Another school year approaches and I am ,yet again, surprised how quickly the summer went by. My kids are growing too quickly. Their personalities evolve daily it seems. My daughter is 10 going on 15. Sometimes I am left with an openmouth at her sarcastic remarks. Oh how I dread the teenage years. But I am hoping that our close rapport will see us through the rough patches.
Today I will head out to buy school supplies and marvel at the cost :) Clothes are just unbelievable to me. My son is no problem, but buying clothes for my daughter is already a costly venture! She is ready to be 16 and work at the mall...so she can get a discount, good thinking love :)
Hope this post finds you all in good health. I know it has been a loo-ong time since my last chat, but I hope to get back into it, especially since both kids will be in school all day this year. What am I going to do??
Monday, August 15, 2011
Monday, March 22, 2010
Floating
Have you ever felt like you were floating through your life? It is a strange feeling to feel like you aren't "all" there. I have had a hard time lately. Largely because I would love to go back to work and finish school. Unfortunately the cost of child care makes it unpractical to do that right now. I can take courses at night, but the working mom thing doesn't seem to work for our family. At my daughter's school I know moms who work and moms that stay home. I have to say the stay-at-home moms are less stressed and more in tune to what is happening at the school at any given time.
The working moms seem to have more energy and alot more to talk about!
Is there a happy medium or is it a catch-22 that you have to pick sides of and be happy with your choice?
I went back to work a few months ago. I loved it, the people, the energy, the feeling of being useful. But the household went FLOP! So I am back home and will remain so until my son is in school full time.
Here's what gets me....I enjoyed feeling useful. There is so much to do at home and many areas to be involved in through the school, why have I stopped feeling useful in those areas?
The working moms seem to have more energy and alot more to talk about!
Is there a happy medium or is it a catch-22 that you have to pick sides of and be happy with your choice?
I went back to work a few months ago. I loved it, the people, the energy, the feeling of being useful. But the household went FLOP! So I am back home and will remain so until my son is in school full time.
Here's what gets me....I enjoyed feeling useful. There is so much to do at home and many areas to be involved in through the school, why have I stopped feeling useful in those areas?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Old Friend
Oma's assignment today:
Homework: Pick one or the other, or be inspired.
~Read something on your book shelf for sheer pleasure.
~Blog about a book you've read over and over. Prompt: "I can rifle the pages of ____and easily find my favorite part about____."
Reading for pleasure is something I do without thinking about it. I cannot remember a time that I didn't want to pick up a book, grab a cup of coffee and snuggle down into another world. Even as a child I loved to get lost in literary worlds. The characters became confidants as I escaped my sometimes turbulent childhood. (Nothing too dramatic. My parents divorced when I was 11, but separated several times before that.)
My father was seldom interested in our day to day childhood experiences. I cannot remember ever playing a game together. However, he enjoys reading and passed this along. For that I will always be grateful. When I was 13 he bought me a set of books based in the pioneer days. He must have been nervous; buying a set of books set in "old times" for a young girl headed into her teen years. But they were wonderful and full of lively characters. I read the series in its entirety about once a year or two. There are favorite books and passages, but once I start them, I have to finish. The "Love Comes Softly" series by Janette Oke sit beside Pride and Prejudice, Hamlet and my John Grisham books.
I love the simplicity of this time period. Oh, they had hardships that we would be hard pressed to face today, but they were tougher in spirit. The simple act of constructing a school for their country children is inspiring and makes you realize that we have so much to be thankful for. What we take for granted now, and often complain about, was hard won back then. Janette Oke did a follow up series starting with "The Tender Years" and I also have this on my shelf. I love her storytelling and style.
If you would like to participate in School Days, look up Travelin Oma for your assignment
Homework: Pick one or the other, or be inspired.
~Read something on your book shelf for sheer pleasure.
~Blog about a book you've read over and over. Prompt: "I can rifle the pages of ____and easily find my favorite part about____."
Reading for pleasure is something I do without thinking about it. I cannot remember a time that I didn't want to pick up a book, grab a cup of coffee and snuggle down into another world. Even as a child I loved to get lost in literary worlds. The characters became confidants as I escaped my sometimes turbulent childhood. (Nothing too dramatic. My parents divorced when I was 11, but separated several times before that.)
My father was seldom interested in our day to day childhood experiences. I cannot remember ever playing a game together. However, he enjoys reading and passed this along. For that I will always be grateful. When I was 13 he bought me a set of books based in the pioneer days. He must have been nervous; buying a set of books set in "old times" for a young girl headed into her teen years. But they were wonderful and full of lively characters. I read the series in its entirety about once a year or two. There are favorite books and passages, but once I start them, I have to finish. The "Love Comes Softly" series by Janette Oke sit beside Pride and Prejudice, Hamlet and my John Grisham books.
I love the simplicity of this time period. Oh, they had hardships that we would be hard pressed to face today, but they were tougher in spirit. The simple act of constructing a school for their country children is inspiring and makes you realize that we have so much to be thankful for. What we take for granted now, and often complain about, was hard won back then. Janette Oke did a follow up series starting with "The Tender Years" and I also have this on my shelf. I love her storytelling and style.
If you would like to participate in School Days, look up Travelin Oma for your assignment
Monday, August 31, 2009
Back 2 School - Oma Style
I was sitting here trying to figure out transition sentences for my essay when I came across the most interesting blog post. (I know, I get distracted from my work) Travelin Oma is doing a "School Days" series through her blog. It not only looks fun, but the writing practice is exactly what I need! I hope you decide to join me!
Homework Assignment:
The first time I entered blog land I came across Adventures of a Relunctant Housewife, that sold me then and there. What a phenomenal idea! I am here doing laundry, cleaning house, preparing meals, and feeling underappreciated by society. And I am not alone. I began my blog HappyBaker to share my love of baking, cooking and recipes. Soon I realized I had more to say than comments about food, so I began this blog. Overboard? Maybe.
If I were to write my memoirs, my name would be Sara. It is a pseudonym that I have used even for this blog. The people who know me best could definitely pick me out of the stories I would tell.
A title for my memoir would be tricky. Maybe "Forgotten Joy", "Forgotten Pleasures", or .......
Please see Oma for future assignments.
Homework Assignment:
The first time I entered blog land I came across Adventures of a Relunctant Housewife, that sold me then and there. What a phenomenal idea! I am here doing laundry, cleaning house, preparing meals, and feeling underappreciated by society. And I am not alone. I began my blog HappyBaker to share my love of baking, cooking and recipes. Soon I realized I had more to say than comments about food, so I began this blog. Overboard? Maybe.
If I were to write my memoirs, my name would be Sara. It is a pseudonym that I have used even for this blog. The people who know me best could definitely pick me out of the stories I would tell.
A title for my memoir would be tricky. Maybe "Forgotten Joy", "Forgotten Pleasures", or .......
Please see Oma for future assignments.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
School's Out
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
School is out for 2 1/2 months for me and the kids :)
I have been neglecting my blogging to focus on intersession classes. comp class in 2 weeks is insane but I am glad it is behind me now!!
In the fall I will take comp II and a history class. Why on earth did I let fear grip me for so long? This has turned out to be so much fun!!
Hope you all have a safe and fun summer!!
School is out for 2 1/2 months for me and the kids :)
I have been neglecting my blogging to focus on intersession classes. comp class in 2 weeks is insane but I am glad it is behind me now!!
In the fall I will take comp II and a history class. Why on earth did I let fear grip me for so long? This has turned out to be so much fun!!
Hope you all have a safe and fun summer!!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Facing Fear
You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt
This quote is one I have been looking to for the past several months.
Deciding to take risks is always hard, at least it is for me.
If something seems out of my reach, I tend to back down.
My hubby has been a source of encouragement and for that I love him more each day.
Going back to school is a big deal for me. I am 2 classes down and it feels great!
It no longer feels like it is out of reach! How empowering!
Eleanor Roosevelt
This quote is one I have been looking to for the past several months.
Deciding to take risks is always hard, at least it is for me.
If something seems out of my reach, I tend to back down.
My hubby has been a source of encouragement and for that I love him more each day.
Going back to school is a big deal for me. I am 2 classes down and it feels great!
It no longer feels like it is out of reach! How empowering!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
White Wonderland!
That's what it is like her today!
We are covered in a blanket of snow, about 4 inches and counting. Hubby was too excited! hehehe You would have thought it was Christmas morning! The kids got up and went out with him to "catch snowflakes on their tongues". I took pictures and videos, smiling at my snow covered trio. While they played, I made blueberry muffins, scrambled eggs, malt o'meal and sliced up a cantaloupe. I called them in to eat and warmed them up with coffee and cocoa.
What a wonderful day. It feels like we have frozen time for a moment and made a special memory......
Thursday, March 26, 2009
New Discovery for me
I have been introduced to Jason Mraz's music and it is fabulous....or at least I think so! Check him out on YouTube and let me know what you think.
Hubby is reading Kite Runner, he likes it so far but he said there are parts that are sad and would be hard for me. He did comment on how well it is written. Have you read it?
Hubby is reading Kite Runner, he likes it so far but he said there are parts that are sad and would be hard for me. He did comment on how well it is written. Have you read it?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Read On!
I have been reading quite a bit lately. Where do I find time to do that you ask?
Waiting at ballet class, soccer practice and for the arrival of hubby's bus in the evening. i realized I had pockets of time that I could fill up with reading.
The last few that I have read are:
SisterChicks Go Brit! by Robin Jones Gunn
I have always dreamed of seeing London and this book transported me there! I loved the adventures these two women found themselves in. And they have given me a few places to add to my "must-see" list. I will get there one day.....
The Next Thing On My List by Jill Smolinski
This was an interesting and fun book. There are a few sad parts but the ending leaves you happy.
Sailing To Capri by Elizabeth Adler
I am not usually a fan of mystery type books, but this was an exception. It is a very well written novel full of intrigue and wonderfully descriptive places!
The Appeal by John Grisham
I have read everything by Mr. Grisham. He is in my top 5 of favorite authors. This book did not disappoint as far as his writing and storytelling. I was so frustrated by the ending that I threw the book... But it ended exactly how the scenario would play out in real life. I love how Grisham delivers the unexpected even when you were hoping for the opposite outcome :)
What are reading? I need some new suggestions before I go to the library Saturday. Maybe something that uplifted you, or a cool mystery (I may have to check into those more), or perhaps a moving biography....I enjoy non-fiction as well.
Hope you have a great week! I look forward to your ideas!
Waiting at ballet class, soccer practice and for the arrival of hubby's bus in the evening. i realized I had pockets of time that I could fill up with reading.
The last few that I have read are:
SisterChicks Go Brit! by Robin Jones Gunn
I have always dreamed of seeing London and this book transported me there! I loved the adventures these two women found themselves in. And they have given me a few places to add to my "must-see" list. I will get there one day.....
The Next Thing On My List by Jill Smolinski
This was an interesting and fun book. There are a few sad parts but the ending leaves you happy.
Sailing To Capri by Elizabeth Adler
I am not usually a fan of mystery type books, but this was an exception. It is a very well written novel full of intrigue and wonderfully descriptive places!
The Appeal by John Grisham
I have read everything by Mr. Grisham. He is in my top 5 of favorite authors. This book did not disappoint as far as his writing and storytelling. I was so frustrated by the ending that I threw the book... But it ended exactly how the scenario would play out in real life. I love how Grisham delivers the unexpected even when you were hoping for the opposite outcome :)
What are reading? I need some new suggestions before I go to the library Saturday. Maybe something that uplifted you, or a cool mystery (I may have to check into those more), or perhaps a moving biography....I enjoy non-fiction as well.
Hope you have a great week! I look forward to your ideas!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Balance
This is what I am searching for. I have been around long enough to know that there is no such thing as "perfect balance". But surely there is a way to achieve a comfortable balance.
Am I missing something? I have all these irons in the fire and I feel like some of them are melting!! We all have several roles to play in life. I am a daughter, wife, mother, PTA member, babysitter, sister and chauffeur.
I feel stretched. The class i take on Tuesdays makes me feel like a I have 3 hours just for me. There are pockets of time that hubby picks up the house reins for me to have break...God bless him!
Is it just me? Am I just not capable to juggle all the things I see other women juggling in a seemingly effortless and graceful manner?
Am I missing something? I have all these irons in the fire and I feel like some of them are melting!! We all have several roles to play in life. I am a daughter, wife, mother, PTA member, babysitter, sister and chauffeur.
I feel stretched. The class i take on Tuesdays makes me feel like a I have 3 hours just for me. There are pockets of time that hubby picks up the house reins for me to have break...God bless him!
Is it just me? Am I just not capable to juggle all the things I see other women juggling in a seemingly effortless and graceful manner?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Traditions
Do you have traditions for the holiday season?
We pick new ornaments as a family each year. It is fun to add to the tree and have memories connected to our decorations.
Christmas eve we let the kids open one gift. It is always a book and I keep them put away until Christmas Eve. That way everything under the tree remains a secret until Christmas morning. then we watch "How The Grinch Stole Christmas". After singing Christmas carols, we read the kids' their new books and tuck them into bed.
Christmas morning is always fun! Santa leaves a big present unopened to greet the kids first thing! After opening gifts, hubby makes a special breakfast of Eggs Benedict...yummy:)
It is always so wonderful and I feel very blesses to have the family that I have!
Merry Christmas to you all!
We pick new ornaments as a family each year. It is fun to add to the tree and have memories connected to our decorations.
Christmas eve we let the kids open one gift. It is always a book and I keep them put away until Christmas Eve. That way everything under the tree remains a secret until Christmas morning. then we watch "How The Grinch Stole Christmas". After singing Christmas carols, we read the kids' their new books and tuck them into bed.
Christmas morning is always fun! Santa leaves a big present unopened to greet the kids first thing! After opening gifts, hubby makes a special breakfast of Eggs Benedict...yummy:)
It is always so wonderful and I feel very blesses to have the family that I have!
Merry Christmas to you all!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Party!!
We celebrated my mom's birthday this weekend :)
I made the cake, my uncle cooked out, and my aunt provided the sides. Too fun!
(That is my hubby putting "bunny ears" on my mom in the background)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Vegas Fun - Family Style
The CircusCircus has it's own theme park. It's not HUGE, but it has many fun rides! Even a roller coaster! The Adventure Dome was calling Isabella
the second she saw it ;)
Yup....Isabella and I are on this. Can you believe I did this? And it was the first ride we went on...hehehe...wish hubby had taken a picture of my face after the ride!
My lovely daughter, Isabella. This is on the hot air balloon ferris wheel.
My dear son Jaxson. He is fascinated by all the lights, sounds and people.
Isabella and I are on the boat at the very top...we are waving to hubby and a concerned Jaxson below!
Father gives daughter first driving lesson. I wish I could get videos to work when I upload them. I took a video of him driving all around the outside. It is hilarious, they may have been bumped once. Everyone else gets in jams and bumps...my hubby is careful and cautious...hahaha...it was sweet :)
Jaxson on the carousel
Hubby and jaxson waiting to get back on the carousel!
My kids after the day!
Jaxson fell asleep in his stroller on the looonnggg walk back to the room. We didn't want to risk waking him. Don't worry! We put on the brakes and stayed close by to make sure he didn't fall over.
Our view from the room. You can see the Trump Tower and many cranes. They worked all the time building things! It was amazing!
the second she saw it ;)
Yup....Isabella and I are on this. Can you believe I did this? And it was the first ride we went on...hehehe...wish hubby had taken a picture of my face after the ride!
My lovely daughter, Isabella. This is on the hot air balloon ferris wheel.
My dear son Jaxson. He is fascinated by all the lights, sounds and people.
Isabella and I are on the boat at the very top...we are waving to hubby and a concerned Jaxson below!
Father gives daughter first driving lesson. I wish I could get videos to work when I upload them. I took a video of him driving all around the outside. It is hilarious, they may have been bumped once. Everyone else gets in jams and bumps...my hubby is careful and cautious...hahaha...it was sweet :)
Jaxson on the carousel
Hubby and jaxson waiting to get back on the carousel!
My kids after the day!
Jaxson fell asleep in his stroller on the looonnggg walk back to the room. We didn't want to risk waking him. Don't worry! We put on the brakes and stayed close by to make sure he didn't fall over.
Our view from the room. You can see the Trump Tower and many cranes. They worked all the time building things! It was amazing!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Give Me Five Monday
It's that time again! I thought this was a great meme for today :)
Give Me Five current projects you are working on: crafts, around-the-house, church, work, etc.
1. Organizing closets - especially the kids, it's amazing how much they seem to grow in just a few short months! It's fun to go shopping for school clothes, though! So, far I have donated 4 boxes of clothes. And I have one closet left to do...next shoes...
2. Homework - mine and Isabella's i am taking a Humanities course this semester. I will have to do 2 book reports and an oral report is due in December (yikes!) I have already checked out a few of the books the professor suggested.
Isabella has homework about every other night now. I can't believe it! I am not sure we had that much homework when I was in 2nd grade.
3. Volunteer - I decided not to take a position on the PTA board this year, but I am will be volunteering in different areas. I like being involved but not having the stress of board meetings.
4. Scrapbooking
5. cross stitching - this is something my step-mother taught me years ago. I have recently picked it back up....it is soothing
Hope you have a great Monday!!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Vegas Baby!
Vegas in August is HOT....in case you wondered what the desert was like in the summer.
We went to marry off my brother-in-law. It was a wonderful trip despite the fact we had very little (make that zero) time to sight see. But I did manage to catch a few photos of the Las Vegas Strip our first drive in.
Isabella was the flower girl, Jaxson was supposed to be the ring bearer but he decided to be his full 2 and half year old self instead. He spent the wedding strapped in his stroller eating fruit snacks. But he looked snazzy and had a good time later :)
My biggest worry was how the kids would do on the two and half hour plane ride. We had to drive 4 four hours to the airport first (to ensure we wouldn't have plane changes) But they did outstanding!!!! I have to say it was waaaayyyy easier than I has imagined. I wish I could have those hours (days) back that I worried and fretted!
Props to the airlines for letting families board first. That way you have time to get them settled and comfy.
Hubby and i are now discussing a return trip. We now know the following insider tips...do not stay at a hotel with a casino, if you have to, use valet parking. Take the back roads off the strip...going down the strip takes FOREVER. And we have a list of places we know we want to see next time. Some of them being erased after the one glance as we glided slowly by the first time....
Here are a few pics....
This is where we stayed...sigh...grandparents picked it out. It was fun for the kids. Circus, Adventure dome and magic shows...but we had to go through 2 main casinos and ride 2 elevators to get to our room.
Room with a view :)
I will post more on the trip another day. Hope you all had a great weekend and it is good to be back in blogland!!
We went to marry off my brother-in-law. It was a wonderful trip despite the fact we had very little (make that zero) time to sight see. But I did manage to catch a few photos of the Las Vegas Strip our first drive in.
Isabella was the flower girl, Jaxson was supposed to be the ring bearer but he decided to be his full 2 and half year old self instead. He spent the wedding strapped in his stroller eating fruit snacks. But he looked snazzy and had a good time later :)
My biggest worry was how the kids would do on the two and half hour plane ride. We had to drive 4 four hours to the airport first (to ensure we wouldn't have plane changes) But they did outstanding!!!! I have to say it was waaaayyyy easier than I has imagined. I wish I could have those hours (days) back that I worried and fretted!
Props to the airlines for letting families board first. That way you have time to get them settled and comfy.
Hubby and i are now discussing a return trip. We now know the following insider tips...do not stay at a hotel with a casino, if you have to, use valet parking. Take the back roads off the strip...going down the strip takes FOREVER. And we have a list of places we know we want to see next time. Some of them being erased after the one glance as we glided slowly by the first time....
Here are a few pics....
This is where we stayed...sigh...grandparents picked it out. It was fun for the kids. Circus, Adventure dome and magic shows...but we had to go through 2 main casinos and ride 2 elevators to get to our room.
Room with a view :)
I will post more on the trip another day. Hope you all had a great weekend and it is good to be back in blogland!!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Back on track....
Kids are back in school and the routine is setting up nicely. I like routine. Sure, I get bored and have to switch things up a bit, but overall I enjoy a routine.
My daughter started 2nd grade. I can't believe how big she is getting. The time really does fly by. Can you believe how fast this year has gone by?
I hope you all had a wonderful summer. It's good to be back in blogland!
My daughter started 2nd grade. I can't believe how big she is getting. The time really does fly by. Can you believe how fast this year has gone by?
I hope you all had a wonderful summer. It's good to be back in blogland!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Happenings....
Things are happening fast and furious here. Summer started with a bang! Water guns, finger painting, soccer, dance recitals, weddings, vacations....whew! I am going to be in and out of blog land until fall. Please Please Please Forgive me!!!!! I have not forgotten you. I still read the blogs on the fly. I should comment more...(bad sara) but I promise to try harder to let you know I am alive!
Hubby got a promotion (Thank the Good Lord!!!!) He starts in 2 weeks. This is something he has been working toward the last 2 years. We are excited!
that was another factor in May. He was in and out of interviews and we sat the entire month on pins and needles waiting to hear! Throw in summer activities and I was a little overwhelmed.
Hope you are all feeling as blesed as I and I will chat at you soon!
Hubby got a promotion (Thank the Good Lord!!!!) He starts in 2 weeks. This is something he has been working toward the last 2 years. We are excited!
that was another factor in May. He was in and out of interviews and we sat the entire month on pins and needles waiting to hear! Throw in summer activities and I was a little overwhelmed.
Hope you are all feeling as blesed as I and I will chat at you soon!
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Tornado Alley
Yup, that's where I am. And last night was kind of freaky! We had my mom over for dinner and right after we cleaned the kitchen, the sirens went off. Mom took the kids to the bathroom, while hubby and I went to peek outside. It was dark and the air was heavy, very heavy. We went in and rode out a storm that lasted about 20 minutes or longer. A tornado touched down by mom's apartment. It was small, no one was hurt. There was damage and several trees down. She was extremely glad she was with us! It was a little too close for comfort!!
Hope the weather is fairer where you are!
Hope the weather is fairer where you are!
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Did you know?
I know that there things in this world we cannot protect our kids from. I also know we should give our kids tools and the knowledge to go into the world ready for the inevitable trials they will face.
I am having a little trouble however, with something that happened at my daughter's elementary school. Forgive me if I sound overprotective. Maybe I am just not ready for her to have to deal with this sort of thing yet.
Yesterday, they had a drill. Not a fire or tornado drill. I am not sure the exact name they gave it. But my daughter said they went to the cafeteria, hunched down in a row and turned off the lights. This was practice in case someone came into the school with a weapon. I just looked at her. She asked her music teacher why they were doing this, her reply? "In case someone comes in with a gun or knife and tries to hurt us." Yeah...that's what you need to tell a 7 year old. Idiot.
On the flip side, (according to the principal), the world has come to the point where we have to prepare for these cases. They want to have something in place, on the off chance a kid gets a gun and brings it to school.
Thoughts? comments?
I am having a little trouble however, with something that happened at my daughter's elementary school. Forgive me if I sound overprotective. Maybe I am just not ready for her to have to deal with this sort of thing yet.
Yesterday, they had a drill. Not a fire or tornado drill. I am not sure the exact name they gave it. But my daughter said they went to the cafeteria, hunched down in a row and turned off the lights. This was practice in case someone came into the school with a weapon. I just looked at her. She asked her music teacher why they were doing this, her reply? "In case someone comes in with a gun or knife and tries to hurt us." Yeah...that's what you need to tell a 7 year old. Idiot.
On the flip side, (according to the principal), the world has come to the point where we have to prepare for these cases. They want to have something in place, on the off chance a kid gets a gun and brings it to school.
Thoughts? comments?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
