After an indeterminately long week, the weekend is FINALLY here!!!! I was lucky enough to attend a training for work today, so I was out of the building, hooray! The training was rather fast, finishing early, allowing me to get home to the kiddos early, avoiding the usual hellacious Friday traffic. I bumped into a friend at Peanut's daycare, whose son also goes there, who commented I was off early. I replied yes, I sure was and I was happy to pick up the children. She replied that she would've gone home alone first. Ahhh, that would've been nice, but the thought of fighting the traffic later in the afternoon/early evening was motivation enough to pick them up when I did. After explaining my reasoning, she agreed, reluctantly.... :0)
The training today was all about how to incorporate technology into the curriculum, helping a variety of students access the content areas. The topic is broad, too broad actually, and I was hoping that the leaders of the group would have narrowed it somewhat. Ummmm, this was not the case. There was so much information and so many good ideas, presented at warp speed, it made it hard to know what to pick as helpful, or even practice during the training. I did work on using Microsoft Word to create multiple choice quizzes, with a drop down menu, which was really good. I also learned how to put together a power point from individual slides from groups of students. That will come in helpful. I also think I can read through it and find other things that will be beneficial. Maybe the next meeting will also allow for us to redefine the goals for the group. Either way, I'm learning and that is what is important.
The children are clamoring for the arrival of our Elf on the Shelf, Edgard. I suppose that if Captain is saying things like, "I suuuuuuure hope Edgard arrives tomorrow!!!!" is a not so subtle clue that I'm slacking. Of course, Peanut is the one who pushes the limits and wants to touch the elf, removing the "magic". During Christmas of last year, Edgard had to constantly be placed hanging from light fixtures, curtain rods, clocks....really anything that would keep him out of reach of Peanut. Another friend got her elf out last year, only to have her son tell her that she should send him back because he couldn't be good all the way until Christmas. I would likely reason that Peanut has the same feelings, just has not articulated so eloquently.
Dinner out tonight as a treat on a Friday, so I'm off the hook for cooking. Tomorrow morning I'm really hoping to make eggnog cinnamon scones. I love eggnog and in the form of a scone....mmmmmmmm!!! I think I might have to go to Starbucks soon for an eggnog latte....Or do you prefer the gingerbread latte? Enjoy relaxing tonight with your loved ones, or alone, reading a book....
L
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Breathe in.....
**Well, loookie what I found....it's a bonus post!
Dear found a perfect couch, put all 6 pieces in his truck and brought it home. It fit down the basement stairs AND looks amazing in the space. Did I also mention that it is comfy??? It's really just an added bonus. I mean, I would've sat on it even if it felt like rocks just because Dear brought it home for me. Maybe I lie just a little bit....lol!
Thanksgiving day arrived with pictures hung, couches assembled, children running crazy, and bottles of wine needed to tolerate the craziness. It was just the kind of Thanksgiving day I had hoped it would be. Relaxing, filling, and great family in the new house. I was proud of Dear and me for making our first turkey together, complete with stuffing that tasted almost as good as my mother's! Boooya! Can you feel the joy???
The day after Thanksgiving was relaxing. The only reason that I showered that day was because I spilled coffee and gravy on my jammies and thought I was starting to smell a little like a barn animal. But it was just the kind of day Dear and I needed, never mind that the children thought we were brain dead. They kept wanting some kind of attention and focus. Eh. Dear and I tried, but I can promise you it wasn't pretty. They still live so we didn't fail all that much :0)
Christmas is right around the corner. My parents were kind enough to bring me a wreath for the front door and two small poinsettias for the family room. That is as far as I've gotten in decorating for Christmas. Peanut did volunteer to go downstairs and get everything for decorating, but I was able to intervene quickly enough to prevent her from succeeding. I suppose that it will have to be done this weekend. Sigh. It will be great once it is done, but in order to finish it, there must be motivation first. Did I mention that I am getting my hair cut Saturday to avoid this? I have such excellent avoidance techniques....
Off to complete dinner and feed my family. They are thisclose to having a mutiny if I don't get it done soon....
Dear found a perfect couch, put all 6 pieces in his truck and brought it home. It fit down the basement stairs AND looks amazing in the space. Did I also mention that it is comfy??? It's really just an added bonus. I mean, I would've sat on it even if it felt like rocks just because Dear brought it home for me. Maybe I lie just a little bit....lol!
Thanksgiving day arrived with pictures hung, couches assembled, children running crazy, and bottles of wine needed to tolerate the craziness. It was just the kind of Thanksgiving day I had hoped it would be. Relaxing, filling, and great family in the new house. I was proud of Dear and me for making our first turkey together, complete with stuffing that tasted almost as good as my mother's! Boooya! Can you feel the joy???
The day after Thanksgiving was relaxing. The only reason that I showered that day was because I spilled coffee and gravy on my jammies and thought I was starting to smell a little like a barn animal. But it was just the kind of day Dear and I needed, never mind that the children thought we were brain dead. They kept wanting some kind of attention and focus. Eh. Dear and I tried, but I can promise you it wasn't pretty. They still live so we didn't fail all that much :0)
Christmas is right around the corner. My parents were kind enough to bring me a wreath for the front door and two small poinsettias for the family room. That is as far as I've gotten in decorating for Christmas. Peanut did volunteer to go downstairs and get everything for decorating, but I was able to intervene quickly enough to prevent her from succeeding. I suppose that it will have to be done this weekend. Sigh. It will be great once it is done, but in order to finish it, there must be motivation first. Did I mention that I am getting my hair cut Saturday to avoid this? I have such excellent avoidance techniques....
Off to complete dinner and feed my family. They are thisclose to having a mutiny if I don't get it done soon....
Breathing....
I refrained from crying after the post I typed disappeared. I couldn't tell you where it went, but all of a sudden...*poof* it was all gone. It was funny though because it was all about how I have had to practice breathing recently to remain calm, so I can now firmly attest to the fact that I practice what I preach. This time at least. :0)
Thanksgiving was a strong push to get the house ready for the family to come and celebrate. Dear traveled all over hell's half acre to find a couch for us to put in the basement, hung pictures, and made sure the turkey was defrosted. What would I do without him?! Don't answer that question because I'm sure there are days when I could imagine it, but he does the same, of this I'm sure. :0) The pictures were hung, furniture arranged, and children bathed. We considered ourselves prepared. Thanks to that frame of mind, we were able to relax and really enjoy having everyone here. The food was delicious, with contributions from everyone. As a house warming gift I received a beautiful table cloth from my brother and sister-in-law. That was a treat. As luck would have it, the table cloth matched the decor in the dining room and fit the table quite well. I almost felt like a grown up. Naaaaaaah!
The day after was the ultimate lazy day. I only changed out of my pajamas because I had spilled coffee and gravy on them and began to smell of a barnyard animal. It was really best for all that I got clean. I did put pajamas right back on after my shower so as not to ruin the tone of the day. It was much needed for all, despite what my children would tell you.
It is feeling though like life isn't showing any signs of slowing down. Between working full time, getting settled in the new house, taking care of the new house, and trying to bake when I feel stressed, it's almost like living in a time warp. I can hardly believe that Christmas is just around the corner. I sure hope Santa and his elves have been working hard so I don't have to. Some dreams should be allowed to come to fruition, even if they are couched in children's fairy tales. I'll get motivated real soon, promise. How do you motivate yourself for the holidays? How much do you decorate?
Off to put the children to bed, since Dear is upstairs bathing them. Never mind if I sit still any longer to type I'll tip over on the couch and fall immediately to sleep. OH! I just had an idea!!! I should buy the Anyreader pens for my children to use so that one of us doesn't have to read to them every night! Bingo! I am brilliant, I tell you. Think it will work???!!! That's what I thought....not so much....*sigh* It was a brilliant idea, if even for a moment....
L
Thanksgiving was a strong push to get the house ready for the family to come and celebrate. Dear traveled all over hell's half acre to find a couch for us to put in the basement, hung pictures, and made sure the turkey was defrosted. What would I do without him?! Don't answer that question because I'm sure there are days when I could imagine it, but he does the same, of this I'm sure. :0) The pictures were hung, furniture arranged, and children bathed. We considered ourselves prepared. Thanks to that frame of mind, we were able to relax and really enjoy having everyone here. The food was delicious, with contributions from everyone. As a house warming gift I received a beautiful table cloth from my brother and sister-in-law. That was a treat. As luck would have it, the table cloth matched the decor in the dining room and fit the table quite well. I almost felt like a grown up. Naaaaaaah!
The day after was the ultimate lazy day. I only changed out of my pajamas because I had spilled coffee and gravy on them and began to smell of a barnyard animal. It was really best for all that I got clean. I did put pajamas right back on after my shower so as not to ruin the tone of the day. It was much needed for all, despite what my children would tell you.
It is feeling though like life isn't showing any signs of slowing down. Between working full time, getting settled in the new house, taking care of the new house, and trying to bake when I feel stressed, it's almost like living in a time warp. I can hardly believe that Christmas is just around the corner. I sure hope Santa and his elves have been working hard so I don't have to. Some dreams should be allowed to come to fruition, even if they are couched in children's fairy tales. I'll get motivated real soon, promise. How do you motivate yourself for the holidays? How much do you decorate?
Off to put the children to bed, since Dear is upstairs bathing them. Never mind if I sit still any longer to type I'll tip over on the couch and fall immediately to sleep. OH! I just had an idea!!! I should buy the Anyreader pens for my children to use so that one of us doesn't have to read to them every night! Bingo! I am brilliant, I tell you. Think it will work???!!! That's what I thought....not so much....*sigh* It was a brilliant idea, if even for a moment....
L
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Long Time....
I had no idea that it had been since May that I've written here. I think during these last 6 months I've lost my marbles more times than I care to count. It has been a crazy time, leading to some insane decisions that have brought about some big changes.
The school year wrapped up in June, so I transitioned to a stay at home mom, leaving behind teaching if just for 8 weeks. During these not so boring 8 weeks, Dear and I met with our realtor and decided that we would put the townhouse on the market just before we left for the beach trip in August. Thus began the emptying of the house for staging, making everything immaculate, and attempting to control the two minions, who had other ideas about what to do. I also hired a handyman to come and paint the house, power wash the deck and siding, and make a few small repairs. He worked efficiently, albeit not perfectly, but hey, what did I care...it looked good on the surface. Suddenly, it was August, time for the beach trip and the final touches for getting the house on the market. We left, the revolving door of Realtors began, and we got an offer!!!!!!!!! The contract was ratified while on vacation, so upon returning home, we didn't have to keep it neat and clean. Never was my exhale so loud as it was when we walked in the front door, knowing I didn't have to keep it immaculate.
As we had to look for somewhere else to live, Dear and I were a country divided. He wanted to move West, I wanted to stay local. To say we gave our wonderful realtor a few new gray hairs might be a significant understatement. A huge reason for my desire was to keep the kiddos in the same school. Dear's reasoning was valid, i suppose, as he wanted to go west to be closer to family. Going west meant sacrificing what we could get for our money, something I didn't like whatsoever. My commute to work would've sucked big time. Dear's might have improved significantly, but round here, traffic generally bites no matter what... :) After numerous highs and lows, houses seen and left unseen, we stumbled upon 2 in the local area. I thought for sure I had found THE one. On line, it was amazing, appearing to have all that we wanted. There was a second one, with a red door, which looked nice but not really so great in comparison to THE house. The fateful Saturday we chose to go out looking, our realtor said she wasn't coming to see just one house, so we'd be going to see both. The yellow house, THE one, crumbled before my eyes as we toured it. There were so many things it lacked and flaws. So, to the red door house we went.....We were in for a treat after walking through the front door. Freshly painted, new carpet, an open kitchen, granite counter tops, a finished basement with more storage than anyone could fathom, and in the same school boundaries. It appeared to be a win/win for all.
So, two months later, we're settled in the new house with the red door. We left behind the Hood and traded it for Pleasantville. It is awesome. There is so much space. The children love it too. We were lucky enough to host my side of the family for Thanksgiving, so the kitchen was put to the test, as well as my cooking skills. Sooner rather than later, I'd now like new ovens, a new dishwasher, and to get the microwave off the counter. I think these 4 appliances will be on the 5 year plan. See how much I've grown up, I didn't say immediately....of course, if they happen to be replaced sooner, I'm not going to argue one iota!!!!!
In the midst of all this commotion, I found that I was pregnant with our 3rd. Dear and I were surprised and over the moon. I thought the timing was perfect. The baby was due in May, which being a teacher is amazing timing. On Columbus day, I went for a sonogram. The term they used was blighted ovum, which meant something had gone awry during the cell division. Recognizing this fact, my body had reabsorbed the baby, which was what the sonogram showed: just an empty amniotic sac. Tears fell like Niagra Falls as I sat with Dear in the car to explain to him all that I'd just been told. The journey of healing has been emotional and fraught with so many different thoughts. Should we try again? Are we happy with the two healthy, amazing children we have? Can we afford it financially??? We can't end on a sour note, we must try again! Do you get a sense of the Sybil like character Dear has been stuck with these last few months???!!!! The final decision really has yet to be made, which makes my official title of Queen Flaffel, rather fitting ;0)
Maybe I'll be able to find more time to visit here and post about the lunacy. With a Peanut like mine, there is no shortage of stories. Of course, the Captain first born provides for many as well.
L
The school year wrapped up in June, so I transitioned to a stay at home mom, leaving behind teaching if just for 8 weeks. During these not so boring 8 weeks, Dear and I met with our realtor and decided that we would put the townhouse on the market just before we left for the beach trip in August. Thus began the emptying of the house for staging, making everything immaculate, and attempting to control the two minions, who had other ideas about what to do. I also hired a handyman to come and paint the house, power wash the deck and siding, and make a few small repairs. He worked efficiently, albeit not perfectly, but hey, what did I care...it looked good on the surface. Suddenly, it was August, time for the beach trip and the final touches for getting the house on the market. We left, the revolving door of Realtors began, and we got an offer!!!!!!!!! The contract was ratified while on vacation, so upon returning home, we didn't have to keep it neat and clean. Never was my exhale so loud as it was when we walked in the front door, knowing I didn't have to keep it immaculate.
As we had to look for somewhere else to live, Dear and I were a country divided. He wanted to move West, I wanted to stay local. To say we gave our wonderful realtor a few new gray hairs might be a significant understatement. A huge reason for my desire was to keep the kiddos in the same school. Dear's reasoning was valid, i suppose, as he wanted to go west to be closer to family. Going west meant sacrificing what we could get for our money, something I didn't like whatsoever. My commute to work would've sucked big time. Dear's might have improved significantly, but round here, traffic generally bites no matter what... :) After numerous highs and lows, houses seen and left unseen, we stumbled upon 2 in the local area. I thought for sure I had found THE one. On line, it was amazing, appearing to have all that we wanted. There was a second one, with a red door, which looked nice but not really so great in comparison to THE house. The fateful Saturday we chose to go out looking, our realtor said she wasn't coming to see just one house, so we'd be going to see both. The yellow house, THE one, crumbled before my eyes as we toured it. There were so many things it lacked and flaws. So, to the red door house we went.....We were in for a treat after walking through the front door. Freshly painted, new carpet, an open kitchen, granite counter tops, a finished basement with more storage than anyone could fathom, and in the same school boundaries. It appeared to be a win/win for all.
So, two months later, we're settled in the new house with the red door. We left behind the Hood and traded it for Pleasantville. It is awesome. There is so much space. The children love it too. We were lucky enough to host my side of the family for Thanksgiving, so the kitchen was put to the test, as well as my cooking skills. Sooner rather than later, I'd now like new ovens, a new dishwasher, and to get the microwave off the counter. I think these 4 appliances will be on the 5 year plan. See how much I've grown up, I didn't say immediately....of course, if they happen to be replaced sooner, I'm not going to argue one iota!!!!!
In the midst of all this commotion, I found that I was pregnant with our 3rd. Dear and I were surprised and over the moon. I thought the timing was perfect. The baby was due in May, which being a teacher is amazing timing. On Columbus day, I went for a sonogram. The term they used was blighted ovum, which meant something had gone awry during the cell division. Recognizing this fact, my body had reabsorbed the baby, which was what the sonogram showed: just an empty amniotic sac. Tears fell like Niagra Falls as I sat with Dear in the car to explain to him all that I'd just been told. The journey of healing has been emotional and fraught with so many different thoughts. Should we try again? Are we happy with the two healthy, amazing children we have? Can we afford it financially??? We can't end on a sour note, we must try again! Do you get a sense of the Sybil like character Dear has been stuck with these last few months???!!!! The final decision really has yet to be made, which makes my official title of Queen Flaffel, rather fitting ;0)
Maybe I'll be able to find more time to visit here and post about the lunacy. With a Peanut like mine, there is no shortage of stories. Of course, the Captain first born provides for many as well.
L
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)