo when he said, "Why is Phoenix holding Turken in that picture?"

 

 

 

Me: "That's not Turken.  It is Daddy holding Phoenix when Phoenix was a baby."

 

Cuckoo then got up to point to the picture of which he was speaking.

 

"This one.  Phoenix is holding Turken."

 

Me:  "Nope, that's Daddy holding Phoenix."

 

Long pause.  Quizzical look.  Longer pause.  Then,

 

"But Daddy doesn't have that many hair."

 

************** 5 *****************

 

On the ride home from soccer, somehow the big kids and I got into a conversation about cheerleaders.  Whether boys could be cheerleaders.  At which sports cheerleaders cheer.  It then moved on to NFL cheerleaders.  Specifically their attire, looks, and age. 

 

Someone mentioned that I would not be able to be a cheerleader.  Offended, I asked why.

 

Buttercup managed to say, "They have big boo" when I cut in to stop her.  Then with a grin, she finished her sentence.  "boots.  Most of them wear big boots."

 

Giant then added his two cents with, "They wear skimpy outfits that show their stomachs." 

 

Luckily, we pulled into the driveway before he could say any more. 

Just to show them that despite their jokes, I am still in charge, I ran ahead of them and very mature-like locked the door behind me.  As they stood on the front porch, I did a little na-na-na-na-poo-poo dance.  At which point Phoenix said, "Yeah, with dance moves like that she really can't be a cheerleader."

Unfortunately, the whole conversation was relayed to Hubby when I finally let them in.  Hubby's only question was, "Why would Mom showing her stomach be a problem?" All innocent, like this was a real question.  Giant responded, "Have you seen her stomach?"

 

It seems I am living with a bunch of jerks. 
 

********* 6 ************

 

In this past week's Monday Listicles, I read about all sorts of women who are different from their younger selves in that they don't pay nearly as much attention to their appearance.  I was shocked to learn that showering every day was actually an option!  Who knew?  So, yesterday, the first day of Fall Break for the kids, I jumped right on that bandwagon.  I even took the kids to the playground and stopped at the grocery store in my unkempt state.  (I didn't go in my pajama bottoms, though.  Didn't want to hurt myself with too much change all at once.)  I only have one question.  Was I supposed to change my underwear?

 



 ********** 7 **********

 

 

Bright and early tomorrow morning, Buttercup and I will be heading to Atlanta.  It is her year to go on a trip, and she wanted to go to a big city to which she'd never been.  It's making Hubby crazy that we don't have any solid plans of what we're going to do once we get there.  All we know is that we'll find something, and that Stone Mountain and the Coke museum are on the to-do list.  We're adventurous types of gals.  Don't worry, I've been extra busy putting together posts for you to peruse while I'm gone.  However, I won't be replying or visiting with you until we return.  Which is Tuesday.  (Did you see that, Dad?  I'll be out of town until Tuesday.)

 

 

Have a lovely weekend!

I'm Not a Fan of Government. Aren't I Original?

There were lots of smiles.

And hugs.

There was lots of laughing.

And high fives.

There was lots of cooperation.

And introductions.

There were boisterous renditions of Happy Birthday.

And birthday ribbons.

Yet we were not at a birthday party.

We were working at a food pantry.

The school my kids attend stresses service and responsibility in helping others.  Each month the school chooses one organization to support.  For example, in September there is a walk-a-thon to help children with diabetes attend camp.  In December there is a drive to collect hygiene products for the local shelter.  In April, they raise money to purchase animals through Heifer, International.  The kids are not to mooch money off of relatives, but are to donate their own money or do extra chores to earn it.

These are all great activities to teach the kids how to help people.  But there needs to be more.

The school, to my delight, also requires all middle school students to complete service hours.  Each year, hundreds of students learn how to not only help people, but how to serve others.  Hopefully with a happy heart.

Besides raking leaves for old ladies, I take them to work at The Lord's Pantry. 

I won't go into all of the details.  In short, a man named Lucious Newsome came to Indy for work, helped serve meals on Thanksgiving, and discerned that he needed to help feed people every single day.  He gave up everything and lived as a "beggar for the poor."  The Lord's Pantry was thus begun.  If you want to read more, the whole story is at the link above.  I have worked there several times, and each time, the same amazing things have happened.

For the first hour and a half, volunteers set up the "store", organizing the fresh produce, bread, canned goods, chicken, drinks, and snacks that have been donated.  Buttercup and Star went with me this time, and we spent the entire time measuring 200 pounds of flour into 2 cup packages.

Before the doors are opened, the volunteers are gathered to get instructions.  Rule #1 is Smile.  The folks coming through the line may not see another smile all week.  Be polite, be happy, introduce yourself, be personable. 

Holy cow, do the volunteers deliver!  The regular volunteers know the people from the neighborhood.  They know their names, they know the families, they know their stories.  And they are genuinely happy to see them.  When someone with a birthday walks in, a gift bow is slapped on her shoulder.  The entire time, she has people wishing her a happy birthday, and before she leaves, everyone sings a boisterous Happy Birthday! 

Some volunteers are in charge of telling customers how many of each product they can have.  The luckiest volunteers get to help the customers carry their bags.  I helped six women on Saturday.  I simply walked behind each woman, carrying her grocery bags while she loaded them up.  We introduced our children (my kids were passing out different products, theirs were helping carry groceries), we talked recipes, we hugged. 

I had a great time.

On the way home, I was curious to know what Buttercup and Star thought of the experience.  I teared up at Star's answer.

"I was surprised to see how many kids were there.   And I was really surprised to see their clothes."

Huh?  Did he think they would be naked?  I asked for clarification.

"They had warm coats.  They had normal clothes.  They looked like me."

For years, he had been helping the poor without even knowing who "the poor" actually was.

The poor are people that look just like him.  And me.

Are there people needing assistance because of drugs or alcohol?  Yes.

Were there people who felt that it was a right to receive this food?  Most certainly.  (Buttercup had to be talked down after a woman got completely ticked off that she had to wait for a few seconds for someone to get her white bread instead of the wheat on the table.)

Does it matter?  Not in the least.

Jesus did not tell us to help those that deserve it.  He did not tell us to help only those people that we like.  He told us to help those in need.  Without judgement.  

So we did.

In this election year, there is quite the debate over taxes.  How much to tax and how to spend the money.

I am in the camp that says get rid of many of the taxes as well as many of the government help programs.

I get angry when people accuse those of us in this camp of not caring for those in need.

I am in this camp because I care very much for people in need.

When a person goes to apply for assistance, does she get a hug?

When the government sends the check, does it come with a smile?

Does the machine writing that check ask about her children?

Does anyone in the government gather a group of people to sing a boisterous Happy Birthday to her?

No.  No, it doesn't.

There are so many people in this world who want to serve, and they are so much better at it than an impersonal government.

Do we need to pay taxes?  Absolutely.  The government is a necessity for a civilization to work.

But I would love to pay a whole lot less in taxes and give every penny of that money to charitable organizations that actually serve people.

Have a lovely day!

You're Such a Good Dog, I Mean Kid

You know what I love to hear?  One of my kids screaming, "You cheated!"  Sure, the child may be gearing up for a bit of fisticuffs, but for the time leading up to that scream, the kids were having a lovely bit of bonding time over a game.

My children love to play games.  All kinds of games.  We introduced games to them when they were very, very small, and have encouraged them to play their entire lives.   I'm not going to go into the benefits of games, as I'm sure that all of my friends reading this are well aware.

I am going to give you a tip for playing a game with your toddlers/preschoolers.  Games with this age can get quite tedious, seeing as how the games are pretty simple and the children like to play them a thousand times in a row. 

I have a new way to play matching games.  It is best played on rainy or really cold days that the kids can't play outside.  Or on days in which you have been working your tail of to clean the house.  I only wish I would have been smart enough to think of this when the big kids were little.  Turken and Cuckoo love playing it.  Almost as much as me.

First, divide the matching cards into two piles, then scatter one of the piles around the house. 

Multiple rooms works best.

The other pile stays next to you on the couch or some other comfortable spot.

See where I'm going with this?

The child picks a card from the pile, at which time, if you want to be educational and all, you can have a small chat about the card and what will match it.

The child then runs off to find the matching card.

He will then, hopefully, return with the match.

If not, discuss and send him back to try again.

You will collect the cards and neatly place them in the game box on your lap.

OK, sure, it's a bit like a game of fetch with a dog.  Gotta say, though, this is easier.  Your arm never gets tired from throwing the ball. 

You.  Are.  Welcome.  Both for the game idea and the photos of my cluttered house.  Probably should get off the computer and do something about that.

Have a lovely day!

Accessorizing Angry

This little lad is very lucky to have been created so darn cute.

 

When he flushed his brand-new, most favorite socks down the toilet, his sheepish grin kept my irritation in check. 

When he decides that he wants to put his own socks and shoes on after I have already done so, and then proceeds to scream at me while tearing them off, it helps that his angry face is actually kinda cute.

At the playground, each and every time, he asks me to push him on the swing.  "Not slow," he says each and every time.  So I give him a bit of a push, then he yells, "I don't want to go in the air!"  So I slow him down.  So he can yell again, "Not slow!"  A little harder.  "I don't want to go in the air!"  Apparently there is a very, very specific height that suits him, and I am to keep the swing at that height without ever actually pushing him.  Yeah, the adorableness of his little tush on the swing keeps me from showing him what "in the air" really means.

Yes, God knew what he was doing when he made toddlers/preschoolers yummy little bundles of baby fat and cuddles.

Just curious, though, why didn't He do the same for teens and preteens?  Their angry faces aren't nearly as cute as their preschool counterparts' expressions.

Perhaps if I make them wear the hat when they get angry?

The kid rarely gets angry.  He had no idea how to make an angry face.

Oh yes, much better.

Turken couldn't be left out, so he grabbed the hat and pulled an angry pose of his own.

Oh, he is still way in the cute phase.

You know the theory that says kids live up to the expectations people have for them?  It's true. 

Hello Cuckoo photo bomb.

Have a lovely day!