This was a short week if you can call it that with Presidents Day. Monday we spent at home, working, resting, playing. We finally got up the Uppercase Living expressions we purchased back in November. I love how each fits where we placed it, Art does too. It was easier than we thought. It was nice to work with him in getting them done. I think as a couple we work well together, even when we paint a room BUT we will never, ever, ever wallpaper together again. Which is why my house is free of it. It seems to be the only thing that we can't do together :-).
My aunt worked magic with wallpaper. I've thought of her alot lately. She's been gone now for over a year. Remember my wreck? Hitting the black ice? I was on my way to her memorial. It was a crummy day for soooo many reasons. I regret not being able to make it there. I probably always will.
Even for a short week it felt long come Thursday. I was pooped but determined to not crash like I normally do on Thursday afternoon. The weather was yucky that I could have justified it but I picked myself back up and got to work.
Sarah had some bumps in the road this week. Twice her teacher had to come to me about her not listening. We had some heart to heart talks which lead to Daddy getting involved at night at the dinner table. Poor Sarah, no hope for her to get away with anything with her Mom next door at her preschool. Art said if only all the Mom's were next door, how different our classroom environments would be :-). Sarah apologized to Ms. Kim, giving warm hugs and kisses. She's my sassy diva at times and has to be reminded of boundaries. She's also my lover, constantly giving hugs and kisses to me. I have to admit if she ever stops this I will be devastated.
Grace got her first diary this week, it's pink, princessy with a lock. She is daily entering her "secrets." She brings it to me to read, not sure she understands what secret means. I love to read her thoughts of the day. She's a blogger in training :).
My Chicka Chicka Boom Boom trees at school are really filling up. Every time I look at them I think of a certain creative friend. I'm trying to catch up with her, spend some time together but our lives are running in different directions. My hope is we will catch up soon, I miss her.
Art and I went to our first Trivia night last night. It was for Grace's school. There was a silent auction as well. It was alot of fun and it was good we went out. We guesstimated we hadn't been out together since last summer. We brought home a huge Barbie basket both first grade classes put together. No one had bid on it all night, I felt bad so home it came with us. Not that we need more Barbie stuff! It was for a good cause. We haven't given it to the girls yet, the look on their faces will be priceless.
We're celebrating Dr. Seuss this week at ATA. I love Dr. Seuss books. In celebrating this week the kids and staff are going to wear silly socks on Monday, crazy hats on Tuesday, Who-hair on Wednesday and then we will end it all with green eggs and ham on Thursday. Can you guess what will be my happy pics this week?
Have a great week everyone, pick up a Seuss book and enjoy being a kid again.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
wake the neighbors, get the word out!
March 4th is free FryDay!
On Friday, March 4, 2011, from 2 to 4pm get one free medium order of Waffle Potato Fries™ when you mention you're there to try the new Heinz Dip & Squeeze.
That's my day off, I'm so there :).
AND
It's about time they made ketchup car friendly!!!
AND
It's about time they made ketchup car friendly!!!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
random thoughts/observations of the week
This afternoon I sat outside, in my chair while the girls pulled out every piece of chalk, scooters, bikes, frisbees - basically everything they had been missing these past winter months. It's been beautiful here the past few days, making me hunger for spring. I get this feeling every January and February when mother nature decides to throw us some warm weather. We were out, so were alot of the neighbors. This is when we catch up. When the snow and colder temps came we headed in to hibernate until it was over :). It was good to see faces again, to talk. Living out in the boonies means you don't see your neighbors as much as we did living in suburbia.
I also did some people watching. With the wonderful weather everyone was out, walking on their own or walking their dogs. Every person that passed by yawned, no joke. I think Thursdays do that to you. I don't know about you but I'm ready for take out on Thursday nights :D.
This week has been a blessing to be back at school, to have a full week of school. Today was my Friday. I usually crash on Thursday afternoons. Today was no different. I came home, unloaded, unpacked and then landed on the couch with a big thud. I turned on Arthur for the girls and snoozed for 15 minutes until Art called telling me he was headed home. Even after his call I didn't move much although Grace begged to go outside. It felt good to just sit and veg. I don't get these moments Monday - Wednesday. There's always lunches to prepare, homework to be done, bath times, reading, play time, dinner, laundry etc...
I've lost weight as my happy post last week showed. Truthfully I believe it is the effect of stress. I can't contribute it to anything else. I wish I could say I've been working out, putting myself through immense pain and sweat, but no.
I have a new friend in my class. His smile is big and when he smiles, his eyes smile too. His eyes and smile speak volumes. He's precious. He's from the Ukraine. He takes each new preschool activity with excitement. He makes me want to adopt :). My first day with him I couldn't stop talking about him that night to Art. Art, who has spoken of adoption more than I loves this :). Who knows what God is planning and how he is speaking to me through this little boy. This sweet boy spoke to me more today in his language, how I wish I knew what he was saying. He points, I point, we get it, we smile. He's been a big blessing to me this week.
Grace tried out for the talent show this week. Her talent..... wait for it..... hula hooping. She can do things I never could like jump and go down to both knees and come back up while still hooping. She does this to a favorite VBS song of hers. The three teachers who watched were impressed, so was I. It was all her idea and for my shy girl, that is a big deal. She's practicing more, watching some youtube footage of other hula hoopers, trying to do the tricks they show. I find her amazing.
I also found her to be a little difficult this week. She's had it rough in the attitude department. I'm not sure if it is the age or an influence at school but she's been sassy, not listening well, trouble following instructions, has her own ideas and does them after being instructed to not go that direction. It's been hard on me, knowing how to deal with it all. If you know Grace, you know she is my "by the book" kind of girl. Tonight her dad got a good dose of it, he couldn't believe it himself. The result was no Wii and early to bed. It's not fun being the "bad" parent.
Speaking of "bad." I was told by Sarah this week that I was mean. Of course this was at a time of correction. Did it hurt? Yeah a little but I also know I did the right thing and Art concurred.
These "bad" instances were before bed time leading me to believe that their being tired has alot to do with it. Each night, before bed we would come together and pray. Pray to make better decisions, to be more loving, to have patience. Each night we would hug and kiss, talk things out, leave with love telling the girls no matter what we would always love them.
I ordered a picture that was taken in the fall of my class. A little girl in my class gave me a frame for Christmas, my promise to her was to put our class picture in it and place it on my desk. Took me awhile but I got it done. The kids have all changed so much, grown up before my eyes. Kind of hurt, making me realize May is just around the corner and soon they will be moving onto Kindergarten. I will miss them.
Valentines Day was good, rushed with three parties but fun. I got something I cherish and will share later as my happy for 2/14. My hubby did good :), even my co-workers think so. Art brought home dinner, it was nice and quiet. No rushing to go out for dinner, no reservations required, simple, easy, family. My kind of night.
I turned off the outside lights, stepped out and sat on my front porch taking in the breeze tonight. It's delightful. I heard the tree frogs which made me think of spring. I saw some stars peaking through the clouds. Everything was well lite by the full moon. Really nice to sit and enjoy. Truman sat right next to me, panting. He would have sat there forever with my petting but then he saw a leaf go across the lawn :). He's become a true friend to me and I dare say I am his favorite now. After all I give him the most treats and I make sure he's fed :). Smart dog. He also listens well and doesn't judge me ;).
We paid my life insurance policy this week. Each year this comes around and is paid I feel a sigh of relief. I can't imagine not having it, the security. Art's comes due soon, March I believe. There is peace in planning.
I had a friend loose a grandmother this week. I'm praying for her. They have seen two deaths in their family recently. I pray for her boys, understanding it. I wish I could do more but being 2000 miles apart limits me from showing up with a hug.
I have enjoyed watching a pregnant friend "grow." She is glowing, truly a beautiful pregnant woman. She is an incredible mom of three boys and is now pregnant with what the doctor thinks is a girl. I have already excitedly starting buying pink. I can't wait to meet her.
Tomorrow I go to Grace's school to lead an art project. This is something I enjoy so much. We're making Lincoln and Washington masks for President's Day. Maybe I'll get a pic.
How's that for random? I think I will get myself a yogurt, check my to do list for tomorrow and call it a night.
Goodnight all.
I also did some people watching. With the wonderful weather everyone was out, walking on their own or walking their dogs. Every person that passed by yawned, no joke. I think Thursdays do that to you. I don't know about you but I'm ready for take out on Thursday nights :D.
This week has been a blessing to be back at school, to have a full week of school. Today was my Friday. I usually crash on Thursday afternoons. Today was no different. I came home, unloaded, unpacked and then landed on the couch with a big thud. I turned on Arthur for the girls and snoozed for 15 minutes until Art called telling me he was headed home. Even after his call I didn't move much although Grace begged to go outside. It felt good to just sit and veg. I don't get these moments Monday - Wednesday. There's always lunches to prepare, homework to be done, bath times, reading, play time, dinner, laundry etc...
I've lost weight as my happy post last week showed. Truthfully I believe it is the effect of stress. I can't contribute it to anything else. I wish I could say I've been working out, putting myself through immense pain and sweat, but no.
I have a new friend in my class. His smile is big and when he smiles, his eyes smile too. His eyes and smile speak volumes. He's precious. He's from the Ukraine. He takes each new preschool activity with excitement. He makes me want to adopt :). My first day with him I couldn't stop talking about him that night to Art. Art, who has spoken of adoption more than I loves this :). Who knows what God is planning and how he is speaking to me through this little boy. This sweet boy spoke to me more today in his language, how I wish I knew what he was saying. He points, I point, we get it, we smile. He's been a big blessing to me this week.
Grace tried out for the talent show this week. Her talent..... wait for it..... hula hooping. She can do things I never could like jump and go down to both knees and come back up while still hooping. She does this to a favorite VBS song of hers. The three teachers who watched were impressed, so was I. It was all her idea and for my shy girl, that is a big deal. She's practicing more, watching some youtube footage of other hula hoopers, trying to do the tricks they show. I find her amazing.
I also found her to be a little difficult this week. She's had it rough in the attitude department. I'm not sure if it is the age or an influence at school but she's been sassy, not listening well, trouble following instructions, has her own ideas and does them after being instructed to not go that direction. It's been hard on me, knowing how to deal with it all. If you know Grace, you know she is my "by the book" kind of girl. Tonight her dad got a good dose of it, he couldn't believe it himself. The result was no Wii and early to bed. It's not fun being the "bad" parent.
Speaking of "bad." I was told by Sarah this week that I was mean. Of course this was at a time of correction. Did it hurt? Yeah a little but I also know I did the right thing and Art concurred.
These "bad" instances were before bed time leading me to believe that their being tired has alot to do with it. Each night, before bed we would come together and pray. Pray to make better decisions, to be more loving, to have patience. Each night we would hug and kiss, talk things out, leave with love telling the girls no matter what we would always love them.
I ordered a picture that was taken in the fall of my class. A little girl in my class gave me a frame for Christmas, my promise to her was to put our class picture in it and place it on my desk. Took me awhile but I got it done. The kids have all changed so much, grown up before my eyes. Kind of hurt, making me realize May is just around the corner and soon they will be moving onto Kindergarten. I will miss them.
Valentines Day was good, rushed with three parties but fun. I got something I cherish and will share later as my happy for 2/14. My hubby did good :), even my co-workers think so. Art brought home dinner, it was nice and quiet. No rushing to go out for dinner, no reservations required, simple, easy, family. My kind of night.
I turned off the outside lights, stepped out and sat on my front porch taking in the breeze tonight. It's delightful. I heard the tree frogs which made me think of spring. I saw some stars peaking through the clouds. Everything was well lite by the full moon. Really nice to sit and enjoy. Truman sat right next to me, panting. He would have sat there forever with my petting but then he saw a leaf go across the lawn :). He's become a true friend to me and I dare say I am his favorite now. After all I give him the most treats and I make sure he's fed :). Smart dog. He also listens well and doesn't judge me ;).
We paid my life insurance policy this week. Each year this comes around and is paid I feel a sigh of relief. I can't imagine not having it, the security. Art's comes due soon, March I believe. There is peace in planning.
I had a friend loose a grandmother this week. I'm praying for her. They have seen two deaths in their family recently. I pray for her boys, understanding it. I wish I could do more but being 2000 miles apart limits me from showing up with a hug.
I have enjoyed watching a pregnant friend "grow." She is glowing, truly a beautiful pregnant woman. She is an incredible mom of three boys and is now pregnant with what the doctor thinks is a girl. I have already excitedly starting buying pink. I can't wait to meet her.
Tomorrow I go to Grace's school to lead an art project. This is something I enjoy so much. We're making Lincoln and Washington masks for President's Day. Maybe I'll get a pic.
How's that for random? I think I will get myself a yogurt, check my to do list for tomorrow and call it a night.
Goodnight all.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
oatmeal muffins
Snow days = bake time for me. I love to bake. The unfortunate part is that when you are snowed in, you can't share these treats with friends, which can lead to over indulging for me and my family :-). Thank goodness snow days don't occur year round!
I found this recipe in my good OLD red and white checkered cookbook. You know the one, the one you saw your mother and grandmothers use. It's a classic. Mine looks old and a little worn but that is a praise on its part, it means it's used well. Anyway, onto the good stuff...
Oatmeal Muffins
1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 well beaten egg
1/4 cup oil
Combine the rolled oats with the milk and let it sit for 15 minutes. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a separate bowl. Combine egg and oil with oatmeal mixture. Stir all ingredients together. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until done. Makes about 1 dozen.
These were really good and a big hit with Art. He loves anything oatmeal. I put some in the freezer for a quick breakfast to come. I did substitute half of the white flour with wheat. I also added a little flax meal. Next time I will add pureed sweet potato and instead of the oil, I will substitute with applesauce. Oh I also added some crunch on top, I melted a tablespoon of butter, added some more oats and a teaspoon of brown sugar to top each muffin off with. We loved the crunch on top.
Overall - 4 stars from the fam.
I found this recipe in my good OLD red and white checkered cookbook. You know the one, the one you saw your mother and grandmothers use. It's a classic. Mine looks old and a little worn but that is a praise on its part, it means it's used well. Anyway, onto the good stuff...
Oatmeal Muffins
1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1/3 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 well beaten egg
1/4 cup oil
Combine the rolled oats with the milk and let it sit for 15 minutes. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a separate bowl. Combine egg and oil with oatmeal mixture. Stir all ingredients together. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until done. Makes about 1 dozen.
These were really good and a big hit with Art. He loves anything oatmeal. I put some in the freezer for a quick breakfast to come. I did substitute half of the white flour with wheat. I also added a little flax meal. Next time I will add pureed sweet potato and instead of the oil, I will substitute with applesauce. Oh I also added some crunch on top, I melted a tablespoon of butter, added some more oats and a teaspoon of brown sugar to top each muffin off with. We loved the crunch on top.
Overall - 4 stars from the fam.
Friday, February 4, 2011
pass the time
I knew holding off on these Christmas presents would pay off.
With our snow days we pulled out Cupcake the Chihuahua and Jilliana the Pink Pony.
These are our first Webkinz and so far a big hit.
They sit and watch as the girls play out their lives on the computer.
Very cute how they work together on the games and creating their animals homes.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
boys are icky
On Becky's blog she suggested recording or documenting the things your kids say today. Here goes....
Over an intimate pizza lunch I had a conversation with my two. Grace was telling me about a boy in her class, we'll call him L.
Grace - "L loves me but I don't love him."
Me - (confused) "What? L loves you, did he say that?"
G - "Yes, he tried to kiss me and wants to be my boyfriend."
Me - "(in my head !!!!) When was this?"
G - "When we were in line."
Me - "Did L try to kiss anyone else?"
G - "Yes, S and S."
Me - "Did he get to kiss you?"
G - "No Mom!" (in a shocked tone)
Me - (in my head, big SIGH of relief)
Me - "Did he kiss S & S?"
G - "No, they stepped out of line and moved away from him."
Me - "Did Ms. G know about this?"
G - "Yes, she told us that if it was brought it up again that person would be sent to the principals office."
Me - (in my mind a loud, YES!) "Well that's good." That led me to talk more on the subject about how boys and girls should not kiss at their age.
Sarah chimes in and says: "But we can kiss Daddy and he's a boy right?"
Me - "Yes, you can kiss Daddy, Grandpa, boy cousins and Uncles."
S - (after some thought) "Mommy, when can we kiss a boy?"
G - "When can we have a boyfriend."
Me - (answering both) "When your 22 and no sooner!"
S - (thinking again) "I'm never gonna kiss a boy."
G - "Me neither!"
S- "boys are icky!"
I went on to remind them that boys aren't icky (threw in some examples like cousins, Daddy etc...), God loves them all and they are special in his sight just as girls are.
BIG SIGH!
This conversation kind of hit me out of nowhere although they've seen cousins in boy/girl relationships. Grace is 7, Sarah is 4. I'm sure I wasn't thinking about such things at this age, maybe I'm wrong.
I will remind them of this talk when they turn into teenagers. Boys are icky (ha), cracks me up. One day the "ickiness" will fade away. At that point I will ask for prayers, big prayers!
Over an intimate pizza lunch I had a conversation with my two. Grace was telling me about a boy in her class, we'll call him L.
Grace - "L loves me but I don't love him."
Me - (confused) "What? L loves you, did he say that?"
G - "Yes, he tried to kiss me and wants to be my boyfriend."
Me - "(in my head !!!!) When was this?"
G - "When we were in line."
Me - "Did L try to kiss anyone else?"
G - "Yes, S and S."
Me - "Did he get to kiss you?"
G - "No Mom!" (in a shocked tone)
Me - (in my head, big SIGH of relief)
Me - "Did he kiss S & S?"
G - "No, they stepped out of line and moved away from him."
Me - "Did Ms. G know about this?"
G - "Yes, she told us that if it was brought it up again that person would be sent to the principals office."
Me - (in my mind a loud, YES!) "Well that's good." That led me to talk more on the subject about how boys and girls should not kiss at their age.
Sarah chimes in and says: "But we can kiss Daddy and he's a boy right?"
Me - "Yes, you can kiss Daddy, Grandpa, boy cousins and Uncles."
S - (after some thought) "Mommy, when can we kiss a boy?"
G - "When can we have a boyfriend."
Me - (answering both) "When your 22 and no sooner!"
S - (thinking again) "I'm never gonna kiss a boy."
G - "Me neither!"
S- "boys are icky!"
I went on to remind them that boys aren't icky (threw in some examples like cousins, Daddy etc...), God loves them all and they are special in his sight just as girls are.
BIG SIGH!
This conversation kind of hit me out of nowhere although they've seen cousins in boy/girl relationships. Grace is 7, Sarah is 4. I'm sure I wasn't thinking about such things at this age, maybe I'm wrong.
I will remind them of this talk when they turn into teenagers. Boys are icky (ha), cracks me up. One day the "ickiness" will fade away. At that point I will ask for prayers, big prayers!
oh my gravy!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
mom's gift (better late than never)
My Mom's birthday was January 14th. I ordered her present a week and a half before her party. I needed to order it out two weeks in advance so to my sadness it didn't arrive until after the party. Here it is...
{Hannah, Lindsey, Grace, Adam, Jess, Sarah, Abby, Micah and Taylor}
It's a photo purse we got here. LOVE IT! Very simple process, you go to their website, upload your favorite pic, choose a size of bag and purchase. They even let you create a collage if you want to use more photos and the same picture is on the reverse side. I adore it and want to keep it for myself. We bought one for Art's Mom for Christmas with just our girls on it, she was ga-ga over it! I wanted to keep that one as well. What is also cool is that it is made out of 100% recyclable products. So I was green. SCORE!
This would make a perfect gift for you Mom's out there for Valentines Day (wink, wink). I've mentioned it to a certain Valentine of mine :) but he's sneaky so who knows.
2011 blizzard
I took a walk outside today as I dropped off our outgoing mail to the mailbox (yes, they did deliver yesterday). Our trash pick up was to be yesterday but instead, they made it out today. Life moves on even though many businesses and schools are closed. Art has worked from home now the past two days. People seem to be listening, staying in, giving MODOT time to clean up. Tonight it is to be a whoping 7 degrees below (yay). A good reason to pull up a blanket and cuddle with my family.
Through this "blizzard" I've taken some photos from our perspective here in Defiance.
2/1/11
The ice before the storm. We would say a quarter of an inch came down.
2/2/11
I didn't have a ruler that was handy so I got this visual. I'm guessing 8 to 9 inches according to my boots.
This guy seems happy for all the snow.
So is this guy. He loves to play in it.
We are covered in white once more. Cold temps will keep it here longer than I would like. Now we worry about the wind, drifting and our hill outside the subdivision. This is the only time that living out the country can be a bummer.
We are blessed, we are warm, we have all we need right here.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
saw this, love this...
Today is a down day with snow and ice here. I'm catching up on my favorite blogs. Here's an idea I saw and love. I have so many of these frames, different finishes that I could do this. I need a wall and time. Hmmmm...
oldie but a goodie
I've had these before but had forgotten. They are both fun and functional. My girls will love these.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)