Friends Are The Family We Choose For Ourselves...

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Neeter
Happy Birthday to you


How old are you?...Ok, I'll stop right there. 'Cause I know exactly how old you are. You are one month (minus 2 days) older than moi!!! 29 will suffice for now, right?


My very best friend in the whole world (T is not included in this count--he and Jesus are exempt) Anita Lucille Chase Bowen is celebrating a birthday today. We have been great friends since 4th grade-And.that.was.a.very.long.time.ago.


When I was at the end of my sophomore year in high school, my family moved from our little country house into the big city, therefore causing me to transfer schools. But Anita was my one friend from the old school that I remained close to. I can recall spending the night with her on many occasions, including sleeping in the drafty area of her co-op(college-ahhh)...or did I sleep on the floor of her room? Ok, apparently I can't recall...but I really did it!!!


When I got married she was one of my bridesmaids, and when she walked the aisle, she loved me enough to have me be one of her bridesmaids even though I was about 7 months preggo with A. A couple of weekends ago we were watching a video of my wedding, and H commented on the fact that Anita looks exactly the same except for she had bigger hair in the video (it was '87 mind you). I'd say that she has aged rather well, don'tcha think?

We call each other our "Forever Friend", which obviously means we will either be friends forever, or it seems as if we have been friends forever...take your pick-you get the picture.
Anita is my friend that I can tell anything to...from fights that T and I have(rare-but true), to problems with my kids, to feminine issues, work issues, family issues, money issues...you name it--we share it. She is so willing to provide a shoulder to cry on when friends and family treat me poorly, I don't have enough money in the bank to "keep up with the Joneses", I'm having a bad hair day--you know what I mean...all with a godly heart and intent. Aren't you jealous?

But on the other hand...we have shared some incredibly fun memories. Bon Jovi? How about that, huh? We were there-and-it-was-awesome. We also have seen Garth Brooks together--which one do you think was in our earlier years? She was also my first friend to come to the hospital after all of my children were born--they call her Aunt...and she is. She has been a sister to me, a sister of the heart.

One time when I was having car trouble in a vehicle, she was ready and willing to push my van backwards out of a parking spot at the Mall, all while wearing her work clothes. I hope she is still able to push-cause I'm having car trouble...again. Did I mention that on top of knowing one another for so many years,we work together? When I was re-entering the workforce, she told me of a job at the Agency where she works...and I got the job!! Our offices share a wall...can't get much better than that!!!! We have now worked together for over 10 years, and I miss the times that she is not here b/c I love our daily catch-ups. After work one night, I vividly recall attending a home sales party at another friends' house...one that was a little wild for us mild souls...but the experiences that we went through are some of our greatest chuckles.

For our big four-oh ...we threw ourselves a grand party in a hotel suite here in town, and had someone that sells designer replica purses come and set up, as well as offer chair massages and polish changes for anyone interested. It was so much fun...and we deserved it!!! Yes we did.

We deserved it because we had been through ~
joy
heartache
first kisses
shoulder pads
Bon Jovi
big hair
blue eyeshadow/liner
leg warmers
Duran Duran
weddings
divorces
births
deaths
love
hate...ok, dislike
Bon Jovi (worth a repeat)
90210-only the original
graduations
growth in Christ

see...we have survived the spectrum...

Love you Neeter...no matter how old we are, no matter how cranky we may become, no matter if we share a wall in a nursing home...
we shall always be...
Forever Friends

Come On Get Happy... :)

Ahhh, back to Monday. Work just keeps popping up, doesn't it? Oh well, sometimes I actually miss it (the old job-o) when I am off...b/c it keeps me in a routine. I will not admit this in public by any means, not even under severe torture.

Friday night the youth had a fund-raiser at Sacred Grounds (local coffeehouse) to raise moola for the National Festival. It was a smashing success, with over 100 there. I am again swollen with pride over my son. Yes, I realize that I go on and on about him and his musical accomplishments, but really...I gotta'. He is just so stinking incredible!!!!

I also realized that he is too comfortable up in front of a crowd. He would get up to the mic and chat with the crowd. All the while I am vigorously shaking my head "No" as in "Shut up and step away from the mic". What is a well-intentioned Mom to do? I know that I had more stage-fright than he did, it was totally cool for him to converse with them...they loved it.

Various youth ministered in a number of ways from solos, instrumentals, duets, quartets, a rock band and our awesome worship team. The Lord has blessed all of these kids with wonderful gifts that were then used to bless and minister to others. Isn't that the whole plan? I know that some in the audience were appalled when there was some (not a lot) of "scream-o" in H's rock band. It may not have appealed to them, but for someone, somewhere, at some time...it was the perfect tool to touch a life. H wrote all of the songs that his group did, and I know that the words came from the recesses of his heart--a heart that loves the Lord and is serving Him in whatever way he can...there just happens to be a boy in the band that loves to do the growling singing as an accompanyment to regular song. A little bit out of the box never hurt anyone, did it?

It was asked what we could do with these kids next...and I suggested getting a bus, and painting it like the Partridge Family and hitting the road. I was kidding (half), but now that I really think about it...what a great idea!!! I wish there was a venue (or traveling kind) where our group could reach out and touch kids their age...and show the love of God...hmmmm....the thinking cap is on and in place-watch out!!!

"And don't it feel good..."

In my opinion, summer is the one season that evokes memories (good and bad) of a time past.
Certain sounds, smells, tastes or activities can evoke thoughts days gone by like it was…um, yesterday. For me, music plays such a large role in our life, but it also defines many of my memories. I was perusing through some playlists which got me to thinking about my favorite summer songs. Hang on, keep all hands inside the compartment…the ride is about to begin.

1) “Kokomo”-Beach Boys
-T and I went to Kokomo for our honeymoon-really did, just not the one the Boys sing about.

2) “Summertime”-New Kids on the Block
-Love me some NKOTB…young or old…this is my ringtone on my phone.

3) “Live Like You Were Dying”-Tim McGraw
-Just love this one…good creed for life. Like seeing Tim’s bare feet in video (is that creepy?)

4) “Summer of 69”-Bryan Adams
-Ahhh…high school. No, not in ’69, but ’85—geesh

5) “Walking on Sunshine”-Katrina and the Waves
-Meant to make one happy…and it works

6) “Good Vibrations”-Marky Mark
-Yeah, sure he can act…but he could um, sing too? Abs-olutely

7) “All Summer Long”-Kid Rock
-Hopefully will be the only song I ever like by this guy-shamed to admit

8) “Paradise City”-Guns and Roses
-Classic…video of the tots rockin’ it. Bad, bad parent

9) “No Rain”-Blind Melon
-Old friends…sad

10) “Summer Nights” –Rascal Flatts
-New fave…just is fun!!!

11) “Strawberry Wine”-Deanna Carter
-I remember my first love (he’s bald now)

12) “Summertime”-Kenny Chesney
-Perfect summer song. Love, love, love it!!!

13) “Soak Up the Sun”-Sheryl Crow
-Only song I truly like from her too. How life should be.

14) “We Built this City”-Jefferson Starship
-Freshman year of college. Rockin’ at PU football games

15) “Went Out Last Night”-Kenny Chesney
-Love this guy-he knows how to have a good time

16) “Love Bug”-Jonas Brothers
-Yes, I love these boys. More shame…want H to be one

17) “You Give Love a Bad Name”-Bon Jovi
-No shame in loving Jon…T is fully aware…and jealous

18) “Tearing Up My Heart”-N’Sync
-Apparently I have a soft spot for boy bands.

19) “I Love Rock n Roll”-Joan Jett
-You gotta love the classics

20) “MmmBop”-Hanson
-Mmmmm, ok…move on

21) “Gonna Make You Sweat”-C&C Music Factory
-Great workout music…if I worked out

22) “We Got the Beat”-Go-Go’s
-Girl bands rock!!! Always try to do drum part…and fail

23) “Living on a Prayer”-Bon Jovi
-Nuff said

24) “Baby One More Time”-Britney Spears
-Sorry, I like it though

25) “Boondocks”-Little Big Town
-Love ‘em…them folks can sing!

Wish someone would make an album of them all ‘cause my 8-track player is on the fritz. I’ll just go record them onto a tape when they play on the radio.
-I know some of you know exactly what I mean, don’t kid yourself.

You Can Pick Your Friends, But You Can't Pick Your Family

My extended holiday weekend is over and my schedule may now resume to its normally chaotic schedule. Anyone around here knows that the weather on the 4th left much to be desired. The next day was absolutely gorgeous...good thing 'cause it was a busy one.

Our church was hosting a 5th of July celebration that included food and music and capped off with a gorgeous fireworks display. Our fine arts kids (and parents) were to sell drinks during the event with all proceeds going towards their trip (National Fine Arts Festival). The afternoon was set aside to set up, put drinks on ice, and get a good practice in before the crowds arrived.

Looks fine on paper...

Practice began around 5 with sound check. Hunter would be singing a song that he wrote, and play guitar as he sang. He practiced the song (which I had not heard before--I was impressed, of course) and then they began practicing the stomp routine. Cut to the next moment when I see someone running toward H who is now off the stage and bent over at the waist in the grass. From where I was, I thought maybe he was overheated b/c I could clearly see that his face was beet red and it looked as if he were throwing up...(sorry for the visual)

I proudly kept my cool as I walked toward him and then I heard someone say...

"I think he's choking"...and then I ran.

By the time I reached him, he was still gagging, coughing and spitting. But he was breathing, which was a good sign...and his face was red and not blue. Apparently, my 13 y/o, in all his wonderful teen wisdom had swallowed his guitar pick. Really? Not once when my kids were Taylor Tots (say it fast- funny, huh?) did they swallow things. (2 1/2 HOURS BEFORE HE WAS TO PERFORM!!!)

I helplessly stood by while my baby was in obvious agony. He could breathe, but was hurting beyond his wildest dreams. My heart broke for him as he tried to cough it up or something...but alas...it was gone. After consulting a GI nurse (later H said all he could think of was Joe when we mentioned GI), I shakily called his dad to announce that we needed to head to the ER. Being married for so long, all I had to do was say "Hey" when Tim answered the phone and he instantly asked what was wrong. We roll like that...which is good, I guess.

So...here is the shortened version of the next few hours;

Arrive at ER--make nurses laugh when I announce our reason

Go to triage room--H still in obvious pain when swallowing

T arrives--all is well

Dr arrives--more laughter (subdued...she was a professional you know)

H continues to spit into a bag b/c it hurts to swallow

I leave room to potty (neverending) and H asks T if this might kill him (*sniff*)

T's heart breaks, but he told H he has dibs on his drums and guitar

H unceremoniously tells T to shut up--he feels better about the future now

H talks non-stop (except for when spitting) THE ENTIRE TIME

Informed via text that show is pushed back should triumphant return occur

H goes to x-ray

Pick is found down in tummy

Surgery ruled out (appropriate time for Hallelujuah chorus)

H asks if he can sing

Given medical equivalent of snot to numb his throat

Medicine causes numbing and talking like a male fashion designer (lisp)

Nurses and Dr wish H luck--expect autographs someday

Hunger returns to 13 y/o--life is back to normal

We arrive back at the church about 30 minutes before the youth are to go on. Know what? H starts off the show singing his song (I was so stinkin proud) then proceeds to do the stomp routine.

Somewhere in the deep recesses of his stomach lurks a plastic little pick just waiting to emerge.

H keeps checking to see if it has shown up...yep there it is, that taste of vomit in my mouth (strong gag reflex). But so far nothing...let's hope this is the final time the rubber gloves ever have to be donned.

No Matter if You're Black or White...

Yesterday was a sad day. Farrah lost her battle with cancer, Michael lost his battle with the struggle he called life...and I had an epiphany about my life that makes my throat tight and tears well up (unfortunately, this is not one that I am ready to share).

So, late morning we hear the tragic news that Farrah had passed away. I do hope that she had made piece with the Lord. She had plenty of time to prepare. She led a sun-kissed life, was a beautiful lady, but if she didn't cross those pearly gates...then it was worthless.


I did not watch the special that was on TV recently depicting the pain and struggle that she has gone through. I am one of these people that really do prefer to remember someone in the better days of their lives. I have twice visited friends who were battling the big-C ( both have since lost) and caught vomit either in my hand or a tray...and though I was happy to do that for them, I was not happy that it had to be done in the first place...darn those dreaded cells full of disease! I would much rather wear my rose colored glasses and recall the "good ole days"--so what,...shoot me.


As the world began to grieve for the poster-queen, then came the big shock. Michael Jackson had also passed away. Wha????


There has already been so much said about the musical genius of this man, and just as much said about the troubled life that he led. He didn't have time to prepare for the end...so I truly hope that he was ready.

Years ago I read a book titled "Orion" (based loosely on Elvis) about a rock star who faked his own death to escape the hell that he felt he lived in. This was written even before internet...so that tells you how times have changed and the added pressure a star would have now. Has this been implied anywhere? Naw, not that I know of...but if I were hundreds of millions of dollars in debt...I'm just saying.

Of course I, along with roughly 45 million other people, had the Thriller album--it was high school for me (I do miss the 80's). This was also the time that Michael was actually cute (need I say more?). Oh, stars fade quickly, don't they? One of my most vivid memories was my reaction to his filming of a Pepsi commercial when his hair caught on fire. I was not a diary keeper...but a number of years ago, I found a calendar/journal or something where I had noted that tragic day...and my horror at it all. I could just feel his pain...couldn't you? But now as I watch people weeping and crying over the loss of this icon, I don't feel that pain. I just feel sadness. Sadness for the lonely, reclusive strange man that he felt that he had to become. Sadness for the children and family that he is leaving behind. Sadness for the loss of a soul that was so tortured and pained that he turned to a number of anedotes to ease his suffering. In the end, it only brought the conclusion to his saga that much quicker.

Sorry Farrah that your loss will go virtually unnoticed in the chaotic hub-bub that is Michael Jackson's funeral. Sorry that your name will barely make the ticker across the CNN screen, while his will fill nearly every channel to be flipped to. Sorry that your battle will not be chronicalized as important, and his will be idolized. But somewhere- everywhere there are men and women who died yesterday of similar circumstances as these two people, and they will be missed by their friends and family also. Social and iconic status is stripped away and each and every person appears before the Lord the exact same way...all will be judged the same...but not all will have the same results. I know what group I would rather be like...

God Bless.

Hey batter, batter...swing!

It is hot. Not just a couple of drops of persperation on your upper lip when you get out of the car. No, I mean...sweat running like a river in between two boulders (sly one, aren't I?), throbbing in your temples from the sheer force of heat hitting you when you walk out of the sweet cold air, making you cranky if you have to be out in it longer than walking from car to building (at this moment I am so thankful for my indoor desk job). And it is only June.

The other night was yet another milestone for the Taylors. We have officially ended our long-term relationship with summer sports. About 18 years ago we began this affair with America's favorite pastime, and sadly broke it off just a couple of days ago. When we first signed J up for tee ball at the YMCA we were young parents that were so excited to see our cute little guy out there running to the bases, holding his helmet on with one hand. He continued to play until the summer when he was about 13 or 14, and the politics of "making the team" (also known as- the-dad-is-coach-and-their-kids-and-their-friends-are-the-only-ones-gonna-play-on-this-team) came into play. Although I think his heart was broken (mine was, shouldn't his have been), he decided that he was done with baseball and focused on basketball. Then A started tee ball, and never quite graduated. She became too busy at 2nd base chatting with her little girlfriends or playing with one another's hair to ever love the game. Finally there was H who also began with tee ball and has kept playing until just a few days ago. I state that we are done with summer ball because next year he will be in (gulp, give me a moment) high school and will be playing for the school. They finish soon after school is out...so my summer nights will be opened up to all new possibilities. H is a very good baseball player, and he loves the game. (Since this is my blog, I am allowed to instill the appropriate (or not) amount of pride into what I write about his skills) He mainly plays catcher, but has pitched some (too stressful for me to watch) and used to play a mean first--but catcher is his specialty. The varsity coach at school has already told him he will be the starting catcher for JV next year, and the back-up for varsity. That's cool...pretty neat for a freshman...but not good enough for H. He informed me he is going to work with a local guy (who's team just won state--with him as the catcher) to gather some pointers so that maybe H will be the best catcher in the school and will start for both JV and Varsity. Props to him!!! I am proud that he has a goal to better himself. Keep up the good work kiddo!!!

As this relationship has drawn to a close, there are no cameras in our faces broadcasting every move that we make. There is no drama playing out for others to watch our thirst for attention and fame. (If you feel that I am making a comparison to something else...you're probably right) Nope, there is just a normal (relatively), small family who loves to spend time together putting our children first with their activities...and we didn't even have to schedule a session in make-up or editing. At this time, I think I will sadly go get the chairs out of the back of my van...and put them up. They will be readily waiting for us to join them again next spring...

Sit, heel...oh, whatever

If you are savvy enough to check the dates between postings, you will notice that it has been over a month since I last trolled on about my life. I have missed the musings, but have been soooo busy (yeah, likely excuse, huh?). Hopefully I can prioritize and get back into the swing of things. Deep breath, here we go.

Many of you know that I work for a social services agency that, among other things, works with the elderly. A huge push of ours is remaining active in the twilight years in order to maintain good health. The 2nd week of June every year is what is dubbed as Senior Games. Basically, it is about 350-400 silver haired men and women that participate in a number of physical activities throughout the week to garner glory through their accomplishments. And don't let anyone tell you that it is not about winning vs. just playing the game. These folks are serious about their games and they want that medal!!! The end of the week culminates with most of them attending a lunch out at a popular banquet facility here in town. Those that have won medals usually wear them around their neck, and preen proud as peacocks with anywhere from 2-15 Olympic-style medals hanging on their chest. If osteoporosis hadn't already gotten their stance before this day...they sure were stooped over by the end of the lunch!!! I am in charge of all of the registrations, data input and upkeep and disbursement of official results. One lady got really red (not the first year this has happened with said octogenarian) because she thought that she had the most medals out of the females. Was this not the generation that taught us to play fair, have fun and enjoy ourselves, otherwise know as "it's just a game"? Geesh...I really need a vacation after all of this is over...oh, to be saved for another day I suppose.

As Hunter remarked in awe the other day...a whole month of summer break is nearly gone!!! The kiddos have been busy...but not having as much fun as they have been working. HT has been the mini-man of the house with his dad (not mini much longer--I swear he grows an inch a month) and has been learning how to do many projects concerning the update/upkeep of a home. (The For Sale sign was officially placed in the yard last week...let's see if it does any good) He also is involved in a number of fund-raisers for his trip to National Fine Arts (you can't see me, but I am doing the "woop woop" arm movement) Miss Acacia has been juggling her 2 jobs and working an average of about 60 hours a week. I think she actually got to the pool for 45 minutes on Saturday. (see...to me, that is so not even worth shaving my legs for) But she did go see Wicked last night...I am so jealous. I would LOVE to see that show. She thought it was wonderful, of course...wonder if I could get her to go with me? (Tim certainly won't because his standards are fair too superior for a musical...he would rather see the inter-galactic fights of men in funny outfits and pointy ears--yeah, so much better *scoff*)

Acacia has also house and dog sat for 2 different people over the last couple of weeks. The first one was for a friend with a small dog...no problem, she had her friend Sophie stay with her and the dog and house were returned to rightful owner with seamless grace. The second assignment I do believe has left a lasting impression. It was for my son and his wife, who have 2 dogs. One is Duke, a lovable affable "dumb-jock" golden retriever. Then there is Baylee, an aggressive Blue Healer who is the smaller of the two-but the leader of the pack nevertheless. They are what Tim and I call our Grand-doggers...sorry, it's all I got, forgive me. Well anyway...Acacia told me after their (Sophie too-what a good friend) first night there...they were both mad at the dogs. Both dogs are allowed to sleep with Jordan and Cassie...so what could possibly stop them from sleeping with Acacia and Sophie? Acacia recounted the fact to me that she believes that her "niece and nephew" conspire with one another (am I really sending this girl to one of the finer universities in the nation?) Apparently after much "planning" Duke licked Acacia's face around 3:30 in the morning, which caused her to bolt upright in bed (truly not a fine way to be awakened). At that point, Baylee placed herself on Acacia's pillow and refused to move. She just kept rolling back and forth begging for her belly to be rubbed. All of this activity I'm sure did not go unnoticed by Sophie, who most likely has forged a contract with Acacia for no more house sitting jobs. Just a few hours later, when both girls had to be at work before 8 am...Sophie was showering, when Duke stuck his head in the curtain and proceeded to try and drink the water. (Hmmm, I wonder if I will ever see Soph around again?) Then yesterday at church Acacia was very angry when she told me that she came home to find that the dogs had eaten 2 pairs of her undies!!!! Of course, these were 2 of her favorites out of the 135 pairs that she owns (you think I'm kidding don't you--I'm not)!!! I love the responsibility that she is learning this summer...I'm almost ready for her to be able to live on her own (minus pets of course...well, maybe a fish)

I promise I shall update again soon...I'm having too much fun with the family not to share it with someone!!!