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Merry Christmas from the Maus House 2011

2011-12-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

I am trying out a new program. I didn't get these as organized as I would have liked. I think you will still enjoy. May God bless you today and always. May 2012 be full of memories for you and your family.
Love, Paul, Tammy, Logan, Austin, Jacob, Gracie and Chandler

This free picture slideshow personalized with Smilebox

Video Christmas Card Coming Soon

2011-12-23T10:13:00.001-08:00

Check back in Saturday December 24, for our Video Christmas Card : )

Dear son, you are leaving home today...

2011-05-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

I sat down to write my first letter to Logan tonight. He left with only a backpack today
and boarded a plane to MO to follow his dreams of being a soldier in the United
States Army. It isn't that I am at a loss for words, it's that I know that we are
feeling very different emotions. I found this on the internet and it pretty much sums
up what I am feeling today.....

Dear Son,
You are leaving home today. I keep repeating that statement over and over in my
mind, trying to understand what it means. I have had your lifetime to prepare for
this, sometimes wanting it to come quickly and sometimes hoping this day would
never come. Most of the time though, I have been preparing myself and
preparing you, by madly gathering life’s questions and answers in the hope that I
haven’t forgotten anything. I keep revising the list inside my head; checking off
all the things I know I’ve already told you – so many times.

As tempting as it is to slip a few of the big ones into a casual conversation I
correct myself and let it go. An image of your face appears before me and I see
your eyes look upward and your mouth tighten with that expression of yours that
we both know so well. “Mum I know – you have told me a hundred times
already.”

Well, you know me well enough to expect a letter tucked away in your luggage
with just a couple of pages of instructions about ‘keeping yourself safe and
healthy’. You might even expect to find food in there, a little treat to keep you
going. And lots of XXX’s scribbled on a note like noisy kisses on your bare belly.

Protecting you and preparing you has been such a big part of who I am – it’s
hard to redefine myself and accept that my job is done.

I remind myself that this is about you, but as usual, here I am making it about me
again. Slightly neurotic, I find myself wanting to explain or apologize or gain
some kind of absolution from you. I want to go back into your history and call
myself to your attention and wipe the slate clean of all my mistakes. I do admit
that I have been selfish and hypocritical at times, and I don’t want you to leave
now thinking it was your fault or that you didn’t deserve better.

Yeah, yeah, I hear you say ‘Don’t worry about it, it doesn’t matter”.

I have such an urge to tell you of promises I made, as you slept below my heart
all those years ago. So very real and profound to me and so intense I’m sure I’d
weep if I even tried to tell you. You of course, would shift from one leg to the
other and endure my disclosure with discomfort and impatience.

Mini movies of first steps, first words and first everything else’s consume me.
Tooth fairies and Santa Clause and Easter bunnies. Little trophies, wall posters,
clay models and lego buildings.

I’m indulging myself, it’s my prerogative, but I have promised myself to keep it
all to myself. I want to reminisce, at a time when you have one foot out the door.
I’m going back to the baby and you are going forward to the man. You have
freedom, independence and adventure on your mind. I know you are ready;
capable, competent and smarter than I’ll ever be.

My attitude shifts as I accept you don’t need any precautions, no more
moralizing; no more “You know what you should do…”

And even though I have represented myself as parent and teacher I see so clearly
that I have also been the pupil. I have learned so much from you, you have
played such a large part in moulding me into the person I am. You have taught
me well and I thank you.

Now, I’m compelled to tell you of all the things about you that fills me with pride
and awe. Another long list of what you have achieved, the person you are, your
character and integrity. I want to place wishes on you and insist that they all
become true for you. I want you to stand at the head of the table and have
everyone who ever knew you, come forward and pay tribute to you. But, you
would hate that too.

It’s never about what you have done or anything that you are capable of doing.
It’s only ever about who you are; the real value is in the fact that you exist.

No, you don’t need to be told who you are or what you are capable of. You don’
t judge yourself by such things and I don’t want you to do that either. You are
your own person and you are comfortable in your own skin, and at the end of
the day, that tells me that I have done well. That tells me, that you are ready for
the world and the world will be better for having you as a participant.

I really don’t need to tell you any of this - I even wonder now what impact any
of the words have ever had. I do believe that I have taught you by example, but
more than that, I think you have always known my heart. The umbilical cord
might just be symbology for the heart to heart connection between mother and
child.

When you leave today, I will light an imaginary candle and place it on the
window-sill. Think about it, if you wander into shadows or if you need to lighten
up. Let it always be your beacon.

And all in all, there are only two things left to say to you, “I am proud of you and I love you"

Written by Sonya Green

Homemade Treats

2010-11-30T06:02:00.000-08:00

A fellow blogger, Abbey Foster, shared this yummy recipe. I can't wait to whip some up to share with friends and family. It's totally amazing, especially with Ghirardelli's Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips. Enjoy !

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Grease a 9"x5"x3" loaf pan (or something close to that size). Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

INGREDIENTS
Granulated sugar, 1 c
Butter, 4 oz
Mashed bananas (make sure they are ripe; usually 3 or 4 will do the trick), 1-1/2 c
Large eggs, two
Vanilla extract, 2 tsp
All-purpose flour, 2 c
Baking soda, 1-1/2 tsp
Salt, 1/2 tsp
Semisweet chocolate chips, 1 c

INSTRUCTIONS
Mix sugar and butter; beat in mashed bananas, eggs and vanilla. Combine dry ingredients in another bowl and then stir into mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips until well incorporated. Pour batter into greased loaf pan. Cover loosely with a tent of aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 30 minutes. Test with toothpick to see if it comes out clean. Enjoy!

A Letter From My Heart to My Kids

2010-10-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

Hello my kiddos,
I wanted to say hi and tell you how much I love you. But I also have to have a mommy moment- bear with me here. I won't take long, and I won't be saying anything I haven't already said in one form or another, but it is important.

You may or may not have heard about the NJ college student who killed himself last week because his room-mate had posted videotape of him having sex with another guy. A terrible, senseless tragedy.

My mommy job requires that I remind you of two essential things:
One:
Nothing ruins your life forever. NOTHING.
Two:
Nothing ruins your life forever. NOTHING.

If that young man had only waited a couple of weeks nobody would have cared- he'd have gotten past it. People have short memories- life would have gotten better, much better. His parents and friends? They loved him prior to the tape- they would have loved him afterward too. A few awkward moments and then life goes on.

But when you are young you don't know that even the awkward moments are fleeting. On this, you just have to trust the old people. Remember when you were really small and cried and cried over something? Well, it didn't last. That's kind of what it's like- awful things happen, you feel like there's a rock in the pit of your stomach, somehow time goes by and it gets better. I promise you, it ALWAYS gets better.

The students, a girl and boy, who were involved in the taping and posting-- they are being charged with bias crime, invasion of privacy and possibly other things. Their college life is over. They will have to live with this death the rest of their lives-- and their families are devastated. What they did was so wrong- but also so kid-stupid. Not to mention mean. And so their lives will be different forever- but even so- their families will love them and they will have time enough to hopefully live in such a way as to make meaning from their mistake.

So, my beautiful kids, never, ever think something is unfixable. NOTHING you do will ever keep us from loving you. NOTHING you do could be so awful you can't get past it.

And if someone is mean to you, and it isn't something you can ignore-- seek out people to talk to about it. Surround yourself with people who are supportive. If you ever need help and don't know how to ask- try writing a letter instead. And right now- before you might need such help- think about who you would talk to if needed. In the midst of turmoil sometimes we don't always think as clearly- having a plan makes it easier to find help in crisis. And remember there are always alternatives. Always.

Finally, don't be mean. Don't let other people be mean.
Stand up for the underdog, protect those who aren't as smart or confident or easygoing as yourself.
Treat people's feelings like fragile little puppies- if you play with them- be gentle.

I love you so much and I know you really don't need me to tell you this stuff.... but it's my job.
Love and hugs,
Mom : )

Reflection

2010-08-15T00:43:00.000-07:00

I can’t wait to scrap these pictures from our stop at the Walker Center in Minneapolis/St. Paul. We had a great time. When I see your reflection in these pics I can only hope that you see what I see… I see a beautiful girl who is determined, caring and vibrant. I want you to always feel good about yourself. I hope that you will never let life take that away. People may be mean, but that has nothing to do with WHO you are. So stay sweet little lady and always love you brother : ) You could never wish for a better friend and confidant. Big hugs!

Where Does The Time Go?

2010-08-15T00:25:00.000-07:00

I am in total shock that the kids will all be heading back to school next week! This summer feels like it just flew by! Austin also had a big day this week-he got his driver's license. Woot! Woot! Such a big thing that he has worked on for so long. He is super excited about driving his brother and a friend to the Mayhem concert this weekend. So this afternoon, they loaded up in the car and off they went, leaving a teary eyed Mom and an apprehensive Dad. They made it back home safe and sound...but where did this little boy go?

I ran across this quote yesterday and it really touched me. I thought I would post it here too since it’s insanely in-tune with how I’ve been feeling.
“If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware. The tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered around the house, the piles and piles of laundry lying around to be tackled, will disappear all too soon. And, you will, to your surprise, miss them profoundly.”~President Thomas S. Monson
Yeah….. Amen. That’s all I can say to that as I rubbed the goosebumps on my arms. ♥♥♥

Happy Hour

2010-06-15T20:32:00.001-07:00

We are still here. Alive and very much kickin’! Life has been crazy busy but in good, good ways. I’ve been working like mad on some stuff at work for the end of the fiscal year and also a new business venture that I can't wait to tell you about.But for now...you will have to wait! Exciting stuff!

I looked at my Sonic cup on my desk and the message on it was so…. ummm… Pertinent? Lol.It said in big red letters HAPPY HOUR. One of my little joys daily is Happy Hour at Sonic to get me through the afternoon with my Diet Coke with easy vanilla. I’ve had lots and lots of “happy hours” lately. Even though some parts of our lives are really difficult and stressful at times… I have so much to be grateful for. With as much as people around the world are suffering and coping with the destruction of natural disasters or terrorism or even everyday starvation…. I am GRATEFUL for the trials I DO have even though I curse about them. I am blessed with an AMAZING husband who loves me unconditionally and is so supportive of everything I do. He’s an amazing father and friend… I feel like he was hand-picked by the man upstairs just for me!♥ We have beautiful and incredible children who give me the motivation to keep trying to be a better Mom and person. Okay….. just feeling grateful for the life I have and thought I would share it “out loud”. LOL

Toodles and cyber-hugs!~♥~Tammy~♥~

Logan and Nicole

2010-06-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

Since it has been what seems like forever since I posted to my blog, I found a few other pics of Logan that I wanted to upload. This pic is of Logan and his friend Nicole. She is sweet and I love her family : ) You can tell how very tall he is in this pic. He does come by it naturally with both his Dad and I both not lacking in height.

Make a Wish, Logan!

2010-06-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe that Logan is 19, graduated and trying to make it on his own. He is struggling but he will be fine in the long run. He still would like to go in the military. He knows how I feel about that. With our current Administration and world situation, it scares me to death. However, he knows that I will support him to follow his dreams. Luckily for him, Paul and Grandpa, both former Marines, support his desires fully-without reservation. Paul only wishes that he would go to college and go into the military as an officer.

United Way Teen Volunteer of the Year Award

2010-06-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

We were thrilled in March to get a call announcing that Austin had been selected as this year's Teen Volunteer of the Year for the Norman United Way. We are thrilled that he was honored for his accomplishments. It was a very special day for our entire family.

This is the letter that I wrote nominating him:
Dear Nomination Committee:
The purpose of writing you today is to nominate a young man, Austin Childers, for the Young Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award. Austin is passionate and committed in his drive to help children and young adults who have physical and/or mental disabilities. Perhaps this drive comes from deep within him due to his own struggles that he has had to live with and overcome daily. Austin himself is an individual with a disability. He is severely dyslexic, dysgraphic (writing) and has many other needs that present challenges for him, even though on the outside he appears to be a typical high school student. Yet, he doesn’t let his struggles prevent him from assisting children who also need assistance and perhaps, more importantly, a friend.
As a mother, it is very difficult to have a child with a brilliant IQ who cannot express himself in writing more than writing simple words and even printing his own name is a struggle. He isn’t in the clubs and sports that many high school age children participate in. Last year, when I arrived at Norman High School during mid-day with Austin after one of his doctor’s appointments, I was left speechless with what I witnessed. As we were walking down the hallway, one of the Severe-Profound Special Education classes that Austin works with daily, was leaving the gymnasium returning to their classroom. They saw Austin and most of them had to stop to give him hugs, high fives, and for those who couldn’t do that, precious smiles. As we were walking away, the Teacher’s Assistant for the class told me that he is by far the best Aide that they have had in their classroom for over 10 years. It was at that moment that I realized what an inspiration he is to those he cares so much for. His accomplishments are not measured by medals, trophies, essays or scholarships. Instead, they are measured in smiles and successes of those who are in many ways just like Austin.
In today’s society, we have very few adult’s doing the kind of work that Austin does on a daily basis. He is just doing what everybody should be doing. He is an excellent leader and mentor by putting his own needs behind those that depend on others for so much. He has been serving in this capacity since he was in the 7th grade at Alcott Middle School. He is now a sophomore at Norman High School. He goes above and beyond the hour that he spends each day assisting in the classroom. He takes time to volunteer annually with Special Olympics, helps students shop for Christmas gifts for their parents and other family members, field trips that enable the students to survive in the world. Even making change has been a lesson where the teacher learned along with the student. You see, he himself couldn’t learn math the traditional way due to his dyslexia. However, it hasn’t stopped him in teaching the children he works with to make change as he learned also. It’s a skill that he thinks is so very vital for all of them, enabling them to avoid being taken advantage of in the public.
I believe that Austin is deserving of consideration of the Volunteer of the Year Awards. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share Austin with you.
Most Sincerely,

A former principal wrote this:
To Whom It May Concern:

I am offering this letter of nomination for 2010 Volunteer of the Year Award on behalf of Mr. Austin Childers.

I have known Mr. Childers for several years, having first met him when he was a student at WITHHELD. From the very first time I encountered this young man, I have known that he is an individual with tremendous potential. I have worked with Mr. Childers often, as he was a student under my supervision at WITHHELD. In my interactions with Mr. Childers, it has been obvious to me that he takes great initiative and care with working with students with special needs

Perhaps the most important item I can mention was his amount of time he devoted to those students with special needs. Mr. Childers was always the first to volunteer for any activity I needed help with, and always willing to serve in any way he could, whether it was during lunch, classtime, on field trips, or after school. His commitment to those students was unwavering, and I appreciate all he has done, and I am sure continues to do for them.

I can honestly say, without hesitation, that Mr. Childers would make a worthy recipient to your award. His commitment to students with disabilities exemplifies what your institution promotes: committed and dedicated volunteers. I feel honored to have known and worked with Mr. Childers, and I am sure you will feel the same should you accept his nomination.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

White Christmas!

2010-02-01T00:58:00.000-08:00

I was kidding around and said that I hoped it would come a blizzard for Christmas. Well, be careful what you wish for. In Oklahoma, on Christmas Eve, we had a blizzard!

Turner Falls

2010-02-01T00:43:00.000-08:00

Summer 2009

Arbuckle Wilderness

2010-02-01T00:39:00.000-08:00

Summer 2009

Fish Faces

2010-02-01T00:37:00.000-08:00

Summer 2009

Velisa's Wedding

2010-02-01T00:33:00.000-08:00

The same day Logan graduated, we went to Jerry and Velisa's wedding. This is a picture of my cousins, Velisa and Rick.

Faith in a Tutu

2010-02-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

Logan

2010-02-01T00:27:00.001-08:00

Spring 2009

Chandler!

2010-02-01T00:20:00.001-08:00

This is my first experience using Lightroom and I love it! (Summer 2009)

4th of July!

2010-02-01T00:12:00.001-08:00

4th of July in our neighborhood is a blast!

Summer Vacation

2010-02-01T00:02:00.000-08:00

Our 2009 Summer vacation was spent exploring the beaches of Padre Island. We had a great time! On the way, we stopped for a day at the Great Wolf Lodge in Dallas, TX. Good times!

Logan is a NHS graduate!

2010-01-31T23:55:00.001-08:00

I still can't believe that Logan is a graduate and moving on to college life. We are so very proud of you Logan! (May 2009)

Jacob graduates 5th grade!

2010-01-31T23:50:00.000-08:00

We are proud of Jacob! He has finished 5th grade and is moving up to Middle School life. (May 2009)

PreK Graduation

2010-01-31T23:42:00.000-08:00

I am still playing catch up. In May, Chandler and Gracie graduated from Pre-K. They are all grown up and will be going to Kindergarten now. They are so cute!

PreK Graduation

2009-07-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

I still cannot belive that it is already half way through summer and that Chandler and Gracie will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. We have already started shopping for all the cute stuff! But before we move on, I must post a few pictures of PreK graduation. We are so proud of them!

OU legend Billy Sims Slow Cooked BBQ Pork

2009-07-14T17:07:00.001-07:00

I found this recipe in Distinctly Oklahoma magazine and love it!

1 -3 lb. Shoulder Pork Roast or Pork Loin Roast
1-18 oz. bottle of Billy Sims BBQ Sauce
1-12 oz. can of Coke

Place pork roast in crock pot. Pour BBQ sauce and coke over roast. Cover and cook on high for 8 hours, or until meat is tender and shreds easily.

Remove meat gfrom Crock Pot and shred with two forks. Serve with sandwich rolls and bbq sauce. Yum!

Catching up!

2009-07-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

I have gotten behind on my blogging but I suppose that's what happens when you are busy enjoying life! Gracie had her ballet recital in May. She is always so graceful and does such a pretty job. This job Patti's daughter Abbey, as also in the recital. She is in the Hip Hop class.

Grandpa's surgery

2009-03-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

Paul's Dad, and my absolute favorite Father in Law, David, had a triple heart bypass surgery in February. Technology is great because we were able to visit with him right in the hospital room via webcam between my laptop and Paul's laptop that he took to MN. (Of course the kiddies were thrilled that they could give Daddy a night night kiss.) He is doing good and already driving back and forth from the doctors office in the Twin Cities. Paul and I both have been worried sick about him and are thrilled that he is doing better. Grandpa should be back to better than ever really soon! This is a photo of David and Chandler this past Thanksgiving in Iowa.

A Valentine's Day Wedding!

2009-03-21T00:44:00.000-07:00

On Valentine's Day, my cousin Mickie's son, Chris was married. It was a sweet intimate wedding and Gracie was asked to be the flower girl. The other guys just kind of hung out and of course Chandler was right with either me or Paul - his favorite place to be. I was lucky enough to get to take quite a few photos. Here are just a few...

Daddy Daughter Dance

2009-03-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

I am so far behind on my posting. I am going to an all day crop tomorrow with Rikki and so tonight I starting browsing through my most recent photos. I've missed several events on my blog lately. We have been so busy enjoying life that...well I forgot to brag a little.

Paul and Gracie went to the Daddy Daughter Dance last month and had a great time. They went with my brother and niece. Gracie thought she was going to the Prom! Every time we drive by the Embassy Suites, she says "there's my Daddy Daughter Dance place!" The boys and hung out and we met them at Logan's Steakhouse for a later dinner. What a magical evening!

15 days and counting....

2009-03-13T00:18:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I am starting to panic about my oldest leaving the nest. Tonight I was writing his birthday on my calendar and it dawned on me..15 more days and he is a man. Good, bad, whatever...my official job is to hand it over to him and become an advisor. As I was driving him home from work we talked about registering to vote, which political party he felt he identified with, registering for selective service, staying away from credit cards...and all of a sudden I started to cry. All of the nights that I wanted to pull my hair out worrying about him being late, all of the homework battles, the day he painted our brand new carpet green at our new house, all of the messes in the kitchen, the day I first laid eyes on him...it all came flashing back. No wonder mid life is so hard. It is all so cruel for Moms, we have to hold on tight and then they wrestle for us to loosen the grip. Raising kids and letting them go..it's all so hard..but I wouldn't have missed it for anything in the world. He just thinks his Mom is being sentimental and goofy and dreaming of what his life is going to be like. I love you, little Logars! As the story goes....I'll like you for always, I'll love you forever, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be.

Ok in Oklahoma

2009-02-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

We are all still here and ok. Happy Tuesday didn't end up that way. What a day! It started out rather nicely, another no coat morning. But all of that changed in a blink of an eye. A few of our parents called the center telling us that the tornado sirens were going off in South OKC, just a few miles to the North of us.

This is what I did for the rest of the day. Warnings on TV, sirens blaring, TV reports of damage everywhere. Where was Paul, right on the fringe of the storm...eeekkk!

I was at my Dad's dropping Austin off for a visit. When I told him that there were tornados all over the metro, he said "seriously?" and then we turned on the tv set.

We got away with only marble size hail and heavy rain. The North OKC Target, Hobby Lobby and Chuckie Cheese were hit hard. Areas of Edmond were hit rather hard and many homes and businesses damaged in the Oak Tree area.

Then later after dark a huge tornado hit down south of us and so far 15 people were killed. Being a native of Oklahoma, you expect and plan for storms. It's just that we don't expect them in February. Anyway, we are well and accounted for and ready for the next time a big storm blows in. Please keep the many families that have lost loved ones, homes and businesses to the horrible storm.

Christmas at the Maus House

2009-01-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas at our house was busy, fun and many memories were made. We had a great deal to celebrate and rejoice. The first being the birthday of our Savior's birth. My sister in law Angie is a survivor and her being with us this year is a miracle. She is recovering from an aneurysm that left her in the hospital for more than 80 days. She is home now and working through physical therapy. Our next miracle is that my brother and his kids were reunited this year in October. Having April, J.D. and Beau back in our family has been one of the biggest highlights of our year. Since I am the only "girl" in our family and absent Mom, we have started a new tradition of Family Dinner at our house on Sunday evenings. The kids look forward to it...almost as much as Paul and I! We are finally getting the last of the wrapping paper and decorations put away. Every time I think it is all boxed up, I find something else!

Where Have All The Leaders Gone?

2009-01-02T14:49:00.000-08:00

My Dad sent the following text in an email. It was impressing and thought provoking. Thought I would share it...

'Remember Lee Iacocca, the man who rescued Chrysler Corporation from its death throes? He's now 82 years old and has a new book, 'Where Have All The Leaders Gone?'.
Lee Iacocca Says:
Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder! We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car.
But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'Stay the course.'
Stay the course? You've got to be kidding. This is America , not the damned 'Titanic'.
I'll give you a sound bite: 'Throw all the bums out!'
You might think I'm getting senile, that I've gone off my rocker, and maybe I have. But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore.
The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs.
While we're fiddling in Iraq , the Middle East is burning and nobody seems to know what to do. And the press is waving 'pom-poms' instead of asking hard questions. That's not the promise of the ' America ' my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for. I've had enough. How about you?
I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready and willing to have. The Biggest 'C' is Crisis!
(Iacocca elaborates on nine C's of leadership, with crisis being the first.)
Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's easy to sit there with your feet up on the desk and talk theory. Or send someone else's kids off to war when you've never seen a battlefield yourself. It's another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down.
On September 11, 2001, we needed a strong leader more than any other time in our history. We needed a steady hand to guide us out of the ashes. A hell of a mess, so here's where we stand.
We're immersed in a bloody war with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving.
We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the country.
We're losing the manufacturing edge to Asia, while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs.
Gas prices are skyrocketing, and nobody in power has a coherent energy policy.
Our schools are in trouble.
Our borders are like sieves.
The middle class is being squeezed every which way.
These are times that cry out for leadership.
But when you look around, you've got to ask: 'Where have all the leaders gone?' Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, omnipotence, and common sense? I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the point.
Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throwing away our shampoo?
We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened.
Name me one leader who emerged from the crisis of Hurricane Katrina. Congress has yet to spend a single day evaluating the response to the hurricane or demanding accountability for the decisions that were made in the crucial hours after the storm.
Everyone's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping it doesn't happen again. Now, that's just crazy. Storms happen. Deal with it. Make a plan. Figure out what you're going to do the next time.
Name me an industry leader who is thinking creatively about how we can restore our competitive edge in manufacturing. Who would have believed that there could ever be a time when 'The Big Three' referred to Japanese car companies? How did this happen, and more important, what are we going to do about it?
Name me a government leader who can articulate a plan for paying down the debt, or solving the energy crisis, or managing the health care problem. The silence is deafening. But these are the crises that are eating away at our country and milking the middle class dry.
I have news for the gang in Congress. We didn't elect you to sit on your asses and do nothing and remain silent while our democracy is being hijacked and our greatness is being replaced with mediocrity. What is everybody so afraid of? - that some bonehead on Fox News will call them a name? Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change?
Had Enough? Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope - I believe in America . In my lifetime, I've had the privilege of living through some of America 's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises: The 'Great Depression,' 'World Wars I and II,' the 'Korean War,' the 'Kennedy Assassination,'the 'Vietnam War,' the 1970's oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years culminating with 9/11.
If I've learned one thing, it's this: 'You don't get anywhere by standing on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to take action. Whether it's building a better car or building a better future for our children, we all have a role to play. That's the challenge I'm raising in this book. It's a "Call to Action" for people who, like me, believe in America '. It's not too late, but it's getting pretty close. So let's shake off the crap and go to work. Let's tell 'em all we've had 'enough.'
Make your own contribution by sending this to everyone you know and care about. It's our country, folks, and it's our future. Our future is at stake!!

September Update

2008-10-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that I haven't posted since the first week of August! Life has definitely been happening in our lives. Let me try to recap the highlights of our lives.

The most recent happening and the heaviest on our hearts right now is that on September 12, I got a call from my brother telling me that my sister-in-law Angie had been rushed to the hospital with an aneurysm. After several hours they transferred her to Baptist Hospital in OKC. As of today she has been in ICU for 21 days. They did a coiling procedure to fix the aneurysm, but it has been a very slow healing process for her. She is a survivor and we are thrilled that she is alive. Join us in praying that she will be on the mend and has a complete healing. Dr. Smith and his team at Baptist Integris Hospital are absolutely amazing. I am astounded each time I go to the ICU and see the miracles that occur there everyday. As the song goes…I Saw God Today. Each time you walk on that unit, evidence of God’s healing touch can’t help but be seen and felt.

Update Part II

2008-10-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

Paul’s Mom was thrilled to be working at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, MN. I can only imagine the energy in that building. I am thrilled to have a woman on the ticket who is a reformer. I for one am sick and tired of the "Do it like we've always done" way of government. Sarah has 5 children and is also a champion for children with special needs. We need a friend and advocate in the White House.

For Dad’s birthday on September 1st, he turned us down for going to dinner. So, we loaded up and went to visit Grandpa and Brenda. It was fun while we were there because as we were leaving the ice cream man spotted Paul and the kids going out the door. He then decided to park sit beside the street with his music blaring. You know what happened next. Yep…the kids said “Ice Cream!” Before leaving we finished our visit with a frosty treat! I am so glad to have Dad in my life. I cherish the time we spend together visiting or talking on the phone. I don’t think that a week goes by that he doesn’t tell me he loves me and how proud he is of me. I need that. I need for my parents to be proud of me. For so long, I felt like they weren’t. Cherish the time you have together because life is so very short.

Update - Part III

2008-10-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

Before that it was Back to School. Summer has already and came and left. Where does the time go? Paul and I now have a Senior, a Freshman, a 5th grader and two kiddos going to PreK. Everyone looked so cute going back to school. I have always loved back to school with all of the new school supplies, new clothes, new teachers, new schools, and new beginnings.

Well that pretty much sums up our lives over the past two months. I keep waiting for things to calm down…with the holidays quickly approaching, there isn’t much chance of life slowing down. It’s a good thing that living on the edge doesn’t scare me…too much!

Happy Birthday Paul!

2008-08-02T20:44:00.001-07:00

Paul's birthday was the highlight of our week. One of the birthday traditions in our faily is that the birthday boy or girl gets to pick where we eat dinner for their BIG day. Sometimes it can be easy to guess and sometimes...anyone's guess. Paul usually chooses steak or mexican food. This year for his birthday he surprised us by announcing that Olive Garden was his choice. It was great food and great fun as we celebrated Paul's special day. We were joined by Rikki, Mark, Annette and the Siglins. Happy Birthday Paul!

Galveston Island, Texas

2008-07-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

The weekend before the fourth, we needed to make a trip to Houston to have Austin's reading level assessed. So, we loaded the kiddos up in the car and down south to our destination! That is all but our oldest kid-Logan. We will save his story for a later time. It was fun riding the ferry boat across to the Island. The sea gulls followed the ferry and the kids had a great time taking our car on a boat. Once on the island, we went to Crystal Beach, where we spent the afternoon. The water was much warmer than California-although it wasn't as pretty. The kids liked catching the waves while the little ones picked up all kinds of shells. It was a great day!

Our New Addition - Romeo

2008-06-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

We finally decided that it was time to get a new dog so that Faith wouldn't be so lonely. Obie passed away a year ago and she is lost without him. We found a sweet little Maltese puppy.

He is just so soft and cuddly. We adore him.

Faith was slow to warm up to him but they are starting to be buddies. The problem that we have encountered is that the kids are constantly bickering over who is going to get to hold him. It drives me nuts! Welcome to our family, little guy!

Our night with Indiana Jones

2008-06-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

We have started a new program at our centers called Parents Night Out. It is a great way for our parents to spend some adult time together. Taking adavantage of the opportunity, I decided it was time for Mr. and Mrs. Maus to venture out to a movie. Logan was working, and Jake and Austin wanted to go along. Maybe I am just getting older, but I appreciate those times because I know a time will come very soon when it isn't cool to hang out with your parents. For today, I will enjoy that they want to be with us! A few miles north of us, in Moore, Warren Theatres just opened. I had heard alot about this place coming for the last year so it was time to go.
For the facility itself I have to say, "Wow"! They took their time building it and it showed! Everything was done with great excellence and with people in mind. They have a diner that has food at an affordable price, they have theatres that have servers taking your orders, and they even have a fireplace outside the bathrooms.
You could tell the people had been trained very carefully on how to treat people. They were young, but very professional in every aspect. The team seemed genuinely glad to be there and seemed to enjoy each other.
Some of the other cool features were the rocking chairs, (really they rocked!) the huge amount of space for your legs, the 5 different kinds of salt for your popcorn, and did I mention the fireplace?

We went to see "Indiana Jones". I'll let you in on a secret, it was the first one that I had saw and it was great. Plus, the guys are always conceding to let me watch a chick flick and this one was for them.

So, there is my night at the movies. Warren Theatres - I highly recommend. If you can, make time and take in a movie and enjoy the experience.

Whew..Gotta love Vacation!

2008-06-09T00:29:00.000-07:00

It's been almost a month and I haven't posted anything. It isn't that there isn't anything to write about. No, not at all. In fact, the opposite is true. I get so busy though and forget to update so that you can see what is happening in our world.

We just got back from our vacation last Monday. We had 9 relaxing days exploring the great West. In route to California, we saw New Mexico, the Gigantic Crater, the Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Yuma, AZ - where Paul was stationed for three yearas in the Marines. Next, it was San Diego and the beach, Disney land, more beach, Hollywood and Beverly Hills, Santa Monica Pier, Universal Studios, Newport Beach, Las Vegas, Colorado, and then home!

When we came home, Paul and I, and some great friends had some work to do. We partcipated in a Press Conference at the OK State Capitol to urge our Governor to veto a senate bill that gives more money to schools for attorney fees. It passed, but we were able to rally some support for Dyslexia legislation. In fact, a reporter wants to do an in depth story about dyslexia.

The Perfect Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

Ok...as the Mom of five...Mother's Day is always fun..always fullof fun surprises. Paul is an amazing father and he always makes it perfect. Today was the best! Since, I was a little girl I have dreamed of having a little girl that was a ballerina. Her recital was today and she was precious! They did a few steps and it was over in the blink of an eye. I leaned over to Paul and told him "thank you for giving me this opportunity." We had a full row full of family-Dad, Aunt Jan, Rikki, Mark, Annette, Gloria, Patti, Abbey, and Grandma Evelyn from Minneapolis! The best part is that Gracie loves Ballet and is good at it. She enjoys the form and practice and class is the best part of her week. Thank heaven for littel girls!

The kids all gave me beautiful cards. Austin got me this beautiful blown glass figure with Mom and roses on it. Paul and all of the kids got m a new I-Pod Touch. It is my first MP3 player and I think I am going to really like it. I can listen and jam to music while working late at night and not bother anyone. My family is so thoughtful and I enjoy being their Mom.

It's been 6 years since Mom passed away and it seems like it should get easier...it doesn't. There have been so many times in the past year that I wished she was here to vent to..but most of all ..so I could tell her that I finally have evolved into an understanding of what it was like raising three teenagers! I wish so badly that Mom could be here to know Gracie and Chandler. I need her now as we walk down the road of Austin's learning struggles and dealing with a school district that I have had the highest regard for all of my life and now see almost daily the attempts to do anything but provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education that ALL children deserve and are entitled to-even those who aren't perfect. Many mixed and confused emotions still swim around when I think of Mom. I know that she loved me and did the very best she could do with her circumstances. She was a great cheerleader for the three of us. It breaks my heart that she is missing out on my children growing up...especially Logan. When she passed away..so did most all of our family traditions and I have struggled immensly to make sense of it..but for this two weeks in May, as I reflect up what Mother's Day truly means and also on the anniversary of her passing..I can't help but think that death robbed of us of so much. I miss you Mom and I will never forget you or what you stood for.

Anyway ...now I am rambling. More later!

Jr/Sr Prom

2008-05-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

Logan and Chelsee went to the Prom two weeks ago and I am just now getting around to getting these pictures posted. He was handsome and she was beautiful. We had fun getting everything ready. Chelsee shopped around for the perfect flowers, tux and her dress. They seemed to have a really good time. I have had a rough couple of weeks at work. It's just been busy and overwhelming. We have a few more events and maybe things will slow down for the summer.

Love the Mouse!

2008-03-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

It seems like it has taken me forever to get something posted on our blog about our trip two week's ago. Paul and I absolutely had a blast taking some time off and just enjoying each other and the beautiful sights. Our first day we had an early flight, so we snuck in a day at Disney Land and California Adventures.

2008-03-10T00:28:00.000-07:00

California or Bust!

2008-03-10T00:17:00.000-07:00

Paul and I will be spending the later part of this week in Southern California attending the National Child Care Association Conference in Long Beach, CA. We are excited about networking with the owners of child care companies. Most of all we are excited to just take a few days to renew our friendship with each other by spending some time together. I can't wait and I will be posting pictures when we return.

New Blog for Our Family

2008-03-09T23:45:00.001-07:00

I have created this blog to keep family and friends up to date with the happenings in our lives. Stop by often to see what we have been up to and don't forget to say hi!