I haven't purposefully abandoned this blog. I am still blogging (all the time) at PS Mom Reviews. And if you really want to keep up with me Twitter and Facebook are the best places for that. Or my other blog also has links to my fan FB page, Pinterest, G+ and more that I do keep up with.
I think I've found it too much to keep up with two blogs. But the hard part is that I don't want to give up this blog. This is where I started. This is like the old house I don't want to sell. It's where my son grew up. It's also where I feel I can share things that I don't want to post on my other blog. So, even though I don't use it much, I still keep it around.
And I still value you, my friends and readers. I may not comment as often on your blogs, but I do visit from time to time to check in on you. And if you're connected with me on Twitter or FB I chat a lot there.
Zachariah is finishing out his kindergarten year now. He has just over 3 weeks left now. I can't believe that he's practically a 1st grader now. He's been through a lot this last year. Most of it pertaining to illness. If you've been around for a while, you know that my son has been a VERY healthy child. Up until Dec 2011 he had never been to the doctor for being sick.
When December hit he started coming home with various things from school. He had an ear infection, then after the first of the year it was tonsilitis or strep throat. And there was another ear infection in there too. Then more strep, more strep, more strep. Every time he came off an antibiotic we were back at the doctor again. It got so bad, I could count how many days until our next doctor appointment.
After this went on for months, they finally decided he'd been seen enough times to see a specialist. We were off to the ENT. They scheduled surgery rather quickly. We were mostly concerned about his tonsils, but learned that his ears were worse than anyone had realized. So he had his tonsils and adnoids removed, as well as tubes put into his ears.
Since the surgery...we have a new child. He's back to his old healthy self. He healed quickly. His follow up ENT appointment revealed that one of the tubes had already come out (the fastest she's ever seen in her 30 year career), but it looked clear so it was good. Now that the tonsils are gone the strep and tonsilitis has stopped too. No we just spend this summer keeping his head out of the water since he still has one tube left.
Zachariah was great through all the illness and surgery. It just got to be too normal. But he's doing so great now. I'm glad to have my happy, healthy guy back.
And now...he's got his first loose tooth. Or as he woul say, finally! I think he's one of the few in his class to still have all his baby teeth. But he just turned 6 in March, so really he's on course. I just think it makes him seem so grown up.
At school the past month has been a bit crazy. Their teacher (who we adore) sent home a note a few months ago explaining that her father had cancer. It looked bad, but he was going to receive treatment. She knew that she would be taking some time off to be with him through some of these things.
She missed a day here and there. A few weeks back she needed to take a whole week off, because her father had suffered major problems from his cancer treatment. Then 1 week became two, then turned into 3. I knew he had to be bad, but there was little communication from her or the school. They were great about reassuring us that the class was being taken care of, learning lots, and adjusting well to the many substitute teachers they've had.
Today we got a note home. Her father passed away from complications from his cancer treatment. So sad! :( I don't know how old he is. I did meet the teacher's mom, and she's probably close in age to my parents (who are in the early 50s). The teacher is my age, so that makes sense. I'm guessing her dad was 50-something. How terrible for her and the family. Her parents were divorced, and I don't know if he was remarried. But it's still terrible for her and her siblings and the rest of their loved ones. I am definitely praying for her.
Through this all Zachariah's class seems to be handling things well. I do feel sorry for them being away from their teacher so much. It would be different if she was taking maternity leave and had prepared for that. But this has been really unexpected. She's been into school a few times to get things organized and ready, so I know that's helped. But I do have to feel bad for these kids too.
The note we received today says that she is expecting to be back in the classroom by next Monday. I'm sure there is a lot to deal with this week. But I'm sure she would like (and probably needs) to finish out this school year with her students. I wish things could have ended differently for her. It's such a sad loss. (And I guess it hits close to home with the age too.)
Not a great note to end the school year on, but I'm sure everything will be OK for the kids. Zachariah understands what happened and seems to be taking it well. If you don't mind, please say a prayer for Mrs. Davis and her family this week.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Forever Family
My cousin and her husband just adopted their foster kids today. When they started this journey about 2 years ago, I'm sure they never saw this path.
My cousin, let's call her Leigh, and her husband knew when they first got married that they didn't want children right away. They wanted to take their time together and in their careers (they are both in church ministry) and see where things went. They said when they were married 5 years, they would discuss children.
Leigh has never been a big "baby person". She's always said that if she could just get her kids at about 3 years old or older, that would be perfect for her. Well, once she and her husband started discussing children (after those 5 years) they talked about having babies, fostering, and possibly adopting. They felt like they had a lot to offer children who didn't have a family.
Well, they ended up pursuing the fostering option. They went through classes and went in with the intention to foster to adopt. They thought they might foster a set of siblings or several kids together. They were set to be open for fostering after a scheduled missions trip.
That missions trip was supposed to be to Haiti. The devastating earthquake hit Haiti about two weeks before Leigh and her husband were supposed to go. Their trip was cancelled. They got a call from the fostering agency. There was a young brother and sister who were adoptable and were looking for their "forever family". They thought Leigh's home would be great for them.
The brother and sister were placed with Leigh. It was a great situation. The kids were 3 and 5 when they came. The transition was tough, especially for the 5 year old girl. She remembered going to the last foster home (which was a great home), and she had memories before that too. The boy really only remembered the past foster home, so this was rough for him to think about getting a new "mommy".
For a year and a half Leigh and her husband worked with these kids. They formed bonds, went through intensive therapy, and always talked about how they would be these cihldren's "forever mom and dad". A few weeks ago the little boy (who has been through a TON of stuff in this time) told Leigh that "it's a good thing he loved Mommy, because she could be his 'forever mom' now". You have no idea what this meant to Leigh. When I heard this I cried. What a break through for this little guy.
These children are so precious. Leigh and her husband are fantastic parents. And today they finalized the adoption of their two children. I am so happy for their little family and I can't wait to see what will happen next. But I know these two kids are the luckiest to have amazing parents like this. And I know Leigh and her husband are very lucky to have these precious children in their lives too!
My cousin, let's call her Leigh, and her husband knew when they first got married that they didn't want children right away. They wanted to take their time together and in their careers (they are both in church ministry) and see where things went. They said when they were married 5 years, they would discuss children.
Leigh has never been a big "baby person". She's always said that if she could just get her kids at about 3 years old or older, that would be perfect for her. Well, once she and her husband started discussing children (after those 5 years) they talked about having babies, fostering, and possibly adopting. They felt like they had a lot to offer children who didn't have a family.
Well, they ended up pursuing the fostering option. They went through classes and went in with the intention to foster to adopt. They thought they might foster a set of siblings or several kids together. They were set to be open for fostering after a scheduled missions trip.
That missions trip was supposed to be to Haiti. The devastating earthquake hit Haiti about two weeks before Leigh and her husband were supposed to go. Their trip was cancelled. They got a call from the fostering agency. There was a young brother and sister who were adoptable and were looking for their "forever family". They thought Leigh's home would be great for them.
The brother and sister were placed with Leigh. It was a great situation. The kids were 3 and 5 when they came. The transition was tough, especially for the 5 year old girl. She remembered going to the last foster home (which was a great home), and she had memories before that too. The boy really only remembered the past foster home, so this was rough for him to think about getting a new "mommy".
For a year and a half Leigh and her husband worked with these kids. They formed bonds, went through intensive therapy, and always talked about how they would be these cihldren's "forever mom and dad". A few weeks ago the little boy (who has been through a TON of stuff in this time) told Leigh that "it's a good thing he loved Mommy, because she could be his 'forever mom' now". You have no idea what this meant to Leigh. When I heard this I cried. What a break through for this little guy.
These children are so precious. Leigh and her husband are fantastic parents. And today they finalized the adoption of their two children. I am so happy for their little family and I can't wait to see what will happen next. But I know these two kids are the luckiest to have amazing parents like this. And I know Leigh and her husband are very lucky to have these precious children in their lives too!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Questions Answered
Pam asks: Do you want to be the house all the kids come to or not?
I haven't thought about that much. That actually is a tricky question. I like kids. I like talking to and working with kids...on a small scale. I don't mind when other kids come over...if it's for a short time. I guess I just get tired of having them around for too long. That sounds horrible, but it's strangely true. It's sort of the same way I know I would not make a good full-time classroom teacher. I could do tutoring, or specialized teaching or other classes, but I know I don't want to be a full-time classroom teacher. I just don't have it in me.
On the other hand, I'm hoping that this will be easier for my when Zachariah is older. I would love to be the teenage hangout house. I do like to entertain and since teens are better to do that with, I think that might work out. In the house we are in there just aren't any great places for kids to play or run around. We're hoping to be in the position to move in about 5 years. We would really like a place in the country. A basement or other area for hanging out would be fabulous. Then I think it would be great to have Zachariah's friends come and be able to be a big part of their lives like that.
Laura wants to know what my best posts are.
Well, that's hard to do. I've blogged here for almost 5 years now. I know there are some posts that I tell about myself, so here are a few I can think of that might give you a little more insight to who I am.
*Here is an oldie, but goodie with 50 facts about me. (Keep in mind this was written 4 years ago.)- http://mommydaisy.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html
*Now I'm just being sentimental. This is some cute things about Zachariah when he was my nephew's age, about 1 1/2- http://mommydaisy.blogspot.com/2008/01/my-little-funny-boy.html
*Ooh, bad memories about a friend who stopped talking to me (we talk just a little now, but I haven't seen her in person since before this incident 3 years ago)- http://mommydaisy.blogspot.com/2008/09/break-up.html
*This tells about how Matt & I met- http://mommydaisy.blogspot.com/2008/04/r-is-for-relationship-bonus-letter-day.html
*And this is a great story about how I broke a boy's heart once- http://mommydaisy.blogspot.com/2008/07/heartbreaker.html
Whew, that was really fun looking back over past posts. I had forgotten so many things about when Zachariah was little. I'll have to remember to go back through my archives more often.
I haven't thought about that much. That actually is a tricky question. I like kids. I like talking to and working with kids...on a small scale. I don't mind when other kids come over...if it's for a short time. I guess I just get tired of having them around for too long. That sounds horrible, but it's strangely true. It's sort of the same way I know I would not make a good full-time classroom teacher. I could do tutoring, or specialized teaching or other classes, but I know I don't want to be a full-time classroom teacher. I just don't have it in me.
On the other hand, I'm hoping that this will be easier for my when Zachariah is older. I would love to be the teenage hangout house. I do like to entertain and since teens are better to do that with, I think that might work out. In the house we are in there just aren't any great places for kids to play or run around. We're hoping to be in the position to move in about 5 years. We would really like a place in the country. A basement or other area for hanging out would be fabulous. Then I think it would be great to have Zachariah's friends come and be able to be a big part of their lives like that.
Laura wants to know what my best posts are.
Well, that's hard to do. I've blogged here for almost 5 years now. I know there are some posts that I tell about myself, so here are a few I can think of that might give you a little more insight to who I am.
*Here is an oldie, but goodie with 50 facts about me. (Keep in mind this was written 4 years ago.)- http://mommydaisy.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html
*Now I'm just being sentimental. This is some cute things about Zachariah when he was my nephew's age, about 1 1/2- http://mommydaisy.blogspot.com/2008/01/my-little-funny-boy.html
*Ooh, bad memories about a friend who stopped talking to me (we talk just a little now, but I haven't seen her in person since before this incident 3 years ago)- http://mommydaisy.blogspot.com/2008/09/break-up.html
*This tells about how Matt & I met- http://mommydaisy.blogspot.com/2008/04/r-is-for-relationship-bonus-letter-day.html
*And this is a great story about how I broke a boy's heart once- http://mommydaisy.blogspot.com/2008/07/heartbreaker.html
Whew, that was really fun looking back over past posts. I had forgotten so many things about when Zachariah was little. I'll have to remember to go back through my archives more often.
Monday, November 28, 2011
2 More Days...and I'm Out of Ideas
Wow, blogging for a whole month is hard. I did OK for the first half, but I've definitely hit a wall. I do have a few things that I'd like to write about and questions that I need to answer, but I need a little more time to sit down and work on those things.
It seems most days I put off writing here until late. Then I don't have as much time to put together the good posts that I really want. Plus when I am in the blogging mood, I'm playing catch up at my review blog. (That blog keeps me pretty busy!)
I am glad that I seem to be getting over my cold. I had much more energy today (even more than a normal Monday). It felt good to get a lot done. I still haven't tackled decorating for Christmas, but I did get all of Zachariah's presents wrapped. I'm pretty much done with gifts for him. The rest should be pretty easy, and I have some already. Now I just have to keep our holiday schedule under control and all will be well.
So before I wrap up my NaBloPoMo posts this week, do you have any more questions for me. I am going to work on a post to answer things tomorrow or Wednesday. And to the rest of you who are still blogging, keep up the great work! We'll finish strong together!
It seems most days I put off writing here until late. Then I don't have as much time to put together the good posts that I really want. Plus when I am in the blogging mood, I'm playing catch up at my review blog. (That blog keeps me pretty busy!)
I am glad that I seem to be getting over my cold. I had much more energy today (even more than a normal Monday). It felt good to get a lot done. I still haven't tackled decorating for Christmas, but I did get all of Zachariah's presents wrapped. I'm pretty much done with gifts for him. The rest should be pretty easy, and I have some already. Now I just have to keep our holiday schedule under control and all will be well.
So before I wrap up my NaBloPoMo posts this week, do you have any more questions for me. I am going to work on a post to answer things tomorrow or Wednesday. And to the rest of you who are still blogging, keep up the great work! We'll finish strong together!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Back to Routine
I have felt all out of sorts this last week or two with our routine. We went away for a weekend. Then Thanksgiving and no school last week made things a bit crazy. I need to get back to our regular routine. I think I'll feel more stable that way. Am I the only one who craves a routine?
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Books
What books have you been into lately?
I haven't been reading too much in the last month, but I always have several books sitting around. I'm currently reading A Lawman's Christmas by Linda Lael Miller. It's a quick read, historical romantic fiction.
Some of my favorites that I read in the last few months/year are Water for Elephants and The Great Chicago Fire Trilogy- The Hostage & The Mistress (I haven't gotten to the last yet). I guess I can't think of any others that really stood out to me.
I have been thinking about reading The Hunger Games books. And then I saw the preview for the movie...wow! It looks awesome. I'll definitely have to read the books now. If I'm interested in the movies and want to read the books, I have to read the books first.
What else am I missing out on? What is something good you've read lately? What should I add to my wish list?
Oh, and I'm on goodreads.com if you want to add me.
I haven't been reading too much in the last month, but I always have several books sitting around. I'm currently reading A Lawman's Christmas by Linda Lael Miller. It's a quick read, historical romantic fiction.
Some of my favorites that I read in the last few months/year are Water for Elephants and The Great Chicago Fire Trilogy- The Hostage & The Mistress (I haven't gotten to the last yet). I guess I can't think of any others that really stood out to me.
I have been thinking about reading The Hunger Games books. And then I saw the preview for the movie...wow! It looks awesome. I'll definitely have to read the books now. If I'm interested in the movies and want to read the books, I have to read the books first.
What else am I missing out on? What is something good you've read lately? What should I add to my wish list?
Oh, and I'm on goodreads.com if you want to add me.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Hectic
My life has felt very hectic lately. The good news is that I don't feel too stressed about it. It's just been busy, and getting a cold (and feeling so tired today) in the middle of it doesn't help. Also the fact that there is a quickly approaching holiday doesn't help.
Right now I have no desire to decorate my house for Christmas. I can't figure out if it's because I am sick right now or I'm just not in the holiday spirit yet. I'm hoping it will hit at some point. (There was a Christmas, years ago, that I didn't put up our tree. I was not in a festive mood and didn't feel like dealing with it. Hoping I don't get to that this year.) I usually love putting up our tree and decorations. It's fun to have beautiful, festive house.
This week seemed like a big blur of activities. Monday was my usual busyness with Bible study at church and then trying to catch up on laundry, dishes and other chores that get put off over the weekend (especially since we were away last weekend). Tuesday I took Matt's truck to a neighboring town to have new tires put on. While they were working on it, I got a loaner car. I drove to Zachariah's school to help with his class Thanksgiving "feast". We had a great time there. I went back to the car dealership to pick up the truck, then home to get a few quick things done before Zachariah got home. Wednesday, Zachariah didn't have school. We drove to Columbus to pick up our family photographs that were ready. (They turned out so well. Have I posted my favorite here yet?) But we did make good use of our time
Thursday was Thanksgiving, which means running around to various relatives and stuffing ourselves, although it's not as bad as Christmas. We live a little way away from our families, so we end up driving the farthest to participate in family get-togethers. It gets very hectic and a little crazy, but I love it. Being with my family is such an important part of the holidays, I'll do it as long as I can.
Today Matt had to work, so Zachariah and I stayed home. I am not a big Black Friday shopper. I don't like all the crowds. We slept in and were pretty lazy all morning. Zachariah got to play video games for an hour or so, which thrilled him because he hasn't had time lately. After lunch I asked him to clean his room. It was driving me nuts, and with Christmas coming I don't want to deal with putting more toys and things into an already messy room. I couldn't believe that he readily went in and cleaned for about an hour or so with no help or complaining! He cleaned up everything and did what I'd asked. OK, so I did bribe him a bit, but still there is usually at least a little whining. Not today, so the room is clean and I let him spend the rest of the afternoon eating popcorn and candy while watching movies.
While today was a nice little break from all the hectic plans, the rest of the weekend isn't that way. Tomorrow I have to go to church early for a funeral. We lost a precious lady earlier this week, and I am helping with the dinner afterwards. Matt will come to the funeral, but he's heading home after that. The burial is a little ways away, so it might be a while before the dinner starts. Plus the Ohio State vs. Michigan game is tomorrow afternoon. I will miss it, but at least Matt will be able to get home in time to watch it. I know he has some other things to do around the house (like clean the gutters before the snow starts flying), so he'll have plenty going on. And Sunday is always busy with our involvement in church things.
Whew! I'm glad next week won't be quite this busy. Maybe that's why I'm not in the Christmas spirit yet. I think once I have a day or two to get back on a normal schedule around here and catch up on housework and chores, it will help. But we all know there are plenty of activities to keep us all busy between now and Christmas. Fortunately so far most of them are on the weekends (every weekend between now and the end of the year to be exact). Ahh...
Right now I have no desire to decorate my house for Christmas. I can't figure out if it's because I am sick right now or I'm just not in the holiday spirit yet. I'm hoping it will hit at some point. (There was a Christmas, years ago, that I didn't put up our tree. I was not in a festive mood and didn't feel like dealing with it. Hoping I don't get to that this year.) I usually love putting up our tree and decorations. It's fun to have beautiful, festive house.
This week seemed like a big blur of activities. Monday was my usual busyness with Bible study at church and then trying to catch up on laundry, dishes and other chores that get put off over the weekend (especially since we were away last weekend). Tuesday I took Matt's truck to a neighboring town to have new tires put on. While they were working on it, I got a loaner car. I drove to Zachariah's school to help with his class Thanksgiving "feast". We had a great time there. I went back to the car dealership to pick up the truck, then home to get a few quick things done before Zachariah got home. Wednesday, Zachariah didn't have school. We drove to Columbus to pick up our family photographs that were ready. (They turned out so well. Have I posted my favorite here yet?) But we did make good use of our time
Thursday was Thanksgiving, which means running around to various relatives and stuffing ourselves, although it's not as bad as Christmas. We live a little way away from our families, so we end up driving the farthest to participate in family get-togethers. It gets very hectic and a little crazy, but I love it. Being with my family is such an important part of the holidays, I'll do it as long as I can.
Today Matt had to work, so Zachariah and I stayed home. I am not a big Black Friday shopper. I don't like all the crowds. We slept in and were pretty lazy all morning. Zachariah got to play video games for an hour or so, which thrilled him because he hasn't had time lately. After lunch I asked him to clean his room. It was driving me nuts, and with Christmas coming I don't want to deal with putting more toys and things into an already messy room. I couldn't believe that he readily went in and cleaned for about an hour or so with no help or complaining! He cleaned up everything and did what I'd asked. OK, so I did bribe him a bit, but still there is usually at least a little whining. Not today, so the room is clean and I let him spend the rest of the afternoon eating popcorn and candy while watching movies.
While today was a nice little break from all the hectic plans, the rest of the weekend isn't that way. Tomorrow I have to go to church early for a funeral. We lost a precious lady earlier this week, and I am helping with the dinner afterwards. Matt will come to the funeral, but he's heading home after that. The burial is a little ways away, so it might be a while before the dinner starts. Plus the Ohio State vs. Michigan game is tomorrow afternoon. I will miss it, but at least Matt will be able to get home in time to watch it. I know he has some other things to do around the house (like clean the gutters before the snow starts flying), so he'll have plenty going on. And Sunday is always busy with our involvement in church things.
Whew! I'm glad next week won't be quite this busy. Maybe that's why I'm not in the Christmas spirit yet. I think once I have a day or two to get back on a normal schedule around here and catch up on housework and chores, it will help. But we all know there are plenty of activities to keep us all busy between now and Christmas. Fortunately so far most of them are on the weekends (every weekend between now and the end of the year to be exact). Ahh...
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving
We have so many things to be thankful. I thought I'd list a few. In no particular order...
1. My family
2. A warm home
3. Health
4. Food & Clean water
5. Nice clothes
6. Friends (like you)
I pray that you enjoy your Thanksgiving with family and friends. Blessings to you all!
1. My family
2. A warm home
3. Health
4. Food & Clean water
5. Nice clothes
6. Friends (like you)
I pray that you enjoy your Thanksgiving with family and friends. Blessings to you all!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
A Little Puke to End the Day
 |
| Zachariah with Brutus at Cheryl's |
We had a pretty fun day today. We went to Columbus to pick up our prints of our family photos. Wow, they turned out very good. I can't wait to get everything hung up and framed.
While we were out of town, I took advantage of the opportunity to shop at Target and a few other stores we don't have here. And we ate lunch at Chick-fil-a. Then we got some yummy cookies from Cheryl's, and stopped to buy Matt some See's Candies before leaving the mall. (It's probably a good thing I don't live closer to these places that I love!) Sometimes it's fun to have a little spoiling, though.
About an hour after Zachariah went to bed he got up with puke all over himself. Yuck! He had been coughing (stinking colds), and I think he gagged himself. All over him, so he had to re-shower. All over the bed, which I had to change and wash. Ugh. I am just hoping and praying it was because of him gagging and not the flu hitting our house. I don't want to deal with that. Plus we have plans for Thanksgiving. So far, so good, but only time will tell.
I wish you and yours a happy, healthy thanksgiving tomorrow!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Sick Again
Poor Zachariah had another cold this weekend. Fortunately he hasn't been too sick this fall, but enough with the colds already. I think going around to school has exposed him to germs he wasn't before. He seems to pick things up.
The bad part is that this time Matt and I seem to be coming down with colds too. We tried so hard to keep Zachariah's germs contained, but it didn't work. I just pray ours go quickly and neither of us end up too bad. Right now we have too much going on to even worry about it. So we'll do what we can to feel better faster and hope for the best.
The bad part is that this time Matt and I seem to be coming down with colds too. We tried so hard to keep Zachariah's germs contained, but it didn't work. I just pray ours go quickly and neither of us end up too bad. Right now we have too much going on to even worry about it. So we'll do what we can to feel better faster and hope for the best.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
Here is a recipe that I got from a friend. I've had similar things many different places, usually for potlucks and such. My friend and her mom make this a lot. She is a vegetarian, so when she goes to a potluck she doesn't always know what she can eat. If she brings something along that she really likes, she knows she can at least fall back on that. But these are so good we have had them for a lot of our get-togethers. I like to make them when we have a lot of people over because it serves so many. And it's very simple! You'll have to give it a try.
Cheesy Potatoes
Cheesy Potatoes
2 lb. frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 pint sour cream
1 can cream of celery soup
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 stick margarine, melted
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Combine all ingredients. Pour into a greased 1 ½ qt baking
dish (or an 11x13 baking pan). Bake 45-50 min. at 350.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Family
Today we had Thanksgiving dinner with my mom's side of the family. It is always nice to see everyone. There were a few extra kids to play with this time, because my mom's cousin came. He and his wife have 3 little boys, so they alone outnumbered our family's (between my sister and me) 2 kids. They all had fun playing together. And their oldest boy is only weeks younger than Zachariah, and they get along pretty well.
I love family get togethers. As hectic as it can get, I'm looking forward to the other two that we have coming up on Thursday. And don't get me started on Christmas, we have so many family events that we can't always make it to them all. But I wouldn't change a thing. Especially since I'm lucky enough to still have 3 of my 4 grandparents with us. It's great to see them and spend time with them, because I know they won't be around forever. For now they are fairly young, so I hope we have a good many years left. But my 1 remaining grandpa is in poor health, so it's important to treasure those moments....even in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
I love family get togethers. As hectic as it can get, I'm looking forward to the other two that we have coming up on Thursday. And don't get me started on Christmas, we have so many family events that we can't always make it to them all. But I wouldn't change a thing. Especially since I'm lucky enough to still have 3 of my 4 grandparents with us. It's great to see them and spend time with them, because I know they won't be around forever. For now they are fairly young, so I hope we have a good many years left. But my 1 remaining grandpa is in poor health, so it's important to treasure those moments....even in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Chicago...the Town, Not the Musical
We were back in Chicago today. Remember last year when we went there? We went to the same event this time. It was the Chicago Toy and Game Fair at Navy Pier. So much fun! This year we participated as bloggers for our review blogs. I'm going to try to do a little write up there of all the fun things that we saw. And it was fun meeting a few new bloggers. (I actually ran into someone that knew my review blog. Eek! That was fun.)
It was a long day, which ended in me having a little temper tantrum before we left Navy Pier. Oops. But all is well that ends well...and it did.
Now we're on to a pretty hectic, busy week. I'm looking forward to all the things we have to do, and I'll try to keep myself in check too. ;)
It was a long day, which ended in me having a little temper tantrum before we left Navy Pier. Oops. But all is well that ends well...and it did.
Now we're on to a pretty hectic, busy week. I'm looking forward to all the things we have to do, and I'll try to keep myself in check too. ;)
Friday, November 18, 2011
Little Trips
Matt and I have always enjoyed taking little weekend trips here and there. We've done this since we were first married (11 years and counting now). I can't even remember all of the little trips we've taken.
We've been to Mohican (Ohio), Kenosha (WI), Birch Run (MI), Grove City (PA), Shipshewana (IN), Flint (MI), Pigeon Forge (TN), Chicago (IL) and so many more. Some of these have been shopping trips (we love outlet malls). Some are sight seeing trips. Some are just the type of trip when we just drive and see where we end up.
There is just something about having a little time away from home and responsibilities. And it doesn't have to cost much to do this either. We love booking online with the sites that search for cheap hotel offers.
And now it's fun traveling with the kid too. It helps that Zachariah is (and always has been) a good car rider. He does really well in the car. And he doesn't even always need much to do either. He's pretty easy when it comes to that.
So, jump in the car and do a little one or two day getaway every now and then. You never know that adventures you'll find.
We've been to Mohican (Ohio), Kenosha (WI), Birch Run (MI), Grove City (PA), Shipshewana (IN), Flint (MI), Pigeon Forge (TN), Chicago (IL) and so many more. Some of these have been shopping trips (we love outlet malls). Some are sight seeing trips. Some are just the type of trip when we just drive and see where we end up.
There is just something about having a little time away from home and responsibilities. And it doesn't have to cost much to do this either. We love booking online with the sites that search for cheap hotel offers.
And now it's fun traveling with the kid too. It helps that Zachariah is (and always has been) a good car rider. He does really well in the car. And he doesn't even always need much to do either. He's pretty easy when it comes to that.
So, jump in the car and do a little one or two day getaway every now and then. You never know that adventures you'll find.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
TV For Me
Here's what I've been watching lately:
And my favorite new shows:
Are you watching any of these? What are you watching that I'm not and should be?
My two favorite new shows are Revenge and Once Upon a Time. If you haven't tried those, you really should!
How I Met Your MotherGleeParenthoodThe MiddleModern FamilySurvivorPrivate PracticeThe Big Bang TheoryChuck
And my favorite new shows:
Last Man StandingRevengePerson of InterestOnce Upon a Time
Are you watching any of these? What are you watching that I'm not and should be?
My two favorite new shows are Revenge and Once Upon a Time. If you haven't tried those, you really should!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Handyman
In my marriage there are things that I am good at contributing and things that Matt is good at contributing. I'd say all in all we make a great team. I do most of the housework, dishes, laundry, etc. Matt does the yard work and home maintenance.
Yesterday I washed dishes, then emptied the garbage to take outside. We store our garbage bags under the sink, and I noticed the top of the first bag was wet. Upon further investigation I found the tub I keep cleaners and odds and ends in was full of water. Thank goodness this was under there, or we would have had water everywhere. I caught it just in time. A piece under the sink drain had broken, so everything was draining under the sink into this tub.
This is where Matt comes in. He was able pretty quickly assess the problem, buy the parts, replace things, and put the sink back together. Tonight it's back to working order. I'm so thankful that Matt is handy like this, and I don't have to call a plumber when something like this happens. I could see what the problem was, but I would not have been able to fix it. He does stuff like this around the house all the time. He'd gotten to be quite the handyman over the years we've owned this house. I really appreciate that too.
I do my part, and he does his. I like that we balance each other out to keep our household running smoothly.
Yesterday I washed dishes, then emptied the garbage to take outside. We store our garbage bags under the sink, and I noticed the top of the first bag was wet. Upon further investigation I found the tub I keep cleaners and odds and ends in was full of water. Thank goodness this was under there, or we would have had water everywhere. I caught it just in time. A piece under the sink drain had broken, so everything was draining under the sink into this tub.
This is where Matt comes in. He was able pretty quickly assess the problem, buy the parts, replace things, and put the sink back together. Tonight it's back to working order. I'm so thankful that Matt is handy like this, and I don't have to call a plumber when something like this happens. I could see what the problem was, but I would not have been able to fix it. He does stuff like this around the house all the time. He'd gotten to be quite the handyman over the years we've owned this house. I really appreciate that too.
I do my part, and he does his. I like that we balance each other out to keep our household running smoothly.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Proud Momma
This evening we had our very first Parent Teacher conference. It went so well. I have adored Zachariah's teacher from the beginning. She is just great.
Zachariah is doing really well academically. He is doing fantastic in reading. He is reading beyond what she's doing in class, so she's challenging him with the next step up in books. He sounds out words so well and figures things out quickly. He's been doing this at home, and I'm constantly amazed at what he knows. I really appreciated her telling us about trying to challenge him and push him a little farther. She can see that he needs that. And he definitely likes to be challenged. He gets bored quickly if it's not challenging. He knows all his numbers and is writing well. He is doing well in Math too.
The problems that she told us about are things that he has issues with at home. They are minor and we will work on them and continue to remind him of those things. He rushes through some work, like writing and scissor work. Although, she said this has been happening a lot with a bunch of students lately. They want to finish first, so she's really working on quality work and not speed.
He also likes to be nosy about what other students are doing when he's supposed to be doing something else. (And he reports to the teacher when they aren't doing what they are supposed to be.) I think this is something that many kids have trouble with at this age. We decide just to remind him to focus on his work and not worry about everyone else.
And he sometimes charges into something without waiting to hear the directions. He thinks he knows how to do it, so he does. He has been doing this for a long time. He gets things done fast, because he can figure them out quickly. Then he doesn't want to wait for someone to tell him what to do next, he'll just do what he thinks he should. We'll reinforce this at home and she'll continue with the gentle reminders at school.
She also told us how much fun it is having him in her class. He's a funny kid with a lot of personality. And when he has a conversation with you, it's like talking to another adult. (He's always been like this.) It's always funny to me how this amazes people, we're just used to it.
All in all he's doing great. I was so glad to hear this. And I love that his teacher pays enough attention to know what he needs. I knew going into public school that there was a chance Zachariah wouldn't get the pushes he needed. He started kindergarten knowing so much already, but he is getting just what he needs. I know that he'll continue to excel. I'm very proud of my boy.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Fun Afternoon
I don't do it very often, but I'm thinking I should do more of it. This afternoon I baked with my son. I'm usually too controlling in the kitchen to let him help much. I do try, but it's so frustrating sometimes. I think I've learned to relax a little, and it helps that Zachariah is growing up. Today we had fun making Monkey Bread together. I need more moments like these with my son.
Do you like to cook or bake with your kids? What's your (or their) favorite thing to make?
And we were testing out a fun product. You can read more about it over at my review blog. And while you're there, make sure you sign up to win the $250 Paypal cash.You never know, you could be the big winner.
Do you like to cook or bake with your kids? What's your (or their) favorite thing to make?
And we were testing out a fun product. You can read more about it over at my review blog. And while you're there, make sure you sign up to win the $250 Paypal cash.You never know, you could be the big winner.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
A Few Questions for You
Tonight I have a few questions for you:
Since I asked, I'll answer too:
- The holiday season is upon us, what are you most excited about?
- What makes you first think about the holidays? Get-togethers? Shopping for gifts? Decorating? Baking? Cooler weather? Or something else?
- When do you do most of your gift buying for Christmas?
- Do you have any favorite holiday traditions?
- Do you go to family dinner for Thanksgiving? Or is it a small intimate dinner at home?
- What food/s do you make for Thanksgiving?
- Do you go to stores for Black Friday sales?
- Who is on your gift list?
- Do you host or attend any Christmas or holiday parties?
- What do you do to keep your kids busy during Christmas break?
Since I asked, I'll answer too:
- I love seeing my extended family during the holidays. My parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and more get together. Plus I enjoy Matt's family as well.
- I get the baking bug when the holidays get close.
- I have been collecting gifts over the last few months (probably a few things since spring). We don't buy a lot, so I'm pretty far along. Not too much else to do.
- I like having our little gift exchange before Christmas (with Matt & Zachariah). I like having our family thing with Matt's family on Christmas Eve then going to my parents' house and waking up Christmas morning with them.
- We have 3 Thanksgiving dinners. My maternal grandmother has dinner the Sunday before, my paternal grandparents have dinner Thanksgiving Day at 1:00, and Matt's aunt has dinner at 4:00 Thanksgiving Day.
- I usually bring a dessert, cookies or something similar. We travel a lot that week and live the farthest away from everyone else, so I keep it simple. Plus there is always so much food.
- No, I do NOT like the crowds.
- We buy gifts for Zachariah, sometimes each other, parents, siblings and nephews/niece. That's pretty much it.
- Not other than family functions. I keep thinking about hosting a Christmas party and inviting all our local friends. (I like to host parties, but rarely do it due to the expense.)
- I don't know, this is our first year with Christmas vacation from school. I need ideas! Help!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Pumpkin Cupcakes
2 cups pumpkin
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. nutmeg
4 eggs
2 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
3/4 cup oil
Mix all ingredients and fill cupcake pans 2/3 full.
Topping:
8 oz. cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 egg
12 oz. chocolate chips (use mini chips with mini muffin pans)
Beat sugar, egg and cream cheese together until smooth - add chocolate chips. Put 1 tsp. in center of each cupcake. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes (12-14 for mini muffin pans).
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