How do you?

How do you .....
Find a good place for two rather large dog crates?
Help a 15 yo realize he needs more than just school to get into college?
Help him understand that even though he doesn't want to do an activity, it's worth it?
Balance a need for what you want to do with what you HAVE to do?
Contact the laundry fairy? Because that little wench has been AWOL for FAR too long.

Do your children have friends who just make your head *hurt*?  One of mine has one who is really, a nice kid, fine parents, never *bad*...just sometimes makes my head hurt with the constant running commentary on how he has read that book, been to that place, and so on.

I am having a serious lack of motivation this afternoon. Had a busy morning, but seem to have lost the momentum. All I'd really like to do is curl up with a good book.
Instead, there is a heck of a messy house to clean up, tween ministry to run, week to plan, and class to study/write paper on.

However, I did make some rockin' roasted sweet potatoes and apples last night. And since they weren't coated in marshmellows, I didn't have to share them at all!!!

For a mission trip, my church is doing a month long marathon. All you have to do is walk a mile a day! How fun is that! I signed up, hoping it will kick my lazy tuckus off the couch. AND I remembered to drive the route I walk to make sure it was a mile. And it is a mile and a half, which makes me very happy.

And I'd better include a puppy picture. For the 2.5 hours they were clean. Now they are filthy. Again.

Oh wait, they are filthy in these pictures too. Oh I give up. White dogs + outside = dirty dogs

A quiet time

A very nice birthday - I actually liked working because I often spend a large part of my birthday feeling vaguely discontented.
So it was a nice day, except for the hour we couldn't find middle child. He had missed the bus and even after being told we would come and get him, panicked when the office staff left so tried to walk home. Got lost, ended up at the Charter Communications building and they called and DH went and got him.
All's well that ends well.
Cake and wine for dinner. The family had a more traditional meal, but I really only wanted a glass of wine and cake. So that's what I had. 

Also, took the dogs for a long walk this morning, and while it was nice outside, it is still kinda CHILLY out there. 

Tomorrow is a laundry-clean the house-clean the dogs- get lots done kinda day. I hope it turns out that way.

At Moms

I'm at my Mom's house. Flew all by myself today - haven't done that since BEFORE I had children. I've flown without my kids...but never all by myself. Kind of fun. Except for the whole cancelled flight thing.

The Greenville airport is a barbie dollhouse airport. IT's SO FLUFFY!
Nah, but it is kind of small. And low key. But also clean, quiet and reasonably efficient.
Did not check bags - made for a much nicer trip!


Now I'm off to bed, finally coming "down" from being on the go all day.

For your reading pleasure....

http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/01/ff_lottery/all/1

A really interesting article on lotteries. I happen to be against lotteries, and try really hard not to participate in gambling myself. For a variety of reasons...some theological, some sociological, and lots of practical ones.

My mother is not doing particularly well, the ALS is progressing. As we knew it would. Still sucks though.
I am planning on going up soon, solo, and then all of us will go up sometime soon. In March SW airlines starts service from where I live to where I want to go. YES!!!!

The dogs are growing, growing and growing. No pencil is safe from them. I swear, they are Goats!

Report cards came out. All of them did fine. Not stellar, but fine.

I'm reading, for the class I'm taking, one of those personality test books. I'd give you the name but it is in the kitchen, and I'm in the office, and I am lazy! Anyway, I took it and was baffled on several of the questions. The choices didn't seem to relate to each other. So the first time I took it I was an ISFJ. Did you know that ISFJ's tend to have well kept, orderly homes? Hm. Maybe I need to revisit those questions! Next time I was an ISFP, but right on the border. I know I'm an "I". That's easy. I'm only an E if I have to be. I'm far more S than N, which surprised me. But I think that has come about out of necessity somewhat. I'm definitely an "F". and then we come back to Judging vs perceiving. Interesting to me that I'm both. Or maybe I'm just silly :)
Oh, I went and got the book. _Please Understand Me_ by Keirsey and Bates.

I'm enjoying our nice day to day - sunny and warmish. Tomorrow we are back to cold, I guess, but nothing like the midwest and northeast have seen.

Last thought - DH bought a Tempurpedic bed. We can't decide if we like it or not. Anyone have one and have any thoughts on it?

Musings

Facebook - I have a friend who has 'given up' facebook. I have a love/hate relationship with it. Love to chat and to see pictures, to catch up with my friends. But I hate all the 'games' and I sometimes hate the posts. It has been, however, a life saver when I am feeling isolated and alone. If you have ever moved to a new area, you know what I mean. I haven't reached the point where people are calling to chat yet - or where I run into people on a regular basis, and it is lonely.

I am taking an online class in Christian Ed - and just found out there is a small scholarship offered to students in my state. Every little bit helps!

My dogs are eating everything in sight. They are goats, just goats.

If you have snow on the ground, be careful. We have beautiful weather today.

I am currently eating a grape lollipop as I type this. Why exactly do we call it grape? It's not like it tastes like grape, really...
My oldest, and hopefully my middle, are going to a lock in and paintball thing for youth tonight. I fail to see the attraction of paintball, but they love it. I've seen the bruises. Ain't no way on God's green earth will I willingly do that!!!!

Have a lovely weekend!

Random Musings

Things that have been floating around in my head:
Do you have bloggers who you used to read fairly regularly but now? Eh. Don't like their tone, or their politics, or what have you. I've found that with a few blogs I hadn't read for awhile and then started again. And then quickly stopped.
Blogs can be like a black hole of time wasting if you let them :)

I have quite a few irons in the fire at the moment. Some of them are easy, some are harder. I'm trying to learn *again* how to balance time, energy, and talent. Some days I do well. Other days...well, not so much.

Today I have to go to work, then I have a meeting this evening downtown. Which requires 1. driving at night, which I hate, and 2. dealing with downtown traffic, which I am not too fond of either. Praying that I have a good attitude and that the meeting produces fruit. Or at least starts to dig the hole to plant the seed to grow the tree to produce the fruit. Sounds like a song :)

Internet went out last night! Couldn't figure out why, but was too lazy to go look at the little box thingy. Son 3 reported that the lights were "all out" on the box. Sighed and just used some neighbor's unlocked signal. This morning decided I would look at it. Reason no lights? No power. The cord had come unplugged. Glad it did not require any further effort on my part :)

Had my first "online" video conference yesterday, during which the dogs managed to get the porch door open and come back into the house. So all through the chat, I'm hearing "thump thump thump" of dogs running just about all over the house. Our house is on a crawlspace, not slab, so it echoes sound...it was too funny trying to pay attention while hoping they were not creating havoc in the house. Luckily they did fine, no messes, no eating pillows, although they did jump on the couch - the fabric one, thank heaven, not the leather.

It was so nice yesterday I even got to open the windows. Colder today. And they are saying 'wintry mix' for monday and tuesday. I don't mind winter weather, really. I just mind it here because it SHUTS everything DOWN.

Now, go wake up after this awfully boring post, and have a great day.

Updates

So, I've planned, led, and am currently recovering from a Tween lock in. We had 31 5th and 6th graders. Did games, ate, did some Bible study (not too deep - need baby steps with these kiddos), watched a  movie, and made them get some sleep.
I didn't bring an air mattress - that floor was kinda hard :)
One of the male chaperones got up early, made coffee and brought it up to the adults. Blessed man!
Besides, he is a super nice guy to boot :)
Everyone seemed to have a good time and were happy with the programming I did. SO I am glad I did it and far more glad it is DONE.

Came home, took a really hot shower (the church was cold) and took a two hour nap. Then I got up and went to the mall. WHAT WAS I THINKING??? The mall was totally packed. Parking lot was a zoo, stores were crowded, etc. We had to return some things to Aeropostale (have no idea how to spell it) as oldest got a sweatshirt that didn't fit for Christmas. So after much looking, he finally chose two t-shirts. The store is just not his style - doesn't like tight fitting clothes and doesn't like the layered fabric on everything. Of course, turns out my MIL must have gotten a great deal on the sweatshirt, so two t shirts actually had a $5 balance for me to pay, but oh well.
Then on to Penney's - easy because I know what jeans will fit them.
DH is after me to get new clothes, for a variety of reasons. He doesn't seem to understand the a) frustration involved or the b) MONEY involved! However, I may brave the mall tomorrow and go to some of the stores that were having great sales.
My problem? I'd rather buy anything else but clothes.

We're supposed to get a "light wintry mix" on Monday. AARRGGGHH.

Snow, Snow, Snow

So I think we have almost 6 inches by now. And it is still falling. Going to make all children go out and play in it, at least long enough to build me a snowman or something! Found the ski pants, so laundry will be somewhat reduced, anyway. 

I'm waiting to hear if I have to go into work. Our little road is snow covered, but I don't know about the main roads. 

No school, of course. If it keeps snowing they may not go tomorrow either!

A scattered post

• I am fighting a sinus/cold kind of thing. Which requires me taking decongestants and such. Which make me stupid. So, to sum up, I am slower than usual, can't hear, and can't breathe. 
• I am supposed to lead a tween (5th/6th) group on Sunday night. Today is the first day I feel mentally able to actually THINK about it.
• I went to an informal meeting about VBS this week, and my head was so clogged I could NOT track what they were saying. Hope I didn't miss anything important.
• Finals started today for the older kids. Now that I think about it, what a stupid day to start. Why not start on Monday? 
• The puppies continue to grow. They are getting so big. And eating. And chewing. They apparently got ahold of a cough drop the other day, according to son #1. It was a menthol type - I snickered. Served them right. 
• Trying to get oldest son to start investing in life HERE and not wishing for what isn't going to happen.
• Christmas WILL get put away THIS weekend. End of story. 
• I love my part time job, but we are all still adjusting. We now have a chore chart and allowances. And a big sign that says "IF you COOK dinner, you do not have to CLEAN UP after dinner"
• Hope everyone has a great weekend. I know I had something else to say, but it apparently has flitted out of my brain :) 
• Heh. Remembered. Attention all famous folks: I don't care if you are attracted to one sex or the other. And all the media outlets? Stop acting like it is news. It's not my business!!!!!

Movies

Okay, I KNOW I've been away from American movie theaters for 3.5 years.  And I know I was spoiled by Navy base prices. BUT. Today we went to go see Gulliver's Travels (don't bother) and the tickets were 7 bucks each. Okay, not bad. Less than I had heard in other places. However, I went to go get popcorn and drinks (nothing fancy - just a popcorn for us to share and two drinks) and the SMALLEST drink was almost $5!!!!!!!!!! We opted for no treats, and went into the movie theater.
Small theater. Should have sat farther back. Nice seats, though. And clean. VERY clean.
THEN...we sat through about 10 minutes of COMMERCIALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not previews, just normal, everyday COMMERCIALS!!!! When, exactly, did it become standard to charge me money to watch what I can on my TV? Then came the previews. And A funny little scrat short (he of Ice Age fame).
The movie itself? Okay. Not the dumbest I've ever seen (Happy Feet and some Renee Z movie that I've blocked the name of tie for that) but not the greatest. Javk Black is good, but the movie is a bit scattered and they obviously cut a part out.
We watched Despicable Me the other night. Funny, and I love the little minions. But not as good as Up.
However, there are some funny lines in
 DM. I especially like the littlest girl and the unicorn. And the minions reaction when told to go get a toy. Too cute.
Currently, my DH alternates between Saving Private Ryan (the worlds LOUDEST movie) and the Rose bowl game, which apparently takes a lot of yelling. Just wait till Ohio State plays in the sugar bowl.
Oldest went off to Sugar Bowl. And forgot his band shoes. luckily has black dress shoes with him that will fit the bill. I just hope he gets over his nervousness and has a good time.

Christmas and so on

Christmas was nice - all were healthy, youngest was Joseph at the Christmas Eve family service, complete with WILD wig, and Oldest read scripture. Middle kid helped husband move scenery (one backdrop) and i wrangled kids and sprinted up the aisle after missing my cue to read a prayer. In my defense, I was helping a wise man.
Last night we had the wonderful opportunity to see old friends for a night as they were driving to VA beach. They'll drive back through here in a week - YEA!
We have a new mattress - isn't that thrilling? It's a Tempurpedic...still getting used to it, but so far so good.

We even got snow - snowed about 3 inches, lasted a day, and now has melted quite a bit. Probably about half of it melted - and it was the best kind of snow, where it didn't stick on the street.

We went up and saw my family pre Christmas. My mom is doing okay, getting weaker physically but is still "there" inside. Its good to see her, but still hard in some ways. I don't know what I'd do without my sisters - they really do the lion's share of the work. ALS is a wicked disease, and I wish I could change it. But I can't. So we deal with it.

It's been interesting - for the first time in the kid's lives, I've had to go to work when they were home on vacation. But it's good too, because it makes them connect more with their Dad. I'm hoping tomorrow they can all go do something fun.

Wondering what to do for New Years...Oldest leaves that night for the Sugar Bowl. I'm more nervous about that then when I sent him to Bulgaria on a missions trip!

Dogs, Cats, Goats

So I didn't get dogs, apparently. I got goats. These puppies will try to eat ANYTHING.
Especially fond of carrots, however.
And cardboard.
And my purse.
So here's a funny video...about cats. Because cats are far funnier than dogs :)

And here's a seasonal one. My sister reminded me that this was why our tree was always wired to the wall when I was growing up. Our cats used to knock it down!

Lack of Mandatory Fun is actually quite....perplexing

So, when you are in the Navy, or your spouse is, there is a certain level of "mandatory fun". Those squadron parties, dinners, open houses, children's christmas parties (that you are usually helping to put on, etc) while are all fun, are sometimes a burden on your time, energy and finances.
This year, we have none of that. Zip. Zilch. Nada.
We've had two parties that we *chose* to go to. One was a church one, my sunday school class, which was a hoot and I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe. They are fun, funny, and verrry silly.
The next was a neighbor's open house. That was today and it was just so low key and fun.
And holy cow, the Matthew McConaughey commercial for dolce and gabanna just came on. Whew.
Okay, distraction over.
Anyway, the point is that this year, it is completely different. No mandatory things to go to. It's nice in a way, but ODD as well. I wonder if that is part of the reason I can't quite grasp the nearness of Christmas.
The fact that this has been a year of change might be another.
Advent is so important, that preparation time. I just feel like this year I could use 6 weeks of Advent, not 4!
Tomorrow, barring some odd snowstorm (no, not expected, just wishful thinking on behalf of my kids) I am finishing Christmas shopping and stuff like that. And doing the cards if I can FIND them...

Moods

For no reason at all, I am in a mood so foul the only cure is to go to bed. So the house will remain in an unpicked up state, I will let the dogs out one last time, and I will take my tired body and go to bed.
And so help me, if the two oldest children are still up when I go to bed....because I love my kids. But I don't want to see you awake past 930. And certainly not past 10.
Heh. I don't even want to see myself past 10 most nights.

The good thing, however, is that moods pass and that tomorrow will be a better day.

Questions

So, somewhere else, there is a meme that involves questions. I will post the question asked of me, and then you answer it for yourself as well.
Then, I will ask YOU a question in reply, and you answer it on your space - your blog, your journal, or right here if you don't have a "space".
And as people answer YOUR question, you think of something you would like to ask them, and so it continues.

The question asked of me was...
What is your dream occupation once your sons are out of the house? A well-founded dream and a completely fantastic dream, if you like. :)

My dream job? Being in charge of Children's Ministry at a mid size church, with unlimited and committed volunteer base, a reasonable budget, totally supportive congregation and lots of freedom program wise. Okay, you peeps with church backgrounds can stop laughing now. 
Realistically, I would love to go into Children's Ministry. I enjoy that field immensely and am reasonably good at   it :) I also think it would be easier to do with no children at home of my own! 
However, I am also finding my office work very enjoyable. It's low stress although busy, and I get to do a variety of things for a good wage. I can see me doing this job for many years. 
So if I could do both, that would be ideal! 

more puppies

Oh, these? these are the flowers I USED to have before the dogs dug them up. And ate them. 

Harvey is facing the Camera, I think. Jack is turned away. 

Happy Thanksgiving

So, Happy Thanksgiving.
Life just seems to be getting busier. My job is fantastic. Busy, and challenging, but not aggravating. And the people I work with are fabulous. Of course, we are now down one person, and so that means more hours and responsibility for me. Today I got to learn how to work with medicaid - determine eligibility and also submit claims. Kinda fun, and luckily pretty idiot proof.
What else? Lots of church stuff, which I enjoy. I don't know if it will ever amount to a 'paid' job, and I am not sure if I want it to. But I like working with the kids.
This Sunday I am: doing the Children's moment at 845 and 1100. Teaching sunday school at 1000. lighting the advent candle at 1100. And probably riding the float in the parade that night.
Yes, I am goofy. Totally and completely.
Plus the 5th I"m helping with crafts. And the Cmas eve family service? Youngest child is Joseph, older child is reading - and i'm helping shepherd children.
Still, we have our struggles. Oldest hasn't found his 'niche' yet. No close friends yet and that's hard for him. Middle one has kids on the street, and so does youngest. Oldest? nope.
Sigh. Hopefully he'll find some direction soon.
The puppies continue to grow and change, and are lots of fun but are quite a bit of work. Like all young mammals!

For your time wasting pleasure....

http://snowdays.popularfront.com/


Go, make a snowflake. It's strangely relaxing and addicting.

Today i took the dogs to the vet - they're fine, except Harvey has a scrape on one paw. Of course.
Then I went and got my hair cut - it's my splurge. I go to an Aveda salon, because I love the pampering. Plus the stylist I go to is friendly and cuts my hair really well. Plus she did my eyebrows today. MUCH better!

Then some shopping for the pets - long leads to work on recall so they can have a bit more freedom.
And bought my nephew's bday gift, plus a few books for Christmas.

Yesterday I had to go to the docs - UTI- and they gave me antibiotics. It wasn't too bad, but I get a huge dose of fatigue with these, and it has hit me today, so I'm taking it a bit easy.

What happened in pre antibiotic days, I wonder? Because without meds, I would be curled up on the floor, or throwing myself off of a roof just to stop the pain.

Gearing up

It's going to be one of those busy weeks, and I hope that things go fairly smoothly.
I do have a source of wonderment though. When did it become standard practice to have kids wear their PJ's to school???? I really hate PJ day. Think it is stupid.
I have a meeting here tomorrow night, and then I have a district meeting Thursday, both for church. I'm happy about both meetings, but it does make for a busy week.
And cub scouts? Haivng a pack meeting, Thursday night. But having a Thanksgiving type pot luck. Why??? Why go through all that trouble one week before? Feeling very scrooge like about the whole thing.
Time just seems to be flying.
And I wish I was going to VA for Thanksgiving. My Aunt and Uncle are coming, but we decided a long time ago, on the advice of my sisters, that it wasn't going to work to come on Thanksgiving . Now I'm regretting that but can't rearrange things now. We'll have to go after Christmas, and before Sugar Bowl. Or something.
Have a great week!