For those of you who know me in real life you know that for the most part the last five years of our life have been good years, overshadowed with very miserable things.
Today marks the two year point of the last time my mom really felt good. We were arriving in Hilton Head, and although she was tired, we had a good time. Weeks after we came home the cancer that had spread to her brain started to take over.
Last spring she passed away. I really thought this was to the low point for our family. Things could only get better from there, right?
Mike has known that there was a possibility of his office closing, and has been looking on and off for a job for over a year. What he has been offered he has been over qualified for, and it has not paid at least what he is making now.
The new dilemma is two weeks from yesterday, Mike is officially unemployed. I have to believe that everything will be okay. Unfortunately reality is a much more frightening world that I would rather not be living in.
So pray, chant, light a candle, what ever your choice of bringing on goodness may be for us. I really did not think things could get worse.
(And, thanks for reading my little Saturday morning ode to self pity.)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Mother's Day
Yesterday was a pleasant and quite day. I did not feel that well, and I actually feel worse today.
Mike made me an everything bagel with garden vegetable cream cheese for breakfast, and he and Libby served me, and even allowed me to choose what we were going to watch.
We hung out for the rest of the day. Libby was scheduled to have a T ball game, but it was raining, and generally miserable all day. I loafed around and watched TV until four, and then we ran to the store.
Mike planned a wonderful dinner for me, fillet Mignon, grilled vegetable kabobs with mushrooms, zucchini, yellow peppers, and onions, and green bean casserole. He also made brownies for dessert. It was all very yummy.
Libby and Mike got me a purple ipod shuffle, but I knew on Saturday. Poor Lib could not help herself, and told me while I was doing her hair. Mike also took one of my mom's rings and had it sized for me. My dad gave it to my mom for a twenty fifth anniversary gift, and we also found out that we were having Libby. I am looking forward to wearing it.
I hope that all the mommies out there had a wonderful and relaxing day!
Mike made me an everything bagel with garden vegetable cream cheese for breakfast, and he and Libby served me, and even allowed me to choose what we were going to watch.
We hung out for the rest of the day. Libby was scheduled to have a T ball game, but it was raining, and generally miserable all day. I loafed around and watched TV until four, and then we ran to the store.
Mike planned a wonderful dinner for me, fillet Mignon, grilled vegetable kabobs with mushrooms, zucchini, yellow peppers, and onions, and green bean casserole. He also made brownies for dessert. It was all very yummy.
Libby and Mike got me a purple ipod shuffle, but I knew on Saturday. Poor Lib could not help herself, and told me while I was doing her hair. Mike also took one of my mom's rings and had it sized for me. My dad gave it to my mom for a twenty fifth anniversary gift, and we also found out that we were having Libby. I am looking forward to wearing it.
I hope that all the mommies out there had a wonderful and relaxing day!
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Kindergarten
Well as hard as it for me to believe my little girl starts kindy this fall. It seem like just yesterday she was born, and not soon after that we signed her up for preschool. Time really does fly, like my blog, a blink of time.
We have made the decision to send her to kindergarten at the school that she is currently at for preschool. They have a wonderful small kindergarten class, and the best teacher. It is from 8:30-2:30 every day. I do feel very guilty for sending her all day every day, but I have to commute to Athens to finish up my classes.
Our other choices were public kindy at the neighborhood school one block from our house, or to home school. The public school does not work, we would have to arrange transportation to and from school, and she would need to stay with a sitter on Monday and Wednesday when I go to school. I am just not ready for someone else to be taking her to school. The teachers their are also old, I had one of them for first grade. I just think that she would not be challenged enough. She is currently reading Dick and Jane books, and some other easy readers independently, and she has been doing some basic addition problems for the last few months. The entry skills for public kindy are what she was doing at when she turned four (colors, shapes, number and letter recognition, self responsibility).
I would love to drop everything, and home school her. I think that she could learn so much more at home, with us. I do not know if I would home school through high school, but I think during these early years it would be more stimulating educationally. I do worry though about the socialization factor. She is a very social kid, and I worry that by being home with me would hamper that. I know lots of home schooled children who are very social. Maybe it is the going against the grain that scares me. On a selfish note I really want and need to finish my education. I am so close, I only need 41 hours to graduate. I can finally see the light at the end. If I home school, I would need to take a break.
So, my baby starts real school this fall. I can remember my mom crying my first day, and me telling her it would be okay, that I would see her in a little bit. Bittersweet as that memory is, I can only imagine how she felt by the time I graduated high school. Time passes by to quickly. I wish I could bottle every ounce of five year old giddiness and optimism that bounces through our house each day.
We have made the decision to send her to kindergarten at the school that she is currently at for preschool. They have a wonderful small kindergarten class, and the best teacher. It is from 8:30-2:30 every day. I do feel very guilty for sending her all day every day, but I have to commute to Athens to finish up my classes.
Our other choices were public kindy at the neighborhood school one block from our house, or to home school. The public school does not work, we would have to arrange transportation to and from school, and she would need to stay with a sitter on Monday and Wednesday when I go to school. I am just not ready for someone else to be taking her to school. The teachers their are also old, I had one of them for first grade. I just think that she would not be challenged enough. She is currently reading Dick and Jane books, and some other easy readers independently, and she has been doing some basic addition problems for the last few months. The entry skills for public kindy are what she was doing at when she turned four (colors, shapes, number and letter recognition, self responsibility).
I would love to drop everything, and home school her. I think that she could learn so much more at home, with us. I do not know if I would home school through high school, but I think during these early years it would be more stimulating educationally. I do worry though about the socialization factor. She is a very social kid, and I worry that by being home with me would hamper that. I know lots of home schooled children who are very social. Maybe it is the going against the grain that scares me. On a selfish note I really want and need to finish my education. I am so close, I only need 41 hours to graduate. I can finally see the light at the end. If I home school, I would need to take a break.
So, my baby starts real school this fall. I can remember my mom crying my first day, and me telling her it would be okay, that I would see her in a little bit. Bittersweet as that memory is, I can only imagine how she felt by the time I graduated high school. Time passes by to quickly. I wish I could bottle every ounce of five year old giddiness and optimism that bounces through our house each day.
Friday, May 02, 2008
AHA!
On Wednesday I went to Aha, the new children's museum in town with Lib and her class on their spring field trip. The museum is very nice (it would be nicer if they would have hired me instead of the lady with her master's to run it) and very much like the space for young children at Cosi.
I am sad though, the mother that had been giving us some problems before choose to not let her daughter go. They think the museum is "stupid" and the mom actually attempted to plan a field trip to the zoo on the same day. I feel bad for the little girl, the kids had so much fun just being together. I did however find out that the mom has been telling other parents in the class that Lib is a bad influence. I know that she is not, so I try not to worry about it too much. I really feel more badly for them. If she is doing this in Pre K what are the rest of their school years going to be like.
I am sad though, the mother that had been giving us some problems before choose to not let her daughter go. They think the museum is "stupid" and the mom actually attempted to plan a field trip to the zoo on the same day. I feel bad for the little girl, the kids had so much fun just being together. I did however find out that the mom has been telling other parents in the class that Lib is a bad influence. I know that she is not, so I try not to worry about it too much. I really feel more badly for them. If she is doing this in Pre K what are the rest of their school years going to be like.
I have been working on school work a lot. I am currently creating a multimedia project for ninth graders covering the development of World War Two. They will have three compulsory assignments that must be completed, and three assignment of their choice to complete too. There will be over 15 things for them to choose from as learning activities. I just chuckle to think that I never will be able to do something like this when I finally have a job. In my other class I have to reflect on cultural diversity. I tend to be a fairly judgemental person, so this has been very enlightening for me.
If you are ever board search the paper clip project. Good things still happen in schools!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
FLDS
I have been following the FLDS story that broke early last week in the news. If you have not seen this, a sixteen year old girl in Texas who is a member of this church that lives within a compound called 911 saying that she was abused. This sect has a long history of polygamy, and marrying girls within the church as young as fourteen.
The first thing I ask, is why anyone would want to have more than one wife. Seriously, I live with me, and who would want more that one of me.
All joking aside, the police came in and took custody of over 400 or so children. Our the Today show, Guy Choate, the director of Texas State Bar stated that over 300 attorneys donated their time to serve the children. "There is no way we can go child by child, time does not allow for that."
Now all of these children are living in a stadium, with out their parents, and basically the courts are saying they are not worth their individual time in court. This just baffles me. The state can go in and take all of them, based on a phone call from one individual, and instead of looking at them case by case, they are lumping them into one group.
I do not understand FLDS, or LDS for that matter. I thought this was the land of the free, and was our country not founded by people escaping religious persecution? If these states want to end underage marriage they need to raise the marriage age to 18. I pray no children have been abused in this case, and what ever happens is a good outcome for all involved. If these children truly were abused, how will the foster system of Texas ever help them adjust to mainstream life?
The first thing I ask, is why anyone would want to have more than one wife. Seriously, I live with me, and who would want more that one of me.
All joking aside, the police came in and took custody of over 400 or so children. Our the Today show, Guy Choate, the director of Texas State Bar stated that over 300 attorneys donated their time to serve the children. "There is no way we can go child by child, time does not allow for that."
Now all of these children are living in a stadium, with out their parents, and basically the courts are saying they are not worth their individual time in court. This just baffles me. The state can go in and take all of them, based on a phone call from one individual, and instead of looking at them case by case, they are lumping them into one group.
I do not understand FLDS, or LDS for that matter. I thought this was the land of the free, and was our country not founded by people escaping religious persecution? If these states want to end underage marriage they need to raise the marriage age to 18. I pray no children have been abused in this case, and what ever happens is a good outcome for all involved. If these children truly were abused, how will the foster system of Texas ever help them adjust to mainstream life?
Saturday, April 12, 2008
You always have one more chance to learn something new
If you have not heard of Randy Pausch you should. Mike lead me to a man that I can not just read enough about.
If you live in a family touched by cancer, you will want to read his story.
Randy, like my mom, has the undeniable will to live in the shadow of death. People like this give me the hope to know that their is beauty and life in all things.
http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/
I pray each day for Randy, his wife Jai, and there three little ones.
My childhood dreams....
To be Mary Lou Retton. (My parents allowed me years of gymnastics lessons)
To teach and to be with children. (I get to do this each and everyday)
To be a Radio City Rockette. (Well, since I never grew past five foot, three inches, but some day I will make it to New York City!)
To be a mom. (I always wanted to be a mommy, and now I am, for better and for worse.)
If I know any thing, life is to short. Do not sweat the small stuff, and live each day to the fullest.
If you live in a family touched by cancer, you will want to read his story.
Randy, like my mom, has the undeniable will to live in the shadow of death. People like this give me the hope to know that their is beauty and life in all things.
http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/
I pray each day for Randy, his wife Jai, and there three little ones.
My childhood dreams....
To be Mary Lou Retton. (My parents allowed me years of gymnastics lessons)
To teach and to be with children. (I get to do this each and everyday)
To be a Radio City Rockette. (Well, since I never grew past five foot, three inches, but some day I will make it to New York City!)
To be a mom. (I always wanted to be a mommy, and now I am, for better and for worse.)
If I know any thing, life is to short. Do not sweat the small stuff, and live each day to the fullest.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Weight Watchers Update
Well since March 24 I am down 5 pounds. I have actually stuck with the program. I am not very good about entering my points but I am acutely aware of how much I am eating.
I have also been walking around three miles Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. I hope to add something Tuesday and Thursday nights soon. I wish I could do a gym membership but it is just not in the cards financially.
So there it is, no size change to report, but I think I may take my measurements to track those.
Best wishes to all others who are battling the bulge.
I have also been walking around three miles Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. I hope to add something Tuesday and Thursday nights soon. I wish I could do a gym membership but it is just not in the cards financially.
So there it is, no size change to report, but I think I may take my measurements to track those.
Best wishes to all others who are battling the bulge.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
A weekend with purpose
On Friday Libby spent the night with Papaw and Mike and I went out to dinner at Olive Garden. It was nice to have some time just the two of us.
Saturday started off a little rocky, but by noon things were going well. Mike built a brick and river stone pad for the grill to sit on in what was my former herb garden that I never planted an herb in. I cleaned out the area around the cellar door which was long over do. It is a little nook and it was built up with leaves and dryer lint. Libby played outside well while we worked. We then headed out to the new home improvement store, Menard's. This place was huge, it makes Lowe's look like the corner hardware store. Best of all they have a covered garden center and it is set up so kids can play on the swing set displays. Libby and I played for about a half on hour and Mike shopped for sand and concrete.
Last night Melissa came over and we had fajitas, they were so good!
Marinate a flank steak in 1/4 vegetable oil, 1/2 cup of lime juice, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and three cloves of garlic.
Grill steak, a green pepper, a red pepper, sweet onion. Serve on flour tortillas with sour cream, cheese, and salsa. Goes great with a good bottle of wine!
Today Mike tilled the garden, and I cleaned out all of the flower beds. We also made three more stepping stones for a path in the yard.
Tonight we watched the Water House, it was a good story.
Right now I am off to do some homework, Libby is asleep, and Mike is switching from Star Wars #3, Keeping up with Kardashians, and Lord of Rings Return of the King.
Have a great week all.
Saturday started off a little rocky, but by noon things were going well. Mike built a brick and river stone pad for the grill to sit on in what was my former herb garden that I never planted an herb in. I cleaned out the area around the cellar door which was long over do. It is a little nook and it was built up with leaves and dryer lint. Libby played outside well while we worked. We then headed out to the new home improvement store, Menard's. This place was huge, it makes Lowe's look like the corner hardware store. Best of all they have a covered garden center and it is set up so kids can play on the swing set displays. Libby and I played for about a half on hour and Mike shopped for sand and concrete.
Last night Melissa came over and we had fajitas, they were so good!
Marinate a flank steak in 1/4 vegetable oil, 1/2 cup of lime juice, 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and three cloves of garlic.
Grill steak, a green pepper, a red pepper, sweet onion. Serve on flour tortillas with sour cream, cheese, and salsa. Goes great with a good bottle of wine!
Today Mike tilled the garden, and I cleaned out all of the flower beds. We also made three more stepping stones for a path in the yard.
Tonight we watched the Water House, it was a good story.
Right now I am off to do some homework, Libby is asleep, and Mike is switching from Star Wars #3, Keeping up with Kardashians, and Lord of Rings Return of the King.
Have a great week all.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Spring Quarter
I sometimes feel that people look down on you for being a non traditional student. I also feel that going to school and getting a good education is the best thing that I can do for my family, and as an example to Lib. I give kudos to stay at home moms, but in all truth we could just not make it at this point if I was not working, and working towards something better. People tell me that we could cut back, and I am sure we could, I just do not think I would be happy if we could not have things like our Cosi membership, our one week a year at the Beach, and even having the money to go out of town to visit family and friends. I am too deep in the school loan cycle to not go to the finish line.
This quarter I am taking a cultural diversity class for educators, a computer technology class for teachers, and 19th century Latin American History. The cultural diversity class should be the most interesting. It really makes you question how you see yourself, and other people. Our first assignment was to reflect on our first experience that you recognized as being different than you. I remember visiting my mom's step sister in Columbus in the 1982, I was three. Her husband was black, but what I recall was his hair, not his skin. He had a huge Afro. I remember thinking how cool and puffy his hair was. It was not until several years later that I realized he was black. Many times we say that we do not see color. I think the world would be a much better place if we all saw color and embraced our differences as individuals and as groups instead of pointing them out.
Day one, week one down, eleven weeks to go....
If anyone was wondering Alvin and the Chipmunks was cute, oh and my neighbor has MRSA, I will be cleaning our house some more.
This quarter I am taking a cultural diversity class for educators, a computer technology class for teachers, and 19th century Latin American History. The cultural diversity class should be the most interesting. It really makes you question how you see yourself, and other people. Our first assignment was to reflect on our first experience that you recognized as being different than you. I remember visiting my mom's step sister in Columbus in the 1982, I was three. Her husband was black, but what I recall was his hair, not his skin. He had a huge Afro. I remember thinking how cool and puffy his hair was. It was not until several years later that I realized he was black. Many times we say that we do not see color. I think the world would be a much better place if we all saw color and embraced our differences as individuals and as groups instead of pointing them out.
Day one, week one down, eleven weeks to go....
If anyone was wondering Alvin and the Chipmunks was cute, oh and my neighbor has MRSA, I will be cleaning our house some more.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Blooms and Butterflies
Today we visited the Bloom and Butterflies exhibit at Franklin Park Conservatory. Mike's parents came down and we all went together. It was a surprise for his mom, and she really was surprised. The butterflies were just magical. Fluttering everywhere, landing here and there, and the beautiful coloring.
This Blue Morpho landed on Libby's coat and was content there for at least ten minutes.
The conservatory also had a train exhibit set in three climates the desert, the Himalayan mountains, and the rain forest. They had scale models of some of the most famous architecture in the world. We saw the Taj Mahal, the Great Pyramid, and my favorite Hagia Sophia, among others. Hagia Sophia was built by Justinian in Constantinople, and is one of the earliest Christian churches. Even after the fall of empire it was saved and used as a Mosque. Today it still stands as a museum. Although we are not Muslim I find true appreciation for the preservation of the building and the phenomenal blue mosaics inside.
This Blue Morpho landed on Libby's coat and was content there for at least ten minutes.
The conservatory also had a train exhibit set in three climates the desert, the Himalayan mountains, and the rain forest. They had scale models of some of the most famous architecture in the world. We saw the Taj Mahal, the Great Pyramid, and my favorite Hagia Sophia, among others. Hagia Sophia was built by Justinian in Constantinople, and is one of the earliest Christian churches. Even after the fall of empire it was saved and used as a Mosque. Today it still stands as a museum. Although we are not Muslim I find true appreciation for the preservation of the building and the phenomenal blue mosaics inside.
We then traveled to a couple of tool stores that Libby and I suffered through. We did find some black granite to put in front of the fireplace. Now we just have to find a weekend to do it.
We then went to Hoggy's for a early dinner. If you have never been to a Hoggy's you should go. It is really good BBQ. Mike had brisket and I had pulled pork. The best part is the corn bread. I could eat that for dessert.
Now we are at home for a quiet evening to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks... which for the rest of you comes out on video this week.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A few of my favorite things
Soooo, Mike gave me Bare Esceuntuals make up for Christmas, you know the Bare Minerals stuff from the infomercial late at night. He picked mine up at Sephora at Polaris. I had asked for along with my super duper lighted tweezers, but I did not think he would really spend that on make up with out me there.
At first I did not like it. It takes a little while to get the technique down. Swirl, tap, and buff is not as easy at it looks. Fast forward three months later... I love it. It covers without being heavy, and it looks natural. Best of all it evens out my skin. I am doomed to break out for the rest of my life, after all my dad is sixty and still does. Imagine my excitement yesterday when I noticed that Target is now carrying the box sets! Hopefully I get some more party gigs soon so I can add to my collection.
In addition to my makeup love, I also love dressy Libby in cutesy stuff. Tomorrow I am going to attempt to construct her a pillowcase dress.
I have some great vintage Wizard of Oz fabric. I hope it turns out cute.
Also in my quest for cuteness I have renewed my love for smocked clothing. I figure I only have another year or so to dress her in this stuff, and the great part is, SHE LOVES THEM! Daddy does not, says they are dorky, oh well, I'm the one who buys most of his clothes any way.
All in all we are enjoying spring break. We are having a friend over to play this afternoon. I have most of the house clean. I hope it stays sunny so we can play outside. Tonight I am going to finish my lesson plans for the rest of the school year. I think I work at one of the few places that requires lesson plans a month at a time. In every public school it seems you can turn them in the week before, or even Monday that week. Since we do not make our own copies either it is nice that everything is done. My one complaint is I often over plan, and then I never get to the things I want to. Oh well, only nine weeks left.
At first I did not like it. It takes a little while to get the technique down. Swirl, tap, and buff is not as easy at it looks. Fast forward three months later... I love it. It covers without being heavy, and it looks natural. Best of all it evens out my skin. I am doomed to break out for the rest of my life, after all my dad is sixty and still does. Imagine my excitement yesterday when I noticed that Target is now carrying the box sets! Hopefully I get some more party gigs soon so I can add to my collection.
In addition to my makeup love, I also love dressy Libby in cutesy stuff. Tomorrow I am going to attempt to construct her a pillowcase dress.
I have some great vintage Wizard of Oz fabric. I hope it turns out cute.
Also in my quest for cuteness I have renewed my love for smocked clothing. I figure I only have another year or so to dress her in this stuff, and the great part is, SHE LOVES THEM! Daddy does not, says they are dorky, oh well, I'm the one who buys most of his clothes any way.
All in all we are enjoying spring break. We are having a friend over to play this afternoon. I have most of the house clean. I hope it stays sunny so we can play outside. Tonight I am going to finish my lesson plans for the rest of the school year. I think I work at one of the few places that requires lesson plans a month at a time. In every public school it seems you can turn them in the week before, or even Monday that week. Since we do not make our own copies either it is nice that everything is done. My one complaint is I often over plan, and then I never get to the things I want to. Oh well, only nine weeks left.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Battle of the Bulge, Part Duex
Several months ago I posted that I was starting Weight Watchers again.... well that was a miss fire.
I started again this morning, and I have had a fairly good day. That was until we watched Modern Marvels, it was about Krispy Kream doughnuts. Now I am craving SWEETS!
I will subject myself to a public humiliation as a means of motivation.
Weight: Well you must think I am nuts if I am going to share that....
Height: 5'3"
Shirt Size: Large
Pants Size: 16 (oh my, I can not believe I just told the world that)
I also started working out this morning.
Wish me luck to overcome my cravings.
I started again this morning, and I have had a fairly good day. That was until we watched Modern Marvels, it was about Krispy Kream doughnuts. Now I am craving SWEETS!
I will subject myself to a public humiliation as a means of motivation.
Weight: Well you must think I am nuts if I am going to share that....
Height: 5'3"
Shirt Size: Large
Pants Size: 16 (oh my, I can not believe I just told the world that)
I also started working out this morning.
Wish me luck to overcome my cravings.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter weekend
Jeez ignore my fat face....
Blessing to all on this Easter Sunday. Whether you are Christian or not it is time of figurative and literal renewal for all of us. Their are buds on the trees and tulips popping up around the house. Who cares if it is snowing.
We started our day by planning to go to one church, and then we ended up at another. We attend the Episcopal Church with our neighbors and it was very nice. The lady Libby and I set with was the oldest living member of the church, she was baptized there in 1921. I love spending time with older people as we do not have any living grandparents. We can learn so much from that generation.
After church we walked to Annie's Cheesecake and Tea Room (http://www.anniescheesecake.com/ ) for Easter Lunch. It is a cutesy place, but the food is the best. We feasted on potato casserole, blueberry french toast casserole, eggs, bacon, fruit salad, and Mike had more traditional Easter foods.
We walked a couple of sunny downtown blocks back to the car freezing our bare legs off and went for a little ride out into the country. We then returned home and watched movies and played Webkinz all afternoon. A relaxing day was had by all.
Yesterday morning we attended an Easter Egg hunt at the school. Libby had a good time with her friends, while the other moms and I chatted about the correctness of making a tomb out of paper plates. Some of my students were there too, which was okay. They are at the age where they still think I live at the school. We ran around yesterday afternoon, visited Pawpaw, and had yummy Chipoltle for dinner. Libby used some birthday money to buy American Idol for the Wii so we played that for several hours yesterday afternoon.
Friday night was the monthly girls night out! Yes, that is right folks... we go out once of month sans children and husbands. We ate dinner and had some drinks, and then ventured off to the Orange Carpet. I am glad to report that there is indeed orange carpet on the walls inside. I would not go out all of the time, but once a month is a nice break from the norm. We did not even feel bad doing jello shots on one of the most holy days of the year. Happy Birthday, Melissa!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Parenting...
Why is it that we are so judgemental of other parents? In the secret life of a mom I feel that many women judge others for varied reasons. They work, they stay at home, they are disciplinarians, they are not, they are trendy, they are not, the list could go on and on. I can share the silly joy that I felt when I saw one of those "perfect moms" from preschool that I never saw in an outfit more than once at the pool-- and gasp-- she had cellulite on her legs like the rest of us.
Yesterday we were in Wal Mart and Libby threw a fit. I do not tolerate fits in stores, and therefore we promptly left. Of course Libby was screaming at me like I was a child abductor as I was dragging her out of the store. I could feel the eyes of every mother, woman for that matter burning into my back as I triumphed in my own battle against misbehavior. Instead of feeling confident in my decision, I felt embarrassed. Why? Because they were staring at us.
This was a nice lesson for me, it is okay to discipline, too many parents do not these days, and I can deal with the embarrassment. I can not deal with a naughty sassy child in public, and that is okay.
On a better note, we were able to spend the better half of two hours playing outside this afternoon, and we are going to reattempt the shopping trip this evening. Thank you God for the sunshine!
Yesterday we were in Wal Mart and Libby threw a fit. I do not tolerate fits in stores, and therefore we promptly left. Of course Libby was screaming at me like I was a child abductor as I was dragging her out of the store. I could feel the eyes of every mother, woman for that matter burning into my back as I triumphed in my own battle against misbehavior. Instead of feeling confident in my decision, I felt embarrassed. Why? Because they were staring at us.
This was a nice lesson for me, it is okay to discipline, too many parents do not these days, and I can deal with the embarrassment. I can not deal with a naughty sassy child in public, and that is okay.
On a better note, we were able to spend the better half of two hours playing outside this afternoon, and we are going to reattempt the shopping trip this evening. Thank you God for the sunshine!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Five Years....
My little girl turned five years old last week. It seems like just yesterday I was pregnant, and we started the whole process of becoming parents. After five years I have a walking, talking, READING, little thinker. I can remember what an acomplishment it was when at five weeks she held her head on her own, at five months when she was sitting up and teeth were erupting, and now we are at five years. Life truly does pass you by before you have a chance to blink.
We had a crazy and wild princess party to celebrate her special day! Lots of kids, an inflatable tunnel, tons of classic birthday party games. I thought it was nuts, but fun was had by all. Several of our good friends were able to make it too. Thanks for coming in guys if you read this.
With her birthday also comes some sadness. Tomorrow marks the first year since my mom died. How quickly this year has gone. Sometimes I still find myself wanting to pick up the phone to call her, just to hear her voice. As I reflect on five years of my child's life I wonder about the insight that she could give me about raising two girls into adulthood. If this experience has taught me anything it is never take for granted the people that you love. Whether that be family or friends life is too short to hold grudges for long. I am thankful for each day I had with my mom, and for the friendships that she passed on to me. Her dearest friend from childhood has become one of my dearest friends, and Libby's "Miss" Kathie. We may not have Nan anymore, but I am thankful for Kathie in our lives.
I am thankful for my friends for putting up with me. I am thankful for Mike, for his understanding, and for his unconditional love... I have not been an easy person to love this past year.
Oh, and a big public congrats to my dear friends in Utah that are going to be a mommy and daddy! We love you.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Lean and Green
As many families have found the need to make a change in their lives last month with New Year's Resolutions, as usual we are a month behind. Better late than never I hope.
On going green.... you know that it is time when your four year old is encouraging the move. We stopped using paper plates over a month ago. The increase in dishes has been rather unpleasant, but they eventually get done. Our next step is the "lightbulb". M finally committed to those yesterday. We are not going to replace them all at once, but as our current ones burn out. The recycling recepticle is being moved to the fine institution of higher learning that I loathe to still attend. It is my hope that with it being convienent that we are all more willing to recycle the plastics that we use. That would be a good start.
On going lean.... Today is the day, I hope that it is. I am going to log into Weight Watcher's once again and start. Facing the music stinks. We are bad models for dd. I do not want her to grow up a chubby little girl like I did, just to turn into a chubby little adult. We just need to eat better. On a personal level I need to give up soda. Coke. It is not even 8 a.m. and I am already craving the days first drink. If I am personally responsible and honest here I can be on the Points counting site too.
Tonights dinner: Broiled Turkey Tenderloin and Sweet Potatoes
On going green.... you know that it is time when your four year old is encouraging the move. We stopped using paper plates over a month ago. The increase in dishes has been rather unpleasant, but they eventually get done. Our next step is the "lightbulb". M finally committed to those yesterday. We are not going to replace them all at once, but as our current ones burn out. The recycling recepticle is being moved to the fine institution of higher learning that I loathe to still attend. It is my hope that with it being convienent that we are all more willing to recycle the plastics that we use. That would be a good start.
On going lean.... Today is the day, I hope that it is. I am going to log into Weight Watcher's once again and start. Facing the music stinks. We are bad models for dd. I do not want her to grow up a chubby little girl like I did, just to turn into a chubby little adult. We just need to eat better. On a personal level I need to give up soda. Coke. It is not even 8 a.m. and I am already craving the days first drink. If I am personally responsible and honest here I can be on the Points counting site too.
Tonights dinner: Broiled Turkey Tenderloin and Sweet Potatoes
Monday, July 16, 2007
Wow, how my life has changed...
It has almost been a year since I have posted a blog. I have done a couple on My space, but I am not sure how I feel about that.
I spent so much time writing about how unsure of what the future would hold, and now it is here. The worst that I could imagine happened, and amazingly we all continue to live through it. I can not say that I went through the experience of losing my mom unscathed, because that would be a complete and bitter untruth, but I think I have came out on the other end a better person for what I went through.
First and foremost everyone must understand that caring for a dying person is the hardest work that you will ever do. You know the outcome, and your love is like that of when you see your newly born child. You want to soak up every inch and detail of their face, their hands, and wrinkle, every mark, the imprint must remain in your memory. My mom, bless her heart, her head was so swollen, stands of strangely brown and gray hairs traced across her head. Her eyes, still the most beautiful blue that you will ever see had lost that sparkle. Wrinkles from age and illness danced around her eyes. Even across her face she developed a little monkey like fuzz, that I know would have bothered her if she had still cared about those things.
The last few days must have been so hard for her to internally deal with. We had to make so many difficult decisions to enable us to keep her at home. And oh, god, the last day. I had to give my mother a suppository. She was sooooo mad at me. That still races through my mind that that was the last thing that I did for her. She took some pain medicine shortly after that, the second time in that whole journey that she had done so, and drifted off to what would be her last night.
The following morning when I arrived at the house, I knew that it had not been long since she had passed. I could still feel her there if that makes any sense. She was still warm when I touched her hand. By the time Eric and Andy arrived to take her to the funeral home that warmth, presence I had felt was gone. It was a whirl wind after that. I felt like every trace, except for the smell, of her illness was removed from the house within a few hours. She was there, and then just like that she was gone.
Approaching four months after the fact I would say that we are all dealing in our own way. I hate pink ribbons. people who speak of the cure. I know that I should not feel that way, I do want women to live, I just wanted my mom to be part of that group that got to live too, she loved life.
We were at a wedding reception last night, and a Bob Seager song came on. Affected by way too many spirits, I just lost it. I had to leave the room. I was that sad drunk that I do not want to be. I wonder if I will be haunted by certain songs, smells, stores for the rest of my life or if those things too will pass?
I spent so much time writing about how unsure of what the future would hold, and now it is here. The worst that I could imagine happened, and amazingly we all continue to live through it. I can not say that I went through the experience of losing my mom unscathed, because that would be a complete and bitter untruth, but I think I have came out on the other end a better person for what I went through.
First and foremost everyone must understand that caring for a dying person is the hardest work that you will ever do. You know the outcome, and your love is like that of when you see your newly born child. You want to soak up every inch and detail of their face, their hands, and wrinkle, every mark, the imprint must remain in your memory. My mom, bless her heart, her head was so swollen, stands of strangely brown and gray hairs traced across her head. Her eyes, still the most beautiful blue that you will ever see had lost that sparkle. Wrinkles from age and illness danced around her eyes. Even across her face she developed a little monkey like fuzz, that I know would have bothered her if she had still cared about those things.
The last few days must have been so hard for her to internally deal with. We had to make so many difficult decisions to enable us to keep her at home. And oh, god, the last day. I had to give my mother a suppository. She was sooooo mad at me. That still races through my mind that that was the last thing that I did for her. She took some pain medicine shortly after that, the second time in that whole journey that she had done so, and drifted off to what would be her last night.
The following morning when I arrived at the house, I knew that it had not been long since she had passed. I could still feel her there if that makes any sense. She was still warm when I touched her hand. By the time Eric and Andy arrived to take her to the funeral home that warmth, presence I had felt was gone. It was a whirl wind after that. I felt like every trace, except for the smell, of her illness was removed from the house within a few hours. She was there, and then just like that she was gone.
Approaching four months after the fact I would say that we are all dealing in our own way. I hate pink ribbons. people who speak of the cure. I know that I should not feel that way, I do want women to live, I just wanted my mom to be part of that group that got to live too, she loved life.
We were at a wedding reception last night, and a Bob Seager song came on. Affected by way too many spirits, I just lost it. I had to leave the room. I was that sad drunk that I do not want to be. I wonder if I will be haunted by certain songs, smells, stores for the rest of my life or if those things too will pass?
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Recipe Share... Chicken Pot Pie
We always crave homestlye food during the fall and winter months. This was super yummy!
Chicken Pot Pie, Paula Deen
1 10oz can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 10oz can cream of celery
1/2 cup milk
1 chicken skinned cooked boned and cubed
1 medium onion diced
1 10oz package frozen green peas
3 carrots sliced cooked and drained
salt and pepper to taste
1 pastry for top and bottom, I used premade but I will include her recipe, I was tired after roasting and boning the chicken
Butter to dot Pastry
In a large saucepan, heat soups, and milk. Stir in chicken, onion, peas, carrots, salt and pepper. Cook until mixture boils. Remove from heat. Preheat oven to 350. Pour into pastry lined 13*9*2 inch baking pan. Cut Pastry top into strips and lay over filling in a lattice style. Dot with butter and bake for 45 mins until golden brown.
I used kroger brand frozen pie crust and it was very good, but here is her recipe.
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
3/4 cup of Crisco shortening
Ice Water
Sift together flour and salt and baking powder. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until pieces are the size of small peas. Sprinkle one to two tablespoons of ice water over the mixture. Gently toss with fork. Push to side of bowl. Repeat until all moistened. Form into two balls. Roll with floured rolling pins from center to edge to 1/8 inch thick.
Mike said this was the best recipe that I have tried lately. I did make it with full fat soups, but I think that next time I may low fat everything and see how it turns out.
Enjoy!
Chicken Pot Pie, Paula Deen
1 10oz can condensed cheddar cheese soup
1 10oz can cream of celery
1/2 cup milk
1 chicken skinned cooked boned and cubed
1 medium onion diced
1 10oz package frozen green peas
3 carrots sliced cooked and drained
salt and pepper to taste
1 pastry for top and bottom, I used premade but I will include her recipe, I was tired after roasting and boning the chicken
Butter to dot Pastry
In a large saucepan, heat soups, and milk. Stir in chicken, onion, peas, carrots, salt and pepper. Cook until mixture boils. Remove from heat. Preheat oven to 350. Pour into pastry lined 13*9*2 inch baking pan. Cut Pastry top into strips and lay over filling in a lattice style. Dot with butter and bake for 45 mins until golden brown.
I used kroger brand frozen pie crust and it was very good, but here is her recipe.
3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
3/4 cup of Crisco shortening
Ice Water
Sift together flour and salt and baking powder. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender until pieces are the size of small peas. Sprinkle one to two tablespoons of ice water over the mixture. Gently toss with fork. Push to side of bowl. Repeat until all moistened. Form into two balls. Roll with floured rolling pins from center to edge to 1/8 inch thick.
Mike said this was the best recipe that I have tried lately. I did make it with full fat soups, but I think that next time I may low fat everything and see how it turns out.
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Long Time, No Blog
Life at our house has been on the busy side the past week. I have had tests in every class that I am taking, and I will have one each week until the quarter is over. Ugh.... only four weeks left to go.
This past week was our county fair, it is the last one of the year in Ohio. We have one of those picture perfect fair grounds, and the leaves are changing. It just means fall to me. Like a dodo I forgot the camera last Sunday. It was a beautiful day, and Libby was thrilled as we all rode the ferris wheel. Did you know that Mr. Ferris invinted the Ferris Wheel to out do the Eiffel Tower?
My aunt and cousin were in town, and we had lunch at the bead shop Tuesday. It was great to see them. My cousin has a beautiful little baby boy, Paul. He is just all cute and cuddly, and a happy little five month old. I was glad to see my aunt see my mom. We just do not know what the future holds. They have been through a lot together, and it warms my heart to see them together. I am hoping that my mom stays healthy to travel to their home in northern Minnesota this spring.
On Wednesday I came down with an ailment that I do not like to talk about. Ever since I was pregnant with Libby I have had issues with gout. Yes, I know only eighty year old fat men suffer from this, but I do too. It is rather embaressing. I had not had a flare up in two years until this past week. My left toe swelled to look like half of a brautwurst. It was painful and disgusting. I was so sick on Thursday that I could not get off the couch with out cold sweats and nasuea. Thank goodness Mike was able to retrieve my natrual remedy of organic tart cherry juice and it only lasted for a day. It is almost back to normal today with just a little discoloration.
Yesterday was very very slow at work. I worry about my job. I know that Kathie will not let me go until she has too, but still, I hate to see business so slow for her. My new hobby, polymer clay beads have been selling well though, so that is a nice ego boost. Kathie is my mom's best friend from high school. We can chat very candidly about life after my mom. I know that she does not read this, but I really can not express how much comfort that it is that I will still have a mom friend like person in my life after my mom passes on. Whether that is in a few months or a few years I know that she will be there.
Last night we enjoyed pizza and Papa's crazy football channel flipping at my parents house. My father flips like no other. At one time I swear we were watching two football games, one baseball, and a nascar race. We had fun, and I really enjoy those times with my mom.
Today we went to the pumpkin patch. It was fun, but I still am slightly disappointed that they did not have baby pumpkins.
This week we have a lot on tap too. I have tests Wednesday and Thursday. Libby has aquired her first fall cold, and yet she has her hayride at preschool on Thursday, I hope that she feels better by then. Thursday night, we are going to the Circleville Pumpkin Show. It is a huge festival, and always lots of fun. The OSU Marching Band is playing in the parade, so I am trying to prepare my self for crazy crowds. I am looking forward to it though, we all are going... Mike, I, Libby, my mom, AND MY DAD. For those of you who know me in real like this sadly is a big deal. I look forward to spending precious time together as a family and making good memories.
Ohhh, and Mike flies for the first time next Saturday! I am so excited (and a little nervous for him.) He is cashing in his flight lesson gift certificate from Christmas last year. I will remember the camera for this!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Busy times
In most recent news I just finished registering to take the ACT test. Yes, that same one we all took in high school, how embarassing it will be to walk in there in December, but it must be done. I need a 21, and I only scored a 20 way back in 1996 when I was a junior in high school. It was either retake the ACT, or pay the big bucks to take the PRAXIS one. I just saved myself $300.
Last weekend we went to an outdoor event at one of our local parks, it is called Frontier Spirit. I have been attending since I was in grade school. They recreate what Zane's Trace, and life was like in our community 150 years ago. I had some pictures of Mike and Libby in the stocks, I can not seem to find them.
I had two tests in my western civ class this week, we get the grades back on them tomorrow. I am nervous as some of the questions were rather abstract.
Friday was our anniversery. We spent a fun day at the zoo. We were so tired when we arrrived home that we cancelled our reservations to the really nice resturant and opted for Texas Roadhouse instead. The food was very good.
Saturday I worked, and then we went to my parent's house to watch the OSU vs. Iowa game. It was nice spending time with them and munching on snack food.
Sunday we cleaned the house and went to the park. The weather has been seasonably warm, and we have been trying to enjoy it as much as we can.
As I type poor Mike is trying to get some kind of deceased animal out of the engine block of his work car. All I can say is GROSS. I am glad that it is not I.
A few pictures for sharing
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