That's what we had. Well, really, it wasn't so little. I have no pictures to post right now because I am at my mother-in-law's house. But, the kids are happy with their gifts, we had a great time, great food, and even played a few rounds of CatchPhrase. I had wanted to start a new tradition of reading the Christmas Story from the Bible on Christmas Eve. Well, we got home a bit late from my father-in-law's house and when we arrived, I was told that dad was not feeling too well. they were at the table playing cards and he dropped his head into his hands and sat like that for a few mins before saying he didn't feel well. He then got up and went to the couch and laid down. I got home shortly after that. Well, the first thing I thought was a heart attack. I asked mom if they had given him an aspirin. They hadn't, so I got him one and took it out to him, with a glass of water. I asked him if he had taken one. He said no. Then he said, "What do you think I need this for?" I said, well, if you aren't feeling well, you need to take an aspirin." "So you think I'm gonna have a heart attack?" And he chuckled. "Don't laugh at me; you aren't going to kick the bucket on me on Christmas Eve. So take this." After a little while, he began to feel better.
So, on Christmas morning, after the gifts were opened, he got out his Bible and read us the story. We had a full house for dinner and a house full of pies, this year. LOL. Usually we just have a couple. This year we had Lemon Meringue, Banana Creme, Coconut Creme, Dutch Apple, Walnut, Pecan, Blueberry, and Strawberry/Rhubarb. Quite a selection. The day after Christmas, my dad, Jeremy, and Uncle Ken started tearing cupboards and counters out. Mom's gift was putting in new (to her) cabinets and a new countertop. After they got those tore out, they decided now would be the time to do the floor as well, so today that is being torn out. We discovered beautiful wood planking under the floor covering. Unfortunately, it is puzzled and pieced under there, so they are saving the planking in hopes of being able to have enough to do something with it.
It's been nice having my mother in law next door, because we now do not have a kitchen to cook in. So, we made a huge pot of potato soup the other day and well, we will eat that til we are sick of it (if there is such a thing).
Right now I feel almost lost. Chris(mother in law) went to visit with her friend who is here from out of state. SO, I am here, at her apartment, all by MYSELF! IT's deafeningly quiet. Almost eerie. I don't know what to do with myself. I have a good book I am in the midst of reading and then i figured i would get on the computer and catch up on every thing. I have to admit I am enjoying it quite a bit. I know it won't last for too long, though.
I got my grades...all 4.0, which makes my overall GPA a 3.776. No small feat bringing that thing up from a meager 1.35 or something like that.
Makenneh has been staying with Aunt Carrie for the past couple nights. It is probably easier with the house under construction. Sebastian tends to roll with the flow, but she bucks everything, every step of the way.
Yesterday, I was able to hang out with my oldest bestest friend. Of course, by oldest, I don't mean age. LOL. But we have been friends since 5th grade. And life has put distance between us, but I love how we can just pick up where we left off. IT's as if there is no physical distance between us. Like she lives right here in town. Throughout my life, i have had friends come and go, but Stacy has remained a constant. Of course, if you know Stacy, it's no surprise. She is the epitome of humanity. Such a beautiful and kind person. I cannot say enough good things about her and truth be told, not one single bad thing to say, ever. I've often wished the world was full of more people just like her. IT would be such a better place. She didn't have much time, as they have a lot of family and things going on in the short time they are here, but she picked me up and we went to Walmart (we both needed to go) and just hung out, as she got her pictures from the photo center and I picked up a few things we needed at home. Like I said, just as if she lives right here in town. Such a great feeling. We stopped by my sister's so she could meet Liberty, and then she dropped me back off at home. Such a nice visit. She and the kids are coming back in the summer and we are going to try to get the kids together then. And while I am talking about Stacy, please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers, as her husband leaves shortly for Iraq for 9-11 months. They have five children and she will certainly have her hands full.
Well, that's it for now...going to put my nose in my book and read awhile...
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Some Good News
My dad looked the car over today when he got home from work and he thinks we can get it fixed for the amount I will get from Insurance. It won't be perfect, but it will run and get me from point A to B. That was some good news. I am still frustrated that someone can cause an accident and, as the "victim" you are left with little to no options.
Put together a few more Christmas gifts today. I did a gift basket for my father-in-law and brother-in-law, plus one for mother-in-law. Filled them with Soup in a Jar, crackers, fruit, and different things. I ran out of energy before I completely finished. OF course, I am also running out of time. I will have to get up and finish wrapping a few things before we head out to our festivities for the day. Thankfully, we will be able to borrow mom and dad's car. We are going to his dad's, as has been our tradition since the kids were born. WE will exchange gifts, have dinner, visit. On our way to his dad's, we will stop at his aunt and uncle's, drop off a gift basket for them and visit for a little bit. I want to be home early enough to have a relaxing Christmas eve....not rushing to get kids in bed, forgetting to leave cookies and milk and all that jazz.
Speaking of cookies...we went over to mother-in-law's this evening, had dinner and the kids made cookies. They had fun. Sebastian seemed to wear more of the frosting than the cookies did. So, when it was done, he had to hit the bath! Amazingly, there was a little boy under all that frosting.
Well, it is beyond time for bed...so Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night=)
Put together a few more Christmas gifts today. I did a gift basket for my father-in-law and brother-in-law, plus one for mother-in-law. Filled them with Soup in a Jar, crackers, fruit, and different things. I ran out of energy before I completely finished. OF course, I am also running out of time. I will have to get up and finish wrapping a few things before we head out to our festivities for the day. Thankfully, we will be able to borrow mom and dad's car. We are going to his dad's, as has been our tradition since the kids were born. WE will exchange gifts, have dinner, visit. On our way to his dad's, we will stop at his aunt and uncle's, drop off a gift basket for them and visit for a little bit. I want to be home early enough to have a relaxing Christmas eve....not rushing to get kids in bed, forgetting to leave cookies and milk and all that jazz.
Speaking of cookies...we went over to mother-in-law's this evening, had dinner and the kids made cookies. They had fun. Sebastian seemed to wear more of the frosting than the cookies did. So, when it was done, he had to hit the bath! Amazingly, there was a little boy under all that frosting.
Well, it is beyond time for bed...so Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night=)
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Starting the Christmas break off with a....
Crash. Of the car sort. I will start by saying, nobody was injured. However, today, on my way home from my very last class this semester, I was turning left onto my road....not a mile from home, when the girl behind me received some hairbrain idea to try to pass me. Now I am not sure from whence the grand idea came. Perhaps she was in a hurry to get nowhere. Maybe she was out in space, forgetting she was even on a road. Or it could be that she had had a horribly bad day and was trying to outrun her troubles. I haven't a clue. What I do know is that I turned my blinker on, as I always do, as I reached the house with the wrap-around porch. I begin to brake, signaling to all behind me that hey, fools, I plan to turn in the direction in which this blinker indicates. As I approach the intersection, I am going quite slow to make the turn. No oncoming traffic, so no need to reach a complete stop. And as I get about half way into my turn on my road, to my house, WHACK! BUMP! What was tha....I WAS JUST HIT! All this comes at me as I see the black car swerving out and around, not bothering to stop until she is back on her very own side of the road, where she belonged all along. I ever so slowly finished my turn and got my car off the road as I thought to myself, over and over, I was hit. That car just hit me. What do I do? My body began to tremble from head to toe. A scary, uncontrollable tremble. The tears begin to sting my eyes. I sit there for a moment trying to regain my composure and figure out just what it is I am supposed to do. I am now on my road, facing west; the other driver is on the intersecting road, facing north, where she had pulled off the side of the road. I look back over my shoulder to take in as much as I can about the car in case the driver gets the hunch to take off. But, as my body is trembling so bad, I knew I could not leave the what-i-no-longer-felt-safety of my car. I pick up my cell phone. I knew I only had a little bit of airtime left on the thing, but I call home. HOME. I should be pulling into driveway of home. I am stuck here, in a broken up car, with legs wobbling uncontrolably because some crazy driver paid me no mind. I was never so relieved to hear the voice of my husband on the other line. I cry as I tell him that I have been hit at the corner of home....i repeated several times that I was ok, but could he please come. He said he would be right there. I hung up and just sat there for a moment, still too stunned to make sense of it all. I decided i did need to call the police. That's when a gentleman pulls up and asks if i am ok and i tell him, I am not hurt, but i am shaking and upset and blubber blubber....to which he says, it's ok, hon, calm down. I told him i called my husband and he is on his way. He assured me it was the other driver's fault because she attmepted to pass me while I was turning left. But then, he drove off... I pick up my phone to call home again real quick, to read the warning on my screen-Emergency Calls Only! Well, how amazing that the only other call I really need to make is to 911. So, I dial. ANd it seems to take an eternity for someone to answer. I slightly recall, at one point I took the phone away from my ear and just kinda groaned out a frustrated mumble of why aren't they answering. As I brought the phone back up to my ear, I hear the faint, "Can you hear me?" BINGO someone on the line. I tell her I have been in an accident and give my location and details about our cars, and no i am not hurt, just shaken up and no i have no idea if hte other driver is ok, because i cannot get my legs to cooperate to go see and to be honest and GOD forgive me, right now, I am not all that concerned about her. I am quite angry with her right now, thankyouverymuch!!!! No, i did not say all those things to the dispatcher. They are dispatchers, not therapists. But, i thought those things, at one point or another during this fiasco. In no time at all, Jeremy and Ralph arrive to my rescue. They park on the side of the road and Jeremy jumps right up and comes up to the car. I still cannot trust my legs to hold me in an upright position and so I shall sit right here in this seat for now. He went over to make sure the other driver was ok, which was the right thing to do because, well, it is. I finally decide to try my legs out and open my car door and plant my feet on the ground. So far, so good. I stand and walk over to Ralph's truck. I am going to be just fine. I feel the effects of being hit, but nothing serious. Whew. I am alive. And hey, I am so damned lucky. This could have turned out much differently. I send up a thank you. I was spared. Then, my mom pulls up..with my uncle. She is frantic. She was just sure that I was telling JEremy on the phone I was ok when really I wasn't. She is the queen of what-ifs. And her mind was running wild with them, I am sure. She comes up and just gives me a huge hug and gets choked up. I told her, hey, I have some amazing guardian angels. There is reason why my car did not go into spins, with the location where the other driver struck me. She was probably doing a decent speed, to boot. Afterall, she sure must have been in a hurry to try to pass when someone was turning left. But, through it all, I maintained control of my vehicle at almost all times and never once did I spin, no other vehicles were involved and I was able to get out of the car on my own. That is wonderful! A blessing! Thank you Jesus! Now can I go puke somewhere, because really, this was too close for me. I hate cars. I refer to them as death machines. I have always fully recognized the potential for death where a vehicle is concerned. Don't get me wrong, I run the roads with the best of them. I don't have phobias of driving or quirks in regards to driving. I get in the car and do what needs to be done. But, in the back of mind, always, is a niggling fear of a car accident, something so totally out of my control. And today, there it was. Just in time for Christmas. I have to spend my "vacation" making arrangements for the start of next semester. I have to find rides anywhere I need to go from now until the car can get fixed. Of course I only had the min ins on it, I only paid around $900 for the car and well, why would I pay all that money to fully insure a car that is not worth it? Tomorrow will be spent on the phone making calls and deciding what needs to be done to get wheels back on the road for me. I had a fleeting moment where i felt pity and wanted to throw in the towel, but by God, he spared me today, and so I will count my blessings. I will stress and complain about the major inconvenience, for a moment at least...really, it's expected, right? But, seriously, I have NO money to my name, will get a meager $400 on the car through insurance....and that will no where near cover the expenses of the damage done. I feel slightly overwhelmed, but I know that everything will work out. It is my last semester before my associates, I am not giving up just yet.
Anyway, that's the most recent excitement in my life. Other than that, i feel I did well on my finals, and in my classes, overall. On monday, I stopped by the senior center. Ruben gave me a card with $10 worth of scratch off lottery tickets in it. I won $15. So, yeah, i guess I have that much to my name. LOL.
Makenneh was finally able to join girl scouts. She is selling cookies right now. So, if anyone would like to order some, email me and let me know. The order/money is due Jan. 20. The cookies will arrive Feb 17. THen the next order is due in March sometime. Not sure off the top of my head.
The kids are doing good. Seb still doesn't get too excited about having to school. He would just prefer to stay home. If only.....lol. Makenneh's teacher reported that she gets a little chatty at times and it interferes with her work. Grrrr! I so did not do that in school. I listed and paid attention.
WEll, i am literally falling asleep here at the desk. I just wanted to check in with everyone before heading to bed. I should be on a little more overthe break, but hard to say!
In case I do not get on here again before then, Merry Christmas!
Anyway, that's the most recent excitement in my life. Other than that, i feel I did well on my finals, and in my classes, overall. On monday, I stopped by the senior center. Ruben gave me a card with $10 worth of scratch off lottery tickets in it. I won $15. So, yeah, i guess I have that much to my name. LOL.
Makenneh was finally able to join girl scouts. She is selling cookies right now. So, if anyone would like to order some, email me and let me know. The order/money is due Jan. 20. The cookies will arrive Feb 17. THen the next order is due in March sometime. Not sure off the top of my head.
The kids are doing good. Seb still doesn't get too excited about having to school. He would just prefer to stay home. If only.....lol. Makenneh's teacher reported that she gets a little chatty at times and it interferes with her work. Grrrr! I so did not do that in school. I listed and paid attention.
WEll, i am literally falling asleep here at the desk. I just wanted to check in with everyone before heading to bed. I should be on a little more overthe break, but hard to say!
In case I do not get on here again before then, Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Tis the season...OH and Aunt Bev, read this! LOL
Christmas is close. I am near done. If there is such a thing.
Before I forget, Aunt Bev...i Have those phone numbers for you but I do not have your email in my contact list anymore since having to get a new email address awhile back. So, if you could email me at masehow @ yahoo . com, i will reply with the numbers!
Saturday we had our family Christmas party on dad's side and also my cousin Ashley's wedding. Made for a long, busy day. But, fun nonetheless. The newlyweds headed to Cozumel and Key West..on a Cruise. Lucky them...having fun in the sun!
Finally got Sebastian's school pictures back today. Of course, now I cannot recall where I put Makenneh's. I have an idea...maybe in the desk in our bedroom. Fingers crossed they are not lost!
Friday night we went to the candlewalk in town....my mom, mother-in-law, Makenneh, Carrie, Ralph and Libby. My boys wanted to stay home like buttheads. LOL. We watched the parade, walked through town, enjoyed popcorn and hot chocolate, christmas music, and that's about it.
Well, I need to get some shut-eye. Been staying up way too late. I still have some homework i need to finish up for tomorrow.
good night and hope i can make it back here soon!
Before I forget, Aunt Bev...i Have those phone numbers for you but I do not have your email in my contact list anymore since having to get a new email address awhile back. So, if you could email me at masehow @ yahoo . com, i will reply with the numbers!
Saturday we had our family Christmas party on dad's side and also my cousin Ashley's wedding. Made for a long, busy day. But, fun nonetheless. The newlyweds headed to Cozumel and Key West..on a Cruise. Lucky them...having fun in the sun!
Finally got Sebastian's school pictures back today. Of course, now I cannot recall where I put Makenneh's. I have an idea...maybe in the desk in our bedroom. Fingers crossed they are not lost!
Friday night we went to the candlewalk in town....my mom, mother-in-law, Makenneh, Carrie, Ralph and Libby. My boys wanted to stay home like buttheads. LOL. We watched the parade, walked through town, enjoyed popcorn and hot chocolate, christmas music, and that's about it.
Well, I need to get some shut-eye. Been staying up way too late. I still have some homework i need to finish up for tomorrow.
good night and hope i can make it back here soon!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wow a few spare moments
How unusual. I am so glad it is nearly the weekend. I am exhausted. To top it off, I have some sort of bug that has left me feeling fatigued with an upset stomach and frequent trips to the bathroom. It started last night on my way home from class. I didn't want to go to my classes today because I felt so hellish. But, we had group presentations in one class and a test in the other. So, i sucked it up, took some keep-me-out-of-the-bathroom-dear-Lord pills and headed off to school. I took a nap when I got home and I took another this evening while the kids were next door at gma's watching a movie. I could have slept right on through but there are always mommy things to do. Now I am enjoying some peaceful me time, which I have not had in quite some time. I really am stealing this time because I could be studying for the tests I have next week. But, for now, I will not think of them.
I applied for graduation and signed up for Winter. I only have 9 credits right now and am debating on adding the 4th class for full time. I don't need anymore credits. Truth is, i will have about 80 credits give or take a couple. But, for financial aid I have to go at least part time. I really don't want to mess up my reward amounts so that's why i am leaning on taking the 4th class. So far i have my social work class, the last leg of my internship, then I have a Leadership Development class that the adviser recommended and Racial and Ethnic relations. One thing I stressed to her was that I wanted a more laid back semester because this one I am in now is just down right grueling at times.
I go tomorrow for my training in MiCAFE (Michigan's coordinated access for food for the elderly). I have been doing the applications for quite some time now but after tomorrow, I will ahve my own pin, be able to sign the applications and do it all by myself without Ruben's supervision. I hope I feel well enough to not be miserable during the five hour training.
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving break. We are going up to my grandma's and it will be nice to get away. Makenneh just can't wait to see great-grandma. She has gifts for her and can't wait to give them.
The weekend following that is our family Christmas party and my cousin's wedding. Yes, on the same day, different sides of the family. So, we plan to attend the wedding, then go to the Christmas party then go to the reception. I will not give up the family Christmas party, the chance to see family members I see only a few times a year, most importantly grandma. And there is no reason that arrangement won't work.
I am anxious to finish Christmas shopping but i know i need to wait til black friday. I will be very disappointed if i buy things now and discover them much cheaper that day. We will be going to the stores up north and they are not nearly as packed and hectic as they are around here. We did this a few years ago and it was amazing how few people were actually out shopping on Black Friday up there. It was nice to get all the good deals without all the crowds of roudy, rude people. The only disadvantage is that the stores seem to be more spread out and less options. But i will be able to get the things I want, I am sure.
Well, Ineed to look up directions to my training tomorrow and then I think I will take my exhausted self to bed. I bet I drool tonight. LOL
I applied for graduation and signed up for Winter. I only have 9 credits right now and am debating on adding the 4th class for full time. I don't need anymore credits. Truth is, i will have about 80 credits give or take a couple. But, for financial aid I have to go at least part time. I really don't want to mess up my reward amounts so that's why i am leaning on taking the 4th class. So far i have my social work class, the last leg of my internship, then I have a Leadership Development class that the adviser recommended and Racial and Ethnic relations. One thing I stressed to her was that I wanted a more laid back semester because this one I am in now is just down right grueling at times.
I go tomorrow for my training in MiCAFE (Michigan's coordinated access for food for the elderly). I have been doing the applications for quite some time now but after tomorrow, I will ahve my own pin, be able to sign the applications and do it all by myself without Ruben's supervision. I hope I feel well enough to not be miserable during the five hour training.
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving break. We are going up to my grandma's and it will be nice to get away. Makenneh just can't wait to see great-grandma. She has gifts for her and can't wait to give them.
The weekend following that is our family Christmas party and my cousin's wedding. Yes, on the same day, different sides of the family. So, we plan to attend the wedding, then go to the Christmas party then go to the reception. I will not give up the family Christmas party, the chance to see family members I see only a few times a year, most importantly grandma. And there is no reason that arrangement won't work.
I am anxious to finish Christmas shopping but i know i need to wait til black friday. I will be very disappointed if i buy things now and discover them much cheaper that day. We will be going to the stores up north and they are not nearly as packed and hectic as they are around here. We did this a few years ago and it was amazing how few people were actually out shopping on Black Friday up there. It was nice to get all the good deals without all the crowds of roudy, rude people. The only disadvantage is that the stores seem to be more spread out and less options. But i will be able to get the things I want, I am sure.
Well, Ineed to look up directions to my training tomorrow and then I think I will take my exhausted self to bed. I bet I drool tonight. LOL
Friday, November 13, 2009
So much to say but...
It is late and so so I will just share this:
I applied for graduation today! In May I will graduate with my associates in applied science with Social work technician specified, my associates in Arts and my MACRAO (which is showing universities/4 yr colleges that I successfully completed all the requirements to enter as a junior). The absolute only class I need next semester is my Social Work 250 class, which is the last 150 hours of internship! Go me. I am very proud of myself, even if it's unfashionable to be so. I have worked hard and sacrificed much, but I know the rewards will be worth every bit of it! And honestly, i have been enjoying the journey and I have grown and learned so much about myself, others, life in general, and of course, the topics in which I studied!
If you are reading this and have a little niggling in the back of your head urging you to go to college, listen to it. It has been, by far, the very best thing I have done for myself and my family. I feel so much better about myself, I have a sense of worth, I feel valued, respected, appreciated.
Oh and I have to add that Shannon and Kevin came over tonight so I finally got to see the new addition to our family. Clayton is absolutely beautiful. Just perfect. ANd quite a quiet baby.
I applied for graduation today! In May I will graduate with my associates in applied science with Social work technician specified, my associates in Arts and my MACRAO (which is showing universities/4 yr colleges that I successfully completed all the requirements to enter as a junior). The absolute only class I need next semester is my Social Work 250 class, which is the last 150 hours of internship! Go me. I am very proud of myself, even if it's unfashionable to be so. I have worked hard and sacrificed much, but I know the rewards will be worth every bit of it! And honestly, i have been enjoying the journey and I have grown and learned so much about myself, others, life in general, and of course, the topics in which I studied!
If you are reading this and have a little niggling in the back of your head urging you to go to college, listen to it. It has been, by far, the very best thing I have done for myself and my family. I feel so much better about myself, I have a sense of worth, I feel valued, respected, appreciated.
Oh and I have to add that Shannon and Kevin came over tonight so I finally got to see the new addition to our family. Clayton is absolutely beautiful. Just perfect. ANd quite a quiet baby.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Falling into place
I am finally registered to attend training for MiCAFE (Michigan's Coordinated Access for Food for the Elderly). I go on November 20th for the training. I will then be certified as a MiCAFE counselor and will be able to do applications for Bridge Cards and Medicaid (and other benefits) for seniors. Having this certification will be beneficial as an intern and also for future employment. I hope that once I am certified, I can take over the client's at the other local senior center. Currently, my supervisor is taking out one day per week to go to the other senior center and do these applications. Once I am certified, I will be able to do them by myself and hopefully I can go to the other center, get my foot in the door, and maybe get an employment opportunity out of it!
Also, the director and Ruben (my supervisor) went to a Senior Center conference this past week. They returned to work today and Ruben told me that they discussed having me facillitate a class based on something they learned at the conference. I felt so good that they thought of me to do this. I am also doing the research for Ruben for his presentation he will be giving at our Pastor's Brunch. The topic is Dementia/Alzheimer's. He will be presenting on the social work aspect of dealing with this illness. I will be preparing most of his presentation for him. OF course, this all comes as things really pick up with my classes and I feel nearly overwhelmed, but I am going to adjust to life in the fast lane.
I just feel like things are falling into place. It's a slow road, but there are many rewards at the end of it.
Sebastian is doing much better with going to school. I really think that talking to the bus driver resolved the problem. He was a trooper this morning. He got up, got dressed, and was ready to go to school. No complaints, no attempts to stay home. Woohoo!
I finally found the halloween pics. I am trying to upload some right now. I will post them as soon as they load..which is taking forever.
Anyway, had a biology test tonight. I didn't feel too confident about it. However, I just checked my grade and I got a 57 out of 60. I am happy with that.
Ooh, here are some pics....
Daddy helping Sebastian with one of the craft projects...making a spider
My little spongebob
My cheerleader (I have no idea why it didn't rotate them..i rotated them before uploading but oh well...)
Makenneh and Keeley (who is my sister-in-law, Sara's little sister...they are in class together
Mom and I went to an expo at a local business (which is competition for our business) and got some ideas. While there, we entered their drawing. Well, today, we each received a phone call that we had won. Mom won some tour package (they mentioned something about alaska cruise, but she isn't sure exactly what...doesn't want to get her hopes up) and I won a package from our local computer shop. We have to pick the certificates up tomorrow. I can't wait to see exactly what it is we have won. It would be fantastic if my package is somethign I can put toward my new laptop. I actually have decided to go with the netbook because it is more compact and will be easier for carting to school when needed. I don't really care about a huge screen (that's jeremy's department...lol).
Well, i need to get to bed. I am making a cake in the morning for my cousin, Alyssa because her bday is tomorrow and we have bunco and she will be playing. She had asked me this past summer if I would make this cake for her because she loved it last time I made it. It's a heath cake and very yummy and sinful! I have to leave for school at 10am, so my day is going to be full.
Good night....
Also, the director and Ruben (my supervisor) went to a Senior Center conference this past week. They returned to work today and Ruben told me that they discussed having me facillitate a class based on something they learned at the conference. I felt so good that they thought of me to do this. I am also doing the research for Ruben for his presentation he will be giving at our Pastor's Brunch. The topic is Dementia/Alzheimer's. He will be presenting on the social work aspect of dealing with this illness. I will be preparing most of his presentation for him. OF course, this all comes as things really pick up with my classes and I feel nearly overwhelmed, but I am going to adjust to life in the fast lane.
I just feel like things are falling into place. It's a slow road, but there are many rewards at the end of it.
Sebastian is doing much better with going to school. I really think that talking to the bus driver resolved the problem. He was a trooper this morning. He got up, got dressed, and was ready to go to school. No complaints, no attempts to stay home. Woohoo!
I finally found the halloween pics. I am trying to upload some right now. I will post them as soon as they load..which is taking forever.
Anyway, had a biology test tonight. I didn't feel too confident about it. However, I just checked my grade and I got a 57 out of 60. I am happy with that.
Ooh, here are some pics....
Daddy helping Sebastian with one of the craft projects...making a spider
My little spongebob
My cheerleader (I have no idea why it didn't rotate them..i rotated them before uploading but oh well...)
Makenneh and Keeley (who is my sister-in-law, Sara's little sister...they are in class together
Mom and I went to an expo at a local business (which is competition for our business) and got some ideas. While there, we entered their drawing. Well, today, we each received a phone call that we had won. Mom won some tour package (they mentioned something about alaska cruise, but she isn't sure exactly what...doesn't want to get her hopes up) and I won a package from our local computer shop. We have to pick the certificates up tomorrow. I can't wait to see exactly what it is we have won. It would be fantastic if my package is somethign I can put toward my new laptop. I actually have decided to go with the netbook because it is more compact and will be easier for carting to school when needed. I don't really care about a huge screen (that's jeremy's department...lol).
Well, i need to get to bed. I am making a cake in the morning for my cousin, Alyssa because her bday is tomorrow and we have bunco and she will be playing. She had asked me this past summer if I would make this cake for her because she loved it last time I made it. It's a heath cake and very yummy and sinful! I have to leave for school at 10am, so my day is going to be full.
Good night....
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Passing this along
I read a blog of a mother who lost her baby 16 mins after he was born. I believe it was Helen who got me interested in this other blog. The mother's name is Stacy and reading about her journey and her faith during such a difficult time has been inspirational. I have cried, laughed, rejoiced. If you would like to read her journey, go here If you have days where you feel life is too much or that you cannot take anymore, reading Stacy's blog will renew your faith, your hope, your strength.
Anyway, since the death of her son, she and her husband have focused on ways to turn their tragic loss into something positive. One of those ways was to raise funds for a playground in honor of their son, Isaac. They are presently doing a fundraiser through the website, Humble Like This Child. I thought I would pass the info along and share it with others, who may be interested. The link is below. If you wish to place an order, enter "Isaac" at checkout and you will receive 10% off your order. In addition, $10 from every doll sold will go toward the playground. Then, if you blog, tweet, post, etc about the fundraiser, you can email Tricia, at humblelikethischild@gmail.com and let her know and you will be entered to win a $25 gift card. Tricia is the owner of Humble Like This Child.
http://www.humblelikethischild.com/
I had a pleasant surprise when I returned from school today. There has been talk about Matt taking the weight machine set to his house for some time. The weight machine has been in the toy room....so therefore, no room for kids' beds or anything which meant they have been in the same room as us. Well, today, they took it down and over to Matt's. Woohooo. Then, like an added blessing, my sister stopped by and she helped the kids go through their toys and organize them, so the room is closer than ever to being a bedroom! As an added bonus, she took a garbage bag full of toys home for Libby. Now, we have to go through mom's stuff that is stored in there as well as some other boxes that are stacked to the ceiling. The room was never finished with drywall, so we have to come up with a creative/inexpensive way to get the walls finished. It's framed, no drywall. Then, the bunkbed will be moved in there and how nice it will be to have the extra space. The sad thing is, we just threw our bookshelf on the burn pile at Carrie's because we had no room for it. Now, they should be room and the kids could certainly use a bookshelf...they have boxes of books. I have an obsession with books and a belief that one can never own too many....for kids, that is. I do not hoard adult books. I read them and pass them on. But, kids' books are another story. I am thinking that tomorrow I will check the condition of the bookshelf (it hasn't been burned yet) and see if it was damaged too bad in the weather over the past couple days. I may try to salvage it.
It's winter sign up time for college. I need to get it done, but i don't have the extra 3 hours to sit and wait to get it done. ANd because it will be final semester, I want to make sure I have everything covered and so I want to meet with my advisor to do my schedule. I would hate to find out that if I had just taken this one other class, I could have had another degree. I also don't want the financial aid hassle. IF I register online and don't do take the proper steps, my classes will be dropped after 2 days and I will be charged $57. I don't want to throw out that kind of money, thank you.
Well, I am going to get off here and get ready for bed.....Night all
Anyway, since the death of her son, she and her husband have focused on ways to turn their tragic loss into something positive. One of those ways was to raise funds for a playground in honor of their son, Isaac. They are presently doing a fundraiser through the website, Humble Like This Child. I thought I would pass the info along and share it with others, who may be interested. The link is below. If you wish to place an order, enter "Isaac" at checkout and you will receive 10% off your order. In addition, $10 from every doll sold will go toward the playground. Then, if you blog, tweet, post, etc about the fundraiser, you can email Tricia, at humblelikethischild@gmail.com and let her know and you will be entered to win a $25 gift card. Tricia is the owner of Humble Like This Child.
http://www.humblelikethischild.com/
I had a pleasant surprise when I returned from school today. There has been talk about Matt taking the weight machine set to his house for some time. The weight machine has been in the toy room....so therefore, no room for kids' beds or anything which meant they have been in the same room as us. Well, today, they took it down and over to Matt's. Woohooo. Then, like an added blessing, my sister stopped by and she helped the kids go through their toys and organize them, so the room is closer than ever to being a bedroom! As an added bonus, she took a garbage bag full of toys home for Libby. Now, we have to go through mom's stuff that is stored in there as well as some other boxes that are stacked to the ceiling. The room was never finished with drywall, so we have to come up with a creative/inexpensive way to get the walls finished. It's framed, no drywall. Then, the bunkbed will be moved in there and how nice it will be to have the extra space. The sad thing is, we just threw our bookshelf on the burn pile at Carrie's because we had no room for it. Now, they should be room and the kids could certainly use a bookshelf...they have boxes of books. I have an obsession with books and a belief that one can never own too many....for kids, that is. I do not hoard adult books. I read them and pass them on. But, kids' books are another story. I am thinking that tomorrow I will check the condition of the bookshelf (it hasn't been burned yet) and see if it was damaged too bad in the weather over the past couple days. I may try to salvage it.
It's winter sign up time for college. I need to get it done, but i don't have the extra 3 hours to sit and wait to get it done. ANd because it will be final semester, I want to make sure I have everything covered and so I want to meet with my advisor to do my schedule. I would hate to find out that if I had just taken this one other class, I could have had another degree. I also don't want the financial aid hassle. IF I register online and don't do take the proper steps, my classes will be dropped after 2 days and I will be charged $57. I don't want to throw out that kind of money, thank you.
Well, I am going to get off here and get ready for bed.....Night all
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Introducing....
Clayton John....My cousin Shannon delivered via C-section, after laboring for 23 hours. CJ was born Oct 30 and weighed in at 7 lbs 13 oz and 21 1/4 in long. He had a fever of 102* at birth, but they gave him antibiotics and he is doing well now. He does have jaundice so they are monitoring him for that. But, mom and baby are now home and both doing well.
Here's a picture of Halloween. It was after trick-0r-treating.
We took the kids to the neighborhood around the fire station. We went around the loop, then stopped by the fire station for all kinds of goodies. We had plenty of candy and were headed to Aunt Kathy's at 7:20. We stopped there, visited for a few minutes then stopped at one of her neighbors and came home. It was nice to be done before the kids were overly exhausted. I have more pictures of just my kids in their costumes, but they are not on the computer yet, to my knowledge. Let me check...yeah, if they are on here, I am not seeing them. So, as soon as they are on here, I will post them.
Midterm grades were posted and I am doing well. 4.0 in all my classes, except social work 240. I have no idea why it says 3.0 but perhaps it's because he enters a generic grade for all. At our next class, I will ask him. It seems like he was the one who always puts in a 3.0 just to enter a grade.
Winter registration is open and I need to get in and sign up for classes. The lines are always so long. I really only need the one class...social work 250, but will take a few others to be considered full time for financial aid. That will be my last semester and I will have my Social Work Technician Degree, as well as my associates in Applied Science and Arts. Then it will off to chase my BSW. =)
Well, the forecast is saying flurries for the morning. Not looking forward to that. Even though I know it will melt before it hits the ground (or at least, I hope), I am not ready to face winter yet. However, we have begun Christmas shopping. That's a good feeling. Some things I want to wait for black Friday just because they will most likely be cheap then.
Sebastian is doing well with getting on the bus now. He wants to be out at the bus stop as soon as he is dressed and ready (usually with 20 mins to spare).
Well, I am going to get off here and start doing my homework. Have a great night!
Here's a picture of Halloween. It was after trick-0r-treating.
We took the kids to the neighborhood around the fire station. We went around the loop, then stopped by the fire station for all kinds of goodies. We had plenty of candy and were headed to Aunt Kathy's at 7:20. We stopped there, visited for a few minutes then stopped at one of her neighbors and came home. It was nice to be done before the kids were overly exhausted. I have more pictures of just my kids in their costumes, but they are not on the computer yet, to my knowledge. Let me check...yeah, if they are on here, I am not seeing them. So, as soon as they are on here, I will post them.
Midterm grades were posted and I am doing well. 4.0 in all my classes, except social work 240. I have no idea why it says 3.0 but perhaps it's because he enters a generic grade for all. At our next class, I will ask him. It seems like he was the one who always puts in a 3.0 just to enter a grade.
Winter registration is open and I need to get in and sign up for classes. The lines are always so long. I really only need the one class...social work 250, but will take a few others to be considered full time for financial aid. That will be my last semester and I will have my Social Work Technician Degree, as well as my associates in Applied Science and Arts. Then it will off to chase my BSW. =)
Well, the forecast is saying flurries for the morning. Not looking forward to that. Even though I know it will melt before it hits the ground (or at least, I hope), I am not ready to face winter yet. However, we have begun Christmas shopping. That's a good feeling. Some things I want to wait for black Friday just because they will most likely be cheap then.
Sebastian is doing well with getting on the bus now. He wants to be out at the bus stop as soon as he is dressed and ready (usually with 20 mins to spare).
Well, I am going to get off here and start doing my homework. Have a great night!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thank You, Julie
What a surprise. I got there to meet Julie tonight and she had a whole garbage bag full of stuff. 2 winter coats, 2 pair of snow pants, 2 jackets, a pair of winter boots, a pair of winter/work boots, a pair of shoes, a pair of mittens, complete with the snap things that keep them attached to the coat so they don't get lost as easily. Goodness, what a blessing! Sebastian loved it. Beautiful! He exclaimed as I showed him. He had to try the boots on and they fit him and he was so happy he didn't want to take them off. It is so appreciated! And Julie is every bit as nice as I thought she would be. Maybe we can meet up some time and do something. (See, Julie, I had begun to post about it....I went back in to finish it).
I had begun this post after getting home from meeting Julie, but with the competition for the computer, I gave up. Then, I forgot that I had never came back to finish it, until I got on this morning.
My cousin Shannon is in the hospital, in labor. Her water broke yesterday evening. As of shortly after midnight last night, she was dilated to 2 and only 50% effaced. So, she still had a ways to do. They were planning to induce her. Well, mom is on the phone to her sister right now and I guess nothing happened over night. Wowzers! Some time today, though, we should have a new addition to the extended family.
Well, I have to get Makenneh ready for school. The Halloween party is today at school.
I had begun this post after getting home from meeting Julie, but with the competition for the computer, I gave up. Then, I forgot that I had never came back to finish it, until I got on this morning.
My cousin Shannon is in the hospital, in labor. Her water broke yesterday evening. As of shortly after midnight last night, she was dilated to 2 and only 50% effaced. So, she still had a ways to do. They were planning to induce her. Well, mom is on the phone to her sister right now and I guess nothing happened over night. Wowzers! Some time today, though, we should have a new addition to the extended family.
Well, I have to get Makenneh ready for school. The Halloween party is today at school.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Raining Leaves
I just stepped outside and leaves were raining down. It was beautiful. And made a beautiful noise. Just thought I would share=)
This past month, our church has been having a contest. The theme was Lions, Tigers and Bears! They broke the members into three groups and each group had a leader. Lenny's Lions (my dad), Terry's Tigers and Brian's Bears. Then, because people tend to always sit in the same pew, the preacher mixed it up so that the leaders were in different sections than they normally sit. Anyway, last Sunday, we had quite the crowd of family, in addition to the members who sit in our section. My grandma and Aunt Bev were able to come because they were in town for a bridal shower. My Auny Sylvia, cousin Karen and Alyssa were there as well. (Karen is Sylvia's daughter and Alyssa is Karen's daughter). Anyway, the message hit home for me. I was saved many moons ago...when I was 10 or 11 or so. However, I was never baptised. I am not real sure how that worked out. But that's how it happened. So, come Invitation time when the congegation bows heads while the preacher extends and open invitation to the alter, I decided it was time to make the trek. So, I went up and asked to be baptised. I was really hoping to have done it right after services (as is usual practice) but it wasn't filled. So, I went yesterday and was baptised. While I was in getting ready, one of our guests accepted Jesus and was saved and she was also baptised. I must say that I have a fear of water. I want to be in control when it comes to my head and the water. I must plug my nose and close my eyes when I go under water. Have to! So, I was hoping I wouldn't do like Makenneh and freak out and grab the side as he was dunking me under. But, I did just fine.
Tomorrow I am meeting Julie. It's crazy that we live in the same state and really not terribly far apart, but have never met. Well, she has some winter gear for Sebastian that her little (but bigger than mine) boy has outgrown. She suggested we meet half way between her daughter's college and my place. And it worked out that I can escape my hectic schedule. I'm looking forward to meeting Julie. And I am so grateful for her kindness and generosity. She is always sending things for the kids. Helpful, useful things....things we have needed like winter coats, snow pants, winter boots, clothes. I have told her that she is a Godsend. So, we will be meeting finally.
Well, I need to get some sleep. I have a Social Psych test tomorrow and a practical in Human Biology on Wednesday. I have no idea why these tests have to all come up at the same time. Grrr.
This past month, our church has been having a contest. The theme was Lions, Tigers and Bears! They broke the members into three groups and each group had a leader. Lenny's Lions (my dad), Terry's Tigers and Brian's Bears. Then, because people tend to always sit in the same pew, the preacher mixed it up so that the leaders were in different sections than they normally sit. Anyway, last Sunday, we had quite the crowd of family, in addition to the members who sit in our section. My grandma and Aunt Bev were able to come because they were in town for a bridal shower. My Auny Sylvia, cousin Karen and Alyssa were there as well. (Karen is Sylvia's daughter and Alyssa is Karen's daughter). Anyway, the message hit home for me. I was saved many moons ago...when I was 10 or 11 or so. However, I was never baptised. I am not real sure how that worked out. But that's how it happened. So, come Invitation time when the congegation bows heads while the preacher extends and open invitation to the alter, I decided it was time to make the trek. So, I went up and asked to be baptised. I was really hoping to have done it right after services (as is usual practice) but it wasn't filled. So, I went yesterday and was baptised. While I was in getting ready, one of our guests accepted Jesus and was saved and she was also baptised. I must say that I have a fear of water. I want to be in control when it comes to my head and the water. I must plug my nose and close my eyes when I go under water. Have to! So, I was hoping I wouldn't do like Makenneh and freak out and grab the side as he was dunking me under. But, I did just fine.
Tomorrow I am meeting Julie. It's crazy that we live in the same state and really not terribly far apart, but have never met. Well, she has some winter gear for Sebastian that her little (but bigger than mine) boy has outgrown. She suggested we meet half way between her daughter's college and my place. And it worked out that I can escape my hectic schedule. I'm looking forward to meeting Julie. And I am so grateful for her kindness and generosity. She is always sending things for the kids. Helpful, useful things....things we have needed like winter coats, snow pants, winter boots, clothes. I have told her that she is a Godsend. So, we will be meeting finally.
Well, I need to get some sleep. I have a Social Psych test tomorrow and a practical in Human Biology on Wednesday. I have no idea why these tests have to all come up at the same time. Grrr.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Me stay here
That's Sebastian's motto for the morning. He does not want to go to school. I get his clothes out and say, "let's get dressed" to which he says, "Me stay here". Every step in the morning is met with those 3 words. And I just bumble along with him....enticing him one step at a time. "Well, you still need to get dressed/brush your teeth/put on your shoes." Then the time arrives to go wait for the bus. I asked him to join sis and I at the bus stop. He was fine the whole time. When he saw the bus coming, he shouts, "THe bus is coming!". All seemed to be fine. Then she stopped, opened that door and he bolted up the driveway for the house. I caught him (with assistance from gma) and carried him to the bus, crying the whole way. HIm not me. He grabs the side of the bus. The bus driver says I can take him to his seat if I want. So, I do that. Meanwhile, there is a car stuck behind the bus, waiting. I try to explain to SEb that cars are lined up and waiting and I must go now. She offers to let me stay on the bus while she does that part of the run. So, I take a seat. I sit right in front of Makenneh and Sebastian. I must add that I am still in my pjs, no bra. Horrible. But, anyway, I bump along on the big yellow bus, talking calmly to Seb about see, this isn't that bad is it? Dontcha think mommy's too big for this bus? He cracks half smiles, but nothing more. Then, he wants to sit with me, so at the next stop, I put him in my seat, but by the window. He looks out the window, draws in the moisture on the window, paying no mind to me sitting there. Fantastic, I think! I will be able to slide out of here adn be on my way. And she slows down, bus comes to a stop and the swoosh of the door opening and FREAK OUT! He started crying and reaching for me. IT was soooooo damn difficult to step off that bus. My very heart broke, as the bus driver was assuring me he would be ok. I thought aobut him all day long. I was so glad to get home from my internship and see a happy, well-adjusted boy. HE said he had a good day, had fun with his friends, etc. So, I don't know what the morning will bring. However, JEremy talked to him a bit and gathered that a boy is calling him names on the bus. GASP! Seriously?! GRRRR! Makenneh doesn't know the boy's name, but knows his sister's name. That should be enough info for the bus driver. I am going to talk to her in the AM because if that is the problem, something has to be done. I will not survive too many mornings like this one. It is heartwrenching walking away from your child when they are crying when every instinct is to run to him, cradle him, whisper in his ear that mommy's here and all will be well. But, the reality is, well, reality. He has to go to school, he has to separate from the nest little by little, it's part of growing up. The wings have to be spread slowly, and over time so that they don't fall flat on their face when they finally leave the nest for good. HE has to do things sometimes that he may not like, enjoy or want to do. I can't molly coddle him. Much as I would love to. =) I really hope that it improves.
I got 59/60 on my Bio Test 2. Woohoo! Our practical (Lab test) is Wednesday, a week from today. Hoping I can hang on to that 4.0!
Not much else to say, I am tired, have two upcoming tests I need to be reading/studying for. Have a great night!
I got 59/60 on my Bio Test 2. Woohoo! Our practical (Lab test) is Wednesday, a week from today. Hoping I can hang on to that 4.0!
Not much else to say, I am tired, have two upcoming tests I need to be reading/studying for. Have a great night!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Fall Pictures
Well, we attempted the fall pictures. I think I may have mentioned that in my last post. These are just some of the pictures we took. It was a chore to get them to cooperate because Uncle Ralph got the go-kart out and they were far more interested in that than in taking pictures. OH well. We still got some really cute ones.
I have been sick for the past few days...the typical bug I get this time of year...allergies are out of control, sinuses a mess, cough. Joy. My mother in law made me a hot-totty (don't know how it's spelled) last night and it actually helped quite a bit. Hopefully I continue to improve because I don't have time to be down with something.
All is going well at school. I am doing far better in my biology class than I thought I would. I am carrying a 96% in the class. We have a test on Monday and I am not even worried about it. Looks like all my classes are 4.0 at this point. My internship is going well. I have been running the front desk this past week because the program director had a death in the family. She usually fills in while the secretary does her exercise class. I learned quite a bit and made the days faster when I was busy with calls, questions, etc. There's a small possibility that I could end up with a job after this is said in done. I won't go into details yet because nothing is definite. But please keep it in your thoughts and prayers. It would be so wonderful to be able to move forward.
Feels like winter is near here. Can't believe how cold it was been. Wow. So much for fall.
Well, I am tired, still have some things to do, and need to get doing them...enjoy this pictures! Some of you may have seen them on facebook.
I have been sick for the past few days...the typical bug I get this time of year...allergies are out of control, sinuses a mess, cough. Joy. My mother in law made me a hot-totty (don't know how it's spelled) last night and it actually helped quite a bit. Hopefully I continue to improve because I don't have time to be down with something.
All is going well at school. I am doing far better in my biology class than I thought I would. I am carrying a 96% in the class. We have a test on Monday and I am not even worried about it. Looks like all my classes are 4.0 at this point. My internship is going well. I have been running the front desk this past week because the program director had a death in the family. She usually fills in while the secretary does her exercise class. I learned quite a bit and made the days faster when I was busy with calls, questions, etc. There's a small possibility that I could end up with a job after this is said in done. I won't go into details yet because nothing is definite. But please keep it in your thoughts and prayers. It would be so wonderful to be able to move forward.
Feels like winter is near here. Can't believe how cold it was been. Wow. So much for fall.
Well, I am tired, still have some things to do, and need to get doing them...enjoy this pictures! Some of you may have seen them on facebook.
Monday, October 05, 2009
That always happens
Something about getting to this page to type. My brain freezes. I forget all that may have been funny or clever. Gone. As I go through my days, something will happen and I think, "oh that would be so funny to blog about." but I get here and it's gone. Doesn't help that it takes me so long to get here anymore. I seem to have lost time. It's buried under a stack of textbooks and lecture notes, I am sure.
Sebastian starts school on Wednesday. I am not happy, oh no I am not. I am quite sad. He is my baby and he is going off, without me, with strangers, to grow his little wings and all that stuff. We had his orientation today. He didn't want to go. "Me stay here!" I finally convinced (or bribed, depending how you want to look at it: half full/half empty, ya know) him to come along. I got his backpack out and let him put it on. And when I had to tighten those straps as tight as they would go, I realized that perhaps he is just too little to go to school. The backpack is even too big. See, he should probably just stay home with mom another year.......wwwahhhhhawwwwwahhhhh. I did not let him see a tear, no. But, I came in here and nearly fell apart. Had to breath. Deep. And then we headed off, that big boy and I. He was a bit hesitant and shy at first. As always. But, he did well. He found his own name tag and cubby and decorated a car to hang on the wall in the classroom. He just impresses me with his little personality. He holds doors for his mom. Such a gentleman in the making. I took him to McDonald's...just the two of us. I let him play as I went through all the papers from school. I got to a poem that was included in the folder and thank God for the playscape because the tears fell once agian. I will include the poem at the end, so that if you don't want to read it, you can skip it. It's a little long. but so cute and if you have little ones, well, so worth the read. Anyway, after a little bit, I asked if he was ready to leave...he scurried down the playscape and grabbed his shoes. No whining, no protests. Just a big boy doing the right thing. You bet he was praised. We learned today that he will get on the bus with Makenneh in the mornings. That is a good thing. She was happy about it too. But he will be shuttled to his preschool from Makenneh's school.
Makenneh is doing great in school. I have her parent/teacher conference tomorrow night. I have already spoken with her teacher once last Friday, when I went to pick up her homework she had forgotten. So, I have an idea of how she is doing. It's amazing to see how much she has grown just since school started. Her attitude is still good. I have been able to find absolute pleasure in being her mom. Not something I could always say. I hope she has learned/is learning that positive behavior brings positive results and positive feelings. I continue to talk to her about that. How our behavior affects our moods, people around us, etc. It feels good to be good.
My mother in law is almost completely moved in next door. They have a couple more loads of stuff to bring tomorrow and that will be it. OF course, there is the whole, unpacking, sorting, putting away part. But, she is getting settled more every day. The landlord was being quite a jerk at first. Actually, jerk is quite a mild term for how he was behaving. Perhaps he needs a refresher in the whole good attitude produces good results. Think he forgot or never learned. He attends church with my parents. But, to meet him/deal with him outside of church, well, you may not ever guess that he was a trustee at the church. He has been so underhanded it's quite frustrating. He did nothing but complain to anyone who would listen about how "filthy" the apartment was left, forgetting the fact that the person living there was one of our relatives. He went so far as to call her and her oldest daughter stupid bitches. So, anyway, yes, he ranted about the condition of apartment. In honesty, it was pretty filthy. The carpets nearly black, walls dirty, etc. But, scrubbing carpets and painting walls is part of being a landlord. Deal with it. He wanted to charge her for a window that broke after she turned in her keys. He wanted to charge her for scrubbing the carpets, the fire extinguisher being used to put out a stove top fire, cleaning the stove that he threw out bc she lived there many months with only 2 burners working, just being real crazy. Many of the things he wants to charge her for just don't sit well. Then, my mom told him the fridge was no good. He figured it was, left it in there. Well, the back was all frosted up, it made a funny noise and well, once mother in law (Chris) moved in, guess what....wouldn't freeze ice cubes, fridge is warm, just not working. The carpets, while scrubbed, are still filthy. She had on new socks that are now garbage...black, sticky, gross. His response: if the place isn't clean enough, find a new one. Funny how the place was so filthy but now he thinks it should be considered acceptable. So, it was a rough start. Everything seemed to be going wrong. OF course, she was running on low sleep, emotional from being more or less homeless for a month, and then come "home" to find things just not as he promised they would be. But, she got through it. S he is just going to scrub the carpets a few more times, vaccuum heavily and hope for the best. HE did bring a new fridge today.
School is going for me. Biology is killing me though. Tonight, for lab, he just let us study. Casey and I spent the entire time allotted, going over everything. He had some tricks that had helped him remember certain bones and muscles and he shared them with me. We caught a couple mistakes with the lab book...it didn't have a page on the foot, so he isn't going to test us on the items not given to us in the book. That's too bad for everyone who left early. So many people feel it's unimportant to stay for lab...so they just leave. But, how can you pass a lab practical if you haven't been there for labs? Toward the end, only 3 of us remained. I wonder what our test scores will be in comparison with those who skipped out. I am glad I stayed because I have a better understanding of all of it. I am pretty sure I will pass it now. Before I wasn't so sure.
Well, here is that poem, then I am off to study some more. REmember it's long, so feel free to skip. But it is some good food for thought.
You ask, "what's in my backpack?"
you ask, "what's in my backpack?"
when i come home each day.
I wonder what you hope is there,
if it's empty, is that okay?
I tell you about my busy day,
How the teacher watches over me.
We sing, we laugh, we share, we learn
That's the way it's supposed to be.
You ask, "what's in my backpack?"
I say, "today it's empty"
I see the disappointment
as you look down at me.
School is much more than "things"
that you can see and touch
it's all of my life lessons,
and that means so very much
For if you really want to know
what i do each day,
it won't be on a paper;
you'll know by what i say
Please don't look so unhappy
when you open the zipper wide
what you are looking for today
is all on my inside
ask me about my hands and ears,
my nose and my eyes
ask me what we talked about,
and if i remember why.
EAch day we do so many things
so many books to read
sure is nice my teacher knows
exactly what we need
that backpack on my back today
carries back and forth my stuff
if you want to know what i learned
listening to me will be enough
my teacher wants to plant a seed
get my "love of learning" to sprout
she wants it to last a lifetime-
that's what school is all about.
it's in my head in my heart
that learning will take place
"childhood should be a journey...
don't look at it as a race."
-Donna Whyte, 2002
last two lines adapted, with permission, from SDE/Crystal Springs-Bob Johnson
Good night...
Sebastian starts school on Wednesday. I am not happy, oh no I am not. I am quite sad. He is my baby and he is going off, without me, with strangers, to grow his little wings and all that stuff. We had his orientation today. He didn't want to go. "Me stay here!" I finally convinced (or bribed, depending how you want to look at it: half full/half empty, ya know) him to come along. I got his backpack out and let him put it on. And when I had to tighten those straps as tight as they would go, I realized that perhaps he is just too little to go to school. The backpack is even too big. See, he should probably just stay home with mom another year.......wwwahhhhhawwwwwahhhhh. I did not let him see a tear, no. But, I came in here and nearly fell apart. Had to breath. Deep. And then we headed off, that big boy and I. He was a bit hesitant and shy at first. As always. But, he did well. He found his own name tag and cubby and decorated a car to hang on the wall in the classroom. He just impresses me with his little personality. He holds doors for his mom. Such a gentleman in the making. I took him to McDonald's...just the two of us. I let him play as I went through all the papers from school. I got to a poem that was included in the folder and thank God for the playscape because the tears fell once agian. I will include the poem at the end, so that if you don't want to read it, you can skip it. It's a little long. but so cute and if you have little ones, well, so worth the read. Anyway, after a little bit, I asked if he was ready to leave...he scurried down the playscape and grabbed his shoes. No whining, no protests. Just a big boy doing the right thing. You bet he was praised. We learned today that he will get on the bus with Makenneh in the mornings. That is a good thing. She was happy about it too. But he will be shuttled to his preschool from Makenneh's school.
Makenneh is doing great in school. I have her parent/teacher conference tomorrow night. I have already spoken with her teacher once last Friday, when I went to pick up her homework she had forgotten. So, I have an idea of how she is doing. It's amazing to see how much she has grown just since school started. Her attitude is still good. I have been able to find absolute pleasure in being her mom. Not something I could always say. I hope she has learned/is learning that positive behavior brings positive results and positive feelings. I continue to talk to her about that. How our behavior affects our moods, people around us, etc. It feels good to be good.
My mother in law is almost completely moved in next door. They have a couple more loads of stuff to bring tomorrow and that will be it. OF course, there is the whole, unpacking, sorting, putting away part. But, she is getting settled more every day. The landlord was being quite a jerk at first. Actually, jerk is quite a mild term for how he was behaving. Perhaps he needs a refresher in the whole good attitude produces good results. Think he forgot or never learned. He attends church with my parents. But, to meet him/deal with him outside of church, well, you may not ever guess that he was a trustee at the church. He has been so underhanded it's quite frustrating. He did nothing but complain to anyone who would listen about how "filthy" the apartment was left, forgetting the fact that the person living there was one of our relatives. He went so far as to call her and her oldest daughter stupid bitches. So, anyway, yes, he ranted about the condition of apartment. In honesty, it was pretty filthy. The carpets nearly black, walls dirty, etc. But, scrubbing carpets and painting walls is part of being a landlord. Deal with it. He wanted to charge her for a window that broke after she turned in her keys. He wanted to charge her for scrubbing the carpets, the fire extinguisher being used to put out a stove top fire, cleaning the stove that he threw out bc she lived there many months with only 2 burners working, just being real crazy. Many of the things he wants to charge her for just don't sit well. Then, my mom told him the fridge was no good. He figured it was, left it in there. Well, the back was all frosted up, it made a funny noise and well, once mother in law (Chris) moved in, guess what....wouldn't freeze ice cubes, fridge is warm, just not working. The carpets, while scrubbed, are still filthy. She had on new socks that are now garbage...black, sticky, gross. His response: if the place isn't clean enough, find a new one. Funny how the place was so filthy but now he thinks it should be considered acceptable. So, it was a rough start. Everything seemed to be going wrong. OF course, she was running on low sleep, emotional from being more or less homeless for a month, and then come "home" to find things just not as he promised they would be. But, she got through it. S he is just going to scrub the carpets a few more times, vaccuum heavily and hope for the best. HE did bring a new fridge today.
School is going for me. Biology is killing me though. Tonight, for lab, he just let us study. Casey and I spent the entire time allotted, going over everything. He had some tricks that had helped him remember certain bones and muscles and he shared them with me. We caught a couple mistakes with the lab book...it didn't have a page on the foot, so he isn't going to test us on the items not given to us in the book. That's too bad for everyone who left early. So many people feel it's unimportant to stay for lab...so they just leave. But, how can you pass a lab practical if you haven't been there for labs? Toward the end, only 3 of us remained. I wonder what our test scores will be in comparison with those who skipped out. I am glad I stayed because I have a better understanding of all of it. I am pretty sure I will pass it now. Before I wasn't so sure.
Well, here is that poem, then I am off to study some more. REmember it's long, so feel free to skip. But it is some good food for thought.
You ask, "what's in my backpack?"
you ask, "what's in my backpack?"
when i come home each day.
I wonder what you hope is there,
if it's empty, is that okay?
I tell you about my busy day,
How the teacher watches over me.
We sing, we laugh, we share, we learn
That's the way it's supposed to be.
You ask, "what's in my backpack?"
I say, "today it's empty"
I see the disappointment
as you look down at me.
School is much more than "things"
that you can see and touch
it's all of my life lessons,
and that means so very much
For if you really want to know
what i do each day,
it won't be on a paper;
you'll know by what i say
Please don't look so unhappy
when you open the zipper wide
what you are looking for today
is all on my inside
ask me about my hands and ears,
my nose and my eyes
ask me what we talked about,
and if i remember why.
EAch day we do so many things
so many books to read
sure is nice my teacher knows
exactly what we need
that backpack on my back today
carries back and forth my stuff
if you want to know what i learned
listening to me will be enough
my teacher wants to plant a seed
get my "love of learning" to sprout
she wants it to last a lifetime-
that's what school is all about.
it's in my head in my heart
that learning will take place
"childhood should be a journey...
don't look at it as a race."
-Donna Whyte, 2002
last two lines adapted, with permission, from SDE/Crystal Springs-Bob Johnson
Good night...
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
I'm sure you meant Crocheted Pins
Here are some pictures from our day at the orchard fall festival. The kids loved it and the weather was decent. We went this past Sunday.
a
This pic is from the other day. SEbastian has finally warmed up to Libby. He wants to hold her, play with her, talk to her. It's cute. Just before I got the camera out, he was laying there, patting her back, talking softly to her.
Really, I hope so. We took the kids to the orchard for the fall festival. Complete with carnival rides, craft booths, donuts and cider. As we wandered through the craft booths, the first one we come to is a lady who has done all kinds of small, simple craft projects. One is crocheted Cross pins. The sign says, "Crotched Pins - $2.00". I had to chuckle. I couldn't help myself. Simple typo, I am sure. I hope.
The kids had fun, rode lots of rides...several times each. Neither puked.
I am swamped with studying and homework. My biology class is going to sink the gpa. I Just know it. I took my first test today and it was online, so open book/notes. I still only managed 89%. I checked my overall % for the class and it was like 80%. I cried. Literally. Until I recalled the teacher explaining that if we have any open quizzes that haven't been submitted, it will produce a lower % until you complete it. SO, i went in and completed quiz and now it is up to 90%. Still not where I would like it to be. But this class just isn't clicking for me. Maybe it's a mental block bc science isn't my thing or maybe it is just that I have too much going on right now. Either way, I am in the class, need it for my graduation and so I must pluck along and try my best.
I really don't have much time to myself anymore. I have school and/or internship every day M-F. Weekends are busy playing catch up on homework, attending family functions that seem to be plentiful as usual. and of course, spending time with the kids. It has been a rough week, emotionally. I have had to face the reality of the situation and the sacrifices I am indirectly asking of my family. Makenneh repeatedly tells me she wished I didn't have school. I explained to her that I know this time is difficult and we all have to make sacrifices but when it's over with, we will be able to have our own place, and she will have her own room. That always helps to cheer her up. Lord knows it's what keeps me going. Just knowing that greener pastures lie ahead. I keep trucking along. one tired step after another.
Well got lots of chapters to read and a test in social psychology on thurs. Gotta get going....take care, have a great week and keep warm...seems the fall weather has arrived!
a
This pic is from the other day. SEbastian has finally warmed up to Libby. He wants to hold her, play with her, talk to her. It's cute. Just before I got the camera out, he was laying there, patting her back, talking softly to her.
Really, I hope so. We took the kids to the orchard for the fall festival. Complete with carnival rides, craft booths, donuts and cider. As we wandered through the craft booths, the first one we come to is a lady who has done all kinds of small, simple craft projects. One is crocheted Cross pins. The sign says, "Crotched Pins - $2.00". I had to chuckle. I couldn't help myself. Simple typo, I am sure. I hope.
The kids had fun, rode lots of rides...several times each. Neither puked.
I am swamped with studying and homework. My biology class is going to sink the gpa. I Just know it. I took my first test today and it was online, so open book/notes. I still only managed 89%. I checked my overall % for the class and it was like 80%. I cried. Literally. Until I recalled the teacher explaining that if we have any open quizzes that haven't been submitted, it will produce a lower % until you complete it. SO, i went in and completed quiz and now it is up to 90%. Still not where I would like it to be. But this class just isn't clicking for me. Maybe it's a mental block bc science isn't my thing or maybe it is just that I have too much going on right now. Either way, I am in the class, need it for my graduation and so I must pluck along and try my best.
I really don't have much time to myself anymore. I have school and/or internship every day M-F. Weekends are busy playing catch up on homework, attending family functions that seem to be plentiful as usual. and of course, spending time with the kids. It has been a rough week, emotionally. I have had to face the reality of the situation and the sacrifices I am indirectly asking of my family. Makenneh repeatedly tells me she wished I didn't have school. I explained to her that I know this time is difficult and we all have to make sacrifices but when it's over with, we will be able to have our own place, and she will have her own room. That always helps to cheer her up. Lord knows it's what keeps me going. Just knowing that greener pastures lie ahead. I keep trucking along. one tired step after another.
Well got lots of chapters to read and a test in social psychology on thurs. Gotta get going....take care, have a great week and keep warm...seems the fall weather has arrived!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
I'm here
but im exhausted, a tad frustrated, and getting sick. As if I have time to be sick. It's that nasty stuff like I had last year that caused the trip to the after hours and that nasty promethazine with codeine cough medicine. I do not want to go back there, thank you.
I started my internship yesterday, have to go there tomorrow. Classes are going well. And that's about it for tonight bc I feel like crap.
I started my internship yesterday, have to go there tomorrow. Classes are going well. And that's about it for tonight bc I feel like crap.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Managed to survive that trip
I forgot how hectic the roads can be down state. Add in construction, mixed with some impatient, inconsiderate idiots and well, it's disaster waiting to happen. Almost happened to us. I was following my sis, driving along just fine.....then, brakelights....slow, slower, STOP. Construction. The 3 lanes squeeze down to one. Probably wouldn't have to be a huge problem is people would read, yes read, the signs that say, lane ends. The flashing arrows, I just know these people can't really miss them, can they? But, instead, everyone tries to stay in their lane, speed ahead, cut over. slam on brakes. Well, we were about out of the construction zone (well, if there is really ever an end) and started to pick up speed. Now, by pick up speed, I mean, instead 15mph, we were heading up to say, 25 mph. Then, all of a sudden, everyone's locking up brakes. I had to swerve to the right to avoid rear-ending car in front of me, as well to avoid being rear ended by car behind me. Well, come to find out (bc sis was several vehicles ahead of me), that some guy drove down the shoulder of the expressway to try to cut ahead. Meanwhile, as they approach an exit ramp, some car swerves at last minute to get off, this shoulder-driving idiot cuts behind my sister, because the shoulder ends, and he is going too fast for the whole 25mph speed the traffic is doing...so he has to lock up his brakes. My sister thought for sure he would hit her. WEll, his cutting over and locking up brakes caused a dominoes effect. Idiots!
Anyway, we survived it. The party was nice. The deal is, my mom's cousin and her husband took temporary custody of their neice because the state stepped in and removed her from her mother. She was about 12ish when this happened. My mom's cousin (Ann) has had her since. They finally finalized the adoption and so it was cause to celebrate. Well, the girl, who is now around 14, stood up to say a few words...that left no dry eyes in the place. It was the most beautiful thing...she explained that two years ago, aunt and uncle gave me shelter, fed me, bought me clothes and provided me with everything I needed. She said she was so thankful for them. Then, she turned to aunt and said something like, "Aunt, thank you for being the best mom I have ever had. Uncle, thank you for being the dad I never had. It feels so good to have a father I can count on (paraphrasing)." Anyways, this girl's speech was amazing. So heartfelt and full of appreciation. She mentioned how nice it was to have a family, to have the things she needs, wants, etc. Everyone cried. Such a happy moment.
On the flip side of that, Desiree rode down there with me today and was talking. She mentioned that Brian (our uncle she lives with) made the comment that 'technically, we aren't your family'. YEah, I am pissed. For those who may not remember, Desiree was adopted as a newborn, from teh hospital in which she was born. It was a private adoption and my aunt waited and prayed 30 some years for that girl. She is every bit a part of this family. AS much as I am. We may not share the same dna, but we share a bond. Blood isn't all that makes up family. I thought, what a heartless thing to say to a 13 yr old who has been faced with enough loss, discourse, and upheavel in her short life. I told Des that "technically" he's wrong. You are family. I also told her just how much her mom wanted her and how she prayed, and held onto faith and didn't give up. I kept reassuring her that her mom wanted her more than anything in the world. She has been talking to her biological grandparents and siblings. She wants to visit them and they want her to visit. They live in KY. Her oldest sister is coming up here in Oct to see old friends and they plan to meet each other. I hope that this is the beginning of bonds that will help see her through. The sad part is that she has a family down there who want her and she is here, living with a family who doesn't seem to want her and make no effort to assure her otherwise. Not to mention, she has no gparents here...she has 2 down there. Her gma asked herif she wanted to come live with her. But des told me she doesn't want to move out of state bc of her friends and family. I told her she didn't have to, but if she wants to visit that is absolutely ok and I will advocate for her on that. She has a right to feel wanted, loved and cherished. Every child has those rights. Michelle and brian said she can visit but they are leery bc they don't know them. Well, prior to my aunt's death, she had been in contact with them on a regular basis and they would come up here to spend time with desiree. That went on for the last couple years of my aunt's life. So, they aren't complete strangers to des. She remembers the times she spent with her grandparents when they were up here.
I jsut worry so much about that girl. She brought up today that she hasn't seen or heard from her dad in about two years. What do you say to a child? I told her that someday, he will see the error of his ways. Some day, you will be able to show him the woman you've become and all he has missed out on. But, I reminded her that no matter what, she needs to always do her best and not let this bring her down. The better she does in life, the more she proves him wrong. Because, that's part of what I worry about. That she will be aversely affected by this selfish pigheaded man and she will let it interfere with her life. I told her that we cannot control other people's actions, but we can control our reaction to their actions. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Sebastian starts school on Oct 7th. They are having an open house on the 5th. He was pretty shy with the teachers who came out to the house, but towards the end, he started to warm up. It is so nice to have the opportunity to meet with them one on one because it gives you the opportunity to explain little quirks, go over concerts and all that. I think it makes the transition to school easier. I am nervous about how he will do at first, but I know once he gets into the routine, it should be okay for him.
Well, I have had a long day and I am ready to wind down and crash! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Anyway, we survived it. The party was nice. The deal is, my mom's cousin and her husband took temporary custody of their neice because the state stepped in and removed her from her mother. She was about 12ish when this happened. My mom's cousin (Ann) has had her since. They finally finalized the adoption and so it was cause to celebrate. Well, the girl, who is now around 14, stood up to say a few words...that left no dry eyes in the place. It was the most beautiful thing...she explained that two years ago, aunt and uncle gave me shelter, fed me, bought me clothes and provided me with everything I needed. She said she was so thankful for them. Then, she turned to aunt and said something like, "Aunt, thank you for being the best mom I have ever had. Uncle, thank you for being the dad I never had. It feels so good to have a father I can count on (paraphrasing)." Anyways, this girl's speech was amazing. So heartfelt and full of appreciation. She mentioned how nice it was to have a family, to have the things she needs, wants, etc. Everyone cried. Such a happy moment.
On the flip side of that, Desiree rode down there with me today and was talking. She mentioned that Brian (our uncle she lives with) made the comment that 'technically, we aren't your family'. YEah, I am pissed. For those who may not remember, Desiree was adopted as a newborn, from teh hospital in which she was born. It was a private adoption and my aunt waited and prayed 30 some years for that girl. She is every bit a part of this family. AS much as I am. We may not share the same dna, but we share a bond. Blood isn't all that makes up family. I thought, what a heartless thing to say to a 13 yr old who has been faced with enough loss, discourse, and upheavel in her short life. I told Des that "technically" he's wrong. You are family. I also told her just how much her mom wanted her and how she prayed, and held onto faith and didn't give up. I kept reassuring her that her mom wanted her more than anything in the world. She has been talking to her biological grandparents and siblings. She wants to visit them and they want her to visit. They live in KY. Her oldest sister is coming up here in Oct to see old friends and they plan to meet each other. I hope that this is the beginning of bonds that will help see her through. The sad part is that she has a family down there who want her and she is here, living with a family who doesn't seem to want her and make no effort to assure her otherwise. Not to mention, she has no gparents here...she has 2 down there. Her gma asked herif she wanted to come live with her. But des told me she doesn't want to move out of state bc of her friends and family. I told her she didn't have to, but if she wants to visit that is absolutely ok and I will advocate for her on that. She has a right to feel wanted, loved and cherished. Every child has those rights. Michelle and brian said she can visit but they are leery bc they don't know them. Well, prior to my aunt's death, she had been in contact with them on a regular basis and they would come up here to spend time with desiree. That went on for the last couple years of my aunt's life. So, they aren't complete strangers to des. She remembers the times she spent with her grandparents when they were up here.
I jsut worry so much about that girl. She brought up today that she hasn't seen or heard from her dad in about two years. What do you say to a child? I told her that someday, he will see the error of his ways. Some day, you will be able to show him the woman you've become and all he has missed out on. But, I reminded her that no matter what, she needs to always do her best and not let this bring her down. The better she does in life, the more she proves him wrong. Because, that's part of what I worry about. That she will be aversely affected by this selfish pigheaded man and she will let it interfere with her life. I told her that we cannot control other people's actions, but we can control our reaction to their actions. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.
Sebastian starts school on Oct 7th. They are having an open house on the 5th. He was pretty shy with the teachers who came out to the house, but towards the end, he started to warm up. It is so nice to have the opportunity to meet with them one on one because it gives you the opportunity to explain little quirks, go over concerts and all that. I think it makes the transition to school easier. I am nervous about how he will do at first, but I know once he gets into the routine, it should be okay for him.
Well, I have had a long day and I am ready to wind down and crash! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Friday, September 18, 2009
It's Friday!!!
Today is Makenneh's picture day at school. Hopefully she smiles this time. Last year's picture looked quite like a mug shot. I don't have it on here and my printer with the nice scanner, well, it's not working, so I have no way to share. She picked out her outfit, and I surprised. I told her that I would pick it out because it needed to be a solid shirt without print. She asked what that meant and I explained it. Then she said, 'oh like the one I wore yesterday, right, mom?' Right indeed. So, as I was mulling over options in my head this morning (because I forgot to do the whole pick out clothes thing last night), she said, oh, like my purple shirt that I wear with my long shorts. Yes, exactly! She said she wanted to wear that shirt, and well, it was a solid shirt and hey, it beats racking my brain to figure out what to have her wear. I just ordered a small package because we are doing pictures at my sister's soon. And those will be far cuter than the "mug-shot" style the school takes.
The lady from school is coming out today for Sebastian's paperwork and such. He should be starting school soon. The state has to have the budget balanced by Oct. 1st and they will know more at that time. I am just glad he was accepted and that he gets to go. With this program, busing is provided, so I don't have to worry about transportation issues with me in school and doing my internship.
After that meeting, my mom, sister and I are going to the mall to have our rings cleaned and inspected to keep up the warranty. Then Carrie and I both have a return to make, and after that we will go to lunch at Ruby Tuesdays. Sebastian and Libby will be with us. I am looking forward to a day out.
I got the go ahead from my teacher....i can do my internship at the senior center. He also gave me two other choices, just to be fair and give me options, but I am going to stick with the senior center. I did have a second thought though when one of the options listed was a hospice. I am leaning towards working through a hospice at some point, when I done with school. I love the programs, love that it gives an alternative for terminally ill patients and they are so supportive and helpful at the end of one's life. But, for now, I will stick with the senior center. The hours are quite flexible, the environment friendly and laid back and I have some extra opportunities there.
Well, I am off here to finish preparing for the meeting. Enjoy your weekend!
The lady from school is coming out today for Sebastian's paperwork and such. He should be starting school soon. The state has to have the budget balanced by Oct. 1st and they will know more at that time. I am just glad he was accepted and that he gets to go. With this program, busing is provided, so I don't have to worry about transportation issues with me in school and doing my internship.
After that meeting, my mom, sister and I are going to the mall to have our rings cleaned and inspected to keep up the warranty. Then Carrie and I both have a return to make, and after that we will go to lunch at Ruby Tuesdays. Sebastian and Libby will be with us. I am looking forward to a day out.
I got the go ahead from my teacher....i can do my internship at the senior center. He also gave me two other choices, just to be fair and give me options, but I am going to stick with the senior center. I did have a second thought though when one of the options listed was a hospice. I am leaning towards working through a hospice at some point, when I done with school. I love the programs, love that it gives an alternative for terminally ill patients and they are so supportive and helpful at the end of one's life. But, for now, I will stick with the senior center. The hours are quite flexible, the environment friendly and laid back and I have some extra opportunities there.
Well, I am off here to finish preparing for the meeting. Enjoy your weekend!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Which way do I go?
The past week has left me feeling discombobulated. I so wish I could go back and attend that first day of class...it has thrown me off. I have caught up for the most part, but still have this niggling feeling that I am somehow missing something. Just don't know what "it" is. It does help that in two of my classes I have a classmate who has been in previous classes with me. So, we often discuss what is due, what's supposed to be happening and that has helped me feel up to speed.
My internship is tentatively set to start on Monday. Still have a few details to iron out, but I will be going back to the senior center where I did my student volunteer hours in the winter semester. I will have to learn new things and be given more opportunities in order for my instructor to allow the placement. That shouldn't be a problem. Ruben is excited to have me back and I look forward to going back.
Tony, one of my brother's long time friends, lost his dad yesterday. He is the middle child of 3. The oldest is around 30-32 yrs old. I just can't imagine having to plan a funeral for a parent at this age. My heart goes out to them. Tony was able to be with his dad in his final moments and he was the one who made the decision to have his dad taken off the life support. He knew that was what his dad would have wanted. His dad had been battling diabetes and was on dialysis. Plus he had heart trouble. Please keep the kids in your thoughts and prayers.
On a much lighter note, my aunt told me the funniest story about Makenneh last night. She had been to their house and she had offered my uncle Kevin something she was eating (they can't recall what it was). He said, "No thank you hon, Uncle Kevin doesn't have any teeth, so he can't eat that." She got the most sincere look on her face and said, "Ooooh, Uncle Kevin, tonight I will pray that God gives you teeth." We laughed sooo hard when my aunt told us this at bunco. At the same time, my heart just melted because what a sweet, thoughtful thing to say. She made his day and he still gets a chuckle when he talks about it.
On the business front: Mom has been researching wholesalers for flowers and other things we will need. We are also attending a "starting a business" seminar offered by the small business association. That's next friday. It just seems there is so much to do and my plate is already so full. I look around this computer room and see nothing but absolute clutter and mess. IT has to be cleaned and organized so that we can function in here. However, I haven't the time, when I have the moments to spare, I haven't the gumption. I know we will get there...it just may take a bit. I am also counting on having a better system down in a few weeks, once I acclimate to the full class load + internship + kids + homework + kids' schooling + household chores/activities.
Liberty is eating rice cereal now. She loves it. I haven't seen her in several days. It seems like forever because I am used to seeing her almost every day. Jeremy is over there right now, helping Ralph. They are putting on an addition. The addition will include a family room and a half-bath. I am not sure if it will be anything else. But, that will make such a big difference. There living room now is absolutely too small, as is their kitchen/dining area. This will allow them to use the current living room as dining area and then have a nice, large living room. Not to mention, a 2nd toilet is always a good thing.
We are taking the kids over to Carrie's one day soon for pictures. We will include Kaden and even do a picture of all the grandkids. I can't wait. I hope they turn out nice. Of course they will....:)
Well, I have some homework to look at and things I want to do. Have a great night!
My internship is tentatively set to start on Monday. Still have a few details to iron out, but I will be going back to the senior center where I did my student volunteer hours in the winter semester. I will have to learn new things and be given more opportunities in order for my instructor to allow the placement. That shouldn't be a problem. Ruben is excited to have me back and I look forward to going back.
Tony, one of my brother's long time friends, lost his dad yesterday. He is the middle child of 3. The oldest is around 30-32 yrs old. I just can't imagine having to plan a funeral for a parent at this age. My heart goes out to them. Tony was able to be with his dad in his final moments and he was the one who made the decision to have his dad taken off the life support. He knew that was what his dad would have wanted. His dad had been battling diabetes and was on dialysis. Plus he had heart trouble. Please keep the kids in your thoughts and prayers.
On a much lighter note, my aunt told me the funniest story about Makenneh last night. She had been to their house and she had offered my uncle Kevin something she was eating (they can't recall what it was). He said, "No thank you hon, Uncle Kevin doesn't have any teeth, so he can't eat that." She got the most sincere look on her face and said, "Ooooh, Uncle Kevin, tonight I will pray that God gives you teeth." We laughed sooo hard when my aunt told us this at bunco. At the same time, my heart just melted because what a sweet, thoughtful thing to say. She made his day and he still gets a chuckle when he talks about it.
On the business front: Mom has been researching wholesalers for flowers and other things we will need. We are also attending a "starting a business" seminar offered by the small business association. That's next friday. It just seems there is so much to do and my plate is already so full. I look around this computer room and see nothing but absolute clutter and mess. IT has to be cleaned and organized so that we can function in here. However, I haven't the time, when I have the moments to spare, I haven't the gumption. I know we will get there...it just may take a bit. I am also counting on having a better system down in a few weeks, once I acclimate to the full class load + internship + kids + homework + kids' schooling + household chores/activities.
Liberty is eating rice cereal now. She loves it. I haven't seen her in several days. It seems like forever because I am used to seeing her almost every day. Jeremy is over there right now, helping Ralph. They are putting on an addition. The addition will include a family room and a half-bath. I am not sure if it will be anything else. But, that will make such a big difference. There living room now is absolutely too small, as is their kitchen/dining area. This will allow them to use the current living room as dining area and then have a nice, large living room. Not to mention, a 2nd toilet is always a good thing.
We are taking the kids over to Carrie's one day soon for pictures. We will include Kaden and even do a picture of all the grandkids. I can't wait. I hope they turn out nice. Of course they will....:)
Well, I have some homework to look at and things I want to do. Have a great night!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
One week down
We have all survived the first week of back to school. Everything went pretty well. I has a rough day on thursday though. Did i post about this yet? Well, if you start reading and it sounds familiar, feel free to skip over it....
I bought a planner from the college bookstore, as I have every semester. I buy the one with the college logo and all that jazz because it has lots of useful campus info, including a school calendar with important dates. Well, my handy planner said that classes start on September 9th. Cool. I go to school on Wednesday....biology. No big deal. Thursday, I get to class and see Casey. He is in my bio class. We start chatting and he asked...did you miss tues or just sign up? WHAT? Yeah, come to find out, classes started on the 8th, so I missed a day of school...3 classes. So, I have been trying to keep caught up. I just feel as though I have missed so much. I think I am mostly set. The worst part was missing my Social Work class...I emailed the instructor and he informed me that most students already have their placement choices. He emailed them a choice of 3. So, I had to bust a move. I called Ruben at the senior center, asked if he was interested in having me back and of course, he was delighted. LOL. So, I emailed the teacher back, told him, emailed him the field work placement request and he said that ruben needs to email him to request me and tell him what new things I will be doing/learning. So, I know it's a weekend but I emailed Ruben anyway, hoping he checks his mail first thing monday morning and gets that taken care of. I asked him to call me when he got the email to let me know, but I will probably call him first thing monday morning to be sure. I don't want to waste any more time. I have to do 20 hours per week to pass the class. I have monday and Wed from 10 til 430 and all day friday, which translates to 10-6. If need be, I can come in Tues from 3:30-6 and thurs from 230-6. It will leave me almost no time for homework/studying. I am started to stress about that. I just hope that the other classes I have this semester go as easily as the ones I have had up to this point. My head spins every time I think about it. I know I can do it, because many have done it before me. But, it doesn't change the fact that I feel overwhelmed. I have a couple writing assignments due this coming week which I haven't started. But, I plan to work on them a bit tomorrow and then Monday. They are pretty easy assignments, so it shouldn't be a problem.
Matt and Sara got home from their honeymoon, although it's not "over" yet. They came home early because they got 2 tickets to the Michigan v. Notre Dame game. So, they went, as part of their honeymoon. OF course, after the game started, i had an amazing idea....they should have made a big sign that said, "We are honeymoonin' at the BIG HOUSE!" I think it would have been cool..and they probably would have gotten on tv, too! LOL. But, it was a great idea, too late. The game was great. We watched it on TV. Ok, honestly I mostly didn't watch it...but I caught bits and pieces and I listened to quite a bit of it. It was very nailbiting. But, they pulled it off.
Makneneh loves school. She hasn't been much trouble at all in the mornings and I hope that continues. That was one thing I dreaded about last school year. But, we pick her clothes out the night before and that eliminates a lot of trouble and saves a lot of time. The couple papers she brought home that she has done in class were good. I was happy to see that.
Tomorrow is Jeremy's birthday. He will be 32. Funny, when I went to type his age, my finger was off so it came up as 21. I am sure he would love that. He was planning to spend the day fishing....but then he realized the Lions are playing football and wants to watch that. So, who knows what he will end up doing. He already got his bday gift from the kids and I....Madden 10. I will make him a cake and get some ice cream (he loooooves ice cream_...i was thinking of an ice cream cake...but that may "ruin" the ice cream for him..he loves to put peanut butter and chocolate syrup in his ice cream and mix it all up. Don't ask about his arteries...they are no good, I am sure. I am trying to think of what to have for dinner...want to make something he likes. We had steak (his fav) not even a week ago. OF cource, he would never complain about steak twice in a week, but the pocketbook would. We'll have to see.
Mom and I are going to a class on starting a business, offered by the small business & technology development center on Friday, the 25th. It will cut into my intern hours, but I can make them up, as the class is only a few hours long. I think we will get some valuable info and so it's worth it. The hardest part is pricing. As far as the planning goes, there is a lady near the area who does complete wedding coordinating for $200. At least, we have heard that from a friend of my sister in law. I don't know if she is telling the whole story or what. Because for the amount of work that goes into complete coordinating, the lady has to be working for pennies/hour. There is just no way that $200 compensates you for your time. You are taking about arranging all the services...from church to hall, to dj, caterer, etc.....meeting with bride multiple times to assist with things, being present at the churh and hall teh day of, making sure all runs smooth. Lots of leg work, lots of calling, lots of running....i don't see it as profitable at that rate. So, we are going to check into that some more. IT's not a huge deal, because, the floral part is the main concentration. We don't want to do complete coordinating for weddings all the time. We will do it, but the main this is, helping brides (or anyone planning an event) get organized, stay on track and save money every step of the way. Then, we will offer the flower service and also decoration rentals. So, there are plenty of aspects, that full coordinating doesn't have to pull the weight of the company. But, it still boggles me that this lady supposedly does all that for only $200. She must be bored and just need something to fill her time. I don't know.
So, as you can see, I am quite busy, have an overflowing plate and xanax anyone? I may need some! LOL. Breathe. deep. ooooooh. count. to. ten. LOL.
Well, I am going to finish up on here and get to bed....
Happy Birthday to my dear Husband....
I bought a planner from the college bookstore, as I have every semester. I buy the one with the college logo and all that jazz because it has lots of useful campus info, including a school calendar with important dates. Well, my handy planner said that classes start on September 9th. Cool. I go to school on Wednesday....biology. No big deal. Thursday, I get to class and see Casey. He is in my bio class. We start chatting and he asked...did you miss tues or just sign up? WHAT? Yeah, come to find out, classes started on the 8th, so I missed a day of school...3 classes. So, I have been trying to keep caught up. I just feel as though I have missed so much. I think I am mostly set. The worst part was missing my Social Work class...I emailed the instructor and he informed me that most students already have their placement choices. He emailed them a choice of 3. So, I had to bust a move. I called Ruben at the senior center, asked if he was interested in having me back and of course, he was delighted. LOL. So, I emailed the teacher back, told him, emailed him the field work placement request and he said that ruben needs to email him to request me and tell him what new things I will be doing/learning. So, I know it's a weekend but I emailed Ruben anyway, hoping he checks his mail first thing monday morning and gets that taken care of. I asked him to call me when he got the email to let me know, but I will probably call him first thing monday morning to be sure. I don't want to waste any more time. I have to do 20 hours per week to pass the class. I have monday and Wed from 10 til 430 and all day friday, which translates to 10-6. If need be, I can come in Tues from 3:30-6 and thurs from 230-6. It will leave me almost no time for homework/studying. I am started to stress about that. I just hope that the other classes I have this semester go as easily as the ones I have had up to this point. My head spins every time I think about it. I know I can do it, because many have done it before me. But, it doesn't change the fact that I feel overwhelmed. I have a couple writing assignments due this coming week which I haven't started. But, I plan to work on them a bit tomorrow and then Monday. They are pretty easy assignments, so it shouldn't be a problem.
Matt and Sara got home from their honeymoon, although it's not "over" yet. They came home early because they got 2 tickets to the Michigan v. Notre Dame game. So, they went, as part of their honeymoon. OF course, after the game started, i had an amazing idea....they should have made a big sign that said, "We are honeymoonin' at the BIG HOUSE!" I think it would have been cool..and they probably would have gotten on tv, too! LOL. But, it was a great idea, too late. The game was great. We watched it on TV. Ok, honestly I mostly didn't watch it...but I caught bits and pieces and I listened to quite a bit of it. It was very nailbiting. But, they pulled it off.
Makneneh loves school. She hasn't been much trouble at all in the mornings and I hope that continues. That was one thing I dreaded about last school year. But, we pick her clothes out the night before and that eliminates a lot of trouble and saves a lot of time. The couple papers she brought home that she has done in class were good. I was happy to see that.
Tomorrow is Jeremy's birthday. He will be 32. Funny, when I went to type his age, my finger was off so it came up as 21. I am sure he would love that. He was planning to spend the day fishing....but then he realized the Lions are playing football and wants to watch that. So, who knows what he will end up doing. He already got his bday gift from the kids and I....Madden 10. I will make him a cake and get some ice cream (he loooooves ice cream_...i was thinking of an ice cream cake...but that may "ruin" the ice cream for him..he loves to put peanut butter and chocolate syrup in his ice cream and mix it all up. Don't ask about his arteries...they are no good, I am sure. I am trying to think of what to have for dinner...want to make something he likes. We had steak (his fav) not even a week ago. OF cource, he would never complain about steak twice in a week, but the pocketbook would. We'll have to see.
Mom and I are going to a class on starting a business, offered by the small business & technology development center on Friday, the 25th. It will cut into my intern hours, but I can make them up, as the class is only a few hours long. I think we will get some valuable info and so it's worth it. The hardest part is pricing. As far as the planning goes, there is a lady near the area who does complete wedding coordinating for $200. At least, we have heard that from a friend of my sister in law. I don't know if she is telling the whole story or what. Because for the amount of work that goes into complete coordinating, the lady has to be working for pennies/hour. There is just no way that $200 compensates you for your time. You are taking about arranging all the services...from church to hall, to dj, caterer, etc.....meeting with bride multiple times to assist with things, being present at the churh and hall teh day of, making sure all runs smooth. Lots of leg work, lots of calling, lots of running....i don't see it as profitable at that rate. So, we are going to check into that some more. IT's not a huge deal, because, the floral part is the main concentration. We don't want to do complete coordinating for weddings all the time. We will do it, but the main this is, helping brides (or anyone planning an event) get organized, stay on track and save money every step of the way. Then, we will offer the flower service and also decoration rentals. So, there are plenty of aspects, that full coordinating doesn't have to pull the weight of the company. But, it still boggles me that this lady supposedly does all that for only $200. She must be bored and just need something to fill her time. I don't know.
So, as you can see, I am quite busy, have an overflowing plate and xanax anyone? I may need some! LOL. Breathe. deep. ooooooh. count. to. ten. LOL.
Well, I am going to finish up on here and get to bed....
Happy Birthday to my dear Husband....
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
We did it!
We went this morning and filed the DBA. The name of our business is Creative Affairs. I am working on the website right now. There is so much to do...it is almost overwhelming. But, I know we can do it and do it we will.
Today is Makenneh's first full day of school. I am curious to see how she handled the full day. I hope it goes well for her.
I start my classes tonight. I got my books today, just in time! My first class is biology-the human body. I am dreading this class most of all. My sister said it was a fun class and she enjoyed it. Of course, the instructor, and even classmates, can make or break a class.
Well, I am off here to work on more business stuff. So much to do, my head is spinning!
Today is Makenneh's first full day of school. I am curious to see how she handled the full day. I hope it goes well for her.
I start my classes tonight. I got my books today, just in time! My first class is biology-the human body. I am dreading this class most of all. My sister said it was a fun class and she enjoyed it. Of course, the instructor, and even classmates, can make or break a class.
Well, I am off here to work on more business stuff. So much to do, my head is spinning!
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
1st Day of 1st Grade
Makenneh went back to school today. This year she will be going all day. I can't believe how fast the summer flew by. Where did the time go? Anyway, she went to bed easily last night and then was easy to wake up this morning. She was so excited and more than ready to go back to school. I was so thankful for that. WE had gone up to the school yesterday to check the class list and so we knew that several of her friends from last year would be in her class again this year. Plus, my sister-in-law's little sister, Keely is in Makenneh's class as well. So, she has several kids she knows to start the year off. How nice! Jeremy insisted on waking her this morning about 20 mins before I would have. She got a little antsy after she was completely ready and then just sitting and waiting for the bus. And of course, the bus came about 15 mins late. I was getting antsy by then as well. But, the bus finally arrived and Makenneh was all smiles as she boarded! I just love it. I hope that she does well this year. I have to admit that I am sort of looking forward to the full days. I am going to miss her, but I won't miss the attitude she likes to dish out. Hopefully she doesn't start dishing that up at school!
I made a slideshow of the pictures from this morning, waiting for the bus. I will post that when I am done (mostly because it takes a while to upload the pics).
So, our DBA is TBA. Mom and I headed to the courthouse this morning to file the DBA only to be told that the name we wanted is in use. We could have added to the name to separate it, but it doesn't change the fact that it's still too close. And the list on the DBA site doesn't specify what type of business it is. Sooo, we stepped out of line, decided to go to the car and brainstorm. We created a list of about 6 names and headed back in....the first couple choices aren't available. finally, i asked if there was a site we could search from home and she gave us that info. We decided to come home and do the searching ourselves to save them time. We found one we like and that's available. We will go down in the morning to file it. In the meantime, I created the email address and started working on our website. I don't want to announce the name until we have the paper filed and it's a done deal. It can get tricky coming up with a name that isn't already taken. Carrie came over and we spent most of the day working on business stuff. It is going to be a lot of work but that work will have great payoffs!
I start classes tomorrow night. I go monday and wednesday nights, then tues and thurs midday. I will also have 150 hours of internship to complete at a place my instructor chooses for me. I am hoping he makes a good choice for me. I am kinda nervous about my schedule. I mentioned this to Jeremy and his reply? You go through this before every semester and every time, you do great! Yeah yeah, but i still fret a bit. Next semester will be all business classes except my one social work class for my internship. I wish I would have taken business courses this time. Too late now without a huge hassle I don't want to endure.
OH while I am thinking of it...prayers and positive thoughts, please. My cousin, Sarah, who just had a baby boy (jayden) in July, needs them. First off, she has been struggling with Post Partum Depression. To top it off, her boyfriend, the father to the baby, decided he no longer wanted to be a family and moved out. AT first, there was hope he would come back home, but it doesn't look like that will be happening. Please keep her and Jayden in your thoughts and prayers that she will find the strength and courage to do what she needs to do for the best interest of the baby and to keep herself well. I know she would appreciate it.
Tomorrow, after filing the DBA, I need to exchange Makenneh's tennis shoes. Remember the hassle I had finding some that fit? Well, we go to put them on her this morning and she says they don't feel good. now, I don't know if it's the hillbilly in her (and hey, flip flops or barefeet are divine), but apparently no shoe feels worthy of being worn in her opinion. So, I have her stand and wiggle her toes...she says she can't. I push around to feel for big toe..it's at the very end. Now, I know I did this very thing prior to purchasing these shoes. So, either shrinking dust was sprinkled on them or her feet grew at least a half size in a few weeks. I was so frustrated. So, I have to exchange them. Along with her denim skirt I already exchanged once. I know, it sounds as if i am an incompetent shopper. R eally, I am not. Well, perhaps, because I don't find it all that exciting. LOL. But, the size I originally bought I thought nothing of until I got it home and realized it was a size larger than what I had been buying her. Well, i exchanged it and got the size I thought she needed....only to come home and discover it was too tight. So, the sizing must be different because all her other clothes fit with room to spare. That'll teach me. I should have had her try it on before I returned the first one. Maybe I'll call Carrie and get her to go as well and we will stop for lunch and I can use my gift card for Ruby Tuesday while we are at the mall. That might make the inconvenience worth it ;)
---still have a few pictures to wait for....I guess I can continue rambling.
Matt and Sara are still on their honeymoon. They never planned anything particular, just tossed around several ideas. They like to procrastinate..even about fun things. Well, they ended up doing a road trip of the western and northern part of the state. They are coming home friday though because they got two tickets to the Michigan game and they will wrap their honeymoon up with that! How appropriate seems how they entered the hall to the Michigan fight song and the garter was a Michigan garter. Seems fitting!
The kittens are cute as ever. In fact, I have some pictures of them on the slideshow I am working on. Aunt Bev, I must tell you that Uncle Harold thinks that one particular kitty should be grandma's. He looks like Garfred...and he has such a sweet personality and the biggest, buggiest, blue eyes. He is a favorite around here. The other 3 kittens are fluffy...he is sleek and oh so soft. He took one look at the litter and said, "That one should be grandma's". ;)
And here it is, the slideshow! I am off to bed now....have to get to an alarm clock these days!
I made a slideshow of the pictures from this morning, waiting for the bus. I will post that when I am done (mostly because it takes a while to upload the pics).
So, our DBA is TBA. Mom and I headed to the courthouse this morning to file the DBA only to be told that the name we wanted is in use. We could have added to the name to separate it, but it doesn't change the fact that it's still too close. And the list on the DBA site doesn't specify what type of business it is. Sooo, we stepped out of line, decided to go to the car and brainstorm. We created a list of about 6 names and headed back in....the first couple choices aren't available. finally, i asked if there was a site we could search from home and she gave us that info. We decided to come home and do the searching ourselves to save them time. We found one we like and that's available. We will go down in the morning to file it. In the meantime, I created the email address and started working on our website. I don't want to announce the name until we have the paper filed and it's a done deal. It can get tricky coming up with a name that isn't already taken. Carrie came over and we spent most of the day working on business stuff. It is going to be a lot of work but that work will have great payoffs!
I start classes tomorrow night. I go monday and wednesday nights, then tues and thurs midday. I will also have 150 hours of internship to complete at a place my instructor chooses for me. I am hoping he makes a good choice for me. I am kinda nervous about my schedule. I mentioned this to Jeremy and his reply? You go through this before every semester and every time, you do great! Yeah yeah, but i still fret a bit. Next semester will be all business classes except my one social work class for my internship. I wish I would have taken business courses this time. Too late now without a huge hassle I don't want to endure.
OH while I am thinking of it...prayers and positive thoughts, please. My cousin, Sarah, who just had a baby boy (jayden) in July, needs them. First off, she has been struggling with Post Partum Depression. To top it off, her boyfriend, the father to the baby, decided he no longer wanted to be a family and moved out. AT first, there was hope he would come back home, but it doesn't look like that will be happening. Please keep her and Jayden in your thoughts and prayers that she will find the strength and courage to do what she needs to do for the best interest of the baby and to keep herself well. I know she would appreciate it.
Tomorrow, after filing the DBA, I need to exchange Makenneh's tennis shoes. Remember the hassle I had finding some that fit? Well, we go to put them on her this morning and she says they don't feel good. now, I don't know if it's the hillbilly in her (and hey, flip flops or barefeet are divine), but apparently no shoe feels worthy of being worn in her opinion. So, I have her stand and wiggle her toes...she says she can't. I push around to feel for big toe..it's at the very end. Now, I know I did this very thing prior to purchasing these shoes. So, either shrinking dust was sprinkled on them or her feet grew at least a half size in a few weeks. I was so frustrated. So, I have to exchange them. Along with her denim skirt I already exchanged once. I know, it sounds as if i am an incompetent shopper. R eally, I am not. Well, perhaps, because I don't find it all that exciting. LOL. But, the size I originally bought I thought nothing of until I got it home and realized it was a size larger than what I had been buying her. Well, i exchanged it and got the size I thought she needed....only to come home and discover it was too tight. So, the sizing must be different because all her other clothes fit with room to spare. That'll teach me. I should have had her try it on before I returned the first one. Maybe I'll call Carrie and get her to go as well and we will stop for lunch and I can use my gift card for Ruby Tuesday while we are at the mall. That might make the inconvenience worth it ;)
---still have a few pictures to wait for....I guess I can continue rambling.
Matt and Sara are still on their honeymoon. They never planned anything particular, just tossed around several ideas. They like to procrastinate..even about fun things. Well, they ended up doing a road trip of the western and northern part of the state. They are coming home friday though because they got two tickets to the Michigan game and they will wrap their honeymoon up with that! How appropriate seems how they entered the hall to the Michigan fight song and the garter was a Michigan garter. Seems fitting!
The kittens are cute as ever. In fact, I have some pictures of them on the slideshow I am working on. Aunt Bev, I must tell you that Uncle Harold thinks that one particular kitty should be grandma's. He looks like Garfred...and he has such a sweet personality and the biggest, buggiest, blue eyes. He is a favorite around here. The other 3 kittens are fluffy...he is sleek and oh so soft. He took one look at the litter and said, "That one should be grandma's". ;)
And here it is, the slideshow! I am off to bed now....have to get to an alarm clock these days!
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Camping pictures
Here are the pictures from the kids' camping trip. They had a great time and were pretty well behaved.
We got my mother-in-law all packed up and her belongings moved to storage. She is on her way (should be almost there) to her aunt's on the other side of the state. She'll stay there until the apartment is ready for her to move into. Then we get to move all the stuff in for her.
I guess that's it for now...I have to get some things done to prepare for back to school. Makenneh goes back Tuesday and I go back on Wednesday. Lots to do.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Busy week
We have had such a busy week. Mom and I started to unclutter the house. Of course, the day we chose, we had nonstop company stopping over. Then, it was time to plan for their camping trip and that was followed by me helping my mother-in-law pack to move. So, needless to say, mom and I have had no time to work on business matters. I want to say that we will get down to the county clerk's office on Tuesday to file a DBA. I am not holding my breath though, because we will have to see what Tuesday brings. In the meantime, there are checklists to type, contracts to create, business cards to design and so much more. Of course, we don't want to do anything carved in stone with a business name until we get the DBA and know for sure that our name will work. But, with the technology, we can type it up and always go in and edit if need be.
I spent most of the evening helping mom in law pack. We got quite a bit accomplished, but ran out of totes and so came to a stand still. Not to mention, she was tired and ready to call it a night. I could have kept on going. But, Jeremy was always wanting to get home and into bed.
The kids will be home tomorrow. I am sure they will have lots of stories to tell. And there will be pictures to share. Hopefully they come home in delightful moods. Makenneh seems to have a tendency to come home from outings with an attitude. Let's hope that's not the case tomorrow.
I peeled the fake nails off tonight. It was too much with all the packing and stacking tonight. I couldn't take anymore. Now I have to get my nailbeds back in shape. They are caked with nail glue. The part I dislike about fake nails. Love having them on and feel all glamorous and girly, but when they come off, the nail beds aren't the same for some time.
Well, I am going to get off here and work on business stuff.
I spent most of the evening helping mom in law pack. We got quite a bit accomplished, but ran out of totes and so came to a stand still. Not to mention, she was tired and ready to call it a night. I could have kept on going. But, Jeremy was always wanting to get home and into bed.
The kids will be home tomorrow. I am sure they will have lots of stories to tell. And there will be pictures to share. Hopefully they come home in delightful moods. Makenneh seems to have a tendency to come home from outings with an attitude. Let's hope that's not the case tomorrow.
I peeled the fake nails off tonight. It was too much with all the packing and stacking tonight. I couldn't take anymore. Now I have to get my nailbeds back in shape. They are caked with nail glue. The part I dislike about fake nails. Love having them on and feel all glamorous and girly, but when they come off, the nail beds aren't the same for some time.
Well, I am going to get off here and work on business stuff.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
The new Mr. and Mrs
I started to post this Sunday, and was going to do a slideshow...was in the middle of uploading to said slideshow, when kids needed me..i never got back in here and now must start all over. I will still do a slide, but not at this minute. So for now, i will just post a pic.
The wedding was beautiful and everything went well. The bride and groom weren't too pleased with the DJ as he didn't announce the bridal party coming in and he didn't announce the cake cutting properly. He screwed up a few things that way. But, other than that, it was good. It was a bit crowded...the brides family insisted on setting up for the exact number of ppl they invited, not willing to believe that 30% won't show. You can always count on that. So, we could have done without about 4 tables and it would have made it so much easier to maneuver in the reception hall. It was great to see everyone but I wasn't feeling like squeezing in btwn the tight tables/chairs to visit like I should have. Of course, I also had a bit of a bum attitude. We didn't get one professional pic of my sis and I with my brother for his wedding. that just adds insult to injury in a sense. Mom got a few of us, and that will have to do. I mostly am glad it's over, to be honest. I truly hope that nobody was made to feel the way I did when I was planning and going through with my wedding.
My mom and sister left today to take the kids camping. It was a last minute plan because my mom had promised the kids she would take them camping and well, we got through the wedding and realized, hey, it's one week til back to school, the summer has escaped us. So, she made plans for wednesday thru friday. The kids were excited and it looks like they are going to have some nice weather. Hooray. And Jeremy and I get some alone time. It's peaceful and nice.
I took my car into the shop yesterday, waiting for it to get finished. The guy said around 430 or so today. SO in the meantime, i am without a car, but it will be worth it when I have a car that drives right. I can't wait. The next thing is new tires.
Well, I am going to stop here and work on a slide show...ill post it when I am done!
Here's the slide show! Enjoy
Friday, August 28, 2009
I cheated
And used the glue on nails for tomorrow (my brother's wedding, in case you aren't to speed). i must say they look quite beautiful, though and only cost me $7. I am still trying to get used to typing with them though. That may take a bit, so bear with any typos.
We spent a whopping 6 hours decorating the hall. is that not insane? Unorganized. that's all I can say. well, i could say a lot more, but ill opt not to at this moment. We did get it done and it is beautiful. Crowded but beautiful. I really can't wait for it to be over. I do look forward to seeing everyone and being able to sit back and have a good time. Hopefully it will be a good time. I can honestly say though that this wedding was more stressful to me than my own. But we are mixin up some margaritas and i am going to indulge in one. Maybe two. ;)
My kids have been fantastic lately. I know I have mentioned it already in my last post or so, but the change in behavior, mostly for Makenneh, is a complete Godsend. I can actually enjoy her. I do thoroughly enjoy her. It's no longer just about getting from one outburst to the next. She seems to catch herself when her attitude starts to go south. I notice it, I praise her and make sure she knows how proud I am. I am always praising her. I hope we have made it over a hurdle and that the times ahead will be brighter. I took her with me to get pizza tonight and we just had a grand time sitting in the car chit chatting while we waiting for our pizza to be ready to pick up. Not one single outburst. None, Zip. Zero. All smiles and sunshine. I feel like I finally have my little girl. I have no idea how long it will last, but I am being sure to savor every last moment of it. I can now see the real absolute beauty of motherhood. I am able to enjoy my daughter's company rather than anticipate the next episode of attitude.
Have I mentioned lately how great God is? First of all, my sister had that fistula following the birth of Liberty. She went to Ann Arbor to see specialists, she saw a colo-rectal specialist, family doc, OB, etc and was playing a waiting game to see if it would heal or could be held off until a later date to have surgery. Her family doctor (who is also my doc, but anyway) checked her the other day and the hole has healed. He sees nothing..no build up of scar tissue or anything. She wants a 2nd opinion just because it's so hard to believe. Most of those tears do not heal on their own. Some aren't even corrected with surgeries. He does answer prayers. 2nd praise God is my dad was slated to be laid off again on Monday. His union rep, supervisor and a few other higher ups spent 4 hours in negotiations in order to keep my dad working. My dad told them that he wanted no special treatment and that if they couldn't rightfully keep him working due to the seniority rule, he would rather take the layoff (so honorable). They were able to find a rightful way, backed up by clauses or such, that allowed them to keep him there. The reason they were so willing to fight for him? He is a darn good worker, knows his stuff and does it, without complaint, without attitude, and does it well. It pays to do right. So, this week, we have some special answered prayers to be thankful for! Thank God for that.
Well, i am going to finish up on the computer and head to bed, i think. My mind is kinda whirling still so i don't know how well that's gonna work. Enjoy your weekends and let's hope for no rain tomorrow!
We spent a whopping 6 hours decorating the hall. is that not insane? Unorganized. that's all I can say. well, i could say a lot more, but ill opt not to at this moment. We did get it done and it is beautiful. Crowded but beautiful. I really can't wait for it to be over. I do look forward to seeing everyone and being able to sit back and have a good time. Hopefully it will be a good time. I can honestly say though that this wedding was more stressful to me than my own. But we are mixin up some margaritas and i am going to indulge in one. Maybe two. ;)
My kids have been fantastic lately. I know I have mentioned it already in my last post or so, but the change in behavior, mostly for Makenneh, is a complete Godsend. I can actually enjoy her. I do thoroughly enjoy her. It's no longer just about getting from one outburst to the next. She seems to catch herself when her attitude starts to go south. I notice it, I praise her and make sure she knows how proud I am. I am always praising her. I hope we have made it over a hurdle and that the times ahead will be brighter. I took her with me to get pizza tonight and we just had a grand time sitting in the car chit chatting while we waiting for our pizza to be ready to pick up. Not one single outburst. None, Zip. Zero. All smiles and sunshine. I feel like I finally have my little girl. I have no idea how long it will last, but I am being sure to savor every last moment of it. I can now see the real absolute beauty of motherhood. I am able to enjoy my daughter's company rather than anticipate the next episode of attitude.
Have I mentioned lately how great God is? First of all, my sister had that fistula following the birth of Liberty. She went to Ann Arbor to see specialists, she saw a colo-rectal specialist, family doc, OB, etc and was playing a waiting game to see if it would heal or could be held off until a later date to have surgery. Her family doctor (who is also my doc, but anyway) checked her the other day and the hole has healed. He sees nothing..no build up of scar tissue or anything. She wants a 2nd opinion just because it's so hard to believe. Most of those tears do not heal on their own. Some aren't even corrected with surgeries. He does answer prayers. 2nd praise God is my dad was slated to be laid off again on Monday. His union rep, supervisor and a few other higher ups spent 4 hours in negotiations in order to keep my dad working. My dad told them that he wanted no special treatment and that if they couldn't rightfully keep him working due to the seniority rule, he would rather take the layoff (so honorable). They were able to find a rightful way, backed up by clauses or such, that allowed them to keep him there. The reason they were so willing to fight for him? He is a darn good worker, knows his stuff and does it, without complaint, without attitude, and does it well. It pays to do right. So, this week, we have some special answered prayers to be thankful for! Thank God for that.
Well, i am going to finish up on the computer and head to bed, i think. My mind is kinda whirling still so i don't know how well that's gonna work. Enjoy your weekends and let's hope for no rain tomorrow!
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