Open Letter Friday 6/26

Dear Mouth,

Just because you ate does not mean you need to eat more. If you *MUST* keep moving, please talk with co-workers. Eventually you will say something stupid and get socked in the jaw. Then… you won’t want to keep moving.

I appreciate the help,
The Stomach

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Dear Stomach,

Quit your gurgling, how about you quit growing and I won’t have to keep finding items to fill it up! Oh, and in defense… I RARELY say something stupid that gets me socked in the jaw… I usually just say something that gets eyes a glare from the Dave.

Mouthing off,
The Mouth

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Dear Stomach and Mouth,

Keep me out of your petty games. I’m not longer WATCHING what you eat. Fend for yourself, and if you happen to pick up a diaper or a rotten apple, we will see if you will continue getting me in trouble with … the Dave.

Glaringly,
The Eyes

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Dear three traitors,

I am NOT picking up a stinky diaper or anything else that is squishy, dirty, or will stick to my skin. Do you KNOW how busy I am? If it were up to me, I’d be at the salon, getting a fabulous massage, lotioned and painted, Not here listening to the three of you yammer on like you are a bunch of old ladies!

Flipping you off,
The hand

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Dear mutinous dogs,

I have listened to this banter since lunch. Honestly…

Mouth, you did NOT need to eat that cheesecake, it was not necessary.
Stomach, you should perhaps slim it down a bit, you are gaining a little more speed than mouth can keep up with (Butt… you should listen up!).
Eyes, just avoid his look when Mouth gets you in trouble.. it’s easier than trying to give him the puppy dog look.. it rarely works.
Hand… you do enough of the flipping off in traffic must you REALLY do it right now?

Now… get back in line… or I am going to check out and you do NOT want to see me all blank gazed and hollow.

Shape up!
The Brain

(This is what happens when Lilith has a large lunch, very little sleep and wants date night to start NOW!)

Open Letter Friday - 6/12

Dear Ms. Nature,

Did someone wrong you this past year? Were we not careful enough treading on your earthy flesh or inhaling your breath? Has Colorado specifically been cruel to you?

You have been fierce this spring – The mornings offer soft sounds of birds singing the welcome of your bright star rising in the plains. The afternoons slowly become darker, clouds and walls of moisture off in the distance, moving closer until they are atop us, joined with the rumble of thunder and bright flashes of electricity.

We are all sent scurrying like mice when the white pellets of ice fall from the clouds. Deafening inside the home and threatening to shatter glass and bring a swirling mass of air to destroy things that should be left standing.

(Picture taken by Dave Smith: Outside his garage June 2009)

Exposed toes having been given the warm weather pedicures, bright pink toenails and decorated ankles are hiding within shoes once again. The nights demand a sweater and baseball games are visited with layers of clothing and a blanket.

When are you allowing the warmer nights of tank tops and a cold beer? When will I sit on the front porch and let the girls play in the sprinklers? The lilt of laughter from neighborhood children have been silenced by your roaring winds… we miss the warmer breeze and slipping into the pool at 7pm just to cool off.

Give us the warm nights and leave the chill to autumn.

Think about it,

A pleading mom who’s toes are always cold because she REFUSES to remove the flip flops until October

Open Letter Friday - 5/29

Polymer Clay Snails has a MeMe called Open Letter Friday.


Write a letter, to anyone. Sister, parent, crazy driver, or child who refuses to eat and just throws his food all over the floor. (Yes, Michelle... that is for your little man : ))

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Dear Swimsuit Deities,

Let me introduce you to my 15 year old daughter. She is not a slender girl… she is a size 14 and has a size 40DD chest.

But she is a girl.

She has youthful eyes and a heart of gold. She is an artist that can write better than most adults I know and can carry on a conversation with anyone. She has ideas of grandeur and believes the world is a beautiful place. She is strong in thought and one of the most loving children I’ve ever met.

Yesterday… she cried.

We went to Kohl’s so she could get a new swimsuit… she had a horrible suit before, made for an old lady with a skirt on the bottom, done in chocolate and baggie on her frame. It was time she felt like a teen again… right?

We tried on so many suits, the main ones that came in her size were for old ladies, baggie and ugly with colors even they hate to wear. Even if they fit on the bottom… the tops were not supportive enough for her.

She had given up after hearing her older sister squealing in delight at the plethora of string bikinis in a variety of colors. She was teary-eyed and trying not to sob in the dressing room, when that same older sister found it…. It was on the rack to be put away… Red and black with a cute wrap around scarf her waist.

Perfect.

I searched for a matching one for me… this suit was ADORABLE… nothing… no other suits that even resembled that one.

Thank you… for giving her that uplift she needed. She was so happy and I didn’t care if it cost me my whole paycheck…. It would have paid double that to see the look on her face… she looked beautiful in it… and like a teenager instead of an older lady.

Shopping is hard…. It is difficult on us all, but as a 15 year old, you don’t need to hate it … yet.

Thank you,
From a Mommy who felt so helpless.

Open letter Friday - 5/22

Polymer Clay Snails has a MeMe called Open Letter Friday.


Write a letter, to anyone. Sister, parent, crazy driver, or editorial in the newspaper


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Dearest Ms. Jacqueline (Issa),

You are the most carefree child I’ve had in the slew of siblings you have. You flitter around without a care in the world, dancing to your own tune, talking to yourself, playing blissfully with your sister, (even calling out for her if she’s not near you when you eat dinner), and you can count and sign to me when you need something.

With that being said… why do you hate me?

You know when you are wet, you know when you have a stinky…. So why can’t you just become friends with the potty?

You have one of the coolest potties in the world. (It’s a Boon) Sleek, it has its own toilet paper holder, a place to stash magazines/books and even a cool lid so it can be used as a stepstool when you brush your teeth.

Why do you hate it?

You are 30 month’s old now, don’t you think it’s time to step up to the ranks of Dora the Explorer panties and Barbie smiling pretty on your buttocks? Don’t you think it would be nice for Mommy to use that cool diaper bag as a purse/clothing bag? (This thing it TOTALLY chic…) Don’t you want to be a role model for your little sister?

So…. it has begun, Saturday morning, we are starting on potty training. I will bribe you with skittles, M&M’s and peanut butter chocolates, ANYTHING to get you just to sit on it, if you use it… a toy. Once you are fully trained, I have a gift box for you…just please, please…. Learn quickly. Potty training was never Mommy’s forte.



Love… the woman, who is incredibly tired of diapers,

Mommy


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Dear fellow Mommies and Daddies,

I could really use some tips on this… It’s been many years since I’ve done this… I forgot!

How did you do it? What worked best?

Thanks,
Soon to be Mommy of a potty trained little girl *crosses fingers*

Open Letter Friday - 5/8

Polymer Clay Snails has a MeMe called Open Letter Friday.


Write a letter, to anyone. Sister, parent, crazy driver, or relative that is being unfair to their parent.

I am also putting this as my Open Mic Night post! Since the theme is gratitude it fits!




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Dear Momma Duck,

I was sitting at the light during lunch yesterday, enjoying the springtime, music, my windows rolled down and humming to myself. It was one of those picture perfect moments.

You and your children rolled up to the light on your bikes. Ranging in ages between 9 and 6 they all lined up behind you like little ducklings and walked their bikes across the street. The 6 year old boy tried to hop back on his bike, but jumped off again quickly when he realized what his sisters were doing.

There were helmets, water bottles and the confidence crossing the street and following mom.



I was so impressed. I saw you raising responsible adults. They don't realize that... they just see you keeping them safe.

I hope that people learned by watching you, I know your children were learning by example.

Thank you, Thank you for raising children that were responsible. Thank you for giving society three children who will teach their children the same way. Thank you for being a role model not only to them, but to a mom of six sitting in her car watching you.

Keep the wheels spinning!

Mommy Duck

Open Letter Friday - 5/1

Polymer Clay Snails has a MeMe called Open Letter Friday.


Write a letter, to anyone. Sister, parent, crazy driver, or child who thinks you have not done what they are trying to get past you.

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Dear Self,

What would you do if you were dying?

The words…. “You have cancer”…. “There is nothing more that we can do” …. “You have less than a year.” are said everyday… What if they were said to you?

How about things in your life left unfinished or unsaid?

Would you want to “wait” on anything?

Would you miss a chance to make sandwiches and watch a movie with the kids instead of making a huge meal?

Would you stop yourself from eating that cheese because… “It’ll go to my hips”?

Would you tell Kara to “hold on” while you made your bed or cleaned your room?

Or would you sit down and watch that viral video she wants you to see, and laugh with her?

Would you rush Ashlyn along with her story because you have a post to write?

Would you spend your time speaking poorly of people, or instead, find something wonderful to say to those around you?

Live like you were dying….

What demands would you make to those you love? Would you request their time by your side or want to be left alone?

Would you finally sky dive?

Get over your fear of sharks (because what else do you have to lose?)

Get married again?

Would you finally backpack through Europe or spend the night in a wine villa in Italy?

Why aren’t you? Why don’t you realize that we are on borrowed time from the moment we accept the first breath into our tiny lungs?

Take the step… the leap….

Live like you were dying…

Dare to love….

Love,

Me

Open letter Friday - 4/24

Polymer Clay Snails has a MeMe called Open Letter Friday.


Write a letter, to anyone. Sister, parent, crazy driver, or person in line behind you huffing because you have coupons.

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Dear Molluscan class Gastropoda,

Here is my issue.

I am sitting in the truck, windows down, sun roof open listening to music. Right hand blinker clicking softly as I wait, I am used to waiting; it is the fate of us all in this day and age. Unfortunately I am waiting for a 15 year old to cross the street…. Again, waiting as she plays with her MP3 player, ignoring the rest of the world. Cars are backing up and I start to mumble under my breath. She turns to yell at a friend from across the parking lot, in the middle of the road. Finally, she steps onto the curb, I am fuming at the inconsiderate child that was never taught how to show proper respect to the world around her.

Do you remember when you would cross the road? You looked both ways, if someone waved you on, you lifted a hand in “Thanks” and hurried across, acknowledging the driver, watching your path and helping the rest of the world move along.

It is what you are supposed to do, it is common courtesy.

I raged about this all week, I was angry.

Yesterday I went to the doctors, picked up my meds and headed back to my car. I let a car pass in front of me as I was texting on my BlackBerry and went across the street. A car had been waiting to turn right…. I sauntered across the street looking at my BlackBerry.

I did it….

I was that girl.

I didn’t pay attention to the road and the world around me; I didn’t wave at her and acknowledge her patience.

I became the snail… the inconsiderate adult NOT paying attention to the world around me.

It has to stop, how do I expect my children to show the proper respect when they see around them a world of individuals living in the same space?

We can start with our children; show them the proper respect, the proper acknowledgement of the world….

We can lead by example…..

Mother to teens and toddlers,

Hopefully doing the right thing by both generations

Open Letter Friday - 4/17

Polymer Clay Snails has a MeMe called Open Letter Friday.


Write a letter, to anyone. Sister, parent, crazy driver, or child who pushes your kid down in the mall play area and you debate on kicking them in the shin and running away with their toys.

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Dear ebony feline,

I avoided you. You sauntered across the street and I saw your sleek black form moving with the cocky attitude your type has.

I stopped, turned the truck around and drove around the block to avoid you. I learned long ago that black cats were HORRIBLE luck for me.

Ever since I avoided you I have had a really bad week.

*TV broke. Yes… flat lined
*Minivan STILL broke
*Toddler has a reaction to the measles vaccination with a 102.6 temp
*Son got in trouble at school
*Snowstorm will put a damper on oldest daughter’s prom on Saturday
*I have a toothache and am living on Aleve and penicillin.



HOW did you manage to THROW bad luck at me? It is like you have an area of effect ability to destroy my life.

Want to quit? Want to take it back and we can start over?

I would appreciate it, I am not sure I can take much more stress. In fact, all the stress is impacting other areas of my life so… don’t take your time…. This is an emergency.

Hopeful,

Pleading Mom/girlfriend/human who avoids you like the plague

Open Letter Friday - 4/10

Polymer Clay Snails has a MeMe called Open Letter Friday.


Write a letter, to anyone. Sister, parent, crazy driver, or co-worker who comes into work sick and coughs all over you repeatedly until you toss a paper clip down their throats.

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Dear People of Faith,

What is wrong with understanding the views of another person?

So what if they want to worship or follow a purple dinosaur, a single god or goddess, an author of a science fiction novel, the earth we walk on or nothing at all?

Would it be so hard to accept what they believe, to embrace the fact that they believe in something and pray/cast a spell/make a shrine to that entity?

What harm does it cause you to look at their path, even if it goes against what you believe in and say… “What a wonderful way of looking at things. I never thought about it from that angle, I am thankful they were put in my path as a lesson for me to open my horizons.”

Why must you have so much venom and anger towards the beliefs of another? I understand disliking a single follower of a faith/path. I understand if that person has wronged you or if they are a misrepresentation of their chosen belief structure, however, you should not hate all people from that path/faith.

What if your path tells you to hate followers from a different path or faith?

Do you hate them all?

What if your path tells you to kill followers from a different path or faith?

Do you do it?

Where do you draw the line?

Do you simply leave it as hate? Is that any better?

Trying to grow with love and acceptance,

Mother who has heard it all when it comes to her chosen path

Open Letter Friday 4/3

Polymer Clay Snails has a MeMe called Open Letter Friday.


Write a letter, to anyone. Sister, parent, crazy driver, friend who has decided that a cookout doesn't include meat.

I also included this post under Open Mic Night Friday's!



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Dear Gain,

Thank you! Thank you for making my clothes smell great. I love how it feels when I am curled up with my blankie and the dryer has heated you into happiness.

You are soft, after I get out of the shower and wrap a clean towel around me; you clean the dirty clothes of my toddler girls whom usually look like small ruffians due to the amount of food/dirt/bugs they get on their bodies.

I would ask, please, that you find a way to create a child-proof lock on the top of your bottle, I would appreciate it.

Why?

Well, allow me to Thank you for making my daughters smell great when they dump you all over themselves in the laundry room. Thank you for making my house smell spring garden fresh, from outside the front door, due to the amount of detergent STILL on my floors.

You make my daughters hair soft after she gets out of her $8.00 bath, which became a luxury spa when I put her in, and the tub filled up with bubbles, just from the detergent they had on their bodies. They were clean, smelling good and incredibly soft skinned, so soft that they kept slipping in the now VERY clean bathtub.

If you could do that, I’d be a loyal customer forever.

Take your time, I’ll wait..... I still have a ton of detergent to clean up UNDER the washing machine… I’ll be here when you get it figured out, however if you could make the scent mandarin orange I’d appreciate it. I’m all spring gardened out…

Sincerely,

Mommy to six kids, two of whom are proving to outmatch the other four.

Open Letter Friday - 3/20

Polymer Clay Snails has a relatively new MeMe called Open Letter Friday.


Write a letter, to anyone. Sister, parent, crazy driver, boss who is requesting ridiculous things that make you wonder his ability to breath every day.

Here is mine for the week, I got the idea this morning, while waking up my daughter.



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Dear Dictionary.com,

Why would you not have come up with a harder word for, “No”

How about changing it to “Balthazar” or “vista”…. ?

I would have no issue saying, “Balthazar, Issa, you may not have another cookie.” OR “Vista! We do NOT hit our sister!”

Why?

Why would I want to change a word we have been using for years? Why must I rock the boat and try to be a naysayer?

My 14 month old daughter has found the word.

Because my 14 month old wakes up in the morning and says it, the whole time I am changing her diaper and getting her ready for the sitters, toddling around the house with a bottle she mutters it under her breath, eating dinner it comes out between bites of food. She says it the whole drive to her father’s house and even when I pick her up the next morning.

Apparently she has posted claim on the word, because when *I* use it on her, she cries, screams and tries to hit me. Did you give her that permission? Is this her way of copywriting this word?

Please reconsider this word, I am willing to offer up some alternatives to the short, easily repeated word so that mother’s everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief!

Would Scumodofage work?

~Mommy tired of hearing the word No~
~Mommy tired of saying the word No~

Open Letter Friday - 3/13

Polymer Clay Snails has a relatively new MeMe called Open Letter Friday.


Write a letter, to anyone. Sister, parent, crazy driver, police officer that gave you a ticket for NO reason. (Other than the fact that you were going 10 miles OVER the speed limit).

Here is mine for the week, I got the idea from a discussion by Kristin at An Ordinary Life I was reading the other day.


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To Joseph and Judy,

You said she had soulful eyes, that she was spirited and sweet when you met her. You had wanted to adopt a baby, however when you met this one and a half year old, you couldn’t get her out of your head.

But, you didn’t have to.

She was a year older than the first child you adopted and you brought her home on his birthday, a gift for the little boy, an older sister. She adored him; it was what she needed after losing her own little brother a year before.

But, you didn’t have to.

There was the refusal to eat, the tears and the fear of abandonment. She clung to you at times and at others pushed you away and cried for no reason, and you still loved her. She cowered at your anger and cried every time she was scolded, however fought back over small issues, usually dealing with food.

But, you didn’t have to.

She was rebellious, strong-willed, loud and angry, but you still sent her to camp, ballet and swimming every year.
You taught her to write, to speak her mind, to work within the system, to have a heart for those less fortunate and love her family.

But, you didn’t have to.

Now she is all grown up, six kids of her own and knows what love should look like. She has no regrets, and thinks everyone should know what a family is. The only thing left to say now is… Thank you….

I am really glad you did.

Love,

Your daughter
Second to the family, oldest of the children

Open Letter Friday

Polymer Clay Snails is having a new MeMe… and I love the idea!

It is called Open Letter Friday.

Write a letter, to anyone. Sister, parent, crazy driver, coffee house person who takes 15 minutes to order one drink, in the morning, with 10 people in line AND is on the phone. (This is more like an obituary at that point.)

So… here is mine. It’s been on my mind all day, and is fitting.

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This is a disturbing video, please do not let your little ones see this.

My letter is in response to this video.

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Dear Parents of child in Kalamazoo, MI.,

Your son beat a middle aged bus driver 18 times in 24 seconds.

Your teenage son beat a bus driver because he was angry about a stop she made.

The son you raised beat a middle aged woman so severely it broke her hand, gave her

two black eyes, stitches and forced THREE other students to hold him back.

You said he was provoked by the bus driver? That he is not to blame.

How dare you blame this poor bus driver for your child’s actions. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

He is not to blame? Are you kidding me? Who is?

The twins living in his head? (He is schizophrenic and bi-polar)

The mental illness he has?

Your son has been taken out of your care “because parents cannot meet the juvenile's needs for structure and/or supervision given mental health issues and/or special needs of the juvenile” (taken from mlive.com).

This young man of yours has four prior accounts of violence against women; I wonder where he learned this behavior?

Take responsibility for your child, you know he is a danger; it is not something that is news to you.

Signed,

Someone who works with bus drivers everyday

Someone whos best friends are bus drivers

Someone who hears about the lives of bus drivers everyday, and has realized if some parents just paid more attention, there would be less issues.