Can't believe it's almost November! Yikes.....
Had a good remainder of the week. On Thursday (my "day off" until my painting class starts in 2 weeks) I got to go have lunch with Tom. Maggie wonders why we don't do this every week. When we first moved to Holland, our offices were across the hall from each other and we had lunch regularly. Since most of my team hadn't started yet and I knew next to no one there, it was generous of him to include me in his daily lunch plans! In any event, I enjoyed seeing him mid-day and always like to spend time with him -- he IS my favorite, of course!
The rest of Thursday passed normally. Picked the girls up from school and we stopped to purchase our pumpkins for jack o lanterns -- Thursday morning I'd realized that we'd failed to get them (whoops!). This year I got a teeny one. Last year I got one that had all these bumps on it and brought it home to find it to be a gourd that was impossible to cut into. So I drew a design on it. In any event, we came home after that and re-heated Chinese food for dinner. Took Maggie and a friend to ballet and came home for the evening. Yea!
Today was back-to-busy. Gym and yoga this morning, followed by a library run and grocery trip. Home for an hour or so to bathe, drink coffee, and have an early lunch, then back to school for Abby's halloween party. Maggie's party was at the same time but I wasn't "permitted" to attend -- her first school "dance" -- for the 7th and 8th graders. Don't tell, but another mom and I spied on them a short bit! Hard to see them growing up. After school we headed to the doctor. Abby's got a bump on her foot that is painful and yes, it is a bunion (can you believe -- she's 9 and have NEVER worn pointy-toed high-heeled shoes). The doctor isn't overly concerned, checked her school shoes for fit and advised to take advil for any discomfort and use the pads from the grocery -- keep up on it and come back if it worsens. Sigh. My mom has big-time foot problems, but her's didn't really occur until she was 60, not NINE YEARS OLD! In further news, we did go ahead and get the flu mist and swine flu shot for both girls today. They've never had a flu shot (neither have I), but it's really been going around school and I wanted the swine flu vaccine for them, so might as well get them both. Stopped at Walgreen's on the way home for foot pads and then carved pumpkins! I have to say that my tiny little pumpkin is really cute. Roasted the seed, re-heated a casserole, and have started laundry. Day must be close to being done, no?
Tomorrow we plan for haircuts, then Maggie has ballet, then piano, and each is having a friend come for trick-or-treat. Sunday we're taking Tom to CATS for his birthday present -- first time for Broadway to be back in New Orleans since 2005.....
Have a great weekend!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday
I love Wednesdays. Mid-week fresher-upper of a day, especially during the school year when my Bible Study group meets. I keep mentioning that we're studying the book of John this year and I find not only the book itself interesting, but the discussion was have are so valuable. We come from such different backgrounds, yet all love the same Bible. Wednesday are also the days that my house gets cleaned -- nothing better than that! I am so thankful that we're able to have someone else do the cleaning -- while I like a certain level of clean, I neither have the patience nor am willing to take the time to get it to that level of clean. And we also usually order chinese food for dinner on our way home from school, so no cooking!
Yesterday was, of course, busy, although we were able to carpool somewhat for ballet which gave me a bit more "down time" at home. In the morning was the normal routine of packing lunches, feeding children, doing carpool, and heading for the gym. After that I went to my doctor's office -- our insurance carrier had "dropped" her from it's "list" (no reason why, she's still in the same office, same everything -- go figure). I really like this particular doctor, and wasn't very happy about it. I've been delaying my check-up because I hadn't found a new doctor. Finally, I found one that had been recommended to me by two friends, so I went to get a copy of my records. I was talking to the receptionist and asked whether or not our insurance was covered and she told me that while it wasn't, the doctor was, for existing patients, charging a flat fee for services ($35 more than my co-pay), and sending all lab work to "accepted" labs. So I went ahead and made an appointment. If I ever have a problem that requires other procedures, I will have to cross that bridge. But, for now, I am healthy and happy to be able to see a doctor I like and trust. PHEW!
THEN I went to the library and came home. Had vague thoughts of joining Tom for lunch, but decided to delay until Thursday when I have plenty of time and a "clearer" afternoon. So I relaxed a bit, had lunch, and then headed to get the girls. We went to Abby's violin lesson -- she really loves the violin and you can tell by how well she's playing it. She's going to play in the Christmas recital again this year and is again allowing my to accompany her. Then we came home, stopping on the way for dinner. Maggie was picked up for ballet, then I went to get her at 7 and we were DONE!!!!!
Starting Friday we're having "doctor" week here. Friday we're taking Abby to the doctor to look at her feet -- she's been having some pain and we want to get it checked out. Tuesday I go to the dentist. Wednesday the girls go to the dentist, and Thursday I go to the doctor. For a healthy family, we sure are going to the doctor a LOT!
In any event, have a blessed Wednesday and rest of the week!
Yesterday was, of course, busy, although we were able to carpool somewhat for ballet which gave me a bit more "down time" at home. In the morning was the normal routine of packing lunches, feeding children, doing carpool, and heading for the gym. After that I went to my doctor's office -- our insurance carrier had "dropped" her from it's "list" (no reason why, she's still in the same office, same everything -- go figure). I really like this particular doctor, and wasn't very happy about it. I've been delaying my check-up because I hadn't found a new doctor. Finally, I found one that had been recommended to me by two friends, so I went to get a copy of my records. I was talking to the receptionist and asked whether or not our insurance was covered and she told me that while it wasn't, the doctor was, for existing patients, charging a flat fee for services ($35 more than my co-pay), and sending all lab work to "accepted" labs. So I went ahead and made an appointment. If I ever have a problem that requires other procedures, I will have to cross that bridge. But, for now, I am healthy and happy to be able to see a doctor I like and trust. PHEW!
THEN I went to the library and came home. Had vague thoughts of joining Tom for lunch, but decided to delay until Thursday when I have plenty of time and a "clearer" afternoon. So I relaxed a bit, had lunch, and then headed to get the girls. We went to Abby's violin lesson -- she really loves the violin and you can tell by how well she's playing it. She's going to play in the Christmas recital again this year and is again allowing my to accompany her. Then we came home, stopping on the way for dinner. Maggie was picked up for ballet, then I went to get her at 7 and we were DONE!!!!!
Starting Friday we're having "doctor" week here. Friday we're taking Abby to the doctor to look at her feet -- she's been having some pain and we want to get it checked out. Tuesday I go to the dentist. Wednesday the girls go to the dentist, and Thursday I go to the doctor. For a healthy family, we sure are going to the doctor a LOT!
In any event, have a blessed Wednesday and rest of the week!
Monday, October 26, 2009
it's been a week.....
Either it was an incredibly busy week OR I was just lazy! Maybe a combination of both, I think. One of my friends put out a blog about the "busyness" of being an at-home mom versus a working mom. She, like me, as done both and it really is amazing how different life seems from both sides of it. I suppose I could have managed continuing working when we moved here, but I am so thankful for the opportunity to be with my girls more -- and fill up all that time I used to use working with other things -- like cooking dinners, ironing, going to the grocery more than once a week, etc. etc. In any event, here's the week that was......
As Maggie's not dancing Nutcracker this year, I'm not able to coordinate carpooling quite as well, so that's taking up a bit more time. Unfortunately, the dancing classes are 5 days a week and occur during "normal" dinner hours or dinner-preparation hours. Therefore, we either do fast food, carry out, OR mom cooks in the morning and makes up convenient boxes for dinner (after eating my portion for lunch! -- at least I get it fresh and not re-heated.....). Mondays and Thursdays in particular are like this. Last week, I made cassoulet which was pretty good (and I have and extra family-sized portion in the freezer). Today it's meatloaf, broccoli, and mashed potatoes.
In any event, back to the busyness of last week. So, Monday included cooking, yoga, grocery, ballet, helping with homework, helping with violin practice, folding towels, carpool (2 trips), etc. Without the carpool I get to spend 45 minutes at Starbucks enabling Abby to do homework in a location besides the car and me to read a book for a bit. Tuesday I had the opportunity to meet with a new group of ladies, all around my age with kids around my girls' ages. It started from a group of MOPS graduates who were looking for a more-formal way to continue their relationships with one another given their kids "graduated" MOPS and were enrolled in different schools. One of my friends from Bible Study invited me. There's some prayer, fellowship, and then someone speaks on a relevant topic. Last week, my friend discussed "Fear" and how it affects children. I really enjoyed the company and am looking forward to the meeting next Tuesday on "Raising Children in Today's Culture". Tuesday continued with Abby's violin lesson followed by a trip to McD's for dinner and then Maggie to ballet. Home by 7:30.....
Wednesday was my Bible Study. I always look forward to this! We're continuing in John and right now are in Chapter 6. The study refers back to the other 3 Gospels as well as tying in the prophecies from the Old Testament. And it's a diverse group of women -- ages from mid-thirties through mid-70s, various churches around the area, various "economic statuses", various "life experiences", etc. etc. It really fills me up mid-week and I value being able to share my experiences with the girls when I get them from school. After school this particular day we took Maggie to the orthodontist and home for ice cream BEFORE dinner to help with the discomfort. Spaghetti (frozen sauce) for dinner for those tender teeth.
Thursday was interesting. I'd been feeling a bit achy and really took it easy Thursday. Tom worked from home. He had his "welcome to my world" experience by going to carpool with me, although he stayed in the car instead of getting out to talk with the other parents picking up kids. We headed from there to a high school open house -- the one Maggie is most interested in. Then home for pizza (ahem, another "order in" day!). Friday was yoga day followed by a quick grocery run. Maggie had girl scouts after school, so Abby and I went to look for some more materials for her school project. Didn't find what she "really" wanted so she's not content to using lego figurines for the "people" in her diorama -- I figured after going to Michael's, Target, and KMart for "people", legos would HAVE to do! We continued and picked up Maggie and headed home where it was dinner (pork tenderloin, rice, and asparagas) and "normal" evening happenings. Saturday started out with a yoga video followed by taking the girls to buy new winter coats. Abby's FIRST TIME since her snow suit we bought in Vienna to have a non-hand-me-down coat (Maggie's when she was Abby's size is quite European in looks.....). I am thankful for Burlington Coat Factory -- living here, they only wear them at most 4 times a year, so I HATE to spend much money on them! However, Maggie's moved into the ladies' sizes, at which point there is a significant difference in price. Picked them up lunch and Cane's and took Maggie to ballet class. Home for a bit, then pick Maggie up and head to piano lessons. HOME FOR GOOD!!!!!
Yesterday (Sunday) was wonderful, aside from missing church. Maggie's girl scout troop participated in Race for the Cure in honor of one of the girls' mom who is currently battling breast cancer. We met and did the 1 mile race first (I was in a jogging mood and jogged it). Then we did the 5K -- I was still in the jogging mood and jogged -- except I walked for about a half mile after mile 2 when the water I drank went down the wrong pipe. SO, I jogged about 4 miles total which, for me, is momentous. And I felt it the rest of the day! Yoga this morning helped, along with 3 advil. In any event, after the race (oh yeah, I also managed to finish before Maggie and her friends who were doing a combo of running and walking), we headed to Le Madeleine for lunch. One of Maggie's friends came home with us for a bit and I took a bath and headed to watch football the rest of the afternoon. Both the Steelers and the Saints (how 'bout that come-from-behind?) won. Tom managed to get both girls some supper as I wasn't moving too well and thoroughly distracted by the TV.......Trouble sleeping due to soreness, but am doing well now.
SO, today has been pack lunch, feed breakfast, take girls to school, yoga, grocery, coffee, cook dinner (eat dinner for lunch), and now I'm here about to go back to school, then head to ballet, heat up tupperware dinners, and put on the PJs for the evening. The joys of staying home......
GREAT week to all!
As Maggie's not dancing Nutcracker this year, I'm not able to coordinate carpooling quite as well, so that's taking up a bit more time. Unfortunately, the dancing classes are 5 days a week and occur during "normal" dinner hours or dinner-preparation hours. Therefore, we either do fast food, carry out, OR mom cooks in the morning and makes up convenient boxes for dinner (after eating my portion for lunch! -- at least I get it fresh and not re-heated.....). Mondays and Thursdays in particular are like this. Last week, I made cassoulet which was pretty good (and I have and extra family-sized portion in the freezer). Today it's meatloaf, broccoli, and mashed potatoes.
In any event, back to the busyness of last week. So, Monday included cooking, yoga, grocery, ballet, helping with homework, helping with violin practice, folding towels, carpool (2 trips), etc. Without the carpool I get to spend 45 minutes at Starbucks enabling Abby to do homework in a location besides the car and me to read a book for a bit. Tuesday I had the opportunity to meet with a new group of ladies, all around my age with kids around my girls' ages. It started from a group of MOPS graduates who were looking for a more-formal way to continue their relationships with one another given their kids "graduated" MOPS and were enrolled in different schools. One of my friends from Bible Study invited me. There's some prayer, fellowship, and then someone speaks on a relevant topic. Last week, my friend discussed "Fear" and how it affects children. I really enjoyed the company and am looking forward to the meeting next Tuesday on "Raising Children in Today's Culture". Tuesday continued with Abby's violin lesson followed by a trip to McD's for dinner and then Maggie to ballet. Home by 7:30.....
Wednesday was my Bible Study. I always look forward to this! We're continuing in John and right now are in Chapter 6. The study refers back to the other 3 Gospels as well as tying in the prophecies from the Old Testament. And it's a diverse group of women -- ages from mid-thirties through mid-70s, various churches around the area, various "economic statuses", various "life experiences", etc. etc. It really fills me up mid-week and I value being able to share my experiences with the girls when I get them from school. After school this particular day we took Maggie to the orthodontist and home for ice cream BEFORE dinner to help with the discomfort. Spaghetti (frozen sauce) for dinner for those tender teeth.
Thursday was interesting. I'd been feeling a bit achy and really took it easy Thursday. Tom worked from home. He had his "welcome to my world" experience by going to carpool with me, although he stayed in the car instead of getting out to talk with the other parents picking up kids. We headed from there to a high school open house -- the one Maggie is most interested in. Then home for pizza (ahem, another "order in" day!). Friday was yoga day followed by a quick grocery run. Maggie had girl scouts after school, so Abby and I went to look for some more materials for her school project. Didn't find what she "really" wanted so she's not content to using lego figurines for the "people" in her diorama -- I figured after going to Michael's, Target, and KMart for "people", legos would HAVE to do! We continued and picked up Maggie and headed home where it was dinner (pork tenderloin, rice, and asparagas) and "normal" evening happenings. Saturday started out with a yoga video followed by taking the girls to buy new winter coats. Abby's FIRST TIME since her snow suit we bought in Vienna to have a non-hand-me-down coat (Maggie's when she was Abby's size is quite European in looks.....). I am thankful for Burlington Coat Factory -- living here, they only wear them at most 4 times a year, so I HATE to spend much money on them! However, Maggie's moved into the ladies' sizes, at which point there is a significant difference in price. Picked them up lunch and Cane's and took Maggie to ballet class. Home for a bit, then pick Maggie up and head to piano lessons. HOME FOR GOOD!!!!!
Yesterday (Sunday) was wonderful, aside from missing church. Maggie's girl scout troop participated in Race for the Cure in honor of one of the girls' mom who is currently battling breast cancer. We met and did the 1 mile race first (I was in a jogging mood and jogged it). Then we did the 5K -- I was still in the jogging mood and jogged -- except I walked for about a half mile after mile 2 when the water I drank went down the wrong pipe. SO, I jogged about 4 miles total which, for me, is momentous. And I felt it the rest of the day! Yoga this morning helped, along with 3 advil. In any event, after the race (oh yeah, I also managed to finish before Maggie and her friends who were doing a combo of running and walking), we headed to Le Madeleine for lunch. One of Maggie's friends came home with us for a bit and I took a bath and headed to watch football the rest of the afternoon. Both the Steelers and the Saints (how 'bout that come-from-behind?) won. Tom managed to get both girls some supper as I wasn't moving too well and thoroughly distracted by the TV.......Trouble sleeping due to soreness, but am doing well now.
SO, today has been pack lunch, feed breakfast, take girls to school, yoga, grocery, coffee, cook dinner (eat dinner for lunch), and now I'm here about to go back to school, then head to ballet, heat up tupperware dinners, and put on the PJs for the evening. The joys of staying home......
GREAT week to all!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Another week!
Managed to have a GREAT weekend. Started off Friday with picking Abby up at school, Maggie going with a friend for Halloweenn supplies. We stopped at Michael's (YUCK) for some report supplies and met Tom for "Where the Wild Things Are". We all enjoyed it. Headed home to find Maggie had just arrived (she's definitely getting old -- sent her with $$ and a key to get in the house!). We passed her friend's mom on our street. The rest of the evening was relatively quiet.....
Saturday I was up and went running -- actually "ran" 3.5 miles at my extremely slow pace. Onward to a Ladies' Fellowship for church -- one of the missionaries the church helps support was visiting and talking about her experiences in Pakistan and Afghanistan. While I appreciate the value of missions in terms of helping people with sanitary conditions, fresh water, and education especially where it will help them better their health and standards of living, I have problems with the concept of "making" people accept Jesus as savior (feel free to debate! I'm not an expert.....). My thoughts on missionaries is that their role should be to share how their love of Jesus brings them hope and joy NOW and comfort for the future. But I don't feel at all that we can "make" people accept Christ. In any event, it was wonderful to have the opportunity to spend time with some of the ladies from my church in a different setting and hear about this woman's experiences. Tom, meanwhile, was WONDERFUL in that he not only did the ballet run but made a second trip to Michael's with Abby, saving me that experience. Whew! As an aside, Saturday morning he'd asked me to make him bisquick biscuits. After hemming and hawing I went ahead and did it. Unfortunately, the bisquick was rather old and didn't rise. Think hockey pucks on a plate. So he went to have cereal. Unfortunately again, I'd used the rest of the milk for the biscuits that didn't rise. He ended up with toast. Whoops!
After we were all home (briefly) Saturday, I took the girls to piano lessons and then we were home for the rest of the day. WHEW!
Sunday morning Maggie went to church with me to hear more from this lady. She only spoke briefly Sunday morning, but the pastor began the second sermon in his series on Jacob. I find it fascinating that no matter how much I think I know about the people in the Bible, there's always more meaning in the words than I'd been aware of. In any event, between the worship and the sermon, my "joy-meter" was refreshed. The rest of the afternoon consisted mainly of football -- go Saints!
Today was busy. I actually started dinner cooking last night by soaking the red-beans. This morning I finished them up, after packing lunches and then took the girls to school. Yoga and grocery followed. Then to finish cooking the cassoulet. Bath, serving up tupperwares for all and eating my portion! Then 45 minutes of relaxing before heading to carpool. Bring the girls home, a bit of time there. Tom came home so Abby didn't have to go to ballet. Took Maggie to ballet, went to Starbuck's for a bit, picked Maggie up and came home. Heated her dinner, put on my pjs and washed my face, and sat down. AAAHHHH!!!!! Done for the day!
Variation tomorrow.......
Saturday I was up and went running -- actually "ran" 3.5 miles at my extremely slow pace. Onward to a Ladies' Fellowship for church -- one of the missionaries the church helps support was visiting and talking about her experiences in Pakistan and Afghanistan. While I appreciate the value of missions in terms of helping people with sanitary conditions, fresh water, and education especially where it will help them better their health and standards of living, I have problems with the concept of "making" people accept Jesus as savior (feel free to debate! I'm not an expert.....). My thoughts on missionaries is that their role should be to share how their love of Jesus brings them hope and joy NOW and comfort for the future. But I don't feel at all that we can "make" people accept Christ. In any event, it was wonderful to have the opportunity to spend time with some of the ladies from my church in a different setting and hear about this woman's experiences. Tom, meanwhile, was WONDERFUL in that he not only did the ballet run but made a second trip to Michael's with Abby, saving me that experience. Whew! As an aside, Saturday morning he'd asked me to make him bisquick biscuits. After hemming and hawing I went ahead and did it. Unfortunately, the bisquick was rather old and didn't rise. Think hockey pucks on a plate. So he went to have cereal. Unfortunately again, I'd used the rest of the milk for the biscuits that didn't rise. He ended up with toast. Whoops!
After we were all home (briefly) Saturday, I took the girls to piano lessons and then we were home for the rest of the day. WHEW!
Sunday morning Maggie went to church with me to hear more from this lady. She only spoke briefly Sunday morning, but the pastor began the second sermon in his series on Jacob. I find it fascinating that no matter how much I think I know about the people in the Bible, there's always more meaning in the words than I'd been aware of. In any event, between the worship and the sermon, my "joy-meter" was refreshed. The rest of the afternoon consisted mainly of football -- go Saints!
Today was busy. I actually started dinner cooking last night by soaking the red-beans. This morning I finished them up, after packing lunches and then took the girls to school. Yoga and grocery followed. Then to finish cooking the cassoulet. Bath, serving up tupperwares for all and eating my portion! Then 45 minutes of relaxing before heading to carpool. Bring the girls home, a bit of time there. Tom came home so Abby didn't have to go to ballet. Took Maggie to ballet, went to Starbuck's for a bit, picked Maggie up and came home. Heated her dinner, put on my pjs and washed my face, and sat down. AAAHHHH!!!!! Done for the day!
Variation tomorrow.......
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Thursday, glorious Thursday
And still HOT and humid -- this is supposed to end tonight. I'm hoping it's so, but not holding my breath. Meanwhile, shorts, t-shirts, and sandals are STILL the apparel.....
In other news, all is well here. We've managed another year without evacuation (3 of the 6 summers we've lived here have been evacuation-free, one had a hurricane -- Gustav in 2008 -- keep us from home for over a week, and one had a hurricana -- Katrina in 2005 -- keep us from home for 6 months). I am thankful it wasn't us this year, but I feel for all those who've suffered during the Pacific's season this year.
The girls started their second quarter of school this week, refreshed from a short break. They both earned good grades -- considering the effort they both put in (especially Maggie considering the material she's expected to know!), they truly EARNED the grades. I am quite pleased. I see a trip to Krispy Kreme for our complementary do-nuts in the near future.....
Abby continues to love playing her violin, although she has days she gets quite frustrated with it. I find it interesting and haven't been able to figure out why some days she's OK with difficulties and some days she completely loses her cool. Who know? Maggie's keeping her head up with ballet, though I see the end in sight. She was really hurt by the whole Nutcracker fiasco and I feel for her. On the positive side, she is excited about being able to participate in other activities and is really looking forward to high school athletics next year.
Tom continues to be my perfect balance (no, Tom, I did NOT say you were perfect -- I said you are my PERFECT BALANCE). I am thankful every day for him and all he does for us.
As for me, I've signed up for a painting/drawing class. Should be interesting, especially considering my last foray into painting resulted in a painting of bamboo my daughters are still convinces is palm trees. As somewhat of a joke, I framed it and gave it to my mom -- she actually likes it -- enough to redesign her bathroom in colors so that she could hang it there.....in any event, I'm looking forward to starting the class next week.
Today is room-mom and volunteer planning for 4th grade activities. They have an extended study on China this year culminating in a Chinese Feast. The children decorate the room, perform various skits, and we get a catered Chinese luncheon. Enjoyed it with Maggie, looking forward to it with Abby. Then we're home for early dinner followed by taking Maggie and her friend to dance. Time for me to put my feet up for an hour before heading out again -- oh, I still have to empty the dishwasher -- THEN it's time to sit down for a bit.......
In other news, all is well here. We've managed another year without evacuation (3 of the 6 summers we've lived here have been evacuation-free, one had a hurricane -- Gustav in 2008 -- keep us from home for over a week, and one had a hurricana -- Katrina in 2005 -- keep us from home for 6 months). I am thankful it wasn't us this year, but I feel for all those who've suffered during the Pacific's season this year.
The girls started their second quarter of school this week, refreshed from a short break. They both earned good grades -- considering the effort they both put in (especially Maggie considering the material she's expected to know!), they truly EARNED the grades. I am quite pleased. I see a trip to Krispy Kreme for our complementary do-nuts in the near future.....
Abby continues to love playing her violin, although she has days she gets quite frustrated with it. I find it interesting and haven't been able to figure out why some days she's OK with difficulties and some days she completely loses her cool. Who know? Maggie's keeping her head up with ballet, though I see the end in sight. She was really hurt by the whole Nutcracker fiasco and I feel for her. On the positive side, she is excited about being able to participate in other activities and is really looking forward to high school athletics next year.
Tom continues to be my perfect balance (no, Tom, I did NOT say you were perfect -- I said you are my PERFECT BALANCE). I am thankful every day for him and all he does for us.
As for me, I've signed up for a painting/drawing class. Should be interesting, especially considering my last foray into painting resulted in a painting of bamboo my daughters are still convinces is palm trees. As somewhat of a joke, I framed it and gave it to my mom -- she actually likes it -- enough to redesign her bathroom in colors so that she could hang it there.....in any event, I'm looking forward to starting the class next week.
Today is room-mom and volunteer planning for 4th grade activities. They have an extended study on China this year culminating in a Chinese Feast. The children decorate the room, perform various skits, and we get a catered Chinese luncheon. Enjoyed it with Maggie, looking forward to it with Abby. Then we're home for early dinner followed by taking Maggie and her friend to dance. Time for me to put my feet up for an hour before heading out again -- oh, I still have to empty the dishwasher -- THEN it's time to sit down for a bit.......
Sunday, October 11, 2009
I'm EXHAUSTED!!!!!
I am tired. We had a three day weekend due to end-of-term at school (Friday off) and I managed to get NO days available to sleep in (although, admittedly, "sleeping in" for me means anything after 7:30am.....). It started out when I went to pick up Maggie at school on Thursday and take Abby her overnight bag to trade for her books. Maggie ended up going home with a friend as well, so I did car-pool and ended up taking no children home. I did have to make a trip to take Maggie her contact stuff later on.
Friday morning I was up at 6 in order to pick up Maggie and 2 friends for 6:30 (the mom had to work Friday). My attempt to go back to sleep was thwarted by 3 7th graders loudly making cupcakes at 7:30 in the morning. sigh. Abby came home late-afternoon, Maggie's friends were picked up a bit after that.
Saturday morning was up at 7 in order to take Maggie to drop her for her camping trip. Didn't even bother trying to go back to sleep this time! Ended up with NO REASON to leave the house for the rest of the day and I was able to watch OSU on tv -- not bad!
This morning, Abby and I were up early for a 5K race -- her first! It was raining this morning (POURING on our drive to the race), but it cleared up for the race itself. It was strange to arrive at the race and have NOTHING set up at all -- the vendors were all late due to weather concerns, we couldn't even get our number-tags. And it was cold and damp (although not raining). By the time the race started we were able to take off our jackets, however! Abby did so good on the race! It was wet and there were puddles all over the place. We finished in just over one hour (less than 20 minutes per mile, which, if you're a rather short 9-year-old is quite respectable for walking!). Most importantly, we had fun.
Maggie came home a couple minutes before we left for piano (she didn't go as the teacher wasn't expecting her and she's tired!). I did all her laundry from her trip and just threw in the week's worth of towels. Is it bed time yet?????
Friday morning I was up at 6 in order to pick up Maggie and 2 friends for 6:30 (the mom had to work Friday). My attempt to go back to sleep was thwarted by 3 7th graders loudly making cupcakes at 7:30 in the morning. sigh. Abby came home late-afternoon, Maggie's friends were picked up a bit after that.
Saturday morning was up at 7 in order to take Maggie to drop her for her camping trip. Didn't even bother trying to go back to sleep this time! Ended up with NO REASON to leave the house for the rest of the day and I was able to watch OSU on tv -- not bad!
This morning, Abby and I were up early for a 5K race -- her first! It was raining this morning (POURING on our drive to the race), but it cleared up for the race itself. It was strange to arrive at the race and have NOTHING set up at all -- the vendors were all late due to weather concerns, we couldn't even get our number-tags. And it was cold and damp (although not raining). By the time the race started we were able to take off our jackets, however! Abby did so good on the race! It was wet and there were puddles all over the place. We finished in just over one hour (less than 20 minutes per mile, which, if you're a rather short 9-year-old is quite respectable for walking!). Most importantly, we had fun.
Maggie came home a couple minutes before we left for piano (she didn't go as the teacher wasn't expecting her and she's tired!). I did all her laundry from her trip and just threw in the week's worth of towels. Is it bed time yet?????
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thursday
What a wonderful couple days here! Tuesday ended up with the option where Abby and I got to take Maggie to ballet and go to Starbucks. We used to go there ALL THE TIME and they knew my order by heart -- not quite there again! Speaking of places we frequent -- last week the girls and I picked up Chinese food after school -- the lady behind the counter said "no moo shu today?" -- yep, Tom was out of town and we hadn't put in for his "normal" order. Yesterday I went to a coffee shop -- usually I go to their original location, but yesterday I was in a different part of town and went to this one -- the gal behind the counter recognized me from the other place and, you guessed it, knew my order. Ah well! In any event, Tuesday went by fairly well.
Yesterday was Bible study -- I am really getting a lot from our study of John. It's strengthening my personal convictions while helping me understand why others believe differently. After that, I went to buy some work-out clothes -- on Sunday I went walking and the elastic in my shorts was rather loose from wear and threatened to expose my bottom. Plus other items are wearing as well, so I bit the bullet and headed to the sports store. Then onto the second coffee shop (see previous paragraph) and then to pick up the girls. Stopped to get sushi for dinner on our way home (this place did NOT know our order as we haven't been there in quite a while!). Maggie had her most difficult exams today so we played hooky from ballet and I helped her study. One of her Literature stories had to be the most boring thing ever -- except for Tale of Two Cities for which I earned a 7 correct out of 48 possible points in 10th grade (yep, that's about a 12% correct). GAG! History isn't much more exciting to me, but I managed to get through helping her study most of it. One interesting thing I learned was about how Columbus' ships got their name -- "Pinta" was because it was a painted boat, "Nina" reflected the owner of the boat, and "Santa Maria" refers to Jesus' mother. Today Abby is heading to a friend's house after school for a sleep-over. Maggie has ballet this evening, but I'm not sure what's going on around there. Only time will tell, I suppose.
Yesterday was Bible study -- I am really getting a lot from our study of John. It's strengthening my personal convictions while helping me understand why others believe differently. After that, I went to buy some work-out clothes -- on Sunday I went walking and the elastic in my shorts was rather loose from wear and threatened to expose my bottom. Plus other items are wearing as well, so I bit the bullet and headed to the sports store. Then onto the second coffee shop (see previous paragraph) and then to pick up the girls. Stopped to get sushi for dinner on our way home (this place did NOT know our order as we haven't been there in quite a while!). Maggie had her most difficult exams today so we played hooky from ballet and I helped her study. One of her Literature stories had to be the most boring thing ever -- except for Tale of Two Cities for which I earned a 7 correct out of 48 possible points in 10th grade (yep, that's about a 12% correct). GAG! History isn't much more exciting to me, but I managed to get through helping her study most of it. One interesting thing I learned was about how Columbus' ships got their name -- "Pinta" was because it was a painted boat, "Nina" reflected the owner of the boat, and "Santa Maria" refers to Jesus' mother. Today Abby is heading to a friend's house after school for a sleep-over. Maggie has ballet this evening, but I'm not sure what's going on around there. Only time will tell, I suppose.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Joy that is Tuesday
What happened to fall -- it's 90 and feels like a steam room outside. My glasses fogged up when I walked out of the grocery this morning. Sigh.
In other news, it's a typical Tuesday. Went to the gym, 4 miles on the elliptical thingy. Then the grocery since I didn't go yesterday due to rain (thankful we weren't running out of anything!). Home to unpack it all, take a bath, drink some coffee, eat lunch, and here I am, thinking about going to pick up the girls, head to Abby's violin lesson, stop at McDonald's for "dinner" (yikes -- we're not even doing Nutcracker this year and we're still doing McDonald's!), and then figure out what's going on with ballet tonight. With exams, I've told Maggie she can skip a day this week (plus she'll be skipping Saturday due to camping). She originally wanted to skip tomorrow, as her History exam is Thursday and that's the one she doesn't feel as confident about. But her friend and carpool buddy may skip today. SO, that means my afternoon/evening consists of the following alternatives:
1. Let my friend pick Maggie up for ballet at 5:15 and I bring the girls home at 7pm
2. Pick up my friend's daughter at 5:15 and she'll bring them home later
3. Skip ballet today
4. Take Maggie to ballet, head to Starbucks for an hour, then go watch the end of her class and come home
Nice to have options, no??????? Whatever happens, with a gourmet meal planned, I won't be cooking again tonight! Tomorrow we plan to get sushi after school, Thursday I'll cook something, and Friday I think I'm going to make a big pot of spaghetti sauce with meat (maybe sausage?), onion, pepper, and eggplant.........
In other news, there is no other news that I can think of. Tomorrow I go to Bible study, then to purchase new gym wear -- I went out walking Sunday and the elastic in my shorts is about shot.......girls are doing well, I'm so thankful neither is panicking over exams, Tom's got a quick trip to Houston tomorrow, and the beat goes on.......
In other news, it's a typical Tuesday. Went to the gym, 4 miles on the elliptical thingy. Then the grocery since I didn't go yesterday due to rain (thankful we weren't running out of anything!). Home to unpack it all, take a bath, drink some coffee, eat lunch, and here I am, thinking about going to pick up the girls, head to Abby's violin lesson, stop at McDonald's for "dinner" (yikes -- we're not even doing Nutcracker this year and we're still doing McDonald's!), and then figure out what's going on with ballet tonight. With exams, I've told Maggie she can skip a day this week (plus she'll be skipping Saturday due to camping). She originally wanted to skip tomorrow, as her History exam is Thursday and that's the one she doesn't feel as confident about. But her friend and carpool buddy may skip today. SO, that means my afternoon/evening consists of the following alternatives:
1. Let my friend pick Maggie up for ballet at 5:15 and I bring the girls home at 7pm
2. Pick up my friend's daughter at 5:15 and she'll bring them home later
3. Skip ballet today
4. Take Maggie to ballet, head to Starbucks for an hour, then go watch the end of her class and come home
Nice to have options, no??????? Whatever happens, with a gourmet meal planned, I won't be cooking again tonight! Tomorrow we plan to get sushi after school, Thursday I'll cook something, and Friday I think I'm going to make a big pot of spaghetti sauce with meat (maybe sausage?), onion, pepper, and eggplant.........
In other news, there is no other news that I can think of. Tomorrow I go to Bible study, then to purchase new gym wear -- I went out walking Sunday and the elastic in my shorts is about shot.......girls are doing well, I'm so thankful neither is panicking over exams, Tom's got a quick trip to Houston tomorrow, and the beat goes on.......
Monday, October 5, 2009
How to Properly Utilize your MBA
(or at least, how I use mine). First, and foremost, I did manage to have a career with Shell for over 11 years, during which we were able to save enough to send both girls to college. Since then, my main "career" has become a combination of driving the girls around to activities and helping with homework. Mind you, raising children is certainly the most important job any of us can do, regardless of whether or not we also hold a paying job. That said, there are days when I love my job, and days when it's a definite pain in the rear. Last week was busy -- Tom was in Calgary so it was just me. We went to one high school open house (Cabrini High) on Thursday. Friday, Maggie had a girl scout meeting and Abby and I went to the library. Then home where I actually cooked "real" food (chicken broccoli stir fry). AND TOM CAME HOME!
Just in time for a crazy routine Saturday. Maggie had spent the night at a friend's house Friday. Tom went to pick her up while I took Abby to a different friend's house to study together. Then I took Maggie and a 3rd friend to ballet. Tom picked Maggie up at ballet and I got Abby from her friend's house. I took both of them to piano lesson, and took Maggie back to her first friend's house to study together. THANKFULLY the mom brought her home Saturday evening. Did I mention that this all happened in 3 different "suburbs" near where we live? We're in Metairie, Abby's friend is in River Ridge, and Maggie's ballet is in Kenner. 30 minute round-trip to ballet, 50 minute round-trip to River Ridge. Piano is only about 7 minutes away. YIKES! Thankfully that's a bit out of the ordinary.......
Yesterday Maggie joined me at church. He completed a series on broken-heartedness and how God can use tragedy and pain to strengthen our faith. I truly felt this last week when I was down -- lots of prayer and reading truly helps. We got home and Maggie buckled down for studying, literally almost the entire day. I began watching the Saints and our friend came over -- he's the guy that actually introduced me to Tom about 14 years ago. Here from Houston for some conference. We "entertained" with football and carry-out Chinese food (such the hostess!). Nice to visit (and I got to watch the game as well).......
Meanwhile, the bulk of Tom's family was in California for the latest baby's Baptism. It's unfortunate that the timing didn't work out for us to join them, but as many of you know, when the spouse travels and the kiddo's start having exams, timing gets difficult. Hope to see them all for Thanksgiving......
This week the girls have quarter exams. Abby starts today, Maggie starts tomorrow. They have Friday off, then Maggie is camping with Girl Scouts this weekend. Abby and I are doing a 5K walk Sunday (her first!). The only thing I don't enjoy about the walks is missing church which really fills me with joy.........
Hope all have a great week!
Just in time for a crazy routine Saturday. Maggie had spent the night at a friend's house Friday. Tom went to pick her up while I took Abby to a different friend's house to study together. Then I took Maggie and a 3rd friend to ballet. Tom picked Maggie up at ballet and I got Abby from her friend's house. I took both of them to piano lesson, and took Maggie back to her first friend's house to study together. THANKFULLY the mom brought her home Saturday evening. Did I mention that this all happened in 3 different "suburbs" near where we live? We're in Metairie, Abby's friend is in River Ridge, and Maggie's ballet is in Kenner. 30 minute round-trip to ballet, 50 minute round-trip to River Ridge. Piano is only about 7 minutes away. YIKES! Thankfully that's a bit out of the ordinary.......
Yesterday Maggie joined me at church. He completed a series on broken-heartedness and how God can use tragedy and pain to strengthen our faith. I truly felt this last week when I was down -- lots of prayer and reading truly helps. We got home and Maggie buckled down for studying, literally almost the entire day. I began watching the Saints and our friend came over -- he's the guy that actually introduced me to Tom about 14 years ago. Here from Houston for some conference. We "entertained" with football and carry-out Chinese food (such the hostess!). Nice to visit (and I got to watch the game as well).......
Meanwhile, the bulk of Tom's family was in California for the latest baby's Baptism. It's unfortunate that the timing didn't work out for us to join them, but as many of you know, when the spouse travels and the kiddo's start having exams, timing gets difficult. Hope to see them all for Thanksgiving......
This week the girls have quarter exams. Abby starts today, Maggie starts tomorrow. They have Friday off, then Maggie is camping with Girl Scouts this weekend. Abby and I are doing a 5K walk Sunday (her first!). The only thing I don't enjoy about the walks is missing church which really fills me with joy.........
Hope all have a great week!
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