I don't know about the BEST mom, I'm just trying to keep them safe and myself sane like most of us here. I guess it's particularly on my mind after the seminar I attended last night on the results of a study of adolescent alcohol consumption and views. It was so scary. Really high percentages of 11th graders who are drinking on a regular basis and even some 6th graders. That's right, 6th graders. Then we hear a story of a child in our district who consumed enough alcohol that he developed alcohol poisoning and if not for the actions of an amazing police officer who knew what to do would have died. This was a middle school student! I'm just looking for every opportunity to have casual conversations and keep that open, trusting relationship going.

Omigosh d, that was an amazing story. A selfless story that made me have to get the kleenex.

Did anyone see the little story on NBC last week about the lady who volunteers with the USO and for many years has been seeing soldiers off to duty? They were following her around as she hugged and consoled, wished them well, reminded them to call their mothers and said goodbye to each and every one as they boarded the plane. What a lady!

Silver--you touched my heart today...I love that you said thank you. I received one of those emails about the plane with the soldier coming home as an escort for a lost comrade. When Steve and I were stationed in Germany, we watched as a young LT died after competing in a half marathon. I was there holding her mother (her mom and dad were in to tour Europe with their daugther). They rushed Kelly to the hospital but to no avail. Usually when there is a death, there is no specific officer to accompany the body. Steve worked hard to get special authorization to escort Kelly's body home. I identified her body during autopsy at the US Army hospital, Steve flew with and ID'd the body in the US. He then helped the parents through the benefits phases and stood in his class A's at parade rest at the bottom of her casket for 2 days of viewing. It was one of his saddest and proudest duties.
Just hearing someone say thanks can put all of that into perspective and is such a small price to pay for the service these folks make so far from home.

Didn't mean to get maudlin -- I'm just glad these folks are on our side.

Fencing--whom--I'm thinking 3 muskateers here...more great soldiers...even if they were french.

d

Lovely story, d! Maybe aprons should make a comeback! I inherited some of my grandma's aprons. She only ever took hers off when she left the house or went to bed. Hubby's grandma used to just disappear for a few days when her two boys got to be too much for her. I know the two boys. Trust me, a few days now and then were necessary for survivial. She'd pack a bag and take off and it was her husband's cue to take care of the boys. I don't advocate this practice but I have fantasized about it from time to time....

Silver - you're an angel. That soldier will carry your act of kindness with him forever. And you're a shining example of "Be the change you wish to see in the world". A beautiful example!

Yes, martial arts training is expensive. Some academy's are in it just for the money, pushing students through and increasing costs with belt color! If your kids are interested in it, I'd say try out a class or two at the local Y or academy. Lots of places will even let you try it out for free for a couple of classes. Like anything else, it's not for everyone. My son is an individual. Sports, teams, coaches are not for him. He's all about individual accomplishments.

LUV - Your kids have the BEST mom!

I get up extra early so I can get my shower and dress before the kids get up and so I can eat breakfast with them and even play a quick game of Yahtzee or Battleship with my son before he heads to school and I head to the office. I have lost some of my quiet, alone time this year because my daughter has decided to start getting up 15 minutes earlier and coming to my room to lie in the bed and chat while I dress. I'm willing to forego my alone time because it has turned into a time of day where she will tell me things that are going on and even snuggle a little. Since she's in middle school and I know those times will become few and far between I'm relishing them.

Karate sounds fun, but I don't think my bad knees could take it.

I am in the middle when it comes to martial arts; I have seen great things and the not so great. For a few years I was enrolled in fencing classes. Talk about physical and mental concentration ~ I compared it to having a live fast moving chess match with sharp objects jabbing at you. Talk about a leg workout! I can remember not being able to use my leg muscles for days when we practiced lunges ... :eek: ! Still have my foil and body armor ... anyone?
Stoped in Starbucks today and noted 2 military men enjoying a java. I stoped by and quietly thanked them for their service. They were very friendly men and happy to feel appreciated but as I looked around after our exchange I couldn't help notice that many were staring. I hope the stares were their realization that they should have walked over and thanked them well before I showed up. My hope for today would be that the next time these people see a military person they take the time to walk up and thank them instead of waiting for someone else to do the job for them.
Have a great day all!

I read this great story of a young man from the early 1900's who was raised with his 16 siblings. There would be non stop noise from morning till night with everyone saying "momma, momma"...the only time they stopped was when "momma" sat in her chair and pulled her apron over her head. They knew she was praying and that they'd better not disturb her lest they unleashed the rath of both God and momma. When she was done she'd pull her apron back down and they'd all commence to their earlier levels of noise. I still invision that when the boys are running about making way too much noise for civilized folks to bear. Unfortunately I don't wear an apron.
My sister's boys are now red/brown belts in Tae Kwon Do and seem to really enjoy it. It is incredibly expensive however, to get to that status. They all see to benefit and she if taking some Israeli defensive course where she too is some high belt at this point.
Note to self...no more picking on my little sister.

d