The things you learn from Saturday morning tv

by nebraskawheatie

This past week, I have been “babysitting”. I’m not sure it’s really considered babysitting when you’re with kids who are part of the family. Mom and Dad are in the Bahamas…  I told them I think the scenario is backwards. I should be in the Bahamas and they should be home 🙂

At the start of this adventure, it was a little more stressful not knowing schedules, etc. However, it’s all good now and I’m relearning what it’s like to be with and “in charge” of 5 and 8 year old girls. I’m LOVING it! The hardest part is keeping two households in order and getting the little girls in bed by 8:00. After they get on the bus in the morning, I close up their house and head for home for the rest of the day. It’s working and we’re finally into a routine – just in time for mom and dad to get home (Tuesday).

This morning, Brook woke up and decided she needed to make us scrambled eggs. Her dad has done a great job of teaching her to throw things together. She made them herself and included bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and black olives. They were really tastey! And above all else, she knew where the coffee was.

Brook and her special recipe.

 Jilllian wanted her picture taken too.

After breakfast, Jillian and I were watching Disney. The following came on during a commercial break. If it doesn’t inspire you to do something to change your world, nothing will!

Happy Saturday!

Like Two Sparrows in a Hurricane

by nebraskawheatie

I heard this song today – while on my way to the chiropractor.  I’ve heard it a million times and it’s sung by a country singer that I never really liked very well. Her voice is one, though, that makes me think about being a little girl. Her first song, “Delta Dawn”, was released when I was 10. She was 13. So, I guess we’ve sort of grown up together.

When I heard Tanya singing her song on this particular day, it brought tears to my eyes. Why? I guess because I finally REALLY listened to the lyrics and it made me think of the past 30+ years of dating and being married to Jim.  We’ve been through the first two stanzas of her song and are now headed into the third. I realize she talks about being 83 and I’ve got a ways before that birthday finds me but it is right around the corner. The years go so fast as we live each day, which turn to weeks, months and years way faster than it did when I was 10.  Being “middle-aged’ makes a person reflect and realize just how fast life really does go. How do you make anyone going through the first or even the second stanza of this song realize that in the blink of an eye they’ll also be looking at the third?

My advice to the first and second “stanza-ers”: Carpe Diem (seize the day)! Each day you are given on this earth is being exchanged for something.  Exchange your days working hard, build strong relationships, do something good, right, worth your while, and of good purpose. Above all else, keep the faith and watch how God meticulously pieces together your life puzzle as you experience each stanza of your life.

“Two Sparrows In A Hurricane”
She’s fifteen and he’s barely driving a car
She’s got his ring and he’s got the keys to her heart
It’s just matter of time
They’ll spread their wings and fly

Like two sparrows in a hurricane
Trying to find their way
With a head full of dreams
And faith that can move anything
They’ve heard it’s all uphill
But all they know is how they feel
The world says they’ll never make it, love says they will

There’s a baby crying and one more on the way
There’s a wolf at the door with a big stack of bills
They can’t pay
The clouds are dark and the wind is high
But they can see the other side

Like two sparrows in a hurricane
Trying to find their way
With a head full of dreams
And faith that can move anything
They’ve heard it’s all uphill
But all they know is how they feel
The world says they’ll never make it, love says they will

She’s eighty-three and he’s barely driving a car
She’s got his ring and he’s got the key to her heart
It’s just a matter of time
They’ll spread their wings and fly

Like two sparrows in a hurricane
Trying to find their way
With a head full of dreams
And faith that can move anything
They’ve heard it’s all uphill
But all they know is how they feel
The world says they’ll never make it, love says they will

Wine and birthdays.

by nebraskawheatie

Not sure how we got ‘er all done, but the festivities certainly made the weekend go much faster than I like. It all began Friday night with Jamie, Jenna and Callie. Last summer, Jamie had sent me a link for a “Living Social” coupon from the Slattery Vintage Estates winery and I thought it sounded like it would be something worth purchasing and taking advantage of. The deadline for the coupon was ever so sneakily creeping closer and closer so we decided to partake in our cheese,crackers and wine tasting adventure. We were missing Taylor. She is the HS girls basketball student manager and was at a ball game. It was a LOVELY evening. It got even better as we were leaving – the owner of the winery asked if I was the older SISTER. That was definitely a boost for the ‘ole ego!

P.S. Callie was NOT drinking wine. She was enjoying an icy cold Pepsi in her souvenir wine glass.

 My poor starving children.

Jamie giving us her famous “Jamie” look.

Me and Jame.

Jenna, Me and Callie

Slattery Vintage Estates winery is a beautiful place – inside and out. In the summer, they offer some fancy tents to spend the night in, featuring wonderful old antiques. I think it would be quite the adventure hanging out there on a summer evening – as long as it wasn’t 102 with 90% humidity and lots of bugs.

On Saturday morning, I got up and drove the High School Art Club to Omaha (in the school bus) to tour the Joslyn Art Museum and the Latino Museum in South Omaha. I had never been to the Joslyn before. I’ve been to more art museums this year than I have in my entire life. In February, Jim and I were at the Louvre. In December, I very briefly walked through the National Art Museum in DC. Omaha’s Joslyn is not as big (of course) as the other two but it’s a very nice art museum. I was excited to see a couple Charles M. Russell paintings and also Currier and Ives. My harvest Grandma was the one who introduced me to both of these artists. Seeing them immediately took me back to a time and place when I was much younger. I appreciate the fact that Grandma passed the love of so many of her favorite things to me. The funny part is, I wasn’t even aware of it when it was happening.

Taylor just inside the door of the Joslyn.

“The Weeders”

 Charlie Russell painting – A Montana resident.

Taylor and I in front of the Joslyn.

When we got home from Omaha, about 3:00, the day wasn’t over yet. Callie and I decided we’d get her room painted. So, we have been painting a little here and little there with hopes of finishing before basketball practice starts (10th of Jan.). So, when I got home, I changed clothes and headed upstairs with her to paint a while. We had a little bit of time before needing to head to Mark and Candi’s for Brook’s 8th birthday party. When it was time, Cal and I cleaned up our paint brushes, changed clothes once again and headed to the Rathe’s house for supper. As usual, Mark put out a spectacular “feed” and we all ate till we were ready to burst. The little kids, though, were having way too much fun to waste much time eating!

 Happy birthday, Brook! Brook was showing us the matching nightgown she and her doll shared. CUTE!

Taylor and her beau, Nick.

This is what birthday parties are all about!

After church on Sunday, Callie and I once again changed our clothes and headed upstairs to paint for a while before it was time to go party once again. This time, we would be celebrating Jim’s mom’s 88th birthday. We gathered for pizza and birthday cake. I think she enjoyed her day! This is the same woman who was struggling so very hard to breathe on Thanksgiving morning and ended up spending several days in ICU. She’s recovered quite nicely!

The gang!

Mom and her grandkids – notice…ALL GIRLS – except for her great-grandson.

 Added the grandson-in-laws.

And now, her kids – Jim and Maureen. and me and Harv.

Jim and his big sis, Maureen.

Happy Birthday to Mom Z. and Brooklyn! We celebrated being 8 and being 88. It’s always fun celebrating a birthday and eating birthday cake!

 AND, Callie and I got her room finished!

What’s wrong with this pic?

by nebraskawheatie

It’s JANUARY 6, that’s what’s wrong with this pic! Loving the fact that I can hang out clothes and my fingers aren’t turning blue.

Are you sure it’s January 5?

by nebraskawheatie

Ok, so something is definitely up with the weather in Eastern Nebraska this year! I’m not saying anything bad about it whatsoever. Today’s record high is 62 degrees. We are looking at breaking that record. What this does do is mess with my day. When temps this nice happen, I feel like I should be finding SOMETHING to do outside. Maybe I should take down the Christmas lights. If Jordan were still with us, she’d have fun playing catch or chasing a frisbee. I’ve even recently read somewhere that someone local saw a snake in their yard. This is NOT typical weather but I’m loving it. Usually, though, when it’s this nice outside, it generally means something nasty is right behind it. I don’t think that’s the case this time. The weather man just called for 50 tomorrow and mid 40’s for the weekend.

I’m still trying to get through my huge stack of “things to do” because I chose to ignore it over the holidays. I’m paying for it now.  I felt like I made progress yesterday and need to stay on track to be able to say the same today. But now…we’ve got a heat wave calling me to come outside. Spring fever – which leads to thoughts of this:

And this:

Whoo Hoo!!!!

by nebraskawheatie

I know this will be no cause of celebration for an experienced blogger HOWEVER I figured out how to link previous postings with mentions in a new post. Therefore, I have updated my posting from yesterday with the actual links attached to the posts I mentioned. Now you can actually go to the posts I have referenced without having to search and find!

I’M LEARNING!

P.S.

by nebraskawheatie

P.S. There were no noisemakers coming from this house last night. I think the day has come before I was ready! However, the new year still made its way into our world. Happy January 1, 2012!

Now, for a little interesting information to pass along. I have been posting since August. Yesterday, WordPress sent a note to inform me of the top rated blogs since that very first one. I thought maybe this would be of interest to you – my dear, loyal readers:

#5. “And I wonder why it takes me so long to get back in the groove!” – September 2011

#4. “The visible results of the 2011 Missouri River Flood” – November 2011

#3.” When can I breathe?” – October 2011

#2. “My first posting on my brand new blog” – August 2011

And the #1 read posting goes to:

“On the road…again“-  August 2011

So…if you’re really bored today, check them out and see why so many read these particular posts. Have fun! 🙂

Happy New Year!

by nebraskawheatie

We’re about to say goodbye to 2011 and ring in a brand new year. As I look back on the past year, I think about how each day brought new challenges and joys, bad days and good, lots of miles under the ‘ole belt and a new son-in-law. 2012 is anxiously being anticipated. One thing is for sure, there will be changes.

New Year’s Eve has never been a big deal to me and Jim. Most years it seems the girls (whichever ones are here) and I sit in front of the tv watching the ball drop. We quickly run to the kitchen, grab a couple of pans, spoons and start banging on them to make noise – lots of noise – to bring in the new year. And to help make them feel like they’re doing something special while everyone else in our little piece of the world is having fun. They enjoyed it – I enjoyed it. We usually had a meal of finger food and sparkling grape juice.

The day is coming, though, when I won’t have anyone to run outside with me and the “noise makers”. I’ll miss that. I’ll miss the traditions of this night when the final girl has realized there’s more to the night than what they’re used to. I hope one day, they will look back on the New Year’s Eve’s of the past and smile. Maybe even grab a pan and a spoon. head out the door and start ringing in the new year. I love that I’ve been able to share these past Eve’s with the girls, having our own special way of celebrating and looking forward to the new year ahead of us.

I expect your 2012 will be filled with good days and bad (just like any year). I pray the bad days are made a little easier with the help of family and friends and the good ones are so awesome you HAVE to share them with family and friends! Happy New Year!

Sounds of the Season

by nebraskawheatie

I LOVE Christmas music! I insist all passengers of any car I’m in endure the sounds of the season with me. I’ve even blessed them with my beautiful voice :). For those of you who have been with me during this glorious season, you know what I’m talking about! I’m sad to think that in one more day, the Christmas music will have run its course and I will have to wait another year to hear the sounds that bring back so many memories of Christmas’ past.

For me, there are two songs that really mean Christmas is on the horizon. The first one is Gene Autry’s “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”. Actually, any of Gene’s songs or those sung by Burl Ives can get the ‘ole memories flowing and that’s when I really find my singing voice! The other song I dearly love is “Oh Holy Night”. Watch out when that one comes on the radio!! And…it doesn’t matter who sings this song – it ALWAYS brings the goose bumps!

For the girls, when they hear Nat King Cole’s “Chestnuts Roasting On an open Fire”, the radio is turned up way loud and they feel like it’s Christmas time once again.

This year, I have found a new song that meant a lot to me the very first time I heard it. This one, I’m going to share with you. Listen to the words very carefully and let them sink deep into your soul!

I pray that today brings you lots of great memories and it’s Christ’s birthday that you celebrate!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE ENTIRE ZEORIAN CLAN!

One of my favorite Christmas traditions

by nebraskawheatie

This past week has been CRAZY!

When I got home from Washington, DC on Saturday, I knew I was going to have to hit the ground running since I had only purchased one gift for Christmas. On Monday, the race began. Every day it was a trip to the big city to find the perfect gift for each name on my list. I was still looking for those gifts last night and am still short one (that I know of). It has been one of the longest weeks ever! Thank goodness Jamie didn’t have to work on Monday and was able to tag along with ideas and pointers for her sisters.

Wednesday night was the night set aside to head to the mall for the annual Santa picture. I didn’t get any bad vibes about doing it until we were standing in line (a very long line) with a whole bunch of little, little kids. And, of course, the camera was having issues so we had to wait. At least I didn’t have to try to keep my kids happy and deal with the crying like most of the other parents did. However, while we were standing there, I was informed by my kids they were the oldest ones in line and this would probably be the last year for this tradition. Ok, I suppose I have gotten away with it a lot longer than I ever anticipated. I decided tonight, though, that I would share the “firsts” and a few “in betweens” just in case this IS the last year. While I was looking through the book, the pictures I saw reconfirmed the reason why I have insisted on this tradition. It’s great fun to see how the girls have changed from 1986 to present.

Today was spent entirely in the kitchen. It started fairly early this morning and ended about two hours ago. I haven’t made holiday sweets in quite a long time. We always make our traditional sugar cookies for Santa but nothing more than that. I used to make goodies to give to my neighbors along with a Swedish Kringle. BUT, it got to be too much and trying to be Martha Stewart was killing the holiday fun. Today just about killed the holiday fun once again. So much work and most of it will probably get thrown away in a week or so.  We started the morning making Oreo balls, Mocha balls, some sort of Frito chewy treat, bugle snacks dipped in white almond bark and an m&m candy (looked like an ice cream cone), spritz cookies, cut out sugar cookies and brownies frosted with cookie dough. Tomorrow afternoon will be spent decorating the sugar cookies and making Jim’s favorite – peanut brittle. Guess what…there’s zero calories in all of this 🙂

As I’m typing this, my personal elf, Miss Callie, is wrapping my presents. I think Christmas is actually going to happen in the Zeorian household after all!

Gosh…I look so young! The first year of being a mommy – 1986. Jamie was NOT happy about sitting next to that big man dressed in a red suit. That’s why I’m in the picture, too.

1988  – Jamie was almost 3 and Jenna was 7 months.

1994 – Taylor had just joined our family 7 weeks prior to the picture. Jamie was almost 9 and Jenna was 6.

1997 – Fourth and final addition to the family. Callie was 2 1/2 months old, Jamie nearly 12, Jenna 9 and Taylor 3.

2000 – Jamie was too cool to join the sisters for the Santa picture. She was nearly 15 years old at the time. Jenna is 12, Taylor is 6 and Callie is 3.

2003 – Jamie decided to jump back in the pictures in 2001. She is 17, Jenna is 15, Taylor is 9 and Callie is 6.

2006 – This was taken on Jamie’s 21st birthday, Jenna is 18, Taylor is 12 and Callie is 9.

2009 – Jamie is nearly 24, Jenna is 21, Taylor is 15 and Callie is 12.

P.S. Happy 26th birthday, Jamie!