I'm A Descendant Of Assateague Ponies

My favorite Chincoteague Pony fact so far:

There are two herds, the Maryland herd and the Virginia herd. The VA herd, known as the Chincoteague ponies, aren't as wild as the Maryland herd. The Chincoteague ponies are more managed in terms of veterinary care. They are also rounded up for the pony penning every year.

The Maryland herd is much more wild. They're allowed to live and die without any veterinary interference. Their reproduction is the only thing that is managed, the mares are shot with a vaccination that keeps them sterile for a year. The mares can each only have one foal, and they have that foal when they're in their prime "foal-rearing" years. They are actually "shot" with the vaccination, so that humans never touch the horses.

But my favorite fact is this: all of the ponies eat whatever they can find naturally on the island, so their food is completely covered in salt. Because of this, they drink twice as much water as regular horses. This is what gives the Maryland ponies that bloated look. They all look pregnant.

I can relate.......

Smooth Sailing, Chincoteague Island Virginia

Hurricane Stand-Up

I'm not ashamed to say that my niece Bethany was making me pee a little bit in my pants yesterday during our hurricane instant message conversation:

Beth: Parts of NYC are being evacuated now. i'm a full two blocks from the evacuation zone, so i'm set

Me: That seems close

Beth: It is. the only thing i'd worry about at my place are the window, but we have a huge basement we can hang in.

Me: Cole is obsessed with the hurricane. he watched the weather channel for 6 hours straight, updating me. telling me "we have to be on HIGH ALERT, mom".

Beth: Can he prepare my "go bag" that Bloomberg keeps mentioning?

Me: Andrew used to have plenty of go bags.

Beth: bahahahah

Beth: The bag i currently have on me has flat sandals (i'm wearing the platforms), duct tape, sealant foam, gum, and an apple. i'm set, right??

Me: LOL. add water and you're good.

Beth: Magazines! I knew I forgot something...

Me: Cole is agonizing over which of our 3 cars will have to stay outside for the duration of the storm.

Beth: Sophie's choice......(at which point I snorted my Diet Pepsi out my nose)

Me: We have a split tree in our backyard that Eric's worried about. He asked me to get Gpa to come duct tape it.

Beth: You wanna know the real tragedy in all this? I straightened my hair last night. How long is that going to last??!?!

I hope Beth doesn't die when Irene floods NYC, because I like her.

Rainbow Connection

I was cleaning out the junk/craft drawer yesterday, and came across some of Ava's artwork that was just priceless. This one was probably my favorite. Ava can express so much in such simple drawings. Her drawings always remind me of cartoonists who I consider geniuses, such as Shel Silverstein and the guy who draws the xkcd comic strips. The Oatmeal, the Savage Chickens guy, Charles Schulz and Bill Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes, they all have that same talent Ava seems to have, the ability to express so much emotion in the simplest of cartoon forms.

Such a simple idea, but it expresses joy and awe in a way I would never think of. I can imagine this doodle as a great branding idea for an insurance company or a medical company or something. Her perspective is just so interesting, especially for an 8 year old girl.

I also love it because it makes me think of a song that always makes my heart soar and brings tears to my eyes, don't ask me why; a song that takes me back to days of sitting at the piano with my brother Andrew, singing like Kermit. If you can't sing every word of this song, I don't want to know you.

Rented Christmas

Well, Colson has earned his first legitimate part in a play! He won the role of Willie in Dutch Country Players "Rented Christmas".

Children's Show by Norman C. Ahern Jr. and Yvonne Ahern

Directed by Cathy Zeller

John Dale hasn't enjoyed a "real Christmas" for years. So, on the spur of the moment, he decides to "rent" a Christmas from Anne Weston, who owns the local rent shop. Anne is at first flustered with the requirements: a tree with presents, Christmas carols and also a wife and five children. Anne feels she has solved the problem of a Christmas family by calling the actors' guild. But the young actors come down with the measles so she turns to the local orphanage. When the guild can't locate a "mother," Anne steps in to play the role herself. Based on the short story by J. Lillian Vandervere, the story of how John Dale’s rented Christmas turns into a new life for all concerned makes this a warm story for the holiday season. This is a wonderful tale to get everyone into the Christmas spirit!

This was the first time that Colson got really attached to a specific character in a play. At the auditions, when he'd see other boys auditioning for this part, he'd watch them very intently, and ask me to critique them and compare them to his auditions. He read once, and was hoping so badly to get another shot to read again that he started tearing up. Fortunately he did get a second chance, and he made changes to his rendition based upon what the other actors had done earlier in the evening. It was great to see him really care about something and compete for it.

Ava was fantastic as well. I could hear her from the back row loud and clear. The director was very impressed with her, but didn't have a part that would fit Ava's age. Ava was upset for a moment, but it was a good experience for her. I explained that sometimes you don't get a part not because you aren't a good actor, but because you're not physically right for the part. Maybe you're the wrong age or wrong height or wrong ethnicity or the wrong personality type. Ava seemed to understand that. I also told her that it would always be easier for Cole because there are always fewer boys auditioning than girls. The director did put both Ava and Zachary into the "Carolers" group, so they'll be in the play as well. All in all, a job well done for my 3 thespians!

Mark your calendars to come see the show! There are 5 show times:

December 2, 8pm

December 3 and 4, 1 and 4pm

December 10 and 11, 1 and 4pm

All tickets $7

Jiffy Two Step

Pro-Am is a dance division I've explained briefly in the past. But there is a subset of Pro-Am that I didn't mention, and that is Pro-Pro. Pro-Pro is a division for a professional dancer who doesn't have a partner but still wants to compete. That dancer can ask a higher ranking dancer to compete with them in the Pro-Pro division. Only the lower ranking Pro is judged, just like the Ams in Pro-Am. This division lets professionals compete against each other.

Solomon, my partner Richard's boyfriend, asked me earlier in the year if I would take him on as a Pro-Pro "student". I love dancing with Solomon, so of course I agreed. Our first time out we just social danced most of our dances, we didn't have time to put routines together. We danced an old Cha Cha and Waltz routine of Solomon's, and I threw together two phrases of Two Step.

In Boston, I wanted him to have a full two-step routine, so I was determined to choreograph one. The trouble is, we only had 2 hours on Friday afternoon, and we had to compete Friday night at 6. Pressure is the best motivator, so here is the Two Step that I choreographed for Solomon in one hour. We had someone videotape us practicing it so we wouldn't forget it by 6pm that night...!

Not only didn't Solomon forget it, he earned a Gold With Honors with it, and took 1st place in this dance that night.

Happy Birthday To My Mr. Big

6 years ago today I drove to the Lehigh Valley Hospital to get a monster pulled out of me. The biggest of my big babies at birth, Zachary continues to be larger than life. (The following photos are not for the faint of heart!)

What having over 10 pounds of baby in you looks like. This photo would make a good birth control ad.

And here comes Mr. Big now....

10 pounds 4 ounces. At one week before his due date. My uterus offers free non-stop room service but lacks a fitness center, apparently.

Zach couldn't even wait an hour after the umbilical cord was cut before he demanded food. 2 ounces gone, and I hadn't even held him yet. My mother heard him screaming from down the hallway and thought I was in for some trouble...then we just realized he was annoyed that the room service had ended (his mama's son).

Who knew that kid would grow up to become my best buddy...

Signs Of The Times

I got home early this morning and peeked in at the kids. Ava had put more signs on her door.

Here's a close-up of the new rules (my favorites are No Weapons and No Meanies):

Cole's door, on the other hand, said simply:

Ava's Fashions

Even in repose, the lovely Ava remains fashionable and graceful in lemon yellow chiffon, lacy ankle socks, and beautiful arm styling.

Runner-Up

I send out Christmas cards each year with a picture of the kids. I just realized how many rejected photos I have from each year that are really cute. Here's one of them.

I'm Still Alive

Happy birthday to my oldest nephew, Nathan! Though he threatened to kill me when he was 2, he made up for it for providing me with one of the funniest Lewis family stories of all time. I'll have to tell that one someday soon...

La Lumiere ♪ ♫

Remember Ava's online Spanish class? In this class, she's also required to record herself answering questions in Spanish, for her Spanish teacher to listen to and grade. Here's a goodie I came across, where Ava sang her answer. I don't know what the question was, but she felt inspired enough to turn her answers into a pleasant little Spanish ditty.

Lifecycle Of A Showdance, Part 2

I promised to show you how a Showdance develops throughout the dance season, so here is our Showdance from Boston. When you watch the previous version next to this one, you should see many changes, from costumes to specific movements to quality of dancing.

Boston Showdance from Suzanne Mosley on Vimeo.

3 generations of Mosley.

New England Dance Festival Update

What a successful weekend! Richard and I won Two-Step again, proving that wasn't a fluke last time. (And one judge gave us first in waltz against Clive and Emily, whaaaaat???!!!!?)

My student Stan competed in Male Diamond Newcomer and took 1st overall. He also competed in Male Open Newcomer and took 2nd, just narrowly missing 1st. He took 3rd in West Coast Swing Jack and Jill, and took 2nd in Two-Step Jack and Jill.

Richard's student Lee took 2nd overall in Female Diamond Intermediate, and his student Barb got Gold With Honors in all 3 of her dances in Syllabus B. Sasha and I successfully got through a full Showcase Masters program, and took 1st overall (we were the only ones dancing a full program). Solomon took 2nd overall in Male Pro-Pro, winning Cha Cha, Two Step, and West Coast. (no "student" of mine will ever lose twostep!!!)

I completed my 2nd apprentice judging panel, only one more to do before I am a fully certified judge!

We got to eat at some great restaurants in Boston, went to John and Dee Soares fun Hallway Party, caught up with some dance friends, all in all a great weekend. Now on to Chicago this coming weekend!

Cash Is Thicker Than Blood

The kids and I have been taking care of Brooke and Jeff's cats while they're on vacation this week. When we went over on Wednesday, Zachary had a question for me:

Zach: Why didn't Brooke leave you money?

Me: Money for what?

Zach: To pay you for taking care of her cats!

Me: You don't have to pay people that love you to do favors for you.

Zach: You love Brooke???

Me: Of course!

Zach: Oh. Well, I still think she should have paid you......

So I borrowed a couple of books from her bookshelf that I hadn't read yet. :)

LittleRFL, Over The Hill

Happy Birthday to Little Robert Frederick Lewis, who turns the big O-N-E today!

Nerd Flops

Motherboard sandals!

Reality Bites

Ava and Colson love playing on the Webkinz website. It's sort of like SimCity with animals. When you buy a Webkin, you get a code that you enter on the website, and then you can use that animal to maneuver through their virtual world. Your animal has a house, and you can earn money to buy things for it's house.

Colson and Ava usually play together on different computers. They can "see" each other's animals in the game and they will yell things out to each other; "Meet me in the pet shop!" "Are you in your house?" "I'll see you in the arcade!", etc.

The other day I heard Colson yell out to Ava, "Hold on, Ava, I'm going to the bathroom in real life."

Monday Mornings With Zachary

Mike Cleary, our neighbor up the street, built a fort for our kids and theirs in his backyard. The kids are enamored with this fort, but Mike says it's been the cause of much strife. Most over who is going to be in charge of the fort, aka "Fort Boss".

Mike was telling us that one day there was so much arguing over who was going to be Fort Boss that day, he decided to strike a deal with the kids. He told them that whoever sang a song in front of everyone would get to be Fort Boss for the day.

No one wanted to sing in public. No one, except for Zachary. He stepped up to the plate. To my delight, Mike videotaped the song. My favorite part of this video is Zach's obvious discomfort. You can tell he really doesn't want to do it, but I guess the power of Fort Boss was going to be worth it.

Recognize the song? It's the song Zach learned and practiced a few weeks ago.

Ava's Fashions

Ava in 2007, in ballet and tap class. Already 37 inches taller than any other girl there. Sometimes I wonder if other mothers think she's mentally handicapped and being held back. Ava's reliving my life, always 20 feet taller than the other girls. I slouched my way through school (not because I was embarrased by my height but because all of my friends were 17 inches shorter than I was, and I wanted to look them in the eye), but Ava's posture is lovely now and I think the maind reason for that is her ballet training.

I Am Old

My oldest niece Bonnie with her oldest child, my oldest great-nephew Christopher. Who is now almost as tall as I am....

Google Isn't Magic

Remembering names of people has never been my gift. It's never bothered me until it became possible through Google and Facebook to look up old friends and acquaintances and see what they were up to. It's awfully hard to find someone when you're Googling:

"Girl with red hair whose first name was Lisa, I think, who was trying to become a country singer and worked at Chili's in Nashville with Suzanne Lewis in the 90s, I think she was originally from somewhere in the Northeast part of the US"

Not many results for that.

Country Lyrics I Love

"The way she's lookin', she won't be looking long."

Love this oldie but goodie...takes me back to the KP Corral.

Um, Gas Stations Will Patch Your Tire For $3

I'm on many Pennsylvania homeschool and cyber school email lists. I receive tens of emails per day with educational resources, field trip information, and general information. Sometimes someone on a list will email something off-topic; information about a yard sale, a prayer request for a family in trouble, etc. Most of these emails get deleted, I scan them and quickly decide whether the information contained within has any bearing on me.

The off-topic emails rarely catch my attention, but the other day I received one that I knew I had to save and share. Background; I don't know this woman at all. She's from a group in Pittsburgh, I think. But remember, she sent this out to a statewide email group. I would venture a guess that 98% of the people who received this email had no idea who this woman was. You have to read this email slowly, preferably out loud with expression. Names have been changed, but the coo-coo-kachoo-edness remains.

"Just want to post an update...I apologize to anyone that has already seen
this, as it is a multiple post to fb and my online groups. So, wow....we have been going thru some stuff! I will start with my husband and work my way down thru the family and onto the other stuff...warning, this will be long...

Dick had to go back to the hospital again, they only kept him overnight this time, but he passed out in our Walmart parking lot...scary. Had all the kids with me. Good thing is, our oldest son, Bobby, was in the back praying (God don't let my dad die, God don't let my dad die) all the way to the hospital. I am incredibly thankful we were only 5 minutes away and that God gave me the insight to call the ER so they were waiting for us. His blood sugar and blood pressure had both dropped. We are getting an insurance check for Dick being a "long term disabled" ...praise God for that! Unfortunately, we have another 2 weeks before we get it. Still waiting on the hearing date for social security.

I have to have physical therapy on my back. The doctor says that I should be better in about 6 months or so, but that was with physical therapy 4-5 days a week. The rehab by me only does them 3 times a week, so we will see how that changes. I go for my evaluation and first therapy appointment this week. I also have an appointment to see the doctor for my right elbow...looks like it needs surgery. I know these things all are going to come together for the Glory of God.

Sue is still having difficulty with her left side going numb...we have had multiple blood tests, an MRI, and CT scan. We go this week to the Neurologist at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh (she has an appointment the same day at Children's for allergies). She is trying to finish up her health and Spanish from last school year (cyber school) as well.

Bobby has been having a terrible time with emotions and paying attention. His chores were not getting done, he was irritating his siblings, and just not listening. We took everything from him, but through prayer and some guidance from those God has put in our lives, we have realized a lot of it is the stuff that has been going on with Dick. He is so close to his dad, and this has taken a serious toll on him. I have decided to alternate chores every month. That way the three oldest will become adept at keeping house and if anything would happen that I cannot do things, I will know they can keep it somewhat in order.

Liza Mae has terrible anxiety. Made worse by what is gong on with Dick. However, her program is moving forward. More about that later...

Bill and Fred are normal (well, somewhat normal, Bill has been diagnosed with PDD/NOS or high functioning autism)...but have been fighting constantly. And hurting each other...as a matter of fact, all the kids have been fighting. I know, deep down, it is mainly from all the stress, but there are days I just want to run away...lol...not that I would ever leave my family, but the thought does cross my mind.

Our house has gone into forclosure. I got the papers from the sheriff last week. It is scheduled for sheriff's sale November 14. I am trying to work with the mortgage company for some kind of program that will allow us to keep our house, but could use a TON of prayers. Dick is incredibly stressed about it. We are both trying to keep the faith, but, sometimes....well, you understand.

Our van is in need of tires and something is going on with the right front wheel...and the right rear has a puncture. Dick sealed it, but it is still leaking. Needs fixed, but no cash...so just praying it all holds up. This is our only vehicle, and I do not want to have to resort to calling the Medicare taxi for his dialysis trips....only because sometime it is very late, and sometimes you have to wait HOURS to get picked back up...and the dialysis unit closes right after Dick is done. He is the last patient.

I have been working on things for my space at Craftique. It is very empty, and I think that is one of the reasons sales haven't been good. I got a custom order for letters, and am trying to get it done for tomorrow so I can drop them off at the shop and get some $$$ in for them!

Today, in church, the paster taught on WAITING. WOW, what an encouraging, yet convicting word! We had gotten a prophesy almost 12 years ago, that what I went through with my oldest daughter, Sue, would be used to minister and help others. A few months later, another prophesy, that satan had tried to kill Dick and had not succeeded, his work was not done. Another one, a few years after that, "what your are looking for you will not find in man", about 2 years ago, another prophesy, again, to do with not being in poverty any longer, and always having enough for all we need and more, as well as that my husband will have his own business....and finally, about a year ago, that we will be ministering as a family. Now, first, I try all "words from God" according to THE Word of God...and I know it was God speaking to us each time. None of the people that prophesied over us (generally, my husband and I together) knew us. We did not seek out a prophesy, were instead called out by God to receive His word for us. I admit...about a year ago (a little after the last prophesy) I started questioning these "words"...and God brought tapes and cd's to me that had recordings of these prophesies, and I was able to compare them...all confirmed each other...so, I know it was from God.

But, I started complaining, in my spirit, a little over 6 months ago. And when things really started going downhill for us, financially, physically, and at times, spiritually, I asked God, "WHEN? When is it OUR turn? When are the words your spoke thru your servants going to come to pass? I am tired of fighting, and getting really
frustrated....when are we going to get a break?" Well, as God spoke to my spirit today, I am part of the reason our "time" hasn't come yet. This is my, our, my family's waiting period. I need to be using this time for HIS glory, not complaining, murmering, and getting aggravated with God, my husband, and my family. So, this leads me to the last part of my update..."

Jane then went on to talk about a charity that she's starting, and asked for charitable donations to help get it up and running. She gave her paypal account email to make it easier to send $$.

I read this email out loud to Eric on the way home from Cape May on Sunday, and we must have laughed for a good hour. I can't even begin to write out all of Eric's funny comments, there were way too many. I do remember that when I got to the prophesy paragraph, Eric almost crashed the van yelling, "HOLD UP! Go back and re-read that part, I think my brain just exploded..."

WHO TELLS AN ENTIRE STATE OF STRANGERS ABOUT ALL OF THIS PRIVATE FAMILY BUSINESS?? Oh, people who want attention and money, that's right. I can't even stand it.

Fat, Old, And Pregnant

I don't know what's more demeaning about this journalist's use of my photo in this article: the fact that this picture of me in the hospital shouts "STROKE VICTIM" to them, the fact that I'm not even pregnant in this picture, I'd already given birth, or the fact that in the article they mention that risk factors for pregnancy related strokes are obesity and advanced age.

Zach trying out the robots at the fundraiser yesterday.