In the mess we call home, there was an iphone and a starbucks cup and a beanbag with a tired bloodhound pup and there was one teen girl, with wavy curls and two preteens making scenes and a daddy on the computer, a champion “tooter’ and a fight with food – what manners.. how rude! […]
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By: Rosalie Warren,
on 8/1/2012
By: Anne Spollen,
on 9/30/2008
So the other day, I got a good review from my students in a course evaluation, my article got accepted in The Writer Magazine, I sent my second YA in to Flux,the always lovely Marcia Hoehne mentioned me in an I Love Your Blog Award, and my best friend won $1000.00 in a lottery scratch off. It was one of those afternoons when you think how everyone who told you not to:
- have a third child
- leave a good teaching job
- move out of state
or
- write (ever)
was wrong. Really wrong.
I was feeling like I was pretty cool, and I don't feel that way too often since I am solidly middle aged and have been known to wear old maternity pants backwards to run to the store. (When I do this, my kids slink down in the seats as we drive).
Then my kids came home and I was quickly deflated.
First, the boys came home, and asked me why I didn't text them back about a question they had about an afterschool game.
"I never figured out how to text," I confessed.
This caused disbelief, guffaws, and glances of sympathy.
"So, like, how do you talk to anybody?"
"On the phone. Email. In person."
(Poor old thing glances)
"Mom, you don't call a car a horseless carriage, do you?" my oldest boy asked.
"She doesn't have an AIM account either," my middle guy offered (meaning -- she is
as hopeless as they get)
So fine. Leave that stuff to high school kids. Then my daughter's elementary school bus came. I knew I would be redeemed. She gave me the wonderful news that she had a book report due.
Now I, along with six other people on the planet, loved book reports as a child. (This gene is rare; none of my kids inherited it).
"Oh, that's great! Do you want to do a diorama? I have shoe boxes in the basement. Or did she say you could do a timeline? Those are such..."
"Um, Mom," Emma says (patiently, slowly)
"I also have poster board and new acrylic paint...what?" She is trying not to laugh.
"We don't do those now. I have to do a web page for my book, okay?"
"A web page! But you're ten! And you weren't even ten last month!"
"It's okay; I already know how to do it. But you can check my spelling, all right?"
"Oh. Right. Sure."
Sigh.
I always thought it was me who would have to be patient with them.
By: Amanda,
on 3/27/2008
So I may not be the most “qualified” to review this book, besides the fact that I read it. I’m not middle aged, at least I don’t think I am, I suppose I’m even part of the “gimme” generation that the author writes about, though I often feel as if I belong in the middle aged category! My pants and wallet are tight, a baby is on the way, and I’ll be caring for my mother before I know it! Family Squeeze: Tales of Hope and Hilarity for a Sandwiched Generation, written by Phil Callaway was perfect for me, even though I’m only almost 25, rather than almost 45. :-)
The book contains, on a Christian platform, 38 different stories, anecdotes, and tips for surviving this “sandwich” generation of middle age, broken down into chapters. My favorite is chapter 18: I Proposed in a Chain Letter. You’ll have to actually read the book the find out why, but it was so funny! There are also all kinds of quotes, cartoons, and a great introduction that tie in great with the chapters. I laughed so hard while reading this book, but it also makes great points. It may be funny, but there is a seriousness to the whole concept and one that will help me as a “youth” to grow into my own middle age gracefully.
If you are a parent on the verge of taking care of both your children and your own parents or even if you are on the younger side, as I am, you should definitely read this book. It’s a lot of fun and has a great message, all written with our Lord in mind. It really is a heartwarming, lovely book.
By: patrice,
on 10/22/2007
promotional piece
Patrice ~ pencil led
By: patrice,
on 9/20/2007
from A Place in My Heart, QED Publishing
Patrice ~ pencil led
By: patrice,
on 8/30/2007
Donna,
Thanks for opening up your home to us. It was real and humorous too. It was also comforting to see that you made time for prayer. I enjoyed it and I think Margaret Wise Brown would have too.
Love it! I hope you slept we’ll sweetheart and I love you!
I’m offended.
heehee! Thank you, Mama. I love you, too!
Love you, Pookie Bear!
Thank you, Linda!
cute and very visual!
You always make me smile! And it’s from ear to ear today! Love you!