Greetings to you all. I admit that what follows is a typical Christmas update ...
I spent 1998 becoming a teacher. After finding out that Jim received a grant last November, I thought it might be a good time to finish the Art Education credential program. Amazingly, I was re-accepted as a student and added to the student teaching roster in time to begin in January. My first placement was at a Primary School (K-2). My mentoring teacher was a woman I truly enjoyed seeing everyday and she quickly passed on a love for teaching younger children that I did not think I could possess. In March I transferred to Middle School and knew I had found the vocation of my life. I have always enjoyed working with early adolescents, perhaps because I trace the formative years in my life to my Jr. High days. I became involved in service and grew in my relationship with God during that time in profound ways. I spent my summer taking a ceramics course and interviewing for jobs. Incredibly, I was hired as a Middle School Art Teacher at a school within walking distance from our apartment. And so, at 33 I am finally a teacher.
Erika finished 2nd grade last year. It was a struggle for her, primarily because of the age differences in her class (she is the youngest in her grade). As parents we occasionally second guessed our decision to keep her as the youngest. (Obviously the other option is for her to be the eldest in her class.) During the Summer a transformation began to occur. I had signed Erika up for the local swim team. Practice every morning from nine to noon was not as fun as she had hoped and it was a bit of a struggle to keep her on the team. Again she was one of the youngest participants but she experienced great success. She never really won any heats but she was a real team player. In July she swam in Madison's All City Swim Meet and had a great experience. In August Erika rode the Revolution at Six Flags California for the first time with my cousin's kids. I saw her fearlessness and knew she was a conqueror. (I was 11 when I first rode that roller coaster.) Erika began 3rd grade and has had no more trouble than what I believe is normal for an 8 year old. Still, she is wonderfully thoughtful and so helpful to me as a working mother!
Jessika survived a year of more transitions and changes than a 3-year-old should bare. She has become a more beautiful and intelligent girl in part because of it. But she is still so difficult to manage. My new routine as a teacher has mostly affected Jessi. She cried for me every morning the first month I was student teaching. I believe the stability of Jim in her life made the change easier the more the two spent time together. She is very much her father's daughter. Going to preschool was a big first for Jessi. Although she only went two mornings a week this year, she experienced some socialization that was much needed. Summer brought more freedom for her to play and she made friends with a Korean neighbor, Jieun. The two most headstrong 3½-year-old friends possible. In California last August, Jessika overcame a great fear of swimming. She finally took a plunge! She has also become quite a computer addict this past year. She can sit for hours playing those Disney programs. Jessika also discovered her very feminine side this year. A day isn't complete without having tried on a lacy dress with tights.
Monika missed another birthday this year, though she did begin her second year of life sometime between February 28 and March 1. Having two older sisters and being more independent than is healthy for a 2 year old, she is often mistaken for a miniature adult. She is fearless, which makes life at times very easy and at other times very scary. Monika enjoyed having Jim home during the day and hardly seemed to miss me at times. I insisted that Jim potty-train her, as I believe it is as much a growing experience for the parent as it is for the child. I thought it would be good for Jim. By May, Monika grew tired of waiting and potty-trained herself in less than a week. In September, Moni started pre-school two mornings a week and after a few transitional weeks became rather popular. She is actually one of the eldest in her class. She has survived a year as Jessi's younger sister! The two of them can really slug it out. While Jessi usually receives her fair share of bruises, scrapes, and stitches, Monika has been the recipient of stitches this year courtesy of Jessi.
Jim set out this year to reinvent the wheel and, fancying himself an "intellectual midget", again believed everything he read. Insightfully, he likes to remind the girls that in the best of all possible worlds, all those bad guys who commit heinous crimes will receive the death penalty. Unfortunately he has become gravely ill this winter, as he assumed that all yellow snow was a kind of lemonade slush. In terms of scholarship, Jim has certainly not remained idle. Proudly, he has memorized every third word in reverse order of Thomas Mann's Budenbrooks in both German and English translation. Currently he enjoys watching TV and has become inspired by the teachings of David Koresh. Though not given to boastfulness, Jim likes to make it known that he pulls in a five-figure annual salary. Since he also has no proclivity toward sesquipedality, he will easily accomplish his New Year's resolution to limit his daily conversations to a cornucopia of infelicitous and invidious tetragrams.
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Here is the yearly newsletter most of you enjoy getting during the holidays. This year I am sending hard copies to everyone. If you have email, send us a note. The past year has been a challenge and our family eagerly awaits big changes next year. You will have either to subscribe to the Ford Crier (only available on line) or wait until next year's Christmas card to find out all the details.
I spent a good part of the past year taking care of sick kids. A housewife strives most in the home when the children are miserable with the flu, ear infections, pneumonia, kidney infections, chicken pox, pink eye or the common cold. The flu ran through the family swiftly --each daughter had it only for a day or two last winter-- but it exhausted me just to keep up with the laundry. Infections, on the other hand, are longer lasting but not nearly as demanding. Other than child care, I kept quite busy with my business of Creative Memories. In April I was featured in an article in the Money Section of the Wisconsin State Journal that really boosted business. By September I had become a Unit Manager with the Company.
Erika finished first grade and started second grade this year. Although she had a slow start with her reading skills, she has caught on and is catching up. In April, we went to Minnesota's Mall of America where Erika showed us she can take on any roller coaster or scary ride with joy. In June, Erika helped me plan a surprise birthday party for her Grandma Ofelia, who turned 50. It was a special trip to CA for all of us girls. Erika especially enjoyed camping with Grandpa Jim and swimming with Grandpa Frank. In July, Erika and I visited Washington DC for some much needed time away from babies! We had a blast and fell in love with our nation's capital. During her Summer break Erika started swimming lessons again and advanced quite quickly. She may be small but she is lithe. In November Erika turned SEVEN!
Jessika began the year with potty-training. It was a challenge for both of us, but an accomplishment we can both be proud of. Jessika's vocabulary grew leaps and bounds after having a very slow start. Her improving articulation helped alleviate much aggravation and frustration in our relationship. In June, Jessi experienced her first visit to Disneyland which she loved, of course! In August, she had a 104 fever, which we found out later at the hospital to be from a kidney infection. She was so ill that she slipped in and out of sleep for almost a week, living on sips of diluted juice and Disney videos. The worst part of it all were the daily trips to the hospital for shots and the aftermath of tests to find the cause. Then in September, she burnt her arm severely, as she reached over the stove for a cookie! That hospital visit qualified us for their frequent patient discount! In November Jessika turned THREE. We had a small party for both birthday girls at the Discovery Zone. Although Jessi requested Chuckie Cheese, I just couldn't submit myself to another loud and demanding birthday party (like last year). The party was on a weekday afternoon, so the place was empty except for us. Jim graded papers while I made sure Monika didn't kill herself trying to keep up with Jessika.
Monika had no birthday this year, as there was no February 29th. We decided to celebrate her year and a half birthday on August 29th instead. In February she had the flu, in March she had pneumonia, and in October she brought the Chicken Pox home. Her sisters caught them two weeks later, just in time for Halloween! In May Monika weaned herself, in one day, out of the blue. I was surprised at how sad I was to see this part of my life to be thoroughly over. In September Monika began to have tantrums. Jessika has tantrums still, so there were two kids banging their heads and kicking their feet around the house, not to mention the occasional stomp Erika still gives. Over the year Monika's hair grew increasingly lighter and her temperament grew increasingly darker. We can't wait until she is three.
Jim finally accomplished his life long dream to become a manager at Pioneer Chicken last summer, but he still needs a lot of work on his business skills. Over the year he pursued body-building, stamp-collecting, and karaoke. His 1997 New Year's resolution to believe everything he reads in order to help him grow as an individual, quite honestly did little help. In June he finished up a second degree on gender theory and attempted to reverse his vasectomy through his new study of visualization. At the end of August reality kicked back in when he begun teaching a Mediaeval course and grading a Reformation class. In October he went to Atlanta for a conference. He will amazingly finish grading his students exams and papers in less than 2 days time in order to join his family in sunny (or perhaps rainy) California for three weeks.
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Last two weeks at was miserably: Memorial Weekend was cool and rainy here in WI, but we still did our fair share of American BBQing! We hosted the Heisers on Saturday and were guests of the Campbells on Memorial Monday. We had to ask guests to bring a grill to do the cooking, though. When I start entertaining friends, I become painfully aware of my lack of " gear. "
Luckily our friends are flexible and are not needful of entertainment pretty dishes, coffee machines and grills! Still, not to worry, I have a few pretty baskets to put in my napkins!
Lately I have been getting phone calls from customers wanting miscellaneous Creative Memories items. I will usually meet these folks half way an exchange of money for goods. I feel like a drug dealer at times particularly when I get a call from a woman in the middle of a scrapbook page and she HAS to have more stickers or a fancy die cut! There is a slight urgent tone in her voice and I feel awkwardly eager to fulfill the need. I have also found it interesting that the parking lots of Toys r Us and Mc Donald's are the two most favored meeting places for delivering goods!
This is Erika's last week of First Grade! She has grown so much this year, not particularly in size but in maturity and a bit in height as well. Jessika is ready to fit into size 4T and Erika is still comfortable
5T clothing! It amazes me that Jessika is wearing the shoes Erika LAST summer!
Annoyance of the Week; Loosing one shoe is annoying enough, but last week I lost two different shoes of two pairs! Things in our home just disappear. Either we have one of the Twilight Zone entrees into another dimension OR Monika knows how to shove things into the trash can so that we do not see them when wetak are taking it out!
Word of the Week; " Duck " is Monika's newest word. We have couple of ducks that hang the apartment scrounging for food. There are also troops of raccoons that forage through the dumpsters. It will not be long until Moni is saying " Coon " too.
NEXT WEEK; Jim will be home alone while I am in CA from the 6th til the 29th. Free to send him a note, but if it is ME (Teri) you want then you to write me at "parris@smartlink.net"
Tah tah till July!
James Thomas and Teresa Parris Ford
701 - L Eagle Heights
Madison, WI 53705-1538
USA University of
: 608-238-1460 is
E - mail: jtford@students.wisc.edu
Phone 1989-1997
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Last two weeks at the Fords: I am not sure if I will like a bi- weekly format for the Ford Crier. I had a hard enough time trying to remember what happened in a week. Now I have to reminisce back two weeks. Well, bare with me as I play with my newsletter.
Mother's Day has become a big holiday in our home. I really like on the celebrating special occasions and Mother's Day is as special a day calendar as they come. I want pampering!! The day started with breakfast at McDonalds and ended with all kinds of gifts. I bought myself a new file cabinet for my business because it is growing and I need to grow more organized with it. I decided to go all out and buy a solid oak one that looks just fabulous in the living room. Erika made me a wonderful tea pot
picture with a poem and tea bag (School Art). Moni and Jessi bought me a Mary Englebreit coffee mug that says, " Every Mother is a Working Woman! " Jim let me get a Bread Machine. Allowing me to have such a large appliance in our tiny kitchen is as much a gift as going out and buying it for me.
Anyway, who cares who went to the store and made the purchase? It was a Mother's Day gift all the same!
Life has slowed down a bit last week but it will pick up again until I leave for California. I will be in the Sunshine State from June 6-29. I will be on vacation while I celebrate both of my parents birthdays. My mom turns 50 on the 14th and I am planning to see to it that she spends a little money on
herself (ha ha)! My Dad turns 54 on the 28th and he has planned a camping trip for us girls that will probably end up giving him more gray hair but hopefully will be much fun. Erika is eager for school to end and vacation to start. I am just eager for some WARMTH! The temperature around here has
forgotten to turn a few pages on its calendar.
Annoyance of the Week; Now that I have a bread machine, I have been trying out all kinds of recipes. The bummer was my first several loaves were flat. Old yeast in the refrigerator was the root of my failure. I went to the Health Food store to buy some bulk stuff and my loaves got a little better but still were quite dense. I had to finally buy expensive yeast from the grocery store and made my first perfect loaf of bread a week and about 10 loaves later.
Word of the Week; The word for this week is " wean. " That is to accustom a young mammal to
take food by means other than nursing. That young mammal is Monika and how it happened was quite surprising to me. I offered to nurse her a couple of mornings ago while still lounging in bed and she pushed me away with one hand and reached for her NUK (a pacifier) with the other. She quite
contentedly stuck that NUK in her mouth and sucked away. It horrified me, to be honest. It is the end of an era in my life. The cow stage is over, what comes next? I think it is the Mother Hen stage.
The End
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The Last Two Weeks at the Fords: Did I miss a week? It is interesting to see how when I began writing these weekly updates almost a year ago I did then on Friday night. Now I am doing them on Monday! Procrastination is at work. I may go to an every other week format just to ease my work load. I would rather write the Ford Crier every week and do laundry every other week. However, I do not think I could fit that much dirty laundry in the bathroom and still have floor space to still have floor space to stand.
Well, Saturday (the 3rd) was National Scrapbook Day. How did you celebrate I taught a workshop to 30 women and made a nice amount of money doing it! It was probably one of the most rewarding days I have had " Professionally" ever. My only complaint was that I had a cold. Every time I bent over to help someone at a table my nose would run. I caught on quick and learned squat down instead. It would have been great just to stuff my nostrils with tissue, but I know that would not look very professional!
Annoyance of the Week; I went to see Star Wars at a budget theater with Erika and a friend from church a couple of weeks ago We planned to go see The Empire Strikes Back last week but put it off till this week because I was feeling miserable last week. Star Wars played for three weeks, so I assumed The Empire would too. Wrong. Last week was it and now it is not playing! I missed my chance to share the continuing saga with my eldest daughter and feel like I have cheated her out of piece of my rich childhood history! Well, I suppose we could just go see Return of a Jedi and hope Erika does not notice.
Words of the Week; "Cat " I am not sure what exactly it means to Monika, but she calls almost any animal a cat. So at least she is close. She continues to amaze me her eagerness to do things beyond her age capabilities. I am not sure if is because she has a sister so much older than her (Erika is 5 years ahead of her) to guide her. OR if it is because of my three children she is by far the one that has grown up with the least amount of constant adult supervision. Most anything she wants or needs, she has had to figure out a way to communicate it or accomplish it herself!
James Thomas and Teresa Parris Ford
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Last week at the Fords: The phone has been ringing and ringing. It is really exciting to see my business double in only a week. It is a mixed blessing, though. I have too much to do these days. The thought of keeping a garden is starting to scare me. I planted my seeds last week and the lettuce was sprouting until Jessika stepped on them. I guess I will have to plant them again.
Annoyance of the Week; Ravaging curiosity. Monika is getting into everything She just pulls everything out of anything. It is more than annoying. I feel as if I am following a little tornado around. You have no idea how much damage a 1 year old can do in only 5 minutes. She can make a box of tissues can turn to dust and make a room look like a snow storm blew threw! She is truly amazing.
Words of the Week; Jessika has begun to express her wishes to be involved in things now. She will listen in on conversation and interject, "Me too! " Or " I go. " She is so concerned about being left out lately. I hope this attitude continues throughout her adolescence.
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Last week at the Fords: It was a wonderful week, weather wise! Of course today we had hail, heavy winds and snow. I told you the weather war is not finished. Jim has been working a little more (2-3 days) apart from his normal dissertation work now that moving season is in full swing. He works for "Two Men and a Truck-- Movers who care!" I have fit into a consistent schedule of having one Creative Memories workshop a week and one Longaberger Home Show a month. It looks as if we have found a happy balance of work between the two of us for our family. I am not sure how long it will last but it is good to have a sense of stability for a while.
Annoyance of the Week: I planned a baby shower for a friend at church (Dorothy) on Saturday. I realized in my planning that I was cutting it close to her due date but I assumed she would be late since it was her first child. Boy, was I wrong. And now I have to re-schedule the party!
Words of the Week: At last Monika has begun to say "mom." She says it as if she is about to ask something else, but then just repeats "mom." The other day I took Jessi to the store with and left Monika on the porch with Erika (Jim was home). It was good to hear her shout at, "mom!" It was a hey-where-are-you-going? kind of shout not a ball your head off take me with you kind of cry.
James Thomas and Teresa Parris Ford, 701L Eagle Heights, Madison, Wi 53705
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Spring Break at the Ford's: A battle was fought last week between springtime warmth and winter's snow. The week began with a blizzard and ended with sunshine in the 70's. The war is not over although Spring won the battle last week. Madison is known to have snow as late as May 1. Erika had a good week off school. For Easter gave the girls elaborate Easter baskets (Longaberger, of course) filled with candy, crayons, bubbles and beanie babies. Jim gave us all a trip to Minnesota's Mall of America. We left Easter Sunday and return late last
night. It was a great trip.
Annoyance of the Week; It has been really fun to listen to Jessi pick up on language. Often she asks me questions that I have a very hard time understanding. Several days ago she pulled me outside and asked me to do something but I could not understand what it was she wanted. Sleep? Sweep? See? Sink? Sing? The sound she uttered might be spelled as " Scheen " ... what did that mean? This guessing game went on for a good ten minutes until I finally asked her to show me what she wanted. I walked with her around the apartment building and across the lawn to the swings. She wanted me to swing her !! I felt as if I was the one who had learned a new word.
Words of the Week: Last week I took the girls to the movie, 101 Dalmatians. I asked Jessika if she enjoyed the movie but she did not really understand my question I continued in my conversation trying to simplify the question I asked her how it was and if she had fun but still I could see she was not catching on to what I was asking. Finally I gave up when Erika asked her " Did you like it? " Jessika smiled and answered, " I like it! "
James Thomas and Teresa Parris Ford
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This week at the Fords: I was under house arrest this past week. Luckily for Jessika I had the privilege of watching a neighbor's daughter for most of the week. By Friday I was feeling quite stir crazy. Monika's illness was quite serious and took all week before she started acting a little spunky again. Monika is in general a wonderful baby, somewhat passive and but lately we are seeing a more devious side to her. She has begun to learn how to tease her sisters. I can see already that she has the makings of becoming quite a trickster. Among her talents already are pulling Erika's hair while
she watches TV and stealing Jessika's crayons and trying to hide (this is particularly cute because Monika hides by butting her head against a wall or piece of furniture and tucks in her face). I can see the sly grin on her face as she does these amazing feats of mischief!
Annoyance of the Week; I can say that staying home all week was really annoying, but I would lying. It was a bit bother some at worst. Consider a week of waking up several times throughout the night with a baby who is coughing in pain BUT sleeps a lot of the day away; watching endless videos of Winnie the Pooh BUT being able to do other stuff around the house as long as it is on; forcing medicine on a child three times a day BUT seeing how every day that child is feeling a little better. It is not too bad really.
Words of the Week; "What happened? " When you listen to your children speak, you pick on things you say a lot and therefore they repeat even more. I found out this week that I must ask Jessika "what happened" too much for her taste. She has begun to ask me in annoying frequency.
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This week at the Fords: It has been quite a week for business. Since I stopped doing the baby - sitting thing, I have tried to use any extra time promoting my home-based business. I am now reaping much of that extra effort. I am now presenting 2-3 scrapbook classes a week in March. On Saturday I did a $500 Longaberger basket show and found 2 potential Creative Memories workshop hostesses. I can't do one thing without mentioning I do the other as well. For Jim, all my success means more baby - sitting When he asked me to stop, I bet he had no idea it would mean he'd be doing more of it.
Annoyance of the Week: It has to be when both parents have something scheduled on the same evening and are expecting the other to be home to watch the kids. I can't wait until Erika is old enough to leave to babysit. By the time she is old enough though, she will figure out that we pay our baby-sitters. So I suppose we won't save any money either way
Words of the Week; Jessika has been fighting a cold this week. When I asked her if she was feeling sick the other day her response to me was, "No, I'm two. Erika is sick (6)."
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This week at the Fords: It was a stimulating week for me spiritually. The 12th was Ash Wednesday. Although we did not grow up observing Lent, it is a practice Jim and I picked up once we became members of the Reformed Church. I feel it is such a great idea, but I can see the trappings it could produce. I am finding that my sacrificing something as indulgent as bread (and other baked goods) helps in the building of discipline. On Saturday, Jim watched the girls all day (8-6) so that I could attend a women's retreat at a Benedictine Monastery. I delighted in the day. It refreshed and blessed me deeply. I then came home to a clean house, with the dished and laundry done. What more could a woman need?
Annoyance of the Week: Last week's annoyance incited more response mail then ever before. Either many were sympathetic to my predicament or you really enjoy such earthy announces. Although I seriously toyed with idea of writing about diarrhea, I will spare you my thoughts on this subject matter ... THIS TIME!
Words of the Week; "I wan pizza or fench fies." As Jessika vocabulary expands, I am learning so much more about the things she really wants. She can answer a simple question like, "Are you hungry?" not only with an affirmative but with direct instructions with what she expects.
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This week at the Fords My first week of watching no other kids than my own/ It didn't quite make a week. Tuesday they cancelled school because of a blizzard it to Madison! Still we did get enough snow to make the day off fun. Then Wednesday night the flu season began. Jessika was up ALL night puking. Thursday afternoon it started the process again. Saturday morning (like 4 am) Erika was awakened by the same illness. Three days and 7 loads of laundry later, I can say I survived, but not without experiencing some of its symptoms.
Annoyance of the Week: Vomit ... I can not think of time when vomit would not be annoying! I have seen much it these last few days, so I feel like a vomit specialist. I have jotted some things to remember when dealing with vomit. 1) Like the people who spew it, each occurrence of vomit is totally unique. 2) Vomit is not reliable It does not always come when expected and often, may not give indications it is on its way. 3) Sometimes it can be very mobile, flying across long distances or flowing like a river occasionally. 4) It is not a good idea to throw it in the washing machine along with bed sheets and towels. Chunks can survive that type of trauma.
Words of the Week; Friday afternoon Erika yelled at me "Mom, Jessika's making me sick!" I replied, "How is she doing that? " Erika answered quite seriously, "She's looking at me!"
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This week at the Fords: Already the beginning of the second month of the new year is here. January came and went in a whirlwind. I have a second chance at starting all my new year's resolutions. I enjoy the beginnings of weeks, beginnings of months, beginnings of seasons, and beginnings of years (something my mom passed on to me since the beginning of time). What I have found as I get older, though, is that these beginnings, in the beginning, are less eventful because they seem to come at me faster and faster from the beginning. Well, the beginning of last week was much like the beginning of the week before, only last week was the last week of January. The beginning of this week will be better because it is the beginning of February, which is not the beginning of the year but still a beginning of a month!
Annoyance of the Week: I have a really weird rash on my back. At first I thought it might be shingles or hives. I still am not sure what it is. A friend of mine (Dr. Means) thought it might be a skin infection of some sort. Now, not only do I have a rash, but I have a family that will not touch me!
Words of the Week; "Aga. " That sure sounds a lot like Erika to me. I would guess that Monika hears me say the name " Erika " more than any other, perhaps next to " Jessika. " When I now call out for Erika, I hear a chorus coming from my personal cheering section in life. Not only will Jessi yell after me, "Araga, " but Monika also has begun to cry out!
JIM'S CORNER
" Violent Femme "
The other night, as I am wont to do, I curled up in bed to a fine selection from my library of feminist literature, always seeking to better myself and
smooth off my rough masculine edges. I came across this passage in Linda Schierse Leonard's brilliant book, Meeting the Madwoman: An Inner Challenge for Feminine Spirit, Breaking Through Fear and Destructive Patterns to a Balanced and Creative Life: "
Men, too, need to befriend their inner Madwoman, their own disowned and rejected feminine self, so they can reel in their negative attitudes toward women, have access to the feminine creative energy within themselves, and relate to women in a mature way. "
I resolved then and there to face my inner Madwoman, to confront my fears and lead a normal, productive life. I searched high and low for this
evasive choleric feminine within. When I found her she was pretty peeved. She said to me: " Jim, you have rejected me, your feminine self. Don't make me resort to fisticuffs, " she threatened. When she became more angry after I suggested she might let her hair down, I said: " Okay, I tell you what. I'll watch some movie about a dying cancer patient and cry my heart out but I won't become a feminist activist. " She responded: " Okay. I guess that's a start Care for a mint? ".
We walked away inner - hand in inner - hand. Since then I have related to women in a mature fashion and do volunteer work at the MWM (Mad - Women Men) center.
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This week the Fords: Well, after a week of excited exclamations of going potty in the toilet and picking of pieces of poop that didn't quite make it to the pot, we are almost ready to throw in the towel. We are having a communication breakdown. Jessika does fairly well without any pants on but she just has not figured out that she needs to pull off her pants to go to the bathroom and she will not ask for help. Erika's school cancelled her field trip to go Eagle watching this week due to sub-zero degree weather. I found out that they do not cancel school until it gets 60 below! My great accomplishment this week was organizing the toy closet. While organizing, I brushed all the Barbie dolls ' hair and dressed them. Mind you, I was organizing and not playing!
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Christmas Vacation with the Fords: I have spent almost every Christmas of my life in sunny Los Angeles. There are only 2 exceptions. In 1990 after having Erika, I stayed in Santa Cruz to avoid traveling and in 1994 after having Jessika, I traveled all the way to Germany! Amazing what a difference it is between the first and second child! Other than those two years, Christmas Vacation always means being "home" (with my parents). Christmas and News Years Day were beautiful days, but during much of our vacation it rained. Highlights of our time in LA include: no luggage for 3 nights; a Christmas Morning "pageant" that featured my dad as a wiseguy with a towel on his head and Jessika as a wild sheep gone astray; Christmas Evening watching the sun set on the Pacific Ocean; a weekend camping on Ventura Beach; News Years Eve eating Numero Uno pizza and watching Disney videos; Shopping with my mom; making Jim eat his first "double-double" at In-n-Out (that's what a hamburger's all about); and finally taking a " red - eye " flight back to Madison with two babies. Both wanting to sleep on my lap the whole way!
Annoyance of the Week: (Formerly known as the illness of the week section, now made into a more broad section!) Bladder Control or should I write, the lack of it!! The time has come to start potty training. All the signs are present Jessika only needs practice. I am using positive and negative reinforcement techniques. When she goes potty in her chair or on the toilet with her new Warner Brothers cartoon character seat pad (from her Uncle Jim E. and Aunt Val), she can watch whatever video she chooses. But if she has an accident, the TV is turned off or to the news or some other kid-torturing show!
Words of the Week; "I am home!" It is characteristic to walk into our apartment after a long trip and sigh those words with relief ... Home! Where is it? In CA with my extended family? In WI with my possessions? It is funny because home is no longer a place for me. I have moved so many times that home has now become a feeling. When I walk into my parent's home, through the hall and into the kitchen, I get that feeling ... I am home again. It isn't the refrigerator giving me those vibes, it is the people. Home is where my heart is. Where ever Jim is, my children, my family, there I am home.
New Years Resolutions! Every year Jim and I get together shortly before the new year to talk about our goals, plans and hopes for the new year It is a time for us to get synchronized again. I find it special and love that he enjoys it as much as I do I have been making resolutions in very aspect of my life since High School. Obviously there is the weight goal! I also like to make spiritual goals and I even used to make friendship goals (whom to get to know or who to drop)! As I have gotten older and wiser my goals have become more general and less in number for myself. Now I can start making goals for my children instead (joke!).
This year God really gave me some weighty things in December to contemplate I find it so wonderful to find how God works through different circumstances to bring people to new places in their lives. I have always struggled with being an "at home" mom. It is so mundane. Yet somehow I find myself discovering peace and contentment in staying home. It is where I belong! You do not know the comfort I have recently found in this. Anyway, don't expect me to be keeping up on all the soaps (well maybe one). I have become even more committed to my home - based business (Creative Memories), art, and my writing. Of course there are my girls. How do you recommit your self to your children when they have everything you can offer? I have resolved to pray for them more, From my childhood, I have memories of my grandma praying over me as I slept. I want my girls to have those same memories as well as that same power protecting them.
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This Week at the Fords: I am not going to tell you that this week has been busy because in comparison going other weeks it really has not been all that bad: BUT the week has felt very hectic. The more frazzled it gets, the better. I shall enjoy Christmas in California all the more! We leave the 20th and return on the 6th and I cannot wait! Well, we got our Christmas tree this week and the kids love it. We have spent a few eveings gazing at the lights, singing Christmas songs and reading Advent selections of scripture. You should hear Jessika lift her voice in praises to God.
Illness of the week: Monika and Jessika had a Doctor's appointments this week. Jessi's assessment was to see who should assess her next month. Monika is healthy but has slimmed down from the 90th to the 50th percentile. I suspect it is from chasing Jessika around on her knees.
Word of the Week: " Amen!, " Jessika proudly proclaims now at the end of our prayer time. Although she bows her head and clasps her hands, she wiggles quite a bit if you pray more than a sentence. She will begin speaking in tongues if you go on in prayer for more than a few sentences. A friend reminded us that we needed an interpreter for Jessika to continue in her gift. Perhaps Monika will come through for us.
JIM'S CORNER
" Proudly Wearing the Trifilial Crown"
As the Psalmist has it, Blessed is the man whose quiver is full (of sons). Parenthood can be a joyous endeavor, offering ample rewards and plenty of excitement. But having three wonderful children is one thing, three DAUGHTERS another. People sometimes ask me, the father of three daughters, whether I wanted a son After all, they infer, who would continue to have so many girls unless they were seeking a boy? The other day I met a young man who sired four daughters! He was disappointed that he had no son to carry on the family name and, I presume, to make a sterling career in either athletics or politics. I could not help but pity the man for his self-inflicted hell.
carry on the four wonderful girls? What about these four wonderful girls?
Well, let me set the record straight: I wanted girls, and nothing but girls! I have nothing against a boy, mind you. In fact, if we had a boy, I'm sure I would love him like my own son. True, when I wore a younger man's shoes I never set out to have children, yet, I was always fascinated with the father-daughter relationship, and preferred daughters to sons should I find myself a parent. I concede that I was taken aback with parenthood in the beginning. I didn't know what to do. I was unprepared, for no Brady Bunch episode ever dealt with this issue.
Introducing the " IKAS ":
(1) Erika Kristiana, also known or referred to in the past as "the Reeker," "Cholerika" and, in German circles, "Erika von Amerika," has her mother's sanguine disposition and artistic creativity. Born in the Great Cheese State, California, Erika is as beautiful as heather, or Erika in German, a popular flower in Bavaria. Her favorite color is pink. She enjoys playing with her dad and drawing beautiful pictures.
(2) Jessi, born Jessika Lynn Ford and often referred to as "the Jesser" or "the Monster," has unfortunately inherited my dreadful melancholy. However, she possesses a cornucopia of spunk and keep things lively, always making us laugh. Everyone knows, of course, the role avuncular curse: One daughter in every family (with more than one daughter) is appointed to have the features of an uncle Indeed, Jessi looks like my younger brother Rob. But she resembles mostly my deceased sister Laura Lynn She enjoys Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Pooh, and, oh yes, Winnie Pooh. She has also taken a liking to the toy M - 16 machine gun I bought her for her birthday.
(3) Monika Katherine, fondly dubbed "the Munch" because of her eating habits, and the "Moner" because of her seemingly endless crying, is the only mother of St. Augustine; and Katherine Zell, a sixteenth - century Protestant reformer. She is also called "Jimina," as her physical characteristics take after my father - in - law, Jim, and me, Jim. She loves to play with the phone. Perhaps she will grow up and become a telephone solicitor to make her parents proud.
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The Last Three Weeks at the Fords: I realize you are all thinking that the reason there was no newsletter was because Jim was not around to "help." Well, that is not the case at all. I experienced a bizarre computer problem with " Wisc World " (our internet service). I am sure that if I could have logged on, I would have (okay, maybe not as often)! Anyway, my testing time as a single parent is over and I feel as if I passed with the help of my friends. I was actually able to continue running my business as usual as well as attend a Creative Memories Conference near Milwaukee. Since Jim's arrival we have slowly gotten back to " normal. " We celebrated the girls ' birthdays with a big pizza bash at " Rocky's " (my favorite pizza). Erika really hit it the jackpot this year, receiving 7 beanie babies. Jessika only got one, but ended up lending it to Erika indefinitely! It thrilled Jessika to receive a Barney book that talks, a Pooh Bear figurine, and a Hunchback book-- all of which she must sleep with now. She saw the Hunchback movie while Jim was gone, it was her first movie and it made a big impression!
Illness from the weeks past without Jim: Loneliness ... Jessi cried out for " Da - ee " daily usually while checking out the parking lot. Erika understands where Jim is and why, but had noted that, " It isn't too fun around here without Dad! ". While Monika did not miss ' Jim directly, I believe she missed my undivided attention at bed time!! Did I get lonely? Lets just say that staying up late just is not as enjoyable all alone.
Word of the Week: When Jim returned from Germany, Jessi was asleep. When he walked into the room and gently called for her to wake up, she exclaimed, "Tigger!" Jim was just a little confused, but with Jessi life is all about Winnie the Pooh now, all day, all night, and forever in her mind. She can name the Pooh characters with better clarity than she can the members in her own family! Her only mistake is that she thinks Eeyore is a horse, not a donkey.
Jim's Corner: Hello, and welcome to Jim's Corner," which will be a regular feature of the Ford Crier and an opportunity for me to offer anecdotes, comments and reflections on politics, theology, history and music.
"Review of the latest RUSH CD: Test for Echo"
Test for Echo, released September of this year, marks Rush's 16th studio album. Though I had high hopes when I saw the CD, so nicely packaged and ornamented with interesting graphics, my excitement turned to disappointment, if not total despair. The album returns to a harder edge, and sticks to a guitar-bass-drums format (I.e., minimal keyboards), indicative of the band's early work -- yet with a new flair. "Driven" is a nice rocker, for example, infused with a PRIMUS-esque instrumental. While Rush defined the "progressive hard rock" genre, one finds this album more hard than progressive. I don't mind the return to a harder edge (which has more potential to attract new listeners than the band's progressive side), but the album simply lacks strong tunes. Sometimes the band misses opportunities, as in the song "Resist" which begs for breath-taking string-synth parts and ground rattling bass pedals during the powerful gratuitous overdubs of guitar and bass parts than any previous albums (with the exception of the song "By -Tor and the Snow Dog"). They can't possibly produce this material live, at least honestly -- a task which they have given up since Presto (1990).
Test for Echo uses the same producer for Power Window (1986) and Hold Your Fire (1988), though this album has the " feel " of the previous two albums in production and song - writing. It exhibits mediocre guitar work (that is, mediocre for Alex) and, with perhaps a couple of exceptions, so-so lyrics. There is no noteworthy guitar solo or instrumental break. In this reviewer's opinion, Power Windows, their 1986 release, marked the apex of the band's career, and Rush has been on a down - hill slide ever since, notwithstanding a few valiant yet ultimately vain attempts to keep from
slipping. The instrumental of the album offers nothing more than a series of uninspiring chord progressions, and runs a bit long. It sounds like a song lacking a vocal track, whereas previous Rush instrumentals are never boring but full of creative twists and turns. "Test for Echo," "Time and Motion," "Virtuality," and "Resist," are semi- decent tunes, but the entire CD is marred by trite lyrics, incongruent breaks and a lack of vision. More could be said, but I do not wish to denigrate this venerable power trio, whose inspiring lyrics and music brought progressive rock into new frontiers on a consistent basis throughout the 1980s, a time when the likes of Genesis, Yes, ELP, and Pink Floyd continued to suffer from personnel problems and erratic and unbalanced album releases Did Rush take the easy way out, or does this CD indicate the culmination of the band's artistic development over the past ten years? Oh the humanity ....
Jim and Teri Ford
701 - L Eagle Hts.
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This week at the Fords: I experienced a very busy week professionally. I started selling Longaberger baskets along with my Creative Memories photo albums! I have not really begun to make much money, but I enjoy getting out of the house and doing "adult " things. I have found that all it takes is a few wonderful people at a time to keep me in business, not to mention my family.
Illness of the Week; If stress is an illness, Jim has it. He leaves Thursday morning for two conferences. His work load had been a bit overwhelming this last week, with trip preparations and extra kid duty! Please pray for the success of his trip, his safety and well being while he is away from home. I will let you know next week how I am managing alone!
Words of the Week: "I wa Pooh !, " Jessi asks. My response is, "You have poo?" "NO!" she cries in exasperation, "I WAH Pooh!"
Heidelberg Catechism Lesson of the Week;
Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I am not my own, but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.
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This Week at the Fords: Autumn is here in full force and we are beginning to enjoy cool days and warm colors. The International's Household Study met for the first time last Sunday evening. Jim will begin teaching the Heidelberg Catechism this weekend. We are looking forward to a year of in-depth study. I unpacked a box of Jessika's clothes from last winter for Monika. It amazes me how much fits her. She is a tall gal, while is strapping. I believe she could be the first female professional football player. She could make a great Beast in a the play, "Beauty and the Beast," while Erika would be Belle, of course. Monika could be Chip. I guess that makes me Mrs. Potts and Jim? Well, I think he would make a great Maurice! (Even though he looks like Gaston!)
Illness of the Week: We had to go to Urgent Care again at the beginning of the week. Monika is not terribly sick, but has a mild case of croup. Croup rhymes with poop, just in case you didn't know.
Words of the Week: "Ba-wey, Ba-wey, Ba-wey!" You have no idea how sick we all are of hearing that name, not to mention those songs. I wake up to find a video top being shoved in my face the whining begins. The only good side to this mania is that Jessi can say "please" now when asking for Barney, so he IS teaching her something. She aslo answers quite emphatically, "yes," when asked if sh would like to watch Barney. It is one fo the rare times she will not answer no!
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This week at the Fords: "Rainy days and Mondays always get me - e down ..." One of those kinds of weeks that singing old Carpenters songs seems sort of nice. It was a week with much illness and nose blowing. I got little done other than a year older.
Illness of the Week; Runny noses and low grade fevers turned into full blown colds alright, not for Erika. I took Monika in to Urgent Care to find out that she the only " sicky ". Jessika was with me so the Dr. checked her out too. (I got two sick kids for the price of one!) A couple of days later I
understood why Monika had been so fussy. This cold aches.
Words of the Week; "Grown ups and Monsters in the front!" is what I heard yelled from back of the car after picking up Kate Means from school. The car gets pretty full so Kate and Erika sit in the trunk area of our Pathfinder -- it is for First Graders Only! The back seat is for kids 5 years old and younger where Eli, Monika and Claire Means are all strapped in. All rules seem clear, but I am just not clear as to which category I am. I do know that Jessika is not a grown up, though. Poor Jessi.
Jim and Teri Ford
701 - L Eagle Heights
Madison, WI 53105
(608) 238-1460
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This week at the Fords: Busy, busy, busy... why do things seem to all happen in clusters? I attended my first PTO meeting ever. It seems a little weird for me still to be a part of something that for so long I felt only "old" people did. I know I am not very old (31 on Monday for those of you wondering). I hit high Summer last year if we look at our lives in terms of being in seasons. I see my girls in the beginning of Spring and watch in wonderment. The magical mixture of grace and awkwardness with which their little limbs grow amazes me. Anyway, at least my "leaves" are not turning color prematurely. (Although I am dabbling with idea of highlighting my hair.)
Illness of the Week: Runny nose on Erika and a low grade fever for Monika that means Erika may be in for a real cold next week and Monika may finally cut those top teeth!
Words of the Week: "I'm Erika's mom." When you enter your child's school doors, you reduce yourself to just being their parent. Nothing else really counts.
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This week at the Fords: Busy, busy, busy... why do things seem to all happen in clusters? I attended my first PTO meeting ever. It seems a little weird for me still to be a part of something that for so long I felt only "old" people did. I know I am not very old (31 on Monday for those of you wondering). I hit high Summer last year if we look at our lives in terms of being in seasons. I see my girls in the beginning of Spring and watch in wonderment. The magical mixture of grace and awkwardness with which their little limbs grow amazes me. Anyway, at least my "leaves" are not turning color prematurely. (Although I am dabbling with idea of highlighting my hair.)
Illness of the Week: Runny nose on Erika and a low grade fever for Monika that means Erika may be in for a real cold next week and Monika may finally cut those top teeth!
Words of the Week: "I'm Erika's mom." When you enter your child's school doors, you reduce yourself to just being their parent. Nothing else really counts.
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This week at the Fords: Summer quickly slipped away this week so I packed up a box of shorts and tank tops hoping it might be a bit premature (like Jim, I do my best to activate Murphy's Law). I had a very successful Creative Memories Workshop this week, for which I am very thankful. Instead of bringing a mere photo for Erika's Friday " show and tell " (the theme was a favorite picture), I "let" her bring a whole album. I reminded her many times to tell the class that her mom sells photo albums!
Words of the Week: "I wa Ba - ee! " Translation- I want Barney! Yes, it has finally happened. Jessika has fallen in line. We only have a few Barney videos, a Barney doll, Barney sheets, a Barney pillow and a Barney comforter left from Erika's bout of Barney madness. So why has this happened now? It baffles
the mind why any toddler loves Barney so much, but it seems to be part of growing up these days.
Illness of the Week: Barney Madness, of course! Do you know how annoying it can be ??
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