Just popping in to say hi. I'm sick with a stomach bug. YUCK! THe past few days, I've been a busy bee cleaning house for company that came today. Luckily, I didn't get sick until they left. I'm not sure if it was the food or if I had this bug coming on anyway. Whatever, it's still the same result - YUCK!
I hope I can be back to visiting you all soon! I think I'll have a lot of catching up to do!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Good Afternoon, one and all! I hope you had a nice Christmas, spent with family and friends.
I had a good one. Christmas Eve was spent doing last minute shopping and wrapping, a ritual with me. Throughout the day, I prepared food items for our Christmas Eve dinner. I cooked a turkey and made some sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and rounded it out with some green beans and corn. It turned out well.
Christmas morning, we opened presents, then went to Mass. After that, we went to my mom's and had a Christmas celebration with the extended family. It was a lot of fun. It's always great to see my sister and her family. We don't see them as often as we should. My brother and SIL were missing this year as they had company visiting from Canada.
We then went visiting with my mother-in-law at the residential home that she lives in.
The rest of the night was spent playing all the games that the kids got as presents. That was a lot of fun until the kids started getting tired and arguments broke out about who was winning and losing, who was not playing the right way, and who didn't get a chance to play with THEIR game. !! SIGH!! We all called it a night after that.
Today, I have the turkey carcass simmering on the stove to make broth for turkey noodle soup. It smells so good in here. Ryan might have a different opinion about that.
He already asked me if he has to spend the day in his room as he doesn't like the smell! Gee, I thought it was a heavenly smell, to have some broth simmering. Makes the house seem so warm and comfy! My homemaker self is just so proud!
Kathryn and Steve are out for some one on one time. They are hitting the stores to find great deals on things. Ryan and Emily are playing with their new toys and I need to take the clothes out of the washer and into the dryer. I haven't done laundry in days, so I have a huge pile to work on.
Tonight we will probably head out to see Christmas lights before people start taking them down.
Have a nice day!
I had a good one. Christmas Eve was spent doing last minute shopping and wrapping, a ritual with me. Throughout the day, I prepared food items for our Christmas Eve dinner. I cooked a turkey and made some sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and rounded it out with some green beans and corn. It turned out well.
Christmas morning, we opened presents, then went to Mass. After that, we went to my mom's and had a Christmas celebration with the extended family. It was a lot of fun. It's always great to see my sister and her family. We don't see them as often as we should. My brother and SIL were missing this year as they had company visiting from Canada.
We then went visiting with my mother-in-law at the residential home that she lives in.
The rest of the night was spent playing all the games that the kids got as presents. That was a lot of fun until the kids started getting tired and arguments broke out about who was winning and losing, who was not playing the right way, and who didn't get a chance to play with THEIR game. !! SIGH!! We all called it a night after that.
Today, I have the turkey carcass simmering on the stove to make broth for turkey noodle soup. It smells so good in here. Ryan might have a different opinion about that.
He already asked me if he has to spend the day in his room as he doesn't like the smell! Gee, I thought it was a heavenly smell, to have some broth simmering. Makes the house seem so warm and comfy! My homemaker self is just so proud!
Kathryn and Steve are out for some one on one time. They are hitting the stores to find great deals on things. Ryan and Emily are playing with their new toys and I need to take the clothes out of the washer and into the dryer. I haven't done laundry in days, so I have a huge pile to work on.
Tonight we will probably head out to see Christmas lights before people start taking them down.
Have a nice day!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas
Christmas greetings to all of you. May you all be blessed abundantly!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Tuesday
It's been so cold here. We're in between storms, so right now its sunny. I've enjoyed being snug and warm in the house, drinking my coffee. I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but I am in the winter, especially when the Christmas creamers come out!
I still have a little bit of shopping left to do, which happens every year. As much as I get an early start, I procrastinate till the very end. I must subconsciously get a thrill out of the rushing around, I don't know!
I've been wrapping as I go along, so that part won't be so bad. I usually wrap while listening to Christmas music or watching Christmas movies. This year, Kathryn wants to do more of the wrapping, so I'll gladly accept her help.
Esther, from A Catholic Mom in Hawaii, recently posted this video of Band Aid singing Do They Know it's Christmas Time. It brought back so many memories. I'm a big fan of 80's music and it was something to see some of these singers back at the height of their popularity.
Now I'm off to fix some lunch. We're having Grilled Cheese sandwiches today. Simple. Hope you're all enjoying the Christmas season. We're almost to the big day!
O Emmanuel - December 23
O Emmanuel ( God-With-Us), our King and Lawgiver, the Desire of all nations and their Savior: come and save us, O Lord our God!
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel;
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Monday, December 22, 2008
O Rex Gentium - December 22
O Rex Gentium (King of Nations), and their Desired, the Cornerstone who make all one; Come and save our race, whom you formed out of clay.
O come, desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid every sad division cease
And be thyself our Prince of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
O Oriens - December 21
O Oriens (Dayspring), brightness of eternal Light and Sun of Justice: come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.
O come, O Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
O Clavis David - December 20
O Clavis David (Key of David), and scepter of the house of Israel: you open and no one shuts; you shut and no one opens. Come and lead forth from his prison the captive sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death.
O come, O Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Friday, December 19, 2008
O Radix Jesse - December 19
O Radix Jesse (Root of Jesse), who stood as a sign for the people, before you kings shall remain silent, and to you the Gentiles shall make supplication: come to deliver us, and delay not.
O come, O Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
You can read a reflection from FR. Z. here.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
It's Cold!!!
Yes, it's super cold out here in ever sunny California. We're not used to the temperature dropping to the 40's. I'm sitting here with my scarf wrapped around my neck and if I didn't have to type on this keyboard, I'd have my mittens on!
I was finally able to upload some pictures so I'll share a few. There were approximately 160 pictures just waiting to be uploaded. Let's see what we have here.
This was the view from my backyard during the terrible fires in November. The sky was pretty black for awhile, but because of the Santa Ana Winds, all the smoke blew to the west and we were left clear.
Ryan likes taking self-portraits with my camera. I got caught in this one. :)
Sweet sisters!
Credit for this picture belongs to the mother of Ryan's friend. She takes great pictures.
The kids put on a fashion show for Steve and I. They had a great time pretending to walk down a runway and give us their cutest and silliest poses.
This was the picture we ended up using for our Christmas card this year. Emily's pants aren't the best but her intended dress didn't fit, and her on-the-ball mommy (NOT) didn't come up with a plan B. I didn't realize she didn't have appropriate pants for this sweater. She also wouldn't cooperate and kneel like the rest of the kids did. But, I think the picture turned out well. They tried their best not to squint!
It's time for me to attend to my household duties now. Ryan is home sick today. He has the sniffles and with the cold weather, I didn't want him to be out there and get worse. He has to try to be at school tomorrow for his class Christmas party.
Some of my to-do's today are:
laundry
menu for tonight ( I was bad and didn't do my plan for the week) :(
tackle cleaning out my closet (big job!)
Have a nice day, everyone!
O Adonai (Lord) December 18
O Adonai (Lord), and leader of the house of Israel, you appeared to Moses in the flame of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: come, and with an outstretched arm, redeem us.
O come, O come, thou Lord of Might,
Who to thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
In ancient times didst give the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
O Antiphons December 17
As we get closer to Christmas, I've wanted to keep my eyes focused on the Reason for the Season, Jesus, so I'm incorporating these O Antiphons into my prayer time. The first one begins today.
O Sapienta, ( O Wisdom), you came forth from the mouth of the Most High and reaching from beginning to end, you ordered all things mightily and sweetly. Come and teach us the way of prudence.
From Catholic Culture:
O Antiphons - December 17 - 24
December 17 marks the beginning of the "O" Antiphons, the seven jewels of our liturgy, dating back to the fourth century, one for each day until Christmas Eve. These antiphons address Christ with seven magnificent Messianic titles, based on the Old Testament prophecies and types of Christ. The Church recalls the variety of the ills of man before the coming of the Redeemer.
The "O" Antiphons are the verses for the ancient hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel. The first letter of the Messianic titles: Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia—spell out Latin words ERO CRAS, meaning, "Tomorrow, I will come."
To read more about the O Antiphons, check here and here.
O Sapienta, ( O Wisdom), you came forth from the mouth of the Most High and reaching from beginning to end, you ordered all things mightily and sweetly. Come and teach us the way of prudence.
O Come, O Wisdom from on high,
Who order all things mightily,
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to the, O Israel!
From Catholic Culture:
O Antiphons - December 17 - 24
December 17 marks the beginning of the "O" Antiphons, the seven jewels of our liturgy, dating back to the fourth century, one for each day until Christmas Eve. These antiphons address Christ with seven magnificent Messianic titles, based on the Old Testament prophecies and types of Christ. The Church recalls the variety of the ills of man before the coming of the Redeemer.
The "O" Antiphons are the verses for the ancient hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel. The first letter of the Messianic titles: Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia—spell out Latin words ERO CRAS, meaning, "Tomorrow, I will come."
To read more about the O Antiphons, check here and here.
Monday, December 15, 2008
What's Up Over Here
We had lots of rain here since the middle of the night and it's just about let up now. It was raining hard when I took the kids to school. Traffic was surprisingly light and we made it fine. We are so not used to the heavy rain. My kids thought school would be cancelled! I told them no chance. If it ever snowed here, maybe, but not for rain!
I had to go out and head to Costco and make our photo Christmas card on site. Normally I can do all that from home but something is wrong with the computer and it will not allow me to upload any pictures. Until I can figure out what's wrong, I don't have any photos to share!
Ryan's Christmas program went very well. His class sang Go Tell It On the Mountain and they did a wonderful job. When he first got out there, I thought he was going to cry, but no, he started smiling in no time. After each class performed (Kindergarten through 3rd grade), they all came out at the end to sing Silent Night in Spanish. All the classes sang well. I wish we could have sat closer so I could take some pictures, but we were way in the back. Ryan would have just been a dot.
On Saturday, Kathryn played in her last game of the season, a playoff game. Her team lost, but they played well. Kathryn will be skipping soccer in the spring and just play for her school basketball team. That's fine by me.
The rest of the day was spent at home trying to tidy up the house, catch up on the never-ending laundry pile, and sort through never-ending piles of paper clutter.
Emily and Kathryn worked on some crafts. Emily is all into drawing pictures and then making stories about what she drew. She is also enjoying cutting out her pictures with her little kid scissors.
I have put Kathryn in charge of decorating our little basket where our Christmas cards that we receive will go. She loves to create, so I'll be interested to see what she comes up with.
On Sunday, we took some pictures of the kids to be used for our Christmas card. The city next to ours has a traffic circle, roundabout, whatever you want to call it, that displays a huge creche, Santa, Snowman, and Christmas tree. They used to display a Menorah, but I didn't see that this time. Anyway, we took some pictures with all the displays, and we chose to use one taken in front of the creche. I'll post a picture when the computer allows me to.
Before I have to run, I want to acknowledge some awards that I received a while ago and am just now posting about it. Forgive me, ladies. I do appreciate it!
First, thank you to Cathy from A Bit of the Blarney for this one:
And thank you to Julieann at My Daily Life as a Wife and Mother for this one:
And with that, I'm off to unload the dishwasher and mop the floor! It needs it badly!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Hello There!
I'm just now able to sit down and make a post! Life has been busy, busy.
So many things are going on at the kid's school. Last week, Kathryn spent three days trying out for the girls basketball team (5th & 6th graders). She made the team! She's so excited and we are all excited for her! We've been shopping for the needy families that Kathryn and Ryan's classes have adopted.
Tonight is Ryan's Christmas program. Of course, procrastinator that I am, I waited for the last minute to think about what he will wear. Clothes were all set, but I forgot that he had outgrown his good shoes. Last night we went to Sears to look for some shoes. We found some that he liked, but they didn't have his size. So I told him I would go out today to find the same ones but at a different store. Luckily, I found his size today! We are all set to go.
I hope we get there early enough to get good seats, but chances are slim. The hall fills up pretty quick and I don't want to get there so early that Emily gets impatient and we have to leave.
I still have major Christmas shopping to do, but I hope to get a lot of it done this weekend. I so admire all you ladies who get your shopping done early. I hope to join you some year. :)
But for now, I'll try not to panic!
I've got to go now, got to get everyone ready for show tonight!
So many things are going on at the kid's school. Last week, Kathryn spent three days trying out for the girls basketball team (5th & 6th graders). She made the team! She's so excited and we are all excited for her! We've been shopping for the needy families that Kathryn and Ryan's classes have adopted.
Tonight is Ryan's Christmas program. Of course, procrastinator that I am, I waited for the last minute to think about what he will wear. Clothes were all set, but I forgot that he had outgrown his good shoes. Last night we went to Sears to look for some shoes. We found some that he liked, but they didn't have his size. So I told him I would go out today to find the same ones but at a different store. Luckily, I found his size today! We are all set to go.
I hope we get there early enough to get good seats, but chances are slim. The hall fills up pretty quick and I don't want to get there so early that Emily gets impatient and we have to leave.
I still have major Christmas shopping to do, but I hope to get a lot of it done this weekend. I so admire all you ladies who get your shopping done early. I hope to join you some year. :)
But for now, I'll try not to panic!
I've got to go now, got to get everyone ready for show tonight!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
What A Wonderful World
Yesterday, while driving in the car, I heard this song in the midst of twenty-four hours of Christmas music on the radio station.
I can't help but get a smile on my face while listening to this song. Right away it puts things in perspective in my mind.
God made this beautiful, wonderful world. In spite of terrible economic woes, constant stories of terrorism and all the bad things that go on in this world, life is still beautiful and precious. God is still on the throne, we are still held in His hand. Take the time to appreciate all the beautiful gifts he has given us. Stop and smell the roses. Notice the intricacies of that flower or plant. Notice the beauty and endless expanse of the sky. Hear the sweet songs of the birds as they go about their business gathering food.
And then let's appreciate and love the people that God has placed in our lives. Because that's what it's all about - LOVE!
I hope this song puts a smile on your face as it does to mine!
I can't help but get a smile on my face while listening to this song. Right away it puts things in perspective in my mind.
God made this beautiful, wonderful world. In spite of terrible economic woes, constant stories of terrorism and all the bad things that go on in this world, life is still beautiful and precious. God is still on the throne, we are still held in His hand. Take the time to appreciate all the beautiful gifts he has given us. Stop and smell the roses. Notice the intricacies of that flower or plant. Notice the beauty and endless expanse of the sky. Hear the sweet songs of the birds as they go about their business gathering food.
And then let's appreciate and love the people that God has placed in our lives. Because that's what it's all about - LOVE!
I hope this song puts a smile on your face as it does to mine!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Book Meme
I was tagged for this meme by Tracy:
I'm supposed to find the book closest to me, turn to page 56 and type out the 5th sentence and then two to five more sentences after that.
The book closest to me right now is, The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs.
Page 56, sentence five and a few more after that: Only in a gown. A tight gown." The blonde leaned over to whisper in Georgia's ear. "And we won't hesitate to play up my decolletage, will we? Show it off a bit."
I haven't actually started reading this book yet. The title seemed pretty interesting since I like to knit. I haven't updated my sidebar to show what I'm reading right now, but I am doing some reading here and there. Let's see, aside from the above mentioned book, I have:
Love Takes Wing - Janette Oke
Love Finds a Home - Janette Oke
These are the 7th and 8th books in the Love Comes Softly series. I'm just loving these books. I love the old-fashioned values that are depicted, the way the women took care of their families and homes, and just the simpler way of life.
When Calls the Heart - Janette Oke
This is the first book in another prairie series. I hope it's as good as the other one.
These books are due back at the library in two weeks. I don't know if I'll have them read by that time. With all the Christmas preparation that will be going on, I'm not too sure. I may have to renew some of them.
As you can tell, I'm in my light fiction reading phase right now. My brain can't sink into the more deep spiritual insight books right at this moment, although I should take the time to find one to read during this Advent season. I need to focus myself and my family on the "reason for the season."
I'm supposed to find the book closest to me, turn to page 56 and type out the 5th sentence and then two to five more sentences after that.
The book closest to me right now is, The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs.
Page 56, sentence five and a few more after that: Only in a gown. A tight gown." The blonde leaned over to whisper in Georgia's ear. "And we won't hesitate to play up my decolletage, will we? Show it off a bit."
I haven't actually started reading this book yet. The title seemed pretty interesting since I like to knit. I haven't updated my sidebar to show what I'm reading right now, but I am doing some reading here and there. Let's see, aside from the above mentioned book, I have:
Love Takes Wing - Janette Oke
Love Finds a Home - Janette Oke
These are the 7th and 8th books in the Love Comes Softly series. I'm just loving these books. I love the old-fashioned values that are depicted, the way the women took care of their families and homes, and just the simpler way of life.
When Calls the Heart - Janette Oke
This is the first book in another prairie series. I hope it's as good as the other one.
These books are due back at the library in two weeks. I don't know if I'll have them read by that time. With all the Christmas preparation that will be going on, I'm not too sure. I may have to renew some of them.
As you can tell, I'm in my light fiction reading phase right now. My brain can't sink into the more deep spiritual insight books right at this moment, although I should take the time to find one to read during this Advent season. I need to focus myself and my family on the "reason for the season."
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Saturday
Thanksgiving Day was very nice. It was a nice time of visiting with my brother and sister-in-law. But I must say....I did miss the turkey! The burgers were good and all the food was good, but I miss the leftovers!! So...I'm cooking a turkey tomorrow! And I'm going to make stuffing, too! And I'm going to make a pumpkin pie! I guess it's sort of like another Thanksgiving.
I didn't hit any sales yesterday. I don't like the huge crowds. Besides, I don't yet have my gift list made out, so there was no sense in just wandering around. I'm not much of a window shopper, so I just puttered around the house.
I did find my Advent wreath! It was buried in a high storage cupboard in my bedroom, way in the back. I had to empty out all the junk from the front so I could take a peak. I'm glad I found it so I wouldn't have to pay for another one. I have the candles, but I would like to go to the craft store and find some greenery to put around it. It's kind of bare right now.
Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and are enjoying your long weekend!
I didn't hit any sales yesterday. I don't like the huge crowds. Besides, I don't yet have my gift list made out, so there was no sense in just wandering around. I'm not much of a window shopper, so I just puttered around the house.
I did find my Advent wreath! It was buried in a high storage cupboard in my bedroom, way in the back. I had to empty out all the junk from the front so I could take a peak. I'm glad I found it so I wouldn't have to pay for another one. I have the candles, but I would like to go to the craft store and find some greenery to put around it. It's kind of bare right now.
Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and are enjoying your long weekend!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Gratituesday
On this Gratituesday, I am grateful for:
--Grocery stores that offer food aplenty
---A car that runs well and is reliable
---Warm covers at night for me and my family
---Lower gas prices
---That Ryan is better
---Christmas music that evokes warm memories
---Another day of life
---The family that the Lord has blessed me with
If you would like to share in Gratituesday, please visit Laura!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monday
Ryan was sick this weekend with a stomach bug. The school called me Thursday to say that he had thrown up so off I went to go pick him up. Once home, he was queasy for the rest of the day, got a fever, but didn't throw up any more, even though he was close to doing it a couple of times. The rest of the weekend, he slowly started to feel a little more normal, but still had a little stomach crampiness. I kept him home today as I didn't want him to have a relapse and miss his class Thanksgiving party tomorrow.
Our Thanksgiving will be a little nontraditional this year. Every year we go to my brother's house and this year will be the same. However, this year we well forgo the turkey and eat BBQ burgers! My kids were like, "Huh? No turkey?" I actually don't mind that we won't be having the turkey. My brother and sister-in-law are both having a particularly stressful/busy year at school (they both teach) and this will be one less thing to stress over. We don't need the picture perfect Thanksgiving. Just sharing the meal will be what counts.
I probably will still buy a turkey. We love the leftovers!
After Thanksgiving I will begin to think about Christmas. I need to make out my lists of things to do and buy. But first, I need to dig out my Advent wreath. That will probably be tricky as it's not where I thought it was. I have the candles, but not the wreath.
Weather wise, it's finally getting cold around here. We've been having lots of warm weather and I was beginning to wonder if we would ever see the Fall. I guess we'll have a short Fall and head right into Winter. We are expecting rain tonight or tomorrow. I hope it comes and is not a false report. I love being home when it's raining cats and dogs.
That's it for now!
Our Thanksgiving will be a little nontraditional this year. Every year we go to my brother's house and this year will be the same. However, this year we well forgo the turkey and eat BBQ burgers! My kids were like, "Huh? No turkey?" I actually don't mind that we won't be having the turkey. My brother and sister-in-law are both having a particularly stressful/busy year at school (they both teach) and this will be one less thing to stress over. We don't need the picture perfect Thanksgiving. Just sharing the meal will be what counts.
I probably will still buy a turkey. We love the leftovers!
After Thanksgiving I will begin to think about Christmas. I need to make out my lists of things to do and buy. But first, I need to dig out my Advent wreath. That will probably be tricky as it's not where I thought it was. I have the candles, but not the wreath.
Weather wise, it's finally getting cold around here. We've been having lots of warm weather and I was beginning to wonder if we would ever see the Fall. I guess we'll have a short Fall and head right into Winter. We are expecting rain tonight or tomorrow. I hope it comes and is not a false report. I love being home when it's raining cats and dogs.
That's it for now!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Menu Plan
I meant to post this yesterday, but I got busy running errands and trying to catch up on the endless laundry pile.
As usual, I've been winging it on fixing dinner. That's never good when you're trying to provide healthier food and less processed stuff.
So, I've eased back into the swing of menu planning with some easy meals:
Monday was Chicken a la King and a salad. This was the first time making this and it turned out delicious. I'll be making it again.
Tuesday - Spaghetti, salad, French bread
Wednesday - Herbed Lentils and Rice, salad
Thursday - Shepherd's Pie, salad
Friday - Pizza, chicken wings, salad
Saturday - Sirloin steaks, roasted potatoes, veggies
Sunday - Baked chicken, rice, salad
Hopefully, I can stick with this plan, but usually some changes take place. But at least I have a plan!
As usual, I've been winging it on fixing dinner. That's never good when you're trying to provide healthier food and less processed stuff.
So, I've eased back into the swing of menu planning with some easy meals:
Monday was Chicken a la King and a salad. This was the first time making this and it turned out delicious. I'll be making it again.
Tuesday - Spaghetti, salad, French bread
Wednesday - Herbed Lentils and Rice, salad
Thursday - Shepherd's Pie, salad
Friday - Pizza, chicken wings, salad
Saturday - Sirloin steaks, roasted potatoes, veggies
Sunday - Baked chicken, rice, salad
Hopefully, I can stick with this plan, but usually some changes take place. But at least I have a plan!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Proud Emily
Our Miss Emmy had her final soccer game last Saturday. She was sad to see the season end, but loved that she got to attend her first end of season team pizza party.
I neglected to take decent pictures of her at the party with her trophy. ( I am having a war with my camera, so I'm not doing well with the picture taking)! But I had to have a picture of her with her trophy for the blog so here is the one I took of her at home, without her uniform, but at least she's posing good and has the trophy in her hands. She doesn't care that the trophy is of a boy! Don't blind yourself with Steve's BRIGHT yellow car in the background. :)
You'll notice she's also hugging her newest pal, Katy. She loves duckies, and this one she even gets to feed with a little bottle.
I mentioned being at war with my camera. It has this delay mechanism or something so that when I push the shutter button, it doesn't take the picture right away. I have to keep pushing the button a couple of times before it shoots. By that time, the kids have blinked, looked away, or something and the picture turns out awful. It also switches back to live mode while I'm going through the menu and looking through the previous pictures. It's just doing quirky things like that.
Now I'm kind of itching to get a new one. I'd like one that has better zoom capabilities, especially to shoot action shots of the kids while they're playing in their games. I think the cameras I'm thinking about are the higher priced ones. The ones that have the lenses that you attach. The ones that aren't in my budget. I guess I'll have to save up. I'm practicing being content with what I have for now.
Ryan went to the dentist yesterday. He had a good report, other than he may need orthodontic work at a later date - way later, I hope. He has a small jaw, and when his new teeth come in they just may be too big for the little spacing that he has now. We'll have to see what it's like when the new ones start to come in. Next week, Kathryn and I have appointments. Since we are both on three month schedules, it seems like I'm always in that office, especially if I'm going in for reasons other than routine cleanings.
I'm looking forward to the weekend coming up. We just have Ryan's game to go to -- Yea! I think I'll work on some things around the house, then head out with Steve and the kids somewhere fun. Not sure where just yet.
Have a good day!
Friday, November 7, 2008
Yea! The Tooth Came Out!
Ryan finally lost his other front tooth! He looks so cute! This one was a stubborn one, but he was persistent, and finally pulled it out.
And he also got a haircut! Due to our busy schedule, he was way overdue for one. Today was early dismissal, so I was able to take him today.
Tomorrow, more soccer and a baseball game. Emily will play her last game for the season and then have the team pizza party. She's looking forward to that. Kathryn has two games that will end her regular season. However, she has a tournament to get ready for, then playoffs. This feels like the season that will never end! Ryan will also have a game tomorrow. Then one more next weekend, then he's done too...yippee!
Have a nice weekend, everyone!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday
Over the weekend, we spent lots of time at the soccer and baseball fields. Glad to say that all three of the kids won their games. Ryan came out of his batting slump and finally made contact with the ball each time he came up. As fun as the games are, I can't wait for the seasons to end. I need a little break from all the practices and hustling here and there. I will so enjoy getting to sit back a little and do some reading or crocheting/knitting. But I think it'll be just in time for the holidays.
I've been spending lots of time going through the kids closets. There are lots of clothes to go through. I've been making a list of clothing items that the kids need due to growth spurts. I've been bagging items to go to the thrift store. Old, broken toys are getting tossed and those that aren't used very often are going to the garage.
I've been spending lots of time going through the kids closets. There are lots of clothes to go through. I've been making a list of clothing items that the kids need due to growth spurts. I've been bagging items to go to the thrift store. Old, broken toys are getting tossed and those that aren't used very often are going to the garage.
One of the things on my To-Do list is to go through my email folder and delete, delete, delete. I have so many newsletters from different groups that I fully intend to read but never get around to because of time limitations. For many of them, I think I'm just going to go in and unsubscribe. I also have a lot of those that come from Netflix that say, "We have received (insert name of DVD)". I tend to keep those, just in case they come back later and say, "We never received such and such DVD"! Well, of course, that hasn't happened, so I'm going to just delete all those. Then I have all the newsletters from Borders bookstore. I keep those because I want to read about all the latest books coming out. But honestly, my To Be Read list is long enough as it is. So, those will be deleted. I hope to have a clutter free inbox soon!
Ryan lost another tooth. His two front teeth were loose but were very stubborn about coming out. Luckily, a school friend of his was playing tag, and accidentally hit Ryan in the mouth. But only one tooth got knocked out. The other one is still hanging on. I keep reminding him to wiggle that tooth. I hope it's not there much longer. I can't seem to get myself to be the one to pull it out.
I made a menu plan for this week but I've already had to alter it. We will be going out to eat with Steve's visiting sister and brother-in-law tomorrow night so that will change the plan a little. I hope to post my interesting (hee hee) menu plan later.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Photos
I thought I'd share some random photos that were taken within the past couple of months.
Emily enjoying her orange at her soccer game.
When we went on our weekend getaway last month, Kathryn got a makeover at a popular tween store. She felt so grown-up and glamorous.
This was on the Monorail at Dis*neyland.
Ryan celebrated a birthday last month and this shot shows his little cake with some candles lit. He is not standing with the cake because he gets a little scared with lit candles. I don't know why. It's not like something caught on fire one year after lighting a birthday cake or we burned ourselves lighting the candles. Maybe he thinks that by blowing, the fire will catch something on fire. When we ask him, he just says he doesn't like lighting candles. Oh well, I'm sure he'll get over it sometime. I don't remember if he blew the candles out after a lot of cajoling or if we let Kathryn and Emily blow them out.
I will leave with this wonderful shot of Steve. He loves reggae music, so I thought this would be an appropriate shot!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Has It Been That Long?
I guess so. I've just been busy living life that I haven't had a chance to update.
Let me think about what's been going on.
Emily got hit with the stomach flu. That's always fun. Of course I didn't have any warning. She just woke up in the middle of the night throwing up. Thank the Lord that the rest of us didn't catch it.
I had to have a crown put on my tooth. I have a temporary right now so I return to the dentist on Monday for the permanent one. I was having quite a bit of pain being that my nerve is near the surface of the tooth. The pain would even travel to my temple. Sometimes food would accidentally move to that side of my mouth and OUCH! Lots of pain. But this week, the pain has pretty much disappeared. I'm glad about that.
Been doing a lot of running around taking my retainer ( I wear it every night) to the dental lab that's making the crown. They need it to make sure that it will fit when I get the crown. They needed it a couple of times. They've tried to just keep it for a day or two at a time so I wouldn't be without it for long.
Tomorrow I need to get a pumpkin for Emily's Daddy and Me date at her preschool. She's so looking forward to this. I guess she and Steve will be carving a pumpkin and putting some decorations on it.
I also need to spend the day folding laundry. That's one chore that is never ending. I always seem to have laundry baskets full of clean clothes waiting to get put away. I also need to sweep the patio and our porches. We've had the Santa Ana winds for the past couple of days and the porches are full of leaves and twigs and dirt and whatever else the wind has blown our way.
Now I'm going to bed and just chill!
Have a good day, everyone!
Let me think about what's been going on.
Emily got hit with the stomach flu. That's always fun. Of course I didn't have any warning. She just woke up in the middle of the night throwing up. Thank the Lord that the rest of us didn't catch it.
I had to have a crown put on my tooth. I have a temporary right now so I return to the dentist on Monday for the permanent one. I was having quite a bit of pain being that my nerve is near the surface of the tooth. The pain would even travel to my temple. Sometimes food would accidentally move to that side of my mouth and OUCH! Lots of pain. But this week, the pain has pretty much disappeared. I'm glad about that.
Been doing a lot of running around taking my retainer ( I wear it every night) to the dental lab that's making the crown. They need it to make sure that it will fit when I get the crown. They needed it a couple of times. They've tried to just keep it for a day or two at a time so I wouldn't be without it for long.
Tomorrow I need to get a pumpkin for Emily's Daddy and Me date at her preschool. She's so looking forward to this. I guess she and Steve will be carving a pumpkin and putting some decorations on it.
I also need to spend the day folding laundry. That's one chore that is never ending. I always seem to have laundry baskets full of clean clothes waiting to get put away. I also need to sweep the patio and our porches. We've had the Santa Ana winds for the past couple of days and the porches are full of leaves and twigs and dirt and whatever else the wind has blown our way.
Now I'm going to bed and just chill!
Have a good day, everyone!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Award
I was so graciously given this nice award by Suzy at Sailing By Starlight and Tracy at A Catholic Mom in Minnesota. I'm so sorry it took me this long to acknowledge it here on my blog, ladies.
I need to answer the following questions with one word answers, then pass this award on to seven others.
1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Where is your significant other? bedroom
3. Your hair color? brown
4. Your mother? comforting
5. Your father? deceased
6. Your favorite thing? homemaking
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your dream/goal? security
9. The room your in? bedroom
10. Your hobby? reading
11. Your fear? cancer
12. Where do you want to be in six years? home
13. Where were you last night? practice
14. What you're not? tall
15. One of you're wish list items? counters
16. Where you grew up? California
17. The last thing you did? dishes
18. What are you wearing? PJ's
19. Your TV? on
20. Your pet? none
21. Your computer? loud
22. Your mood? distracted
23. Missing someone? yes
24. Your car? dirty
25. Something your not wearing? watch
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your summer? busy
28. Love someone? definitely
29. Your favorite color? lavender
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? Thursday
1. Where is your cell phone? purse
2. Where is your significant other? bedroom
3. Your hair color? brown
4. Your mother? comforting
5. Your father? deceased
6. Your favorite thing? homemaking
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your dream/goal? security
9. The room your in? bedroom
10. Your hobby? reading
11. Your fear? cancer
12. Where do you want to be in six years? home
13. Where were you last night? practice
14. What you're not? tall
15. One of you're wish list items? counters
16. Where you grew up? California
17. The last thing you did? dishes
18. What are you wearing? PJ's
19. Your TV? on
20. Your pet? none
21. Your computer? loud
22. Your mood? distracted
23. Missing someone? yes
24. Your car? dirty
25. Something your not wearing? watch
26. Favorite store? Target
27. Your summer? busy
28. Love someone? definitely
29. Your favorite color? lavender
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? Thursday
I love all the blogs on my blogroll and so many others that I'm just discovering, but I will start with these. I know many of you already received this, but I'm sending it on anyway!
Julieann
Mrs.L
Therese
Laura
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The REAL Gumby Intro
I've been watching some Gumby episodes that I used to always watch when I was a kid. They're kind of silly now, but I loved them back then.
Homemaking Meme
I saw this on Tracy's blog, A Catholic Mom in Minnesota, a while ago and I wanted to do it.
Aprons-Y/N? No. I have some but I don't wear them. They're not very stylish and I just don't like to wear them. I'm also not in the habit. I would like to, though. If I ever get the sewing bug back, I could make some that I'd like to wear.
Baking - Favorite thing to bake: Chocolate cake
Clothesline - Y/N? No.
Donuts - Have you ever made them? I love donuts, but I've never made them.
Everyday - One homemaking thing you do everyday: Wash dishes.
Freezer - Do you use a deep freeze? No.
Garbage Disposal - Y/N? Yes. Use it all the time.
Handbook - What's your favorite homemaking resource? Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook and Home Comforts by Cheryl Mendelson. Although I have and use those books, I still frequently call my mom for great advice and tips.
Ironing - Love it or hate it? Hate it.
Junk Drawer - Y/N? Yes. Located in the laundry room.
Kitchen - color and decorating scheme: all white, quite plain, needs new paint job
Love - what is your favorite part of homemaking? knowing I'm serving my family, making a nice home for them
Mop - Y/N? Yes. Once a week. Sometimes more when the kitchen floor looks extra dirty.
Nylons - machine or hand wash? I hardly wear them, but when I do, I machine wash them in the delicate cycle inside a little laundry bag.
Oven - Do you use the window or open the oven to check? Early in the baking time, I use the window. When the food is close to being done, I open the door.
Pizza - what do you put on yours? ground beef and cheese, sometimes olives
Quiet - what do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? Mostly read (books or blogs) or watch one of my Netflix rentals.
Recipe card box - Y/N? No. My recipes are kept in a 3 ring binder
Style of house - I don't know the style. Just a regular house, one story, 3 bedrooms, formal dining room.
Tablecloths and Napkins? Don't use a tablecloth. We use paper napkins.
Under the kitchen sink - organized or toxic wasteland? Pretty well organized.
Vacuum - how many times per week? Whole house once a week. Some areas are vacuumed more often as needed.
Wash - how many loads of laundry do you do per week? I do 2 loads a day.
X's - Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off? Definitely.
Yard - Who does what? I do it all, except we do have a gardener who mows the lawn and trims the bushes.
ZZZ - What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed? Last minute tidying up in rooms, laying out clothes for the next day.
Aprons-Y/N? No. I have some but I don't wear them. They're not very stylish and I just don't like to wear them. I'm also not in the habit. I would like to, though. If I ever get the sewing bug back, I could make some that I'd like to wear.
Baking - Favorite thing to bake: Chocolate cake
Clothesline - Y/N? No.
Donuts - Have you ever made them? I love donuts, but I've never made them.
Everyday - One homemaking thing you do everyday: Wash dishes.
Freezer - Do you use a deep freeze? No.
Garbage Disposal - Y/N? Yes. Use it all the time.
Handbook - What's your favorite homemaking resource? Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook and Home Comforts by Cheryl Mendelson. Although I have and use those books, I still frequently call my mom for great advice and tips.
Ironing - Love it or hate it? Hate it.
Junk Drawer - Y/N? Yes. Located in the laundry room.
Kitchen - color and decorating scheme: all white, quite plain, needs new paint job
Love - what is your favorite part of homemaking? knowing I'm serving my family, making a nice home for them
Mop - Y/N? Yes. Once a week. Sometimes more when the kitchen floor looks extra dirty.
Nylons - machine or hand wash? I hardly wear them, but when I do, I machine wash them in the delicate cycle inside a little laundry bag.
Oven - Do you use the window or open the oven to check? Early in the baking time, I use the window. When the food is close to being done, I open the door.
Pizza - what do you put on yours? ground beef and cheese, sometimes olives
Quiet - what do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? Mostly read (books or blogs) or watch one of my Netflix rentals.
Recipe card box - Y/N? No. My recipes are kept in a 3 ring binder
Style of house - I don't know the style. Just a regular house, one story, 3 bedrooms, formal dining room.
Tablecloths and Napkins? Don't use a tablecloth. We use paper napkins.
Under the kitchen sink - organized or toxic wasteland? Pretty well organized.
Vacuum - how many times per week? Whole house once a week. Some areas are vacuumed more often as needed.
Wash - how many loads of laundry do you do per week? I do 2 loads a day.
X's - Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off? Definitely.
Yard - Who does what? I do it all, except we do have a gardener who mows the lawn and trims the bushes.
ZZZ - What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed? Last minute tidying up in rooms, laying out clothes for the next day.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Friday
Today I was able to accomplish quite a bit. Emily was in school, so I got to work and had to do it quick. I did my laundry and even got the clothes put away. Usually, I do the laundry and the clean clothes stay in a basket for a LONG time! We end up pulling the clothes out of the basket, doing a quick ironing job and putting them on. Doesn't make for stress-free living, but what can I say, we are definitely not always a smooth running machine here. So, I was quite pleased that the clothes were put away. Little things like that give me satisfaction.
I thought I was going to have a major chore today. Yesterday, Emily had soccer practice, but I could only find one soccer shoe. I could not find the other one, so she just had to wear her regular tennis shoes. For practice that is OK but not for the real game, which is tomorrow. So I had to tackle the BIG job of cleaning out her closet and soon. There is so much junk in there, I was ready with the trash bags because I knew I would be finding lots of things to just toss. I emptied out the shoe rack (more like a crate), put aside some shoes that don't fit her anymore, but no missing soccer shoe. I pulled out all her stuffed animals, and lo and behold, there is her missing shoe! It was buried under the pile of stuffed animals. I was so glad I didn't have to dig further into the closet. I cleaned out half of her closet and decided to do the rest next week. Lots of stuff will get tossed or stored in the garage. There is just too much in that closet.
I finally got my recent pictures uploaded onto the computer. I'll have to post some pictures on another post. I have a few from last weekend's marathon of games. It was a little hectic, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Ryan and I did manage to see Kathryn's game and he wasn't too tired. I still don't like the three games in one day, but I suppose we'd manage.
Emily's team would have won if score was kept. There is no official score keeping. They just go out there to have some fun. Emily scored 4 goals, and all for her team, not for the other team like she did the week before, LOL! Kathryn's team won, I don't remember the score, but it was a shutout.....I think. Ryan's team lost.
This weekend is another round of games, two on Saturday and one on Sunday.
My two DVD rentals for this weekend are: Love is a Choice (the life of St. Gianna Beretta Molla) and Gumby Essentials (sure to bring back lots of memories).
Have a wonderful weekend!
I thought I was going to have a major chore today. Yesterday, Emily had soccer practice, but I could only find one soccer shoe. I could not find the other one, so she just had to wear her regular tennis shoes. For practice that is OK but not for the real game, which is tomorrow. So I had to tackle the BIG job of cleaning out her closet and soon. There is so much junk in there, I was ready with the trash bags because I knew I would be finding lots of things to just toss. I emptied out the shoe rack (more like a crate), put aside some shoes that don't fit her anymore, but no missing soccer shoe. I pulled out all her stuffed animals, and lo and behold, there is her missing shoe! It was buried under the pile of stuffed animals. I was so glad I didn't have to dig further into the closet. I cleaned out half of her closet and decided to do the rest next week. Lots of stuff will get tossed or stored in the garage. There is just too much in that closet.
I finally got my recent pictures uploaded onto the computer. I'll have to post some pictures on another post. I have a few from last weekend's marathon of games. It was a little hectic, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Ryan and I did manage to see Kathryn's game and he wasn't too tired. I still don't like the three games in one day, but I suppose we'd manage.
Emily's team would have won if score was kept. There is no official score keeping. They just go out there to have some fun. Emily scored 4 goals, and all for her team, not for the other team like she did the week before, LOL! Kathryn's team won, I don't remember the score, but it was a shutout.....I think. Ryan's team lost.
This weekend is another round of games, two on Saturday and one on Sunday.
My two DVD rentals for this weekend are: Love is a Choice (the life of St. Gianna Beretta Molla) and Gumby Essentials (sure to bring back lots of memories).
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Huh!
| Your 80s Hunk Is |
 |
Oh my gosh! How can this be? Must have been the nerdy answers I gave. I thought I would get someone like Harrison Ford, or Tom Cruise. Or maybe even Rick Springfield or Scott Baio. But Bill Gates? I guess I'm not as cool as I thought I was! LOL! Then again, he has the last laugh. Revolutionizing the technological world and being the richest dude in America and all that!
H/T: Cmerie
Friday, September 19, 2008
Catching Up
Well, I'm taking a break right now. I got quite a bit done while Emily was in pre-school today. I was able to quickly do my morning routine (compared to other days) and make a trip to the grocery store.
I have to admit that I love the little bit of free time I get when she's at school. I've been real good so far and have not squandered my time. She goes to school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for three hours. I think it's perfect for her and for me. She gets to have new play adventures and gets practice at being in a school structure with the rules and social setting. I get a little free time to slow down just for a bit and not have my brain split in so many directions.
So far, Emily just loves going to school. She gets so excited that she forgets to tell me bye when I drop her off at her class. After I sign her in, I take a quick peek in the classroom to tell her goodbye again and she's just so busy doing her thing. I'm glad she doesn't have any separation anxiety. I had a tough time with Kathryn & Ryan. Until a couple weeks into it, they would cry or just give me that quivering lip that would break my heart.
Kathryn scored her first ever goal in soccer last weekend. This is her fourth season playing, I think, so it's been a long wait for that first one. The grin on her face was priceless. I wish I would have had my camera, but of course, I didn't. I desperately need to upload pictures. Mini vacation shots, game shots, and first day of school shots are still waiting in the camera.
Tonight we're heading out to a spaghetti dinner at the older kids' school. It should be a fun event. Aside from a delicious dinner, there will be raffles and a movie . I hope I can stay awake. I've been waking up around 5:45 every morning to start the day so, of course, I get sleepy earlier.
Tomorrow will be a tiring day. We have three games!! Emily has a soccer game at 12:00. Kathryn's game is at 3:00 and Ryan has one at 6:30. I'm thinking of keeping Ryan home from Kathryn's game so he can rest before his. I think it will be a little too much. Oh yeah, I have to provide snacks for two of the games. I'm getting tired thinking of all this. Maybe, if I remember, I'll take some pictures throughout the day and make a post. I don't know. I tell ya, I'm tired thinking about tomorrow.
Well, I don't have time to be tired right now. I'm off to pick up Kathryn & Ryan from school.
Blessings to everyone!
I have to admit that I love the little bit of free time I get when she's at school. I've been real good so far and have not squandered my time. She goes to school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for three hours. I think it's perfect for her and for me. She gets to have new play adventures and gets practice at being in a school structure with the rules and social setting. I get a little free time to slow down just for a bit and not have my brain split in so many directions.
So far, Emily just loves going to school. She gets so excited that she forgets to tell me bye when I drop her off at her class. After I sign her in, I take a quick peek in the classroom to tell her goodbye again and she's just so busy doing her thing. I'm glad she doesn't have any separation anxiety. I had a tough time with Kathryn & Ryan. Until a couple weeks into it, they would cry or just give me that quivering lip that would break my heart.
Kathryn scored her first ever goal in soccer last weekend. This is her fourth season playing, I think, so it's been a long wait for that first one. The grin on her face was priceless. I wish I would have had my camera, but of course, I didn't. I desperately need to upload pictures. Mini vacation shots, game shots, and first day of school shots are still waiting in the camera.
Tonight we're heading out to a spaghetti dinner at the older kids' school. It should be a fun event. Aside from a delicious dinner, there will be raffles and a movie . I hope I can stay awake. I've been waking up around 5:45 every morning to start the day so, of course, I get sleepy earlier.
Tomorrow will be a tiring day. We have three games!! Emily has a soccer game at 12:00. Kathryn's game is at 3:00 and Ryan has one at 6:30. I'm thinking of keeping Ryan home from Kathryn's game so he can rest before his. I think it will be a little too much. Oh yeah, I have to provide snacks for two of the games. I'm getting tired thinking of all this. Maybe, if I remember, I'll take some pictures throughout the day and make a post. I don't know. I tell ya, I'm tired thinking about tomorrow.
Well, I don't have time to be tired right now. I'm off to pick up Kathryn & Ryan from school.
Blessings to everyone!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Busy!
Just a quick note to say sorry I haven't posted anything lately. I've been super busy. Sports practices here and there. Sports pictures to be taken. Games to go to. Snacks to get for said games. Order forms for fundraisers to fill out. Well-visits/immunizations to take care of.
And Emily begins pre-school on Monday (sniff-sniff)! I'm going full throttle!
Blessings to all of you and I'll catch up with all of you when I catch my breath!
And Emily begins pre-school on Monday (sniff-sniff)! I'm going full throttle!
Blessings to all of you and I'll catch up with all of you when I catch my breath!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Award
I'm sorry that I haven't acknowledged this sooner, but thanks to Tracy, A Catholic Mom in Minnesota, I've been awarded this:
I so appreciate all the comments that I receive. I love to hear what your thoughts are. I still find it hard to believe that anyone would care to read what I have to say. But I hope that someone can relate to something I share or chuckle at something. So thanks to all of you who stop by and leave your thoughts!
With that, I will pass this on to :
If you've already received this, consider yourselves doubly blessed!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Quirky Meme
It's taken me some time, but I'm finally getting to this one. Thanks for the tag, Suzy & GrandmaK!
I'm supposed to mention 6 quirks of mine. So here goes. After this, I guess you'll think me weird!
1. I don't like when people place their bare feet up on the dashboard of the car when riding in the passenger seat. I don't like to see dry, cracked, yucky toenails out in full view for the world to see. Now if you have nicely manicured feet that's different. Those I don't mind so much! Needless to say, I practice what I preach. My not so nice feet don't see the light of day when I'm the passenger! LOL! By the way, is this a California thing or do you all like to put your feet up when riding in the passenger seat?
2. I'm a definite carb person. I have to restrain myself from eating all the bread, biscuits, tortilla strips, etc. that are placed at the table before the main meal. I try not to be greedy but sometimes it's difficult. When eating a slice of pie, I mostly eat the crust and if I could, would leave most of the fillings out. I've been known to just bake a crust with no intention of putting anything in it!
3. This probably should be placed in number 2, but I need more quirks to fill out the 6. I sometimes eat more of the dough in the chocolate chip cookie than the actual chocolate chips. Most people love all the chocolate in the cookies. Not me! I'd just as soon have a token 3 or 4 chips in the whole cookie. Isn't that weird? My poor kids get deprived when I make chocolate chips cookies!
4. I love to touch the fabric when going to the craft stores. Ditto for yarn in yarn shops. If it's a nice, fine, baby yarn, I'll even sneak a rub against my cheek!
5. I don't look at myself in the mirror at night. This mostly pertains to when I go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I don't turn on the light, just using the little glow from the nightlight. I remember too many childhood horror stories, read too many horror books, seen too many horror movies, all that stuff. I'm always afraid of what I'll see in the mirror! YIKES!
6. I like to see the credits after all the movies I watch. Most of the time, Steve and I are the only ones left in the movie theatre after a movie ends. We have a running joke. Who will be the first one to see who the Key Grip is and who The Best Boy is.
So there you have it. It's freeing to confess some of my weirdness/quirkiness! I'm sure I have more, but I guess since it's me, I don't think of it as weird.
Have a nice day everyone!
I'm supposed to mention 6 quirks of mine. So here goes. After this, I guess you'll think me weird!
1. I don't like when people place their bare feet up on the dashboard of the car when riding in the passenger seat. I don't like to see dry, cracked, yucky toenails out in full view for the world to see. Now if you have nicely manicured feet that's different. Those I don't mind so much! Needless to say, I practice what I preach. My not so nice feet don't see the light of day when I'm the passenger! LOL! By the way, is this a California thing or do you all like to put your feet up when riding in the passenger seat?
2. I'm a definite carb person. I have to restrain myself from eating all the bread, biscuits, tortilla strips, etc. that are placed at the table before the main meal. I try not to be greedy but sometimes it's difficult. When eating a slice of pie, I mostly eat the crust and if I could, would leave most of the fillings out. I've been known to just bake a crust with no intention of putting anything in it!
3. This probably should be placed in number 2, but I need more quirks to fill out the 6. I sometimes eat more of the dough in the chocolate chip cookie than the actual chocolate chips. Most people love all the chocolate in the cookies. Not me! I'd just as soon have a token 3 or 4 chips in the whole cookie. Isn't that weird? My poor kids get deprived when I make chocolate chips cookies!
4. I love to touch the fabric when going to the craft stores. Ditto for yarn in yarn shops. If it's a nice, fine, baby yarn, I'll even sneak a rub against my cheek!
5. I don't look at myself in the mirror at night. This mostly pertains to when I go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I don't turn on the light, just using the little glow from the nightlight. I remember too many childhood horror stories, read too many horror books, seen too many horror movies, all that stuff. I'm always afraid of what I'll see in the mirror! YIKES!
6. I like to see the credits after all the movies I watch. Most of the time, Steve and I are the only ones left in the movie theatre after a movie ends. We have a running joke. Who will be the first one to see who the Key Grip is and who The Best Boy is.
So there you have it. It's freeing to confess some of my weirdness/quirkiness! I'm sure I have more, but I guess since it's me, I don't think of it as weird.
Have a nice day everyone!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Back From Our Little Getaway!
We had a fun time on our little getaway and are sorry that it was so short, but it's nice to get away, even for just a little while.
We were able to get to Disneyland this year as it wasn't as hot as last year. It wasn't super crowded so we were able to take in a the rides without wasting time in long lines. The kids of course were so excited.
We swam in the hotel pool. It was a little cool to be swimming, but we had to take advantage of being there.
The rest of the time we just hung out and ate!
I haven't uploaded any pictures yet so I don't have any to share right now. That reminds me, I've been meaning to start organizing my pictures on the computer. Right now they are just organized into folders, but the pictures themselves are not tagged. I need to do that so that they are easy to find when I'm searching for a certain people, places, or whatever. Does anyone have any suggestions on good photo storage sites? I have a Photobucket account and also Flikr, but I've only put a few pictures in each and haven't really researched them to see what exactly I can do. What do you use?
So now I'm easing back into the routine of things. I did lots of laundry today. The loads are all washed but not many baskets have been folded and put away. That's not one of my favorite things to do. I must admit that after my morning routine was finished, I slacked off a bit. I got caught up watching some episodes of Heroes on DVD. I only intended to watch one episode but I got hooked. It's like reading a good book that you hate to put down! I think I ended up watching three episodes. Not good when your husband and children are starving!
Tomorrow is another day and I'll try to be better disciplined! :) Well, I'll have to be. I have to send these disks back to Netflix so I can get the next episodes!
Have a good week, everyone! I have a lot of catching up to do with all of you, so I hope to visit your wonderful blogs soon!
We were able to get to Disneyland this year as it wasn't as hot as last year. It wasn't super crowded so we were able to take in a the rides without wasting time in long lines. The kids of course were so excited.
We swam in the hotel pool. It was a little cool to be swimming, but we had to take advantage of being there.
The rest of the time we just hung out and ate!
I haven't uploaded any pictures yet so I don't have any to share right now. That reminds me, I've been meaning to start organizing my pictures on the computer. Right now they are just organized into folders, but the pictures themselves are not tagged. I need to do that so that they are easy to find when I'm searching for a certain people, places, or whatever. Does anyone have any suggestions on good photo storage sites? I have a Photobucket account and also Flikr, but I've only put a few pictures in each and haven't really researched them to see what exactly I can do. What do you use?
So now I'm easing back into the routine of things. I did lots of laundry today. The loads are all washed but not many baskets have been folded and put away. That's not one of my favorite things to do. I must admit that after my morning routine was finished, I slacked off a bit. I got caught up watching some episodes of Heroes on DVD. I only intended to watch one episode but I got hooked. It's like reading a good book that you hate to put down! I think I ended up watching three episodes. Not good when your husband and children are starving!
Tomorrow is another day and I'll try to be better disciplined! :) Well, I'll have to be. I have to send these disks back to Netflix so I can get the next episodes!
Have a good week, everyone! I have a lot of catching up to do with all of you, so I hope to visit your wonderful blogs soon!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday!
Yeah! It's family weekend getaway time!
Kids have gone back to school!
Emily started soccer! Too cute!
I have memes to do!
Christmas planning to do!
Will report when I return!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Reflections from Downtown
Yesterday, the kids and I headed out on the Blue Line and went to downtown LA. They had a blast on the light rail train. We arrived downtown underground just like a subway in New York. The kids thought that was cool. I was secretly praying that there wouldn't be an earthquake.
Once out in the open air, we were caught in the frenzied lunch rush from all the office workers leaving their high rise buildings. We decided we were hungry too, so we walked across the street right to a little outdoor mall. Lots of eateries. Chinese food sounded good so we ate at Panda Express. We were lucky enough to find a place to sit down.
That's when the thoughts invaded my head. Everywhere you looked were what seemed to be high powered men and women. Nice clothes, nice shoes, nice everything. Taking a break from their high powered jobs for a bite to eat. I wondered about them. What were their lives like? Did they have a happy home life? Did these men have a wife at home caring for their children? Or did their wives also have a nice career? Did these women have a family or were they focused and driven in their careers? Did they go to far away cities on business, go to dinner parties?
For a brief moment, I envied them. For a brief moment I wished I had a career with a high salary. I wished that I could yak it up with the rest of them out there in an adult conversation.
But then I looked at the faces of my beautiful children sitting right in front of me. How privileged I was to be able to sit with them and listen to what was in their hearts, even if it was silly. How could I wish for something different? I love the life I am living. How thankful to God I am, that at this time, this moment, I can be here for them. I can be a stay at home mom. Financially, it is hard. There may come the time, that I will have to go back to work outside the home.
We finished our lunch, took a little walk to look around at all the unique buildings, then took the train back to our car. We went home to our normal life. The place we like the best. We waited for dad to come home to tell him all about our trip.
I thank God that He has placed me where I am right now.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Hello There!
I know it's been awhile since I last posted. I've been busy enjoying the last couple of week doing things with the kids before they head back to school.
This is their last week to enjoy their vacation. Even though the bickering drives me crazy at times, I will miss having them around.
Let's see, what have we done?
---Swimming, and swimming, and more swimming!
---Play Spongebob Monopoly many times!
---Read!
---Do some cleaning (a little :)
---Visit Grandma and have lunch with her
---Visit Dad for lunch
---Watch TV
---See fireworks at Disney*land
---Go to the zoo
---Play basketball
---And of course, do the spontaneous stuff that kids love to do like talent shows, play store, paint, color, etc., etc.
I'm sure there are some other things that I'm forgetting, but we've had lots of fun in spite of bickering.
This week, my plans are to make sure the kids all have their supplies together for the first day of school. We need to label their items. I think I still need to find a plastic shoe box that both of them need. I hope to take them a couple more times to the pool before it closes for the summer. The last day is Sunday. I also hope to take them to downtown LA on the metro line. It's a light rail transit system and they've always wanted to go on it. We can catch it by my mom's house and it will take us to downtown LA right where the skyscrapers are. There is a mall there and we can have some lunch, look around a bit, then head on back.
This has been a pretty mild summer, weather wise, than I thought it would be. I was expecting lots of days in the 90's, but pretty much it's stayed in the low to mid 80's. I'm not going to complain about that. I'm looking forward to the Fall. It's my favorite time of the year.
Have a wonderful week, everyone!
This is their last week to enjoy their vacation. Even though the bickering drives me crazy at times, I will miss having them around.
Let's see, what have we done?
---Swimming, and swimming, and more swimming!
---Play Spongebob Monopoly many times!
---Read!
---Do some cleaning (a little :)
---Visit Grandma and have lunch with her
---Visit Dad for lunch
---Watch TV
---See fireworks at Disney*land
---Go to the zoo
---Play basketball
---And of course, do the spontaneous stuff that kids love to do like talent shows, play store, paint, color, etc., etc.
I'm sure there are some other things that I'm forgetting, but we've had lots of fun in spite of bickering.
This week, my plans are to make sure the kids all have their supplies together for the first day of school. We need to label their items. I think I still need to find a plastic shoe box that both of them need. I hope to take them a couple more times to the pool before it closes for the summer. The last day is Sunday. I also hope to take them to downtown LA on the metro line. It's a light rail transit system and they've always wanted to go on it. We can catch it by my mom's house and it will take us to downtown LA right where the skyscrapers are. There is a mall there and we can have some lunch, look around a bit, then head on back.
This has been a pretty mild summer, weather wise, than I thought it would be. I was expecting lots of days in the 90's, but pretty much it's stayed in the low to mid 80's. I'm not going to complain about that. I'm looking forward to the Fall. It's my favorite time of the year.
Have a wonderful week, everyone!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Emily's Daring Plunge
I'm so proud of Emily. She took her plunge off the diving board (with some help)! Ryan didn't want me to post his plunge, so I didn't. The video is grainy because it was taken off of my camera.
WAY TO GO EMILY!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
A Giveaway!
Suzy is hosting a giveaway at her Scraps of Starlight blog! You can have a chance to win an original print of hers. If you' ve been at her site, Sailing by Starlight, you know what a gifted, artistic soul she is.
She has also set up an Etsy Shop. Go take a look at all her goodies. Lots of beautiful items!
She has also set up an Etsy Shop. Go take a look at all her goodies. Lots of beautiful items!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Old Treasures
I love reading prayer books and general Catholic books written pre-Vatican II. I find that they are very concise and straight to the point about what it means to be a Catholic. The prayers are often beautiful and God centered rather than me centered. I learn a lot from those type of books. And they help me in my prayer life.
I wanted to share a couple of these treasures.
My mother recently found this book at her house when she was doing some digging around. My father had ordered this some time in 1964. At least that's what is written in the front of the book. This book is called My Catholic Faith by the Most Reverend Louis Laravoire Morrow, S.T.D. It was printed in 1949. It contains information about what Catholics believe and even information about the hierarchy of the Church. It is written in Q & A format and has those Catholic illustrations that seem to abound in old books.
Sorry for the blurry picture. My camera doesn't take close-ups very well. This is a shot of the chapter about Sins Against Truth.
What is a LIE?
A lie is something said for the purpose of deceiving others, which we know or suspect to be untrue.
A lie expresses opposition between one's word and one's thought; it implies the intention to deceive by stating what is false.
Lying is a sin even when it may be the means of effecting much good; we must not commit evil in order to obtain good.
Further questions asked are: When does a person commit the sin of Rash Judgement? When does a person commit the sin of Detraction? When does a person commit the sin of Calumny or Slander?
I happened to google this book and came up with an on-line version. It is not the complete book but it has a lot of information. You can find it HERE.
The other old book I'd like to share is this prayer book that my mother gave me. She has an exact copy from my grandmother, which was in better condition, so she gave me her own copy. I love that it is worn. It shows that it was used a lot. I have so many fond memories of this book, even though it's in Spanish. Ever since I can remember, my mother has belonged to a Rosary prayer group. Once a month she has gotten together with other ladies and said the Rosary as a group and then shared a meal together. She has been the official leader in the recitation of the Rosary and she always used this prayer book, which had a Rosary novena prayer and a litany of the Blessed Mother.
This prayer book is called El Devocionario Para Todos (The Devotional For Everyone). It was printed in 1942. Aside from the Rosary prayers, it has meditations, Gospel readings, novenas, and many more prayers. It is just a treasure to me. Besides the spiritual aspect, it is such a wonderful reminder of my mother. It is something that gave her strength and was important in her relationship with God.
I have a few other old gems, but so far, these are my favorites!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Earthquake!
Yikes! We just had an earthquake here! I was here on the computer and the kids were watching TV when we felt a jolt, then a shaking. I gathered everyone up and we went to a doorway, which is what we are supposed to do. It continued to roll for awhile then finally stopped. There is no damage here and we are all fine. Just a little shaken. We have phone coverage and electricity.
According to the TV, it was a 5.8 which is a decent size quake. It was centered about 20 miles northeast of here (more or less). Steve was at work and he said that he felt it strong where he is. That's kind of weird as he is further west than I am. But he works in a big building so maybe that's why. Cell phone coverage is out. Systems must be overloaded.
I hope people are safe where the epicenter is. I would be watching the news right now, but I want the kids to get their minds off the quake so we'll watch some Spongebob. It's also time for lunch so I'm off to fix that.
ETA: News is now reporting the earthquake was 5.4. Still big enough for me!
According to the TV, it was a 5.8 which is a decent size quake. It was centered about 20 miles northeast of here (more or less). Steve was at work and he said that he felt it strong where he is. That's kind of weird as he is further west than I am. But he works in a big building so maybe that's why. Cell phone coverage is out. Systems must be overloaded.
I hope people are safe where the epicenter is. I would be watching the news right now, but I want the kids to get their minds off the quake so we'll watch some Spongebob. It's also time for lunch so I'm off to fix that.
ETA: News is now reporting the earthquake was 5.4. Still big enough for me!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Swimming, Swimming, and More Swimming!
Gosh, I hadn't realized how long it had been since I last posted!
I've been consumed with the swimming pool! Ryan and Emily started swim lessons last week and since they were a little scared of doing some stuff in the water, I've been taking them to the pool at the park to get them used to the water a little more. Back floats and dunking their heads in the water have been their weak spots. I take them around the pool on my back and have them practice their kicking. That gets me a little tired after awhile. I try to help them with their back floating, but that's a little trickier. They both don't like to have the back of their heads in the water. But we do what's comfortable for them so they don't freak out. That would defeat the purpose. I'm trying to make everything fun while trying to practice what they need to be learning. And, little by little, they're making progress. They're not as afraid any more, and they're just now starting to dunk their heads all the way down!
So, I'm a little tuckered out right now. Along with the swimming, we still have basketball practices and games to go to. Luckily, this is the last week of swimming lessons. I wish basketball was over, but both Kathryn and Ryan's teams have playoffs. I don't know how the playoffs will work as this is our first year of basketball. I secretly hope our teams lose so we can be finished! I know that sounds awful, but Kathryn and Ryan are tired of it already, too!
I don't know how all you soccer moms out there do it. I get tired of all the running around. I guess by now, you're probably wondering why I sign up the kids for all these sports. Well, aside from the swimming, which was my idea, Steve is the one that enjoys all these sporting things and he signs them up. He loves doing this stuff with the kids and they enjoy it, too (most of the time)! I enjoy it, too, but up to a point. Once it starts to get me frazzled with the running around from place to place, I'm ready to hang it all up. That's where I'm at right now.
I haven't had a chance to upload some pictures lately, but I hope to get to it soon. I hope you all have a wonderful week. Sorry if this post sounded a little whiny. I do love my life and wouldn't trade it for anything!
I've been consumed with the swimming pool! Ryan and Emily started swim lessons last week and since they were a little scared of doing some stuff in the water, I've been taking them to the pool at the park to get them used to the water a little more. Back floats and dunking their heads in the water have been their weak spots. I take them around the pool on my back and have them practice their kicking. That gets me a little tired after awhile. I try to help them with their back floating, but that's a little trickier. They both don't like to have the back of their heads in the water. But we do what's comfortable for them so they don't freak out. That would defeat the purpose. I'm trying to make everything fun while trying to practice what they need to be learning. And, little by little, they're making progress. They're not as afraid any more, and they're just now starting to dunk their heads all the way down!
So, I'm a little tuckered out right now. Along with the swimming, we still have basketball practices and games to go to. Luckily, this is the last week of swimming lessons. I wish basketball was over, but both Kathryn and Ryan's teams have playoffs. I don't know how the playoffs will work as this is our first year of basketball. I secretly hope our teams lose so we can be finished! I know that sounds awful, but Kathryn and Ryan are tired of it already, too!
I don't know how all you soccer moms out there do it. I get tired of all the running around. I guess by now, you're probably wondering why I sign up the kids for all these sports. Well, aside from the swimming, which was my idea, Steve is the one that enjoys all these sporting things and he signs them up. He loves doing this stuff with the kids and they enjoy it, too (most of the time)! I enjoy it, too, but up to a point. Once it starts to get me frazzled with the running around from place to place, I'm ready to hang it all up. That's where I'm at right now.
I haven't had a chance to upload some pictures lately, but I hope to get to it soon. I hope you all have a wonderful week. Sorry if this post sounded a little whiny. I do love my life and wouldn't trade it for anything!
Friday, July 18, 2008
I Need New Glasses!!
I'm now starting to feel officially middle-aged. I desperately need bifocals!! When I had my eyes checked two or three years ago, the optometrist said I didn't need them yet, as my close-up vision was still pretty good (I'm near-sighted -- I can see things close-up without my glasses but not far away). I could read with or without my glasses. Now, it's gotten to the point where I can't read at all with my glasses. I have to put everything more than an arm's length away to see it! So, I just take off my glasses to read or do close-up work. My arms are getting a lot of exercise taking them on and off, on and off. If I were far-sighted it would be a little better because I could place the glasses on my nose, just so, and I could look above the glasses to see far away and through the glasses at my book, knitting, or whatever. But when you're near sighted, you don't have a place to put your glasses. Maybe paste them at the eyebrows so they'll be at eye level for far away stuff and just look down below the glasses for the close-up stuff. I know that doesn't make any sense, but since I am nearsighted, I understand myself! LOL! Maybe those of you who are also nearsighted can get what I'm trying to get across!! Main thing - I can't see close-up while wearing my glasses.
So, it's time to see the eye doctor. I first have to check on my insurance and refresh my memory about what's covered. If I remember correctly, it didn't cover much. It covered a very little amount for the glasses so I've ended up paying a whole lot.
I took Ryan and Kathryn to get a few uniform items for school. Kathryn needed a bigger size skirt and Ryan needed an extra pair of pants and shorts. Thankfully the uniform place was not crowded. I was afraid there would be a huge wait. Not good when I have Emily! So, we were there for a short time, then we met Steve at work and had some lunch. We always love meeting him for lunch.
Kathryn has basketball practice tonight. Let's hope that Emily can get through that time without falling down. My goodness, it seems like the last three times she's gone, she somehow falls down on the cement and scrapes her knees, elbows, hands, etc. One thing for sure, she lives hard!
I don't know why I hadn't thought of it before, but I need to get a first aid kit for the car. I have a few band-aids in my purse, but I need some in all shapes. I just bought some Neosporin to Go.
Now I'm off to clean out the refrigerator. That's my first step before making out my menu for the next week. I hope there's not too many science experiments in there!
Blessings, everyone!
So, it's time to see the eye doctor. I first have to check on my insurance and refresh my memory about what's covered. If I remember correctly, it didn't cover much. It covered a very little amount for the glasses so I've ended up paying a whole lot.
I took Ryan and Kathryn to get a few uniform items for school. Kathryn needed a bigger size skirt and Ryan needed an extra pair of pants and shorts. Thankfully the uniform place was not crowded. I was afraid there would be a huge wait. Not good when I have Emily! So, we were there for a short time, then we met Steve at work and had some lunch. We always love meeting him for lunch.
Kathryn has basketball practice tonight. Let's hope that Emily can get through that time without falling down. My goodness, it seems like the last three times she's gone, she somehow falls down on the cement and scrapes her knees, elbows, hands, etc. One thing for sure, she lives hard!
I don't know why I hadn't thought of it before, but I need to get a first aid kit for the car. I have a few band-aids in my purse, but I need some in all shapes. I just bought some Neosporin to Go.
Now I'm off to clean out the refrigerator. That's my first step before making out my menu for the next week. I hope there's not too many science experiments in there!
Blessings, everyone!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
What I've Been Up To
I've just been taking it easy and trying to keep the kids occupied so they won't get on each other's nerves.
Earlier in the week, we went to Universal City Walk (an outdoor shopping area) near Universal Studios. We had some lunch, spent an accidental fortune on candy, and just enjoyed window shopping. Regarding the candy, the store is one of those where you choose your own in a bag and pay by weight. As I was helping Emily get her 1/4 of a lb amount, Kathryn went on her own and loaded up on Jelly Beans and M&M's. She thought you just filled up the bag with whatever you wanted. Of course, the rules are, once you get the candy, you just can't put it back. The total ended up being something like $20.00. Too much for our pocketbook, on candy, no less!!!
This is Emily enjoying some of Kathryn's loot!
Steve painted Kathryn's room. It's now a BRIGHT pink. A very modern look for our cool girl!
This is just a swatch of the color. It's much brighter in real life.
The kids had lots of basketball practice going on. Games are usually on the weekend.
We've done some reading and worked on Math skills.
We had this visitor in our house the other day.
When Ryan and Emily came running into my room saying there was some kind of big bug flying in the living room, I was secretly panicking because I was so hoping it would not be a flying cockroach. Those things FREAK ME OUT!!!! I need Steve to handle that stuff but he was at work, so I had to be the grown up and take care of the situation. I was so relieved when I saw that it was just one of these beetles. I don't know what they're really called but we call them Japanese Beetles. They have a really pretty fluorescent green shell. We seem to get these in the house every so often. I don't know how they get in, but when we find one, we get it and send it back outside. It makes a buzzing noise like the June bugs.
Yesterday was the start of our county fair. I love going there every year. I usually go twice - once with the kids and once just Steve and I. The kids don't usually care to spend lots of time looking at the foods and crafts on display. I enjoy looking at all that stuff. I have to take snapshots of beautiful crocheted and knitted items for inspiration! That reminds me I need to continue with the Minnie Mouse afghan!!
Here's a snapshot of the books I'm reading right now. I usually try to read one book at a time, but I couldn't resist when I saw these at the local library and my church library.
Love's Abiding Joy by Janette Oke - 4th in the Love Comes Softly series
This is a wonderful story about living in the frontier West.
Come Be My Light - writings of Blessed Mother Teresa
Excellent insights into her life
Only Heroic Catholic Families Will Survive - Fr. Robert J. Fox
These are great essays and articles written by an assortment of people about family life, marriage, parenthood, and what it truly means to be a Catholic family in today's culture.
So, I'm enjoying these warm summer days, just doing the simple things with my family.
I hope you're all enjoying your summer. And for those of you Down Under, I hope you're staying warm and cozy!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Menu Plan Monday
Here is my planned menu for the week:
Monday: Tasty Onion Chicken, Zucchini Rice Pilaf, salad
Tuesday: Chili, tortilla chips, cornbread, fruit
Wednesday: Hamburgers, roasted potatoes w/onion soup mix, fruit salad
Thursday: Beef n'Cheese French bread, salad
Friday: tacos, rice and pinto beans
Saturday: pizza, salad
Sunday: spaghetti, garlic bread, salad
For more great menu plans, check out I'm an Organizing Junkie
Monday, June 30, 2008
A Tag
Tracy tagged me for this fun meme:
Four, Four, Four, Four.....
A. Four places that I go to over and over:
1. grocery store
2. church
3. Target
4. My mom's house
B. Four people who email me regularly:
I hardly get any personal emails :( I do get frequent ones from the following:
1. Steve (from work)
2. my kid's school
3. Lion Brand Yarn
4. Borders books
C. My favorite 4 places to eat:
1. Ruby's
2. Super Mex
3. Red Lobster
4. Souplantation
D. Four places I would rather be right now:
1. a cabin in the mountains
2. a beach house
3. Hawaii
4. colonial Williamsburg
E. Four people I think will respond:
1. SuzyQ
2. GrandmaK
3. Mitzi
4. Kimberly
F. Four TV shows I watch all the time:
1. Lost
2. The Next Food Network Star
3. Supernanny
4. Mass on EWTN
G. Four words that describe you:
1. shy
2. considerate
3. non-confrontational
4. pensive
H. Four favorite "old school" Hollywood actors/actresses:
1. Frank Sinatra
2. Jimmy Stewart
3. Spencer Tracy
4. Bing Crosby
I. Four favorite "old school" television game shows:
1. Press Your Luck
2. Concentration
3. Let's Make a Deal
4. Password
J. Four favorite "old school" television shows:
1. I Love Lucy
2. Dick Van Dyke Show
3. Twilight Zone
4. The Brady Bunch
K. List four things you liked best about Christmas when you were a child:
1. scent of the tree
2. family get together
3. Christmas music
4. Christmas TV specials
L. List four things you liked best about Halloween when you were a child:
1. cheap costumes from Savon
2. candy
3. trick or treating
4. my dad scaring kids at the door
M. List four things you did not like about growing up:
1. strict parents not allowing me to do many social activities w/friends
2. feeling left out
3. having to take the bus to school
4. feeling dorky
N. List 4 events that impacted your life:
1. having an Evangelical witness to me in college (caused me to search further in the Catholic faith)
2. my marriage
3. birth of my children
4. death of my father
I tag those listed in letter E.
Four, Four, Four, Four.....
A. Four places that I go to over and over:
1. grocery store
2. church
3. Target
4. My mom's house
B. Four people who email me regularly:
I hardly get any personal emails :( I do get frequent ones from the following:
1. Steve (from work)
2. my kid's school
3. Lion Brand Yarn
4. Borders books
C. My favorite 4 places to eat:
1. Ruby's
2. Super Mex
3. Red Lobster
4. Souplantation
D. Four places I would rather be right now:
1. a cabin in the mountains
2. a beach house
3. Hawaii
4. colonial Williamsburg
E. Four people I think will respond:
1. SuzyQ
2. GrandmaK
3. Mitzi
4. Kimberly
F. Four TV shows I watch all the time:
1. Lost
2. The Next Food Network Star
3. Supernanny
4. Mass on EWTN
G. Four words that describe you:
1. shy
2. considerate
3. non-confrontational
4. pensive
H. Four favorite "old school" Hollywood actors/actresses:
1. Frank Sinatra
2. Jimmy Stewart
3. Spencer Tracy
4. Bing Crosby
I. Four favorite "old school" television game shows:
1. Press Your Luck
2. Concentration
3. Let's Make a Deal
4. Password
J. Four favorite "old school" television shows:
1. I Love Lucy
2. Dick Van Dyke Show
3. Twilight Zone
4. The Brady Bunch
K. List four things you liked best about Christmas when you were a child:
1. scent of the tree
2. family get together
3. Christmas music
4. Christmas TV specials
L. List four things you liked best about Halloween when you were a child:
1. cheap costumes from Savon
2. candy
3. trick or treating
4. my dad scaring kids at the door
M. List four things you did not like about growing up:
1. strict parents not allowing me to do many social activities w/friends
2. feeling left out
3. having to take the bus to school
4. feeling dorky
N. List 4 events that impacted your life:
1. having an Evangelical witness to me in college (caused me to search further in the Catholic faith)
2. my marriage
3. birth of my children
4. death of my father
I tag those listed in letter E.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
History of Religion
I've been busy doing things around the house, shuttling kids to games and practices, and just plain trying to keep my head above water. So I'll just post this until I get a chance to do a longer one.
This is a very interesting map.
H/T Steve Ray
This is a very interesting map.
H/T Steve Ray
Friday, June 20, 2008
My Son Wants to Be A Zookeeper??
Ryan has such a strong interest in all kinds of animals. He reads all kinds of books about them, loves watching Animal Planet, and plays with all kinds of animal toys. He wants to be a zookeeper when he grows up.
So, we recently got him the Zoo Tycoon computer game. I'm not too sure how it goes, but the gist of it is that you get to build your own zoo, complete with animals, attractions, concession stands, etc.etc. You get money to construct buildings and buy the animals and make sure you provide the right kind of environment for your animals. You make sure they are fed, have room to roam, play and whatever else you need to do to make them happy. You also need to make the zoo enjoyable for people to visit so you can make some money. The more the merrier, I guess.
I really haven't had the time to sit with him and go through all the directions so he pretty much is experimenting and I'm around if he needs some help.
So, I went off to do something and after a long while, he comes looking for me to show me what he did. He decided to buy 54 elephants! He wanted to see what they would do. The area that he put them in was too small for that amount of elephants and apparently the fence was too low. The elephants started to break out of the enclosure and attack the guests! Oh my goodness! They started swinging at them with their trunks. Apparently the guests took off because there were then something like 19 guests in the whole zoo. After a while the computer froze - too much action going on perhaps.
Obviously, Ryan is a little young for this game. He's still too young to figure out all the complexities of running a zoo, but he has lots of fun just bringing in the different animals and providing a proper environment for them. He likes to see them walk around, eat, or just roll around in the dirt. He doesn't care when a message comes up saying the guests are upset that there are not enough restrooms, the soda cart has broken down, or that the giraffes are getting sick and dying. He just loves playing around with anything that has to do with animals. His curiosity is amazing to watch.
I'll leave with this picture of Ryan (along with Emily, who insisted on being in the picture). He's also a heart stealer!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
I Survived!
Today was the first day of summer vacation and I SURVIVED! I had to referee a few arguments but overall, we kept our cool.
Kathryn told me she needs a new bathing suit. I just bought her one last year and it was a little big, so I told her to try it on. It fit fine. Then Emily asked to try hers on. Hers is getting tight so she will need one. Well, since they had their suits on, they wanted to go in the pool. It needs to be inflated and since it would take a while, I told them they could go in the sprinkler. That worked out great and they had a good time, except the three times Kathryn ran back in the house because of the bee that was flying around. By the third time, I told her she better just stay in the house. The others decided to stay in as well, so that was the end of that.
I'll try to get the pool pumped up this weekend.
Tonight we went to the Angels game. Tickets were $5 each so that was an unbelievable price. The Angels lost but we had fun. I had to get up and walk with Emily a couple of times but she lasted for almost 9 innings.
Tomorrow, I have my hair appointment so I'll be taking the kids to my mom's so she can watch them. We'll also have lunch with her. Then it's basketball practice for Ryan.
In between, I'll clean and cook. The usual.
Blessings to everyone!
Kathryn told me she needs a new bathing suit. I just bought her one last year and it was a little big, so I told her to try it on. It fit fine. Then Emily asked to try hers on. Hers is getting tight so she will need one. Well, since they had their suits on, they wanted to go in the pool. It needs to be inflated and since it would take a while, I told them they could go in the sprinkler. That worked out great and they had a good time, except the three times Kathryn ran back in the house because of the bee that was flying around. By the third time, I told her she better just stay in the house. The others decided to stay in as well, so that was the end of that.
I'll try to get the pool pumped up this weekend.
Tonight we went to the Angels game. Tickets were $5 each so that was an unbelievable price. The Angels lost but we had fun. I had to get up and walk with Emily a couple of times but she lasted for almost 9 innings.
Tomorrow, I have my hair appointment so I'll be taking the kids to my mom's so she can watch them. We'll also have lunch with her. Then it's basketball practice for Ryan.
In between, I'll clean and cook. The usual.
Blessings to everyone!
Friday, June 13, 2008
RIP Tim Russert
I was saddened to hear the news about the death of Tim Russert. Although I don't watch much of the Sunday talk shows, I would occasionally watch Meet the Press, especially when Mary Matalin and James Carville would be on together. I was always impressed with his fairness and his style. He didn't get me angry like some others are wont to do. I guess I just plain liked him.
I would like to read the book he wrote about his father, Big Russ and Me: Father and Son: Lessons of Life. I see that it's number one on the Amazon list.
May he rest in peace.
I would like to read the book he wrote about his father, Big Russ and Me: Father and Son: Lessons of Life. I see that it's number one on the Amazon list.
May he rest in peace.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Random
The week so far has been spent doing lots of yard work, getting rid of overgrown plants and pulling weeds. Also, we're getting a new screen door for the front, so I cleaned the front porch area. I know entrances look nicer without one, but we love to have our front door open in the summer, especially in the evening time when the cool breezes come. But we don't want the mosquitoes and other bugs to come in with it!
I didn't get around to doing another menu plan this week because I'm still following the one from last week. The Chicken with Orzo came out great and so did the Pizza Noodle Bake. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of them because I didn't think of it. I'm not used to taking pictures of my meals. I guess because everyone knows what chicken nuggets, spaghetti, and tacos look like (frequent meals around here)! LOL!
Summer vacation is right around the corner - next Tuesday as a matter of fact. I'm looking forward to getting to sleep in a little bit longer - not too much longer, though, as I like to start my day with some quiet time while everyone is still sleeping. Ryan and Kathryn have both started basketball this summer. I'm not too thrilled, but I won't get into that!:)
I got some gas this morning for 4.35 a gallon. That was the best I could find and that was at Costco. The lines there are so long, at times, six or seven deep! It reminds me of the lines back in the 70's (I know, I'm dating myself)! The gas station closest to me was already at 4.59! I don't know how much more of an increase we can take! I wish I had a smaller car but we need the space that my minivan offers.
Well, I think I'll take out my knitting and have a go at it!
I didn't get around to doing another menu plan this week because I'm still following the one from last week. The Chicken with Orzo came out great and so did the Pizza Noodle Bake. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of them because I didn't think of it. I'm not used to taking pictures of my meals. I guess because everyone knows what chicken nuggets, spaghetti, and tacos look like (frequent meals around here)! LOL!
Summer vacation is right around the corner - next Tuesday as a matter of fact. I'm looking forward to getting to sleep in a little bit longer - not too much longer, though, as I like to start my day with some quiet time while everyone is still sleeping. Ryan and Kathryn have both started basketball this summer. I'm not too thrilled, but I won't get into that!:)
I got some gas this morning for 4.35 a gallon. That was the best I could find and that was at Costco. The lines there are so long, at times, six or seven deep! It reminds me of the lines back in the 70's (I know, I'm dating myself)! The gas station closest to me was already at 4.59! I don't know how much more of an increase we can take! I wish I had a smaller car but we need the space that my minivan offers.
Well, I think I'll take out my knitting and have a go at it!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Meme
I was tagged by Cathy from A Bit of the Blarney to do this fun meme. It looked easy, but once I got to thinking, it was a little bit hard to come up with ten people.
Ten people I'd like to spend ten minutes with (in no particular order):
---Pope Benedict XVI
---Clarence Thomas
---Frank Sinatra
---President Bush
---Mother Angelica
---David Eckstein (shortstop for Toronto Blue Jays)
---Jim Caviezel
---Blessed Mother
---Archbishop Chaput
---Paula Deen
And number 11 would have to be all my blogging pals. I'd love to meet all of you and have a little chat!
Ten people I'd like to spend ten minutes with (in no particular order):
---Pope Benedict XVI
---Clarence Thomas
---Frank Sinatra
---President Bush
---Mother Angelica
---David Eckstein (shortstop for Toronto Blue Jays)
---Jim Caviezel
---Blessed Mother
---Archbishop Chaput
---Paula Deen
And number 11 would have to be all my blogging pals. I'd love to meet all of you and have a little chat!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Menu Plan Monday
Yea! I finally got organized enough to plan my menu again! It's been quite a while and I've just been flying by the seat of my pants in regards to planning my menu- as in, I haven't been doing it. So now, it's the start of a new month and here is my planned menu:
Monday: Ryan's baseball team has a pizza party so no cooking today! Just some good pizza at the parlor.
Tuesday: Tacos, Spanish rice and beans
Wednesday: Pizza Noodle Bake with Cornbread
Thursday: Chicken with Orzo
Friday: Spaghetti with French bread and a salad
Saturday: Homemade Chili with cornbread
Sunday: Sole Fillets, rice, steamed vegetables
For dessert this week, I plan to make some chocolate chip walnut cookies. Also, I have some bags of frozen blueberries to use up so I plan to make Blueberry Oat muffins and some blueberry shortcake.
To see other menu plans, visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!
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