National Honor Society & The Japan Report

This morning at 6:45am the induction ceremony for the National Honor Society at West Salem High School took place.
#6, Caroline, was on the list of inductees.
I was ready to get up early and attend, but she didn't want to go.
She said she rather sleep in.
I will admit I was not too disappointed.

I have attend National Honor Society ceremonies for some of my older kids.
While theya ceremony is a proud moment for a parent,
they are a bit dull.

I sometimes wonder if having 8 kids and experiencing the same events multiple times makes me a less than enthusiastic mom.
I try to be equally excited for each of the kids activities as if it was my first time.
But It's not always easy.

I have been to 8 States Fair,
helped with 8 World Projects,
assisted on numerous art projects,
and helped with countless gereral homework assignments.
Often times, I am embarrassed to admit, with less enthusiasm than my child deserved.
I know I have hit the 100+ count when it comes to choir concerts.
http://jbrownflash.blogspot.com/2007/12/79-and-counting.html
http://jbrownflash.blogspot.com/2009/01/79-and-climbing.html

I remember all the States Project & Fair each child presented in 5th grade complete with a relief map molded from homemade clay.
Most of the kids were assigned the State of Kansas for their project making for a very simple relief map. One child was assigned the State of Oregon. That was a bit more challenging and more time consuming, but I liked the change of pace.

By the time 7th grade rolls around the project moves from the United States to the World and a student is assigned a Country.

I always make sure the kids do their own research, typing, design, and layout.
However, It's generally been my role to help with the art work on the tri-fold display board.
Last night, together with my youngest daughter, we completed my final 7th Grade Country Project. My job was to draw a Bonsai Tree or a Japanese Castle.
I opted for the Tree!

I know I am fairly creative.
I am good with a camera.
I can sew, quilt, and tailor about anything.
I can weave baskets, engrave, and I even dabble in scrap metal projects.
But I'm far from considering myself an artist.
My mom is the artist in our family.
A number of my kids are exceptionally gifted when it comes to drawing as well.
I attribute their giftedness and talent to my mom's early instruction and encouragement.
In fact, I don't know why my daughter didn't draw her own Bonsai tree.
I think she could have done a better job than me.


She often leaves me small hand drawn pictures on my write and wipe note pad that hangs on my frig.
But I wanted her to focus on the knowledge part.
So while she researched and typed, I drew.
I think the project turned out well and I look forward to hearing how her presentation goes.

As my kids grow and make their way through school,
I don't think I will miss homework.
I know I won't miss trying to help with math assignments,
but I will miss working together with them on projects like this.






Steppin' out with DWNTWN
DWNTWNimages.me

Vision & Seeing

I went to the eye doctor today.
I hadn't been to an opthamologist since 2005 when I lived in Nebraska.
I could tell my vision had been slipping the past few years.
I guessed it was mostly due to getting older,
after all I am 50 now.
Regardless of my age, I think I still see quite well with my contacts.
Or at least I did.

The other night I lost my left contact lens.
I had a back up, but it was an old one and now my vision is compromised.
So no more procrastination for me.
I made an appointment and spent the past 2 hours it takes to get fully examined, dialate, measure, test, and re-exam my eyes.

I was right.
My eyes have gotten worse.
I didn't expect a miracle, such as...
Wow!  You're vision has imporved!
Nor did I expect a GOOD report like hearing,
Hey, No change in your vision.

But really?  Its has to be worse?
I learned today that I have a small cataract developing in my left eye.
Wonderful!
I thought cataracts were for old people.
Today isn't making me feel any younger.
But all I can do is embrace getting older.
It is better than being dead.
Or at least that is the spin I am putting on this news.

I don't feel old enough to have a cataract.
For Pete's Sake!... I still remember my first trip the the eye doctor.
When I was in grade school I always preferred to sit in the front row.  
When my teacher moved me to the back row,
I couldn't read the blackboard.
That was about the same time the elementary school health screenings van rolled around.
Remember the mobile trailer that came around to the schools and shuffled kids through checking weight, height, hearing, and vision? 
I was in the 3rd grade when they quickly determined that I should see an eye doctor.

I remember where the doctor's office was located, the exam, choosing my first pair of glasses,
but I can't remember the doctor's name.
Wait...
They guy who fitted my first pair of glasses was Laham, Bob It think.
That's not the doctor, but the guy who sold us my glasses.
(Okay, so I still have my memory, or at least bits of it.)

The most vivid memory I have is the drive home with my new eyewear.
I remember being absolutely amazed that trees had leaves!
 That grass was made of individual blades,
and flowers had very distinctive leaves, stems, and flower petals.

I think this is why I love photography so much now.
I can see and capture such detail in macro,
as well as capture details in landscapes.

I love seeing. 
I watching my family grow, laugh & love.
And I especially enjoy capturing moments with them on camera.
I do love photography and seeing through the lens of my camera.
I don't want to lose my vision or ability to enjoy photography.
I might not exercise as much as I should.
I don't always eat as healthy as I could.
But one thing is for sure,
I won't compromise my eye sight.

I have a new type of contact lens on order that should help me see more clearly.
They aren't cheap.
Contacts for someone like me who is terribly nearsighted,
has about the worst astigmatism possible,
and also needs bifocals is expensive.

But in 10 days I should see marked improvement in my vision.
I hope!




Steppin' out with DWNTWN
DWNTWNimages.me

16th birthdays and Lindsey's Dream

Just 10 short days ago Lindsey, #4, turned 23.  

Most of you know she has been in the process of moving to San Francisco.

http://steppinoutwithdwntwn.blogspot.com/2011/02/families-in-transition.html

Today, she is leaving Oregon 

and on her way to California.

It is exciting and sad all at the same time.

The excitement comes from knowing she is embarking on an adventure that will fulfill a dream.

The sadness comes from knowing we won't see her as often. 

At age 16 Lindsey walked into the Apple Store in San Francisco and said, 

"Mom, someday I am going to live here and work at Apple."  

I should begin by explaining how we, mother and daughter, ended up in San Francisco.

It was a dream of mine to take each child on a trip,
just 1 child & 1 parent, together
yet apart from all the other siblings and chaos of our busy household.
My vision was two fold:
1- to experience a big city, various cultures, mass transit, and something,
anything,
than the limitations of small town life.
Not to say that small town life isn't wonderful, it is.
But we live in a big world that is getting smaller everyday.
My job as a parent is to prepare my children for living in the world,
not just a very small part of the world they grew up in.
2- to connect with each other in a more adult way.
The teen years leading up to 16 & 17 seem to be the most difficult between parent and child.
Getting away for some one-on-one time when the relationship could be tenuous seemed like a good idea.
And with 6 of the 8 16th birthday trips down, I have to say my idea was a good one.

As chance would have it each of the girls (4 so far) have experienced San Francisco for their 16th birthday trip.  And that is how I ended up in San Francisco 7 years ago with Lindsey.

I don't think I will ever get used to watching my kids leave home.  

Good byes are never much fun, but 

I am pretty good at holding it together during good-byes. 

I typically break down once the car, plane, or train has gone from view.  

I don't know why I feel like I have to hold it together, or be strong.

I don't know why I fight back the tears.

My dad openly cried each time I had to leave even if it was only for a week or so.

I never minded his tears.

In fact, I loved him all the more because of his ability to cry with and for me.

I think it is something about being the mom...

If I cry, or worse, completely break down and sob, 

my kids might try to comfort me. 

I am supposed to be the one to comfort them, 

support them, let them know everything will be okay.

Its hard to do that through heavy tears.

I don't want them to know the worry, the fear, or the sadness I hold in my heart.

So I fight back the tears.

I suppose this might be why my mom held back tears too.

Regardless, I am confident that my daughter has made the best decision she can for herself at this time.  

We have raised her to be self sufficient and resilient.  

It is time for her to live her dreams. 

And it is exciting!

God Speed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INg5PpVzj10&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Steppin' out with DWNTWN
DWNTWNimages.me