Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Spring Fever-Muskogee Style

Spring. Isn't it grand? Isn't it beautiful? Isn't it time?

After the winter we've had, the arrival of warmer weather and daylight savings time is most welcome. Seeing the Redbuds and Sandplums sprinkled through the country side is always a beautiful time in Oklahoma. We may not have Bluebonnets but our blooming Dogwoods will take your breath away. The asparagus is in and one bite of a strawberry will affirm spring's arrival.


Spring is finally here. Spring locally means the famous Exchange Club Chili Cookoff. From a humble beginning, the Cookoff is now an event that puts Muskogee on the destination map. Its success insures worthy projects are supported locally. Don't miss the April 8th and 9th events held in downtown Muskogee. From the Cooks Party to the tasters kits, there's lots of good things happening at the Chil Cookoff.



New this year is the Muskogee Run. It will kick off the weekend and nothing says spring like fit men and women jogging through a community. If you are interested, go to wwwmuskogeerun.com for more information.



Muskogee Little Theatre's musical theatre extravaganza this year is Chicago. Extra shows have been added to accommodate the enthusiastic audiences. I caught a glimpse of the show and if you have a ticket, you will not be disappointed! Chicago opens April 1st and runs through the 10th. Go the the Muskogee Little Theatre website (muskogeelittletheatre.com) for more information.



The Azalea Festival is almost here. When the banners painted by local artists are hung, it is a guarantee that the flowers are blooming and a parade is around the corner. A few of the banners have been posted on Facebook. They are fabulous! A fun event is the Muskogee Park and Rec Banner Auction. Hosted by Friends of Honor Heights Park, the night is full of good natured competitive bidding, good food and drink , all in the beautiful setting of the park. It is a chance to buy art by local artists and support the park program at the same time. Drive through town and purchased banners from years past are hung on patios, porches and sun rooms. The auction date will be announced soon, but it always comes when the banners are taken down and the blooms are off the azaleas.



Get out with your family and enjoy all Muskogee has to offer. From the Five Civilized Tribes Museum to The Batfish, there are lots of local offerings to educate, entice and entertain all ages. chrissie

Monday, March 21, 2011

It Will Get Your Attention

You know how life is kind of just rolling along? Days and Nights come and go. Plans are made. Time passes and you forget to notice? Then, WHAM. Life and living find a way to get your attention. Boy, does it find a way.

Last Monday, my husband was being wheeled into surgery for what would be a quadruple by-pass. It had been a long weekend, anticipating such a serious procedure. All the children came home. Friends came for dinner and supported and encouraged Wag and the rest of us. Our church prayed for his health and healing.

Monday morning, I left my husband of 36 years at the surgery door. I walked to the waiting room, alone. The kids were all right behind me, but for 5 minutes, I sat in the little room I had been assigned and thought about what he was going through. What he was going through to give us all more time together.

As my family does, we circled the wagons and gathered in a small waiting room. Also, as my family does, our behavior seemed perhaps incongruous with what was happening down the hall. Bad jokes, lots of eating, nervous laughter. Furniture "borrowed" from other areas of the hospital to accommodate our rapidly expanding group. Stern faced nuns who kept coming to our door and shushing our rowdy group. Ten cell phones ringing and other laptops communicating with everyone else- everyone else who loves my husband and my childrens' Father.

When we were told the surgery was over and successful, there was a spontaneous cheer in our little room. The relief was palpable. Prayers were answered and thanks was given. When the call came he was back in his room, a thundering herd of Wagners ran through the hospital. We crowded into the elevator. We loped through the hall in a great mass of joyful family. We poured into the hospital room of the man who loves us most of all.

Note: All the public service announcements. All the things our doctors tell us. They are true by the way. We all know it but a heart bypass will get your attention. Eat right. Exercise. De-stress. This particular house is a believer now.

My husband is doing great. He is strong as a horse so his recovery is ahead of schedule. Eight days after surgery, he even went into his office for a few hours. We are on the road to the next part of our lives, even more aware that every day is a gift. A chapter is closed and a new chapter is opening. The plan around here is to get to finish the book. chrissie

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

It's So Easy (Not)

It's almost spring. We have all been cooped in, wrapped up and stir crazy. Our kids are ready to be out and about. Trips to the lake. Concerts. Road trips. This time of year also means proms, graduations and the parties that go with them. Though they can be innocent and fun, these activities can force a teen to make decisions they are not ready for. Decisions that could effect their important choices in the future. How can parents help kids not make a mistake that could effect the rest of their life?

Parents have an incredible influence on their teens. Our attitudes and expectations directly impact our children. First, as Fathers and Mothers, we establish boundaries. We need to define these boundaries and be consistent with them. Rules should be explained to our teen and consequences should follow when rules are broken. Keeping credibility is an important tool in parenting. Keeping our word is one of the cornerstones of raising our children.


Don't worry too much about being the "cool" parent. If rules, curfews and limits means your house is not the rocking one, so be it. Looking the other way sends the wrong message to your child . Of course, your house can be fun. That is not what I am saying. A stocked fridge, a positive and affirming atmosphere, vidoe games, slumber parties, a warm welcome then enough space so the kids feel some privacy-all these go a long way to make your house a place kids want to be, without being a place to break rules and break the law.


Here's a simple though important tip. Help your teen create an escape plan. You and your teen should come up with a code word that can let you know they should be picked up immediately. You help he/she save face and they will rely on you to help avoid risky behavior. Brainstorm how to say no and how get themselves out of risky situations. Assure them you will pick them up at any time under any circumstances. I always told my children to make me the bad guy. Blame any sudden departures or turning down of activites on that mean old parent. I can take the heat.

Stay in touch with other parents. Networking keeps everyone in the loop and informed. Communicate what is going on and share knowledge with other adults."Everybody is doing it" won't be an arugment anymore. (Just be careful sharing information does not become gossip and judgement- stay neutral).


Do set a good example. If any gathering at your home involves drinking, maybe re-evalate how you entertain. Social drinking is a powerful messge to our kids. Let them see alternative choices don't mean you can't be with friends and have fun.


Lastly, work on mutual respect. Teens who have a positive relationship with their parents don't want to disappoint them. Spend time together and work on the relationship continually. Won't it be grand to be someone your teen wants to be around. chrissie