MarytheKaytheBlog

One Year Ago This Week...

 
My mom, my girls, my sister, her daughter and mother-in-law, and I (did you get all that???  Basically, all of us GIRLS) were GIDDY with excitement over going to this:

The Little House on the Prairie Musical!

Well...I must admit...I think I was the giddiest of all.  I don't think I could stop grinning all night long.  

Well, except for when Melissa Gilbert--but she'll always be "Laura" to me--first stepped onto stage.  And, then, I couldn't help it.  My eyes just started filling with tears.  I was embarrassed to be such a big goober.  But, I really couldn't help it.  My sister and I grew up watching every. single. episode. of Little House on the Prairie.  Little House was a meaningful part of our childhood.  I mean--my sister, Mom, and I cried together during every episode.  (My brother might have cried once, but he'd deny it...)

But, I think my eyes filled with tears that night a year ago also because of gratefulness.  I was just so grateful that my 2 daughters were getting to share this amazing experience with me.  Because, my husband and I have raised 'em right--our girls have also seen every single episode of Little House on the Prairie!  Well...not quite every episode.  I mean, I have shielded them from the ones that have themes that are still a little mature for them.  Hello--of course they haven't seen the clown one!  Heck, I wish I hadn't seen the clown one.  And I know my sister feels the same way!  To this day, I don't trust a clown.  (My deepest apologies to all of my clown readers.  And I know there are hundreds of you.)

The Little House on the Prairie Musical played all over the United States last year, and I'm sad to say, is not currently playing...  Did any of you have the chance to see it?  Our whole group thought it was just wonderful!  We felt Melissa Gilbert did a fantastic job as Ma, but that Kara Lindsay, who played Laura, stole the show!

 
 
 After the show, a very kind theatre worker told us we just might want to wait around the back of the theatre...at the back entrance...

So, we waited.  In the 15 degree frosty temperatures.

But, it was TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!!

See why?

 Oh.  Yes.  Mam.  It.  Sure.  Is!!!!!!

(I'm sorry.  I might not be so star-struck by any present-day A-listers... But, my childhood HERO?  Yep, star struck indeed!)

 
 "Laura" was just so kind to take the time--in the freezing temperatures--to sign our daughters' playbills.  My sister and I kept looking at each other like, "Seriously?  Laura!  She's right HERE.  Right here WITH US!!! It's Laura, and we're like, hanging out!! Practically!!" 

(My sister and I can communicate a lot with just a look.)

 

And now, our daughters have inherited our love of all things Little House.   I love it when life comes full circle.

Don't you? 
 

How We're Celebrating Martin Luther King Day

My daughters know we'll be watching Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech on YouTube.  They also know to watch Mama, because every year, at some point, I will get tears in my eyes.  It's different every time.  I just get swept up in the emotions of that day, the power of Dr. King's lyrical speech, delivered with the beauty of his booming Southern voice.

Seriously, is there a more poetic, more memorable speech in history?  Maybe there is, and I just have never read/heard it.  (And quite possibly, I am a little partial.)  Please tell me you have watched his speech, and recently.  If not--here, I'll post it here.  Please watch it!  And watch it with your kids, pausing along the way to explain some of Dr. King's references and examples.

There are 2 qualities about this speech, this man, that I hope to point out to our daughters.  First, even in the midst of horrific wrong-doing, Dr. King encourages the peace and forgiveness of the Bible he preaches.  He had every right to incite anger and retribution, yet he chose peace.  Second, when faced with 2 difficult choices--to organize and fight against the wrong with physical force, or to lay down and take it--he chose Choice #3.   Like Dr. King and so many other Civil Rights leaders showed us, sometimes the clear-cut decisions are not always so clear-cut.  Sometimes a better, more creative answer is out there--like the Montgomery bus boycott. 

 

Just because I cannot help myself, here are some of my favorite lines:

"We've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand, the riches of freedom and the security of justice."

"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom from the cup of bitterness and hatred." 

"Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force."

"No, no we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."

"...unearned suffering is redemptive."

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." 

 

To help our girls gain a better perspective of the world Dr. King talks about in his speech, I thought it would be helpful to watch a movie.  Now, most of the segregation movies are not at all appropriate for our young girls.  However, I found a movie about the true story of the pint-sized hero Ruby Bridges on YouTube.  All of the movie is posted on YouTube--in 9 parts.  We're going to pop some popcorn, and watch this movie today.

If you don't have time to watch the whole movie (and I hope you do, because it is wonderful!)--PLEASE watch at least Parts 1 and 2.  Part 2, when tiny Ruby walks through the yelling, angry crowds, will break your heart, and will provide some great topics to discuss with your kids.

I cannot imagine what sweet little Ruby's mama felt that day, as she walked her daughter through that hostile environment.  People screaming horrible things to her innocent daughter.  I know she wanted to protect her from the ugly world.  But, because of the Rubys of the world, the Williejeans and Terrences, segregation slowly ended--one brave student at a time. 

  

 Happy Martin Luther King Day!  May we all look back not upon an ugly past, a shameful past--but may we be inspired as we look back.  Inspired by the heroes, from great ones with booming voices like Martin Luther King, to pint-sized little ones, who didn't even understand the towering stand she was making as she walked into school each day.  May we teach our children about the character of these heroes, so that when the time comes, they may take a stand for good.  That our children might be emboldened to stand against the evil in the world.  And, that they might stand up and put an arm around those who are not able to stand.

At least, that's my dream for my children on this holiday...  How about you?

 

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."        -Ephesians 6:12

Good Reading Linky Dinks

Wow, here are some meaningful (some tearful) things I have read around the www recently...  These posts all touched me in a big way.  I do hope you'll find some time to sit down with a mug of hot chocolate, and read.  When you're done, I'd love to hear what you think!

 

Kristin, at one of my favorite blogs, We are THAT Family, wrote Miniature--about her daughter turning 11.  Reading it really touched my heart...She talks about the same fine line between young womanhood / girlhood my sweet Rebecca is walking... 

 

Edgy alert!  If edgy things offend you, then just skip on to the last 3 paragraphs.  Me?  Sometimes I kind of like edgy.  Especially when the edge keeps us all honest, and even more when the edge is for a good purpose.  All of that to say, I really love reading stuff written by Jamie the Very Worst Missionary.  And, yeah, she's edgy.  But, I just love it when I'm reading something snarky and funny she's written, when suddenly her writing turns a corner and takes me by surprise.   This post totally did that for me.  And I found myself thinking about her words all week.

Okay, and to lighten the mood just a bit, here is another one by Jamie...you know--Jamie the Very Worst Missionary (I just love typing out her whole name!  Just makes me smile every time!) that made me laugh out loud.  Also, I learned a new word.  Only I'm not sure it is politically correct.  So, I'm not going to use it here.  But, as you're reading, see if you can guess my new favorite word?  I'm sorry--it just makes me GIGGLE.

 

(All right, people.  Enough of the silly.  Back to the serious stuff. *Said in a very deep, serious voice*)

 

Brace yourselves for this one.  Seriously.  Beautiful, but tragic, and raw, and real.  Edie at Life in Grace writes about The God of Promise

And if that wasn't enough to tear. you.  up...check out how the WONDERFUL Bloggy world blessed Edie on her birthday last week.

 

Well, that's all I've got, people!  So, go on now.  Begin your weekends.  Go on--skeedattle!  Sure hope you all stay warm and cozy this weekend.  And I hope you are able to get some good rest.  I love ya all more 'n my luggage--see ya back here next week!

The Things I Find Myself Saying...

Just yesterday, I saw Sara Beth, our 6-year-old, stepping into her boots to head outside--while wearing her little shorts and tank top pajamas.  As I stopped her for a moment, time stood still for about 3 seconds--while I had an entire conversation inside my head, discussing things like picking my battles, ruining a perfectly nice morning, and what's the big worry anyway...   It was as if the conversation was going on in my head--independently of me!   

I suddenly heard myself tell Sara Beth, “Honey, you cannot wear your pajamas out in the snow…You...have to put on a robe.” 

Huh.  Really?  I was going to let her go out in the front yard in 15 degree weather--with snow on the ground--in her robe and snow boots?  

Well...I guess I was!

  And, good news, people!   We both survived.

 Do any of you find yourselves saying things, that really--you had no intention of saying in the first place?  But, somehow, you just go with the flow, and find that things work themselves out...?  Or, does it end up causing even bigger problems in the end?
 

My New Favorite Breakfast Staple

 I don't know about you, but my typical breakfast routine is pretty boring. 

Step 1 - Pour Cinnamon Life Cereal into bowl

Step 2 - Pour milk over the top

Step 3 - Take bowl of cereal to computer desk

Step 4 - Read morning news / interesting blogs through one eye - Hey, I'm slow to wake up!

Step 5 - Eat cereal very quickly.  Must avoid soggy cereal at ALL. COSTS.

Now, as riveting as all of that sounds...  Doing the same Steps 1-5 every single day can get a little boring...even for OCD girls like myself!

So, every now and then, I like to get all wild and crazy, and mix things up a bit.  This is my favorite favorite way to make breakfast exciting around here occasionally:

Now, I know what you're thinking.  You're thinking, "Really?  You get wild and crazy with muffin mix?"

To which I would reply, "Uh, have you TRIED the Martha White muffin mix?  It's yummy-licious!  PLUS--the best news--all you need is MILK." 

 I LOVE a recipe that is yummy, easy, and uses ingredients that I have on hand.  The Martha White muffin mix meets all 3 of those requirements!  And even better--the muffins cook within 15 minutes!  Since I am IGG (Instant Gratification Girl), I can have a warm muffin, with melty butter slathered on--within 15 minutes!!  Each package makes 6 muffins.  So 1 package for me + 1 package for the rest of my family.  It works!

(Am I making you hungry?  Sorry.  I sure am making myself hungry!

I know I have the very exotic cranberry orange muffin mix pictured, but I also buy the honey bran, and blueberry mixes!  Oh yeah--I am really dancing on the edge of crazy with all these choices!  (And yep, they all only require milk.)

Okay, and let's get this out of the way for you snobby cooks.  I know these are not homemade.  I know homemade muffins are like 400% better.  But, to me, the ease of these muffins are what win me over!  I can make homemade muffins when I am retired, and my kids are grown.  For now--these work for me!

 Guess what your answer is to every one of these dilemmas:

Tired of boring cereal every day?  

A friend coming over for coffee in 10 minutes?

Need an middle-of-the-afternoon snack?

Need a quick dessert to add to a meal for a sick friend?

Need something thoughtful to take to a new neighbor? (We've talked about this one before!)

Supposed to take breakfast to your next MOPS meeting, and forgot until last minute?  

 

Okay, okay, I'll stop with the cheesy Martha White commercial.  I guess I've already communicated  my great love for this product.  Oh, and by the way, Martha White is not reimbursing me to gush.  I sure wish she were, though.  A lifetime supply of muffins would be nice.  I might have muffin-shaped rolls all over my mid-section...but I'd be happy.  Right?  Warm muffins = happiness??
 
 How do YOU get all wild and crazy at breakfast???

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My TOP 10 Favorite Classic Movies

In honor of all the families stuck at home, enjoying SNOW DAYS, I thought it would be

fun to list my TOP 10 Favorite Classic Movies.  I have lots of happy memories of coming inside from playing in the snow, all rosy-cheeks and runny nose, warming up with a cup of hot chocolate, and sitting down with my mom to watch an old movie.  We loved watching old movies together!

I want our daughters to have similar memories of watching classic--well-made--movies together as a family.  I have such wonderful memories of these movies.  I bet I can tell you where I saw each one for the very first time! 

So, as your kids come in from making snowmen this week, maybe you can sit down together, with steaming mugs of cocoa and bowls of popcorn, to watch a movie together.  Many of these movies you can stream instantly from Netflix--or HELLO!--you can rent instantly from Amazon with Video on Demand!!  That's a new one to me!  Or, you could go old-school, and run to Blockbuster when the roads are clear.  Either way, I sure hope you enjoy! 

Oh--and please click on the titles below most of these to watch a preview!! 

1. 
Gone with the Wind - I first saw this with my grandmother, in an old, not yet restored, Art Deco theatre.  I'll never forget the red velvet curtains rising at the beginning of the movie to the sonorous melody of Tara's Theme.  It was the perfect setting for me to meet Scarlett and her beautiful Tara.  Oh Ashley, my foot.  Too bad Scarlett can never hear me trying to help her out.  I could save her so much heartbreak...

2.   

Ben Hur - Charlton Heston in another epic movie - what is not to love?  The scene where he scoops up his sister and mother in his arms is almost too much for me to bear.  I had no idea I would love this movie so much when I watched it for the first time!

 

3.   

Imitation of Life - Even though I know what is going to happen, this movie breaks my heart, and makes me cry buckets...even after it is over.  But, oh how I love it!  Lesson learned:  Daughters--Love your mamas!!  Love 'em now, and love 'em good!

 

4.  

That Touch of Mink - This is a nod to all the Doris Day movies I grew up loving!  My close 2nd favorite is Pillow Talk.
 

5.   

National Velvet - Is there a prettier girl than young Elizabeth Taylor?  As a young girl, oh, how I wanted this to be my story!

 

6.   

To Kill a Mockingbird - I didn't realize that my all-time favorite star is in this movie!!  Why, Robert Duvall, of course!  Who will ever forget Scout and Boo Radley after this movie?  "If you shouldn't be defending him, then why are you doing it?"

7.     

Little Women - I know there is a newer version (starring Winona Ryder), which I do love.  But, this 1949 version is the one I grew up loving!  I loved June Allyson as Jo and even bratty Elizabeth Taylor's Amy.  But, it was Margaret O'Brian as Beth, who every single time breaks my heart.

8.   

No Time for Sergeants - This one is in honor of my dad!!  He introduced me to this hilarious movie.  You cannot help but laugh at Andy Griffith's country bumpkin antics, and Don Knotts' hilarious cameo as the jittery aptitude tester. 

9.   

Old Yeller - Please tell me you have seen this movie!  "Jumper, you jug head!!"

10.    

An Affair to Remember - I know there is a remake, and I know the remake includes Katharine Hepburn.  But, this version is the real deal.  In the ending scene, you will not be able keep from yelling at Cary Grant on the screen--desperately trying to help him see the truth!  Mark my words! 

 

Honorable Mentions: 

Because I cannot bear to keep my list at just 10, here are my Honorable Mentions...

Madame X (with Lana Turner) - I'm a sucker for great ending scenes!!!

The Little Princess (with Shirley Temple),

Rebecca

Wuthering Heights

Lawrence of Arabia

Polyanna

Father of the Bride, 1950 version / Father's Little Dividend

The Parent Trap, 1961 Hayley Mills version  

Rear Window -and other Alfred Hitchcock classics
 

There you have it - My TOP 10 Favorite Classic Movies (okay, and a couple more!) 

Now--what are some of YOUR favorites???  I'd love to hear! 
 

Why I Love Da Snow Days--An Original Rap

(Otherwise known as...The Worst Rap Song Ever Written...but by a white girl, who loves the snow, and finds that writing a rap song relieves some of her excitement...and... some of her dignity...but her friends say, "It wouldn't be the first time"...and "probably not the last."  "Plus, she didn't have much to begin with.")

 

You say you wanna know

Why it is, I love da snow?

Da snow days, yeah

Da snow days...uh huh

 

Well, I give it to ya like dis

And I say it real slow, don't ya miss

Gotta take ya back in time

Take ya down South

Down South where da sun do shine

It shine and shine, short sleeves till November

Where yo coat? Don't remember! 

Been so long since it snowed,

Kids don't know,

they don't know--'less they snow ski--

See it on t.v.,

 They talk about '93, 

When it snowed for just a little bit

Barely cover the grass, but it counts, quit yer fit.

Now, sleet and ice and frozen  lines

They know, they remember those 'jes fine

Camped out in the den with their Auntie, for a week last time.

But, the fluffy stuff?  That snowman fluff?

They don't remember, can't get enough.

Da snow days, yeah

Da snow days...uh huh!

 

Ya mama say, "Hurry up, get on in dis wagon

Gotta get to the store, beat the crowds that is draggin'

Grocery stores crazy, cash registers blinging, people flinging

Gettin milk and bread, and Little Debbies gone missin

Grab the Cola, don't you forget Mama's soda

She needs her drank, if the kids gonna bug

No school, they gonna bug her till she shoo 'em out the door, shake a rug.

 Da snow days, yeah

Da snow days...uh huh

 

Goin out in da snow, in a coat and some rain boots

Wearin' 3 socks, still your toes freeze like ice blocks

Stomping through the yard, writing out your name in footprints

Your dog messing up, crazy round and round she sprints...and then she tints (oops!)

Da snow days, yeah

Da snow days...uh huh!

 

Sledding down Vanessa's hill, yeah that thrill as you grin, and you laugh, you fly

Then half a mile of walking, you dragging up that sled, gonna take another try

And another, and another, till your toes and cheeks and nose about to die

Then heading on home for some Swiss Miss,

You know your mama's got this,

Gonna sit by the fire, with your friends, take a break

Warm it up, dry it out, make a plan, "Where we gonna skate?"

Walkin all over town, not a car in sight

Never walk this way, this far--embarassin!!--but in snow--it's all right!!

Da snow days, yeah

Da snow days...uh huh

 

Gettin colder, gettin darker, gettin hungrier all a sudden

Better head on home, Mama's chili 's on the oven.

See ya tomorrow, do you think that again they'll cancel?  It's a gamble...

I want another day to play,  to go back, 'jes one more time, wouldn't you?

30 snow years back, with my best snow friend ever--my buddy Matthew.

Da snow days, yeah

Da snow days...uh huh!

 

The end

(of my dignity)

 

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What's in Your New Year? Linky Dinks

 I know everybody is talking New Year's Resolutions this week.  I don't typically make firm New Year's Resolutions, but more like, eh, I'm aiming in this general direction broad goals.  Nothing too specific or confining.  I'm like a beginning archer of goal-making--aim it in the general direction, and we'll call it improvement.  You can call me laid back, or even lazy...But, I have a very real allergy to specific goal-making sessions.  Seriously, nothing gives me hives quicker than my husband saying, "Hey, let's sit down and write out our goals for the year."  But, see, I'm a smart one, and I've learned a little trick.  When my husband brings up the "G word" discussion, I just bat my eyelashes real pretty and smile demurely.  Works like a charm!

(Well, great--just great!  Now my husband is going to be asking for (air quotes) Goal discussions like ALL the time now.  And me?  I'll be like the Stephen Covey of housewives.  Dangit. 

Moving on...cause my mama reads this blog...

 

Well, WHO, loves Before and After pictures?   And WHO loves motivation to get things organized???  And WHO loves containerizing even more than the organizing??  Well, if you cheered out on any of those questions...then you have a problem...like me.   Toni, of the lovely blog A Bowl Full of Lemons, is hosting a 21 Days to Getting Organized Challenge.  Each day for 21 days, she will offer a challenge area (today's is dresser drawers), and show how she organized hers.  Then, she offers bloggers to join in, and show their before and after pictures.  What fun!  I do love a good Before and After picture, don't you?

 

Oh, how I wish I had it in me to participate in The Nester's 2011 Home Goals project.  She lists and posts pictures of rooms/areas of her home she wants to improve this year.  Then, she asks other bloggers to list their own 2011 Home Goals and link up.  I'm loving seeing and reading about what others are planning to improve in their homes this year.  Me?  Well, I'd love to complete my Master Bedroom Makeover from 2010...which includes another nightstand to paint.  I'd also love to create a craft space in our basement for our girls.  That was actually going to be a Christmas surprise for our girls...but...well, it obviously didn't get done.  Or even started.  Like I said earlier--I'm a beginning archer when it comes to goals.  I'm aiming for that craft room to be complete sometime this decade.

 

C25K...Anybody know what these lovely letters and numbers mean?  Give up?  Okay, I'll tell you.  It means Couch 2(to) 5K.  It's a training program that takes lazy slobs like myself from the Couch to running a 5K in just 9 weeks.  Now, those of you who know me...Let me answer your concern:  No, I have not been kidnapped and forced to type those words.  I really do want to train for a 5K.  I'm not going all crazy on ya and training for a marathon.  Heaven forbid!  I'm just training for a little bitty 5K, using a program that starts with the tiniest of baby steps. 

Okay, and I have a little confession to make...I actually started this program in late October last year, only to get sick one week, pull a muscle the next, and then...fizzle out with the craziness in December.  I first heard about this training program from Big Mama, my official blogging hero.  I figured the c25K would be a worthy addition to my Turning 40 Campaign.  But now, I guess now it will become my Turning 41 Campaign...since I am going to re-start the training...any day now...really, I am...soon.  Said MarytheKay as she scooped another handful of buttered popcorn into her mouth. 

 

Well, that's it from me!  I'm plum worn out from all the New Year talk and Goals Discussions.  Let's just kick back and call it a weekend right now!  Ya got your bon bons ready?  I've got mine!  See you lovely people next week! 

Happy weekend.

Cutting a Silhouette: A Lesson in Mothering

Recently, I made old-fashioned silhouettes of our daughters.  I had no idea when I began, what an act of love cutting out their profiles would be for me.  When I finished, I was surprised to find the front of my shirt covered with the tiniest slivers of paper I had trimmed off.  I knew in that very moment, that those miniscule scraps meant something profound.  I immediately started typing my feelings.  Below are my thoughts that poured out, in that moment. 

 

Cutting my daughters’ silhouettes is an act of love.  I ever so gently trim around my oldest's golden hair.  My precision scissors skim the silky surface which my hands have smoothed so many times.  With each push of the tiny scissors, I glide past the golden highlights I know she admires.  I round over the front of her forehead.  The sweet spot my lips kiss when she’s feverish.  The gentle spot my thumb brushes round and round as my lips whisper, “Shh, shh, it will be all right.”  As my scissors make their way down her profile, they caress my sweet baby’s eyelids, and nose, and little rose mouth.  I don’t dare stop or pause, for fear of cutting too far.  Yet, I don’t want to cut too little, either.  

 When I’m done, and gingerly place the completed silhouette on the table, I look down and find the tiniest slivers of papers—the miniature scraps--dotting a path all down my shirt.  Those tiny pieces of my daughter, that weren’t really pieces of her at all.  Cut away, snipped off with tenderness and love.   Smoothed over and rounded out.  And now, only these little pieces remain behind.  They show me what I need to see about motherhood.  On the days that I am tired, and frustrated, and hollow, I need to remember these tiny pieces of paper.  These pieces that were, but then were not, part of my daughter.  This is my job as a mother.  To continue smoothing and working and loving.  Only really seeing the small path in front of my scissors.  Slowly processing, so that the beautiful profile will emerge in the end.  And I will see that all the exhausted nights and headache mornings, the repeated reminders (naggings), and emotional confrontations will pay off.  After the very last little scrap falls away, and our daughters’ exquisite silhouettes emerge, I will know, that it was worth it all!

 And, then, I shall take a very long nap.

(Want to see the completed silhouettes?)

 

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Guest Post: Top 10 Reasons New Year's is NOT the Time to Start a Diet

Don't worry--I'm getting to the TOP 10 List... But, first let me illustrate yet another way my motto lately seems to be a day late, and a dollar short!   Well, YESTERDAY I was a Guest Blogger on a wonderful blog--My Crazy Adoption.  When Kari announced that she was going to start the new year with bang, and invited bloggers to guest post, I jumped at the opportunity.  Even though our family hasn't adopted, our lives have been touched deeply through many dear friends who have.  I admire Kari so much for her heart for adoptive parents.  And, she doesn't just stop there.  She is making a difference in the lives of so many families, so many precious babies.  That girl is raising money and meeting practical needs like crazy.  Heck yeah, I want to be a part of her amazing blog!!!

Please go check out her blog today!  Oh, and yeah--and while you're at it, I do hope you get a giggle or two from my Top 10 Reasons New Year's is NOT the Time to Start a Diet!  You Baptists and Pentecostals--can I get an amen?  Oh, you skinny people go drink another Slimfast.  Us jolly gals will have another Coke, please m'am.

Go on, now...Go read...Clickity click!