Hair today, gone tomorrow?

After freezing through Christina's softball game yesterday (windy, cloudy, winter-like), she told us that the athletic director of the school said that if she wants to continue to play she needs to bleach her hair back to blonde--so their team can be more unified.

My first reaction was, well, there are consequences to behavior, and this is one. Then I was a little annoyed, even a bit angry, over the pettiness of disciplining her like that over hair color--especially when Christina said it was because of the complaint of a sixth grade student, not even a parent. Christina's coach doesn't mind her hair, but oh well.

Tim wisely said that, even though this may be an unwritten rule, there are still rules that need to be abided by, and the school has been a good thing for Christina, and the church that supports the school helps our tuition payments stay low, etc. etc.

So, better not to burn bridges. Christina's only got about a month left of school anyway--she'll be at a different school (high school already!) next year. So, she has to decide if she'll bleach her hair or quit the team.

One things for sure--we aren't paying for her to go to a salon. She'll have to trust her brothers to help her with a home remedy for hair color.

Stay tuned.....

Till next time,

Suzi

A new life

Last night Tim and I took advantage of the warm evening to take Raven for a stroll. It is nice to see people out chatting to their neighbors, after our cold winter--usually the only time a Minnesotan will see a neighbor in the winter is if you happen to be out starting your cars, scraping your windshields, or shoveling/snowblowing the driveway.

So, we saw a couple who live behind us that we hadn't seen in months. Tim did the drywall finishing on their addition to their home (a whole second story), and we found out what we had missed during the last several months. "If you build it, they will come," Scott joked as he announced that he and his wife were expecting a baby--in addition to their two children, ages 11 and 15. Mel will be 44 before the expected birth in August, but everything is going well and the baby is fine.

I think it's wonderful to hear about experienced parents giving birth to a new little one. I will rejoice with them, as I rejoice as I live through life with three teenagers (and no toddlers).

Till next time,

Suzi

Smells of summer

Today we will have one day of summer before tomorrow's return to a cool spring. As Raven and I enjoyed the sights and sounds of the day--the greening of the grass and trees, the singing of the spring time birds--I noticed something else--a familiar smell. It reminded me of summer, too--although in a different kind of way.

Then I heard and saw it--a truck rumbling past the port-a-potty it had just cleaned. The familiar smell was the cleaning agent used to spiff up the biffy. This is the most welcome smell at the summer Christian festival we attend each year with 30,000 other campers/rock n rollers--Cornerstone Music Festival.

While I welcome the sound of freshness, I know Tim and the kids are looking forward to the sounds of guitars and drums and vocalists blaring across the acres. I guess I look forward to that too.

Till next time,

Suzi

Color my world

Last week I finally agreed to have an awning put on our house--not a clunky aluminum (apologies to anyone who may love aluminum awnings), but a nice fabric one, burgundy in fact. I wanted a straight edge to finish it off, but Tim won out with a scalloped edge with a small floral like design in white. The main reason to have it, is to help Mark in his bedroom--his room gets so hot in the summer time. We have put it off because I have shunned the idea of an awning on our house (thinking it looks old fashioned or even store-front like), but the salesman convinced me that it will be beautiful.

Keeping with our coloring theme, Christina had been begging all last week to dye her hair purple--only a few little highlights, she promised, and Luke (a hair dye expert, albeit it only in our bathroom on his or Mark's friends or themselves) would help her. Our agreement was, be nice to mom for a week and we'll see. (Not an easy job for a 14 year old girl with raging hormones)

Well, she did it, and on Sunday night, after our small group friends left, she took over the bathroom and colored it and herself purple. Prince (aka crooner of Purple Rain, aka the artist formerly known as Prince, aka Prince Roger Nelson) would have been proud. She had a little trouble, Luke was unavailable/unwilling to help, and her whole head ended up being purple, along with part of the bathroom walls, a towel, various spots on the floor and some tiny drops on carpet in a couple of rooms in the house, not to mention the towel she used to dry her hair.

Ah, youth. At least the reaction at her private school wasn't too bad. She didn't get expelled--the principal commented on it, "Oh, Christina, you did something to your hair...." a few teachers liked it ("Isn't Vikings season over?") and only one friend commented that she looked Goth.

The top part isn't really dyed--I'm hoping in a couple of weeks we can cut it (and that it will fade) so she will look closer to normal for confirmation and graduation (from 8th grade).

Kids.

Till next time,


Suzi

A new week

Now I have rested up from tax season. We spent a good part of the weekend working on the house, especially the kitchen (but not the refrigerator.) We cleaned the counters, and Tim even organized one cupboard. The vacuumed and cleaned the carpets with our Orek carpet cleaner.

But, I did not work on the refrigerator. So, of course when company came on Sunday evening, they were looking to put the treats away in the refrigerator, and also to find a snack for the preschool girls our daughter watches.

Ah, a lesson in humility. I need to go back to Flylady 101 and remember to work daily on things, 15 minutes at a time....

Luke's graduation open house will be here before we know it!

Till next time,


Suzi

Carnival of fun

Last night was the annual elementary school carnival across the street. Our kids all went to school there, so even though they've been gone for years, they still like to go back at carnival time, play a few games, eat some food, hang out with old friends, and visit old teachers.

One of Mark's friends skateboarded several blocks from home to attend the carnival. He kept winning at the ring toss (you toss a ring, if it lands on a 2-liter bottle of pop, you win the pop). So he kept storing his winners here at our house.

Last count we had over a dozen bottles of pop. Now, I just have to keep Mark and Christina away from them, after $3k in dental bills including root canals and several cavities.......

Till next time,


Suzi

Diabetes seminar

Last night, after visiting all but one of Mark's teachers for conferences, Tim and I went to a diabetes seminar to discover the latest in diabetes technology. It was put on by various medical technology manufacturers, including Medtronic, a Minnesota company that has boomed since it's early beginnings in the 1970s or so.

We listened to my nutritionist talk about the low carb craze--and how carbs are important to anyone's diet--that often low carb diets are laden with protein and fat, which sits in the stomach. Then she showed us food portions and explained how many foods like potatoes, corn on the cob, rice, pasta, etc. have lots of carbs. Carbohydrates are okay, but we need to count them in our diet and adjust insulin accordingly.

We also listened to my endocronologist, Dr. Mark Stesin, talk about the insulin pump, and hear about improvements to it--and how in a few years an implantable pump should be available. He said that 98 percent of his patients that go on the pump stay on it--they are that happy with how it improves their lifestyle, blood sugar control, and the way they feel (quality of life). I'm thinking of going down that path....

Till next time,


Suzi

Relaxing morning, busy afternoon/evening

Today I will try to get some things done around here at home, because this afternoon and evening is tied up with conferences for Mark and then a diabetes seminar this evening. We're hoping to get Mark on track for a strong finish this semester--he seems to be suffering from a bad case of spring fever. And, I've been thinking a little bit more about checking out a pump to help manage my diabetes. It should be fun to see and hear about the new developments in diabetes management and care.



Till next time,



Suzi

Back to BSF

Last week I missed BSF because I was working at the tax office (April 14)--probably the busiest day of the season. Anyway, I missed the first half of our study of the book of Nehemiah, so I've been reading the whole book the last couple of days, working to catch up.

Talk about a man with integrity and tenacity--perserverance and a heart to do what's right. As he went back to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, he faced incredible opposition, but he was able to encourage his workers and face down his enemies--recognizing them when they tried to con or deceive him, and never wavering from his task.

May I be so consistent in my desire to follow Christ and lead an example for my children.

Till next time,

Suzi

Darn computers

I'm really glad I put my blog editing address on Tim's computer, because since we in stalled Norton anti-virus on mine, I can't edit my blog, and I can't read any posted comments (not that there are many!). Fortunately, I still can access the web site from Tim's computer--I will have to try to figure out if we can allow a cookie or whatever it is from mine soon!

Meanwhile, Christina complained of a sore throat again this morning. She had one yesterday morning that was cured by a glass of juice, and she missed school last Thursday and part of Friday with general achy-ness. I finally coaxed (an understatement) her out of bed, but not in time to catch the bus. Fortunately, Tim was heading in the general direction of her school and was able to give her a ride.

Summer cannot come soon enough! Oh, wait--then the kids will be home 'round the clock.....

Till next time,


Suzi

Temperature drop

What a difference a day makes! Yesterday afternoon we were all droopy and sweaty, feeling like we were in the midst of a summer heat wave as the temperature soared past the mid 80s. (About 32 degrees C). Finally, the storm we had been promised all weekend brought much needed rain and with it, relief from the heat. Today we woke up to a cool morning--only about 42 degrees (about 5 C).

The weather brought along some mishaps--a branch fell on the roof of a house, causing the roof to cave in, and there were flash floods, electrical outages, and even fires. A grass fire started in a northeast suburb, and was jumping roads and spreading quickly. The firefighters were even forced to leave because the blaze was so intense--the fire had been sparked by lightning. Just when everyone was really getting nervous, the heavens opened up and the downpour put out the raging flames.

God knows how to make corrections in nature--I think he can adjust people as well.

Till next time,


Suzi

Wrestling with a chicken bone

It's a beautiful Saturday morning, but I've already faced some challenges. Raven found a chicken bone on our walk, and he would not give it up. I stood, stroking his head, and holding onto the bone. He kept a tight grip, but didn't growl or chomp. Finally a small growl escaped from his throat, and he opened his mouth enough for me to grab the bone and receive a little nip--nothing major, it didn't even break the skin.

I will have to remember to bring treats on our walks to bribe him away from this icky stuff. I threw the bone and then we ran away. It took some doing, and a little pain, but it was worth saving him from bone splinters in his throat.

Now, if only it were this easy to deal with teenagers....

Till next time,


Suzi

Friday at home

Hurray! Tax time is behind us now. Today is a beautiful, sunny day, and Raven and I enjoyed a nice leisurely walk. Christina's home sick again today (she was achy and tired yesterday), but I think I will take her to school after lunch. The windows are open, the birds are singing, and I am a bit more rested.

Now I can focus on my home and my kids. (After a two week vacation--not!) I am grateful that my schedule and Tim's job allows me the freedom to do that (be home that is).

Till next time,


Suzi

Tax day!

Today is April 15!!! I'm hoping to get out of work early--hopefully people will pick up by mid-afternoon and we can relax. Tim e-filed our personal tax return last night, so we don't have to worry about that, and he'll mail Luke's today. (Luke owed since he didn't pay in enough last year. Welcome to the real world!)

Tomorrow will be a wonderful day.

Till next time,


Suzi

Working mom

I am really gaining a new appreciation for the working mom. I was at the office from 8:30 to 8:30 yesterday, and then had to get gas, go to the bank, and do some grocery shopping. I was so keyed up when I got home at 10:30 that Tim and I watched a biography special on John Belushi till almost midnight. Then, out of bed this morning at 5:30 to walk Raven and do it all over again.

I'm glad that tomorrow will be the last day. It will be nice to be home and catch up around here.

Till next time,


Suzi

Countdown

I'm working all this week (except Friday) at the tax office. I was dreaming about people calling to file extensions, asking what to do with e-file forms, and I was generally wondering if we can get all our work done in the next two days.

I woke up to Raven barking at 3:15 am. The newspaper, which usually comes before 6, arrived about 2 1/2 hours early. I was so keyed up I had a hard time falling back asleep, and it seemed I was just nodding off when the alarm went off==5:20 am.

It's almost over.

Till next time,


Suzi

Easter weekend

We had a nice family weekend. We didn't have an opportunity to spend it with extended family (except Tim's brother and nephew came over Sunday evening to play a game), but we had some good family time. Christina's friend Justin came over on Saturday, while the boys were out engaged in various activities (hanging out and concerts). We took Justin home about 10 pm, and decided to go out for supper at Baker's Square around 10:30 pm! We had Raven in the car with us, but he did just fine waiting in the van.

Got up early Easter morning to walk Raven and get ready to help at the Well--our church plant. I spent the morning in the nursery (Christina helped at the beginning and end) and Tim and the boys did set up on the stage area and tear down afterwards. We went home and enjoyed a ham, potatoes and green bean casserole. Then I collapsed while Tim & the boys cleaned up. Christina went with Justin's family to his grandparent's, and after my nap, Tim, the boys, Raven and I went for a walk around Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis--about 2 1/2 miles.

It was nice to enjoy each other and relax a bit before the big final push of end-of-tax-season. And it was a great Resurrection Sunday.

Till next time,

Suzi

The day in between

Yesterday was Good Friday, tomorrow is Easter. Today is the day in between. I think it was good that the disciples and those who loved Jesus had only one full day of despair and pain before the resurrection and hope for all eternity that they experienced as they saw Jesus on the first Easter Sunday morning and spread the good news.

Today is our day of in between. Right now it is sleeting--yesterday it was overcast and cool--this morning I complained so much about the cold house that Tim turned the heat back on (the thermostat inside was reading 65 degrees).

Wish I could say that tomorrow's forecast is for bright and sunny skies and warm temperatures. But we can experience the warmth within and enjoy a day of fellowshiping with other believers, saying "He is risen!" and hearing their response "He is risen indeed!"

Happy Easter,

Suzi

A Good Friday

This morning as Raven and I ventured out we were greeted by a gorgeous red sky in the east. I remembered the saying, "red sky at morning, sailor take warning" and soon noticed that most of the sky, especially in the west, was covered with darkening clouds. Still, the beauty of the eastern sky was so apparent. I noticed the red light reflecting on tree tops and high parts of buildings, like the church we passed.

On the church were two signs--one read: "Need hope? Get it 4/11." I thought that was cool--thinking of how 4/11--Easter--contrasted with 9/11--the day of terror and disaster here in the US in 2001. And the next sign proclaimed: "Jesus changes grave situations."

The red sky reminds me of the blood Jesus shed for our redemption. Good Friday was an overcast, awful day of sorrow and separation. But Jesus didn't stay dead. He took the punishment for our sins at the cross, but on Easter Sunday he rose and because he lives, we can have eternal life and know forgiveness of sins from a living Savior.

And that makes this a good Friday.

Till next time,


Suzi

Government interest

Luke is taking a class on government at the community college, and I'm pleased that he seems interested in the subject. This morning, as he usually does, he came home from band at the high school to have breakfast and get ready to go to his college classes. As he was enjoying his morning meal, he flipped on the TV and saw Condaleezza Rice testifying before the 9/11 commission.

It is fun to see your teenagers develop their own thoughts and ideas about politics, and he recognized Ms. Rice and commented on a class discussion they had about the whole issue.

Then Luke made a comment about someone's appearance on the news show and then flipped the station to a music video.

Oh well, he is still a teenager.

Till next time,


Suzi

Signs of spring

Raven and I enjoyed seeing signs of spring on our walk this morning. Lots of animals were out today, greeting the warmer weather, in spite of the overcast skies.

Raven leaped at ducks as we passed by, hoping to frighten them into flight. (It didn't work this time.) He greeted dogs out for walks, including a dachsund who huddled close to his master as we approached. We saw a cat who crouched close to the curb as we came near--Raven barked his greeting to the feline. A crow greeted us from his perch on a fence post, and it is so lovely to hear all the birds who have returned from a winter away.

Now it looks like the sun is peeking out a bit. April in Minnesota can be very lovely.

Till next time,


Suzi

Only one more Monday

It was another long day at the office--not quite as long as last week, but busy with phone calls, mail, etc. Some people are just realizing it is almost the tax deadline, and are scurrying to get their information in. I should be in no place to judge--we are still working on our tax gathering!

This morning I was so tired I hit the alarm and went back to sleep--having strange dreams until the door bell jarred me awake as our neighbor and Mark's best friend came over to catch a ride to school. Fortunately, everyone got up and out on time, and Raven and I enjoyed a nice long walk in the sunshine.

Till next time,


Suzi

Walking in the dark

This morning we walked in the dark again, since it is daylight savings time and I'm trying to get off to work early. I scared myself as we approached a fence, illumniated by a street light. The figure of a small shadow, looking a bit like a small alien hurrying up behind us, appeared and my heart raced a bit. Then I realized it was just Raven, with his tail bobbing up behind him as we hurried along down the sidewalk.

The full moon setting in the west was pretty, and helped light our way, and as we got home, the sun was just beginning to peek up over the horizon. It should be a good day.

Till next time,

Suzi

Just one more thing.....

I got the call at 3:15 pm yesterday afternoon--Christina was calling between bus stops (she takes a transfer bus after school) to tell me she had hurt her hand in gym class and it was swelling and hurting. Fortunately, Tim was on his way back from drywall work and I called to ask him to take her to urgent care, since I was still in the Bloomington office at least 30 minutes from home with an hour of work left to do, at least.

So, Tim took her in, she had several x-rays taken, and the verdict--a bad sprain, with a possible fracture. She needs to report back to her regular doctor this week and she is wearing a metal brace and bandage on her hand (fortunately its her left hand--she writes with her right.)

The not-so-good news is that softball is starting next week, and after a major search for her cleats (she found them in plain view, but says they were "stretched out" so she did not know they were hers), she was all set. So, the injured hand is her catching hand. In the fall she hurt her hand in volleyball and at the end of the season she sprained her ankle and was on crutches. At least she's not signed up for any summer sports........

Till next time,


Suzi

13 more days

Count down time! It's less than two weeks till the end of tax season. Yesterday I got a taste of drywall work again, as Tim forgot some tools, Luke was at school, and I was available. So, I spotted a few screws and cleaned up a bit. Tim rewarded me with lunch out, always a welcome event, even with taping mud between my finger nails (which I tried to dig out as I checked my blood sugar in the bathroom before eating.

It's another beautiful day--cool this morning with a promise of 60 by afternoon. April is here, without (for the moment) her showers!

Till next time,


Suzi

Dentist, defrosting and dining

I spent most of yesterday morning defrosting the freezer--remembering the last time I had done it was a year ago on the day my mother-in-law went to the hospital with a stroke that kept her at the hospital/rehab for several weeks. I was ready for a break after sweating it out with the freezer--chipping away at ice and bringing pots of boiling water down to try to speed the defrosting process. Just as I was relaxing a bit, the phone rang. It was the dentist. Turns out they had a cancellation and could get Mark in to put in his temporary crown. So, I raced to the grocery store, then as soon as Mark got home from school we rushed to the dentist where they began the two-hour process of rebuilding the tooth and preparing it for the crown. Meanwhile, they had a little portable TV set up in the lobby--turns out that a girl who was missing at the University of Wisconsin/Madison was a patient who had just been in that very office two weeks prior. The girl had been found yesterday afternoon, unharmed, but details of her situation were very sketchy and the abductor still on the loose.

So, we monitored the news for a while, then I turned to my Bible study in between sessions with the dentist on the work he was doing and what needed to be done on this expensive tooth, as well as meeting with the financial person to look at different options for paying for the silly thing (along with other teeth that need attention). I also learned about a $100 plus special electric toothbrush with a timer that would help Mark brush longer and more thouroughly. And of course there is the $10 toothpast we brought home to help flouridate his mouth a bit more and hopefully prevent more decay in his future--he has several "borderline" areas.

I wonder if dentures would be cheaper--although I was told that extraction for one tooth would be about $1000 more than the treatment we are doing to save it.

Maybe I can buy stock in dental offices or instruments.......

Anyway, after this appointment I rushed off to a food taste test to raise money for our boys' high school music/band program. We tasted yummy low-carb yogurt, although I signed a sheet saying I couldn't say too much about it, so I better leave it at that. I brought my BSF study in since I ended up being early (thought traffic would be worse than it was) and talked with a lady about the Bible, Jesus' passion, the movie (which neither of us have seen yet) and about her friend who is involved in BSF. It was a fun conversation.

Now today Tim wants me to bring some tools down that he forgot, and sounds like he might put me to work--with a promise of lunch. Life is so exciting--each day holds something new. Can't wait for work at the tax office tomorrow........

Till next time,


Suzi