Thursday, December 25, 2008

The Laundry System


  • I love a system.

  • I love routine.

  • I love order.

  • I do not always create successful systems.

  • I do not always follow through on systems.

  • But I love them anyway.


Here is a view of our new laundry room. Marc 'custom built' this nook, it may be my favorite little cubby system ever.


We each have a space...We each have a basket.






Marc has had the laundry room operational since September.


I created the laundry system recently...and today I got to see it in action.




In theory...the clothes get washed, they get folded, they get put into the correct cubby.


The kid grabs a basket.


The kid takes clean clothes up to room.


The kid puts away the clean clothes.


Then ...



the basket comes back down to the laundry room.


Wish me luck with this laundry system. I am optimistic.

She's packing heat!

Grace got a bb gun for Christmas. She and Marc are excited for the weather to warm up so they can spend more time in the back field hunting soda cans.





Digital Christmas Timeline...

These are the digital images of past Christmas photo's. I have all the others too...but that would require me to dig through large boxes of unorganized photos...and well, that isn't going to happen.

I'm not sure how the time has gone by so quickly...

I remember each of these as if they where taken moments ago.



Now...what kind of mother would allow her two youngest children to drink Kool-Aid before their annual Christmas tree photo? Hmmm... anyone?















Sunday, December 21, 2008

Christmas Letter 2008



2008 To-Do List

Marc

  • Finish bathroom & laundry room remodel
  • Buy cool tools to use while remodeling
  • Finish basement remodel - Nope
  • Coach freshman football to an undefeated season
  • Organize a family vacation to Mt. Rushmore & Crazy Horse
  • Enjoy being in the 30's ... 40 is on the way in '09

Anne

  • Chauffeur kids to swimming, dance, 4H meetings, gymnastics...
  • Be a 4H leader for a sewing club
  • Become addicted to the Twilight series
  • Go to Pasadena to see the OSU Beavers play in the Rose Bowl - Nope
  • Continue to blog at http://www.apennythought.blogspot.com/
  • Get braces so you can look young at 20 year reunion


Taryn

  • Run Cross Country
  • Give a speech at 5th Grade DARE graduation
  • Sell a 4H lamb without crying - Nope
  • Win 2 Reserve Champion ribbons at fair in sewing and cooking
  • Begin 749 different new collections
  • Win 3+ local art competitions


Grace

  • Start second grade
  • Win a Reserve Champion ribbon at fair in sewing
  • Show a lamb as a Jr. Showman
  • Enjoy a surprise 8th birthday party
  • Help mom cook dinner weekly
  • Sleep in at least one day this year - Nope

Reagan

  • Go to Disneyland with Mom
  • Start first grade
  • Lose some teeth
  • Try to go a day w/o falling & getting hurt - Nope
  • Find your niche as a dancer in Jr. Jam
  • March to your own drum.

We may not have completed our 2008 list, but we had a great year and are looking forward to many blessings in 2009!

Icicles

Icicles



I love them.



They are beautiful.



They scare me, too.

A Gingerbread House

Grace has a way of touching people. She never forgets a face.

One special friend is 'Grandma Julie' from our church.

She is a retired Special Education teacher.

She has never been Grace's teacher, but she has always loved Grace.

A few years back she started a special tradition with Grace.

Grandma Julie bakes homemade Gingerbread Houses and invites Grace over to decorate.

She has a great time and consumes WAY to MUCH sugar,

but I am so pleased that Grace has her own special friends and traditions.

Some things in life won't ever be easy for this girl of mine,

but touching people will always be her gift I am sure.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

A touch of Christmas

We are going with a 'less-is-more' approach this Christmas. In keeping with that theme, there are less decorations out, fewer ornaments on the tree and a downsizing of gifts under the tree.

I remember there were some tough times when I was young, I also remember the years when there were stacks of presents surrounding me. The greatest of my memories though are of being with my family. Those are memories I want to be creating for my girls. The presents they will forget, the time spent together, the laughter, the games, the creating...those are the memories that I want to last.

Here is a touch of our home:


Fisher Price Nativity on my first table runner.


This Nativity set has allowed my breakable sets to stay safe. The girls can move this around all they want...it is one of their favorite things to come out of the Christmas boxes.

The table runner is ok. I am more critical of my work than anyone else would be. It is definitely nice enough to go on MY table but it wasn't 'gift worthy.' It was the first of six that needed to be sewn...each of them, one of a kind. Each of them a bit better than the one before.






This is a close up of my Christmas tree. The bird house was a birthday gift from my parents a few years ago. It is my answer to the question: "How do you fill a large hole in your tree?"

I stuck with my simple homemade or nature-like ornaments. Now I am looking for some small little decorative birds to sit on the branches. If the girls and I get another snow day, I'd like to make some bird seed ornaments too.

Santa's Key

When we moved to this house there was no fireplace. It was essential that we get a magic key so that Santa could get in to fill our stockings.


The green chair was my Grandma's chair. I can't bear to get it refinished because it was hers, and I don't want to change how it looks. The springs are broken and the underside sheds when you sit down on it...but I love it just the same. The can is also from back home. I found it in one of the old machine sheds. Grace made the candle decoration on top in her 4-H Wildlife Stewards club. She was so proud to bring it home. The Santa came from St. Mary's bazaar. I try to get a new Santa each year. There weren't any this year that grabbed my attention.

* * *

Even though I didn't put out all my ornaments and decorations this year, I looked at each and every one of them. I love that I have ornaments my girls have made, ones from my past students, some from friends new and old, or from places we have visited. I don't know that I could choose a favorite, but together they are a sampling of many happy memories.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

The Countdown Begins

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.






1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Usually paper.


2. Real tree or Artificial? Real, and we hunt it ourselves.


3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the first weekend in December.


4. When do you take the tree down? Depends, but always before January 1.


5. Do you like eggnog? Not much.


6. Favorite gift received as a child? I remember getting a bike...


7. Hardest person to buy for? My parents.


8. Easiest person to buy for? Myself...just kidding. (kinda) The kids are easy too.


9. Do you have a nativity scene? About 3 or 4


10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail


11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Chocolate Covered Cherries. They ruin perfectly good chocolate.


12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Polar Express


13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually in the summer.


14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? yes


15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Fudge.


16. Lights on the tree? The more the better.


17. Favorite Christmas song? Silent Night...


18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both


19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yes


20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel


21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? (As soon as I find them.) The 'official' family opening is on the Eve.


22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Commercials to convince my kids they need more...more...more.


23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I have a Santa collection that I treasure.


24. What do you want for Christmas this year? Toys.


25. What do you leave for Santa? Cookies, fudge, milk and carrots for the reindeer.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

CIVIL WAR = SADNESS!!!!!

It's O-V-E-R. There were some highlights of the day:


Good Food - Great Friends - and massages!

Posted earlier in the day when I still had hopes of a Rose Bowl bid:
Civil War - Oregon State University vs University of Oregon

It has been said the win gives you the right to live in the state! Well, win or lose, I will still fly my colors tomorrow. I bleed black and orange!

Here are a few interesting notes from The Oregonian.


Trivial Pursuit
Civil War edition
by Rachel Bachman, The Oregonian



Total football revenue (2007)
UO: $24,493,155
OSU: $31,867,028

Percent increase in revenues since 2003
UO: 36 percent
OSU: 55 percent

Winning percentage, 2004-08 :
UO:65 percent (39-21)
OSU: 64 percent (39-22)

Winning percentage in August and September
UO: 76 percent (16-5)
OSU: 43 percent (9-12)

Winning percentage in November and December
UO: 40 percent (8-12)
OSU: 77 percent (17-5)

Head or assistant football coaches with mustaches
(not including goatees or superstitious scruff)
UO: 4
OSU: 1

Most popular beer
UO: Total Domination IPA by Ninkasi Brewing (at Rennie's)
OSU: Coors Light (at Clodfelter's)

Top-selling magazine at school bookstore
UO: Cosmopolitan
OSU: Cosmopolitan

Priciest single-game ticket
UO: $66 (vs. Washington)
OSU: $75 (vs. USC, Oregon*)
*fans required to buy three-game pack for $120 to get a Civil War ticket.

Sources: U.S. Department of Education Equity in Athletics Data Analysis 2007-08, UO and OSU media relations, Oregon State Police, Eugene Police Department, Rennie's, Clodfelter's, UO and OSU Web sites, UO and OSU archives, UO and OSU media guides, UO and OSU bookstores, OSU Alumni Association. -- Rachel Bachman

OOOOOOOOOO-SSSSSSSSSS-UUUUUUUUUU
Oregon State, Fight-Fight-Fight!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Guilty Pleasure...

I am not usually interested in fantasy novels.

I am not usually interested in vampires.

I do not usually act like a giddy 13-year old when I am at the movies.


Except for Friday night.


If you are a Twilight fan, I don't need to explain.

If you aren't a Twilight fan (yet), I dare you to read two chapters and put it down.
Just know...


I love Twilight.

I love Bella & Edward.
I loved my movie & I can't wait for the next one to be released.
I don't remember being this silly about a movie since Top Gun.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Thanks Dad!

One weekend a month.

Two weeks each summer.

38 days a year.

It doesn't seem like much, really.


Back then, I didn't think about it. It was just what you did.
Back then, military personnel were not being called to active duty.
Back then, I didn't worry about war or deployment.
Back then, I didn't think about what your service meant.
Back then, I didn't worry about what you had to do when you were in Vietnam.
Back then, I was proud anyway.


Today, I am thankful. You signed up, you fought and you continued to serve.
Today, you would go again, if you were called.
Today, I support our military and our President.
Today, I explain to my children what you and others have fought to protect.
Today, I feel sorrow for families who have lost loved ones.
Today, I pray for peace in the hearts of soldiers for personal battles they may face.
Today, I am more proud than ever.

I feel like I have an understanding of service. I understand even though I have never been part of the military. I understand because you taught me, not only with your words but with your actions.

Dad, thank you for serving. I am proud!

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Kung Fu Reagan



Reagan went to a birthday party this weekend.
Part one of the party was watching Kung Fu Panda.
Looks like she's found some new moves!
I'm wondering who would get hurt more...herself or the other person.
(Gym located @ Nelson's Nest!)
Posted by Picasa

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Oops...Priceless?

I had the pleasure of taking my girls and three borrowed girls to the movie this afternoon. With the November rains settling in, a movie date was a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

I arrived at the movie early with 4 of the girls, the other 2 arrived within minutes. The moms and I visited briefly. When the high school boy unlocked the theater doors all six girls bailed out of the van quickly and ran inside. I said goodbye to the moms, rolled up the windows and headed inside. (Re-read this paragraph...it is important later.)

  • We lined up for the tickets...$38.00
  • We lined up for the popcorn...$11.00 *I bought 2 XL's and split them into Ziploc baggies-I am that smart-Re-read this bullet too.
  • I bought 7 sodas...$18.00
  • We found our seats.

Grace and her friend chose front row seats.

Taryn and her friend chose back row seats.

Reagan, her friend and I settled into the middle.

About an hour into High School Musical 3, the high school theater employee was walking toward me. Hmm....the girls didn't seem to be causing any trouble. Hmm...did he see the jellybeans I snuck into the theater. Hmm...no that wasn't it.

"Ma'am, did you drive the van here?"

"Uh, yes."

"You left your car running."

At this point, I wish it was about the smuggled jelly beans. I wanted to die. You should have seen the look on all three high school workers as I snuck out of the theater, found my car - unlocked and running, right where I left it. Hmm... Priceless?

Additional thoughts to ponder on this occasion:

  • No wonder I only have 3 children. I'm not responsible enough for more.
  • Thank goodness I married a Pollock as this type of behavior is expected.
  • I live in a small town - so when I have these 'moments' my car is right where I left it.

and finally

  • It may not be my 'natural' hair color anymore...but it's pretty obvious I am a true blonde.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Pumpkins & Swimming?



Who knew a Tuesday swim lesson could be so much fun? We have a new coach for swimming this year. Most swim nights are routine.

  • They get their suits on.
  • They eat dinner.
  • We load up.
  • They swim.
  • They shower.
  • They cry as I brush their hair... etc....
Tonight was different. Tonight Coach Susie brought pumpkins to the pool. The big kids were first. They threw their pumpkins in the pool and had to race with their pumpkins down and back. The little fishies were sooooooo excited to watch the big kids swim with their pumpkins.





Next the little fishies got to get back into the pool with their pumpkins. Squeals of delight echoed when they realized the pumpkins would float. They would have stayed in the pool all night but the time ran out.





Coach Susie then passed out glow sticks and Halloween necklaces.





Coach Susie rocked swimming tonight!!! And thanks to Liz for taking a picture for me!!!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

One Liner Wednesday



This nest made from tarp was found when a friend was cutting down a locust tree in Hermiston. (Wordless Wednesday just doesn't work for me.)


They're back...

My thieves are back.


No not the ones that stole our stuff from our garage and barn. No I'm talking about the Squirrels. They are now leaving the birds alone. They don't need to steal bird seed when they have delightful little pumpkins to snack on. The little pests leave quite a mess. I'm not loving the squirrels right now.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Farewell...and...Welcome

Last weekend was a bit tough on me. It was the weekend I had to deliver Jake, my dog, to his new foster home.



I grew up on a farm with lots of animals. The cows were our bread and butter. With the exception of a few bummers that we bottle fed, they never achieved pet status. One calf that we bottle fed eventually ended up on our table. My sister, brother and I weren't happy about it, but I'm pretty sure we only really complained if we weren't very hungry that night, or if mom was serving something we hated, like stuffed bell peppers.

Cats were infrequent 'guests' at the Chapman Ranch. I don't think dad thought much of cats. They could serve a purpose if they were good mousers but they weren't ever going to be allowed inside and not one dime would EVER be spent on a cat in the way of a vet bill. I learned early that barn cats have a way of slipping quietly away. At the time I am sure I imagined the great adventures they were off on, when in reality, they were only one step up from the bottom of the food chain. Coyotes, owls and fast cars were probably the cause of most disappearances. For that reason, even though I have had a handful of cats in my life, even indoor cats, they haven't really counted for much. After all, they are just cats.

Dogs were a different story. I can't not remember a time in my life when we didn't have two or three dogs. Dogs were not allowed into the house either, however, dogs were definitely a more important species to my dad. Though infrequent, there were occasional vet bills incurred for the dogs. My favorite dogs growing up were Hilde our German Shepherd and Hippie the English Sheep Dog my Grandpa got from the pound. Dad's dog of choice was usually a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd.

Once we moved to our new house with acreage I decided I had lived long enough without a dog. It was time to add a four legged friend to our household. I began looking on-line at rescue shelters. We took a few trips to the Walla Walla and Hermiston animal shelter, looking for dogs. I figured that rescuing a dog would keep a dog from being put down, and it would be a good way to avoid typical puppy problems. I did not pick out the first dog I saw in the kennels. I think it was the 2nd or 3rd time we had looked at dogs...and I didn't even take Jake home the first time I saw him...but I knew I wanted to.

I came home and called Athena. "What do you think about a Weimaraner?" I wanted to know. Athena grew up with dogs too and spent time in college working in a vet clinic. I needed her input before I did anything crazy. I also did searches on-line about the breed. It seems silly to me now, because I had already made up my mind. Jake was going to be my dog.

We brought him home three days later.

Our honeymoon period lasted quite awhile. Jake had kennel cough pretty bad, and was very skinny. We fixed him up in no time. Jake was crate trained and never had accidents in the house. Jake only ate one sandal, one time. Jake loved to go for walks. Jake loved to chase a tennis ball. Jake got along with other dogs (except for one-one time). Jake was good and he was clearly mine.

Summer came and so did vacation time. Athena volunteered to keep an eye on Jake while we traveled to Montana. The day we arrived home...the honeymoon was over. Jake had missed us. He missed us so much in fact, to let us know he promptly brought us Cougar, our pet cat, dead in his mouth. I remember pulling into the driveway and seeing Cougar on the front porch. I actually thought to myself, 'You're not going to want to hang out there very long. Jake is going to be wound up about us being home.' Little did I realize what was about to happen.

The girls were pretty sad, and so was I, but remember...I had been conditioned...Cougar was, after all, just a cat. He was a cat that had snuck pretty near to 'pet' status in my book. Cougar was going to be missed. We reprimanded Jake. But as with any good parent, I forgave him quickly and found all sorts of excuses to justify his terrible choice.

Then 4H season rolled around. Not only was the honeymoon over...but D-I-V-O-R-C-E was looming on the horizon. When Jake and Minnie (the lambs) moved to the pen next to Jake, he wasn't impressed. He would bark at them through the fence...and nibble (ok, bite off) the tips of their ears if he had the chance. This wasn't looking so good.

One day when Taryn and I returned from a field day with the lambs, Jake got out of the house while we were unloading the sheep. He took off like a shot...straight towards Taryn and Max. Taryn screamed, dropped the halter and the race was on. Marc caught them pretty quickly, and drug Jake off to his crate. I took charge of catching Max. Thankfully we hadn't sheared Max yet so Jake didn't do any damage to him. Not for lack of trying, but he couldn't bite through all the wool on his next to get to his throat. Tragedy, avoided. Well, with the sheep anyway.

I realized then, that Jake wasn't going to live happily-ever-after with us. It broke my heart, but I contacted the Oregon Weimaraner Rescue organization, and asked for them to list him for adoption off their site.

Months came and went with no interest in Jake. Two more cat were caught...there was only one fatality. Then came the bunny incident. The one where Jake leaves the yard to try and find the wild bunnies in the bushes across the street. Yeah, then when he finally gives up and decides to head home he runs smack into the tire of a passing pick up - on a Sunday afternoon. And, being that he tore his face up terribly, but has NO LIFE THREATENING injuries, I agree to pay a $600 vet bill for the gravel to be removed from his chin and 30+ stitches to be sewn shut rather than the $50 bill for euthanasia. UGH. Only to be followed with the previously posted SKUNK run-in.

Yes, it was time to say farewell to my dog Jake. He was a good dog - if you didn't mind dead cats - sheep with no ears - very large vet bills - and skunk scented everything - yep he was about perfect. I really will miss him. I hope his next family is able to keep him forever, scratch his belly and throw lots of tennis balls.

I have said that I would NEVER own a 'drop-kick' dog. You know the type...any dog that weighs less than 30 pounds. One that curls up on your lap. One that you can pick up and carry if you need to. One that doesn't scare anyone. Yeah, one of those dogs. Never say never...I haven't decided on a breed yet...but I'm pretty sure that is the type of puppy we will get this spring. Wish us luck.

In the meantime I'd like to introduce you to our newest family members:

Mickey Mouser



Minnie Mouser

I kinda like them. I hope they stick around awhile.

Runners to your mark

Get Set...Go! Taryn ran her last cross country race for the season. Sunridge Middle School allows any interested fifth graders to join their team. Taryn was given the opportunity to not only practice, but to compete with the SMS team this year.

During the first week of practice the weather was very warm. On a number of days I would arrive to pick her up from practice and I would see her strolling back to the school, arriving at the tail end of their practice. The funny thing though, was that I never saw her running. I would honk and encourage her to kick it into gear. She suggested if I thought I could do better, that she'd love to see it. (She had me there, so I didn't push too hard.)

When her first meet of the season came around, she was bit by the competition bug. Her coach challenged her to run an entire race and as an incentive she could have homemade ice cream. (Made by mom, how convenient for the coach.) She ran the entire way, I made the ice cream, and she never walked any part of her workouts or races from that point on.

At her last meet of the season she ran a personal best. There was a down side to that race - bugs. Tiny, nasty, little blue bugs. They were everywhere. The runners kept on going, right through them. They are dedicated. I couldn't wait to get home. I ended up with lots of little dead bugs all over my white shirt. I couldn't just let them be. I tried to brush them off. It didn't work. Did I mention the bugs were nasty.

Reagan Rules...

Reagan lives in Reagan World. It is a very happy place, because you see, she is the Princess of Reagan World. In Reagan World, you live by Reagan Rules. If you don't like the rules of Reagan World, you are free to leave at anytime. Reagan is happy to have guests visit her in her land. She loves to play and have fun, as long as you are abiding by the laws of the land. You may or may not know the rules of Reagan Land. If you break a rule, you will be quickly forgiven. If Reagan breaks one of her rules, she does what every royal ruler does...she changes the rule.


Reagan's World is like a bubble that follows her where ever she is. Even in first grade art class.
It was a lesson in lines. Students were directed to draw specific lines. How big, what color, and where they were drawn were up to the student. At the end of the lesson, students were given the opportunity to add any details they wish. Here is a sampling of the art.
Student A:
Student B:

Student C:

Student R:

Reagan Rules.
If I had a manual life wouldn't be nearly as interesting.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

LOL

I wish I had a mind that never forgot things like jokes or silly songs, or heck, even my own name on some days. Unfortunately, I know there are many-many funnies that have been lost forever.

I am adding a new label to my blog - LOL - so I can start documenting some funny things that I know I will forget otherwise.

As I was typing this very post Athena called and said, 'Nice Comment' on Lindsay's blog. You wrote, "I tickled me." OBVIOUSLY, it was SUPPOSED to read IT TICKLED ME. Oops. I was meaning to write funny things about OTHER people in this post, but it made Athena giggle and I thought I'd better address the typo before people started asking questions....oh well. LOL!

Funny #1: Grace told me this morning that her teacher was not going to be at school today. "I'm going to have a substitute. You know, the one that passed away."

I was confused. I asked if Mrs. Fry had to go to a funeral for someone that passed away...thinking that Grace was confused. Nope.

"No mom, our substitute is the one that passed away. You know, the one that worked there last year, she passed away, SHE is our substitute."

The light bulb went on. "Mrs. Storey?"

"Yeah!"

"Grace honey, Mrs. Storey RETIRED, she didn't pass away."

"Oh, yeah."

I told Mrs. Storey today that she looked pretty good for someone who passed away last year. :-)

Funny #2: This is an old funny story, but I'm sure someday it will fade from my memory too...so I'm writing it down.

It was my first year teaching. I had 18 second graders. We did a lot of carpet time. My mom had bought me a rocking chair for my class room as a graduation present. I would love sitting and reading to the kids because two or three little girls loved to touch my nylons. They would sit by my feet and just pet my feet and legs. I would start drooling and want to take a nap, but I would resist. It was in that very rocking chair that I told my class that I had some exciting news to share. I let them play 20 questions to guess what I might be sharing with them. No one came close so I announced that I was pregnant and would be having a baby at the end of the school year. (One day before the last day of school to be precise.) Some girls giggled. Some immediately wanted to tell me stories about someone they knew who was pregnant or who had babies that they knew. One little red headed girl sat quietly at my feet with her hand in the air. When I called on her, she said, "It's too bad you are pregnant, you were always so cute before." :-) That story may be a keeper, as it has been 8 years and I haven't forgotten her or her sympathetic look of concern yet.

More LOL's to come.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Obsessed

I know that I have not been very visible in the blog world lately. I have all the usual excuses, a new school year, kids activities, laundry, meetings, etc. I am here tonight to tell you about my most recent excuse. It is how I am obsessed this week.

When I grow up I want to be one of those 'freaks' who has a spot for everything. "Everything has a place, everything in it's place." I want color coordinated containers in my closet. I want my towels folded, just so. I want dust to be a thing of the past. I want a PDA to sync with my laptop. I want my Christmas card list to update itself from my address book. I want - I want - I want.

What I KNOW about me is that I probably won't ever get to the level of 'freak' that I desire. Every now and then I will hit a stroke of good luck and I will pull off something that tickles me pink. It may be as simple as getting everyone to their appointed places on time. Other days it may be teaching an entire day without needing to run to the copy machine for something I've forgotten. Some days if I fold the laundry that has been in the dryer for 3 days it is sheer bliss.

Yesterday I was out of the door by 7 am, headed to get routine blood work to check my thyroid levels. (They were fine.) Then I headed to school. I walked out of school after a meeting at 4:20 pm. I drove through Starbucks on my way to the ESD for a 3 hour technology training. By 7:30 pm you might think that I would run out the door without a second look and collapse into bed to watch some worthless show on TV. But no...

You see...at the Tech meeting I was introduced to my newest favorite tech tool. Forgive me for being slow if you already know of the goodness of iGoogle and Google Calendar. Joe & Stacy & Ronda & Athena helped me get started on a family calendar. When the class ended, I couldn't wait to get home to set up more calendars. I ended up with SEVEN calendars on my Google Calendar. I can see Anne work, Soko Family, Marc, Taryn, Grace, Reagan or Birthday alone, or I can layer the calendars so I can actually count how many places I am supposed to be at one time. I LOVE IT!!!! I am now obsessed with adding activities to my calendar and seeing all the pretty colors pop up. If the monthly view gets too overwhelming I can switch to a week view or a day view.

So friends, please forgive me for the next few weeks. I am realizing part of a dream here. I have a color coordinated calendar for my family. Everyone has a place. Everyone is in their place. I feel like I am in control of the chaos (don't kid yourself...I know I'm not) but I do feel more at peace with this tool in my life.

I will be back...with pictures...and stories...and real life stuff...but for now...I'm hanging with Google!

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Are you kidding me?

Other potential post titles?


  • This was not on the list!
  • *&^%$^&*
  • Jake...the Good, the Bad, the Ugly!
  • Theme? Can you name it?
  • Why I love The Grocery Game.


Clue was one of my favorite games growing up.

Let's see if you can solve this blog mystery.



Time: 8:48 pm

Evidence: See above & below.


&



I'm pretty sure you all get the idea here.

* * * * *



This was not on the list. - I'm talking about my 'nothing' weekend list.



*&^%$^* - Pretty self explanatory.



Jake, the Good, the Bad, the Ugly.- The good - he's adorable. The bad - he kills cats. The ugly - I don't know how I'll wash him...I can't get near him right now.



Theme - Can you name it? - Candles and other pretty smelling things.

Why I love The Grocery Game. - I got to dig into my stockpile of pretty smelling things to take the edge off. Unfortunately tomato juice hasn't hit my list, so I'll be shopping for that tomorrow.

* * * * *

Oh dear. I'm now nestled into bed, remote in hand, candles burning, praying that Monday doesn't stink too bad.



What does NOTHING look like?

It was Friday night when Marc asked me what my plan was for the weekend. I replied, "Nothing!" It seems that the best I can do these days is make a list. Allow me to list what
-nothing-
ended up looking like this weekend.

Friday night:
Enjoyed babysitting the Nelson girls while mom & dad had a date at Hamley's.
Baked a Confetti Cake.
Tucked girls in for bed at 9 pm.
Watched ER from Thursday night. (I love DVR)
Read Blogs.
Tucked myself in at 10 pm.

Saturday:
Cleaned the kitchen.
Balanced check book. (Is it payday yet?)
Torn down oodles of boxed and supervised the burn barrel.
Sorted through my freezer to make meal plans.
Showered.
Went to Vigil Mass.
Ate dinner at La Fiesta.
Printed out Grocery Game shopping list.
Tried to watch Oprah's on DVR. Fell asleep by 9: 30 pm.

Sunday:
Grocery shopping.
Made homemade applesauce.
Walked 5 miles with my walking buddies. (Only 95 to go...)
Went and visited day old puppies. Not cute enough yet to be considered irresistible.
Began setting up the playroom again. Construction in that room is complete.
Made dinner.
Blogged...
-up next-
...watch Amazing Race. (The one reality show I would be tempted to try.)
...set out clothes for this week. Picture day is Friday...yuck!


All in all the weekend was wonderful. Nothing turned out to be just enough. I read the newspapers, I played on the computer, but I still felt like I accomplished a few things.

I'm hoping as the school year routines become more established I can get back to the 'creative' side of my blog. Right now I'm posting to try and remain 'connected' and to keep track of this insane season called 'Back to School'!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

DISNEY DELIGHT









Disney Delights
A List


One Daughter


One Mother




One Grandmother


    Two Theme Parks & Four Days


    Dozens of Characters


    Hundreds of Smiles



    Millions in Memories



Disney Learning per Reagan


"It really is the happiest place on earth."


"If it goes up, it's got to go down."


Disney Highlights




Princess luncheon & autographs

Rides-Rides-Rides





Key Lime Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory (twice)


Hannah Montana bear from Build-A-Bear



Disney Fireworks


Real Tinkerbell, flying on a zip line, above the castle.





(That little green fleck above the castle is Tinkerbell.)


Heat felt from the fire from our nearby seats.









Disney Downside



I went on this ride...I hadn't seen the sign.

I did quickly notice the barf bags inside the car after the latch was closed.