The garage gets packed

The garage is PACKED. My feet are on fire, but the garage is packed.

Gene Cassell hates, loathes, despises and abhors painting at this time. He had to paint under the overhangs around the outside of the house today. I'm not sure I looked up there even once since we moved in 15 years ago. Ask him to paint something at your own risk.

And a HUGE thank you to Tracy Kloos Horacek, who came over and made us all dinner. It was very much appreciated.

Closing in on 2016

It's that time of year for reflections, goals and do-overs. It's a good time to stop and sum up another year. A nasty habit of mine leaves me longing for future days and ignoring the now moments in between. It's so easy to intend to live in the moment, but getting to the moment is something else altogether.

I was thinking about this particular neglected blog of mine, and the overall importance I place on daily writing and routine when teaching college students. Perhaps this particular habit would be useful to me as well.

Could I make it 365 days in 2016 with a daily post of some kind? And what would my theme be? Life in general? Motherhood? The art of telling a story? Personal journals? Personal rants?

Cassell Cents

As many of our friends know, Gene and I failed personal finance 101. We've taken Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University class four times. Yep. And, the "gazelle-like intensity" faded away before our mountain of debt did each time.

But, after months of prayer, I finally got around to checking out a company called Clear Point Financial Counseling more than two years ago after a friend recommended it to us. I was stunned at how many months of such a high payment that it would take. But I also knew we had to do it.

Our water heater broke that first year and we also had car problems spring up. It was awful and stressful. Two longtime friends saved Christmas for our kids that year (hugs D.S. and R.R.).

As I was running errands last week and appreciating how far we've come, I really did have one of those DUH! moments when I saw how much God has truly walked with us. HE is the one who has pulled those strings. He has really made the journey feel like it might really have an end.

Christmas was good this year, and our jobs offered bonuses. We have wanted to loft the boys' beds forever, and we got that done. In my excitement, I probably did not make the wisest of choices because we still have to eat the rest of the month.

But you know, my God sees ME and he loves ME, even when I miss the mark. And, my awesome heavenly dad even sent a buyer for the old bunk/futon bed, which means we can shop modestly without cutting into savings. The creator of the universe cares this much about each and every one of us. Amen.

Revelation 3:20 - Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

For my mom

Note: During a recent conversation my mom told me that she missed my blog posts on THIS blog. You see, I have a few blogs, and this one has been a bit neglected. This one is going to be dedicated to my mom and my dad because I am sure mom will read most of these posts to him. And to Gene's parents, too, because I blog all about the Cassell boys who live in Topeka.

Jared's Day

Today I was blessed to spend a few hours with my favorite fourth grader and a few of his classmates. 

At noon we left Randolph Elementary and walked to the university to spend some time in its outstanding art museum. All three fourth grade classes were present and paired up with a walking buddy. Parents and teachers distributed themselves along the line of kids, seeing quickly which kiddos needed more focus.

As we walked along, I was stuck by the gorgeous weather and the beautiful fall colors. As the crowd of 60 plus kids and several adults walked through the neighborhood, we stirred up dogs both outside in yards and inside the house. So in addition to the cheerful chatter of children excited to arrive at the museum, we also heard plenty of barking.

Jared proudly told his classmates that both his mom and dad work at the university. Some kids were impressed and asked questions while others simply rolled their eyes. 

We sat on the cement in the shade and enjoyed lunch together. I love listening to lunch conversations of kids, especially when I can kind of fade into the background. I tried to remember a fourth grade field trip of my own. Instead I recalled a rather strict teacher who generally dressed in black and wore pointy shoes.

Next was the museum. Now it's time for quiet. If museums are for quiet, then why are all the spaces built to echo? "Tiptoe up the stairs quiet as mice," our guide instructed. Unfortunately, she mentioned stomping, and I am afraid that was the word that caught the attention.

Art mounted on textured walls begged to be touched as the children waged an inner war on whether to resist the siren call. I read a few labels to the children who wondered what a particular painting was all about. Finally, at last, it was time to descend to the more kid-friendly art lab, which accommodates louder voices and offers a variety of activities.

Toward the end, the patience was waning as kids were again led into quiet zones. The walk back to school began briskly. About halfway there, a group of boys --- yes, I said boys-- started to sing a few songs from the upcoming fourth and fifth grade program. More joined in, and again I found myself blessed to be walking alongside the neighborhood serenaders. The sound of happy, singing children might be the sweetest sound I've ever heard.

Sunday School

I am trying to get a group of fourth through sixth graders interested in reading their Bibles and learning its wonderful stories. I was looking online for examples to share with them, and I found Mary Margaret's precious videos. Here is her retelling of Noah.

A recipe

Awhile back, a friend sent me an email recipe swap. It never works out too, well, but I did at least send it out my self this time. Anyway, here are a few recipes I got in return.

Cheesy potato casserole

8 baked potatoes sliced

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

1.5 pounds of ground beef cooked and drained

1 envelope of Lipton onion soup mix

your preferred type of cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 13x9 inch baking dish. (not 9x13 inch pan) Mix potatoes and cream of mushroom soup in a large bowl. Mix beef and onion soup mix in separate bowl. In baking dish layer 1/2  beef mixture, 1/2 cheese and 1/2 potatoes. Repeat layers. bake until hot and bubbly. PS. even my picky eater loves this dish. (Hint: He thinks it is Hamburger, Cheese, Potatoes and spices. Don’t say the words onion, mushroom or soup!) This is really good as leftovers to. 

Recipe for Mac & Cheese 

2TBSP butter/marg                    Approx 2 cups of velveta cheese cut in chunks I use1/2 box  2TBSP flour                               Dry macroni - see directions on bag or box for amt I use 4 1cup of milk                                hand fulls in 2 quarts water it seems to be enough for us Cook macroni until almost done, put in a buttered cassrole dish. Put butter/marg in a pot on the stove as it begins to melt slowly stir in flour to make a paste the slowly add milk while stiring when the mixture begins to thinken added cheese chucks until melted. Pour cheses mixture on top. I toast bread and break it up and soak it in butter or margarine and cover the top with the bread crumbs for a topping. With or without it is good. Bake a in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes.

1/15/2012 All My Fountains, 1st Service at CBC

I love my church family. I love that we have such talented young people who truly wear their faith for all to see. And, I love that our church leadership values their contributions to regular worship.

I love this song. It will stick with you.

Electronic Journalism

Well, here is my debut as a serious video journalist.

http://youtu.be/r4Rvb1ZO7ok

I have learned a few key things from this assignment.

1. The microphone jack and the headphone jack are different things.
2. If you pull a little harder, your tripod will extend and you will not leave your soundbite looking like he's going into the light any second.
3. Editing video is time-consuming.
4. I do not like to hear the sound of my voice over and over and over while I am editing video.
5. I thought I felt like a dork as a beginning print journalist, but that was nothing compared to my anxiety over being seen in public with a video camera.
6. The concepts I failed to grasp in photojournalism are coming back to haunt me. I did set the curve on the written exam, but application was another story completely.

As the semester went on, I got to learn these additional lessons.

1. Batteries die.
2. Mics can cut out at key points (even when plugged in correctly and turned on)
3. Electronic journalism students need tripods that work, cameras, batteries, an external mic and tapes. All are essential to success.
4. Editing video takes a lot of time.

Here's my final story of the semester.

And one I did on a diversity series and another on advising.

I hate coughing!

I am sick of coughing. I've done enough of it to last a dang lifetime since Sunday. Enough of this nonsense. I dread going to bed because the minute my head hits the pillow, I get the cough chorus going on. Yeah, yeah, get some rest, "they say." Ha! Try to sleep and hack your internal organs out of your body. I hope the NyQuil does a better job tonight.

Jacob says …

My son told me some things that I did not know tonight. As he was carrying some stuff for me after I told him I could get it. He insisted he carry it. "I am happy to help you mom because girls need help. Isn't that why you had kids? To help you?"

Not exactly I tell him.

"Oh, I know. You had kids so you could learn responsibility!"

Where does this boy get these ideas?!

Let's note that his behavior at Cub Scouts was not overly impressive tonight. THEN he says, "Now you are responsible, so you get harder problems, like how I acted at Cub Scouts tonight."

Dear God, it's me, REGINA!

Playing with the Slideshow Function in Blogger

Embeded video from kid on bike

6, 7 & 8

And all boys. This week, we've had an addition to our house. The boys' cousin has been in Topeka for a visit. It was E-Week (aka VBS) at our church this week, so they were entertained each day from 9 a.m. to noon.

Then we explored the swimming pool two days, the zoo, the Lego Exhibit at Washburn, the new Discovery Center and Gene's office. We've had Taco John's, Dairy Queen and McDonalds.

Ashton sleeps in Jacob's room one night and then Jared's room the next. Mostly, it's been fine.

We've decided that the best car order is Jacob in the middle. I've learned that a Camry is not ideal for three boys ages 6,7 and 8, considering two of them still sit in car seats.

I've learned a lot about Star Wars as Ashton is a complete SW junkie. Jacob's stuck on Harry Potter and Jared does not stick long on anything. At any rate, it reminds me of fun summer days that I spent with my sister Jenny and my cousin Angela at our grandparents. We were all very different girls, but we had so much fun together.

Paris Trip 2011

Nothing Works

I blog because it helps me sort things out. I have my blog connected to Facebook, so I can get some credit for actually being ON Facebook. I obviously also feel the need to explain things.

Today I learned that nothing works, but you might be surprised to learn that it was helpful. Jared was bugging Jacob, who was trying to photograph nature in the front yard, so Jacob decided it was a good idea to choke his brother. I did not agree.

I am working on email and getting the piles of paper off the dining room table, so I made them come sit with me near the table. They got nothing but a cup of water. I think they sat for about 25 minutes. Then they decided to start making deals about how nicely they are going to play the rest of the day.

Before they went back outside to play, they even cleaned their rooms without fighting.

There is no manual. What works today will likely not work tomorrow. Simply celebrate success :)

Summer Vacation

For a perpetual control freak, summer does not conjure up feelings of joy for me. I am typically relieved that the spring semester is over, but summer means transition and plans heavily tied to a weather forecast.

I have this wonderful vision of carefree kids enjoying the perks of summer. To Jared, that means swimming and ice cream every day. To Jacob, it means nonstop time on the DS.

Is there a guidebook out there for moms to create carefree summer experiences for kids? Is it OK if I let Jacob play the DS for 10 hours a day (my instincts scream a huge NO! here, so he's probably out of luck).

Do I simply agree to cool the yard and quit bugging them to shut the front door? How many times should we go to the pool? When should we do errands? How do you arrange quality play dates when most of their friends are in day camps because their parents work? How much unstructured time is good? There is a difference between unstructured and unscheduled. And then, they bug me to death to play the Wii, DS or be on the computer.


I remember some adventures from my summers. There are things we did at grandma's house that I would probably faint even imaging one of my boys doing. How do you find the balance between protecting them and letting them grow up and have some non-mother-approved fun?

And, who is the nut who says summer is fun and relaxing? Hmph!

Mom says

When I was a kid, I remember telling my own mother numerous times that she would be so much happier if she would just lower her standards for what a clean house entailed. My oldest son has developed a bad habit of tossing his trash behind the TV at our house. We have gone over this a few times, as you can imagine.

Today was another incident. Our conversation brought back memories.

Me: "Why on earth are you still throwing trash behind the TV?"
Jacob: "Why do you keep looking back there?"
Me: Stunned silence.
Jacob: "If you did not look back there every day, you would not be so mad at me!"

Family Trip

Well, we saw our first nephew graduate from high school on Friday night in Arkansas. It was a bit chilly because I packed when it was 80, not paying much attention to the cold temps this weekend.

We traveled just over 1,000 miles this weekend. We left Thursday around 4 p.m. (ask Gene why it wasn't closer to 3:30 p.m.) We returned today around 4 p.m. We stayed at a Comfort Inn in Fayetteville, Ark.; a Super 8 in Jacksonville, Ark.; a Drury Inn in Springfield, Mo. We decided to make a mini-vacation out of the trip, so we drove back toward Branson on Saturday (ugh! I much prefer the other route, less hilly and all four lane).

We were "robbed" at Branson's Wax museum, which the boys were mostly scared of, but we did better at the indoor mini-golf course down the road. Remember, it was COLD and I packed us for 80-degree weather. We bought cheap hoodies/sweatshirts/coats at Walmart this a.m. before we headed to Fantastic Caverns, which both boys really enjoyed. A much better investment than the Wax Museum, but you live and learn.

A huge thanks to the Dunstans for loaning us two portable DVD players (the boys certainly had their moments on the trip, but these helped immensely.) Yeah for hotel swimming pools, the cheapest and favorite kid attraction.

And yeah for free breakfasts, especially when you have Jared in tow. Our little one LOVES breakfast, and he will eat and eat and eat. This morning he wanted to go back and get more (again), and I asked him where he was going to put it all. Without missing a beat, he said "plate" and kept eating.

The boys are already asleep, and I hope they will be eager for the final full week of school. Only 7.5 more school days until the joy/terror of summer vacation begins.

Fishing at Gage Park

I'm about to throw my dad under the bus (sorry, dad!) And, Gene's dad, too (sorry big Gene).

I had to bring in reinforcement from one of my college boys to assist me in teaching some Boy Scouts how to fish. Apparently, that's a job fathers are generally taxed with.

Well, at the lake a few summers ago, Gene was none too happy when our pastor pressed a handful of worms into his hand. (Wish I had video to share).

Well, dad, you can be proud. By the end of the night, I managed to thread three worms on hooks. (yes, it was completely disgusting).

Jacob caught four fish. His first four. And as for Gene, well, he was called to other duties as he took Jared to his football camp at Washburn.

A big thanks to Josh Rouse, the fishing expert. Several of the boys caught fish, so it was a success.

Jared's turn

We took a family bike ride to celebrate the weather and mother's day this afternoon. Jared was having a few difficulties and he kept complaining that his behind hurt. When we arrived home about an hour later, my skills as a mom were requested.

"Come on mom," Jared said. "Let's go fix my butt."

Jacob says …

We walked around the campus tonight and decided to shoot baskets while we waited for Gene to come home from work. We met a nice lady on our walk and her puppy, JoJo. She let Jacob walk the dog for a spell, which prompted Jacob to plan ahead for his future dog. He says this.

"I can't play basketball and have a dog!"

"Why not," I ask somewhat confused as I watch him shoot hoops.

"Well, I could if I had a wife. I mean, if I can get one. Then she could stay home with our dog and watch me play basketball on TV."

An anthropological introduction to YouTube

dear blog

I'm a blogger without a blog post. I implore my students to capture a slice of life within their blog posts.

Today, I am caught in a swirl of life, unable to make the catch.

Snow Day

Jacob was super eager to go out and help Gene shovel the walk this morning. He swept off the porch and made a path through the yard and cleaned off a path beside the cars partly, all before Gene got outside. I was watching from the window as moms often do, seeing a little boy not so little anymore. Gene was shoveling the big path down the driveway, working his way up and down the path. Every couple of seconds. "Dad, look at this, my shovel stands up in the snow by itself." "Dad, I want to help sweep off the cars." "Dad, I've got this." "Dad, I have a great idea. Let's scoop the snow this way." "Dad, I am tired. I am going to have to take breaks." He stands on the front porch for two, maybe three seconds. "Break time is over. Back to work." Gene: "I wish I had a snow blower." Jacob: "Maybe we can save our money for one. It really would be best if we had one." "Mom, I am so cold, mostly my hands are so cold. I have to come inside. Can I have some hot chocolate?"

things my son says, part 2

It's great having another reader in the family, generally. In this week's Sunday bulletin, there was a blurb about an upcoming girls night out. When Jacob read this in the bulletin, he says to me, "Mom I really hope you are going to go to this girls thing. Then we can do something FUN with dad."

Things my son says

Sunday's message was addressing the question that comes from Luke 14:28-35. When it comes down to it, are we really willing to follow Jesus if it costs us everything? (It does, by the way). Jacob was drawing during the service, so I expected he was also listening somewhat. I later asked him what he thought about giving everything up for Jesus. His reply, "Well, I did sing today."

For perspective, it might help to know that Jacob's least favorite part of Sunday worship is the singing.

I love this stinkin' sweater

Jared likes to cooperate during photo time.

All I Want for Christmas is …

Jacob has lost more teeth!

Turns out I lied …

To my mother, even. Horror of horrors. I guess iphones do manage to record video. How did I miss this? And, yes, I should be grading. I have 10 more Feature Writing Grades to final, 25 senior seminar grades to tally and 10 from Advanced Media Lab.

Footage from tonight's basketball courts.

A Social Network Christmas

Shout out to my crafty friend

Colleen
Check out her fun plastic canvas creations.

Homecoming

The boys spent the last two days in Marshall with grandparents because of the in-service meetings that canceled school.

As usual, the return home from, well, any other location, can be a little crazy. As the boys were tearing back and fourth through the house, things quickly got out of control. Both boys wound up spending some time in their rooms.

Despite being offered an opportunity to calm down and stop digging in deeper, Jacob decided to keep his mouth running, which earned him a chore. As he sat folding a basket of clean towels, the whining and "nobody loves me" proclamations entertained me while I was making a quick dinner before Jacob and I left for Cub Scouts.

At one point, my precious son, clearly the house slave, says, "You know, this isn't a very good way to welcome me home!"

Thankfully, Gene saved the day by singing the special song we had prepared for his homecoming -LOL. Jacob tried to stay mad, but dad's singing was just too much fun.

i hate grading

I have not taught an intro class for a very long time. I had to final my grades today. Ugh.

I have such a deep appreciation for education, so I really hate to see people waste $253 dollars per credit hour for a 3-hour course. At least take the time and effort to drop the course.

I hate having to submit Fs for grades. I don't personally earn these grades, so why do I feel so crappy about punching in those grades?

Ugh.

A few of my favorite things

Gene and I have been parents for seven and a half years. This summer has been a bit rough in the parenting department. It has been a huge blessing for us to have a few kid-free days. We know the boys are having a blast at Gene's parents.

In the meantime, Gene and I are having fun, too. Dinner, a movie and a night out with a fun group of people.

And, then, today, I had a big surprise. Earlier this week Rikki and I were shopping at Kohl's. She helped me pick out an outfit. I had tried on a couple I liked, but I only had budget for one outfit. Tonight, Rikki surprised me with the dress I did not buy. What a very nice surprise!

Dear Blog:

Ironic that my first week as an acting stay-at-home mom would be a holiday week. I say acting because I have a job that I will return to in August. The true heroes stay home with their children all year long. Wow, that takes courage, strength and tubs of ibprofen.

Monday was easy because I had Gene, and we actually were in Kansas City helping my sister.

Tuesday was LONG.

Wednesday was another day in Kansas City at Jenny's but we conquered Sam's Club, Walgreens and the Post Office before our trip. We spent two solid hours in Jenny's pool, so I think I redeemed the Sam's Club trip (even though most of the stuff I was buying was to feed them!)

Thursday was OK until I insisted on naps. Geez. Then we had friends over for dinner. Jared was wound up a bit and "charmed" our guests and his parents with lots of attractive language. Now, all the boys are in bed (Gene, t00) And, it's just me an the laptop and my ipod. Good times.

I hate going to bed. I'd rather stay up until 2 a.m. and then sleep until 9:30 a.m. My boys get up at 6:45 a.m. sometimes. I did make some progress on my house, so I will not want them to help themselves in the a.m.

On grading

Move over Josh K., Mikki B. included an appendix in her beat report : )

And, BTW, I see the sun out my window. It's real. Only four more advanced packets to grade. Yippee!

From a funny, funny video I got in an e-mail

From a funny e-mail

If you are 30, or older, you might think this is hilarious!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were. When they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning....
Uphill...
Barefoot...
BOTH ways… yada, yada, yada

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in heck I was going to lay a bunch of nonsense like that on my kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!

But now that I'm over the ripe old age of thirty (plus a few), I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I
mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a dang Utopia!

And I hate to say it, but you kids today, you don't know how good you've got it!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the dang library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!

There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter - with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox, and it would take like a week to get there! Stamps were 10 cents!

Child Protective Services didn't care if our parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to kick our butt! Nowhere was safe!

There were no MP3's or Napsters or iTunes! If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself!

Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio, and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and mess it all up! There were no CD players! We had tape decks in our car.. We'd play our favorite tape and "eject" it when finished, and then the tape would come undone rendering it useless. Cause, hey, that's how we rolled, Baby! Dig?

We didn't have fancy stuff like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal, that's it!

There weren't any freakin' cell phones either. If you left the house, you just didn't make a darn call or receive one. You actually had to be out of touch with your "friends". OH MY GOSH !!! Think of the horror... not being in touch with someone 24/7!!! And then there's
TEXTING. Yeah, right. Please! You kids have no idea how annoying you are.

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your parents, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, the collection agent... you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

We didn't have any fancy PlayStation or Xbox video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your screen guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination!!! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen... Forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your butt and walk over to the TV to change the channel!!! NO REMOTES!!! Oh, no, what's the world coming to?!?!

There was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying? We had to wait
ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little rat-finks!

And we didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove! Imagine that! (OK, we had a microwave, since I was about 10 - RC)

And our parents told us to stay outside and play... all day long. Oh, no, no electronics to soothe and comfort. And if you came back inside... you were doing chores!

And car seats - oh, please! Mom threw you in the back seat and you hung on. If you were lucky, you got the "safety arm" across the chest at the last moment if she had to stop suddenly, and if your head hit the dashboard, well that was your fault for calling "shot gun" in the first place!

See! That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled rotten! You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980 or any time before!

Regards,
The Over 30 Crowd

Peep Show

I post this only because it makes me laugh.

On not flunking

I did not flunk my oral Spanish exam. For this I am most pleased.

Jacob

Jacob was grounded from the Wii and the computer until Friday. He turns 7 today actually. We always let the birthday boy choose a restaurant for his birthday. Tuesdays are crazy normally because of Cub Scouts and this week Gene has softball and I have a 7 p.m. meeting at church.

Jacob suggests that we go out to eat Wednesday instead. Suspecting nothing, mom walks into the trap.

"Oh honey. I would hate for you to miss your birthday dinner."

"That's OK. I don't mind. I think it would be less crazy."

"OK. Well, is there something special that I could cook at home tomorrow instead?" mom asks, still not sure if he's really OK with this idea.

"No, I don't need anything special."

Mom's heart swells with pride at her selfless son.

He continues. "You know, what I'd really like is to be ungrounded from the Wii and the computer. I mean, it's my birthday."

Geesh! This kid is clever.

Maternal Moment

Everyone knows I love my kids, but I'm also a big whiner. Raising kids is hard work and it's often relentless. Sometimes I worry that I lack some maternal genes because I don't wear the badge of selflessness proudly and certain mom things do not get me all a-flutter. My mom, the original mama bear, swears each baby has a scent of the gods. I remember her spending hours smelling her grandsons. Yeah, I do their laundry, and I know what they really smell like.

Tomorrow, my baby turns 7. I made his sugar cookies on sticks (stupid box and its stupid ideas) and I color coordinated the frosting with the craft sticks (oh, my little darling loves the organization I sought in my former childless life). Thankfully, there were only four colors of sticks. Everyone knows I am far from being a gifted baker and/or decorator, but Jacob peeked out of bed and he thinks my cookies rock.

As much as I adore baking, tonight I felt a strong tenderness toward my son as I sewed his badges on his Cub Scout uniform. (By the way, I also lack advanced sewing skills). As I thought about those beautiful brown eyes and his unbelievable ability to make me laugh and marvel one moment and on the verge of losing my mind the next, I found myself smiling. My little storyteller has devoured stories I've read and books I've treasured. He shares deep insights about my God and reminds me that someone is watching. I can only hope that he feels cloaked in love tomorrow as he puts his Cub Scout shirt.

Yeah Jacob!
Today our reluctant 6-year-son learned to ride his bike! He absolutely was not going to do it at noon. He did it in 30 minutes on the Shunga Trail. Now he's an expert.

I am in line to board the Ferry to Ellis island.

Jared's victory

Jared can now buckle his seat belt. He has been counting how many times he has done each time he gets into the car. I cannot tell you how much happiness this brings me.

Six-year-old boy prayers

I am worried about Jared.

On Sunday, these were Jacob's prayer requests.

poor people, the needy, Jared and Haiti!

5 days away

I have every Friday of senior seminar planned with fabulous guest speakers and events except for five and class has not even started. I am a rock star : )

Looking for some feedback

So, I got this e-mail. Probably several of you did also. The original one was dated August 2009, but now it's labeled "best e-mail of 2009" I read it. I thought about it, and I'm still thinking about it. But, right now, I want to hear what you all think.

If you want to post to my actual blog site, Regina's Rants, I encourage you to do so.


TEXT FROM THE E-MAIL:

How's this for apocalyptic literature. This was written by a pastor's wife in biblical prose as a commentary of current events. It is
 brilliant.


------------------------



And it came to pass in the Age of Insanity that the people of the land


called America , having lost their morals, their initiative, and their


will to defend their liberties, chose as their Supreme Leader that


person known as "The One.."




He emerged from the vapors with a message that had no meaning; but He


hypnotized the people telling them, "I am sent to save you." My lack


of experience, my questionable ethics, my monstrous ego, and my


association with evil doers are of no consequence. I shall save you


with hope and Change. Go, therefore, and proclaim throughout the


land that he who proceeded me is evil, that he has defiled the nation,


and that all he has built must be destroyed.. And the people rejoiced,


for even though they knew not what "The One" would do, he had promised


that it was good; and they believed. And "The One" said " We live in


the greatest country in the world. Help me change everything about it!"


And the people said, "Hallelujah! Change is good!"



Then He said, "We are going to tax the rich fat-cats." And the


people said "Sock it to them!" "And redistribute their wealth." And


the people said, "Show us the money!" And the he said, "


redistribution of wealth is good for everybody."



"4"

And Joe the plumber asked, " Are you kidding me? You're going to


steal my money and give it to the deadbeats??" And "The One"


ridiculed and taunted him, and Joe's personal records were hacked and publicized.


One lone reporter asked, "Isn't that Marxist policy?" And she was


banished from the kingdom!



Then a citizen asked, "With no foreign relations experience and


having zero military experience or knowledge, how will you deal with


radical terrorists?" And "The One" said, "Simple. I shall sit with


them and talk with them and show them how nice we really are; and they


will forget that they ever wanted to kill us all!" And the people


said, "Hallelujah!! We are safe at last, and we can beat our weapons


into free cars for the people!"




Then "The One" said "I shall give 95% of you lower taxes." And one,


lone voice said, "But 40% of us don't pay ANY taxes." So "The One"


said, "Then I shall give you some of the taxes the fat-cats pay!"


And the people said, "Hallelujah! Show us the money!"


Then "The One" said, "I shall tax your Capital Gains when you sell


your homes!" And the people yawned and the slumping housing market


collapsed. And He said. "I shall mandate employer-funded health care


for every worker and raise the minimum wage. And I shall give every


person unlimited healthcare and medicine and transportation to the


clinics." And the people said, "Give me some of that!"


Then he said, "I shall penalize employers who ship jobs overseas."


And the people said, "Where's my rebate check?"



Then "The One" said, "I shall bankrupt the coal industry and


electricity rates will skyrocket!" And the people said, "Coal is


dirty, coal is evil, no more coal! But we don't care for that part


about higher electric rates." So "The One" said, Not to worry. If


your rebate isn't enough to cover your expenses, we shall bail you out.


Just sign up with the ACORN and you troubles are over!"



Then He said, "Illegal immigrants feel scorned and slighted. Let's


grant them amnesty, Social Security, free education, free lunches,


free medical care, bi-lingual signs and guaranteed housing..." And


the people said, "Hallelujah!" and they made him king!



And so it came to pass that employers, facing spiraling costs and


ever-higher taxes, raised their prices and laid off workers. Others


simply gave up and went out of business and the economy sank like unto


a rock dropped from a cliff.


The bank banking industry was destroyed. Manufacturing slowed to a


crawl. And more of the people were without a means of support.




Then "The One" said, "I am the "the One"- The Messiah - and I'm here


to save you! We shall just print more money so everyone will have


enough!" But our foreign trading partners said unto Him. "Wait a


minute. Your dollar is not worth a pile of camel dung! You will have


to pay more... And "The One" said, "Wait a minute. That is


unfair!!" And the world said, "Neither are these other idiotic


programs you have embraced. Lo, you have become a Socialist state and


a second-rate power. Now you shall play by our rules!"




And the people cried out, "Alas, alas!! What have we done?" But yea


verily, it was too late. The people set upon The One and spat upon


him and stoned him, and his name was dung. And the once mighty nation


was no more; and the once proud people were without sustenance or


shelter or hope. And the Change "The One" had given them was as like


unto a poison that had destroyed them and like a whirlwind that


consumed all that they had built..



And the people beat their chests in despair and cried out in anguish,


"give us back our nation and our pride and our hope!!" But it was too


late, and their homeland was no more.

“A GOVERNMENT BIG ENOUGH TO GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU WANT, IS STRONG ENOUGH TO TAKE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE."


Thomas Jefferson

Proverbs 11:14, NLT

Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.

E-mail and distractions

For those of you who e-mail me at my cox.net address, stop it. I never use it. Grab me at gmail instead.

Yeah! I have no messages in my work e-mail account presently. Hooray for me. Why is plowing through my e-mail such a big accomplishment (sad day). Jacob was awake until 11 p.m. tonight. It's 2:27 a.m., and yet my husband is still not home. I hate basketball season. I hate road trips. Tomorrow, we are going to have at least one grouchy child and two parents who did not go to bed. Great way to end the year.

Augh! Anyway, I am going to be productive next week. Tonight was part of laying the ground work. Don't e-mail me unless it's crucial. My mom used to tell us not to call her at work unless we were bleeding. I need one of you clever word people to come up with a similar phrase that would address e-mail usage.

And, no, I did not get my journal finished. I have 26 pages to go.

Library:
I take the boys to the library, and they are on the computers. Jacob told me to pick out some things he might like because I am good at that.

Christmas cards and other holiday jazz

I did not send out Christmas cards this year, but I was happy to receive a hefty pile from friends and family. Several of these cards appeared to come directly from Snapfish.com, which certainly caught my attention. After the debacle that was our family Christmas photo (we totally blame Jared for this), I am still unsure about whether I will send New Year's Cards or not.

As I spend the week home with my two boys, I am surrounded by a seriously messy house and plenty of "Christmas" that still needs to find a home. I have also decided that I want to start the new year, armed with a new journal. I am 29 pages away from finishing the one I began Aug. 18, 2007. The first sentence Jared utters every morning is "Can we play on the Wii? Please?! Please?! I be nice. We not fight today. Promise (bat big blue eyes and look at mom)."

I have two or three or maybe five journals in que, just waiting for me to write the staggering details of my life journey (lol). My grand plan for the day is to lug the boys to the Public Library to hang out in the kid section while I work on writing and picking up another book to read.

I highly, highly, highly recommend reading "Traveling With Pomegranates" by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor. I return in search of another one of Sue's book. I am going to try to stay away from Amazon.com's one click shopping (at least until February!)

Cheers.

Aaauuugghhh:

Household tip for the day. Do not turn on garbage disposal while dish rag is down the hole! And, especially avoid this when your husband is in Las Vegas. :(

Truth:
Be prepared to modify your plan. It'll be good for you.

Or so says my fortune cookie. Haha, really funny.

My friend's said something about seeing a miracle and she thinks they are related!!

Grading and Grace

I find myself in emotional turmoil as I face the grading in my writing courses. If students complete even half of the assignments in my writing classes, they have truly worked hard.

Call me nuts, but I don't know how to teach writing without making students write themselves silly while reading some outstanding writing samples for good measure.

I see the progress as I move through their final portfolios. I hope they realize the growth after they stop throwing darts at my picture.

During my college career, I fell down at the altar of the mighty GPA. As a faculty member, I find myself wanting to help students as much as I can. On the other hand, I find it extremely annoying to lend a helping hand when the student clearly has not met me halfway. It's always such a balancing game.

In the end, I wish that judging writing, dedication and true appreciation of learning was more clear cut. But then again, I am positively thrilled when a struggling hard worker produces prose that almost takes my breath away.

Equal Rights

So I was grading today. Actually that's pretty much all I did today. I was thinking about those students who go online and hunt up and/or buy their assignments.

I was wondering if faculty should not have these same perks. What about a Web site that accepted files that needed to be graded? That would be awesome.

Then as I traveled down the hall to pop a bag of microwave popcorn, I saw a schedule of events from last week, aimed to help students cope with the stress of finals. Well, I felt pretty stressed today. Where are the faculty activities?

easy thank you for the military

shared via an e-mail:

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL

If you go to this web site, http://www.letssaythanks.com, you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving in Iraq.

You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the Armed Services.

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one! It is FREE and it only takes a second. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?

Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them. This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you.

Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

One class practically in the books

For my senior seminar students, I have news. I am D-O-N-E grading. I just need a wee bit of time in the morning to type scores into my excel file and merge piles of paper (of course, they are already in alpha order as it's one of my classic procrastination techniques.)

Tomorrow, I'll hopefully knock out internships. Then, I'll leave the most time-intensive and grueling for the weekend and Monday. With grades due at 10 a.m. Tuesday, it's quite risky to leave things until then.

More good news. Everyone in the class earned a passing grade in senior seminar with the majority of students bringing home As if my cursory scan is correct.

funny, funny stuff

Font video

I hate e-mail, la la la

That's a new song I am writing. I currently have 14 e-mails, which is awesome. I had 400 yesterday.

So, I didn't do some things (like I need one more thing)

Some people might be wondering if I'm in a coma (I'm not)

Others might wonder why I'm blogging so much today. (Funny story. I have lots of blogs, and I have been working on updating them, too. I also set up my iphone as a blogging device. Now, I can blog directly from my phone. My only complaint is that it does not put a title on the post, and I like titles.)

It posts pics from my phone, too, but it takes forever.

mini update: day three -- no Coke. I can totally do this : O )

Add another card to the list

Pass this on to your church, co-workers, family, and friends. What do you have to lose but 44 cents, what do you have to gain ----------- more than you will ever know.

What a clever idea!
Yes, Christmas cards. This is coming early so that you can get ready to include an important address to your list.

Want to have some fun this CHRISTMAS? Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD this year.

As they are working so very hard to get rid of the CHRISTMAS part of this holiday, we should all send them a nice, CHRISTIAN card to brighten up their dark, sad, little world..

Make sure it says "Merry Christmas" on it.

Here's the address, just don't be rude or crude. (It's not the Christian way, you know.)

ACLU
125 Broad Street
18th Floor
New York , NY 10004

Two tons of Christmas cards would freeze their operations because they wouldn't know if any were regular mail containing contributions. So spend 44 cents and tell the ACLU to leave Christmas alone. Also tell them that there is no such thing as a " Holiday Tree". . . It's always been called a CHRISTMAS TREE!

For those of you who aren't aware of them, the ACLU, (the American Civil Liberties Union) is the one suing the U.S. Government to take God, Christmas or anything Christian away from view. Help put Christ back in Christmas!

Jacob -- first grade

I am testing.

Grading, sick kiddo and other musings

I am surrounded by Christmas as I grade this Monday morning. My eldest son thought he would like to begin his day by throwing up at 5 a.m. Poor kid, he has thrown up at least six more times. So I am sitting in my living room with my half-decorated tree staring back at me. The stockings are hung and the table behind me is littered with ornament boxes. Yes, I keep all the boxes.

It is the last week of classes (seems surreal to me). And, as usual, I have a bit of grading to to do.

The extended break might have worked out for this purpose except that some six odd years ago, Gene and I decided to become parents. Between cooking Thanksgiving dinner and somewhat cleaning it up, hanging out with family and then doing a long list of household/Christmas to-dos on Saturday, my weekend was GONE before I blinked.

At some point in the weekend, I have made another one of my famous declarations. I am DONE with soda for awhile. Gene and I are seeing who can hold out the longest, which may end up being a small mistake.

Well, back to grading. Oh, and it seems I've sort of become a Pampered Chef consultant again. Anyone need any great gifts for the holidays?

free holiday babysitting for kids 3-sixth grade

SHARE THE WORD!

Covenant Baptist Church is providing FREE childcare so parents within the Topeka community can go Christmas shopping. The event will be Sunday, Dec. 6, 2-5 p.m.

Children, ages 3-sixth grade, will do crafts, make and wrap presents to put under the family tree, and will
hear the Christmas story.

This event is by reservation only to ensure we have enough volunteers. Call the church to sign up today, 273-2811, or contact Annette at church @ cbctopeka.com

Covenant is located at 5440 SW 37th St.

crazy

I know I am a great mom, but the daily dose of tears from my little blue-eyed boy as I leave him at preschool is killing me. Finally, I pry myself loose, telling him I have to get his big brother to school on time.

Sliding behind the wheel, I remark to Jacob. "It's a crazy life."

"Who's crazy? Me or you?"

Laughing, I tell him it's most definitely me.

"If I was going to preschool and I saw those poptarts in the lunchroom, I would give you a hug and go get me a poptart. I don't know why Jared was so upset."

OK, so maybe all great moms compete with pop tarts?

Happy Birthday to me!

We move from the ranting portion of the birthday to confession.

Amazon.com has not failed me yet. Today, after lunch, a new book arrived on my doorstep. A birthday present to myself. Yeah! It's another Yada Yada book, the second book of the second series. Yeah.

Now you can probably guess the confession part. Jacob is not nearly as demanding as Jared when he is sick. He has watched TV, played on the computer, wrote his teacher a thank-you note for his shenangins in the boys bathroom and is now reading a book as part of his daily 20-minute reading requirement.

Let's just say that I've more than satisfied my daily reading requirement, and I am shocked to learn that it is 2 p.m.!

Yo-Yo's and Fevers

Last night, as Gene went pink for volleyball, I dragged the boys to Jacob's end of season, flag football ceremony. It began at 7 p.m., so I was fairly confident it would be short. I mean, organizers are well aware that kindergarten and first grades participate.

Things moved right along and we eagerly awaited the special guest. Enter Salina native, Brent Dellinger, yo-yo extraordinaire. His tricks were quite impressive, and I was amazed more than once at what this 21 year old could make a yo-yo do. At some point, I began to tire of the tricks, perhaps after the plug for a $17 yo-yo. Or perhaps as Jared grew increasingly impatient next to me. I clapped happily at the end and was still naive to think I might exit the church with some dignity.

My boys go to bed at 8 p.m., sometimes it is 8:05 p.m. It is never 8:41 p.m. As we prepare to leave, Jared launches into his killer fit routine. My purse is heavy as it contains my camera and various other junk, but still I manage to scoop up the fireball and attempt the long journey to the car.

He does not go quietly into the night. Threats do not work. Pressure on his behind does not work. He kicks, punches, contorts and screams. I consider my options as I encourage Jacob to pay attention to the various cars leaving the parking lot. I practically drop Jared on the sidewalk and remark that he can just stay here if he chooses. Cue the sorrowful crying. OK, now maybe he will allow me to carry him in a somewhat calm matter. Ha! The little con artist resumed his torrential fit the moment I scooped him back up.

Looking back, I realize an important truth. That 8 p.m. bedtime is as much for me as it is for them. Jared is DONE. I am rapidly getting there. He requires a quick spank before he will sit up properly in his car seat. He avenges this by screaming at the top of his lungs for the entire trip home. I am surprised the glass in the car windows survive his pitch.

I am tired. My head is pounding. I am losing any commitment I might have held previously to motherhood. Enter Gene (thank you Lady Blues for winning quick!). As Gene steps into the hot seat, I fold the laundry on our bed at a feverish pace as I try to regain a piece of sanity.

This morning, Jacob comes into our room a bit before 7 a.m; he's had a bad dream. As he slides next to me, I realize immediately, as most mothers do, that my baby has a fever. But, I make Gene get up and confirm it anyway. After all, it is my birthday.

Chili anyone?

Jared (yes, the sick, feverish one as of late) is having a fundraiser for his preschool. BTW, he is feeling much better today. No fever. He is just fraught with naughtiness.

Sunday, Nov. 8: Chili fundraiser
Cost $7

It will be at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 2649 SE 45th, 11:30-2 p.m.

If you want to go, call REGINA or e-mail regina.cassell@ washburn.edu. I am supposed to turn in orders Wednesday (Oct. 21), but I am running behind as usual.

Come have chili with the Cassells. We will head over right after church.

Fall (not spring) break

We just concluded the eighth week of a 16-week semester. Thursday and Friday marked our traditional fall break. In November, we have a three-day break for Thanksgiving, but at the moment I am lamenting my Fall Break. I worked both days (at the office). And I did not read a good book or have a garage sale. (don't ask)

I FINALLY did the dishes with some help from Gene, and I did a mountain of laundry and/or drawer switching as we prepare for cooler temps. I helped a friend out and added a couple of kiddos to my own two, took all four boys to Jacob's flag football game and froze while my 6-year-old ran around the field shivering. Then I met another friend and added her two boys to my four at Chuck-E-Cheese for lunch and some easy child entertainment (all such things exact their price, but we did have a nice visit anyway)

I'll leave you with this plea for parental support.

Me: "Jacob, find your coat and put it on. It's cold outside."
Jacob: "I am wearing long-sleeves."
Me: "I know, but you still need a coat."
Jacob (now yelling). "Only DUMB people wear a coat with long-sleeve shirts, AND I AM NOT DUMB."

As I conduct my own evaluation of his behavior, I am thinking it is going to be a long Kansas winter. Then later at church our pastor preached a very powerful message on the importance of prayer and the right kind of prayer. I wonder what kind of prayer long-sleeves fall under.

No soccer mom gene

Before I was a parent (and still knew everything about parenting), I used to cringe and force a smile when a mom would talk about having to miss something because of little Suzy's sporting event. The excitement of watching every single moment of your offspring's sporting attempts is lost on me. Completely lost.

Not only do I dislike sports, playing sports and heaven forbid, hearing about sports, but I also dislike kids sports. Even when my own kid is playing, so it seems.

I keep waiting for that magic mom moment when the planets align and the love of sports descends upon me. (Gene might be waiting for this also) Until then, I guess I'm just an old grouch who hates yet another intrusion on the weekend.

Good Deeds

Not many men would claim to be able to figure women out. Heck, I am a woman, and I can't figure myself out most of the time.

At the end of last year, I said I would be happy to record some books for my son's at the time kindergarten teacher (things went well and he's now in first grade). So, I have these 12 books all summer long. I see them every week or so and of course, feel guilt.

So night before last I decide I am going to knock out this project. I can read. I read hundreds of books to my kids, so I think I'm the one for the job. First, I hunt around for a microphone for the computer that I know I've seen in the last five years. After 15 minutes of poking around in the garage, my husband wonders what exactly I'm doing.

I tell him and he informs me that the microphone was an old way, no longer compatible with our Mac. "Good grief," I say. "Can I ever get a break?"

So he suggests using my iphone and recording the books using the handy-dandy voice memo application. Sure. It does, in fact, work, so I have my first four minute book recorded.

I think I can easily e-mail the file to my computer. Ha! It's too large. I try dividing it up multiple ways, but I just can't get it. Back this summer, my first iphone was stolen, and I have not exactly been good about getting my new one all in one spot. I did not want to synch my phone because that allows my computer's junk to go to my phone, but it erases my phone. What kind of dumb, backward idea is this? I mean seriously. By the way, this is the next day and I have now spent a good chunk of time on this project (and yes, I have PILES of other things I should be doing). I am angry and getting less reasonable as time goes on.

Wow! This rant has some length, but I don't care. In the end, my usual go-to guy is not much help (sorry, Gene). However, I ended up texting an iphone/Mac junkie who comes to my classes every now and again and makes fun of my blogs. Turns out, he had the perfect solution. So I stayed up until midnight recording the rest of the books.

And, I wonder why I was grouchy today when my kids were super obnoxious and all-out naughty as they battled (literally) for about 20 minutes in the backseat. Thankfully, my sister came to save me. The hour escape really helped, but I think my kids half-worried whether I was coming back.

funny, funny e-mail joke

We who have taught, or love children who have been taught, know this is funny!

From the diary of a Pre-School Teacher

My five-year old students are learning to read.
Yesterday one of them pointed at a picture in a zoo book and said,
"Look at this! It's a frickin' elephant!"

I took a deep breath, then asked...."What did you call it?"

"It's a frickin' elephant! It says so on the picture!"

And so it does...



" A f r i c a n Elephant "

Making the rounds

Some people see a holiday and see downtime and relaxation. Others see an extended holiday like an invitation to cram in as much as possible.

As the wife of a man who works sports for a living, I view free Saturdays a bit differently than the 9 to 5, Monday through Friday folks. So, I decided it would be a good idea to traipse all over Missouri to see my family on Saturday after accomplishing a few chores at home first.

We saw grandma in the nursing home along with my parents and grandma's sisters. Then we headed up the road to meet a new cousins new baby girl, Isabel. Stopped by to see grandpa and headed back to St. Joe for dinner with my parents.

Then I thought we really should head over to Gene's stomping grounds as well. We went to church Sunday and headed up I-70 to Marshall, Mo., Sunday afternoon. I drove (and sinned) all the way there. For those of you who don't know, failure to obey the posted speed limit is a SIN (boo!)

Knowing our boys are 4 and 6 and hate being in the car, some might call us insane. But, if we don't spend time with our families, how will our kids convince everyone that we are related to that we totally suck at parenting? We stopped on the way home and had dinner at Taco Bueno. Our oldest was pleasant. Jared was sleepy and insisted on sitting on my lap, but he sat down and ate. Knowing once we arrived at home, it would be quick showers and bed, I was glad to spend the positive time with the boys.

Most of the weekend, Gene and I took turns being on the edge of crazy as they fought, showed incredibly rude versions of their sweet selves, out and out defied any request we made and terrorized everyone at the dinner table.

Famous last words

My son, Jacob, in his flag-football uniform. And so it begins …

Gorgeous Kansas Day

Most of the day, I spent in the basement of Memorial Union working with my publications students. I love my students this year, so this is really fun stuff.

As I walked back to my office, I was thinking there could not be a more perfect day. The sun is shining, perfect white fluffy clouds adorn the blue, blue sky.

And the temperature is just right, too.

Thanks, God.

Baby Grace Funeral

ROSENDALE, Mo. — Grace Etta Gayle Edwards, 10 days old, Rosendale, went to heaven Aug. 13, 2009, at Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Mo.

Grace was born Aug. 3, 2009, in Kansas City, the daughter of Mark and Jessica (Collins) Edwards, Rosendale, who survive of the home.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Lorene Edwards.

Additional survivors: brother, Kolton Edwards; grandparents, Richard Collins, Donna (Tony) Bootka; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Service: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Joseph.

Interment: Bennett Lane Cemetery.

Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Joseph.

Memorial donations may be made to the Grace Edwards Memorial Fund c/o Mercantile Bank.

Online guestbook and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.

Baby Grace died

Today around 2 p.m. Baby Grace died at Children's Mercy hospital in Kansas City.

I know Grace is having a party with Jesus and the creator of the universe, but this still sucks a lot for the rest of us. Please keep our family in your prayers.

My new favorite song

Click the link to listen to the song via YouTube. Amazing song.

Among The Thirsty - I'd Need A Savior
From the album Wonder

"How many names can I use to explain the love of my Jesus,
the life that he gave and so many times will I praise you today.
I lift up my life ‘cause you’re always the same
And my offering to you I bring

Chorus:
Your name is Jesus. Your name is Jesus.
You’re the Wonderful, Counselor, my Friend.
You’re what I hold on to; I know that you brought me through
All the days of loss, to the cross you knew
I’d need a Savior.

How many songs can I sing to proclaim your wondrous love and beauty so great?
What would I say if you brought down the rain and everyday
I walk through the pain my heart would still say…

Chorus:

You’re what I hold on to; I know that you brought me through
All the days of loss, to the cross you knew
I’d need a Savior.
I’d need a Savior
I need you, Savior"

First day of First Grade

Another school year has started. And, no, it's not chilly in Kansas today, but apparently Jared is cold. Jake changed his mind about what he was wearing today about six times. By now, he is in his classroom, sitting at his little desk (I hope). Jared returned to preschool full time Monday, so we are slowly getting back on schedule.

Baby Grace

My uncle and his wife had a beautiful seven-pound baby girl this week. Her name is Grace. Grace was born and originally diagnosed with a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta

This dear baby girl has multiple broken bones and an uncertain prognosis as doctors try to manage her pain and promote healing. Her parents are overwhelmed with love for this baby girl and full of fear and anxiety.

The doctors do not know exactly what is wrong now because it is something they have not seen before. Her case is being studied by doctors at this time.

I am not sure how to conduct business as usual with the mental photo of baby Grace in my mind. I love God and believe he has the perfect plan, a plan that I cannot understand, of course.

Friends, I covet your prayers and support for my uncle and his wife. Pray for wisdom, protection and the meeting of needs for this family. Pray that they will feel the enveloping and real love of our Holy God each and every day.

Thank you, dear friends.

Jared's day

So today at preschool, my youngest child decided to pee in the playhouse outside at preschool!

In addition to that, he was calling his friends stupid and hitting. aauuggh!

So, we talked tonight while Jacob was in the shower about not peeing outside. Then I remembered the sage advice of telling them what they are supposed to do, not what they should not do. After I am satisfied that he knows we go potty in the BATHROOM, we move on to language.

Me: "Jared, we say nice things. Like pretty." (OK, so I was not prepared and pretty was the first nice thing that popped into my head.

Jared. "I not pretty. I am a boy. Boys not pretty."

Me: "Oh."

Jared: "I don't like pink. I like blue. I like red." (apparently pretty = pink in Jared's economy.)

Me: "Well, you can tell your friends at school who are girls that they are pretty."

Jared: "Kyra my friend. I not call her stupid. Nice things."

I swear. Those books do not cover things like this!

Monthly post, barely

If God did not want me to blog, he would not have given me Jacob and Jared. Today has been full of those "special" moments.

This a.m. Jacob and I were the first ones awake and were enjoying some time together in the kitchen. I was really enjoying the special time we were having, but how quickly things can change.

Enter the youngest son and suddenly Jacob's cheery mood and attitude has left us, easily discerned by the shove he gave Jared.

A few moments of sibling junk goes down and Jared goes off to chase something shiny.

Me to Jacob: "What happened to my sweet little boy I was spending time with this morning."

Jacob: "Well, it's your other little child that ruined it. He's been scratching me all morning."

Me: "I've been watching you the whole time, and you are the one who is being mean."

Jacob responds that basically it's his duty to do it.

Dear blog,

I am freaking out! My to-do list could stretch a literal mile in 10-point font. There's no breathing. Who has time for that?! And, yes, I'm using questions in my writing. Questions!!!!! And multiple exclamation points. Yes, I've truly gone over the edge. aaauuugggghh.

Remember the "Just say no!" campaign? Well, I never got the chance to say "no" to drugs because no one ever offered me any. And, I never got that practice of actually saying "no." So, I say yes to everything! Yes! I can do it! Sure! Why not?!

I am going to regress. I'm going back to those "just say no!" days.

Regina, do you want to … ?????

NO! I DON'T!

hello blog

My life, as usual, is a never-ending battle of tasks. My sanity lies somewhere in the middle of the whirlpool.

So last night was my son's first program. The kindergarten and first grade classes performed about seven songs in the middle school's gymnasium.

I must say it does something to a mom's heart watching her child in a group of his peers. Standing alone from his family, already more independent than a mere nine months ago.

Thankfully, he is quick to show his youth and continued need for his mother, if only for a little longer.

My mom the rockstar

My mom is a rock star. My husband took me away for Valentine's and had arranged for the boys to stay with my mom and dad. Two minutes from their house, our littlest guy was throwing up in his jacket.

Uh-oh! Instead of canceling my Valentine date, my mom shooed me away for the weekend while she washed both clothes and Jared numerous times. Sunday she took him to the doctor and learned he has a bad ear infection and is short one ear tube.

Then Monday and Tuesday, she kept him so I could continue to pound away on my relentless schedule.

As if I don't already owe this woman a huge debt of gratitude for giving me life and all. I know she's tired, and she always works hard. But, she's always right there to save the day. I guess being a mom is really a forever thing.

So today, I am just extremely thankful for mine.

By the way, I want to also note that my dad pitched in, too. And my sister Jenny whisked Jacob away from the barfy times at grandma's to fun and games at her place.

Faith

This morning when I was in the shower, I thought of Peter and Jesus.

Imagine being able to tell the creator of the universe that you wanted to walk on water, and then hear him say, "well, are you coming or not?" (yeah, it's my paraphrase, check it out for yourself)

As Peter started out, he was doing it. He was walking on water. But like so many of us, he let the "noise" of the world slip between him and the sight of Jesus.

Ooops. Game over. Of course, despite his lapse, Jesus was right there by his side to save him.

Do you have a direct line of sight on the Savior? Or like me, do you need to continually ask for it and seek it?

Merry Christmas!

Well, the photos of the family were shipped today and the boxes of Christmas cards are in sight. Now, it's a writing project as I refuse to send cards without personal notes inside.

I've decided to attempt to draw my family and friends into my social networks for the holiday season. So, if you were directed here or made it all by yourself, Merry Christmas! You made it and your comments are welcome. Please share with us any family blogs or sites of your own.

Here's the family report.

Gene and Regina:
Still working at Washburn (Gene finished 10 years, Regina is working on nine). We are busy parents, trying to carve out time for each other to keep our own sanity. We keep plenty busy chasing our children, attending our Church events and working.

Jacob, age 5, kindergarten
He's reading and writing and counting. He attends Randolph Elementary and his teacher is Ms. Hoyt. We've learned a lot about the school system this year. We thought it might simplify life a bit, ha ha.

Jared, age 3, preschool
Jared is now at Bright Circle Preschool, a fact Jacob finds most unfair. The building was remodeled and for a week, the kids were relocated to our church, Covenant Baptist Church. He loved going to "my church" and showing off everything to his friends. I must say it's most comforting when your preschool director is also a member of your church. Jared loves preschool and is in great hands.

The Cassells
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Just take a moment to stop and reflect on the miracle of Christmas. That the creator of the universe would humble himself into a lowly manager so that we might spend eternity in his fellowship is amazing. Whether your life is filled to the brim with people and blessings or lacking a bit of each, remember Jesus loves you, no matter what.

Happy Thanksgiving

The holiday that signals the mad dash to Christmas is almost here. Black Friday looms nearer every day. Tonight I was listening to man who called into K-love, a great Christian radio station I listen to often. Anyway, he was answering a call to hear from someone in every state about his thankfulness. As he rattled off his list, he began to get chocked up about all of his blessings.

Sometimes when I look around the world, its many problems grab prime real estate in my mind. Plenty of people are lost and hurting this holiday season.

If you are one of those, I pray you are able to find some joy and hope in knowing that the creator of the universe, not only created you in love, but longs to fill your heart until it overflows with joy, peace and thankfulness.

My blessings are many this holiday season and truthfully, my burdens are light when I share them with my Jesus.One of my favorite parts of a praise song reminds me that not only do I belong to Jesus, but he, too, belongs to me.

Sisters

My youngest sister is a temporary guest in our room. She's a college student with a relatively new boyfriend. Her life is a bit different from mine. As a mother of two married for almost 12 years, I seem to lack some of yesterdays' energy.

She's a total neat freak (yes, we all blame our mother for this). She was complaining about how dirty her socks were. Taking it as an insult toward my housekeeping abilities, I gave her my famous big sister stare/glare.

"Yesterday, I had a waffle stuck to my sock," she said. Yes, Jared does help me out by carrying his plate into the kitchen. Sometimes, he gets distracted.

And, my sister has certainly put in enough time helping me out with the constant, losing battle of tidiness at home. Still I think she maybe is being a bit too harsh, and then I remember the other incident.

As I made up the room for her arrival, the boys decided they would sleep in her bed the night before. I didn't even tuck them into the bed as they preferred to use their sleeping bags on top of the quilt. I thought they were finished with their syrup-free bedtime snack of waffles. Apparently, not.

"And don't forget," my sister continued, "the first night I stayed here, I woke up with a waffle stuck to my leg."

Bedtime

No matter which toy was touched, the tears, hitting and wailing filled the room.

She sighed. After a very early morning, she was hoping to stretch the boys' bed time in hopes of a Saturday morning sleep-in. Putting them to bed early did not appeal.

Perhaps showers will calm them down. The youngest earned the first spot by smacking his brother upside the head with a car. After screaming throughout his shower, she is quickly losing home.

Then the drama king enters the scene. A fan of hot showers at 5, the shower does in fact take away the tears. However, the shower does not stop the violence against his brother.

More tears. OK, bedtime has arrived about 45 minutes early. No complaints. No one came out of the bedroom time and time again.

Oh, dear. She should be in bed, not blogging. It's going to be an early morning … for her husband (ha ha).

Celebrations

Big celebrations this week.

1) No more pull-ups! Our accident rates are way down and we have had many accident-free days since we pulled the plug on the pull-ups about three weeks ago.

2) Jacob has learned to tie his shoes. Victory is ours. He gets lots of practice as I image all beginners do. It has been alleged that I am the only family member who ties her shoes backward. Go figure.

Date Night

Some might argue it's not wise to "date" two boys at the same time, but my boys took me out on the town tonight. My regular fella had to work.

Yeah, nothing but gourmet McDonald's for me. The ambiance enhanced by those children running around like lunatics without parental supervision.

But, for our date, my boys were really good.

They managed to eat their dinner between climbing sessions. Knowing them, they probably worked off their dinner as they were eating it. Lucky fellas.

The promise of ice cream exacted a neat, scream-free retreat to the car. Oh, what a night.

Weighing In

So I skipped my Bible study last night to go to the store and bring home food for the family and to watch the VP debate. A friend of mine said my penalty was a post. I would have gotten to it sooner, but I was out buying a gigantic BOX. (another story entirely)

As I am sure most people have heard, neither one of them fell on their face. Both had good points and bad points. Sarah Palin called John McCain a maverick in the Senate about 100 times too many, so my favorite point in the debate was when Joe Biden listed in fine form all the ways and times that McCain was not in fact a maverick. He had some good points.

Palin wants to hit Obama on the surge, the war and taxes. She does not do a great job of getting their new and fresh ideas out there, if they exist.

It's always hard to pull out the "pretty talk" from the facts. If you simply pick who sounds better, there is no choice but Obama. I've yet to see McCain come close to his poise. I hated the first debate. It did not seem like either one of them said anything useful. It was a contest to see who could not answer the most questions in a straight manner. We all lost this one.

The VPs were a bit more fourthcoming, but spent too much time arguing over voting records that without the full bills in front of us are not overly useful either. Palin did a good job of trying to force Biden to agree that he has things in common with McCain. But, Biden did a good job of convincing me that McCain might look a little too much like Bush.

I am not ready to put a bumper sticker for either candidate on my car, but if the election were today . . . I would vote for Obama.