My Boyfriend's Back...

I went with Eli's class on a picnic in the park today. I've got two words for my son.
Chick. Magnet. During lunch he was surrounded by a table full of girls. I counted them. There were nine. Conversations ranged from , "Eli, remember, we're going to play together after lunch." to "Eli, don't forget, I'm your partner in the relay race." to my personal favorite from Eli's gal-pal Evelyn. "Mrs. Sorensen, Eli is my best boyfriend. We never fight. Ever. We could practically get married since we never fight. Ever." All in good fun, but it gets even better. I notice that during lunch, people keep bringing Eli treats. Jenny gives him an Airhead. Adri gives him an extra juice box she brought, 'just for him.' Not to be outdone, Evelyn reminds me that 'Yesterday I brought an extra juice box for Eli. He is my best boyfriend." There are Ding Dongs from Marley, an offer of Cheetos from Kate, which he politely declined, and a delightful bagel with Nutella, which he also politely declined. I'm not sure if he's running some type of illegal lunch-time-snack-scam, or if they are literally trying to impress him, but it was quite comical to watch. If it's like this at 8, what will it be like when he's sixteen? I can't even begin to imagine!

"There's No Business Like Show Business"

Last night we took Eli to see a local stage production of SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. When he was four our family went to see it at The Playmill in West Yellowstone. His only memories of that particular show were a few guys and girls singing on stage, 'Heidi's Famous Fudge', and the bat we found outside our hotel room. Suffice it to say, he was actually looking forward to the show this time. For your reading pleasure, here is an "After-the-show" closing night review, compliments of Eli, almost 8 now, and preparing to become a seasoned theater critic.

'"The theater was really cold. Next time I will wear pants, not shorts."

"I'm glad they had popcorn but it made me thirsty." (Think: "if you give a boy popcorn, then you will have to buy him root beer, then he will have to use the bathroom," etc.)

"I didn't really get some of the 'love stuff', but I am so okay with that. ICK!"

"The fight scenes were pretty good, but they could have used a little more violence."

"I laughed really hard when they boys were chasing the girls and trying to hide them and one of the girls rolled over on the floor and you could see her bloomers under the dress. That was SOOOO funny!"

"Why was a woman playing a man? Even with the fake beard I still knew she was a man!" (For those of you who are familiar with SNL skits, I told my friends who were with us, this particular character must've gone by 'PAT')

"I like some of the songs in this show, especially the ones where the men sing. I do not like the songs about love. ICK!"

"I like when they came up the aisle in the audience with guns, but they should've done some shooting with those guns. Even if they were just props."

"The avalanche scene was too fake for me. They should work on that for next time."

"I'm glad they didn't use a real baby. It probably would've been screaming the whole time."

"Too much kissing!"

"I would like to see the movie to make a 'comparison' of both shows."

There you have it. SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS through the eyes of Eli. He gave it 'two thumbs' up right before he drifted off to sleep. For the record, I have to agree with everything he said. He was right on the money. I hope he can be this objective when he reviews my production of ANNIE in one month. Maybe I should start buttering him up now with lots of popcorn and root beer!

"Meat" Me Halfway

I just got back from a pre-birthday lunch with a friend. We went to Sizzler. We wanted to have the salad bar. The lady helping us at the cash register was not very friendly. While we were ordering our drinks and waiting to pay, the man behind us asked the crabby cash register girl to describe the 'bistro sandwich.' She kind of growled at him and said, "I'm a vegetarian. I don't eat meat. I've never tasted meat. I have no idea what the bistro sandwich would taste like. You'll have to ask the other girl at the other register." And then, to finish off this lovely conversation, she concludes with, "You're probably wondering why a vegetarian is working in a steak house. Well, I don't even know the answer to that myself!" Go figure. I'm still speechless. And also meat-less, since I really only did eat the salad bar. And no ice cream!

Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone...

...and now that's she's gone, she has taken her sunshine with her.


Cassidy left for college on Monday. Today is Wednesday. I have been composing this blog in my head for months now. Wondering what to say. Dreading the day I would actually have to say these two words. "She's gone." Some days I wonder, 'tell me, how am I supposed to breathe with no air, no air, no air?' My throat closes up every time I allow myself to think what it is going to be like for her not to be here. With me. Telling me her secrets. Laughing about Gilmore Girls and random Lorelai-ism's. Sharing her 'Stella-Fashion-Sense.' Reminding me that David Archuleta WILL be my future son-in-law. I miss more laughing. More secrets. That certain tone in her voice when a 'special' someone calls on the phone. And there are several. Special someone's. I miss her purse on the counter, and her shoes in the doorway, and her books spread randomly in every room of the house. I miss her early morning bathroom mess and the scent of her perfume. I miss her 'goodnight, mom, I love you.' I. Miss. Her. So. Much. 'I try to say goodbye and I choke. Try to walk away and I stumble. Though I try to hide it, it's clear, my world crumbles when you are not near.' Saying goodbye to one girl was hard enough. Saying goodbye to both of them is even harder. From the moment I first held each of them in my arms I knew that this day would come. I never expected it to come so soon. The day when there were no more girls in my house. Texas is so far away. Eighteen months (now only 15!) seems like an eternity. The distance from our driveway to Cassidy's apartment is only 25 minutes. And yet, it, too, seems like an eternity. Evan and Jaron give meaning to my feelings every time they sing, 'I can't take the distance. I can't take the miles. I can't take the time until I next see you smile." I miss their smiles. Both of them. I also want the best for my girls. Higher education. Adventures and world travel. Old friends and new. Broken hearts and dreams fulfilled. Husbands and families. Happiness to 'eternity and beyond.' All in due time. Allowing them to experience life involves letting them go. In the spirit of 'chin up' and 'things will only get better' and the obvious, 'it will be such a great experience for her (them, as in Whitney, too) I will share with you what "I know, I know, I know..."

***I know that Cassidy will be fabulous in college. After spending the day with her on Monday, it is evident that her 'gift' of making friends will serve her well. She includes anyone and everyone in her sunshine. Even if you only meet her for a brief moment, you will know that she is someone special, and she makes you feel even more special. It won't be long before the door to our house will open once again, with old friends and new acquaintances gracing our home with their smiles and laughter. All because Cassidy Shares. Her. Sunshine.

***I know that Cassidy will be an impressive student. She will study hard, do her best, and take advantage of all the learning possibilities that are now available to her. She is like a sponge. She's ready to live. She's ready to dream. She will absorb anything and everything that will bring her even closer to the divine potential that is within her. She's got hope.

***I know that she knows that her redeemer lives. I have watched her spiritually mature over the years into a wise and willing servant of her Heavenly Father. She knows that He loves her. She listens when He speaks to her. She obeys. He has great promises in store for her. She is preparing now for a marvelous and wonderful future. Her path is straight. Her feet are solid. She will always be there when He says, "Come, Follow Me." I am greatly blessed. I know that she knows.

As the days go on, my tears and no-breathing will start to subside. Knowing how happy and busy she is, I am thankful everyday she is where she wants to be, doing what she want to be doing...

'Cause now she's ready, yeah, she's ready, yeah she's ready to be 'extraordinary.'

p.s. Lest I have made this blog too sentimental, I have hidden different song titles and lyrics within my words. Find the most; win a prize. A special cd burned just for YOU. Full of great 'goodbye' songs to make you cry. Make a comment on my blog to play along, or e-mail me with your guesses. write2missjoy@hotmail.com Have fun! And remember to promise me that sometimes, you will think of me.

"I Know, You Know"

Here is something that is really bugging me. A. Lot. I love PSYCH. I love Shawn. I love Gus. I love Lassie and Juliet and Shawn's dad. My greatest humorous moments each week come from watching these 'psychic' detectives solve random crimes and mysteries. I have nicknamed Shawn the "Lorelai Gilmore of Detectives" because, he, too, has the gift of witty reparte, never-ending pop culture references, and a quirky fashion style that I enjoy. A. Lot. HOWEVER, here's my gripe. I also love the theme song. A. Lot. I want it for my ringtone. I want it on my i-pod. I want it. Bad. In a Michael Jackson way Bad. Here's the glitch. It's written by the one of the writers on the show and performed by his band, "The Friendly Indians." It's also not available. It hasn't been released AT THIS TIME! Why, exactly, is that? And don't you find it kind of an oxymoron to be in a group named "The Friendly Indians" when you aren't even friendly enough to release your really cool song? I'm just wondering. In the meantime, enjoy the lyrics. I'm sure you can sing along, because the tune is running through your head. Just like it is mine. All. The. Time.

I know, you know, that I'm not telling the truth.

I know, you know, they just don't have any proof.

Embrace the deception. Learn how to bend.

You're worst inhibitions will PSYCH you out in the end.