Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Fun times at the O-K Corral
We LOVE games in our family! Now that Sweet-Pea is getting older, she's a lot more fun to play games with. We've laid to rest some of the more baby games....Hi-Ho Cheery-O, Hungry Hippo, Farm Families, Clue Jr., Candy Land etc. I enjoyed playing those games with her, but I like playing grown up games with the kids more...I like the challenge.
One of our newest games is entitled "Grand Corral...The Game of Unbridled Fun."
Here's how it's played:
"In Grand Corral, you answer trivia questions about the wonderful world of horses, the various breeds, how they develop, where they live, how they are cared for and how they are ridden. Each time you answer correctly you get to claim one of the 25 horses in the corral to your very own corral."
Sweet-Pea and I are studying the 'History of Horses' this year in history - from the Beautiful Feet curriculum. It's an amazing curriculum, and this game simply reinforces much of what she is learning. She doesn't realize it, but it's an educational game. Shh! Don't tell!!! To me, those are the best kind.
Here she is, complete with her horse puppet, playing the game. Notice her corral has more horses than mine does....smarty pants!!
Sweet-Pea and Patriot. She named her horse after the one owned by the American Girl Felicity.
Some other educational board games we love to play include: Great States, Some Body, Sequence States and Capitals, Name that Country, Cranium, Scotland Yard (one of my favorites!), Clue (not as educational, but it does make you think), Quiddler, and Apples to Apples. We have 2 closets FULL of games because we love them so much. Of course we love playing with the kids, but Edward and I are often seen playing games without them...lately it's been Phase 10. That game is a blast! We'd love to find another couple to play games with, but it's so hard to findwilling victims friends who have time to get together and play. Anyone care to join us?!? =)
Tonight no one won the Grand Corral game. It was bed time before we were able to finish our game, so we decided to stop after a certain number of questions. When we stopped, it was 8 to 8 - tie game! Usually Sweet-Pea wins though, so I guess I should be happy with a tie!
One of our newest games is entitled "Grand Corral...The Game of Unbridled Fun."
Here's how it's played:
"In Grand Corral, you answer trivia questions about the wonderful world of horses, the various breeds, how they develop, where they live, how they are cared for and how they are ridden. Each time you answer correctly you get to claim one of the 25 horses in the corral to your very own corral."
Sweet-Pea and I are studying the 'History of Horses' this year in history - from the Beautiful Feet curriculum. It's an amazing curriculum, and this game simply reinforces much of what she is learning. She doesn't realize it, but it's an educational game. Shh! Don't tell!!! To me, those are the best kind.
Here she is, complete with her horse puppet, playing the game. Notice her corral has more horses than mine does....smarty pants!!
Sweet-Pea and Patriot. She named her horse after the one owned by the American Girl Felicity.
Some other educational board games we love to play include: Great States, Some Body, Sequence States and Capitals, Name that Country, Cranium, Scotland Yard (one of my favorites!), Clue (not as educational, but it does make you think), Quiddler, and Apples to Apples. We have 2 closets FULL of games because we love them so much. Of course we love playing with the kids, but Edward and I are often seen playing games without them...lately it's been Phase 10. That game is a blast! We'd love to find another couple to play games with, but it's so hard to find
Tonight no one won the Grand Corral game. It was bed time before we were able to finish our game, so we decided to stop after a certain number of questions. When we stopped, it was 8 to 8 - tie game! Usually Sweet-Pea wins though, so I guess I should be happy with a tie!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
A new hobby
Lionel started a new hobby this year...building balsa wood model planes. Since he is so fascinated with both planes and WW2, we got him a couple WW2 planes he could build with his Grandpa. Grandpa has been building them for years so he's a pro at it. In fact, his entire garage ceiling is filled with hanging model planes that he built!! It's amazing.
Anyhow, the first plane Lionel built with Grandpa was the P-40 Warhawk.
These two had so much fun working together on Lionel's first plane. I can't even begin to tell you how many times Lionel asked if he could go over to my in-laws house to work on the plane with Grandpa! Grandpa was just as bad....every time we saw him, he asked when Lionel was coming back to work on it some more!
Here is Lionel's first plane...the P-40 Warhawk, hanging in Grandpa's basement where they built it. It will stay there until we move into our new home, where Lionel can hang it in his bedroom. I'm sure this is just the first of many!!
They already began building Lionel's 2nd model...the F6F Hellcat. Here they are working on it in Grandpa's basement - where he built all of his own models.
We purchased his model planes from Guillows. Here is what their site said about the first plane Lionel built:
"The P-40 earned undying fame as the "Flying Tiger" of World War 2 when flown by General Claire Chennault's Volunteer Group fighting the Japanese in China and Burma. It also saw much service in the Middle East where it was used by Britain's R.A.F. and nicknamed the Tomahawk and Kittyhawk. When World War 2 broke out, the P-40 was the only fighter available in quantity to the U.S.A.A.F., it being the first American single-seat plane to be manufactured in the U.S. on a mass production basis. By the end of the war, over 14,000 planes had been delivered to fighting theatres."
Anyhow, the first plane Lionel built with Grandpa was the P-40 Warhawk.
These two had so much fun working together on Lionel's first plane. I can't even begin to tell you how many times Lionel asked if he could go over to my in-laws house to work on the plane with Grandpa! Grandpa was just as bad....every time we saw him, he asked when Lionel was coming back to work on it some more!
Here is Lionel's first plane...the P-40 Warhawk, hanging in Grandpa's basement where they built it. It will stay there until we move into our new home, where Lionel can hang it in his bedroom. I'm sure this is just the first of many!!
They already began building Lionel's 2nd model...the F6F Hellcat. Here they are working on it in Grandpa's basement - where he built all of his own models.
We purchased his model planes from Guillows. Here is what their site said about the first plane Lionel built:
"The P-40 earned undying fame as the "Flying Tiger" of World War 2 when flown by General Claire Chennault's Volunteer Group fighting the Japanese in China and Burma. It also saw much service in the Middle East where it was used by Britain's R.A.F. and nicknamed the Tomahawk and Kittyhawk. When World War 2 broke out, the P-40 was the only fighter available in quantity to the U.S.A.A.F., it being the first American single-seat plane to be manufactured in the U.S. on a mass production basis. By the end of the war, over 14,000 planes had been delivered to fighting theatres."
Sunday, January 25, 2009
True Friends
I'm not sure I can get serious after my last post, but I'll try. I've been reading a very interesting book lately..."Grown-Up Girlfriends...Finding and Keeping Real Friends in the Real Worl
d" by Erin Smalley and Carrie Oliver. This book was put out by Focus on the Family. I have to say that this book has opened my eyes quite a bit! Some friendships I have that I thought were close, are in fact destined for destruction. Some friendships I have that I thought were casual, may in fact be better than I thought.
This book helps you set healthy boundaries, resolve conflicts constructively, support a friend in crisis, let go of destructive friendships, practice healthy forgiveness & reconciliation, identify potential close friends and more.
I always felt that having fewer 'close' friends was always better; this book confirms that. It actually categorizes levels of friendships into 'baskets' and tells you approximately how many are realistically in each one...
Level 3 - Acquaintances: 20 to 100
Level 2 - Good Friends: 5 to 20
Level 1 - Know-it-all Friends: 1 to 4
The friends that I have the most trouble with are the level 1 friends. I do have a few best friends, but unfortunately all but 1 live far away...so do I really call them Level 1 friends anymore?? I hardly get to see them and to me a best friend is someone who is there for you more than once a month. I have always wanted one dear friend I can have that Lucy/Ethel relationship with. You know how what I'm talking about...someone who is always there for you, who is willing to act silly when need be but is also serious and encouraging when you need it. Perhaps someone who lives close by (maybe not quite as close as Ethel did to Lucy though!) Someone who sees you when you're at your worst yet thinks the world of you anyhow. Someone you go out and have coffee with on a regular basis just because it's healthy to sit and chat with friends. If you have that friendship with someone, call yourself incredibly blessed...it's NOT as typical as you think!!! (By the way - I'm not talking about husbands here...my husband IS my absolute best friend in the world....I'm only talking about girl friendships here.)
Why all this talk about friendships? Well, over the past few years, I've been feeling a bit 'out of the loop' when it comes to friends. I have given myself fully to caring for my Dad and taking care of my own family. There have been very few outings with friends, and even fewer phone calls - some my own doing, but some because the friends I thought I had simply were not there for me when I needed them most. I did not push my friends away, I did not ignore any of them, it's just that times were very difficult and it was a season in my life where I had to put some things on the back burner for a while and let simmer. This book talks about friends like that. If you're not there for them when you go through difficult times they tend to walk away. Friends need to come along side friends who go through crisis. Only God can fully heal and give peace, but friends can offer some comfort and often times an escape from what is going on in life. When I was going through difficult times with my Dad, many people would tell me they didn't want to 'bother me'. They were afraid they'd call at a bad time, would interrupt my family time or maybe they wouldn't know what to say. Unfortunately that made me feel worse. That's when I needed friends the most!
Anyhow, as a result of my time 'away', I lost several friends that I thought were there for me. Some of my friends have been through life changes, some have moved on and others have found other friends they are now closer to. That's fine, but now it's my turn and I want to move on. It's time...Dad passed away almost 4 months ago now. This book is a true eye opener and I know that in time God will bless me with those 1 or 2 new 'Level 1' friends I'm seeking. Sounds so bookish and formal, but it does make sense. Life is too short to go through without best friends by your side!!
I do highly recommend this book even for those of you who have friends in your life you are perfectly content with. It's a great resource and it will help you encourage your children to choose their friends wisely.
Have a blessed day!
d" by Erin Smalley and Carrie Oliver. This book was put out by Focus on the Family. I have to say that this book has opened my eyes quite a bit! Some friendships I have that I thought were close, are in fact destined for destruction. Some friendships I have that I thought were casual, may in fact be better than I thought.This book helps you set healthy boundaries, resolve conflicts constructively, support a friend in crisis, let go of destructive friendships, practice healthy forgiveness & reconciliation, identify potential close friends and more.
I always felt that having fewer 'close' friends was always better; this book confirms that. It actually categorizes levels of friendships into 'baskets' and tells you approximately how many are realistically in each one...
Level 3 - Acquaintances: 20 to 100
Level 2 - Good Friends: 5 to 20
Level 1 - Know-it-all Friends: 1 to 4
The friends that I have the most trouble with are the level 1 friends. I do have a few best friends, but unfortunately all but 1 live far away...so do I really call them Level 1 friends anymore?? I hardly get to see them and to me a best friend is someone who is there for you more than once a month. I have always wanted one dear friend I can have that Lucy/Ethel relationship with. You know how what I'm talking about...someone who is always there for you, who is willing to act silly when need be but is also serious and encouraging when you need it. Perhaps someone who lives close by (maybe not quite as close as Ethel did to Lucy though!) Someone who sees you when you're at your worst yet thinks the world of you anyhow. Someone you go out and have coffee with on a regular basis just because it's healthy to sit and chat with friends. If you have that friendship with someone, call yourself incredibly blessed...it's NOT as typical as you think!!! (By the way - I'm not talking about husbands here...my husband IS my absolute best friend in the world....I'm only talking about girl friendships here.)
Why all this talk about friendships? Well, over the past few years, I've been feeling a bit 'out of the loop' when it comes to friends. I have given myself fully to caring for my Dad and taking care of my own family. There have been very few outings with friends, and even fewer phone calls - some my own doing, but some because the friends I thought I had simply were not there for me when I needed them most. I did not push my friends away, I did not ignore any of them, it's just that times were very difficult and it was a season in my life where I had to put some things on the back burner for a while and let simmer. This book talks about friends like that. If you're not there for them when you go through difficult times they tend to walk away. Friends need to come along side friends who go through crisis. Only God can fully heal and give peace, but friends can offer some comfort and often times an escape from what is going on in life. When I was going through difficult times with my Dad, many people would tell me they didn't want to 'bother me'. They were afraid they'd call at a bad time, would interrupt my family time or maybe they wouldn't know what to say. Unfortunately that made me feel worse. That's when I needed friends the most!
Anyhow, as a result of my time 'away', I lost several friends that I thought were there for me. Some of my friends have been through life changes, some have moved on and others have found other friends they are now closer to. That's fine, but now it's my turn and I want to move on. It's time...Dad passed away almost 4 months ago now. This book is a true eye opener and I know that in time God will bless me with those 1 or 2 new 'Level 1' friends I'm seeking. Sounds so bookish and formal, but it does make sense. Life is too short to go through without best friends by your side!!
I do highly recommend this book even for those of you who have friends in your life you are perfectly content with. It's a great resource and it will help you encourage your children to choose their friends wisely.
Have a blessed day!
A bit of humor for an important exam!
In honor of the dreaded mammogram I'm having on Monday, I simply HAD to add this bit of humor to lighten my mood...
How to Prepare for a Mammogram
Many women are afraid of their first mammogram, but there is no need to worry. By taking a few minutes each day for a week preceding the exam and doing the following exercises, you will be totally prepared for the test.
And best of all, you can do these simple exercises right in your home.
EXERCISE ONE:
Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast in door. Shut as hard as possible and lean on the door for good measure. Hold that position for five seconds. Repeat again in case the first time wasn't effective enough.
EXERCISE TWO:
Visit your garage at 3 AM when the temperature of the cement floor is just perfect. Lie comfortably on the floor with one breast wedged under the rear tire of the car. Ask a friend to slowly back the car up until your breast is sufficiently flattened and chilled. Turn over and repeat with the other side.
EXERCISE THREE:
Freeze two metal bookends over night. Strip to the waist. Invite a stranger into the room. Press the bookends against one of your breasts. Smash the bookends together as hard as you can. Set up an appointment with the stranger to meet next year and do it again.
YOU ARE NOW TOTALLY PREPARED
How to Prepare for a Mammogram
Many women are afraid of their first mammogram, but there is no need to worry. By taking a few minutes each day for a week preceding the exam and doing the following exercises, you will be totally prepared for the test.And best of all, you can do these simple exercises right in your home.
EXERCISE ONE:
Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast in door. Shut as hard as possible and lean on the door for good measure. Hold that position for five seconds. Repeat again in case the first time wasn't effective enough.
EXERCISE TWO:
Visit your garage at 3 AM when the temperature of the cement floor is just perfect. Lie comfortably on the floor with one breast wedged under the rear tire of the car. Ask a friend to slowly back the car up until your breast is sufficiently flattened and chilled. Turn over and repeat with the other side.
EXERCISE THREE:
Freeze two metal bookends over night. Strip to the waist. Invite a stranger into the room. Press the bookends against one of your breasts. Smash the bookends together as hard as you can. Set up an appointment with the stranger to meet next year and do it again.
YOU ARE NOW TOTALLY PREPARED
Friday, January 23, 2009
Being Selfish
I think it's about time I get a little selfish. For the past 7 years, I've sacrificed and have given of myself to those around me. Is it OK to feel this way? I think so...
This year I realized that I have done nothing in the past 4 years to take care of myself. I stopped going to my regular doctor visits for one...taking Dad to hundreds of visits a month was quite enough for me. I quickly learned to detest any type of medical facility, whether it be for me, my Dad or others in my family. That was not a good thing. I over extended myself constantly and it all has finally caught up with me. I've been tired, cranky, feeling sluggish, and overall in need of an overhaul! So....
Now I'm going to be selfish and finally take care of ME!
I have 2 doctor appointments this week already. I'm going to have my long awaited mammogram -something I was so faithful in doing before Dad's Alzheimer's kicked in. My Mom died from breast cancer, so this was always a priority of mine. I'm also going to the ob-gyn for my routine check up. My yearly exam has now become my every-5-years exam. Not anymore! I plan on being faithful yet again.
What amazes me is how healthy I always was when I needed to be. God kept me totally healthy throughout the 3 years we had Dad living here with us, and up until his death. Before all that, I used to always get sinus infections, colds, the flu - whatever winter would throw my way. I haven't been sick with any of those for almost 4 years now. God is good - He is faithful, and despite my stupidity in neglecting my own self all these years, He's kept me fairly healthy. I'm grateful for that! Pray that the exams I have this week will all come back without any problems. I'm trusting God that all is well and that I will be able to give 100% to my husband, my children and even myself from now on.
It's been a long haul these past 7 years, but I'm totally ready to start fresh. Hopefully our house will sell soon, we'll find a new home, and we'll all be healthy. God doesn't promise our lives to be always happy, healthy and full of good things. I feel that we have traveled down a long stressful road yet we have learned quite a bit, have grown a lot, and are excited about what the future holds.
If you're currently taking care of someone, don't forget to be a bit selfish now and then. I learned that you NEED to take care of yourself to be able to give 100% to others.
- Over 7 years ago I was there for my Mom as she suffered and died from cancer.
- 6 years ago I stepped up to the plate and made myself available 24/7 to help my Dad whenever he needed me...which was quite often! It was a promise I made to my Mom.
- 4 years ago my family and I made a deeper commitment to take care of my Dad when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease - we put an addition on our home and moved him in.
- 2 years ago life got extremely difficult as Dad got worse and we had to put him into a nursing home...but I was with him constantly which meant frequent visits to the nursing home.
- Last year I buried my Dad and it seemed as if life would return to 'normal'...until we realized that we could no longer afford our home with the in-law addition...so we put it up for sale.
This year I realized that I have done nothing in the past 4 years to take care of myself. I stopped going to my regular doctor visits for one...taking Dad to hundreds of visits a month was quite enough for me. I quickly learned to detest any type of medical facility, whether it be for me, my Dad or others in my family. That was not a good thing. I over extended myself constantly and it all has finally caught up with me. I've been tired, cranky, feeling sluggish, and overall in need of an overhaul! So....
Now I'm going to be selfish and finally take care of ME!
I have 2 doctor appointments this week already. I'm going to have my long awaited mammogram -something I was so faithful in doing before Dad's Alzheimer's kicked in. My Mom died from breast cancer, so this was always a priority of mine. I'm also going to the ob-gyn for my routine check up. My yearly exam has now become my every-5-years exam. Not anymore! I plan on being faithful yet again.
What amazes me is how healthy I always was when I needed to be. God kept me totally healthy throughout the 3 years we had Dad living here with us, and up until his death. Before all that, I used to always get sinus infections, colds, the flu - whatever winter would throw my way. I haven't been sick with any of those for almost 4 years now. God is good - He is faithful, and despite my stupidity in neglecting my own self all these years, He's kept me fairly healthy. I'm grateful for that! Pray that the exams I have this week will all come back without any problems. I'm trusting God that all is well and that I will be able to give 100% to my husband, my children and even myself from now on.
It's been a long haul these past 7 years, but I'm totally ready to start fresh. Hopefully our house will sell soon, we'll find a new home, and we'll all be healthy. God doesn't promise our lives to be always happy, healthy and full of good things. I feel that we have traveled down a long stressful road yet we have learned quite a bit, have grown a lot, and are excited about what the future holds.
If you're currently taking care of someone, don't forget to be a bit selfish now and then. I learned that you NEED to take care of yourself to be able to give 100% to others.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Photo Hunt #145 - Hats
I may have used these photos before, but they're just too perfect for today's theme: Hats
Lionel in his Civil War Kepi
My dear sweet loving husband....who will probably strangle me when he sees this on my blog yet again! Sorry honey, it's just so funny I couldn't resist!!!
Daddy and Lionel having fun in the hat section of Yankee Candle Co. in South Deerfield, MA.
This is an older photo of Sweet-Pea, but it's so cute so I thought I'd add this one as well.
Have a happy day!
Presidential morph
Friday, January 16, 2009
A tangled mess no more!
As I mentioned in my previous post, we were going to get Sweet-Pea's hair cut. This was the first time she'd be going 'under the knife scissors' and she didn't like it very much! She has always wanted to keep her long hair - every last strand of it! Well, as you can see, it has been getting a bit unruly, and it's been very difficult to keep knot-free. Last week I had to use 1/4 bottle of cream rinse just to get the snarls out without her shedding too many tears. That was the last straw for me. Moms simply do NOT like seeing their children in pain, so I made her choose....go to the salon to get it cleaned up and cut, or I'd cut it myself. She wisely chose the salon!!!
Here she is with herrat's nest long hair....
Many of the ends were splitting and it was starting to frizz.
Yup, that's a forced smile!
The stylist thought this would be a great photo...she could hardly reach the top of Sweet-Pea's hair! It took her over 4o min. just to comb out the snarls...and that was after I brushed it through at home!!
A few times Sweet-Pea nearly fell out of the chair because of the tugging and pulling. She got approx. 6" cut off. Notice her not-so-sure look!
"Are you really cutting my hair??"
After the stylist cut her hair, she washed it. Washing it before would have only made it more difficult to comb through. Check out the red marks near Sweet-Pea's forehead...from the combing. Poor girl, I was hurting for her.
OK, things are looking a bit brighter...there's a little smile on her face. No more pain now, only a good brushing, blow drying and some great compliments from the other ladies in the salon who said she was such a great sport!
Lookin' good!
When we got home I didn't get any good photos of her, so before bed time I remember to snap a few photos of her hair before she slept on it. Here she is with hair that's 6" shorter, much more manageable and a whole lot healthier!
It even shines! Ahh...it was well worth all the pain! Of course taking her to Toys R Us after the salon helped ease that pain a bit! = )
Maybe next time she gets it cut, she'll go for the 10" so she can donate it to Locks of Love. She didn't cut enough off this time around - even 6" was more than she could bear. She is much happier now and I'm thrilled that we won't be shedding tears while getting ready in the mornings!
Here she is with her
Many of the ends were splitting and it was starting to frizz.
Yup, that's a forced smile!
The stylist thought this would be a great photo...she could hardly reach the top of Sweet-Pea's hair! It took her over 4o min. just to comb out the snarls...and that was after I brushed it through at home!!
A few times Sweet-Pea nearly fell out of the chair because of the tugging and pulling. She got approx. 6" cut off. Notice her not-so-sure look!
"Are you really cutting my hair??"
After the stylist cut her hair, she washed it. Washing it before would have only made it more difficult to comb through. Check out the red marks near Sweet-Pea's forehead...from the combing. Poor girl, I was hurting for her.
OK, things are looking a bit brighter...there's a little smile on her face. No more pain now, only a good brushing, blow drying and some great compliments from the other ladies in the salon who said she was such a great sport!
Lookin' good!
When we got home I didn't get any good photos of her, so before bed time I remember to snap a few photos of her hair before she slept on it. Here she is with hair that's 6" shorter, much more manageable and a whole lot healthier!
It even shines! Ahh...it was well worth all the pain! Of course taking her to Toys R Us after the salon helped ease that pain a bit! = )
Maybe next time she gets it cut, she'll go for the 10" so she can donate it to Locks of Love. She didn't cut enough off this time around - even 6" was more than she could bear. She is much happier now and I'm thrilled that we won't be shedding tears while getting ready in the mornings!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Open...the word for the day
OPEN house: this past Sunday we had our 2nd open house...the first was in November. We left the house immaculate, spotless and cleaner than I've ever seen it before. I was shocked that we were able to get it to that state with 2 kids and a dog, but we managed - during a snow storm to boot! We packed up about 50 boxes of 'stuff', vacuumed every square inch of the house, wiped down cabinets, doors, walls etc. It almost made me want to take it off the market! ha!
Did our hard work pay off? We're not sure yet, but there were 8 families that came to look at the house...all serious buyers and not just nosy neighbors like the last time! (Fortunately the neighbors got it out of their system now that they know our house is cleaner than theirs! hee hee) Anyhow....out of those 8 families, 4 of them seem very interested. A few of them have to still sell their homes first which presents a major stumbling block for buying just yet. So...we will see. God is good and He is in control of the situation, not us. We did our part by cleaning up and preparing the house...and of course praying! We feel good knowing that God WILL do what's best for us as we wait for the next step in this process. Keep praying for us and for a quick sale of our home.
OPEN skate: Sweet-Pea had her skating lesson today. I always love going to the rink with her and I look forward to going each week. Today we got there and only a couple others were out on the ice. Her lesson is during Open Skate (public skate) but since it's early on a weekday, not many people are ever there. Often we have the entire rink to ourselves! Most times I just stand on the side of the rink with digital camera in one hand and camcorder in the other. (Yes, I'm an obsessed photographer!) Today I didn't bring the cameras since I simply wanted to watch her skate. Her coach walked up to me and said that I looked like such a proud mama. I am!! She's such a beautiful girl learning such a beautiful sport!
****WARNING: I'm going to vent in this next section!****
Where am I going with this? First of all, let me step up onto my soap box!
The past 2 weeks when we've gotten to the rink, there have been a couple moms there with their young children....age 5 and under. Three of them have helmets and skates on, the other two run around like maniacs all over the place. The moms will either stay where it's warm in the waiting area, or will stand near the entrance to the ice not paying attention to their kids, but talking constantly! I don't know why they just don't go sit down and chat...they stand in the way of anyone who needs to get on/off the ice.
Today there were 3 other people skating besides Sweet-Pea and her coach when they got there. The 3 girls got on the ice and proceeded to skate in and out of all the people on the ice. At first I didn't think much of it - I just thought they were curious, but it got to be annoying!!! Needless to say, my blood started boiling more and more as they kept at it. The coach told them to stop skating between her and Sweet-Pea and to leave them alone but they seemed to persist. Last week when we were getting ready to leave one of the moms told the other how her daughter was on the ice at another rink while someone was having their lesson, and that she was immitating them, but skating better than the student. She laughed while saying this to her friend and actually seemed proud of her daughter for doing that. Me? I think it's downright rude! I think it's appaling how she thought her daughter, who was disrupting a skating lesson someone else paid for was doing something cute! Today the mother was no different. I can see where the daughter gets it from!
I had to cringe inside and try to contain myself or I'd blow and say something to her I'd regret. Of course if it continues then I'll be sure and say something, but I'll give it another week or two. We are paying good money for these skating lessons and I don't want a few bratty kids (sorry but there's no other appropriate term) disrupting them. Sweet-Pea's coach will speak up, but she's so sweet that the kids will probably just ignore her.
So...is it me, or are there parents out there who simply don't care how their children act in public or how they infringe upon other people and their space?? When kids overstep the boundaries of respect towards others, they've gone too far and should be repremanded. Did any of you see Supernanny last week?? That's just what 2 twin boys were doing. They were running amuck in their neighborhood - going in neighbors yards, garages, front doors and one of them even hit a pregnant woman in the belly!!! These girls remind me of those boys. They think they're "all that" when they really are such babies who need strict discipline...the problem is that the parents need it too!!!!
OK...stepping off my soapbox now...but I'll get back on if I have to next week!! hee hee
OPEN Mind: Tomorrow I am taking Sweet-Pea to get her hair cut. Yup, I said cut! She has NEVER ever had a real hair cut, and she still doesn't want to get one. I told her to keep an open mind and let the hair stylist layer and trim her hair a bit. I promised her that we'd keep as much of the length as possible though. (You should see her in the tub when her hair is wet! It not only goes down to her behind, but past it!) The reason for the cut? Lately we have been running into a lot of snags, tangles and knots which have caused tears and pain, so it's time to weed out the dead ends and clean it up. Her hair is so fine, so it tangles easily. I'll do my best to take photos and post 'em here tomorrow! Plus...I'll brag a bit about Lionel then....gotta give the kids equal time online.
Blessings,
Did our hard work pay off? We're not sure yet, but there were 8 families that came to look at the house...all serious buyers and not just nosy neighbors like the last time! (Fortunately the neighbors got it out of their system now that they know our house is cleaner than theirs! hee hee) Anyhow....out of those 8 families, 4 of them seem very interested. A few of them have to still sell their homes first which presents a major stumbling block for buying just yet. So...we will see. God is good and He is in control of the situation, not us. We did our part by cleaning up and preparing the house...and of course praying! We feel good knowing that God WILL do what's best for us as we wait for the next step in this process. Keep praying for us and for a quick sale of our home.
OPEN skate: Sweet-Pea had her skating lesson today. I always love going to the rink with her and I look forward to going each week. Today we got there and only a couple others were out on the ice. Her lesson is during Open Skate (public skate) but since it's early on a weekday, not many people are ever there. Often we have the entire rink to ourselves! Most times I just stand on the side of the rink with digital camera in one hand and camcorder in the other. (Yes, I'm an obsessed photographer!) Today I didn't bring the cameras since I simply wanted to watch her skate. Her coach walked up to me and said that I looked like such a proud mama. I am!! She's such a beautiful girl learning such a beautiful sport!
****WARNING: I'm going to vent in this next section!****
Where am I going with this? First of all, let me step up onto my soap box!
The past 2 weeks when we've gotten to the rink, there have been a couple moms there with their young children....age 5 and under. Three of them have helmets and skates on, the other two run around like maniacs all over the place. The moms will either stay where it's warm in the waiting area, or will stand near the entrance to the ice not paying attention to their kids, but talking constantly! I don't know why they just don't go sit down and chat...they stand in the way of anyone who needs to get on/off the ice.
Today there were 3 other people skating besides Sweet-Pea and her coach when they got there. The 3 girls got on the ice and proceeded to skate in and out of all the people on the ice. At first I didn't think much of it - I just thought they were curious, but it got to be annoying!!! Needless to say, my blood started boiling more and more as they kept at it. The coach told them to stop skating between her and Sweet-Pea and to leave them alone but they seemed to persist. Last week when we were getting ready to leave one of the moms told the other how her daughter was on the ice at another rink while someone was having their lesson, and that she was immitating them, but skating better than the student. She laughed while saying this to her friend and actually seemed proud of her daughter for doing that. Me? I think it's downright rude! I think it's appaling how she thought her daughter, who was disrupting a skating lesson someone else paid for was doing something cute! Today the mother was no different. I can see where the daughter gets it from!
I had to cringe inside and try to contain myself or I'd blow and say something to her I'd regret. Of course if it continues then I'll be sure and say something, but I'll give it another week or two. We are paying good money for these skating lessons and I don't want a few bratty kids (sorry but there's no other appropriate term) disrupting them. Sweet-Pea's coach will speak up, but she's so sweet that the kids will probably just ignore her.
So...is it me, or are there parents out there who simply don't care how their children act in public or how they infringe upon other people and their space?? When kids overstep the boundaries of respect towards others, they've gone too far and should be repremanded. Did any of you see Supernanny last week?? That's just what 2 twin boys were doing. They were running amuck in their neighborhood - going in neighbors yards, garages, front doors and one of them even hit a pregnant woman in the belly!!! These girls remind me of those boys. They think they're "all that" when they really are such babies who need strict discipline...the problem is that the parents need it too!!!!
OK...stepping off my soapbox now...but I'll get back on if I have to next week!! hee hee
OPEN Mind: Tomorrow I am taking Sweet-Pea to get her hair cut. Yup, I said cut! She has NEVER ever had a real hair cut, and she still doesn't want to get one. I told her to keep an open mind and let the hair stylist layer and trim her hair a bit. I promised her that we'd keep as much of the length as possible though. (You should see her in the tub when her hair is wet! It not only goes down to her behind, but past it!) The reason for the cut? Lately we have been running into a lot of snags, tangles and knots which have caused tears and pain, so it's time to weed out the dead ends and clean it up. Her hair is so fine, so it tangles easily. I'll do my best to take photos and post 'em here tomorrow! Plus...I'll brag a bit about Lionel then....gotta give the kids equal time online.
Blessings,
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Oh, what to do...
Ever feel like your life is 'on hold'?!? That's exactly how we've all been feeling lately. We've had our home on the market for 60 days now...not long when you consider how the market has been lately, but for us it seems like an eternity! Having to keep the house spotlessly clean is the hardest part. I don't care what you say, no one lives like this normally, no one without a maid at least.
We have been busy packing up boxes to remove most ofour precious valuables the clutter from each room. The house is looking great, but not without putting blood, sweat and tears into it. Why do we have so much?!?!? Kinda makes me wonder what we were thinking in the first place. Funny thing is....we have no more than most people have. Our home is not huge, so I can imagine the stuff people would have in a large home, say...like this one! OK, so maybe not that big...but you get the point. (I only hope my mansion in heaven is like this one...maybe even BIGGER! hee hee!)
We were blessed to receive a huge number of extra sturdy packing boxes from someone who recently moved here from across the country...for FREE! These days boxes don't come cheap, so we were very thankful to get them. We've got most of them full already and piled up in the finished room in the basement.
Check out the 'stuff' we have to pack!!!!!!!!
This weekend we are having our 2nd open house. The first one was before the holidays. It brought in several interested people, but none quite ready to make an offer. Most people have to sell the home they have in order to purchase ours. We have been praying fervently that God would show us what He wants for us...mainly, where he wants us to live. It has been a battle and we're not sure 100% what to do. So...we wait.
Please would you pray for us that God would provide a buyer even this weekend during the open house...that He would show us exactly where we should go, and help us to feel at peace with the decision. Thanks! We did put a bid on a home not far from here, but it's only being held until February, so timing is critical. God can do mighty things, I have no doubt about that. I only doubt my own decisions and thoughts, so I am praying that God's direction would be crystal clear to us, and that He would open and shut doors as need be. We just want to move on and get this chapter of our lives over with...as I've said numerous times lately.
Well...I'm off to do more school with the kids. Have a glorious day!
We have been busy packing up boxes to remove most of
We were blessed to receive a huge number of extra sturdy packing boxes from someone who recently moved here from across the country...for FREE! These days boxes don't come cheap, so we were very thankful to get them. We've got most of them full already and piled up in the finished room in the basement.
Check out the 'stuff' we have to pack!!!!!!!!
This weekend we are having our 2nd open house. The first one was before the holidays. It brought in several interested people, but none quite ready to make an offer. Most people have to sell the home they have in order to purchase ours. We have been praying fervently that God would show us what He wants for us...mainly, where he wants us to live. It has been a battle and we're not sure 100% what to do. So...we wait.
Please would you pray for us that God would provide a buyer even this weekend during the open house...that He would show us exactly where we should go, and help us to feel at peace with the decision. Thanks! We did put a bid on a home not far from here, but it's only being held until February, so timing is critical. God can do mighty things, I have no doubt about that. I only doubt my own decisions and thoughts, so I am praying that God's direction would be crystal clear to us, and that He would open and shut doors as need be. We just want to move on and get this chapter of our lives over with...as I've said numerous times lately.
Well...I'm off to do more school with the kids. Have a glorious day!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
T minus 12 hours!!
It's been almost a month since we've done school. We took the entire month of December off and it felt so good, but unfortunately it's almost over. Since we started school on August 3rd this year, we are right on schedule, so taking the month break was legit. The only problem now, is trying to motivate myself enough so I can motivate the kids to get back into school-mode. I'm actually looking forward to having a real schedule once again, so I think the transition will be pretty easy for me, but the kids? I'm not so sure.
So...this afternoon I spent most of my time going through their books, writing up new schedules, and basically figuring out what we need to get done for the rest of this school year. Hopefully we'll stick to the schedule, and will be done by the end of May...we'll see.
Sweet-Pea did most of her history before our Christmas break, so I'm going to add a couple extra books to her curriculum list which she's actually very excited about. The books were both written by Peter Marshall and David Manuel and are activity books covering some of the subjects we've already read about this year.
"The Light and the Glory"...visits American history from Christopher Columbus through George Washington's presidency in 1789. They can make a canoe adventure down the Mississippi or decide what to take to the New World on the Mayflower. They may even assemble their own colonial house. The many activities display God's grand work in the North American wilderness.
"Sounding Forth the Trumpet"...brings to life one of the most crucial epochs in our nation's history - the events leading up to and precipitating the Civil War. It opens with John Quincy Adams' struggle to preserve the right to petition in Congress and closes with the election of 1860.
There is a third book in this series "From Sea to Shining Sea" which we'll do if we complete the other two books.
One other 'fun' book I've added to Sweet-Pea's curriculum is simply entitled "Great Map Games". This book, created for grades 3-6, is full of 20 fun, easy reproducible games that build key map and geography skills. I love geography, so I'm really excited about this book!! I'll update and post about some of the games here as we go through the book.
Well...gotta run and finish organizing everything for tomorrow. As I was working, I noticed Lionel post something on his Facebook page...."School tomorrow!!!! I am excited." I guess I don't need to worry as much as I thought about motivating the kids. Yaay!!! Have a great day!
So...this afternoon I spent most of my time going through their books, writing up new schedules, and basically figuring out what we need to get done for the rest of this school year. Hopefully we'll stick to the schedule, and will be done by the end of May...we'll see.
Sweet-Pea did most of her history before our Christmas break, so I'm going to add a couple extra books to her curriculum list which she's actually very excited about. The books were both written by Peter Marshall and David Manuel and are activity books covering some of the subjects we've already read about this year.
"The Light and the Glory"...visits American history from Christopher Columbus through George Washington's presidency in 1789. They can make a canoe adventure down the Mississippi or decide what to take to the New World on the Mayflower. They may even assemble their own colonial house. The many activities display God's grand work in the North American wilderness."Sounding Forth the Trumpet"...brings to life one of the most crucial epochs in our nation's history - the events leading up to and precipitating the Civil War. It opens with John Quincy Adams' struggle to preserve the right to petition in Congress and closes with the election of 1860.There is a third book in this series "From Sea to Shining Sea" which we'll do if we complete the other two books.
One other 'fun' book I've added to Sweet-Pea's curriculum is simply entitled "Great Map Games". This book, created for grades 3-6, is full of 20 fun, easy reproducible games that build key map and geography skills. I love geography, so I'm really excited about this book!! I'll update and post about some of the games here as we go through the book.Well...gotta run and finish organizing everything for tomorrow. As I was working, I noticed Lionel post something on his Facebook page...."School tomorrow!!!! I am excited." I guess I don't need to worry as much as I thought about motivating the kids. Yaay!!! Have a great day!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
2008 - Year in Review
Well, to be honest, I'm quite glad that 2008 is over. It was a difficult year for us.
We spent a good chunk of the year with my Dad in both the nursing home and the hospital...and in September, he passed away. Oh how we miss him!!! We also are experiencing a loss of another kind...our home. We will be moving as soon as our home sells...not because we want to, but because our town literally has taxed us right out of it! It's highway robbery and every one here is suffering. I only hope our home sells before we lose it!!!
This year was also a year of beginnings. Our new addition: Cody, a Goldendoodle dog, joined us in February. Sweet-Pea also started her new venture in figure skating, and Edward's brother got married! We look forward to the new year as we hope and pray that God will bless us and help us move on from all we went through the past several years with Dad. Life is different now for us as we are finally finding time for one another. The light is at the end of the tunnel, we just need to find our new home to get completely settled.
Here are some photos - our year in review....
January:
Museum visits with the homeschool group
Trip to Hershey PA for Lionel's quiz team competition
February
Valentine's Day - visiting PaPa in the nursing home
Our new addition - Cody!!!
March
Ballet lessons for Sweet-Pea (in center with pink bow)
Lionel turns 13!!
April
Another quiz meet in PA, but this time we visited Gettysburg!!
Homeschool convention weekend
May
Lionel playing his violin during his 8th grade graduation ceremony
Fun outside!!! Bubbles, pool time etc.
June
Cleaning up the yard together
Father's Day visit with PaPa
July
Sweet-Pea turns 7 soon after our July 4th celebration
(Notice the '43' - that's how old I turned this year - and yup, I'm officially OLD!)
Trip to Newport, Rhode Island
August
Cody, enjoying the great outdoors!!
Sweet-Pea drops dance and begins figure skating lessons!
September
Lionel & Sweet-Pea at their Uncle's wedding
Dad's funeral - such a sad time for me!!!
October
Taking a break from life at the Yankee Candle Co. in MA.
Visiting the home of my ancestors from the 1600's!!!
November
Thanksgiving - I'm thankful for such an awesome husband!!
Our house after listing it on the market - a sad day for us. We love this home...so many memories!!
December
Picking a tree out for Christmas is always fun at the tree farm!
Celebrating Grandpa's birthday
May 2009 bring you all wonderful blessings and happiness!!! Remember to keep Christ in the center of all you do, and no matter what comes your way - you WILL be able to get through it!!!!
We spent a good chunk of the year with my Dad in both the nursing home and the hospital...and in September, he passed away. Oh how we miss him!!! We also are experiencing a loss of another kind...our home. We will be moving as soon as our home sells...not because we want to, but because our town literally has taxed us right out of it! It's highway robbery and every one here is suffering. I only hope our home sells before we lose it!!!
This year was also a year of beginnings. Our new addition: Cody, a Goldendoodle dog, joined us in February. Sweet-Pea also started her new venture in figure skating, and Edward's brother got married! We look forward to the new year as we hope and pray that God will bless us and help us move on from all we went through the past several years with Dad. Life is different now for us as we are finally finding time for one another. The light is at the end of the tunnel, we just need to find our new home to get completely settled.
Here are some photos - our year in review....
January:
Museum visits with the homeschool group
Trip to Hershey PA for Lionel's quiz team competition
February
Valentine's Day - visiting PaPa in the nursing home
Our new addition - Cody!!!
March
Ballet lessons for Sweet-Pea (in center with pink bow)
Lionel turns 13!!
April
Another quiz meet in PA, but this time we visited Gettysburg!!
Homeschool convention weekend
May
Lionel playing his violin during his 8th grade graduation ceremony
Fun outside!!! Bubbles, pool time etc.
June
Cleaning up the yard together
Father's Day visit with PaPa
July
Sweet-Pea turns 7 soon after our July 4th celebration
(Notice the '43' - that's how old I turned this year - and yup, I'm officially OLD!)
Trip to Newport, Rhode Island
August
Cody, enjoying the great outdoors!!
Sweet-Pea drops dance and begins figure skating lessons!
September
Lionel & Sweet-Pea at their Uncle's wedding
Dad's funeral - such a sad time for me!!!
October
Taking a break from life at the Yankee Candle Co. in MA.
Visiting the home of my ancestors from the 1600's!!!
November
Thanksgiving - I'm thankful for such an awesome husband!!
Our house after listing it on the market - a sad day for us. We love this home...so many memories!!
December
Picking a tree out for Christmas is always fun at the tree farm!
Celebrating Grandpa's birthday
May 2009 bring you all wonderful blessings and happiness!!! Remember to keep Christ in the center of all you do, and no matter what comes your way - you WILL be able to get through it!!!!
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