I was driving past the American Legion a couple days ago when I heard my youngest daughter's voice pipe in from the back seat.
"Why are all those flags there, Mommy?"
I looked out the driver-side window and saw folks planting American flags near the parking lot entrance.
"It's almost Memorial Day," I replied.
"What's Memmm-oril Day?" she asked.
"Mem-or-ial Day is a day we remember people who have passed away. We also get to enjoy a break from school and work," I answered.
I co-teach in my school's history department, and I was excited to be embarking on a history lesson with my daughter. I spoke on remembering soldiers and family members and friends. Barbecues with family, sleeping in, and shopping the sales were also part of our discussion. I could hardly wait to get home and research the topic online for further dialogue.
I googled "Memorial Day History" and the website www.usmemorialday.org came up at the top of the list. I began to read about "Decoration Day," the original day of remembrance. The account spoke of the first official recognition of Memorial Day by John Logan in 1868. At that time, flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery.
It described poems and songs tied to the event and the sale of poppies by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. My mind slipped back to my youth as I remembered my parents purchasing these little red flowers and twisting their wire stems onto our car's rear-view mirror.
Reading further on the website, I was stopped in my tracks.
"Traditional observance of Memorial day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected ... Some people think the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country."
I was one of those people. I read on.
"Many feel that when Congress made the day into a three-day weekend with the National Holiday Act of 1971, it made it all the easier for people to be distracted from the spirit and meaning of the day ... No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day."
The words 'shopping" and "barbecue" reverberated in my head, and I began to feel guilt well up in my core. I looked back to the top of the article and read the first line from the website aloud to my daughter.
"Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service."
Let us never take for granted our service people who fought to secure our freedoms. Let us never forget that while we are sleeping in or shopping or barbecuing, there are still service men and women facing uncertainty and risking their very lives so that we may continue to enjoy these endeavors. This Memorial Day, as we take note of the red, white, and blue, let us never forget to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country.
Kim Dailey, of Columbia, is a wife, mother of five and special education teacher who relies on her faith and sense of humor to survive in this crazy world. In her free time she soaks it in, sorts it out and writes about life.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Who likes parades?!?
WAUKESHA
Memorial Day events will begin at 9 a.m. Monday in front of the Lee Sherman Dreyfus State Office Building . There, chaplains will deliver Memorial Day prayers. There also will be a massing of colors, casting flowers on the water and a rifle salute. The parade will start at 9:15 a.m. on Baxter Street and will proceed to Buckley Street . Then, it will turn left onto West Main Street and then right onto Main Street . The parade will proceed to Maple Avenue and end at Cutler Park . Further ceremonies will continue in Cutler Park at 11 a.m.
OCONOMOWOC
Memorial Day observances will start at 10 a.m. Monday at City Beach with a traditional Memorial Day service. This year’s featured speaker is Maj. Ben Wagner, Gulf Company weapons commander. Wagner served two tours in Iraq and was awarded a Bronze Star. The parade will begin at the band shell and proceed east on Wisconsin Avenue to Oakwood Avenue , where it will stop for a brief ceremony. Then, the parade will continue to LaBelle Cemetery , where floral, military and musical tributes will honor veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day.
ELM GROVE
This year’s Memorial Day parade grand marshall is John Malan, who earned a Purple Heart during his service in Vietnam . The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Village Grounds. The parade will conclude at the Sendik’s parking lot. The Elm Grove Business Association will sponsor food, drinks and music there.
SUSSEX
The parade will begin at 1 p.m. Monday at Highway 74 and Waukesha Avenue . The parade will proceed west on Main Street to the VFW Post. After the parade, the VFW will present a service recognizing and honoring men and women in the armed forces.
NEW BERLIN
New Berlin VFW Post 5716 will host this year’s Memorial Day celebration. The ceremony will begin 11 a.m. Monday at the Veterans Memorial located in the southwest corner of Highland Memorial Park Cemetery 14875 W. Greenfield Ave.
PEWAUKEE
The village will host a weekend Veterans Festival continuing through Monday. Throughout the weekend, there will be rides, raffles and live music. On Memorial Day, the American Legion will host a parade that begins at the schools and ends at St. Mary’s Cemetery. There will be five stops at memorials along the way to honor veterans. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m.
Memorial Day events will begin at 9 a.m. Monday in front of the Lee Sherman Dreyfus State Office Building . There, chaplains will deliver Memorial Day prayers. There also will be a massing of colors, casting flowers on the water and a rifle salute. The parade will start at 9:15 a.m. on Baxter Street and will proceed to Buckley Street . Then, it will turn left onto West Main Street and then right onto Main Street . The parade will proceed to Maple Avenue and end at Cutler Park . Further ceremonies will continue in Cutler Park at 11 a.m.
OCONOMOWOC
Memorial Day observances will start at 10 a.m. Monday at City Beach with a traditional Memorial Day service. This year’s featured speaker is Maj. Ben Wagner, Gulf Company weapons commander. Wagner served two tours in Iraq and was awarded a Bronze Star. The parade will begin at the band shell and proceed east on Wisconsin Avenue to Oakwood Avenue , where it will stop for a brief ceremony. Then, the parade will continue to LaBelle Cemetery , where floral, military and musical tributes will honor veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day.
ELM GROVE
This year’s Memorial Day parade grand marshall is John Malan, who earned a Purple Heart during his service in Vietnam . The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Village Grounds. The parade will conclude at the Sendik’s parking lot. The Elm Grove Business Association will sponsor food, drinks and music there.
SUSSEX
The parade will begin at 1 p.m. Monday at Highway 74 and Waukesha Avenue . The parade will proceed west on Main Street to the VFW Post. After the parade, the VFW will present a service recognizing and honoring men and women in the armed forces.
NEW BERLIN
New Berlin VFW Post 5716 will host this year’s Memorial Day celebration. The ceremony will begin 11 a.m. Monday at the Veterans Memorial located in the southwest corner of Highland Memorial Park Cemetery 14875 W. Greenfield Ave.
PEWAUKEE
The village will host a weekend Veterans Festival continuing through Monday. Throughout the weekend, there will be rides, raffles and live music. On Memorial Day, the American Legion will host a parade that begins at the schools and ends at St. Mary’s Cemetery. There will be five stops at memorials along the way to honor veterans. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
June Playdate
Yesterday was a beautiful day for a walk. Three mommies and four adorable kids made for a fun time along the riverwalk.
Our June playdate will be on Friday, June 18 at the ZOO. Due to the fact that many of us have zoo passes and some of us can bring guests on our passes, this should be a free event. Yay! However, this will also take a little bit of coordinating to pull off. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are able to join us and whether or not you have a zoo pass.
We will meet at 9:30 am in the Peck Welcome Center. This should be a fun time!
Our June playdate will be on Friday, June 18 at the ZOO. Due to the fact that many of us have zoo passes and some of us can bring guests on our passes, this should be a free event. Yay! However, this will also take a little bit of coordinating to pull off. Please let me know as soon as possible if you are able to join us and whether or not you have a zoo pass.
We will meet at 9:30 am in the Peck Welcome Center. This should be a fun time!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
You've gotta love Anita Renfroe. . .
Here are a couple videos of Anita, a Christian comedian. She is hilarious and really understands Mommies!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLjWDKu0jfM&feature=youtube_gdata
And in case you've never seen this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0ZpuA8_YYk&feature=youtube_gdata
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLjWDKu0jfM&feature=youtube_gdata
And in case you've never seen this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0ZpuA8_YYk&feature=youtube_gdata
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Butterfinger Cake
Here is the recipe I made last night for Bible study. It's tasty but very sweet. . . :)
Yellow cake mix
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar caramel topping
3-4 Butterfinger candy bars
Cool Whip
Bake the cake mix according to the package. While hot - poke holes all over it. Mix together the sweet milk and caramel and pour over cake. Crush up the butterfingers and spread on top. Allow to cool and refrigerate. Once completely cool - top with cool whip.
Enjoy!
Yellow cake mix
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar caramel topping
3-4 Butterfinger candy bars
Cool Whip
Bake the cake mix according to the package. While hot - poke holes all over it. Mix together the sweet milk and caramel and pour over cake. Crush up the butterfingers and spread on top. Allow to cool and refrigerate. Once completely cool - top with cool whip.
Enjoy!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Playdate Reminder
This Friday, May 28 is our playdate at Frame Park at 9:30 am. Let's meet in the parking lot next to the Schuetze building (behind Whiterock elementary school). The weather looks beautiful for a walk and some playing in the park! Hope to see you there!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
A Change of Heart
At a time when she was busy with her flock of little ones, aged three, two, and six months, Connie began to realize that she and her husband, Stan, were not parenting the same way. He had a different temperament and gifts, and a distinctly different parenting style. But Connie was a professional; she had years of experience with children as a Child Life Specialist in hospitals. She'd taken many courses on child development. In fact, she had a master's degree in the field. She was sure HER WAY was the right way and only way to handle their children. If only her husband would change and do things HER WAY.
One day in frustration, she sat down on her bed and began to pray about the conflicts they were having. "God, when are You going to show Stan that I'm doing this right, and he should come on board and do it my way?" she asked.
As clearly, yet quietly as she'd heard anything from God, He whispered, "If both of you were exactly the same, one of you wouldn't be necessary!" She knew she didn't want to be the parent who wasn't needed, nor did she want Stan to be expendable.
With those few words from God's heart, a dramatic change took place in Connie's attitude. She began to value her husband's parenting style instead of critcizing it. She began to appreciate his gifts and unique way of relating to their kids, to celebrate their differences instead of being irritated by them. As a result, they had more unity and harmony as parents and a happy peace descended on their home.
-Cheri Fuller from "Quiet Whispers from God's Heart for Women"
One day in frustration, she sat down on her bed and began to pray about the conflicts they were having. "God, when are You going to show Stan that I'm doing this right, and he should come on board and do it my way?" she asked.
As clearly, yet quietly as she'd heard anything from God, He whispered, "If both of you were exactly the same, one of you wouldn't be necessary!" She knew she didn't want to be the parent who wasn't needed, nor did she want Stan to be expendable.
With those few words from God's heart, a dramatic change took place in Connie's attitude. She began to value her husband's parenting style instead of critcizing it. She began to appreciate his gifts and unique way of relating to their kids, to celebrate their differences instead of being irritated by them. As a result, they had more unity and harmony as parents and a happy peace descended on their home.
-Cheri Fuller from "Quiet Whispers from God's Heart for Women"
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
I need help!
As i'm sure most of you know, I love to read! The problem is I haven't found a good book to read in awhile. So, can you help me out by suggesting some good reads? I try to stick to Christian fiction. What book have you read that you loved, loved, loved? Hopefully I haven't already read it. . . ;)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Recipe for a Rainy Day
Here is a recipe I found for "Fun Dough". This looks like a fun rainy day project to me.
1 1/4 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/4 cup salt
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon food color
Stir Bisquick, salt and cream of tartar in 4-cup microwavable measuring cup until mixed; set aside. Mix water and food color in liquid measuring cup.
Stir a small amount of colored water at a time into dry mixture until all water is added. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute. Scrape mixture from side of cup and stir.
Microwave uncovered 2 to 3 minutes longer, stirring every minute, until mixture almost forms a ball. Let dough stand uncovered about 3 minutes.
Remove dough from measuring cup, using spoon. Knead dough in your hands or on the counter about 1 minute or until smooth. (If dough is sticky, add 1 to 2 tablespoons Bisquick.) Cool about 15 minutes. Use dough to make shapes and designs. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.
1 1/4 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/4 cup salt
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon food color
Stir Bisquick, salt and cream of tartar in 4-cup microwavable measuring cup until mixed; set aside. Mix water and food color in liquid measuring cup.
Stir a small amount of colored water at a time into dry mixture until all water is added. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute. Scrape mixture from side of cup and stir.
Microwave uncovered 2 to 3 minutes longer, stirring every minute, until mixture almost forms a ball. Let dough stand uncovered about 3 minutes.
Remove dough from measuring cup, using spoon. Knead dough in your hands or on the counter about 1 minute or until smooth. (If dough is sticky, add 1 to 2 tablespoons Bisquick.) Cool about 15 minutes. Use dough to make shapes and designs. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
I hope all of you Mommies have a wonderful Mother's Day! We have been blessed with beautiful children but our children have been blessed with loving Mommies!
Enjoy your day, kiss your kiddos, and hold them tight! We may have the hardest job in the world with the least amount of pay, but the benefits are priceless!
Enjoy your day, kiss your kiddos, and hold them tight! We may have the hardest job in the world with the least amount of pay, but the benefits are priceless!
Friday, May 7, 2010
From An Adult's Perspective
From "Mother's Gifts to Me" by Dianna Booher
All children love their mothers and see them larger than life. But it's through the eyes of an adult that we examine our own upbringing and begin to get a more balanced view. Happily, in my case, that childlike assessment of my mother hasn't changed through the years. As she approaches her sunset years and I follow her through the cycle of mothering and grandmothering, my appreciation of her work and wisdom grows. Even through the filter of adulthood, she still looms larger than life.
Only if my own children still give their upbringing high marks when they arrive at middle age will I have a true measure of my contributions to their life. Mothering stripped of its sentiment matters most.
"Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." Proverbs 1:8-9 NIV
All children love their mothers and see them larger than life. But it's through the eyes of an adult that we examine our own upbringing and begin to get a more balanced view. Happily, in my case, that childlike assessment of my mother hasn't changed through the years. As she approaches her sunset years and I follow her through the cycle of mothering and grandmothering, my appreciation of her work and wisdom grows. Even through the filter of adulthood, she still looms larger than life.
Only if my own children still give their upbringing high marks when they arrive at middle age will I have a true measure of my contributions to their life. Mothering stripped of its sentiment matters most.
"Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." Proverbs 1:8-9 NIV
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Innocence and Paper Bag Curls
I am feeling so burdened today for our children's purity - especially our girls. We live in such a sin-filled world and our little girls are so innocent and pure. If only to keep them that way forever! I consistently pray for my children's safety and physical protection but today I really felt impressed to pray for the protection of their purity and their hearts. My girls are 9 and 6 years old and getting closer to teens by the moment. As I dropped them off this morning and watched them walk into school (run actually - we were late ;), I really noticed how my 9 year old is maturing into a young lady and looked so cute with her paper bag curls. (More on that later.) I left the school praying over those girls. After school, my 6 year old handed me a note given to her from her friend - a boy. It was two notes actually and they both went something like this: I love you. You are my girl. Over and over professing his love in kindergarten script. This led to
the question "You've never kissed a boy at school have you?" The guilty face revealed all. This same boy had kissed her - on the lips no less. (Satan likes to mess with me.) This led to a big discussion on all of the things so heavily on my heart today. What Satan means for evil, God will turn to good.
Now my eyes have really been opened to the fact that I need to add to those consistent prayers. I need to be praying for their innocence and purity. I know that this kindergarten romance is pretty innocent but there is going to come a time when it won't be so innocent and I want to nip it in the bud now. I want to protect my children from as much of this corrupt world as I can for as long as I can. I've never hated those tabloid magazines at the checkout more than since my oldest daughter started reading. Kids don't need such filth polluting their mind.
We are in a battle over our kids. Satan wants to destroy them and ruin their lives as early as he can. We need to diligently pray God's protection over their body and mind!
Also, I would encourage you to be in prayer already for your children's future spouses. Pray for protection of their purity and physical well-being. The choices they will make will impact your son or daughter some day. Scary stuff to think about, I know, but really worth praying about.
Now onto lighter subjects. I curled my daughter's hair over the weekend using a paper lunch bag. Crazy, huh? Because we've had so many people ask about it, I thought I would post it on here too. I saw this on YouTube, of course. ;) It worked really well and was super easy! The true test will be on my younger daughter's hair. Her hair doesn't take to curl well. I may even try it with my hair - but I will need to use paper GROCERY bags with my hair. :-) Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoZ2QGq0n4A&sns=em
the question "You've never kissed a boy at school have you?" The guilty face revealed all. This same boy had kissed her - on the lips no less. (Satan likes to mess with me.) This led to a big discussion on all of the things so heavily on my heart today. What Satan means for evil, God will turn to good.
Now my eyes have really been opened to the fact that I need to add to those consistent prayers. I need to be praying for their innocence and purity. I know that this kindergarten romance is pretty innocent but there is going to come a time when it won't be so innocent and I want to nip it in the bud now. I want to protect my children from as much of this corrupt world as I can for as long as I can. I've never hated those tabloid magazines at the checkout more than since my oldest daughter started reading. Kids don't need such filth polluting their mind.
We are in a battle over our kids. Satan wants to destroy them and ruin their lives as early as he can. We need to diligently pray God's protection over their body and mind!
Also, I would encourage you to be in prayer already for your children's future spouses. Pray for protection of their purity and physical well-being. The choices they will make will impact your son or daughter some day. Scary stuff to think about, I know, but really worth praying about.
Now onto lighter subjects. I curled my daughter's hair over the weekend using a paper lunch bag. Crazy, huh? Because we've had so many people ask about it, I thought I would post it on here too. I saw this on YouTube, of course. ;) It worked really well and was super easy! The true test will be on my younger daughter's hair. Her hair doesn't take to curl well. I may even try it with my hair - but I will need to use paper GROCERY bags with my hair. :-) Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoZ2QGq0n4A&sns=em
Sunday, May 2, 2010
May Playdate
We had a very fun time at our playdate on Friday at Stonefire Pizza Co. There were 4 moms and 6 kiddos there ranging in age from 5 months to almost 4 ;).
Our May playdate will be on Friday, May 28 at 9:30 am at Frame Park in Waukesha. We can go for a walk along the beautiful riverwalk and then the kids can play on the playground. I hope you can make it! Let me know if you plan on coming so I can watch for you that morning.
If you ever have any suggestions for fun places to go with the kids, let me know.
Our May playdate will be on Friday, May 28 at 9:30 am at Frame Park in Waukesha. We can go for a walk along the beautiful riverwalk and then the kids can play on the playground. I hope you can make it! Let me know if you plan on coming so I can watch for you that morning.
If you ever have any suggestions for fun places to go with the kids, let me know.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Pride comes before a fall . . .
This is a motto I try to live by because it is SO true. Yesterday I was reminded of it's truth once again and able to share this with my daughters.
I have to admit I was a little proud of a piece of pottery I painted at A Touch of Glaze (if you've never been there, you need to try it - it's very fun!). Anyway, I thought my little butterfly box I made for my daughters turned out pretty cute. You have to remember that I got a D+ one quarter in art so I'm not exactly what you would call artistic.
So yesterday I wrapped my "work of art" in a plastic bag and put it in my diaper bag in hopes of stopping by my sister's house to show her how it turned out. I never got there but ended up dragging that thing all over during my crazy day yesterday. When I finally got home after picking up my daughters, I was somewhat frustrated. As I was getting my son out of his car seat and calling my daughters to come and get their backpacks, I grabbed the diaper bag and dropped it down on our driveway. I never do that. As soon as I did, I realized my mistake and went running in the house to check my precious piece of pottery. I unwrapped it and saw that the cover was unharmed (phew - I worked the hardest on that). Then I noticed that the bottom piece was broke into several pieces. Ugh.
I think the bottom can be super-glued back together so it will still be usable. However, it will also be a good reminder for me and my daughters.
"The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished." Proverbs 16:5
I have to admit I was a little proud of a piece of pottery I painted at A Touch of Glaze (if you've never been there, you need to try it - it's very fun!). Anyway, I thought my little butterfly box I made for my daughters turned out pretty cute. You have to remember that I got a D+ one quarter in art so I'm not exactly what you would call artistic.
So yesterday I wrapped my "work of art" in a plastic bag and put it in my diaper bag in hopes of stopping by my sister's house to show her how it turned out. I never got there but ended up dragging that thing all over during my crazy day yesterday. When I finally got home after picking up my daughters, I was somewhat frustrated. As I was getting my son out of his car seat and calling my daughters to come and get their backpacks, I grabbed the diaper bag and dropped it down on our driveway. I never do that. As soon as I did, I realized my mistake and went running in the house to check my precious piece of pottery. I unwrapped it and saw that the cover was unharmed (phew - I worked the hardest on that). Then I noticed that the bottom piece was broke into several pieces. Ugh.
I think the bottom can be super-glued back together so it will still be usable. However, it will also be a good reminder for me and my daughters.
"The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished." Proverbs 16:5
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