Clark and a friend took our guys and several of their friends camping this past weekend. They packed too much stuff and then left about a third at home! They left about 3pm on Friday and came back on Sunday around 1pm. They all had a great time and they all made it back with all their body parts, a little crispy, but in one piece.
Now.....I missed them, I really did! But, I gotta tell you, the break was amazing! Not that I did anything special, but, WOW! I was able to catch up on the laundry AND the dishes, sweep the floors, organize Lauren's school stuff, and clean my kitchen. All while listening to what I wanted on the radio, watching what I wanted on TV and reading a few book all the way through! I went to a movie on Friday night with one of my friends and another movie Saturday with another friend. I did not have to get up and go to the bathroom once! It has been so long since I have seen a "grown-up" movie, one that wasn't animated or made by Pixar or Disney. I almost wasn't sure what to do. I saw Eat, Pray, Love and Salt. Have I mentioned that I have very different friends? Looking at the titles of the movies, it kind of sounds like I have a food fixation...hmmmm.
I was so excited when the kids got home and couldn't wait to hear all about their trip. But, by the time they came in, got undressed and I got them unpacked, they were watching "Up". I did find out tidbits here and there. I heard about the skunk, Alex floating out into the middle of the lake (almost), Alex almost getting hit by the truck, Lauren and Alex having to have separate sides of the lake and the underwear they found. How it was a million degrees at night and how they DID use sunscreen. It just must have washed off. Good thing they packed so much food, because they caught NOTHING to eat while they were there. They also managed to get the pancakes they had pre-made wet, so they were all very big meat eaters. Meat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Erica had made a brisket for them to bring for the first night,which was a good thing because they forgot the camp stove. Luckily both men have cooked on a fire before. And if all else had failed, there was a bait shop on the property that would have saved them. What a great and memorable way to start the new school year. I am very glad that Clark spends this kind of time with my guys cause camping is NOT for me. Been there, done that, would like to move on to something else!
Next time, I get to pick what we do and I am going for the HOTEL! Now that's MY kind of camping!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
SCHOOL!
School is starting in ONE week! I am excited, the kids...not so much.
Aaron picks up his schedule on Tuesday and this year, the High School will be posting supply lists! Joy of joys! I will not have to fight the crowds of all the other high school parents fighting for school supplies during the first week of school. We will all get to fight it out now the week BEFORE school! Isn't that great?
Lauren's supplies showed up this weekend and I think I am more excited than she is. We are using a new program that supplies ALL the supplies she needs...even paint for art and a jump rope for PE.
Alex is still waiting. We find out who his teacher is on Tuesday and that will determine if we homeschool him. If we do decide to homeschool him, I will have to create the program myself. The only pre-packaged programs for him at this stage require a fee. And, we are still trying to get back on our feet financially. I am not too worried. There is sooo much information out there, that I feel confident that I can do it!
I am going to try and get a few kids in to help bring in some money. My other option is to work at night while Clark is at home with the kids and he already works during the day. It would be hard but once the house is sold, we should be able to down-size things to where me working will be a short term thing, I hope!
Aaron picks up his schedule on Tuesday and this year, the High School will be posting supply lists! Joy of joys! I will not have to fight the crowds of all the other high school parents fighting for school supplies during the first week of school. We will all get to fight it out now the week BEFORE school! Isn't that great?
Lauren's supplies showed up this weekend and I think I am more excited than she is. We are using a new program that supplies ALL the supplies she needs...even paint for art and a jump rope for PE.
Alex is still waiting. We find out who his teacher is on Tuesday and that will determine if we homeschool him. If we do decide to homeschool him, I will have to create the program myself. The only pre-packaged programs for him at this stage require a fee. And, we are still trying to get back on our feet financially. I am not too worried. There is sooo much information out there, that I feel confident that I can do it!
I am going to try and get a few kids in to help bring in some money. My other option is to work at night while Clark is at home with the kids and he already works during the day. It would be hard but once the house is sold, we should be able to down-size things to where me working will be a short term thing, I hope!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Lauren Bryce
My daughter has so many different people inside her, all trying to get out at one time. There is the silly little girl that just goofs around, with her friends, her brothers, everyone. This small person is spontaneous and very bubbly. She will run through the house making silly noises just because. She gives her brothers giggles (both of them) so much that they hiccup. She started a thing with her dad, who is notorious for making very bad jokes and puns. She looks at him at just says "click". He is an umpire for the local baseball league and that is the sound the pitch counter makes to track how many pitches each player throws. We like to play and be silly and have a great time.
There is another person who has been showing up more and more recently.. the moody pre-teen. She can be VERY dramatic at times and just fall apart and cry. Aaron does not know how to deal with this at all! I want to tell him that this would be great practice for when he has a girl-friend. Alex likes this one because she is the easiest to get worked up. I have tried to warn him, but, as we all know, he loves to flirt with danger. I just ride the roller coaster with this one and wait for the ride to stop.
The last one affects me the most. Her angry little self. She is so smart and thinks on such a higher level, that she gets so frustrated and angry! She "knows" that she is only 9 years old but she also "knows" that she can do so much more than other 9 year olds. Sometimes, there is no reasoning with her at this point and all you can do is send her to her room until she has control again.
It hurts me to see her struggling with all of this. It helps a little that I know she will come out at the end a strong, independant young lady, but this is hard. I wish I could just wrap her up and make it easier. That, however, would be doing her a disservice. All I can do is pray for her and love her with all my heart.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
It's been a while...
I know that it has been a while since I posted last, but a lot has seemed to be going on.
Aaron made it thru three levels of All Star Tournament play and did pretty well. The last round seemed to fall apart due to umpire issues. I know, I know, everyone says that. But when the head of the league apologizes to your head coach and says that he has already called and complained about the job the umpires are doing, that leads one to believe that it isn't just me! I will post a team picture next post. He has really grow as a player. 15 is a big deal. Just too hard for me to comprehend!
Alex is just very busy. Aaron and a friend hooked up Alex's PS2 after a SERIOUS room cleaning and Alex really enjoys being a bigger guy! He has a $20.00 gift card from Game Stop that he got from Grandma and Grandpa and he is excited to be able to buy his own stuff.
Lauren is trying very hard not to be too bored this summer. There were no Girl Scout camps that she wanted to go to and Camp Invention was way too expensive. So she is just hanging out with family and friends. We are looking into another online school for her but it depends on the school's TAKS scores. The one she took last year was okay but we had several issues with the "work at your own pace" promise. It turned out that it was work at your own pace as long as it was the same as ours! Not so much for us. The one we are looking at seems to be truly at her pace with the opportunity to advance to the next grade if she does well. Lauren TAKS scores were fantastic and her grades were all "A"'s. So she gets the concepts, she is just really bored at being held back.
Clark is trying very hard to not take over at his job, but it seems he knows more than his boss as well as the head of safety. He is just happy to still be employed. The air conditioning was out at work last week and I felt so very bad for him. He would come home soaking wet and go straight into the shower only to get out and have to go to a ball game or a practice! This has been a hard year for him to coach Aaron. Aaron cannot just see Clark as Dad at home and as Coach on the field. Besides, I think hormones are kicking in (with Aaron).
We have had quite a few sleepovers this summer. Just last night, there were SEVEN extra boys in my house. It was after 2:30 before I closed my eyes. When it was all said and done, there were two in Lauren's room, Aaron on the couch, Lauren in my bed, one in Aaron's bed, one UNDER Aaron's bed and four lined up on the floor like cord wood. I went thru three pounds of ground meat and four pounds of pasta as well as ice cream, kool-aid, cherries, brownies, caramel, marshmallows, strawberries, bananas, fudge, sprinkles and other assorted snacks. Thank you to whomever invented disposable plates and plastic ware. You are my new favorite!
We are off to spend Alex's gift card which means that I get to spend hours at Game stop while he tries to choose!
Aaron made it thru three levels of All Star Tournament play and did pretty well. The last round seemed to fall apart due to umpire issues. I know, I know, everyone says that. But when the head of the league apologizes to your head coach and says that he has already called and complained about the job the umpires are doing, that leads one to believe that it isn't just me! I will post a team picture next post. He has really grow as a player. 15 is a big deal. Just too hard for me to comprehend!
Alex is just very busy. Aaron and a friend hooked up Alex's PS2 after a SERIOUS room cleaning and Alex really enjoys being a bigger guy! He has a $20.00 gift card from Game Stop that he got from Grandma and Grandpa and he is excited to be able to buy his own stuff.
Lauren is trying very hard not to be too bored this summer. There were no Girl Scout camps that she wanted to go to and Camp Invention was way too expensive. So she is just hanging out with family and friends. We are looking into another online school for her but it depends on the school's TAKS scores. The one she took last year was okay but we had several issues with the "work at your own pace" promise. It turned out that it was work at your own pace as long as it was the same as ours! Not so much for us. The one we are looking at seems to be truly at her pace with the opportunity to advance to the next grade if she does well. Lauren TAKS scores were fantastic and her grades were all "A"'s. So she gets the concepts, she is just really bored at being held back.
Clark is trying very hard to not take over at his job, but it seems he knows more than his boss as well as the head of safety. He is just happy to still be employed. The air conditioning was out at work last week and I felt so very bad for him. He would come home soaking wet and go straight into the shower only to get out and have to go to a ball game or a practice! This has been a hard year for him to coach Aaron. Aaron cannot just see Clark as Dad at home and as Coach on the field. Besides, I think hormones are kicking in (with Aaron).
We have had quite a few sleepovers this summer. Just last night, there were SEVEN extra boys in my house. It was after 2:30 before I closed my eyes. When it was all said and done, there were two in Lauren's room, Aaron on the couch, Lauren in my bed, one in Aaron's bed, one UNDER Aaron's bed and four lined up on the floor like cord wood. I went thru three pounds of ground meat and four pounds of pasta as well as ice cream, kool-aid, cherries, brownies, caramel, marshmallows, strawberries, bananas, fudge, sprinkles and other assorted snacks. Thank you to whomever invented disposable plates and plastic ware. You are my new favorite!
We are off to spend Alex's gift card which means that I get to spend hours at Game stop while he tries to choose!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Examples for our children
Here is the email that I sent out today:
"The incident that was mentioned in the previous email has been resolved. Prior to the resolution, I was instructed to not divulge any information and I respected all involved enough to comply. It is unfortunate that others involved in the investigation are not as respectful as I am. This morning, following a discussion, the investigation has been completed. I am still respectful enough to not got into specific details (unlike others), but know that one person's perception does not equal the truth. I cannot change what has been said to many people who have no involvement in this, but I can hope that, as adults, we can all make our own decisions based on facts and not slander. I have thought about this situation for several days and, in the interest of my family and the troop, I am no longer employed with Parkview. I will continue with the troop as I have done nothing wrong. I will now have more time to volunteer and spend time with my children without the dramas brought on by those who need to have the gossip and drama in their daily lives to keep them going. So I look forward to seeing you at the school, at the troop meetings and throughout the summer at Girl Scout events."
It is sad that people who think they are important like to spread lies and half truths. I believe that my children will see their mother holding her head high and not bowing down to petty minded, snarking parents who feel that their children can do no wrong. I am a realist and know that once crap is spread, it will take root and fertilize what you grow. I want what I am "growing" to be healthy and wonderful and make my children productive citizens who can take responsibility for their own actions instead of trying to make someone else a scapegoat. I WILL NOT be made to be the bad guy to help someone feel better about their own children.
Children like to take attention off of themselves when they are in trouble, this is a known fact! When your parents think that you can do no wrong, it is so much easier. All you have to do is LIE about it so that you don't get into trouble.
I feel that this will come back and bite them. I don't have to see it or know about it, but it will happen. I just hope that their children do not suffer for their parents' choice.
I work at helping MY children understand that they are responsible for the consequences of their actions, good or bad, as that is the definition of a good citizen of this country. Do you want people taking care of you who feel that they never do anything wrong? These children are our future. My kids will be productive, outstanding citizens, can others say the same?
"The incident that was mentioned in the previous email has been resolved. Prior to the resolution, I was instructed to not divulge any information and I respected all involved enough to comply. It is unfortunate that others involved in the investigation are not as respectful as I am. This morning, following a discussion, the investigation has been completed. I am still respectful enough to not got into specific details (unlike others), but know that one person's perception does not equal the truth. I cannot change what has been said to many people who have no involvement in this, but I can hope that, as adults, we can all make our own decisions based on facts and not slander. I have thought about this situation for several days and, in the interest of my family and the troop, I am no longer employed with Parkview. I will continue with the troop as I have done nothing wrong. I will now have more time to volunteer and spend time with my children without the dramas brought on by those who need to have the gossip and drama in their daily lives to keep them going. So I look forward to seeing you at the school, at the troop meetings and throughout the summer at Girl Scout events."
It is sad that people who think they are important like to spread lies and half truths. I believe that my children will see their mother holding her head high and not bowing down to petty minded, snarking parents who feel that their children can do no wrong. I am a realist and know that once crap is spread, it will take root and fertilize what you grow. I want what I am "growing" to be healthy and wonderful and make my children productive citizens who can take responsibility for their own actions instead of trying to make someone else a scapegoat. I WILL NOT be made to be the bad guy to help someone feel better about their own children.
Children like to take attention off of themselves when they are in trouble, this is a known fact! When your parents think that you can do no wrong, it is so much easier. All you have to do is LIE about it so that you don't get into trouble.
I feel that this will come back and bite them. I don't have to see it or know about it, but it will happen. I just hope that their children do not suffer for their parents' choice.
I work at helping MY children understand that they are responsible for the consequences of their actions, good or bad, as that is the definition of a good citizen of this country. Do you want people taking care of you who feel that they never do anything wrong? These children are our future. My kids will be productive, outstanding citizens, can others say the same?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
I love my son
You know I do...but he makes me afraid, very afraid. Not in an "I am afraid OF him" way, but in an "I am afraid FOR him" way.
Last Friday was opening day for the local sports association. Clark was basically in charge of everything and did a fantastic job, if I do say so. One of the things he organized was a skydiver to land on the field with a flag and the opening baseball. Cool, huh! It was pretty windy in our area that day and the poor guy missed the field and made the parking lot. He came down with the flag flowing behind him and different colored smoke which more than made up for it.
There were bounce houses, a parade of the teams, sno-cones, hot dogs, a playground, music and lots of other kids. My guys had a fabulous time and came home very late and way stinky. The first thing Alex said when I asked if he had fun was about the skydiver. It was so cool and neat and, and, and....... He is so going to do that! Of course, I said, Heck, NO!!
Clark, came to me the next day and said that Alex had said that he so wanted to jump out of the airplane but Mom said no, but he was going to do it anyway.
It is very comforting to know that my children listen to me....but then blow me off!
I have always said that Alex will be either a test pilot, stunt double or an astronaut, just something dangerous...
Pray for me..
Saturday, March 27, 2010
WE ARE EMPLOYED!!!!!
Thanks be to God for He is Great! He also moves in mysterious ways.
For those of you who don't know, Clark has been out of work for over a year. He has been on so many interviews, so many job fairs, with so many disappointments. He was told that he was the second choice, he was overqualified, or that he was not a good risk because he would not stick around. He has "dumbed" down his resume and glossed over his 17 years of experience in Human Resources. He lessened his salary requirements and even signed up with temporary firms. I am not sure what else the man could have done to get someone to take a chance on him. Thank you, Recession!
Then, he went back to church... First, let me explain that we are two different faiths. I am Catholic and he is Disciples of Christ, so there is a great disparity. We have always given the other the respect and understanding with our faiths that we should. I never pushed him about not going to church and he supported raising our three in the Catholic faith. Well, about six months ago, his friend, Mitch, invited Clark to Mitch's church one Wednesday evening. Clark went and really enjoyed and seemed to connect with the pastor that night and has been every week since then. After one extremely frustrating week of interviews and rejections (you are too intelligent for this position...huh?), he was feeling really down. I suggested that he might want to talk to Pastor Scott about his feelings, just mildly suggested. He did and said that he felt better after the pep talk from Pastor Scott. End of story, right? But, NO!
The next day, Pastor Scott called and left a message for Clark to email his resume to a contact he had. Clark did and was called for an interview. Again, he was told that he was too qualified and could do the manager's job. He explained to her that he just wanted to work to support his family and suggested that she hire him and he could show her.
We received a call on Friday that there was a position available..hourly and a clerk's job. Did he want it? Was she kidding? Clark said yes, of course. It is basically starting over but with three kids. We can do this! Prayers have been answered, shout it from the rooftops! What I haven't told you yet is that Clark interviewed with Pastor Scott's mother who works for a reputable company that has been around for many years.
Follow me, here...If Clark had not gone back to church, if he had not put his faith in God and spoken to his pastor, we would not have this chance. God and His mysterious ways, again!
Praise be His Name, for He is Holy!
Clark starts Monday! He will work Monday thru Friday with weekends off. This means so much juggling, but now we know that with God, we can do anything!
Thank you for all your support and prayers, you are all a blessing to us!
For those of you who don't know, Clark has been out of work for over a year. He has been on so many interviews, so many job fairs, with so many disappointments. He was told that he was the second choice, he was overqualified, or that he was not a good risk because he would not stick around. He has "dumbed" down his resume and glossed over his 17 years of experience in Human Resources. He lessened his salary requirements and even signed up with temporary firms. I am not sure what else the man could have done to get someone to take a chance on him. Thank you, Recession!
Then, he went back to church... First, let me explain that we are two different faiths. I am Catholic and he is Disciples of Christ, so there is a great disparity. We have always given the other the respect and understanding with our faiths that we should. I never pushed him about not going to church and he supported raising our three in the Catholic faith. Well, about six months ago, his friend, Mitch, invited Clark to Mitch's church one Wednesday evening. Clark went and really enjoyed and seemed to connect with the pastor that night and has been every week since then. After one extremely frustrating week of interviews and rejections (you are too intelligent for this position...huh?), he was feeling really down. I suggested that he might want to talk to Pastor Scott about his feelings, just mildly suggested. He did and said that he felt better after the pep talk from Pastor Scott. End of story, right? But, NO!
The next day, Pastor Scott called and left a message for Clark to email his resume to a contact he had. Clark did and was called for an interview. Again, he was told that he was too qualified and could do the manager's job. He explained to her that he just wanted to work to support his family and suggested that she hire him and he could show her.
We received a call on Friday that there was a position available..hourly and a clerk's job. Did he want it? Was she kidding? Clark said yes, of course. It is basically starting over but with three kids. We can do this! Prayers have been answered, shout it from the rooftops! What I haven't told you yet is that Clark interviewed with Pastor Scott's mother who works for a reputable company that has been around for many years.
Follow me, here...If Clark had not gone back to church, if he had not put his faith in God and spoken to his pastor, we would not have this chance. God and His mysterious ways, again!
Praise be His Name, for He is Holy!
Clark starts Monday! He will work Monday thru Friday with weekends off. This means so much juggling, but now we know that with God, we can do anything!
Thank you for all your support and prayers, you are all a blessing to us!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Spring, how I miss you!
So Saturday was the first day of Spring. Here in Texas, of course, that means snow! Yes, I said it...snow!
Wet, rainy, cold snow...at night so no one can play in it, snow. I love spring break!
I really do love Spring here in Texas. It will last about a month and a half before vanishing into HEAT. What that means for me is allergies....a whole season's worth crammed into that one and a half month period. If I could just view spring thru a bubble, I would really love it so much more. Right now, I am a cold medicine commercial...sniffly, stuffy, congested with a killer headache.
Did I mention that there are two extra 14 year old boys in my house?
We have recently gone to a voucher system for electronics here at our house. During Spring Break, each child had three hours of "vouchers" in 30 minute increments. This included Wii, PS2, DS, computer, etc. They have to turn in the vouchers before they started playing and when the vouchers were gone, electronic games ended.
Of course, there are opportunities to earn time back on a two for one scale. For every one hour they worked, they could earn a 30 minute voucher. So far, we have had no takers...hmm...
Also, vouchers could be taken away for poor choices. Hitting your siblings, rudeness, disrespect, and so forth.
Having said all that, today I am feeling really yucky, so today is a "voucher free" day. There are chances to earn other "voucher free" days as well.
It seems to be working so far. There are so many other things to do in this house that do not include electronics. We have board games, LEGOs by the thousands, playsets, action figures and books, to say the least.
I am not sure what will happen when we reduce the time to one and a half hours during the week when will school starts. I'll let you know.
Wet, rainy, cold snow...at night so no one can play in it, snow. I love spring break!
I really do love Spring here in Texas. It will last about a month and a half before vanishing into HEAT. What that means for me is allergies....a whole season's worth crammed into that one and a half month period. If I could just view spring thru a bubble, I would really love it so much more. Right now, I am a cold medicine commercial...sniffly, stuffy, congested with a killer headache.
Did I mention that there are two extra 14 year old boys in my house?
We have recently gone to a voucher system for electronics here at our house. During Spring Break, each child had three hours of "vouchers" in 30 minute increments. This included Wii, PS2, DS, computer, etc. They have to turn in the vouchers before they started playing and when the vouchers were gone, electronic games ended.
Of course, there are opportunities to earn time back on a two for one scale. For every one hour they worked, they could earn a 30 minute voucher. So far, we have had no takers...hmm...
Also, vouchers could be taken away for poor choices. Hitting your siblings, rudeness, disrespect, and so forth.
Having said all that, today I am feeling really yucky, so today is a "voucher free" day. There are chances to earn other "voucher free" days as well.
It seems to be working so far. There are so many other things to do in this house that do not include electronics. We have board games, LEGOs by the thousands, playsets, action figures and books, to say the least.
I am not sure what will happen when we reduce the time to one and a half hours during the week when will school starts. I'll let you know.
Monday, March 8, 2010
This is fantastic!!
I received this on my school email account and thought everyone should see it. What a great job and message as well. Enjoy!!
http://www.schooltube.com/video/e9bd79d29b4d0e6a2345/Gotta-Keep-Reading--Ocoee-Middle-School
http://www.schooltube.com/video/e9bd79d29b4d0e6a2345/Gotta-Keep-Reading--Ocoee-Middle-School
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Lonely,oh so lonely!
I know my blog is lonely without me. It is hanging out just waiting for me to type something on it. Well...
When I was growing up, we had a piano in the house. It was my mother's from when she was young. She tried to teach us several times, but it never seemed to take. Its not that she was a bad teacher, because she wasn't. Its not that we didn't have any musical sense, because we did. For some reason we just weren't interested. Until she sat down to play herself, that is. Then we were all over it...wanting to play, have her teach us, or whatever.
My computer is MY piano. Every time I sit down to look at emails, check out the blogs I'm reading or, heaven forbid, actually type something, here come the kids. The only reason that I am sitting here now is that I have banished them to Lauren's room to play with her new Wii. This should be good for about ten minutes...we'll see.
Let's see how much we can get in....
The house is up for sale and we have had a lot of traffic, but no buyers. It seems that a leak in your roof is not a top selling point, go figure! But having all this traffic, does make it easy to keep the house clean..HA! I have become the toy nazi! It did not seem like the kids wanted to bring out as many LEGOS and stuff until we started showing the house. Oh, well, say a prayer...
Heather has been around a few times to see us and she looks VERY tired. We are a little worried. I hope she is taking care of herself.
Aaron has been started at first base on the high school team. YEAH!!! He has gotten permission form his school to take college algebra over the summer. Why, you ask? He wants to take pre-cal in high school and does not want to double up on maths during the year. That would mean that he would have to give up baseball and/or cross country. He is doing well in all his classes...straight "A"s We are very proud!
Lauren is doing well in her school. She is top of her class and is getting ready for the TAKS test coming up in April. Translation..bored!
Alex is doing well himself. His teacher is on maternity leave after having six pound twins! We could not have been luckier with the long term substitute we got. She just loves him and he says he has a nice voice. He just went on a water safety field trip to the Natatorium last week. Need I remind you that this is my daredevil son? I was very afraid of what might happen. I could just see the call.... Ma'am? I thought you said that your son could not swim. He was doing great until he jumped off of the high dive.... sigh. The night before as we were packing up his towels and change of clothes, he asked me.." Will I be dealing with professionals?" My husband had his back to us and I saw his shoulders shaking as he held in the laughter. I explained that he would be and he seemed fine with that. The next day he came in with all kinds of stories about his day. Did you know that if you do a cannonball, water goes up your nose? But he was fine. Next he wants to work on holding his breath for 30 minutes on the bottom of the pool... We'll see how that works for him.
Clark has had several promising interviews but nothing solid yet. we are hoping that things improve quickly..we are still waiting for the recession to end here at this house.
I am still working at the school and doing girl scouts. I have been taking a religion class that is really interesting. But I am feeling like a hermit. I spoke with a dear friend the other day and she had asked my if everything was okay since I have not been around as much lately. I explained that I was feeling rather insular. I am not sure if that is the right word but it does fit!
Wow, I have been on for a while! This must be a record! But now the kids have told me that they have had no lunch and the dryer has stopped, so I am off and running again!
When I was growing up, we had a piano in the house. It was my mother's from when she was young. She tried to teach us several times, but it never seemed to take. Its not that she was a bad teacher, because she wasn't. Its not that we didn't have any musical sense, because we did. For some reason we just weren't interested. Until she sat down to play herself, that is. Then we were all over it...wanting to play, have her teach us, or whatever.
My computer is MY piano. Every time I sit down to look at emails, check out the blogs I'm reading or, heaven forbid, actually type something, here come the kids. The only reason that I am sitting here now is that I have banished them to Lauren's room to play with her new Wii. This should be good for about ten minutes...we'll see.
Let's see how much we can get in....
The house is up for sale and we have had a lot of traffic, but no buyers. It seems that a leak in your roof is not a top selling point, go figure! But having all this traffic, does make it easy to keep the house clean..HA! I have become the toy nazi! It did not seem like the kids wanted to bring out as many LEGOS and stuff until we started showing the house. Oh, well, say a prayer...
Heather has been around a few times to see us and she looks VERY tired. We are a little worried. I hope she is taking care of herself.
Aaron has been started at first base on the high school team. YEAH!!! He has gotten permission form his school to take college algebra over the summer. Why, you ask? He wants to take pre-cal in high school and does not want to double up on maths during the year. That would mean that he would have to give up baseball and/or cross country. He is doing well in all his classes...straight "A"s We are very proud!
Lauren is doing well in her school. She is top of her class and is getting ready for the TAKS test coming up in April. Translation..bored!
Alex is doing well himself. His teacher is on maternity leave after having six pound twins! We could not have been luckier with the long term substitute we got. She just loves him and he says he has a nice voice. He just went on a water safety field trip to the Natatorium last week. Need I remind you that this is my daredevil son? I was very afraid of what might happen. I could just see the call.... Ma'am? I thought you said that your son could not swim. He was doing great until he jumped off of the high dive.... sigh. The night before as we were packing up his towels and change of clothes, he asked me.." Will I be dealing with professionals?" My husband had his back to us and I saw his shoulders shaking as he held in the laughter. I explained that he would be and he seemed fine with that. The next day he came in with all kinds of stories about his day. Did you know that if you do a cannonball, water goes up your nose? But he was fine. Next he wants to work on holding his breath for 30 minutes on the bottom of the pool... We'll see how that works for him.
Clark has had several promising interviews but nothing solid yet. we are hoping that things improve quickly..we are still waiting for the recession to end here at this house.
I am still working at the school and doing girl scouts. I have been taking a religion class that is really interesting. But I am feeling like a hermit. I spoke with a dear friend the other day and she had asked my if everything was okay since I have not been around as much lately. I explained that I was feeling rather insular. I am not sure if that is the right word but it does fit!
Wow, I have been on for a while! This must be a record! But now the kids have told me that they have had no lunch and the dryer has stopped, so I am off and running again!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Fun with food
These are spaghetti tacos. If you are a fan of iCarly, you know what these are. This is a picture of the ones my brother made for his family. My guys were so excited that we made some here. They taste great but are REALLY messy! Clark was looking at us like we were crazy but the kids did eat well that night.
Catch Up, Again!
Well, it seems that it is time to play catch up yet again. And, of course, a whole lot has happened. Heather's wedding was an adventure, to say the least. Everyone looked fantastic. Right now, I only have a picture of Alex after the wedding. 
I am working on getting others. Here is a link to a little slide show that my sister made: http://smilebox.com/playEmail/4d54517a4e4449774e5446384d5445784e4441354e7a453d0d0a&sb=1
New Year's Eve was quiet, but everyone managed to stay awake until just after midnight. It was great to see that Dick Clark was able to do the last countdown. Some things never change...and then...
The house is officially up for sale. It makes us very sad to know that we will probably be having to move after over 10 years in one house. This is the only house that two of my three children have ever known. Recently, we have actually had realtors walk through measuring and all. We are praying that Clark finds a job soon and that we will be able to save the house. He has a real good prospect that we are waiting to hear on. Please keep praying. Having said all that, the house is just a thing and God will provide!
Lauren is doing great in school and is ahead of the game on her assignments. She will be 9 soon and is slowly becoming a little girl. There are traces of tomboy, but they are fading, sad to say.
Her birthday is this weekend and she has decided to have movie night/sleepover. She likes to play on Pixie Hollow and Webkinz which are wonderful sights with great security.
Aaron is trying out for the freshman baseball team and hopefully we will hear something soon. He is doing well in school and got all 'A's with only one 'B' last semester. We are very proud of him! He is also playing a rec league that Clark is coaching. He asked for baseball equipment for Christmas and Santa really came thru.
Alex is not longer on a "watch" list at school for his academics which is wonderful. He never really needed to be except he would never show them what he knew. I am not sure if it was anxiety or what, but he is really maturing .. compared to last year. We had an adventure with him the weekend of his birthday party. First, he lost a tooth. Hurray! Then, at the party, another one (loose already) was knocked out. To round out our night, we made a trip to the emergency room after he slammed his fingers in the door to Aaron's room (the heavy one)! Luckily, nothing was broken, just badly bruised.
I am feeling great frustration at work and am trying to focus on the kids and let the rest wash away... I'll let you know how that goes. Girl Scouts is a struggle right now. Get a bunch of women together and something always happens. I am just hoping that we can get back to what is good for the girls and stay away from pettiness. God sure has been hearing from me lately!
I'll post some fun pictures in the next post.
I'll try to get on more in the future!
I am working on getting others. Here is a link to a little slide show that my sister made: http://smilebox.com/playEmail/4d54517a4e4449774e5446384d5445784e4441354e7a453d0d0a&sb=1New Year's Eve was quiet, but everyone managed to stay awake until just after midnight. It was great to see that Dick Clark was able to do the last countdown. Some things never change...and then...
The house is officially up for sale. It makes us very sad to know that we will probably be having to move after over 10 years in one house. This is the only house that two of my three children have ever known. Recently, we have actually had realtors walk through measuring and all. We are praying that Clark finds a job soon and that we will be able to save the house. He has a real good prospect that we are waiting to hear on. Please keep praying. Having said all that, the house is just a thing and God will provide!
Lauren is doing great in school and is ahead of the game on her assignments. She will be 9 soon and is slowly becoming a little girl. There are traces of tomboy, but they are fading, sad to say.
Her birthday is this weekend and she has decided to have movie night/sleepover. She likes to play on Pixie Hollow and Webkinz which are wonderful sights with great security.
Aaron is trying out for the freshman baseball team and hopefully we will hear something soon. He is doing well in school and got all 'A's with only one 'B' last semester. We are very proud of him! He is also playing a rec league that Clark is coaching. He asked for baseball equipment for Christmas and Santa really came thru.
Alex is not longer on a "watch" list at school for his academics which is wonderful. He never really needed to be except he would never show them what he knew. I am not sure if it was anxiety or what, but he is really maturing .. compared to last year. We had an adventure with him the weekend of his birthday party. First, he lost a tooth. Hurray! Then, at the party, another one (loose already) was knocked out. To round out our night, we made a trip to the emergency room after he slammed his fingers in the door to Aaron's room (the heavy one)! Luckily, nothing was broken, just badly bruised.
I am feeling great frustration at work and am trying to focus on the kids and let the rest wash away... I'll let you know how that goes. Girl Scouts is a struggle right now. Get a bunch of women together and something always happens. I am just hoping that we can get back to what is good for the girls and stay away from pettiness. God sure has been hearing from me lately!
I'll post some fun pictures in the next post.
I'll try to get on more in the future!
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