It's Not Whether You Win or Lose...

I'm getting old.

Lately, I'm starting more and more sentences with "When I was a kid..." or "When I was your age...". I find it happens often when discussing sports.

Now, lest you think I make a habit of discussing sports, I don't. But the value of team sports and other team co-curriculars for kids has always been, in my opinion, underestimated. Cooperation is a part of life, and the sooner one learns the importance of interdependence, the smoother things will go for them.

Competition is a part of life too, although education systems over the past couple of decades have done their best to devalue this part of life. Rather than teaching children how to win and lose gracefully while respecting the work done on both sides, schools seem more concerned with not damaging the "fragile self-esteem" of the children. While I certainly want good educators to help build my child's self-esteem, I think it's absurd to teach them that competition is bad. In any sport, any activity, any task in life, there will always be those more or less competent than you. More or less lucky than you. More or less efficient than you.

You either learn to deal with it or you don't.

Which means you either become a gracious winner AND loser or you run the risk of becoming negative, bitter or arrogant, not having learned how to do either very well at all.

Andre Dawson was a great baseball player who was recently inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He learned as a child and throughout his career to be a gracious winner AND loser.

Being a professional baseball player for him wasn't as much about the notoriety, insane salaries or being on a World Series-bound team every year. It was about playing for the love of the game. It's reported that when Dawson's contract was up in Montreal, he wanted to play for one team and one team only. He sent a blank, signed contract to the manager of the Chicago Cubs. Dawson told them he didn't care what number showed up in the salary line, his blood ran Cubbie Blue.

If you follow professional baseball to any degree (or even if you don't, for that matter), you probably know that the Chicago Cubs aren't exactly known for being the winning team every year. Dawson didn't care. He knew that there was more to life than winning baseball games. He loved the sport and loved the Cubs. A living example of doing what you love and loving what you do.

Pretty good lesson, if you ask me.

My friend Stephanie is a lifelong, dyed-in-the-wool Chicago Cubs fan. She's learned a lot from Andre Dawson. You can read her thoughts here.

It's nice that in the craziness of self-esteem issues, steroid use and salary insanity, we have a few shining examples out there. Those who know that HOW you play the game determines how well you win or lose.

Love life, and it will love you back.

In Flanders Fields...

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." --John F. Kennedy

Each Memorial Day weekend, for more than ten years, we've traveled to Northern Wisconsin to visit my Gram. Each year, the time we spend with her is more and more precious. While we're up there, we try to go to the cemetery to visit the graves of my Grandpa (Papa) and Uncle, as well as other family members. It's always a sobering sight, because, being Memorial Day Weekend the local Boy and Girl Scouts typically place flags at the graves of all who have served their country.

Someone once asked if I would be upset if one of my boys wants to join the military when they are of age. Certainly, my mother's heart would be terrified. But upset? No. I would be proud if they choose to serve their country in such an honorable way.

I'm very open about growing up in a military family. While we are especially blessed that my father never had to serve in a combat zone, I nonetheless am extremely proud that my parents raised me to respect military men and women. I'm proud to be an American, proud of our military and our soldiers who serve, and deeply humbled that so many have given their lives to defend our way of life.

And so today, the Diva Family honors and thanks our fallen heroes. Rest in peace, loyal soldiers.

"Memorial Day"

The bugle echoes shrill and sweet,
But not of war it sings to-day.
The road is rhythmic with the feet
Of men-at-arms who come to pray.

The roses blossom white and red
On tombs where weary soldiers lie;
Flags wave above the honored dead
And martial music cleaves the sky.

Above their wreath-strewn graves we kneel,
They kept the faith and fought the fight.
Through flying lead and crimson steel
They plunged for Freedom and the Right.

May we, their grateful children, learn
Their strength, who lie beneath this sod,
Who went through fire and death to earn
At last the accolade of God.

In shining rank on rank arrayed
They march, the legions of the Lord;
He is their Captain unafraid,
The Prince of Peace...Who brought a sword.

--Joyce Kilmer

Sunday Selah

While praying and thinking today about He who made the ultimate sacrifice for all of humankind, pray too for the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of our country.



Then go check out The Pioneer Woman's Photo page and be touched by her "Coming Home" photos, especially remembering those who didn't.

Once a Band Geek...

I am a band geek.

I'd like to be able to tell you a story about how I started playing the oboe in 4th grade band and it was love at first note. I'd love to be able to tell you how I practiced every day and worked my way up from last chair to section leader, how I took private lessons and my teacher was so impressed that she invited me to join the honor band and by the time I graduated from high school, I'd earned a full scholarship to Julliard.

My real story is a bit less dramatic.It all began when I was in 8th grade. The band parents organization from the Catholic high school I was going to be attending came to do recruitment at our school. The band had been selected to march in the Orange Bowl Parade in Florida. The parents showed a video of the band and talked about how much fun it would be to represent our school and our state in the parade.

I was hooked. I wanted to go to Florida. There was just one little problem.

I didn't play oboe. Or trumpet. Or any other wind or percussion instrument. **And for those of you who suggest color guard? There's a reason my parents didn't name me Grace.**

I played the piano. Which, even if you're not a band geek, you'll probably understand when I tell you how difficult it is to play a piano in a MARCHING band.

No problem, said the band director. She can play the cymbals! And so I did, thus beginning my foray into the world of percussion, and my life's journey as a band geek was begun.

I stuck with it for four years in high school, having what I still regard as some of the best experiences of my life, and making dear friends. Then I chose to major in music in college, continuing with incredible experiences and friendships. After college I directed a high school program for five years, then moved on to a different career. Although I'm not directly involved with bands anymore, I'm still a band geek at heart.

As a student, director and volunteer (and later full-time staff member), I encountered an organization now called Music for All. While it's been through a few iterations of the name (Marching Bands of America became Bands of America, which became Music for All), their purpose has remained the same: To Provide Positively Life-Changing Experiences. Founded in 1975, They do this with a VERY small professional staff and a nationwide cadre of volunteers. The core of their management have been with the organization for many years. It is a group of people who are PASSIONATE about what they do, and more importantly, never forget for whom they do it...the band (and color guard and orchestra) geeks of the world.

You can check MFA out here. Go now. Be sure to come back though, as I have a favor to ask!

(quiet humming...)

OK, so in this season of giving, Chase Bank has decided to donate $5M to worth charities, and Facebook fans get to help decide who should get the money. You guessed it, MFA is one of the candidates. If you're on Facebook, won't you please take a moment to vote for them? It's very easy...just click on the button below.

We band geeks have to stick together, you know!

Music Monday

It's that time again! Hum a tune, sing a song, flip on the radio, because it's Music Monday!

A local radio station has jumped the gun a bit. While it may seem odd, seeing as how just last week I commented how I was ready for Christmas decorating, but I do have a problem with radio stations switching to their "All Christmas, All the Time" format two weeks before Thanksgiving!

While there isn't exactly a plethora of Thanksgiving music, there is a lovely old hymn that is one of gathering to give thanks. Enjoy this version by Celtic Woman.

Many Thanks

(image courtesy of mediabistro.net)

I'm proud to say that I'm an Air Force brat. My dad served his country for twenty years. That experience gives me empathy for all those who grow up in military families. When mom or dad serves, the whole family serves.

It also gives me a strong sense of patriotism. Today we honor all of the men and women who have served and continue to serve in defense of our country. Whether in wartime or peacetime, at home or abroad, we thank you.

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ~Cynthia Ozick

When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them. ~Chinese Proverb

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. ~Elmer Davis

I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot. ~Gary Hart

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

Thanks to all veterans, and especially to my favorite veteran of all...

Girls Night Out

I'm beginning to think I might have to go buy a lottery ticket or something, because apparently, I'm having a very lucky go-round with some of the bloggy giveaways that have been happening! :)

The other day I wrote about winning the Chocolate Package from Debi at YaYa Chique. I was so excited and can't wait to get it!

Then last night, I found out that I won Denise's Fourth Day of Christmas Giveaway! She'll be sending me a lovely Girls Night Out basket with a "Sex and the City" theme. Since I haven't seen the movie and I love a good Cosmo, I can't wait to get it!

Denise's description is as follows: "The basket includes the Sex in the City wide screen DVD, a bottle of non alcoholic Cosmo mix. Its strictly BYOV (vodka) here. Orange is not my color! Also included are 2 heavy polycarbonate martini glasses so you can watch and drink with your BFF. (Polycarbonate sounds much sturdier than plastic) While you're watching and sipping you can also nibble on--chocolate that is! Get your mind out of the gutter! Six Ghirardelli chocolate squares are included. And let's not forget the basket!"

Girly things are so much fun for me because, well, I'm a girl, yes, but have I mentioned lately how OUTNUMBERED I am in my home? That's why we got a girly dog, remember!

So many bloggers are doing fun giveaways and I wanted to give a little plug for my bloggy friend Jenners. Remember, she of the Starbucks-winning "Life With a Little One and More"? Well, her Hubby is sort of getting the gist of the bloggy world, and Jenners is giving away a $20 Target Gift Card. Who doesn't love Target?! You can just comment and get an entry, but you absolutely MUST try her children's books quiz, as you have the chance for even more entries!

Have fun, and celebrate this season of giving (and remember the Greatest Gift of All!)

Nice List

Well, I survived the big weekend at Diva U. I've been there for almost 10 years, and this is my 19th Commencement Weekend. My feet are killing me...

But I must've really been good this year, because when I got home yesterday, my Secret Santa had dropped off an early Christmas package! I participated in Georgie and Amy's Secret Santa Soiree this year, and had a blast putting together my package to send off.

While I'm not positive who had my name, I've got a sneaky suspicion because of the return address. :) Whoever was my Secret Santa did a great job!

When I opened the box, I found these fabulous gift bags...

And when I opened the gift bags, I found these cool metal star ornaments, soy candle and beautiful handmade scarf...

and these fun fuzzy pink socks, Lindor Truffles and tasty (if you're a dog) Heart Treats (see below)...

And if those weren't sweet enough, Secret Santa included gifts for The Manimal and Sweet Son #1...and Princess Poopy Puppy received a gift from the Pug Princes!

I'd've taken a picture of Princess and her Heart Shaped Liver treats, but she devours them so quickly, there was no point! :)

There were a few other wonderful little gifts, like Burt's Bees Lip Balm, fun snowman tissues, Starbuck's Gift Cards (woo-hoo!), and some tasty Buckeye candies, which, sadly, Diva Husband enjoyed all too well. My Secret Santa even thought to get me candy from my home state! :) How cool is that?!

So, Secret Santa, whomever you are, thank you SO much! And Georgie and Amy, count me in for next year! For the rest of you, make sure YOU'RE on the nice list so Santa's good to you too! :)

Stay tuned tomorrow for The Manimal's Christmas Wish. It's gonna be some good clean (well, maybe not clean) fun!

Oh What Joy and What Surprise!

No, I didn't get my hippopotamus for Christmas, but I did get a surprise in the mail yesterday!

I participated in a bit of holiday cheer this year with Abbily Ever After's Secret Ornament Swap and yesterday when I got home there was a package for me! Barbara from Panhandle Sue's Quilting Spot sent me a lovely angel ornament.

And she didn't even know that I used to collect angels! But that wasn't all! She included a bunch of little goodies, including a lovely cross necklace, some pretty smelling soaps, and sweet little Mary Engelbreit (another of my favorite things!) notecards.
I'm so impressed that she knew exactly what I liked! Thank you so much to Julie for organizing the Swap and to Barbara for my gift package!

Ho, Ho, Ho!

This is the song that never ends...

And a great big hearty "you're welcome" for putting that song into your heads this Monday morning!

Just a few things that never seem to end...

This nasty cold. Thanks to The Manimal, we're now on Round 2!

Turkey. Nuff said.

The 300th Post! Who knew that a 300th post extravaganza held over Thanksgiving would be such craziness?! That being said, let's recap the winners of our Fabulous 300th Post Giveaways!

Original Lava Lamp Party Kit Monday: Miss Cindy Fig--still haven't received your addy, girlfriend, so zip me an email!

Sandra Lee-d Ornament Tuesday: A big Woo-Hoo to Tommie--another addy missing, btw!

Starbucks Love Wednesday: Yay for Jenners--headed your way today, lady!

Thanksgiving Thursday: Georgie is getting this one--headed out today too!

And...drum roll please! For Fabulous 300th Post Friday (which didn't happen until Saturday, but oh well): Sweet Sandra from Add Humor & Faith! Send me your addy, Miss Sandra and I'll send you that $25 Target Gift Card.

I've mentioned before that I love to give presents, and it seems so appropriate to add a bonus to this week of giveaways. Soooo...I took the names of all of my wonderful readers who entered but didn't win, assigned numbers to them, and let my randomizer go to work!

Congrats to Suburban Prep! Send me your addy and I'll send off your special Fabulous 300th Post Gift!

Thanks to all who participated in my week of giveaways! Hard to believe that I've hit that magic number of 300. As Jenners commented, if I were a TV show, I'd be in syndication by now! :)

Thankful Memories

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." Albert Schweitzer

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." Cicero

"Every good gift and every perfect giftis from above..." James 1:17 KJV

Today, most of us are probably enjoying time and a meal with family and friends. Some will watch football, parades, holiday movies and the like.

I, for one, am grateful to God.

For friends, for family, for love, for life.

Today's 300th Post Giveaway celebrates gratitude. It is two parts--one is a lovely journal. Yes, an actual pen and paper journal. Odd, I know, but there is still something about physically WRITING one's thoughts. The second part is a long-lost art as well--stationery. Specifically, some beautiful thank you notes from English Tea Paperie. I won them in a silent auction we had, and I already have loads of Chloe's stationery, so I thought I'd include these in our giveaway.

Leave a comment telling what YOU are grateful for! Today's giveaway will merge into tomorrow's, and we'll be picking TWO winners after midnight on Friday!

I'm grateful for you, all of my bloggy friends! Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank You

Last weekend the boys and I went to Wal-Mart. Outside, a few VFW men were selling Buddy Poppies, and we purchased a couple of them. They are a sweet little reminder of the sacrifices made by so many.

In Flander's Field (Col. John McCrae)

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky,

The larks, still bravely singing, fly,

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead.

Short days ago,

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved and now we lie,

In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe

To you, from failing hands, we throw,

The torch, be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us, who die,

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,

In Flanders Fields.

Election Day

I've worked to avoid seriously discussing politics over the past several months. But now that the election is upon us, I wanted to share this video, which exemplifies one of the reasons I will cast my vote for the McCain/Palin ticket. Please watch all the way to the end. Block out the political message if you must, but watch it to the end. Regardless of your vote, it's pretty near impossible not to be touched by this veteran's sacrifice.

I will not discuss my political leanings on this blog, so if you are thinking of leaving a comment to incite discussion, fuhgettaboutit!

Go vote.

And in the immortal words of Miranda ("The Devil Wears Prada")...

That is all.

Look at Me Now!

Recently I was very excited to find out that I was the winner in Shane's giveaway. I won a new premade look for my "Enthusiastically ElleBee" blog!

Judi, from Doodlebug Designs was so sweet to work with, and I love the final look of the blog. If you haven't already moseyed over to my other little corner of the blogosphere, check it out, and be sure to check out Doodlebug Designs if you're in need of some new bloggy clothes!

Never Forget

As I was dropping Sweet Son #1 off at school this morning, we passed by the flagpole at half mast. I asked him if he knew why it was at half mast today.

"Because somebody important died?"

Yes, baby. Many, many somebodies.

Pie Jesu, dona eis requiem sempiternam.

Merciful Jesus, grant them everlasting rest.

Rose Colored (and Raspberry-Scented) Glasses

I've noted before that our church is involved in New Life for Haiti, a mission organization. Our focus is the village of Marfranc, which is on the southern peninsula of Haiti, in the Grande Anse River Valley. Although I've not had the privilege of being on one of the work teams (yet!), I (and many of our community member) feel a strong connection and pull to bring God's love to these beautiful people.

If you've followed news over the past several months, you've probably heard stories about the devastating economic conditions of Haiti. The poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the average family income is $300 (USD). Rice, which is normally a staple of the Haitian diet, has become so expensive, that many Haitians have taken to creating "dirt cookies", where they mix mud and let it dry in the sun. Evidently, there is some minimal level of nourishment in the dirt, which quells the hunger for a brief period of time.

I mention all of this because I came across a post on another blog that spoke to my heart. We in the USA are in the midst of serious economic issues. Food and gas prices are through the roof, home values are plummeting. And yet, in the midst of it all, most of us can still afford to put food on the table every night, and take a raspberry-scented shower...

"Well, I thought it was my imagination... I opened my new pack of ladies disposable razors before getting in the shower the other day, and could have sworn I smelled raspberries.
"Nah," I thought, but put the handle under my nose and drew a deep sniff anyway. Sure enough, it was coming from my razor handle. It smelled like raspberries.
Not real, fresh, edible raspberries; more like something scented like raspberries that has no business being scented like fruit at all- like Play-doh, or markers, or nail polish. More like a cross between rubber, paint, and raspberries. With wax mixed in.

I grabbed the package in confused astonishment and search for an explanation. I looked at the front, I saw nothing. I looked at the back- nothing. Just:
"Triple blade comfort."
"Aloe and vitamin E."
"Soft feel grip."
Then, in the corner where I had ripped the package open, as if put there as an after thought, it read: "New berry scent."

Now I've seen everything.

Apparently, Bic thought my bathroom needed yet one more smell. All the shampoos, all the conditioners, all the shower soaps, hand soaps and mousses and hair sprays- it just wasn't enough, you know?

It wasn't enough even when added to my deodorant and body lotion. And toothpaste. And all other manner of scents I layer on daily just in the process of normal hygiene. No. My razor handle should be -must be- scented as well. Because they are not in the business of selling a good shave anymore. They are in the business of selling a good shaving experience.

One razor company actually advertises that we should use their brand razor to "release our inner goddess."

Come on.

Sometimes a razor is just a razor. Or at least it should be.

All of this is right on the heels of the National Day of Prayer; traditionally for me the one time of year where I am quite sure the end must be near. I may not think of end-times all year long, but when it comes to this one day set aside to pray for our country and it's leaders, I get confused as to which direction I should pray.

I am caught between asking God to heal our nation and asking Him to "bring it on and Jesus come quickly." Grim, huh? I thought this blog was called "The Beauty of it All," Suzanne.
Yes, I know, but indulge me this one dark and gloomy post, if you please. You see, as I roll up my sleeves to plan out my children's curriculum for the coming year, I usually ask myself these two questions:

What would I teach my children if I didn't have to worry about reporting to the state? and
What would I teach them if I only had one year left with them?

These two questions serve to bring me back to what's most important, to simplify everything and to calm my concerns that I might not have the right grammar program or something.
This was combined with a disturbing piece of reporting I caught on the world food crisis- did you know we are having one? You might not, because America is busy following the democratic primary race and scenting razor handles.

But apparently, Haitians are eating dirt- and have been for a while. So long, in fact, that I'm not sure they're even complaining about it. I almost cried.

But even after the sobering report, the pundits went right back to their usual speculation about whether or not we will really enter an economic recession. I just sat there thinking, "It's Rome all over again."

You see, I would rather the best and brightest minds got together and found an alternative to foreign oil, rather than just try to out-do one another in disposable razor sales. But they can't, because our nation is drunk on it's own prosperity, to the point that's it's unaware of it's bankruptcy.

Don't get me wrong- I'm no stoic. I like a good chocolate bar and a long, hot shower just as much as the next person.

But I don't think I'll be having that great, shaving experience hoped for by my razor company. That raspberryish scent will remind me that someone, somewhere, is eating dirt. And I will wonder how we will avoid fainting should a day of adversity ever come to us."

Amen.

Thank You

It's not about politics.

It's about service and sacrifice.

It's about gratitude.



Visit The Gratitude Campaign.

More Randomness

At the risk of jinxing things, I have to say that the weather here has been absolutely SPECTACULAR! Of course, the warmer weather brings with it a few *interesting* occurrences.

After having spent nearly every waking moment outside yesterday, The Manimal decided that a moonlight run was in order. He escaped out the patio door (the only door in the house NOT yet childproofed), clad only in a diaper, and began his laps around our large back patio.

Sweet Son #1 has apiphobia. For those of you who are as unfamiliar with that word as I was, basically, he's afraid of bees. He was stung mildly two summers ago, and now he nearly goes into hysterics whenever he sees (or thinks he sees, or thinks he MIGHT see) one. Yesterday it was the latter. I tried, without success, to assure him that it was way too early for bees, but he'd have none of it. Consequently, he spent the better part of a gorgeous afternoon INSIDE!

Unrelated to the weather, we are busy preparing for our houseguest. We're not sure when exactly he will arrive, but there are plans to be made, people! And banana bread, of course! He'll be sharing a room with The Manimal. Heaven help him! :)

On the way home from school last week, Sweet Son #1 and The Manimal were having a (fairly one-sided) conversation about kings. SS#1 said "Do you know who the real king is? Jesus!" My heart just melted.

I may be late to the dinner party here, but do you know about the no-boil lasagne noodles they have nowadays? Oh.My.Goodness. Never again will I boil a lasagne noodle!

SS#1 taught The Manimal a new phrase. "You're a psycho." Oh, joy.

I convinced Husband that we should stop buying bottled water and invest in a filter. This may not seem like a big accomplishment to some of you, but trust me, it is.

I'm trying (without much success) to stop drinking Diet Coke. Much more difficult than I anticipated.

Well, that's all the randomness for now. Hope the weather is great where you are! :)

Sometimes I Just Need To Remember...

My favorite hymn is "Amazing Grace". Penned by John Newton in the eighteenth century, the lyrics are a prayer of their own. Rarely are all verses sung, and there are variations on many. Here are my favorites:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The world shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun refuse to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

***

"Grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us more–no amount of spiritual calisthenics and renunciations, no amount of knowledge gained from seminaries, no amount of crusading on behalf of righteous causes. And grace means there is nothing we can do to make God love us less..Grace means that God already loves us as much as an infinite God can possibly love."

(What's So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey)

***

...that I am truly in control of nothing. Only He has complete control.

You Look Mah-ve-lous!

So how do you like it? I absolutely love my new look, but I can take absolutely no credit for this fab new look. It's all due to the artistic abilities of the mah-ve-lous, creative, preppy Lisagh, a Diva herself! Kiss-kiss, dearie, and thanks ever so much!

Cheers!