OK. I know they should have me on the website doing testimonials about my neighborhood because I'm always talking about it. But I love it, as you know.
I think being on the HOA board helped a ton because I got to know lots of people.
And I think that having Sarah in elementary school (and doing public school not private) helps a lot because you see people around that you also see at school. And you figure out quickly (from the school directory and birthday parties in the neighborhood, etc) which school friends are also neighborhood friends.
BUT-- what has me rambling about the 'hood today-- are our neighbors, the Coxes. They live right across the street from us. Used to live a few houses down, but when they outgrew that house they moved to the one across from us. It was bigger and they didn't want to leave our neighborhood. (Told you it was a good place to be.)
Anyway, they have 3 kids. Evan is in 4th grade. Audrey is in 2nd grade. And Weston is in preschool with Jack. Audrey is SO sweet to Sarah. I'm sure I've talked about her before. Weston and Jack have just recently struck up a friendship, which has been GREAT for Jack. The lone ranger boy in a sea of women here. He needs guy friends to play with.
So today... Weston walked across the street, had lunch over here, and played for a while while Ginger ran errands. And then when she got home, she took Jack and Sarah for a while so that I could run errands. (I wish she had someone for Caroline to play with. That would be awesome! But oh well.)
It gives me a chance to breathe. It gives the kids a chance to be social. (And being social is very new for us. Until recently, I felt like the kids should be each other's best friends and we don't need extra chaos over here. Now I'm getting it-- they want and NEED friends. It's good to have play dates. It doesn't add to my chaos. It helps. I'm gettin' with the program. Finally.)
I just never would have thought I'd have that friendship and help from my neighbors. We're such alley people. Our garage is in the back. You enter and exit your house through the garage and drive down the alley. I didn't know how we'd ever meet people.
I'm learning now that it helps to play in your front yard, go to all neighborhood socials and HOA meetings (if your HOA is neighborhood owned) and-- don't worry-- friendships happen naturally and easily with neighbors once your kids get into elementary school.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Second tooth is gone
Jack lost tooth numero dos last night. He put it on his toybox and went to bed.
If you'll remember, he lost his first tooth on a night when Jason was visiting his parents, and I had the responsibility of making sure that everything was done right that night. And my biggest panic was that small tooth getting lost in his bed or in the carpet. SO I decided that the best course of action was to put his tooth in a baggie. And put the baggie on the toybox next to his bed. Ya know.. just to be sure the Tooth Fairy didn't miss it... or accidentally wake Jack while looking for it.
So now that's where his tooth belongs. On the toybox.
Thankfully Jason was home last night so there was nothing to worry about, right?? Wrong.
This morning, AFTER Jack woke up, Jason must've remembered because he went running into our closet, mumbling something about dropping the ball. And then he headed upstairs and took care of things. He told me that he doesn't think Jack remembered to even check for the money because he didn't come downstairs disappointed or pouty this morning.
So I asked Jack, "Hey, did the Tooth Fairy bring you anything last night?" I was thinking his answer would be, "Oh! I forgot to look!" And then he'd run upstairs, see that his tooth was gone, and money had been left behind and everything would be fine.
Instead, he said, "Nope. I looked and all there was was my tooth in a bag."
I said, "Really? That's weird. Maybe you should check again."
Jack went upstairs and said, "Huh??? But that makes no sense. It was here this morning. And... what??? How could there possibly be money here now?!"
Then I spent the next several minutes trying to convince him that he had dreamed that the Tooth Fairy hadn't come. Or that he had only imagined his tooth was still there this morning. Or that, when he thought that his tooth was in a bag on the box this morning, maybe he was remembering what had happened the night before.
Basically I was trying to convince him that he was wrong and/or losing his mind. I'm not sure if it worked, but he let Tooth Fairy-gate 2012 end.
I'm not trying to point any fingers or blame Jason, but I would like to say that I'm batting 1000 when it comes to Tooth Fairy duties. Not everyone in this house can say the same.
If you'll remember, he lost his first tooth on a night when Jason was visiting his parents, and I had the responsibility of making sure that everything was done right that night. And my biggest panic was that small tooth getting lost in his bed or in the carpet. SO I decided that the best course of action was to put his tooth in a baggie. And put the baggie on the toybox next to his bed. Ya know.. just to be sure the Tooth Fairy didn't miss it... or accidentally wake Jack while looking for it.
So now that's where his tooth belongs. On the toybox.
Thankfully Jason was home last night so there was nothing to worry about, right?? Wrong.
This morning, AFTER Jack woke up, Jason must've remembered because he went running into our closet, mumbling something about dropping the ball. And then he headed upstairs and took care of things. He told me that he doesn't think Jack remembered to even check for the money because he didn't come downstairs disappointed or pouty this morning.
So I asked Jack, "Hey, did the Tooth Fairy bring you anything last night?" I was thinking his answer would be, "Oh! I forgot to look!" And then he'd run upstairs, see that his tooth was gone, and money had been left behind and everything would be fine.
Instead, he said, "Nope. I looked and all there was was my tooth in a bag."
I said, "Really? That's weird. Maybe you should check again."
Jack went upstairs and said, "Huh??? But that makes no sense. It was here this morning. And... what??? How could there possibly be money here now?!"
Then I spent the next several minutes trying to convince him that he had dreamed that the Tooth Fairy hadn't come. Or that he had only imagined his tooth was still there this morning. Or that, when he thought that his tooth was in a bag on the box this morning, maybe he was remembering what had happened the night before.
Basically I was trying to convince him that he was wrong and/or losing his mind. I'm not sure if it worked, but he let Tooth Fairy-gate 2012 end.
I'm not trying to point any fingers or blame Jason, but I would like to say that I'm batting 1000 when it comes to Tooth Fairy duties. Not everyone in this house can say the same.
Daddy's birthday
The decorations were planned (and, for the most part, executed) by the kids.
Sarah worked for a couple of hours on the poster. Doing block letters. Coloring them in. With fine tipped markers.
Caroline helped me make cupcakes. Sarah helped frost them.
Jack made this card. It says "DAER DADDY, HAPPY BDAY, I... [on to the next page] HOPE YOU LOVE THE PPDC. LOVE JACK." I asked and "PPDC" stands for "Poster, Presents, Decorations, and Cake." I understand why he chose to abbreviate.
And the kids went shopping for Daddy in their rooms. Each of them individually wrapped a rock that they found. They gave it to Jason in hopes that each weekend he'll take it to Meridian and remember them while he's visiting his dad.
An odd mixture of sweet and weird, isn't it?
Sarah worked for a couple of hours on the poster. Doing block letters. Coloring them in. With fine tipped markers.
Caroline helped me make cupcakes. Sarah helped frost them.
Jack made this card. It says "DAER DADDY, HAPPY BDAY, I... [on to the next page] HOPE YOU LOVE THE PPDC. LOVE JACK." I asked and "PPDC" stands for "Poster, Presents, Decorations, and Cake." I understand why he chose to abbreviate.
And the kids went shopping for Daddy in their rooms. Each of them individually wrapped a rock that they found. They gave it to Jason in hopes that each weekend he'll take it to Meridian and remember them while he's visiting his dad.
An odd mixture of sweet and weird, isn't it?
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Happy birthday, Jason!
Today is his 38th. He's at the farm with his folks so we'll have cake and stuff tomorrow.
Birthdays aren't a big deal to him... A concept which makes no sense to me.
Birthdays aren't a big deal to him... A concept which makes no sense to me.
[groan]
My hands have blisters. My neck and shoulders are sore. I'm still tired.
A day of manual labor is a great reminder of why a college degree is so important.
A day of manual labor is a great reminder of why a college degree is so important.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Executive decision
I'm stopping. I'm gonna ask Jason to do the top. But I don't think I've left an unreasonable amount of work.
Jason's reaction
So last night I called Jason on his way home to prep him for what he would see. (especially since he said something about being exhausted because work was crazy.)
I assured him that this would be my project, not his. (except for cutting in at the top). I also told him it was green. And not a subtle green. And I said I was nervous about his reaction. He tells me that he's surprised I'm painting but he's good with it.
Then he got home.
He came in, saw it, and said nothing. He walked closer to the wall, as if he was inspecting it, and said nothing.
I feel that there is nothing more passive aggressive than silence. Jason would tell you he's just a quiet guy or that he's worried about saying the wrong thing and starting an argument with me.
I'd rather argue. Let's have it out and get some resolution. Silence makes me have to guess what you're thinking. And I get all worked up about what I think you're thinking, so we might as well just have it out.
I asked him what he thought and he said, "it's fine." Grr. Another response I don't like.
And really what frustrated me was that I had told him I was nervous about his reaction, and he couldn't even work up a fake "I love it."
So I said, "I'm sorry you don't like it. But have faith. It'll grow on ya."
Silence.
Then at dinner, I told him I was frustrated with him and that I was sorry that I painted a bedroom without talking to him first. But then I said that most guys don't care if their wives paint a bedroom. (I'm not sure that's true, but I threw it in there.) And that he needed to get over it.
So he says that he's sorry if I am upset by his silence. His silence meant nothing. It's only paint. He said we could always prime over it and paint it again.
To which I almost said, "AHA! So you want to prime and paint over it. I knew you hated it!" But I let the very small mature part of me win and I kept my mouth shut.
Anyway... Obviously I moved forward with the painting, and I like it. And I'm the one sweating and covered in paint. So my opinion matters most. :)
I assured him that this would be my project, not his. (except for cutting in at the top). I also told him it was green. And not a subtle green. And I said I was nervous about his reaction. He tells me that he's surprised I'm painting but he's good with it.
Then he got home.
He came in, saw it, and said nothing. He walked closer to the wall, as if he was inspecting it, and said nothing.
I feel that there is nothing more passive aggressive than silence. Jason would tell you he's just a quiet guy or that he's worried about saying the wrong thing and starting an argument with me.
I'd rather argue. Let's have it out and get some resolution. Silence makes me have to guess what you're thinking. And I get all worked up about what I think you're thinking, so we might as well just have it out.
I asked him what he thought and he said, "it's fine." Grr. Another response I don't like.
And really what frustrated me was that I had told him I was nervous about his reaction, and he couldn't even work up a fake "I love it."
So I said, "I'm sorry you don't like it. But have faith. It'll grow on ya."
Silence.
Then at dinner, I told him I was frustrated with him and that I was sorry that I painted a bedroom without talking to him first. But then I said that most guys don't care if their wives paint a bedroom. (I'm not sure that's true, but I threw it in there.) And that he needed to get over it.
So he says that he's sorry if I am upset by his silence. His silence meant nothing. It's only paint. He said we could always prime over it and paint it again.
To which I almost said, "AHA! So you want to prime and paint over it. I knew you hated it!" But I let the very small mature part of me win and I kept my mouth shut.
Anyway... Obviously I moved forward with the painting, and I like it. And I'm the one sweating and covered in paint. So my opinion matters most. :)
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Painting the walls green... the saga continues
So at 3:00 today I found the color I was going for... And decided to paint a small square which turned into a giant eye-level stripe.
Now you're probably thinking, "If that's the color you were going for, what on earth possessed you to buy the first green?? They're nothing alike." True. All I can tell ya is that the first green looked different on the color card.
Since our walls get different amounts of natural light, I thought I should continue the eye-level stripe right on around the room.
And then to fully commit to the color (as if I wasn't already fully committed) I painted a larger section of one wall.
All of this in the last 2 hours... with this tiny 3" roller that I found. Words can't express the hand cramp I'm experiencing right now.
A couple of things...
1. You probably can't tell from these pics but the color is gonna be good. Don't be shaking your head at me.
2. Jason has no idea that this is happening right now. This is exactly the kind of chaos... (projects that we didn't discuss and that are barely started)... that he's hoping to avoid once I go back to work. Idle time on my hands today. Look what happens. Living with me is an adventure. :)
3. I'm gonna do all of the painting (except for at the top since I'm ladder-phobic) so I really don't think he'll have a legitimate complaint. (Other than I didn't discuss this with him at all and the paint fumes are fairly strong in here.)
4. I may or may not be high on said fumes as we speak.
5. All of this paint was in the small little tester thing I bought at Sherwin Williams. There's more paint in those things than I thought.
OK... gotta get back to painting. The more that's done, the less he'll freak out about it.
Now you're probably thinking, "If that's the color you were going for, what on earth possessed you to buy the first green?? They're nothing alike." True. All I can tell ya is that the first green looked different on the color card.
Since our walls get different amounts of natural light, I thought I should continue the eye-level stripe right on around the room.
And then to fully commit to the color (as if I wasn't already fully committed) I painted a larger section of one wall.
All of this in the last 2 hours... with this tiny 3" roller that I found. Words can't express the hand cramp I'm experiencing right now.
A couple of things...
1. You probably can't tell from these pics but the color is gonna be good. Don't be shaking your head at me.
2. Jason has no idea that this is happening right now. This is exactly the kind of chaos... (projects that we didn't discuss and that are barely started)... that he's hoping to avoid once I go back to work. Idle time on my hands today. Look what happens. Living with me is an adventure. :)
3. I'm gonna do all of the painting (except for at the top since I'm ladder-phobic) so I really don't think he'll have a legitimate complaint. (Other than I didn't discuss this with him at all and the paint fumes are fairly strong in here.)
4. I may or may not be high on said fumes as we speak.
5. All of this paint was in the small little tester thing I bought at Sherwin Williams. There's more paint in those things than I thought.
OK... gotta get back to painting. The more that's done, the less he'll freak out about it.
Painting the walls green
I want to repaint lots of things but right now I'm focusing on what used to be the guest bedroom.
I'm testing the paint and I don't think it's what I want.
The current color of the wall may be throwing things off. Or I may not be getting good coverage since this is the brush I'm using.
Because unbeknownst to me Jason moved the normal paintbrushes to the top of these racks in the garage.
And I'm too afraid to climb the ladder and get them down. Haaaate ladders.
Which begs the question... How am I gonna paint these 12 foot walls?
I'm testing the paint and I don't think it's what I want.
The current color of the wall may be throwing things off. Or I may not be getting good coverage since this is the brush I'm using.
Because unbeknownst to me Jason moved the normal paintbrushes to the top of these racks in the garage.
And I'm too afraid to climb the ladder and get them down. Haaaate ladders.
Which begs the question... How am I gonna paint these 12 foot walls?
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Look at me making my first ever stir fry
In a wok. Served on this here small serving platter.
There is no way in heck my kids are gonna eat this. I'm not entirely sure Jason will either. But yay for branching out!! :)
There is no way in heck my kids are gonna eat this. I'm not entirely sure Jason will either. But yay for branching out!! :)
The Deen Boys
Paula Deen's sons drive me up the wall when they come to cook with her!
I get that the idea is that they're supposed to love their mama, and she's supposed to call them "son" a lot. And it should appear to be a window into their world of precious Southern family interaction.
And maybe if they were her grandsons and not her actual sons, I'd find that endearing.
But there's something about a mama's boy that is beyond irritating to me. I can't imagine being married to that guy. (The only son who's married.)
It's too much. They're both too old to be all over their mother like that. Gross.
(except, of course, if Jack wants to idolize me for the rest of his life, that's understandable and I'd be ok with it.) :)
I get that the idea is that they're supposed to love their mama, and she's supposed to call them "son" a lot. And it should appear to be a window into their world of precious Southern family interaction.
And maybe if they were her grandsons and not her actual sons, I'd find that endearing.
But there's something about a mama's boy that is beyond irritating to me. I can't imagine being married to that guy. (The only son who's married.)
It's too much. They're both too old to be all over their mother like that. Gross.
(except, of course, if Jack wants to idolize me for the rest of his life, that's understandable and I'd be ok with it.) :)
I'm finished with Celebrate Recovery!
Finally! :)
It was a great program, but the one I went to was a 16 month long process. Other Celebrate Recovery programs are 4 - 6 months. If I had to do over again, I'd have chosen a shorter program. Sixteen months is a huge commitment.
I highly recommend it though. I think everyone could benefit from it. I know it has the word "Recovery" in the title so it would seem that it's solely for people who battle addiction of some kind. But it really is for anyone who has hurts, habits, and hangups.
The analogy is this...
Things happen to everybody as we're growing up. The first person who told you that you weren't pretty. Or that you were too pale. Too skinny. Too fat. The time you didn't score well on a test and you felt like you let people down because you didn't perform well. The way you told yourself that it was your role in the family to be the "good kid" and the pressure you put on yourself. Maybe your parents divorced when you were little. Or someone you were close to died unexpectedly.
Bad stuff. Hurtful stuff.
If we don't deal with it, then we store it. Like little pieces of garbage inside of us. And it builds year after year.
Or maybe you thought that you dealt with it. But you're inexplicably insecure. And you don't realize that your body image issues started from a comment in the 7th grade. Or you try really hard to appear to have a perfect marriage because-- deep down-- you're still angry that your parents divorced, and you want to prove that you're better than them.
Things like bitterness, lack of trust, anger, pride. Garbage that piles up inside of us and can define us in ways we don't even realize.
Celebrate Recovery is a program that lets you get a dump truck and dump all the junk out. Get rid of it. Deal with it. Allow God to deal with it. And then they teach you how to take the trash out every day so that it doesn't pile up again.
Obviously you don't have a perfect life just because you've been through a program. But you learn what to do when someone hurts you. You learn how to confront people instead of holding it in. You learn more effective ways to handle your feelings. You learn that you're not defined by your performance or by people-pleasing or perfectionism.
So that's my little plug for CR. It's eye opening and life changing.
But I have to tell ya... the program at Watermark is sooo long... I'm SO glad to not have a meeting every Monday night. I don't think even heroin addicts go to recovery for 16 months. ;)
It was a great program, but the one I went to was a 16 month long process. Other Celebrate Recovery programs are 4 - 6 months. If I had to do over again, I'd have chosen a shorter program. Sixteen months is a huge commitment.
I highly recommend it though. I think everyone could benefit from it. I know it has the word "Recovery" in the title so it would seem that it's solely for people who battle addiction of some kind. But it really is for anyone who has hurts, habits, and hangups.
The analogy is this...
Things happen to everybody as we're growing up. The first person who told you that you weren't pretty. Or that you were too pale. Too skinny. Too fat. The time you didn't score well on a test and you felt like you let people down because you didn't perform well. The way you told yourself that it was your role in the family to be the "good kid" and the pressure you put on yourself. Maybe your parents divorced when you were little. Or someone you were close to died unexpectedly.
Bad stuff. Hurtful stuff.
If we don't deal with it, then we store it. Like little pieces of garbage inside of us. And it builds year after year.
Or maybe you thought that you dealt with it. But you're inexplicably insecure. And you don't realize that your body image issues started from a comment in the 7th grade. Or you try really hard to appear to have a perfect marriage because-- deep down-- you're still angry that your parents divorced, and you want to prove that you're better than them.
Things like bitterness, lack of trust, anger, pride. Garbage that piles up inside of us and can define us in ways we don't even realize.
Celebrate Recovery is a program that lets you get a dump truck and dump all the junk out. Get rid of it. Deal with it. Allow God to deal with it. And then they teach you how to take the trash out every day so that it doesn't pile up again.
Obviously you don't have a perfect life just because you've been through a program. But you learn what to do when someone hurts you. You learn how to confront people instead of holding it in. You learn more effective ways to handle your feelings. You learn that you're not defined by your performance or by people-pleasing or perfectionism.
So that's my little plug for CR. It's eye opening and life changing.
But I have to tell ya... the program at Watermark is sooo long... I'm SO glad to not have a meeting every Monday night. I don't think even heroin addicts go to recovery for 16 months. ;)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
I'm officially a workin' girl
Not that kind of workin' girl. I wouldn't blog about that. ;)
I was offered a job today at a preschool in Frisco starting in September. It's the same preschool I subbed at last week. So here are the details...
I'll work Tues, Wed, Thurs from 9 - 2. I'll make about $700 a month. Yes, I said "a month". But let's not forget I've worked super hard for the last 7 years and made zilch so this is actually pretty thrilling. Caroline can come to preschool with me for free. So that saves about $200 a month. Which makes my earnings roughly $900/month.
I have enough time to leave school and head down the Tollway to get Sarah and Jack from Barksdale at 2:45. So this changes nothing about their days. I don't have to find childcare. It shouldn't affect Jason. I'm not going to be working late and unable to cook dinner. Wouldn't want to mess that routine up. ;) This really is just like a little bonus money for us.
Plus... you may have not ever considered these savings... but, trust me, you save money (in gas and impulsive trips to Target) by driving to work and parking your car in the parking lot and being stuck there all day. Not only are you earning money by being at work, you're also not free to spend it. So who knows how much I'll actually be banking next year.
Then there's the idea that I still have Mondays and Fridays at home. That's a perk. And this is a great way to ease back into teaching. My plan is to do this for a few years and then sub in elementary schools in Plano.
But the icing on the cake is that I will be teaching 4 yr olds (turning 5... so there's some actual teaching going on, not just childcare), and I'm working with Robyn, who I've known since my 2nd grade days at Gunstream in Frisco. We go waaaayyyy back... 10 years we've known each other. And teaching with a friend is always more fun!
So I'm sure most of my blogging stories next year will be about other people's kids. Which most likely violates all kinds of confidentiality laws and such. I'll give them fake names and we'll be fine. ;)
I was offered a job today at a preschool in Frisco starting in September. It's the same preschool I subbed at last week. So here are the details...
I'll work Tues, Wed, Thurs from 9 - 2. I'll make about $700 a month. Yes, I said "a month". But let's not forget I've worked super hard for the last 7 years and made zilch so this is actually pretty thrilling. Caroline can come to preschool with me for free. So that saves about $200 a month. Which makes my earnings roughly $900/month.
I have enough time to leave school and head down the Tollway to get Sarah and Jack from Barksdale at 2:45. So this changes nothing about their days. I don't have to find childcare. It shouldn't affect Jason. I'm not going to be working late and unable to cook dinner. Wouldn't want to mess that routine up. ;) This really is just like a little bonus money for us.
Plus... you may have not ever considered these savings... but, trust me, you save money (in gas and impulsive trips to Target) by driving to work and parking your car in the parking lot and being stuck there all day. Not only are you earning money by being at work, you're also not free to spend it. So who knows how much I'll actually be banking next year.
Then there's the idea that I still have Mondays and Fridays at home. That's a perk. And this is a great way to ease back into teaching. My plan is to do this for a few years and then sub in elementary schools in Plano.
But the icing on the cake is that I will be teaching 4 yr olds (turning 5... so there's some actual teaching going on, not just childcare), and I'm working with Robyn, who I've known since my 2nd grade days at Gunstream in Frisco. We go waaaayyyy back... 10 years we've known each other. And teaching with a friend is always more fun!
So I'm sure most of my blogging stories next year will be about other people's kids. Which most likely violates all kinds of confidentiality laws and such. I'll give them fake names and we'll be fine. ;)
TMI
Now that allergy season is in full swing (and it has been for a while) I'm reminded that it's such a good thing when kids learn how to use a Kleenex.
Using that nose sucker thing on Caroline is gag-worthy. Especially cleaning it out. [Gonna throw up.]
Everyone looks forward to having a potty trained child but I think people forget the smaller steps toward independence that are as just as big of a relief to an easily disgusted parent.
Using that nose sucker thing on Caroline is gag-worthy. Especially cleaning it out. [Gonna throw up.]
Everyone looks forward to having a potty trained child but I think people forget the smaller steps toward independence that are as just as big of a relief to an easily disgusted parent.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Can I just say that...
weekends spent alone are heavenly???? Because they are!!
I got so much accomplished. Errands that would've taken twice as long if I had had the kids with me. I was really productive and in bed by 7:45 Saturday night. :) I highly recommend that you suggest to your husband that he takes the kids to see his parents without you. ;)
Besides, honestly, I think parents really like to see their own kids and the grandkids. If the spouse is there, great, but if not, that's ok too. I think Jason's parents don't mind time with Jason without Yours Truly hanging around. AND I think they had more fun with the kids without me too. It was more work for them, I'm sure, but more fun.
...........
It's a busy week ahead. Lots to do, lots to do. Part of me can't believe that April 2012 is almost over! 2012 seems to be flying by. And part of me thinks that April has been a ridiculously long month.
(Maybe that's because I work the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month in a preschool Sunday School class so I'm VERY aware of the months that have 5 Sundays. April is one of those months.)
...........
We're planning summer activities already. Sarah actually wants to go to PACE summer school. (She's an apple that didn't fall very far from this tree.) So that'll be the entire month of June. We have Vacation Bible School. We're talking about possibly heading up to Beaver Creek, CO. There are other activities for the kids at the church.
And, let's not forget, once your kids are in public school, summers are a lot shorter! (That's a good thing at this point in life.) Preschool is always over mid May and doesn't start up again until the first of September. "Real" school ends the first of June and starts back up the last part of August!! :) One day that will make me sad that our summers are cut so short. Just not there yet.
..............
The weather was awesome this weekend, and it's another pretty day today. I decided that I was gonna stop laying in a tanning bed and start using sunless tanner instead. No need to encourage wrinkles and skin cancer. But then the weather was so good yesterday. I laid out by the pool and thought, "I'll start with the sunless tanner tomorrow." :)
I got so much accomplished. Errands that would've taken twice as long if I had had the kids with me. I was really productive and in bed by 7:45 Saturday night. :) I highly recommend that you suggest to your husband that he takes the kids to see his parents without you. ;)
Besides, honestly, I think parents really like to see their own kids and the grandkids. If the spouse is there, great, but if not, that's ok too. I think Jason's parents don't mind time with Jason without Yours Truly hanging around. AND I think they had more fun with the kids without me too. It was more work for them, I'm sure, but more fun.
...........
It's a busy week ahead. Lots to do, lots to do. Part of me can't believe that April 2012 is almost over! 2012 seems to be flying by. And part of me thinks that April has been a ridiculously long month.
(Maybe that's because I work the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month in a preschool Sunday School class so I'm VERY aware of the months that have 5 Sundays. April is one of those months.)
...........
We're planning summer activities already. Sarah actually wants to go to PACE summer school. (She's an apple that didn't fall very far from this tree.) So that'll be the entire month of June. We have Vacation Bible School. We're talking about possibly heading up to Beaver Creek, CO. There are other activities for the kids at the church.
And, let's not forget, once your kids are in public school, summers are a lot shorter! (That's a good thing at this point in life.) Preschool is always over mid May and doesn't start up again until the first of September. "Real" school ends the first of June and starts back up the last part of August!! :) One day that will make me sad that our summers are cut so short. Just not there yet.
..............
The weather was awesome this weekend, and it's another pretty day today. I decided that I was gonna stop laying in a tanning bed and start using sunless tanner instead. No need to encourage wrinkles and skin cancer. But then the weather was so good yesterday. I laid out by the pool and thought, "I'll start with the sunless tanner tomorrow." :)
Saturday, April 21, 2012
I haven't blogged since Tuesday??
Really? Such a slacker.
I've been busy I guess. Thursday I subbed with my friend, Robyn, at a preschool in Frisco. It was a lot of fun to be back in the classroom and get a little money on the side.
Plus I was able to bring Caroline with me and let her go into a 2 yr old room for the day. It was our first time apart (other than on Sunday mornings or something church related or when we've had a babysitter). It was harder on me than I thought but she did great! Fit right in!
And what else has been going on??
Oh... I consigned some stuff to Kid to Kid for $30. That money is now in a trampoline fund that I've started for the kids. I'm also putting the money I made subbing on Thursday in there. A trampoline with an enclosure and pads is more expensive than I thought... unless I get one off craigslist. But I'm not sure if I want to do that or not. Since this is an extra and unnecessary purchase, I'm scrounging up what little money I can make or find so that we can buy it without messing up our budget.
Also...
Jason has taken the kids to the farm to visit his parents and allowed me to stay home!! :) HOORAY! I'm free for a weekend. He's been gone almost every weekend since January and has never wanted to take the kids with him. But, since Jim is still doing pretty well, he offered to do that this time. I think it's good that the kids see Jim.
But I SOOO appreciate that I got a hall pass on this one. The kids + the farm = a lot of work. But with Jason's mom AND his sister AND his brother-in-law there this weekend, I'm sure they've got it covered.
So....
I'm gonna sell a few more of the kids' things while they're gone... SHHH! (Hopefully they won't notice.) And I'm gonna take some of the unsellable things to the dump.... again, SHHHH! And other than that I'm gonna do whatever I want!! :)
I've been busy I guess. Thursday I subbed with my friend, Robyn, at a preschool in Frisco. It was a lot of fun to be back in the classroom and get a little money on the side.
Plus I was able to bring Caroline with me and let her go into a 2 yr old room for the day. It was our first time apart (other than on Sunday mornings or something church related or when we've had a babysitter). It was harder on me than I thought but she did great! Fit right in!
And what else has been going on??
Oh... I consigned some stuff to Kid to Kid for $30. That money is now in a trampoline fund that I've started for the kids. I'm also putting the money I made subbing on Thursday in there. A trampoline with an enclosure and pads is more expensive than I thought... unless I get one off craigslist. But I'm not sure if I want to do that or not. Since this is an extra and unnecessary purchase, I'm scrounging up what little money I can make or find so that we can buy it without messing up our budget.
Also...
Jason has taken the kids to the farm to visit his parents and allowed me to stay home!! :) HOORAY! I'm free for a weekend. He's been gone almost every weekend since January and has never wanted to take the kids with him. But, since Jim is still doing pretty well, he offered to do that this time. I think it's good that the kids see Jim.
But I SOOO appreciate that I got a hall pass on this one. The kids + the farm = a lot of work. But with Jason's mom AND his sister AND his brother-in-law there this weekend, I'm sure they've got it covered.
So....
I'm gonna sell a few more of the kids' things while they're gone... SHHH! (Hopefully they won't notice.) And I'm gonna take some of the unsellable things to the dump.... again, SHHHH! And other than that I'm gonna do whatever I want!! :)
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Help needed
When you can't convince your husband you need a maid, you have to vacuum the house yourself.
When you have to vacuum the house yourself, you can't watch your kids as closely as you should.
When you can't watch your kids as closely as you should, your two year old will stand on the couch.
When your two year old stands on the couch, she will lean over the back.
When she leans over the back, she might lean too far.
When she leans too far, she will topple off the couch and whack her head on the tile.
Don't let your two year old whack her head on the tile. Convince your husband you need a maid.
:( poor thing.
It didn't photograph well. It's a knot.
When you have to vacuum the house yourself, you can't watch your kids as closely as you should.
When you can't watch your kids as closely as you should, your two year old will stand on the couch.
When your two year old stands on the couch, she will lean over the back.
When she leans over the back, she might lean too far.
When she leans too far, she will topple off the couch and whack her head on the tile.
Don't let your two year old whack her head on the tile. Convince your husband you need a maid.
:( poor thing.
It didn't photograph well. It's a knot.
Work out rut
I enjoy exercising. I really do. It makes me feel better. I look forward to it. But it's hard to find time.
I know I stay home so it may seem that I have nothing but time to exercise. I don't have to be at an office at 8:00. But that's just not true. I don't have a gym with childcare. I don't have a jogging stroller. (And even if I did, I don't like exercising with the kids.) Besides, if I work out after Caroline wakes up, then I have to shower and get ready with her awake and that's hard to do quickly. She goes in the bathroom with me, wants to shower too, goes through all of my makeup, makes a mess of the clothes in my closet. It's not worth the aggravation.
And I'm currently in a phase where I hate running. I used to like it. I used to feel like I was improving and getting faster and stronger. I enjoyed training for a race. I loved race day. I even liked getting race t-shirts. But now it hurts my hips. I'm bored with my routes. I don't like the music on my iPod. I'm in a funk.
The lack of time isn't going away. We all have 24 hours in a day. I'm just gonna have to get up earlier or stay up later and get it done. I have to will myself out of this rut.
Soooo... I started the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred... again. I feel like I revisit this stupid thing 2 or 3 times a year and I NEVER stick with it for 30 days.
This morning (Day 4) my agitation was at an all time high and I was reminded exactly why I hate this DVD so much.
1. You can't skip over her explanation of her 3 - 2 - 1 system at the beginning of the workout. I have to listen every morning to how I need a mat and some weights. Every day I have to hear her 5 minute intro. And when I had to wake up early to do the dumb thing, I don't want to listen to a 5 minute intro.
(The intro ends with "Ok, enough talk. Let's get started." This morning I was talking back to her. "Yeah, it was enough talk 5 minutes ago. Shut up, Jillian.")
2. She rarely does the exercises with you. She goes back and points to her little assistants. "Watch Natalie. See how she's sitting into this squat." That's my biggest pet peeve with personal trainers, in general. Don't stand there all cute and not sweaty and tell me what to do. I know you've got a good body. It's clear you work out at some point during your day. But you standing there telling me not to quit while you're in full makeup bugs me.
3. With any DVD, you can memorize everything that is said. I don't mind that I know which exercise is coming next. I kinda like that. But I know every corny joke. Every explanation of why we work out small muscle groups with larger ones. I know exactly what's about to come out of her mouth.
4. Specifically with Jillian, she tends to say "Only a couple more" when what she really means is "7 or 8 more". A couple does not equal 7 or 8.
*siiiiigggghh*
Ya know what I miss? Zumba. That was fun. The instructor did it with us. I was with a class full of people. It was good. I no longer go to that gym that offered that class though. :(
Maybe I should buy a Zumba DVD and do that instead.
But I kinda want to say that I saw this 30 Day Shred through for an entire month. Just once. But-- then again-- it's not worth it if Jillian is gonna put me in a bad mood.
I need motivation!
I know I stay home so it may seem that I have nothing but time to exercise. I don't have to be at an office at 8:00. But that's just not true. I don't have a gym with childcare. I don't have a jogging stroller. (And even if I did, I don't like exercising with the kids.) Besides, if I work out after Caroline wakes up, then I have to shower and get ready with her awake and that's hard to do quickly. She goes in the bathroom with me, wants to shower too, goes through all of my makeup, makes a mess of the clothes in my closet. It's not worth the aggravation.
And I'm currently in a phase where I hate running. I used to like it. I used to feel like I was improving and getting faster and stronger. I enjoyed training for a race. I loved race day. I even liked getting race t-shirts. But now it hurts my hips. I'm bored with my routes. I don't like the music on my iPod. I'm in a funk.
The lack of time isn't going away. We all have 24 hours in a day. I'm just gonna have to get up earlier or stay up later and get it done. I have to will myself out of this rut.
Soooo... I started the Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred... again. I feel like I revisit this stupid thing 2 or 3 times a year and I NEVER stick with it for 30 days.
This morning (Day 4) my agitation was at an all time high and I was reminded exactly why I hate this DVD so much.
1. You can't skip over her explanation of her 3 - 2 - 1 system at the beginning of the workout. I have to listen every morning to how I need a mat and some weights. Every day I have to hear her 5 minute intro. And when I had to wake up early to do the dumb thing, I don't want to listen to a 5 minute intro.
(The intro ends with "Ok, enough talk. Let's get started." This morning I was talking back to her. "Yeah, it was enough talk 5 minutes ago. Shut up, Jillian.")
2. She rarely does the exercises with you. She goes back and points to her little assistants. "Watch Natalie. See how she's sitting into this squat." That's my biggest pet peeve with personal trainers, in general. Don't stand there all cute and not sweaty and tell me what to do. I know you've got a good body. It's clear you work out at some point during your day. But you standing there telling me not to quit while you're in full makeup bugs me.
3. With any DVD, you can memorize everything that is said. I don't mind that I know which exercise is coming next. I kinda like that. But I know every corny joke. Every explanation of why we work out small muscle groups with larger ones. I know exactly what's about to come out of her mouth.
4. Specifically with Jillian, she tends to say "Only a couple more" when what she really means is "7 or 8 more". A couple does not equal 7 or 8.
*siiiiigggghh*
Ya know what I miss? Zumba. That was fun. The instructor did it with us. I was with a class full of people. It was good. I no longer go to that gym that offered that class though. :(
Maybe I should buy a Zumba DVD and do that instead.
But I kinda want to say that I saw this 30 Day Shred through for an entire month. Just once. But-- then again-- it's not worth it if Jillian is gonna put me in a bad mood.
I need motivation!
Monday, April 16, 2012
Keeping busy and staying quiet
On Easter, our church didn't have The Rock like they usually do. The Rock is the children's equivalent to the adult worship service. There are skits and videos. Songs that are more fun for kids to sing, etc. Sarah LOVES The Rock.
I tend to be kinda old school sometimes and think that it's good for the kids to be downstairs with the adults. I like sitting in church as a family. I understand that kids might be bored, but-- dangit-- I was bored too growing up and it's the way things should be. ;)
And even though I like for Sarah to be in "big church" with us, I also understand that she needs something to keep her busy during the sermon. (To expect listening would be asking a bit much.) Besides I'm not gonna pretend that I didn't play either Hangman or MASH every Sunday when I was little.
So on Easter, we made sure she had a pencil and I grabbed some paper. Unfortunately she didn't use the paper. She used the "Notes" section in the back of her Bible.
This is how she stayed busy during the sermon. She drew a keyboard and then "typed" each letter that appeared on the "screen". Obviously she was emailing Jack.
In the weeks leading up to Easter, she perfected her bunny drawing skills.
I'm glad that she thinks her Bible is awesome.
And she likes to make elaborate codes that we have to solve.
I wish she hadn't drawn all in her Bible, but oh well. Jack and she were well behaved that Sunday and that's all I can ask for.
I tend to be kinda old school sometimes and think that it's good for the kids to be downstairs with the adults. I like sitting in church as a family. I understand that kids might be bored, but-- dangit-- I was bored too growing up and it's the way things should be. ;)
And even though I like for Sarah to be in "big church" with us, I also understand that she needs something to keep her busy during the sermon. (To expect listening would be asking a bit much.) Besides I'm not gonna pretend that I didn't play either Hangman or MASH every Sunday when I was little.
So on Easter, we made sure she had a pencil and I grabbed some paper. Unfortunately she didn't use the paper. She used the "Notes" section in the back of her Bible.
This is how she stayed busy during the sermon. She drew a keyboard and then "typed" each letter that appeared on the "screen". Obviously she was emailing Jack.
In the weeks leading up to Easter, she perfected her bunny drawing skills.
I'm glad that she thinks her Bible is awesome.
And she likes to make elaborate codes that we have to solve.
I wish she hadn't drawn all in her Bible, but oh well. Jack and she were well behaved that Sunday and that's all I can ask for.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Leadership
The picnic was fun last night. But I saw the beginnings of a very normal, had-to-happen-at-some-point shift. Sarah swore she'd stay with Jack when we got to the school. She knew I'd have my hands full with Caroline, and Jack's her best buddy anyway. They even held hands from the car to the field where everything was set up.
But then she ditched him. Her friends were there. And they went around in a little group giggling, drinking juice boxes, and being chased by boys.
So Jack had to hang with me. (Which like I've said, he's fine with at this point. I don't embarrass him yet.)
.....
Speaking of the picnic, I will not be in charge of picnics next year. I've been asked to take a different position. I've even been given a choice of what I'd like to do. See if you can guess which one I picked... (I'll cut and paste the part of the email that describes what I'd have to do.)
Part of the email...
Spirit Nights: It's getting the restaurants in place and dates and then collecting the checks and turning them into the Treasure. The current Mom will give you all the info on what to do and dates/timeline.
Scrapbook: If you don't scrapbook this is not the job for you but if you and want it Alice Brumback will give you SOOO much info and lots of training. I'm not creative but if you are this would be a fun job!
I'm not sure if you are comfortable taking on a bigger job, some Moms want to dive right in and some want to ease their way in. I do have catalog sales open which is heading up selling Sally Foster, Cookie Dough, Passbooks and whatever fundraisers we decide to do. You'll have a committee to help you.
.....
So what do ya think?? YES!! OF COURSE!! Spirit Nights. The easiest one.
Scrapbook?? If I'm creative? Well, I'm not. And can you imagine what the pics would look like if I was in charge of taking the photos?
Heading up the fundraisers?? A committee to help me? (Truthfully I'd be willing to do that one in a year or so-- I don't want to dive in with a big job-- but here's my first reaction...)
I don't lead. That's not what I like to do.
My mom tells a story about her first parent/teacher conference for me. I was in preschool I think. I had finally gotten out from underneath Hilary's protective wing and was being more independent, I suppose, because the teacher told my mom that I was such a leader. My mom, looking very confused and like there must be some mistake, said, "No, no. I'm Julie Fishero's mom."
:)
I can lead. I don't think I'm too stupid to be in charge of something or head a committee. But somewhere along the way, I developed a need to be liked. An insecurity that people might be talking about me behind my back. As I get older, every year that goes away a little more. Plus I'm more introspective. I could definitely see how my personality might drive someone up the wall. But I think that leaders (and not necessarily leaders of a silly little fundraising committee. I'm talking more "big picture" now.) have to have something in them that doesn't really care what you think about them. That ain't me.
And it reminds me of the "Friends" episode where Chandler's upset that his coworkers don't like him after he's been promoted. And Phoebe reminds him that he's Bossman Bing.
Also, I feel weird telling people what to do if they're older than me. Is that strange? It disrupts the natural order of things in my mind. I can't even tell you how much I struggled with asking parents to laminate something for me or make copies or whatever. When I was teaching, most of my parents were 10 years older than me, and I felt like I was asking them to do grunt work. I was very uncomfortable with it.
And probably the biggest reason that I don't want to be in charge of anything is that I like to be an Indian not a Chief. Plain and simple. Sure, Chiefs get more of the glory (and I suppose the blame). And in a work environment, they get more money. But they also stay later and have the potential for more migraines. And Indians are free to leave earlier to go to happy hours with other Indians and complain about the Chief.
I do think there's truth to the saying that "[you-know-what] rolls downhill", but ultimately as long as you have a good Chief who values his/her Indians, then it's a pretty sweet deal.
My ambition and desire to climb the ladder of success is overwhelming, huh? :) I'm good being a peon. Thanks for asking.
And how "not PC" was that whole last point? Indians and Chiefs? Native Americans and Chiefs? Better?
Alright. I think that's all that's going on in my brain for now. Have a great day! Can't be that bad... It's FRIDAY!! HALLELUJAH!
But then she ditched him. Her friends were there. And they went around in a little group giggling, drinking juice boxes, and being chased by boys.
So Jack had to hang with me. (Which like I've said, he's fine with at this point. I don't embarrass him yet.)
.....
Speaking of the picnic, I will not be in charge of picnics next year. I've been asked to take a different position. I've even been given a choice of what I'd like to do. See if you can guess which one I picked... (I'll cut and paste the part of the email that describes what I'd have to do.)
Part of the email...
Spirit Nights: It's getting the restaurants in place and dates and then collecting the checks and turning them into the Treasure. The current Mom will give you all the info on what to do and dates/timeline.
Scrapbook: If you don't scrapbook this is not the job for you but if you and want it Alice Brumback will give you SOOO much info and lots of training. I'm not creative but if you are this would be a fun job!
I'm not sure if you are comfortable taking on a bigger job, some Moms want to dive right in and some want to ease their way in. I do have catalog sales open which is heading up selling Sally Foster, Cookie Dough, Passbooks and whatever fundraisers we decide to do. You'll have a committee to help you.
.....
So what do ya think?? YES!! OF COURSE!! Spirit Nights. The easiest one.
Scrapbook?? If I'm creative? Well, I'm not. And can you imagine what the pics would look like if I was in charge of taking the photos?
Heading up the fundraisers?? A committee to help me? (Truthfully I'd be willing to do that one in a year or so-- I don't want to dive in with a big job-- but here's my first reaction...)
I don't lead. That's not what I like to do.
My mom tells a story about her first parent/teacher conference for me. I was in preschool I think. I had finally gotten out from underneath Hilary's protective wing and was being more independent, I suppose, because the teacher told my mom that I was such a leader. My mom, looking very confused and like there must be some mistake, said, "No, no. I'm Julie Fishero's mom."
:)
I can lead. I don't think I'm too stupid to be in charge of something or head a committee. But somewhere along the way, I developed a need to be liked. An insecurity that people might be talking about me behind my back. As I get older, every year that goes away a little more. Plus I'm more introspective. I could definitely see how my personality might drive someone up the wall. But I think that leaders (and not necessarily leaders of a silly little fundraising committee. I'm talking more "big picture" now.) have to have something in them that doesn't really care what you think about them. That ain't me.
And it reminds me of the "Friends" episode where Chandler's upset that his coworkers don't like him after he's been promoted. And Phoebe reminds him that he's Bossman Bing.
Also, I feel weird telling people what to do if they're older than me. Is that strange? It disrupts the natural order of things in my mind. I can't even tell you how much I struggled with asking parents to laminate something for me or make copies or whatever. When I was teaching, most of my parents were 10 years older than me, and I felt like I was asking them to do grunt work. I was very uncomfortable with it.
And probably the biggest reason that I don't want to be in charge of anything is that I like to be an Indian not a Chief. Plain and simple. Sure, Chiefs get more of the glory (and I suppose the blame). And in a work environment, they get more money. But they also stay later and have the potential for more migraines. And Indians are free to leave earlier to go to happy hours with other Indians and complain about the Chief.
I do think there's truth to the saying that "[you-know-what] rolls downhill", but ultimately as long as you have a good Chief who values his/her Indians, then it's a pretty sweet deal.
My ambition and desire to climb the ladder of success is overwhelming, huh? :) I'm good being a peon. Thanks for asking.
And how "not PC" was that whole last point? Indians and Chiefs? Native Americans and Chiefs? Better?
Alright. I think that's all that's going on in my brain for now. Have a great day! Can't be that bad... It's FRIDAY!! HALLELUJAH!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
I think it balances out
Jason tells me that most of my blog posts are about Jack. Not the other kids as much. True.
But he also pointed out that we have the most pictures and video footage of Sarah. (Probably true of most firstborn children I would think.) Also true.
And I spend the most time with Caroline. Very true.
So I think it all balances out. Right???
But he also pointed out that we have the most pictures and video footage of Sarah. (Probably true of most firstborn children I would think.) Also true.
And I spend the most time with Caroline. Very true.
So I think it all balances out. Right???
This was our compromise
It was either the hat or elbow pads as part of the ensemble today.
And I'm hoping there's a rule against wearing a hat at school so he'll have to take it off as soon as he gets there.
I know you could argue that my allowing him to leave the house like this is hypocritical. And you'd have a valid point. How can I get mad at him for crying because it makes him look ridiculous and then let him wear a winter hat in April?
I don't have an answer to that... Other than... I'm not out to totally squash his personality. And I can only say "no" so many times.
And he makes me laugh.
And I'm hoping there's a rule against wearing a hat at school so he'll have to take it off as soon as he gets there.
I know you could argue that my allowing him to leave the house like this is hypocritical. And you'd have a valid point. How can I get mad at him for crying because it makes him look ridiculous and then let him wear a winter hat in April?
I don't have an answer to that... Other than... I'm not out to totally squash his personality. And I can only say "no" so many times.
And he makes me laugh.
This and that
I tried to take pics of our explosion at sunset but it doesn't really work when the same person putting the Mentos in the 7-UP is also trying to operate the camera. Everything happened so quickly. All I got was a sticky camera.
...........
I referenced the school picnic at Barksdale in a post below. Well I better take notes while I'm there tonight because I was asked by the PTA President if I would work with one other lady and be in charge of the "Welcome to School" picnic and this "End of Year" picnic next year.
Man.
You can only fly under the radar so long. Too many neighbors know I stay home and have elementary age kids. That puts a target on my back that says "She has time to volunteer!"
At least the woman I'm working with lives 3 houses down. And the PTA president lives a street over. So meetings should be convenient. :)
............
I was also asked to help Jenni Tran with CASA's first Fun Run happening in April of 2013. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. I've never worked with them before but I have worked with the Collin County Children's Advocacy Center. And they're similar in function. Or at the very least, they work together.
Anyway, I was so excited when Jenni asked me to help organize this run because (a) she could've asked anyone and she thought of me... (I'm still new enough to volunteering that I think it's an honor to be asked. Soon I'm sure I'll become jaded and wonder why no one else is ever asked to do anything.), (b) I've never organized a 5K, (c) I've never organized anything so I know I'll learn a lot, and (d) it'll be a great way for me to get to know Jenni better.
............
Hmmm. It just occured to me that the end of year picnic and the fun run will be in April of next year. I'm not a psychic but I'm guessing I'm not gonna be fun to be around next Spring.
............
I forgot to pay Jack's preschool tuition on time this month. And they had to send home a note. I was so embarrassed. I felt like I was in trouble. I even wrote a note with my check today apologizing and practically begging them to accept my money.
...........
I took Sarah to school this morning and One Direction was on the radio. And now I have this song stuck in my head and a visual of the iCarly episode where they were special guests. I watch too much TV with the kids.
...........
I referenced the school picnic at Barksdale in a post below. Well I better take notes while I'm there tonight because I was asked by the PTA President if I would work with one other lady and be in charge of the "Welcome to School" picnic and this "End of Year" picnic next year.
Man.
You can only fly under the radar so long. Too many neighbors know I stay home and have elementary age kids. That puts a target on my back that says "She has time to volunteer!"
At least the woman I'm working with lives 3 houses down. And the PTA president lives a street over. So meetings should be convenient. :)
............
I was also asked to help Jenni Tran with CASA's first Fun Run happening in April of 2013. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. I've never worked with them before but I have worked with the Collin County Children's Advocacy Center. And they're similar in function. Or at the very least, they work together.
Anyway, I was so excited when Jenni asked me to help organize this run because (a) she could've asked anyone and she thought of me... (I'm still new enough to volunteering that I think it's an honor to be asked. Soon I'm sure I'll become jaded and wonder why no one else is ever asked to do anything.), (b) I've never organized a 5K, (c) I've never organized anything so I know I'll learn a lot, and (d) it'll be a great way for me to get to know Jenni better.
............
Hmmm. It just occured to me that the end of year picnic and the fun run will be in April of next year. I'm not a psychic but I'm guessing I'm not gonna be fun to be around next Spring.
............
I forgot to pay Jack's preschool tuition on time this month. And they had to send home a note. I was so embarrassed. I felt like I was in trouble. I even wrote a note with my check today apologizing and practically begging them to accept my money.
...........
I took Sarah to school this morning and One Direction was on the radio. And now I have this song stuck in my head and a visual of the iCarly episode where they were special guests. I watch too much TV with the kids.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Here, bunny bunny
We found this bunny last week, fed it, and *shock and surprise* it's back.
The kids are sure his brother and sister are the ones Jason fished out of the pool. So they like this bunny.
We fed him again and the kids decided maybe he was a different bunny because he hesitated to eat our lettuce.
Sarah said, "Maybe his mom told him not to eat lettuce from strangers."
Very possible.
Jason said, "After the kids go to bed, I'll shoot it."
Welcome to my world.
The kids are sure his brother and sister are the ones Jason fished out of the pool. So they like this bunny.
We fed him again and the kids decided maybe he was a different bunny because he hesitated to eat our lettuce.
Sarah said, "Maybe his mom told him not to eat lettuce from strangers."
Very possible.
Jason said, "After the kids go to bed, I'll shoot it."
Welcome to my world.
I'm not gonna touch it
We were talking about Sarah's school picnic tonight. (It's tomorrow.) There will be bounce houses, a DJ, a cake walk, etc. I told Sarah that she needs to stay with Jack and I'll stay with Caroline. (Jason will be at work.)
She told me that if any first graders bother either Jack or Caroline, she'll say something in their defense. Because, she said, she knows every first grader's name. Except for Rafi and Rio. They look the same and she gets them confused.
There's a joke there somewhere. I'm almost sure of it. But I'm not gonna touch it.
She told me that if any first graders bother either Jack or Caroline, she'll say something in their defense. Because, she said, she knows every first grader's name. Except for Rafi and Rio. They look the same and she gets them confused.
There's a joke there somewhere. I'm almost sure of it. But I'm not gonna touch it.
Tastes like a frappucino
But so much cheaper...
I didn't buy any last time I was at Walmart because I was trying to stick to my list. But I was accosted by the lady giving samples and it was delicious!
(So was the biscotti she also insisted I try.)
I didn't buy any last time I was at Walmart because I was trying to stick to my list. But I was accosted by the lady giving samples and it was delicious!
(So was the biscotti she also insisted I try.)
An explosion at sunset
That's what Jack asked for.
He came home with a sheet from school outlining an experiment they had done. Materials needed: 2 liter bottle of soda and 1 pack of mentos.
I'm pretty sure I can predict what's gonna happen ;)... The explosion, as he calls it.
And I'm not sure why he wants to do it at sunset, but I like a man with a plan.
He came home with a sheet from school outlining an experiment they had done. Materials needed: 2 liter bottle of soda and 1 pack of mentos.
I'm pretty sure I can predict what's gonna happen ;)... The explosion, as he calls it.
And I'm not sure why he wants to do it at sunset, but I like a man with a plan.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Jack
I struggled with him this morning.
I don't know what word I'd use for Jack's temperment. Quirky. Unique. There are things he does and all I can say is, "That's just Jack."
(And what's funny is that is his nickname from Scottish Rite. "Just Jack". It's perfect because sometimes I'm at a loss for how to describe him.)
Most of the time his quirkiness makes me laugh. Or the things that he comes up with in that little brain make me stop and think. But another aspect to his personality right now is that he is INCREDIBLY sensitive. He cries easily. Not in a whiny way. In an easily devastated way.
He cried Saturday morning alone in his room because he had accidentally thrown away a jellybean math sheet from school, and he was afraid I wouldn't let him buy another one.
He cried yesterday when my sister dropped by for about 30 seconds to return some dresses she had borrowed, and she smiled at him. He was hoping she would speak to him. Keep in mind that he didn't speak to her. Or wave at her. He just stood there in the entryway. But he felt Aunt Hilary should've done more than smile at him and as soon as she left, he cried and said (in a very Charlie Brown way), "She didn't even notice me."
This morning we were waiting for Amber to pick Jack up for school. She usually comes around 8:50 so at 8:40 I told Jack to tell Jason goodbye. (He was still here this morning.) So Jack ran to the bathroom where Jason was about to get in the shower and told him goodbye.
At 8:50 Amber showed up and immediately Jack cried. "I wish I could go hug Daddy." I got down in his face as I saw the tears well up in his eyes and with loads of compassion (yeah right) said, "You've already said goodbye, Jack. Don't you cry. Don't do it. I will spank you."
I didn't mean it, of course. I wouldn't spank him for crying. But Amber was literally walking to our door. Her son Blake was in the car. Jack's face already in 2 seconds looked like he'd been crying for an hour. He's not embarrassed to let his friend see him upset. But I'm embarrassed for him and am thinking, "Kid, you're gonna have a hard time making friends in kindergarten with anyone other than crybaby little girls if you don't snap out of your weepiness."
I saw that my threats and anger were only making the tears flow faster and out of frustration, I said, "Fine. Go hug your Dad. Even though he's in the shower right now."
I opened the door and explained the situation to Amber. She's wonderful and patient. And she always tells me that she thinks Jack is sweet. And she wishes Blake was a little less rough and a little more tender hearted. I'm the exact opposite. I wish Jack could take a hit (figuratively speaking) a little bit better. I wish he was able to stuff his emotions more. Unhealthy, I know. But that's what's going on in my head.
I don't have any other sons. And I'm as far from being a tomboy as you can get. I'm not a good boy mom. I'm pretty girly. And I'm raising a cuddly boy who still likes to sit in my lap and will hold my hand as we cross the parking lot and appears to suffer from PMS.
I love him. I love the way that he is. I want him to be secure and feel emotions and know that it's ok to be upset. I love his little mama's/daddy's boy nature because I know we won't be the center of his world forever. But there's a time and a place for meltdowns. And there are justifiable reasons to cry and then there's moodiness. And I'm gonna need to talk to him-- gently-- after school and talk about how he can better handle himself when he feels sad.
This is one of those phases that if I could flash forward and see that it's just a phase, I'd be ok. If I had a crystal ball and saw that this tenderhearted nature will make him a great [fill in the blank of some profession], I'd be able to handle it. But since I can't see into the future, I feel this overwhelming need to nip it in the bud before he's the elementary aged boy, crying at school.
I don't know. I don't want to be a jerk. I'm not trying to change who he is. Just mold him a little.
I don't know what word I'd use for Jack's temperment. Quirky. Unique. There are things he does and all I can say is, "That's just Jack."
(And what's funny is that is his nickname from Scottish Rite. "Just Jack". It's perfect because sometimes I'm at a loss for how to describe him.)
Most of the time his quirkiness makes me laugh. Or the things that he comes up with in that little brain make me stop and think. But another aspect to his personality right now is that he is INCREDIBLY sensitive. He cries easily. Not in a whiny way. In an easily devastated way.
He cried Saturday morning alone in his room because he had accidentally thrown away a jellybean math sheet from school, and he was afraid I wouldn't let him buy another one.
He cried yesterday when my sister dropped by for about 30 seconds to return some dresses she had borrowed, and she smiled at him. He was hoping she would speak to him. Keep in mind that he didn't speak to her. Or wave at her. He just stood there in the entryway. But he felt Aunt Hilary should've done more than smile at him and as soon as she left, he cried and said (in a very Charlie Brown way), "She didn't even notice me."
This morning we were waiting for Amber to pick Jack up for school. She usually comes around 8:50 so at 8:40 I told Jack to tell Jason goodbye. (He was still here this morning.) So Jack ran to the bathroom where Jason was about to get in the shower and told him goodbye.
At 8:50 Amber showed up and immediately Jack cried. "I wish I could go hug Daddy." I got down in his face as I saw the tears well up in his eyes and with loads of compassion (yeah right) said, "You've already said goodbye, Jack. Don't you cry. Don't do it. I will spank you."
I didn't mean it, of course. I wouldn't spank him for crying. But Amber was literally walking to our door. Her son Blake was in the car. Jack's face already in 2 seconds looked like he'd been crying for an hour. He's not embarrassed to let his friend see him upset. But I'm embarrassed for him and am thinking, "Kid, you're gonna have a hard time making friends in kindergarten with anyone other than crybaby little girls if you don't snap out of your weepiness."
I saw that my threats and anger were only making the tears flow faster and out of frustration, I said, "Fine. Go hug your Dad. Even though he's in the shower right now."
I opened the door and explained the situation to Amber. She's wonderful and patient. And she always tells me that she thinks Jack is sweet. And she wishes Blake was a little less rough and a little more tender hearted. I'm the exact opposite. I wish Jack could take a hit (figuratively speaking) a little bit better. I wish he was able to stuff his emotions more. Unhealthy, I know. But that's what's going on in my head.
I don't have any other sons. And I'm as far from being a tomboy as you can get. I'm not a good boy mom. I'm pretty girly. And I'm raising a cuddly boy who still likes to sit in my lap and will hold my hand as we cross the parking lot and appears to suffer from PMS.
I love him. I love the way that he is. I want him to be secure and feel emotions and know that it's ok to be upset. I love his little mama's/daddy's boy nature because I know we won't be the center of his world forever. But there's a time and a place for meltdowns. And there are justifiable reasons to cry and then there's moodiness. And I'm gonna need to talk to him-- gently-- after school and talk about how he can better handle himself when he feels sad.
This is one of those phases that if I could flash forward and see that it's just a phase, I'd be ok. If I had a crystal ball and saw that this tenderhearted nature will make him a great [fill in the blank of some profession], I'd be able to handle it. But since I can't see into the future, I feel this overwhelming need to nip it in the bud before he's the elementary aged boy, crying at school.
I don't know. I don't want to be a jerk. I'm not trying to change who he is. Just mold him a little.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Lesson remembered
The thing about wearing a belt with pants...
Which, by the way, I don't think I've tucked in my shirt and put a belt on since the 90s.
...is that you can't wait til the last possible moment to go to the bathroom.
Undoing a belt takes a few seconds. And sometimes seconds count.
Which, by the way, I don't think I've tucked in my shirt and put a belt on since the 90s.
...is that you can't wait til the last possible moment to go to the bathroom.
Undoing a belt takes a few seconds. And sometimes seconds count.
Thank you to my sister-in-law
Abby gave me my color inspiration today.
This belt.
I got it a few years ago. In fact, it was so long ago that I'm starting to question if it's from her or not.... :\
I think it is.
Anyway, I put it on to add color to an otherwise boring outfit. I'm still embracing spring time.
And I think anytime you wear a pink belt with turtles, no one can accuse you of being boring. :)
This belt.
I got it a few years ago. In fact, it was so long ago that I'm starting to question if it's from her or not.... :\
I think it is.
Anyway, I put it on to add color to an otherwise boring outfit. I'm still embracing spring time.
And I think anytime you wear a pink belt with turtles, no one can accuse you of being boring. :)
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Easter lunch and egg hunt at the Fisheros after church
(But mostly pics of the egg hunt.)
Dad hid eggs all over the yard, and each child (McGlamerys and Valentes) got a section to hunt.
That's the way we've always done it, and it's how I hide eggs for my kids. Each child gets their own room where their eggs are hidden. There's no competition to find your eggs before someone else steals them all. This way you can hunt without pressure. :) AND I can hide them in easy places for Caroline and trickier spots for the big kids.
Of course, every party needs a boy in a sombrero.
The boys looked for eggs in the backyard.
For whatever reason this one is my favorite of him. The hat. The look on his face. I like this one.
The big girls were on the side of the house. The little girls were in the front yard. And at some point, they all came together.
Mom had the tables decorated so cute(ly?) for lunch, but I failed to take pics of them. :(
The kids had brightly colored egg shaped plates and a stuffed bunny as a center piece at the kitchen table. ("Stuffed" as in "toy". Not taxidermied. Just wanted to be clear. ;) ) And the adults were in the dining room.
It's AWESOME to have a kids table and an adult table in two separate rooms. Every year holidays get so much better!!
In fact we were reminiscing about the many, many holidays we spent at the kitchen table with a baby or 2 in a high chair, a toddler or 2 at the Disney Princess table, and a baby in an exersaucer. Puts my stomach in knots just thinking about it.
After lunch all the little monkeys [minus Kate] got in Uncle B's bed and watched "Aladdin".
While the adults ate oreo cheesecake in peace. :)
Hallelujah! Amen!
Dad hid eggs all over the yard, and each child (McGlamerys and Valentes) got a section to hunt.
That's the way we've always done it, and it's how I hide eggs for my kids. Each child gets their own room where their eggs are hidden. There's no competition to find your eggs before someone else steals them all. This way you can hunt without pressure. :) AND I can hide them in easy places for Caroline and trickier spots for the big kids.
Of course, every party needs a boy in a sombrero.
The boys looked for eggs in the backyard.
For whatever reason this one is my favorite of him. The hat. The look on his face. I like this one.
The big girls were on the side of the house. The little girls were in the front yard. And at some point, they all came together.
Mom had the tables decorated so cute(ly?) for lunch, but I failed to take pics of them. :(
The kids had brightly colored egg shaped plates and a stuffed bunny as a center piece at the kitchen table. ("Stuffed" as in "toy". Not taxidermied. Just wanted to be clear. ;) ) And the adults were in the dining room.
It's AWESOME to have a kids table and an adult table in two separate rooms. Every year holidays get so much better!!
In fact we were reminiscing about the many, many holidays we spent at the kitchen table with a baby or 2 in a high chair, a toddler or 2 at the Disney Princess table, and a baby in an exersaucer. Puts my stomach in knots just thinking about it.
After lunch all the little monkeys [minus Kate] got in Uncle B's bed and watched "Aladdin".
While the adults ate oreo cheesecake in peace. :)
Hallelujah! Amen!
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