It's been an event filled week! We started off by spending Memorial Day weekend at the beach with some wonderful friends. We spent Saturday morning at the beach and then left the men at home while the ladies and kids went to the outlets for some shopping. We found some amazing deals! Gotta love outlet shopping! After that, we had a cookout together and just enjoyed each other's company. We went to the beach again Sunday morning and then did a little sightseeing and shopping Sunday afternoon, followed by dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant where I had the best pasta primavera I've ever eaten. It was amazing! Then Monday morning we went back to the beach for a couple of hours before heading home. It was a fabulous weekend -- so relaxing, and so much fun. I'm already looking into plans to go back for at least a day trip before the end of summer...if not another weekend!
Yesterday was my ballet recital. Yes, I know -- you didn't know about it. That was intentional because I really didn't want anyone there -- my anxiety level would have been through the roof! Dress rehearsal couldn't have gone any better Friday night...unfortunately, I didn't do as well for the show yesterday (when my parents and Alyssa were there -- I blame them -- I knew they were there and it made me nervous! LOL). But it still went pretty well. To be completely honest, I'm pretty proud of myself for working towards a dream I've had since childhood! I will continue to take classes...although I'm not sure I want to perform in another recital!!
Alyssa is now enrolled in an online driver's training course, which means she is one step closer to getting her driver's license.
Brie is going to Mark's basketball camp this week...that should be interesting since she's never played basketball before! But she's excited about it. I hope she has a good time!
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
And So it Goes...
My last post was my opportunity to reminisce about Brie as she nears a milestone in her life. Now I get to reminisce about Alyssa...
It's so hard to believe that she is done with her sophomore year in high school. What an amazingly successful year she has had! Straight As (actually, straight 100s!) in two AP classes, one gifted class, three honors classes, Spanish 3, and marketing...lettering in two sports...being nominated for a prestigious summer gifted program in four subjects...winning her regional DECA competion, then placing in the state competition, and the competing in the international competition...and just recently being selected for our city chamber of commerce's Youth Leadership Program and for a wonderful summer program for students who want to teach math or science in the future (only 25 students from the entire state are selected!). But what has really filled us with joy this year is her desire to do her best and to really work hard to achieve her goals. She has far outshone any of my high school accomplishments (which I used to think were numerous, LOL). And through all of this, she attended early morning seminary without complaint.
Her teachers have repeatedly expressed to us what a joy she is to work with and how impressed they are with her work ethic, her attitude, and her dedication. She truly is a remarkable young woman.
In the midst of her preparations for AP exams this year, she was getting a bit frustrated, stressed, and down on herself. I ordered her a necklace I found online, with a little silver tag that says "I can do hard things." I wanted to remind her not only CAN she do hard things, but that she can do them well and that she should do them -- that she should choose to do them.
One of the hardest things I ever did was leave her, as a tiny, precious little baby, in the hospital NICU after I was discharged. No new mother wants to leave her baby behind...and I'm so grateful it was only for a few days. But it was so very hard. It was hard to give birth to her only to have her rushed out of the room and away from me, not to see her for hours and hours and hours. (I won't even go into the fact that natural childbirth was *really* hard, LOL.) It was hard to go watch her go through some interesting health scares as a baby...chronic ear infections and a few ear surgeries as a toddler and child...and it has been hard to leave behind each phase of life (infancy, the toddler years, childhood....) and move with her into the next phase of life.
I feel sorry for her at times because she's stuck with rookie parents. She is the guinea pig. We've never had a teenager before and the road has had its share of bumps and potholes, along with rainbows and flowers. But I can honestly say that there isn't a teenager on the face of the earth that I would rather go on this journey with. She is an example to me of strength and determination. The poor girl inherited some of my perfectionist tendencies and it is hard to try to convince her that it's ok to let go a little bit...not that I've mastered that lesson yet.
It will be hard to let her get behind the wheel of a car by herself in a few months...and it will be hard to have her attend a different high school than the one her Daddy teaches at. It will be hard to let her go on her first date...and, when the time comes, I know it will be so very hard to send her off to college. I imagine I'll feel a bit like I did that early August morning almost 16 years ago when she was rushed out of the delivery room and away from me...like a piece of my heart has been ripped out. So very hard. But this is what parenting is about -- about letting go a little more each step of the way.
The fact that I can do hard things doesn't mean I have to like doing them. And letting her grow up is something I don't really like doing.
I think she has taught me, more than I have taught her, that we can do hard things. And that the hard things are worth doing.
It's so hard to believe that she is done with her sophomore year in high school. What an amazingly successful year she has had! Straight As (actually, straight 100s!) in two AP classes, one gifted class, three honors classes, Spanish 3, and marketing...lettering in two sports...being nominated for a prestigious summer gifted program in four subjects...winning her regional DECA competion, then placing in the state competition, and the competing in the international competition...and just recently being selected for our city chamber of commerce's Youth Leadership Program and for a wonderful summer program for students who want to teach math or science in the future (only 25 students from the entire state are selected!). But what has really filled us with joy this year is her desire to do her best and to really work hard to achieve her goals. She has far outshone any of my high school accomplishments (which I used to think were numerous, LOL). And through all of this, she attended early morning seminary without complaint.
Her teachers have repeatedly expressed to us what a joy she is to work with and how impressed they are with her work ethic, her attitude, and her dedication. She truly is a remarkable young woman.
In the midst of her preparations for AP exams this year, she was getting a bit frustrated, stressed, and down on herself. I ordered her a necklace I found online, with a little silver tag that says "I can do hard things." I wanted to remind her not only CAN she do hard things, but that she can do them well and that she should do them -- that she should choose to do them.
One of the hardest things I ever did was leave her, as a tiny, precious little baby, in the hospital NICU after I was discharged. No new mother wants to leave her baby behind...and I'm so grateful it was only for a few days. But it was so very hard. It was hard to give birth to her only to have her rushed out of the room and away from me, not to see her for hours and hours and hours. (I won't even go into the fact that natural childbirth was *really* hard, LOL.) It was hard to go watch her go through some interesting health scares as a baby...chronic ear infections and a few ear surgeries as a toddler and child...and it has been hard to leave behind each phase of life (infancy, the toddler years, childhood....) and move with her into the next phase of life.
I feel sorry for her at times because she's stuck with rookie parents. She is the guinea pig. We've never had a teenager before and the road has had its share of bumps and potholes, along with rainbows and flowers. But I can honestly say that there isn't a teenager on the face of the earth that I would rather go on this journey with. She is an example to me of strength and determination. The poor girl inherited some of my perfectionist tendencies and it is hard to try to convince her that it's ok to let go a little bit...not that I've mastered that lesson yet.
It will be hard to let her get behind the wheel of a car by herself in a few months...and it will be hard to have her attend a different high school than the one her Daddy teaches at. It will be hard to let her go on her first date...and, when the time comes, I know it will be so very hard to send her off to college. I imagine I'll feel a bit like I did that early August morning almost 16 years ago when she was rushed out of the delivery room and away from me...like a piece of my heart has been ripped out. So very hard. But this is what parenting is about -- about letting go a little more each step of the way.
The fact that I can do hard things doesn't mean I have to like doing them. And letting her grow up is something I don't really like doing.
I think she has taught me, more than I have taught her, that we can do hard things. And that the hard things are worth doing.
Friday, May 14, 2010
In the Blink of an Eye...
Our sweet Brie turned 11 last week. I know a lot of people say things like, "It seems like just yesterday...." and I used to roll my eyes when I heard that. But really, it does feel like just yesterday that this beautiful, adorable, charming, sweet, loving, smart, fabulous little girl joined our family. We prayed and waited and prayed and waited and prayed and waited a long time for her.
Her arrival in the world was a totally different experience from Alyssa's arrival...with Alyssa, there was trauma and risk and danger and all of those lovely (not) things, culminating in her being rushed off to the NICU before I could hold her. It was hours before I was able to see her...and then hold her a few hours later. The wait was terrible, and holding her for the first time was incredible, even with all of the wires, tubes and machines that she was hooked up to.
After all of that, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when Brie finally arrived. In fact, the L&D nurse looked at me like I was crazy when I asked her what was going to happen after the baby was born...but I really didn't know what to expect with a full-term (well, close enough to full-term) baby.
I will never forget the moment she arrived and they quickly handed her to me. Wow. I remember making almost instant eye contact with her, laying my hand on the side of her face and just looking at her, with her looking back at me. It was an incredible moment...one that I have not been blessed to have again. But it was wonderful. And she seemed so peaceful at first...LOL...I guess she was lulling into a sense of false security, thinking that she was a peaceful baby. Oh no -- she was mischievous from the start...and has brought us smiles and joy ever since.
I remember going to church with her on Mother's Day that year -- she was less than a week old and I didn't want to go but my Mom insisted. We left in her in carseat and put it where no one could touch her...I was so nervous about her getting sick. But what a wonderful Mother's Day that was...I remember sitting on the couch just cuddling my new baby for most of the day.
It really does seem like yesterday. The days of infancy and toddlerhood passed so quickly...and now we're approaching the tail end, I suppose, of childhood. Just two more years until she's a teenager. We're approaching the end of elementary school in a few short days...the end of Primary in another year...the beginning of middle school and new adventures.
These 11 years have passed so quickly...literally in the blink of an eye. It's sad...but exciting at the same time.
Her arrival in the world was a totally different experience from Alyssa's arrival...with Alyssa, there was trauma and risk and danger and all of those lovely (not) things, culminating in her being rushed off to the NICU before I could hold her. It was hours before I was able to see her...and then hold her a few hours later. The wait was terrible, and holding her for the first time was incredible, even with all of the wires, tubes and machines that she was hooked up to.
After all of that, I wasn't quite sure what to expect when Brie finally arrived. In fact, the L&D nurse looked at me like I was crazy when I asked her what was going to happen after the baby was born...but I really didn't know what to expect with a full-term (well, close enough to full-term) baby.
I will never forget the moment she arrived and they quickly handed her to me. Wow. I remember making almost instant eye contact with her, laying my hand on the side of her face and just looking at her, with her looking back at me. It was an incredible moment...one that I have not been blessed to have again. But it was wonderful. And she seemed so peaceful at first...LOL...I guess she was lulling into a sense of false security, thinking that she was a peaceful baby. Oh no -- she was mischievous from the start...and has brought us smiles and joy ever since.
I remember going to church with her on Mother's Day that year -- she was less than a week old and I didn't want to go but my Mom insisted. We left in her in carseat and put it where no one could touch her...I was so nervous about her getting sick. But what a wonderful Mother's Day that was...I remember sitting on the couch just cuddling my new baby for most of the day.
It really does seem like yesterday. The days of infancy and toddlerhood passed so quickly...and now we're approaching the tail end, I suppose, of childhood. Just two more years until she's a teenager. We're approaching the end of elementary school in a few short days...the end of Primary in another year...the beginning of middle school and new adventures.
These 11 years have passed so quickly...literally in the blink of an eye. It's sad...but exciting at the same time.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Oops, I Did it Again....
Forgot to update my blog. Let life get away from me. Neglected to keep my five readers filled in on our life. Sorry! I really do have good intentions...but I'm the Queen of Procrastination. I have perfected the art. And when you get really, really good at procrastinating, then things just don't get done. I'm pretty good at that. Just take a look at my house.
So what has been going on in our family since school began (almost 3 months ago...yes, I know...it's been a while)? A has been running cross country and she absolutely loves it. She placed in the top 10 in the county and will be running in the state meet next weekend. She is excelling in all of her classes (100 in everything but Spanish III) and was nominated for the Georgia Governor's Honors Program (open only to 10th and 11th grade gifted students who are nominated by their teachers) in four subjects. Four!! Unfortunately, the students can only select one nomination to pursue and so she is pursuing the math nomination. If it wasn't for the fact that she looks exactly like her Daddy's side of the family, I would swear that she wasn't my child...that she must have been switched at birth...because I can't even add correctly with a calculator. She amazes me with her math ability. Mainly, I am amazed because it all makes sense to her. "Rational numbers"? Sorry, but in my mind there is nothing rational at all about numbers. She is staying busy with school, cross country, and church. She hasn't had as much time for friends and socializing as she would like in the last couple of months between homework and cross country. But she's doing great.
B's soccer season is almost over. She is playing on the U-11 Academy Girls A team and, since we don't have an Academy U-12 girls' team, her team is playing U-12 teams from around the state. There have been some losses this season but they're doing pretty well at holding their own aginst older and bigger (in some cases, much bigger) girls. She loves soccer! The season ends in a few weeks and then we have a little bit of time off before spring season starts. She is also excelling in school and has really impressed her teacher with her writing ability. She had so much fun trick or treating with some of her soccer teammates last night! She is growing up so fast...
M is staying busy, too. Softball season is over, although it didn't go as well as he would have liked. Basketball tryouts started last week and so now he's focused on basketball. We don't get much of a break from sports in our home!
And I'm staying busy, too. Unfortunately, B caught a cold a few weeks ago and passed it on to me -- 3 1/2 weeks later, I still can't get rid of it. It's pretty miserable.
I took the girls to Disney World in October to go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party -- a mother/daughters weekend. We had so much fun (even though we got a little lost on the way down and the way back -- darn GPS!). We had so much fun at the party and got to ride every ride we wanted without waiting (I think we waited 15 minutes for one ride, but that was it)...lots of trick or treating, and the decorations were amazing. We're already talking about going back next year. We went to both Disney water parks (loved them) and met up with some friends while we were down there. Grandma and Papa went to Disney World the same weekend so we were able to meet up with them and show them around Downtown Disney. We had a great time. The only downside was the heat wave -- it was over 90 degrees the night of the party, with no breeze. It was HOT, HOT, HOT. But we loved it and can't wait to go back for another Halloween Party.
It's hard to believe summer is over and fall is here. We have apples going in the dehydrator and we're going to make homemade applesauce. The weather is changing and the leaves are turning. Thanksgiving will be upon us in just a few weeks...before we know it. I need to take more time to focus on my blessings and the many things I am grateful for. I need to have an "attitude of gratitude." I really have been blessed abundantly!
So what has been going on in our family since school began (almost 3 months ago...yes, I know...it's been a while)? A has been running cross country and she absolutely loves it. She placed in the top 10 in the county and will be running in the state meet next weekend. She is excelling in all of her classes (100 in everything but Spanish III) and was nominated for the Georgia Governor's Honors Program (open only to 10th and 11th grade gifted students who are nominated by their teachers) in four subjects. Four!! Unfortunately, the students can only select one nomination to pursue and so she is pursuing the math nomination. If it wasn't for the fact that she looks exactly like her Daddy's side of the family, I would swear that she wasn't my child...that she must have been switched at birth...because I can't even add correctly with a calculator. She amazes me with her math ability. Mainly, I am amazed because it all makes sense to her. "Rational numbers"? Sorry, but in my mind there is nothing rational at all about numbers. She is staying busy with school, cross country, and church. She hasn't had as much time for friends and socializing as she would like in the last couple of months between homework and cross country. But she's doing great.
B's soccer season is almost over. She is playing on the U-11 Academy Girls A team and, since we don't have an Academy U-12 girls' team, her team is playing U-12 teams from around the state. There have been some losses this season but they're doing pretty well at holding their own aginst older and bigger (in some cases, much bigger) girls. She loves soccer! The season ends in a few weeks and then we have a little bit of time off before spring season starts. She is also excelling in school and has really impressed her teacher with her writing ability. She had so much fun trick or treating with some of her soccer teammates last night! She is growing up so fast...
M is staying busy, too. Softball season is over, although it didn't go as well as he would have liked. Basketball tryouts started last week and so now he's focused on basketball. We don't get much of a break from sports in our home!
And I'm staying busy, too. Unfortunately, B caught a cold a few weeks ago and passed it on to me -- 3 1/2 weeks later, I still can't get rid of it. It's pretty miserable.
I took the girls to Disney World in October to go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party -- a mother/daughters weekend. We had so much fun (even though we got a little lost on the way down and the way back -- darn GPS!). We had so much fun at the party and got to ride every ride we wanted without waiting (I think we waited 15 minutes for one ride, but that was it)...lots of trick or treating, and the decorations were amazing. We're already talking about going back next year. We went to both Disney water parks (loved them) and met up with some friends while we were down there. Grandma and Papa went to Disney World the same weekend so we were able to meet up with them and show them around Downtown Disney. We had a great time. The only downside was the heat wave -- it was over 90 degrees the night of the party, with no breeze. It was HOT, HOT, HOT. But we loved it and can't wait to go back for another Halloween Party.
It's hard to believe summer is over and fall is here. We have apples going in the dehydrator and we're going to make homemade applesauce. The weather is changing and the leaves are turning. Thanksgiving will be upon us in just a few weeks...before we know it. I need to take more time to focus on my blessings and the many things I am grateful for. I need to have an "attitude of gratitude." I really have been blessed abundantly!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
News Flash...
It's snowing in middle Georgia. It's been snowing for about 2 1/2 hours and the snow is actually sticking! It started snowing during church...so the teenagers all ditched Sunday School and went outside for a snowball fight. I found this out when I went to gather the girls for Young Womens and saw them wandering in from outside, dripping wet and with cold, numb hands and feet (some of them even took off their shoes and were running through the snow and the parking lot barefoot!). It was hard to be upset with them because it hasn't snowed here in 7 years, and they were having so much fun. It took a little while to get them all collected and calmed down for Young Womens. LOL
By the time church was over the snow had stopped and had melted. It rained on the drive home. The girls were so disappointed, and then about 2 1/2 hours ago it started snowing again. The yard is covered with snow and the girls have had fun playing in it. It's like a winter wonderland. The snow is sowing down and I think it's stating to warm up a bit outside so it's not sticking as well as it was, but they've been enjoying it while it lasts.
Pictures coming soon!
By the time church was over the snow had stopped and had melted. It rained on the drive home. The girls were so disappointed, and then about 2 1/2 hours ago it started snowing again. The yard is covered with snow and the girls have had fun playing in it. It's like a winter wonderland. The snow is sowing down and I think it's stating to warm up a bit outside so it's not sticking as well as it was, but they've been enjoying it while it lasts.
Pictures coming soon!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
I wish I could come up with cute titles for my blog entries!
But I can't, LOL
It's already the middle of February! Unbelievable! That means it's almost the end of basketball season. DH's freshman team was undefeated this year. YEA!! Unfortunately, the varsity team isn't doing so well. This week is the regional tournament. If they lose, they're out (it's single elimination). While I want them to do well for DH's sake...for my own selfish sake, I'm really ready for basketball to be over.
B's soccer season has begun and her first game is in two weeks. She loves soccer. Unfortunately, she injured her arm yesterday (fell backwards over the dog) and is now in a brace and a sling for 3 days and has to see an orthopedist this week to make sure it isn't broken (the med-stop doctor couldn't tell for sure on the x-rays). So she'll probably miss soccer on Tuesday.
A is doing well and her softball team should be starting up practices again very soon. DH is thinking about finding another team for her to play on as well to make sure she's ready for the school season in the fall...tryouts will be this summer and she really wants to make varsity. She's doing great in school. Right now she has the 6th highest GPA among the freshman at her school. She would have a perfect GPA if it wasn't for a 98 in her Spanish class last year (she got high school credit for Spanish in 7th and 8th grades).
I'm fighting a cold...I've had it for almost two weeks now and it's really miserable. Some days I feel better than others, but today is not one of those days. I'm glad I have tomorrow off from work -- I need some rest!
We're trying to decide what to do for vacation this year but aren't really making any progress. I need to get things planned!
Gee, wasn't this an exciting blog entry?
It's already the middle of February! Unbelievable! That means it's almost the end of basketball season. DH's freshman team was undefeated this year. YEA!! Unfortunately, the varsity team isn't doing so well. This week is the regional tournament. If they lose, they're out (it's single elimination). While I want them to do well for DH's sake...for my own selfish sake, I'm really ready for basketball to be over.
B's soccer season has begun and her first game is in two weeks. She loves soccer. Unfortunately, she injured her arm yesterday (fell backwards over the dog) and is now in a brace and a sling for 3 days and has to see an orthopedist this week to make sure it isn't broken (the med-stop doctor couldn't tell for sure on the x-rays). So she'll probably miss soccer on Tuesday.
A is doing well and her softball team should be starting up practices again very soon. DH is thinking about finding another team for her to play on as well to make sure she's ready for the school season in the fall...tryouts will be this summer and she really wants to make varsity. She's doing great in school. Right now she has the 6th highest GPA among the freshman at her school. She would have a perfect GPA if it wasn't for a 98 in her Spanish class last year (she got high school credit for Spanish in 7th and 8th grades).
I'm fighting a cold...I've had it for almost two weeks now and it's really miserable. Some days I feel better than others, but today is not one of those days. I'm glad I have tomorrow off from work -- I need some rest!
We're trying to decide what to do for vacation this year but aren't really making any progress. I need to get things planned!
Gee, wasn't this an exciting blog entry?
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Our Family
A few pictures...all of these were taken in November by my friend Erin, an amazing photographer! She's so talented!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
When it Rains...
Why yes, it has been raining here today!
This morning, my grandmother took all of the "grown up girls" and my two daughters and we went to the nail salon for pedicures. It was so much fun, and so relaxing! We had a good time. We won't talk about the fact that I really, really, really don't like the way my toes are painted (why did I let her talk me into a french manicure on my toes? I never like the way it looks) or the fact that she cut my toenails on my big toes too short and now they hurt. *Sigh* If I had known we were going to get pedicures this weekend, I wouldn't have cut my toenails a few days ago. LOL Doesn't it always go that way?
Then we went to lunch at Olive Garden. I love Olive Garden! Unfortunately, just after the salad and breadsticks arrived, Adorable (my sister's foster daughter) decided to throw up...all over poor A (the biggest germophobe you'll ever meet) and in my handbag (how do you clean a Coach fabric handbag???)...poor Adorable...and poor A and B, both of whom immediately freaked out and started crying and carrying on. Granted, it was all over A's clothing. Kohl's to the rescue! There is a Kohl's right there by Olive Garden so I ran her over there quickly to buy a pair of jeans and a shirt...and we found out that she can now wear Levi's in a size 0! Yea -- we might be almost done buying size 00 from a catalog!! Adorable is fine and I am sure A and B will recover from the trauma at some point in time. Although I'm pretty sure A may never have children of her own...ROTFLOL! As for my handbag, it will be no worse for the wear, I'm sure.
After that I went to the church to practice the music for our upcoming Christmas cantata at church. We're doing a cantata that I have loved for years and I am really, really excited about it. Just playing the music makes me happy and helps me feel the Christmas spirit. I enjoyed that.
Right now, DH and A are at a car dealership talking about pricing for a new car. Nothing is decided yet, although we definitely need a new (or newer) car and now is a good time to pursue that. I have discovered that my car insurance company has a car buying service with pre-negotiated prices, so no haggling is required. Gotta love that! Now to decide what kind of car...we're looking at a Honda and a Toyota. We looked into used cars but with the sales and incentives right now, a 3-4 year old car with under 50,000 miles is only about $2000 less than the same car, but new. And the new cars have, in general, better financing. The question is this: will the dealership be willing to come down on the price of the Honda? If not, then I think we'll go with the Toyota. Honestly, I will be perfectly happy with either of them. So DH is off dealing with them...I'll step in with my "contracting officer" skills if needed (since that's what I do for a living for the Government). But I'd really rather not have to deal with all of it. I'm happy to let DH do it. We'll see how it all turns out.
Yesterday we bought a new Christmas tree and I'm looking forward to setting it up and decorating the house. It will be interesting to see how Sadie, our puppy, reacts to the tree. Abby, our other dog, never bothers the tree or the gifts. I have a feeling that Sadie will be a bit of a challenge.
Christmas really is just around the corner!
This morning, my grandmother took all of the "grown up girls" and my two daughters and we went to the nail salon for pedicures. It was so much fun, and so relaxing! We had a good time. We won't talk about the fact that I really, really, really don't like the way my toes are painted (why did I let her talk me into a french manicure on my toes? I never like the way it looks) or the fact that she cut my toenails on my big toes too short and now they hurt. *Sigh* If I had known we were going to get pedicures this weekend, I wouldn't have cut my toenails a few days ago. LOL Doesn't it always go that way?
Then we went to lunch at Olive Garden. I love Olive Garden! Unfortunately, just after the salad and breadsticks arrived, Adorable (my sister's foster daughter) decided to throw up...all over poor A (the biggest germophobe you'll ever meet) and in my handbag (how do you clean a Coach fabric handbag???)...poor Adorable...and poor A and B, both of whom immediately freaked out and started crying and carrying on. Granted, it was all over A's clothing. Kohl's to the rescue! There is a Kohl's right there by Olive Garden so I ran her over there quickly to buy a pair of jeans and a shirt...and we found out that she can now wear Levi's in a size 0! Yea -- we might be almost done buying size 00 from a catalog!! Adorable is fine and I am sure A and B will recover from the trauma at some point in time. Although I'm pretty sure A may never have children of her own...ROTFLOL! As for my handbag, it will be no worse for the wear, I'm sure.
After that I went to the church to practice the music for our upcoming Christmas cantata at church. We're doing a cantata that I have loved for years and I am really, really excited about it. Just playing the music makes me happy and helps me feel the Christmas spirit. I enjoyed that.
Right now, DH and A are at a car dealership talking about pricing for a new car. Nothing is decided yet, although we definitely need a new (or newer) car and now is a good time to pursue that. I have discovered that my car insurance company has a car buying service with pre-negotiated prices, so no haggling is required. Gotta love that! Now to decide what kind of car...we're looking at a Honda and a Toyota. We looked into used cars but with the sales and incentives right now, a 3-4 year old car with under 50,000 miles is only about $2000 less than the same car, but new. And the new cars have, in general, better financing. The question is this: will the dealership be willing to come down on the price of the Honda? If not, then I think we'll go with the Toyota. Honestly, I will be perfectly happy with either of them. So DH is off dealing with them...I'll step in with my "contracting officer" skills if needed (since that's what I do for a living for the Government). But I'd really rather not have to deal with all of it. I'm happy to let DH do it. We'll see how it all turns out.
Yesterday we bought a new Christmas tree and I'm looking forward to setting it up and decorating the house. It will be interesting to see how Sadie, our puppy, reacts to the tree. Abby, our other dog, never bothers the tree or the gifts. I have a feeling that Sadie will be a bit of a challenge.
Christmas really is just around the corner!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
A Sports Family
After giving birth to two girls, I never expected to be a "sports mom." Sure, I married a man who, at the time, was a PE teacher and who now coaches two high school sports and who was voted "Mr. Athlete" at his high school and played college basketball...and I figured I could be a "coach's wife" (turns out I'm not a very good one)...but never thought I would be a "sports mom."
Guess what? I'm a sports mom. I can't call myself a "soccer mom" because one of the girls plays soccer and the other plays softball.
My girls did dance and gymnastics when they were younger, and just in the last year or two both have had to give up dance and gymnastics in favor of their chosen sports. Truth be told, I really miss the beautiful recital costumes and always looked forward to the recitals. I love so dance so much that I am taking classes as an adult.
So a dance mom? I could do that. I figured I would be doing that until both girls were a lot older.
Instead, I'm learning about stealing bases, base runners, change-ups, the "third strike rule" if the catcher doesn't catch the ball, off sides, goal kicks, corner kicks, and strikers/sweepers/keepers.
We spend a lot of time running to and from practice and games. We are just finishing B's soccer season next weekend, and A's travel softball season is just starting. DH is in the beginning of high school basketball season. We find ourselves splitting time between the girls' sporting events (I've got B's soccer this weekend, he has A's softball tournament).
And you know what?
I love it. I was never an athlete myself. Never will be. But my girls are. I love it.
Guess what? I'm a sports mom. I can't call myself a "soccer mom" because one of the girls plays soccer and the other plays softball.
My girls did dance and gymnastics when they were younger, and just in the last year or two both have had to give up dance and gymnastics in favor of their chosen sports. Truth be told, I really miss the beautiful recital costumes and always looked forward to the recitals. I love so dance so much that I am taking classes as an adult.
So a dance mom? I could do that. I figured I would be doing that until both girls were a lot older.
Instead, I'm learning about stealing bases, base runners, change-ups, the "third strike rule" if the catcher doesn't catch the ball, off sides, goal kicks, corner kicks, and strikers/sweepers/keepers.
We spend a lot of time running to and from practice and games. We are just finishing B's soccer season next weekend, and A's travel softball season is just starting. DH is in the beginning of high school basketball season. We find ourselves splitting time between the girls' sporting events (I've got B's soccer this weekend, he has A's softball tournament).
And you know what?
I love it. I was never an athlete myself. Never will be. But my girls are. I love it.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Moving On....
I'm moving on. (Cue the "Rascal Flatts" song...LOL).
OK. So I'm trying to move on.
OK. So I'm telling myself that it's time to move on.
OK. So I'm telling myself that it's time to think about moving on.
I am trying. I told my friend J last night that this whole "baby thing" seems to hit me particularly hard in October -- at least the last three Octobers. Strange. I don't know why that is.
I understand now why B sometimes gets so angry when something is forced on her and she is not given the opportunity to choose. Because I didn't get to choose this.
Obviously, I'm still having issues with "just have faith and trust Heavenly Father" and "you don't have to have control of EVERYTHING in your life".
But I'm trying. Really, I am.
So, moving on....A has started travel team softball and their first scrimmage game was supposed to be today but the other team cancelled so they had a practice. This will be her first season of travel ball and I hope she enjoys it. B's soccer season is winding down. Her team is still undefeated, with just one tied game. Not bad! She has bonded with the other girls on her team and her coaches and this has been a very positive experience for her. I had doubts about it at the beginning of the season, but now I see that this was the best possible thing for her, and has been something that she really needed.
I am grateful for my two amazing, lovely, wonderful, sweet, talented girls.
But that doesn't mean I can't be selfish and want more.
OK. So I'm trying to move on.
OK. So I'm telling myself that it's time to move on.
OK. So I'm telling myself that it's time to think about moving on.
I am trying. I told my friend J last night that this whole "baby thing" seems to hit me particularly hard in October -- at least the last three Octobers. Strange. I don't know why that is.
I understand now why B sometimes gets so angry when something is forced on her and she is not given the opportunity to choose. Because I didn't get to choose this.
Obviously, I'm still having issues with "just have faith and trust Heavenly Father" and "you don't have to have control of EVERYTHING in your life".
But I'm trying. Really, I am.
So, moving on....A has started travel team softball and their first scrimmage game was supposed to be today but the other team cancelled so they had a practice. This will be her first season of travel ball and I hope she enjoys it. B's soccer season is winding down. Her team is still undefeated, with just one tied game. Not bad! She has bonded with the other girls on her team and her coaches and this has been a very positive experience for her. I had doubts about it at the beginning of the season, but now I see that this was the best possible thing for her, and has been something that she really needed.
I am grateful for my two amazing, lovely, wonderful, sweet, talented girls.
But that doesn't mean I can't be selfish and want more.
Friday, October 24, 2008
You know how sometimes it rains all around you, but not on you?
Like a summer storm, when it is sunny outside but then starts to rain across the street but not where you're standing? It does that here where I live.
I feel like I'm stuck in the middle of something like that right now...except instead of it raining water, it's raining babies.
Life isn't fair.
A friend told me Sunday that she is pregnant again, with baby #5. Another acquaintance made a comment to me while I was out shopping tonight that makes it look like another acquaintance just got an adoptive placement (why else would she be wondering with baited breath and excitement to hear how their court date went, knowing this couple has waited so long?). A friend at church told me about someone her daughter knows -- someone left a baby on her doorstep and wants them to adopt the baby. Another lady at church is pregnant...all three of the advisors in YW have babies (which I admit is is nice because it gives me and another sister in YW with fertility issues some babies to snuggle and we do love that). A few other friends are also pregnant. There are gestating women all around me. It seems like they're coming out of the woodwork again. Lots of women having babies...Lots of women who aren't me.
And we found out this week that the little boy we were hoping to adopt earlier this summer was adopted by another family two weeks ago. Yes, I know that I hadn't said much, if anything, about the possibility of us adopting here on my blog. I didn't want to say anything until things were looking more firm one way or the other. For various reasons, we were unable to proceed with the process beyond a certain point. And the caseworker made it very clear to us that she didn't plan to recommend that the boy be moved out of the state where he is currently living. Well, he has been adopted. And not by us. So I guess it's pretty definite right now that we won't be adopting him.
I thought I had come to terms with this...again. There are times when I'm fine with it and other times when I definitely am not fine with it. I'm in one of those "definitely not fine with it" modes right now. It hurts, physically. Really -- it does.
I'm sad.
I feel like I'm stuck in the middle of something like that right now...except instead of it raining water, it's raining babies.
Life isn't fair.
A friend told me Sunday that she is pregnant again, with baby #5. Another acquaintance made a comment to me while I was out shopping tonight that makes it look like another acquaintance just got an adoptive placement (why else would she be wondering with baited breath and excitement to hear how their court date went, knowing this couple has waited so long?). A friend at church told me about someone her daughter knows -- someone left a baby on her doorstep and wants them to adopt the baby. Another lady at church is pregnant...all three of the advisors in YW have babies (which I admit is is nice because it gives me and another sister in YW with fertility issues some babies to snuggle and we do love that). A few other friends are also pregnant. There are gestating women all around me. It seems like they're coming out of the woodwork again. Lots of women having babies...Lots of women who aren't me.
And we found out this week that the little boy we were hoping to adopt earlier this summer was adopted by another family two weeks ago. Yes, I know that I hadn't said much, if anything, about the possibility of us adopting here on my blog. I didn't want to say anything until things were looking more firm one way or the other. For various reasons, we were unable to proceed with the process beyond a certain point. And the caseworker made it very clear to us that she didn't plan to recommend that the boy be moved out of the state where he is currently living. Well, he has been adopted. And not by us. So I guess it's pretty definite right now that we won't be adopting him.
I thought I had come to terms with this...again. There are times when I'm fine with it and other times when I definitely am not fine with it. I'm in one of those "definitely not fine with it" modes right now. It hurts, physically. Really -- it does.
I'm sad.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Love Is....
*Getting up with the dog at 5:30 a.m. on weekends so I can sleep
*Killing spiders on demand, no matter what time of day or night it is
*Coming to my house to dispose of a dead mouse the dog brought in from outside (GROSS!)
*Letting my girls watch a movie with at their house while I go home and do laundry, dishes, put away groceries, and relax after an incredibly busy day
*Not being totally embarassed by my presence
*Wanting to be tucked in at night
*Killing spiders on demand, no matter what time of day or night it is
*Coming to my house to dispose of a dead mouse the dog brought in from outside (GROSS!)
*Letting my girls watch a movie with at their house while I go home and do laundry, dishes, put away groceries, and relax after an incredibly busy day
*Not being totally embarassed by my presence
*Wanting to be tucked in at night
Bread Recipe
A few people have asked for the bread recipe A is using. It's SO easy, and really good!
1 tbsp. yeast
1/2 tbsp salt
2 cups warm water
1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup honey or brown sugar
approx 5-6 cups flour (can use white, wheat, or both)
Mix first five ingredients in a lg. bowl or stand mixer. Add flour one cup at a time until a soft dough forms. Stir the dough for a minute or two. Let rise for about 45 min. to 1 hour(may need longer for all wheat bread). Separate into two loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 38 minutes.
We've been making it with honey and white flour. Yum!! In fact, A had some friends over on Monday and she made this and they ate both loaves before they ate any of the cookies, chips, etc. So it passes the teenager taste test. LOL
1 tbsp. yeast
1/2 tbsp salt
2 cups warm water
1/3 cup oil
1/3 cup honey or brown sugar
approx 5-6 cups flour (can use white, wheat, or both)
Mix first five ingredients in a lg. bowl or stand mixer. Add flour one cup at a time until a soft dough forms. Stir the dough for a minute or two. Let rise for about 45 min. to 1 hour(may need longer for all wheat bread). Separate into two loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 38 minutes.
We've been making it with honey and white flour. Yum!! In fact, A had some friends over on Monday and she made this and they ate both loaves before they ate any of the cookies, chips, etc. So it passes the teenager taste test. LOL
Thursday, September 4, 2008
I Love Technology!
A couple of weeks ago I started a Facebook account. I really didn't think much of it at the time -- I did it because my Dad and two of my sisters had Facebook accounts.
Imagine my surprise when I logged into my account on Sunday and saw messages from several of my high school friends -- friends I had lost touch with a long time ago (and no, I won't tell you exactly how long ago, LOL)! SO exciting! So now I'm able to be back in touch with some of my close friends. It's so much fun to read their blogs and see what they're up to...one of them has SIX boys -- yes, six! Another has four boys and just found out she's having a baby girl. Isn't that exciting?
When you stop and think about it, our lives seem to be ruled by technology these days. I have to have my cell phone with me when I'm away from home, particularly if the girls are at home and need to get in touch with me. I'm permanently connected, non-stop, to my e-mail at work. My work phone seems to ring off the hook. We have ready, instant access to so much information on the internet. Cook dinner without my microwave? Craziness. Digital cameras that instantly show us the picture we just took. Thank goodness I have a washer and dryer (that reminds me, I'm behind on laundry again)...a TV to keep track of the weather (looks like tropical storm Hanna might miss us after all) and watch all of our favorite shows...DVD players to watch movies when the hundreds of channels on our Dish Network don't have anything really good to watch (how sad is it that that happens more often than it should?)...
And yet, with all of this technology that is supposed to make our lives easier and free up time for us, we still have trouble squeezing the truly important things into our busy lives....
Yes, I do love technology...I love that it's put me back in touch with friends I had almost lost hope of ever talking to again because I didn't know how to find them. I love that I can contact my husband or kids almost anytime, anywhere...I love that I can find information online...but maybe it wouldn't be so bad for me to learn to better use all of the "free time" this technology has supposedly created for me!
Imagine my surprise when I logged into my account on Sunday and saw messages from several of my high school friends -- friends I had lost touch with a long time ago (and no, I won't tell you exactly how long ago, LOL)! SO exciting! So now I'm able to be back in touch with some of my close friends. It's so much fun to read their blogs and see what they're up to...one of them has SIX boys -- yes, six! Another has four boys and just found out she's having a baby girl. Isn't that exciting?
When you stop and think about it, our lives seem to be ruled by technology these days. I have to have my cell phone with me when I'm away from home, particularly if the girls are at home and need to get in touch with me. I'm permanently connected, non-stop, to my e-mail at work. My work phone seems to ring off the hook. We have ready, instant access to so much information on the internet. Cook dinner without my microwave? Craziness. Digital cameras that instantly show us the picture we just took. Thank goodness I have a washer and dryer (that reminds me, I'm behind on laundry again)...a TV to keep track of the weather (looks like tropical storm Hanna might miss us after all) and watch all of our favorite shows...DVD players to watch movies when the hundreds of channels on our Dish Network don't have anything really good to watch (how sad is it that that happens more often than it should?)...
And yet, with all of this technology that is supposed to make our lives easier and free up time for us, we still have trouble squeezing the truly important things into our busy lives....
Yes, I do love technology...I love that it's put me back in touch with friends I had almost lost hope of ever talking to again because I didn't know how to find them. I love that I can contact my husband or kids almost anytime, anywhere...I love that I can find information online...but maybe it wouldn't be so bad for me to learn to better use all of the "free time" this technology has supposedly created for me!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Back to Life, Back to Reality....
My family beat me home Monday...they had just gotten home when I arrived from work. It was so good to see them! I swear, the girls each grew four inches while they were gone! A got a beautiful new haircut/highlights by one of her aunts, and B got an adorable haircut by another aunt (talented people!). A has an amazing tan, and B has a few new freckles but, thankfully, no sunburn! It's interesting having one daughter who tans and another daughter who burns badly. We fight to get sunscreen on A, and can't seem to find strong enough sunscreen for B! We have three different sets of sunscreen in our house -- some for A, some for B, and some for DH and myself.
I can't believe how wonderful it feels to have my family home again. The house is filled with life (and bickering...lovely sibling rivalry) and activity and things feel normal and whole again. It's a good feeling. I think I understand a bit more how important the gospel principle of eternal families is. After spending a month without my family, I realize now, more than ever, that to me the true definition of "hell" (pardon my language) would be to spend eternity separated from my husband and daughters, not having the family bond and relationships that we have now. The thought is truly miserable. I was talking with a friend at work about this. Her fiance's church teaches that after this life, marital and family relationships cease to exist and even though you will know your wife/husband/children in Heaven, you will not have those same relationships with them. She doesn't like that idea. I don't either. We talked about it and I had the opportunity to share a bit about our beliefs on that subject with her. It truly reaffirmed my testimony of the eternal nature of temple covenants and eternal families and the importance of living up to my covenants so that I can have an eternal family.
In other news...A had conditioning workouts with the high school softball team this week. She didn't play as well as she wanted to but she's feeling more comfortable and getting better. B had her first Academy level soccer practice today and came home exhausted (and a bit pink...fortunately that was from heat and exertion and not sunburn). DH was impressed with her coach and the trainer and the skill work they did. I think this will be a great season with lots of learning and improvement for her.
We finished up the back-to-school shopping yesterday...I love shopping for school supplies. I don't know why -- I have some kind of weird love affair with school/offices supplies. LOL I love the cute notebooks, colored paper clips, packages of pens and pencils, etc. Love it. We're now ready for school with new clothes, new shoes, and new school supplies. The beginning of the school year is always a fresh start and we are very, very hopeful that this will be a good year for both girls.
Today we also bought a new computer. Our laptop is several years old and is getting to be incredibly slow...not to mention the fact that sometimes it just shuts down in the middle of whatever I happen to be working on. That's so annoying. So we put part of our economic stimulus check to good use and bought a new computer (computer, monitor, and printer bundle). We haven't set it up yet but we're excited to get it up and running.
One more week of summer vacation for the girls, and then school starts. The summer has flown by...much too quickly. It's time to get back to our crazy routines.
I can't believe how wonderful it feels to have my family home again. The house is filled with life (and bickering...lovely sibling rivalry) and activity and things feel normal and whole again. It's a good feeling. I think I understand a bit more how important the gospel principle of eternal families is. After spending a month without my family, I realize now, more than ever, that to me the true definition of "hell" (pardon my language) would be to spend eternity separated from my husband and daughters, not having the family bond and relationships that we have now. The thought is truly miserable. I was talking with a friend at work about this. Her fiance's church teaches that after this life, marital and family relationships cease to exist and even though you will know your wife/husband/children in Heaven, you will not have those same relationships with them. She doesn't like that idea. I don't either. We talked about it and I had the opportunity to share a bit about our beliefs on that subject with her. It truly reaffirmed my testimony of the eternal nature of temple covenants and eternal families and the importance of living up to my covenants so that I can have an eternal family.
In other news...A had conditioning workouts with the high school softball team this week. She didn't play as well as she wanted to but she's feeling more comfortable and getting better. B had her first Academy level soccer practice today and came home exhausted (and a bit pink...fortunately that was from heat and exertion and not sunburn). DH was impressed with her coach and the trainer and the skill work they did. I think this will be a great season with lots of learning and improvement for her.
We finished up the back-to-school shopping yesterday...I love shopping for school supplies. I don't know why -- I have some kind of weird love affair with school/offices supplies. LOL I love the cute notebooks, colored paper clips, packages of pens and pencils, etc. Love it. We're now ready for school with new clothes, new shoes, and new school supplies. The beginning of the school year is always a fresh start and we are very, very hopeful that this will be a good year for both girls.
Today we also bought a new computer. Our laptop is several years old and is getting to be incredibly slow...not to mention the fact that sometimes it just shuts down in the middle of whatever I happen to be working on. That's so annoying. So we put part of our economic stimulus check to good use and bought a new computer (computer, monitor, and printer bundle). We haven't set it up yet but we're excited to get it up and running.
One more week of summer vacation for the girls, and then school starts. The summer has flown by...much too quickly. It's time to get back to our crazy routines.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Has it really been that long?
Yes, I guess it has. Wow -- I'm sorry! Not that there are many of you out there reading...but one of my friends commented a couple of weeks ago that she wished I would update my blog and I hadn't even realized how long it had been.
My excuse? Well, I don't have a good one. Things have been busy, but when are they not?
Here where we live, school starts again in just a couple of weeks. Really -- it starts at the beginning of August (much too early). So after next week, DH goes back to work to prepare for a new school year, A has softball tryouts, and B starts soccer camp and practice. We'll gear up for our annual "I-hate-August-and-September" schedule...because August and September are always, always, always the busiest months of the year for us. *Sigh*
In other news, B was asked to try out for Academy Soccer (a level above rec league) and she made it. She was really excited! Of course this means a bit more travel since she'll have tournaments and games that aren't always in our city, but we'll see how it goes. A is excited about softball tryouts...she'll make the team, no doubt...but she's still nervous about it. Keep your fingers crossed for her!
DH and the girls have been in Utah visiting his family for the last month. Yes, you read that right. The last month. I have been on my own for the last month. Well, not entirely on my own since my parents and my sister and her family live just around the block and have helped keep me occupied and from getting too lonely. But it's been a difficult month.
For one thing, I have never, ever in my entire life been alone for this long. OK, I haven't been entirely alone because I've had the two dogs to keep my company (yeah, two...I got a puppy for Mother's Day. Note to self: don't get a puppy right before your family leaves you for a month...). Up until now, I had only ever stayed in our own home by myself once overnight. LOL I've never lived alone in my entire adult life. So this has been an experience. Up until now, I always felt very nervous and anxious if I was alone at home for any amount of time, even a few hours. While my family has been gone, I've had to be home alone a lot, mostly because I had to be here to take care of the puppy in the evenings. I found that I actually felt better, felt more at peace and more calm, at home than anywhere else. It's been interesting.
That isn't to say that I enjoy being alone. No. No way. Not at all. Not one little bit. But I've learned that I can do it. I can actually fall asleep on my own -- that's pretty big because usually when DH is gone overnight I have a terrible time sleeping. I can even kill bugs -- of course, that's only out of sheer desperation when my dad, brother in law, or neighbor aren't home to come help me, and only if said bugs aren't big spiders. I even had to have my home teacher and his sons come over and clean off my back patio because of a spider problem (I owe them some cookies for that...). But I have killed a few bugs while they've been gone.
So I've learned that I can do hard things. Things I thought I would never be able to do. But I've also learned that I was not meant to be alone. That I'm not good at being alone. I have been moody, sad, mopey, miserable, etc. My friends at work are very glad, I'm sure, that my family will be home tomorrow. LOL For much of the time my family has been gone, I have felt like part of me was missing, like I was incomplete. I felt like I had lost my compass. I don't like that feeling. I need them here.
Oh, I also got a new calling -- Young Women President in our ward. That has kept me busy. Last night I went to the youth dance and had a lot of fun talking to and spending time with some of the youth. That has kept me busy.
But they're not a substitute for my family. I'm so glad my family is coming home tomorrow!
My excuse? Well, I don't have a good one. Things have been busy, but when are they not?
Here where we live, school starts again in just a couple of weeks. Really -- it starts at the beginning of August (much too early). So after next week, DH goes back to work to prepare for a new school year, A has softball tryouts, and B starts soccer camp and practice. We'll gear up for our annual "I-hate-August-and-September" schedule...because August and September are always, always, always the busiest months of the year for us. *Sigh*
In other news, B was asked to try out for Academy Soccer (a level above rec league) and she made it. She was really excited! Of course this means a bit more travel since she'll have tournaments and games that aren't always in our city, but we'll see how it goes. A is excited about softball tryouts...she'll make the team, no doubt...but she's still nervous about it. Keep your fingers crossed for her!
DH and the girls have been in Utah visiting his family for the last month. Yes, you read that right. The last month. I have been on my own for the last month. Well, not entirely on my own since my parents and my sister and her family live just around the block and have helped keep me occupied and from getting too lonely. But it's been a difficult month.
For one thing, I have never, ever in my entire life been alone for this long. OK, I haven't been entirely alone because I've had the two dogs to keep my company (yeah, two...I got a puppy for Mother's Day. Note to self: don't get a puppy right before your family leaves you for a month...). Up until now, I had only ever stayed in our own home by myself once overnight. LOL I've never lived alone in my entire adult life. So this has been an experience. Up until now, I always felt very nervous and anxious if I was alone at home for any amount of time, even a few hours. While my family has been gone, I've had to be home alone a lot, mostly because I had to be here to take care of the puppy in the evenings. I found that I actually felt better, felt more at peace and more calm, at home than anywhere else. It's been interesting.
That isn't to say that I enjoy being alone. No. No way. Not at all. Not one little bit. But I've learned that I can do it. I can actually fall asleep on my own -- that's pretty big because usually when DH is gone overnight I have a terrible time sleeping. I can even kill bugs -- of course, that's only out of sheer desperation when my dad, brother in law, or neighbor aren't home to come help me, and only if said bugs aren't big spiders. I even had to have my home teacher and his sons come over and clean off my back patio because of a spider problem (I owe them some cookies for that...). But I have killed a few bugs while they've been gone.
So I've learned that I can do hard things. Things I thought I would never be able to do. But I've also learned that I was not meant to be alone. That I'm not good at being alone. I have been moody, sad, mopey, miserable, etc. My friends at work are very glad, I'm sure, that my family will be home tomorrow. LOL For much of the time my family has been gone, I have felt like part of me was missing, like I was incomplete. I felt like I had lost my compass. I don't like that feeling. I need them here.
Oh, I also got a new calling -- Young Women President in our ward. That has kept me busy. Last night I went to the youth dance and had a lot of fun talking to and spending time with some of the youth. That has kept me busy.
But they're not a substitute for my family. I'm so glad my family is coming home tomorrow!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine's Day to all! A went to her first school dance tonight. I think she had a great time with her friends. I chaperoned...and don't care to ever do that again. I only knew one of the songs they played and it was SO loud -- not just the music, but the never-ending squealing and screaming of some of those kids. Yikes! And can I just say that I am so grateful that my daughter dresses modestly and doesn't give us a hard time about it? She looked beautiful and didn't have to worry at all about her dress falling down, body parts poking out that shouldn't be poking out, super short skirts that showed what's underneath if she wasn't careful, etc., etc., etc.
Here are a couple of pictures of my sweet A, and the corsage her friend (yes, just a friend) B gave her.
In other news, DH's basketball team lost their game tonight, which means his basketball season is over. I know they wanted to do better in the regional tournament than they did, so they're disappointed.
B got to spend Valentine's Day evening with Grandma, Papa, Erin, Thomas, and Nicholas. I hope they all had fun together. The girls are now out of school tomorrow and the following week, which will be a nice break for them. I wish I was off work! I could use the break!
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Missing in Action...
Yes, we're still here. It has been an interesting week and a half...busy, as always. But up until Super Tuesday this week, I really didn't have anything to say. (You can pick your jaws up off the floor now!) Trust me, I have a lot to say about Super Tuesday, the fallout from Super Tuesday, and the upcoming election, but I'm still working on composing that post.
A did really well in the Regional Science Fair -- she got a first place ribbon and won two other awards, including a $50 cash award. Being the overachiever, ultra-competitive person she is, she was very disappointed that her project wasn't selected to go to the State competition. But she still did a great job on her project and we're really proud of her. We got some pictures of her with her project and I need to post those. This week is the Valentine Dance at her school and she's really excited to be going with a group of friends. I'll be chaperoning the dance (fun for me...). We found her a really cute dress that needed only minor alterations and little sweater/shrug to make it fit and be modest, and it looks great on her. It's hard to believe she's really growing up so quickly...
B's school had an Art Extravaganza this week, and all of the students had artwork on display. B's grade level did pottery pieces. B's piece is lovely. I'll post a picture of it when they let the kids bring their art home from school. She's been reading everything she can get her hands on lately! It's hard to believe that just a little over a year ago we literally had to force her to read...now we almost have to force her to stop! LOL
DH's basketball season is almost over. His freshman team ended with the best record in the school district and the varsity season is also almost over. Another week, maybe two, and he'll be done. Just about a month, though, until A's rec league softball season starts and DH will be helping to coach her team. And B's spring soccer season starts soon, too. Busy, busy, busy.
It's an amazingly gorgeous 67+ degrees outside today, with a light breeze. It's hard to believe it's February! Of course, the dead grass is a giveaway that it's still winter, but as I was running errands this morning I saw some blooming Japanese Magnolias (love those trees!) and a few paperwhites...so it shouldn't be long before spring arrives.
A did really well in the Regional Science Fair -- she got a first place ribbon and won two other awards, including a $50 cash award. Being the overachiever, ultra-competitive person she is, she was very disappointed that her project wasn't selected to go to the State competition. But she still did a great job on her project and we're really proud of her. We got some pictures of her with her project and I need to post those. This week is the Valentine Dance at her school and she's really excited to be going with a group of friends. I'll be chaperoning the dance (fun for me...). We found her a really cute dress that needed only minor alterations and little sweater/shrug to make it fit and be modest, and it looks great on her. It's hard to believe she's really growing up so quickly...
B's school had an Art Extravaganza this week, and all of the students had artwork on display. B's grade level did pottery pieces. B's piece is lovely. I'll post a picture of it when they let the kids bring their art home from school. She's been reading everything she can get her hands on lately! It's hard to believe that just a little over a year ago we literally had to force her to read...now we almost have to force her to stop! LOL
DH's basketball season is almost over. His freshman team ended with the best record in the school district and the varsity season is also almost over. Another week, maybe two, and he'll be done. Just about a month, though, until A's rec league softball season starts and DH will be helping to coach her team. And B's spring soccer season starts soon, too. Busy, busy, busy.
It's an amazingly gorgeous 67+ degrees outside today, with a light breeze. It's hard to believe it's February! Of course, the dead grass is a giveaway that it's still winter, but as I was running errands this morning I saw some blooming Japanese Magnolias (love those trees!) and a few paperwhites...so it shouldn't be long before spring arrives.
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Ireland Presentation and Science Fair
B's presentation on Ireland went really well. The teachers had set up tables in the lunchroom and each student displayed their "travel rug" (see picture below) and any other items they had brought. As students, parents, and other teachers came through, the kids told them about their country and showed off their displays. B did a really great job. Papa taught her to say "Hello Little People" (a greeting to the fairies who live under Fairy Bridge on the Isle of Mann) so B tried really hard to say that correctly. So cute! A couple of pics...
Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of A's science fair project, but I will take some when we go to the judging. This week the kids turned in their projects and then next week (or the week after) the projects will all be displayed at the local Museum of Aviation and the kids will present their projects to the judges. A has been working really hard this week on her presentation, as well as helping some other kids who haven't quite finished their displays. I'm sure she'll do really well. Her display looks great and her presentation is really good. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes!
DH's basketball team is doing really well...their record is 6-2, with four games left to play. The varsity team isn't doing as well. Soccer and softball will be starting soon...I just signed B up for spring soccer today and A's spring softball registration is coming up quickly. Always something going on!
Tonight I have a friend coming over to help me clean out and reorganize my scrapbooking room. I'm excited...she and I haven't been able to spend much time together in ages and I'm looking forward to it. She's so fun! This weekend is stake conference for church so that will keep us busy...always lots of meetings to go to.
It's been a quiet week.
Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of A's science fair project, but I will take some when we go to the judging. This week the kids turned in their projects and then next week (or the week after) the projects will all be displayed at the local Museum of Aviation and the kids will present their projects to the judges. A has been working really hard this week on her presentation, as well as helping some other kids who haven't quite finished their displays. I'm sure she'll do really well. Her display looks great and her presentation is really good. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes!
DH's basketball team is doing really well...their record is 6-2, with four games left to play. The varsity team isn't doing as well. Soccer and softball will be starting soon...I just signed B up for spring soccer today and A's spring softball registration is coming up quickly. Always something going on!
Tonight I have a friend coming over to help me clean out and reorganize my scrapbooking room. I'm excited...she and I haven't been able to spend much time together in ages and I'm looking forward to it. She's so fun! This weekend is stake conference for church so that will keep us busy...always lots of meetings to go to.
It's been a quiet week.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Yes, I'm Still Here
Wow...over a week since I updated. I really haven't had anything to say (ok, you can stop laughing now) and there hasn't been much going on.
A's science fair project is being turned in today. She spent much of the 3-day weekend working on her display and getting everything done. It turned out so well -- she did a great job. Her color scheme this year is hot pink with black and white (zebra stripes) and it looks great. She worked so hard on it! We're really proud of her. She's decided that she wants to sing a solo in the school play (she has the leading role in the play) so we'll be working hard on that.
B is getting ready to do her presentation on Ireland for her gifted class tomorrow. I couldn't find her anything to wear (supposed to wear something that represents the country, but Ireland doesn't have a traditional dress/costume)...so I decided to be brave (and crazy) and made her a skirt and vest. I'm actually happy with how they turned out and she loves them. Now A wants me to make some skirts for her. It will probably be easier to make skirts for her than trying to find stuff in the stores that fit her without needing alternations and are long enough (wishful thinking). I'll be at B's school tomorrow morning to see her presentation. She is excited about it. It's so wonderful that both girls love school and that it comes so naturally and easily to them.
M spent most of yesterday working on one of our cars. Unfortunately it's an older car so it's hard to find parts for it. We love the car dearly (our little RX-7) but more and more things seem to be going wrong with it lately, even though we don't drive it much.
I got two quick scrapbook layouts done yesterday. It felt good to be creative, even if they were just quick and easy portrait layouts. One of my friends is coming over this weekend to help me work on cleaning out and reorganizing my scrapbooking room...I want to repaint it (the yellow just isn't working for me, and neither is the wallpaper border) and really make it a cozy place to work. I have missed scrapbooking so much and want to get back to it this year.
So no deep thoughts from me today...but a quick update letting you know that we're still here and doing well!
A's science fair project is being turned in today. She spent much of the 3-day weekend working on her display and getting everything done. It turned out so well -- she did a great job. Her color scheme this year is hot pink with black and white (zebra stripes) and it looks great. She worked so hard on it! We're really proud of her. She's decided that she wants to sing a solo in the school play (she has the leading role in the play) so we'll be working hard on that.
B is getting ready to do her presentation on Ireland for her gifted class tomorrow. I couldn't find her anything to wear (supposed to wear something that represents the country, but Ireland doesn't have a traditional dress/costume)...so I decided to be brave (and crazy) and made her a skirt and vest. I'm actually happy with how they turned out and she loves them. Now A wants me to make some skirts for her. It will probably be easier to make skirts for her than trying to find stuff in the stores that fit her without needing alternations and are long enough (wishful thinking). I'll be at B's school tomorrow morning to see her presentation. She is excited about it. It's so wonderful that both girls love school and that it comes so naturally and easily to them.
M spent most of yesterday working on one of our cars. Unfortunately it's an older car so it's hard to find parts for it. We love the car dearly (our little RX-7) but more and more things seem to be going wrong with it lately, even though we don't drive it much.
I got two quick scrapbook layouts done yesterday. It felt good to be creative, even if they were just quick and easy portrait layouts. One of my friends is coming over this weekend to help me work on cleaning out and reorganizing my scrapbooking room...I want to repaint it (the yellow just isn't working for me, and neither is the wallpaper border) and really make it a cozy place to work. I have missed scrapbooking so much and want to get back to it this year.
So no deep thoughts from me today...but a quick update letting you know that we're still here and doing well!
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