Merry Christmas

Blessings for a wonderful day to celebrate with family.

Got power ?

... many thanks to a few diagnostic friends and Sweet-T's extra power supply (stripped from an unused computer in the garage) ...

my computer LIVES again -- whoo hoo!

I'm so glad to have my computer in tact. Hmm, could it be that simple? I sometimes feel like my power supply is zapped -- are there extras anywhere for me? If only it were that easy... hah!

No worries though, I believe my technology is fully functional (monitor is still working). More than I can say for my eyes which feel rather scratchy right now.

Well -- I am ignoring my need for a new cell phone and headset. It's just gona have to wait a while.

=)

One big relief was that the school photo discs were ejected unscathed (since the drives locked down when my computer died, slight concern for photos disc noted).

Here they are -- Jason and Jeffrey 2009

YES, really, it's them. I keep testing their history to be sure they are mine; it seems only yesterday they were a mere 6 and 9. But, here before you is a 12 year old Jason (whose sometimes I'd say was preparing for college) and Jeffrey who is 9 (and seems much more like a teen than I'd expect). I'm glad it's just them as I'm not getting older -- I figure with age, it's a calendar and I'm turning the page.

=)

Some presents are wrapped and the tree's decorated.

The computer is humming a quiet, steady (sans clicking) tune. My brain however is in need of some sleep.

Thanks for being there for me my techie friends -- love ya!!

HonuGirl

Cannot Compute...

seriously...

I'm borrowing a laptop for this post, which has generously been loaned to me by Sweet-T (many thanks).

~

A power outage did the big TKO countdown on my computer this weekend. Although, it was a peaceful 7 hours of candles, blankets, chinese take-out, and starbucks (yeah weird, but I couldn't make my latte in the morning -- it had to be done).

~

Learning that my monitor outlived my CPU - creepy, yet mildly humorous and a bit ironic, ya think?

~

Its late, I'm overwhelmed with what's still not done, yet clearly I'm cyber twiddling with my blog (also facebook and my email).

What's that all about anyway??

~

Is it addiction ~ insanity ~ avoidance ~ distraction ....

does anyone really know... or care?

Being optimistic -- let's just say that I cared enough about my blogger friends to spend a few minutes ignoring the chaos to let you know I'm ok!!

~

Well then -- check that off the list! Now I have to go panic about the rest (or sleep, yeah, that's another option).

HonuGirl

Save the spray for other spots ...

everything has God's fingerprints on it!

Although it seemed like a normal morning when the alarm sounded... my pounding headache suggested that today could be "one of those days". I immediately (after the 2nd snooze) drug my body off the bed with half open eyes found my way to the kitchen drawer where the powerful gel caps for migraines/tension/stop-the-pounding-in-my-head medicine resides.

I swallowed them down rather easily, by-passing the need for my usual "control-the-gag reflex" self-talk routine necessary to consume my daily vitamins. It may even have helped that I drank an energy drink with high concentration of vitamin B and proprietary herbs... wait now, these are the healthy kind of herbs people (certainly legal in any quantity)!!

BEEEP, BEEEP, BEEEP ... Al-righty then, another alarm sounds -- time for the boys to get up. Must skip espresso routine. Notice the empty kitchen sink. Turn light on in boys room down the hall. Notice the time. Wonder how it took 30 minutes to get pain killer and go back to take a shower? Hmmm, the mysteries of a Thursday morning.

Reminder:

God's fingerprints are in the smiling kitchen sink on a 2-snooze, need pain killer, no-latte morning.

Then came breakfast... while the boys ate, I struggled to cleanly cut the Magic Cookie Bar Treats I made last night for Thursday Treats at the office.

Being a tiny bit concerned about a successful outcome, I took my sample bite (honestly, I didn't followed the recipe 'exactly' -- I "guess-ti-mated" the amount of chocolate chips and coconut to sprinkle on top.)

After eating my sample, I announced to the tall young man who was now standing over my treat dish -- "uh-oh, Jason, I think there's too much chocolate."

To which he replied: "Mom, there can never be too much chocolate!"

"True, but you deserve a taste to decide for yourself" -- I handed him a small portion and watched with interest as he portrayed all the facial expressions and mouth movements of a professional bakery taster savoring the distinctive flavors and preparing to critique the pastry chef.

"Well, I have to agree, the chocolate overpowers the flavor of the coconut; maybe you should follow the recipe next time, Mom -- there would be more balance."

I was so impressed and befuddled that I gave him another one and said -- "good plan, we'll go with that."

Reminder:

God's fingerprints are in the beauty of 'graceful suggestion' rather than critical words.

Last night Jeffrey wanted to make cupcakes (announcing his dislike for coconut in my recipe). So he gathered the cake mix, bowl, eggs and measured the ingredients. He mixed it together by hand and then with a mixer until the batter was just right. We set the temperature together and I helped with pouring and oven placement. Then he watched the timer, waiting patiently for his reward -- a beautifully browned bunch of cup cakes fresh from the oven!

"Can we eat one tonight?" he asked hopefully. As tough as it was, I said he should wait until morning and have one with breakfast instead.

Morning had come, breakfast was eaten, cleaning routine completed and he had observed his brother consume two bites of chocolate coconut treats already. A if on cue, Jeffrey requested permission to taste his own cupcake, with a nod of my head, he quickly peeled the wrapper and began to enjoy the fruits of his labor (he even offered one to his brother).

He giggled with joy after bite number two and sweetly brought his half eaten piece to me for a taste -- usually I decline cake, but he was so adorable about making it -- I couldn't refuse him the pleasure.

I made a big deal out of that bite -- and to my taste buds surprise he had secretly dropped chocolate chips into the center of each cupcake before baking!

He was so delighted with his mouth-watering goodness he announced (as proof) -- "see, Mom, there can never be too much chocolate!!!"

Reminder:

God's fingerprints are on hidden greatness in the center of something simply "good."

The work day seemed to drag on slowly. The boys will not be home until Sunday. My emails lurk with unresolved status. It's cold outside. The snow flurries are expected for this weekend.

My headache is gone. Ornaments viewed during lunch bring words of faith, hope, blessing, grace and "believe." The day seemed to end quickly. A phone call creates an unexpected opportunity to see the boys. My friends bring smiles through personal visits, email encouragement and long calls filled with laughter. What a blessed day.

Just when I think I'm in a sticky spot, needing some spray to clean up what I view as a mess; I'm reminded to stop for a second to breathe in the beauty of the moment. I begin to relax and soon I'm whispering "thanks, God for leaving your fingerprints on my day!"

Reminder:

God is the midst of every day - touching each event - leaving His fingerprints throughout moments in my world.

HonuGirl

Thanksgiving

Jason: "I'm thankful that God gave us you for a Mom. I'm thankful that you are not one of those 'over-protective' moms; you just say don't do drugs, don't smoke, try not to kill each other before breakfast -- oh, and be careful of sharp objects"

Jeffrey:

"Yeah, and you let us know if we don't get up on time -- we WILL be late."

What? – I need a ‘benchmark’ …

Do I have to have my eyes open?

"Now is when you set your benchmark!" She called out during the first 5 minutes of class. I cringed at the idea that I wouldn't know if I've set the right benchmark – it's my first time. Arggh.

Wait – that's actually closer to the end of the story. Better fill in the beginning and middle first.

*-*

I have this new friend – to protect her identity (while I thrash on our after-work 'date') I fondly refer to her here as my Get-Fit Girlfriend (GFG), which reflects her desire/energy toward fitness, not throwing fits (she's so sweet).

In our brief acquaintance stage, we had fun discovering how much we have in common, yet remain quite different; she's taller, younger, and has not yet experienced motherhood (but she does have a boyfriend, so – uhh just kiddin' – I won't touch that.)

I think she very bright (intelligent & cheerful), driven, and goal-oriented. Today I learned she "LOVES" to play with babies – me, not so much anymore. Oh, I know, I've had them – I'm just not inclined towards reliving the fully-dependent, coo-ing and/or the uh-oh where'd he go now (crawling) stage. But I did give in today with the blue eyed cutie pie in his Osh-Kosh engineer duds, quite flirty too.

*-*

Back to my point ~ since our fitness goals align; we decided to join efforts to "create" the time to get fit. We both know what our personal fit figure feels like – when we wear it – which admittedly that particular body-suit is somewhat elusive and our options from our closets grow smaller as time passes! (yikes)

So we now bring our workout bags to work so we can grab the occasional lunch hour fitness opportunity or an after work gym date! So far so good; today was one of those successful plans – 5pm, meet at the gym for 5:30 class!

No problem. Uhh, yeah.

We had our first glitch in the parking lot, when she announced… ummm, my bag is not in the car (kind boyfriend put wrong bag in car; being helpful, of course) – I only have a tank and shoes. Hmmmph.

No worries – your new friend is an indecisive pack rat and has enough "extras" to complete outfit – good thing you brought shoes, because we are not the same size! Whew! Problem solved.

All dressed and set… now get to class.

I am a newbie to this one… timidly, I walk to the back of the room, checking out the equipment with severe anxiety. How did I allow GFG to talk me into this? I should've suggested a different class. Ughh – heavy, sinking feelings ensue as I walk up to the stationary spinning machine – commonly known as a bike – but a fancy marketing idea to call it a "spinning" machine is rather appealing, compared to rump-busting, leg burning, pain-inducing cycle.

Guess that's just me being honest about the whole aversion to cycling. Yes, my friends, you see I have sworn off the real bicycle sport as in the past it did not treat me well… at least that's the way I "spin" the myriad of bad memories (and puns) from riding with FSU (former spousal unit).

*-*

Oohh-kaay... fine. Back to class.

It's all cool – for the first couple of minutes, spinning is easy. Then that whole… benchmark thing – what, why must I set a benchmark, I've never done this before. I don't get it. Hmm, just follow along it may make sense later (some things do).

Fast forward 10 minutes. Putting the past behind me (as well as a painful feeling).

And, I AM following -- at my own pace-- all commands …

"Gear Up" "Outta the Saddle" "Push it" "Another Minute" "Back to Saddle"

"Race it" "Gear down" "Benchmark" "Last Set"

(She repeats this pattern over & over for about 1 hour - and 15 more minutes, just because she has the microphone.)

Ugghh – gives new meaning to and keen awareness of the muscle group, including but not limited, to gluteus-rumpus (can't call it a maximus, not gona happen)—oww, my legs!! Course I may never walk normally again either.

Here are a few things I learned:

#3 – the floor is wood, stained purple. Which is really nice, because I thought that was God's way of ensuring me that I would survive to tell V2T that the floor was my FAVORITE color. I desperately wished to be walking on that lovely purple colored flooring, but no – still on the evil dreaded torture machine. Grrr!

#2 – people who ride these devices, S-W-E-A-T… oh my word – then again, that is a HUGE understatement. Oh, me? I had a serious glow about my person – no outward sign of over-exertion. lol

#1 – my benchmark I found, is that delightful space in time when I close my eyes and the urge to vomit is controlled by my subconscious mind and no longer the sole effort of my conscious mind, which is still "pushing it / gearing up / racing for 1^st in/out of the saddle all for another "minute".

Yes, I'm sure I put the past behind me now – at least I can't fall onto asphalt from here.

Suffice it to say, this was not a stellar performance on my part – but I might actually get on a real "bike" and not feel so anxious.

*-*

However, I'm sure I will have to keep my eyes open during an outdoor ride!

HonuGirl

Whatcha gona be ...

when you grow up?

The question is commonly asked; the answers are rarely identical.

Here's what I heard:

Jason: I want to be an aeronautical engineer for the military; I would like to be a pilot, and a pastor (not really in that order). I think that means I have to go to college a few more years; but that’s really what I want to be – oh and I'd like to play professional basketball and be a good musician too.

Jeffrey: I just want to be me!

Jason: But what do you want to “do” when you grow up, you know, to make money or somethin'?

Jeffrey: Oh, I’d like to drive a monster truck and race cars. What kind of degree do I need for that?

[ mom is grateful big brother answered first -- without hestitation in fact -- the answer just rolled off his tongue while Mom was holding hers ... huh?? ]

Jason: Probably a physics degree; you'll need to know about trajectory of cars as you run them over. It would also be very helpful in determining speed, adjusting suspension and other important factors for racing too.

Jeffrey: Oh, that would be good. I’d like to be an artist too – I’m going to paint my truck pink!!

Mom: I want to grow up to have a good self-concept & be at least half as smart as my boys!

HonuGirl

Who said that ... ?

Said what ?

Not I -- for I'm sure my brain would have diverted it's path --

if only mouth hadn't said it so fast!

Seuss is a favorite of one boy in my house, tonight he read Yertle the Turtle aloud. We laughed at the cute little turtles, the wonder of balance, and the pain of the weight; saying "good grief - that selfish Yertle made such a mistake." We pondered the courage of a young guy to speak, how his hopeful expression became disbelief -- we scolded the leader who barked at the plea of a burdened turtle who just needed a break ... we cheered when such a small motion brought Yertle his lesson -- how pride made him tumble and a noise brought their blessing.

*~*

It's time once again for words from the Lyon boys... please note, this blogger mom may {or may not} have permission to share quotes presented below... thus any boy words or motherly interjection will be unidentifiable {for the most part} unless I choose make it obvious.

Random words of kindness:

"Here, I'll carry that bag for you Mom, you look FAT-eee-gUd -- it means tired, I'm expanding my vocabulary" (whew, he almost got THE LOOK - ya know, the one that says "you did NOT just call me FAT-ish ??")

"My friend's littler sister has almost as much imagination as me. She's still growing, though, I can't wait for that day when it explodes like fireworks -- wow, it will be so cool!"

"that's cuz you're an adult and you ALREADY know better."

"I wish I had a punching bag"

"Are you hungry? Auuughh, not in the vegetable drawer" -- swiftly taking a sleep-walking boy to the bathroom {just in time... whew}

"You're the greatest Mom ... EVER!!"

"whoever invented homework, must not have liked kids."

"if one of my parents gets married again - I don't want them to have [ahem, you know]; my brother and I have enough brothers, we don't want any more kids" {edited, blog courtesy}

"my mouth was talking as fast as my brain was thinking ... but it was too fast for my brain to stop it."

and this pretty much says it all ~

* * *

"Whaat?? but I didn't even hear me say that!!"

HonuGirl

Grands and Greats ...

making Grandma's day!

Grandma with da girls

Maty (great-grandaughter) and NyKysha (grandaughter)

deciding if there's room for one more in da picture

Da girls showing baby Miley (newest great) how to hang w/great-grandma

HonuGirl

Caution falling plates...

Yikes!!

I've wanted so desperately to prove to myself how capable I am of spinning a multitude of plates. Those plates varying in size and fragility ~ all in motion at once, different speeds, yet simultaneously whirring in a rhythm undetectable as music, but still a slight hum is noticeable.

As delicate as plate-spinning can be, it becomes quite a display of skill for a single working mom-2-boys (feels more like throwing a Thanksgiving platter) must remain in perfect speed and motion at all times; and I've learned it takes a great deal of focus to keep an eye on balance and speed as it [the platter] sets the pace for all others.

I noticed most recently the healthy balance of fun twirling as a girlfriend; best-friend; sister; daughter; auntie; and workout partner are falling short of a full spin... { must keep spinning; glance, touch, tiny blocks of time carved out ... yes, a brief spin achieved - nothing broken; keep moving}.

Not that any of the responsibilities uhh plates spin without effort; they are charged to effectively spin to whatever their role in the rhythm... whether "Chief Chef" of fast {yet semi-healthy hopefully hearty} meals for 2boys; the ever eager computer dazed CSI at work; the positive, encouraging business-owner; finally and possibly even with some semblance of energy and ability must maintain the plates of merry maid; apt accountant; cheerful chauffeur; delightful director of daily events ... and ... umm ... blurry-eyed blogger [there are many more, but I'm exhausted already] ... and to think I wished to be a City Farm Girl {not too sad about the lack of a green thumb now}.

Ooohh the thought of what's on those plates marked "not yet in motion" or the ones Dory forgot were in motion [hi, did you see a plate spinning by here?].

There it was...

that...

you know... the thought that triggered the tiny spasm of stress that twitched the itty bitty finger that caused the wrist to wiggle which skewed the first moving orb to tweak off center ... sending all things into slow motion {as life seems to be moments before) THE CRASH!

The rest they say is history ~ you know, the part only a therapist knows because to the untrained eye the plates still appear to be spinning quite well; but all things simply seem normal due to a special skill in positive self-talk where the world sees the result of what is whispered to ones self as truth!

I am a capable, successful plate spinner. I love spinning these plates. My plates spin in perfect timing and speed. When I spin my plates with grace and patience the other plates will seem to spin themselves. All plates spin well when I touch them. =)

Uh-oh, oops, oh-no, you'd better duck ~ plates in motion!!

HonuGirl

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N

That's right.

I am on vacation. I took two days last week and two days next week and this is the middle of my vacation.

I was so excited to have time off I spent Wednesday night at the salon getting my nails done. =)

Then Thursday went to spend time with my Dad… visiting the doctor and guiding him through the many choices he will have to make regarding his choices to treat prostate cancer.

Part of what he needs help with is physical labor. Since he can no longer manage the efforts necessary at an old house he owns.

This house, the uninhabited black hole, not-so-fondly called: the house of doom … well that's what my siblings and I call it (however, some siblings use terms not appropriate for blog content). I can't honestly say that I believe in possession of an inanimate object or a house being haunted, but I have a theory and seriously believe from the evidence gathered that a house can be "cursed".

In my opinion this house has been cursed !!!

Yes, cursed with …

procrastination indecision chaos plumbing leaks void of squareness destructive attacks of ... hatred disgust frustration pain bruises confusion infestation of insects undesirable animal nests and feces

… ewwww…

AND So much more that I can barely contain the emotion regarding the place.

Yet, this doesn't stop me from showing up in work clothes and an attitude void of sarcasm, as my dad needs help and this is what needs to get done!!!

Day 1 – At the job site I am instructed that my job was to load truck for the dump, which includes: cleaning the rooms where the ceiling and insulation was pulled down; vacuuming/bagging such materal and re-loading the truck for the dump; and then continuing to the front porch which was previously covered with plumbing and demolition materials (that would challenge any strong male) still needed to be loaded on the seriously lifted Ford 250 which I can barely see over the back bed – which means, my materials contribution needs to be lifted overhead in order to drop them into the bed… uhhh, yes, I skipped my trip to the gym for a shoulder/bicept workout and my core workout was taken care of while shoveling roofing materials from the ground to the wheelbarrow and then loading such debris onto the truck.

I have never been quite so happy for the sunset on a day of "vacation"… the invitation to eat, shower and hot tub at my brother's house was more than welcome. After relaxing, I spent the evening talking to Dad about his "treatment options" – stayed up too late and was thrilled to find the pillow.

Day 2 – I awoke at 6am. Showed up at my brother's house excited that I would at least be "driving" the BIG truck!! Yeehaw!

Then… Dad wasn't well (went back to bed at 8am); my nephew was sick; and the helpful bro-in-law said he needed a day off. Dang – didn't need to take the big truck after all.

But blessings and a surprise visit from my Tony is a God-send!!!

Still – I had to be one of the "guys" who unloaded the materials I sent to the truck the day before. Ugggh!! Yes, gloves on again, I dutifully went to the dump and unloaded; to the house to re-load and then unload that darn truck (skipped the gym – workout #2). Back at the house I cleared the site of nails so the drywall could be installed; then cleaned the site so others could function reasonably well around the areas (somehow I'm certain that tools found in the dirt, between open studs in framing, on stairs around the corner, and overhead on the closet shelf would be better utilized on the tool table)… a long day of running tools from one end of the house to the other, cleaning the worksite, renting a lift - finding grace to deal with the frustration of a cursed house? In the midst of chaos/remodel for sale … and the hatred thereof (whether the tasks, the house, or the work)… it's draining nonetheless as I once again am grateful for the food/shower/hot-tub and invitation for conversation with my favorite sis-in-law. Arriving at my parents' home I stayed up way too late with Mom, sorting clothing and talking about life … dragging my butt to bed and head to the pillow at 1am.

Day 3 – the alarm went off at 6, my butt moved off the bed at 7am. We had extra hands to help so the morning starts off with a bang – Dad feels better and is able to make an appearance. Mom shows up to move the boxes from the attic. Brother-in-law stays home, but my Tony shows up for a second day of effort and big brother is the trouper – sporting his Vicodin bottle – he is faithful to the task.

Emotions are high and voices raise over the boards going down on the kitchen floor; but peace is found again, the day moves on (slowly) the work seems monotonous and unproductive; but Dad asks for help finding materials in storage – I volunteer to go; upon arrival he apologizes for lack of a ladder – yeah, "no problem, Dad, that's why I work out" and like an experienced climber, I scaled the two levels of shelving 5' and 10' up . . . hmmm, found the venting but no gutters and looking down it appears quite clear that "getting down" is far more of a challenge than "going up" … ugh! Not to worry, I closed my eyes as I hung from my manicured fingertips swung down to the next level and jumped to the floor (workout #3, skipped the gym again).

Later back at the house we all anxiously waited and watched as the water was turned on ... holding our breath, we watched for leaks in plumbing (ughh, too many to fix, better start over) ... did I mention the house was cursed? Plans were made to revisit the bathroom and plumbing on Monday -- I am so glad I don't own a home right now.

It was three long days … and while I know vacation isn't normally spelled "e-x-h-a-u-s-t-i-o-n" I feel better to have participated in forward progression of work for selling the 'cursed' house. =|

Well, it's a theory -- and yet, my nails are still nicely manicured (thank God for gloves).

HonuGirl

Barrettes, Band-Aids, batteries?

.... and he cutest birthday-girl ever !!

It was a birthday party for that (not-so-much-a-baby) Baby Girl. She’s such a little character at a fine young age of TWO; flitting from one place to the next (like a humming bird) so fast I can barely catch her on film.

Moving now at speeds much different from her initial arrival; which her mom will attest was a painfully slow and arduous process.

But I think I’ll start before THAT part!

This is a photo memory of her mom, with siblings #'s 4-6, at the hospital anxiously awaiting BabyGirl's arrival…

As promised ... skipping over the hours of labor; displaying the angelic nature of this wonderfully precious newborn (2007).

Here she is one year later ... spying her first birthday cake ... MMmmm!!

Now we are in the present … (well it was yesterday, the 20th so now it's the past... but you get what I mean)...

Hmm... not sure about cooperating in smiles for the camera.

Hello-Kitty Band-Aids... for a very active girl;

it's true... a girl can never too many hair thingies!

Wheee ! Now she has wheels...

The party isn't over until we eat cake!!!

okay if you're counting, yes, there are 3 candles... but the BIG one plays the happy b-day song (until you want to swallow the thing while lit or rudely smash it into the frosting) ... and sweet Baby Girl wants the BIG one on the cake!!

Yumm!! How many grandparents does it take to keep the frosting in the mouth of a 2-year old???

There was much more action to behold, with cousins and presents and all... but that is captured on the camera card of someone who remembered that "batteries" are essential at birthday celebrations !!!

HonuGirl

Silence is golden…

temporarily!!

Do you hear that? Lean in close and try again… anything???

No? Really? Oh, me either.

Every day I am more aware that it's summer and there is a portion of time when I am without boys.

Contrasted from a week ago when I was beginning week three of a segment in summer when they had no time away from Mom – their Dad planned two trips out-of-state; thus, they couldn't visit for dinners or weekends.

There are many emotions for boys (stresses for Mom) and strange behaviors (struggles for Mom) when boys feel fatherless (tiring for Mom) – even temporarily.

But -- today… no boys, no noise (well the fans, but they are pretty much white noise now).

No boys, no toys (my feet are safe from Legos).

No boys, no chomping (sounds of food disappearing faster than I can buy it)

No boys, no trails (flip flops, wet towels and swimsuits from front door to bathroom)

No boys, no silly jokes (why did the teenager steal the car keys? to see his Pop explode)

No boys, no hugs and kisses from sleepy lips and arms before work (dang, I gotta stop)

Okay, so it's a mixed bag, really – for me there's peace and quiet, additional freedom to workout, plan events, or to stop by here-n-there after work… quite nice. Getting a lot of things done… priceless!!

Realizing that this will last another 10 days … uhhhmm

VACANT… volumes of thoughts to share are echoing in the silence.

Click, click, turn … hmm?

10 pm and the front door opens … whaats that?

"Hello Mom!!" It's da BOYS!!! They came over to say hi before leaving town for a week-long trip!!!

Then again they wanted to pick up DVDs, iPods, chargers and a couple extra t-shirts … (while grabbing a quick snack from the fridge, leaving a trail of shoes as they search from room-to-room, telling stories and sharing tons of hugs & kisses for the week… all in the 10 minutes they visited)!!

AHHHH. . . . you hear that?

Sound of a full heart and a cup that are bubbling over!!!

HonuGirl