Friday, June 5, 2009
Summer's here...
I have never truly appreciated summer the way that I appreciate summer 2009. Once just another season of occupying my children, this time in extreme uncomfortable heat, has turned into a season of freedom that I almost forgot existed. I am a stay-at-home mom. By choice. By blessing. By design. And yet in the last year I have become a stay-at-home mom with a child in school. Man, oh, man is that a change in job description. I remember calling my mom sometime in late September and rambling on and on when asked, "So what are you up to these days?" She wisely told me that my season of motherhood had hit a new milestone. School. It changes everything. Schedules. Grocery lists. Responsibilities. Freedom to do as I wish on a daily, sometimes hourly, basis.
But now it is summer. The season I once loathed. But summer brings me back to a flexibilty of kids' time. Play all you want. Get dirty. Let's do a craft. Read a book. Go to the park. Go to a friend's house. Get extremely tired out and go to bed happy. We get to do it all again tomorrow. No schedules...
Monday, April 13, 2009
A late night catch up...
We took Calla and her cousins to McDonalds for lunch on Calla's actual birthday. Chrissy made her a sweet card and taped some candy to the inside. We bought her a horse necklace that she loves. It was a little trip to us, but it meant a great deal to a certain just-turned-six year old.
Cory took several hours last Saturday to assemble the trampoline we bought for the girls' combined birthday gift. (I picked it up at 5:00 a.m. on Black Friday. It was a great deal. Obviously. Why else would I be up before sunrise?) The kids love it. They can go in the backyard and have more than dirt to play with. Calla will no doubt be tanned and toned by the end of the summer. She has yet to miss a day jumping around out there. On a totally selfish vein, it sure helps them sleep well at night, too!
Easter is always a fun time. There are so many different aspects of the season. A few years ago, time had to be spent determining how we wanted our children to spend their Easter each year. Dying eggs. The Resurrection of our Saviour. Baskets full of candy. Special church services. The Easter Bunny. Family dinners. The list is long! And very diverse. So how did we intend to make The true meaning of the holiday more apparent to our children? We decided that Sunday would be dedicated to celebrating the reason for our hope, Christ's Resurrection. Nothing else should detract from this celebration. We do have dinner with family as well.
All of other celebrations happen on other days. This year we did baskets on Saturday. Calla got an Etch-a-sketch and a Beatrix Potter DVD. Amelia got a Mrs. Potato Head - Easter bunny edition. Lots of candy and gum, too.
We attempted to go to the town's annual egg hunt on Saturday morning, but my brain unfortunately registered the time an hour too late. We arrived as the last few remaining egg-gatherers were leaving with their baskets chocked full of eggs. Maybe next year.
We had Mom and Dad over for Sunday dinner. I made a full ham dinner. Somewhat successful. My mother-in-law had a great idea about publishing a cookbook geared toward how to have a successful Sunday meal at lunchtime when you are at church until after noon. I'd buy one.
Today was a fun-filled day. Tomorrow brings an all-day field trip with Calla's school. And Wednesday has some excitement as well. This should prove to be an eventful week.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
I think I've set a record...
Has it really been 5 weeks since I last wrote? I almost can't believe that much time has passed. I faithfully read several blogs. Some are updated daily if not more. Some linger on the same entry for weeks. And it frustrates me as the reader. Ok. Not frustrates, like I get aggravated and want to throw or break things, but I want to read more about them. Has nothing new and interesting happened lately? And then I realize I am chiding myself! Lots has happened. Here it is - in a few nutshells...
On March 6th, we had our first ultrasound appointment to check to see if our newest baby was thriving. It was an emotional viewing. The little heart was beating away. It gave us complete confidence that this pregnancy would be uneventful. We are truly thankful. My due date is October 24th. I will be fortunate to go in October at all, if history repeats itself.
About two weeks ago, the baby sickies hit me hard. Just in time for company and a huge production of a birthday party. I am so thankful for a mom that is willing to come in and take over any project. I am still in the middle of the nausea, but am trying to remain grateful for it's cause.
My mom came to town two weeks ago. My sister and her husband and my other sister and her daughter joined us the Thursday before the party. Everyone was so willing to help out. But I was encouraged to do something on a smaller scale next year. We'll see.
The birthday party was chaos at best. 10 little girls in tutus and fairy wings. Trying to eat supper on the floor. Trying to color pictures to gain their fairy dust. Trying to ring the flowers to earn their crown. Trying to all be in the front row to see the mass chaos of opening gifts. Then all the adults came. 34 people in our living room. Yowza! But the girls loved it. Well, save Amelia. She characterized the phrase, "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to..."
Cory was sick with the same flu that hit everyone in our house. He got sick before mom came and was sick through most everyone leaving town. Not much of a host. But we kept it low key. I do think I could drive the route to the airport and back in my sleep. But that would be dangerous...
Mom left today. I will truly miss her here. She has an uncanny way of being around just when I need her. She was so helpful for the two weeks she stayed. My washer and dryer and dishwasher haven't ever seen that much use. She was dubbed the "laundry nazi." No clothing left laying out was left unclean. It is so appreciated, all joking aside. My mom is also one of the people who feeds me encouragement. She is honest. But she always leaves me edified. She loves me despite my faults. It is a blessing.
I have a few more things, but they deserve their own posts. We'll see how long it takes to get them posted...
On March 6th, we had our first ultrasound appointment to check to see if our newest baby was thriving. It was an emotional viewing. The little heart was beating away. It gave us complete confidence that this pregnancy would be uneventful. We are truly thankful. My due date is October 24th. I will be fortunate to go in October at all, if history repeats itself.
About two weeks ago, the baby sickies hit me hard. Just in time for company and a huge production of a birthday party. I am so thankful for a mom that is willing to come in and take over any project. I am still in the middle of the nausea, but am trying to remain grateful for it's cause.
My mom came to town two weeks ago. My sister and her husband and my other sister and her daughter joined us the Thursday before the party. Everyone was so willing to help out. But I was encouraged to do something on a smaller scale next year. We'll see.
The birthday party was chaos at best. 10 little girls in tutus and fairy wings. Trying to eat supper on the floor. Trying to color pictures to gain their fairy dust. Trying to ring the flowers to earn their crown. Trying to all be in the front row to see the mass chaos of opening gifts. Then all the adults came. 34 people in our living room. Yowza! But the girls loved it. Well, save Amelia. She characterized the phrase, "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to..."
Cory was sick with the same flu that hit everyone in our house. He got sick before mom came and was sick through most everyone leaving town. Not much of a host. But we kept it low key. I do think I could drive the route to the airport and back in my sleep. But that would be dangerous...
Mom left today. I will truly miss her here. She has an uncanny way of being around just when I need her. She was so helpful for the two weeks she stayed. My washer and dryer and dishwasher haven't ever seen that much use. She was dubbed the "laundry nazi." No clothing left laying out was left unclean. It is so appreciated, all joking aside. My mom is also one of the people who feeds me encouragement. She is honest. But she always leaves me edified. She loves me despite my faults. It is a blessing.
I have a few more things, but they deserve their own posts. We'll see how long it takes to get them posted...
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Random, but not so much Tuesday...
Yep it's Thursday.
Yep it's been weeks since my last post. Again.
Here's my randomness at it's best.
Amelia has croup. She began losing her voice yesterday. She woke up this morning barking like a seal. She is barely audible through her raspy-ness. (Apparently raspy-ness is not a word.) I think croup is a burden she will have to bear every year. I just pray this one does not move into the bronchitis/pneumonia stage.
I am subbing at the school for a week. Only in the afternoons. One of the teachers takes a trip to Florida with her fam every year about this time. It gives her a break and it allows me a little income. Always appreciated! The work is easy enough. And I do enjoy being with the students. The way our school is designed this year, 4th - 12th grades are in the same room. All video classes through ABeka. So my work entails monitoring, grading, administering tests and quizzes, and Thursday gym class. I could do without the gym class part, but the kids were so looking forward to it already yesterday.
The countdown has begun. The girls' birthday invitations have been sent and passed around. Airline flights have been purchased. Extended stays are being planned. This mom is putting off making 7, yes 7, more tutus. I love children's birthday parties. I tend to go over the top. But it's once a year. A celebration of the wonderful gifts God has given to me. I believe that calls for the grandest of celebrations! Wings. Check. Fairy dust. Check. Three out of ten tutus. Kind of a check?? Calling all fairies of the forest - only 5 more weeks.
My wonderful hubby spent some of our tax return on two large items this year.
A water softener. Woohoo! Now my alligator skin might get some relief. And my poor Amelia might have a smaller grade of sandpaper skin. If nothing else, our dishwasher will not leave such atrocious soap residue on all of our dishes.
We also bought a chest freezer. We have been storing extra food in my in-law's upright freezer. I was starting to overrun the shelves. I buy ahead in several items when they go on sale. Butter. Cheese. Pizza. Juice. O.J. And I have been buying fresh beef from my sister-in-law. Needless to say, the freezer is already brimming with frozen delights. I am thankful for this added appliance in our house.
Tomorrow would be my dad's 52nd birthday. I miss him dearly. "Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1 We are not guaranteed a certain length of life. Only that we have this day and this moment. Dad's "early" death reminds me of this fact. What am doing with my time? Am I fulfilling the plan God has for this day? What happens if there is no tomorrow for me? Would I be content to lay my head on my pillow tonight, knowing I have been a "faithful servant?"
Random. Told you so. There will be more. Much more. Coming to another blog entry near you!
Yep it's been weeks since my last post. Again.
Here's my randomness at it's best.
Amelia has croup. She began losing her voice yesterday. She woke up this morning barking like a seal. She is barely audible through her raspy-ness. (Apparently raspy-ness is not a word.) I think croup is a burden she will have to bear every year. I just pray this one does not move into the bronchitis/pneumonia stage.
I am subbing at the school for a week. Only in the afternoons. One of the teachers takes a trip to Florida with her fam every year about this time. It gives her a break and it allows me a little income. Always appreciated! The work is easy enough. And I do enjoy being with the students. The way our school is designed this year, 4th - 12th grades are in the same room. All video classes through ABeka. So my work entails monitoring, grading, administering tests and quizzes, and Thursday gym class. I could do without the gym class part, but the kids were so looking forward to it already yesterday.
The countdown has begun. The girls' birthday invitations have been sent and passed around. Airline flights have been purchased. Extended stays are being planned. This mom is putting off making 7, yes 7, more tutus. I love children's birthday parties. I tend to go over the top. But it's once a year. A celebration of the wonderful gifts God has given to me. I believe that calls for the grandest of celebrations! Wings. Check. Fairy dust. Check. Three out of ten tutus. Kind of a check?? Calling all fairies of the forest - only 5 more weeks.
My wonderful hubby spent some of our tax return on two large items this year.
A water softener. Woohoo! Now my alligator skin might get some relief. And my poor Amelia might have a smaller grade of sandpaper skin. If nothing else, our dishwasher will not leave such atrocious soap residue on all of our dishes.
We also bought a chest freezer. We have been storing extra food in my in-law's upright freezer. I was starting to overrun the shelves. I buy ahead in several items when they go on sale. Butter. Cheese. Pizza. Juice. O.J. And I have been buying fresh beef from my sister-in-law. Needless to say, the freezer is already brimming with frozen delights. I am thankful for this added appliance in our house.
Tomorrow would be my dad's 52nd birthday. I miss him dearly. "Boast not thyself of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1 We are not guaranteed a certain length of life. Only that we have this day and this moment. Dad's "early" death reminds me of this fact. What am doing with my time? Am I fulfilling the plan God has for this day? What happens if there is no tomorrow for me? Would I be content to lay my head on my pillow tonight, knowing I have been a "faithful servant?"
Random. Told you so. There will be more. Much more. Coming to another blog entry near you!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thanks for the laughs...
Tonight was our Teen "after" Christmas party. The original date had such frigid temperatures that we ended up canceling.
Pizza. Soda. Catch Phrase. Telephone. Laughing. White Elephant. Laughing. Devotional. Pictures. LOTS of giggling.
All the while the three adult ladies sat chatting in another room.
During part of our conversations, we read a book of funny quotes. These were two of my favorites.
"My wild oats have turned into prunes and All-bran."
"I would be unstoppable, if only I could get started."
We did pause to watch the commotion involving the White Elephant exchange. The teens can be so creative in their gift choices. A mini chia pet-like head that grows "hair." Candy checkers. A Best Buy gift card worth 12 cents! A silver white elephant pin. Fun stuff.
I think the most enjoyable part of the night was Amelia playing with one of the gerbils. Amelia has a healthy fear of all animals. Especially if they move faster than she does. "Crusoe" was put into the exercise ball and left to roll around. Amelia would squeal for "Wrestle", as she interpreted his name, to move and as soon as he would roll she would start into a shrill, nervous laughter. She slapped the ball once when it came too close to her. She picked it up and gently tossed it away from her. I did tell her she shouldn't do those things or the poor gerbil would be hurt. So the next nervous laugh was followed by "Can you get him away for me, please?" She was a lot less anxious once the little guy was safe on the other side of his plastic cage. I think "Crusoe was a little more relaxed as well.
Pizza. Soda. Catch Phrase. Telephone. Laughing. White Elephant. Laughing. Devotional. Pictures. LOTS of giggling.
All the while the three adult ladies sat chatting in another room.
During part of our conversations, we read a book of funny quotes. These were two of my favorites.
"My wild oats have turned into prunes and All-bran."
"I would be unstoppable, if only I could get started."
We did pause to watch the commotion involving the White Elephant exchange. The teens can be so creative in their gift choices. A mini chia pet-like head that grows "hair." Candy checkers. A Best Buy gift card worth 12 cents! A silver white elephant pin. Fun stuff.
I think the most enjoyable part of the night was Amelia playing with one of the gerbils. Amelia has a healthy fear of all animals. Especially if they move faster than she does. "Crusoe" was put into the exercise ball and left to roll around. Amelia would squeal for "Wrestle", as she interpreted his name, to move and as soon as he would roll she would start into a shrill, nervous laughter. She slapped the ball once when it came too close to her. She picked it up and gently tossed it away from her. I did tell her she shouldn't do those things or the poor gerbil would be hurt. So the next nervous laugh was followed by "Can you get him away for me, please?" She was a lot less anxious once the little guy was safe on the other side of his plastic cage. I think "Crusoe was a little more relaxed as well.
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