Popcorn's Page

What? October 7th? No!!

2011-10-07T22:13:00.000-07:00

Many months have passed since the January Marathon post, why is that you ask? One small four letter word, life. Last school year I had a senior in high school, so the year was a blur. Now that hubby and I are the only ones in the house, I want to commit some time to Popcorn's Page, I miss it!

Not only do we have a college freshman adjusting to dorm life this fall, one of our daughters spent the month of September in Europe. He's doing fine and I'm happy to say that the traveler is back on American soil where she belongs...for now.

If you haven't visited the website Pinterest.com, you need to. It is a great concept and fun to browse around on. See you next post.

Marathon Memories

2011-02-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

Running the marathon Sunday was awesome. The course took us to all of the prettiest and charming parts of H town. Amazing people came out to line the streets just to cheer us as we ran by. The weather was nice. All things considered, it was a fun experience and one I'll never forget. Thank you Mr. Popcorn and Popson for following me around just to wave and snap pictures of me and hold up encouraging signs. You two are awesome and your faces kept me truckin' through no man's land, the miles far enough out from the finish that your mind starts a stream of negative thoughts. Thoughts like, "Why did you think you could do this?", or "Why would any idiot run this far?". The closer I got to the finish line the negative thoughts turned more positive..."Mel you are actually going to run 26.2 miles!" ... "OMG you are almost there!" "Look at all these people that are so happy you are almost finished!"..."You aren't going to die after all so keep going and don't embarrass yourself! " "I see the 26 mile flag oh man!" I loved it and now have a memory to cheer myself with when I feel defeated, because for a day in 2011, I was a champion.

The Real Popcorn: Marathon Mel

2011-01-24T18:48:00.000-08:00

This weekend I will run 26.2 miles in the Houston Chevron Marathon. Sunday at 7:10 to be exact. I've trained with my running friends since May with this goal in mind. Well, not this goal but a goal. At first it was to run the half, but Dec. 19 I decided to go for the whole thing. Staci, my pace running partner finished it in 2002 and kept encouraging me to give the full a go, as did our coach/running guru friend, Donna. So I did, I bumped up. I will probably never be this trained up again in my life so I'm going for it. The very act of training for a marathon is inspirational and I've grown more than just muscle through the months of early morning run chats with Staci. See you soon with sore but proud legs.

Popcorn's Poetry: Chairs from Williamsburg, Monticello, and Mount Vernon (and one from a special private collection...)

2010-08-31T14:31:00.000-07:00

Ready for this??? Popcorns Celebrate 30 Years of Wedded Bliss

2010-08-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right. You heard me correctly! Thirty years of togetherness. Here's the stats: Married, half past seven in the evening, August 23, 1980. First Baptist Bellaire, Tx. Six houses, 19 cars, three babies/toddlers/preschoolers/elementary children/middle schoolers/TEENAGERS/young adults/softball players/soccer players/football players/baseball players/basketball players...Three dogs, four cats, aquariums full of goldfish, 1 gerbil (gross) Two Brownies and a Cub Scout. One church, 23 years of Wednesday night choir practice, GA's, RA's, and youth activities on the third floor. Anniversary trips to Salado, San Antonio, and Austin. 23+21+17 birthday parties. One sweet 16 party with 150 on the guest list, and one Sound of Music surprise party with 70 eating all German food and dressed in character...lots of nuns and even a couple of smiling edelweiss. Years and years and YEARS of fun, family, and friends. A CD and music video, New Year's trips to Epcot/Disney(with our besties and their kids who are our kids' besties!) and Times Square. Best of all, the sweetest day in /day out, we're a team, I've got your back, life long tete te tete with the man of my dreams. Happy Anniversary honey!

Anxiety Within

2010-08-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

Today I'm nagged by the ever so slight gnaw gnaw gnaw of anxiety. I run, it's there. I eat, it's there. I wake, it greets me. I chat and laugh, it lurks. Oy.

Popcorn's Playtime..thanks rain

2010-07-08T21:42:00.000-07:00

I have to confess that this week I was given the gift of do whatever I want when I want, even if it's nothing. And I have loved every last drop of every minute. During my busy comings and goings all the time, I have all these things at home that I would rather be doing. Things that bug me if they are left undone, which they always are, so I always feel a nagging sense of being annoyed and anxious to get back home to get on my projects. What kind of projects you ask? Organizing the garage is one biggy. I have wanted to get out there and tear into that thing for months. All spring when the temps were perfect for such a chore I always had something else to do, some sort of commitment. I'm not kidding! From the pretty days of fall all the way through spring, no time to take a couple of mornings to organize the garage. Same thing with my closet. I love an organized closet so much. But it seems like I live my life getting ready to go somewhere....church, choir, school, lunch, dinner, meeting. I know you know what I mean. So consequently the closet becomes increasingly....uh....well, disorganized. Sometimes to the point I can't even walk in it! So this week I've been able to tackle those two chores but for me it was blissful playtime. The garage needs one more morning, which will be tomorrow since it is conveniently trash day. My closet is now ready for the clothes hanging in it to be color sorted. I'm actually grateful for all this rain because without it I'd be getting ready to go somewhere.

Pretty Flowers At Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs

2010-07-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Long TIme No Blog

2010-07-01T20:19:00.001-07:00

Wow. March! Has it been that long since I was inspired to write something on my blog?? Truth is when I started my beloved Popcorn's Page I was not really employed..well, part time at my cute little Magpies store (not mine really but mine to me). Once I started teaching full time again that became my creative outlet and this one took a back seat. Sad isn't it? It's just that I am prone to pouring my whole self into things and when you pour your whole self into teaching teenagers...the self is all spent once home again at 3:00 p.m. There's not any energy left to think much less creatively. I'm not complaining. NO! I'm embracing this season in my life. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to teach two miles from my driveway much less the subject that I love. So tonight I am here to encourage you to embrace the new season in your life. We all experience them one way or another. Your season might not be one you've chosen for yourself...maybe another person "shoved" you into the season. Or maybe your new season was brought on by a sadness or tragedy...it happens to all of us. Or maybe you did choose it, like I did, but the adjustment has been rocky. My advice? Look at it, accept it, know it isn't going to go away. Our lives have a certain fluidity that we cannot fight, if we try we're just miserable. I heard a sermon in Colorado Springs last week and the minister said that we can't stay here, we can't go back, and we must move forward. How simple! Psychiatrists charge big bucks for such wisdom. So quit looking back and get going with your new plan. I am! Where do you think I've been all these months?

March Madness, in a good way

2010-03-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not going to talk about basketball or brackets or wins or losses. I just want to kvetch(in a good way) about how busy this month is. The build up to Easter is killing me. In a good way, of course. The Popcorns practiced for months on music for the presentation of The Passion, which we presented last Sunday. It was moving experience and it was a privelege to be part of such a beautiful production. But the intensity of the whole thing was exhausting. Then Monday night we were thrilled to be invited to a Seder dinner at the home of Super Church Lady which was so much fun and so meaningful. Really really enjoyed the evening. Last night was Popgrammie's birthday so we all met for dinner at her fav mexican food spot. Tonight was choir practice...we're now preparing for tomorrow night, Maundy Thursday service and Easter Sunday. Whew. Fun, but fast and furious! In a good way, of course. Happy Easter everyone.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T18:59:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day Friends! Here are some vintage Valentines that were given to my Dad by his friends all through his school years spanning the years 1946 through 1954. That was elementary school which was 1st through 8th grade. They are so sweet! Enjoy and Happy Valentine's Day!

Proud Popcorns

2010-02-04T19:38:00.000-08:00

Popson was inducted into the National Honor Society tonight. It was a nice candle lighting ceremony that didn't last too long. We are so proud of him!

Blog Photog 2010

2010-01-27T21:35:00.000-08:00

TIme for a Change, I Guess

2010-01-10T18:07:00.000-08:00

The church I've been a member of for 21 years is planning to change it's name. Personally, I think it is a good but odd idea. The name of the church is perplexing to those who are new to the area and don't know our history or the reason for the name. It is the name of the street we were originally located on but have since built on another site on another street. Hence, there is sometimes confusion about where the church actually is and people get lost and frustrated. That's why the odd idea of changing the name of the 28 year old congregation came about. I like the new name better, some people do not. They don't like the idea of changing it, and they don't like the new choice of names. Hum. It isn't official yet, there's a "vote" soon. We'll see how that goes....interesting. Life is full of surprises.

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

2010-01-07T17:45:00.000-08:00

Popcorn's Prayin'

2010-01-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

The carolers are still serenading us on the piano

My little Christmas village is still out

This nativity is still keeping us company in the entry

The patriotic tree is still standing proudly by the Constitution in the music room

We had a faculty meeting today about the possibility of no school in the morning. YIPPEE. I have got to get some more of the Christmas decorations down, sorted, and put away! It's embarassing that the whole project is in such a state of flux. But, (may I whine?) Popdaughter is still here and won't leave until Sunday and I just cannot spend my time obsessively sorting, packing, storing, and cleaning. So would I use tomorrow to complete the task? Maybe for a little while in the a.m. while she sleeps. Nevertheless, an unexpected free day is always a treat.

Nutcrackers are still standing guard on the little china cabinet in the dining room

Popcorn's Ponderings

2010-01-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

Have you ever just wanted to be home? Home sweet home. On the couch. You're tired, you're cold, and you're hassled and you just want to hibernate. But the next thing you know you find yourself standing in line at the DPS office with your son because his license expired on his birthday~ in October. Or you find yourself behind a shopping cart at Kroger at 9:00 p.m because the fridge has no milk? I know there's worse things, like Tsunami's and such. I just wondered if anyone else just wants to be home but life often dictates otherwise. : )

Guilt RIdden But Warm

2010-01-04T18:56:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here by the fire feeling so bad. My daughter wanted so badly for all of us to go see Avatar~ and I bailed. I just could not go sit in a movie theater for three hours and watch so not my genre Avatar in 3D tonight. I didn't have it in me, not the night before I go back to school. Bad timing. Bad Popcorn. So here I sit guilt ridden but warm. First guilt of the New Year. Oy.

Sunday Reflections

2010-01-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

It is really cold outside. And gray. This is what I imagine it looks like in cities in the northeast much of the time in winter. Not here though, gray days are really kind of rare. But honestly it is sort of calming because it absolutely subtracts some activities from the realm of possibility and I can sit in peace. So sit I will, and think. One is shopping, one is sleeping, and one is throwing the football with a friend. The weather hasn't kept the boy inside, surprise! Hubby is across the room watching football. The fire is keeping us all cozy and warm. I am going to slowly undeck the halls and have actually started. One tree is down and the Spode is back in its home in the red china cabinet. The deer and the outside lights are back in the garage despite protests from the boy. He loves those deer. He wanted to leave them out the rest of the year. I told him that while that is a lovely thought, there are deed restrictions for that sort of thing. What he doesn't know is that it makes my heart sing to have a 17 year old son that wants Christmas deer in the yard all year long. When we tossed the tree out the front door, I texted all three of them and gave a little heads up so they wouldn't drive up and just see it out there, undecorated and all sad by the curb. The decorations around the house served as a beautiful backdrop to a season of joy for our family. I guess that's why we all hate to see them fade away. It's back to school this week for us and back to our regular routine. I hope you have a great week, I plan to.

Popcorn's Promises: New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-02T00:16:00.000-08:00

Here are my New Year's resolutions for 2010:

1. Take better care of my husband.

2. Live simply.

3. Hold my tongue!

4. Spend more time with my mom.

5. Walk my dogs more.

6. Cook more.

7. Plan ahead.

I like to make these promises to myself because it forces me to think about what I need to change in my life. My last birthday, which will remain numberless, really caused me to take a hard look at how I conduct life. If I don't make some really important tweeks in some areas, I'm going to look up and, well, let's just say I need to go ahead and craft my life into what I know God wants it to be. There's no time like the present.

Happy New Year! Goodbye 2009 Come On In 2010!!!

2009-12-31T20:27:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve dinner at Amici with the family and Brenna. Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas Calm

2009-12-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

I am working full time. Why am I so calm? It's December and I'm posting grades tomorrow, giving final exams next week, and I feel no anxiety, no stress. My house is decorated and I'm having a caroling party here Saturday night. I actually made my ornament for the ornament party this year(the little snowman below) and the party was last week. What in the world is going on??? I have bought precious few gifts, yet I remain collected. Weird.

Snow!

2009-12-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

For about three days we heard snow was predicted for Friday. Sure, sure. Right. Well, it did snow and not just a little bit. It began to snow about 8 a.m. and it snowed all day. Came down in beautiful drifts hitting the windows and sticking to the ground. It was such a treat! Our school didn't call school off, so the kids were wildy excited. These pictures tell the story....

Professor Popcorn

2009-11-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

For everything there is a season. This season, I'm teaching school. High school U.S. History and World History. I teach at a school that I taught at before we had kids 23 years ago! Now two of our three have graduated from the school and the last one will be a senior next year. It's a fun way to spend the hours between 7 and 3. Teaching is a great gig. Here are some glimpes of a typical day in my little T shack...

Here's the greeter
Here's cute little T-7 ; not too pretty on the outside...but so cozy on the inside

Now where is that map of India?

Here's my podium; got the base out of the trash behind the school and cut and crackle painted the top. I love it!

And see those cute yellow desks? I think this is the only room that has them. They are so sunny and cheerful. How lucky am I??

Surprise!

2009-11-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

Yes, I was really surprised

The Captain Von Trapp

The Sound of Music theme is sinking in

The evening was complete when the Von Trapp children sang "So Long Farewell" on the stairs and the guests below bid them "ggggoooood nnnnnniiiiiiight" from below. It made turning 50 so worth it!

Happy Birthday Charlie Boy!

2009-10-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Charlie, you will turn 17 at 12:02 p.m. today. Just wanted to tell you happy birthday and to tell that you have brought nothing but absolute joy to my life every second from 12:02 p.m. Oct. 19, 1992 forward. You are delightful, wonderful, awesome, fantastic, beautiful, amazing, sensitive, brilliant, talented, kind, loving, spiritual, and most of all a man of God. Your Dad, sisters, and I are so proud of you and love love love you! Happy 17th birthday baby boy!!

Blog Abandonment, NOT Popcorn's Page!!!

2009-10-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Latley my blog neighbors have been neglecting their blogs. So sad. I have so enjoyed reading the blogs the last year or so. The blogs have given me such insight into people's thoughts, I hate to see them disappear. You might be thinking hey Popcorn, it seems like you're doing that too since you blog so infrequently lately. NO. I'm just busier than I was when I started blogging a year ago. I am now teaching full time again, which came upon me sort of suddenly last Christmas. I'm loving it I have to say, but yes, it eats up lots and lots of time. But I still want to blog and will be able to work it in more now that I have an actual classroom and don't have to float anymore. So keep checking this page for more newsy, photog blogging. I am not abandoning Popcorn's Page. I'm still over here on this side of the screen and I feel some inspired blogs coming on so stay tuned and keep me bookmarked. Love you all who read me.

Katie Girl Is Born

2009-10-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

Twenty three years ago today, at exactly 8:20 a.m. on a Sunday morning, Mary Katherine Carroll was born. After four rapid hours of labor, completely natural i.e. no pain killing drugs, my almost 9 pound baby girl graced the world. Her Peepaw announced it from his pulpit to his congregation in Lexington, Ky. Her Grammie and Papaw had their noses pressed up against the hospital window when she was rolled into the nursery. Baby Katie had a huge fan club from the very start. Tonight we celebrated her birthday quietly. Dinner with just the four of us, minus E who is off at school. We chatted, we smiled, we ate raw fish. Happy Birthday honey. Thanks for all the happiness you've brought us. We love you.

Blog Photog

2009-09-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Constitution Day! Yesterday, Sept. 17

2009-09-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

Our beloved Constitution, ratified in 1787, was 222 years old yesterday. Dig out a copy, pull it up on google, or something... and read it. It is a God inspired creation. I'm so thankful for the wisdom of our founding fathers for hanging in there and coming up with a document that has fully served us through the years. The lovely Constitution shown here is 68 x 50 and weighs in at 75 lbs. and hangs in our music room. It is so pretty and is a constant reminder to our family of how lucky we are to live in America. Yes, I'm fully aware that only nerd's decorate with the Constitution. God bless America!

Dear Other Side

2009-09-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

Dear computer, is there anyone on the other side of this screen reading this? It's so cold and lonely on my side not knowing.

I Can't Help It

2009-09-14T18:53:00.000-07:00

I can't help it. If go into Target for a box of paper clips...I have to push one of these: Is this some sort of control issue problem or what?

Somewhere In Time

2009-09-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

The pace of our lives can absolutely create a hazy cloud of vagueness in our marriage. We remain smugly aware that we've strung together 29 years of living as husband and wife. As Mr. and Mrs. As Katie, Elizabeth, and Charlie's parents. As the couple at church that sings in the choir and sometimes together. The rings on our fingers are the originals that we slid on at First Baptist Church of Bellaire. We have a distinct identity but I'm here to tell you that sometimes that very identity can become all that we have in common. Yes, it's true! We run out of time or money to reinvest in our relationship so we flip on the relationship auto pilot switch and all the wheels and cogs keep churning along. The machine is sqeaky, but still up and running. We're eating, sleeping, earning, taking care of kids and cars, dogs, cats, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, painting cement floors...you get the picture. But meanwhile the wires fray and soon the connection just isn't there. We looked at each other last week and said stop the madness! We booked a little room at a bed and breakfast only an hour away. We told the 22 and 16 year old to take good care of each other that we were leaving for the night and would be back the next afternoon. We can only jump ship for so long...but we had to reclaim some time for ourselves. The name of the B and B was Somewhere In Time. Cornball. We even said oh this sounds too sugary, let's not go there...but it's where were ended up going. It was lovely. We ate at a mexican food place and sat outside and had to scream(in a good way) over the diesel trucks whizzing by as we dipped our chips in the salsa. We hit Sonic for a couple of Butterfinger blasts. Then we went back to the sweet little room and just hung out. No interruptions. Just the rain on the windows and conversation. We remembered that somewhere in time, year in and year out, our hearts and lives were fused together strongly enough to find our way out of the haze and rewire our electricity. Oh, and we booked the place again in November.

Patient Popson

2009-09-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

Popson has patiently waited for a car...and last week the day finally came. He is a responsible driver and a deserving son... Doesn't that color look nice on him?

What's Poppin' With Popcorn Part 2

2009-08-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

Started school the 24th. This year I'm teaching 10th grade World History and 11th grade U.S. History. I love my students, my school, the teacher's I work with, my schedule, everything about it is fun. Plus, it's just three miles from home. In honor of the completion of my first week at school, here's a little history quiz for you. Ok blogclass, who can tell me the significance of August 26, 1920?

What's Poppin' With Popcorn Part 1

2009-08-30T14:03:00.000-07:00

The 23rd was our 29th anniversary. Hubby surprised me with this lovely arrangement placed on the altar at church in honor of our long years of wedded bliss. So SWEET and the flowers, as you can see, were gorgeous. Thanks honey!

Popcorn's Pleased with Project ... see for yourself

2009-07-31T22:46:00.000-07:00

Here "we" arranging shelves

Here "we" are sanding and painting the room

before

Here are some music room ( if you will) project updates: We(and I use "we" loosely, right Mr. Pop?) pulled up the carpet (yippee!), rented a ginormous sander from Home Depot and sanded the floor thoroughly, primed the cement with some sort of epoxy shindig, rolled two coats of B. Moore Brown Sugar, mixed up a concoction of 3 parts glaze to one part black paint and glazed with my friend's fancy Ralph Lauren glazing brush, (and mind you it was a work out to glaze that thing), sealed with a "fantastic product" to quote my new BF in the Lowe's paint department and WA-LAH we have a lovely new floor. Popdecorator(the same one who chose the colors(for floor and walls *B Moore Woodlawn Blue, btw) whilst pool floating one hot afternoon) friend helped (again, loosely applied) reload the bookshelves today trying (and succeeding) to acheive a "big girl" look as opposed to a ten year old girl's bedroom affect to the bookshelves (or as she called them, library shelves) Well, you see the before, during, and after, what do you think??

Finished!

The reason for the whole project. (straight from the basketball court)

Please Pinch Popcorn

2009-07-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

Hey, the past couple of weeks have been notable in the life of Popcorn. I am a very happy person. But I experience the same frustrations everyone else does. But lately I have felt nothing but happiness, gratefulness, joy, and contentment. I've done lots of laughing and relaxing with my family. I've been running every single day. I've had lunch with my oldest and best friend this week. My kids are all happy and have gotten to do lots of fun things this summer. My daughter made it back from her travels happy and healthy. Everything is just comin' up roses. I feel so light on my feet. I took my blood pressure today and it was 120/67 with a pulse of 75. Now that is very, very good for someone who had just written a large check for dermatological prescriptions two seconds prior to taking her blood pressure. Why are dermo meds so expensive?? That's another blog.. back to happy Popcorn. I just thank my God for this upswing and now I am going to take my dogs on a walk and stare at the moon and bask in it all. And no, we didn't win the lottery, but it sure feels like we did!

Popdaughter's Pictures ....sad day

2009-07-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Popdaughter and her baby : (

Popcorn where are the pictures of Europe? It has been so hard for me to swallow, I couldn't even write about it until now.... The reason there aren't any is because her prized possession "her baby" as she liked to call it, was stolen on a night train from Rome to Munich. They had to backtrack to catch their flight home...I tried to get a flight out of Rome once Elise's(poptravelfriend) iphone was stolen (she had already had her camera stolen as well, now her iphone!!, I wanted them OUT of Italy!!) but there was only one economy class seat left, and the other seat was business class with a price tag of 8,000.00. Uh, never mind sweet Lufthansa lady on the other end of the line. I could have had two first class seats, each with a price tag of 20, 0000.00, but alas, not happening either.(those were the actual prices of the tickets, no joke) So on the very last leg of their journey, her camera was taken while she slept. Memory card and all. My heart sinks every time I think of it. So, when I do post some pictures, they will be her friend Kate's shots. There was no identification info on her camera, so there's no possible way for me to even pray it home... no hope that maybe the person who took it will at least mail us her memory card with pictures from Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Germany, and France....the trip of her dreams (and everyone else's)...They are lost forever thanks to a thief. Can you believe it??? Well, she'll go again and take some more pictures. We are all thankful she's home safely and those memories will just have to live on in her stories and in her heart. And to the person responsible for stealing my daughter's camera, if by some odd quirk of happenstance you are reading this, did you know you broke a commandment? THOU SHALT NOT STEAL Not to mention a precious young girl's heart. I'd hate to be you.

Popcorns' Playcation: Final Installment

2009-07-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

Scary shark eats Popcorns

Playcation Pics from Port A...surf,sunglasses, sunburn, sandy feet, salmon, seagulls,scattergories,sundaes, and several hands of gin rummy

2009-07-21T18:13:00.001-07:00

The Popcorns at Port A

2009-07-20T18:35:00.000-07:00

Popdad does his dad job...he gets us where we're going....

Popdad and Popson cook their yummy Worcestershire burgers and dogs after the beach....nothing better! Tonight? Scattergories and chocolate chip cookies.

She's Home!

2009-07-17T07:36:00.001-07:00

Popdaughter got home yesterday after being in India and Europe for two months. She had a fabulous time. We are thrilled to have her back home with us. We immediately headed out to eat her fav, Mexican food and sat there listening to her travel stories. Her beloved camera was stolen on a night train headed back to Frankfurt to catch her plane home. Sad sad SAD thing. She did have two memory sticks hidden away in her wallet, which happily was NOT stolen. Odd thing that they took the camera but left her money, isn't it?? Oh well, we're just happy she's home, safe, healthy, and happy. Her memories will live on forever in her mind. And she told us, oh well, it's not the last time I'll be in France and Italy.... I'll get some more then....

Popgirls Hit The Road

2009-07-12T19:46:00.000-07:00

Oldest popdaughter and I took a little roadtrip this weekend. We went to San Antonio for the Joyce Meyer conference. The conference was wonderful and our trip there and back was total fun. San Antonio is even hotter than our neck of the woods....but we tried to stay cool in the pool.... stay tuned for project update pictures soon. It's looking so pretty!

Popcorn's Project

2009-07-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

I always have projects going on around here. This summer's project is to transform the "music" room (the room with the piano in it) into a room that I actually like. I've taken some pictures of the first steps: We removed the carpet. Rented a floor sander to sand the dripped paint, spackle, and whatever else the construction guys left on the floor 23 years ago when the house was built because they knew carpet was going down. We wrapped the piano thoroughly, draped and taped plastic over the doorways, opened the window and set up a fan to blow out the residual dust...and he sanded for four hours. I'm happy to say it worked! The floor is now a paintable surface. Pophub now has to fill in the holes where the tack board that was holding down the carpet. Soon as that's done, we'll paint the walls a new color. For the previous 9 years the room was the red color you see in the Christmas pic above *also note carpet that's now gone

The new color will be Ben Moore's Woodlawn blue, isn't it nice? The room will look so much larger and brighter than that dark red. I'm so ready for the change!The floor will be painted this color Ben Moore's Brown Sugar then topped with a darker glaze to give some blackish tints. Here's Brown Sugar: (it's really darker than this swatch)

I am trying to decide whether I should paint the bookshelves brown sugar, a lighter color on the same color strip called "stone", or just leave them white. What do you think?? Please cast your expert vote on poll taker at top of page right. Thanks!

Popdaughter's Papal Visit

2009-07-08T05:27:00.001-07:00

Traveling Popdaughter is here today:

I'm sure her art appreciative eyes are tearing up trying to take it all in. Especially when she sees this:

And this.....wow. Lucky thing!

Popcorn's Post for Tuesday

2009-07-07T09:43:00.001-07:00

These verses popped out at me today...the temple of the living God...that's what we are if we call ourselves Christians

For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from them and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters says the Lord Almighty. 7:1 Becasue we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete purity because we fear God.

2 Corinthians 6: 16b-18; 7:1

Christianity can be faked. We can call ourselves Christians and not behave as one. Are you(am I) faking it? Too interested in being cool? Too interested in being hip? Distracted with things of the world? Your (my) appearance? Your(my) car? Your(my) house? Your(my) hair? Your (my)children? Your(my) image? Your(my) travels?Your (my)fitness/thiness? What "filthy things of theirs" do you (I) touch (obsess about) ?

This gave me pause this morning.

Paparazzi Popcorn

2009-07-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

Popcorn, Preciouspopdaughter, and Popgram...three Popgenerations

Just fun, random shots from July 4th weekend.

Happy Birthday America! July 4th, 2009

2009-07-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

Pophouse dressed and waiting for the parade Cute new red chairs for viewing

Could this spectator be any cuter?

Jackson anxious to show off his bow

McKauley patiently waits ...

Hey,

was that

the horn?

YEP! Here it comes!

Parkin' at the park for the after party. Happy Fourth of July Everyone!

Popcorn's Pedalin'

2009-06-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

I've sort of been eating slightly differently for the past few weeks. And I feel, as Andy Griffith would say, "goooooo-oooed". Great even. I'm not eating additives of any kind, sugar, bread, pasta, no chemicals...which means not even chewing gum, no dairy, and no meat. That leaves fruits, veggies, and nuts. I'm drinking a little juice here and there but mostly I'm enjoying water with lots of ice and a slice of something fresh and pretty floating in it. An orange, a lemon, a lime...or all three at once. The only odd thing I've noticed about this big change is that running is harder, much harder. I ask my popself, "Is it just the heat or is it really my new food choices?" Temps here in our neck of the woods have been hovering right under 100 in the hottest part of the day, so it gets pretty hot pretty early. Running is my therapy, my time to think, time to learn my choir music, time to pray, time feel young and alive and strong and healthy. I like to sweat, I feel like it cleanses me from the inside out. Out go the toxins, the stresses, and the pent up worries. In comes fresh air and a fresher outlook. Most of all I like to run just because I can. But this new way of eating has "encouraged" me to seek another way to put my miles in. My big red "wicked witch of the West" Schwinn roadster bike! I love my bike. It even has a Toto basket! I can make a huge Tervis tumbler with water, a lid and straw, throw in my purse and a tiny towel, my beloved pink nano ipod, don my visor (sorry, I love my visor...let's my head have air while keeping sweat at bay) and off I fly. I can pedal like a fiend up the hills, well, ok humps, and down. I stay on the sidewalks under the canopy of the big gorgeous green trees and I sightsee. I look at houses, landscaping, which sprinkler heads I like, front doors, iron trim on the hugenormous houses, mentally choose which stucco color I like best, take note of the brick and mortar combinations, and of course almost wreck when a horrible squirrel crosses my path. I can even chat on my tiny cell phone, excusing myself from my chattee when I have to use two hands to jump a curb. It is extreme fun. I may never run again.

Patience Please with all my blog photog of Popdaughter....but I can't resist!

2009-06-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

Singing in the Heidelberg Rain

Happy Traveler In Sound of Music Land

2009-06-17T05:40:00.000-07:00

Popcorn Preaches: Biblical Principles We'd Rather Ignore

2009-06-16T22:04:00.000-07:00

There are many truths, instructions, commandments that we'd all just as soon ignore. I guess we read it in the scripture but just dismiss it as something they did way back then. We assume that's not meant for the sophisticated Christian in modern times. May I just say hogwash? I said it two posts ago and I'll say it again. Get up and go immediately to Barnes and Noble and buy this book! Go on!

Popcorn's Pests

2009-06-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

This guy stole this from our porch last night

Yes, the whole bag
Why was the whole bag on the porch you ask? Because it had THIS in it so I threw it and left it there. Ew!

sorry, that's all I've got tonight

Popcorn's Daily AccomPlishments

2009-06-16T00:06:00.000-07:00

Normally I can get more done in an hour than some manage to do all day. I say that with all the humility in my heart, but dang if it's not true. But not this week. Nope. This week is officially the "schools out it's pajama week" around here. Today's accomplishments consisted of:

1.Writing a long letter and preparing it for mailing...whew!

2.Unpacking suitcases from weekend trip for self and Pophubby

3.Storing suitcases (throwing them back on bed in extra room)

4.Laundry

5.Fed Charlotte (cat with eating disorder, always hungry)

6.Cooked stuff early for dinner

7.Dressed at 2 p.m.

8.Ate dinner with Popman

9.Watched Jentezen Franklin on TV (new fav. minister to listen to, well, right under Alistaire B.)I strongly rec. his book Fasting. Seriously, go read it

10.Sat on couch and read online with Popson until all hours.

11. MAJOR Acc. -figured out how to put slideshow "gadget" on this blog. See it over there to the right? So fancy. First animated popcorn, now this. So proud of my popself.

Popcorn's Plans...none really

2009-06-15T23:53:00.000-07:00

What are you doing this summer? We're pretty much plan free. We are vicariously enjoying trips through various traveling offspring and that's ok with us. We're happy to hold down the fort. Does that mean we're getting old? We like just hanging here and watering the yard, walking the dogs, and checking the mail. Oh, and pulling up the weather radar on the computer. Yep, we're old.

Little Kernel and Co.Navigate The Skies and the Rails

2009-06-14T22:01:00.001-07:00

+
=

The Last Few Days In India

2009-06-12T17:18:00.003-07:00

They are preparing to leave India. She is dreading the goodbye to the little girls they've been working with. It will be very sad. I'll have to be wary when we unpack her suitcase when she gets home.....a little brown eyed ...uh...surprise wouldn't surprise me. Last night they "played hide and seek for hours and then went on the roof and twirled their skirts under the stars." Who'd want to say goodbye to that?

Ministering Through Play

2009-06-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

Popcorn's Pooped

2009-06-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I'm laying here in my jammies under the quietly spinning ceiling fan, Monday's sun streaming in the window as birds chirp. Hubby considerately closed the door so no street noises could wake me on this first morning of no school. Last night we put popson on a bus with 82 other youth going to a wonderful conference to worship and praise God for a week. So I'm alone in the quiet house. And baby I'm not compaining. Sometimes a girl needs some quiet alone time, right? I think the past semester was truly one of the busiest times of my life, ever. Teaching, planning track meets, planning and decorating for the track banquet, learning the gradebook program, grading papers, going to faculty meetings, singing at Easter and all the practices involved, singing in our newly formed Chorale...and all those rehearsals, working out details for popdaughter's trip across the world to India, teaching in ACT, my goodness. Just thought I'd let you know why the posting has been scant. I hope your semester was good and less hectic than mine. I'm going to turn over and go back to sleep now. I'm worn out just thinking back over it.

Go And Tell

2009-06-08T05:39:00.000-07:00

Ministering Through Fun in India

2009-06-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

Popdaughter begins her third week in India and she's enjoying every minute of it. These girls have flown across the world to hang out with orphans, leprosy victims, and aids patients. They are truly giving pure love. I am humbled by their willingness to serve.

Blog Photog Hails from India

2009-06-04T21:00:00.000-07:00

Popdaughter(far right blue dress) and fellow missionaries on church steps

My daughter is having a great time in India. Please include her in your prayers.

Look Who Was Behind The Kona Menu!

2009-05-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

Wow! Mother's day was so much fun. It started out with my men singing in an all men's choir in the loft at church. All wearing blues that blended so beautifully. A literal "sea" of men! Men singing for God...there's nothing nothing more powerful. Then, a wonderful surprise at Kona; Popdaughter hiding behind the menu! She had not planned to come home before her India travels but alas she did. It might have had something to do with my sobbing every time I spoke to her last week and flight schedules, passports, and "layover in Frankfurt"..."when I get home in July" peppered our conversations. It was great to see her smiling face waiting for me at the lunch table.

Blog Photog

2009-04-17T18:56:00.001-07:00

Grammie and grandsons blow out birthday candles.

new rug, warrenton find

ladder, basket, chair, warrenton finds

Easter table, yes, I grew those red irises!

popkids Easter weekend

mama bird sitting on eggs, grammie's patio

Happy Popdaughter

mer

reflects

two adorable singers

The So Longs, Farewells, and Auf Wiedersehens Of Life

2009-04-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

Endings. I really don't like for things to come to an end. I avoid most endings at all costs. But sometimes when something comes to an end, it is a big, fat, relief. Like tonight for instance. Popson ran his last track meet. A season of training, working hard, fighting through the wind and rain of spring and coming out on the other side of the season feeling accomplished. It feels good to close that door until next year. ( my son might say SLAM the door.) The practices every single afternoon grow tiresome and so I know my son is glad for a break. And this may sound scroogy, but I'm always glad to see holidays come and GO. All holidays and that includes Christmas. You heard me right. The month of December is just so demanding. Likewise, learning the Easter music for our church choir was exhilarating and fun, but when all was said and done, I felt like I had given birth or climbed mount Everest. So when that last note was sung Sunday ....whoooo hoooo! See I told you it was scroogy. I'm always glad the party that I so excitedly conceived of throwing....is over, cleaned up, dishwasher loaded, counters wiped, FINISHED. What's the point Popcorn? There's not one, or at least not a clever one. I just find it interesting how life is a constant series of ins and outs, ups and downs, starts and stops. Finding the physical and emotional energy to hang on, see it through, ride it out...is name of the game. If I hang on and ride the crest of the wave until it subsides I always glance back at the experience with either pride, fond feelings, or sometimes regret; but always happy for the opportunity to move on to something else, the next thing. Other random things that were good in and of themselves, but that I was glad to wave goodbye to... college, pregnancy, teenage years, girl scouts, fake nails, aerobic excercise classes, there's lots more, but you get my drift. Nuff said.

He Is Risen!

2009-04-12T19:50:00.001-07:00

Ever Noticed This?

2009-04-01T07:06:00.001-07:00

Forever 21 is a great store. It is owned by Christian couple Don and Jin Sook Chang, first generation Korean immigrants. They share the gospel with everyone they meet. They hire Christian designers and the clothes are made here in the states. Mrs. Chang, who attends pre-dawn services every day and strongly encourages her vendors to do the same, makes it a point to give Christians in the industry a leg up, too. "She plucks young designers out of the companies she's working with," he says. "And if they're Christian and religious, she puts them in business." Rowena Rodriguez, a 33-year-old fashion consultant who was born again with Mrs. Chang's help, is one of those lucky designers. "In the short time I worked with Mrs. Chang, my life was transformed, and I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior," she recalls in an email interview. "Mrs. Chang prayed me into the Kingdom! Rodriguez says she has been approached by executives looking for the secret to Forever 21's phenomenal success. "I usually say, 'If you really want to know, I'll tell you. But you won't believe me...The Changs love Jesus!" Wow. Who knew?

Seasons

2009-03-16T20:11:00.001-07:00

If she said it once, she said it a hundred times, "Nothing stays the same." My sweet mom is right, nothing does. To that I say, thank goodness! Number one, I like change. It's part of my m.o. I can't really stand to do too much the same way for too long. It is also comforting to realize that if something is going on in my life that I don't like, if I hold on to God long enough, the stormy season will soon blow into clear blue skies. A fresh start will be at our fingertips and our souls will beat steady as the tick of the clock serves as the melody to another season of our lives. One foot in front of the other, the next night's sleep, the poetry of shared kindnesses gifted one, then two, then over again.

photography by E.C.

Psycho People Pleasin' Popcorn: Pathetic!

2009-03-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Since far away college Popdaughter is coming home tonight, I find my mind wandering to memories tied to her. I am painfully red faced at one in particular. How stupid am I?? What kind of psycho people pleaser does this? Did I suffer from some sort of I'm a hero syndrome??? Can I get a diagnosis PLEASE?! I spent one night in the hospital then came home after giving birth to this child. THREE days later do you know what I did??? I got up at 5:00 and took my turn going to the Farmer's Market with my vegetable club. What? Did she say vegetable club?? That's right. I hauled my still very fat self wearing my stylish black t-shirt knit zip up the front jump suit with the hot pink stretchy belt I purchased at a home party (no doubt given by a fellow vegetable club member) and espadrilles. Or was it my white Mexican dress with flowers embroidered around the neck? If memory serves (hopefully it doesn't) my hair was atop my head in a scrunchy. Can you get a visual? I'm sure I had on bright lipstick and huge silver earrings shaped like bunnies finishing the ensemble with a necklace of graduating silver balls. CP I hear you laughing out there!!! I think you had the same jumpsuit in a springtime floral didn't you? Now picture this with me.. there I was, traipsing around with belly a floppin', exhausted from nursing, fiendishly piling corn and tomatoes and green beans in my wagon like it mattered. What did that psychologically pathetic sight scream about poor Popcorn as a young mother lo those many years ago?? I don't want to think about it ..but I cannot quit guffawing! By the time I got home I felt like body parts were falling out. Good heavens they probably were. But Pophero didn't care, she got her radishes!!! The tables of all the esteemed vegetable club would, thank Hector, have their salads. There you have it, the most ridiculous thing I've ever done. Apparently I was a stupid vegetable. What an absolute idiot. I'm embarrassed of myself. Believe you me, I've learned to say no since then. I've graduated from a people pleasin' veggie to a wise ol' kernel of grumpy Popcorn. Go get your own vegetables!

Spring Break Cometh!

2009-03-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

Last time she was home....she'll be here tomorrow night. This time there will be bunnies in the background.

What are You Thankful For?

2009-03-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

If you were to ask me this tonight I would answer:

1. The big full moon in tonight's sky.

2. The brown bag lunches in fridge for tomorrow made by Pophubby for son and me even though he's leaving town in the morning at 5:30. So thoughtful.

3. That grass is growing in the patch of yard by the street because last summer it all died and was hideous.

4. The fact that my nighttime teaching gig is over tomorrow night. (Even though I loved my class so very much!)

5. The sneaking suspicion that our interim choir director is going to become permanent.

6. For my car's seat warmer.

PO'd Popcorn

2009-03-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

Today I experienced anger only experienced when one's child is shafted, ditched, humiliated, or done wrong by an adult. Don't do my child wrong world. If you do, I'm pretty much over you. Done. I'm done with the choir director at Popson's high school. She pretended not to have "room" for him on a trip they were taking. Now I tried to pay the woman in full Jan. 10., more than plenty of time to add a person to the roster. The trip wasn't until today, March 5. She claimed to have a spot left Jan. 10, but then Jan. 11 she started hedging about said spot. I continued to press. Tried to hand her a check daily for a week. She kept mumbling about "checking with the travel company"...Many a girl backed out of the trip and I would say, hey, can't we rearrange the girls' rooms and make room for one more boy?? Now this isn't rocket science. It's 2009 for Pete's sake. Make a call, flip a switch, add a child to the tally! Why was this so insurmountable for Mrs. !@#$$??? She just continued to purse her lips and shake her head no. I asked her almost daily from January 10 til today, when my son had to witness all of his besties rolling their luggage into the school for their 3:00 departure. Me? I bawled through first and second period. Why couldn't this lady figure out a way? I could never in a million years do that to someone especially a colleagues child!!! And truly with the Lord as my witness, Popson is a totally pleasant person. He's not a trouble maker AT all. There is no good reason on this Earth that she would not want to take him along. I don't know, but I'm done with her. I am stumped at the whole situation and am still steaming. Popson has handled himself with grace, as always. I cannot believe that plane left without him.

Teenage Timing

2009-02-23T06:39:00.000-08:00

Last night my precious Popson and I sat on the couch and watched every second of the Academy Awards. I was blogging, he was i phoning and Pophubby was being a nice, warm bookend for me to lean on. With a fire in the fireplace the whole cozy scene was a great way to spend a Sunday evening. I did casually mention the askew (front ripped off, papers hanging forth) Algebra folder on the island..."Hey I honey I put a new folder out for you why don't you bring all that in here and organize it while we sit here?" .....popson...."Ok, good idea, I'll go get it" .... Fast forward to this a.m.~ Monday mind you. 6 ish a.m... I have lovely bus ramp duty every Monday.....so I have to be at school at the stroke of 7. Being somewhere at the stroke of 7 is not easy for Popcorn. When I padded downstairs to press start on the coffee machine, I noticed said folder still laying there...still a big menacing mess. Oh well. Let it go and find your happy place 'ol girl.... Fast forward to 6:48....things are going well, we're both dressed... if I grab my coffee and am able to find my keys.. things are lookin' prrreeetty darn good. But no. Precious adorable Popson, as he's icing his toaster strudel..."Mom, do you have any dividers??".....

Another Paradox for Popcorn

2009-02-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

Did you know:

1. Women can hear better than men., which explains why I grab the remote and press mute when he leaves the room...

2. Women have a better sense of smell than men, which explains my candle fanaticism

3. Men are visual, which is why I always get compliments when I wear a skirt...

4. Women seek to be validated, I guess that's why I get my feelings hurt if my hair cut goes unnoticed

5. Men are subtly encouraged all of their lives to internalize their emotions, which explains why sometimes I don't hear what I want to...

Our pastor is doing a series on men, women and marriage. There are so many differences between men and women that the attraction between us is paradoxically explained. I've posted before on the personality differences between most married couples and how opposites seems to attract. But really the differences begin at a deeper level. He's everything I'm not and I'm everything he's not. The intrinsic differences are what draw us to each other. The thing is, husbands and wives must embrace the differences that are programmed into their very core. Accepting those differences opens a loving window through which we can "see" our beloved's built in needs for contentment. There's only one person on earth that can do this for your mate...so get busy and so will I.

Two Popcorns

2009-02-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

Are there two you's behind that pretty face? I fight that syndrome. The confident me and the shy me. The me that feels pretty and in shape and cute.(Are you raising your eyebrow?) The me that feels frumpy, baggy-eyed, and old. The me that feels smart and witty and downright wise... and the me that feels like a low IQ'd brick being snickered at but too stupid to notice. The me who thinks I can sing beside my husband, and the me who feels like the lucky (but tone deaf) side kick. Then there's the me that loves everyone and thinks they love me right back. But do they? Perhaps I'm just arrogant. You know there are actually people in the world that others do not like. They get talked about, they have eyebrows raised behind their backs...and they do not know it. Am I in that category? Do I see myself clearly or just through hopeful eyes? Does everyone have these doubts or are most people as confident as they seem? I'm old enough not to have these thoughts, but I do. Do they ever go away? I wonder if the 80 year woman has these feelings? I know self doubt doesn't come from God. But as a human I guess these doubts are in the realm of normal. Knowing God created me in his image is comforting and I cling to that. No matter how I feel about myself on a given day, I always know He feels the same about me every day. He loves me without end, no matter if I look good, run fast, sing pretty, or make a fool out of myself. God's love is such good therapy.

What? You Want to go Where? Seriously?

2009-02-15T18:09:00.000-08:00

Oh my. I've said no for a couple of years now. Hoping the desire was a passing phase. But she's soon to be 20 and still the requests keep coming... and I can't squelch her missionary heart any longer. She wants to go to...gulp...India. Her church is sponsoring a trip, many friends in her circle are going...Heck, her passport is ready to go, the Holy Spirit is prompting her....so for crying out loud how can I stand in the way? We teach them about missions as they grow up, they hear missionary testimonies...we think it's great that they're listening obediently to the speaker in the the cozy sanctuary of our church with our Pastor sitting close by, and ME sitting close by with a smug smile. Look at my kids listening to the sweet missionary, isn't that great? Don't my kids have such sweet hearts...paying such close attention. But uh wait a little minute there precious offspring. What? You want to GO on a mission trip? To where? To INDIA? You've got to be kidding. Not kidding?? Well then no. No you can't go. NO WAY it's too far. Too dirty. Too dangerous. Too expensive. Too everything and no, nope, nosiree, uh uh no you are not going. The very idea. But Popdaughter's mind was not wandering to where we would go for lunch all those times she was listening to the guest missionary. No, she was taking it all in and saving it for when she was 20 and her mom can't help but say yes. Yes, yes, honey I'm so very proud of your desire to go. Yes, make your plans.

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone

2009-02-13T21:07:00.001-08:00

From Popcorn's Perch Kids Are Amazing

2009-02-12T19:23:00.001-08:00

In case you missed it, I'm teaching this semester. Tenth grade World History. I love observing my students from this new vantage point. What vantage point you ask? Well, from my, uh, well, let's just say from the perch of my 'years of experience'. I've raised three children, so I know what I'm looking at when I look at each of them. The darling girl in sixth period that takes pictures of herself with her cell phone. If I looked like her, I'd take pictures of myself, too. The football player in 7th period that thinks the world revolves around him. How I wish I could experience that feeling just one more ignorant time! The focused student in fifth period whose face remains fixed to mine and continues taking notes until the bell rings, no matter what distraction occurs. WOW. So resistant to peer pressure. It's admirable. The sunny little pair who happily jump up to push my textbook cart down the hall for my next class. I'm in love with their willingness to help and hang in, their happy little hearts each day as I pile on work just like the six teachers before me all day. My heart is touched by the precious girl who showed me her hand with "I love Mrs. Popcorn" with a big red heart drawn on it today. I appreciate the effort it takes for a teenager who probably went to bed too late, to get up, get dressed, haul to school with a heavy backpack, and be sitting in class at 7:30 with a half civil attitude. Kids are really amazing.

Ten Little Lifesavers

2009-02-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

1. A Kleenex in my choir folder when the sermon strikes my heartstrings and the music is so gorgeous the tears begin to flow.

2. A hair clip in my purse when I sense the frizzy beginnings of a bad hair day.

3. Just the right amount of change in the bottom of my bag for an ice cold coke from vending machine.

4. The house key safely hidden when I think I'm locked out.

5.The obscure but important phone number snagged in my cell phone.

6. Advil in the car console when I desperately hope it's there.

7. When a friend can meet for coffee on the fly.

8. One more postage stamp left on the sheet.

9. The can of coffee in the freezer when I think I'm bone dry.

10. My cell phone reminder feature.

Super Church Lady To The Rescue

2009-02-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

Very early this a.m. Popson and I snuck in a trip to Starbucks on our way to school. It was kind of rainy and icky out and we thought that would be fun to get a muffin and hot coffee before our school day. Wellllll....we locked both of our keys in the car and we just looked at each other and said "who do we call?" Mr. Popcorn left very early this morning for Austin....so we were stranded. Never fear, I dialed Super Church Lady and without skipping a beat she said "I'll be there in two minutes." She zoomed us up the street to school with a fare thee well and we were right on time. Thanks Super Church Lady! Where would we be without good friends?

Past Haunts Popcorn's Parenting, Poor Popson

2009-02-01T16:16:00.000-08:00

My blogneighbor Fancy Pants is an actress in New York City. She is also a nanny to a well heeled couple with two kids, 7 and 2. Often she posts about the goings on in the apartment concerning her little charges. Her husband, also a blogneighbor,(Five Cent Stand) wrote a post today concerning parenting...All this has me pondering the art of parenting and the stages one is propelled through on the road to raising one's progeny. I live with the hope that with the passing of one difficult ( they all have challenges) stage, the next will be easier because of my experience in the former. But no, that is not true. In the infant stage of the game, I constantly questioned my methods such as should I let her cry herself to sleep? Am I a softy if I run to her and rock her some more? Am I creating a demanding monster by doing so? When they are toddlers, it is hard to know when discipline becomes necessary. So much of what they do is just because they are bundles of newly walking energy...they don't have a clue about right or wrong. I have raised two daughters and am still in the throws of raising a high school son. He's easy and I've had lots of experience, but ever so often something will crop up that stumps me. Throws me. Leaves me cross eyed. I can totally trust this boy. He's trustworthy beyond measure, so I have to probe myself to figure out from whence my ire comes. Many of my reactions to his actions are really directed towards an older sibling's actions coming back to haunt me. Popson's teenage decisions deserve a response from me that isn't emotionally soaked with things from the past that trigger in me a negative response. Right? You'd think. But parenting is an emotionally charged task. Solution? I have to make sure I'm parenting the child in front of me and not a ghost from my parenting past. If I find that what's bugging me is an irrational fear stemming from a sibling's past, I explain it to him and apologize. I try to explain that I have certain triggers that he needs to be aware of and try to avoid them for both of our sakes. If I am able to sort out the crux of the problem and find it really is about Popson, I try to subtract the crazy mom reaction and explain the issue to him. Whew. It never gets any easier. Parenting is daunting, serious, sometimes a real strain, and thankfully many times a total joy. But I admit it is the challenge of my life.

Weather Change

2009-01-27T17:50:00.000-08:00

Today at exactly 5:40 p.m. a cold front blew across my neck of the woods. I was running and I felt the wind blowing across my body drop in temperature as it blew over me from north to south. It was the oddest, coolest (literally) thing I've ever felt. The right side of my body was cold and the left not as cool. Now, two hours later there's frost on my windows.

Beautiful Winter

2009-01-22T20:41:00.001-08:00

Lately our winter days have been so beautiful. Cold, dry, gray, and eerily still. Naked branches laying contentedly against the hushed sky. It is visually breathtaking and spiritually soothing. Have you noticed it too?

Popcorn's Profession: In, Then Out, Now In

2009-01-13T06:56:00.000-08:00

I can teach. I like to teach. I'm often teaching someone something. This semester I've agreed (signed a contract) to teach World History at the high school where it all began many many many years ago. Here's the weirdest thing. I've been gone from this building 11 years. Last week when I was in the Social Studies office pouring a cup of coffee, I noticed that the "coffee kitty" can that I made when I worked here right out of college is still being used!!! This was 26 years ago people!!!!! I looked at that can and my jaw dropped. Can you believe that? It is as if time had literally frozen. Strangest thing. I've lived a gazillion lives since then. I can't help but wonder what my life would look like if I had stuck around. For one thing, I'd be able to retire in two years. Full teacher retirement, in two years! My friends are retiring, one by one....but not me. Oh well, we all make choices through the years that we later wonder about...don't we? All I know is that there came a time in my life when I just couldn't hang in another day trying to get up at the crack of dawn, get self cute, get kids cute, make lunches, fix pony tails, make sure they had all their crap, make sure I had mine, make sure car had gas, make sure I was patient and loving and kind when I was exhausted....make sure they had their homework, make sure I had my lesson plans done to perfection...make sure I was a loving and in shape and beautifully coiffed wife...I had to let go of the rope and let that boat charge on without me. So I'm back at it now that things are much easier. Kids big, baby boy driving, live three miles from school. Not sure how long I'll hang in this go 'round....I've only let self commit to this one spring semester. We'll see. Gotta go give a final exam.....

Phineas Herbert: The Baby Tree

2009-01-02T18:58:00.000-08:00

My daughter is so refreshing. Do you know what she asked Santa for? A tree. Yes. You read that right. A tree. A red oak to be specific. She wanted a tree to plant. She met with the parks and recreation department lady who is in charge of trees here in our neck of the woods. Together they chose a spot in a local park for her tree and marked it off. Popdaughter took her posse to the tree farm, chose the tree, bought the tree, hauled it to the park, unloaded it, hauled it to the chosen spot, planted it, mulched it, hugged and kissed it. She's visited each day since. Here are some pics that chronicle the whole thing.

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T20:13:00.000-08:00

Went to see Marley and Me and loved it. Very sweet movie, perfect way to spend New Year's Eve. Go see it tomorrow if you haven't already.

A Parade of Goodies

2008-12-30T21:48:00.000-08:00

Santa's bag of goodies this year.....the seedlings are red oaks, which Popdaughter requested and has already planted at a local park. It was her favorite gift, I will post pics soon of the planting, the mulching, and the kissing and hugging (yes, I'm not kidding) of Phineas Herbert...her baby tree.

House

2008-12-30T21:34:00.000-08:00

Love this gift from Santa...a season's worth of episodes. Keeping us entertained in front of the fire at night.....

Merry Christmas To You

2008-12-24T21:38:00.001-08:00

Hoping Santa brings everything you want tonight.

Christmas Eve Eve

2008-12-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

I have one more day to shop, wrap, clean, cook, and be in a good mood so everyone around here will have a great night tomorrow night and good Christmas day....I'm sure you are doing the same if you are a mom. So, off to Macy's.....

Life's Seasons

2008-12-15T21:15:00.000-08:00

Sometimes what was hard, very hard yesterday, is today quite fun. Still challenging, still a stretch, but at this new juncture, fun. Worth it. Worth the time and trouble that the task requires. Life is strange that way. So I would advise all of us to never say never. Never announce we'll never do something again. Because what I turn my back on and loathe in one season of life might be just what the Dr. ordered in another. Go figure.

Selfishness vs. Selflessness

2008-12-08T20:21:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to distinguish between selfishness and drawing the line where you know you've reached your limit. Is a person supposed to just do what everyone thinks is best even if you know you just can't do it? Even if the heart races at the thought of having to do it? Even when the task would really really benefit the family? Does one just take a big gulp, put personal needs aside and do it anyway? Is that the true definition of selflessness?

Opposite Attraction

2008-12-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

Opposites attract. How many times have I heard that? It's true for Mr. Popcorn and yours truly. I like silence, he likes sound. I can be in the house alone all day in complete silence, perfectly content. He grabs the remote, turns on the TV, and walks out the backdoor to weed eat the yard. I spend, he saves. I like change and variety, he likes sameness and routine. I change my mind about things, he clamps down on a decision like a steel trap without a backward glance. I wing it, he plans it. I'm tactful to a fault (or I let myself believe I am) and he says it like it is with no tippy tippy toeing through the tulips. He goes silent when he's unhappy, silence goes when I am. I can't stay mad for long, he can keep a mad on for, uh, much longer. I don't care if I win, he's highly competitive and would just as soon eat dirt as lose a game. I can do many things that pass muster, but every one of his endeavors ooze with excellence. Are our souls looking for their missing part? Sometimes our differences bug the bejeebers out of me and can cause fireworks. But mostly the parts of him that are so different from me I find heartwarming, endearing, comforting and downright entertaining. He makes up for the holes in me, and I do the same for him. Interesting. Huh. Frustrating truth while at the same time a beautiful balance.

Soulful Sunday

2008-12-07T20:35:00.001-08:00

Today our choir sang Michael W. Smith's Son of God. The verses go like this: Son of God, purest light, Lord on high is here tonight. Stepping through this sacred sky, suddenly our eyes behold....heaven's perfect plan unfold, Son of God.

Son of God, love divine, timeless one steps in to die. Who could dream of such a thing? With us now the King of Kings, man and angels bow and sing...singing hallelujah, hallelujah.

It was a complicated arrangement with parts for a solo, a children's choir, a descant, and an ensemble. It was beautiful. My favorite line is "stepping through this sacred sky"...that's what He did. He came out of heaven, down to earth. God wrapped in flesh living here on earth with us. That line really reminded me afresh of the magnitude of what we are celebrating during this advent season. I am grateful for such inspired messages delivered from Him through the beautiful music of Christmas.

Something New Just To View...The Popcorn Pets

2008-12-05T11:51:00.001-08:00

So Many Blessings

2008-11-25T22:28:00.000-08:00

Blessings

You, my friends and family

the color of the sky the next few days after Ike, pink and purple swirls

God's timing, always trumps mine

e mail

text messaging

favorite running shoes, asics with turquoise blue on them

hubby's insightful teaching on Sundays

son's delight in being taller than his mom

leaves on front porch

Charlotte on front porch sitting on leaves

daughter's artistic talent and kind heart

daughter's hilarious humor and fighting spirit

working only part time

being married to a gentleman who gets my car door

son's wisdom for a 16 year old

photography

Magpies

and yes, reading blogs and writing this one

xxoo thankful popcorn

Popcorn Poses a Question: Faith = Obedience...is it that simple?

2008-11-25T06:25:00.000-08:00

Recently I've made a conscience effort to handle some things in ways that are completely opposite from my normal patterns. Is that sentence grammatically awkward? Sorry my English teacher and editor friends,( yes you Katy, Carol, Linka, Sue, Bethy31...etc.) please forgive as you read. I have tried to be stricter with myself concerning all sorts of things. I've tried to be more obedient and submissive, and a little less rebellious to life's little rules that I am guilty of slacking on. I've tried to make adjustments and corrections in some of my behaviors like a secret project to test what life would be like if I was more respectful of in place boundaries. For example, the clock... Tardiness...I'm not really chronically super late to things, but rarely arrive on the dot. In the past few weeks I've tried to correct that by thinking ahead (hard for me right there) and planning out how much time I need to do every single thing I want to do before I leave the house, walk to the car and drive to the destination and still be right ON TIME. Happily, there's been some improvement. Another is attention to detail. Is it 6:00 or 6:30 that the thing starts?? Will activity A overlap activity B and what do I need to do to make sure it is actually doable? Do I need to nix something from the schedule to avoid chaos? Am I actually noticing the rests in the music I'm trying to sing or am I sloppily hoping nobody noticed it was me who kept singing? Won't submitting to and obeying the rest improve the beauty of the song for everyone? I am also working on obedience to God. I say I'm obedient, I profess that I am.... but am I really? I've been trying to close the gap between what I say I do and what I actually do on a daily basis. He makes it clear how to be obedient, and in some ways it is not too hard. But there are circumstances that are very difficult to place in His hands. Me and Carrie U. belt out Jesus take the wheel, but can I do it? I've been trying. I won't spell out the laborious details, but generally speaking I've just amped up my actions and tried not to be sloppy and lazy about my faith and do more than just pay it lip service Sunday mornings. It seems that obedience in simple things, my very willingness to submit to His authority, serves as a conduit through which God allows my faith to deepen. Hello, it's that simple. xxoo

Pics from Pop: My Happy Artist

2008-11-24T19:34:00.000-08:00

Popcorn's Pulling It All Out

2008-11-21T04:59:00.000-08:00

I'm pulling out the Christmas stuff today. The greenery, the candles, the nativities. I've never started quite this early before but the day is open and there's nothing on the calendar so why not get a head start for a change? We love love love Christmas around here so I know all the Popcorns will be happy when they get home and see that Popelf has been hard at work.