I shouldn't be awake. I've stayed up too late already 2 nights of the last 4 and if I stay up much later tonight, I'll be shot for our travelling tomorrow. But right now? From my perspective? I'd feel better staying up than going to bed. You see...I'm on a roll. I came home tonight with the goal of regaining control of my house. It was only emphasized when I couldn't get through my 2 car garage without stepping over something and bumping into something. So now, it's 9 hours later and here's the progress I've made:
1) I have a 4 foot path through the garage and everything that was in the way is sorted and put away. I had to stop there because I came across some bags I didn't recognize and I know D uses the garage to store Christmas presents. Sure didn't want to ruin any surprises!!! :-)
2) My family room has been EMPTIED. The floor is clear. The bags and boxes for Goodwill are in the van, the box of "Return to Chippewa" items is sitting by the door, the cat, dog, and rabbit food has been re-stacked in the closet and Sarah vacuumed the floor.
3) The kids rooms are clean and vacuumed.
4) The laundry is folded.
5) We ate leftovers for supper...which means the fridge is clean.
6) I can walk around my bed...pretty much. :-)
7) And, there's hope for the kitchen. The "prep-mess" from Rangerettes has been sorted and put away. The dishes are clean. The odds and ends put away. I only have a small stack of papers, the gift-wrapping supplies, and some broken toys sitting on my counter.
Re-reading the list, it didn't sound like the rooms were that bad...but I know that if it takes *me* 8 hours to clean it? It was really bad! I'm feeling SO much better and I know I will be even happier if I finish the laundry and clean my room. That just leaves the office for Sunday when we get hom from travelling and then we're ready for another week.
My mom sent me an email today about love not being shown through fancy cookies, perfectly decorated homes, and gourmet meals at Christmas...that it's shown by set aside "plans" and hugs and time spent on your family. Well, let me telling you...I must have been "loving my family" a LOT in the past 3 weeks because it sure showed it. So tonight I "loved my family" by teaching them how to clean. hehehehe
Anyway, I'm a bit slap-happy since I'm so tired. Let's see...to catch you up to date on life around here...
This weekend will be our 3rd trip to Chippewa in the past 4 weeks. We spent Thanksgiving there, my b-day here and Celebration Sunday here, and last weekend there for Jingle Bell Run. Now this weekend is D's extended family Christmas. Next weekend is his mom's bday and my family Christmas. The following weekend is the Andrew/Stone families Christmas at Jellystone. And then it's a weekend in Minnesota for my extended family Christmas. So, 6 of 7 weekends in a row at least 3 hours from home. Who's going to tell my children there's no money left for gifts since our family wants us to travel so much?!?!? Aye aye aye...but I keep saying "It's CHRISTMAS! Of course we'll come!!" <*sigh*>
Other than the travel...please say some prayers for us. S starts a work-up with a rheumatologist on Tuesday. They want to get to the bottom of her achy joints and persistant rashes. Her doctor says it isn't presenting like a "typical" arthritis or autoimmune disease but wants to do more testing. Since my days at the Foundation and the stories I've heard...I don't think doctors know what "typical" looks like. Anyway...let's pray she's just having abnormal growing pains and a couple ibuprofen will do the trick!
I better get back to that laundry. Oh won't it feel wonderful to wake up to a clean house in the morning?!? WEEHOOOO!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
5:21 A.M...
So, it is 5:21am and I've been up for nearly 2 hours. I'm turning into my father's daughter. I don't know why I'm up...just am. So rather than get mad at it, I'm getting productive.
I have this habit of cleaning by piling everything that's on the floor in a room into a basket. Then I vacuum and dust and say, "Wow, doesn't it look wonderful?!" Well you and I both know that returning to "the basket" is NOT fun. And when I look around my house? I have accumulated several of them.
Therefore, this morning I'm tackling "the office basket". You know what I'm finding...a mixture of papers that either need filing or recycling, but there's enough of both that I can't just throw them in the recycling bin and I can't just stick them into the front of my filing cabinet. I actually have to piece through the whole basket one little note at a time. UG!
OK, I won't get anything done if I complain about it. Here I go! :-)
I have this habit of cleaning by piling everything that's on the floor in a room into a basket. Then I vacuum and dust and say, "Wow, doesn't it look wonderful?!" Well you and I both know that returning to "the basket" is NOT fun. And when I look around my house? I have accumulated several of them.
Therefore, this morning I'm tackling "the office basket". You know what I'm finding...a mixture of papers that either need filing or recycling, but there's enough of both that I can't just throw them in the recycling bin and I can't just stick them into the front of my filing cabinet. I actually have to piece through the whole basket one little note at a time. UG!
OK, I won't get anything done if I complain about it. Here I go! :-)
Monday, October 8, 2007
My list...
Responding to a challenge put out by a friend, I'm going to begin my "list". Honestly, I haven't thought about it much, so I'm certain I'll be editting this post several times!
Things I want to do in my lifetime (in no particular order)
* eat at the American Girl Cafe in Chicago
* lie on the beach in Jamaica
* visit Belen in Spain
* pay off my house
* have my daughters be glad they're turning out just like me :-)
* resolve a certain issue that appears to have no resolution
*
*
Things I've already accomplished:
* married my best friend
* had two amazing kids
* graduated from college...twice
* bought a house...and then another one
*
*
I guess that's all for now. Funny thing, had you asked me this question 10 1/2 years ago, I would have had different answers for you. Guess a person's goals change now and then...don't they?!?
Things I want to do in my lifetime (in no particular order)
* eat at the American Girl Cafe in Chicago
* lie on the beach in Jamaica
* visit Belen in Spain
* pay off my house
* have my daughters be glad they're turning out just like me :-)
* resolve a certain issue that appears to have no resolution
*
*
Things I've already accomplished:
* married my best friend
* had two amazing kids
* graduated from college...twice
* bought a house...and then another one
*
*
I guess that's all for now. Funny thing, had you asked me this question 10 1/2 years ago, I would have had different answers for you. Guess a person's goals change now and then...don't they?!?
Monday, September 24, 2007
Played hookie...
It was definitely a Monday today. We woke up late, had an off morning, got to school and turned around and came home. Yep, ya heard me right. I did drop one of my daughters off at school, but the other one I told to stay in the car and we were going home to start over.
So, we drove home. I fed her an eggs and toast breakfast, gave her an ibuprofen and a Claritin, and tucked her into bed. An hour later she woke up a changed girl. We climbed back into the car, returned to school, and went on with our day. EXCEPT...I didn't go into work.
I'm feeling guilty for that right now. I should have called. I could have gone in for an hour, but it would have cost me nearly as much money as I would have made to drive across town for an hour and turn around and come home. So, I stayed home.
After seeing C's creations and having my dad cut my boards for my cat post, I had a productive sewing day. I ran to Wally World and bought two tshirts and material to make dresses for my girls. I only got the short sleeved dress done today, but it needs some modifications...I overestimated the size of my eldest daughter so I'll have to trim some off of it before she can wear it. After I finished that project, I almost finished the cat's new tower. Hey...I should show you...just a second...
So, we drove home. I fed her an eggs and toast breakfast, gave her an ibuprofen and a Claritin, and tucked her into bed. An hour later she woke up a changed girl. We climbed back into the car, returned to school, and went on with our day. EXCEPT...I didn't go into work.
I'm feeling guilty for that right now. I should have called. I could have gone in for an hour, but it would have cost me nearly as much money as I would have made to drive across town for an hour and turn around and come home. So, I stayed home.
After seeing C's creations and having my dad cut my boards for my cat post, I had a productive sewing day. I ran to Wally World and bought two tshirts and material to make dresses for my girls. I only got the short sleeved dress done today, but it needs some modifications...I overestimated the size of my eldest daughter so I'll have to trim some off of it before she can wear it. After I finished that project, I almost finished the cat's new tower. Hey...I should show you...just a second...
All I have left is the rope on the last piece of tube and to figure out something to cover the support. The girls are thinking that Fasa needs some sort of ladder, but he's already been to the top twice...I think he can manage. :-)
The bottom part houses his litter box. As we started to design this, we decided that it would be nice if we didn't have to see his box in the corner, so we planned it large enough to put his box inside. I'm very pleased with how it turned out. It ended up costing more than I had hoped, but I guess I'm ok with that. I hadn't anticipated buying material for the box, but I just couldn't find anything in my stock pile that I liked. (If my mother could read this, she'd be rolling her eyes right now!!! - - I have quite the stockpile of material!)
Anyway, I'll have D dig out more rope for me tomorrow and this project will be complete. YAY!
Oops...it's after 10. I promised my body I would put it to sleep early, so TTFN!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Excitement of the night...
We have many happy smiles around here tonight! S had her 4th volleyball game tonight and they won 3 of 3 games. The kicker though was that she was the last one up to serve and she served the winning score. This is REALLY cool since it was her very first overhand serve to make it across the net. Her and her team were jumping up and down so much, it's a good thing the other team didn't return the ball because they would have missed it! :-) It was very fun to watch.
The other wow of the day was the fact that D took an AR test on the Nancy Drew book and got all 6 points. YAY!! That means she listened, understood, and remembered the entire book. We might get through 3rd grade yet!!
OMG!! There's another excitement of today...I finally finished my scan projects at work. Now, this is kind of a dull yay, but a relief none the less. You see, we are a paperless office. That means that every piece of paper that comes into our office gets scanned into the computer and then recycled. It's very cool to not have to add "filing" to my list of things to do. The bad thing? The person that used to handle all of our internal office paperwork never scanned a thing since 2003. Four years of invoices, payroll records, and the like all piled into boxes that were handed over to me a couple of months ago. I've been sorting, organizing and scanning ever since and today, I sent the last stack through the scanner. It was a killer stack because I had saved it until last. It was our credit card bills with all the attached receipts. ICK! I had to lay them out separately, 3 at a time, on the scanner and inch through the pile. But, finally, they're done. WEEHOOO!
Poor Big D didn't have any excitement. His thrill was to take our sick dog to the vet just to be told they didn't know what was wrong. We get to feed her hamburger and rice for the next several days to see if it solves her problem otherwise, we'll be heading right back there.
OK, well, I promised S a chapter of her book tonight so I'd better get going. Adios!
The other wow of the day was the fact that D took an AR test on the Nancy Drew book and got all 6 points. YAY!! That means she listened, understood, and remembered the entire book. We might get through 3rd grade yet!!
OMG!! There's another excitement of today...I finally finished my scan projects at work. Now, this is kind of a dull yay, but a relief none the less. You see, we are a paperless office. That means that every piece of paper that comes into our office gets scanned into the computer and then recycled. It's very cool to not have to add "filing" to my list of things to do. The bad thing? The person that used to handle all of our internal office paperwork never scanned a thing since 2003. Four years of invoices, payroll records, and the like all piled into boxes that were handed over to me a couple of months ago. I've been sorting, organizing and scanning ever since and today, I sent the last stack through the scanner. It was a killer stack because I had saved it until last. It was our credit card bills with all the attached receipts. ICK! I had to lay them out separately, 3 at a time, on the scanner and inch through the pile. But, finally, they're done. WEEHOOO!
Poor Big D didn't have any excitement. His thrill was to take our sick dog to the vet just to be told they didn't know what was wrong. We get to feed her hamburger and rice for the next several days to see if it solves her problem otherwise, we'll be heading right back there.
OK, well, I promised S a chapter of her book tonight so I'd better get going. Adios!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
An evolving Sunday tradition...
Again this afternoon, we cozied in for the game. We've never really done this before, but D takes the couch and the cat and I get the loveseat. He reads the paper and I nap and lounge. FOR THREE HOURS STRAIGHT!!! Ahhhh...although today had many interruptions, I sure hope this trend sticks because I'm lovin' it. Only thing...what happens after football season...should I be taping these games so we can continue through the spring and summer?!?
On that thought, I have to chow down supper, take M home and get to a meeting in the next 45 minutes. I'd better run and gather the kids. Have a great week!
On that thought, I have to chow down supper, take M home and get to a meeting in the next 45 minutes. I'd better run and gather the kids. Have a great week!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
<*yawn*>
Asleep by 10:30? Bah humbug. Here I am awake at 5:30. D is sleeping, Tippy is still sleeping, there are no wet beds, the cat hasn't meowed, the house is warm-but not too hot, the neighborhood is quiet...WHY AM I AWAKE??!?
May as well do laundry. Happy Thursday!
May as well do laundry. Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Two nights of sleep...
Well, I'm relishing in the fact that I've had 2 nights of sleep in a row. Last night I fell asleep before 11 and my alarm woke me at 6:30. Small steps for mom-kind!! Tonight my goal is before 10:30, so I'd better get myself off of Webkinz an head upstairs.
Before I go though...I have to say that Tippy is truly living up to the standard of "Man's Best Friend." I just can't get over the fact that once D takes her upstairs with her, Tippy doesn't come down until D comes down. She has become her best friend. Even while we were reading last night, Tippy laid her head on D's belly while she listened to the story. Very cool to say the least. I would be less amazed if Tippy was younger, but she's 9. Hardly an age where most dogs learn new behaviors, but she's surely got this one down pat. And I love her dearly for it!!
Before I go though...I have to say that Tippy is truly living up to the standard of "Man's Best Friend." I just can't get over the fact that once D takes her upstairs with her, Tippy doesn't come down until D comes down. She has become her best friend. Even while we were reading last night, Tippy laid her head on D's belly while she listened to the story. Very cool to say the least. I would be less amazed if Tippy was younger, but she's 9. Hardly an age where most dogs learn new behaviors, but she's surely got this one down pat. And I love her dearly for it!!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A full night's sleep...
6:30 this morning I woke up to a surprise...my alarm clock! WEEEHOOOO! OK, I know most people don't get thrilled by the sound of an alarm clock, but I sure did. You see, since D moved back into her bedroom, she hasn't slept through a whole night once. I was at my wit's end!
So last night while I was sharing my struggles with Gramma S, she says to me, "Why don't you let Tippy sleep by her?" Gosh, I hadn't even considered that. Tippy isn't allowed upstairs. What would Big D say? Of course I called him up. He thought it was worth a try, so I grabbed Tippy's bed and said "Come on girl, I have a job for you." She went right up the stairs with me, laid down in her bed and stayed there the rest of the night. And to my surprise? Dana did too. She came in to my room once because Tippy was dreaming and she didn't know what to do, but she went right back to her room, no tears, and fell to sleep. YAY!!! I'm sold. So what if we'll have dog hair in yet another room. I LIKE MY SLEEP!!!
Thank you Gramma S!
So last night while I was sharing my struggles with Gramma S, she says to me, "Why don't you let Tippy sleep by her?" Gosh, I hadn't even considered that. Tippy isn't allowed upstairs. What would Big D say? Of course I called him up. He thought it was worth a try, so I grabbed Tippy's bed and said "Come on girl, I have a job for you." She went right up the stairs with me, laid down in her bed and stayed there the rest of the night. And to my surprise? Dana did too. She came in to my room once because Tippy was dreaming and she didn't know what to do, but she went right back to her room, no tears, and fell to sleep. YAY!!! I'm sold. So what if we'll have dog hair in yet another room. I LIKE MY SLEEP!!!
Thank you Gramma S!
Friday, September 7, 2007
Where do the weeks go?!
It's Friday morning and I can't sleep. No surprise there, D woke up at 3:30 and by the time I re-settled her, I was wide awake and acknowledging the fact that I have a stomach-ache. I know what's causing it, so I should be able to lay back down and fall asleep, but I guess it's just not suppose to happen...so here I am.
Can you believe the week is over already?!? S said it best, "Mom, this school year is going so fast! Can you believe we're in our second week already?!?" No, I really can't. I don't have the lunch program set up. The Rangerette Kick-off isn't planned. I haven't had my back-to-school lunch with my friends...and pretty soon it'll be Christmas. Wow.
It has been a good week though. I know most people get tired of me talking about my girls, and I'm really not intending to brag...I'm just so comletely amazed by them each and every day, that I can't find many other things to talk about! I guess I was so worried when they were little because everyone had a comment..."Girls that close? They're going to fight!" "Wow, two girls in two years, you're in for trouble..." You know what I'm talking about. But I'm just amazed. They don't fight. And this week? They were asking each other's advise on clothes, and how to decorate, and which book should we read together, and "No, you can go first. I went first last time." And the kicker? "Oh mom, we just wanted some time to play together!" Holy sh*t. And they're how old? Sorry for my exclamation, but...like I said, I'm amazed.
OK, I know, I KNOW...we're not to puberty yet. But hey, I'm going to live in my little dream world for as long as I possibly can. I just pray they can maintain their friendship even through life's changing hormones.
So, today, I have the day off. D asked what we would be doing and I said, "Staying home, doing projects, and eating sandwiches." How boring is that?! But at some point, we have to return to school year slumber and not GO constantly. Although...golfing would be fun if the forecast was better. <*snicker*> NO NO NO
The weekend is going to go by fast enough. My parents will be here this afternoon in time for S's first volleyball game. Then, it's supper out with them before they head to Fond du Lac to visit friends. At 8 tomorrow morning I have a church meeting...am I really doing this? Co-director of Children's Ministry for the capital campaign?!?...From 12-2 D has a birthday party and by 4 we need to be in Rosendale for a wedding. Oh, I forgot. S is going to a sleepover after the game Friday night too. Then Sunday D has to work overtime at the Packer game. And finally we prepare for week three of the school year. When is summer vacation?!
Did I tell you we bought fish for the new aquarium last night? Yep...and 3 more for the pond too. I keep forgetting that I kept the outdoor fish inside last winter. If I have fish in the inside aquarium already...what will I do with the outside fish over the winter? My guess is they'll stay outside. I'm going to research what I'd have to do to keep that one flowing during the snow and cold. If it's just a matter of a couple sheets of plywood and running the pump, I think I'll do it.
Well...it's nearing 6:15 and my alarm is going to go off pretty soon. I should run and turn it off so everyone can get a couple of extra minutes this morning. TTFN!
Can you believe the week is over already?!? S said it best, "Mom, this school year is going so fast! Can you believe we're in our second week already?!?" No, I really can't. I don't have the lunch program set up. The Rangerette Kick-off isn't planned. I haven't had my back-to-school lunch with my friends...and pretty soon it'll be Christmas. Wow.
It has been a good week though. I know most people get tired of me talking about my girls, and I'm really not intending to brag...I'm just so comletely amazed by them each and every day, that I can't find many other things to talk about! I guess I was so worried when they were little because everyone had a comment..."Girls that close? They're going to fight!" "Wow, two girls in two years, you're in for trouble..." You know what I'm talking about. But I'm just amazed. They don't fight. And this week? They were asking each other's advise on clothes, and how to decorate, and which book should we read together, and "No, you can go first. I went first last time." And the kicker? "Oh mom, we just wanted some time to play together!" Holy sh*t. And they're how old? Sorry for my exclamation, but...like I said, I'm amazed.
OK, I know, I KNOW...we're not to puberty yet. But hey, I'm going to live in my little dream world for as long as I possibly can. I just pray they can maintain their friendship even through life's changing hormones.
So, today, I have the day off. D asked what we would be doing and I said, "Staying home, doing projects, and eating sandwiches." How boring is that?! But at some point, we have to return to school year slumber and not GO constantly. Although...golfing would be fun if the forecast was better. <*snicker*> NO NO NO
The weekend is going to go by fast enough. My parents will be here this afternoon in time for S's first volleyball game. Then, it's supper out with them before they head to Fond du Lac to visit friends. At 8 tomorrow morning I have a church meeting...am I really doing this? Co-director of Children's Ministry for the capital campaign?!?...From 12-2 D has a birthday party and by 4 we need to be in Rosendale for a wedding. Oh, I forgot. S is going to a sleepover after the game Friday night too. Then Sunday D has to work overtime at the Packer game. And finally we prepare for week three of the school year. When is summer vacation?!
Did I tell you we bought fish for the new aquarium last night? Yep...and 3 more for the pond too. I keep forgetting that I kept the outdoor fish inside last winter. If I have fish in the inside aquarium already...what will I do with the outside fish over the winter? My guess is they'll stay outside. I'm going to research what I'd have to do to keep that one flowing during the snow and cold. If it's just a matter of a couple sheets of plywood and running the pump, I think I'll do it.
Well...it's nearing 6:15 and my alarm is going to go off pretty soon. I should run and turn it off so everyone can get a couple of extra minutes this morning. TTFN!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Another change of plans...
We made it through the first 3 days of school and we had anticipated a quiet, regrouping-type of weekend, and guess what? My kids are travelling again. Can you believe it? And...we're getting company. My highschool buddy from the Cities is coming into town to finally see the girls...and they're gone! (He said it would be ok...that he would see them next time.) Oh, I spose I should let you know where they took off to this time. Their friends were going up north to the Cabin and invited them along. It's hard to say "No" since we all have such a good time when we go up there.
So, out of the blue, D and I have more time to spend together. I'll give you three guesses what we did with our evening! HEY...no fair!!! You can guess it in one?!?! You're right, we cleaned. We got through the first floor of the house, but the upstairs is NASTY!!! I mean, it's not just messy dirty this time, I'm finding dirty dishes, dirty clothes, dirty EVERYTHING! Yuck. Hopefully we can get it done tomorrow morning before we go for a little trip ourselves.
Say your prayers, D is taking me for my first private flight tomorrow. I trust him. Just hope the I can trust the plane. :-) We're so excited to have a beautiful day forecasted and the time to get up once. It's been a couple of weeks since he got his license (on your birthday C!!!) and he's getting ancy.
So, that's the plan for tomorrow. Clean, fly, and then play with friends. Sounds good doesn't it? I can't wait.
So, out of the blue, D and I have more time to spend together. I'll give you three guesses what we did with our evening! HEY...no fair!!! You can guess it in one?!?! You're right, we cleaned. We got through the first floor of the house, but the upstairs is NASTY!!! I mean, it's not just messy dirty this time, I'm finding dirty dishes, dirty clothes, dirty EVERYTHING! Yuck. Hopefully we can get it done tomorrow morning before we go for a little trip ourselves.
Say your prayers, D is taking me for my first private flight tomorrow. I trust him. Just hope the I can trust the plane. :-) We're so excited to have a beautiful day forecasted and the time to get up once. It's been a couple of weeks since he got his license (on your birthday C!!!) and he's getting ancy.
So, that's the plan for tomorrow. Clean, fly, and then play with friends. Sounds good doesn't it? I can't wait.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
One day down, one hundred and...
Well, the first day went well. S seems very excited about her new "position" at school. Being upstairs seems to have given her a new confidence and maturity that I hadn't quite expected, but am glad to see.
D, is D. She will excel...just in a different way than I am used to. She's definitely her own person and I thank God for that. It will be interesting to see her change too in the next couple of years...
After school and volleyball practice, we headed home for supper, playtime, cleaning, snack and of course...Nancy Drew. :-) We have now solved the Secret of the Old Clock. I've been informed that we're starting the next one tomorrow night. I think we'll lay down some rules this time though...two chapters per night MAX unless we start before 7 p.m.
Blame Nancy Drew!
So, the girls attempted sleep until 9:45 and then we ended up reading two more chapters of Nancy Drew. It was hot and sticky in our house and I was reluctant to turn on the air...but I should have because none of us slept well. I finally fell into a restless sleep around 2 a.m. and wow...am I dragging today! I can't focus for the life of me! And, yes, I'm blaming Nancy Drew...I had to use every ounce of willpower last night not to pick up the book and find out how it ends. I can't believe I never read those books as a kid!!
Anyway, the girls did have a good start this morning though. We got through showers, music practice, pancakes, and drop off without a hitch. Weehoo!!! And the school year has begun...
Anyway, the girls did have a good start this morning though. We got through showers, music practice, pancakes, and drop off without a hitch. Weehoo!!! And the school year has begun...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Last day of summer
Tomorrow school starts and I still feel scattered. I'm just not ready. I spent some time today filling out paperwork and cleaning my office. Then we sat down with the calendars (a new nightly ritual) and planned out what we needed for the next couple of days. We gathered school supplies, volleyball gear, clothing, etc. And the girls are in their beds...not sleeping...but in their beds by 9:00. If it weren't for Nancy Drew, they would have been upstairs 15 minutes ago, but we just HAD to read another chapter. (I'm a sucker for kids who want to hear more of a story!!)
I think my biggest concern starting out this year is that I've lost my motivation to deal with Rangerettes. I just don't want to do it any more. I want to be pigheaded and selfish with my time and talents...and the second my fingers typed that sentence, I felt an amazing guilt. God gave me the talents to effectly lead this group and I shouldn't be feeling this way... Again, I just need to return to prayer. I feel this way about once a year and the second I pray about it, the right words come to me and the notes get written, the meetings get scheduled, and I'm on my way...I just have to do it.
As for my concerns with D...they're subsiding. I think the extra work we did this summer is starting to pay off because she's actively reading on her own and can tell me what's happening (for the most part) in the story. I have yet to ascertain if she'll be able to complete an AR test...but we're getting there.
You know...my mind has gone blank for blogging. All I can think about is "If I get a note out about Rangerettes tomorrow, I'll catch the parents while they're still checking their children's backpacks!!!" :-) See, there I go already. God hears even the softest whispered prayers, doesn't He?!?
I think my biggest concern starting out this year is that I've lost my motivation to deal with Rangerettes. I just don't want to do it any more. I want to be pigheaded and selfish with my time and talents...and the second my fingers typed that sentence, I felt an amazing guilt. God gave me the talents to effectly lead this group and I shouldn't be feeling this way... Again, I just need to return to prayer. I feel this way about once a year and the second I pray about it, the right words come to me and the notes get written, the meetings get scheduled, and I'm on my way...I just have to do it.
As for my concerns with D...they're subsiding. I think the extra work we did this summer is starting to pay off because she's actively reading on her own and can tell me what's happening (for the most part) in the story. I have yet to ascertain if she'll be able to complete an AR test...but we're getting there.
You know...my mind has gone blank for blogging. All I can think about is "If I get a note out about Rangerettes tomorrow, I'll catch the parents while they're still checking their children's backpacks!!!" :-) See, there I go already. God hears even the softest whispered prayers, doesn't He?!?
Laughing...
OK, that didn't take long. I can't nuke anything. I used each blog space during a different point in my life and they all tell a different story. I came here because I wanted to comment on a friend's blog and needed an account to do so... And, I find it easier and more reliable than myspace... So I guess I'm maintaining 4 blogs and that's ok with me. <*snicker*> I can already hear a friend of mine telling me that it fits well with my split personality! OH well...I guess it also means, if there is anybody reading that wants the "full depth" experience, they will have to convince me to tell them which sites I'm at. That sounds worth it's weight in chocolate if you ask me! hehehe
An Explanation
I'm working on "Cleaning House" in my community of blogs and in doing so, I've reread a lot of interesting tidbits. The post below is a letter I typed back in October of 2005. It never reached its intended audience, but after reading it, I realized that I wrote it more for myself than for anybody else. It does my heart good to re-read it...so I've transferred it here before nukin' the other place.
Dear Friend...
Hello,
I know you're surprised to be hearing from me. But you asked me a question yesterday that I never fully answered. I've had a lot of time to think about it. And you need to hear my answer. If you don't remember, our conversation went like this:
****
"Are you taking any kind of medication?"
I reply, "No, I've never needed to."
"Hmmm...you know, you're the only woman I know who isn't? And yet, you're happy. Why is that? What's the difference?"
****
Well, we lapsed into a conversation about the 1920s and '30s and I never got to give my opinion. So hear goes...
Why am I happy, dear friend? Oh, it's not because of intelligence, genetics, upbringing, or community. It's less scientific than that. Simply stated, I'm happy because I believe in and trust the Bible.
(Take a deep breath...I know you hate when people go there...but hear me out and trust me. You know I'm not a Bible-pusher. I'm the same person I've ever been...I've just never told you.)
I was brought up Christian just like you were. And then I fell away. College hit, I became "too educated" and no longer felt I needed the guidance or the guilt. Yes, that is... until I fell apart. My charmed life with everything handed to me began falling apart. The walls were tumbling down and when just one rock was left before the tower crashed, I dropped to my knees and said, "Lord, I have no where else to go. Please lead me to where I should be!"
The Bible gives me easy, complete guidance. I know what is expected of me, I know what is prohibited from me, and I know of the glory that stands ahead.
Oh, that doesn't sound easy? Well, let's break it down.
I know that I am to cherish my husband and care for my home. And I can expect that in return. No, that doesn't mean that I am a lowly housewife. It means that I need to use my talents to take the best care of my husband as I can. And he is instructed to do the same for me. In all aspects of living.
I know that I am to teach my children God's word. A person doesn't need a book on parenting when you teach the simple truths of God's love. Suddenly I am not the mean parent always saying, "No." I get to be the educator explaining why God says "No." And what God wants for His children (to be like Jesus).
God's word also teaches me how to handle my life in the community.
****
I don't want to become too long winded so I won't explain any more. I'm sure if you care to know more, you will ask. I'm just glad that you're taking the time to read this now. It means a lot to me.
****
I have never told you, because I've known too many people who have run away when I've voiced my opinion. So I decided to live my life as an example to others. I know I'm not perfect. Not even close! You know that too. But each time I fall...I don't run to medication. I pray. And it's like God puts His arms around me and lifts me up. My heart gets warm and the sadness goes away.
I never tell until somebody asks me my secret. So...there you have it. Can I still be your friend? :-)
I know you're surprised to be hearing from me. But you asked me a question yesterday that I never fully answered. I've had a lot of time to think about it. And you need to hear my answer. If you don't remember, our conversation went like this:
****
"Are you taking any kind of medication?"
I reply, "No, I've never needed to."
"Hmmm...you know, you're the only woman I know who isn't? And yet, you're happy. Why is that? What's the difference?"
****
Well, we lapsed into a conversation about the 1920s and '30s and I never got to give my opinion. So hear goes...
Why am I happy, dear friend? Oh, it's not because of intelligence, genetics, upbringing, or community. It's less scientific than that. Simply stated, I'm happy because I believe in and trust the Bible.
(Take a deep breath...I know you hate when people go there...but hear me out and trust me. You know I'm not a Bible-pusher. I'm the same person I've ever been...I've just never told you.)
I was brought up Christian just like you were. And then I fell away. College hit, I became "too educated" and no longer felt I needed the guidance or the guilt. Yes, that is... until I fell apart. My charmed life with everything handed to me began falling apart. The walls were tumbling down and when just one rock was left before the tower crashed, I dropped to my knees and said, "Lord, I have no where else to go. Please lead me to where I should be!"
The Bible gives me easy, complete guidance. I know what is expected of me, I know what is prohibited from me, and I know of the glory that stands ahead.
Oh, that doesn't sound easy? Well, let's break it down.
I know that I am to cherish my husband and care for my home. And I can expect that in return. No, that doesn't mean that I am a lowly housewife. It means that I need to use my talents to take the best care of my husband as I can. And he is instructed to do the same for me. In all aspects of living.
I know that I am to teach my children God's word. A person doesn't need a book on parenting when you teach the simple truths of God's love. Suddenly I am not the mean parent always saying, "No." I get to be the educator explaining why God says "No." And what God wants for His children (to be like Jesus).
God's word also teaches me how to handle my life in the community.
****
I don't want to become too long winded so I won't explain any more. I'm sure if you care to know more, you will ask. I'm just glad that you're taking the time to read this now. It means a lot to me.
****
I have never told you, because I've known too many people who have run away when I've voiced my opinion. So I decided to live my life as an example to others. I know I'm not perfect. Not even close! You know that too. But each time I fall...I don't run to medication. I pray. And it's like God puts His arms around me and lifts me up. My heart gets warm and the sadness goes away.
I never tell until somebody asks me my secret. So...there you have it. Can I still be your friend? :-)
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Productive Day
With the mindset that we were going to finish some projects today, we woke up raring to go. By 10:30 we were at church. One o'clock back home, having eaten lunch, bought paint, and formed a plan.
We started by priming the shelves that will make up D's new window coverings. While D and I did that, S cleaned, rearranged, and prepared her bedroom for applying a new border and painting more insects on the walls. After the shelves were primed, we primed the princesses. Can you believe it? D informed me this morning that her princesses "freaked her out". So, they're gone.
Next was S's border. Wow...have I forgotten how to do that!!! I only read half the directions and of course...HALF the border stayed up. It was a fiasco to say the least. With three very smart young ladies giving me play by play commentary on how maybe I didn't really know what I was doing... AHHH!! :-) Anyway, we got it up, just to find out we don't have enough to do the whole room. I thought we had it, but you see, we bought the stuff two years ago, so who knows where the rest of it might turn up. We completed two walls for today though and it looks pretty cool. One other lesson I learned, aside from reading the directions completely before starting, is to measure both sides of the space above a closet. Who knew a closet could be seven inches from the ceiling on one side and 7 1/2 inches on the other?!?!
After we cleaned up from that project, we sponge painted a wall in D's room. That turned out AWESOME! She loves it too. We're going to add a bit more color tomorrow, but it was a good start for today and if we don't get to it tomorrow, it will look great for the next 3-4 months until we drag everything out and try again!
Let's see...after the sponging, we primed the other side of the shelf boards and then it was time for the neighbor kids to go home. That's when I found out that one of the neighbor kids isn't quite the painter my girls are...I had to get out the pressure washer and clean up the primer from the cement next. Then, since it was out, I pressure washed a couch cushion that was extremely dirty. It's just a trial because the cushion is an extra, but I'm curious if it will work. The tell all tale will be if the cushion actually every DRIES!
Next came supper, school work, music, reading, bedroom cleaning, more reading, computer time, more reading and sleep for the girls. I say it was quite the productive day. Now, if only I could convince myself to get to bed so tomorrow at work can be as good! I really should get to rolling forward projects and binders for next year's tax season. Doesn't it feel like we barely got through tax season...and here I am prepping for the next one. I wish summer could last just a couple more months because I hate the thought of the girls going back to school evan more than the start of a new tax season.
It sure has been a good summer. I hope I'm ready for the fall!!
We started by priming the shelves that will make up D's new window coverings. While D and I did that, S cleaned, rearranged, and prepared her bedroom for applying a new border and painting more insects on the walls. After the shelves were primed, we primed the princesses. Can you believe it? D informed me this morning that her princesses "freaked her out". So, they're gone.
Next was S's border. Wow...have I forgotten how to do that!!! I only read half the directions and of course...HALF the border stayed up. It was a fiasco to say the least. With three very smart young ladies giving me play by play commentary on how maybe I didn't really know what I was doing... AHHH!! :-) Anyway, we got it up, just to find out we don't have enough to do the whole room. I thought we had it, but you see, we bought the stuff two years ago, so who knows where the rest of it might turn up. We completed two walls for today though and it looks pretty cool. One other lesson I learned, aside from reading the directions completely before starting, is to measure both sides of the space above a closet. Who knew a closet could be seven inches from the ceiling on one side and 7 1/2 inches on the other?!?!
After we cleaned up from that project, we sponge painted a wall in D's room. That turned out AWESOME! She loves it too. We're going to add a bit more color tomorrow, but it was a good start for today and if we don't get to it tomorrow, it will look great for the next 3-4 months until we drag everything out and try again!
Let's see...after the sponging, we primed the other side of the shelf boards and then it was time for the neighbor kids to go home. That's when I found out that one of the neighbor kids isn't quite the painter my girls are...I had to get out the pressure washer and clean up the primer from the cement next. Then, since it was out, I pressure washed a couch cushion that was extremely dirty. It's just a trial because the cushion is an extra, but I'm curious if it will work. The tell all tale will be if the cushion actually every DRIES!
Next came supper, school work, music, reading, bedroom cleaning, more reading, computer time, more reading and sleep for the girls. I say it was quite the productive day. Now, if only I could convince myself to get to bed so tomorrow at work can be as good! I really should get to rolling forward projects and binders for next year's tax season. Doesn't it feel like we barely got through tax season...and here I am prepping for the next one. I wish summer could last just a couple more months because I hate the thought of the girls going back to school evan more than the start of a new tax season.
It sure has been a good summer. I hope I'm ready for the fall!!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Giggling Girls
I'm sitting here this evening with a houseful of friends. We're having one of our sleepover parties. To my surprise, these parties are happening more and more often and I LOVE THEM!!! You see, D works 24 hour shifts. I really don't mind them, but sometimes I get tired of always seeing the girls have friends overnight and I just sit here watching them giggle and play. SO...I started invited their friends' moms to come with. It's SO much fun! The girls play and us moms chat.
The only problem we run into is the fact that our house isn't movie friendly. We have a small 13 inch t.v. in my bedroom. A 24" in the cabin (3 season room) and a portable dvd player that can hook to a 13 inch t.v. in the guest room. But that rarely works. SO...by this time of the night I have little groups of people spread out throughout my house straining their eyes to watch little movies. It hasn't prevented the giggles though. The house is ringing with them this evening.
I don't think there is anything that could make my heart fuller than to hear the girls making memories like these.
Anyway, I spose I should run along and see what K is doing. As soon as the movie in the cabin is finished, we're going to watch OUR movie. I can't decide if we're going to watch "Catch and Release" or...um...I can't remember the other title. I'll let you know in the morning which one we chose. TTFN!
The only problem we run into is the fact that our house isn't movie friendly. We have a small 13 inch t.v. in my bedroom. A 24" in the cabin (3 season room) and a portable dvd player that can hook to a 13 inch t.v. in the guest room. But that rarely works. SO...by this time of the night I have little groups of people spread out throughout my house straining their eyes to watch little movies. It hasn't prevented the giggles though. The house is ringing with them this evening.
I don't think there is anything that could make my heart fuller than to hear the girls making memories like these.
Anyway, I spose I should run along and see what K is doing. As soon as the movie in the cabin is finished, we're going to watch OUR movie. I can't decide if we're going to watch "Catch and Release" or...um...I can't remember the other title. I'll let you know in the morning which one we chose. TTFN!
Running from MySpace
So I've followed a friend here because I'm up to my eyebrows with disgust and frustration over myspace. Do you *know* how many times I've blogged for a half hour and POOF I get the message "an error has occurred and has been forwarded..." Aye aye aye... It just makes a person want to run away...
So, HERE I AM! I spose I could try out some other sites that I've been to also...heck, I have blogs everywhere I look, but maybe it's time to do what I'm doing with the rest of my life and "Clean House". I will look at closing all those sites and starting fresh... It may feel as good as cutting up 5 credit cards yesterday... Or throwing out three bags of clothes from my unused back closet last week...
You just never know. :-)
So, HERE I AM! I spose I could try out some other sites that I've been to also...heck, I have blogs everywhere I look, but maybe it's time to do what I'm doing with the rest of my life and "Clean House". I will look at closing all those sites and starting fresh... It may feel as good as cutting up 5 credit cards yesterday... Or throwing out three bags of clothes from my unused back closet last week...
You just never know. :-)
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