Not the world's most exciting post

I figure I may as well be honest about it :)
Middle kid is finishing up a project on Rene Magritte. The guy who painted the people with apples in their faces, but also the businessmen falling from the sky like rain...that I SWEAR some band used on some album...but maybe I'm imagining things.
Oldest kid is finishing up a project on Shelley, the poet. He did really badly on the paper, so he's hoping to do better on the presentation. I'm going to Sylvan today to look into their writing programs. He really needs some help there.
Youngest Kid? Just made 2nd class scout, elected patrol leader, and is developing the teen reluctance to do homework. I keep having to remind him that attitude is not an option when you ASK your mother for help.
I actually left work early yesterday - I swear I felt like I was coming down with the flu. But i'm better today.
I think the dogs are trying to tell me something. One is laying on the apple power cord thingy - it's a box that you attach the extension cord onto- and it always is very warm. Maybe they are  a bit cold. I've decided the boys can walk them later...it's cold, gray, and I'm still a bit eh.
OH! Forgot to say that I actually won a contest from a blog.  I'm amazed. And one of my favorite (and one I've read the longest) blogs too - www.notesfromthetrenches.com You should go and read here there, and over at AlphaMom. Oh, but don't read her if all you want is sunshine and perfect children. She is delightfully real.

This and that

Not much blogging lately as not much to blog ABOUT. Not that ever stopped me before. Oldest got his DL over Christmas break, but hasn't been doing much driving - just not a lot of opportunity for him TO drive before 6pm. When he turns 17, he'll be unrestricted, which will be nice.
Father in Law starts chemo next week, so prayers are always welcomed.
I have to give a two hour seminar on children's ministries for our district lay leadership training on Sunday. Guess what I'm planning today???
I know the bare bones but have to get it all organized.
Oldest is not doing as well as he should in English. Going to try Sylvan or something.
Went and visited a college last Friday with him, he had a good time and liked the one we went to see.

I'm a little off kilter these days, trying to figure out why.

Happy New Year

May 2012 be a year of peace, joy, love and comfort - rest if that is needed, energy if that is needed, both if both are needed.
May you live 2012 intentionally, kindly, lovingly, and *fully*.
Happy New Year.

My dogs do not share well

I'm sitting here in my kitchen, about to clean up from dinner and the dogs have been given their own chew bone. However Jack, the more dominant one, will NOT leave Harvey alone. Good gravy, it's like two toddlers. He finally got the point and has gone into the other room with his.

This is officially the Christmas of 'Give Ourselves a Break". It is a hard Christmas for me. My FIL's news was good though, he is going to have surgery and chemo and the doctors are hopeful.
Still, it's hard for me. Tears at odd times.

Our oldest may be getting his driver's license next week, yikes!

Sorry. Not much on the writing front these days. May your Christmas be blessed, and if you do or  don't celebrate Christmas, I wish you peace, joy and love. And may 2012 be a good year for all.

Advent

Advent is one of my favorite seasons of the church year. I adore the hymns, the preparations, the entire thing. This year, I already knew that the hope of Advent would be something I would be clinging to. Now I find I'm clinging to it even more. My FIL has been diagnosed with mesothiloma ( I don't htink I"m spelling this right, but i'm in a hurry) around his heart and in his lungs. Not Good. So, for the second time in just a few years, I got to tell my children their grandparent is dying.

It is helpful to know certain things about yourself. 

I know these things:

Crowded stores and I no longer get along. They make me antsy. and grouchy. and make me want to run home. This should make Christmas shopping interesting this year.
Live music, when containing guitars and drums, and played loudly, gives me a headache and a case of spiritual grumpiness :)
I sincerely and utterly dislike hearing music playing while people are praying. Pick one or the other.
I have to have time alone to regenerate.
I have an addiction to books. I'd have an addiction to shoes, but I have such trouble finding ones I *like* (and that aren't 995 bucks. Who pays that for a pair of shoes???) (and why do I have to have such big calves???)
I have never been a good housekeeper. Ever. Don't really like it, although I like the results. Flylady works for me, but only when I am faithful to it :)
I am, however, pretty good at being a mom, a helpmate to the DH, a friend, and I can write a paper on just about anything. Oh, I also make some really yummy chocolate chip cookies. And brownies. And I made a potroast in the crock pot last week that was YUMMY.
I love learning - I love thinking about things - But I'm not a really deep, deep thinker on many things. I'm more of a practical thinker I guess, with a little whimsy thrown in. And my thoughts? Run the line from one end to the other.
I can knit some killer rectangles :)
I have two dogs who think every squirrel must.be.destroyed. I think the two dogs are missing a few nuts and bolts.

And the last one for today? I am going to be late to work :) 

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

House Repairs

Well, Mom's house is going to need a new roof. And new gutters, probably. And some minor mold issue stuff.
Our cabin we own needs a new floor and chimney repairs, a new mattress for the bed, and a tree removed.
The house we own in another part of the country needs serious cleaning, carpet repair, and a new tenant.

The house we are living in? Needed some things that were wants, not needs, so I guess they get to wait another year.

Work still busy. Update at 11.

That about sums it up. Work is busy, busy, busy.
I'm replanting some flowers the charming goats dogs ate. Who knew dogs liked rosemary. And lavender.
I'm awfully glad it is Friday.
I want a day where I don't have to go anywhere or do anything but focus on the things I need to get done. No outside emergencies, no outside tasks. Just my stuff. Pretty selfish, except that most of my "stuff" involves doing things for other people.

A Busy Week

This week the office where I work went over to electronic medical records. Well, we kinda did. It was the week we had the trainers here all week. Long days, lots of brain power required. I was exhausted.

This weekend, two of the three kids are on camping trips/retreats. So we took middle kid last night and went to the local fun park - went goKarting (Not my thing, but I tried it once. I'm sure I provided ample amusement for the workers - white knuckle driving the whole time. Actually, I hated every second of it and it took all my grown-up pride not to stop the cart, get out and say "I"m done!") and played putt putt golf (And I got THREE hole-in-ones) and then the DH and the boy rode the Karts again. Finished off with a trip to Sonic for slushies. Boy said 'That was a great night!" We don't get to hear that too often, so I was over.the.moon. PLUS he agreed to go with me today to a farmers market.

I have heavy things on my heart, but just ask that if you pray, pray for families that need physical healing, for ones that need emotional healing, and for all of us to grow more loving in our responses.

Matthew 5:44-45

New International Version (NIV)

⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.




But oh, how I wish I could make the rain go away for a dear friend and her family. 


But I also know that NOTHING can take the Love of God away from us. We may fail, but God never does. 

House for sale

My mother's house has a sign out in front. The kind of sign that says "For Sale".
I can't seem to catch my breath when I think about it. I can't seem to swallow, I can't seem to keep the tears from falling.
I want to scream.



*Note to say, that intellectually, I know it is just a house. I know it has to be done. My siblings have worked so hard at getting it ready and i'm grateful to them.*

The text this morning at church will be Matthew 5:38-48. If someone strikes you, turn the other cheek...if they say go one mile, go the other as well.
Praying for peace, peace in the world but also peace in our hearts. For without one, can there ever be the other?

Still here

Life just got really, really busy.
Let's see, school has started, no major mishaps yet, but of course homework forgotten, quizzes bombed because they didn't study, and so on.
Work is slam busy, but it's good. I'm working three basically full time days a week.
We transition over to electronic medical records in October, which will either be terrific, or hell, or both.
I'm betting on both.
Dogs are HUGE and vary between sweet and a pain in the butt. Currently they are barking at some unknown threat (my vote is on a squirrel) in the yard. I lied. Jack just came in to see what I was doing, and if I had any food I'd care to share. Tough luck pup, not sharing my lunch. Edited to add that I'm tired of people in my neighborhood not keeping their dogs in their yards. Two collies and one Husky ( Maybe a cross but had super icy blue eyes) while i"m trying to walk two boxer/hound mixes who are still really puppies was NOT fun. Grr.
I'm taking another class in the online Christian ed series I've been doing. And as I have turned in the first assignment three days late, I"m wondering if perhaps I'm not supposed to be doing this. But the program is no longer going to be hosted by the peeps hosting it now, and if I don't take it now I don't know WHEN I'll be able to do it online again. But my question is "Am I supposed to be taking it at all?"
I am wondering if a call can be revoked. Or if it is just in hibernation until other stuff (like grief) gets worked out?
The grief, it is still there. It comes in waves and it goes in waves. It is for my mother, but also for my father who has been gone 20 years. Apparently I thought I grieved it all the way through with him. But I didn't - and so now I have a double whammy.
Our church hired a new Director of Christian Ed. He's from a non Methodist background, but willing to learn and to grow. He seems very nice, willing to listen to my crazy ideas, and has taken a large portion of tweens off of my plate. Early days yet.
So, hope all of you are well and happy. I'm still in awe of a little boy I know (OKAY, he's not little any more) growing up and getting married. Sheesh. Wasn't I just giving him fake bugs as a gift???

One of my favorite blogs that I read, http://handmadehomeschool.wordpress.com/  talks often about living purposefully and thoughtfully. She often sets goals for herself, but doesn't seem to beat herself up if she doesn't reach them. 
Purposeful living is something that I am occasionally good at, but mostly I feel like I am running a day late and a dollar short. Especially lately. 
I think I want to try to set some goals, nothing huge but still some things to keep my mind and soul focused on life, not just day to day tasks. 

I am still mulling over this, but I do know I want to:

1. Be more consistent about devotional and prayer time. Pray a lot, but I am wondering if my ADD prayers might not be the most effective way for ME to pray. Maybe they are. 

2. Devote some time every day to Bible Study- Reading- learning about things that aren't usually in my line of sight. Also this ties into work learning - I have a need to learn some specific things, and I need to set time to do that.

3. Learn how to knit socks. I have wanted to do this for over a year. My goal might be to knit a pair of socks before New Years. Or at least start a pair. That's probably more realistic.

4. Plan out menus and shopping so that my time is not wasted frantically thinking of what has to be done

5. Restart Flylady - not full blown, just her basic principals. Really helped me years ago, and I think I need to just jump in and do it again.

6. Plan things with the kids, and DH to make some structured family time or at least some more memories to add to the mix! 

I have so much wasted space in my day. Not down time, not quiet time, just wasted space. I want to take that down time and make it into something that is enriching, not just time wasting! 

What are your goals? What do you want to do?

Replying

One thing that we really work on with my middle kid is acknowledgement that someone has spoken to you. Oh, heck, we work on that with all 3 of them. And occasionally DH. But telling someone that they have been heard is a powerful thing, regardless of the subject. A household chore, a life crisis, a sad event, a happy event, we all want to hear that we have something to say and that it *has been heard*.
On a less grand level, it drives me crazy to say something to the above mentioned child and get no response. We're starting to institute the 15 pushups rule. Don't acknowledge me? 15 pushups.
Worked for them remembering to turn off lights!!! And for occasional lapses in manners.
If I could do it with the dogs, I surely would. They ran off yesterday (tripped, dropped leashes, dogs went AWOL) and 15 minutes later I finally caught up with them again. Ok, so it wasn't 15, but it was a good 10 and many trips into the creek later. I sometimes wish we had bought land like we originally intended to, so they could just run to their heart's content. Oh well.
On a totally unrelated note, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the wedding present I bought. I am SO excited about it - handmade pottery that is dishwasher safe. Plus I'll get them something else, like a gift card. And I'm sticking in some homemade knitted dishcloths. It's the first kid of my friends to get married. I remember when he was born. Shoot, I remember when his older brother was born!!!!

All I keep thinking this evening was that there were still so many things I wanted to say. And ask.

I don't have any guilt or true regrets. We did the best we could to come and see her, and to be in contact with her. I called until calling was impractical. I emailed. I did all I could. She knew we loved her and I knew she loved us. and so it's not guilt. It's just loneliness.

Towels

How exactly, does one lose not one, but two very large beach towels?
I don't know but apparently we have managed this in my house. And I have discovered it right before a short little jaunt to the beach.
Luckily, I have some older ones to fill in the gap.....


Packing for a short trip to the beach is SO MUCH easier now that everyone can pack for themselves. I supply list, they do packing. With supervision, otherwise things get a little interesting.

“The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea.”

--Isak Dinesen

"One learns first of all in beach living the art of shedding; how little one can get along with, not how much."

- Anne Morrow Lindbergh

What needs curing for you? And what do you want to shed? 

Summer

It doesn't really feel like summer. Except of course for the heat and always present humidity.
Work is busy, but fine.
Family is here, there and everywhere. Youngest is attempting boy scout camp, oldest is going to California, and middle one was supposed to be doing a week with dad at "boot camp" (not really doing the boot camp part, just the enjoying the outdoors part) but isn't feeling well. Nerves, I think.
I've been playing around with the family tree info on ancestry. Fun, and a big time sucking hole.
This was going to be a witty post, full of good stuff, but i'm too tired. Early bedtime for me tonight, that is for sure!

Even the dogs are being lazy

Okay, so I'm not really being lazy. I'm just not getting things done. VBS is almost here. That means it is almost over, which is even better.
Work is hopping busy, although this week is the week the doc is out of town so not much going on. Although I have to go in tomorrow for a bit and I went in on Tuesday.
Oldest kiddo gets to have dental surgery in mid july. The ortho consult is in a week, so we'll probably have a consult with the oral surgeon in there somewhere too.
Sigh.
Baseball is almost over, I think middle kid has done okay with it.
Swim team is quickly losing its appeal for little guy - the 2 times a day practice is NOT his favorite thing.
Although he liked his first meet.
Me, I'm trying to keep busy. Not trying to deny the grief, or the loss, or the emptiness, but realizing that life continues despite how I feel. I am not nearly as efficient as I once was. That's okay though.
I did just spend some money on I tunes. Bought some good summer music - Beach Boys, B 52's, Brown Eyed Girl, and so on...
About to read two books that came today from Amazon. Trying not to melt in the heat. Trying to find time to go to the pool!!!! Maybe I'll do that tomorrow!

I'd like

I'd like to write a happy post, but I can't.
I'm still in the middle of the river of grief. I do okay most of the time, but the tears come and will not be stopped until they are done.
I have several volunteer responsibilities  I would like to get rid of. I just don't have the emotional energy for them. I just don't see how to ditch them, however.
And the person who I thought would perhaps jump in and be that buffer has not done so. I've worked really hard for someone since the fall. And now it seems I'm expected to just "soldier on". I'm fighting against resentment and anger and hurt.
My family, my friends, and my workplace have all been amazing. My church? I hate to say it, but not so much. Words are fine. And I'm grateful for prayer. But I would have really just loved someone to call. And then I feel like i'm being selfish or too demanding. I don't need meals. I just needed a call.
But, I did get calls from dear friends of long ago. That made all the difference in the world.
Okay, edited to add that two women from church have called/visited. One was of the "it's okay to drop everything" school of support - but with the realistic acknowledgement that I probably wouldn't, but that it was okay if I did. I'm sure that doesn't make sense, but it was a wonderful phone call. The second was from one of the sweetest women I've met there, and she brought chocolate bread over last night. So the support is there. Maybe I just couldn't see it. Now the leadership support? Still hearing those crickets chirping...

Grief is

*selfish. I Read FB updates and just don't see how they matter. And I know they matter, to them, and I know they will matter to me. But right now, some of them just seem pointless. And unfair.

*tiring. I am bone weary. Still functioning, because life trudges onward. And sleeping, and eating, and all those things, but in and amongst it all, bone weary.

*frustrating. Because I know that the only cure is time.

*repetitive. Saying "thank you" over and over. And "yes it is hard" and all the phrases we so carefully construct so we don't burst into tears in odd places.

*. It just is.

But there is joy amongst the grief, and happiness and laughter in life as well. Like youngest boy joining Boy Scouts. Like puppies who try to climb in your lap. And they weigh about 59 pounds each. Friends who call and shore you up to get through the day. Far away friends who send you emails that make you sob, but in a good way, because they offer such deep comfort.  Things to do, a family to care for, a God who is in all of this with me.

A quote

This quote has been floating around my head today:

"With my mother's death all settled happiness . . . disappeared from my life. There was to be much fun, many pleasures, many stabs of joy; but no more of the old security. It was sea and islands now; the great continent had sunk like Atlantis."  CS Lewis

My mother

My mother passed away today.
It doesn't suck any less to lose the second parent.
The waves of grief consist of wanting to puke, not being able to breathe, tears, laughter, rinse, repeat.
She lived a good life, full of love and laughter.

This and that

1. There is something blooming outside that is stinky in a cloying, overwhelming sort of way
2. I've been to Atlanta this week, with a mess of 5th graders, and I didn't get to see one of my dearest friends. THAT is a bummer. 
3. I do not enjoy kids who have an attitude of learned helplessness. I just don't.
4. I am tired from that trip, but it was good overall. 
5. Still trying to make a final decision regarding a part time job at church. We find out tomorrow if DH's job is going to stay at one level or be reduced. That may be a factor.
6. I've felt for awhile like I am a tumbleweed, just rolling around in life, trying to stay caught up with the immediate but not paying enough attention to the details. It's been a busy year. 
7. A year ago we were in France. I think. 
8. Axe has improved. But it still is very....um, STRONG. 
9. Youngest goes to the dentist tomorrow....yikes! 

Momentum

It is a beautiful day here, so I'm taking advantage and throwing open the windows and cleaning.
So far I have vacuumed up an entire dog worth of dog hair.
Trying not to lose momentum. As long as I don't sit down, I think i'm fine. This is not a "make it through the week" cleaning, this is clean out and clean up. I even vacuumed the couch :)
And cleaned out a junk drawer. Amazing, no?


And edited to add that my husband does not think much of listening to opera while cleaning. So he's shut the door to the den and promptly fell asleep. I think he's lost his momentum.

Expressions

I heard a great expression today - "Jealous for you". It was in reference to a friend of mine who is one of the pastors at my church. Today she found out she got a good appointment - in the UMC the ministers are appointed to churches, which is sometimes a good thing, sometimes a God thing, and sometimes a bad thing. THis one is a good + God thing, we think. Although all she could say was 'Big church, happy about it, have to sell my house to move there". We'll know more in May.
Anyway one of her other pastor friends warned her that some of the women in the district are going to be jealous. My VBS co director said "We'll assume they aren't going to be jealous of you, but jealous for you - they're happy for your good assignment and realize what a good thing it is".
I liked that phrase. ALthough I'm fairly certain the former will be in existence as well.

I use phrases all the time. I had a friend once who said she was going to write them all down in a book. Of course, as I'm writing this, I can't think of a single one. Oh Good Gravy! (wait, there's one!)

Do you have a favorite expression? If I think of more, I'll add mine.

Decisions are tricky

I have a few decisions to make soon.
Some involve deciding to do or not do something
The other involves choosing between two choices.
First up? Should I apply for a part time job at my church, in addition to the part time job I currently have and enjoy?
Second? Invited to participate in a leadership summit for the UMC worldwide - one
day thing- everyone meeting at the same time across the world to talk aobut, pray and discuss the church.
Same day as field trip for oldest to see a play that he wondered if I wanted to chaperone.

So I have to decide. Meanwhile, I've decided I really like the weight watchers chocolate covered raspberry bars. That was easy. :)

The positive

What do I like about Mothering and what do I do well?
I love seeing them grow and change. I love the fact that the older two can now open jars for me or reach the top shelf. I love seeing their sense of humor, their friendships, their lives open up and take directions mine never did. Sometimes that is bittersweet. They have opportunities different than mine, but I wish they could have some of mine as well - some of the simpler, less restrictive ones. Like being able to go talk to your teachers before school.
I love when they text me. Or write me little comments on the church bulletin.
I love how they humble me - that again and again I am reminded that they are not me, this is not my childhood, and they get to make their own mistakes.
I love to play games with them, the kind that don't involve a tv or computer. Although I am always amazed at how much better they are with my iphone games. sigh.
I truly *like* my kids. I think that shows in their willingness to share with me, that even the 16 year old still says "Love you mom" in public.
When they were younger, I really liked doing messy projects with them. Not everyone does, but I loved the playdoh and the paints and the crayons. The science experiments and the art projects.
I have found, lately, I am seeing a need to reconnect a little bit. We are all so busy, and the computer and tv and video games are such a draw. But I can't give in to that, I need to be purposeful in my connections.
They drive me batty occasionally, but I think any mother who says "I have perfect kids, we are the perfect family" is delusional or psychotic. We argue, I occasionally yell, we mope, we fuss, but we always come back together. We tell the boys when they fight, look, you can fight, but remember, no one else knows you as well as your brothers. Stick together.
I hope they remember that as they get older. That you must stick together.
I have my flaws, and I have a temper. But showing them that, and showing them how to argue fairly, is not a bad thing I think. I don't want to be seen as perfect, just as someone who loved them perfections, imperfections, and all.
They look quite a bit alike. And they all share some basic character traits. But their personalities and actions are each unique. Some days one child may be closer to me than another. The youngest is still in a different stage of life, the middle is in the throes of early teenagerdom, and the oldest is trying to find his way. I don't love any of them more than the other. Some days I enjoy one more than the other, some hours even. But it all evens out in the end. Some days they like Dad more than me :)
There is no "golden child" in this family. Each child is allowed their differences and loved for them. Some of the differences we wish were different :) but all in all , they are wonderful kids. THis mothering gig? Hard as all get out, but wonderful. I cannot imagine my life without my kids.
ALthough I would like to imagine that someone else in this house can hear the dogs needing in and out, and understanding that the laundry fairy is not going to come!

The blogging world

I'm not a big fish in the blogging world. Heck, I'm not even a minnow, and I like it that way. But I do have several blogs I read faithfully, and the thing is, many of them are going through rough times. Divorce, child issues, just life in general. One has seemingly stopped blogging, which makes me sad, as her perspective and voice were different than many others out there. Some are raising the second round of kids AND dealing with health issues. I didn't read blogs for a few days and came on to find one of my favorite bloggers is getting a divorce. Hopefully all will work out for her and her family. But I don't really "know" her so...no details.
I suffer from incurable nosey-ness. But unless I know the person in real life, so to speak, I try not to ask for too many details. Just because a person chooses to blog doesn't mean they have to blog about their whole lives, and it doesn't give me the right to pry.

I like blogs that are *real*, that share the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. I enjoy blogs that make me think, and ones that make me laugh. I don't enjoy reading blogs that are entirely focused on one thing. I like variety :)
What makes a blog read-able for you? What makes you return?

totally silly but totally fun

You were born during a Waning Gibbous moon

- what it says about you -


You like to question things and have issues settled before going to work on a problem. You appreciate art, elegant forms, and efficient designs. You seek deeper meanings in things that you see and want your actions to make the world a better place.

What phase was the moon at on your birthday? Find out at Spacefem.com

Why?

Why, exactly, does Tricare need a twitter account?
The Facebook page is bad enough. But twitter? Really? You couldn't spend that money on a slightly better phone system?

It's raining, it's pouring

It's rained all weekend. Not all the time, and not heavy, although it rained hard enough last night to wake me up. It is raining again this morning. Those grey rainy days make it hard to stay motivated.
Friday, oldest kid took new gf to dinner (Ihop) and the movies. I had gotten a Living S. deal on two tickets for 9 bucks, so!!! I drove to dinner (dropped off, then went shopping) and then picked them up and took them to the movie theater. Den picked them up, because I really hate driving at night.
Last night he (oldest kid) had people over for movies, video games, etc. Turned out to be all girls, but that was okay, they had a good time. All NJROTC kids. I took the younger two (I used to call them the 'littles' but since one of them is taller than I am..) to Ihop and then we went and saw Gnomeo and Juliet. It was a cute, funny movie. Not an "UP" or Ice Age, but cute, funny, and lots of little Shakespeare "hints' in the movie. All three of us enjoyed it.
The 'party' broke up about midnight. I am TIRED today. But I have to go to Sunday School to fill in.
Today's exciting agenda includes.....
Oldest working on Poe Paper
Middle child cleaning out backpack
Youngest child finishing cleaning his room. His closet is a scawy place.
Grocery shopping
Laundry
Keeping dogs from going stir crazy
Finding Tax papers

On a happy note? FINALLY found my Christmas Card address book. Seriously considering sending out Easter cards instead!

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!

Happy Love Thursday

So, one of the blogs I read faithfully, http://wouldashoulda.com/, by the fabulous Mir, does a Love Thursday post every week. In it, she finds something to reflect the love that surrounds us in this life.
Since I've been doing a fair bit of 'poor,poor pitiful me" thinking lately, I decided I needed to steal, er, borrow that idea.

It is Veterans Day. And while I am thankful for all those who served, who died serving, who lived to come home, and those who are still out there, I have a group of people who I think about when I read the In Flanders Field poem that I do every Veterans day.
It is the ladies of Arlington National Cemetery. They make sure that every veteran buried there has someone at their funeral, to stand and honor their service. Here's a link: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/anc-lady.htm
And they don't do it out of guilt, or money, or for publicity. They do it out of love, a love for those they have never met, and for the love of their country.
My father is buried at Arlington. The support and dignity that accompanied his funeral was amazing to me, even in the midst of our grief. Go to Arlington if you get a chance. It is overwhelming, and sad, but there is a sense, to me, of love, of tenderness, of care, for those who gave their life simply because they were doing what they believed was their duty. Some willingly went to war, some were sent. Some died on that field, some died inside on that field, and some came home to live a life full and happy and died years later. But war changes everyone who touches it, and who is touched by it. The only cure for war, and the only cure for heartache caused by war? Love.
So love those around you, love them with every ounce of your being, so that the love may spread, and through love, we may beat our swords into plowshares.
Happy Love Thursday.

Answering machines

Because we are apparently in the dark ages, we still have a "land line". The description of which makes me  shake my head - sounds like the other option is what? An air line? water line?
One thing I am learning to use, though, is my answering machine to screen calls. Now for 3.5 years we did not have caller ID available on our home phone. Now we have it again, and even though I am on the do not call list, we still seem to get our fair share of nonsense calls. Especially during the day, if it doesn't say G county schools or the name of my church, I'm pretty sure its a nonsense call.
My cell phone, however, must be one or two digits off of someone else's number. Because I CONTINUALLY get wrong number calls. And texts. Once, someone asked if they should get dreds. I thought, hmm..I don't think this is who you think it is.
Nothing against dreds, but they don't really work on anyone who would be texting me - my DH, my best friends, my sisters...none of them either have the correct texture or length for such things.

On the stomach front, Oldest is the only one so far to actually become physically ill. I had a mild version of it, as did middle kid. But good gravy, I am so drained. Apparently that is one of the hallmarks of this particular virus. It's not even no energy. It's like an energy vacuum.

Took both puppies for a walk today. It's fun till they get tired and start to be uncooperative :) like all small tired mammals, so we turned around and came home then.

Now I am off to the store so I can sneak in a nap before the kids get home. And I'm really wishing my washing machine and dryer both took the same amount of time. Laundry would be so much more efficient.

Guess what season it is!

It is......stomach flu season, apparently.
Oldest had band competition this weekend - 5A state finals. Band finished the highest they ever have before, so awesomeness abounds.
However, he announced this morning that he didn't feel well. And he didn't look well, obviously. And then he told us that 5 kids had puked at the band competition.
So...he made it to school but then DH brought him back as he felt like he was about to puke. So when I got back from bringing middle kid to school, there he was. So far he's puked twice.
But boy, do I have clean bathrooms now.

So now we are watching The Princess Bride.

And I'm wondering how long till the other shoe drops...

Puppies

Fall

I'm actually enjoying the Fall weather - I love cool days and cold nights, but I could do without the rain. But we need it, so I should just hush up.
One of the funniest things lately is to watch the puppies play in the leaf piles. Endless entertainment.
They are looking more and more 'boxer' ish...
I think I'm ready to write the official letter to my grad school telling them that I will not be continuing the masters program. I hate not finishing things, but it just isn't where I need to be any longer. I think. Arrggh.
No, really. I don't think I want to teach in the public school system again - I like my part time job, and it allows me time to take the kids to appointments, wrangle puppies, and also take time off when needed, to go see my mom, etc.
And if we both worked full time? We would so have a house cleaner.
Now, if my sinuses would please loosen up so I could move without feeling dizzy!

November? Really?

Well, the trick or treat night went well, with tons of kids, and we had a few stragglers last night. I was very generous to the younger kids last night, but if you are older, and can't bother to dress up, you get one piece of candy.
Amazed at the number of people who drove their kids house to house. Now, I live in a subdivision where the houses are not far apart  - we share driveways, and walking from door to door is not hard. AT ALL.
I make the older kids do a trick - if they are stumped I tell them to jump on one foot, say their ABC's etc. One girl said hers backward. She got extra :)
One teen boy was trick or treating for his little sister who was too scared to actually come up the steps, or approach anyone. So he got a package of chocolate for himself, and lollipops for her.
Parents? Don't care if you are dressed up. If they are YOUR children, YOU don't get to trick or treat. Steal their candy like everyone else.
Mostly everyone was well behaved and polite. Mostly. Just wasn't that into it this year. I think I was missing my buds from when we lived overseas and would sit in the driveway with a glass of wine handing out candy!
Today is house cleaning day, as life is about to kick back into gear. I do, however, have my Christmas cards purchased...now to get them out before Christmas :)

Making Choices

So today, we have DH going to supervise an NJROTC drill meet.
We have oldest son going to a band competition. Which I had planned on going to.
However, our neighborhood association has decreed that TONIGHT is trick or treat night. BLECH. The competition is far enough away that I couldn't go, watch, and come back. Do I make the younger kids miss Trick or Treat to go watch the oldest one play for 20 minutes? yea, not enough wine in the world to make THAT happen.
So DH was thinking about trying to go from his thing to the oldest's thing, but was grumpy this morning and dithered about it. It's killing me - I want one of us to be there, oldest wants one of us there, and I don't know if that is going to happen.
Why do all things seem to happen on the same weekend? We face a similar situation next weekend, but I think we've got it figured out.
ARRGGHHH.

Now I want cake.

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/10/god-of-cake.html

Sundays

The weekend has just FLOWN by. Today was our church's fall festival - fun, low key, and a nice way to spend a few hours.
I did the children's moment today - on when Moses tells the peeps to stop bringing sacrifices to the temple, that they had enough. But we should never think God wants us to stop bringing our love to Him.
Next week is All Saints Day. I have to work on that !!!
Plus, next Saturday is a band competition PLUS the Halloween parade in our development. Blecch. Too many things on one day.
The puppies are getting bigger, and seem to be over their tummy troubles. Sweet, but busy little guys.
This week is middle kid's 13th bday. Have NO idea what I'm going to get him. At least this year we don't have to worry about party issues - just don't know enough peeps.
Bonus find of the month..the preschool at the church had been given a huge amount of yarn that they can't use - it's wool yarn. So I grabbed a few rolls so I can do the squares for this project:
http://www.knit-a-square.com/index.html
Now I have to actually do it!!!
Alright, off to do some laundry. The never ending cycle, right?
Loincloths. That's the answer.

In which I borrow an idea...

So this is from a friend's blog, and I thought I'd slide it away over here...
One little compliment can make you feel amazing.

So give me a compliment, anything in the entire world, even that my shoelaces are pretty. Put this in your journal. And once you get some comments, put that entry in a memory or tag and when you are feeling down, just go to that entry and this will remind you how great you are.

This morning

Cleaned up puppy poop and puppy puke before coffee
Got three kids ready for school...oops, middle one ill. Yesterday it was oldest child.
Trash out
Recycling out
Get kitchen ready for dishwasher guy
Mop floor from yucky puppy footprints
Wash puppy bedding
Plant plants in ground - they were in pumpkin planters but the pumpkins have started to dissolve.
MAKE COFFEE
Realize that it wasn't even 9 am yet.

Our new puppies.
Boxer mixes.
Stretched out one is named Harvey, curled up one is named Jack!

Dishwasher appears to be either dying or already dead.
Car needs oil changed, tires filled, and to be cleaned out.
Head is going to implode if the weather doesn't fix itself soon. It needs to rain or maybe there is a front passing by..either way my head is so tight that I think my hair is going to fall off.
And I have to make cheese quesadillas for JP's spanish class domani.
And I have to proctor the PSAT tomorrow.
And ATT? You are starting to piss me off. Stop losing my signal, please.

But, on the good side, I got paid today, I really like my part time job, and the kids only have school 3 days this week.
Yea!!!

Cleaning House

I took today while everyone was at school/work and cleaned the house. I changed bed linens, scrubbed bathrooms, mopped floors, vacuumed, the whole nine yards. Did the Italian thing and opened all the windows. Didn't think my neighbors would like me to hang the comforters out of the window, so I kind of just spread them inside. In Sicily all the cleaning women would hang the comforters out of the windows to air them out.
Besides, I was also afraid a bird would poop on them.
I even swept my front porch. And then looked at the posts and around the light and said "Huh. Guess I don't need to BUY any spiderwebs, because every spider in this state is living ON MY PORCH!"
Blech. I don't mind spiders, really. But honestly, these are the messiest, thickest webs I've ever seen.

The problem with cleaning is that it requires sustained motivation. And I'm good for about three hours. Then I'm done. But I took a break and then finished up, so I feel entitled to make breakfast for dinner. Mostly because I have no clue what to make. I'm a wee bit tired of trying to think of dinner ideas. Mostly all I want is...chips and salsa.

Soon, I will have three kids in a car and be driving up to Virginia. While I am glad to be going, I am NOT looking forward to the drive. I am going to avoid 81, however. Just not in the mood for dodging large trucks and stupid drivers.
81 seems to attract both likes flies to....honey.

Oh, youngest is going to be a dust bunny for Halloween. And middle one is going to be something involving locust skeletons. I'm trying not to ask.
Oldest is too old....I'm hoping someone will have a party.

Moving Mysteries

There are a few things I can't find since the move. One, my light up pumpkin for Halloween. DH swears it is in the outside garage. I looked, but didn't see it. I really would like to find it. I know that it is here *somewhere*. Unlike the Nutella (6 large jars) that I cannot find anywhere. I think the movers may have, um, liberated it.
Ok, the TV is on as I write this -some guy paints pictures out of the dirt on the back of his car. I mean, not just minor "wash me" but entire paintings, like The Birth of Venus. Go here if you want to see:
http://www.dirtycarart.com/DCAGallery/index.html

I have started a part time job. It's fun, I like it, but it changes how the house is run and how things get done. DH and I were talking last night -the original plan was for me to work full time. But after 15 years of NOT working outside the home full time, I think it would have been a disaster. DH agreed. Middle kid is finally getting stable - between the meds and therapy, his anxiety is so much better, and we have a 504 for the ADD/Anxiety issues in school. Part of me still longs to have them home and home schooled, but they seem to be doing well. These schools, despite all the gloom and doom of public school reports, are strong academically and really, they are doing the things I would be doing for the most part. We still 'supplement' and all the kids are great readers, so that helps. But I miss them when they are at school.

Now I have to get the younger two to figure out what they are going to be for Halloween.

Knitting

Okay, so how hard is it to knit socks? I mean in the grand scheme of knitting. REALLY hard, or just Kinda hard, or no, it's not too hard, so just jump in and try it?
I can knit, purl, increase, decrease, all that fun stuff. I'm just looking for something knew and not too complicated to try.

What do you call it?

What do you call it when you are "homesick" for  a place that isn't your home? I was unpacking MORE stuff from Sicily today - wishing I'd bought more of those little Venetian glass animals from that one store in Taromina, remembering different things as I unpacked items to put in the china cabinet - and wishing I was back there. Life was confined in a way back there, but it was also a bit easier in some ways.
I'm glad to be here. I"m happy where we have chosen to live. And when I long for Sicily, am I longing for Sicily, or the Sicily I knew when my friends were there?
All I know is this house is a disaster and I have until Thursday night to get.it.clean. ALL the things.
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-is-why-ill-never-be-adult.html
(warning, there is some language that isn't suitable for all peeps, but I LOVE this post)

Making a big dinner

One problem I have is that when I make a big dinner, then I no longer want to *eat* said dinner.
Tonight I cooked stew and biscuits and pie. Chocolate pudding pie. Haven't made it in so long I had to look up how to make a meringue. It had been THAT long.
Furniture is rearranged and looks good. Oooh, it's thundering again. It's been raining off and on all day, and cooler weather approaches....
I love fall. Wonder if I can go apple picking somewhere....

Book Fairs

I spent this morning working at the middle school's bookfair. It's a small bookfair, really, for such a large school. Scholastic run, of course, and lots of books (could we find a new YA topic? Vampires are starting to get on my nerves). But lots of little junky gegaws - erasers, and pencils, and chocolate bar shaped calculators.  Drives me crazy, because the kids will buy the overpriced JUNK and not look at the books!
And middle school kids. Wow. I forgot how *rude* they can be to their teachers. My kiddo has issues, but rudeness is not one of them. Or wouldn't be for long, that's for sure.
So it's rainy, and chilly, and I'm seriously considering Beef Stew for dinner. Or chili, but then I have to make something else for the kids.
We are down to painting the trim in the living room, then I can set it up. *Big happy dance*
We have cable. Only took them four hours. Of course, part of the issue was how the people before us had set things up.
DH's parents come this weekend, so i want the house to look good, so I'm going to bust my little butt all week to get it that way. Hopefully I'll make it!
Plus I have to find out if we have a den meeting tonight. And i need to order our popcorn. He's kind of given up on the door to door thing. It's not his thing, and he wasn't having a lot of success anyway!
Band Competition this weekend. Close by, so we are only going for a bit. Oldest did well at the last one, so maybe he won't be so nervous this time.

Ok, I'm here,now what??

So, I haven't updated here in almost four years. Wowza.
I knew I had this one, but forgot the name!
So today's excitement is cable installation. It has been three months since we had cable - when we moved from Italy, we didn't renew it, and with the money crunch this summer....it just wasn't that important.
But now, it's college football time and certain members of my household are a bit anxious. Chomping at the bit, really.
So I am waiting on a certain cable company. But my neighbors next door (who I just met today and who have the most adorable little girl) use uverse from ATT. Hmm....I looked it up and it looks like a good deal. I'd have canx the cable appt but DH is unavailable (ROTC commitment) to consult.....
Meanwhile Oldest has a band competition, which meant practice today in the morning, fly home for lunch, rush back to the school so he can get on the bus. They'll get home LATE tonight.
The poor kid doesn't have his ipod either, as it got washed earlier this month. Makes Christmas shopping for him a bit easier.
So, I'm working on the house today - inlaws come next weekend, which is *wonderful* but does give us a definite deadline on some things...like painting and putting books away. I don't have to work next week which is a bit easier, but there are, of course, school things (book fairs, picture days) and my usual "intern" days at the church.
Bored yet?

Italy

We leave for Italy in about 5 months. I have much to do, and it is very overwhelming. Now, I've done all this crap before, only not for an overseas move. I'm trying to learn Italian, which the kids of course pick up much faster than I do. They seem to have inherited the Harrington language gene. Home schooling is not going as well as I thought it would, and that is a trifle aggravating. But, it will come right in the end, I think.

The best laid plans..

I laughed reading my post below..we're going to do Math and Science over the summer. Yeah, right. HAH. We've gone swimming, we've done VBS, we've been bums, we have done NOT a STITCH of school work. Well, I have -tried to learn Italian, and tried to keep up with Latin. You will notice the tried, please?? Next week, we start school. Physics is first on the science page, but also weather at the same time. Then we go on to Earth and Space science and weather throughout the year. I think.

Now you see it, now you don't

Ok, this seems to be the theme of the blog. Sometimes my posts appear, sometimes they don't. sigh.

can anyone else see my post? I can't

ARGHHHH. IF you can see my post, would you please comment on it? I can't see it...it's like its magically eaten up by blogger....

The busy weekend, unlike a lost one

 the short version is that it was a killer busy weekend. But it's all done now, Italy is confirmed, for this time next year, we are almost done with school for the year, although we will do science and math over the summer, plus learn Italian.