These are poems my youngest daughter wrote this year.
I AM
I am (Insert her name here), a younger sister and gymnast.
I feel sad when I can only see my dad every other weekend.
I love warm clothes from the dryer, reading until my head hurts and doing as much gymnastics as I want.
I wonder what gooseberries taste like and what my dad is feeling.
I worry what will happen when I move to Tennessee and if I will make new friends.
I try to help my family and the environment and to eat less junk food.
I dream that I will get an adorable little puppy and not have to chew only sugar free gum.
I am (Insert her name here), a fun loving person and best friend to all.
IF I WERE IN CHARGE OF THE WORLD
If I were in charge of the world, I'd cancel buzzing bumble bees, mean hamsters, very long car drives, and also icky asparagus.
If I were in charge of the world there's be king sized beds for everyone, free Rita's ice cream every day, and big jet tubs in every bathroom.
If I were in charge of the world you wouldn't have to pick up your room.
You wouldn't have to eat dinner before dessert.
You wouldn't have pool water that's to cold or secrets to keep from your sister.
You wouldn't even have an annoying sister.
If I were in charge of the world your favorite show would always be on. You could always drink soda, and a person who doesn't brush her hair or like cats would still be allowed to be in charge of the world.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Duke Who Outlawed Jellybeans
Yesterday I packed up the last of my belongings from my job as Pre-k teacher. I loaded the car and unloaded it back into my basement. As I put my children's books back on my bookshelf, (I have a library of my own, it saved my life this year)I saw so many of the books that I loved reading to my own children. I also saw books from my own childhood.
In years past as a teacher I read stories related to my "Theme". I still did that this year, but I also just read plain old books that were special to me. I can read these books better because I know them and love them. I read "I'll Love You Forever" and cried in front of the class. I read all my "Francis" books.
I have trouble getting rid of books. My siblings and I still have books from our childhood hanging around our houses. For many years these books were in my parents attic in boxes. Eventually, my parents said,"No, more!" and made us get our stuff.
As I preschool teacher I have more than others I suspect. I got to read these stories to my class and say,"This is a book from when Mrs. Ziegler was a young girl." I would read the names in the front of the book of my sisters and brother.I would read other books and say,"This is a book that Mrs. Ziegler read to her own children." I would tell them about who gave us the book and which of my children liked it best.
In our process to move we are attempting to purge. My children still have books on their shelves from when they were young. I can't even bring myself to take them to my "Preschool Library" in the basement. My children are 9 years old and 11 years old. They are past picture books level reading. However, the other day my youngest daughter asked,"MOM, where is "The Duke Who Outlawed Jellybeans!?"
"The Duke Who Outlawed Jellybeans" is a book of fairy tales or fanciful tales given to my children by my brother. The beauty of the book is that the stories are fun and creative. Another nice aspect is that all the families in the stories are unique. There are families with 2 moms and/or 2 dads. It is not a big deal just part of the stories. I get to answer my daughter,"That book is on your shelf or your sister's shelf." I know this because even though it is what you would consider a picture book I never removed it from their room. I just couldn't. I am so happy they still like that book. I am hopeful one day that it will end up in my house in a box waiting for them to fight over it and read it to their children.
In years past as a teacher I read stories related to my "Theme". I still did that this year, but I also just read plain old books that were special to me. I can read these books better because I know them and love them. I read "I'll Love You Forever" and cried in front of the class. I read all my "Francis" books.
I have trouble getting rid of books. My siblings and I still have books from our childhood hanging around our houses. For many years these books were in my parents attic in boxes. Eventually, my parents said,"No, more!" and made us get our stuff.
As I preschool teacher I have more than others I suspect. I got to read these stories to my class and say,"This is a book from when Mrs. Ziegler was a young girl." I would read the names in the front of the book of my sisters and brother.I would read other books and say,"This is a book that Mrs. Ziegler read to her own children." I would tell them about who gave us the book and which of my children liked it best.
In our process to move we are attempting to purge. My children still have books on their shelves from when they were young. I can't even bring myself to take them to my "Preschool Library" in the basement. My children are 9 years old and 11 years old. They are past picture books level reading. However, the other day my youngest daughter asked,"MOM, where is "The Duke Who Outlawed Jellybeans!?"
"The Duke Who Outlawed Jellybeans" is a book of fairy tales or fanciful tales given to my children by my brother. The beauty of the book is that the stories are fun and creative. Another nice aspect is that all the families in the stories are unique. There are families with 2 moms and/or 2 dads. It is not a big deal just part of the stories. I get to answer my daughter,"That book is on your shelf or your sister's shelf." I know this because even though it is what you would consider a picture book I never removed it from their room. I just couldn't. I am so happy they still like that book. I am hopeful one day that it will end up in my house in a box waiting for them to fight over it and read it to their children.
Monday, May 24, 2010
The Ziegler Family has a Weight Problem
I am overweight. Ok,not really. Those of you who know me know that while not a size 2I am not overweight. Except for some reason on the Wii. But I fixed that problem by making myself taller.(Ha! take that Nintendo)To be honest, this blog isn't about me and my size at all. It IS about the weight of my STUFF. Apparently Jack and I have more weight than we are allotted to move. (I blame the books, their like cookies, you can never have just one)
The mover coordinator called me and left a message on my cellphone. She wanted me to call her about this problem so we could discuss our "options". (translation: what it will cost us) I don't have figures yet but what am I supposed to do? NOT take something with me? My moving coordinator was really nice and funny. She told me not to worry about it and she would ask the relocation coordinator if they would allow us more weight. Of course, my coordinator also said, "Girl, you got a lot stuff."(add some teasing attitude tone and you get the affect)
I have spent some time pondering what to do or not about all this stuff. I have been in this house 12 years. I am also fairly certain if I was not a preschool teacher our load would be lighter.(I don't care, I am NOT giving my my Dora Playhouse,it is TOO cool)I should find out today or tomorrow the fate of our weight. I am hoping it will all work out and we don't have to go on a diet.
The mover coordinator called me and left a message on my cellphone. She wanted me to call her about this problem so we could discuss our "options". (translation: what it will cost us) I don't have figures yet but what am I supposed to do? NOT take something with me? My moving coordinator was really nice and funny. She told me not to worry about it and she would ask the relocation coordinator if they would allow us more weight. Of course, my coordinator also said, "Girl, you got a lot stuff."(add some teasing attitude tone and you get the affect)
I have spent some time pondering what to do or not about all this stuff. I have been in this house 12 years. I am also fairly certain if I was not a preschool teacher our load would be lighter.(I don't care, I am NOT giving my my Dora Playhouse,it is TOO cool)I should find out today or tomorrow the fate of our weight. I am hoping it will all work out and we don't have to go on a diet.
The Road Less Traveled
I am sure many of you are familiar with the Robert Frost poem, The Road Less Traveled. This past week I felt frustrated and tense about the road MORE traveled. My road even has a name, Naamans Road.
Rt. 202(Concord Pike) is connected to Philadelphia Pike (Rt.13 ) by Naamans Road (Rt. 92) or as I like to call it, the slow road to hell. Often on a Monday or Thursday my children have gymnastics and karate. The karate studio is located on Concord Pike. The Gymnastic Studio is located off Naamans Road just BEFORE Philadelphia Pike. There are 19 lights to go through. They are not timed for easy travel and although the trip is no more than 5 miles it often takes 15 plus minutes to go one way.
I ping back and forth between the two sites, with perhaps a brief 15 minute or 30 minute break at home. I have become creative with these time slots, I whip up a quick ZUMBA routine, sort through some papers, or prep a little dinner. It is challenging with these snippets of time, (Remember how I could not figure out how to cook the turkey?)but I don't have much longer to suffer.
Naamans Road is my temporary single parent cross to bare. In a few weeks it will be not the road MORE travelled but the road traveled no longer. It could very well be the road that takes me to Interstate 95 and off to Tennessee. (in which case, I better change the name to something different than the slow road to hell) I am off to Tennessee to many new roads to drive on which will take me to the new karate and gymnastics. I am, however, choosing to look at my move, the packing, the adventure starting in early June as my individual Road Less Traveled. I hope it makes all the difference.
Rt. 202(Concord Pike) is connected to Philadelphia Pike (Rt.13 ) by Naamans Road (Rt. 92) or as I like to call it, the slow road to hell. Often on a Monday or Thursday my children have gymnastics and karate. The karate studio is located on Concord Pike. The Gymnastic Studio is located off Naamans Road just BEFORE Philadelphia Pike. There are 19 lights to go through. They are not timed for easy travel and although the trip is no more than 5 miles it often takes 15 plus minutes to go one way.
I ping back and forth between the two sites, with perhaps a brief 15 minute or 30 minute break at home. I have become creative with these time slots, I whip up a quick ZUMBA routine, sort through some papers, or prep a little dinner. It is challenging with these snippets of time, (Remember how I could not figure out how to cook the turkey?)but I don't have much longer to suffer.
Naamans Road is my temporary single parent cross to bare. In a few weeks it will be not the road MORE travelled but the road traveled no longer. It could very well be the road that takes me to Interstate 95 and off to Tennessee. (in which case, I better change the name to something different than the slow road to hell) I am off to Tennessee to many new roads to drive on which will take me to the new karate and gymnastics. I am, however, choosing to look at my move, the packing, the adventure starting in early June as my individual Road Less Traveled. I hope it makes all the difference.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Being a Good Christian is Exhausting
On Sunday I came home from church drained. It occurred to me that this is not the purpose of church. Are we not supposed to go to church to be renewed?, refreshed?, rejuvenated? I will admit a large part of church for me is the fellowship and friendship, not necessarily the spirituality. As a minister's daughter I understand people attend church for several reasons. They also leave churches when their needs are not met.
It made me think about the exhaustion and drained feeling I get from church so often. I have been a member of this church for about 17 years. I realized that I have been dealing with conflict and churned up feelings for 7 years. Over time I have been more and sometimes less involved with the fallout. I have protected myself by ignoring or distancing myself from certain people or committees. I have even considered leaving the church.
I have been extremely fortunate to have close friends at church who keep me laughing and listen to me cry when I can't take it anymore. I also call my parents and vent. I gather perspective (OVER AND OVER AGAIN) because no matter what my perspective I cannot fix the problem. I am leaving this church by moving to Tennessee. I wish I did not have such a sense of relief. I am saddened to leave my friends behind. I feel as if I am leaving a blighted section of a city to move to a shining mansion on a hill. The hard work of repair and rebuilding is falling on their shoulders. The church is at a turning point (AGAIN) and I will not be standing with my loved ones giving it one last push. I guess I will do The only thing I know good Christians can do, pray a lot.
It made me think about the exhaustion and drained feeling I get from church so often. I have been a member of this church for about 17 years. I realized that I have been dealing with conflict and churned up feelings for 7 years. Over time I have been more and sometimes less involved with the fallout. I have protected myself by ignoring or distancing myself from certain people or committees. I have even considered leaving the church.
I have been extremely fortunate to have close friends at church who keep me laughing and listen to me cry when I can't take it anymore. I also call my parents and vent. I gather perspective (OVER AND OVER AGAIN) because no matter what my perspective I cannot fix the problem. I am leaving this church by moving to Tennessee. I wish I did not have such a sense of relief. I am saddened to leave my friends behind. I feel as if I am leaving a blighted section of a city to move to a shining mansion on a hill. The hard work of repair and rebuilding is falling on their shoulders. The church is at a turning point (AGAIN) and I will not be standing with my loved ones giving it one last push. I guess I will do The only thing I know good Christians can do, pray a lot.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
A Toast to the Bride and Groom
Today is my wedding anniversary. I know it is my anniversary because my husband called me to say, "Happy Anniversary!". He had to do that because he is in Tennessee and I am here. However, in all honesty, this is fairly typical for us on our special day.
During this crazy time in our lives, I guess I could be forgiven for forgetting. But really, I almost always forget it is our anniversary. We have been married 15 years and still Jack has to call and remind me. I am not good with dates or names.(thanks Dad) I often say my anniversary is May 10th when someone asks. Jack will politely point out that May 10th is the wedding date of his brother. Opps, I say, and smile sheepishly at him.
Our wedding was a fun one. My parents side of the family STILL talks about it. We ate, danced, and laughed together. Jack pointed out to me this weekend that our life right now is similar to our life while planning the wedding. There are crazy details that all need to be taken care off at the last minute. You can plan but you can't do anything until it has to be done right NOW. I laughed and admitted he was right. We also both agreed that the big difference was after the stress of planning a wedding you had a big party to release stress and be with those you love, and in this instance instead of a party we would be driving south in a packed van crying from good - byes.
During this crazy time in our lives, I guess I could be forgiven for forgetting. But really, I almost always forget it is our anniversary. We have been married 15 years and still Jack has to call and remind me. I am not good with dates or names.(thanks Dad) I often say my anniversary is May 10th when someone asks. Jack will politely point out that May 10th is the wedding date of his brother. Opps, I say, and smile sheepishly at him.
Our wedding was a fun one. My parents side of the family STILL talks about it. We ate, danced, and laughed together. Jack pointed out to me this weekend that our life right now is similar to our life while planning the wedding. There are crazy details that all need to be taken care off at the last minute. You can plan but you can't do anything until it has to be done right NOW. I laughed and admitted he was right. We also both agreed that the big difference was after the stress of planning a wedding you had a big party to release stress and be with those you love, and in this instance instead of a party we would be driving south in a packed van crying from good - byes.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Heaters, Turkeys, and Mom, will life be less hectic in Tennessee?
Yesterday morning started as a typical day. I got up and realized the house was cold. I had turned the heat off when the weather got warm, but we were in a cold snap so I decided to warm up.
Sure enough when I got downstairs the temperature was well below our typical accepted warmth. I flick the switch.
Nothing, no click, whoosh, wow. Hmmmm. I go to the basement and all is quiet.(except for the sump pump, which we all know is NEVER quiet) I immediately suspect the condensate pump on the heater. I hate that pump. It has given us no end of trouble. It never costs money because it is always under warranty, but the fact that I have to keep getting it dealt with puts me in a tizzy.
I stomp upstairs, cussing like a sailor, slamming phone books, and calling for service. The heater is now working.(but naturally will need a new part to KEEP working) Oh well, I can now focus on the other tasks of the day, leaving messages, getting ready for the yard sale on Saturday, and cooking the turkey that I had in my freezer.
I have really never cooked a turkey, except in my Crock Pot Roaster. I thought I could use it this time but alas, it is only good for up to 16 pound turkeys. For some reason I bought a 19 pound turkey. It now sits in the fridge thawing.
This gives me time to consider how and WHEN, I will cook it. When am I home? My life is divided into nuggets of time from work, errands, running children places, and getting ready to move. Hmmmmm. I think Friday will work. Oh well, today is Tuesday, lots of time to worry about that.
Last night, I got the worst cut of all.(worse than the turkey will ever get) In the van, (ALWAYS in the van) my daughter asks, "Mom, when we get to Tennessee will things be less hectic?" Will you not eat dinner at 9:00 at night, can we have family dinners, and not be so busy?
I sigh, to myself I answer, "I hope so". To my daughter who I know is facing change and fear I say. "Yes, honey, things will be better when we get to Tennessee. Daddy will be there to help me. I won't have to feed you Ramen noodles and hot dogs for dinner and then throw you in the car. He will help get you places." I think to myself, Jack will be calming, funny, available for homework help, and willing to eat my cooking. Jack will not put up with Ramen noodles and hot dogs for dinner.
Tonight, we skipped karate and had no gymnastics. Even so, the girls and I ate at 7:00 PM. The heater repair guy had left, along with the mover survey guy. I got to laugh with them, hear about who was being nice in school and their best/worst of their day. Jenny of course did not eat my chicken meatballs. But, I guess, you can't win them all. If it means later bed time but less hectic, I will take it.
Sure enough when I got downstairs the temperature was well below our typical accepted warmth. I flick the switch.
Nothing, no click, whoosh, wow. Hmmmm. I go to the basement and all is quiet.(except for the sump pump, which we all know is NEVER quiet) I immediately suspect the condensate pump on the heater. I hate that pump. It has given us no end of trouble. It never costs money because it is always under warranty, but the fact that I have to keep getting it dealt with puts me in a tizzy.
I stomp upstairs, cussing like a sailor, slamming phone books, and calling for service. The heater is now working.(but naturally will need a new part to KEEP working) Oh well, I can now focus on the other tasks of the day, leaving messages, getting ready for the yard sale on Saturday, and cooking the turkey that I had in my freezer.
I have really never cooked a turkey, except in my Crock Pot Roaster. I thought I could use it this time but alas, it is only good for up to 16 pound turkeys. For some reason I bought a 19 pound turkey. It now sits in the fridge thawing.
This gives me time to consider how and WHEN, I will cook it. When am I home? My life is divided into nuggets of time from work, errands, running children places, and getting ready to move. Hmmmmm. I think Friday will work. Oh well, today is Tuesday, lots of time to worry about that.
Last night, I got the worst cut of all.(worse than the turkey will ever get) In the van, (ALWAYS in the van) my daughter asks, "Mom, when we get to Tennessee will things be less hectic?" Will you not eat dinner at 9:00 at night, can we have family dinners, and not be so busy?
I sigh, to myself I answer, "I hope so". To my daughter who I know is facing change and fear I say. "Yes, honey, things will be better when we get to Tennessee. Daddy will be there to help me. I won't have to feed you Ramen noodles and hot dogs for dinner and then throw you in the car. He will help get you places." I think to myself, Jack will be calming, funny, available for homework help, and willing to eat my cooking. Jack will not put up with Ramen noodles and hot dogs for dinner.
Tonight, we skipped karate and had no gymnastics. Even so, the girls and I ate at 7:00 PM. The heater repair guy had left, along with the mover survey guy. I got to laugh with them, hear about who was being nice in school and their best/worst of their day. Jenny of course did not eat my chicken meatballs. But, I guess, you can't win them all. If it means later bed time but less hectic, I will take it.
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