I am going to start writing down the little funnies Devin and Brenden crack me/us up with everyday, there are plenty and not that I will get them all down or could ever truly express what they do in words, since usually it is HOW they do something that is so dang funny, thanks to Robbie and her random postings.
So lets start yesterday Devin says after he sneezes "Bless me mom!" not a question your you need to say it, it was more like he was saying Bless me!
ok Robbie is on the phone gotta go!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sunday, November 09, 2008
How long was this weekend
boy it feels like it went on for days, I am not so sure it was only Saturday and Sunday to be honest with you
Friday night I was soooooooooo tired and so bad wanted to fall out at 1 in the afternoon but my friend came over and we colored and cut her hair, then I had her two boys come back after they were out of school.
I was to go to my love Robbies and she called pooped out too, so I was ready to crash for the night, well I still had to get dinner and Brenden who was being 12 (annoying me) and I was not digging him, but that is ok.
We went got dinner, my sister tired too, wanted to go listen to the dad of one of her daycare kids, he plays in a band, so we pulled ourselves out of bed and went to the bar just outside my subdivision to listen, they turned out to be pretty good. We hung out and had fun for a couple of hours. Saturday I was to shoot to photography appointments and it was cooooooooooooold outside, I was freezing. So the photos sessions were fast fast fast. I didnt like that part since I am flying through what i am suppose to be learning. Well we got the first appointment done with little down time in between to warm up, session two started, that was a bit better since I was already frozen, HA.
I finished with them and headed home to prepare for an anniversary party, My aunt and uncle have been married for 40 years. This is family that we don't get to see much these days and let me tell you how wonderful it was to be with them all. Of course I got tons of photos and plan to make a DVD for them this week. Brenden and his cousins decided to have a sleepover at my house so we brought 3 extra rug rats home with us (Shannon was hunting with her daddy)
oh I didn't mention, Saturday I had some issues with my neck and shoulders, they were killllling me, Brad tried to rub them out but oh goodness, too many days of letting them be in bad shape he was not able to fix anything about them.
so we woke and got the kids fed and I called for a massage appointment worked on the computer and photos till it was time to go, after my WONDERFUL massage, and I have to go again next weekend I am in such horrible shape, DARN RIGHT! I KNOW!!!!
I headed to the grocery store and meat market, then home where I had groceries carried in for me, that was crazy now I see why some have so many kids, LOL
We ate and I headed back to the computer, my neighbor then came for a haircut and within an hour I was running out hte door with camera, shoes, sweatshirt and keys to photograph another group. Well I stopped at the store, AGAIN, to pick up some of what I forgot, came home, cooked dinner and back to the darn computer I went. YUP I am still here, but while all my photos are uploading I grabbed the lap top so I could multi task!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am pooped out just typing my weekend. So you see it was crazy busy. Brad spent some wonderful time with the kids, he has been so great with them lately, really enjoying his time with them, oh Saturday morning I went for a pedicure and he took the kids to work so they could fix a post on the fence, he said it was a nice time with them. So I better get back to my work, I am glad I was able to ramble to you all, Hope all is well kids. Life is going to get super busy soon so I better get this typing in while I can, the blogs may be few and long, bare with me!!!!!!!!!
Tah Tah for now
oh you have to check out my photos I am uploading them now to my website.
http://albums.phanfare.com/justagirlandhercamera
Friday night I was soooooooooo tired and so bad wanted to fall out at 1 in the afternoon but my friend came over and we colored and cut her hair, then I had her two boys come back after they were out of school.
I was to go to my love Robbies and she called pooped out too, so I was ready to crash for the night, well I still had to get dinner and Brenden who was being 12 (annoying me) and I was not digging him, but that is ok.
We went got dinner, my sister tired too, wanted to go listen to the dad of one of her daycare kids, he plays in a band, so we pulled ourselves out of bed and went to the bar just outside my subdivision to listen, they turned out to be pretty good. We hung out and had fun for a couple of hours. Saturday I was to shoot to photography appointments and it was cooooooooooooold outside, I was freezing. So the photos sessions were fast fast fast. I didnt like that part since I am flying through what i am suppose to be learning. Well we got the first appointment done with little down time in between to warm up, session two started, that was a bit better since I was already frozen, HA.
I finished with them and headed home to prepare for an anniversary party, My aunt and uncle have been married for 40 years. This is family that we don't get to see much these days and let me tell you how wonderful it was to be with them all. Of course I got tons of photos and plan to make a DVD for them this week. Brenden and his cousins decided to have a sleepover at my house so we brought 3 extra rug rats home with us (Shannon was hunting with her daddy)
oh I didn't mention, Saturday I had some issues with my neck and shoulders, they were killllling me, Brad tried to rub them out but oh goodness, too many days of letting them be in bad shape he was not able to fix anything about them.
so we woke and got the kids fed and I called for a massage appointment worked on the computer and photos till it was time to go, after my WONDERFUL massage, and I have to go again next weekend I am in such horrible shape, DARN RIGHT! I KNOW!!!!
I headed to the grocery store and meat market, then home where I had groceries carried in for me, that was crazy now I see why some have so many kids, LOL
We ate and I headed back to the computer, my neighbor then came for a haircut and within an hour I was running out hte door with camera, shoes, sweatshirt and keys to photograph another group. Well I stopped at the store, AGAIN, to pick up some of what I forgot, came home, cooked dinner and back to the darn computer I went. YUP I am still here, but while all my photos are uploading I grabbed the lap top so I could multi task!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am pooped out just typing my weekend. So you see it was crazy busy. Brad spent some wonderful time with the kids, he has been so great with them lately, really enjoying his time with them, oh Saturday morning I went for a pedicure and he took the kids to work so they could fix a post on the fence, he said it was a nice time with them. So I better get back to my work, I am glad I was able to ramble to you all, Hope all is well kids. Life is going to get super busy soon so I better get this typing in while I can, the blogs may be few and long, bare with me!!!!!!!!!
Tah Tah for now
oh you have to check out my photos I am uploading them now to my website.
http://albums.phanfare.com/justagirlandhercamera
Friday, November 07, 2008
my dear Shakespeare, the answer is To Homeschool
On November 21, Brenden will end his last full day of school. For one half of a quarter I will be homeschooling him for Math, Social Studies, Music/Art/Home Economics and Reading. We are not calling everyone to tell them since feedback on a subject such as this is not always with support.
Brenden will rise in morning as he always does, ride the bus and attend his first two classes, Science and Communication Arts (ie English)then I will bring him home to finish out "School work" then we will begin our time at home.
So a few people know and well this is my soap box and therefore felt I will lay it out, my argument one last time then I will say no more in response to any one that wants to question "What in the world do you think you are doing" since first off it is not a single persons business, but since I make things other people's business and not just by this blog that any one can read, but that I am an open person, I am an honest person and I am a thinking person who is willing to see through the outside and find the center, the core of what things are, who people are and why situations are as they are. BUT This is about Brenden, so my new response if you don't agree, or are worried for my son
"Thank Goodness its not your child"
"I hope you would do the same , to stand up for your child and their future"
"All your worries and questions I can answer in a month"
That is done
Brenden has struggled in school for a LONG time, not that he has any learning disabilities, he has been tested, 2nd grade actually after they taught the kids to look at the photos of books they are reading to figure out what is going on if they are stuck, why would you do this, you teach them to look away from what they are reading, anyway he does this then he loses his spot so then he would stall when reading, so they said he cant read, they test him and send him to reading class that they said he really didn't need but why not get the extra help since its there. What!
whatever that's fine. It was more of a one on one in the reading class and he likes one on one.
Then he was able to take a reading program for free in the summer at school and I am all for that kind of thing so he did it and liked it, small personal setting.
I think I am on to something here, Brenden loves more personal situations, he is sensitive to groups and ruckus. This is the beginning of the present situation at hand, no I am sorry it really was kindergarten because he got a bad mark for refusing to sit criss cross applesauce, WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
now I know, it politically correct way to say sit Indian Style, ARE YOU FREAKIN SERIOUS, what is going on with this world.......... so fine, I was so pissed.
But this was the beginning of proving to me that if Brenden did not conform to the school that was contradicting anyway than we would have issues and we did, still do.
Brenden does not focus well, let me tell you its like looking in the mirror. Brenden is so me its glorious. I say this now since I know its a beautiful thing to be who you are and not a failure, get a bad mark, or this is your negative trait................
So we focus less than others, we are more creative in how we wish to present things, we have times of energy and creativity and times of we want to veg out in quiet time or even take a nap.
We have glimpses of depression, weather plays a role on our attitude (Andrews trait) and we can shut down with others are lecturing.
I, We have tried all that you can try to get a child motivate in school and about school, but Brenden is about what Brenden can do at the time that it is asked, if he is interested he is an A/B student the rest of the time he can do enough to get by or he just checks out. Teacher response just from this year that repeats what has been said about him his entire school career is as follows
these responses coming from teachers at teacher conference after meeting with them beginning of school and telling them what will take place with Brenden in their class and letting them know, I have grounded, removed all items of entertainment, kicked and screamed, lost my damn mind livid mad at this kid and there is nothing more I can do , he will not be MADE to do what he is not motivated to do, and I don't know how to motivate him.
Who is Brenden
Brenden loves to help, and be a leader to little ones, he is a watcher and not a creator of trouble, he loves to hug and love, sensitive as they come, he will not put much effort in if he is not interested in how it is being asked of him, as in you want it this way and he is not feeling it then you will get little effort and I don't know how to change that to be honest, therapists have yet to answer or suggest a new way to do something, I have already done what they say, but they do say he is capable. He will work best when I am right on top of what he is doing and you will notice when I have to work or am busy and unable to assist in school organization, its pretty obvious in his effort, unless he is interested in what you are doing then he will motivate himself. Brenden is in the eyes of his teachers " Stubborn sweet" He is not perfect he is 12 he does get in to trouble, he can have an attitude, he has learned again from the best and he will argue till the cows come home like his dad if he knows he is right!
So we go in to conference and its as if they have not emailed back and forth with me, met me, or heard my yearly shpeall on this kid, GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
I should act like the dumb parent that is not involved and doesn't care I guess! yea I tried that and it is not me, I give a crap and cant let this child fail, it is not going to happen, my childhood was a failure and I will not repeat what was done to me.
ok back to the teacher reports where he had F's at the beginning
Com arts "C" Brenden is doing better but he is having difficulty with assignment completion
Social Studies "C" Brenden is a great student however he does not always complete work to our standards and expectations of someone with his potential
Math "F" the grades have improved but Brenden is capable of better, he is a pleasant smart child with much potential, he does not put effort in to taking notes and completing homework
Science "B" Grades are good, but Brenden is tired in the mornings this is his first hour some times he puts little effort in to his work , he writes what he knows instead of going to his notes to add more to the answers. Brenden has a great sense of humor and we respond well to one another, he is very friendly
Same thing every year. so I have been being asked since 3rd grade by him to be homeschooled
We feel we have had our last teacher conference to be told the same freakin thing. I have agreed to home school
I'm nuts, this is a lot of work, for both of us, and with Devin......
But I will do what it takes to see Brenden live up to his "potential"
School will do nothing more to help him with his work, they suggest private tutoring, well since I am rich this can be done, NOT.
and lets add more work on to him.
Here is my deal, I want Brenden to have freedom to be creative in his learning and expressing what he has learned, I don't care how you turn it in, just respond with what you learned in this area and I will give you a grade, not deducting points for using tape instead of glue, or not coloring something in enough, or not wanting to write a 700 page essay when you have a computer there to type it out.
removing some distraction of the classroom from him that he says makes it hard to concentrate on what is at hand, trust me little things distract Brenden but I want to have some time to see what the issues could be truly,
Is he lazy
stubborn
ADD that needs meds, of course I will not give them since I don't believe in medication for this in children.
I don't have all the answers but as his mother and a person that cares about her children and their future being bright, confident, productive I will do what I have to do to support Brenden in learning.
I want him to come home and learn what self motivation is, what is it to have confidence, what is it to be free to be who you are and how you express that to the world, that you should be proud of the work you do and so much more
So the point is I want Brenden to be Brenden and be proud of that, not be a disappointment and have others say "he is so incredibly smart but he does not do enough, his grades prove it" what about Bringing all F's besides Math up to C's and B's? that is a HUGE to me, but they don't see that, they want MORE
well they will get it, from home.
For one month I will have Brenden work part time from home and see what we can do with grades, the difference is if it is not done completely or correctly he will have the chance to do it again. This will show that you will do it till its right, but with more freedom, you want to type an essay and use some silly fun font, go for it, to the best of your ability and you will be graded on that. I am beting his ablitiy will increase, his effort will increase, his love for learning will increase.
If you do math and I find the first 3 wrong I will stop grading and you will be taught it again and you will correct the answers and then I will grade it. THEN we will move on to the next chapter, he will not be left behind.
No late work, no I forgot it at home, no I didn't have time, I didn't understand.
Remove all those obstacles and see what Brenden is really made of.
I have told them, I appreciate what they are doing and how they do care for my child and I am here to help and do anything I can. The school councilor who has been such a great help to us the past two years is assisting us in a part time student program, this will keep Brenden's foot in the door at school some time with friends and contact with resources.
He picked two classes to keep there and the councilor agreed with them too.
I will meet her again in a month to show all work and a report card and we will know then if it is working thus far of not.
They are letting us keep all the school books so we can keep up with what school is doing, this is good in case he decides to go back to school full time.
anyway I have talked waaaaaaaaaaaaay too long, I have to go, and I feel better I said all this one last time, today we are off to the teacher store for planners and grade books and who know what else I will find, Devin is ready to hurt me for typing too long, TAH TAH for now!
I need a ladder to get down off this soap box, wow its high up here, but my kids do that to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brenden will rise in morning as he always does, ride the bus and attend his first two classes, Science and Communication Arts (ie English)then I will bring him home to finish out "School work" then we will begin our time at home.
So a few people know and well this is my soap box and therefore felt I will lay it out, my argument one last time then I will say no more in response to any one that wants to question "What in the world do you think you are doing" since first off it is not a single persons business, but since I make things other people's business and not just by this blog that any one can read, but that I am an open person, I am an honest person and I am a thinking person who is willing to see through the outside and find the center, the core of what things are, who people are and why situations are as they are. BUT This is about Brenden, so my new response if you don't agree, or are worried for my son
"Thank Goodness its not your child"
"I hope you would do the same , to stand up for your child and their future"
"All your worries and questions I can answer in a month"
That is done
Brenden has struggled in school for a LONG time, not that he has any learning disabilities, he has been tested, 2nd grade actually after they taught the kids to look at the photos of books they are reading to figure out what is going on if they are stuck, why would you do this, you teach them to look away from what they are reading, anyway he does this then he loses his spot so then he would stall when reading, so they said he cant read, they test him and send him to reading class that they said he really didn't need but why not get the extra help since its there. What!
whatever that's fine. It was more of a one on one in the reading class and he likes one on one.
Then he was able to take a reading program for free in the summer at school and I am all for that kind of thing so he did it and liked it, small personal setting.
I think I am on to something here, Brenden loves more personal situations, he is sensitive to groups and ruckus. This is the beginning of the present situation at hand, no I am sorry it really was kindergarten because he got a bad mark for refusing to sit criss cross applesauce, WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
now I know, it politically correct way to say sit Indian Style, ARE YOU FREAKIN SERIOUS, what is going on with this world.......... so fine, I was so pissed.
But this was the beginning of proving to me that if Brenden did not conform to the school that was contradicting anyway than we would have issues and we did, still do.
Brenden does not focus well, let me tell you its like looking in the mirror. Brenden is so me its glorious. I say this now since I know its a beautiful thing to be who you are and not a failure, get a bad mark, or this is your negative trait................
So we focus less than others, we are more creative in how we wish to present things, we have times of energy and creativity and times of we want to veg out in quiet time or even take a nap.
We have glimpses of depression, weather plays a role on our attitude (Andrews trait) and we can shut down with others are lecturing.
I, We have tried all that you can try to get a child motivate in school and about school, but Brenden is about what Brenden can do at the time that it is asked, if he is interested he is an A/B student the rest of the time he can do enough to get by or he just checks out. Teacher response just from this year that repeats what has been said about him his entire school career is as follows
these responses coming from teachers at teacher conference after meeting with them beginning of school and telling them what will take place with Brenden in their class and letting them know, I have grounded, removed all items of entertainment, kicked and screamed, lost my damn mind livid mad at this kid and there is nothing more I can do , he will not be MADE to do what he is not motivated to do, and I don't know how to motivate him.
Who is Brenden
Brenden loves to help, and be a leader to little ones, he is a watcher and not a creator of trouble, he loves to hug and love, sensitive as they come, he will not put much effort in if he is not interested in how it is being asked of him, as in you want it this way and he is not feeling it then you will get little effort and I don't know how to change that to be honest, therapists have yet to answer or suggest a new way to do something, I have already done what they say, but they do say he is capable. He will work best when I am right on top of what he is doing and you will notice when I have to work or am busy and unable to assist in school organization, its pretty obvious in his effort, unless he is interested in what you are doing then he will motivate himself. Brenden is in the eyes of his teachers " Stubborn sweet" He is not perfect he is 12 he does get in to trouble, he can have an attitude, he has learned again from the best and he will argue till the cows come home like his dad if he knows he is right!
So we go in to conference and its as if they have not emailed back and forth with me, met me, or heard my yearly shpeall on this kid, GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
I should act like the dumb parent that is not involved and doesn't care I guess! yea I tried that and it is not me, I give a crap and cant let this child fail, it is not going to happen, my childhood was a failure and I will not repeat what was done to me.
ok back to the teacher reports where he had F's at the beginning
Com arts "C" Brenden is doing better but he is having difficulty with assignment completion
Social Studies "C" Brenden is a great student however he does not always complete work to our standards and expectations of someone with his potential
Math "F" the grades have improved but Brenden is capable of better, he is a pleasant smart child with much potential, he does not put effort in to taking notes and completing homework
Science "B" Grades are good, but Brenden is tired in the mornings this is his first hour some times he puts little effort in to his work , he writes what he knows instead of going to his notes to add more to the answers. Brenden has a great sense of humor and we respond well to one another, he is very friendly
Same thing every year. so I have been being asked since 3rd grade by him to be homeschooled
We feel we have had our last teacher conference to be told the same freakin thing. I have agreed to home school
I'm nuts, this is a lot of work, for both of us, and with Devin......
But I will do what it takes to see Brenden live up to his "potential"
School will do nothing more to help him with his work, they suggest private tutoring, well since I am rich this can be done, NOT.
and lets add more work on to him.
Here is my deal, I want Brenden to have freedom to be creative in his learning and expressing what he has learned, I don't care how you turn it in, just respond with what you learned in this area and I will give you a grade, not deducting points for using tape instead of glue, or not coloring something in enough, or not wanting to write a 700 page essay when you have a computer there to type it out.
removing some distraction of the classroom from him that he says makes it hard to concentrate on what is at hand, trust me little things distract Brenden but I want to have some time to see what the issues could be truly,
Is he lazy
stubborn
ADD that needs meds, of course I will not give them since I don't believe in medication for this in children.
I don't have all the answers but as his mother and a person that cares about her children and their future being bright, confident, productive I will do what I have to do to support Brenden in learning.
I want him to come home and learn what self motivation is, what is it to have confidence, what is it to be free to be who you are and how you express that to the world, that you should be proud of the work you do and so much more
So the point is I want Brenden to be Brenden and be proud of that, not be a disappointment and have others say "he is so incredibly smart but he does not do enough, his grades prove it" what about Bringing all F's besides Math up to C's and B's? that is a HUGE to me, but they don't see that, they want MORE
well they will get it, from home.
For one month I will have Brenden work part time from home and see what we can do with grades, the difference is if it is not done completely or correctly he will have the chance to do it again. This will show that you will do it till its right, but with more freedom, you want to type an essay and use some silly fun font, go for it, to the best of your ability and you will be graded on that. I am beting his ablitiy will increase, his effort will increase, his love for learning will increase.
If you do math and I find the first 3 wrong I will stop grading and you will be taught it again and you will correct the answers and then I will grade it. THEN we will move on to the next chapter, he will not be left behind.
No late work, no I forgot it at home, no I didn't have time, I didn't understand.
Remove all those obstacles and see what Brenden is really made of.
I have told them, I appreciate what they are doing and how they do care for my child and I am here to help and do anything I can. The school councilor who has been such a great help to us the past two years is assisting us in a part time student program, this will keep Brenden's foot in the door at school some time with friends and contact with resources.
He picked two classes to keep there and the councilor agreed with them too.
I will meet her again in a month to show all work and a report card and we will know then if it is working thus far of not.
They are letting us keep all the school books so we can keep up with what school is doing, this is good in case he decides to go back to school full time.
anyway I have talked waaaaaaaaaaaaay too long, I have to go, and I feel better I said all this one last time, today we are off to the teacher store for planners and grade books and who know what else I will find, Devin is ready to hurt me for typing too long, TAH TAH for now!
I need a ladder to get down off this soap box, wow its high up here, but my kids do that to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, November 06, 2008
How many do you really need?
My kids crack me up, and often.
Devin found a collection of binki's well it was like the lottery to his little mind I am sure, so he brought them all out and tasted them all, then even took them for a spin through the house. Oh the little things in life that can bring such pleasure, I wish we as adults were so easily pleased.
3900 Marbles
I know of a few that need to read this and maybe we should all remember this, Robbie sent this to me and I keep it on file now, I found it to be so important and a blessing for those days that I am frustrated with all that life is giving me. To remember that life is giving me life, time with my husband who I adore so much, my children that I will do anything for, I love them all with so much that it hurts sometimes.
My family and friends mean the world and this puts the hard time back in to perspective.
The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.
A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the garage with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time.
Let me tell you about it.
I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way,I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business He was telling whomever he was talking with something about 'a thousand marbles.' I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say.
'Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to w ork sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. It's too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital' he continued. 'Let me tell you something that has helped me keep my own priorities.' And that's when he began to explain his theory of a 'thousand marbles.'
'You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years.'
'Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now, stick with me, Tom, I'm getting to the important part. It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail', he went on, 'and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear.'
'Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life.'
'There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight.'
'Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time.'
'It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. This is a 75 Year old Man, K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!'
You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter.
Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. 'C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast.' 'What brought this on' she asked with a smile.' 'Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. And hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles.'
And so, as one smart bear once said...'If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.' - Winnie the Pooh.
My family and friends mean the world and this puts the hard time back in to perspective.
The older I get, the more I enjoy Saturday mornings. Perhaps it's the quiet solitude that comes with being the first to rise, or maybe it's the unbounded joy of not having to be at work. Either way, the first few hours of a Saturday morning are most enjoyable.
A few weeks ago, I was shuffling toward the garage with a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and the morning paper in the other. What began as a typical Saturday morning turned into one of those lessons that life seems to hand you from time to time.
Let me tell you about it.
I turned the dial up into the phone portion of the band on my ham radio in order to listen to a Saturday morning swap net. Along the way,I came across an older sounding chap, with a tremendous signal and a golden voice. You know the kind, he sounded like he should be in the broadcasting business He was telling whomever he was talking with something about 'a thousand marbles.' I was intrigued and stopped to listen to what he had to say.
'Well, Tom, it sure sounds like you're busy with your job. I'm sure they pay you well but it's a shame you have to be away from home and your family so much. Hard to believe a young fellow should have to w ork sixty or seventy hours a week to make ends meet. It's too bad you missed your daughter's dance recital' he continued. 'Let me tell you something that has helped me keep my own priorities.' And that's when he began to explain his theory of a 'thousand marbles.'
'You see, I sat down one day and did a little arithmetic. The average person lives about seventy-five years. I know, some live more and some live less, but on average, folks live about seventy-five years.'
'Now then, I multiplied 75 times 52 and I came up with 3900, which is the number of Saturdays that the average person has in their entire lifetime. Now, stick with me, Tom, I'm getting to the important part. It took me until I was fifty-five years old to think about all this in any detail', he went on, 'and by that time I had lived through over twenty-eight hundred Saturdays. I got to thinking that if I lived to be seventy-five, I only had about a thousand of them left to enjoy. So I went to a toy store and bought every single marble they had. I ended up having to visit three toy stores to round up 1000 marbles. I took them home and put them inside a large, clear plastic container right here in the shack next to my gear.'
'Every Saturday since then, I have taken one marble out and thrown it away. I found that by watching the marbles diminish, I focused more on the really important things in life.'
'There is nothing like watching your time here on this earth run out to help get your priorities straight.'
'Now let me tell you one last thing before I sign-off with you and take my lovely wife out for breakfast. This morning, I took the very last marble out of the container. I figure that if I make it until next Saturday then I have been given a little extra time. And the one thing we can all use is a little more time.'
'It was nice to meet you Tom, I hope you spend more time with your family, and I hope to meet you again here on the band. This is a 75 Year old Man, K9NZQ, clear and going QRT, good morning!'
You could have heard a pin drop on the band when this fellow signed off. I guess he gave us all a lot to think about. I had planned to work on the antenna that morning, and then I was going to meet up with a few hams to work on the next club newsletter.
Instead, I went upstairs and woke my wife up with a kiss. 'C'mon honey, I'm taking you and the kids to breakfast.' 'What brought this on' she asked with a smile.' 'Oh, nothing special, it's just been a long time since we spent a Saturday together with the kids. And hey, can we stop at a toy store while we're out? I need to buy some marbles.'
And so, as one smart bear once said...'If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.' - Winnie the Pooh.
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